Raise Your E-Notion IQ - Mistyfuse and Applique Template Paper Product Reviews

It's Wednesday again....that means it's time to "Raise Your E-NotionIQ" here at the IHAN blog.  This post would have been up bright and  early but blogger and picasa were fighting with me....better late than never ay? 

Let's start with one of my favorite products...Mistyfuse.  I can't believe it when people say, "I've never heard of Mistyfuse" or "I don't know how to use Mistyfuse."  All I can think is Really?  Let's not let that happen to you or any of your friends :)

Mistyfuse is a fusible that doesn't have paper on the back.  It is one of my favorites because it is so light...you don't have that heaviness that most fusibles leave on your fabric....you can barely feel it behind your fabric.  It works great on all fabrics....cotton, tulle, organza, velvet...it even works on paper

I'm working on my Power Suit Challenge piece so this is a perfect time to show you how I use Mistyfuse.  First....I'm going to show you my inspiration pile of fabrics...I'm not going to give too much information here...not until the big reveal of my Power Suit Challenge submission.

So, this is what Mistyfuse looks like out of the package....light and paperless....just like I said.

You can see in this photo above that I've laid the Mistyfuse on top of the wrong side of a piece of fabric.  Then I take my Goddess Sheet (you can use a Goddess Sheet, another Teflon pressing sheet or parchment paper) and I lay my Goddess Sheet over the Mistyfuse.  Next, I press....Mistyfuse loves heat so don't worry about scorching it. 

Yep, I even took a picture of me pressing the Mistyfuse to the wrong side of my fabric.  :)  After I press it I lift the Goddess Sheet and the fusible is now on the back of my fabric.  It's not magic....its Mistyfuse...LOL.

Since I'm working on my Power Suit Challenge project I'm going to walk you step by step how I made my applique shapes. 

After I fused the Mistyfuse to my fabric I went over to my printer and took my pattern (drawn by the one and only Jean...formerly known as Lois Grabowski :) and I printed each section onto a piece of Ultimate Applique Template Paper.

In my printer the side you want to have printed on goes in facing forward...the shiny side goes toward the back.

Then I press the Applique Paper to the front of my fabric.  You can do press the Mistyfuse and the Applique Paper at one time...for the sake of demonstration I'm doing them separately.

and then cut out my shape. Notice I'm trying very hard not to show you the design? Quit trying to figure it out....its gotta be a surprise!

Now wasn't that simple?  I just peal off the Applique Paper and fuse my piece in place.  I know there are a lot of other methods for transferring designs....I just like this one so I thought I'd tell ya about it. 

Many of you are thinking...then why don't ya just use the other fusibles that come on paper...right?  I'll tell ya why....because those other ones are stiffer and I like my pieces to look and feel like they are one piece of fabric.  There is no added adhisive so it does not gum up your needles...it is light and it feels like its not there.

 

Ok, back to Mistyfuse.  I told ya earlier you can use it on paper and now I'm going to show you a fun way to make a party napkin into a fusible by pressing Mistyfuse to the back and you can sew with it or use it in a collage (of course if you sew with it ya don't was the art piece...don't say I didn't tell ya).

If you use paper napkins....check to see if there is more than one layer of paper used. 

You can see here there is a white background to the napkin....I removed that layer by just pealing it back and off.

Then I did the same thing I did with fabric...put Mistyfuse on the wrong side of the paper napkin and....

Wahhhhh Laaaaa....you have fusible paper napkin....fun isn't it?  If you are the creative sort and want to make a thread design...sort of like a free form art embellishment...you can make your thread fusible too. 

Here you can see I took some thread off the spools and put them together and placed them between my Goddess Sheet that I had folded in half -Goddess Sheet on top and bottom with the thread and Mistyfuse sandwiched in between.

You guessed it...I pressed the thread sandwich....silly to show all the photos but like I always say...I'm a visual person so it helps me to demonstrate each step.

When I opened the Goddess Sheet this is what I had....purple and orange thread fused together.  I didn't press it too long because if I had all of the Mistyfuse would have disappeared....and I wanted some left to make my thread embellishment stick to my background fabric.

