The Cutting Revolution by Anita Grossman Solomon Giveaway

Pat Sloan announced the winner of the the complete Cutting Edge Ruler Set today.  Angela was the grand prize winner.  Congratulations Angela!   

Rotary Cutting Revolution by Anita Grossman Solomon

IHAN is giving away Rotary Cutting Revolution by Anita Grossman Solomon.  Before I draw the winner I want to tell everyone a little about this book.  I had intended to doing a review long before now and I did not do it.  My apologies to Anita because this is one great book. 

For all of you that are new to the IHAN blog, I have the pleasure of reviewing books, patterns and products of my choosing.  There is no personal gain or benefit to me when I do these reviews (unless otherwise stated).  When I got to Market I have the opportunity to get some free books and products.  There are no strings attached to these items....just given to shop owners for personal or business use.  IHAN chooses to review the books and give them away.

Anita's book really is a tough one to give away and I'm not kidding.  She is known for the phrase, "Make It Simpler Way," and Anita certainly does make it Simpler.  For me, that is a good thing because I hate wasting fabric because I've misunderstood the directions and cut it wrong.  There are so many photos of each step so there is no way to go wrong.  Anita lays out each block and shows you how to cut it all out at one time.  I will be buying a copy of this book for myself for sure!!!

The very lucky winner of Rotary Cutting Revolution is Robyn of Coffee and Cotton Blog.  Congratulations Robyn!!! Please e-mail me at IHaveANotion@yahoo.com with your full name and address.  I'll get this book into the mail to you right away....so sad to see it go :(  But happy to have had such a wonderful response to Pat's Blog Hop.  Thank you to everyone who stopped by....feel free to come and visit anytime.  I always enjoy your comments.

Smiles,

Kelly

Creativity and Desperation....What do they have in common?

This morning, Creativity and Desperation have Kelly Jackson in common!!!  I was up most of the night re-doing a challenge quilt that is due today.  I think my creativity was fueled by desperation....but we'll find out later today when all the finishing touches are put into place.  Going to bed at 3:30 am when the alarm goes off at 7:30 also brings desperation-how to motivate my co-workers to get dressed, eat, brush teeth....and get on the bus....Oh the joy of YouTube....all I had to do was turn on this YouTube video and they were good as gold.  Thought you may enjoy it too!  IHAN will return to it's regularly schedule program.....soon :)



Toasty Smiles,
Kelly

Fall Into Fall Quilt Bloggers Giveaway

Edited 10-6-10
Happy October! 

Welcome to the IHAN blog.  For those of you who are new to the blog, IHAN stands for "I Have A Notion" which is the name of my online Notions store (http://www.ihavea-notion.com/). 

Fall is my favorite season so I was more than excited to participate in the Fall Into Fall Quilt Bloggers Giveaway.  There are 151 Giveaways for this Blog Hop!!!  Oh we are all going to have a good time getting to know one another and hopefully winning some fun gifts. 

IHAN is giving away this beautiful Fabric Roll (2 1/2" wide) by Westminster Fabrics.  When I saw this fabric I just had to buy it.  I love it and I actually bought three....so I thought I could possibly let go of one....but just one....a girl has to have a little stash ya know! (I know these are not exactly Fall Fabrics....but they were the prettiest I had....can you blame me?)

For your chance to win, please leave a comment on this post.  The giveaway ends on 10/15/10  so commence commenting....and if you are a no-reply blogger you can't win.  If you don't know if you are a no-reply blogger or not....I'd recommend taking the safe route and leaving your e-mail address.  I know if I won a prize I'd want to be contacted...oh yeah baby :)

Please feel free to become a "Follower" of the IHAN blog by clicking on the "Follow" button on the blog sidebar to the right.  You are also invited to stop by http://www.ihavea-notion.com/ and take a look around.  Our focus is on great prices and excellent customer service.

