Coin Purse Blog Hop Winner Announced and more

Congratulations to GPC...you are the lucky winner!  Please e-mail me with your full name and address and I'll get your prize in the mail to you :)

For those of you who are wondering how those Flamingos are doing....here is today's update..."not quite live" from Perrysburg, OH...LOL

The Flamingo Flock are having a birthday for Josie.

If you have not stopped by to leave a comment to win the Beam N Read 6 Led Hands Free Light.. click HERE and leave a comment before Sunday.

I didn't mention in my post  that the Beam N Read Light has been changed a bit.  It is still the wonderful hands free light with adjustable neck strap but now you can choose to use 6 LEDs or just 3 LEDs...you decide depending on how much light you want and need. Here are some more details taken directly from the Beam N Read website so I didn't mess up describing the benefits of the light filters :)

• The only hands free light that comes with clip on filters (2) and a clip on magnifier
  • Orange filter to soften and warm the light and reduce blue light
  • Red filter to reduce ambient light for an ultra sensitive bed companion
    and to help avoid night blindness when switching between lighted and dark conditions
  • Large 4 x 5 inch, lightweight, acrylic, Fresnel magnifier for detail work
    Hinged clip allows magnifier to be adjusted in vertical or horizontal position
    The magnifier is designed for short periods of work for those with normal vision
    The magnifier is not intended as a low vision aid
• Includes adjustable reflector and elastic neck strap for optimum positioning

I think the Orange Filter is an excellent addition to the Beam N Read Hands Free Lights because there are times when the bright light is too much and the filter softens the light. 

Make sure you leave your comment on the correct post in order to be counted for the giveaway :)

Smiles,
Kelly

Nov. 7th- A Wonderful Day

November 7th  will always be a wonderful day, because 18 years ago today Nicholas Anthony was born.  He's my sisters youngest son.  I helped deliver him and cut the cord.  I will never forget the joy on his brother's face when he came into the hospital room to see his new little brother.  Aaron was the same way when Zachary was born.  I would like to know why now all they do is fight! 


I wish I could have posted yesterday but I was in so much pain and found it difficult to type.  The cast on my right hand was digging into my wrist.  By 8:00 last night, I could take no more, so I cut into the cast around my wrist to relieve the pressure.  I wrapped my wrist in pink fleece just  at the wrist.  Now my dilemma is, what to embroider on the fleece before a visit the Dr. again.  I was thinking it should say something like, "I don't know anything about this- talk to the monkey."  After all, I don't want to get in trouble and I felt like a little kid being naughty when I did it.  Would you think it should say? 

If I had posted yesterday, you would have  seen these pictures.

I absolutely love the little top hats on the flamingos. 

Yesterday the  Toledo Blade had an article about  "our" flamingos.  Click HERE to see the article. It is nice to see that other people appreciate the flamingo family too.

I hope all of you have been following the"Fall Theme Machine Embroidery Blog Hop" hosted by SewCalGal. . This particular blog hop features both machine embroidery  and applique made from fabric die cutting machines.  Tomorrow is my day to post, you know I'll be up late tonight writing!

I've been doing my best to use as voice activated typing devise and I'm telling you, it is so much easier to type with my hands. For a really humorous post, I should just let the voice dictation interpret what I'm saying and leave the typing, as  is,  for all of you to see what this computer thinks  I'm saying.

Smiles,
Kelly

Off to Quilt Market in Houston Tomorrow

While I'm packing feverishly ....not only orders but my suitcase....what do you think those Flamingos are doing?

Some were playing in the leaves while others.....

appeared to be having fun and games....for Halloween perhaps?

Must be...preparing for Halloween.

Dressed in costumes?  Yes...apparently....they are ready to go :)

A witch and a pumpkin....what next?

Oh...yes...then there was a Skeleton Flamingo!  While I'm out of town who is going to be keeping their eyes on those Flamingos for me?  Guess I'll have to ask around.

