And the winners are.....

The cliffhanger comes to an end.....and the winners are:

Michelle- Valori Wells Designs

Anita in FL - Square Dancer Pattern and GrabARoo's

Sue Stubbings - Dear Jane Book

Angie - More Elm Creek Quilts

Moneik - Brewer Bag, Isacord Thread, nail file, Clover Pin Sampler, Hoop Tape etc.

Pam - Just Pins(both sets) by Just Another Button Company and Andover Tote Bag

Jean- Christmas Layer Cake and Charm Pack by Freedom Fabrics.

Becky - Little Pieces and Vintage grains patterns

Sew Cal Gal - Isacord Thread

Congratulations to all the lucky winners. Really we were all winners because we got to read all the great comments, learn about great new blogs, compile fun recipes, get some great sewing tips, learn about new products and hear some really fun stories. I hope you all enjoyed participating. If you go back and read all the comments there is a lot of great information there. A few people commented that this was work. I was surprised to hear it was work. I tried to make it fun and informational for everyone who was reading and writing.

To receive your gifts I need you to e-mail me your full names including your addresses so I can ship all these fun packages out. My e-mail is IHaveANotion@Yahoo.com .

Smiles,

Kelly

We are home safe and sound

We are home safe and sound. The unpacking begins....yippee....or not :) I would like to thank everyone who participated in the NINE DAYS of GIVEAWAYS!!! I have really enjoyed the comments and I need to finish reading them. Since the giveaway does not end until midnight, I can't tell you who the winners are because I don't know.

Another cliffhanger...don't ya just hate that? Me too.

I'll try to entertain you a bit while until we know who the winners will be.

My son Aaron who is 6 1/2 woke up one morning this past week and got into my lap. He wanted me to tickle his arms and back while he was waking up. I told him how his arms and legs are shaped just like his daddy's arms and legs. He said, "I look just like my daddy." I said, "well, no....where is your beard?" He said little boys don't have beards. I asked him when he thought he would grow a beard. He looked off and was thinking.....then he said, "15? 16?" in a questioning voice. So I told him..... maybe....this entire time he had his hands on my neck. He said, "mommy, when will I get a flappy thing? Grandpa has a flappy thing too." I was kind and allowed him to live. I told him he would probably be much older than 16 when he got a flappy thing.

I guess I need plastic surgery to remove my chicken neck/flappy thing.....s h i x.....I was hoping to use that money for a dream vacation. I wonder if a ace bandage in skin tone would hold that thing up so I can save my money....a new marketing idea for Ace Bandages. If that works maybe they could get other things to hold up....or at least higher than they are....wow....that would be a huge savings.....I could afford a spanky new wardrobe for that dream vacation. I better get on Google and find out who the marketing directors are for Ace Bandages and claim my ideas before all of you beat me to it....ROFL.

Smiles,
Kelly

Day Nine Giveaway

Today's giveaway is five spools of Isacord Thread 1000m. Colors include: Royal Blue, Yellow, Cinnamon, Petal Pink and Old Gold. These would be a great addition to any one's thread collection. Oops...did I just say collection.....well....we're not really collecting....we are using...right?

To have a chance to win today you need to leave a comment telling everyone where you would go for a week if money and time off was of no concern. What is your dream trip? Who would you take, why would you take them.....and why are you you choosing this destination? Since it's dream vacation....you can include me in this one!!! ROFL

Smiles,
Kelly

Day Eight Giveaway

Ohhhhh Ahhhhh these are so neat. Today you could win "Little Pieces-Miniature Quilt Art" pattern AND "Vintage Grains -Miniature Quilt Art" pattern by Galloping Pony Studio.

I saw these made up at Quilt Market and they were so neat. Aren't you glad the picture came out right side up today? I hate to have everyone always bending over looking through their legs to see my pix in the right orientation!!!

Today is the 4 Th of July....so to have a chance to win today you need to leave a comment telling us what you are doing today or what you have done today. Don't leave out any of the really yummy/juicy details....like how chocolaty the cookies will be or how red and juicy the strawberries were. Feel free to send pix too :)

Did you read "Giveaway Rules"?

Smiles,

Kelly

Day Seven Giveaways

If you stand on your head while looking at this picture it will be right side up. If you can't stand on your head.....just bend over and look between your legs at the screen....are you there yet? See....it is right side up now :)

This beautiful Christmas fabric is by Freedom Fabric given to me by Brewer Sewing. Brewer gave these away in their Schoolhouse seminars in Pittsburgh. They are absolutely beautiful....you will get a Layer Cake and a Charm Pack. These will make a great quilt or a table runner.....or what ever you want it to be.....tree skirt....mini skirt.....several mini skirts....holiday boxers...Ok...I'm done :)

You might be thinking....How do I win this great prize? Well....to win you need to leave a comment sharing a sewing tip or tutorial. You can leave a link to a great tutorial if you like (not mine...that's too easy).

