Raise Your E-Notion IQ - Superior Machine Needles Product Review

(NOTE: I've done this post twice now...Blogger is having problems....sorry if folks have gotten 1/2 without the other 1/2...you know Blogger is not exactly my best friend....I definitely need to change this.)

 

If it's Wednesday then it is time to increase your E-Notion IQ here at the IHAN Blog.  Sorry for being a little absent lately...I've been ill....kidney infection...and I'm moving pretty darn slow...but....I tell ya I'm a still movin'  :)

The notion today is the Superior Titanium Coated Topstitch Machine Needles.  Why?  Because I'm wrapping up the IHAN Needle Exchange Program and I still have some needles left to give away AND because if you don't know about Superior Titanium Coated Topstitch Machine Needles....then I'm just feeling sorry for ya. 

If you want to read all about how the IHAN Needle Exchange Program started just click here and it's also a tab on the top of this page. 

I know what you are thinking...."What is the big deal and needle is a needle is a needle."  Am I right?  That's what I thought until the first time I tried Superior Titanium Coated Machine Needles.  I shared a package with Mrs. Rosemary aka Waldo and my dear friend in PA, Mary Jane.  (Between the two of those gals they have over 80 years experience with quilting....other things too but I'm not goin' into that here...ROFL)  So when I got to putting mine in my machine I could not believe how easy it was to thread.  No more stabbing and licking...it just went right in.  That was the first thing I noticed....a huge plus in my book. 

I tried to take a good pix of one of my Superior Titanium Coated Machine Needle but the flash makes it almost impossible and without it...the photo was way to dark.  As you can see....the hole is a nice size.  I'll blow up the photo below of the packaging and you'll be able to see it better.

There that's much better.  Ok....so first they are so much easier to thread.  Second they are stronger and last so much longer because they are coated in Titanium. 

I knew I was impressed so I called Mrs. Rosemary and Mary Jane and asked them how they liked the needles I had given to them.  Both gals said they really noticed a difference and they liked the Superior Needles. 

Superior Titanium Coated Topstitch Machine Needle 70/10

for Quilting, Applique and Embroidery using Very Fine Threads.

 Superior Titanium Coated Topstitch Machine Needle 80/12

for Piecing, Applique and Embroidery using Finer Threads

Superior Titanium Coated Topstitch Machine Needles 90/14

for Quilting, Applique and Embroidery.

Superior Titanium Coated Topstitch Needles 100/14

for Quilting, Embroidery and Applique using heavier threads.

Here are some comments left by quilters who have received a Superior Titanium Coated Topstitch Needle from the IHAN Needle Exchange Program:

Kelly,

I didn't believe it, BUT you were right. The Superior Titanium Coated Topstitch Sewing Machine Needle is FABULOUS! I chose the #90/ 14 needle and started using it a few days ago. It stitched through quilt layers with ease AND bounced off several of my pins. I love it! Thank you so much for this program - I'm a believer :Laurie

Hi, Kelly,

Sorry for the delay in writing back, but I didn't use the needle immediately--I finished up some mending projects, and wanted to wait until I was working on a quilt--which I just did, and I love the needle. I will definitely buy more, and I appreciate your needle-exchange program-what a great idea to enable people to try it first!!

Peggy S.

Kelly I am a member of MEG of Toledo. I tried the Titanium Coated superior Needle Topstitch 80/12. Seemed to stay cool when stitching for extended period. Fairly long lasting too I think. Lynda

Hi Kelly,

This past weekend I went to our quild's quilt camp and was given one of your new needles. The one with the gold color to it, I think it was titanium or something like that. I really like sewing with it. I put it in my machine and it was smooth sewing. I don't know how to explain it, but it was the feel of the sewing that was different. I will have to get some of them. Our camp organizer, Ruthie W. got them from you. Can you tell me the name of them so I order the right ones?

Sharon T.

Hi Kelly! Just wanted to say thanks, so very much, for the IHAN needle exchange program! I used the 70/10 titanium needle from Superior for an embroidery/quilting project. I loved it! I was using adhesive with appliqué, and for once, the adhesive didn’t gum up the needle and cause the thread to fray! I love these needles! I’ll encourage the other women in my guild that took a needle to email you their comments. Thanks again! Diane G.


