Clover and Nancy Zieman

Checker 61st Anniversary Open House

Chapter 10

And you thought I had forgotten....nope....just took a little break.

Louis Carson and Nancy Zieman were at Checker's Open House. I spent some time talking with Nancy and Lou and I learned about some notions that I think are very cool. Join me on my little tour here.....

Of course I'm not going to miss a photo opportunity with Nancy Zieman.

Nancy demonstrated her Trace and Create Handbag Templates. These are definitely no-brainers. Just lay the template down, trace and sew. I instantly thought of my girlfriend who is scared to start sewing and loves handbags and my 14 year old neighbor who is in 4H. She loves to sew and with these templates her Mom and I could chat and drink coffee while she sews :)


To make the process simple, Nancy also has the Create a Strap Interfacing. You just press, fold and stitch. No kidding. It comes in 5/8, 1, and 1 1/4 inch widths. You want piping....ok....Bag & Wearable Art Piping is available too....just fuse fabric around the piping....no need to create the piping!! It does not get any easier than that!!

The Double Sided Basting Tape Nancy uses in her handbag construction really caught my eye. It is basically a double sided adhesive (very good adhesive...really sticks if you know what I mean) and it adheres to fabric, paper, plastic or wood. Nancy uses it for the construction of her handbags. I could think of 1,000 uses for that wonderful stuff. I bought 3 rolls just for myself....no kidding. When I want to put embellishments or Punchneedle on top of other creations and I don't want the stitching to show....I'm using this adhesive!!!

The Stack and Store Bobin Tower was really neat. I liked the way it holds your threads so there is no threads hanging. Click here if you want to see how it works.


Lou was kind enough to show me the "Hami-Ami" Flower Maker. I thought it was cool for making embellishments.




He also had the ever so incredible Protect and Grip Thimbles. Mary Jane discovered it at Quilt Market and it has been a huge....huge....huge success. I've lost count of the number of thimbles I've sold and everyone comes back to tell me how much they like them. Beware.....they seem to disappear quickly....someone asks to see it and yep.....it gets passed around and then gone!!! Truth is they are not stolen....I end up giving mine away....the person liked it so much I had to give them mine. Guess I need to carry a stash in my van ay?

Lou did not bring the Clover Mechanical Tracing Pencils. They come in yellow, silver and pink. He said he would send me one to try. I hear they are good....but I have to try it for myself. I'm still in search of the best tracing pencil out there.

That's all for now...time to sign off and get back to my sewing machine :)

Smiles, Kelly

Checker 61st Anniversary Open House - Chapter 9

Chapter 9

Lots and lots more photos to share. These designers were not present but their work spoke a thousand words. The displays were very enjoyable to look at and I though many of you would enjoy looking too.

Amy Butler Designs

I love these patterns really liked the way this pillow had some added dimension.

Oliver + S

Some great patterns by Oliver + S. I love the little dresses and especially the PJ's. So darn cute.

Martingale # B974T
Quilts from Paradise-Island Treasures

C & T

Publishing # 10694

Intuitive Color & Design - Landscape

I really like the variety of patterns in this book.

Anka's Treasures - #ANK 291

Stop Drop Roll - Center of Attention

Cheerful colors and great design....just my opinion of course :)

Anka's Treasures # 292

Opposites Attract

I really like the design of this quilt. It is bright and fun.

Electric Quilt Company

Can you believe all EQ has to offer? I think this is amazing and the amount of time it takes to write all that software....I'm soooo glad it was not me :)

Gardner's Angle of Autum - ThankfullnessGardner's Angel of Spring - Hope

Gardner's Angel of Summer - Charity

All by Crab Apple Hill Studio

I hope you enjoyed the tour as much as I did. If you are interested in any of the patterns or books that you saw here and they are not on my website, feel free to e-mail me at IHaveANotion@yahoo.com and I will get them ordered for you. A girl has only so much time you know. I need co-workers in their teens who can type and work a website :)

Smiles,

Kelly

Don't know why this won't align left....but it won't and I'm going to publish it anyway!!!

More Splash Than Cash Decorating

Checker 61st Anniversary Open House

Chapter 7

Donna Babylon author of "More Splash Than Cash Decorating" was at the Checker Open House. I enjoyed meeting Donna and of course I love the name of her business, "More Splash Than Cash." I know I can learn from someone who thinks like I do....conserve the dough!!!

This book is designed for those who are novices as well as experienced stitchers. Donna is your "private teacher" so to speak. She focuses on three sewing techniques, stitching a seam, turning a corner and sewing a blind hem. Donna has included some other techniques that are unique to home dec. sewing (like how to match fabric repeats), but the actual sewing is only done with simple seams.

Most everyone who reads my blog regularly, knows I pretend to be ignorant about sewing when it comes to home dec. My Mom and Sister take over and do all the home dec. sewing for me. It has worked for 25 years. Now I own a sewing business......my cover has been blown.

