Behind the Scenes at I Have A Notion

After talking with a customer last night at 8:30pm, I realized many people who shop in my store don't really know me. They seem to be surprised by my occasional phone calls on to verify their order or ask a question. Many sales people are surprised when I say my business phone is in my kitchen. That is the truth. I've had people e-mail me and say they really liked my hand written note in the package with their purchase.

I am a Mother first and a business owner second. I did not have them until I was 38 and 40 years old so I really want to enjoy them. Screaming and hearing "Mommy....Mommy.....Mommy (louder and louder) when I'm on a business call is customary. I usually say, please don't mind my co-workers, they are a bit fussy. Then I move on...no excuses or apologies. If you should find an interesting sticker or crayon mark on your box....consider it a gift from my co-workers :)

So I thought I would take you behind the scenes at I Have A Notion. You might know my co-workers, Aaron and Zachary, from reading my blog.

Zach is on the left and Aaron is on the right. Aug. 3rd was a huge day here at I Have A Notion. No I did not get 10,000 dollars in orders that day. Both Aaron and Zachary learned to ride two wheelers Sunday night. (That is why I was rambling a bit in my blog post Monday morning.....I was writing it at 1:30AM)

The price of poker.

Working here is soooo much fun :)

I took this picture before I had my first cup of coffee. Zach, wearing his Daddy's t-shirt as PJ's, is ready to go on a bike ride. There is not one stitch under the t-shirt. I had him turn around and I snapped a booty shot (illegal to upload) but precious for Mommy's to look at later in life.

After riding around the neighborhood for 45 minutes (he had changed into clothes Grandma....honestly :) we came in and had breakfast. I checked my e-mail and then got a box for the boys to load with toys. We are having a garage sale in a week or so and I want them to choose which "office supplies" they think we can do without.

Fortification is necessary so we took a trip to Giant Eagle for groceries. My co-workers like Giant Eagle because they have "The Eagles Nest." They improve on hand and eye coordination skills (play video games) while the Boss gets something to heat up (I don't like to cook).

A 75% off sign caught my eye at Giant Eagle. No I did not buy this.....but I did love it. "Housework Makes Me Croak." Honestly I did not buy it because I would have had to dust it....and I don't want to Croak!!!

Yes this is a picture of the coils on the bottom of my fridge. This is way, way, way behind the scenes at IHAN. You may be asking yourself, why on GGE (Gods green earth) is she taking a photo of the bottom of her fridge? No, well you should be. I can fit the regular vac hose under to clean the first set of coils but not the second. I need a VST (very special tool) for that job.

"Self, why are you on your hands and knees in the middle of the afternoon looking under your fridge?" Self answers, "because I can't control my co-workers but I can control the dust under the fridge."

Zach was experimenting with putting Lego's up his nose. (I wonder if they have this much fun at Microsoft? ) Often I find it difficult to get my monkeys to walk the straight and narrow. I need to feel I am in control.....so I find something I can control....today it was the dust puppies!!! I grabbed one of my favorite things....the Vacuum Attachment Kit (I use it for my dryer vent, cleaning small spaces in my van (co-workers get crumbs everywhere) , my computer, my serger and sewing machine.

I think I like to vacuum (suck small things into a container and trap them) because I feel really powerful and in control. It sure beats running for President ay?

Sew, now you all know how IHAN operates. When the going gets tough....I get the vacuum. I am the Owner, Operator, Dietitian, Nurse, Head Chef (heater upper), Gardener, Chauffeur, Secretary, Janitor, by profession a Psychologist and on occasion....I get to stitch :)

I didn't mention my husband.....because.....well......because.....OK...I'll tell you.....he thinks he's the Boss....shhhhh don't tell him....what is said here....stays here (confidentiality agreement in force now).

