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Showing posts with label Pat Sloan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pat Sloan. Show all posts

Monday, September 27, 2010

Welcome to The Edge Blog Hop with Pat Sloan and Friends

Good Morning Blog Hoppers!!!
(edited 9/27/10 9:45pm)

Welcome to the IHAN blog.  If this is your first time visiting, IHAN is short for I Have A Notion....my on-line Notions Store.  Here at the IHAN blog you will find lots of great information about the latest and greatest Notions, interesting people and  lots of giveaways (this is the third giveaway going on right now at IHAN).

Pat Sloan has helped Sulivan's design some really neat new rulers. I bet you already knew that though....and you are here to enter the big giveaway....a full set....YES....10 Cutting Edge Sharpening Rulers!!!!   I know how excited you must be so I'm going to give you a few minutes to catch your breath.....realx....get your heart beat and blood pressure under control.  While you are relaxing, I'm going to share a few details about my quilting life.....just don't get so relaxed that you fall asleep.

 
"Many Hands"
I consider this my first quilt because I took an official quilting class and this was my project. I chose the fabric for one simple reason, it had an elephant in the print, albeit very small, and I really like elephants. Each family member, living in my home at the time, was asked to choose a block pattern and then choose the placement of the fabrics. There were 6 of us and if we all still lived together that would make 8 now....make that 9....one is married. I did all the machine piecing and it was hand quilted by my very dear friend and amazing hand quilter, Mary Jane (IHAN's East Coast Director of Operations).
Choosing fabric ..... well....there is a little history to my issues with choosing fabric.  Several years ago I had signed up for a class to make a tote bag.  The gal who was teaching the class told us to get some "inspiration" fabric.  I asked her where she got hers and she told me the name of her local quilt shop.  I drove an hour on a Saturday to the quilt store and read the end of every bolt in that shop.  I could not find the word "Inspiration" on any of the bolt ends.   When the sales lady was free,  she asked if she could help and I asked where the "Inspiration" fabric was and she seemed puzzled.  I was soooooo frustrated.....all I wanted was the darn fabric and to go home.  I left empty handed and drove to a pay phone (remember those days?) I called the instructor and told her the shop no longer carried "Inspiration" fabric.  She laughed so long and hard I thought she might just start snorting.  Apparently "Inspiration" fabric is any fabric that inspires a person to create......OK....why didn't she just say that?  Thankfully I have no issues with choosing great Notions!! 

How is your heart rate and blood pressure now?  If you are relaxed....I'll get on with the big giveaway!!

The Cutting Edge Sharpening Rulers are some darn cool rulers because they sharpen your rotary blade while you cut.  Neat ay?  I think so....and when you cut with them....they make a sound....the sound of the blade being sharpened....I was not expecting that and was pleasantly surprised.  Pat Sloan and Sulivans clearly put a great deal of time into designing these rulers.  Click here to learn more about all the details.  The Cutting Edge Sharpening  Rulers are available at local quilt stores, Pat Sloan's Quilt Shop, IHAN and I bet lots more places I don't even know about.


To win an entire set of The Cutting Edge Sharpening  Rulers you must leave a comment on all of the blogs (listed below)  that are participating in the Hop


Monday September 27th
I Have A Notion Blog-Kelly Jackson


Tuesday September 28th
Amys Creative Side Blog- Amy Ellis
Canton Village Quilt Works Blog -Jackie Kunkel

Wednesday September 29th
Jaybird Quilts Blog- Julie Herman
Crazy Mom Quilts Blog- Amanda Jean Nyberg
Thursday September 30th
 Happy Zombie Blog- Monica Solorio-Snow
Mrs. Schmenkman Quilts Blog- Amy Lobsiger
PamKittyMorning Blog -Pam Vieira-McGinnis

Friday October 1st
LaVieEnRosie Blog- Carie Nelson
Minick & Simpson Blog- Polly Minick and Laurie Simpson
Naptime Quilter Blog- Cheryl Arkison

Saturday October 2nd
Quilting Gallery - Michele Foster
Pat Sloan's Blog for the big Wrap Up

You will definitely need some nourishment while doing all this blog hopping.  I'm just glad you are not depending on me to provide it....because you may end up in the hospital.  My idea of nourishment generally includes a phone number, menu or a speaker box in a drive thru.  Mr. McSteamy cooks for the IHAN clan most of the time.  On Mr. McSteamy's birthday I do make him his favorite cake.  People have always asked for the recipe so I'm guessing you might like it better than the phone number to my local pizza parlor :)

Screwball Cake-Recipe (given to me by McSteamy's Mother)
3 cups flour
2 cups sugar
1/2 cup cocoa powder
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
Mix that all together in one bowl.  (Any bowl that will fit....no need to find an inspiration bowl!!)

