Announcement!

I Have A Notion blog and store have moved to:


the store can be found at


There is a much easier to navigate store, with new items. The blog has its own page as well... new content too.

The blog is now at www.ihaveanotion.com/blog

Please come and visit!

Sunday, September 13, 2009

Clover and Nancy Zieman

Checker 61st Anniversary Open House
Chapter 10


And you thought I had forgotten....nope....just took a little break.

Louis Carson and Nancy Zieman were at Checker's Open House. I spent some time talking with Nancy and Lou and I learned about some notions that I think are very cool. Join me on my little tour here.....

Of course I'm not going to miss a photo opportunity with Nancy Zieman.


Nancy demonstrated her Trace and Create Handbag Templates. These are definitely no-brainers. Just lay the template down, trace and sew. I instantly thought of my girlfriend who is scared to start sewing and loves handbags and my 14 year old neighbor who is in 4H. She loves to sew and with these templates her Mom and I could chat and drink coffee while she sews :)


To make the process simple, Nancy also has the Create a Strap Interfacing. You just press, fold and stitch. No kidding. It comes in 5/8, 1, and 1 1/4 inch widths. You want piping....ok....Bag & Wearable Art Piping is available too....just fuse fabric around the piping....no need to create the piping!! It does not get any easier than that!!

The Double Sided Basting Tape Nancy uses in her handbag construction really caught my eye. It is basically a double sided adhesive (very good adhesive...really sticks if you know what I mean) and it adheres to fabric, paper, plastic or wood. Nancy uses it for the construction of her handbags. I could think of 1,000 uses for that wonderful stuff. I bought 3 rolls just for myself....no kidding. When I want to put embellishments or Punchneedle on top of other creations and I don't want the stitching to show....I'm using this adhesive!!!

The Stack and Store Bobin Tower was really neat. I liked the way it holds your threads so there is no threads hanging. Click here if you want to see how it works.


Lou was kind enough to show me the "Hami-Ami" Flower Maker. I thought it was cool for making embellishments.




He also had the ever so incredible Protect and Grip Thimbles. Mary Jane discovered it at Quilt Market and it has been a huge....huge....huge success. I've lost count of the number of thimbles I've sold and everyone comes back to tell me how much they like them. Beware.....they seem to disappear quickly....someone asks to see it and yep.....it gets passed around and then gone!!! Truth is they are not stolen....I end up giving mine away....the person liked it so much I had to give them mine. Guess I need to carry a stash in my van ay?

Lou did not bring the Clover Mechanical Tracing Pencils. They come in yellow, silver and pink. He said he would send me one to try. I hear they are good....but I have to try it for myself. I'm still in search of the best tracing pencil out there.

That's all for now...time to sign off and get back to my sewing machine :)

Smiles, Kelly

Giveaway Alert

I thought this pix might wake everyone up (in US) this morning. Are you bright eyed and bushy tailed now? I am....I think the best part of entering this giveaway was listening to some fun music I had never heard before and seeing the graphic arts.

Click on over to Sew Fantastic and bop in your seat, enjoy the fun, you'll be glad you did.

Bopping Smiles,
Kelly

Saturday, September 12, 2009

Viewers Choice for the Roc-Lon Multi-Purpose Cloth Is...

Congratulations Diane G.
You had the most votes and you win the Viewers Choice Award :)

Diane has won some Roc-Lon Multi-Purpose cloth so she can make more wonderful creations in the future. I will also be giving her a gift from IHAN as well.

I want to thank everyone who voted and participated in this Challenge. Another Special Thanks to Rockland Industries for allowing me to do this Challenge.
Three very generous women: Amy Anderson from ModPodgeRocks, Ellen Highsmith Silver author of "Floorquilts" and Shelly Stokes from Cedar Canyon Textiles and author of "Painstiks on Fabric." These three ladies did not even hesitate when I asked them to contribute to the gifts for this Challenge. I truly thank all of you for allowing me the pleasure participating.

Smiles,
Kelly

Friday, September 11, 2009

Giveaway Alert

Many of you already know that I confessed to having more scrapbook paper than any one person needs. So you won't be at all surprised to see that I found some lovely vintage embellishments over at Carol Anne's Boutique.

This is a picture of what she is giving away. If I win that collection I'm going to need to take some time off from work and start making some really wonderful cards and pages. We are talking serious addiction time here!!!

