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!

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Increase Your E-Notion IQ - Seamingly Accurate Seam Guide


Ok...so I'm catering to the Ozzies by posting so late (late for US...early for OZ :)....sorry...can't help it...McSteamy is still having issues and I couldn't get to my bot sooner.

Today's post includes a fun giveaway thanks to Jen Eskridge of Reanna Lily Designs, creator of the Seamingly Accurate Seam Guide.

This is Jen's booth at Quilt Market in Houston....Yes...she's the same gal who wrote the book, Deploy That Fabric....good memory!

Hi Jen :)
 A booth only shot....

 And of course....a photo of Jen's book in her booth :)

Jen gave me a few Seamingly Accurate Seam Guides so I could give them away on my blog....isn't she sweet?  I think so :)
I do realize this template goes on a sewing machine and not on a table....however...the way my new machine is set up I could not put on on yet so I decided to let Jen show you how cool of a tool they are.  Keep in mind I've felt them...used one...just not on my new machine...so I do know of what I speak :)




Great guide isn't it?  I know...you want one don't ya?  I don't blame you one bit...and to have a chance to receive one gratis....just be a IHAN blog follower and leave a comment on this post telling me why you want one...it's that easy. 

I'll let the random number generator choose two winners on Sunday, December 18, 2011.  Well...that is if I remember...I sometimes have a problem with that part....so I've had a doorbell installed on my forehead...ya'all can just push on the door bell and I'll be reminded of who I am and what in the heck I'm doin'!!!!

THANKS JEN!!!  For the wonderful Seam Guides :)

Before I close I thought I'd share a photo with you that I took this morning.

I was walking through the living room headed to the kitchen when I glanced outside and this is what I saw.  A moment of pure joy....and I've carried it in my mind all day.  Joy can happen in a moment...or only last a moment...and when I carry it with me....I feel happier on the inside.  I hope you enjoy the photo too.  (I wonder what it would look like in thread painting?)

Smiles,
Kelly

Ding Dong- Someone say something!!

I thought we were all friends here...helping one another out....but someone forgot to ring the bell....



I guess I need to install a door bell on my computer...or perhaps my forehead (do you know I can't find a single pix of a person with a doorbell on their forehead?  Am I really the only person who ever had this strange thought?  If so...I'm cashing in big time on my first original idea!!!  Hurray....finally genius has struck)

Wholey schmokin....I said I was going to giveaway Edyta's book, Reasons for Quilts, on the 9th....and it is the 13th and not a single one of ya have said a word.  Gene must be in Aruba....cuz he always helps me out with this sort of stuff....LOL

I guess I'll have to lean on Mr. Random Number Generator and see who he says wins....




Joanne.....Congratulations Joanne!  Please send me your address and I'll get your book in the mail to you.


Worse yet....no one said anything about Sandi Blackwell's book,  Square-agonals or Sandi's patterns. 
And the winners are:
PinsandNeedles wins Sandi's book, Square-agonals. 



Lee and Moe West get some wonderful patterns from Sandi Blackwell.

Congratulations all!!! Now to get your gifts you have to e-mail me with your full name and address and make it soon before I forget to do that too!!!


Well....now I think of it...I have had a lot on my mind (get a good visual of that one...:)

 There were some monkeys in a holiday concert...some homework....meals.

AND
A non-ambulatory Mr. McSteamy to cart to the monkey's holiday concert.   Since I'm so friendly....I'll forgive you for not reminding me if you'll forgive me for forgetting...hows that?  Now we're even!


Smiles,
Kelly

Monday, December 12, 2011

Greetings!

Greetings fellow earthlings....I don't feel like I've  been on earth for several days...but I think I might be back.  Mr. McSteamy has been out of steam all together.  A sciatic nerve problem apparently has knocked him from 6'6" vertical to 6"6" horizontal.  Not a pretty picture...but he is on the mend so thanks to everyone who send notes of care and concern. 

While I'm on the topic of Greetings!  You have to check out these Greetings

No, your eyes are not failing you....that is fabric and thread....cool aren't they?


