Butterflies and Caterpillars Quilt by Ellen Highsmith Silver Oh La La

Metamorphosis

Such a wonderful word to ponder for the New Year.  Growth and transformation abounds in this colorful quilt that Ellen made a few years ago. 

The colors are so vibrant and the theme so beautiful I could not help but e-mail Ellen and ask if I could post a pix of her quilt.  I could just get lost looking into the quilt.

The Butterflies and Caterpillars were all fussy cut and hand appliqued.  She then manipulated the fabrics into wings and caterpillars....isn't that incredible?  I just love it. 

"Embroidery is my first love in the needlework world and I used it here and there for adding details. This whimsical quilt could suggest a whole new and time-consuming way to look at every single fabric design.

Hmmmm, what could this chicken foot or traffic cone or flower bud become if fussy cut? Bird feathers? Fish scales hydrangea blossoms?" 

I was first introduced to Ellen Highsmith Silver when I was working on the Roc-lon Multi Purpose Cloth Challenge last year. She is a very warm and wonderful woman with a great sense of humor. Her book, Floorquilts, will teach you how to use your fabrics...stash and scraps.....and turn them into amazing floor coverings.Speaking of Transformation and Metamorphosis, I'm off to get my Tina Turner hair to look more like Kelly Jackson hair.....POOF




Smiles,
Kelly

Aniko Feher, Quilt Artist, Is Looking For Pattern Testers

This is such an exciting opportunity and I'm so thrilled that Aniko  Feher gave me permission to post about her work. She is looking for pattern testers of all skill levels to test some of her patterns. I would absolutely love to be a pattern tester, but as many of you know, I can not commit my time because of IHAN and my co-workers. 

This is one of Aniko's quilts.  She is a portrait quilt artist from Oak Park, MI.  This close up of the baby stopped me dead on my keyboard.  All I could do was stare in admiration.  Isn't it breath taking?

The Michigan Region of Studio Art Quilt Associates (SAQA) has chosen Aniko as their featured artist for January.  You really need to stop over to their site and read more about Aniko.   I promise you will be glad you did.

Here is some more information about becoming a pattern tester:

"I would give you a reasonably good preliminary package containing the pattern and instructions.

You would either:

A. Make the project and comment on the instructions, noting particular problems or opportunities for improvement.

B. React to pattern by saying: Yuck, I have no interest in ever making this, what is that woman thinking?

In either event I'd like to get your overall impression and reasons for liking or not liking it - within 3 weeks.

This project is easy but time consuming. It takes a weekend to complete. I am not aiming for a complete finished quilt, only a finished quilt top.

To keep this from having any tinge of bribery, I am sorry but I can't offer you payment to do this.

I am asking it as a favor and hoping that it will be fun for you too. Your reward is a free pattern autographed and with many thanks, when it's hot off the press of course (and my gratitude for your assistance).

Any interest?

I have testing packs ready to go.

If interested I can send you the pack by mail.

I would like your comments back by the end of 3 weeks."

Written byAniko Feher

You now have all the information you need to decide if you would like to volunteer to be a pattern tester for Aniko.  I would like to add that you would be expected to return the pattern at your expense to Aniko if you do not complete the project.  I know everyone understands how important it is to get only those who honestly have the time and energy to volunteer.  The rest of us can buy a pattern after Aniko has them tested right?  Right :)  I know I'll be in that line.....I'm not missing out on learning how to make such a beautiful quilt.  I can see my boys baby pictures made into wall hangings....oh my heart is melting just thinking about it.  (They are upstairs right now...I hear their foot steps on the floor and they are supposed to be in bed.....I guess I have to go be "the boss" now!!)

To contact Aniko just e-mail her at quiltsbyaniko@gmail.com

Smiles,

Kelly

Simplicity Bias Taper Maker Machine & The Bendable Bright Light Best Sellers at IHAN

Best Sellers at IHAN in 2009 Were:

The Bendable Bright Light by Dream World  &

The Bias Tape Maker Machine by Simplicity

If you don't own a Bendable Bright Light....you are missing out big time.  Absolute Truth!!!  Every person who has bought one has been thrilled.  You won't believe how bright this light is and how much better you can see when using it.  You can get an extra bracket and move it between machines if you like.  You can use it on your quilting hoop, electric saw.....anywhere you need some focused very bright light.  Suggested Retail is 49.99 and IHAN sells it for $35.00 every day.  You think I'm kidding about how great it is?  Take the challenge....buy it.....you are not absolutely satisfied....I'll pay for the return shipping (and refund your money of course :).

The other huge seller last year was the Bias Tape Maker Machine by Simplicity.

