Lights, Camera....

Blog Post!  LOL....I know you were thinking I was going to say action...but not this time.  I am however very pleased with my new 6 LED Light strip for my sewing machine and I used my camera to take a photo to share :)

I measured the upper surface of my sewing machine an thought a 6 LED Light Strip would fit nicely there.  It seems no matter how much light I have, I always want more when I'm sewing.  Call it age...that's fine by me...but what ever it's called...I want more light.  The 6 LED Light Strip I purchased for my machine is a "complete" LED Light Strip which means it has the electric cording and on/off switch.  The LED Strips are available to put on other sewing machines and you only need to purchase the cord and switch the first time.  I bought second 6 LED Light Strip for my embroidery machine.

 I like that these are thin so they don't get in my way.  The strip comes with a peel off adhesive but I don't use those on my machine.  I always put a 3M Command strip so I can take it off easily without ever leaving any residue. 

 These little lights are nice and bright....just wait and I'll show ya.

 It looks like a landing strip for a very small air plane...LOL.

Hopefully you can see the little command strip hanging out on the end.  If ever I don't want the light on there I'll just pull the tab and off it will come.

Another very nice feature is the on off switch. 

The LED Light Strips come in a variety of sizes.  I think these are neat for long arm machines as well.  You can see all of them HERE.

Did You Know?

Lady Eleanor and the QIAD team are celebrating their 35th Anniversary!!!!!

There will be a party at QIAD on October 19th.  For all of us who don't live near Quilt In A Day ....Lets knock Lady Eleanor's socks off by sending her congratulatory cards to the address below:

(Send your cards ASAP so they arrive before Oct. 19th)

(address info compliments of SewCalGal)

Flamingo Update:

This is the first time I have ever seen Flamingos fishing....gives new meaning to "Gone Fishing" ay?  Giggles!


Smiles,
Kelly

Machine Applique Class with Diana Trost

Classes are so much fun and I was fortunate enough to take a machine applique class with a local woman, Diana Trost, this past Saturday.  Diana won several ribbons at a recent show and I've always wanted to know her secrets.  Here is one of her winning quilts:

"Aunt Millie's Garden for Lydia" made and quilted by Diana Trost

This is Diana's own design and the pattern for our class.  The rose is beautiful and the quilting enhances this pillow so beautifully.  Now, I'm not saying mine will finish looking like Diana's but I will say that she shared enough of her techniques and supplies that mine should be pretty darn nice.

Here is another version of the same pillow using different fabrics:

Using different shades of red on the rose and the buds accentuates the rose differently.  

Our supply list included a variety of red, pink and green fabrics.  One gal brought several neatly cut squares of the variations of fabrics.  What did I bring?  A bag full of every red, pink and green I could find.  What is up with me?  I don't like deciding in advance if I'm not sure what I'm making so I bring everything and the kitchen sink too.  LOL...and did I mention that I borrowed some red pieces of batiks from a girlfriend during class....oy vey!

Here is my pillow so far.  I used the practice piece that Diana provided to practice my machine applique stitching so I didn't mess up my "pretty" piece.  I have to say Diana not only did a good job of teaching us all that she knew about perfecting the stitching but also provided us with some of her favorite machine applique supplies including Soft Fuse and Pellon Stabilizer.  We received printed instructions so we could finish the project at home....including a hand drawn pattern on freezer paper with the quilting design too!!!  If I were to teach a class like this and do all that she had done to prepare, you bet our bottom I'd be charging over a hundred bucks...LOL.  

Thank You Diane for arranging the class and Thank You Diana for teaching such a wonderful class :)

A Finish:

I came home and finished these pillowcases for my sister.  She is studying for a big exam and I thought I'd give her something to smile about before the big test.

I hope all of you had a wonderful weekend.  If you've taken any classes recently I'd love to hear about your experience too.  If you've blogged about it, just leave a link in your comment and I'll hop over and read all about it.

Smiles,

Kelly

Old Habits Die Hard...as do....

HP Computers! 

Yep...I only used my HP laptop to do my blogging and now I'm paying the price.  I feel like I'm blogging with new glasses even though all I'm doing is using a Mac Book.  A bit different...yes...and...I can do this!

So, what have I been up to you ask?

I've been working on this quilt for my mother's doctor.  I know he'll be very surprised when I mail it to him.  The fabric is a Parson Gray (I love this line) and the pattern is Perfect Ten by Swirly Girls Design.  I still have a border to put on but that will be done by the end of the week....my fingers are crossed.

While working on my "Perfect Ten" I learned something interesting.  I was using my Featherweight machine and mindlessly sat down and started to sew.  Then I noticed something.....do you see anything in the photo below (or should I say is there anything missing?)

 Sewing....sewing.....sewing along.

That's right, I didn't have flip the power toggle on the lower right.  But how then could I be sewing and sewing and sewing?  Apparently my Featherweight works when plugged in and the toggle switch only turns on the light.  Does yours do that?  Ya learn something new every day.....at least I do!