This is a before pressing photo.

Yep...pressing the thread to the black fabric....

And here is the thread fused to the black fabric.  If I had put the Mistyfuse over the threads on the black fabric and pressed you would still see some of the Mistyfuse on the black fabric...it shines a little so that's why I put the Mistyfuse on the thread first.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it!!!  Now you can't say you've never heard of Mistyfuse or Ultimate Applique Paper for that matter.

Smiles,
Kelly

IHAN Blog Follwer Special - Up to 40% off In Stock AccuQuilt Dies

IHAN Blog Followers ONLY Sale

I'm doing an inventory reduction and I've listed the AccuQuilt Dies and Mats - IN STOCK ONLY and they are up to 40% off but Only While Supplies Last....when they are gone....they are gone.

Please e-mail your orders to me at IHaveANotion@yahoo.com first in is first to be filled.  If you order through the website you may not get your dies....so please e-mail the order to me.

Click Here to before it is too late.

Smiles,

Kelly

A Touch of Whimsey Winner Announced

I was going to announce the winner tomorrow....but.....well.....I couldn't wait any longer...LOL.

A Touch of Whimsey by Abbey Lane Quilts

Everyone needs a little Sunday night fun right?  The Random Number Generator popped out number 7....and the 7th comment belongs to:

Congratulations PinsAndNeedles!!!  Please send me an e-mail with the shipping address of your choice at IHaveANotion@yahoo.com within three days please.  After that, I will choose another winner.

Thank you Abbey Lane Quilts for your generous gift!!!  For everyone else who entered....I reduced the price of A Touch of Whimsey on my website for blog readers....others don't know I reduced it....and I'll keep it at the special blogger price for 24 hours.....after that...it goes back to it's regular price.

Smiles,

Kelly

A Touch of Whimsey by Abbey Lane Quilts Book Review and Giveaway

Most of you know I didn't make it to Spring Quilt Market in May.  Thankfully there were some very wonderful folks who noticed my absence and sent me e-mails asking where I was.  It was a wonderful feeling I gotta tell ya.  Two of the gals who noticed I was missing were Marcea Owen and Janice Liljenquist from Abbey Lane Quilts.  Once they learned I could not go they immediately shipped me a copy of their latest book to review.  Thanks Marcea and Janice!!!

A Touch of Whimsey

Oh I'm telling you there are some very fun and whimsical patterns in this book.  Check out the wreath pillow at the top of the page, isn't that fun?  Not only does it look nice in cotton....I think it would be beautiful in wool or felted wool as well.  Adding a little personal touch with some embroidery....the possibilities are limitless.  You know me...I'd add one of those little battery operated string of lights too!

The Joy pillow makes me smile.  I love those little dangle balls around the ruffle and the little bells on the stocking.  My grandmother had those dangle balls on her bathroom curtains....I loved playing with them. 

Check out all the different patterns included in A Touch of Whimsey.  So many to choose from....and you know what I was thinking?  How fun it would be to use some of the patterns in wall hangings or reduce the size and put them on a tote or purse.  I really like the witches hat (top right) and I think that would be so fun on a Halloween treat bag or on a t-shirt.  Most of you already think that way....but sometimes I get stuck in my thinking and see patterns only one way....today is not one of those days....thankfully.

Do you need to add a Touch of Whimsey to your life?  Here is your chance.  Leave a comment on this post telling me which design you would make first and I'll choose a winner on Sunday and let you know who won on Monday. 

Thank you Abbey Lane Quilts for thinking of me and for this wonderful book!!

Smiles,

Kelly

Wantobe Quilter Campaign - You can still join in

There seems to be some confusion out there about entering the Wantobe Quilter Campaign because I'm getting comments and e-mails wondering if people can still enter.  The answer is YES you can and you can also refer your family members and friends who don't own a sewing machine, notions or a fabric stash.