I'm so excited...and not because I'm leaving for Houston tomorrow....look what I made yesterday:

and I did it all by myself :)  Very little instruction and no thread chart....my first ME applique.  The design is an Anita Goodesign bonus for those who sign up for their Clubs before the end of November.    I was so tickled I could hardly believe how nice it turned out....even without any help with fabric or thread colors. 

I know all the Anita Goodesigns are not loaded to the website yet...what's a woman to do?  Stay home from Market?  Nope...not this one anyway.  I'll keep working on it....but sometimes ya just have to go with the flow.

I still check my e-mail and I'm available by phone....so I'm not really going all that far :)

Smiles,

Kelly

The BIG DEBATE

I'm not looking for anyone to take sides here....I'm just reporting what I see from my small  town perspective.
 
Based on what I saw earlier today ....it sure looks like Flamingo Romney has his neck stretched out quite far....not quite at the podium.  His Secret Service Flamingos don't really look the part....I wonder how much training they've actually had?  Do the people who are running for office get the same quality Secret Service Staff as the sitting President?  Hm...first time I ever wondered that.

Then I see the Obama/Biden folks.  They look cool, calm and relaxed.  Their Secret Service Staff are wearing  their dark sun glasses....they look "professional" for sure!

Notice how the experience of being the president allows Flamingo Obama to stand relaxed at the podium and speaking directly into the microphone? 

Here's a close up for you.  I would have to say.......from this perspective..... the Flamingo Obama looks very prepared and confident.......

and the sitting President certainly must get the best and most well prepared Secret Service Staff.  Only rookies would leave their Government Issue "Tough Guy" sunglasses in their car.

Please keep in mind, this is only what I saw this afternoon.....things change....I'm not responsible for the Presidential Flamingo Debate....I just tell it as I see it here in Perrysburg, OH.

Smiles,
Kelly

More Coing Purse Frames Have Arrived

I think I know have more Coin Purse Frames on this Continent....but I haven't taken a poll!!

This frame arrived today, I only have 50 so if you want one, I suggest you order now.  They are silver with the beautiful frame design. 

No, I have not lost my mind....although one might think so.  I had to express ship enough frames for the "U R Priceless Blog Hop."

The deadline to get the frames to people was  looming and there was a sort supply.....so I did what all crazy people do....I went direct to China and had them express shipped. 

The hop starts on Nov 5, 2012 and ends Nov 13, 2012 and IHAN® is carrying the Coin Purse Frames along with Corrie from Quilt Taffy.

Believe it or not, I have made more than 6 already...in all different shapes.  I plan on using them as gifts so I thought now would be a good time to try a variety of patterns. I can't share them yet....but you know I will :)

On the Flamingo front:

They are out raking and collecting all the leaves :)

Smiles,
Kelly

Anyone need a few hundred coin purse frames?

 I actually put my co-workers to work at IHAN ®.  With all the Coin Purse Frames I had to order for the "U R Priceless Blog Hop" I needed help wrapping all those babies.

While Aaron was working on his homework, Zach and I wrapped over 200 Coin Purse Frames.  Why he felt the need for those "safety" goggles....is beyond me.  LOL

We had to be sure there were enough frames for all who wanted to join in the "UR Priceless Blog Hop" as well as those who got hooked and could not stop...LOL.  

I've made a few of the coin purses already and they are pretty quick and fun.  Today I'm going to do some Machine Embroidery and make one.....I hope it turns out well.  I think they will make wonderful teacher gifts as well as for other gals in my life.

Those participating in the "UR Priceless Blog Hop" ,  have been provided with a pattern and tutorial. 
For the rest of you who are not participating or you would like to see other patterns and tutorials, I posted a few good tutorials I found on the web. 

Cotton and Cloud Blog

Sweet Bee Buzzings Blog

Craft Stylish

AnneKata Blog

I have several other versions of Sew In Snap Frames on the way for the holiday gift making season.   The good news is, I've added a discount ...the more you buy...the more you save.  I figured this would be good for those who want to make them for the holidays, birthdays, Thank You gifts.....and on and on.  I know many gals who get hooked on something and make several.

