Wantobe Quilter Campaign - You can still join in

There seems to be some confusion out there about entering the Wantobe Quilter Campaign because I'm getting comments and e-mails wondering if people can still enter.  The answer is YES you can and you can also refer your family members and friends who don't own a sewing machine, notions or a fabric stash.

This is how it works:  You send your name or your persons name to one of the registered bloggers (I am one of them and my e-mail is IHaveANotion@yahoo.com) along with your e-mail and phone number.  The person who is the Wantobe Quilter stops over at the Stash Manicure blog on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from now until the end of October....that's 3 months of giveaways....and leaves a comment on the post which includes the phrase....."I was sent by Kelly Jackson" or what ever registered blogger they have signed on with.  The winners are announced the next day on the Stash Manicure blog so it's a good idea to keep reading and check out all the fun posts and great guests.

The "experienced quilters" ie those with machines and notions can stop by the Stash Manicure blog and leave comments on Tuesdays and Thursdays to win prizes.  

There are prizes for three months so chances are pretty good that if you keep reading and leaving comments you may win a wonderful prize.  Madame Samm, the moderator for Stash Manicure, has put this campaign together on her own time and money....she is not receiving payment from anyone for doing this huge project....so  the winners will be expected to pay the postage for shipping their prize.   If you don't want the prize please don't leave a comment that day.

None of the information you provide will be used or shared with any third parties and it is not collected for solicitation....no spam or unwanted e-mail or phone calls....this information is just for the database to connect and verify that folks are entered and are followers of the blogs.  If you win and you are not a follower of my blog and Stash Manicure....you won't be eligible and Madame Samm will draw another name...so make sure you've done those things.

Are you a no-reply blogger?  Do you know what one is? 

A no-reply blogger is a person who leaves a comment on a blog and your e-mail address is not linked so there is no way for anyone to reply to your comment.  One of the biggest reasons folks can't win prizes in giveaways. 

To fix it just do this:

In blogger.com, click on Dashboard.

Select Edit Profile.
Check the box for "Show my Email Address."
Save changes.

Oh those photos....are you wondering what on earth the animal photos have to do with the Wantobe Quilter Campaign?  They have nothing to do with it....blog posts are no fun without pictures so I used some I had in Picasa from our recent trip to African Safari in Sandusky OH....I know most of you are not surprised by my silliness.

Giggles and Smiles,

Kelly

Raise Your E-Notion IQ - Gypsy Sit Upon Product Review

It is Wednesday, again, can you belive it?  Where does the time go?  My grandmother was right when she said time goes by so quickly don't wish even one moment away.  It is time to raise your E-Notion IQ here at the IHAN Blog. 

Today I'm reviewing the Gypsy Sit Upon Cushion.  You are probably wondering what in the heck this purple thing has to do with stitching....right?  The first time I saw it I was puzzled until I went over and sat on it....then I knew what the buzz was all about.

First let me tell you what it is then I'll tell ya what it is (sorry to say it does not clean houses....I'm still lookin').  The Gypsy Sit Upon is an air filled flexible cushion to sit on. 

The Gypsy Cushion is great to use while working at your sewing machine, driving , at work, your kids soccer games, even reading....anything you do while sitting down.  It reduces the pressure on your tailbone and helps relieve lower back pain, strengthens your core muscles and improves your posture. 

When I give lectures on Notions at guilds I bring mine and pass it around.  Typically people's first response is to laugh...I think because of the nubs, just guessing...lol....then you see them smile.  I find it usually doesn't make it to the back of the room because the gals won't give it up and pass it along. 

The other comment I hear and I said myself was....this ain't gonna fit my caboose.  The Gypsy Sit Upon is not intended to cover your whole bottom...one side really does fit all.  While you sit you are balancing on it...hence the strengthening your core muscles.  Since it doesn't cover the entire seat your tail bone gets a break....it relaxes...ahhhhh....I'm sitting on mine now :)

Here is one side of the Gypsy Sit Upon Cushion...

and the other side has more pronounced nubs.

