Giveaways Going On - You don't want to miss this one :)

I know you will not want to miss this giveaway!!  You can't win if you don't enter so I've entered three times.  Jen Eskridge, ReannaLilly Designs,  is hosting her Second Blog Birthday and she is celebrating by giving away some wonderful gifts.  (Aren't we supposed to bring the gifts to a party?....We get gifts at someone else's birthday party?  I'm really liking this...LOL)

Head over to ReannaLilly Designs Blog.  Her giveaways are open until Monday and this is only Thursday so you still have lots of time to enter.

Today you can enter to win 8 1/2 yard cuts of Jackie Clark Designs and two patterns.  That's all I'm telling you because you need to head over and check it out. 

Smiles,
Kelly

Green Fairy Quilt Charity Quilt Donation

A finished project.....oh yes!!  I enjoy finishing projects on one hand and on the other,  I actually feel sad like I do when I come to the end of a very good book.  I finished hand stitching the binding on last night and it will go in the mail first thing tomorrow morning. 

Judi and Clint from Green Fairy Quilts have a charity and most of you have read my posts about them before.  Since Judi is pregnant (with her fourth!! :)  In September, Clint will be going without Judi to Romania to take quilts to orphans and homeless children in Romania. 

I won this MODA Jelly Roll and Judi's pattern, Strip This Quilt, a year or so ago.  I could not think of a better use for the Jelly Roll than to make one of Judi's patterns and send it  back for their trip to Romania.


I had no idea how hard it is to actually photograph a quilt "for real."  This was the best I could do for the time I had so pretend you don't see shadows etc.

The pantogram has butterflies, swirls and a sun.  You can see that I'm a beginner with a long arm quilting machine but I think it looks pretty good if I don't say so myself. 

This is the back of the quilt.  As with most things in life, this quilt was a team effort.  I took the fabric and pattern with me to PA several weeks ago.  Mary Jane, IHAN East Coast Operations Manager, and I enjoyed putting the top together.  When I got home I called another friend, Dale, who has a long arm quilt machine.  Dale taught me how to follow a pantogram and with her guidance and help I finished quilting it in 3 or 4 hours.  I had a ball with the long arm quilting machine.  Can you imagine a charity quilt ending up costing me 12 - 15 thousand dollars?  It might because now I know what those babies can do and that sure was fun!

I wish Clint safe travels to Romania in September.   For those of you don't know about the Green Fairy Charity click here and read more.  100% of all monies donated goes directly to Romania.    Please consider making a donation for their trip.  There is no amount that is too small.  If you have a zillion frequent flier miles piling up.....donate them to Judi and Clint for their trip next year :)

Believe it or not I actually hugged my quilt before I folded it up and put it in the box.  I actually feel sad sending it away because I have really enjoyed making it.  I guess that is the sort of quilt I would want to receive if I were a little girl.....one that is loved and is sent with love. 

Bye bye little quilt.....fly away and bring joy and happiness to a little one far away.

Smiles,

Kelly

Simply Sublime Gifts by Jodi Kahn Book Review

I was eating lunch when I heard a knock at the door.  I jumped and ran for the door because I was hoping it was my copy of Simply Sublime Gifts by Jodi Kahn and it was!!!  I had been waiting for it to arrive and did not set it down even once until I had gone through every single page.  My mother was visiting and I kept saying, oh this is cool and she actually expected me to hand her the book so she could see what I was talking about.  Nope, not until I had gone through the entire book.

I'll start by telling you there are six chapters

• Hostess with the Mostest -Hostess Gifts
• Pretty resents - Gifts for Her
• It's a Guy Thing - Gifts for Him
• Kiddin' Around! -Gifts for Kids
• Heart Attack - Gifts from the Heart
• Holiday Hoopla - Gifts of the Season

You all (ya'all if you are from the south :) know I'm a visual learner so I really like the "icon key" that Jodi had put in her book.  There is an icon next to each project that indicates weather it is  a no-sew, low sew, or hand sewn project.  A project skill level is indicated as well.  Level 1 is for newbies and it goes up to Level 5 for the "Craftalicous!"  There are plenty illustrations that guide the reader through the projects as well. 