Smiles,

Kelly

Accuquilt Go Now at www.IHaveA-Notion.com

You can now buy Accuquilt Go and Accessories at my store!!! So if you are considering purchasing one...or several....(you have to take care of those friends....and have great giveaways on your blog, right?) please think about buying it from I Have A Notion. At least you know the customer service is excellent....a bit nuts....but friendly none the less :)

Smiles,

Kelly

Rotary Cutting Machine Test Results

I have finally tried the Simplicity Rotary Cutting Machine myself. Yes, it was tested by me personally. I have been asked many questions about the machine and I could only tell folks what I had read or been told by those who have demonstrated the machine. Now I have first hand knowledge and I'm about to share it with you. But before I do, I want to say that I also did a video of the test with the fabrics I will talk about here. It is in the process of being uploaded to our computer so it can be put on YouTube and then on my blog. So stay tuned :)


These are two tools you will need if you get or have a Rotary Cutting Machine. A flat head screwdriver and a cross tip screwdriver (Philips head). Why? Well because the tension on the cutter needs to be adjusted with a flat head and the blade is changed with a cross head. You are now prepared :)
I am holding the Rotary Cutter up at an angle so you can see both screws that I just spoke/typed about.

This is a top view of the cutter. You adjust the width of the strip you want to cut by moving this sliding bar. It has two holes so you can adjust it smaller or larger depending on what you need. The "lip" to the right is where you put your fabric. You slip it under the lip and guide it straight toward the blade. I found all of this to be fairly straightforward and simple to do.

This is the pinking cutter. Hopefully you can see just how tightly I'm holding this rotary cutter blade. Are you expecting blood? Lots and lots of blood? Perhaps plastic surgery to have my fingers put back on? Well you'll be pleasantly surprised to learn this is all that happened:

Just a squiggly indent in my finger. I was gripping it very firmly so it would leave a crease.

Now I'm changing the blade to the straight edge cutting blade. I just used the cross tip screwdriver to loosen and remove the screw. The little cover comes right off. Then you need to turn the black dial to the Right (not left...lefty loosey righty tighty does not apply here...just the opposite!!).

Same thing....tempting fate I hold the rotary cutter very tightly between my fingers.

No blood....just an indent. I'm sorry to disappoint those of you who like the gory movies....you'll have to go back to your TV for that.

The entire machine is apx 8 1/2 inches long. Nice and compact.

Now you have seen the pictures and know a little about the machine, I'll share my experience with you. I will also share why I think (guessing really) a few people are having difficulty with the machine.

I got my fabric jammed and had some experiences with it going wobbly. These are all on the video. I also had it go over fabric and paper without cutting.

I noticed after I practiced with the machine I got better and then I had no problems cutting with it. I think it was the way I was holding the fabric when it jammed. I did have a few times when the fabric went around the roller and I had to use tweezers to pull it out. I kept trying and it cut just fine. I had to keep the fabric under the guide and against the machine evenly. When I moved my hands or arms I noticed I would get a wobbly cut if I was not paying attention. I think there is a learning curve just like with a new sewing machine.

A few things to note about the cutter. The cord that goes from the pedal to the wall is only 36 inches long. More than likely you will need an extension cord. You will need screwdrivers. You will have to play with the tension to get it right for the fabric you are using. It will take time and practice. You will jam your fabric so don't start with the good stuff. You may get frustrated (a few glasses of wine will cure that quickly). If you are like me, you will only read the directions if you can't get it to work right. Before being patient, you'll complain and say negative things....if you are like me (a few glasses of wine will cure that too).

Note: The blades are rotary (•circular: describing a circle; moving in a circle; "the circular motion of the wheel). They are not razor rotary cutting wheels. I think/guess most people think these are razor edge and the sharp blade cuts the fabric/paper. It is the pressure that cuts the fabric or paper. So don't be surprised when you have to adjust the tension to get a good clean cut. I know I was surprised by this and thought perhaps others would be too. I like the fact that they are not razor edge because they won't dull as easily as the others do.

I hope this helps some folks. I think the machine does exactly what it says it will do and I was satisfied once I learned what I was doing. It does take some getting used to and you will be using your screwdriver to adjust the tension. I had no idea it would require these things. Somehow I just figured you put your fabric in and out it came.

To those who have had difficulty I know what you are talking about. The same things happened to me. I made the adjustments and I got it to cut even strips. I even used Best Press to starch the 100% cotton fabric to see if it would make a difference. I really did not notice a difference.

I used 100% cotton quilting fabric, duck cloth, corduroy, linen, felted wool, sweatshirt fabric and upholstery fabric in the cutting machine. The machine cut all of these fabrics and I got the size of strip I had set the machine for. I used card stock paper with both blades and it cut evenly and well. I even put two layers of 100% cotton and got it to cut evenly. When I put three layers under the blade it did cut but the machine slowed down considerably.