Smiles,
Kelly

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Please Get Your Votes In

Votes for the Viewers Choice Award in the Roc-Lon Multi-Purpose Cloth need to be in by tomorrow, Friday, September 11, 2009.

I have only 8 votes. Feel free to vote for yourself....or someone else. You're going to cry if you don't win and you did not vote. No tissues being offered here!!!

Smiles,
Kelly

Needle Arts Guild of Toledo

Last night, I went to my needle arts guild meeting. We always have such a good time. I really and truly enjoy these ladies. There is always laughter and something beautiful to look at (other than their faces of course!!)

We are having an exhibit and I thought if you were local you might enjoy coming and you might even want to enter some of your work. You don't have to be a member to enter your work. The only stipulation for entry it your item has to be made with a needle with an eye!!!

If you are not local and want to come please call me first so I can arrange to pick you up from the airport or bus/train station personally!!!



Friday, September 25, 2009

10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
and
Saturday, September 26, 2009

9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Toledo Lucas County Public Library
SANGER BRANCH
3030 W. Central Avenue
Toledo, OH 43606

I will be demonstrating on Friday, September 25th from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. and greeting from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. Come on over and visit with us....I promise you won't be disappointed....you might be needle pointed but not disappointed!!

Smiles,

Kelly

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

I Have A Notion Now Sells Roc-Lon Multi-Purpose Cloth

Well, I never thought I would be selling cloth....but I am. For everyone who asked about getting some of this terrific fabric you can now order HERE. If you are interested in other sizes you can e-mail me at IHaveANotion@Yahoo.com

Please don't forget to vote for you favorite Roc-Lon Challenge Entry. If you missed them....click HERE.

Excited Smiles,
Kelly

Roc-Lon Challenge Photos and Winner Announcement

So you ask what can you make with an 8 1/2" x 11" piece of Multi-Purpose Cloth from Roc-Lon Industries? Well let me show you what 13 talented and fun loving folks did with their cloth. I'm up loading these in no particular order:



Submitted by Diane G. I also uploaded the close up for everyone to enjoy.

Diane said, "I loved working on this! Thank you so much for the opportunity. I had a blast! I wanted to try as many techniques as possible on this cloth! The basic design was painted with water color paints. I didn't Gesso it and it blended into a nice, watery effect. Next was thread painting! My machine easily stitched thru the fabric. I decided to try hand beading, and found the really tiny quilting needle went effortlessly thru the fabric with the beads. Of course, appliquƩ was an option, and I appliquƩd the ladybug with fusible web, and then stitched down a butterfly in the center to create a 3D effect with the wings standing up. It looked like it needed a border, so I stitched a black bias on the edges. I was surprised it stitched so easily. I plan to glue this to a journal or photo album. I'd like to know where to buy this locally; I plan to do some orange-ish backgrounds with black/brown tree silhouettes for Fall and attach it to a jean jacket back! I can think of many uses for this."

For those of you who missed my post, this is the booty I made. I was not entered in the challenge. I just wanted to take the challenge too :)
Submitted by Lacey Hill.
Lacey's description, " Attached is my 20 minute Mug Rug. I printed my website background graphics onto the Roc-lon - both side. Created the 4” circles with my Circles & More Ruler and used my Sizzling Circle technique to finish it off."
Picture entered by Linda S. (CraftyLady).

Linda said, "I thought I had to keep the paper the same size so I didn't make it very dimensional. I did stamp it, painted on it cut it, embossed it, and sewed it. I added fabric ,glitter, glue, brads, beads, yarn and paper. I cut it to see how easy it was to sew pieces onto and if it could be manipulated to become a raised surface.

I found all of the techniques and extras worked. I did have some slight rippling with the heat from the embossing. The fabric was sturdy and manipulative, easy to sew on and paint on. It would be good as a canvas for painters and sculpting would be easy as it can be glued and sewn. The color could easily be changed by using a variety of types of paint.

I thoroughly enjoyed this creative experience and would use the fabric for future creative endeavors....possibly jewelry, sculpting or painting."

Submitted by Catherine Elliott.
Catherine said, "I made a little puppet theater with my piece of Roc-Lon multi-Purpose cloth. I cut a hole in the cloth (Love the no fray cuts!)
I used acrylic paint, sewed a fabric house around it, and used clothespins for legs to make it stand up. Of course, I had to make a few clothespin puppets to star in the show!"