I think these are so much fun and you can choose any color thread and fabric that suits your fancy :)

I think this is my favorite....but the jury is still out!
Bet you're wondering if I have improved my free motion quilting skills so much so that I can just whip these out in a matter of a few minutes ay?
Nope!!  I wish it were true...but it isn't....these cards were made using a Smith Street Designs software, Greetings!  I like the Thanks and the Congrats too....I've just discovered these and I'm telling ya they sure are fun.

Back to holding down the fort and dispensing medications....moist heating pads and fending off the rest of the dragons!

Smiles,
Kelly

Friday, December 9, 2011

Quilt Gallery's Blog Hop Party-Spreading Some Cheer

Blog Hop Party


December 9-17, 2011


I hope all of you know Michelle from The Quilting Gallery....if you don't...now is as good of a time as any to become familiar with Michelle and The Quilting Gallery!  She has put together this wonderful event as well as so many other great events...visit The Quilting Gallery and check out all the wonderful events and resources she offers.

IHAN is participating....who could resist a fun Blog Hop that includes Giveaways especially during the Holidays....Not me!!  There are well over 200 participants from 20 countries participating. 

For all of you have never been to the IHAN Blog...WELCOME :)  My name is Kelly Jackson and I am the author of this Blog as well as the owner of I Have A Notion (aka IHAN) a web-based Quilting, Machine Embroidery and Needle Art Supply shop.  The focus of my blog is reviewing quilting, machine embroidery, and needle art notions, books and patterns.  If that sounds interesting to you, feel free to click the "follow" button on the sidebar and you'll be able to keep up with the adventures of the IHAN clan! 

We are giving away this Happy Holidays Panel, Wintersong by Cheryl Haynes of Prarie Grove Peddler for Benartex, and the embellishment kit that goes along with the panel.
The Wintersong Embellishment Kit is by Hillcreek Mills and includes instructions, linen thread to embellish the Wintersong panel, hand dyed buttons, beads and beautiful bells. 

I thought this would be a wonderful giveaway during the Holiday Season.  All you have to do is leave a comment on this post with one holiday wish you have this year.  On the the 17th of December, Mr. Random Number Generator will choose a winner.  This giveaway is open to anyone and everyone all over the world :)

I can't thank you enough for visiting and I wish everyone, everywhere joy, gratitude and health.

Smiles,
Kelly

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Increase Your E-Notion IQ - Quilter's Grips and Tips by Nobel Notions

Today I'm reviewing three products by Nobel Notions.  The Quilter's Tips, Quilter's Grip and Quilter's Clamp.  The gals at Nobel Notions gave me this set to review....so it is a "sponsored" review I guess you could say :)
More photos from Quilt Market ....hurray :)....this was the Nobel Notions Booth.
 I was interested in learning about their products and giving them a try.  The fact their table cloth was so beautiful didn't hurt one little bit :)
These are the Quilter's Tips....they fit on the ends of your fingers and grip the fabric while you are sewing or quilting.
The Quilter's Clamps are used for clamping fabric when basting and great for use as channel locks for long arm machines.  They are great to hang things on the edge of the table too...you know I liked this little notions caddy being so handy.
Ok, my turn....here I am using the Quilter's Grips to practice some Free Motion Quilting.  The Quilter's Grips are different from anything else I've tried for Free Motion Quilting.  They are rigid and molded so your fingers easily slip into the Grip.  The nice thing about this type of Grip is they are easy to slip my fingers into and out of quickly.....which is helpful when I need to grab the phone...
 The Quilter's Tips are soft and flexible and really grip inside and out.  Here I was wearing them while piecing and they definitely grip the fabric...very nicely.  Another thing I liked about the Quilter's Grips is I could choose to put them on one finger or as many as I wanted/needed.  Six Grips come in a package.
 I just put three on because those are the three fingers I use most when sewing.
The Quilter's Grips come off easily too...I just rolled them down.  The Grips can be used for other tasks as well...they grip paper very well.