I think knowing these things about the machine will help people make informed decisions when making a purchase. I recommend using scraps to practice and go in having the expectation that you will need to get comfortable with the machine. Make sure your scraps are squared up and have a straight edge. Then you'll know just when you get the hang of it .... your strips will be even.

Smiles,

Kelly the Cutting Machine Tester :)

Accuquilt Go and SewCalGal's blog

When I saw the Accuquilt Go at the Quilt Market in Pittsburgh I was very impressed. I understood the concept because I had used a machine similar to this for scrapbooking. I enjoyed the demo and thought it would be great for quilt shops, classes and for very ambitious quilters.

I have recently been asked if I am going to carry the Accuquilt Go. I guess I'm interested in knowing how many people would be interested in purchasing one.

SewCalGal's blog has a review of the Accuquilt Go and I thought I would share that with you. If you are so inclined....click here.....no not here....there.....and check out her review. Let me know what you think.

Some of you may have also noticed that I follow SewCalGal's blog. She has a great blog and gives lots of information that I have found useful. Just by chance she was one of the winners of my giveaway last month. Then I get an e-mail asking me a little more about my business and how I started into business etc. Well, she was writing a post about me. How nice is that? In case you missed it, just click here :)

Smiles,

Kelly

Curb Alert

Ok, call me crazy (you would not be far from the truth) but throwing away perfectly good usable new items turns me into a "curb shopper."

My girlfriend Rachel took me to see her new house on Thursday. The house is in the process of being finished and the cement was being poured. I begged her to let her two little girls put their hand prints into the cement near the garage door. After a call to her husband (why?...forgiveness beats permission every day) she let the girls make hand prints. We wiped them off with wet wipes and I was looking everywhere for a garbage can to put the wipes into. No go. But then I notice across the way the trash is out in front of another house. So I go walking my booty down there to throw them away and what do I notice?

You guessed it (quick study ay?) all of these items in the trash. The tag was still on the dust pan and the scrub brush in the bucket. So I am the proud owner of a brand new bucket, scrub brush, dustpan and some gently used garbage cans and a Wet Swiffer (batteries work and all).

I think my husband would crawl under a rock if he saw Rachel and I rustling through someones trash can.

There was a pile of sweatshirts on top too. Can anyone tell me why on Gods Green Earth (GGE) anyone on this planet would throw away perfectly good things and not put them on FreeCycle dot com or give them to Goodwill?

To maintain my sanity I have told myself, "self...yes I'm listening.....the woman who lived there had had enough cleaning and decided to rid herself of all cleaning instruments and all of her husbands clothes too". She must be one happy woman so I will forgive her this transgression.

Smiles,

Kelly

Simplicity Update

By the way, I don't work for Simplicity!!! I was just shipping out a box of Jackpot Scissors and thought maybe others did not know how great they are.

I'm in contact with a gentleman from Simplicity to resolve the concerns and questions folks have about the Rotary Cutting Machines. I'll keep everyone updated :)

Kelly

Jackpot Scissors by Simplicity

I think I have sold over 30 pair of these scissors in the past 3 weeks (truth, no lying going on now:). I think they are some of the best scissors with sharp tips I've come across (except those made by Dovo....they are much more expensive but very spanky!!!). They are affordable and excellent for snipping small stitches, applique, unsewing and trimming threads close to your project without cutting the fabric.

I'm sure they are good for other things too....clipping your nails, stabbing an intruder, opening packages, trimming your husbands eyebrows.....but I don't recommend them for those uses unless you are desperate.

I'm not the only one who things so either. Check out this comment.

She makes the same promise I do....you won't be disappointed. Stop by my website and see for yourself. Ok, I'll make it easy for ya....just click HERE :)

Smiles,
Kelly

Rotary Cutting Machine by Simplicity Update

Some folks e-mailed me with questions about the Rotary Cutting Machine by Simplicity. I forwarded the questions to my distributors and to Simplicity. The response I received from Simplicity is below:

Rotary Cutting Machine Frequently Asked Questions

Why doesn’t my blade cut through the fabric?
If you are
using the machine for the first time, you must tighten the pressure between the
blade and the roller underneath. Out of the box, the machine will not cut – it
is loose to protect the blade in shipment.

