Embellishing With Thread

I only wish I could claim this project as mine....it is not.  This is Jean's project and she is a friend and guild member.  She loves thread, quite possibly more than I do.  Jean came over on Sunday afternoon to look at some thread for her wall hanging below.  This is her original design, isn't it cool? 

She is couching some Dazzle (WonderFil Threads) around these feathers.  But....she doesn't just choose one thread....nope....Jean is excellent at choosing a variety of threads to work into her designs.

Look at the Razzle Dazzle (Superior Threads)* she has used to outline some of these feathers.

 

I had loaned Jean some of my threads and look at the sampler she made

 before putting the thread into her design.  I think this is a great idea and I'm going to take some time to do the same for myself.  I like the way Jean has tested them and then written down the weight and brand.  I know it will be time consuming....but I know for myself that there are plenty of times I'm brain dead and don't feel like doing much....but this I could do.

While I'm on the subject of thread....you may or may not have noticed that I have added another brand of thread to the IHAN shop....WonderFil Threads.  Why?  As with everything...there is a story.  It involves a panicked woman and a great person, Patsy Thompson.  I was panicked when I was attempting to quilt "Passing the Sacred Orb" so I e-mailed Patsy begging for suggestions (thank God she likes me :)  I did not want the quilting to stand out because I did not want it to interfere with the fabrics designs.  I know, I know...use invisible thread.  Been there, done that.  Every invisible thread I used had a shine to it and looked misplaced on the matte fabrics.

Patsy to the rescue....she said she has used Invisifil by Wonderfil Threads.  To make along story short....it is wonderful for quilting (I also use it for hand applique).  The Invisifil is so fine that it lays quietly on the fabric.

IHAN now carries the Invisifil ...great assortments too.

Check out how fine it is.....

 

This is Invisifil, right,  next to 50 wt cotton, left.  Doesn't the cotton look like rope next to the Invisifil? 

Thank you Patsy for introducing me to another great product!  You can regularly check to see what has been added to IHAN by clicking on the New Items tab on the IHAN website.

Smiles,

Kelly

New Co-Workers

I'd like to introduce you to our newest family members....

Miss Molly

Tough Guy Jake

and just like other siblings....they love to tussle with one another.

Well....rest assured I did not cage my children.....they climbed into the crate with Molly and Jake and began snapping photos of their own.  I only wish I had thought of this sooner....little boys with puppies in a cage....now this could potentially mean some "free time".....LOL.

The kids first mess....I wish you all could have seen Mr. McSteamy's face when Molly knocked over this plant.  Way to good for words. 

On Saturday, Mr. McSteamy was determined we were going to have a dog....and that was the way it was going to be!!!  So, we all loaded in the van and he began to drive....and drive....and drive.  Once we visited the family who had 8 puppies....it was all over...the deal was sealed.  We were having a puppy.  Then, I said...."how are you going to separate this little girl from her siblings?"  Well, along came Jake to keep Molly company and now each of the IHAN co-workers....have a co-worker too :)

Since it was Mr. McSteamy's determination that brought the puppies to our home....I suggested he might consider puppy-proofing the kitchen.  Then the plant went over....I tried so hard not to giggle.

Initially their names were Bonnie and Clyde....but after spending a few days with their sweet little furry little faces....Molly and Jake seemed to fit a little better.  If you'll allow me a little brag.....they already go to the door when they have to go potty.  Can you believe it?  Now, I'm not saying they don't have little accidents.....I'm just saying they know to go to the door to go outside. 

Smiles,

Kelly

Cast Your Ballots Folks

If you have not already gone over to SewCalGals' Golden Quilter Awards and cast your vote for your favorite

Designer
Teacher/Instructor
Author
Quilt Shop- Brick and Mortar
Quilt Shop- Virtual aka On-Line Shop
Best Long Arm Quilter
Most Innovative Physical Product
Most Innovative Software Product
Most influential person in the world of quilting to-date, aka "Lifetime Achievement"
Best Quilt Retreat

Now is the time to do it....yes now....otherwise you may forget....or if you are like me....will go to do it and find out the voting has been closed because I waited to long.



