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

Giveaway Alert

How would you like to win a quilt top? You and me both :) Head over to Barb's blog, Bejeweled Quilts by Barb and check out her giveaway.

Thursday, August 27, 2009
GIVEAWAY!!! TWO AWESOME PRIZES!!!!

Smiles,

Kelly

What I Won't Do To Win Something

Vicki from Felines and Fiber Arts Blog had a 100th post Give Away and I won this gift. It arrived in the mail a few hours ago. Vicki you are so generous!!! Thanks a Ka-Zillion :)

Vicki asked everyone to choose some questions to answer for a chance to win some great fabrics and a book. This was the comment I left:

To win that book and first set of fabrics I'd post nude photos of myself on my blog...nude while quilting...

I love those fabrics....I love fish and those look yummy.

This is the link to the blog that inspired me
to do something I would not have done:

http://www.laceyjhill.com/blog/

I was interested in the quilt as
you go no binding circles that Lacey
has designed. I like the circle quilt I
made a few years ago and this seems like
a fun way to make a table runner
that I need for fall.

I've learned so much from blogging it is
incredible. I'd take up too many pages if I went into
it....I'm never short for words. Lets just say it has opened my world and my heart.

FYI...I never said full frontal nudity while quilting...just nude
quilting. Everyone can stop cringing now...LOL

So, to hold up my end of the bargain....here are The Photos.

Revealing aren't they? I think this is as much skin as most readers can tolerate. Anyone wanting to see more skin....I've heard there are magazines for people like you.
Appreciative Smiles,

Kelly

Amy Butler Spanky Name Badge Challenge Update

The Amy Butler Spanky Name Badge Challenge photos are all in. I have forwarded all the photos that were sent to me along to Amy Butler Designs. Thank you for everyone who participated. The winner will be announced as soon as I hear back from Amy Butler Designs :)

I promised to put everyone who advertised this challenge on their blog or e-mailed 5 friends an opportunity to win 4 MJE Bag Tags. I put all the names in a hat and pulled out John Adams (Quilt Dad). If you have not visited his blog....you are missing out. Click on his name and you'll be magically delivered to his blog.


A special thanks to Khris (SewPrimKhris). Her blog is way too much fun....and you guessed it you clever devil....click on her name and wah....lahhh....you will be sitting smack dab in the middle of her blog :) Khris taught me to put the buttons on my blog for both the Roc-Lon Challenge and the Amy Butler Challenge. Khris Rocks!!!


John, you need to send me your address so I can mail out 4 MJE Bag Tags :)


Grateful 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

Penny Haren and Creative Grids Rulers

Checker 61st Anniversary Open House Chapter 2

Good Morning...and evening to everyone on the other side of the globe :) I can't believe how much I saw in just one day. I think I better write several posts while everyone is still sleeping. Aaron's goes to First Grade today!!! Zach starts Kindergarten Monday!!! So many exciting things happening....but back to the topic right?

Penny Haren was there showing and signing her most recent book, Pieced Applique Weekend Projects. Penny designed the Square It Up and Fussy Cut Rulers for Creative Grids. I really like the rulers Penny has designed because they make getting the exact repeat in fabric you want so easy. After watching Penny demonstrate her rulers at the last show, I came home and ordered some for myself. That is a big compliment in my book.....I see lots of notions and accessories....but I typically don't come home and start ordering for myself.

Creative Grids 6 1/2in Triangle Square It Up Or Fussy Cut Ruler

Penny's takes the mystery out of making intricate blocks. She starts with basic foundations blocks and turns them into eye popping blocks. The one I really loved is the red and green block with the yo-yo's around the outside. It actually looks like someone has a light shining on it.

I "borrowed" this photo of Penny because it is "perfect." The fans were blowing Penny's hair every which way when I was taking her picture. Now....to make a silly point....do you think Penny looks any better "perfect" than she does "in the moment?" Me either...Penny your spirit and joy in what you are doing shows through even when your hair is blowing every which way and your lipstick has worn off.

Smiles,
Kelly