Charity Quilting....Getting Out of This Rut

I've been in this deep rut and I'm working to get out.  With much encouragement from friends I decided to sew.  When Beth suggested I sew something new and I thought she was nuts.  I have so many UFO's how could I start something new?  Then Rosemary/Waldo offered to make a charity quilt and insisted I make one too.  Karin continually sends me photos of her projects that are inspiring and finally a miracle occurred....I started to sew.

Note to self: When in a rut, one can not always see clearly or know what may be helpful, consider trusting your friends. 

I just paper pieced this wonky twin quilt top.  Initially I used paper Waldo gave me as the foundation and then I noticed that a cheap tearaway machine embroidery stabilizer worked perfectly (very little need to pick at tiny pieces of paper that can get stuck).  I highly recommend the cheap tearaway stabilizer and of course shortening the stitch length.

I used the Westminster 2 /12 inch strips I  won a few years ago.  I thought the bright fabrics might bring some fun to a person who is in need of cheering up with a free warm quilt.

So many scraps remain I decided to try piano keys along the border.  The width has not been decided yet but the photo above is just a trial to see how I like it.  What do you think?

On the subject of what do you think.....do you like or love your washer and dryer?  We are in need of both and I have to say we have been highly dissatisfied with machines for quite some time. 

This is the front of our washing machine.  It is a Kenmore Catalyst Cleaning Action King Size Capacity Plus Quiet Pak 4.  We bought at Sears approximately 8 years ago.  It has required 4 or more repairs in the past 8 years (not cheap to have a repair person to the house).  The power button wore down rather quickly and that was disappointing as well.

The heating element on the dryer has gone out and I recognize it can be replaced but the machine has been repaired once before.  Repair bills are now very close to the purchase price of a new machine.  

One problem with shopping local stores is the machines are not plugged in and you can't test them before purchasing.  No one tells you how quickly the buttons break or if there are secret re-set codes that are only provided to the service repair people.  

We once had a man come and push a few buttons and the washer began working again.  When it broke later, Rick had to pay to get the codes from the internet.  Other times a code would not suffice so we phoned a repair company.

My question to you is, do you love your washer and dryer?  If so, can you tell me briefly what it is you really like about yours and the brand/model you purchased? 

We have reviewed Consumer Reports and we did then when purchasing the Kenmore's 8 years ago.  This time, I'm going with a friends advise....I trust my friends to tell me what they honestly think.  

What happened to the good ole days where things were actually built to last and there were no secret codes requiring purchase?

Superbowl Sunday....I hope your team wins!  I have no team....but I thoroughly enjoy the 1/2 time show!

Smiles,

Kelly

A Surprise That Made Me Smile

Ya just never know when something will arrive in your e-mail that will tickle you.  This morning I took the time to open an e-mail from Edyta Sitar of Laundry Basket Quilts.  I have lost contact with Edyta and her husband Mike over the past few years.  That's what happens for me when life bangs on my hood, I retreat.

This is what I discovered inside the e-mail:

What a delight it was to see Edyta again and tickled to see she is making videos.  I'm a visual learner so videos work wonders for me. 

Given my distress over recent events in my life, I have had little desire to create or sew.  I have done some hand stitching on my little hexies however.

I was working on this piece while Mr. McSteamy drove.  Hexies make a wonderful car project, or so I was told by Mary Jane...that's who got me started.  I'm so glad she didn't encourage me to do base jumping....ya know I would have done it...LOL.

Speaking of Mr. McSteamy, he has taken pity on me and spent several hours putting things away in my sewing area.  I know he wants to see me  get back to sewing so he cleared a path for me.  I'm guilty of just setting things down and walking away when I'm "retreating." 

On Saturday afternoon McSteamy was in his woodworking shop and he caught a glimpse of me sitting down to a sewing machine.  I'm sure he thought he was hallucinating...but nope...it is true...I turned on a sewing machine. 

Now sure if you recall how crazy I am about fleece socks.  Yes, during the cold winter months I'm a huge fan of wildly colorful fleece socks.   I've had this pair sitting on a pile in my sewing area for 2 years just because the side seam had come out.  Your eyes have not failed you, they sat for TWO years because of a simple side seam!  One seam is perhaps not worthy of accolades, however each journey begins by taking the first step, right?