If you are anything like me you are thinking....why would I want to sit on those raised nubs?  Once you sit on it you realize you don't really feel the nubs after a few minutes or so....the raised nubs allow for air flow and its good for blood circulation.  Posture is so important while sitting for long periods of time and hey...if you can strengthen your core muscles while sitting....that's a bonus!

I've decided to give the IHAN blog readers a special deal on the Gypsy Sit Upon Cushions for the next 24 hours.  I'm marking them down and not telling anyone but blog readers....so if you want one...CLICK HERE.....I'm not willing to sell them at this price to everyone...IHAN blog readers are very special folks! :)

Smiles,

Kelly

Make Yourself At Home

Edited to add Jean's Blog link

Oh please do....Make Yourself At Home....Don't ya just love this coaster?  I found it at my Mom's house over the weekend.  A friend sent them to her....I have to make myself some of those....way too good.

My blogging buddy, Lois Grabowski (well that's her old pen name) is coming for a visit next week....I better get some of these fast...LOL :)  Speaking of Lois...she is "coming out" as herself with her new blog....can you believe it has her real name?  When I get the link I"ll share it with everyone.  I have always enjoyed reading her blog so if you like fun blogs.  Pop over to visit Jean's new blog http://jeancreates.blogspot.com/

I've been taking it easy and doing my best to get healthy.  Typically I just talk about stitching related stuff....but since I've slowed down a bit....I've really gotten my hands messy.  See for yourself:

Green gewwww....yucky!!!  The co-workers and I mixed up some fun last evening.  We made some glow in the dark chalk.  It didn't quite set properly so we were forced to use paintbrushes.

Gotta love the art here at IHAN

Googlie Eyes

Zach left a little message for his Daddy in the driveway.

This morning I rise early...get the boys ready for their camp and head down the road.  30 minutes later we arrive at the Toledo Zoo.

Yep....all ready to go with sunscreen applied and his lunch...paper airplane in tow.

Then there is my unique son....yep he claims he is ready for the day.  Check out his shoes!!!

You know the first words out of my mouth were, "Please Zach tell me you have the other sandal here in the fan."  His response, "Nope."  Apparently Zach wanted to wear his boots and one of the straps is broken so he solved the problem by wearing a sandal on the other foot.  Sometimes ya just have to let go....I did and he is walking around today with two different shoes.

I think this was Zach's self portrait....he drew it last week during his Animal Artist camp.  His inner being...a wild monkey...LOL

So that's my slow life....anything new and exciting in your life?

Smiles,

Kelly

AccuQuilt & Sizzix Fabric Cutting Dies SALE

Are trying to stretch a dollar too? Are there some dies you've been wanting but were waiting for a sale?  NOW is the time!!!   IHAN has marked down all AccuQuilt and Sizzix Westminster Fabric Cutting Dies 30% off for the next three days only.  If there is a die you've been wanting....now is the time to order.  When the sale is over...it's over...

Smiles,

Kelly

Are you ready?

Monday is August 1st and you know what that means?  The Wantobe Quilter Campaign at StashManicure Blog begins.  I know how many of you reply to my posts when I do a giveaway.  I even remember two years ago when I did a month of giveaways (I was nuts then :) all the comments that came into the IHAN blog.  StashManicure Blog is having THREE MONTHS of giveaways...YES  THREE MONTHS.  Madam Samm is going to be swamped-flooded-monsooned with e-mails. 

I've been over and checked out the sponsor list and I'm telling you this is the Big One....

                                                  you better tell Elizabeth that Fred is on his way.

