Reasons For Quilts by Edyta Sitar

Time for a book review and more photos from Quilt Market!

(this post was started 4 days ago...hmmmm...perhaps it needed to marinate)

 

The book I choose is "Reasons For Quilts" by Edyta Sitar (Laundry Basket Quilts). I had the great pleasure of visiting with Edyta and Michael in Houston for Quilt Market. They were both very busy so I only visited for a short time. I did take lots of time to take photos of course :)

Edyta gave me an autographed copy of Reasons For Quilts and I am in love with it.  Don't fret...I also got one to give away too (you know I wouldn't forget about you!).

This is how Reasons for Quilts begins...

Life Beneath The Threads

Every quilt is a piece of art-but the true art lies among it's layers.  Deep beneath the colors and patterns are the meanings that embrace the fabric of our lives.  through cutting, assembling, and painstaking stitching, we dream of our quilts in their finished form.  Yet the true beauty lies in the making of quilts.  In the hundreds of pieces that teach us patience; in mistakes that make us a bit more humble; and through setbacks that spur even greater resolve, quilting both reflects and shapes our being."

For every quilt, there is a reason

• TO VALIDATE OURSELVES
• TO HONOR MILESTONES
• TO HONOR FRIENDSHIPS AND CLOSE COMMUNITY
• TO RECOGNIZE THE HUMAN CONDITION
• TO CREATE A MEANS FOR GIVING BACK
• TO MARK IMPORTANT SPIRITUAL OCCASIONS
• TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE AWE IN EVERY DAY
• TO CONTINUE A MUCH AMERICAN TRADITION

                                                              (written with permission of the author)


Any surprise I'm so drawn to Edyta's work? Edyta embraces and emphasizes addresses  human connectedness and reasons why we are drawn to quilt.  The more depth and meaning...the more attracted I become to a  persons work.

 These are photos of Laundry Basket Quilts booth at Quilt Market in Houston, 2011.

 If you just like to piece...Edyta has a pattern for you....if you like applique....Edyta has a pattern for you and if you like machine embroidery...Edyta has that too!! 

 I absolutely  love the smaller quilt and the machine embroidery quilt behind it.  I have taken close ups of both...

Edyta's batiks (Moda Fabrics) are absolutely beautiful. 

 

 This cornucopia is just stunning isn't it?

 You know I couldn't overlook her Aurfil Thread Collection (Can you believe I didn't even try to take it?  That is self restraint at it's best!!)

 or her lovely quilts under her patterns....such a beautiful booth.

 This is the close up...or closer up of one of my favorites....I'd love to have a quilt like this to snuggle with at night...and I'd love for all the scrap pieces to come from my friends...wouldn't that be so special?

These are close ups of Elegant Garden Machine Embroidery CD by Edyta Sitar. 

Back to Edyta's latest book....Reasons For Quilts

There was a very long line to get an autographed copy of Reasons For Quilts.  I arrived early and the line was already wrapped around the corner. 

 

Edyta has written the stories behind many of her quilts and she has added quilts from her family as well.  The stories and photos are beautiful, inspiring, and meaningful...such a treasure.  There is also a bonus CD included in the book with 9 of Edyta's quilt patterns...can you say BONUS!  That is a bonus :)

 

I am thrilled to have a copy to give to an IHAN blog follower.  I know who ever wins this book will be thrilled.  All you have to do is leave a comment on this post and share one reason you have made a quilt...just one....so easy!  On Friday, December 9th I'll let the Random Number Generator choose a comment and I'll announce the winner.

 

THANK YOU Edyta for the books and for giving your permission so I could include some of your beautiful words in my blog post!

 

Smiles,

Kelly

 

Increase Your E-Notion IQ - Creative Grids Rulers

Today I'm going to not only review one ruler....but I'm also going to share my opinion about an entire line of rulers from Creative Grids. 

Penny Haren introduced me to the Creative Grids Square It Up or Fussy Cut Square Ruler during a Checker Distributors Open House event. She had some fabulous quilts she had made from her book, "Pieced Applique."   Lets just say...Penny is very good with math....and with her design talent...she has made it possible for those who fear math to avoid having to do it themselves while quilting.  Her books are very detailed with lots of photos....you know how much I like that!  

 I have the 8 1/2" Fussy Cut- Square it Up ruler and I'm going to show you how I use it.  They come in a variety of sizes and shapes and I'll tell you about that later.

I just so happen to have this fun bird print fabric ("Dancing Chickens" from Timeless Treasures) and I only want to use the one chicken for a mug rug.  Sure I could eye-ball it....but I'm certain if I did that I would have a wonky mug rug and that just isn't what I'm looking for today. 

You can see that the chicken has been centered in the middle of the ruler...photo above.