Occasional Smiles,
Kelly

Merry and Happy

Merry Christmas

Happy Hanukkah

 My prayer for each of you is that you embrace all whom you love , look into their eyes and tell them....what ever comes to your mind.  Just being together is the most precious gift.

This year is very different for me…. most all of you already know.  

  I have re-worded a song to pay tribute to my much loved and missed brother.

If you can't handle some racy words, do not read any further.

This is a childhood memory being shared with ya! 

We’ve heard there was a secret chord

That Cordie played and it pleased the Lord

Now he’s gone and how I miss him, do ya?

Well it goes like this –we hit the street

And found a snowy place to meet 

And off we go to ride the bumpers, hallelujah

Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah

Our spirits high the air was brisk

We perched right there and took the risk

And hung on to the speeding car, booya

The baffled driver looking rear

Saw nothing in their rear view mirror

And took off down the snowy street, yahoo-ya

Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah

You glanced over with eyes filled bright

And there I was just hanging tight

Just left of that Ford tail light, lookin’ to ya

Staring back, I knew I’d see

My brother looking right at me

That shit-eating grin was looking right thru ya

Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah

Once that driver hit the gas

We’d crouch low and freeze our ass

Our boots would fill with dirty snow, screw ya

Our hands would grip that bumper tight

Two young foolish kids were taking flight

Like two wild animals raised in a zoo-ya

Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah

Thick as thieves we ran the streets

Frozen hands and frozen feet

Chasing dreams of downhill flight,  so what’s it to ya

For snacks and treats just up the street

None to share, for us to eat

Wrappers lay around our feet, nothing for ya

Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah

Back outside into the cold

Barely 10 and 12 years old

Our guts filled tight we’d spent all of our moolah

We would search for our next new tow

With burning hands and a dripping nose

No time to stop and shoot the breeze to ya

Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah

Because we knew it was time to flee

We nestled behind the tree,

Hiding there and trying to fool’ya

Time to book or haul some ass

Escape with drivers, please hit the gas

Their failed attempts to capture us, screw ya

Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah

The moonlight shone so bright and clear

The snow filled streets we held so dear

Anticipating the next hitch, hallelujah

Any direction would be great

How flippin’ long now would we wait

It was never hard for us to stray comin’ to ya

Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah

We were smart if only in our own heart

Taking risks that gave us a start

Our mother’s at home drinking beer, cheers to ya

So we had nothing more to fear

It was just you and me hiding here

Two crazy kids what a blast, whooo hooo hoooo hooo ya

Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah

Bumper hitching in the snow

Very dangerous yes we know

Were told so many times so what’s it to ya?

My friend, my brother I held you dear

Those time as kids come back so clear

With tear streaked cheeks I’m blowing a kiss right to ya

There’s a smile right on my face,

Please take me with you every place

My heart and spirit are still right here with ya

Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah

Many thanks to my much loved husband, Mr. McSteamy, for helping me maintain the melody....something that is far beyond my reach.

With Deep and Sincere Gratitude,

OK and a Smile and Giggle too!

Kelly

 

 

 

Different Kind of Christmas

 Different Kind of Christmas by Mark Schultz

I thought some of you would appreciate this song....I know I do.

 Kelly

Trademark Infringement

Please be advised, I Have A Notion is a Registered Trademark.  

My registered trademark is being violated.  As you can imagine, my patience is running thin.

I've not been posting recently due to the sudden death of my brother.  He was killed by a hit and run driver on October 3, 2016.  One hour at a time, one day at a time I am coping.  My sincere thanks to everyone who has extended their condolences.  I will be writing my letters of thanks soon.  Still reeling from this nightmare. 

Not Smiling So Much,
Kelly

So Very Thankful!

I am so thankful for my family and for the joy, entertainment and opportunities they bring to my life.

I am so thankful for all of my friends who have provided so much support, companionship, tutelage and humor.

I am thankful for all the years I have spent with those that I have deeply loved and are now passed. 
 
I am so thankful for nature and the beauty that surrounds me daily.

I am so thankful for the lessons I have learned thus far in my life.   I am forever changed and I hope for the better

I am so thankful for the resources that are available to me each day: food, shelter, clean water, oxygen, electricity, heat and air conditioning, appliances that make my daily chores so easy, a reliable vehicle, a safe community in which to raise my children and health care.  

OH YES....and I must not leave out how THANKFUL I am for the joy of sewing and my wonderful sewing machines, amazing fabrics and those oh so handy NOTIONS!!  