Supplies are all indicated right up front so you won't be frustrated when you have chosen a project, you'll know just what you need.  I read through the list and I think there was only one thing that I did not have on hand already.  Most items are what I consider the routine supplies and items from around the house.

I was tickled to find several projects that I had not seen made before along with lots of really fun and surprising ways to make things that you may have seen before but not like this!!! 

It is not a secret that I love pincushions.  One of my customers even sent me a cupcake pincushion that I adore.  Jodi pattern is super easy and you know everyone at your stitching group would love to have one.  What a perfect gift and one that does not cost too much or take too much time.  If you can't stop yourself, feel free to send me a dozen!!! :)  I think it would be fun to make them in every holiday theme don't you?  How about a night to get together with friends to make cupcake pincushions and everyone bring different embellishments.  You could make it a challenge to see who brought the most unique embellishment.  (You know I would bring Spanky Embellished Wonderments aka Just Pins from JABC!!!)

This is the Wink Wink Eyemask .  I like sleeping with an eye mask on because I don't like the light from the nightlight in my eyes.  (Yes I know I could turn off the night light but then the co-workers would scream mommy in the night and this IHAN employee likes her sleep to be dark and quiet!!)  I am tempted to applique bulging eyeballs with red lines going through them instead of the cucumbers.  I might get a really good nights sleep-the boys and Rick would not dare bother me wearing that eye mask!!!  LOL 

These slippers really got my attention.  Do you really want to know what they are made from?  Are you sure?

Can you guess?  Dishtowels....TJ Maxx here I come!!!  When those holiday dish towels go on sale for 80% off, I'm going right over and buying them so I can make slippers.  I imagine you could use any fabric with the pattern but I love the dishtowels.  How about recycling the kids clothing into slippers?  The fun little kid clothes with all the fun pictures on them.....oh that would be neat.  (They also got my attention because you may remember my post about making my own fleece socks.  I have a size 12 foot and the only slippers I can get that fit well are men's....so now I can have really fun and pretty house shoes :)

I can't give away all the secrets from this great book.  I'll just leave you with this very fun photo and I'm not going to even tell you what it is.  I'm sooooo bad.....and sooooo good because I'm not going to spoil all your fun when you get your copy to enjoy for yourself. 

When I e-mailed Jodi to tell her how much I liked her book with all the fun ideas she said this:

"If there is one “main” point about my books, I would say it’s this: HAVE FUN!!!! That’s the point of all of this.  We sew and create because it’s FUN!!!! And, if I can help readers come up with super EASY ways to create things that they can enjoy themselves or give away as gifts --- AND, if those projects look stylish, too — well, then that’s even better!"

IHAN gives Simply Sublime Gifts Two Thumbs Up!!  Thank You Jodi Kahn and Random House -The Crown Publishing Group for sending me this book to review.  The book itself is a Simply Sublime Gift.

Big Smiles,
Kelly

IHAN Plays Hooky

The good thing about playing Hooky at IHAN is you don't have to worry the boss will find out....we are honest about our goofing off around here.  This past weekend we did some serious goofing off too!!

The IHAN co-workers taking a magazine very seriously while waiting for Mr. IHAN to finish getting his hair cut.

Here they are at a water park in out hotel playing.  They love to swim and play in the water.  I think we are all a little pruned after soaking in the water for 3 days.

Did someone say Arcade?  That is one word both boys can read forwards and backwards, no kidding.

 

After checking out of our hotel this morning we went to Rochester, MI where Rick and I were married.  Zach, age 6, took our photo standing in the same place where we took our vows.  Not a bad photo for a 6 year old ay? 

There was a stream and some children in the water swimming and playing.  Aaron and Zach wasted no time getting to know the boys and find out what they were all looking for.  Seven little boys hunting.....

and this is what they caught!  Yuck.....they look like big cockroaches don't they? 

Little boys and a stream.....that is the definition of happiness!!