In another bowl, mix together
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 teaspoons vinegar
2/3 cup oil

Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix.  Then add 2 cups of water and keep mixing. The recipe says don't grease the pan.....I always spray the pans with Pam Cooking Spray but don't tell my mother-in-law ok?  Cook on 350 degrees in the oven for 1 hour.  Then you have a naked cake.  If you like your cake aka breakfast to be covered....take some cream cheese and mix in a ton of powdered sugar and vanilla....add a little milk or water if you must....and smear it all over the top.  If you see some pearly gates after the first bite......you know you followed the recipe correctly.

Don't forget to leave a comment on this post to be entered to win the 10 Cutting Edge Sharpening Rulers.  The winner will be announced on Pat Sloan's Blog.  Edit: To be eligible to win the grand prize you must leave a comment on this post and the same for the others who are hosting the hop-the links to their pages are above.  So hop everyday and leave your comments :)



Oh yeah, I almost forgot, IHAN will also choose a winner from the comments left on this post and that person will receive an autographed copy of Anita Grossman Solomon's book, Rotary Cutting Revolution, new one step cutting 8 quilt blocks.  After all, you've got to put your new rulers to work right?

Smiles,
Kelly

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

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
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Thursday, May 27, 2010

Aurifil Thread Heist at Spring Quilt Market 2010 in Minneapolis

Meet Davide Moro, from Aurifil Threads.  Davide, I'm pleased to introduce you to the IHAN blog readers.

Poor Davide was walking down the hallway just before Schoolhouse at Quilt Market opened. I yelled in my oh so polite voice, Mr. Aurifil, and I chased Davide down for a photo. He was so polite to turn and smile. Little did he know that it was just a plan to get him accustomed to being distracted in preparation for the IHAN Aurifil Thread Heist!!! It worked :)


Later in the morning I ran in to Alex Veronelli, from Aurifil Threads, (same goes for Alex as Ricky yesterday and anyone else with their eyes closed : )  I would recognize his face....even on Facebook!!!

Little does Alex know the only Aurifil Thread  he will be able to sell will be the Aurifil he sells at Sample Spree because the rest will be gone in a IHAN blink!!!  See how relaxed he looks. 

Davide is friendly enough to say hello again later in the day.  Just as I got close enough to him and he relaxed (his breathing was nice and even and his arms loosely dangled at his sides) I went in for the initial IHAN tactical move -
The IHAN head lock!!! 

My plan was to learn the exact amount of pressure I would need to keep him at bay should he try to defend the Aurifil Thread Stands!  See ladies and gentleman, you have to "case the joint" before you rob it.  Casing the "joint" (Aurifil Booth) is part of the planning process.  I learned this from a really big mobster (Al Capone) while in the Pokey.

Edyta Sitar, Laundry Basket Quilts, was just finishing up her Schoolhouse lecture when this photo was taken. Since Edyta knows me, she was very relaxed as she posed for a photo.  The woman she was posing for just loves Edya's book, "Hop To It."  Edyta is completely unaware that I was reaching into her bag to take her Aurifil Thread Kit.  Notice she does not even  flinch.
I know, bragging about a theft is not typically polite....but since I know I'll be judged by a jury of my peers, who in their right mind would blame me?  Not a quilter, right? 
Since this was just a dry run, I gave Edyta's Thread Kit back to her.  Her husband, now all trim and fit, was giving me "the look."  You know "the look?"  The one where he is telepathically saying, "you touch her Aurifil Thread Kit again and I'm going to clock you!!  Yes, that one.  He definitely looked like he could run faster than me so I backed away slowly.


Later in the day.....
Davide was so compulsive he could not stop arranging the Aurifil display.  He had to be sure everything was  just perfect.  Since I noticed he was hyper-focused, I felt  invisible as I crawled up to the display to steal the  first box of Aurifil Thread.