You may also want to know about the IHAN Needle Exchange Program. You can get a FREE Superior Titanium Machine Needle...no strings attached.  Click here to learn how to get your Free needle :)

Kelly Jackson's Entry-AKA-IHAN :)

While you are here....how would you like the opportunity to Vote on Linda Poole's Quilt Challenge.  This is my entry but feel free to VOTE for any quilt you like the best.  Please just CLICK HERE TO VOTE :)

Smiles,

Kelly

GO! Baby Fabric Cutter by AccuQuilt Get Yours for $99 or $149 with Tote Bag

edited 10/1/10 1:00

GO! Baby Fabric Cutter by AccuQuilt

Great for retreats and sew-cials....take it anywhere....but don't forget your "diaper bag" / Tote!

 GO! Baby Fabric Cutter

Love to quilt but hate to cut? Now there's a NEW way to GO! The GO! Baby Fabric Cutter is a fast, accurate and easy way to cut up to four layers of cotton fabric in seconds. Plus, with it's ultra-portable design you can take it wherever you GO! and easily store it away when it is not in use. Use with most  GO! dies to cut perfect pieces every time. (Keep in mind it will not work with the GO! Dies that are 10x10 or 10x24) 

GO! Baby Fabric Cutter Tote

Every GO! Baby Fabric Cutter needs its own baby bag! This PINK Tote is as functional as it is cute Made from the highest-grade fabric, this tote will keep your GO! Baby in good condition and make it easier to take with you when you're on the GO! Roomy interior features multiple accessory pockets to store your GO! dies, notions and fabric.

IHAN's limited time price for the

GO! Baby Fabric Cutter is $99

OR

IHAN GO! Baby Cutter and Tote Combo for $149

Why offer both?  Because many of the larger companies can offer free shipping due to the large volume.  IHAN can't do that....but what we can do is offer you a Tote Bag (a $45 value for $10)  and that more than makes up for the free shipping (a 16.40 value). I know many people like what I call "Advertising Tricks" ( you are tricked into thinking you are getting a deal)....where they offer a 40% Coupon etc...so they mark everything up (you pay a much higher price if you by chance need something right away and it is not on sale) just to mark it down.  Here at IHAN....we always sell at an affordable price and we focus on Customer Satisfaction.  Check out our Customer Feedback and read for yourself. 

IHAN aims to please....so if you are one of those who loves say you got it for Free....we can accomodate you too.  If you e-mail your order to IHaveANotion@yahoo.com you can get the GO! Baby Fabric Cutter and Tote for FREE....however the shipping will be 149.00  (there is always a catch isn't there!!!)

GO! Baby Fabric Cutter and Tote will be available to ship Mid November (just in time for the holidays) according to my sources. 

Smiles,

Kelly

Winner Announced for Kimberly Einmo's Book, Jelly Roll Quilts & More

No, Kimberly is still not sitting at Quilt Market silly....it is the same photo used over again....LOL

The winner of
Jelly Roll Quilts & More

AND

Easy Heart Template

Is lucky comment #57

which is...wait...I have to go look...

Marcia Wright

Congratulations Marcia.  Please send me your address and I'll get your book and template in the mail to you.  I love writing the IHAN blog....and I really appreciate all the wonderful comments folks leave.  Thank you!!

Smiles,

Kelly

Winners Announced for the Cheryl Phillips Patterns and Book

Do you remember this post?  I thought I might get buried under comments for the Blog Hop and yes indeed I did forget to post the winners.  So without further ado....

Cheryl Phillips Designs

The Swirl

Barb-Bejeweled Quilts

Moroccan Tile

 Shadybrooks

Quilts Without Corners Encore

Dana-Key Largo Fl.

Banded Agate
Sam-left e-mail addy as s.downes

Thank you to everyone who left comments for the Cheryl Phillips post.  If you are one of the winners, please e-mail me with your address.

Blog Hoppers....Welcome, you must leave a comment on the Blog Hop Post and not on this post.  The two featured blogs on today's list are

Jaybird Quilts Blog- Julie Herman

Crazy Mom Quilts Blog- Amanda Jean Nyberg

Good Luck and have a wonderful day.  I'll be at the educational facility for my co-workers because they have a Hop-A-Thon and I'll be monitoring the little hoppers. Hmmmm....Big Hoppers here and Little Hoppers there.....there seems to be a theme emerging.

