Make Heirloom Needle Boxes and Cases for the Holidays

More great things I got at Market in Houston. I bought these Needleboxes, Etc. kits to make Needle Boxes for gifts. I love these boxes.....they are just so cool. Can you imagine the impression made when giving one of these in someones favorite fabrics? I know I would do back flips (by the way...I like green:)

Victorian Six Sided Needle Box

I love the way this one folds out and there are more places for needles inside. You can even label them so you know where each type of needle is stored.

Needle Book

This is a fun little carry all needle book for classes or carrying with your projects.

Four Sided Victorian Needle Box

Here is another cool box. I really like how the extra sides fold down and there are even more sides revealed.

Prism Needle Box

This Prism makes a very neat decoration and it also holds your sewing supplies. Very cool indeed. When the boys get a little older, I'm going to have stuff like this all over my house. I love these beautiful conversation starters. I know my Mother-in-Law loves these things too. Her computer is down so I can talk about this and she'll never know. She loves hand made Christmas gifts.

Pop-up Heart Sewing Case

This heart one is interesting. I'm not a heart person but I still liked how this one opened to expose all the different sides.

What is your favorite? Would you love getting one of these as a gift? I'd be interested to hear.

Smiles,
Kelly
By the way, they are all available at I Have A Notion.

Quick Points Ruler purchased in Houston at International Quilt Market

Meet Janet Platt, designer of the Quick Points Ruler. I had the chance to meet Janet and her husband Brian at the MODA Customer Appreciation Dinner. We had some good laughs and enjoyed ourselves. Janet invited me to stop by her booth and see her ruler. I thought...Ok...cool....I'll stop by. I had no idea how very cool her "ruler" really is. I'm not much for prairie points myself but when I saw the Ric Rac....I went gah gah. Out came the visa....no questions asked. I am so impressed with how she has designed her ruler and the great uses it has.

Below are the You Tube videos Janet has taped demonstrating her Quick Points Ruler.

These are some photos I took of the Ric-Rac examples that I liked so much. I thought about it and there is no other tool I know of that I can do the same thing with....so I bought it. You can purchase Quick Points Rulers at I Have A Notion.

Smiles,

Kelly

Rotary Cutting Machine and Bias Tape Maker Machine by Simplicity Update are HOT

I am thrilled with the response to Simplicity's Bias Tape Maker Machine and their latest release of Tips. The new tips are 1 1/4" single fold and Quilt Binding Tips are 2 1/4" and 2 1/2" double fold. I have sold out of the tips in two days and I have several that should arrive today or tomorrow.

Then the Rotary Cutting Machine sales have boomed too. I think because people are trying to make some great gifts for the holidays. The Rotary Cutting Machine makes cutting strips of fabric (paper too for that matter)3/8in to 2 3/4in a breeze. I tell everyone to remember the Rotary Cutting Machine is a pressure cutting tool. The pressure is what cuts the fabric or paper. This is excellent for making rugs, locker hooking, making strips for quilting and so many other fun projects.
Don't forget there is a White Table (see the acrylic table here....Simplicity has one that will be white) coming out for the Rotary Cutting Machine. It will measure 12 x 16. Stay tuned.....if you want your name on the waiting list please e-mail me at IHaveANotion@yahoo.com.

Both items are IN STOCK NOW at I Have A Notion. Don't wait until December to start ordering for the Holidays because things go on back order and I won't be able to guarantee a delivery in time for the holidays.

Smiles,

Kelly

Laura Murray Designs "Star Builder" - More photos

Just a quick post here. Here is my copy of "Star Builder Inspirations" that I bought in Houston. Difficult to get pix yesterday as both house bots were on the blink (computer language - they blinked because I kept swinging a baseball bat in their immediate vicinity and abusing them verbally).

See the white highlights in the upper right hand side of this photo? This is one of the photos in Laura's book indicating placement for making this design. Visual cues are best for me.

These are the rubber stamps. I will cut them apart when I get started. You don't use these as traditional rubber stamps. The fabric goes on top and it is used as a rubbing plate. I think it is best to get a Grip-n-Grip mat so everything stays in place on the table.

Here is the other set I bought. Don't these look like two tons of fun? I can't wait to get the boys around a table and have them make some fun things for teacher gifts. I think they will have a ball.

Fun Smiles,

Kelly

I'm trying to catch up on posts so stay tuned for lots of posts today and hopefully in the next few days :)

Top Of The Day To Ya :)

Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday Dear Aaron, Happy Birthday to you...Cha Cha Cha. Sir Fussius Maximus Last of the Great Fussiuses turns 7 today. That is only one of my nic names for Aaron. I'm surprised he really knows his true name....I've called him by Peanut, Sir Fussius, Lovey, Angel, Rat Finkus....just to name a few. Seven years ago today I was in Columbia, SC and it was one of the happiest days of my entire life. Just thought you might want to know.

