Aurifil Holiday Wishes

May All Your Bobbins Be Full of Aurifil This Holiday Season

Dreaming of Sugar Plum Fairies?  Not me....I'm dreaming of Spools Full of Aurifil!

I want to wish you all a Merry Aurifil 40 wt and A Happy Aurifil 50wt to you and yours this Holiday Season !

Smiles,

Kelly

PS....It is still Dec. 20th here Alex!!!  My entry is officially in with 29 minutes to spare :)

Marianne Burne-Gogrin in Houston for Quilt Market 2010

Marianne Burne-Gogrin, Designer

The Cinnamon Patch

When I entered Marianne's Schoolhouse she was chatting with folks and putting the final items in place.  I chatted with Marianne for a minute because I wanted to know how to pronounce her last name correctly.  I learned Marianne was born in New York, raised in Ireland and has lived in France for quite some time.  Learning more about Marianne is on my list of "to-do's" when I see her next.  Do you find it interesting to learn about people's lives when you admire their work?

 

Marianne Byrne-Goarin's (Cinnamon Patch) Schoolhouse presentation was eye candy for the applique and wool felt lover.  Although all of her patterns can certainly be used with cotton fabrics, I must say the wool felt (National Nonwoven Felt) makes them really incredible. 

Cinnamon Inspirations, yes that is my thumb on the left....I had it in my hands.....but I was so awe struck by it's beauty (100% truth) that I lost my mind and put it back on the table....WHAT?  I've lost my touch.... I mean mind!

Marianne is holding up some of the newest colors from National Nonwoven Wool Felt.  I have absolutely love National Nonwoven Felts and they have some made from Bamboo too.

Be honest with me, can you honestly gaze upon such beauty and not feel light in your spirit? 

I need to commit a Federal Crime so I can go to Federal Prison (I hear they are nicer than other prisons) so I can spend my days stitching.  Or go crazy and convince the folks in white coats that I can be trusted with needles and scissors. 

 

This is a needle keep....you know how if feel about those.  I NEED it.....oh I don't know if I can keep my sanity and finish this post.......I'm loosing it fast.........faster......almost gone now..........I'm circling the drain.......someone save me.....are those white coats I'm seeing now?  (Thorazine does strange things.)

 Or is it Thread House?.....ahhhhhhhhh             

 

This thread house/keep is incredible.  It opens from the roof flap and I should have taken a photo of the inside...but I didn't.  The cheerful factor of Marianne's work is right up at the top of the scale.  When I walked into the meeting room at School House and I spotted Marianne's designs....I sware my heart lifted and the joy meter in my chest skyrocketed. 

 

Look at the little ribbon that ties to keep the roof closed.  I want that little house sitting next to my stitching chair, don't you?  (if your answer is no....I bet if one was sitting there you would  smile a mile wide)

Marianne was demonstrating at Brewer's booth.  Look at that wool felt....I could just eat it....it is so yummy.
Yes, those are spools of Aurifil 12 wt threads.....Marianne's own collection!!  Aren't they beautiful?

 

I hope you have managed to maintain your sanity while reading this post.  I know I can loose mine fairly quickly from time to time....typically when I see things that I adore and admire.  No worries though....I have been thoroughly examined by the best and they say it is too late to "really loose my mind" ...if that was going to happen....it would have already happened....LOL

I found a great review of Cinnamon Inspirations on the Learning Patchwork website.  Click here to read it for yourself.  See, I'm not the only one that strongly recommends Marianne's work.

Cinnamon Patch also has some individual patterns.  I need to add the rest to the IHAN website. 

 

More photos from School House in Houston.  Droollllling now......

The next two photos were taken at the Brewer Quilting and Sewing Booth.

 

 

Now you know why I go to Market.....I get to see up close and personal all the beautiful things that I would otherwise only see in magazines and books.  If you ever have the opportunity to make the pilgrimage to Festival.....GO!  you will be so glad you did.  And don't forget to take as many of your closest stitching and quilting friends as will fit on the plane or vehicle.  Rent a Semi if you need to....it is definitely worth the trip.  Some year I will stay for Festival.....perhaps when the co-workers are a little older.....or when they can come with me-now that would be amazing.

Big Happy Smiles,

Kelly

Pat Sloan and The Edge in Minneapolis Spring Quilt Market 2010

This is Pat Sloan, as if I even needed to tell you her name.  By the way, if you do not know who Pat Sloan is, I'm sorry to say you just might need to get out a little more....just a wee bit :)  Pat was autographing her book, "Quilt the Seasons" at the Checker Distributors Booth at Quilt Market.  It is tough pulling myself away from the Checker Distributors Authors stand.  I'm always there ready to hear their guests talk about the latest products and books.  I'm actually thinking of wearing a disguise in Houston for Fall Quilt Market so they won't tire of me...LOL.