Smiles,

Kelly



Welcome to The Edge Blog Hop with Pat Sloan and Friends

Good Morning Blog Hoppers!!!
(edited 9/27/10 9:45pm)

Welcome to the IHAN blog.  If this is your first time visiting, IHAN is short for I Have A Notion....my on-line Notions Store.  Here at the IHAN blog you will find lots of great information about the latest and greatest Notions, interesting people and  lots of giveaways (this is the third giveaway going on right now at IHAN).

Pat Sloan has helped Sulivan's design some really neat new rulers. I bet you already knew that though....and you are here to enter the big giveaway....a full set....YES....10 Cutting Edge Sharpening Rulers!!!!   I know how excited you must be so I'm going to give you a few minutes to catch your breath.....realx....get your heart beat and blood pressure under control.  While you are relaxing, I'm going to share a few details about my quilting life.....just don't get so relaxed that you fall asleep.

 

"Many Hands"

I consider this my first quilt because I took an official quilting class and this was my project. I chose the fabric for one simple reason, it had an elephant in the print, albeit very small, and I really like elephants. Each family member, living in my home at the time, was asked to choose a block pattern and then choose the placement of the fabrics. There were 6 of us and if we all still lived together that would make 8 now....make that 9....one is married. I did all the machine piecing and it was hand quilted by my very dear friend and amazing hand quilter, Mary Jane (IHAN's East Coast Director of Operations).

Choosing fabric ..... well....there is a little history to my issues with choosing fabric.  Several years ago I had signed up for a class to make a tote bag.  The gal who was teaching the class told us to get some "inspiration" fabric.  I asked her where she got hers and she told me the name of her local quilt shop.  I drove an hour on a Saturday to the quilt store and read the end of every bolt in that shop.  I could not find the word "Inspiration" on any of the bolt ends.   When the sales lady was free,  she asked if she could help and I asked where the "Inspiration" fabric was and she seemed puzzled.  I was soooooo frustrated.....all I wanted was the darn fabric and to go home.  I left empty handed and drove to a pay phone (remember those days?) I called the instructor and told her the shop no longer carried "Inspiration" fabric.  She laughed so long and hard I thought she might just start snorting.  Apparently "Inspiration" fabric is any fabric that inspires a person to create......OK....why didn't she just say that?  Thankfully I have no issues with choosing great Notions!! 

How is your heart rate and blood pressure now?  If you are relaxed....I'll get on with the big giveaway!!

The Cutting Edge Sharpening Rulers are some darn cool rulers because they sharpen your rotary blade while you cut.  Neat ay?  I think so....and when you cut with them....they make a sound....the sound of the blade being sharpened....I was not expecting that and was pleasantly surprised.  Pat Sloan and Sulivans clearly put a great deal of time into designing these rulers.  Click here to learn more about all the details.  The Cutting Edge Sharpening  Rulers are available at local quilt stores, Pat Sloan's Quilt Shop, IHAN and I bet lots more places I don't even know about.

To win an entire set of The Cutting Edge Sharpening  Rulers you must leave a comment on all of the blogs (listed below)  that are participating in the Hop

Monday September 27th

Pat Sloan's Blog

I Have A Notion Blog-Kelly Jackson

Tuesday September 28th
Amys Creative Side Blog- Amy Ellis
Canton Village Quilt Works Blog -Jackie Kunkel

Wednesday September 29th
Jaybird Quilts Blog- Julie Herman
Crazy Mom Quilts Blog- Amanda Jean Nyberg
Thursday September 30th
 Happy Zombie Blog- Monica Solorio-Snow
Mrs. Schmenkman Quilts Blog- Amy Lobsiger
PamKittyMorning Blog -Pam Vieira-McGinnis

Friday October 1st
LaVieEnRosie Blog- Carie Nelson
Minick & Simpson Blog- Polly Minick and Laurie Simpson
Naptime Quilter Blog- Cheryl Arkison

Saturday October 2nd
Quilting Gallery - Michele Foster
Pat Sloan's Blog for the big Wrap Up

You will definitely need some nourishment while doing all this blog hopping.  I'm just glad you are not depending on me to provide it....because you may end up in the hospital.  My idea of nourishment generally includes a phone number, menu or a speaker box in a drive thru.  Mr. McSteamy cooks for the IHAN clan most of the time.  On Mr. McSteamy's birthday I do make him his favorite cake.  People have always asked for the recipe so I'm guessing you might like it better than the phone number to my local pizza parlor :)

Screwball Cake-Recipe (given to me by McSteamy's Mother)

3 cups flour

2 cups sugar

1/2 cup cocoa powder

2 teaspoons baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

Mix that all together in one bowl.  (Any bowl that will fit....no need to find an inspiration bowl!!)