 

Oh yes.....and then there was this one stop that was just for IHAN Mommy.  Cristina's Quilt Shoppe on Second Street in  Rochester, MI.  What a lovely store.  I was lucky enough to be given about 30 minutes to shop and enjoy all the beautiful samples that were hanging in the store.  The gal that helped me find coordinating fabrics was very helpful (you know I need help in that area!!)  If you are ever in the area it is definitely a great Quilt Shoppe to visit.  I found some coordinating fabrics for Linda Poole's Quilt Challenge today so that tickled me. 

"Zelda's Fancy Hat" was made up into a sample at Cristina's Quilt Shoppe. ( Pattern by Meg Hawkey, designer and owner of  Crabapple Hill ) It is the most fun witches hat I think I've ever seen.  What a great Halloween decoration.  I was told the pattern includes instructions to construct the hat.  I love the crazy quilt stitches on the hat.  You know I want one of these hats but will I take the time to make one by this Halloween?  I suppose if it were a challenge....LOL.

I hope all of you had a wonderful weekend.  Time for me to get back to work.....oh yeah....our boss lets us play Hooky :)

Smiles,

Kelly

Miranda Stewart in Minneapolis for Spring Quilt Market

Marinda Stewart was one of the ladies I met at my first Quilt Market.  You may recall this post. 

While walking through the Windham Fabrics booth I saw the quilt below.  It grabbed my attention immediately and I walked right up to it.  I was very surprised when I saw the label below the quilt. (pictured below)  

These flowers just literally jumped off of the quilt.  Below you can see the dimension a little better.

You know I would jump at the chance to take a class with Marinda Stewart to learn to make a "Flower Vase" quilt.  I think it is just beautiful.  The fabrics are from The Gee's Bend Collection. 

In  the Michael Miller Fabrics booth here were more Marinda Stewart quilts.  Talk about incredible!!!

Antiquities Medallion

  

Close up of Antiquities Medallion

Antiquities " Send in the Crowns"

 

 Antiquities Bargello

Antiquities Ephemora

I thought Marinda's Punchneedle book was/is incredible.... and now there are these amazing quilts too.  I'm going to have to ask here what else she does. 

I'm hoping to see more of Marinda's work in Houston at the end of October.  I'm guessing after these incredible designs the fabric companies will be beating down her door to do more.  You know they won't be at my door!!!  LOL.  If they do come to my door, all they will be asking for is their semi-truck of fabric back that I hijacked :)

Wicked Smiles,

Kelly

Deluxe Rotary Cutting & Embossing Machine and Deluxe Side Winder by Simplicity Creative Group

Back to Spring Quilt Market News!!

Simplicity Creative Group has TWO new machines.  The Deluxe Rotary Cutting and Embossing Machine and the Deluxe Side Winder.

Hi Miss Mimi :)  This is Mimi Shimp and she is the Product Manager at Simplicity Creative.   You've seen Mimi here before on the IHAN blog and you'll see her again I'm sure.  I enjoy seeing Mimi at Quilt Market and getting a friendly hello and a warm hug. 

This is the NEW Deluxe Rotary Cutting and Embossing Machine by Simplicity.  I got to see it up close and personal and it is way cool! 

You can cuts strips of paper and fabric from 1/4 to 6 inches. This machine is truly Deluxe!!  It has all of the following:

•  A knob that allows you to control the speed of the machine.
• A clear cutting guide bar.
• Light turns on when machine is running and illuminates the cutting/embossing area.
• Embossing disks slip on and off as easy as the blades.
• Separate power and foot pedal cords.
• Special tool included to adjust blade pressure.  

The Deluxe Rotary Cutting and Embossing Machine  is perfect for Quilters, Scrap booking enthusiasts and those who enjoy Paper Crafting. Make your own Jelly Rolls!  You want wider strips for boarders or binding? You can adjust the width and have custom fabric strips, squares, and rectangles with ease.

I remember seeing a Side Winder for the first time.  The small ones that first came out.  For the life of me I could not figure out why someone would want one.  Then I began quilting and now doing some free motion quilting and I'm telling you I now know the value of a Side Winder! 