Now....on to the DARKER side of life. I've have slid into the darkest of places...where no light shines....desperate times indeed. It is so dark here I can't even see my hand in front of my face.....gloom and desperation is all that exists here. You may ask...how did I get here....

It all started with the neighbors return from OZ and these 3 seemingly innocent packages of Tim Tams.

This was package number one.

This was the inside of package number two. Carmel Tim Tams.....oh I could hear the angels sing and a very very very bright light while eating (inhaling) these.

Darkness set in.......

Hope was only a glimmer.....because you have to be a resident of NZ or AU to be qualified to win.

Now you know how I got here. The remedy I'm afraid is going Cold Turkey. The DT's have started and the uncontrollable twitches....drooling and continuous salivating....slight twitches in my jaws.....and the eyeballs hanging down to my toes......so that is my awful existence. Please Don't Cry For Me Argentina....because the rest of the free world is already doing that on my behalf.

(I've been informed that a Balanced Diet is a package of Tim Tams in each hand!!!)

Sobs...wooofullnesses......and Sorrow from the Dark Hollows of OH.

Naughty Smiles,

Kelly
PS....Maybe the swelling in my nose was caused by inhaling a Tim Tam and it is still lodged in my nasal passage.....nahhhhh....the swelling started prior to the Tim Tam's arrival.

Laura Murray Designs "Star Builder" is what I bought at Quilt Market in Houston

People keep asking me what I bought for myself while in Houston. I've been sick since getting home and I've tried to keep up but I think I would have to post 3 - 4 times a day to catch up to the present.

Laura Murray's book, "Star Builder Inspirations," was definitely on my list of must haves at Market. I bought the book and the Star Builder "Sirius" & Star Builder "2." These last two items are rubbing plates or rubber stamps for transferring Paintstiks onto fabric.

This was the banner for Laura Murray's Designs in Houston, 2009.

Laura was kind enough to spend some time demonstrating how she uses her templates and rubber stamps (used as rubbing plates as well). Again....I caught her mid sentence so the photo did not capture anything close to how I experienced Laura. So....again....I "borrowed" a better likeness of her so you will recognize this amazing lady if you get to meet her.

This is how the rubbings on fabric are cut out and then orientated to create a star. Her book, "Star Builder Inspirations" has several ideas for making and placing these templates to make a variety of different stars and designs.

You will just have to click over to Laura's site to see her fantastic photos. I found the materials exciting and definitely worth my hard earned money. She also has some wonderful free instructions for foil and Paintstiks.

Smiles,

Kelly

I'm Here....I Think

"If it's not one thing it is another Arleen. I'm a tellin you girlfriend...."

.....so that is how my last few days have been. We only have access to four computers here at our house. Three of them have not gotten the Internet all day. This one is only working because it is "borrowing" the Internet from an unaware neighbor!!!

So...quick update. It is not my sinuses....it is an infection of the soft tissue. Antibiotics are supposed to clear it up. Still have pain...and now my tongue is sore...red but does not have sores...feels burnt like I drank hot coffee. So if any of you are medical geniuses....I'd appreciate a cure :)

Next post....MORE FUN :)

Smiles,
Kelly

Bad Sunday....Good Sunday Evening

Recognize this oh so familiar hand? It typically is holding items in all of those IHAN photos.
Today this hand got poked a few times and the body it is attached to spent the day at St. Luke Hospital. The hand's nose hurt so bad this morning it decided it was time to head in for some relief. Diagnosis: That hand's nose has a bad sinus infection and something up the hand's nose that is blocking the sinus passage and causing swelling. IV antibiotics and pain medicine was kindly provided. Follow up tomorrow with an ENT to look over the results of the nose's CAT scan. The hand's bottom is sore from laying in a ER bed all day long. However....instead of a silver lining to this cloud....there is a GOLD lining....scroll down!!!


Hand arrives home to TIM TAMS. OMG....the neighbors when to OZ and as a gift for collecting their mail....they brought the hand these!!!! Hand grabbed those babies....ripped them open and has almost finished one package. Hand's butt is getting larger....but hand's mouth and tummy are extremely Happy!!!

For all of you who don't know what a Tim Tam is........get the girls from OZ to host a giveaway (SewPrimKhris...Gum Tree Designers...just to name drop a few)....Tim Tam Giveaway....or threaten to boycott their blogs!!!! You'll be soooo glad you did. Or if you are feeling kind....offer a swap...One Caret Diamond Earrings for Three Packages of Tim Tams....that would be a fair trade in my book....especially the week that Cousin Vinnie comes to visit every month.

