PennyHaren.com

The Second Book has Arrived

2009-04-12T19:43:00.004-04:00

Spring has sprung - and it is absolutely beautiful out! I am leaving for Quilt Festival in Chicago on Thursday and wanted to touch base with everyone before I left town. This is a retail show so I get to interact with quilters from all over the country and demonstrate in the Landauer Booth for three days - how fun is that.

After all, you guys are used to me so it is fun to see the lightbulb go off when other people first try my methods. The hardest part is getting them to believe that it really is THAT easy! We will be promoting my second book - which arrived last week - and previewing the third book of projects that will be out this summer.

Heart of Ohio Quilt Guild

When I get back from Chicago, I am doing a trunk show for the Heart of Ohio Quilt Guild - right in my backyard. So, if you can, come see me on April 21st. I'll have lots of books and rulers - and will be happy to sign them if you want. The guild loves guests, so if you have ever considered joining, now would be a great time to check it out. And, it will be great to see everyone that I haven't got to see since the shop closed!

I will also be teaching a workshop for them on Saturday, April 25th. I'm looking forward to touching base with everyone. It will be like old times!

In between the trunk show and workshop, I am off to Paducah. I have never been there before - but have heard all about it from all of you for years, so I can't wait to see what all of the fuss is about. And, it is the 25th anniversary, so how much better could it get?

Westerville Quilt Guild

Then, the following week-end - Sunday, May 3- I'll be teaching an all day workshop for the Westerville Guild. They are a fun group of girls that I met at a trunk show a few months ago -so they know what they are getting into!

If you are interested in either of these workshops, the contact information is on my website - www.pennyharen.com. They may still have openings - or can make arrangements to accomodate you!

Because of Quilt Festival, Paducah, and Quilt Market in Pittsburgh, my schedule is a little crazy. We have juggled all of the on-going classes in my house so check the calendar for any changes. I keep the calendar on the website current at all times. And, if you have been to class in the last few months, I have set up groups so that I can send out class reminders each month.

If you have not gotten class notices, I don't have your e-mail address - and you aren't registered as a participant of that class.

Don't forget - if you haven't finished your Nearly Insane, Centennial or Dear Jane quilts but took the entire series of lessons, you can come to the classes you need to finish your quilt. Sometimes we just need a little push! Amy was here yesterday and set hers aside when she only had one more triangle to do! She even has the entire center sewed together! And, she probably hasn't touched it for over a year - it's time to dig it out and get organized....

Completed Dear Janes, Nearly Insanes, Centennials - Party???

And, I have lost track of who has finished these quilts! I was thinking about having a party this summer and inviting all of you, a professional photographer, and an appraiser. We could eat, share, and have our quilts professionally appraised and photographed.

All of you who have finished your projects can motivate the newbies - and those "oldies" that just need to finish one block! If this sounds like something that would interest you, please let me know.

And, if you have finished one of these quilts - or in some cases, two of them - let me know so I can start a list. I would love for everyone who has made a quilt by following my instructions to sign MY quilt! What an honor that would be!

Classes this Week

Dear Jane #22 will meet Monday, April 13 at 6:00. Do you realize that your center will be done by Christmas???

Just Plain Nuts #4 will meet on Wednesday, April 15 at 10:00. That class will be followed by the Bless this House and Circuit Rider class at 12:00.

Book Signing

If you want me to sign a copy of the new book - and visit for awhile - join me on Saturday, May 2nd from 4:00 - 6:00. Let me know if you are coming so I can sign the books in advance. I want to have time to visit and catch up on your lives! I miss you guys! Penny

The holidays are almost here!

2008-12-11T20:01:00.002-05:00

Technical note: if you normally receive this in your email, please add yourself to the new list. You can subscribe on the right hand side of Penny's website. This is the last message I will be pushing through the old system. Thanks! Michael Haren

The holidays are almost here! Can you believe it???? I was listening to the radio yesterday and they said there were 18 days until Christmas…….thank God we decided to celebrate the day after! I have a 24 hour reprieve!

But, for the first time in five years I will be home for THREE whole weeks – and working from home – and I am going to enjoy every minute of it. I can sit in front of the fire and Christmas tree typing away on my laptop – ho..ho..ho…..

On the “work” front, I am really excited! I am designing a fabric line with Henry Glass that will be introduced at Spring Market. I’m learning all about Pantone colors – and even have my own “stylist”! I am soooooo spoiled!

Then, my favorite trade publication – FabShop – asked me to write a column for their magazine. I am going to review the best notions. That means I get to play with all of the new ones – sometimes before they are even released! How fun is that! Don’t be surprised when there are samples on the table when you come to classes! I’ll probably be picking your brains…

I am designing some new rulers for Creative Grids that will also be out at Spring Market – and some will work well with the fabric line.

