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Thursday, April 15, 2010

Day 31 of Giveaways - Clover Needlecraft

IHAN's 30 Days of Giveaways
Anniversary Celebration
Day 31

All from Clover Needlecraft 






Clover's new YO-YO Maker is Oval (I've heard it called Yoval...how fun) and there is an excellent video tutorial that I found at When Creativity Knocks.  If you are not a video person there is a written tutorial at Angies Bits and Pieces blog.    I found some really fun photos of Oval YO-YO's on the Sunshine's Creations blog.  I did not ask for permission to share their photos so I'm providing links and everyone can visit and see the cool Oval YO-YO's for yourselves.  My favorite is the photo of the Oval YO-YO's as flower petals coming out of a planter....oh so pretty and fresh looking.  I like the dimension they add.

Who does not love Pom-Poms?  I think at one time or another everyone has played with a Pom Pom or used one to embellish a project.  They are just plain fun and my co-workers think they are a hoot to play with. (I don't mind because they don't break anything when thrown!!!)



You can't tell me you would not smile if you saw these as a necklace, embellishments on kids clothes or hanging from their zippers.  I think they would be fun for wedding showers and sweet 16 parties too. 

These three gals are my East Coast Associates Eleanor, Lois and the one on the far right is the East Coast Operations Manager for IHAN, Mary Jane (MJE's Bag Tag Tutorial...yep she's the one :)  The gentleman in the middle is Jan Carr, COO for Clover Needlecraft.
We met in Pittsburgh for Spring Quilt Market last May.  This is the story of how I learned about the Protect and Grip Thimbles:
Mary Jane called on my cell phone telling me she had found a wonderful thimble and I needed to come right over to the Clover booth. I'm not a very good hand quilter so I was not very excited about a thimble. I might as well be going over to see a shoe box. However, to Mary Jane finding a great thimble is like seeing the red ruby slippers!! She owns at least two dozen thimbles, some of which she likes and others she doesn't. Mary Jane is my "Thimble Expert". She has so many blue ribbons for her hand quilting work that her son had to make special accommodations in her sewing studio for them..... so she knows her hand quilting and thimbles.


I arrive to find Mary Jane talking to Jan Carr about The Protect and Grip Thimble . Jan shakes my hand and gives me a pretty green Clover pin and a Clover Tape Measure. Not a bad way to say hello!! Mary Jane is very enthusiastic about this thimble and the way it fits. What does Jan do? He gives it to Mary Jane along with 4 others to use for her classes. In business, a hand shake usually is appropriate but this was no usual business transaction....I lost myself and gave him a big hug of appreciation. The other gals did too.         (copied from previous IHAN blog post)
You just never know when the IHAN team will just loose themselves give you a great big hug.  I highly recommend the Clover Protect and Grip Thimbles (and you can find them at IHAN too).

This giveaway includes the Large Oval YO-YO Maker, the Small Heart Shaped Pom- Pom Maker and the Large Protect and Grip Thimble.  The Small Heart Shaped Pom- Pom Maker and the Medium Protect and Grip Thimble will be included in the Grand Prize.  Please leave a comment on this post telling us what is the most cheerful or fun YO-YO or Pom-Pom  Project you have either made or have seen.  If you have used the Protect and Grip Thimble please leave us your reviews, I'd love to hear them too :)

Thank You Clover Needlecrafts!!!

Smiles,
Kelly

65 comments:

  1. I've seen curtains made with yo-yos. I'd like to try those Clover thimbles. Pick me, please! and thanks for the chance to win.

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  2. I've never made anything but from my childhood there were the yo-yo quilts made with old fabrics similar to Aunt Grace and the little clown dolls with yo-yos for their bodies. I guess I should try making one and I will if I win.

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  3. I made a yo=yo table cloth - in a garden hexagon shape. It is so pretty. I made it when I was staying at an apartment in Alabama while my husband was doing flight training.

    Currently, I am doing yo-yo's for a Thimbleberry Christmas table runner. LOTS and LOTS of yo-yos.

    I could really use this tool. :-)

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  4. Cutest were doll blankets made from little yo-yos! My fingers need the thimbles - please pick me! :)

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  5. I love the old-fashioned yo-yo clowns. One christmas I made miniature clowns with tiny yoyos in christmas colors, one for each family member. My 11-year old son, who was going through a negative period, asked for one with a frown instead of a smile; my other son wanted one that looked like "Mr Bill so he got a round O for a mouth. It's been more than 20 years and all the clowns make it on the tree every year.