If the machine was cutting
cotton and now you want to cut wool or paper for example, you will need to
adjust the pressure for the heavier materials used.

What can I cut with
the machine?
Our testers cut quilting cottons, artist canvas, wool, paper,
fleece, craft foam, and felt. The pressure between the blade and the roller
underneath must be adjusted to achieve the cut for the materials to be cut.

How many layers of cotton can the machine handle?
This will depend
on the pressure between the blade and the roller underneath. However, in testing
by several quilters they found that 2 layers gives more control for accuracy
than more layers.

Why aren’t my strips straight?
Maintaining
consistent and accurate results takes practice. (One of our testers said it took
him only about 10 minutes to get the hang of it!) In testing, we found that
guiding the fabric with your hands behind as well as in front of the blade
provides more control.

How do I prevent drag when trying to cut a long
length of fabric?
One of our testers placed the machine in a sewing machine
cabinet so that the surface of the machine was level with the cabinet surface to
allow for a larger flat work surface area.

How do I change the blade?
To change the blade you will need a Phillips head screw driver and a Flat
head screw driver. Follow the instructions that come with the machine. You can
also watch our How-To video by clicking on the link. http://www.simplicity.com/rotarycuttervideo.aspx

Are there additional blades available?
There will be 3 blades
(large wave, small wave, straight) available in late September 2009. Additional
styles of blades will be available in late fall 2009.

Watch our instructional video at: http://www.simplicity.com/rotarycuttervideo.aspx

I have not operated a Rotary Cutting Machine myself. I will have the opportunity at the end of August to meet with some of the folks who work closely with the machine and I will get more information at that time. My understanding is that it works great but takes a little practice to get used to. I have recommended people use their sewing machine tables for stability when moving the fabric through the cutter. As soon as I learn more I'll be sure to pass it along :)

Smiles,

Kelly

Sizzling Circles by Lacey J. Hill

Wow, talk about a great gift package. I just got home from taking the boys to the park I found a package on my front porch. It was from Lacey Hill.

You might remember her from my story of the Quilt Market in Pittsburgh. She and her friends are the gals who saved my life. I was wandering around the streets of Pittsburgh looking for my car. I saw these three gals and asked if they could help me. They not only helped me they drove me to my van and waited until I drove away. So, she saves my life and now sends me a gift. (she must not read my blog....she probably wants my first born....boy is she in for a surprise..rofl.) Lacey is in the middle of the picture below.

Look at what is in the package!!!

"Sizzling Circles", the Circle and More Ruler, Snap Backpack pattern, Snap Bag pattern and purse handles!!!!

Look at this cool Snap Backpack pattern. I can't wait to make one. I like the "filled with pockets" because I'm always finding army men or legos in my purse. I need special designated pockets for that special stuff.

Not only did I get this pattern but the handles too!!! Do you think it is my husband she wants? All I have to say is it better not be :)

She wrote this inside her book.

"Sizzling Circle Baltimore Basket" is the title of this pattern. Isn't it beautiful?

Sizzling Circles "Simple Quilt-as-you-go Technique. No Quilting or Binding Required!" I imagine these would make wonderful gifts....not only the book but one of the Baltimore Baskets!!!

I am so thrilled. I can't wait to try these out. How exciting. I have no idea what I have ever done in my lifetime to deserve such generosity.....but I ain't turnin it down!!!

If you want a copy of "Sizzling Circles" for yourself or a gift click here.

If you want a Snap Bag Pattern, Snap Backpack Pattern or The Circles and More Ruler click here.

Thank you Lacey for the lovely gift. You know I'll be getting my Mom down here to watch the boys so I can sew this weekend :)

Huge Smiles,

Kelly

Rotary Cutting Machine by Simplicity Update and Alex Anderson

I hope everyone noticed who stopped by my blog yesterday. (No silly not Robert Redford) Alex Anderson left a comment for us/me and I thought that was so generous. This is the picture I took of her at Quilt Market in Pittsburgh earlier this year. Every time I saw her this is the great smile I was greeted with. She seems so genuine and real.....I just love that.