Both the Quilter's Grips and the Quilter's Tips say "One Size Fits All" and you know me....I believe One Size Fits Most.  I've met women with tiny fingers and hands and mine are...lets just say "Queen Size"...I'm guessing they fit most but if you have very tiny fingers...please e-mail me before ordering :)

I want to thank everyone who has been leaving comments on the IHAN Blog Posts.  There are 3 giveaways going on right now....just in case you have missed a few days of blog reading:

Click here to read about the "Reasons For Quilts" by Edyta Sitar
Click here to read about the "Square-agonals" by Sandi Blackwell (Book and Pattern giveaway)

AND if you are willing to share why you do or don't shop at IHAN you can click here to have an opportunity to win these fun gifts.

Before I close I also want to say THANK YOU to everyone who has shopped at IHAN and has taken the time to leave a thoughtful comment.  I've gotten some great feedback and I so appreciate that so many of you have taken the time to help me out :)  Feel free to spread the word with your friends and guild members too....that really helps quite a bit.  There is an IHAN logo/button in the upper right hand sidebar of my blog that you can feel free to copy and paste to your blog or website if you are so inclined.

On the topic of prices- IHAN will price match ...just ask...my e-mail is IHaveANotion@yahoo.com  I will tell you if there is a reason I can't match someones price...after all...I can't loose money....but I'll do every thing I can to be competitive.  We also offer discount pricing for group purchases...so if your guild members want to purchase for an upcoming project....just let me know!

On the topic of shipping-I am in the middle of yet another colossal project....working on the USPS shipping zones and adjusting my website for individualizing those totals.  If there is ever a question.....please e-mail me....I can make sure your postage is exact with just one e-mail :)

Now...I've got to run...Mr. McSteamy is having a issue....some sort of pinched nerve in his leg....we can't let him go without lunch now can we?  LOL

Smiles,
Kelly

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Why Shop at I Have A Notion (IHAN)?

Why Shop At I Have A Notion this holiday season? Or at all, for that matter?

That's a good question, don't you think?  Why do you or don't you shop at IHAN?  I've been honest and forthright in my posts (except where I put the practices and acknowledge I'm telling a lie or the truth is being stretched :)  and I would like to hear what you have to say too.

Do you have any feedback that would be helpful for me or the IHAN website.  Could it be more user friendly?  More convenient?  Better prices?  What is it that would cause you to shop at IHAN for your Quilting, Machine Embroidery and Needle Art Supplies on a  regular basis? (please don't say money because I know we all have money trees hidden under our fabric stash....lol :)


To keep this conversation balanced, I'd like to tell you why I own IHAN, what I love about my work here and why I'd like to invite more people to shop with me.
IHAN found me, I didn't set out with a plan to open a Quilting, Embroidery and Needle Art Supply Website.  It has grown from a tiny seed and now has several budding branches.

I have frequently asked myself why am I doing this? And why do I continue to put my energy here.  The answer is, and has been, because of the connections I have made with other people that have grown my soul and added beauty to my life and the world.  Honestly, it has little to do with sewing at all...although I love to create, sew, play and encourage that pleasure in others.  It's all about the people....drawing wonderful people into my life...that is why I'm here at IHAN

I spend quite a bit of my time doing the type of research I want to do....not that someone has asked me to do....but because I want to know if the products we see in magazines are worth my time, money and energy.    It does benefit others and I so enjoy that....but I love being able to network, share ideas and information and seek goodness in people and in business.

The IHAN Blog?  Well....I have to say it has a special place in my heart...it is a platform to share ideas, thoughts, strange humor and experiences with other like minded people and it is a privilege, freedom and a gift I deeply appreciate....I still can't believe it's FREE!


While at Quilt Market in Houston this past November, I became more aware of  the way I run my business and life too really.   How I do business (never feels like "business" to me but..)...it has to be a win/win...good for everyone...and I care about those I buy from, or network with, to support their businesses and lives.  It's all personal to me....if that makes sense...it's more about my value system I guess.  