  

Simplicity Creative Group really has outdone themselves with the new Deluxe Side Winder.  First let me tell you it comes with a Universal Plug.  That means it will work worldwide!!!  Isn't' that great?  I wish all appliances came with a Universal Plug don't you?  Here are the other excellent features the Deluxe Side Winder has:

• 
  
  Interchangeable bobbin spindles to fit all makes and models of sewing, embroidery and long arm quilting machines.
• 
  
  Winds spools to cones up to 12,000 yards.
• 
  
  Has storage compartments in the lid to hold bobbins or spools of thread.
• 
  
  Offers a telescoping guide that adjusts to different heights of thread spools.
• 
  
  Enjoy a thread cutter, bobbin fill control and a speed control knob.
• 
  
  Adjust the tension knob to accommodate a variety of thread weights.

Now that I've tried my hand at long arm quilting and I see how many bobbins you go through, I'm thinking the Deluxe Side Winder is a great invention!!  I don't have an Embroidery Machine but I know several people who do have them and they are always winding their bobbins too. 

Keep your eyes out for the Great Banana Quilt Challenge coming in 2011.  As soon as there is more information available I'll be sure to post it. 

Thank you Simplicity for continuing to work to bring the rest of us great notions to make sewing and quilting more enjoyable!!  Oh yeah, thank you too for being so wise to have Mimi working for you!!!  IHAN loves great people to work with and learn from :)

Smiles,

Kelly

"It's All About You Cupcake"

The theme of our meeting last night for the Needle Arts Guild of Toledo was "It's All About You Cupcake."  Karlyn, below, coordinated the entire event and it sure was a ball. 

We even had a cupcake tower and this beautiful cupcake cake to enjoy for our meeting.

Those who chose to made Cupcake Pincushions to enter into a contest. We only had 8 or months to make the cupcakes but I waited until yesterday to make mine (perhaps I just wanted a fresh cupcake?). I had thought about it several times but the word "contest" really threw me off.  The ladies that belong to this guild are very talented in my opinion.  I have no intent to ever enter into a "contest" with any of them, ever!!!  So I decided instead of participating in the "contest" part mentally....I switched it to a challenge to make a cupcake that I would enjoy looking at and using as a pincushion.  Can you guess which one was mine?

Jenna Morlock was the speaker at our meeting last night.  She is the same gal who spoke at the Wood County Fair last week.   As you can see by her smile she is a fun person to talk to and hear speak.

Last night she shared her love of making ATC's and Fabric Postcards as well as her on-line quilting class.  I really enjoyed looking at the collection she brought with her.  Some were thread painted, needle felted, stamps on cloth, painted and most were embellished with almost everything you can think of.

 

This Morning:

Dale is a friend who owns her own longarm quilting machine and she has offered to let others use it.  With Dale's help and encouragement, here I am actually using a longarm quilting machine.  Not pretending to use one, actually using one :)

 

I followed a pantograph and actually really enjoyed myself.  Prior to today I had touched one and moved it's handles but never really used one. It was such a good time and I am so pleased with how the quilt turned out.  I began to relax a bit and found it easier to move once I was actually breathing in and out...LOL.  I thought I would never want a longarm quilting machine.....I may have to eat my words....I think I want one now.  Of course I'll have to practice some more and learn more, but for today.....I'm one happy camper!!

Time to get that binding on so I can put it in the mail.

Smiles,
Kelly

No Defibrillator Needed :)

I know many of you by now are thinking I may be needing CPR or Defibrillation....no resuscitation needed :)  I'm around and kicking.  I'll be able to post later today....but for now all I can say is....I made my first cupcake pincushion yesterday and I love it, the Simply Sublime Gifts arrived.....EXCELLENT book....no embellishments needed.....just a fantastic book.  No, I don't know Jodi Kahn so my thoughts are not premeditated...LOL  I'm off this morning to use a long arm quilting machine for the "real" first time.  As Aronld says, "I'll be back."

I feel like I'm working on Pat Sloan's schedule now....productive hyper-speed with roller skates. 
Smiles,
Kelly

Mail Treasures

Lauren, the mail carrier,  has been good to me, really good to me this weekend!!!  Look at this amazing hand dyed batik table runner that was made by Abigale in Kenya.  Rosemary sent it to me as a thank you for helping her raise the money necessary to take the Nolting Mid-Arm quilting machine to Africa several weeks ago. 

