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!

Saturday, November 13, 2010

Local Quilt Shop-Quilt Foundry-Changes Hands

REPOST- I posted the wrong hours.....YIKES

The actual hours at Lisa Spalding's Quilt Foundry are:
Monday-Thursday 10-7 and Friday and Saturday 10-5

The Quilt Foundry has been owned by 4 ladies for the past 22 years.  Gretchen, Mary, Margaret and Peg have decided to "retire" and there was a reception for them on Oct. 26th.  I actually just stumbled upon the reception as I went in to buy some fabric.  Good think I always carry my trusty camera!!!

 
This was a fun article posted just inside the door at the Quilt Foundry.  The gal on the top right is Gretchen.  Below is a photo of Gretchen at the reception.  She still has that same great welcoming smile!!
This is Peg and the photo is not very clear. I was shooting over another person and I did not want to disrupt her conversation.
Margaret is on the left and the new owner, Lisa Spalding is on the right.  Every time I needed to find a fabric to coordinate Margaret was my go-to person.  I guess I'll have to find her the next time I'm stuck!!!  I wish I had her gift/talent.

The Quilt Foundry closed on October 29th and will re-open on Monday, November 15th at 10:00 with a SALE......oh yeah baby!!!  Nothing brings quilters out into the cold faster than a fabric sale....very nice quilt shop fabric....I wonder if there will be campers out there the night before.  I can see a long line of ladies with their lawn chairs all lined up to the door starting at 5:00 pm the night before....LOL.

Lisa a well known long arm quilter here in our area.  I know she will be very successful in her new business and I hope if you are in the area you will stop by and say Hi.  Feel free to purchase hundreds of thousands of yards of fabric while you are there!!! :)
 
Rich Spalding, Lisa's husband, is also a long arm quilter (rumor has it Rich owns 10% of the business....does that make him a silent partner? ).  I can't wait to see where they put their long arm machines.  I heard from a little birdie that they have done some renovations.  Hmmmm....wonder if anyone will notice a tall red head peaking in the windows?  I could disguise myself as the meter reader and insist in getting in to read the meter.  I fear they would recognize me and pull the window shades.

This is a before photo....I'll post another after I see all the changes.  The Quilt Foundry's new hours are Monday - Saturday 10-4, Tuesday evenings 7-9pm and after the new year they will have Sunday hours as well.  I know Lisa is excited and can't wait to welcome everyone so stop on over and check out her new digs.

Smiles,
Kelly

Friday, November 12, 2010

Winner Cloth Doll Workshop Announced

by elinor peace baily, Patti Medaris Culea and Barbara Willis
Autographed by elinor peace baily

the lucky winner is:

2. Vicki from 2 Sisters and Me blog

Congratulations Vicki.  Please e-mail me your full name and address and I'll get your book in the mail to you.

Thank you to all of you who left comments.  There are still lots more great giveaways coming!!!
Smiles,
Kelly

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Winning Quilts - 2010 International Quilt Association Houston Texas

2010 Winners in Quilts:
A World of Beauty,
the annual fall Judged Show of the
International Quilt Association

Did someone say a World of Beauty?  And my photo was not included?  How ever could that be?  I guess I better submit a photo of myself ?  Do you want me to submit one for your too?

Ok, seriously now....if you have not had an opportunity to see all the winning quilts....just click here :)

Silly Smiles,
Kelly

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Roc-Lon Multi-Purpose Cloth - Quilt Market 2010 in Houston, TX

Going to Quilt Market is more than just seeing what is new, for me it is a reunion of friends.  My face lights up and my heart does too when I find my friends in their booths and some of them wandering on the floor.  I feel privileged because my work is about walking the floor while many of them work their booths and don't have the opportunity to walk around and meet others.  Darlene and Steve from Rockland Industries are some of the friendliest folks I know.  I'm always greeted with a smile and Darlene has started to spoil me with a cup of coffee!!!  I can not think of a friendlier community to work in honestly.