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  6. I knitted a scarf which I call Colorful Rings Tube Scarf and put pom poms on the ends made from all the colors in the scarf. I thought they turned out so fun and cheerful! A well made pom pom can really make a project!

    MGM

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  7. I love the idea of heart-shaped pop poms! Too cute! What a fabulously fun give away.

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  8. I love YoYos! I have a plan in my head to make a yoyo jacket for the summer to wear over little tea tops. So, I have not exactly seen this project yet, but I think it will be the most cheerful and fun project when it is done. I only have the medium and small round yoyo makers from Clover but I love them.
    And I really need that thimble. I am bad at handsewing which is why I need it. I stick myself all the time!!

    Thank you for the chance to win this giveaway Kelly. I hope you are having a lovely day!

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  9. I always made my pom-pom and my yo-yo by hand.. I don't know how I will like to do them with these tools. It must be amazing and easier. But I love the idea of the protect thimble.
    have a nice day

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  10. I have not heard of th eprotect and grip thimbles before but THANK YOU for introducing me. I find traditional metal thimbles uncomfortable and the small leather pads not always sufficient protection. But these look perfect. I hope I win the giveaway, but if not, look for my order in the near future. Thanks for showcasing so many innovative products in your giveaway.

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  11. I love the three dimensional effect of yoyos, and oh my goodness do I need a new thinmble. I have a small whole in my finger where the needle seems to gravitate

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  12. There are some adorable stuffed animals made with yo-yo legs that I would love to make. I have a pattern, I just don't have a yo-yo maker. (hint, hint) Thanks for the chance to win!

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  13. My aunt used to make yoyo pot holders. When the ladies would all talk we'd sit and work on them for her. It was a lot of fun but doing it the hard way was a lot of work. She used lots of different patterns, sort of retro, they were cute!

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  14. I just saw a cute monkey made entirely of yo-yos (Indygo junction pattern). How sweet is that? Perfect for a newborn because it does not have any buttons or other choking hazards.

    I think this is the last day so thanks, Kelly, for hosting this awesome score of giveaway goodies!

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  15. As a child once a year I would go to my cousin's home for a week. She was younger than I but we always had fun together. One year we practically spent the week at her next door neighbors house who was an older woman.She taught us to make all kinds of pom pom animals with this device her husband had made her years earlier.She helped us make yo yo animals with elastic thread which I just loved. I remember going home and teaching my friends how to make the animals with a cardboard device similar to Mrs F's treasured device made by her hubby. At home I used the elastic thread to make jewelry. What a wonderful woman who I remember as clearly now as if I met her yesterday. I only hope I have inspired someone as she inspired me 40 years ago.

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  16. I have a quilt pattern that calls for yo-yos as the flowers on top of appliqued stems. I haven't felt up to the challenge yet so I haven't started it. The ovals would add a fun bit of whimsy to the pattern. The heart pom poms are too dang cute! I can think of a lot of ways to use them I'm sure. I have a teenager who could think of even more ways!

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  17. I have a sweater with a short zipper at the neck front and the zipper pull is a cord with two pom pom on it. I've had more compliments on that sweater and children and adults alike can't help but smile and say how much they like the pom poms.

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  18. Great giveaway! I always made my pom-pom and my yo-yo by hand.

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  19. I wish I had all my belongings from storage, in it is an antique yo yo quilt. A friend gave it to me, she said she knew that I would appreicate it more than her daughters....I am so grateful to have it and when I do get back all my stuff, I will have a ton of posts....

    That thimble is awesome....It sticks to your finger and doesn't go flying off...just love it.

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  20. The most cheerful yo-yo project I have ever seen was a Christmas card where the front had three tiny yo-yos with ornament hangers attached above them and underneath it said yo - yo - yo !! Cute huh? And cheerful too, right Kelly?

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  21. My sister in law made a wall hanging for my niece's room! It is so fun!

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  22. I just finished using the medium yoyo maker this afternoon! I made bright red yoyos to jazz up a dull value quilt top......and did it ever! *S*

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  23. I made a throw from round yoyos...I also used the heart yoyos using Clovers tool on a quilt... The Oval yoyo maker is actually on my list of to buy items!!! Soo yes please enter me in your drawing! The projects are just endless for yoyos!!

    Haven't used that thimble so can't leave a review..