Submitted by Julia Wood.

Julia's description, "Here's what I did with my fabric, which I am now in love with. So many possibilities! After sewing the star, I painted it with Setacolor Paints."

Julia sent me another e-mail and I thought I would share her thoughts about this fabric.

"Yes, you have changed my life! I'm so glad I happened upon your blog and the challenge. This stuff is WONDERFUL! It has so much body, yet it's so soft at the same time. I hope it's okay that for my project, I've cut it in pieces and sewed them together. I love that it doesn't fray, too."

I think Julia really likes the cloth!!! I'm so glad I'm not alone :)

Submitted by Marsha Randles.

Marsha said, "Since this material doesn't fray, I did a 'stain glass' look. I cut out all the petal and leaf areas on the sunflower and then backed it with the yellow fabric and sewed down the middle of the "lead part". I also cut the leading apart from the sky and then fused the 2 pieces back together. I colored the leading black with rubber stamping ink. The center of the flower I cut slits in the fabric and then wove material strips and floss. The sky is painted, stamped, and splattered. It was fun to put some techniques together and see how then come out. I think this material could work well for easy stain glass window quilt work. And to explore weaving."

Submitted by Terri Stegmiller.
Terri said, "I was able to create two coffee cup sleeves from the sheet of Roc-lon that was sent to me. I cut the shape from the Roc-lon, drew a design with pencil, and painted with acrylic paint. One photo shows the sleeves flat, before they were stitched. I zigzag stitched the two ends together to form the sleeve."

Submitted by Joan Watkins.

Joan said, "Here are pictures of the tray I made using Roc-Lon.
It is crazy pieced, machine embroidered, zig-zagged edge, with black webbing stitched to the outside. Roc-Lon was really easy to work with!"

Submitted by Jocelyn Pleus. She posted the entire process on her blog, Happy Cottage Quilter.
Submitted by Sue Bleiweiss.

Sue's description, "I painted some roc-lon with Goldens Fluid Acrylic in Bone Black. When it was dry a 3"x8" piece was cut off and set aside. On the rest I applied a layer of black Mistyfuse and fused on some copper textile foil. Two strips were cut from the foiled piece and stitched to the base piece, beading was added and then the whole piece was fused to a piece of black ultrasuede and additional stitching was added around the outer edges of the cuff. The cuff closes with a metallic clasp and measures 1 3/4" x 7". "


Both of these were submitted by Vickie Collier.
Vickie's description, "After lots of thought I really wanted to try as much as I could with this fabric
First I made a table centre piece out of some lovely Ginger Blossom fabric by Sandi Henderson for michael miller
I then photographed the mat and printed in on the Roc-Lon..and trimmed all edges with pinking shears
Then I machine sewed the zip in...
I hole punched the long sides and twisty threaded a green ribbon thru....
turned it inside out and machine sewed the corners across to form bottom boxing...
I hand sewed the strap and added some bling....then popped a bling zip pull on the zip..
Thank you so much for the opportunity to try something new..
I'm happy that I managed too use the Roc-Lon in several forms of craft(so to speak)"

Submitted by Sheila Painter.

Sheila's description, "Using Jinny Beyer/RJR fabric, I fussy-cut the borders and motifs to create the rug design, mitering the corners. I machine sewed and glued, and was pleased how easy the multi-purpose cloth was to work with. I made the rug 'fringe' by painstakingly by-hand removing the warp threads from fabric strips."

And the winner chosen by Roc-Lon Industries is:
Marsha Randles' Sunflower!!!
Congratulations Marsha!!!
What did Marsha win? (where is Carol Merrill when you need her anyway?)

5 yards of 54" Roc-Lon Multi-Purpose Cloth, 3 yards of 107/108" Roc-Lon Star Pattern Cheater Cloth, 2 yards 44/45" Roc-Lon Light Tea-dyed Muslin, and 2 yds Roc-Lon 108" Solid Brown - 100% Cotton, and a Surprise Gift Package from http://www.ihavea-notion.com/. More on the Surprise Gift Package on the next post :)

Smiles,

Kelly

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

We have a winner in the Roc-Lon Multi-Purpose Fabric Challenge

Before the winner is announced (sorry for the late post...co-worker issues:) I will finally divulge the exact prizes the winner will receive. AND....there will be another prize....Viewers Choice Award. Everyone can vote on their favorite entry by e-mailing me at IHaveANotion@yahoo.com with your vote. I will keep track of all the votes and the winner will get a different prize pack. I'm not telling what yet.....I have to keep you guessing right?