In another bowl, mix together

2 teaspoons vanilla

2 teaspoons vinegar

2/3 cup oil

Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix.  Then add 2 cups of water and keep mixing. The recipe says don't grease the pan.....I always spray the pans with Pam Cooking Spray but don't tell my mother-in-law ok?  Cook on 350 degrees in the oven for 1 hour.  Then you have a naked cake.  If you like your cake aka breakfast to be covered....take some cream cheese and mix in a ton of powdered sugar and vanilla....add a little milk or water if you must....and smear it all over the top.  If you see some pearly gates after the first bite......you know you followed the recipe correctly.

Don't forget to leave a comment on this post to be entered to win the 10 Cutting Edge Sharpening Rulers.  The winner will be announced on Pat Sloan's Blog.  Edit: To be eligible to win the grand prize you must leave a comment on this post and the same for the others who are hosting the hop-the links to their pages are above.  So hop everyday and leave your comments :)

Oh yeah, I almost forgot, IHAN will also choose a winner from the comments left on this post and that person will receive an autographed copy of Anita Grossman Solomon's book, Rotary Cutting Revolution, new one step cutting 8 quilt blocks.  After all, you've got to put your new rulers to work right?

Smiles,

Kelly

Rock, Paper, Scissors...Or Should I say Plastic? IHAN "Cub" Reporter

Breaking News- IHAN has a "Cub" Reporter and this is the latest breaking news.....you saw it here first :)  This is being published unedited.  Raw Data/Coverage. 

Rock, Paper, Scissors! … or should I say Plastic?

September 24, 2010. By IHAN Cub Reporter


Greetings from The Rock – The 2010 American Sewing Expo at Rock Financial Showplace, Novi, Michigan.

Could it be? OMW-Yes! It is Scissors Man!! Within the first minute of arriving, I spot him racing down the aisle, cell phone to his ear – a man on a mission. And, who would not recognize that apron!?!

Since I am missing my traditional gig out west, I decide, spur of the moment, to come “up” from Ohio for a few hours. I’ve never been here before. Don’t know how big the place is or how crowded it will be. If it is anything like Quilt-a-Fair in Colorado, it can be tough getting down aisles and close to some of the booths, let alone actually talking to a vendor. You know how those quilters can be! You know what I mean, the ones in their pin-studded, patchwork and embroidery-emblazoned vests and jackets. You do not want to get in their way! They are scarier than bikers! It is harder to get down those aisles this weekend at the Boulder County Fairgrounds than during the motorcycle swap meets there. I can say that ‘cause “been there, done both”! All this flashes through my mind in a matter of seconds.

Was he a sprinter on the track team? What if I can’t find him again? I dash after him, determined to trip him if necessary. Screech! (sound of my shoes braking, suddenly stopping pursuit.) In that instant I know I must take my chances at finding him later. I now see that he is on a beeline for… The Men’s Room! Who knows, it could be his only chance all day! Luckily for him, the His lines are shorter than the Hers.

Aha! (leaping from around the corner) Alright! Everyone! Step. Away. From. The. Tables!

This is a stick-up! Hey, Brint! Off with the apron, Scissors Man!!

“Okay, okay, don’t shoot!  Tell Kelly I’m untying the apron!”

I tell Brint I can’t leave without getting a hug to take back for Kelly. I can tell all of you that Kelly is not exaggerating about the great quality products and friendly Famore service! Evidently, any friend of Kelly’s is a friend of the Famore family! And, Brint sent something special along to be delivered to the IHAN Test Lab. Stay tuned…


P.S. This reporter will not be washing that cheek for a week!

P.S.S. Check out earlier blog posts for Scissors shenanigans and shop at IHAN for Famore Cutlery if you missed Brint at Novi.