Sewing machines....not 1,  not 2, not 3, but 4.....yes FOUR sewing machines will be given away.  Fabric?  Hundreds of yards of fabric and  tons of books.  So many of my favorite companies are participating so you know the prizes are going to be terrific!!!   You know I'm excited because Famore Cutlery (my favorite Scissor Man) is a sponsor as well as Creative Grids Rulers, my favorite Irons by Reliable (the best iron I've ever used), Pins, and Notions from Clover, Notions from The Grace Company, Martingale sent books..oh and Lady Eleanor Burns (Quilt In A Day), Ms. Joan Hawley (Lazy Girl Designs) and  Aurifil Threads.......I'm telling ya folks...this is definitely THE BIG ONE :)  That isn't even a complete list....those are just the sponsors I can recall right now there are tons more.  Oh yeah...and IHAN too :)

So...if you don't own a sewing machine and you don't have a stash of fabric...you are a Wantobe Quilter.  Ya need someone to submit your name, phone number and e-mail addy to Madam Samm in order to participate.  That's where I come in :)  If you or someone you know is a Wantobe Quilter please send me an e-mail at IHaveANotion@yahoo.com with the person's full name, e-mail and phone number.  The Wantobe Quilter will not be contacted and their information will not be used for solicitation....just for this  giveaway :)

Once the Wantobe Quilter's name has been submitted they need to visit StashManicure Blog and leave comments on the posts and say who sent them....in my case it would be Kelly Jackson :)  

What are you waiting for?  Call every person you know who have an interest in becoming a quilter and get on the bandwagon....this is going to be so much fun.

Smiles,

Kelly

Sisterhood of Quilters

Oh geez...I should have been smart enough to check the website first....OK girls...if you liked the Sisterhood Of Quilters that I posted about yesterday....you got to go over to the Sisterhood Of Quilters Website and check it out.  Lots of fun stuff and free stuff too :)

My thanks to everyone who has wished me well.  I'm wishing myself well too :)  There are days that I either wished I had gone to medical school or that I had married a Dr....ever have one of those days?   I'm guessing those married to Drs wish they had married a Masseuse...or a Dentist or a Mechanic....I so understand polygamy now....I'm thinking it might be great for women to have several husbands or wives....what ever and who ever can do all these things...I know I want a Wife too!!! 

Smiles,

Kelly

Too Much Fun

Even though I'm been sick (kidney infection) I've still had some good laughs and some smiles today.  I have to show you what I found and of course I had to add all of these to IHAN as well.

First is this very fun magnet.  I had to blow the photo up so it is a little blurry....tell me you don't know at least 5 girlfriends who would love one of these.  I love, love, love it.

Fat Quarter Queen Magnet -Designed by Jody Houghton

I also learned there is an entire line of fun things for the "Sisterhood of Quilters" so I added an entire category to IHAN devoted to nothing but the "Sisterhood of Quilters."  I might have seen these had I gone to Market in the Spring...I don't know but I sure am glad I found them cause they sure do make me smile.

Check out this collection called, "What Happens At The Beach Stays At The Beach."  This is the front of the package....who would not be drawn over to look and see what these ladies are doing?  They grabbed me....

 

Inside are these cards.  The larger one is, "The Sisterhood of Quilters" Mission & Motto, Membership and definitions...I'm telling you it is too funny.  Then you get two Membership Cards.....I guess one for yourself and one to give away with the project. 

The best part is the fabric panel and pattern.  Below are photos of what is on the panel and I'm telling you if I went to the beach with ladies who looked like they were having this much fun I'd never come back. 

 You know I need a hat like this...I do have red hair and  I really like purple and green...and fish...yep....guess that's me :)

I'm thinking this would be so much fun as a surprise throw for a friend.  Can you imagine the smile on their face?  There are other Sisterhood of Quilters Panels too...just click here to see them all.  Too much fun.

Here is another really fun wall hanging that I'm going to make for my sewing room.  I've always wanted something like this and now I've found the pattern.  It is called, Written in Words by Bareroots.

This pattern also comes with an additional pattern for the bag shown in the photo above.  I love the little sewing machine and the words.  I'm going to change some of the words to personalize it for myself....you know it has to say "Kelly's Sewing Room."  I've gotten the embroidery bug lately. 