AND, I had a project in Fons and Porter last month – and American Patchwork and Quilting THIS month! Who would have thought it!

On the class front, teaching at the house has worked out fine so we are starting new classes in January! I am piggy backing classes – just like we did at the shop – so I can schedule my travels around these classes. I will warn you though – we may have to switch some classes occasionally. I have to go to the national shows so once or twice a year there may be conflicts! But we’ve worked it out so far…….and are having a ball!

For those of you who are already taking classes, we had to put the big dog down last week. Old age finally caught up with him. Ty has been lost without him – and God bless you guys – I don’t think he went longer than 5 minutes NOT sitting on somebody’s lap ALL day Saturday.

Sunday, I did a book signing and demonstration at Always in Stitches in Grove City. I love that store! Mary Clark is the owner – and God love her – has my sense of humor! They have written a fictional book based in the quilt shop. I started reading it today – and had to put it down to write this – not an easy decision! You will LOVE “The Guild in the Granary”. It is so much fun to try to figure out what is truth and what is fiction, who is who, etc. It is a great read – and even if you haven’t shopped there, you will enjoy the references to Shirley Stutz, the NQA show, Bowling Green, etc. I’m sure she will be happy to mail you a copy if you call the shop! But, definitely add it to your Christmas list! They all signed my copy, so I’m not sharing!

It’s time to get to the reason I’m sending this thing! I am going to Maumee on Wednesday – and some people wanted to move some classes – so here is the schedule for the rest of the month.

Class Changes

I wanted to have a Christmas party – but couldn’t quite figure out how to do it – and fit it into everyone’s schedules, so I decided to combine some classes! The lesson plans will be prepared for each class – and if we stop laughing long enough, we may actually go over them! I will have drinks and appetizers for everyone. All you need to bring is show and tell! This is a combination of Dear Jane and Nearly Insane classes – but many of you have taken other ones – so bring whatever you want.

SOOOOO….the Nearly Insane #7 and Dear Jane #8 classes that were supposed to meet on December 11^th will meet from 6:00 – 9:00 on December 17^th – with the Dear Jane #18 class that was supposed to meet on the 18^th! Stop in any time – or stay for the whole evening! Are you confused yet? And, if anyone else wants to come, have at it!

The book class that meets on Thursday, December 11 at 1:00 will meet on December 18^th at the same time.

And, last – but not least – the Project class that normally meets on the third Saturday is meeting on December 13^th so it is not right before Christmas!

I filled out my calendar for the entire year, and will up-date the calendar on the website before the first of the year.

New Classes

Just Plain Nuts

Many of you wanted to make the sequel to Nearly Insane after Liz’s visit, so we are starting that in January. We will make four blocks a month for a year! That’s right – this one only takes a year! Let me know if you need the book. Use any fabric that you want!

The third Saturday of each month starting in January at 12:00 or

The second Wednesday of each month starting in January at 10:00

Appliqué Blocks of the Month

We will be making two different quilts – you can make one or both. The Circuit Rider quilt consists of 42 blocks that were originally made for a circuit rider in 1862 who was born in Lebanon, Ohio. He owned a farm between Dayton and Cincinnati, was a minister in Zanesville, Otterbein, and Sunbury during a career that spanned 40 years. But here is the kicker! Nada Garvin is a genealogy nut – and has agreed to research the women who made the quilt! How cool is that – we’ll have a history lesson each month while we make two blocks. This will be a two year class – since the girls already want to add borders. They are even talking about a road trip to visit the sites – and a trip to Chicago to see the original in the museum!

Two blocks will be kitted each month – freezer paper will be included in the kit – for $15.00.

The other quilt is the large appliqué that we all fell in love with that Rose Wetherill shared at one of the retreats. We will do this one in a year. The class – which includes the freezer paper, placement, etc. will be $8.00. If you want the fabric for the appliqués, it will be an additional $7.00. You need 3 yards of fabric for the background.

Some of you have asked if you can do this by mail. Yes you can – just let me know if you need the book, etc., we will ship for an additional charge of $5.00 a month for shipping and handling. I don’t care if you get one kit or both – it’s still the same price – packaging and a trip to the post office are still the same.

Friends

Lucille told me that Pat Toomey’s husband died last week. He had been battling lung cancer. Keep her in your prayers.

Oakie has moved in with Lucille – our favorite gal is living in sin – and couldn’t be happier!

Jed is doing great – and can even walk a little without her walker – but with it – she’s hell on wheels!