I am thankful to own I Have A Notion, Inc as it has provided me so many opportunities to meet and connect with amazing and talented people.

I'm certain there is a long list of things I have not written here....but know I am THANKFUL to be able to recall some of the things on my list :)

I am thankful for the opportunity to be able to share publicly my thoughts, opinions  and experiences.

I am THANKFUL for YOU....for the internet being able to connect us....for your kindnesses and support over the last 6 years!

May you be healthy enough today to enjoy what this day brings your way.  I have learned over and over again that without our health, it is difficult to enjoy the other gifts we are given.  OK, now I'm starting to sound like my grandmother....so I will shut up!  How did I get so old so quickly?

Hugs and Smiles,
Kelly

THANK YOU ...the words seem so small sometimes...

The words Thank You can seem so very small in comparison to the years of hard work and never ending will to succeed for those who serve in our military.    I'd like a much bigger word and a bolder word....one that would convey imminence gratitude for the freedoms and rights we have as Americans. 

THANK YOU TO ALL  VETERANS TODAY AND EVERYDAY

My Father....Thank you Dad!

My brother, Thank You Matt!

Our Daughter, Thank You Maddy!

I'm proud to be an American and very appreciative of my right to speak out and against those things I feel are unjust....and I can celebrate those things that are Great about this Land too!  I don't forget, it is a freedom protected and provided by the many Men and Women who serve us daily in our Military.

With Much Gratitude,

Kelly

Love and it's Many Forms

Sometimes love is expressed with gifts to a friend.

Sometimes love is expressed by claiming what is loved.

Sometimes love is expressed with the amazing gifts of nature.

Other times....it is expressed in the pleasure of Flamingos!

And Flamingo Parents watching their children play in the leaves.

How ever you find Love today....embrace it!

With Love,

Kelly

Flamingo Family and Life

Imagine my surprise when I received a phone call from Elijah Johnson, Journalism Student at Bowling Green State University requesting an interview.  Elijah is writing an article about the Flamingo Family here in Perrysburg.

 

(photo posted previously)

How wonderful is it that Elijah has chosen to focus on such a fun and uplifting art form for his paper????  The amount of time and energy that goes into these temporary forms of art are greatly appreciated by many and I'm thrilled they are again receiving attention for the gifts they give to complete strangers.

I have taken a break from blogging since May because I didn't feel like I had much enthusiasm for blogging about my quilting life or new products.   I have continued to sew and I've made great progress on the hexi quilt I've been making that will be entitled, "Life."

 

(the model is JJ...adopted from Craigslist and he has been absolute joy in my life)

I put the sections together randomly based on nothing other than free flowing intuition.  Each piece and part are a reflection of the process of life....sometimes it is beautiful, sometimes it makes sense, humor is reflected, sometimes cohesive....and then like real life....it gets dark and makes no sense in places.

The quilt is approximately 50 x 60 at this point with areas still needing to be filled in.  Each hexagon is 1/2 inch....about the size of a nickle....and with each piece needing to first be basted to the paper punched hexagon and then joined....each side requires 10-14 tiny stitches per side.   So you can see I've been busy.

Life is so unpredictable....in the last 5 months I felt calmly focused on just being....creating....and enjoying the people in my life.  As many of you know, the grief of loosing my dear friend Mary Jane seemed insurmountable to me for quite some time.   Just as the heavy weight of missing my girlfriend began to lift I learned my brother was killed by a hit and run driver in Hazel Park, MI earlier this month.

I certainly don't want to bring people down....at the same time.....I have learned quite a bit recently and I believe that information would be very helpful to many others.  If you are interested, you can see more on my Facebook page.

Not Smiling So Much These Days,
Kelly

How Flamingos Celebrate Memorial Day

The Flamingo Family went way out for Memorial Day....such fun!

Sending out my gratitude to all those who have served our country and gave their lives for our freedoms. 

CLEARANCE SALE AT IHAN

If you are an machine embroidery enthusiast and are looking to stock up on all in stock machine embroidery stabilizers, threads and designs....there is a clearance all Floriani and Anita Goodesign.  There is one catch however, I can not advertise the prices so if you are interested, please e-mail me at IHaveANotion at Yahoo dot com with what you are interested in and I will give you an amazing deal.  The more you buy....the more you save!

Smiles,
Kelly