This machine so totally rocks!!!  After seeing it demonstrated at Quilt Market and other Trade Shows....I knew I had to have one.  Did I absolutely need one?  No!!  So, why did I buy it?  Everyone knows you can make bias tape by hand or use one of the hand held bias tape makers right?  Right!  But, I have always burnt my fingers using the hand held ones and I want it to be painless and trouble free.  The Simplicity Bias Tape Maker Machine is painless and trouble free.  I have not had one single return....not one.  Everyone I know who owns one....loves it!!!   

Running closely behind the Bias Tape Maker is the Simplicity Rotary Cutting Machine.  It makes a pressure cut in your fabric and cuts fabric into strips from 3/8in to 2 3/4in wide.  Perfect for cutting fabric strips for strip quilts, rugs and works well on paper too!!!  You can get a variety of replacement blades including the Large Wave Blade.  Suggested retail price is 74.99 and IHAN sells it everyday for $54.99!!! View the video demonstration here.

I've gotten to know Mimi Smith, Product Manager, for Simplicity. Every single question I have ever asked about any Simplicity product she has answered and typically within the same day. My hat goes off to Simplicity and wisdom in hiring and having Mimi because she makes me trust Simplicity products more.

Speaking of Simplicity, the Simpli-EZ Bias Ruler, designed by Susan Brown, has been an excellent seller.  It makes cutting fabric on the bias so easy that you will never use anything else.  It is a great compliment to the Bias Tape Maker Machine.

(I know I digress....but this will give you some background on why I sell what I sell and IHAN values and beliefs)

I have no tolerance for buying something and it does not do what it claims to do. Just ask the return departments at Best Buy, Target, Wal Mart, JC Penny, Kohls and Meijers. I'm sure Kelly Jackson's name has been registered as a "regular returner!" I'm proud of that. I have absolutely no qualms about returning anything that does not meet my expectations (just ask my husband....lol). So if I own it and recommend it.....you know it works and works well!!

IHAN has sold so many pair of Jackpot Scissors that I keep several in stock ready to ship at a moments notice.  These scissors are made by Famore for Simplicity. 

Lois, an East Coast IHAN Scout, has un-sewn an entire quilt using her Jackpot Scissors.  Suggested Retail is 18.00 and IHAN's everyday price is $14.00.

Another brief digression....thanks for indulging me. 

Remember the Scissor Man?  Brint?  He and his wife, Michaelann, own Famore Cutlery and their company provides these wonderful scissors to Simplicity and several other companies.  Small world isn't it?

"The Scissor Man"

Onward to the next huge seller of 2009.  The Protect and Grip Thimble by Clover.  It comes in a Large, Medium and Small. Suggested Retail is $8.95 and IHAN sells them for $7.50 every day.

We discovered these wonderful thimbles in Pittsburgh at Quilt Market.  Mary Jane struck up a conversation with Jan Carr, COO/VP of Sales and Marketing, from Clover.  Jan suggested Mary Jane try the Protect and Grip Thimble.  She has tried almost every thimble on the market.  When Mary Jane says this is a great thimble.....you can believe it!!  

                                             

I wish I could take credit for the "discovery" of the Protect and Grip Thimbles by Clover.....but that honor goes to Mary Jane, Director of East Coast Operations for IHAN.  She struck up a conversation with Jan Carr, CEO, for Clover at the Pittsburgh Quilt Market.  I've never seen Mary Jane so excited about anything since her Bendable Bright Light.  She is a Thimble "Expert" and if she recommends it.....you know it Rocks!!!  I hate wearing a thimble....but I can wear the Protect and Grip Thimble.  Again....you won't be disappointed!

If you don't know what GrabARoo's are.....you need to and you'll thank me for the introduction :)

                                      

The gals from GrabARoo, Audrey House, Miriam Selzer and Tracy George started their company in 2006.  These are by far the best Sewing/Quilting gloves I've ever tried.  They don't snag when you pull them over your rings.  They are made from Nylon with  PVC dots on the finger tips....both sides!!! 

I discovered I was pulling my fabric when stitching and when I wear my GrabARoo's, I don't pull the fabric because they grip the fabric for me.  I also wear them when I scrapbook.  My mailman, Loren, wears them everyday....compliments of GrabARoo and IHAN :)  If you love your postal carrier....leave a pair in your mail box!!! 

Mistyfuse is another huge seller at IHAN. We first learned about Mistyfuse at the Pittsburgh Quilt Market.

                                                                    

Iris Karp, (owner/developer of Mistyfuse, Transdoodle & the Goddess Sheet), demonstrated how to use Mistyfuse and I was gah gah instantly. I was so impressed with the light weight fusible I carried a piece of it with me and told other shoppers about it. Iris probably thought I was off my rocker but I found it difficult to hide my enthusiasm.