Not that any of us need any prizes to participate in the fun....but.....there are lots of lovely gifts that will be given out to those who vote.

Smiles,
Kelly

I'm Rich!!!

Thank you to everyone who continues to wish me a Happy Birthday!  It has been another wonderful day...I got breakfast in bed this morning :)   Aaron and Zach made special cards and brought them to me in bed.  Believe it or not, I actually got a check for a million dollars.  Yes sir'e Bob....Aaron told his Dad he wanted a check ....to give to his Mommy for her birthday.  When Rick asked what amount to write it for...Aaron said, "One Million Dollars!"  So I'm one very rich woman today!!!

Time to reduce prices even more for the last two days of "Kelly's Birthday Sale" at IHAN.  The sale ends tomorrow so if you want to check out the deals...you better go fast.

I've changed my blogger comments to block anonymous commenter's.  If you don't see your comment published you can e-mail me and I'll check on it for you.  I changed it again after one brave soul decided to write, "You are full of yourself, aren't you?"  Ya gotta love those folks.  I immediately thought to myself, "who in the HE double hockey sticks else would I be full of?  If  I were not filled with myself I'd either be possessed or psychotic."  Clearly the person doesn't know me if they were intended to say I'm arrogant or self centered.  I hope this person has stopped reading my blog and finds more of themselves soon...right after their cranial anal inversion :)

Smiles,
Kelly

THANK YOU for all the Birthday Wishes :)

I've gotten so many Birthday E-mails and phone calls....Thank You to everyone who has called, sent cards and e-mails!!!  What a pleasure to be celebrated. 

I was at my Mothers house last weekend and I saw this and cracked up.  Yes, I've always liked to work with my hands.  Remember when padded picture frames were all the rage?  You know I had to make one...actually several.  I gave this one to my Mother back in 1982.  A photo of me in kindergarten and of course the ole graduation photo from high school.  Can you believe I thought I was ugly?  I'd take back that smooth perfect skin back in a heartbeat....and the natural red hair without the grey...oh yeah baby.  "Ya just don't know what you got till its gone"...well...not gone...just different right?

I slept in this morning and have refused to answer the phone.  Ahhhh.....the joys of being 47....doing just what you want to do....felt soooo good.  I had coffee, sat on the sofa and even watched some mindless TV....just doing what ever came to mind.  Then I saw the mail man drive by....look what came today:

These spanky little pins....look how small and perfect they are....I'm in love.  They came from Me & My Stitches....the place I told ya about the other day.

Then, I'm sitting on the sofa again....and what do I see pull up in front of the house?  I grabbed my  camera and headed out...in my pajamas no less...

Who says Sun can't be delivered?  It was a delivery for the neighbors....but just seeing the truck was enough for me to get the biggest kick....the pleasure of the simple things in life.

I showered....and decided I should paint my toe nails " screaming A double S Red" just because....check em out...

I think the best part is the fact that without my glasses on, I can no longer see when I've painted the skin and not the nail.  The freedom age brings.  Think I went back and cleaned it off?  You're absolutely right....I did not.  I'm walking around smiling because I have a pair of sandals on and I have "screaming A double S Red" toe nails.  The freedoms of aging....ya just can't beat it.

Oh....I made this bowl for Raegan, our neighbor who turned 16 on the 15th of March.  I thought she would like it and she did.  Just wanted to share that during my "quiet" times...I still love to be stitching :)

 

This also came today and I just had to share it.  It is the Habitat Quilt Kit by Brewer.  Isn't it pretty?  I liked it and you know what else I liked about it?  It comes in one of those reusable zippered heavy plastic envelope bags.  I should have taken a pix of it too.  I really like packaging that can be reused...excellent idea Brewer!!!

I saved the absolute best news for last...

My sister Taylor had a baby girl, Lola Tolise, yesterday at 4:30 in Columbia, South Carolina.  Lola has red hair....and was born on St. Patrick's Day....I'm so happy for Taylor and Robert and of course thrilled to be an Aunt again.  As soon as I have a photo to post....I'll be posting...or should I say Plastering the photos all over the place.