Ok....the Winner, selected by Roc-Lon Industries, gets:

5 yards of 54" Roc-Lon Multi-Purpose Cloth, 3 yards of 107/108" Roc-Lon Star Pattern Cheater Cloth, 2 yards 44/45" Roc-Lon Light Tea-dyed Muslin, and 2 yds Roc-Lon 108" Solid Brown - 100% Cotton, and a Surprise Gift Package from http://www.ihavea-notion.com/

The Surprise Gifts:
An autographed book by Shelly Stokes, "Paintstiks on Fabric" and a set of Paintstik Minis!!!



An autographed book by Ellen Highsmith Silver, "Floorquilts"!!!


Amy Anderson of "ModPodgeRocks" blog is giving a gift assortment of Mod Podge formulas!!!
I don't have a photo to put here....but you've been living under a huge rock if you don't know about ModPodge!!!
This entire challenge was just an idea I had. I want to thank Cynthia VanFleet from Roc-Lon Industries for allowing me to do this challenge.
Huge thanks to Shelly Stokes, Ellen Highsmith Silver and Amy Anderson!!! I did not buy these items.....they graciously gave them to me for the winner of the this challenge. Please be sure to stop by their sites and thank them for being such wonderful and talented ladies!!!
A really huge thanks to everyone who submitted entries!!
It was great fun!!! Don't forget to vote!!! Viewers choice votes must be received by Friday, September 11th.
Smiles,
Kelly

Checker 61st Anniversary Open House - Chapter 9

Chapter 9




Lots and lots more photos to share. These designers were not present but their work spoke a thousand words. The displays were very enjoyable to look at and I though many of you would enjoy looking too.





Amy Butler Designs


I love these patterns really liked the way this pillow had some added dimension.

Oliver + S


Some great patterns by Oliver + S. I love the little dresses and especially the PJ's. So darn cute.
Martingale # B974T
Quilts from Paradise-Island Treasures

C & T
Publishing # 10694
Intuitive Color & Design - Landscape
I really like the variety of patterns in this book.


Anka's Treasures - #ANK 291


Stop Drop Roll - Center of Attention


Cheerful colors and great design....just my opinion of course :)


Anka's Treasures # 292


Opposites Attract
I really like the design of this quilt. It is bright and fun.


Electric Quilt Company


Can you believe all EQ has to offer? I think this is amazing and the amount of time it takes to write all that software....I'm soooo glad it was not me :)



Gardner's Angle of Autum - ThankfullnessGardner's Angel of Spring - Hope





Gardner's Angel of Summer - Charity


All by Crab Apple Hill Studio

I hope you enjoyed the tour as much as I did. If you are interested in any of the patterns or books that you saw here and they are not on my website, feel free to e-mail me at IHaveANotion@yahoo.com and I will get them ordered for you. A girl has only so much time you know. I need co-workers in their teens who can type and work a website :)

Smiles,
Kelly
Don't know why this won't align left....but it won't and I'm going to publish it anyway!!!









Monday, September 7, 2009

Sharing Some Magic With You Today

Website Changes

Random Photo...Just for Fun....Zachary John

For all US readers...I hope you are having a wonderful Larbor Day and Weekend. I sure have had a good weekend. I'll share more photos later today or tomorrow.
I made some changes to www.IHaveA-Notion.com There is now a link for Challenge, Contest and Giveaways at the bottom of the page.

Most importantly I added a place for customers to leave their feedback and comments on the Guest Book page...it is not Guest Book and Customer Feedback. I receive several e-mails from customers with their comments. If you read my blog and have been a customer that you please, please, please go and leave a comment about your experience shopping with IHAN.


Thanks a million :)


Smiles,
Kelly

Sunday, September 6, 2009

I Love This Hat


I just love this hat. Yes it is made of paper. I went to the Toledo Museum of Art for a 30's style picnic. They were making paper hats for the ladies (really for the little girls but a few of us bigger girls jumped in to the seats).

Isn't this just a great idea? The lady said you could use newspaper and gift wrap too. What fun and a great idea for kids. You could make pirate hats for little boys (or pirate girls).