 Next, I'm going to mark the exact points for my Fussy Cut Square.  There are small holes at the intersections for marking.  I took my Sewline Marking Pen (they rock!) and put a dot in each of the circles at the 4 1/2 inch mark.

I love the lines on this ruler (all Creative Grids Rulers) because I can see where the 1/4" seam will be and I know when I mark the fabric I'll just get the portion I want.

Next I lined up the dots at the 1/4" seam allowance marking because I want my design to be centered and still have the 1/4" seam.  If I didn't line it up that way, I could have cut exactly the size and leave off my seam allowance.  I've done this before...so you are probably not alone :)

You can see the dark dot in the upper right of the photo above.  That is the dot I'm going to line up on the ruler....see below.

 If you look very closely you will see a tiny bit of the black dot at the intersection of the 1/4" marking in the upper left of this picture.  I lined it up and cut out a perfect Dancing Chicken for a fun mug rug...a Christmas Gift. 

The dots you see on this ruler are the non-slip dots that keep your ruler from shifting on the fabric when you cut...I love the Creative Grids Non-Slip dots because they don't set on top of the ruler....they are made into the ruler...hope that makes sense.  Another way of saying that is,  they don't peal off because they are part of the acrylic.

If you CLICK HERE you will be able to see Penny Haren demonstrate her Fussy Cut-Square it Up Ruler and she is using it to square up her pieced blocks.    Below you can watch a different video of Penny centering designs for Prairie Points.  Talk about a cool tool....the Fussy Cut- Square it Up Rulers are really a fantastic addition to your sewing notions.

The first video is a bit out of date because the Square it Up / Fussy Cut Rulers come in these sizes:

• SQUARES: 6 1/2", 8 1/2", 9 1/2", 12 1/2", 14 1/2" and 16 1/2"
• Rectangle: 4 1/2" x 8 1/2"
• Triangles: 6 1/2" and 12 1/2"

Ok, now on to the Big Picture....the Creative Grids Products.   I really like the Creative Grids Rulers and Templates because they are so much easier for me to read.  The markings are in black and white and I find the black and white to be  much easier on my eyes.  They are clear.... I don't particularly care for frosted rulers...too hard for me to see as well as I'd like to.  The embedded non-slip dots keep the ruler from slipping on the fabric....a must for me!  I'm always impressed with the quality and design of their rulers too.  Creative Grids has several talented designers working with them and these people really know what they are doing.  They think of everything....I mean everything and then they make the knowledge accessible to everyone.

The coolest Creative Grids feature,  I love, love, love it..... is not on the rulers or templates at all....it is the Creative Grids Website.  There you will find all their products, descriptions, instructions, videos and as if that isn't enough....they also show you some of the designs that are possible with the ruler you are considering. The folks at Creative Grids have done everything I can think of to make using their rulers a positive experience...Bravo Creative Grids!

Guess you can tell I have a sincere appreciation for Creative Grids ay?  Can't hide it....if I'm thinking it...it just comes right out.

I hope this edition of Increase your E-Notion IQ has inspired you and educated you about another great product and product line for quilters, stitchers and sewers aka sewists (another new word is invented each day).

Centered Smiles,

Kelly

It's a good thing....

Yes...it really is a good thing that there are not folks who come to your house to do mental status exams on a random basis.  I may not pass that exam!!

Yesterday while backing out of a parking spot I thought a meteor hit my van.

I had absolutely no idea what happened.  Just a loud and hard bang...like lightening.  Instantly I felt every cell in my body come alive....standing at attention.

Then I noticed a large black SUV pulling into the parking lot across from where I was.  I drove over and a gal got out of her SUV and I think she was as shocked as I was.

It was raining and cold and all I could saw was..."are you ok...what happened?"

We exchanged phone numbers and drove away.  Apparently I was so shocked I didn't know what to do.  Keep in mind I'm pretty darn independent and a capable person.....at that time I had no idea what to do. 

It has been over 20 years since I've been in an accident....no wonder I was shocked!    After my brain returned, I realized she hit me ... and hard too!

I came back to my senses and took care of business.  When I returned to IHAN headquarters,  I opened the door I noticed something didn't smell right.  What the heck?  Jake apparently had eaten something that didn't agree with him....lets just say he had a "personal problem" and it was not pretty.

(yikes...what a day)

I take his bedding and begin cleaning it....

Approximately 45 minutes later the yellow monster spit out two of my co-workers. 

I was ready for the afternoon post office run....until the oldest co-worker let out a loud squeal/cry..."I don't want to go anywhere."  Really?  Crying over going to the PO?  Dang...I can only dream of such a luxury.

With frazzled nerves I take care of business and started dinner.  While cooking I hear the crying co-worker say to the non-crying co-worker, "I'm spitting in  your shoe."  I about laughed my rear off.  Spit in a shoe? 