Olfa Replacement Blades are a must for anyone using a hand held Rotary Cutter.  I have a 45mm Ergonomic Rotary Cutter by Olfa and I love it.  It is easy on my wrist and the blade is simple for me to replace.  There has been a special sale price at IHAN for the 45mm Olfa Replacement Blades (Blog Readers only $14.00).  The sale has been my way of thanking my readers and helping them to save their Joann's coupons for other things!!!  (Joann's is not a dirty word....although in some circles you would think it is...lol)

There may be a few packages of replacement blades left.  If you need to add some to your stash you need to e-mail me at IHaveANotion@yahoo.com to get the Blog Reader Price.

So there you have it....the top sellers at IHAN last year.  I am excited to go to Quilt Market in Minneapolis in May and learn about even more really cool Notions and Fun New Stitching and Sewing items.

Smiles,

Kelly

New Years Day at IHAN

 Par-tay is Over....but there is still time to....

Boogie Down

Smiles,

Kelly

IHAN Rocks the House on New Years Eve

We know how to party here at IHAN.  We started the day with Zach jammin on Aaron's guitar.

Then he moved over to a little percussion.   Move over Antonio Bandares.....Zach is moving in!!

Aaron had enough sharing of his new guitar....it is time for him to jam out a bit.  Andrés Segovia get out of the way.....Aaron is now movin on over :)

Par-tay Time

Here at IHAN midnight gets celebrated at 9pm.  First we have to have some hors d'oeuvres IHAN style!!

Just Chillin'

Nothing like some Scooby Doo Trouble at a New Years Eve Par-tay

 
8:45 gettin ready to Beat a Pot on the Porch

10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1.....HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Oh yea....forgot to mention the Party Poppers that went on inside after the big Pot Banging Par-tay!!!

That is our big New Years Eve!!!  I hope all of you have either had or will have a wonderful New Years Eve.

Happy New Year to All and to All a Good Night (that is what the boys said on the porch after they beat the pots and pans....no kidding)

New Smiles,

Kelly

Electric Quilt 6....DO EQ? I DO NOW!!!!!

This arrived in the mail today from The Electric Quilt Company. Talk about jumping up and down and running all over the house. I'm glad Rick did not have the video camera rolling because I have not even combed my hair or washed my face yet. Yikes :)

IHAN sells EQ6 and I have always wanted the EQ6 Software. You can imagine how excited I was when I learned I had won the software on Darlene's Blog, SewCalGal.

I am so excited to get this software downloaded and start a project....or even just start poking around.  I get to join the EQ Club now and start seeing what everyone else has been doing. 

If I forget to post in the next few days....someone needs to call me.  This could be seriously dangerous.....I get could get lost in EQ Land for days at  a time!!!

Dancing Smiles,
Kelly

JanetBaskets NOW AVAILABLE from $18.99-$26.99

Not only did I add the JanetBaskets (yes it is spelled correctly :) but I also added a few of my other favorites as well. 

This is a Scrap-Ma-Bob Cup & Bag Clamp-On Holder.

Prevent spilled drinks and eliminate clutter on your craft or sewing table. Durable steal holder attaches to the edge of most flat surfaces and is designed to hold a drink and reusable trash bag (included). Holds 32 ounce drinks.

I have one of these and I use it for my drink when I'm working downstairs in my sewing area.  I also take it with me to retreats so I don't spill my drink all over my pattern, fabric, machine etc.  I'm also a scrapbooker so you know I definitely use it then....no soda on my photos thanks :)

This is the Kaleidoscope Tote Designed by Paula Nadelstern.

I thought this tote would never arrive.  I think I waited 5 months or maybe longer to get this beautiful tote at IHAN.  It was on back order at every distributor I use for months. 

Do you remember the carpet in the skywalk in Houston that I loved?  Here is a photo:

It was designed by Paula Nadelstern.  No wonder the tote caught my eye so quickly.  I guess I know what I like when I see it....even when I don't remember the designers name.

Now for the JanetBaskets!!!

This amazingly lightweight tote features aluminum exterior structure and is completely collapsible. Originally designed as a market tote, it is also a super versatile project tote. The metal structure keeps access to goods inside immediate. Made of durable nylon in great prints; self-fabric lined. Excellent quality. Exterior pocket.

The Eco-Bag by JanetBasket.