Remember that all the prizes will be drawn for randomly. So you may leave a comment today and win a prize from day three. If you are not sure...go back and read the post for day one giveaways. Be sure to leae your e-mail addy for each comment...I won't be able to contact you :(

Smiles,
Kelly

Day Six of Giveaways

Just Another Button Company Pins and an Andover Tote Bag are the prizes you could win today! I just love these pins. Cecile from Just Another Button Company gave me this pins. She is so very generous and kind. I want to be selfish and keep them for myself....but what fun would that be. I have to share them because they are so pretty.

The Andover Fabric Company gave out these really fun tote bags at Quilt Market. I'm only sorry the picture shows mostly the pins. I guess because I wanted the details of the pins to show up. Don't you know I uploaded the pictures while at home and now I'm on the road and can't re-take the pix. So, Andover folks.....your bag is beautiful and I thank you for giving it to me....and now I'm giving it to a lucky blogifer!!

To have an opportunity to win today.....leave a comment telling us all who you plan on leaving your sewing machine to when you transcend this existence!!! Be honest.....who do you want to get your little baby once you are talking to the clouds.

Make sure you read the post entitled: "Giveaway Rules" so you know how the gifts will be given away.

Smiles,

Kelly

Day Five Giveaway

Today you'll have the opportunity to win this collection of fun things I received at Quilt Market. It includes a tote bag from Brewer Sewing, two spools of Isacord thread 1,000 m in Irish Green and Egg Shell, a nail file, a ruler and Key Chain, Samples of Clover Pins and Quilters "No Slip" Hoop Tape and a wooden needle holder from Frank A Edmunds Co.

To have a chance to win....you have to leave a comment telling everyone what your 5 favorite blogs are. You can't count mine....I'm not assuming you would....but if it were....and you did....that's to easy!!! So leave us the web addresses for 5 really fun blogs.

Make sure you read the post entitled "Giveaway Rules" so you know how to win.
Smiles,
Kelly

Day Four Giveaway

More Elm Creek Quilts is the prize being shown today. This is a beautiful book by Jennifer Chiaverini.

Jennifer has written some great novels and if you have not read them I recommend you get one this summer. This is one of her pattern books and I thought you might like to have a chance to win it....So.....

Today you will need to leave your favorite recipe on the comment form!!! How fun is that? Everyone will be able to have some new recipes to enjoy this summer.

Make sure you read "Giveaway Rules" so you know how to win!!

Smiles,

Kelly

Make Sure You Read Day One's Giveaway Explanation

Hi again. Since we've last visited the Tooth Fairy has visited. Aaron is completely surrised that the Tooth Fairy would know he was on vacation. But she knew and he's thrilled.

Ok....just a reminder here. Here is how the giveaway is going to go: I will draw a random number 1-9 (one for each days gifts) then I will draw a random number between one and the number of comments for the day. So you could have commented on Monday but win Friday's gifts. Get it. So be sure to leave comments each day. No one said I would go back and check the time stamps so if you missed a day....what the hoodle doodle....just go back and leave a comment with the day's requirements.

Have fun and don't be like me.....keep the secret of the giveaway to myself so I have better chances of winning.....go ahead and let others know too.

No pix to upload today.....I'm in the boonies and the camera is in the doonies.

Smiles, Kelly

Day Three Giveaway

You have an opportunity to win "Dear Jane" book by Brenda Manges Papadakis. This book is amazing...it has 225 patterns for a Dear Jane quilt. There are so many blogs that just talk about Dear Jane quilts....they are so beautiful.

Today you have to leave a joke in the comment section. It can be a cartoon, a joke or a funny story. Don't make me use the moderation button for your joke or story.....I'd just hate to do that :) Keep it moderately clean .... if you can't keep it too clean, than make sure us gals will really laugh :)

If you want to win a prize for this weeks giveaways please be sure to leave your e-mail in your post. If for some reason your computer does not allow you to leave comments feel free to leave your comments on my web site and I'll include them in the giveaway.

Smiles,
Kelly

Hey All We're Here

I'm here in Wyalusing at our Cabin and I had to drive into town to find a wireless connection. I can't believe I even found one.