Rae is busy doing handwork – and gave me a couple of quilts to bind today. We make a great team – I do the machine, she does the handwork. I am looking forward to being home the next couple of weeks to get more done.

The Newark and Granville high school choirs performed with the Licking County Symphony at the Midland on Sunday! What a magical night! I can’t believe I have lived here all of these years and never attended a concert – they truly are a hidden treasure!

I really do have to go – or you won’t get this READ until Christmas! Take some time to enjoy the holidays! And hopefully, I’ll see you soon! Penny

Blog Hop!

2008-10-11T23:18:00.002-04:00

Thoughts while I was working on this block…..

When Holly asked me to participate in this event, I was thrilled. I love Lakehouse fabrics and had already seen a preview of this line. Then Ike hit. I live in Ohio – so who would have thought that over a third of the state would be out of electricity and other essential services due to 60 -75 mile an hour winds! Personally, I lost a tree, a roof, internet service – and my printer went down.

It made me appreciate a simpler time – when I played with paper dolls and would have thought that this was all a great adventure! In that vein, I kept my block simple as well. I appliquéd it by hand. The basket weave effect was created by making bias tape out of the little pink check and appliquéing it over the design in the apron fabric pattern. It added a three-dimensional effect that I just loved

As my life gets busier, I was forced to relax! Meetings were canceled, schools were closed, roads were impassable, stores were without power, and friends came to use our shower and store food in our freezer.

People without power went to stay with friends and families that did. We were lucky. But, what must it be like where Ike hit? Where NO ONE has power, homes, or any idea when life may return to normal? It is time to count my blessings!

I AM incredibly busy these days. I am at the AQS show in Des Moines as you read this and am teaching three classes and demonstrating and signing books every day.

Then, I am going to Quilt Market in Houston. I will be demonstrating the techniques in my book and teaching sessions for Creative Grids. I will also be signing books and demonstrating every day.

And, my REAL job is working for Checker and interviewing our favorite authors and designers because I write the Checker newsletter. I am so blessed to be able to make a living doing what I love! Sometimes it takes an act of God to remind us how sweet life truly is – and not to sweat the small stuff!

How I made my block:

I used a freezer paper method to appliqué the dress using the pattern by Liberty Star. Holly sent us an enlarged version so the dress was already blown up to a 7” size.

We were asked to appliqué on a 12” square so that they could all be trimmed down to the same size – 9 ½” by the person making the quilt. This is a great idea! Whenever you are working on a group project, have them cut the background fabric squares larger than necessary so the design can be centered and trimmed to size.

Coincidentally, I designed an 9 ½” Square It Up and Fussy Cut Ruler for Creative Grids that makes this step easy. Since the dress actually fit into a 7” square, the ruler just needs to be placed 1 ¼” away on all sides.

My favorite doll growing up had an apron – so my block dress had to too. I drew a line one inch up from the bottom of the dress pattern and extended it 1/8” on each side. I curved the sides from the bottom of the apron to the neckline.

For those of you who have not tried freezer paper appliqué before, here are the instructions:

Freezer Paper Appliqué

Making Templates

To make templates for appliqué, run a copy of the block. Iron the waxy side of freezer paper to the wrong side of the copy. Freezer paper is available at quilt shops in 8 ½” x 11” sheets. It is also available at the grocery store – next to the aluminum foil. Make sure that the paper side of the freezer paper is on top of the WRONG side if the pattern. Otherwise, the iron may smear the ink on the copy. Make sure that the ink from your copier will not bleed and discolor your fabric when wet. We have not had any problems with this yet – and over 100 people have done it. There is always that exception…so better safe than sorry!

Cut the templates out of this paper. Be sure to cut right inside the printed lines to allow for the thickness of the fabric when turning. Some copiers distort images more than others. Check your copies for accuracy. My copier tends to distort the pattern in one direction about 1/16”. I can live with that so that I get sharp, crisp templates! Most copiers have a “best” copy setting. This setting seems to reduce the amount of distortion. If your copier distorts the pattern too much, you will have to trace the templates onto the freezer paper by hand – or find another copier! I vote for the latter!

Freezer Paper Appliqué

Glue the paper side of the freezer paper template to the wrong side of the appropriate fabric. (The printing should be face up.) Trim the fabric ¼” away from the template unless there is an exception stated in the instructions. Clip inside points and curves to within a few threads of the template. Do not clip outside curves. Every cut is a potential weakness in your project.