Grateful Smiles,

Kelly

PS...Don't forget to check out the Birthday Sales at IHAN!!!  They end on Sunday March 20, 2010 so get your behind over there and find great bargain either for yourself or perhaps for a friends birthday :)

Early Bird Specials for IHAN Blog Readers

I want IHAN blog readers to get first dibs on the big sale going on at IHAN to celebrate my birthday (March 18th).  If you click on the cupcake in the upper right hand side of this blog page, you will be magically transported to the Birthday Celebration Sale going on now through Sunday March 20, 2010.  Some of the items are limited supply so I thought blog readers should get first dibs! 

With The Luck O' D' Irish

It may take more than luck to be able to join this group in dance.  I tried it on my kitchen floor this morning....it was not pretty.

Perhaps you could stand now, in front of your computer and just give er' a go....I know you can do it....come on now....quit rolling your eyes.....get up off yr' bum and give er' a go :)

Kelly

Happy Birthday Waldo

I hope you enjoy this Waldo :) 

Smiles,
Kelly

Stay tuned for a March Birthday Sale at IHAN on Friday

Meditation

We can not control Mother Nature and I am willing to live with the beauty and the terror she provides.  I am finding it very difficult to speak about a Nuclear Power Plant Meltdown...Horror....and our own causing as humans.  Those who have visited Chernobyl have said that if you saw it, you would understand there is no way they would ever consider Nuclear Power as an option.  I am not well versed on the subject of Nuclear Power and I don't intend this to be a discussion about the subject. 

What has been made by humans who have the audacity to believe that just because something has not happened in 300 years is not "likely" to happen....ignorance at its best.  Every one of us are responsible for needing "more energy"...."more...more and more of everything".  May we all join together to use less and honor, love and respect more of what we already have.

Respect for one another, caution and care for our environment and world....that is my meditation and what ever form of prayer, thoughts, meditation....what ever way you cope...I do hope you are doing just that and all of your families and loved ones are well and safe.  For those who are not safe and well, my thoughts are with you.

It may be a few hours or days before I will post again.  Know we are are well and safe here.

Kelly

Quieting

Not Quilting now...Quieting....praying, thinking, and having compassion for those in Japan and around the world.

Momma Moment, Stitcher Gift and Me & My Stitches

Just a quick post....I'm working on other posts...I just wanted to share a snippet of my "real" life.  Last night at 10:30 pm....my oldest co worker (who went to bed at 9:00pm) came down into the kitchen begging for food.  Of course my first thought was the same as it always is....this kid does not know the difference between exhaustion and hunger...he has them confused.  So, I tell him to get himself a quick snack and get back in bed.  I was working on the computer in the kitchen, not my office so I could hear him banging around in there.  I walk over and what do I see?  This.....

 

You know I had to grab my camera.....I had that little glowing Momma heart experience....one of those precious moments when a kid is being a kid and you just enjoy the moment.  I love those moments and store them up in my heart....I guess that is why I have such a big one....or so I've been told.
Last night was my Needle Arts Guild Meeting, The Toledo Needle Arts Guild.  There is something called a "Secret Stitcher" and you can sign up to be a Secret Stitcher if you like.  This was my first time of signing up....

I missed last months meeting so look what was left for me.....a lovely heart shaped candy dish full of those yummy heart candies a fun card AND a St. Patrick's Day Card too.   I can't even begin to tell you how it lifts my spirits to bring home a little gift to open....typically I am alone....and I just smile. If your guilds or groups don't have one of these programs....you might just want to start one.

Last....but Holey Sch-A-Mokin" not Least....check out these Miniature Teeny Tiny Quilts....they are so small you can wear them as a necklace, a pin or earrings.  I saw these for the first time today and flipped.

I saw these over at Me & My Stitches and could not believe my eyes.  So many of us talk about how hard it is to make a wall hanging or quilt....ok....this is like the Olympics in my book!!!