On the Flamingo Front:

 Apparently that's what is on the agenda this weekend for the Flamingo Flock.  Next weekend we are supposed to be the "Turkeys" camping out...in early October, with the Cub Scouts.

I just hope we are this cozy!

Speaking of Fall....look at this beautiful sunflower....I took this photo a few weeks ago just before a class to make some Wool Felted Pumpkins.

My girlfriend, Diane, had previously ordered some Wool Felting kits from the gals at Back to Back Alpaca.  She was thrilled with the price and the quality of the kits she ordered.  Diane suggested a group of us get together and do a Felted Wool Pumpkin....you know I was game :)

Waldo was up for some fun too......as was my youngest co-worker, Zach.

 He really enjoyed being able to "poke, poke, poke, poke, poke....." the felted wool.  Something about that repetitive activity had his attention the entire time.

Take a look at  some of the Felted Wool Pumpkins that were made that day from the kits we ordered from BacktoBackAlpaca.com

This one is mine.  I didn't think it turned out so bad considering it was my first time.

Some gals didn't care for the faces so they enjoyed making the Felted Wool Pumpkin Sans the Face :)

 

This can be used all the way through Thanksgiving too.

Now I'm off to sew!

Big Ole Happy Smiles,

Kelly

I'm Putting Out An APB on my Dovo Solingen Scissors

Do you remember that song...I'm putting out an APB on the one I love?  I need an APB on my Dovo Scissors.  I've misplaced them and it has plagued me for 3 days now.   You know this pair of scissors rival all others if I refuse to cut without them.  I"m not typically that fussy but I'm telling you there is a HUGE difference.

I just so happen to have this Bandana Panel from Michael Miller Fabrics and I want to cut out the center medallion.   Why you ask?

Because I found this small quilt at a thrift shop for 3 dollars.  It doesn't have any backing so I thought I would give it some pizazz and then donate it at my guild meeting.  The colors are fun and bright but the center looks like it is begging for something.  I dug in my stash and found the Michael Miller Bandana Panel...and BINGO....the colors match very well.

Most folks I know would have cut a circle around it and stitched it down.  Why on earth do I think it needs to be fussy cut?  I don't know either!

The only way I know of to fussy cut around the design resulting in smooth lines is to use my Dovo Hardanger Scissors...BUT...I can't find them : (  

Check out the point on these beauties.  IHAN® carried some Dovo Solingen Scissors but I didn't sell very many.  I think it was the expense....these are very high end scissors.  This pair will set you back approximately 55 dollars.  Yep, I know they are expensive but I'm telling you they are worth every cent. 

Do you have a pair of scissors that do for you what no other pair do?  I'd love to hear about them.  Please leave a comment below as I must know that I'm not alone here :)

I may consider picking up several of Hardanger Scissors if there are others who want to experience the Dovo difference let me know and maybe IHAN® will start caryrying them again.

 This is for the Flamingo Flock Fan Club Members...LOL

It appears their Flamingo-mobile  is back in operating order....such good news ay?

Smiles,
Kelly

Hoffman Fabrics "Sushi Roll" Winners Announced

Hoffman Fabrics Warehouse Tour Post Follow-Up

How about this photo to put some pizazz, zip, punch and pow into your day? 

Thank you to everyone who stopped by to leave a comment as I so enjoyed reading them.  Now I feel like I had a few hundred friends there with me for the tour...that's fun.

The "Sushi Rolls" (given their name by SewCalGal....she's so smart :) are made from the samples from Hoffman Fabrics.  I'm not much of a seafood fan....but I'm telling you this is one "Sushi Roll" that I'd jump over a hurdle for.

As promised, today the winners of the Hoffman Fabric "Sushi Rolls" are being announced.  If you are one of the winners, you have one week to e-mail me at IHaveANotion@yahoo.com with your full name and shipping address.  If you don't claim it....I choose another winner.