Smiles,

Kelly

Inchie Quilts at the International Quilt Market Houston 2009

The American Quilter's Society hosted Nadine Ruggles to do a Schoolhouse on "Inchie Quilts." I clearly "borrowed" this photo of Nadine because the quality of the photo I took was not great. I sure hope she understands :)


"Inchie Quilts" is Nadine's book published by American Quilter's Society. It is available at IHAN. If you want an Autographed copy....and who wouldn't? You can purchase one on Nadine's Site. I remember being very interested in Nadine's presentation and my photos just don't show the excitement I felt so I'm not using most of what I took. You can click on her link above and see many examples of her wonderful work.

I love miniatures so naturally I was drawn to "Inchie Quilts." These make beautiful embellishments for wall hangings and quilts. Those ATC's seem too big sometimes....how about an "Inchie" exchange? That is more my speed!!!

I loved this one too. Too bad my photos don't show how very cool these really were.

Look at this Mosaic. I love it. Since I have lots of fibers and beads I think this would be a wonderful project to incorporate all my embellishments.

See what I mean? The photo above truly shows how I experienced Nadine at Schoolhouse....not like this photo shows.

While I was listening to Nadine speak I got some interesting ideas for other uses for Inchies. How about fundraisers for Pre-schools and other Schools? Each child could make an Inchie and they could be linked with little rings to make an entire picture and auctioned off at a school fundraiser. Each class could do one. Guild members could all contribute one and they could be hung at their meeting place. Every family member could make one and it could be assembled into a family quilt. Good friends could each do one or several and a friendship wall hanging could be made. I could go on and on and on. Just know I was thrilled to be introduced to "Inchie Quilts."

I really wanted this post to have better quality photos to show how neat this technique really is. It falls short of that but I can't run the clock back and take better photos. So hop on over to Nadine's website and look around. I guarantee you won't be disappointed with the photography there!!!

Small Miniature Inch Like Smiles,

Kelly

AND THE WINNER OF THE AUTUMN PRAIRIE PATTERN IS....

Rick rolled a die and the number 4 came up. I like having nothing to do with picking winners. I think I'll let him handle these from now on. Its not personal to him because he doesn't know all of you like I do.

Barb from Bejweled Quilts by Barb

Smiles, Kelly

Most Enthusiastic Person Award for International Quilt Market Houston 2009

It was the last day of Market and most folks were showing their exhaustion. I saw many people sitting in their booths looking like they were going to fall asleep. I was thinking to myself....no matter how tired I was....if I were a vendor here....I'd stand up and paste a huge welcoming smile on my face and tough it out. That is exactly what I found when I walked past Tracy Mullett's booth, Eye Of The Needle Designs.

Tracy met me in the isle as I was walking by and greeted me with a huge smile. She said, "Here take one of my patterns." She was as cheerful and excited as I had seen anyone since opening of Market. Tracy told me this was her first Quilt Market and she was having a ball. She loved it and even though she was tired....she was not going to allow that to stop her enthusiasm and pleasure.
For your attitude and gusto Tracy.... you get the IHAN "Most Enthusiastic Person Award" from Quilt Market 2009.
I'm not sure what that will get you really.....no dinner discounts or Disney Trips....but for everyone who knows me.....and read this blog.....they know you must be one spanky girl!!!

To honor Tracy's Enthusiasm I want to offer her beautiful pattern as a giveaway . For anyone who reads this post and leaves a comment saying why you would like to win this beautiful pattern....I'll do a random drawing and someone will be the proud new owner of "Autumn Prairie." I will draw on 10/31/09 at Noon CMT.

Smiles,

Kelly

Scissor Man in Houston at the International Quilt Market 2009

Quilt Market would not be Quilt Market without "The Scissor Man" I will never forget the first time I met Brint. I told him I wanted that apron and he had better sleep with one eye open. He laughed. Poor Brint....he had no idea!!! LOL

I am a Scissor Lover so this is Scissor PORN to me. I told Brint and his wife, Michaelann, that I didn't realize Pornography was allowed at Quilt Market. Michaelann got a good laugh out of my comment.

This is me being friendly. Honestly in the back of my mind I was plotting to overtake the booth and run with all the sharp instruments. (You know when you see sex offenders arrested on TV and they go into their homes and haul off all their personal videos? We all are disgusted. Well.....that would be me but they would be hauling off scissors!!!)