Kelly,


Greeting from South Carolina!
I recently received a Superior Titanium needle size 16.
I LOVE it!
I have been stitching away and have had no problems whatsoever.
Thank you for the opportunity to trade in my used needle.

I will be purchasing these needles in the future.

Happy Stitching,

Christina, Seneca, SC

Kelly,

I just finished a quilt with the needle you sent me and have pieced a second. So far I am very pleased. Thank you for introducing me to Superior needles.

Melissa

Green, Ohio

I just used my new Topstitch 100/16 Superior needle to attach prairie point binding ties to a Christmas tree skirt using decorative metallic thread and it all went thru like butter. No needle breakage and no thread breakage. Thank you for setting up the free needle program, I will definitely be ordering some soon.

Judy

Still have a doubt?  Try one out for yourself!!!  Just click here or go to the top of this page and click on the Needle Exchange Program Link and follow the instructions.  Act fast because the IHAN Needle Exchange Program ends August 5, 2011...your request must reach me on or before that date to participate so do it today :)  

I've heard comments about the price, $7.00 per package....but they actually are saving you money because you are not replacing them near as often. It pays to be aware of the entire picture not just the purchase price

BUT WAIT...THERES MORE

What fun would a review of the Superior Titanium Coated Topstitch Needles be if I didn't show you a quilt that was made using one?

Mrs. Rosemary has been collecting Aboriginal Fabrics and she decided she was ready to make a quilt and she called to ask if I knew of a pattern that would be interesting.  The first pattern that popped into my head was Chopsticks by Julie Herman of Jaybird Quilts.

Chopsticks by Julie Herman of Jaybird Quilts

Here is Mrs. Rosemary's version of Chopsticks using her Aboriginal fabrics.  I was in love the minute I saw this quilt. 

This is a "twin" quilt according to Mrs. Rosemary.  Here it is draped across two twin beds so you know it is one long twin quilt....which makes me think....hey, I'm really tall....do ya think?  No?  Me either...but a girl can hope can't she?

The batik Mrs. Rosemary used has some nice texture and still allows the eye a place to rest.

The triangles showcase the fascinating fabrics from Mrs. Rosemary's Aboriginal fabric stash.

The Creative Grids 60 degree 12 1/2 inch ruler was used to make this quilt....in case you were wondering :)

I have affectionately named this quilt, "One Hoppin' Quilt by Mrs. Rosemary."  I can't think of a better name, can you?  Inquiring minds want to know :)

She used some extra strips and pieced them together for the backing.

Do you have a notion you would like me to review?  Just Ask!

Feel free to e-mail me at IHaveANotion@yahoo.com and let me know if you have any requests for reviews.

I hope Blogger is being kinder to all of you than it has been to me today!!! 

Smiles,

Kelly

Amanda Murphy Design Winners Announced

I drew two winners and the winners can choose which pattern they would like to win :)

Village Green by Amanda Murphy

  

Portraits Of My Garden by Amanda Murphy

AND the winners ARE:

Donna~~ said...

Great patterns--I love to win either of them!

July 19, 2011 8:05 AM

Mouster1 said...

Thanks for the giveaway. Wold love to win this. A girl can never have enough quilting patterns, notions, and fabric.

July 20, 2011 8:30 PM

Congratulations Donna and Mouster1!! Please send an e-mail to IHaveANotion@yahoo.com and include the pattern you would like and your mailing address.

A special THANK YOU to Amanda Murphy for her wonderful designs....your patterns and fabric are great!!

Smiles,

Kelly

Monkey-ing Around

Sometimes ya just got to go monkey around for a day or so.....

"Why do those humans stare at us....they have no manners what so ever!!!"

"I'm loving this Momma."

 "Look at me...I'm holding a Burmese Python...I'm so brave"

When it's hot....ya jump into the nearest water.

"Hey Lady...your hair looks just like mine in this heat!

"I'm hot...don't mess with me....I'm warning ya."

"Do these horns make me look big?....come on ...be honest with me."

"I love little boys with carrots."

Do you ever just go monkey around?