I use glue sticks to turn my appliqués. Buy the white paste glue sticks that you can get at Staples for 99 cents. Don’t waste your money on fabric glue sticks – they are just more expensive. Only buy white – I don’t want to risk dyes coming back to haunt me at a later date – so save the purple, pink, and blue ones for the pre-schoolers! I buy the large packages of glue sticks and keep them in the refrigerator. The moist environment stops them from drying out and they will last up to a year. When you are not using your glue stick, put the lid back on! They dry out very quickly if you leave the top off while turning each piece!

Run a glue stick on the template and the edge of the fabric. Turn the edge of the wrong side of the fabric over the template with your thumbnail moving forward 1/8” at a time. Gather the excess fabric around the template – do not pleat it.

If there are rough edges on the appliqué, turn it over. You will notice that there are pleats on the folded edge of the piece. You can pull these pleats down with your thumbnail while the glue is still wet and correct the imperfections. Run glue on the paper side of the template and position the appliqué on the foundation block. Keep glue away from the turned edges – you don’t want to stitch through excess glue later. Do not turn edges that are placed under other pieces – this is the seam allowance. The edges that do not need turned are marked with an “X” on the block diagram.

Hand-Stitching

Stitch with a high quality, cotton thread using an invisible appliqué stitch. The thread color should match the appliqué fabric. Knots should be hidden beneath the appliqué piece. Do not place your knot on the wrong side of the foundation block. The thread tail could shadow through your finished block later. Only stitch to the fabric directly below the appliqué piece – do not go clear down to the foundation block. You don’t want to sew the template into your work. Reinforce any areas that were clipped because of inside curves by taking a few extra stitches.

Straw Needles

When I am doing hand-appliqué, I prefer to use a John James Size 9 straw needle. These needles are very long, thin and sharp. Because they are so long, the eye of the needle extends beyond my finger so I don’t have to wear a thimble. It is also easy to manipulate and pull through the fabric.

Machine-Stitching

To stitch your appliqués down by machine, use a monofilament polyester thread on top and a cotton thread in the bobbin. Adjust the width of your zigzag stitch so it is almost a straight stitch. Do not adjust the length. A narrow stitch will ensure that the stitching does not show and you won’t sew the templates into your quilt.

If you are machine-stitching the appliqués, you can only stitch one layer at a time. In some cases an appliqué will be placed on top of another appliqué. You must stitch the first layer and remove the templates before placing and stitching the second layer.

Embroidery

I prefer to do the buttonhole stitch BEFORE I remove the templates. I find that the freezer paper adds enough stability to the piece that I don’t have to use an embroidery hoop. I simply run the embroidery needle over the edge of the template. I removed the templates before embroidering the French knots.

Removing the Templates

When the appliqué is complete, place the block in a sink of warm water. Let it soak for at least twenty minutes - I usually leave it overnight. This will dissolve the glue. Take the block out of the water and roll it in a towel to remove the excess water. Smooth out the block and let it dry. Slit or cut the backing to remove the template. If there is still glue, run the seams under water to flush out any remaining excess glue.

Ironing

Press all of your blocks on a folded bath towel. The towel absorbs the seams so that there is no “shadow” created by the seams on the front of the block. I spray each block with spray starch and press the wrong side of the block first and then I press the right side. The starch gives the block a crisp look and helps reduce fraying until the block is sewn into the quilt.

Sometimes I remove the access fabric beneath the appliqués. For instance, I would trim the dress fabric that is behind the apron. Usually I do this if it adds extra bulk to the piece or the color is shadowing through. In this case, I did not – for two reasons. A dress would shadow through an apron – and the extra layer of fabric hid the threads that ran from French knot to French knot on the back of the work!

Trimming

Trim all blocks to 8 ½”. The Creative Grids Square it Up and Fussy Cut Ruler has vertical, horizontal and diagonal lines that aid in squaring up the blocks. There is also a ¼” marked on each side of the outer edge of the ruler. Center the appliqué designs within these lines.

Hope this helps and you enjoy the pattern. If you have any questions, just send me an e-mail and I’ll try to help!

August Newsletter

2008-09-08T23:18:00.001-04:00

We’re having a Party!!!

Liz Lois – author of Nearly Insane and Just Plain Nuts – is coming to my house for a book signing and show and tell! The potluck party begins at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 27^th, so for those of you who procrastinated, and didn’t get your quilts done – you have one more week! My address is 947 Glyn Dennis Drive, Newark, Ohio – google me because I am not good at directions! This is a party for ANYONE who has ever taken a miniature class – Dear Jane, Nearly Insane, Centennial, Sturbridge Village, or my book. The price of admission is a show and tell, a potluck, and $10 to cover Liz’s expenses! (Wine counts as a potluck – so if you don’t have time to cook, we’ll have a glass of wine and forget we didn’t eat!) I am bringing Liz back with me – after being gone for nine days – so not having to cook will be a Godsend!