I had enough of Mrs. Nice and I went for the apron. Brint leaned back and got serious....but he did not realize I weigh more than he does!!! I should have Chinese Leg Wrestled him for that apron. I've never lost a match in my life (something you never knew about me ay?).

All right already....YES that was staged. Brint and I had a hard time not laughing while the photo was taken. I have no idea how movie stars keep a straight face. I'd be thrown off the set for laughing I just know it.

I had no idea that Famore Cutlery provides scissors for Checker Distributors, Marie Osmond, Brother, and Simplicity (I don't know about any other folks they make scissors for...there may be more). So when I fell in love with the 4" Jackpot scissors from Simplicity....those are Famore stamped with Simplicity's name. They also sell under their own name, Famore.

Brint and Michaelann acquired Specialty Product Sales about 11 years ago and created Famore Cutlery. Quality, service and pricing is what makes their products great. Brint recommends cleaning your scissors with a dry soft cotton cloth (anybody have any of that stuff laying around?). Use your sewing machine oil to oil your scissors. Oil the joint and put some on the blade and then open and close them several times. Clean off the oil from both blades. Brint also suggests having your scissors professionally adjusted and honed twice a year or as needed. (Last paragraph summarized from eInsider published September/October 2009)

So there you have it....I've turned myself in on my fetish with scissors. I now have them for tweezers too. Check out the scissors and tweezers at IHAN.

Lusty Smiles,

Kelly

Give Away Alert

Do you too want to fall in love with your Mail Carrier? This just might be the beginning of something beautiful!!!


Hop on over to Everyday Beautiful and put your name in the virtual hat :)

Smiles,
Kelly
PS....I have my two little fellas that just got up early. Zach says...."Mommy I like that" pointing at the rocket fabric. Aaron says, "Mommy did you make those or did somebody else make them?" You gotta love kids :)

Simplicity Bias Taper Maker Machine NEW Tips NOW Available

(click on the picture to order)

This is what we have been waiting for and I'm sooooo glad they are here....the Quilt Binding Tips (2 1/4" and 2 1/2") are NOW available as well as the 1 1/4 inch Single Fold Bias Tape Maker Tip.

If history repeats itself, these will go on back order quickly so Order NOW...and I'm not just saying that....they really will go into back order and might not be available until after the New Year.

Smiles,

Kelly

Brewer Sewing Tantalizes With Silk at the International Quilt Market in Houston

I chose the word "Tantalize" because all of these beauties were just a little out of my reach....due to seating. If I were closer I would have reached out and grabbed them all. Look at how beautiful these Silks are. Honestly I would have never thought of quilting with Silk. Once my Sister got one look at the Silk...she insisted I make her the "In and Out" quilt. Personally I'm completely in love with the fall colors below.

Tira Schulteis is is a buyer for Brewer Sewing. She gave the Schoolhouse for Silk at Market in Houston. I wish I had taken her photo (I found one...hurray...click here and then scroll down until you see Tira's name....and you see some fun stuff from Market too). I don't know if you can see in this picture what I see when she gives a class....I see a warm welcoming person that draws me into the experience with her. It is always fun. I was lucky enough to go to her Shoolhouse in Pittsburgh too.

Feel free to copy and past this photo and use it as wallpaper on your computer. I'm thinking there is a great likelihood it will ward off Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). The photo is free. Otherwise you will end up with a co-pay and a rx for Prozac. I'm thinking ths might be a great way to go!

I thought these outfits would be lovely for a special occasion. Classy Girl Duds are very cool. If anyone from Brewer is reading this....feel free to use the Classy Girl Duds for your advertising...gratis!!! LOL

Perhaps this Green one is in my future.....I'm thinking it just might be. I'm certain it will be if I can find out where they store this little baby between markets....evilness lurks within!!


This is what I learned in Tira's Schoolhouse "Simply Sewing with Silk":

• Silk does not have to be purchased by the bolt. It can be purchased in one and two yard cuts from Brewer. There are 191 colors to choose from.
• Silk thread can be used for top stitching or embellishing.
• You can get two small quilts out of 1 collection/box of Silk.
• You can get 2 purses from 1 collection/box of Silk.
• The Embroidered Silk Quilt is a full kit which includes over 4 yards of Silk, 6 spools of Isacord thread, 20 yards of grosgrain ribbon and the pattern.

Care of Silk:

• Clean it the same way you plan on using it. Dry clean it if you want it to remain crisp. Machine wash if you want the finish removed.
• Use pinking sheers or serge the edges so it does not fray.

How is that for a fun tour of a GREAT Schoolhouse Class? I certainly enjoyed myself and I'm so glad my seat was not up front because I'm not so sure drool is good for Silk? Anyone know for sure?

Smiles,
Kelly