This is how it works:  You send your name or your persons name to one of the registered bloggers (I am one of them and my e-mail is IHaveANotion@yahoo.com) along with your e-mail and phone number.  The person who is the Wantobe Quilter stops over at the Stash Manicure blog on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from now until the end of October....that's 3 months of giveaways....and leaves a comment on the post which includes the phrase....."I was sent by Kelly Jackson" or what ever registered blogger they have signed on with.  The winners are announced the next day on the Stash Manicure blog so it's a good idea to keep reading and check out all the fun posts and great guests.

The "experienced quilters" ie those with machines and notions can stop by the Stash Manicure blog and leave comments on Tuesdays and Thursdays to win prizes.  

There are prizes for three months so chances are pretty good that if you keep reading and leaving comments you may win a wonderful prize.  Madame Samm, the moderator for Stash Manicure, has put this campaign together on her own time and money....she is not receiving payment from anyone for doing this huge project....so  the winners will be expected to pay the postage for shipping their prize.   If you don't want the prize please don't leave a comment that day.

None of the information you provide will be used or shared with any third parties and it is not collected for solicitation....no spam or unwanted e-mail or phone calls....this information is just for the database to connect and verify that folks are entered and are followers of the blogs.  If you win and you are not a follower of my blog and Stash Manicure....you won't be eligible and Madame Samm will draw another name...so make sure you've done those things.

Are you a no-reply blogger?  Do you know what one is? 

A no-reply blogger is a person who leaves a comment on a blog and your e-mail address is not linked so there is no way for anyone to reply to your comment.  One of the biggest reasons folks can't win prizes in giveaways. 

To fix it just do this:

In blogger.com, click on Dashboard.

Select Edit Profile.
Check the box for "Show my Email Address."
Save changes.

Oh those photos....are you wondering what on earth the animal photos have to do with the Wantobe Quilter Campaign?  They have nothing to do with it....blog posts are no fun without pictures so I used some I had in Picasa from our recent trip to African Safari in Sandusky OH....I know most of you are not surprised by my silliness.

Giggles and Smiles,

Kelly

Raise Your E-Notion IQ - Gypsy Sit Upon Product Review

It is Wednesday, again, can you belive it?  Where does the time go?  My grandmother was right when she said time goes by so quickly don't wish even one moment away.  It is time to raise your E-Notion IQ here at the IHAN Blog. 

Today I'm reviewing the Gypsy Sit Upon Cushion.  You are probably wondering what in the heck this purple thing has to do with stitching....right?  The first time I saw it I was puzzled until I went over and sat on it....then I knew what the buzz was all about.

First let me tell you what it is then I'll tell ya what it is (sorry to say it does not clean houses....I'm still lookin').  The Gypsy Sit Upon is an air filled flexible cushion to sit on. 

The Gypsy Cushion is great to use while working at your sewing machine, driving , at work, your kids soccer games, even reading....anything you do while sitting down.  It reduces the pressure on your tailbone and helps relieve lower back pain, strengthens your core muscles and improves your posture. 

When I give lectures on Notions at guilds I bring mine and pass it around.  Typically people's first response is to laugh...I think because of the nubs, just guessing...lol....then you see them smile.  I find it usually doesn't make it to the back of the room because the gals won't give it up and pass it along. 

The other comment I hear and I said myself was....this ain't gonna fit my caboose.  The Gypsy Sit Upon is not intended to cover your whole bottom...one side really does fit all.  While you sit you are balancing on it...hence the strengthening your core muscles.  Since it doesn't cover the entire seat your tail bone gets a break....it relaxes...ahhhhh....I'm sitting on mine now :)

Here is one side of the Gypsy Sit Upon Cushion...

and the other side has more pronounced nubs.

If you are anything like me you are thinking....why would I want to sit on those raised nubs?  Once you sit on it you realize you don't really feel the nubs after a few minutes or so....the raised nubs allow for air flow and its good for blood circulation.  Posture is so important while sitting for long periods of time and hey...if you can strengthen your core muscles while sitting....that's a bonus!