Quilt the Seasons is a wonderful book with so many great projects that your home is guaranteed to be festive for all seasons.  The list of projects include quilts, table toppers, and wall hangings but we all know the patterns can be used for any project from Seasonal Clothing to Scrapbook page designs.  (I love using the fun designs for page layouts when Scrapbooking....it gives new meaning to paper piecing!!)

Pat was one very busy woman at Quilt Market.  Not only was she autographing her book but she was also lecturing about The Cutting EDGE rulers and Rotary Cutter from Sullivans.  The lecture was great and I was thrilled to be getting so many photos.  All of which had Pat with her mouth open or sideways as she lectured.  So here are the photos I took that explains how Sullivans has an EDGE on quilting rulers.

All of The Cutting Edge rulers have a diamond carbide EDGE (650 grit...as if I know what that means:) that keeps your rotary blade sharp while you work.

 

Each person who attended the lecture received a.....well....a business card....as a promissory note to get a ruler to demo at their shops.  Unfortunately by the time I got to their booth to turn in my promissory note all of the rulers were gone.  I was able to use The Cutting Edge Rulers and Rotary Cutter at their booth.  Definitely innovative in the age of conservation.  Longer lasting rotary blades is definitely an excellent way to save more money in the long run.

Sullivans USA has all the information about their rulers right on their website.  Click here for more information.  One of the "frustrating" things about going to Market is almost everything that is shown is on it's way to market and not always available to order.  I Have A Notion will carry the rulers just as soon as they become available....and I hear that will be soon!!!

 

Although Pat is working her bootay' off while at Market she was kind enough to pose for a photo with me. I honestly have no idea how Pat Sloan manages to publish books & patterns, participate in Twitter, Facebook, Blogging, and maintain a website, host Creative Talk Radio....oh yeah....did I mention she also has this thread kit and this thread kit with Aurifil?  I would need roller skates to keep up with her....and a full time staff with two nannies too!!

I'm sure you all know that I took good care of you....yes I got an Autographed copy of Quilt the Seasons Book 2 by Pat Sloan.  Although it is killing me to give it away, I know it will go to a good home.  Will it be your home?  Will your Seasons be festive?  We'll find out on the evening of Friday Aug. 6th.  Just leave a comment telling me what adding some Seasonal fun projects to your home will mean to you.  Non-replay bloggers need to leave their e-mail address to qualify.

Smiles,

Kelly

IHAN in American Patchwork & Quilting???

Long time IHAN blog readers know I don't pay to advertise.  I'm a peanut size business and advertising is a luxury I don't choose to afford.  100% of my business is from word of mouth or Google.  You may be surprised if you have seen the June 2010 edition of American Patchwork and Quilting .

Check out page 14

Oh yeah baby.....that is IHAN right there in print.  You can imagine my excitement and joy when I saw this.  Talk about a Happy Anniversary....I'd say that is an awesome Anniversary present, wouldn't you?

Thank you Aurifil!!! 

Now....although I am sincerely grateful.....this does not mean I will put aside my plans to run off with all the Aurifil thread displays at Quilt Market.  Don't think IHAN has hired nude models to distract the Italian guys at the Aurifil booth.  Nope, not me.  Just because I'm driving to Minneapolis with a dolly does not mean I'm conspiring a heist.  (total lie.....I am conspiring a heist!!)  I figure if I get a jury of my peers....I'm home free, right?  Who among you would convict me of such a wonderful dream/crime?  I didn't think so.....look out guys!!!  ROFL

Smiles,

Kelly

Day 15 of 30 Day GIVEAWAY #2 - Aurifil Thread

IHAN's 30 Days of Giveaways

Anniversary Celebration

Day 15 Giveaway #2

Mark Lapinski's 

The Intermediate Collection 

by

Aurifil Thread 

You won't need an afternoon cup of coffee or a sugar hit today.  This giveaway should provide enough adrenaline to keep you up until midnight.  Your eyes are not failing you...it is true....Aurifil Threads is giving one very dog gone lucky IHAN reader the Mark Lapinski's Intermediate Aurifil Thread Collection.  Twelve great colors of 28 weight cotton thread 820 yards of thread. 

 
I thought that was the response I would get!!!  I promise I did not open any of the threads although they may have been fondled....the wrapper is still on all the spools :)  I don't know how much longer I can be trusted though.

When I was a teenager I actually had a dream about finding the make up displays from the big department stores and no one wanted them.  (Teenage Heaven)  Now, I dream I come upon those incredible Aurifil Displays and those handsome Italian guys are away from their booth...(in my dream, I also have a dolly and a getaway vehicle).