The EcoBag is potentially the ultimate project tote. The extended zipper opens down the width of the bag for easy access to entire bag interior. Large pockets line the interior sides of the bag. Bags are lined in coordinating solid nylon fabric. Bag bottoms feature large rubber mat corners. Handles are just long enough to slip to a shoulder. The feature we like best is that the zippered edges have metal support so the bag keeps its shape when reaching inside and doesn't droop when carried!

I really like the JanetBaskets I bought for myself.  They are very well made and are excellent for projects, shopping, organization and errand running too.  I bought them to hold things here on my desk.  I typically have a pile of papers or mail that I don't have time to sort.  Sometimes I have products that need to go downstairs etc.  I just put everything into my JanetBasket and I'm ready to go downstairs or to my file cabinet.  No longer am I dropping everything everywhere because I have it stacked 18 inches high in my hands.   

I also carry one when I run errands.  Everyone smiles when they see it and ask me where I got it.  Of course I just have to tell them....I got it at "I Have A Notion."

I personally guarantee you won't be disappointed in any of these products.  I own them myself and as most of you know....I don't waste my money!!!

Smiles,

Kelly

I Love This Coat

Don't you just love this coat?  Rosemary (on the right) bought it for Sarah, her daughter, for Christmas.  I'm in love with Sarah's coat.  I think it looks so great on her.  She even has this wonderful purple hat she wears with it.  Oh geez....talk about perfect fit.

Something is up with my camera.  Most of my pictures are coming out blurry like this.  I think I will sit down with the manual and see if I can't figure out why all my pix are blurry.  Lots of Christmas Day photos are blurry too.

I am off to add those Janet Baskets to my website now....so if you liked them and wondered where they are.....they have not been added just yet.  A girl has to have a holiday you know :)

Smiles,

Kelly

I just need to sit down and have a glass of water...Evian Perhaps

I realize I've been MIA recently.  I had 14 Christmas Day and 5 stayed until last evening.  Then my friend's entire family got a nasty virus so I had to take her to ER and got to bed at 4am this morning.  Needless to say, I just need to sit down and have a glass of water and catch my breath.  I hope Evian will do this for me....



Smiles,
Kelly

There Arose Such A Clatter...or was that a Thud?

And the Clatter was me falling into bed with a THUD.  I would have slept on dirty dishes I was so tired last night....oh that's right....it was 4am and that is yesterday now.  (However it is 1:40 am....so I'm not thinking I'm doing much better tonight).  We did wrap all the gifts....no bows however....that was just more than we could handle.  So the gifts were partially naked.

It pays to have IHAN at Christmas.  We needed boxes of every size and shape....and I had them all...in the garage.  I use recycled boxes so I keep them stacked in the garage.  It was a breeze getting the right shapes and sizes but the wrapping was not such a breeze.  I think I'll just use stickers next time.  Perhaps "Priority Mail" stickers will come in green and red next year...LOL. 

Zach and Aaron sang carols last night and again today.  They were so animated it was a great time.  This morning Zach got so excited about his Christmas gift from Santa that he ran outside onto the front porch and screamed, "Thank You Santa....I love my present."  So wonderful.

The boys leave Santa and the reindeer cookies and carrots/celery.  Santa leaves them gifts and letters.  They boys just love the letters and seem so thrilled that Santa remembers things that they did this past summer.  It is so fun to see their faces when I read them the letters.

I'll post some pix soon....but as it is it is almost 2am on the 26th and I need to get some "beauty" rest.  My definition of beauty rest is getting enough sleep so I can see the beauty in the day!!!

I hope your day was wonderful and filled with gratitude.

Smiles,
Kelly

Merry Merry Merry Merry Merry

This is a picture of our house this Christmas Eve (total lie).

We have had a wonderful day today.  Some of our friends and neighbors came for a Christmas Open House today.  It was a wonderful time.

It is 11:17 PM here in OH right now.  I do not have a single gift wrapped (not a lie).  Good thing I believe in miracles!!!  I believe and I'm sure one will be granted or something amazing will happen....like an interesting new tradition or something!!!  Naked Gifts are in this year....No?  Well.....then I guess I better sign off and get to wrappin!!  Not beatbox....just wrappin :)

We wish you all a safe, loving and warm day filled with all the things in your life that make you feel deep gratitude! 

Merry Christmas

Kelly

Inklingo has done it again!!! Absolutely beautiful free patterns

Inklingo by Linda Franz

Stop here and download your free pattern to make a beautiful table runner.  Oh did I say free?  I meant to say FREE!!!  You won't be sorry you did.....and while you are over there....leave a comment because there is a Give Away too!!  How is that for a little gift?  Wish it were me who was so generous....and talented.....but I am just the messenger this morning.  LOL

Smiles,
Kelly