Oh yes....and then there is my youngest co-worker.  Mr. McSteamy and I have spent so much time helping Zach adjust to 4th grade.  He is really struggling and he is an A student.  I can't imagine how difficult this must be to adjust...I can't imagine it because I can't remember that long ago.  One very good reason not to have a child at 40...LOL.  You've heard the joke about the woman who had a baby at 65?  A visitor arrives and wants to see the new baby and she has to wait for it to start crying because she forgot where she put it....not so far from reality....giggles.

While I'm trying to find the rest of my photos from iphoto and picassa....still working out the Mac Book thing here....I want to share a beautiful quilt I saw in the ladies room at a church.  I fell in love with this quilt and it gave me a great idea for using vintage hankies.

Such a great way to show the beautiful hankies.  I've run across some that had stains and the corners could be used so don't throw them away...if you don't want them...send them my way!

Sharing a giveaway!
The Heart Zipper blog is giving away this bundle of Northcott Magical Dragons Fabrics...be sure to stop over and leave your name.

Smiles,
Kelly

Bet ya didn't know....

 

Along with cooler weather here in Ohio, we also have Flamingo Football Season!

 

Yes...it is true....those are Flamingo Fans watching the Flamingo Football Game.

My crochet is coming along...sort of.  I keep practicing.  Last night I tried 3 different tutorials on the WWW and I could not get any of them to work for me.  Guess I must really need a true lesson so I can make more progress.

 

For those of you who may not follow Judi and Clint's blog, Green Fairy Quilts, they are leaving for Romania soon.   Please, please, please stop by their blog to wish them safe travels.  Unfortunately I've not had the opportunity to meet Judi or Clint face to face, but they are a young couple I greatly admire for so many different reasons.  Hop over and give them a visit.

Smiles,

Kelly

Unique Sewing Tools from Ernie Bode & A Call for Blocks

 Last week I was on Patsy Thompson's website looking for some Kaffe Fassett polka dot fabric and I just tripped across some amazing new sewing tools made by Ernie Bode (aka Patsy's husband).  They looked so amazing I ordered one of each for myself so I could check them out as possible Christmas gifts. 

I bought a  peacock seam ripper on a silver necklace, a purple stiletto and a  peacock writing pen with a stylus tip.  When they arrived I was so excited.  They are all very nice quality; definitely items I would be proud to give as a gift. 

This is my seam rip.  It is on a lovely silver chain and the tip comes out and it can be turned around so the point is inside the handle when not in use. No worries about getting stabbed when I'm sewing....very nice indeed...giggles.

I also purchased a stiletto and I'll show you here how the tool comes out and can be turned around to keep the point safe.

 There is a nice snug fit so there is no risk of slipping out and becoming an annoyance. 

Here they are with the tips turned inside.  Talk about impressive ay?  Wait until you see my fancy smancy pen with a stylus tip.

Look how beautiful my pen is....it is wonderful to hold too.  The pen twists open and the stylus on the tip is great for touch screens on your phone, computer, sewing and embroidery machine screens and ipads too.  Earnie also has pens on the silver chains for those who loose their pens (and I would not want to loose mine that is for sure).  

You can see all of the beautiful things Ernie makes on the Patsy Thompson Designs website.  Be sure not to miss the Ruler Holders as they are absolutely beautiful as well.

A Public Service Announcement :)

"Please Do NOT Forget The Surviving Hot Shot"

Copied from Quilting Ranny's Blog at her request: 

As we all know there were 19 lost and 1 survivor and while most of the attention right now is focusing on the families of the lost, I want to remind all my quilting friends that I am working on putting a quilt together for Brendan the long survivor.

I asked a few weeks ago for 6.5" squares to be mailed to me and when I had gathered enough I would put them together to finish a quilt, have my local fire department members sign it and then send it out.

Sadly, at this writing, I have only received 3 squares.

I had asked you completed the square and then write on the front your name, a good thought and where you are from.  I want this to be a quilt filled with love and prayers and good wishes.

I know not everyone could take the time to make a quilt, but I know most of you can make a 6.5" square and place it in an envelope and mail to me.

So, lets show Brendan some quilting love!  Send me an Email and I will send you my address!

Thank you! 

I plan on making some blocks to ship along...won't you join me? 

Smiles,
Kelly

"Easy Peazy" Placemat Winners Announced

Margaret from Easy Peazy Sew So Easy was so generous to offer two IHAN® blog readers an opportunity to win 2 of her placemat patterns

The winners are:

 

rrjane011749

and

 

Josie McRazie

Congratulations to the two of you.  

Please send your full name and address along with the two patterns you would each like and I'll be sure to pass this information along to Margaret.  My e-mail is IHaveANotion@yahoo.com

Thank you all for leaving such wonderful comments!

Smiles,

Kelly

. 

Is it really "Easy Peazy"?

Remember the beautiful placemats I saw at Checker Open House a few weeks ago?

 I thought they were just beautiful and an excellent idea for a quality gift this holiday season.  Fortunately for me, Margaret Travis from Easy Peazy Sew So Easy sent me a few of her patterns to review. 