I can only speculate that urgent phone calls were being made throughout the building to tech support regarding credit card machine wireless connections… or lack thereof. Luckily, it wasn’t a continuing issue and didn’t seem to affect scissor enthusiasm!

And, remember, the next time your clerk asks “Paper or Plastic?” they may not be talking about grocery bags! 

Had I known I would be asked to file a report and take great pictures… This will have to do from my little amateur camera since I don’t have the IHAN big guns. And, I have even more appreciation for all the time, research, testing and creativity that Kelly puts into her blog!


Grinning,

IHAN Cub Reporter

A Note from IHAN Chief Executive Officer- Thank you "Cub" for your excellent reporting.  I think everyone in the Quilting and Needle Arts world needs to be forewarned....just because they don't see a tall red head with three cameras does not mean....you are not being watched!!!  See, we do hide out in bushes. 

IHAN is always watching......and welcomes other "Cub" reporters to submit their spying for publication here on the IHAN blog :).....Smiles, Kelly

Green Fairy Quilts Has Just Posted Their 2010 Romania Video

Click Here to see Green Fairy Quilts 2010 Trip to Romania Video

Kimberly Einmo and Spring Quilt Market 2010

I can't think of a more appropriate giveaway after posting about MODA then Kimberly Einmo's book Jelly Roll Quilts & More.    I had the pleasure of meeting Kimberly in Minneapolis for Spring Quilt Market and yes, she is as friendly as she appears to be.  :)

 

Kimberly's book, Jelly Roll Quilts & More , provides excellent instructions and lots of tips. Her writing style is easy and relaxed; almost like a friend is sitting next to you telling you what to do next.  You won't be wondering what to do with your MODA Jelly Rolls or the 2 1/2 inch strips you cut with your GO! or Big Shot Fabric Cutters after reading this book.  The "& More" means you also will be using your layer cakes, charm squares, etc too.

August 2010- American Patchwork and Quilting

There may be a new review of Jelly Roll Quilts & More but the most recent I am aware of is in the August 2010 American Patchwork and Quilting Magazine.  If you have the magazine run get it and if you don't, run buy or borrow it. 

Oprah made the big mistake of not listing to me and she had to try the Reliable V50 herself before she believed it was as good as I said it was.  Apparently Better Homes and Gardens is the same.....I could have told them about Kimberly's book too!!  LOL  (Some days that IHAN chick is just full of herself isn't she?  Geez....:)

 

This is one of Kimberly's quilts, Half Hearted, from her book.  This is an "Easy" level pattern....cheerful and fun isn't it?  

Kimberly not only autographed a copy of Jelly Roll Quilts & More to be given away to a very lucky IHAN blog reader.....but she also included one of her Easy Heart Templates too!  Do I hear  three cheers for Kimberly?  I thought so :)

Easy Hearts Acrylic Template

Jelly Roll Quilts & More

So if you would like to be the lucky IHAN blog reader to win the book and template, leave a comment on this post.  If you have made one of Kimberly's patterns or taken one of her classes I'd love for you to leave a comment about your experience as well.  The winner will be drawn Wednesday September 29th .

Smiles,

Kelly

New GO! Fabric Cutter Dies by AccuQuilt NOW AVAILABLE

Save Now on the New GO! Fabric Cutter Dies by AccuQuilt

GO! Double Wedding Ring Die

NOW AVAILABLE

GO! Rob Peter to Pay Paul (2-Die Set) 

NOW AVAILABLE

GO! Dresden Plate Combo-

NOW AVAILABLE

GO! Rob Peter To Pay Paul 2-die Set

NOW AVAILABLE

GO! 3.5" Drunkards Path

NOW AVAILABLE

GO! Winding Ways

NOW AVAILABLE

  

 GO! Overall Sam-

NOW AVAILABLE

GO! Sunbonnet Sue

NOW AVAILABLE

Coming mid- November 2010 Sarah Vedeler Sparkle Dies-

The lovely stars, snow flakes, trees and diamonds used in this pattern will soon be available as GO! Fabric Cutting Dies :) 

Save at IHAN and get your new GO! Fabric Cutting Dies (also compatible with the Sizzix Big Shot and Big Shot Pro).