I've decided to give the IHAN blog readers a special deal on the Gypsy Sit Upon Cushions for the next 24 hours.  I'm marking them down and not telling anyone but blog readers....so if you want one...CLICK HERE.....I'm not willing to sell them at this price to everyone...IHAN blog readers are very special folks! :)

Smiles,

Kelly

Make Yourself At Home

Edited to add Jean's Blog link

Oh please do....Make Yourself At Home....Don't ya just love this coaster?  I found it at my Mom's house over the weekend.  A friend sent them to her....I have to make myself some of those....way too good.

My blogging buddy, Lois Grabowski (well that's her old pen name) is coming for a visit next week....I better get some of these fast...LOL :)  Speaking of Lois...she is "coming out" as herself with her new blog....can you believe it has her real name?  When I get the link I"ll share it with everyone.  I have always enjoyed reading her blog so if you like fun blogs.  Pop over to visit Jean's new blog http://jeancreates.blogspot.com/

I've been taking it easy and doing my best to get healthy.  Typically I just talk about stitching related stuff....but since I've slowed down a bit....I've really gotten my hands messy.  See for yourself:

Green gewwww....yucky!!!  The co-workers and I mixed up some fun last evening.  We made some glow in the dark chalk.  It didn't quite set properly so we were forced to use paintbrushes.

Gotta love the art here at IHAN

Googlie Eyes

Zach left a little message for his Daddy in the driveway.

This morning I rise early...get the boys ready for their camp and head down the road.  30 minutes later we arrive at the Toledo Zoo.

Yep....all ready to go with sunscreen applied and his lunch...paper airplane in tow.

Then there is my unique son....yep he claims he is ready for the day.  Check out his shoes!!!

You know the first words out of my mouth were, "Please Zach tell me you have the other sandal here in the fan."  His response, "Nope."  Apparently Zach wanted to wear his boots and one of the straps is broken so he solved the problem by wearing a sandal on the other foot.  Sometimes ya just have to let go....I did and he is walking around today with two different shoes.

I think this was Zach's self portrait....he drew it last week during his Animal Artist camp.  His inner being...a wild monkey...LOL

So that's my slow life....anything new and exciting in your life?

Smiles,

Kelly

AccuQuilt & Sizzix Fabric Cutting Dies SALE

Are trying to stretch a dollar too? Are there some dies you've been wanting but were waiting for a sale?  NOW is the time!!!   IHAN has marked down all AccuQuilt and Sizzix Westminster Fabric Cutting Dies 30% off for the next three days only.  If there is a die you've been wanting....now is the time to order.  When the sale is over...it's over...

Smiles,

Kelly

Are you ready?

Monday is August 1st and you know what that means?  The Wantobe Quilter Campaign at StashManicure Blog begins.  I know how many of you reply to my posts when I do a giveaway.  I even remember two years ago when I did a month of giveaways (I was nuts then :) all the comments that came into the IHAN blog.  StashManicure Blog is having THREE MONTHS of giveaways...YES  THREE MONTHS.  Madam Samm is going to be swamped-flooded-monsooned with e-mails. 

I've been over and checked out the sponsor list and I'm telling you this is the Big One....

                                                  you better tell Elizabeth that Fred is on his way.

Sewing machines....not 1,  not 2, not 3, but 4.....yes FOUR sewing machines will be given away.  Fabric?  Hundreds of yards of fabric and  tons of books.  So many of my favorite companies are participating so you know the prizes are going to be terrific!!!   You know I'm excited because Famore Cutlery (my favorite Scissor Man) is a sponsor as well as Creative Grids Rulers, my favorite Irons by Reliable (the best iron I've ever used), Pins, and Notions from Clover, Notions from The Grace Company, Martingale sent books..oh and Lady Eleanor Burns (Quilt In A Day), Ms. Joan Hawley (Lazy Girl Designs) and  Aurifil Threads.......I'm telling ya folks...this is definitely THE BIG ONE :)  That isn't even a complete list....those are just the sponsors I can recall right now there are tons more.  Oh yeah...and IHAN too :)