OK, on to the Rotary Cutting Machine by Simplicity:

Recently I received some feedback from an experienced Quilt Artist who purchased the Rotary Cutting Machine by Simplicity from me. She thinks the written directions are lacking. I only want satisfied customers so I attempted to give her all the information I had about the cutting machine. One of the things I noticed at Quilt Market in Pittsburgh was this acrylic table the Simplicity demonstrator was using. I remember asking who made it and she said "Dream World." You may be able to use your own sewing table too. I think having the support for the fabric may help quite a bit. Thought everyone would want to know that too!!!

Anyone withing driving distance to Hershey PA? The Quilt Odyssey is being held at the Hershey Lodge and Convention Center from July 30th through Aug. 2nd. My girlfriends, Mary Jane, Eleanor, and Lois will be there without me. So very sad I know. (no, no...thanks for the Kleenex but I have a whole box right here) I know they will have lots of fun and I'm hoping for lots of phone calls to tell me every juicy detail.

I'm off to pick up my monkeys now. I have missed them terribly and I'm looking forward to their first fight (lying again) and huge kisses and hugs.

Mommy Smiles,

Kelly

Alex Anderson Alert!!!!

OK ladies....it is true....there is only seven degrees of separation between people. I wrote a post about anyone knowing Alex Anderson. Someone apparently does and she stopped by my blog and left a comment today.

Lets hear it for Alex!!! Hip Hip Hooray!!! Check out the comments on my post today.

Thanks Alex.....how wonderful for you to take your time and leave a comment. By the way, I think you are beautiful in person and on TV. You seem sincere and real .....which are very high on my list of values.

Smiles....Big Smiles,
Kelly

Shhhhh, can you hear that?

Me either.......soooo quite. Too quiet. Much toooooo quiet. Aaron and Zach are with Grandma and Auntie for two days. Where am I? Home with tears in my eyes missing them. Last night I missed Zach saying he needs water or listening to him talk in his sleep. I missed the fight with Aaron about going to bed. This morning....silence in the house. I actually felt like I was doing something wrong by sleeping in. "Mommy I want my waffle cut in pennies (his own creation)" and "I don't have to go to the bathroom".....all being given to Auntie and Grandma today.

This says it all.....channeling my inner Mommy!!

I am going to muster all the strength in my spirit and re-organize my sewing area and do some chores. I got some free Iris last night. They were nicely labeled in boxes last night on the roadside. How nice is that? They even went as far as to take a sharpie and write the type of Iris they are on the leaf. And as if that was not nice enough....there were printed pages on how to care for Iris. Talk about generous.....I took several.....and now they need to be planted :)

No sewing talk for now....just speeding around the house trying to get everything done before tomorrow when my monkeys return.

Tearful Smiles,

Kelly

Found Another "Gotta Have"

Is there a limit to the human spirits ability to "gotta have"? It must be my age that now allows me to understand the meaning of "desire" and I just wonder why money is the root of all evil and not desire.

My little girl eyes saw this and just wants it....desire.....(I think there are a lot of spiritual teachings that allow a person to stare down the hallway of desire and see white light and not the hungry Grand Canyon of want.....but that is NOT what this post is about!!!)

You are probably thinking it is chocolate, diamonds, stacks of cash, a jar full of tokens for endless hours of house keeping done by someone else, a Featherweight, a store room full of fabric all for me......NOPE.....it is this.

Isn't this sooo pretty?

Smiles,
Kelly
I apologize if I am feeding your dark monster of want too. Someday we'll tame them but not today!!!

Texture Magic

The first time I saw Texture Magic was at the Quilt Market in Pittsburgh. I thought it was really neat but was sort of unsure how a quilt would look made with it. This morning I found this post and now I know. Babies love textures and their little fingers just search around for things to feel.....so here is a terrific post by Bitty Bits and Pieces Blogspot.

Smiles,
Kelly

Non-Reply Comments

My goal is to respond to everyone who leaves me a comment on my blog. Some people leave comments and they are "non-reply" so I can't respond. If you have not gotten a response from me....check to see if you are one of those "non-reply" folks :)

I figured everyone would want one of the pin cushions and I was waiting to see how many people chimed in. We could do a swap so everyone could get one.....hmmmmm......now that sounds like some fun :)

Sneeky Kelly

Sew Mama Sew

Does anyone need just one small project to make? How about a gift.
Well if you really want to....feel free to make me one of these. If you are so moved to make one for me...I would thank you kindly....hug you.....and put a picture of it on my blog.