I met Steve and Darlene in Pittsburgh for Spring Quilt Market 2009.  I had no idea what Multi-Purpose Cloth was and honestly didn't care either.  But Steve was so friendly and took his time to educate me....I said thank you and walked off.  Then I ran into an artist who was demonstrating mixed media techniques and I asked her if she knew about Roc-lon Multi Purpose Cloth.  She said no; so I ran over to Steve and told him I thought he needed to meet this Gal because she was a mixed media artist and she might benefit from knowing about the cloth.  I keep coming up with more and more ideas for using the Multi-Purpose Cloth because I find it to be very interesting and versatile.
This is an old photo of their booth.  I held a Roc-lon Multi-Purpose Cloth Challenge  on the IHAN blog last year and I felt badly that I had asked everyone to make something/anything from a piece of Roc-lon Multi Purpose Cloth and I didn't make a thing.  So the night before I thought I better make something....anything...small of course.  I picked up my piece of cloth and thought to myself, "it is flexible and soft what can I make that is small, flexible and soft?"  The first thing that came to my mind was a baby booty.  So I whipped one up quickly.  When I say quickly....I mean quickly.  Since it was only supposed to be for the photo I didn't even bother to finish the bottom correctly.  I'm sooooo bad.  I used some Mistyfuse and Art Paper to the Multi-Purpose Cloth and cut out the shape of a booty.  I took it with me to Houston to give to Darlene as a gesture of ....insanity....I guess.  I was so embarrassed when she asked if I would leave it in their booth.  I agreed but begged her not to let anyone pick it up.  I had signed the bottom and it was not finished ....could you just die?  I was told that the folks from Michael Miller Fabrics came by and saw it....they liked it.  If I could have dug a hole and crawled in I would have.

I still cringe......except for the last part of the story.  I heard that someone is manufacturing baby booties from the Multi-Purpose Cloth now.  How cool is that?  What a serendipitous chain of events.



This year I took my camera strap to show Darlene and Steve.  Because the Multi-Purpose Cloth is flexible and soft I used it in the camera strap I made the night before going to Quilt Market in Minneapolis.  I guess I could brag that my work has been shown in Houston....but only to those who have no clue what I'm talking about....ROFL :)

Fast forward to 2010 Fall Quilt Market in Houston now :) 
Rockland Industries had an artist demonstrating in their booth.  Her name is Cynthia Davis and she was using a stencil to embellish a large piece of Multi-Purpose Cloth. 


She used a simple template and dobbed paint over the entire surface.  Below you can see a photo where she painted on every other row.  The ideas are limitless!!!  I think that is why I'm fascinated by the Multi-Purpose Cloth....it is so versatile.  I've read a blog post where people could not afford a movie projector screen so they used the Multi-Purpose Cloth.  Very smart people!!!
 
This is a photo of the stencil Cynthia was using. 
I really, really, really....did I say really....I meant to say REALLY like the texture Cynthia added before she painted the Multi-Purpose Cloth here.  See what I mean....the ideas are limitless!!!
I think this is an excellent idea for decorating that would be cheap and portable.  Get some Panel Track, like blinds or shades come on (you know me....I'd be recycling one from the Salvation Army or someones trash) and attach several panels of Multi-Purpose Cloth.  Prior to hanging them you could use paint, fabric, art paper, stencils, Mod Podge and old photographs, children's art, significant events in the newspaper, ....anything your mind can think of ....and decorate the panels.  Then you can move the panels back and forth or leave them in a series.  I like the idea of hanging several tracks and creating depth in the scene you create.  The best part is when you get tired of it, just roll it up and put it away....make something something else :) 
If I were artistically talented I would have painted a some Multi-Purpose Cloth and made a pair of wild chaps and worn them to Market in Houston.  After all....its Texas....anything goes in Texas right?
Thank you for reading!!!  I love reading the comments that you post.  I'd love to hear what your ideas are for using Multi-Purpose Cloth....let your imagination run wild....this is a virtual Texas here on the IHAN blog :)  LOL
Smiles,
Kelly

Monday, November 8, 2010

elinor peace bailey in Houston for Fall Quilt Market 2010

I'll never forget the first time I saw elinor peace bailey.  I instantly felt joy and all I could do was smile.  I thought to myself, "now there is a girl who has given herself permission to be free."  I so admire that freedom.  When I heard she was signing Cloth Doll Workshop at the Brewer Quilting and Sewing Booth I dropped what I was doing (taking a class...yikes) and ran all the way downstairs.  Tira, from Brewer Quilting and Sewing actually commented that she'd never seen me like that before.  I was sooooo excited.  So, without further ado....here are the photos I took :)

elinor is a doll maker.....and a doll in and of herself....in my opinion :)
She and two of her doll making friends, Patti Medaris Culea and Barbara Willis have written a new book, Cloth Doll Workshop.  Each of the artists invite you into their studios and show you their methods of doll making.  Perhaps you have never made a doll before....I know I haven't....but after taking one look at this book....you'll want to make at least one doll.....if  not for yourself....one to give to a special someone....I just know it. 