Gene Black asked me to tell folks how I find things when I share....so....I found my son in the kitchen, my Secret Stitchers gift on a table at the Maumee Seniors Center...(LOL) and I happened to find Me & My Stitches because Julie Letvin who makes these amazing little Quilts left a comment on a post asking about scissors.  When I replied to her comment I clicked on her name....it took me to her profile....then I clicked on website.  Good thing was it was just as Mr. McSteamy was coming home for lunch and I was able to show him....and remind him my birthday is coming up....and hey...I'm thinking my camera strap...the one I wear to Market....needs to have one of these pins...don't you agree?

So there you have it....I hope where ever you are....it is either beautiful....or if you are in OH like me....you find beauty in the soft gray skies.

Smiles,

Kelly

Stack The Deck Revisited Winner Announcement

Stack The Deck Revisited by Karla Alexander

I said I'd draw a winner on Wednesday....and today is Wednesday....and the winner is:

Quilter In The Gap

Congratulations to you!  Please e-mail me at IHaveANotion@yahoo.com with your full name and address and I'll put your book in the mail to you.

Time to say thanks to Martingale Publishers who gave the book for review and then to be given away.  THANK YOU Mary and Martingale and Company :)

As many of you know I had the privilege of being a guest blogger on Stash Manicure yesterday.  Someone had to tell me to go over and read the comments....duh....so I did.  Clearly I don't have access to comment there but to everyone who was kind enough to leave a comment THANK YOU!!

Mommarock left this comment:

love your posts! It is good to have someone try out products before you buy them.. my question to you is... do you buy all of the products you try.. or do the companies send them to you to try and do demos etc.? Do you search out the products or do the companies now find you? okay.. more than one question LOL.

I e-mailed her with the reply and she suggested others may want to know too.  If Inquiring Minds want to know....I'll just tell ya....

There are many different answers to this question.  When I do a review if folks would like to know where I found the item please let me know and I may consider adding that as a routine part of my review posts.  (Time for a fun pix....too may words without something to brighten the black print)

Waldo's Market Place India Quilt (aka Mrs. Rosemary)

Ahhh....that ought to feed our eyes for a few more sentences.

Most all of the products I review I have purchased myself.  From time to time I am given something, like my Sizzix Vagabond, that rocks so wildly that there is no way on GGE I would part with it unless you had an AK47.  (did you see my review?  click here and here )  Every other product that is listed on the sidebar of my blog under Product Reviews I have purchased.  Frequently authors have book signings at Market and a copy of their book is given to store owners for their shop displays.  Since I don't have a physical store I feel reviewing it on my blog and giving it away is still in line with the spirit in which the book was given.  I've been given an EnviroMate Pronto P7 Steam Cleaner that I won't part with either.  Believe it or not...I've had it for months and I have done several videos while using it....however Mr. McSteamy has to get the time to edit the video so I can show everyone what I'm talking about.  I'm just grateful the folks at Reliable have not come to my house and repo'd it.  They would need an AK 47 too. 

I also review books for a few publishers and those who ask me to review their books.  When it is for a publisher typically I get to choose the books I'm interested in reviewing.  Everything else I just find and review.  I have lots of friends who give me a heads up when they see something I might be interested in as well.  I do all of the research and use it and then just say what I see....pretty straightforward stuff.

While many shop owners to go Quilt Market to purchase for their next seasons needs, I go to see all the new products and ask if I can try the new product.  If I like it....I review it.  If I don't like something....I smile and keep walking.  Just because it is not something that interests me does not mean that it does not have another audience...it's just not me. 

The  reason I try the products first is because of my lack of faith in advertising and marketing in general.  How many times have we all purchased something thinking it was going to be the best thing since sliced bread and were disappointed...either it did not do what the advertisement said it would do or the quality of the item was not really worth the price you paid for it?  My answer to that question is way too often. 

Time to feed the eyes with a little visual candy... a random photo from Market:

Frogfolio by Java House Quilts (photo taken at Fall Quilt Market in Houston 2010)

Aside from being known as "front street" I'm also known as the woman who returns things that are sub-par without embarrassment and requests her money back.  Not that I'm a know it all.....because I certainly am not....however I do Have A Notion about many things and I've always wondered why folks did not just ask me first....I could have saved them a lot of time and trouble...some things just seem clear to me that are not clear to others.  Why?  Who knows...I can't sing, dance (well), draw.....but I do seem to be able to see many things clearly and I'm able to communicate without much hesitation.  I guess if you like me....you really like me and if you don't....you really really don't. 