But, don’t worry about having it all finished! Bring what you have – it is more blocks than she has ever seen done anywhere – I guarantee it.

Think about the Dear Janes alone: Judy Rollenhagen has made three; Sandy Corbett and Linda Weinstock have made two; Kristi Podesta, Linda Pickenpaugh, Kathy Van Wey, Codean Manos, Connie Baker, Deb Ambrus, Jamie Blair, Lois Timmons, Cheryl Lorence, Martha Smith, Sandy Spellman, Sally Elleman, Penny Replogle, Holly Wheeler, Toots Balzano, and a host of others have at least finished the center of their Dear Janes. I know I’m leaving out tons of people – but that is more than twenty quilts just off the top of my head - and there are forty or fifty more that have finished some blocks. I want those of you who have finished your quilts to sign MY Dear Jane as a memory! This is the perfect time to have you all together!

Then there are the Nearly Insanes! Deb Ambrus and her mother Rachel have finished their quilts. Jeanie Downey and Lynn Kraner were close – last I heard. Anne Rowe, Sally Elleman, Pat Sear, Helene Bednarzcuk, and Nada Garvin are over half done….and the list goes on!

Then there are the Centennials – Nancy Allen, Barb Yglesias, Melissa Osborn, and Ronice Kenny have theirs all together – and many of you were working on it so come and surprise me!

Then there are my favorites – MY book! There are at least 40 of those floating around – and many of them I haven’t gotten to see yet. I just hear rumors! Three were in the Zanesville quilt show! I may also have the quilts from the second book – they will be at the Checker Open House, I’m just not sure if I can bring them home with me!

I know I’ve left many of you out – so don’t feel bad! I’m in Nashville at the AQS show and these girls have taught me to drink wine….I didn’t really need another vice, but so it goes! First lesson – Blackberry wine causes memory loss!

At any rate, bring your quilts, bring your blocks, and bring your cameras! Rae and Jed are going to be there to join in the fun so this will be the best class reunion you ever attended! It’s time to strut your stuff ladies. I’m even going to see if Sheri Ross can take pictures for us. I’m hoping that she will do C.D.’s like she did for the Zanesville show. I am also going to contact Dee Dadik and get the information so that if any of you want to have your quilts appraised, we can make arrangements to do that too. Remember – your insurance company considers it a blanket unless you have the paperwork to prove that these quilts are worth several thousand dollars. And, frankly, your quilts are worth more than my car – so respect your work!

The AQS Show in Nashville

We are having a ball! The Opryland hotel is unbelievable and the company is even better. I would tell you who I’m with, but the names are being withheld to protect their reputations! Needless to say, this is the friendliest place in the world! We met four women coming out of a rest stop bathroom in Kentucky – and are now going to Paducah with them! One of them even has a single daughter who would be perfect for Chris…matchmaker, matchmaker, make me a match…..Chris gave me crap last time because he said that he was the only one I didn’t mention in the newsletter – I have a feeling that will be his LAST complaint!

Then there is this group from Chillicothe in the adjoining room that just don’t know how to behave! I have seen things and heard things that you would just not believe! I’d tell you I’d post pictures on the site – but they are just not fit for public consumption - so we’ll be seeing a lot more of those girls too! They drove down from Chillicothe and we happened to pull in the parking lot right behind them! How weird is that. And, then the first people we saw at Rita’s booth were the girls from the Kentucky bathroom – we were all just meant to be friends!

Last night we went to dinner with the glass nail file girls. The daughter is Chris’s age and is in college studying to be a teacher! Summers off, both love kids, but she’s from Michigan! I just don’t know if that will fly!!!

News that IS fit to Print

On the home front, Bill and Jenn are expecting so I am going to be a grandma again – this time in March! Rae is expecting two more great-grandchildren that month – I see baby quilts in our future! Maya just learned to walk and will be a year old in October! Her parents are thriving – it is so much fun to see them creating their family traditions! Chris just finished his first quarter of his Master’s at THE Ohio State and we are waiting to hear where he will be doing his student teaching. Laura is getting ready to go to the beach before she moves into her first apartment and starts her sophomore year. And, Patrick started his senior year yesterday! Time is just flying by! His Dad is selling his house and moving to Lancaster so I am looking forward to having more parties at my house this year.

Linda Pickenpaugh’s daughter got married on the same day that Cheryl Lorence’s son tied the knot! They both had family in from out of state so life was fun – but crazy – for awhile!

Stella Jordan’s daughter had her baby so Stella is in heaven! She and her husband fly to the Carolinas every month to see those babies!