When I started to make my placemats.... well....I did what any messy person does....I pulled out all my batik fabrics and started to see what I had that would go together nicely.   Did I read the pattern through first?  Nope!  I went straight for the mess making event.  LOL....terrible I know...but I do love playing in the fabrics.

Once I decided what colors I was going to go with, I then opened the pattern and read it thoroughly.  I decided to start with Stripy Stripey Placemats. 

Oh....I just love hexagons so deciding which pattern to start with was Eazy Peazy ...corny I know...but I couldn't help myself :)

I love, love, love these placemats!!! 

I used the Bosal Double Sided Fusable Craft Tex 16" circles as the base.   The cool part is once you've sewn your top layer all you have to do is fuse it to the 16" circle.  Very fast indeed!   I was surprised by was how the binding is done on this pattern.  When I first saw the pattern I thought it would be like traditional quilt binding and I would have to hand stitch down the binding.  NOPE!  That binding was the easiest binding I have ever done.  The Stripy Stripey Placemat pattern is written so well I believe even a newbie can be successful in making wonderful placemats.  

LOOK at all the fun placemat patterns by Easy Peazy.  I'm just guessing I'm not the only one who thinks these are fun.  Would you like a chance to win two Easy Peazy Palcemat Patterns of your choice?  Here are some Easy Peazy ways to have several opportunities.  Do any or all of these things for your chance to win and leave a comment on this post telling me that you have done it.  You will get one chance for each thing you have done.

• Follow I Have A Notion®  Blog
• Like Easy Peazy Sew So Easy on Facebook for ONE chance to win and leave a comment on this post that you have done this.
• Leave a comment telling me which two patterns you would choose.

You must have a US or Canadian mailing address to participate.  If you don't have one and are from outside these two countries, have them shipped to a friend in one of those countries and have the friend send them to you!!!

I will do the drawing by random number generator (is there any other way to do it?) and I will choose 3 winners on Friday, September 20th.

Best of luck to all of you and I know you will have a ball making these lovely placemats for yourselves and for friends and family.

THANK YOU Margaret for turning me on to your lovely patterns!!!

Smiles,
Kelly

Quilted In Honor Project

Do you remember Caleb Willis from Island Batik?  If you are a long time follower of the IHAN® blog you may remember THIS POST.  What a day I had at Island Batik....definitely on the top of my list of excellent days!    Caleb is the President and CEO of Island Batik and from one President and CEO (ROFL) to another, I think we hit it off.  I was most impressed that he didn't throw me out when he found me napping in the heavenly batik fabrics.

 

Very Presidential of me isn't it?  Now you know why I'll never be invited to the White House!

Caleb had an excellent idea to help veterans after hearing stories from family and friends who had returned from the Service.  He was committed to helping but wasn't sure if one company could do enough to make a difference.   Caleb  knew the wonderful spirit of the quilting industry and he approached some other fantastic people (see list of other sponsors here)  and shared his idea.  That is how  Quilted In Honor  was "born".  Now Island Batik helps to raise funds and awareness along with Operation Homefront. 

How many of you know about Operation Homefront?  I didn't really know much until SewCalGal hosted a fundraiser for them last year.  Once I began learning more about what Operation Homefront does, I decided to hop on board and I contributed to SewCalGal's fundraising efforts.  For those of you who don't know, Operation Homefront provides assistance to military families in their times of need.  Can you imagine serving your country, being away from your family and possibly being in combat only to arrive home and find yourself  having difficult times?  I see it as a project where we can help support those who have  given their time, energy and many times their lives by serving in the US Military.

Caleb Willis, Adam Jennings Medically Retired from the US Marine Corps. and  "Lady Eleanor"

Photo Credits Click Here

Lady Eleanor presented Adam Jennings with a quilt that she designed..  I don't think anyone was surprised to see that Lady Eleanor was involved...she is one kind, sweet and amazing Lady.

There are so many ways you can get involved.  Here are few ideas to consider:

You can purchase Quilted In Honor products and a portion of the sales price will go to Military Families being supported by Operation Homefront.

 

 If you purchase the Aurifil Quilted In Honor Thread Collections from IHAN® 90% or $54.00 of the profit will be donated back to Operation Homefront.

Make and donate a quilt.  There are several free patterns on the Island Batik website.  Just CLICK HERE to see them.   

If you want more ideas about how you can get involved with Operation Homefront, you can CLICK HERE. 

That is how Caleb's great idea turned into the Quilted In Honor project. Given Quilters are some of the very best people I've ever met in my life...none of this is surprising.....it is Wonderful though isn't it?

Smiles,

Kelly

Daily Craft TV Class Winner Announced

Winner Announced

Fons &; Porter, Daily Craft TV,  have generously offered one IHAN® Blog Reader an opportunity to take "String Piecing 7 Ways."  Daily Craft TV offers classes in Sewing, Quilting, Crochet, Knitting, Scrapbooking and Paper Crafting.  

If you click HERE you will be able to see the preview for the class.

The winner of the class is Barbara Woods.  Congratulations Barbara!!!

I had a chance to watch the class yesterday and I think  if you have a lot of scraps or like jelly rolls you will learn some tips for making some very fun quilts.

Smiles,

Kelly