Many of you know I have three grown girls.  Guess what each of them is getting on a package for Christmas this year?  Yep...some Snow Folk....they have little pockets on the back for a little prize too.  I guess I've been living under a rug because I had no idea that Rachel's of Greenfield had kits with their patterns. 

These will be a snap to put together because everything is in the kit.  I like projects like this for the car ...when Rick is driving of course!!!  I love things like this on the tree and I know the girls will love having their names and their hubbies names (two are married) on the ornaments.

I feel like I've been lost in a time warp since I did not go to Spring Market.  I would have known about all these things...or so I tell myself....who knows really?  I know for sure I'll be living until I'm 127 years old...that's how many projects I have lined up. 

Smiles,

Kelly

Raise Your E-Notion IQ - Superior Machine Needles Product Review

(NOTE: I've done this post twice now...Blogger is having problems....sorry if folks have gotten 1/2 without the other 1/2...you know Blogger is not exactly my best friend....I definitely need to change this.)

 

If it's Wednesday then it is time to increase your E-Notion IQ here at the IHAN Blog.  Sorry for being a little absent lately...I've been ill....kidney infection...and I'm moving pretty darn slow...but....I tell ya I'm a still movin'  :)

The notion today is the Superior Titanium Coated Topstitch Machine Needles.  Why?  Because I'm wrapping up the IHAN Needle Exchange Program and I still have some needles left to give away AND because if you don't know about Superior Titanium Coated Topstitch Machine Needles....then I'm just feeling sorry for ya. 

If you want to read all about how the IHAN Needle Exchange Program started just click here and it's also a tab on the top of this page. 

I know what you are thinking...."What is the big deal and needle is a needle is a needle."  Am I right?  That's what I thought until the first time I tried Superior Titanium Coated Machine Needles.  I shared a package with Mrs. Rosemary aka Waldo and my dear friend in PA, Mary Jane.  (Between the two of those gals they have over 80 years experience with quilting....other things too but I'm not goin' into that here...ROFL)  So when I got to putting mine in my machine I could not believe how easy it was to thread.  No more stabbing and licking...it just went right in.  That was the first thing I noticed....a huge plus in my book. 

I tried to take a good pix of one of my Superior Titanium Coated Machine Needle but the flash makes it almost impossible and without it...the photo was way to dark.  As you can see....the hole is a nice size.  I'll blow up the photo below of the packaging and you'll be able to see it better.

There that's much better.  Ok....so first they are so much easier to thread.  Second they are stronger and last so much longer because they are coated in Titanium. 

I knew I was impressed so I called Mrs. Rosemary and Mary Jane and asked them how they liked the needles I had given to them.  Both gals said they really noticed a difference and they liked the Superior Needles. 

Superior Titanium Coated Topstitch Machine Needle 70/10

for Quilting, Applique and Embroidery using Very Fine Threads.

 Superior Titanium Coated Topstitch Machine Needle 80/12

for Piecing, Applique and Embroidery using Finer Threads

Superior Titanium Coated Topstitch Machine Needles 90/14

for Quilting, Applique and Embroidery.

Superior Titanium Coated Topstitch Needles 100/14

for Quilting, Embroidery and Applique using heavier threads.

Here are some comments left by quilters who have received a Superior Titanium Coated Topstitch Needle from the IHAN Needle Exchange Program:

Kelly,

I didn't believe it, BUT you were right. The Superior Titanium Coated Topstitch Sewing Machine Needle is FABULOUS! I chose the #90/ 14 needle and started using it a few days ago. It stitched through quilt layers with ease AND bounced off several of my pins. I love it! Thank you so much for this program - I'm a believer :Laurie

Hi, Kelly,

Sorry for the delay in writing back, but I didn't use the needle immediately--I finished up some mending projects, and wanted to wait until I was working on a quilt--which I just did, and I love the needle. I will definitely buy more, and I appreciate your needle-exchange program-what a great idea to enable people to try it first!!