I'm not ashamed to beg. I really want one of these and you know me....I won't get to it for ..... well.....who knows when.

Shamelessly,
Kelly

Amy Butler's Little Stitches For Little Ones

I now own a copy of Amy Butler's "Little Stitches For Little Ones" and I am again itching to find a baby to sew for. Rick's nephew and his wife are due in Sept. and I hate to overwhelm them with distant Aunt gifts.....but unless Megan and Cody get busy, that is what I may have to do.

Oops, how did that get in her book?

(another lie, sorry :)
(notice she is wearing the same colors....hmmmm...)

Don't you just want to kiss that baby? I love the dress and I think it would be so fun in batiks too.

These are some spanky jammies!!
Not to mention that very cool rocker.

How about this diaper bag. My boys are only 5 and 6 and I never, never, never saw anything this fun when I was carrying a diaper bag.

"Snuggie Wrap Blanket"

I think the Snuggie Wrap Blanket would be great for charity quilts/blankets too. So often they need blankets at hospitals and shelters, this would be easy and warm. Just another idea.

I really like the way the book is laid out too. It is spiral bound and the pages flip easily. All the patterns are in the front of the book tucked nicely into a pocket. I tell you this girl has it "All Go-in On" and she looks so beautiful next to that picture of some red head. (Next time I'm going to mimic her stance so my legs look thinner , LOL :)

Please don't ask to borrey my copy. Not that I'm not nice, I just love it and don't want to part with it soon :) But if you want one, I know some place very special that you could get one (hint hint). If you want ONE click HERE, if you want TWO click HERE.....if you Don't want one.....that is just a negative thought and it will pass soon.

Smiles,

Kelly

BEWARE

Please think twice before posting pictures of yourself on your blog or the Internet. The computer adds 10 years (or more in some states) to your features!!!

Whose hands are those anyway?

I received my package from Green Fairy Quilts yesterday!!! How very beautiful. What a huge jelly roll. I'm not sure what I'm going to make just yet....but I'm certainly thinking about it.

Smiles, Kelly

I'm changing the size of the type as I noticed the letters are very small. Does this help anyone else but me?

Alex Anderson's Essential Sewing Tool Update and MORE!!!

Can someone please tell me why these things keep happening to me? I really need a job with Consumer Reports....or my version would be Common Cents Reports (rare commodity).

Ok, I'm minding my own business (a lie, I never mind my own business) clearing some things off a table in the basement (more about that later). I find an old vase I made when I took a pottery class several years ago. I love it so I brought it upstairs to hold some "overflow" pens. My husband complains there are too many pens in the container (yea....why dear? perhaps because you keep bringing more home every day in your pocket from work.....could not possibly be that....it must be your frugal wife out buying tons of pens just to fill containers). I pull out the pens and what do I find all over my hands and fingers???? Not RED CRAYON....but BLUE INK. Jeeeeezzzzzz Ooooooooo Peeeeeeetttttzzzzzz!!! This gal needs to avoid all trouble honestly.

I'm feeling sort of smart right? I head for the laundry room and get the WD40. After all, if my memory serves me correctly (not too often) the web site said it takes ink off skin. So I take my smart self into the kitchen and spray it on my hand. Then I begin wiping. Did it come off? Heck no.....only took a tiny bit off. So I marched my smart self back into the laundry room and got the De-Solve-It and sprayed that on my hand. Did it come off? You better believe it did!!! Score a point for De-Solve-It.

How about that pen container.....smart self says to self......self.....this is ceramic....what is going to take that nasty ink off of this....or do I just throw it in the garbage and go to bed. Never that smart!!! I'm going to get my camera and do before and after pictures (boys are in bed and husband is spending time with Giant Ginger (his girlfriend).

I spray De-Solve-It in the container thinking if it took the ink off my hands it is sure to take it off the ceramic container. NOPE!!! No go. No budge.....no nuttin. So being as I have a can of WD40 handy I give it a healthy spray. It took most of it out. What did not come out with the WD40 came right off with one of those Mr. Clean sponge babies.