If you have any more questions you would like answered....just leave them here on this post and I'll do my best to reply....I'm pretty much an open book.

If you have shopped at IHAN then you know I do my very best to make certain folks are happy with their purchases.  People call me all the time asking questions about products and they'll tell you...I don't try to "sell" them anything.  I'm all about edcuation and getting a good fit....the right item for the need/want.  If you've not purchased from IHAN.....dang....what are you waiting for?  Get over there and find a treasure and bring your friends too :)

Smiles,

Kelly

"Passing the Sacred Orb" Finished Plus...I'm a guest blogger at Stash Manicure Blog

Before I share my finished quilt....I have to tell you I'm a guest blogger....for the first time....over at Stash Manicure.  If you are not tired of seeing my "type talk" head over wave at me...LOL.

 "Sacred Orb" was designed by Terrie Kralik, Moose Country Quilts.   This is the pattern I used to make my Market Place India quilt. It will be auctioned and the money raised will go to a group of women in India.  (If you missed that post you can click here to read it.)

I have titled my quilt, "Passing The Sacred Orb"....I really should have called it "Passing the Psychedelic Orb."  I used my friend Dale's long arm machine to quilt it and I broke all the quilting rules.  I can hear the gasps....but I also know many of you are probably cheering too...am I right?  I figure it can be sent to the "Quilt Priest" for absolution....then it can go it's way piecefully.

The quilting is barely noticeable unless you are very close to the quilt.  I wanted the fabric to do the speaking not the quilting.  All of the embroidery you see was on the fabrics that I started with.  I am delivering it tomorrow and of course I'll be sad having it go....and joyful that I've had this opportunity.  This is the dedication I've written:

When I heard about making quilts from the fabrics that other women had made clothing from I was intrigued. The women who made these articles of clothing and household goods are very good seamstresses. I know they could easily make much more impressive quilts than the one I have made. At the same time, I can imagine it would not feel very good to get the clothing and household goods back and attempt to then make a quilt with them.

There was a win/win solution suggested and I agreed to be a part of the process. Quilters in the US could agree to make a quilt from these ladies lovely creations and then the quilts could be auctioned and the money would go back to support those women who had originally made the clothing and household goods. Women helping women.....a wonderful solution to show the connectedness of women across cultures and continents.

I chose a pattern by, Terrie Kralik, Moose Country Quilts, (Bonners Ferry, ID), "Sacred Orb." I have named the quilt that I have made "Passing the Sacred Orb." The circle symbolizes our connectedness too one another and reverently dedicated to the spirit of women.

Kelly Jackson
Perrysburg, OH
Finished 3/7/2011

Smiles,
Kelly

"Stack The Deck Revisited" by Karla Alexander Book Review and Giveaway

Karla Alexander, Saginaw Street Quilt Company,  published another book with Martingale Publishing / That Patchwork Place in 2010.  The title is, Stack The Deck Revisited and I have the good fortune to review the book and also offer it as a giveaway on my blog :) 

I had the pleasure of meeting Karla at Checker Distributor's 62nd Anniversary Open House last year.  If you are a IHAN blog follower you may remember my post.  Karla has several beautiful quilt patterns as well as being a designer for Creative Grids Rulers.

Before I get into her latest book, Stack The Deck Revisited, I just want to take a minute to show you some of her work that I also love:

I know these have absolutely nothing to do with Stack The Deck Revisited, but I figured if you are anything like me you might want to see some of the author's work and other creations along the way.) 

For some reason the photos of Karla's book don't look as bright on the Internet as it does in my hands so I took my own photo of it for you to see.

Karla has updated her patterns from Stack the Deck, her first book.  I like Karla's style of writing and the photos that accompany the patterns clearly explain the process she is following to complete the quilts successfully.  Karla also goes into a discussion about fabric choices, finishing your quilt and variations on block designs. 