Smiles,

Kelly

Raise Your E-Notion IQ - Slice Fabrique Product Review

It's Wednesday again and that means it's time for a IHAN Product Review.  Today I'm reviewing the Slice Fabrique.  I chose the Slice Fabrique because I've had a number of e-mails recently asking questions about the Slice Fabrique. 

The Slice Fabrique's job is to cut out applique shapes in a variety of sizes (1"-4" in 1/2" increments) and those shapes depend on what design card you put into the machine. 

Here you can see I have a variety of the design cards....there are more...just click here to see all of the cards available.

 I put the Basic Applique Shape Card (included with the Slice Fabrique) into the back of the machine.

After pressing the menu button I selected this flower.  I'm making a onsie for a friend who has just had a baby.

Then I put some of the adhesive on the glass cutting mat.  Then I used the sponge brush that come with the cutter.

I spread a thin layer over the glass cutting mat.  That is what holds the fabric down while the cutter is doing it's magic. 

I then run over to my ironing board and fuse some Robert Kaufman Daisies & Dots Charm Squares by Piece O'Cake Designs.  In my previous review of the Fabric Fabrique I wrote about the fusible that I used.  After working with my Slice Fabrique several times I only use the Slice Fusible Web because every time I cut a design it works.  It does work with the others like I said in my earlier review....but I found there were times it didn't work and I'm one of those who can't stand being frustrated. 

Pressing, pressing, pressing...... 

Back over to my work table and I put the fabric face down on the glass cutting mat.   I selected my design and pressed the cut button....and.... 

This is what I got :)

My Slice Fabrique has a little home dock because if I didn't have one my stuff would we everywhere and again I'd be frustrated when I went to use it.  Do you have that problem?  If something doesn't have a "home" I can't ever remember where the parts are and I waste my time searching instead of sewing.

 This is the little cheat sheet that tells ya all the applique designs on the Basic Applique Card.  Each card comes with a cheat sheet.

 (back of cheat sheet)

I'm ready now to put my design on the onsie.  I put this pressing ham inside the onsie...I know it looks odd....but it really did the trick.

 See, the pressing ham held the fabric out like it was on a baby's chest and I could press the applique flowers and leaves with a little more accuracy.  No worries if you don't have a pressing ham....mine is next to my ironing station so it worked :)

 Last step....a little embroidery thread and a button hole stitch....and now I have a pretty little gift :)

If you want to know all the rest of the details about the Slice Fabrique you'll find all that information HERE.

Now for an update the Truesharp Power Rotary Blade Sharpener review from last Wednesday.  Many people asked how many times a rotary blade can be resharpened.  Good question right?  I knew I could sharpened my blades several times but I did not have an "official" answer so I called The Grace Company and spoke to their service department.  I was told they have sharpened blades many times over....50-100 times.  Of course some of the nicks are too deep to grind out so then a new blade is needed.  I'll add this information to that post as well....just thought you'd want to know :)

Now...off to African Safari :)
Smiles,
Kelly

Amanda Murphy Design Giveaway

Cheerful, fun, energetic....yep....that is my description of Amanda Murphy's patterns....and I'm so excited that today Amanda and I are both offering a giveaway.

 

Amanda has recently been given an AccuQuilt GO! Baby and she used the GO! Round Flower Die with her two fabric lines, Ambrosia and Veranda.  They are perfect for her Village Green Pattern.

 Amanda is giving away a Village Green Pattern with 20 Round Flowers  cut from her Ambrosia fabric line and a Village Green Pattern with 20 Round Flowers  cut from her Veranda fabric line.  Make sure you visit Amanda's blog to enter.

Here on the IHAN blog you  leave a comment for your chance to win a Village Green & Portraits Of My Garden Patterns by Amanda Murphy Design.

AND I'm also offering a great discount on the AccuQuilt GO! Round Flower Die (Save $8.00) and on the GO! Baby Fabric Cutter (Save 39.99).

So what are you waiting for?  Leave a comment here on this post telling me why you are excited to win Village Green and Portraits Of My Garden Patterns....then hop, skip and jump over to Amanda's Blog.  The comments for this giveaway will end Thursday evening and the winners will be announced on Friday.  The sale on the GO! Round Flower Die and GO! Baby Fabric Cutter will also end Thursday night.

I wish all of you great luck in the drawings :)

Smiles,

Kelly