Yes I've lost my mind again....."Gone Nuts and Ain't Commin Back"....is the title for my new book!!!

So there you have it.....you got the skinny on the subject. Back to the fun part....why I was re-arranging the furniture in the basement. I went to yet another garage sale (ok, several....lying again) and I found this credenza for $50.00. I was able to put lots of my scrapbooking supplies and photos away tonight. It is really a nice piece of furniture and I thought it was a steal for $50 (the better steal was stolen right out from under me....a Featherweight for $40.00...gritting of teeth in the background).

Then we had dinner. Fruit Salad, Yummy Yummy.....ok so that is not mine either....stole that from the Wiggles. Then pizza and mac and cheese. I tell you this so you don't think I'm some amazing person able to go to the YMCA, drop off and pick up kids from VBS, go to the post office, pick up an order, garage sale, go to the dermatologist office and pick a large black bag full of weeds from my yard and make a terrific dinner and pay my taxes.....don't happen here!!!(did I mention the 2 loads of laundry too?).

Well.....I'm still standing and I'm headed off to bed. Ya'all can read my adventures in the morning while I'm running out the door again (last day of VBS).

Thanks for all the great comments. When the new tool by Alex Anderson is out I'll be sure to post it on my blog.

Thread Carousels are available on my website for those of you who inquired today. Here is the info about the Carousels being in Quilting magazines:

1. QUILTERS MAGAZINE. ADD ON PAGE 93 OF THE AUG/SEPT ISSUE.
2. QUILTERS NEWSLETTER Q LAB SECTION PAGE 57.

Well I know Virginia but not Alex. No one who reads my blog seems to know Alex. Girls you gotta get out there more.....get me some "pull" with Alex....we need those tools before anyone else gets them....right?

Smiles,

Kelly

PS....I'm happy knowing Virginia.....I can wait for Alex to call....not long though.

Alex Anderson's Essential Sewing Tool

Penny Haren from Checker Distributors has written an excellent review of this new tool.

Alex Anderson’s 4-in-1 Essential Sewing Tool will begin to be shipped to stores
the middle of August so place your orders now. This notion is carved from maple
and includes a seam ripper, a stiletto, a presser and a turner. This is an
heirloom quality notion that every quilter will love - and the perfect gift.

It is designed to lay flat on your work surface and will not roll off of the
counter or table at any time. Alex has thought of everything! This notion should
be in every quilter’s stocking this season!

They are now available at I Have A Notion for 16.99. Woooo Hoooo....time to get one for yourself and one for your best stitching friend. Booo Hooooo I just learned they won't be available until Sept. Anyone friends with Alex? Maybe she'd ship us some sooner :) We can always hope, right?

Smiles, Kelly

Easy Reach Thread Carousel

I forgot to post pictures of my Easy Reach Thread Carousel after it was filled. Here it is....isn't it beautiful? I just love it. It saved me two wall racks worth of space. Also two acrylic boxes that held my bobbins. Huge space saver and very convenient to keep near my machine. These are fine heirloom quality thread carousels and I feel very lucky to have one.

Virginia Lauer is the inventor of the Thread Carousel. She is such a dear and sweet woman. I am very lucky to have met her. Her Thread Carousels will be featured in some big magazines soon....so keep your eyes out. I'm not sure I'm allowed to say just yet....so that's all I'll say for now :)

Smiles,

Kelly

A Zillion Uses for WD40

(Edited 7/24/09) See Bold type below.

I received several e-mails asking how I knew what to use to get the red crayon out. To be honest, I really didn't know what to use exactly. I did have the De-Solv-It in the laundry room. I've used it for lots of things before. Then I just remembered WD40 has a Zillion (yes I'm exaggerating.....do you think someone can count to a zillion?) uses so I just gave it a try. I didn't have much to loose at that point....other than my sanity and that was already long gone!!!

This is only a partial list. Click here for more.