Ever day for 9 days there will be giveaways on my blog. Please tell all your friends and groups so they have a chance to win too. I can only get to moderate the comments once a day. You may not see your comments until I get to posting them. Don't be discouraged if you don't see yours right away.

Make sure you leave your e-mail addy so I can contact you if you win. If you mention my giveaways on your blog or yahoo group (any groups you belong to) leave another comment that you did that and I'll put your name in the drawing twice each day. You can't beat that now can ya? Ok....yes I know you can beat that....but just pretend you can't :)

Smiles,

Kelly....sweaty smelly stinky Kelly

Day Two Giveaway

You have a chance to win this brand new pair GrabARoo's (size 7) and a Square Dancer pattern by Mountain Peek Creations.

I love these GrabARoo gloves. They are great for free motion quilting and a host of other things too. I gave a pair to my mail carrier and he was thrilled. I love to scrapbook and when I use these I don't get fingerprints on my pictures!!! Woo hooo :) The paper and pictures are easy to pick up too.

The Square Dancer pattern was given to me at Quilt Market by the gals at Mountain Peek Creations. They were sooo kind and generous. I thought I would share this beautiful pattern with a lucky winner :) I hope that winner is YOU!!!

What do you have to do today? Well....lets imagine you were given a gift certificate for $357.00 from http://www.ihavea-notion.com/ and you had to spend it all. What would you buy? Have fun....but just remember you are imagining you were given that certificate.....its imaginary :)

If you want to win a prize for this weeks giveaways please be sure to leave your e-mail in your post. If for some reason your computer does not allow you to leave comments feel free to leave your comments on my web site and I'll include them in the giveaway.

Smiles,
Kelly

Day One Giveaway is Today

I'm sorry it is so late in the day but this is the first chance I've had to sneak away and post to my blog. I promised a giveaway each day that I am away.

You could win this Valori Wells Carry - All Tote & Throw Pattern

There will be 8 days of prizes to win. To make it even more fun, you won't know what you are winning. I will post a picture each day of a prize that will be drawn for at the end of the giveaway. So, I will randomly select one person's comment from that day and then a random number for the prize.

Please keep in mind that some of the books or patterns were floor samples so they are not exactly new....but in great condition. For example, the envelope on this Valori Wells pattern has a small tear. It is a brand new pattern and never has been used. Just a small flaw so I can't sell it at full retail.

To win today you need to leave a comment before midnight about the most famous person you have ever met and the circumstances under which you met them. Give the juicy details.....but keep it PG or close to it :) Well....of course if you have slept with Robert Redford then I guess you could spill the dirty beans.


If you want to win a prize for this weeks giveaways please be sure to leave your e-mail in your post. If for some reason your computer does not allow you to leave comments feel free to leave your comments on my web site and I'll include them in the giveaway.

Smiles,
Kelly

We have a winner :)

Susan said...
What wonderful photos and what sweet boys. Imperial skills??? What a riot!A week of giveaways sounds like a fun week! As for today's answer, I have no idea, but because you said that it was taken in PA, I will guess that they are MJ's shirts.
June 25, 2009 8:07 AM

One person guessed correctly. They belong to MJ....the "Bag Tag" designer :) Susan gets her choice of two bag tags or what ever she can talk me out of :) Now that's not a really difficult challenge....I love to give things away.

I've gone through all my Quilt Market stuff and more books that were Floor Samples (not used but not new....still great)....all to give away starting Saturday.

Smiles,
Kelly

Annual Pilgrimage Home

Every year we head to PA for the 4th of July. The only difference this year is we are going the week before and leaving on the 5th to return home to OH. We look forward to this trip all year and enjoy seeing our friends and family.

I adore this picture. It was taken in PA in July.

Can anyone tell me who's shirts these boys are wearing? You have to recognize the shirts owner and not be the owner....hey owner....no telling....that's cheating!!!

If you are the first to leave a comment on who the owner is and you are correct....without cheating (quilters don't cheat.....well.....I do....but usually they don't!!! LOL) I will send you a special prize. How about .... hmmmm.....what would be fun to give away (no I'm not giving one of the kids away...I'd go to jail) mmmmm.....mmmmm.....2 Bag Tags....your choice of colors!!! If you hate that....then you'll have to talk me into something else I guess :)

The Cabin....ahhhhhh our retreat away from everything....no electricity or running water. Rick and his family built the cabin in 1983. The boys love to go to the "house cabin."

Speaking of the boys...one quick funny and I'll get right back on topic...I promise. Tonight Aaron, Zach and I are in the backyard trying our best to catch fire flies. Aaron looks at me very seriously and says, "Mommy it takes imperial skills to catch 4 fireflies in one jar." Imperial skills? You just have to love that one.