MODA - United Notions and Spring Quilt Market 2010

Mark Dunn, Owner and President of MODA Fabrics, is in IHAN's experience a WYSIWYG  person.   For those of you who don't know what WYSIWYG stands for, it means What You See Is What You Get and is pronounced Wizzy-Wig. 

 

Mark Dunn, Houston 2009

Please keep in mind that in the large world of Quilting and Needle Arts IHAN is a peanut , probably a half of a peanut....a tiny little company.  Although I purchase items from MODA and United Notions most certainly there is no reason for Mark Dunn to even take the time to talk to such a tiny entity as IHAN.  But you know what?  Mark Dunn never asked who I was when I asked if he would take a break from his work and autograph an insert for one of his products.  He promptly stopped what he was doing, smiled and pulled out his pen.  Warm and friendly each and every time I've had the pleasure of being in his presence.  I'm thinking that just might be part of the secret to his success.....being present, open and friendly. 

Did I mention generous?  Yes, Generosity just happens to be one of Mark Dunn's characteristics.  Again, I want to remind you I've done no real research on Mark Dunn.....I've never been to a MODA/United Notions warehouse ..... I'm just sharing what I know from my experiences at the last three Quilt Markets.

Mark Dunn hosts an MODA Dinner at Quilt Market.  This event is an opportunity for Mark and MODA to show their appreciation to their customers, designers, authors, etc.  People typically arrive early and all the tables are taken and there is standing room only.  The meals have been very good and the company excellent.

Mark is welcoming his guests in Minneapolis to the MODA Dinner. I thought he looked like he was at the Academy Awards and you know what, I feel like I've been invited to a red carpet event too. 

After Mark welcomed everyone I approached him to get some more photos and thank him personally for putting on such a lovely event.  He didn't brush me off or rush away to be with "more important people."  Mark stopped to chat with me.  He asked how the meal was and if I thought people were enjoying themselves.  If I knew him a little better I would have hugged him and kissed him on the cheek. 

Although the food was very good.....the best part of the entire event is having the opportunity to meet new people and see some Royalty too!!!

You know I was not going to miss taking these girls pictures. Look out Broadway.....here comes Holly Hickman and Erin Lawler. They both work for MODA and I absolutely loved their dress and spunkiness.

Didn't take much to get these very fun girls to strike a pose. 

Dessert anyone?  You would have to be in a cave someplace to not know about the MODA Bakeshop.  Interestingly enough.....we did not eat MODA chocolate for dessert.....and to tell you the truth....I'm glad because at my age....I might have a tough time digesting this MODA chocolate :)

Oh and there were other very sweet things everywhere I looked......

Like this angel...she was so precious my camera jumped off of my chest and took a photo of her all by itself (wee bit of truth stretching here).

Rebekah Hache and her 3 month old daughter Shiloh having a ball at the MODA Dinner.

After dinner the DJ starts playing the music and believe it or not.....folks hit the dance floor.  Mind you, most of us have been on our feet non-stop for at least 2 days but when the music starts, everyone forgets their feet and heads out to the floor for some fun.

 

IHAN snapped this photo in Houston 2009 at the MODA Dinner.  Who do you think that is in the Red Sweater and Skirt?  None other than Lady Eleanor with  Prince Orion to the right.  That guy can really bust a move.   This was my first experience dancing with Royalty and I have to say, I sure could get used to it :) 

While chatting with folks at the MODA Dinner in Minneapolis I glanced over by a wall and could not believe my eyes.  An unattended bag.....there was not a person within 10 to 15 feet of this bag up against the wall.

IHAN was sooooooooo goooooooood, all I did was photograph the LOOT.  This was before EQ 7 was released and within my reach was not One but Two unattended Electric Quilt 7 Software.  My heart pounded rapidly.....I contemplated the heist.....then I remembered my lady-like manners and just took the photo and left the lovely Tutto on Wheels with the TWO packages of EQ Software sitting quietly against the wall.  Man if that does not get me into heaven.....nothin will!!

What a wonderful evening and a great opportunity to be with some impressive people.

Grateful Smiles,

Kelly