I got lots of compliments on my hat as I walked around. Oddly enough, I felt so pretty in that beautiful hat....I smiled all day. That hat is on top of my computer desk now. On the days I don't feel so pretty, inside, I'm going to wear that hat around the house. If nothing else, I'll be smiling.

Smiles,
Kelly

Saturday, September 5, 2009

More Splash Than Cash Decorating

Checker 61st Anniversary Open House
Chapter 7

Donna Babylon author of "More Splash Than Cash Decorating" was at the Checker Open House. I enjoyed meeting Donna and of course I love the name of her business, "More Splash Than Cash." I know I can learn from someone who thinks like I do....conserve the dough!!!

This book is designed for those who are novices as well as experienced stitchers. Donna is your "private teacher" so to speak. She focuses on three sewing techniques, stitching a seam, turning a corner and sewing a blind hem. Donna has included some other techniques that are unique to home dec. sewing (like how to match fabric repeats), but the actual sewing is only done with simple seams.

Most everyone who reads my blog regularly, knows I pretend to be ignorant about sewing when it comes to home dec. My Mom and Sister take over and do all the home dec. sewing for me. It has worked for 25 years. Now I own a sewing business......my cover has been blown.
Donna is right....many of us fear doing the home decorating sewing because, speaking for myself, I don't want to waste the money and time and have it come out looking like a 5 year old made it. Time for Donna's book!!!

Donna's Bio

I have been sewing since I was seven years old.
This passion lead me to major in home economics in college. After graduating from college, I was a middle and high school teacher for several years. Just imagine teaching 25 to 30 kids (in a classroom) how to sew. Whatever could go wrong did go wrong! For my sanity, I quickly learned how to adapt my instructions to bypass any potential problems. When I did that, the classroom was much calmer and my students had immediate success. I had no idea when I was in the classroom that I would one day be writing how-to books. But when that opportunity presented itself, I decided to write my books the same way I taught—by offering simple and stylish projects with well-thought-out instructions. I see so many creative opportunities with sewing— especially for the home. And, I love to teach.

So, the story continues with this book (my fifteenth). I enjoy sharing my sewing and decorating advice by conducting seminars and workshops around the country. I have also appeared on over 250 television shows including HGTV, Lifetime, and Discovery. I design patterns for Simplicity Pattern Company, I’m a certified window treatment consultant through the Window Coverings Association and also a master sewing instructor (one of only nine such recipients) through the Sewing Educators Alliance.

Throughout the process of sculpting my career, I created my own indie publishing company and
developed my More Splash Than Cash® brand. I publish my books and design a line of sewing patterns called Room Mates™. This aspect of my career has been the most fun. I do everything when I create a book or design a pattern.

I write, sew, photograph, illustrate, and draft the patterns. I love that my books help someone create beautiful things.

Wow, she is one accomplished gal....impressive!!

Smiles, Kelly

Friday, September 4, 2009

Showing My Booty for Roc-Lon Multi-Purpose Cloth

Here I go again, showing my booty.

This is my booty. I wanted to make something with the Roc-Lon Multi-Purpose Cloth challenge because I was asking others to come up with something. When I picked up my cloth the first thing that popped into my head was a pair of booties. I think because the Multi-Purpose Cloth is soft, pliable and does not frey. This is what I used to make my booty.

I took a piece of art paper I had purchased at Hollander's in Ann Arbor, MI quite some time ago (I used to make boxes and journals). I cut out the Multi-Purpose Cloth and the art paper in the shape of my pattern and fused them together with Mistyfuse. Then I did a tight zig zag stitch around all the pieces of my booty. I really needed the Gingher Seam Rip
because all my other seam rips would not cut through the tightly woven threads of my zig zag stitch. I had to tear it out a few times in places because of "operator error." This is an excellent seam rip if you are considering getting one.

The other great tool was my GrabARoos. I used them to hold the pieces as I was stitching on the edge. I really struggled with holding onto those small pieces while trying to guide the piece under my needle. I put on my GrabARoo gloves and they allowed me to grip the piece without pulling it under the needle too quickly.
Photos of the other entries will be posted as soon as I have them all. There are a few folks who finished their challenge piece but have been having technical difficulty getting their photos to upload. We are in the process of getting those prepared and I'll upload them all at one time. There will be a viewers choice prize....so stay tuned so you can vote.
Smiles,
Kelly

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