Congratulations Brita!

Congratulations Debbie!

Congratulations LesQuilts!

Congratulations ANudge!

Congratulations TheMuddlePuddle!

I'll be sad to see those beautiful rolls of Hoffman Fabric leaving my desk....AND....I'll be tickled to see what people make with them.

Since each of the fabrics are different in the "Sushi Roll" they are really nice for making some fun gifts.  How about making some of MJE's Bag Tags?  The tutorial is right on the side bar of my blog.  Those always make lovely gifts.  Bag Tags are great not only for luggage....they are great when you need to label to any personal belongings.  I keep on on my computer bag ....just in case :)

Do you have a tutorial that you have written that you would like me to add to the IHAN ® blog?  Feel free to e-mail me at IHaveANotion@yahoo.com  :)

OH Yes...I almost forgot....the Flamingo Flock Fan Club probably want to see what they are up to today...so here's your fix:

When I stopped to take the photo I was shocked....at first I thought the Flamingo had been hit by a car.  Then I noticed the car is up on blocks and that's the mechanic working on the car (I can be a bit slow sometimes :)

Who would have known Flamingos were so handy?  I do need my oil changed....think I should pull up on their lawn?

Just in case you have been out of town and are not caught up with the latest on the Flamingos......
1.  They are not my Flamingos
2.  The folks who own the Flamingos have given me permission to post their address for those of you who would like to send some Flamingo Fan Mail.  You will have to GO HERE and then click on the link that says "CLICK HERE" to get the address.  I know it is a bit hidden but I thought it best to not put their address on my blog post.  I have heard of Flamingo-Nappings and I would be very sad if they went missing.

Smiles,
Kelly

I've Adopted a Little/Big Girl :)

Here is a photo of her just as the midwives delivered her on a floral blankey.  She was the child of a lovely woman in North Carolina and I have adopted this beautiful baby :)

I picked her up yesterday and she sat in her play house until today when I had the time to put her on her perch.  She is a Babylock Elegante and she's 4 1/2 years old.

I couldn't help but put a hoop in just to see how she looked....sort of like a bonnet on a baby :)  After much research I decided the Babylocks are the most user friendly and their user manuals actually make sense.  If you own an Embroidery Machine....you know of what I speak.

Her name is Maddy Jo.  I know a few of you are going to want to know how she got her name....so for those of you who don't care....have a great day :)

For those with inquiring minds:   I met with a friend for lunch about 15 years ago.  During the lunch we talked about our dreams and I said I want to have a child and if she is a girl I'm going to name her Madeline Elizabeth.  I love the name Madeline and Elizabeth is the middle name of my best friend since 3rd grade.

A few months later I met Rick (Mr. McSteamy) and we were married in 2000.  Guess what his youngest daughters name is...yep...Madeline Elizabeth.  So I have a Madeline Elizabeth and I'm absolutely in love with her.

I just so happened to be having lunch with a person by the name of Joe when I was talking about my dreams....so I'm calling her Maddy Jo....not to be confused with Madeline Elizabeth :)

If you can believe it....I've only had 30 minutes to myself since yesterday so all I could do was get Maddy Jo set up.  I'm on the road now....and I won't be back to play with Maddy Jo until after 8pm this evening.  If this old girl has any energy left....she's going to go play with Maddy Jo....I can't wait.

For those of you who need a Flamingo Fix....here you go:

 

The Flamingos were having a party this past Monday.

 On Wednesday this week they were guarding the front porch and the others were.....

watching the road.  Now....if I were a paranoid type....I'd be thinking they are making sure the nutcase doesn't come into their world and add any props.  Since I'm not paranoid.....I think they are waiting to have their photo taken :)  I'm not sure everyone noticed that the people who own the Flamingos have given me permission to publish their address for those who want to send a note to them or to the Flamingos.  I've added a tab to my blog and if you look there you'll find the link to the address.

Smiles,
Kelly