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  24. The most interesting yo-yo project I saw was shown at the LA Modern Quilt Guild meeting. It was made by African-Americans sometime in the '70s out of different colors of polyester, and the present owner got it off eBay for a STEAL!!

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  25. I have never done a project with pompoms or yoyos, but my cheerful project (more of a memory) about pompoms is that when I was little my socks used to have pompoms on the back of them ;)

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  26. I have never made anything with yoyos, but I love the yoyo clowns and animals. I would love to try out the thimble ... I have a hard time using a thimble and am still on the lookout for one that feels comfortable.

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  27. I remember making them in like grade 2. Those pom-poms just made the whole class so happy, we did all sorts of crafts with them...I think we had a substitute that day or something. A good day ;)

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  28. My sister had a yo yo vest that was really cute.

    This would be fun. Used to make pom poms sometimes. I think I was a child!

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  29. My mother started a yo yo quilt coverlet years ago and when I started quilting I got it to finish and repair. Think the new devices would make it easier. Would love to win some. Thanks for the blog give-away.

    Robert Kent in northern Iowa (rjkent at netamumail dot com)

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  30. These would be fun to make some Yo-Yo's to embelish a quilt or wall hanging.

    Rosemary
    cntryways@att.net

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  31. My great-grandmother made me a clown from yo-yo's that were stacked then sewn together. It was very special.

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  32. I've never made a yo-yo and wasn't much drawn to them until yesterday, lol. I got Amy Butler's book, Midwest Modern, out at the library and it has the cutest fabric scarfs with yo-yo's on the ends. So cute! I want to make one, or 5 or 10. That thimble looks awesome, love to try it. The only pompoms I've made were on the tops of knitted hats, and wouldn't a heart pompom look cute on a hat!

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  33. I love pom-poms and yo-yos! They are just two of the cutest things to use in projects. I have not tried the thimbles but clover makes good products and I use thimbles for a lot of handwork.

    The most cheerful product? I think a purse made with yo-yo flowers...a little walking garden!

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  34. I just recently saw a table runner that had been appliqued with yo-yo's on top. Was it ever darling! I like to use them as an embellishment on things with a button in the middle, kind of like a flower!

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  35. mcampbell75701@hotmail.comApril 15, 2010 at 9:20 PM

    I have fond "cheerful" memories of a pillow that was my grandmother's bed when I was small that was covered in yellow and red yoyos...I couldn't play with it, but I remember thinking it was the so pretty!

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  36. I have fond "cheerful" memories of a pillow that was my grandmother's bed when I was small that was covered in yellow and red yoyos...I couldn't play with it, but I remember thinking it was the so pretty!

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  37. I love making yo-yos and Clover has some great products that makes it so easy. I've used many of their yo-yo makers, but not the heart. Would love to try. Haven't used the other products either, but would love to try.

    I do want to share a story....while boating in SE Alaska we went to a resort (ha, more like a small cabin and small dock) where a delightful family hosted boaters in the summertime and homeschooled their children. What I realized that the kids missed was learning crafts! I taught them how to make yo-yos and left them my clover yo-yo makers. They loved it! The experience made me realize how fortunate I am. But they were also fortunate as they had fresh wild salmon, crab and shrimp whenever they wanted.

    Aloha!

    SewCalGal
    www.sewcalgal.blogspot.com

    PS - I hope I'm not showing up as a no reply blogger. SewCalgal @ live dot com

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  38. I have seen more and more quilts embellished with yo yos lately, and I really like the look! I would love to try it out myself. I have never made a yo yo :)

    SheilaC

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  39. hmmm, let's see, things that save time and energy AND something to help with pain...YEP count me in!!I have never tried yoyos and pompom makeing. But with my 3 year old lil Goose around, I would probably come up with something cute for her! (GRIN) And I luv luv luv thimbles!!Thanks for day 31!!

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  40. I love yoyos. I am presently making small yoyos out hand dyed fabric for a scarf for my sister for Christmas.
    I also made a wall hanging for a present with a Christmas tree made out of yoyos.
    Elaine

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  41. I have seen them on pillows and thought that was so cute.

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  42. The best yo yo project is the one that I have in my mind. I Inherited a box of old yo yos from my husband's aunt and am waiting to assemble them. It will be a gorgeous spread.

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  43. I haven't seen any yo-yo or pompom maker like yours. The only yo-yos I have seen are the ones who are heart shape or flower shape and that's it, hope to see some of them soon ;)

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  44. I almost missed this one, I would love to win a yo yo maker. I saw some great ideas for using yo yo's in quilts.