Look at these batiks.  They are absolutely lovely and I am so awed that I can't stop touching the table runner.  I'm afraid my co-workers would not have the same reverence for this gift so I'm going to ask Mr. McSteamy to make a special wall hanger so I can hang it on the wall.

It is 5 feet 10 inches long too.  Every time I touch it....I think about it being made in Kenya and know I'm a little closer to Africa and my dream of visiting.  I am so moved by the gift, Thank You Rosemary!!! I am also  moved by the process by which this treasure has arrived here in my home.  The "chance" meeting and the "chance" phone call.....my exhaustion and hesitation at doing "one more thing" and then at night thinking about the women who have learned to sew so they can feed their families and care for themselves. 

The gift of sharing a skill, the gift of friendship, connection to those near and far......extending the human chain of kindness, compassion and willingness.....a Quilters Dream.....and the grace by which all of these amazing events have given me a gift.....I live for experiences just like this one....this is what nourishes my soul and gives me hope and joy.  (the entire process....not the material gift itself)

I thank everyone who contributed and you all know who you are.....it is only because of your care, concern and generosity that I was able to be a link in the chain....we all made the chain and I hope your lives are touched by what we were all able to accomplish together!!

Two packages arrived......this one was full of some fun fabric from Linda Poole.  

 

I know I'm busy and I don't know weather to wind my butt or scratch my watch ....however, I had to  squeeze in this one little project because I believe it will help keep me centered in doing what I love and also allow me to nourish myself by accomplishing one of my goals.  You may have noticed the button on the right sidebar of my blog that says, "My Plan For Self Care."  I'm making a quilt for me!!!  I have wanted something to put in my screened in porch that is colorful and bright that enhances the feeling of being outdoors.  What better challenge than to make one with Linda's new "Iridescence" fabric line.  If you have not joined in the challenge.....I'm inviting you to join me....together we can encourage one another to finish our projects and take better care of ourselves :)

I have to get off of this bot and get over to my serger to serge the edges of this fabric so I can wash it.  Before I go, I want to know if anyone is considering the Electric Quilt Cruise?  I can't make plans to go unless I know I'll have some cronies with me.....so if you are even thinking of going please e-mail me, IHaveANotion@yahoo.com 

Joyful Smiles,

Kelly

SIMPLY SUBLIME GIFTS by Jodi Kahn Will Be Released Tomorrow!!!

AUGUST 10, 2010

the release of

Simply Sublime GIFTS

by Jodi Kahn

Random House says, Simply Sublime Gifts offers more than thirty fun and imaginative gift ideas to make quickly, inexpensively, and with little to no sewing using clever short-cuts and inventive techniques. You’ll find a well of inspiration for any occasion, including Handy Hand Towels for hostess gifts, fancy Fabric Bangles for her, Tailor-Made photo frames for him, charm necklaces, holiday ornaments, and more. Accompanying eye-catching gift-wrap ideas are sure to complete the perfect present for everyone on your gift list.


With projects that are a snap for beginners—and that provide a fun challenge for experienced crafters—Simply Sublime Gifts is loaded with hints, tips, and tricks of the crafting trade. Many of the gifts are also made from accessible, recycled, or repurposed materials, like the kitschy, cool Wonder-ful Apron created with iconic Wonder Bread® wrappers! Kids, family, teachers, and friends will love the customizable treasures found in this book, and you’ll love giving gifts that are special and meaningful, original and personal.

With author Jodi Kahn’s clear instructions and step-by-step illustrations, in less than a day you’re on your way to creating a gift that is simply sublime.
 
IHAN says, HOT DIGGIDY DOG DIGGIDY!!!   Because a little birdie has told me that I will be getting to review this exciting book and I'm thrilled  Just in time for the holidays too!!!  I'll let everyone know just as soon as it arrives and I'll give you the IHAN scoop!!!
 
Do you remember Jodi's last book, Simply Sublime Bags?
 

Jodi showed us how to make really nice up-scale hand bags so I know her new book, Simply Sublime GIFTS has to be a good one.  I think I'll wait for the mail carrier tomorrow, just in case!! :)

 

 
Anticipatory Smiles,
Kelly