On a sad note, Lynda Davidson lost her brother and Bobbie Hall lost her sister this month. You just aren’t ever prepared for things like that!

Martha Smith’s daughter – Marsha – has caught the quilting bug in a big way. She is starting her first Dear Jane while her mom is working on her second!

Jed is alive and well and ornerier than ever! She is sewing up a storm and is going to be hanging out at my house more in the future. I’m just going to kidnap her and bring her over when I’m teaching classes. She even wants to start on her Dear Jane again – and has almost finished all of her UFO’s. Maybe if we all live to be 85, we can too! But, she is already chomping at the bit to start some new ones!

Rae turned 80 on Wednesday. The kids and grandkids came in from all over the country to celebrate with a dinner at the Granville Inn. I went over the night before they all arrived to help her get ready and ended up drinking margauritas on the front porch! What a great memory!

New Classes

Many of you have asked – heck some of you have even begged and groveled – and wanted me to add some new classes to the schedule, so here I go! I miss you guys too!

If you want to sign up for new classes, email my daughter-in-law, Sarah to let her know what class and what time – that way you’ll be signed up for the class and the email list all in one! Her email is haren.13@gmail.com.

My First Book

This six month class will meet once a month – and make four blocks a month. I will cover two techniques per class. We should finish this just in time to do book #2! Since we are covering two classes a month, the cost will be $20.00. Choose the third Saturday of every month at 10:00 or the 2^nd Thursday of every month at 1:00. We start in September. I will have some fabric lines available that we used in the book. You need the book and my 6” ruler to get started.

My Third Book – Projects

You get to be my guinea pigs for the projects that will be in my third book. Join us on the third Saturday at 12:00 or the Second Thursday at 10:00 for this class. These are all smaller projects that you can finish fairly quickly for gifts, etc. – placemats, bulletin boards, pictures, wall hangings, a mantle cover, candle rings, etc. I’ll have the projects done a month or two ahead so you can decide if you want to make it. You can sign up each month – but if you sign up for the series, you get first dibs. This is going to be similar to the table runner class that you all loved. The fabric will be kitted so you can just come and sew. But, now I only have a few sewing machines so if you want to sew in class, you’ve got to bring your own. I may borrow a few machines from friends who haven’t used them in awhile (Sue) so if you don’t have a lightweight one, you can probably use one of mine! Or share – there isn’t that much machine sewing in these projects so while one is sewing the other can be pressing! We’ll figure it out – we always do! The cost of the kits will vary – depending on the project – but they are always reasonable! I wish I could tell you that I have all of the samples done and could show you at the party – but I’d be WAY too optimistic! I do have them all planned though!

Appliqué Block of the Month

Many of you – Rae – wanted me to do another block of the month so we’ll begin that one too. We will kit the fabric and instructions for $15 each month starting in September. I will run the templates off for you onto freezer paper. We will meet the third Saturday of the month at 2:00. I want you all to be able to turn your block and have it ready to take home and stitch. Do the prep work in class – and the mindless work in your spare time! We are going to do the appliqué quilt that Rose made that everyone loved at the retreat. Rose – if you are coming to the party on Wednesday, would you bring this quilt to refresh their memories??? If you don’t want to come to class, but want to pick up kits, we can do that too.

CLASS SCHEDULES

I try really hard not to have to change classes, but it happens – so this is a list of classes for the rest of the year. As far as I know, this is it. Sarah is also going to post book signings, etc., on the website so you can come and visit me – but remember! What happens in Newark, Nashville, Houston, Paducah…..stays in Newark, Nashville, Houston, Paducah…..when I am at these events I try to behave and act professional so don’t disillusion them! As Helene says – the vault stays closed!

August

August 27 - Wednesday

Nearly Insane #21 – 10:00 – Liz will be here for this class so it will be really fun. And, if you have already taken this class, come and share your blocks and spend more time with her. How often do you get to talk to the author!

Dear Jane #41 – 4:30 – Come for the class and stay for the party! Liz will love it all! Betty, we’ll sit outside – or figure out some way to get you in!

Reunion Party – 6:00 – Bring your books for signing – or buy one from Liz

August 28 - Thursday

Dear Jane #14 – 6:00 – For those of you who can’t make both nights, come on Wednesday and I’ll have the lesson plans ready for you – but the next day will be the after party when we all talk about everything! How fun is that!

September

September 10 – Wednesday

Dear Jane #40 – 10:30 – Your Dear Jane’s should be done by Christmas – only four more classes!

