ProFeather™ Ruler Pre-Orders Start NOW!

Preorders are being taken now!

 

Just hang in there with me; those beautiful pieces of clear plastic will be in my hot little hands within 2 weeks!  Remember my last post containing  the video of hopelessness? If not, go back and watch.  If you did watched that little excerpt, and giggled, and moreover connected with my message then you really need to witness the ProFeather ruler in action.  I’ll admit, perhaps my acting wasn’t quite convincing enough to have you believe that this tool would be incredibly helpful.  BUT I am quite confident that the video below will demonstrate how unbelievably useful this instrument could be in producing feathers freehand!

Now that you have viewed my tutorial aren’t you super excited about getting your hands on one of cute little rulers? Yes,  FINALLY this product ready to launch! How about we let a flock of feather’s fly among your fabric!

Preorders are being taken now!

Happy April everyone! Orders will ship the week of the April 23rd!!

Folks We Are SOO Close!

 

Does the following little video have you glancing in the mirror saying, “Oh my god! That’s me!”  If so, then you’ll be happy to know I have a solution!

 

Yes, step by step, things are really starting to move forward in my little studio, here in Pennsylvania.  Even during the process of preparing for shows, lectures, etc. I have remained focused on producing the ProFeather™ ruler AND the Perfect Plumes Class.  No doubt it’s a lot to juggle, but I’m so excited that I’m putting the finishing touches on my newest ruler and class that I can’t set it aside now! Heck no! So be on the look out, they are coming your way very soon!!!

 

Snow and Slow to Lancaster 2018 We Go!

 

 

I’m still looking for February; and searching high and low for March!

I spent the better portion of last week at the AQS Lancaster Quiltweek.  My trip began with a lovely spring blizzard which kindly dropped 12″ of snow on surrounding roads.  Moreover,  it’s timing couldn’t have been better…not.   Those beautiful, white, flakes began falling from the sky above on the day I was scheduled to leave.  But I pulled my big girl snow pants up, as high as they would go, and prayed that my 4 wheel drive SUV was up to challenge of  transporting this quilter to Lancaster.

You will note that the speedometer above shows the average speed at which I drove.  Slowly, but surely, moving at a snail’s pace of 20 mph, I inched my way towards my destination.

I MADE IT TO LANCASTER!

The workmanship and creativity in the quilts I encountered were spectacular.  I had to share one of my favorites below.  Karen Kay Buckley and Renae Haddadin make an amazing team as you can clearly see by what they created.

I was so proud and ecstatic that my BFF, Barbara Persing, piece won 1st place!  AQS allowed me to conduct her winner’s interview.  Doesn’t get better than that, for me at least! LOL

My time in Lancaster had me taking in the sites of many gorgeous quilts, and teaching classes.  What more could I have asked for? Well, how about spending time with friends from near and far? Ah yes, that was the icing on the cake! So that grueling, 20 mph, crawl to the AQS Lancaster Quiltweek was more than worth it!

 

February Come Back!

February where are you, where did you go?  And did you take half of March with you? Will someone please find February, and for that matter, the beginning of March.  I need them returned to me ASAP!

Goals,  yes I have a few.  You may be wondering why I’m sharing such things with you.  Well, in order to accomplish these objectives, I felt if I shared them with all my quilting followers they would become a reality sooner rather than later. Nothing wrong with a little peer pressure.

The first on my little list “to do” is launching my newest feather’s class by April 1st, 2018.  Although this will be a session for both domestic and longarm machines I will be rolling the session out to those using a domestic machine first (don’t worry longarm class will be following right behind).  Then I will move forward, and create three additional classes by the end of this year. So if you want to learn something special…. let me know!

Next, I am introducing one on one consulting, which I am ecstatic to start! I offer one hour sessions with those needing guidance, and/or instruction on all the various aspects of this craft.  Nothing is off-limits! We can discuss business, designing, quilting etc.  I’ll be of service to my clients regarding any part of this industry, all you’ll need to do is schedule a consult!

Lastly, I’m really striving to hire my red-headed assistant full-time.  My business is becoming more than a one woman job.  It’s time for me delegate some aspects of this business to a coworker.  Most of my days are spent cutting fabric; and constructing books for my kits and upcoming shows.  We all know I’d rather be behind the machine, and bringing her on full-time would prove to be a great asset!

Because I’ve completed the final testing of my newest ruler, the feather ruler, now they are ready for production! I just need to get these lovely tools packaged and then we are ready to launch them your way!  And should you all decide they are beneficial to your quilting I will pursue one or two more feather rulers.  Your reaction to this initial product will determine the fate of future feather rulers.