My life energy is  precious to me and so is my time.  Lucky for me, I spend quite a bit of my time exchanging information, ideas and thoughts with so many people her on the Internet and also while at Quilt Market.  While at Market, I spend quite a bit of time getting and giving hugs, hearing about who others are and what they are interested in doing or creating.  There is very little time spent talking about  about money or making money.  Funny thing is...when I spend my time doing that...I end up making more money...not only a bit for myself....but for others as well.  I'd say that is a win/win, wouldn't you? 

When I shop I think about who and what I'm supporting...I ask myself...do I want to pay their mortgage for example.  I think many people would be surprised to see how I engage sales people and businesses before I make a purchase..especially a large purchase.  This is not to say I haven't been mis-led...nope...that has happened too....and I'm wiser for the journey.

Sorry if this sounds a bit heavy for you....if it is...go turn the TV back on or play computer solitaire.....we all need a break every now and again : )


Time for you to share your thoughts.....and here is some enticement...ya gotta love enticements :)


For everyone who leaves a sincere comment on this post or who sends an e-mail to IHaveANotion@yahoo.com (please put IHAN Feedback in the subject line) I will enter your name into the drawing for the gift package....and of course I'll be adding more fun things to the collection too.   I'd like to know if you have any suggestions for improving IHAN or the IHAN blog....why you do or don't shop at IHAN (remember, forthright and honest) or things you'd like to see expanded, changed or stopped.  (If you tell me to stop with my strange humor...sorry I can't do that...I was born this way).

For the folks who like routine...YES I DO KNOW IT'S WEDNESDAY...LOL...and I'm working on Increasing your E-Notion IQ post too :)

Oh yeah....when will I tell ya who gets the prizes?....don't even say you weren't thinking about winning...we all love to have some fun things arrive at our doors....I'll let the Mean Mr. Random Number Generator do the dirty work....on Monday December 12th...sound good?

Sincere Smiles,
Kelly

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Winter Is Here : Sandi Blackwell's Square-agonals Re-Review and Giveaway

Winter has arrived in Ohio and here is the  proof


IHAN Headquarters has been full with family for several days. 

Maddy, our youngest daughter, Abby and James (R-L) are visiting ...there has been lots of decorating, arts and crafts, games and of course dress up too.
 Aaron's version of a Charlie Brown Christmas Tree (that is play dough on the branches)

"Momma, are you interested in buying a snack...they are 25cents each?"

Zach decided he needed to raise a little holiday cash.  He walked around Headquarters offering to sell snacks to those who may need a little nosh!  (Paying twice for your groceries isn't always a bad thing..lol)

On to our Giveaway:



You may remember my first review of Square-agonals (click here if you don't) and how impressed I was and am with Sandi Blackwell's NO MATH method of making triangles and on-point blocks go together without the fuss and muss.  Sandi's Square-agonal Method will take you from fabric that looks like the sample on the left to the fabric on the right...without ever setting in a triangle.  Since her book has come out she now has some fun patterns and guide tapes.
Square-agonals Cutting Guide Tape - gives you a visual guide for the cutting and re-assembling process of your quilt sections as well as securing the bias edges. The tape can also be used as a guide for cutting of any quilt or fabric.

 Square-agonals Arrow Guide Tape - makes it simple for you to mark the numbered sections of your layout design.

Sandi just so happened to be in Houston for Fall Quilt Market 2011 and look at all the beautiful patterns she bestowed upon me...and another autographed copy of her Square-agonals book. 



If you leave a comment on this post promising me you will make a quilt/table runner/place mat/etc. using one of Sandi's patterns, I will put your name in the drawing to win.  There will be three winners, one for Square-agonals book, and two others will receive a Square-agonals pattern.  Entry comments close Monday Dec. 12, 2011.


IHAN's newest spokesperson...Rad Zach

Rad Zach wants everyone to know that IHAN does have Gift Certificates available for holiday gift giving. 

AND

To see IHAN's Holiday Gift Giving Guide and our other Holiday Specials you MUST enter your e-mail address in the " Newsletter Subscribe Here" on the upper right hand side of this blog post. 


Smiles,
Kelly

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