I was fortunate enough to get an autographed copy for myself and YES....one to be given away here on the IHAN blog.  Just look at my face..I was beaming...I have always worn my heart on my sleeve....look at the joy I have in my eyes.  I tell you.....  I treasure those times....the energy generated keeps my soul joyful and my spirit light.

I want to digress a bit for just a minute....I know I've said this before...  Did you know Laura Gunn, designer, is elinor's daughter and designer Heather Bailey , also a designer, is her daughter in law?  All those talented gals in one family...I would love to know about the rest of the family, wouldn't you?

I told elinor I wished she were my Mother (don't worry....my Mom does not read my blog...I know you are all gasping) and of course she said....no you don't.  I just hope I'm raising my boys to completely be themselves....allowing their inner selves to safely come out and be enjoyed.  That permission is priceless and something we can only give ourselves....and  having support and encouragement from others is a wonderful thing.

You already know how much I treasure this book....so if you want a copy of Cloth Doll Workshop.....you need to leave a comment and tell me honestly why you would treasure it too.  I don't want this book collecting dust now.....it must be enjoyed and used!!!  So leave a comment and I'll draw a winner on Friday evening....you might need to remind me thought!!!  LOL

Giant Smiles,
Kelly

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Quick Points Rulers by Janet Platt at Quilt Market in Houston 2010

I had the great fortune of meeting Janet Platt , inventor of the Quick Points Ruler a year ago in Houston.
Janet, her husband, Brian, and I spent a long time laughing and chatting that night.  When I saw her this year it was as if no time had passed at all....we picked up laughing right where we left off. 
Janet  demonstrated  the Quick Points Ruler at her booth this year.  Most folks with rulers and templates to market typically have demo boards (the stages of the cuts attached to foam-core boards)....not Janet....she demonstrates using her Quick Points Ruler right there in front of the crowd.....and I love it.

I bet most folks would see the foam-core boards that show how the ruler is used and would be satisfied that it would work and buy the ruler or template.  Not me.  I like to see the person actually using the item (when possible I use it myself too).  There is a big difference between actually using the ruler and seeing the steps taped to a demo board.  Janet shows everyone how to use her templates....over and over and over again all day long.  I wonder what she does with all those fabrics she makes into Prairie Points or Ric-Rac.
Hmmmmm....inquiring minds want to know Janet!?


These are some of ideas of projects she has made using the Quick Points Rulers.  Can you imagine perfect Prairie Points every time?  Well....it actually works...I've used it myself and I guarantee you that you will get perfect Prairie Points every time and fun Ric-Rac too....as long as you follow the instructions.  I must say the instructions are not difficult to follow.  Here is Janet's YouTube video....check it out for yourself :)
 


I loved the flag banner that was made in Janet's Booth.  Isn't it great? 
The photo above and the one below were taken last year at Market.  I thought they were great examples of how you can make fun Ric-Rac using two different fabrics. 
You can have lots of fun embellishing  holiday towels, sheets, pillowcases, Quilts, wall hangings and almost anything you can imagine with the Quick Points Rulers.  Keep in mind, I did say "your" imagination....not "my" imagination.  You know that would be trouble right?  LOL

This is a great visual of the size of Ric-Rac and Prairie Points the various size Quick Points Rulers can make.  They come in 1 inch, 1 1/2 inch, 2 inch and 3 inches.  You can also use two fabrics to make Prairie Points.  To see prairie points with two fabrics click here.  By the way, the click here link takes you to the PDF instructions for using the Prairie Points Rulers too.

I find the Quick Points Rulers absolutely amazing.  Do you want to know why?  Because there is no other ruler or template that can be used to achieve what the Quick Points Ruler does.  Of course you can make them individually by hand or use a ruler to assist in the process.....but I'm telling you there is nothing else that gives you perfect Prairie Points and fabric Ric-Rac every time like the Quick Points Ruler does!!!   I tell Janet that every time I see her.  I think she is a genius!

Smiles,
Kelly

Saturday, November 6, 2010

Linda Poole at Quilt Market-Houston 2010

Some of you may remember that I won Linda Poole's Iridescence Fabric Challenge several weeks ago.   Although I posted a photo of the prize....I had not received it yet.  Here is a photo taken on my kitchen table....oh yeah baby....all 10 yards of Linda's new fabric line Seahorses.  I love fish and water so this fabric is right up my alley :)   I had to have the panel and stripe that went along with the line so I wrote to Linda and she agreed to bring it to Houston. 