I thought it would be fun to do a week of giveaways....one each day I'll be away. Does that sound like a good idea?

Smiles,
Kelly

"MJ's Bag Tag" Tutorial by Kelly Jackson

I remember promising some readers that I would post a tutorial about making Bag Tags. That was months ago. Well....I finally did it. Being a visual learner I probably took way too many pictures. For those of you who only require a few, hang in there! :)

The pattern was designed by my dear friend Mary Jane.

You will need:
- Timtex
-Fabric 3 1/2 x 12 inches
-Fabric Strip 14 inches by 1 7/8 (if you are using the binding machine otherwise use the width you prefer)
-Clear Plastic 2 1/2 x 4 1/4 inches - you can get this at Wal Mart (if they have fabric) or JoAnn's.
-MistyFuse

Timtex cut 2 1/2 x 11 inches

Fold Timtex  in half

Cut the tips off I used the Olfa Ruler

Tips cut off

Fabric 3 1/2 x 12 inches (Amy Butler Fabric)

I use Best Press and iron my fabric. I like my fabric to be wrinkle free.

Then I cut a piece of MistyFuse just larger than my Timtex (I eyeball the measurement). It might be difficult to see in this picture but if you look closely you can see it is about 1/4 inch larger all the way around.

Then I lay my wrinkle free fabric down, put a layer of MistyFuse and then my Timtex.

I trim the corners of the fabric off - freehand-does not need to be exact.

I'm using "The Applique Pressing Sheet" because the MistyFuse does not stick to it. I flipped the fabric sandwich(fabric, MistyFuse, Timtex) over and pressed. I used "Hot Stuff Harriet" because she does not steam :) I love her....heavy and cheap ($3.00)

Now I flip it over and press the sides in first. Next, I press down the ends. The extra MistyFuse is not visible here (it is wonderfully thin and leaves you fabric soft not stiff) but that is what holds the fabric in place. No need to use more or cut more it is already there.

Then I press in the "ears"

I fold it in half and press again.

This is how I make my straps. You can use fabric to match, coordinate or clash :) You can also use ric rac or ribbon (anything your heart desires:)

I use my new Bias Tape Maker to make the straps. I cut my fabric 14 x 1 7/8 inches. You can do it the old fashion way and fold your fabric in half, then fold the edges in and press. You can use the Bias Tape tools by Clover too. What ever works for you. This is just how I do it.

I feed it around the roller (I usually make 4 or more at the same time so I make lots of bias tape and I don't cut it on the bias because it is only being used for tag straps)

Just lay the fabric over the roller.

I cut it on an angle so it fits through the tip easier.

I use my Awl aka "Pokey Tool" to get my fabric through evenly. You don't have to...I just do...

As soon as it is fed through I remove the top of the Bias Tape Maker

Top Removed....fabric comes across the plate and over the end roller.

Note: you need to get the fabric over the end roller.

Replace the top, turn it on-it heats up very quickly. (this picture was taken out of order. I take mine off first before feeding it but I also turn mine on and do it carefully. If you follow my lead....you can get burned....YIKES. Danger Will Robinson!!!!

Waaaahhhhhh Laaaaaahhhhhh...you have bias tape :)

Subliminal message: Do not see the mess in the background.....do not see the mess in the background.....do not see the mess in the background.....

I fold it in half and stitch down both sides.

The stitches should be even....often my boys are playing next to me and I'm talking to them and not watching what I'm doing exactly. Then you get a wobbly line....I'm not thinking the bag handlers will notice....do you?

I tuck my strap in half and edge the tips down into the Bag Tag about 1/2 inch.

The next few pictures relate to the cutting of the plastic. This is just how they got uploaded....You can cut your plastic at the same time you cut your fabric.

Because I had such a hard time seeing the edge of my plastic when I cut it I use these Q Tools Cutting Edge Strips on the edge. You can see here that I place it on the edge of my roll of plastic.

Now I can see where I'm cutting. This just makes it easier for my. You might not have a hard time seeing the plastic. I have these strips for my rulers and they are re-usable so I use them on my plastic too.

Back to the Bag Tag Sewing

First I stitch right along the edge of the strap securing it in place. I usually go forward and backward and forward again. This secures the strap into the Bag Tag.

Just as I turn to come down the side I place my plastic on top of the Bag Tag. It is a little difficult to see here but that is what I've done. I use my walking foot because it glides over the plastic and does not get stuck. I've used my 1/4 inch foot and it sticks to the plastic.