Peggy S.

Kelly I am a member of MEG of Toledo. I tried the Titanium Coated superior Needle Topstitch 80/12. Seemed to stay cool when stitching for extended period. Fairly long lasting too I think. Lynda

Hi Kelly,

This past weekend I went to our quild's quilt camp and was given one of your new needles. The one with the gold color to it, I think it was titanium or something like that. I really like sewing with it. I put it in my machine and it was smooth sewing. I don't know how to explain it, but it was the feel of the sewing that was different. I will have to get some of them. Our camp organizer, Ruthie W. got them from you. Can you tell me the name of them so I order the right ones?

Sharon T.

Hi Kelly! Just wanted to say thanks, so very much, for the IHAN needle exchange program! I used the 70/10 titanium needle from Superior for an embroidery/quilting project. I loved it! I was using adhesive with appliqué, and for once, the adhesive didn’t gum up the needle and cause the thread to fray! I love these needles! I’ll encourage the other women in my guild that took a needle to email you their comments. Thanks again! Diane G.


Kelly,


Greeting from South Carolina!
I recently received a Superior Titanium needle size 16.
I LOVE it!
I have been stitching away and have had no problems whatsoever.
Thank you for the opportunity to trade in my used needle.

I will be purchasing these needles in the future.

Happy Stitching,

Christina, Seneca, SC

Kelly,

I just finished a quilt with the needle you sent me and have pieced a second. So far I am very pleased. Thank you for introducing me to Superior needles.

Melissa

Green, Ohio

I just used my new Topstitch 100/16 Superior needle to attach prairie point binding ties to a Christmas tree skirt using decorative metallic thread and it all went thru like butter. No needle breakage and no thread breakage. Thank you for setting up the free needle program, I will definitely be ordering some soon.

Judy

Still have a doubt?  Try one out for yourself!!!  Just click here or go to the top of this page and click on the Needle Exchange Program Link and follow the instructions.  Act fast because the IHAN Needle Exchange Program ends August 5, 2011...your request must reach me on or before that date to participate so do it today :)  

I've heard comments about the price, $7.00 per package....but they actually are saving you money because you are not replacing them near as often. It pays to be aware of the entire picture not just the purchase price

BUT WAIT...THERES MORE

What fun would a review of the Superior Titanium Coated Topstitch Needles be if I didn't show you a quilt that was made using one?

Mrs. Rosemary has been collecting Aboriginal Fabrics and she decided she was ready to make a quilt and she called to ask if I knew of a pattern that would be interesting.  The first pattern that popped into my head was Chopsticks by Julie Herman of Jaybird Quilts.

Chopsticks by Julie Herman of Jaybird Quilts

Here is Mrs. Rosemary's version of Chopsticks using her Aboriginal fabrics.  I was in love the minute I saw this quilt. 

This is a "twin" quilt according to Mrs. Rosemary.  Here it is draped across two twin beds so you know it is one long twin quilt....which makes me think....hey, I'm really tall....do ya think?  No?  Me either...but a girl can hope can't she?

The batik Mrs. Rosemary used has some nice texture and still allows the eye a place to rest.

The triangles showcase the fascinating fabrics from Mrs. Rosemary's Aboriginal fabric stash.

The Creative Grids 60 degree 12 1/2 inch ruler was used to make this quilt....in case you were wondering :)

I have affectionately named this quilt, "One Hoppin' Quilt by Mrs. Rosemary."  I can't think of a better name, can you?  Inquiring minds want to know :)

She used some extra strips and pieced them together for the backing.

Do you have a notion you would like me to review?  Just Ask!

Feel free to e-mail me at IHaveANotion@yahoo.com and let me know if you have any requests for reviews.

I hope Blogger is being kinder to all of you than it has been to me today!!! 

Smiles,

Kelly