•Prevents rust on tripods
•Removes gaff tape
•Removes old cellophane tape
•Removes ink from blue jeans
•Keeps sewing needles from rusting
•Cleans metal figurines
•Cleans piano keys
•Adds moisture to and preserves ivory and bone items
•Shines mother-of-pearl accessories
•Removes glue from carpet
•Keeps curling iron from sticking to plastic crafts
•Spray sewing thread to prevent breakage
•Removes rubber cement
•Removes glue from paneling
•Removes adhesives from sewing machines
•Removes stickers from guitars
•Spray on hands before using heavy adhesives to prevent sticking
•Removes rubber cement from clothing
•Protects metal bars on glockenspiels (without google...or any other resource...does anyone know what a glockenspiel is?)
•Cleans Hemming dies
•Prevents rust on jewelry forging blocks
•Protects DJ components from rusting
•Coat electric guitar pickups to prevent rusting
•Cleans synthesizer keys
•Coat collectible metal toys before storing to prevent tarnishing and corrosion
•Removes stickers from piano keys
•Protects antique toys
•Cleans potentiometers on guitar amplifier
•Cleans and protects collectible cans
•Cleans glue from antique bottles
•Cleans old coins
•Cleans microphone cables after rental
•Cleans and protects chrome on bass guitars
•Removes ink from hands (Edit: Not for Kelly Jackson...see post of 7/24/09)
•Cleans electrical contacts on slot racing cars
•Shines doll shoes
•Gets glue stains out of jeans
•Cleans piston valves on horns and tubas
•Keeps clay from sticking to molds during crafting
•Removes play-dough from hair
•Removes stickers from Hummel figures
•Cleans antique guns
•Shines seashells
•Helps lubricate fretboard on guitars
•Keeps flight controls for model aircraft in working order
•Prevents detail from sticking to cast material in resin-kit model production
•Gives a great shine to flat surfaces for stock photography
•Removes duct tape
•Helps hone stones
•Polishes seashells
•Cleans ostrich eggs for craft use (Now ya know I really need WD40 for this!!!)
•Gives virtual rocks a clean shine (Is this a joke? I did not write this....HONEST)
•Keeps model trains rust-free
•Drives out hard to remove debris from rock samples
•Protects HAM radio antennas from moisture
•Cleans tin-plated parts on model trains
•Keeps moisture and corrosion from building on the control cables of model airplanes
•Use the WD-40 Smart Straw to help clean frets on guitars and prevent strings from rusting
•Keeps trigger on glue gun from sticking
•Lubricates needles on knitting machine
•Penetrates stuck walking foot on sewing machines
•Lubricates piano lid hinges
•Lubricates air nozzle of balloon pump
•Lubricates piano leg casters
•Lubricates tuning mechanisms on graphic equalizers
•Frees up stuck keys on organ
•Lubricates gear trains on servo motors
•Lubricates bass drum and high hat pedals
•Lubricates and improves electrical contacts on model train tracks
•Lubricates antique toy trains
•Lubricates end pins on cellos
•Lubricates stuck parts on vintage 8 mm film projectors
•Unsticks piano keys
•Stops knitting machines from binding
•Lubricates latches on saxophone case
•Loosens end joints on flute
•Lubricates crank motors on antique mechanical phonographs
•Unsticks keys on baritone horns
•Soak clarinet joints to loosen pins for easy dis assembly
•Lubricates soap box derby wheel bearings and spindles
•Lubricates piano hammer action in pianos
•Lubricates guitar case latches
•Lubricates flute joints and screws
•Lubricates rotors on French horns
•Lubricates wheels on tuba case
•Lubricates tuba valves
•Frees stuck slides on brass instruments
•Lubricates landing gear on model airplanes
•Lubricates tuning gears on guitars
•Lubricates robot joints
•Loosens arm and leg joints on porcelain dolls
•Lubricates valves on peck horns
•Lubricates model airplane linkages
•Lubricates joints of artist’s easel
•Lubricates craft punches
•Lubricates "fine tuner" screw on stringed instruments
•Keeps the throttle cable on my model airplane working smoothly
•Use the No-Mess Pen to lubricate the area under the hook of a sewing machine
•Makes rusty piano strings pliable again

I am so glad they did not write me and ask me to compile a list for them. I'd be very busy for a very long time. Before I finished I bet I'd be looking at lots of wrinkly Tattoos and listening to the golden oldies (Rap Music).

Smiles,
Kelly

Oh My....I never thought about this...SCARY

RUN FOR THE HILLS!!!
Kelly