I continue stitching all the way around and then clip my threads. Then I put a business size card behind the plastic.

You can make an assembly line to make several tags at once. They make really great gifts. Everyone I've ever given them to has told me how much they appreciate them. I put them on my boy's back packs for school, lunch boxes, gym bags and my luggage. I have made them in smaller sizes for gift tags and then they can use them for their bags afterwards.

This tutorial took quite a bit of time to do the pictures, upload them, write out the tutorial etc etc etc. I did not share the pattern (which took MJE time to create) without her permission. I ask that you not copy my instructions without my permission. The pattern and instructions are being shared freely and not intended for sale or profit.

If you get stuck or need more information feel free to e-mail me at IHaveANotion@yahoo.com. If you need any of the items used to make Bag Tags check out www.IHaveA-Notion.com

I would love to see your Bag Tags. If you make some please, please, please send me pix to share.

Smiles,

Kelly

Twenty Dollars Well Spent

Link to entire slideshow staring "Helga"

I happened to stop at an estate sale this past weekend. I saw this sewing machine and wondered why it was 20 dollars. The sale was coming to a close and I was surprised it had not been purchased. I asked the gal if it worked and she said yes it does so I bought it. Surprisingly I did not even ask her to sell it for 10 or 15 dollars. No haggling necessary....I just signed the adoption papers (she accepted credit cards too!!!) and brought Helga home with me.

I wish I had a video camera turned on when my husband saw the sewing machine. He had such a puzzled look on his face. He asked me why I needed another sewing machine and he was serious. He honestly had no idea why I would buy another sewing machine.

I loved the treasure hunt that followed. I opened up all the drawers and found so many fun items. Snaps for .23 cents, wooden spools of thread for .25 cents. The oil bottle looks to be the same age as the sewing machine and I just love it.

I'd say that was 20.00 well spent. What do you think?

Smiles, Kelly

Did someone say FREE?

Free is one of my favorite words, followed closely by Food, Friends, Fun, Flowers, Freckles, French Fries, Feather Pillows, Floating, Freesia, Fudge, Fire Flies, Freedom, Frogs, Fountains, Fall, and Foliage....just to name a few.

Flowers received today :) XOXO

Friends & Family

You know how I'm always posting pictures and saying sorry the quality is not what I wanted it to be? Well I just found free online classes in digital photography by HP. I thought I would share this with everyone else who would like to improve their digital photography.

Just thought I'd share a freebie with ya.

Smiles,

Kelly

Life as Process

Aaron, Zach and I were making father's day gifts . Zach asked me if he was a good artist....how precious. When they were finished painting they ran into the yard. I was left thinking....yea bud....great artist....lousy housekeeper :)

With the kids being home for the summer I don't get much time to sew. I have lots of ideas and desire but not enough time to sit and focus. No complaints, just a fact of life for now. Boy I sure do have lots of projects on my list as soon as Sept. comes around. Both boys will be in school and I'm hoping to get into some of my larger projects.

My mind is not in the blogisphere lately. My dog Bear is not doing well. We plan on taking him to the vet to be put to sleep on Friday. He has been my dog since before I met Rick or had the boys. He has always been a special part of my life. I'm sharing this so folks aren't wondering why I'm not writing about stitching. So if I miss a post or two....you'll know whats up.

If anyone is inspired to share something totally cool, new, something that is on your mind, a good joke, some interesting photos, sewing stories......just e-mail it to me and I'll post it on the day's I'm feeling poopie. Sort of like a substitute blogologist/bloggifer/blogerator or something :)

A little story for ya:
I have a dear friend who had to put her dog to sleep and she called me from her car on the way home from the vet. She was crying and feeling terrible. I said, "So you are telling me you just killed your dog and you feel bad? I'd feel bad too!!" She started laughing and told me she was glad I had not lost my sense of humor.

Have some fun today.....and leave a few chores undone!!!
Kelly

Bias Tape Maker by Simplicity Update

This has been the hottest item in the last week. I've received several e-mails asking about the tips sizes that will be available. So I thought to save myself lots of time answering e-mails I would publish the tip sizes that will be coming in Aug. (according to my sources).

The tips for single fold bias tape will be: 1/8 1/4, 3/8, 1/2, 3/4, 1 1/2. The Quilt Binding tips will be for 2 1/4 in and 2 1/2 in cut strips.

If you would like to see how the machine works click here. I got a sneak peak and a test run back in April. The Bias Tape Maker comes with a 1 inch tip. The additional tips will be for sale individually in Aug.

I hope this helps explain the questions.

Happy Bias-ing and Binding,

Kelly