This one is "Going Green" and I thought it was a great example of a variation because the initial blocks were shuffled and combined to make an interesting pattern and then it was changed by adding the black inner squares.  So much more interesting and balanced ....don't you think?
I have really enjoyed reading Stack The Deck Revisited and I'm going to hate to see it leave however, I know it will be equally enjoyed by one lucky IHAN blog reader!  To have an opportunity to win Stack The Deck Revisited, please leave a comment on this post telling me if you have ever made on of Karla's patterns or used one of her Creative Grids Rulers.  If not, just let me know what intrigues you about the book and your name will go into the drawing.  A winner will be selected on Wednesday March 9th.

Smiles,
Kelly

Karen Kay Buckley DVD - Scissors - Perfect Circles and Bernina Fun :)

Last Thursday on our way to PA I made sure to pack my little DVD player for the car and my new Karen Kay Buckley DVD, Hand and Machine Applique the Karen Kay Buckley Way.  I also packed some hand stitching because I knew we would be in the car for 8 hours and I'd be able to enjoy some stitching too. 

 

I must say I was very impressed with Karen's DVD.   It is not easy to be "natural" with a video camera on you and Karen did a wonderful job of conveying lots of great information and demonstrations with a natural presence.  If you are interested in Applique, machine or needle turn, and you want to have private lessons....this is the way to go. 

I had also packed a charm pack and Karen's Perfect Circles and Bigger Perfect Circles templates.  While going down the road I managed to cover all but two of the templates with fabric from my charm pack.

When I got home I mixed 1/2 water with 1/2 StaFlo starch and covered the edge of each of my circles

just putting a little on the edge to get it damp before the next step.....

I ironed them  (with my Digital Velocity V50 by Reliable....my personal favorite iron...Mr. McSteamy has the Digital Velocity  V100 on "his" ironing board!").

Look how nice they all look.....just like Karen said, Perfect Circles. 

I snipped the thread and removed the templates (they are heat resistant so you can iron with the template inside).

See how nicely the circle held it's shape?

Then I trimmed the excess fabric off so I can get ready to applique them to a quilt top.  The funny thing is none of this was planned.  We were packed and ready to leave when I ran back downstairs and saw my Perfect Circles....I grabbed them and a charm pack and ran back to the van.  I love to hand stitch so I wanted something to do in the car other than quilting.  I was so excited by the pretty circles that I began planning a quilt for them....talk about fun, spur of the moment creativity....now that is a Vacation!

Chapter 2

A visit to the Ann Arbor Sewing Center yesterday was an absolute ball. 

Debbi, the sewing machine sales woman was so much fun.  I never once felt like I was being "sold" a machine.  She spent quite a bit of time getting to know about me and what type of features I was looking for without up-selling me features I am not interested in or need.  My kind of person for sure. 

Hey Alex, check this out!  They keep Aurifil in their demo models.....I smiled and told Debi....we just have to get a pix of this .... he's gonna love it.  (It does not get me any closer to winning that suitcase of thread in the challenge....but....I'm still dreaming :)

I am the proud new owner of a Bernina 430 with the Stitch Regulator...oh yeah baby!  I also got the felting foot....I can do needle felting too.  What a wonderful day! 

THANK YOU Debi for the help and your time!!!  If you go into the Ann Arbor Sewing Center....stop by and say Hi to Debi....she is a neat person.  Consider yourself warned about their fabric selection....don't blame me if you come home broke....they carry Kaffe Fasset, Art Gallery Fabrics, M and S Aboriginal Fabrics, 4 walls of Batiks....and so many more....very impressive selections.

But wait...that's not all....Diane and I went into an Estate Sale Shop....the owner does Estate Sales and they also have a small shop in Ann Arbor.  While looking around I found this quilt top....made of vintage feed sacks.....doesn't it look nice?

Yep, a proud new owner of a vintage feed sack twin size quilt top too!  I feel like a thief because it was marked 20.00.  I said the the fella at the counter...."I think this is worth more than 20.00."  He said, "I'm selling it for 20.00"  naturally I replied, "SOLD." 

Now you know where I've been and what I've been up to....why I have not had time to post....So....what have you been up to?

Smiles,

Kelly