 

 

 

 

This week I will be at the  AQS Show in Lancaster! I’m  hoping to see many familiar faces as I will hosting two lectures and taking in the show.  Please make sure you stop and say hello if you happen to attend this event.  Getting the chance to meet new peers and connect with fellow quilters puts a huge smile on my face!

 

 

 

 

 

Here’s To You!

 

I am blown away by the number of responses I received regarding feathers.  Thank you so much for all the information that you submitted; I greatly appreciate, and WANT, the input! Rest assured that your valuable insight will contribute to the construction of an amazing feathering class!

Be on the lookout for a new “Feather Ruler”.  You read correctly, in addition to the upcoming class I also have a Feather Ruler in the works!  I still remain firm on the fact that everyone can create these beauties freehand, but a “combination” ruler will also prove beneficial.  This tool can be utilized during quilting, more importantly, it will encourage the designer to draw plumes while training and instilling the process to one’s memory.

New sessions, and products are headed your way!

 

Talk to Me Quilters!

Feathers… the technique I wanted to learn above all else.  I LOVE feathers, and couldn’t wait to master this technique.  I would invest hours, upon hours, drawing those beautiful images. But let’s be realistic the outcome of my first attempts weren’t very pretty. However, as practice would have it, my skills have matured and my confidence has grown in leaps and bounds since those initial feathering days.

Since I know how agonizing it can be wanting those magical feathers to appear sooner rather than later on your fabric I thought it might be beneficial to share my process. My goal is to prevent students from encountering the same struggles and frustration that I did many moons ago.

The class, “Perfect Plumes” is so close to launching! But before it makes its big debut I feel it necessary to make sure that the majority of students concerns are addressed during this course. “Perfect Plumes” will be a beginner class that guides you through the step by step process and basic shape of the feather. In addition, by the completion of this session you will also understand how to intertwine and hide feathers.  You can expect to have fun learning how to feather away on your fabric!

So before I launch “Perfect Plumes” I ask that you please send me those concerns and major struggles that you have come across when creating feathers. Your success is important to me, so give me your input! My mission is to demonstrate the tools and method that brings the amazing art of designing feathers to your quilting world!

What I “Did” VS What He “Thought I Did”

The MidAtlantic Quilt Festival was upon me, and I had yet to make a sign for my booth.  I was hell-bent on creating a sign; I refused to present my space without it! No way, no how, this quilter was in a “get out of my way” mode until this task had been accomplished (I’m sure many of you can relate to a project that brought you similar feelings) Was having this piece absolutely necessary? Was the world going to end if I my sign wasn’t present at the show? When I am in a sane state of mind I would obviously say, of course not.

So I kindly informed my husband, Jon, that I was going to allow my studio to hold me hostage in order to erect the lovely sign for my booth.  Many hours later, and I mean MANY, I emerged, weary, and blurry eyed; but victorious!  My company sign was finished!  I was so proud, and yet Jon raised his eyebrows at me like I was some lunatic. I wanted to grab his cheeks and say, “Hello? Do you understand what I have just accomplished?” But I refrained from doing so and relished silently in my personal success.  It wasn’t until I had the opportunity to read my husbands FB post that it became very apparent that he had no idea the “type” of sign I was making. Silly boy!

BTW, it looked fabulous in the booth and was well worth the hours of stitching.  I hope my husband realizes that sharpies and poster board are for beginners, this quilter is a little more advance than that 🙂

What Happened in Heidelberg PA?

 

There was a lot going on in Heidelberg, PA regarding the craft of quilting! Saturday morning I headed out early, with my red-headed assistant along side of me, to the town located about an hour away.

My session took place in the banquet room of the Heidelberg Family Restaurant.  Who says you can’t teach a class at a restaurant? Us quilters are very resourceful and the room was perfect!

I taught my favorite class, surrounded by a room full of engaging and delightful individuals.

 

Initially, many of my pupils, who were domestic machine users, were a bit intimidated by what I put before them. “Letting go” is always the most difficult part of this class; but I’d like to think that most of them “let go” a tiny bit by the conclusion of our day.  I was impressed with the designs that were created; they all should be proud of their accomplishments.Thanks to all my creative students who were willing to step outside their comfort zone and embrace the adventures of today!

“Quiltique” A Must See!

 

Yes, I’m talking about, “Quiltique” located in Henderson, NV.  The first word that comes to mind is…WOW! Lucky for me, I had the pleasure of teaching in their establishment.  I loved the shop so much that I wanted to share a small piece of it with all my fellow fans of quilting.   So take a look at video that has me yearning to go back!