Donna is right....many of us fear doing the home decorating sewing because, speaking for myself, I don't want to waste the money and time and have it come out looking like a 5 year old made it. Time for Donna's book!!!

Donna's Bio

I have been sewing since I was seven years old.
This passion lead me to major in home economics in college. After graduating from college, I was a middle and high school teacher for several years. Just imagine teaching 25 to 30 kids (in a classroom) how to sew. Whatever could go wrong did go wrong! For my sanity, I quickly learned how to adapt my instructions to bypass any potential problems. When I did that, the classroom was much calmer and my students had immediate success. I had no idea when I was in the classroom that I would one day be writing how-to books. But when that opportunity presented itself, I decided to write my books the same way I taught—by offering simple and stylish projects with well-thought-out instructions. I see so many creative opportunities with sewing— especially for the home. And, I love to teach.

So, the story continues with this book (my fifteenth). I enjoy sharing my sewing and decorating advice by conducting seminars and workshops around the country. I have also appeared on over 250 television shows including HGTV, Lifetime, and Discovery. I design patterns for Simplicity Pattern Company, I’m a certified window treatment consultant through the Window Coverings Association and also a master sewing instructor (one of only nine such recipients) through the Sewing Educators Alliance.

Throughout the process of sculpting my career, I created my own indie publishing company and
developed my More Splash Than Cash® brand. I publish my books and design a line of sewing patterns called Room Mates™. This aspect of my career has been the most fun. I do everything when I create a book or design a pattern.

I write, sew, photograph, illustrate, and draft the patterns. I love that my books help someone create beautiful things.

Wow, she is one accomplished gal....impressive!!

Smiles, Kelly

Reliable Corporation's Latest and Greatest

Checker 61st Anniversary Open - House Chapter 4

Art Garabedian, from Reliable Corp., was also at the Checker Open House. Art brought an ironing board, three irons and a light to demonstrate. I think it was very kind of Art to bring new toys for me to play with. I did ask permission before I started picking up everything and testing them. I bet he'll say No when I ask next time. I spent way too much time testing the irons and the light. I think I pulled and shifted the neck of the light expecting it would break (secretly wanting to know how easily it would break....I'm so glad it didn't....saves me being embarrassed and I'm excited about this light so now I know it is worth it).

Yes the crazy red head is at it again and this time, she's packing heat!!!

The Long Board by Reliable Corporation
I did not take a good photo of the entire ironing board because I'm always trying to get the pix that I think you might want to see so you feel like you were there with me.


This is the front of the ironing board under the cover. Usual shape. This ironing board comes with an attachment that just slips onto the ironing board to make it rectangular. So it is great for ironing quilts/larger cloth. It comes with 2 covers. Click on the link to see all the specs.

I liked the heat resistant cloth that is on the end of the cover. You can leave your iron down and not burn the cover. I also liked the iron station beneath the table. It will hold the Iron Maven!!!

The Longboard retails for 249.99. If you are unhappy with your ironing board and want the flexibility to have both a regular ironing board shape and the rectangle without much hassle.....this would be a good choice. Of course the only place to buy one is IHAN, right? Yes (a lie....but it is a good choice anyway :) Click on IHAN for my price. The table weighs 31 lbs, so extra postage would be required. Local delivery possible....if you have coffee :)

Meet the Iron Maven.

Woo Hooodley Doodley....this baby packs some serious steam. It weighs 4 lbs (Art said standard weight for an iron is 4lbs (I did not ask how many Oreo's that is).

This is the base and it has a removable water container. The iron still works even when you take out the container....cool ay? There are so many features....click on the link and read the specs....you won't be sorry you did.

To spend personal time with the Iron Maven it will cost you. She retails for 399.99....yep ers....not kidding. Where to buy one? You guessed it...check out IHAN for my price :) I had no real clue as to what the word Maven is....so of course....I Googled it...

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A maven (also mavin) is a trusted expert in a particular field, who seeks to pass knowledge on to others. The word maven comes from the Hebrew, via Yiddish, and means one who understands, based on an accumulation of knowledge

An iron who understands and is an expert in a particular field. OK...I guess....but why not hire me to give your products names? I would have called it, "Iron Jane." Guess Iron Jane does not sound as cool as Iron Maven. What about Iron Kelly....alright already....I'll stop.

Digital Velocity Steam Iron V95

I spent most of my time checking out this iron. It has new technology so the iron can't leak water onto your cloth. The heat on the sole plate is evenly distributed and you can adjust that temperature. It produces more steam than a regular household iron. Click on the link to read the specs. I really wadded this fabric in my hand and held it for several minutes.

This is the back after I ironed it.

This is the front after I ironed it.

Being the Smart Booty/Maven I am....I held it under the Uber LED light afterwards. I can see little wrinkles in the cotton. The other ladies around me were sold and were carting off irons right and left. Not me....nope. I wanted to see if that iron would get rid of every wrinkle no mater how small. It did a very good job. Art kept looking at me....I bet he was wondering what on GGE was it going to take to make me happy. Then he asked what I wanted it to do....I said I want crisp wrinkle free cloth like the dry cleaner gives you.