Ok, whatever....while dinner was cooking I grabbed a broom to sweep the floor...I have a nice little pile of dust and dog hair when the co-workers come running through the kitchen...yes stepping into the pile and tracking it all over.

My turn to let out a loud cry, "STOP!"  That when I was hit the second time in one day.  The kid had the nerve to respond by saying, "We're sorry Mom....we'll get out of your business."  When did sweeping the kitchen floor become "my business?"

SQUASHED

What the hoodlee-doodley?  All I have to say is, I was feeling like spitting in someones shoe...ROFL.

To spare you the rest of the details....my body is sore and I'm sorry I'm behind on my posts....but a girl has just got to get her head back on her shoulders :)

After all...Increasing your E-Notion IQ is just as good on Thursday as it is on Wednesday right?

Smiles,

Kelly

Cyber Monday Sale for IHAN Blog Followers Only

Shhhhh....this is for IHAN

Blog Followers ONLY!!! 

All Thread 30% OFF  

• Aurifil
• Floriani
•  Isacord
• Mettler
• Presencia 
• Rowan
• Superior
• Weeks Dye Works
• Wonderfil
• YLI

 Coupon Code: Cyber Monday Thread

 DVD's 25% OFF  

Click Here to see All DVD's

 Coupon Code: Cyber Monday DVD

Omni Glide Machine Trolleys 30% OFF 

Coupon Code: Cyber Omni Glide

These coupon codes can NOT be combined with any of the Pre-Holiday Sale Items or Offers.

My way of saying...Thanks for Reading!

Smiles,

Kelly

A Really Nice Person's Stuff

Once upon a time....there was a really nice person that had too much miscellaneous stuff.....furniture no longer being used, games no longer played with, books, old clothes etc.  She said she was going to have a Yard Sale....but didn't quite find the time to have one

Have you ever met someone like that?  A really nice person with too much stuff? 

One weekend that really nice person's sister came to visit and said to her, "I would love to help you sort this stuff and we'll sell some on Craigslist,  get rid of some on Freecycle.org and give the rest to friends who may want or need these really nice useful things. 

So they sorted, and sorted and sorted.....then there were piles with:

and a pile for...friends

And that really nice person started feeling so much better.......and her house seemed lighter too....

So light it could float....well...maybe not that light....but much lighter!

Only a Sister would spend her weekend sorting a really nice persons stuff......

That sister may have looked something like this at one time.....although the really nice person wasn't born yet so she wouldn't have known! 

Aren't Sisters wonderful people.....I think so!

Don't ya just love a happy ending to a wonderful holiday weekend? 

Smiles,
Kelly

Gifts With Purchase

IHAN's Pre-Holiday Sale Started Today

If you didn't get a IHAN Newsletter, you can click on the link above to see what all the buzz is about.  If you would like to begin receiving the IHAN Newsletter there is a sign up link on the right...yep...glance to the right and you'll see it :) on the side bar. 

That was my first Newsletter and I'm telling you it took me over 11 hours to get the thing right and then get it sent.  Ya know what?  There are errors...spelling and punctuation.  I felt really bad about that...until....I thought about it and decided I did a great job for a gal working alone (support from friends of course).  If you pretend you didn't see the errors....I'll return the favor :)

One of the errors I made was saying that all Non-US Shipping Addresses get a Gift with $100.00 purchase at IHAN (excludes purchases included in the Pre-Holiday Sale).  I should have said...for EVERYONE EVERYWHERE.

The free gift is a" Spirit of the Bear Snap Pack" a $15.00 Retail Value.  You get all the fabric necessary and the pattern too.

 

The batiks are beautiful....and so is our weather today :)

If you are looking to stock up on some beautiful embroidery thread (excellent for thread painting too) then this Sale is for YOU.

Not only do you get Free Floriani Thread....but you Get Free Shipping Too!

Buy 10 Spools Get 1 FREE Save $14.48 Coupon Code FLOR 10

Buy 25 Spools Get 5 FREE Save $47.43 Coupon Code FLOR 25
Buy 50 Spools Get 11 FREE Save $92.35 Coupon Code FLOR 50

Buy 100 Spools Get 20 FREE AND a Free Rolling Machine Tote

Save $296.00  Coupon Code: FLOR AND TOTE

You Get $120.00 in Free Thread Plus a $129.00 Teal Me Away Tote...that is a total savings of $296.00...Defintiely a Great Bargain!

You can choose from individual spools or collections, your choice.
(I'm still uploading colors of thread so if you don't see what you are looking for please e-mail me at IHaveANotion@yahoo.com

This is the Free "Teal Me Away" rolling machine tote.

Since the weather is so nice, I took the photos outside...can't believe it is November in Ohio.