 

 
Here is Linda holding "my goods" and I could not wait to get my hands on that fabric.  You know how I can be when I'm excited....my wild spirit comes rolling on out!
Naturally I had to wear the fabric.  Once around my shoulders I could not stop....I just had to ....well....you can see for yourself :)

I never went to the Barbizon School of Modeling.....hence my poses look more like Carol Merrill from the Monty Hall show, The Price is Right...LOL
IHAN Diva......

and remember all those millionaires I told you about?  The ones who stalk me....trying their best to wooooo me?  Yes those!!!  Well.....there they were....just waiting to take a photo with me....
See what I mean......what can I say......I did not photograph them crying as I told them I was booked for the rest of the day.  I think the guy on the left got scared his wife would see this photo and the huge grin he had initially was gone....oops!!!  (a very large white lie....but you knew that right?)

I'm still recovering from all the "work"  .....wooooow is me :) 

Giggling and Smiles,
Kelly

Friday, November 5, 2010

Sarah Vedeler in Houston Quilt Market 2010 - GO! Be Dazzled Takes First Place

Sarah Vedeler’s GO! Be Dazzled quilt has earned First Place in Houston.  Congratulations Sarah!
(Computer-Aided Machine Embroidery category the International Quilt Association in Houston)
I posted photos of her 2 entries, Heather Feather and GO! Be Dazzled, yesterday on this blog.

These are photos of Sarah's School House Presentation last Thursday, Oct.28, 2010.  Schoolhouse is a series of classes/mini-commercials/introductions to new products and designs sponsored by the various companies and occur the day before Quilt Market Opens.

This quilt was made using Sarah's GO! Be Dazzled Machine Embroidery Software.  It is amazing how quickly Sarah's designs have taken off and now there are Silk Fabric Collections ,AccuQuilt GO! Fabric Cutting Dies , Aurifil Thread Collections and Isacord Thread to go with her designs. 
I love this AccuQuilt GO! Die.....you don't need to actually put up a Christmas Tree this year.....Just make a wall size tree and hang it on the wall.....EXCELLENT idea!!!!  No cleaning up pine needles for the next 3 months :)  This is perfect for those who can't put up trees or don't want to be bothered by the work involved.  No one says you can't stitch on loops to hang ornaments either!!! :)
 
Although Sarah looks great in her silk shawl.....it is actually a Christmas Tree Skirt :) 
How did Mrs. Rosemary sneak into this photo?  She seems to turn up everywhere :)  Isn't the wall hanging Sarah's holding up absolutely stunning? 
Sarah was showing the Sparkle Thread Collection by Aurifil.  
Speaking of the Sparkle Thread Collection....IHAN is sponsoring the Bloggers Quilt Festival over at AmysCreativeSide Blog and our gift is a box of the Sparkle Threads by Aurifil :)  I hope you entered a quilt!
 Are you seeing Stars?  Me too.  Lots and lots and lots of Stars.  Not only has Sarah come out with this new Machine Embroidery Software but Brewer Quilting and Sewing have come out with some Exclusive AccuQuilt GO! Dies to go along with Sarah's Designs. 
Another Brewer Exclusive-Stars Silk Collection and Aurifil Stars Thread set to coordinate. 
 
These are the Brewer Exclusive AccuQuilt GO! Stars Dies I was talking about earlier.  Many of them are available now at IHAN!!!
Sarah demonstrated why she likes to use the AccuQuilt Dies in her designs.  She had used her Embroidery Machine to make a Star and then asked asked AlexVeronelli ,of Aurifil, to trim around the Star.
Here is Alex hard at work.  He was very focused.  I did notice he seemed a bit awkward with the scissors....do you think he's a quilter or a stitcher?  Me either.
He gave it a good effort and this was the result.    I don't have an Embroidery Machine but I can certainly understand why someone would want their designs to come out better than this!!!  Yikes
These photos were taken at the Brewer Quilting and Sewing Booth in Houston.   You certainly could not just walk on by without taking notice of Sarah's beautiful designs....and those Silks.....and Threads.....and Dies.....Oh My!!! 
 
Can you imagine something this beautiful under your tree?  Incredible!
 
 
Armed with a camera at all times....at least one....there were times I had three.....I seemed to run into Sarah everywhere I went.  Check out her bag.....I should have waited for her to set it down....but I was not thinking at the time...dang.
A glowing smile.....and that was before she won first place!!!! 
Ok, so photo overkill.....but you know what?  I enjoyed photographing Sarah's work and I enjoyed seeing her recognized for her beautiful Quilt Designs.  I hope you enjoyed them too.

Smiles,
Kelly

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