As Davide, Alex and Elena were chatting with customers, I took the opportunity to grab my first Aurifil Thread display.  I wanted it to be small enough that I could still run fast without dropping a single spool.  If it were bags of money I were stealing  I might not mind as much  if a few bills flew away.....but I was not about to let even one spool of Aurifil Thread roll away.  NOT A CHANCE!!
I could not contain my joy as the security cameras captured my grin!!!  I forgot to shoot out the security camera with my IHAN secret ray gun that zaps all security cameras and renders them useless until the "Red Head" disappears from sight.
Here I am running right past the cleaning lad, she never even noticed.  I'm 6 feet tall and I've never let my height get in the way of stealing Quilting Notions.  Most folks are fooled by the smile and friendly persona this IHAN thief puts on.....little do they know that they are the unsuspecting targets of a IHAN Aurifil Thread Heist.
I lost my finesse as Alex Veronelli turned just in time to see me tilting the Aurifil Display onto my dolly (a pair of my size 12 roller skates.  They double as a great dolly).  I quickly put on the IHAN friendly smile and pretended I was "just playing."  The entire time my dark inner thoughts were "Look Mr. AV....I'm not letting you or anyone else get in the way of my desires....so just back your silver-haired-self with the lover-like-eyes OFF and away from MY Aurifil Display!!!"

I knew I would be too much for him.  Look at his smile.  He is showing a little frustration but the IHAN determination gleans right through my teeth.  This Aurifil Thread will be mine!!! 
Later,  I went for the big spools.  My only regret, I did not think to wear bigger underwear.  Can you imagine what I could have done with Triple G's?  I could have had several in one trip.  Next time I'll be better prepared :)
Ooops, I'm coming undone....one little thread at a time. 
Most gals want smaller waists and pant sizes.  NOT me!!!  The bigger the better.  I'm such a perfect sized Gal that I can stuff The Ultra Collection by Mark Lipinski right into my pants.  Well, I guess I ate too much at breakfast.....so I did the next best thing......

I stuffed it up my shirt.  How noticeable could it be?

Not very ay?

Now for the back loader.  I figure I can manage a few Aurifil Thread Kits in the back right?
Well, there may be a little bit of IHAN sticking out of the right side of my shirt.  If there were less of that I would have had more room for the Aurifil Thread Kits.  Now that is REAL incentive to get rid of the extra IHAN on my sides, right?  RIGHT!!!
The Grand Finale


I had just commandeered a Forklift and off with the Aurifil crate I drove.....all the way back to IHAN.


Aurifil Thread displays are now at IHAN....and they are only for me.  Sorry I can't share....I'm saving them just in case I get sent to the Pokey and need bail.  I'm offering one of each color to anyone who posts bond. 
 
The remainder of all of these Aurifil beauties will be split equally with the jury at my trial.  Now see if you have a leg to stand on Alex, Davide and Elena!!   The three of you will burst into tears when the Judge takes her gavel/donker and swings it into the air in a free motion quilting type move and announces the verdict -

NOT GUILTY
ON THE GOUNDS THAT AURIFIL WAS JUST WAY TOO TEMPTING!!!

It will be Aurifil's fault and they will have to pay a hefty fine to IHAN for the emotional pain and suffering that was caused by having to gaze upon their lovely Aurifil Threads and Kits.  This is what I call a Win/Win situation :)

 
It is so important to return to the "scene of the crime" so you don't look like a "real" suspect.  So I casually walked back by their display to see Edyta Sitar's  "A Few of My Favorites 50wt Aurifil Thread Set" .  It is absolutely beautiful...don't you think? 
 Then I casually gazed at Pat Sloan's 40wt Machine Piecing and Quilting Thread Kit and then at her 50wt Machine Quilting and Applique Thread Kit.   I was happy to see Pat's Sweet Liberty Heart Kit all made up.  I really like this pattern.
I just want to close by saying I can not confirm nor deny the "validity" of this post.  Since honesty is an IHAN value.....I will just say.....I'm honestly not confirming nor denying any part of this story!!!
The IHAN Poppy Queen Wave
I will however confirm and validate that all of the following spools of Aurifil Thread was lawfully purchased by me at Sample Spree.
Here they are all lined up.....oh I love to fondle my spools of thread :)  Some are Wool and some are 50 wt.  But I love them all equally!!


Thieving Smiles,
Kelly

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

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

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