The Teal Me Away Tote is an Brewer Sewing and Quilting Supplies Exclusive. As you can see, there is plenty of room for your machine plus all the supplies you need. This is the front zipper pocket and there is a place for thread, fabric, pattern and a zippered compartment for your other notions.

Inside there is another zippered pocket and the padded part that protects your machine also has a zipper and will hold a cutting mat and rulers.

 And there is even a safety belt!  Can't have your girl giggling around.

 Inside pocket

Outside front pocket.

When you take the machine out....there is yet another zippered compartment.  I'm calling this one our "Private Stash Hiding Spot."

 If you happen to be gone sewing and have spent more than a reasonable amount of money on more stash....just hide it in the compartment and say nothing.  When you wake up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom, sneak down and retrieve your secret stash and incorporate it into your fabrics and no one will be the wiser :)  Also a great place to hide extra documents when traveling. (The Teal Me Away Tote is also available for Purchase)

I hope everyone had a wonderful day yesterday.  I know I did.  There were 12 of us for dinner.  Our kitchen area is very small...and yesterday I noticed 5 adults standing in there....what in the heck...that is like packing  a phone booth...check it out:

 There is Mr. McSteamy, both my brothers, my sister and my nephew....all crammed into tiny kitchen...on Thanksgiving no less.

Only one of them was in there cooking at the time....ya gotta love it...the kitchen is the place to congregate I guess.

Smiles,
Kelly

IHAN Pre-Holiday Sale

IHAN PRE-HOLIDAY SALE

Shop anytime anywhere on November 25 -28, 2011 at http://www.ihaveanotion.com/ and fill your stocking with all your Quilting, Machine Embroidery and Sewing desires.

FREE Shipping AND FREE FLORIANI THREAD

Choose your own colors or choose a set. YOU DECIDE! 

IHAN now stocks Floriani Thread, Stabilizers and Software

STOCK UP DURING THE SALE AND GET FREE THREAD

Buy 10 Spools  Get 1 FREE Save $14.48 Coupon Code FLOR 10

Buy 25 Spools Get 5 FREE Save $47.43 Coupon Code FLOR 25

Buy 50 Spools Get 11 FREE Save $92.35 Coupon Code FLOR 50

Buy 100 Spools Get 20 FREE AND a Free Rolling Machine Tote

Save $296.00

A $129.00 Value

(customer only pays shipping on tote)

Coupon Code: FLOR AND TOTE

Buy A Sizzix Big Shot Pro or Vagabond Fabric Cutter and it Ships Free (cont. US only)

Sizzix Vagabond Fabric Cutter

Sizzix Big Shot Pro Fabric Cutter

Have you been wanting a Sizzix Fabric Cutting Machine? Buy it this weekend and IHAN pays your shipping in the continental US.

The Big Shot Pro and the Sizzix Vagabond are both excellent choices. I own all three Sizzix Fabric Cutting Machines and my favorite is the Vagabond. I don't use many dies over 6 inches wide, so it is perfect for me. With a push of a button....I have up to 13 layers of fabric cut .... oh yeah baby!

If you want to watch me cut all that fabric you can watch my "not so professional video" here :)

*Sizzix Cutters are compatible with AccuQuilt Dies and Appli-K-Kutz Dies as well as Sizzix Dies.

If you would like to read the reviews I have written for Fabric Cutting Machines, check out the right side bar of the IHAN blog ...they're all listed there.

Buy a XL or XXL Tutto Machine On Wheels from IHAN and Receive a $50.00 IHAN Gift Certificate

Your machine will feel like it is in a luxury condo when you travel with a Tutto Machine on Wheels Bag. Doesn't everyone buy their trusty sewing machine a holiday gift? If not, perhaps now is the time and you will receive an electronic IHAN Gift Certificate for $50.00 towards a future IHAN purchase.

Envision small print here:
The electronic IHAN $50.00 Gift Certificate can be applied to purchases and not postage or services.

The Gift Certificate will be sent to the purchasers e-mail address after payment for the Tutto Machine On Wheels clears.

Brighten your holidays with a Beam N Read 6 LED Hands Free Light for everyone on your list.

If you follow the IHAN Blog then you know there are as many uses for a Beam N Read Hands Free Light as there are people.

Get one for yourself, FREE, when you buy 4 Beam N Read 6 LED Hands Free Lights this weekend from IHAN.


Something Special for Non-US Shipping Addresses :)

A special gift will be enclosed in all non-US shipping addresses when you spend $100.00 or more during the IHAN Pre-Holiday Sale . This offer does NOT apply when purchasing Pre-Holiday Specials. Keep it as a gift for yourself or give it as a gift. $15.00 Retail Value


Have A Wonderful Thanksgiving-for those of you who are in or from the US. Everyone else...Have a Wonderful End of the Week and Weekend

Smiles,
Kelly

November 25, 2011

May you all experience gratitude and grace this day.

Smiles,
Kelly