Can you imagine?  This must be Thread Heaven....all the colors....when ever you need one....just reach over and grab a spool.  One for you sewing machine, a few for your embroidery machine (MJE, Diane, Dale, Joanne, Darlene), three or four for your serger and then some for your mid or long arm machine.  See what I mean....we need all this thread:)  Of course there is plenty for hand applique, redwork, making lace and plenty for eye candy in your sewing room!!

Ok, well stop dreaming and come back to reality.  Here is some great information about Aurifil Thread:

Cotton Mako 50 wt (orange spool) great for:

• Needle Turn Appliqué
• Lace Making
• Detailed Machine Embroidery
• Redwork
• Quilting - Piecing and Hand sewing (lighter weight helps seams lay flatter)
• Serging
• Stitching Miniature Blocks

Mako Cotton 40 wt. (green spool) great for:

•  Decorative Stitches
• Machine Embroidery
• Quilting - Hand and Machine Piecing
• Lace Making
• Buttonholes
• Stitching in the Ditch

Mako Cotton 28 wt. (grey spool) great for:

• Blanket Stitching by Hand and Machine
• Lace Making
• Hand Quilting (does not need to be glazed or waxed)
• Long Arm Quilting (Borders and Edges)
• Top stitching
• General Purpose Sewing
• Machine Embroidery

Lana Wool 14 wt. great for:

• Folk Art Applique
• Machine and Hand Sewing
• Sewing on wool or felted wool
• *requires 90-100 needle

Mako Cotton 12 wt. (red spool) great for:

• Decorative Quilting
• Machine Embroidery
• Folk Art
• Sashiko
• Redwork
• Embellishment
• Buttonhole or Blanket Stitch
• Serging - gives more texture and dimension
• *requires a large eye top stitch needle size 90/14

Want to know more about Aurifil thread?  Click here :)  Look at this incredible Suitcase 216 colors....oh yeah baby!!!  I've heard people say Aurifil thread is expensive....do yourself a favor and check out the price you are paying for the equivalent thread in another brand.  You will be surprised to find it is only a little more and the quality is certainly worth it!!
It may be difficult to type after all this excitement.  But in order to have an opportunity to win Mark Lapinski's Intermediate Aurifil Thread Collection you must leave a comment on this post telling us:

1. Have you used Aurifil Thread?

• If so, tell us about your experience.
• If not, please tell us why you would like to win.

THANK YOU Aurifil Threads and Alex Veronelli for giving one very lucky IHAN blog reader a box of your incredible thread!!!

Aurifil Threads has a Facebook page and a blog-Auribuzz.  For more fun information you may want to look there :)

Smiles,
Kelly

New Additions at www.IHaveA-Notion.com

If you are traveling this Spring and Summer you might want to take advantage of this IHAN Special.  Fiber & Fabric Mania A Travel Guide 15.95 is NOW only 10.95 at IHAN.

This price will be good for one week only.  So if you want one Now is the time to order :)

Other new and fun things available at IHAN are Presencia Thread Collections.

To View Presencia Cotton Sewing Thread Sampler Crayon.  To view all of the Presencia Collections just click here and you will be magically transported to the IHAN Presencia Collection page :)

Also added to IHAN is the:

 "BIG DADDY or GRANDADDY" *

Aurifil Suitcase

.

( I call this a focal point for decorating....however technically it is not.) 

*Ever notice I seem to have my own names for products?  I know the manufacturers and designers really do put a lot of effort into naming their products....and I guess on one hand I know why they don't ask me first for the name they should give their products.....but I have to say.....I think the names I give them are so much more fun.....just my opinion...and with 44cents you can buy a stamp I know :)

Smiles,
Kelly

Aurifil Threads Challenge with Pat Sloan's Meadow Breeze BOM

There is a medical alert warning on this post.  If you have heart issues....please take your medication NOW before it is too late.  Our lawyers tell us we are not liable for any pre-existing medical condition that you may have that flares up due to reading this post :) (ok....so there are not lawyers here....but you can't blame me if you fall out)

Please DIAL 911 Immediately if you experience ANY of the following symptoms after viewing this prize for the winner of Aurifil's Challenge with Pat Sloan's Meadow Breeze BOM:

• Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.
•  Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
• Shortness of breath. May occur with or without chest discomfort.
• Other signs: These may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness

If you are still feeling well, click on Pat's link and print out a copy of her BOM pattern and get moving.  I know if I had that box of Aurifil in my house.....I would use it as a focal point in my decorating.  I might even get rid of Rick's "television" (drive in theater screen) and place the Aurifil threads on the Entertainment Center.

Want to use Pat's Aurifil Collection?  I Have A Notion just so happens to carry that too!!!  Just press down on your mouse (right side of that critter) here and you will magically be transported to IHAN's Aurifil Heaven :)

Lightheaded Smiles,
Kelly