So...if you don't own a sewing machine and you don't have a stash of fabric...you are a Wantobe Quilter.  Ya need someone to submit your name, phone number and e-mail addy to Madam Samm in order to participate.  That's where I come in :)  If you or someone you know is a Wantobe Quilter please send me an e-mail at IHaveANotion@yahoo.com with the person's full name, e-mail and phone number.  The Wantobe Quilter will not be contacted and their information will not be used for solicitation....just for this  giveaway :)

Once the Wantobe Quilter's name has been submitted they need to visit StashManicure Blog and leave comments on the posts and say who sent them....in my case it would be Kelly Jackson :)  

What are you waiting for?  Call every person you know who have an interest in becoming a quilter and get on the bandwagon....this is going to be so much fun.

Smiles,

Kelly

Sisterhood of Quilters

Oh geez...I should have been smart enough to check the website first....OK girls...if you liked the Sisterhood Of Quilters that I posted about yesterday....you got to go over to the Sisterhood Of Quilters Website and check it out.  Lots of fun stuff and free stuff too :)

My thanks to everyone who has wished me well.  I'm wishing myself well too :)  There are days that I either wished I had gone to medical school or that I had married a Dr....ever have one of those days?   I'm guessing those married to Drs wish they had married a Masseuse...or a Dentist or a Mechanic....I so understand polygamy now....I'm thinking it might be great for women to have several husbands or wives....what ever and who ever can do all these things...I know I want a Wife too!!! 

Smiles,

Kelly

Too Much Fun

Even though I'm been sick (kidney infection) I've still had some good laughs and some smiles today.  I have to show you what I found and of course I had to add all of these to IHAN as well.

First is this very fun magnet.  I had to blow the photo up so it is a little blurry....tell me you don't know at least 5 girlfriends who would love one of these.  I love, love, love it.

Fat Quarter Queen Magnet -Designed by Jody Houghton

I also learned there is an entire line of fun things for the "Sisterhood of Quilters" so I added an entire category to IHAN devoted to nothing but the "Sisterhood of Quilters."  I might have seen these had I gone to Market in the Spring...I don't know but I sure am glad I found them cause they sure do make me smile.

Check out this collection called, "What Happens At The Beach Stays At The Beach."  This is the front of the package....who would not be drawn over to look and see what these ladies are doing?  They grabbed me....

 

Inside are these cards.  The larger one is, "The Sisterhood of Quilters" Mission & Motto, Membership and definitions...I'm telling you it is too funny.  Then you get two Membership Cards.....I guess one for yourself and one to give away with the project. 

The best part is the fabric panel and pattern.  Below are photos of what is on the panel and I'm telling you if I went to the beach with ladies who looked like they were having this much fun I'd never come back. 

 You know I need a hat like this...I do have red hair and  I really like purple and green...and fish...yep....guess that's me :)

I'm thinking this would be so much fun as a surprise throw for a friend.  Can you imagine the smile on their face?  There are other Sisterhood of Quilters Panels too...just click here to see them all.  Too much fun.

Here is another really fun wall hanging that I'm going to make for my sewing room.  I've always wanted something like this and now I've found the pattern.  It is called, Written in Words by Bareroots.

This pattern also comes with an additional pattern for the bag shown in the photo above.  I love the little sewing machine and the words.  I'm going to change some of the words to personalize it for myself....you know it has to say "Kelly's Sewing Room."  I've gotten the embroidery bug lately. 

Many of you know I have three grown girls.  Guess what each of them is getting on a package for Christmas this year?  Yep...some Snow Folk....they have little pockets on the back for a little prize too.  I guess I've been living under a rug because I had no idea that Rachel's of Greenfield had kits with their patterns. 

These will be a snap to put together because everything is in the kit.  I like projects like this for the car ...when Rick is driving of course!!!  I love things like this on the tree and I know the girls will love having their names and their hubbies names (two are married) on the ornaments.

I feel like I've been lost in a time warp since I did not go to Spring Market.  I would have known about all these things...or so I tell myself....who knows really?  I know for sure I'll be living until I'm 127 years old...that's how many projects I have lined up. 

Smiles,

Kelly