September 11 – Thursday

The Project Book – 10:00

My Book – Chapters #1 and #2 – 1:00

Nearly Insane #4 – 6:00

Dear Jane #5 – 7:30

September 13 – Saturday

Nearly Insane #4 – 10:00

Dear Jane #15 – 12:00

Centennial #4 – 2:00

September 17 – Wednesday

Nearly Insane #22 – 10:00

Dear Jane #42 – 4:30

September 18 – Thursday

Dear Jane #15 – 6:00

September 20 – Saturday

My Book – Chapters #1 and #2 – 10:00

Project Book – 12:00

Appliqué Block of the Month 2:00

September 25 – Thursday

The Original Dear Janers – 6:30

October 2 - Thursday

Dear Jane #41 – 10:30

My Book – Chapters #3 & #4 - 1:00

Project Book – 3:00

Nearly Insane #5 – 6:00

Dear Jane #6 – 7:30

October 4 - Saturday

Nearly Insane #5 – 10:00

Dear Jane #16 – 12:00

Centennial #5 – 2:00

October 15 - Wednesday

Nearly Insane #23 – 10:00

Dear Jane #43 – 4:30

October 16 – Thursday

Dear Jane #16 – 6:00

October 18 – Saturday

My Book – 10:00 – Chapters #3 and #4

Project Book – 12:00

Appliqué Block of the Month 2:00

November

November 8 – Saturday

Nearly Insane #6 – 10:00

Dear Jane #17 – 12:00

Centennial #6 – 2:00

November 12 – Wednesday

Dear Jane #42 – 10:30

November 13 – Thursday

Projects Book – 10:00

My Book Chapters #5 & #6 – 1:00

Nearly Insane #6 – 6:00

Dear Jane #7 – 7:30

November 15 – Saturday

My Book – Chapters #5 & #6 – 10:00

Projects Book – 12:00

Appliqué Block of the Month – 2:00

November 19 – Wednesday

Nearly Insane #24 – 10:00

November 20 – Thursday

Dear Jane #17 – 6:00

December

December 6 – Saturday

Nearly Insane #7 – 10:00

Dear Jane #18 – 12:00

Centennial #7 – 2:00

December 10 – Wednesday

Dear Jane #43 – 10:30

December 11 – Thursday

Projects Book – 10:00

My Book – Chapters #7 & #8 – 1:00

Nearly Insane #7 – 6:00

Dear Jane #8 – 7:30

December 18 –Thursday

Dear Jane #18 – 6:00

December 20 – Saturday

My Book – Chapters #7 & #8 – 10:00

Projects Book – 12:00

Appliqué Block of the Month – 2:00

Book Signings and Classes

September 6 – Saturday

The Quilt Bug in Lawrencesburg, Indiana – Book Signing and Demo

October 8 – 12

American Quilter’s Society Show in Des Moines, Iowa – I’m teaching three classes and signing and demoing the rest of the time

October 22 – 26

International Quilt Market in Houston – I’m teaching several schoolhouses and demoing and signing at the show

October 28 - Tuesday

Happiness is Quilting Quilt Shop in Dallas, Texas – I’m teaching an all day class

October 30 – November 2

International Quilt Festival in Houston – I’m teaching a make it take it and demonstrating and signing in the Landauer Booth

December 4

Black Swamp Quilting in Millbury, Ohio – Book Signing and Demo at 5:30

December 7

Book Signing and Demo at the Always in Stitches Christmas Open House in Grove City

It’s 2:00 and I’m still in my jammies – and Nashville beckons – so I’ve got to go! I’ll see you all next week after the Checker 60^th anniversary party! I am having WAY too much fun!

2008-07-07T07:35:00.000-04:00

Penny Haren’s Book Signing Party and Class Changes

Book Signing

The book signing party will be at my house on Sunday, July 13^th from 12:00 – 6:00. My address is 947 Glyn Dennis Drive, Newark, Ohio. I will have Michael put directions from State Route 16 on the internet – but I’d just use Mapquest. It is less than three miles from the shop, so it isn’t hard to find!

I am hoping that Rae and Jed will be here so you can all touch base – along with most of my family. We will serve appetizers and drinks, so be prepared to stay and visit. I haven’t gotten to see many of you for a long time – and I miss you!

Patrick has the list of all of you who signed up for books and rulers before the shop closed. He will be e-mailing you in the next few days. Please confirm your order so I can start personalizing books as soon as I get back. If you DO NOT get an e-mail, contact me at pennyharen70@hotmail.com. We had notes everywhere and when we closed the shop in one day – we weren’t reallllll organized. Thank God Mike and Sarah are going to take over this part! They are much more organized – and Sarah is sooo patient. She’ll need it when they see my notes and deposits!