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  45. opps, I goofed and didn't read the requirements all the way. The neatest project I saw using yo yos was were they were uses as flowers and then there was a boys quilt using yo yo's as the wheels for cars, trucks. I baby buggy quilt would be cute to

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  46. I hope I'm not too late...I saw this way cool puppy and I want to make him all out of yo-yo's. Thank you:) Jenna Louise

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  47. My Mother had a yo-yo quilt top in her cedar chest that she made in the 1920's, backed with bubble gum pink. Wish I new what happened to it.
    I have not tried out the yo-yo maker but my quilting buddies say it is GREAT!

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  48. The best Yo-Yo project I've made was a Christmas tree. I purchased a styrofoam cone, covered it in fabric and then pinned (I used pearl top pins) yo-yo's all over.

    Wendy

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  49. I havent made pom poms since my girls were little about 20 years ago. I would love to try the yo yo s
    have never done them. The thimble looks awesome, I cant pass up a good thimble.

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  50. I've never made anything from yo yo's but my sister made a yo yo pillow top that was adorable. Thanks for the chance to win.

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  51. Hi Kelly, I enjoy using my Circle YO YO makers all the time....I tried to make ONE once without it, and that's all I would've ever made if it wasn't for the simplicity of the YOYO makers...they truly are an item I couldn't do without, and the new shapes they keep coming out with are very interesting indeed. Haven't tried the pom pom makers though...but if I'm lucky, I will be soon *winks* Hugs Naomi

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  52. Clover product are all wonderful. love them

    cheers
    Christine

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  53. I feel so much like a novice - as there are so many notions I do not seem to have. I love Clover and I will just create a project to use all of these clever notions on. Can't wait to try them out.

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  54. I have been amazed at the various ways that I've seen people using yo-yos. What I think is really neat is when yo yos are appliqued and become part of something else - a flower, a truck, an animal, a pattern. I've used yo yos as the base/backing for flowers made out of gathered material (gather the other material into a rose, sew it together and onto the yo-yo as the back). It makes a great way to keep the flower back neat and to attach a pin or clip.

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  55. I am the proud owner of my grandma's yo yo coverlet. When her church's quilt group tied it to a backing she had a label made that said "Started 1934, finished 1997". Talk about a UFO!

    Right now I am wanting to brighten up a boring whiteboard with some yo yos to cover up the brand name and make it go with my sewing room. I'd love to win everything in this group!

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  56. I have a granddaughter that I would love to work with on this product - would love to win this!
    Thanks! Teri Dingler tdingler@bellsouth.net

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  57. Personally, I have not tried the thimbles - have heard mixed reviews from quilting pals.

    As for the most fun project I've ever seen, it was a denim bag (made from old jeans) embellished/decorated with yo yos, buttons, & some stitching (not much). similar size to the ones the grocery sells 'green bags'

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  58. Do you remember the little poodles that were crocheted over a small nip bottle and had a pompom on top? I still have one and love it. My sister and I also had winter hats that had pompoms on the ends of the ties. I love Clover items. Hope I win this one too!

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  59. I love yo yo's and have a basket full. Whenever I'm in the mood I make up a bunch for a scrappy yo yo quilt. I have a wonderful yo yo vest my sister-in-law gave me hanging as deco art in my sewing room. Love to try the oval and the other stuff. thanks for the chance!!

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  60. I don't make many yo-yos but perhaps might with this nifty gadget....if I haven't gone past the time deadline...

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  61. I love pom-pom projects the most because when we were young my big sister took the time and made pom-pom animals with us. It is the best memory I have of crafting as I grew up. pamspinks.blogspot.com

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  62. Ohh what fun. I have a lot of the jo-jo makers but not this one. Oh and a heart shaped pom-pom sounds cool too
    Alda

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  63. At this week's quilt guild, someone had donate for the auction at our upcoming May show a darling doll cradle and yoyo quilt made from little tiny yoyos. Half inch max.

    B.

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  64. I've never use any Clover thimble before because I don't know how to use it. Thus I tend to get small cuts in my finger...ouch!

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  65. With this notion, I would make a yo-yo pillow just for fun.

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Thank you for reading the IHAN Blog. I love getting and reading every comment that is left here; however I may not be able to respond to all comments left during giveaways. There are times when I am juggling many tasks at one time and may not reply to all comments. Please e-mail me at quiltnotions@gmail.com if you need a reply quickly. I thank you for your understanding and-
More Later-Beth