It was three fun-filled days of classes and my trunk show “There Ain’t No Junk in Lisa H Calle’s Trunk”.  I must admit teaching ruler work on the domestic machine was a blast!  So although I am a longarm quilter, please don’t hesitate to reach to me if your shop or guild is interested in classes or lectures on the domestic machine.  Just shoot me an email.

  Take off those shoes! Thank god! It was wonderful to witness others in the world of quilting that feel the need to quilt barefoot.  My first day at Quiltique I attempted to demo in a pair of heeled boots, that was not the smartest choice I’ve ever made.

Traveling brings many adventures and fun finds.  Everywhere I go I am never disappointed in the unique and often humorous items I come across.  Quiltitque did not let me down, on the contrary, it brought a few treasures my way as you can see below.  And yes, that is a wine sippy cup.

You all know that I don’t  keep a large stash.  Nope, I am a  minimalist in that area, but I am trying to step outside the box a little bit as shown above.  I have decided for 2018 that if I encounter a fabric that calls my name I better buy it.  My past choices of ignoring my inner voice that whispers, “Lisa, oh what you could do with that material” always comes back to bite me.  Even after taking baby steps and purchasing the fabric depicted above, I need to disclose that material was also available in a blue and green colorway.  And the consequences of old habits would have it I am kicking myself for not purchasing it!  A call to Quiltque may be in order

I’m teaching locally at Ladyfingers, and at InStitches!  Hope to see some familiar faces!

There will be two BIG announcements coming your way; actually maybe THREE!  I’ll keep you wondering for a bit longer, so stay tuned!

May I Have Your Attention..

 

After five very long years I am pleased to announce that I have finished this quilt.

The photograph below was taken back in 2013, five very long years ago.

Cherrywood fabric, the love of my life when it comes to material. I am sure that is nothing new to my readers, and quilting friends.

This quilt has taken me on a journey of self discovery and a very difficult lesson in letting go. It will surprise no one to hear me say that I can be a little bit of a control freak and perfectionist (and that’s putting it mildly).  To further describe my character traits I am extremely hard on myself and this quilting adventure has, I pray, cured me of that personality flaw. This finished piece is far, very far, from perfect.  The list of mistakes is quite lengthy, but what I have learned and the amount I have grown as a quilter and individual is enormous.

I’m going to share a few revelations with you.

Revelation #1:  Basting and removing my quilt from the frame umpteen times will not happen again in my studio.   The result of basting my quilt and repeatedly removing it caused more than a few migraines!  Typically I go through the quilt and complete my SID and dividing lines which is enough to stabilize the quilt. However, I strayed from my “typical” routine on this project and paid the price.  Note to self, “Do Not Deviate!”

Revelation#2:  I always pre-wash my fabrics but I underestimated the TLC that hand dyed fabrics require.  This quilt quickly taught me that hand dyed material definitely needs a little “extra attention”.   If you look below you will observe a fabric bleed. This is not something any quilter wants to witness on their quilt.  Yes, I pre-washed the fabric.  No, it is NOT the fault of the dyer. Yes, it is my fault for treating Cherrywood like all my other fabric.

Now when I am working with hand dyed fabrics, I wash them in my sink with the hottest water possible and dawn dish detergent until the water is clear.  Hard lesson to learn? The word “hard” doesn’t do this lesson justice.  Thus, I have chosen to name this quilt “Oh, My Bleeding Heart”.  Rolling the dice I persevered and continue on with the quilting; hoping that a small miracle would transpire and the bleed would come out.

And it DID!  I’ve been bowing to the quilting gods above each morning. I followed Vicki Welsh’s directions.  Do yourself a favor and print off her directions and stash them in a safe spot. You might want to print off a couple of copies trust me may never know when you might need them.

Aside from the major catastrophe of the fabric bleeding, this quilt had challenges in the piecing as well.  I tend to generate designs and neglect to give much thought as to how I will execute what I have composed.  It has gotten me into a lot of trouble more than once  The most challenging aspect on this pattern was the inner pieced border…

 

 

What in the bleepity bleep was I thinking? Obviously I wasn’t!  Although it nearly killed me, I continued onward.

The question then became how in the world would I get these together?

I somehow managed to put them together, but it was less than easy.

This is, by far, my favorite quilt.  I absolutely love the design, but the true reason why it has become the love of my quilting life is due to all that I endured and discovered during the entire process.  I poured my heart into this piece for many, many years, and many, many lessons were unveiled.

I am hosting a lecture at the AQS Lancaster show in March called “Oh, My Bleeding Heart” , the subject matter is, of course, this lovely quilt.  I hope to see many of you there as I share moments of self discovery and quilting adversity during the creation of this unbelievable piece.

Do you have a quilt that challenged you till you almost gave up??