After this week-end, they are going to take over the website and keep a current calendar on pennyharen.com. If there are any class changes, they will post them there. I am even going to give Sarah e-mail lists of all of the classes so she can send out reminders – and let everyone know if there are any changes!

Class Changes

I am flying to Des Moines tomorrow to finish the photography for the SECOND book! Who would have thought it! The good news is that the first book cleared customs in Chicago and is on its way to the publisher’s. It should arrive when I am there – just in time for my first book signing at the library in Adele! They are a great group of ladies and I can’t wait to touch base with them. They have been making samples so they could teach a class so I can’t wait to see their blocks!

But, because I won’t get back home until late Thursday night, I have to reschedule some classes. Luckily there are five Thursdays in July, so it was easy to do. Many of you had combined vacation with Fourth of July week-end so it has all worked out for the best – it always does!

Here is a list of the classes for the rest of the month – the starred ones have been changed.

*Dear Jane Lesson #2

July 24^th at 7:30 – the fourth Thursday of the Month

Dear Jane Lesson #13

July 17^th at 56:00 – the third Thursday of the Month

*Dear Jane Lesson #38

July 24^th at 10:30 – the fourth Thursday of the Month

Dear Jane Lesson #40

July 16 at 4:30 – the third Thursday of the Month

*The Original Dear Jane Friendship Group

July 31 at 6:30 – the five Thursday of the month

*Nearly Insane Lesson #2

July 24^th at 6:00 – the fourth Thursday of the Month – Note: If you would like a paper-piecing demonstration, I will start it at 5:00. Come when you can.

Nearly Insane Lesson #20

July 16 at 10:00 – the third Wednesday of the month

Centennial Lesson #2

I think that most of the people in this class have opted to be in the class that meets the first Saturday of the month so they could piggy back with other classes. I will be here this month just in case…..

In the Pink 2

For those of you who were waiting for fat quarter packets, they have arrived! Cottage Charm should be arriving soon. The rulers are all here as well as the Dear Jane, Nearly Insane, and Centennial Books.

If you are interested in starting these classes, do so now!

Central Ohio Shop Hop

The Shop Hop begins on July 17^th. I will be demoing my rulers and signing books at Paw Patch that day until 4:00. I will get home in plenty of time for my Dear Jane class. I’m looking forward to seeing you there.

Zanesville Quilt Show

I will be vending and demonstrating at The Zanesville Quilt Show on July 19^th and 20^th. The actual, official demo is at 4:00 on Saturday – but I doubt if I’ll shut up for two days! It is an amazing show – I think they have over 170 quilts! These girls are just amazing!

West Virginia Guild

Saturday, I am teaching at a Guild in West Virginia. Many of the women in this group used to take field trips to the shop so this will be a reunion event! I can’t wait!

Reunion Party

For those of you who have been involved in the miniature classes, we talked about having a reunion so you could show off your completed quilts the third Wednesday in September. Well, guess what! Liz Lois, the author of Nearly Insane is going to be in Ohio the last week in August and has agreed to come to the party – a book signing and huge show and tell!

I have changed the Nearly Insane class and the Dear Jane class that are normally on the third Wednesday of the month to the fourth so Liz can participate. We will start the REAL party at 6:00. Bring a covered dish if you have time. I won’t get home until late Tuesday night, so we won’t have a lot of time to cook – and I want to spend it with Liz!

So, start sewing! We want to give her a show and tell that she will remember! If I have counted correctly, we could have 20 – 40 Dear Jane quilts, a dozen Nearly Insane quilts, a dozen or more Centennial Quilts, and 40 of my book quilts! And, partials count too! We will have THOUSANDS of miniatures in process. Bring your cameras and take lots of pictures.

Liz will have copies of her new book – Just Plain Nuts – if you would like an autographed copy. We are going to have a great time! She is absolutely wonderful!

Family

And to top it off, Mike and Sarah are coming down to help with the book signing so I get to see Maya. Laura baby-sat this week-end and wouldn’t let me go. She is a baby hog and didn’t want to share!

Bill and Jenn celebrated their 2^nd anniversary on the first. Jenn is attending classes at Ohio State this summer so they have been really busy.

Laura will turn 19 on the 30^th – and will spend the day working a 10 hour day in the warehouse at The Limited! Aren’t summer jobs great!!! She and Patrick just finished camp counseling for a week. And, she and a friend went to Boston for a week-end so it’s all work for the rest of the summer!

Patrick is in Inherit the Wind at Licking County Players this summer. He just came back from camp and attended Boys State. His summer should start any day now????

Time to sew! E-mail me if you want a book or rulers and don’t hear from Patrick in the next day or two! See you Sunday! Penny