To get professional (dry cleaner type) crispness, Art said I would need a Vacuum Board. I had never heard of a vacuum board before Monday. Sure enough....what gives your clothes/cloth the crispness is the vacuum in the ironing boards that removes all moisture from the cloth. Makes perfect sense now. When you introduce steam....which is moisture.....you need to remove all the moisture to get the crisp finish. Now your talking baby!!! I want the Iron Maven and the Vacuum Board. I asked Art to bring one to Quilt Market so I could try it out. I would definitely spend my money on something like that if I knew my husband could iron his shirts that crisp. Notice I did not say I could iron his shirts? I love the crip wrink free look of fabric and cloth. You think it will remove my wrinkles too?

Last but certainly not least.....

The Uberlight

This light is really, really, really nice. I'm not kidding you. I bent this baby every which way and it still held up strong. I was very impressed with the 26 inch neck on this light. It was really made well. This neck won't flop over like those other lights do. It is top notch!! It has 28 LED's which will last 60,000 hours. That translates to 6.85 years if you left it on continuously. Guess we'll be passing these babies on to our kids. For those of you who are lazy and never turn off your lights....you better buy several...and you know from where....right here.

The c-clamp opens 1.8 inches. It is made of commercial grade steel so it was built to last. Before buying one you might want to consider all the places you might use it....measure the width you would need to be sure the 1.8 inches is appropriate. I think this would make an EXCELLENT holiday gift.

Thanks for hanging in there with me. Sorry it takes me so long to say a few things. I'm guessing that is what I have to offer than other stores don't....an honest opinion from someone who has made sure the product does what it is advertised to do.

Iron Smiles,

Kelly

Orion Burns from Quilt in a Day

Checker 61st Anniversary Open House Chapter 4

Orion Burns, Eleanor Burns' very handsome son, was at the Checker Open House. I'm sorry the fellas that work for Checker could not break dress code....but at least Checker invited Orion Burns, right? Like I said, we don't just live on fabric, notions and chocolate!!! Smack me....OK back to the topic. As you can see I don't away from my co-workers much :)


Orion asked me if I had the rulers below. I told him no but I'd like to learn how they work. As many of you know, I learn best by physical demonstration followed by verbal direction. Orion was very patient and showed me every step in the process. I took photos so you could follow along too.

Orion Burns

(not a good pix...sorry. I searched the Internet to "borrow" a better photo....could not find one....next time....I'll get a better one, I promise :)

Orion put an 11 inch piece of fabric down and then a 9 1/2 inch piece on top of the larger one. Next you sew 1/4 inch on either side of the line.

Cut on the line. Press towards the large triangle on both pieces.

With right sides together and the opposite fabrics facing one another, you line up the outer edges of the fabric. The angles won't match up as shown below.

Draw another line and stitch across.

Open and wah-laaaa......

There are four sizes and sets of flying geese templates. I realize you probably won't be able to view my photos and then have perfect flying geese. If you want perfect flying geese....click here :)

I was fortunate enough to receive a Mini Ruler Set and a Scallops, Vines and Waves Template from Quilt in a Day. The Mini Ruler Set comes with two flying geese rulers (different sizes) and get this....a 2 1/2 inch Fussy Cut Ruler. I'm looking forward to giving them a whirl. Now.....I do lock my doors at night. I've taken Karate and I sleep with a baseball bat near the bed. Don't even try to come in here and get these rulers......call first so I can put the coffee pot on :) LOL

Too far to stop by for coffee....click here....imagine your coffee and browse at your leisure in your pj's :)

Smacked Around Smiles,

Kelly

Pine Needles Home of McKenna Ryan's Quilt Designs

Checker 61st Anniversary Open House - Chapter 3

McKenna Ryan (Pine Needles) and her daughter were at Checker's Open House on Monday. I had no idea I had already made on of her patterns. Fish Tales is my first picture applique wall hanging. I love fish so when I saw this pattern I just had to make one for myself.

These designs appear to be difficult to make at first glance. McKenna has made an easy to follow tutorial to show how to cut and place each piece. I took photos of each step to share with you. I hope you enjoy seeing the tutorial....cuz it took me a long time to re-size the photos and upload them :)

Back On The Farm Set

This is The Applique Pressing Sheet. She puts it over the pattern so you can see through it to place your pieces by the number on them. Then you press them down and they do not stick to the applique sheet.

McKenna has some Beautiful threads out through YLI. She told me she generally uses Invisible Nylon Thread from Sew Art International (1500 yds .004mm) when she stitches the applique in place. I'm going to get some and try it in my Bernina. I've always had a hard time getting it to work in my machine....I'm willing to give it another try :)

These are just a tiny sample of what Pine Needles offers. I will be adding more McKenna Ryan patterns to my store.....soon....just need a few more minutes in each day :) If there is a particular pattern you would like and I don't have it on the I Have A Notion website, you can just e-mail me and I'll get it on there.

Smiles,

Kelly