May Arts Ribbon Stocking....Check this out.

Most of you know already that I love May Arts Ribbon.  The quality is tops.  Every now and again I get a chance to peak at their blog.  Look what I found:

I really like the close up photo of the top of the stocking.  Click here if you want the instructions to make one for yourself :) 

Smiles,
Kelly

A wee bit of Cirque

I don't think I've shared with anyone about my big interview coming up here in January.  I'll let you in on a little secret....but....you have to promise not to tell a Soleil.  I have been invited to interview for a position with Cirque du Soleil.  Apparently someone from Cirque has been reading my blog.  They were so impressed with my balancing act they phoned me requesting an interview.  I need to be ready to replace one of these people by January.  Which one should I replace?  Hmmmmm....


I have been practicing......

How do you think I'm doing?  Do you think I'll be ready by January 2010? Me either.  But I sure had fun at the Imagination Station in Toledo this weekend.

Aaron played fireman and had a ball.

 

The boys got to visit with St. Nick.

Zach was making a magnetic sculpture. 

Yes this is my husband.  Rick was pretending to be moving in slow motion.  Makes you wonder why he would be married to someone as boring as me ay?  LOL

The boys attempting to walk through a room that is tilted on an angle.  If I just walk near the opening of this room I instantly feel ill.  I have no idea how children can play in there for so long without becoming sick to their stomach.

Zach busting a move on the piano.

All of that on a Saturday night.  Then on Sunday.....an angel appeared:

To put a star on our Christmas tree.

The end to a fun weekend:

Waking up Monday morning to find some snow falling.  The boys had to see some tire tracks in the snow.  They jumped on their bikes and took a little spin in the driveway before the bus arrived.

Ahhhh....if every weekend were so much fun.  I guess it is all a balancing act ay?

Circus Smiles,

Kelly

(Disclaimer-the stuff about Cirque calling me...was BS....well VBS...Very Believable Stuff....for those with reality problems...LOL)

Tutto Sewing Machine Bags from 149.00 to 239.00 at I Have A Notion

No kidding...medium Tutto bags start at 149.00 , Large 169.99 and XXL 239.00.  That is a huge savings just in time for the Holidays. 

Stop by I Have A Notion to check out the Tutto Bags and all the other Recent Additions. 

                               

These are just few of the colors available.  If you don't see the color you want, please e-mail IHaveANotion@yahoo.com .  Customer satisfaction is my NUMBER ONE PRIORITY.

Get Organized with the Desktop Carousel for 32.99

I was so tired of all those coffee cups fulled with my sewing tools next to my sewing machine.  I decided to get myself this very cool organizer and look at how nice it holds my tools.

The Desktop Carousel is only 32.99 at I Have A Notion.

Display and organize tools and crafting supplies with this sturdy MDF 6-sided organizer with 10 compartments and 6 drawers. Each side features a metal label holder and each drawer features a metal handle & magnetic closure. Easy turn base.

I've decided that I'm done with being disorganized.  I may have to re-organize every so often....but at least I'm going to have some places to put my things to keep them together nicely.

Smiles,
Kelly

I used my Quick Points Ruler

Quick Points 1 " Ruler at IHAN for 26.99.  I have one and I love it.

Over Thanksgiving I had a chance to sew with my dear friend Mary Jane.  We had a ball.  This is one of the things we made.  We used some of her turkey fabric and make some Prairie Points or Picots.

Then we made the Ric Rack.  We did just what the video told us to do and it worked out perfectly.  I'm going to add the Ric rack to my co-workers Christmas pillow cases.  When they are finished I'll post the photos.

In case you did not get to see this video the first time I posted it....here it is again.  This is the Ric Rack video tutorial.

View all the Quick Points Rulers here.  These are great gift ideas.  How nice would it be to surprise somone with one of these under the tree?

Smiles,
Kelly

Love Batik Textiles? Wondering what to do with them?

Did you know IHAN has over 60 one yard cuts of Batik Textiles?  It's true!!  They are one yard cuts and I only have one yard of each one.  You can purchase them in groupings here.  The photos below are just a few of the pieces I have for sale.

Love Batiks but don't know what to do with a one yard cut. 

Besides the obvious purpose for fabric....have you considered giving it as a gift wrap?  You can and it is so easy.  Check out this video from YouTube about Furoshki.  My friends, Jim and Chika, came to visit from Nagano Japan in March.  They brought me a book about Furoshki and some lovely fabric.  I love it and I love the idea of using fabric as gift wrap so it can be re-used.  Think about it....you don't have to buy paper gift wrap....it is green.....you can buy just the one yard cut you love and tell the person if they won't use it....to give it back and you can use it in your beautiful creations :)  You can also give a gift in it to a stitching friend.  I know they would love it and appreciate the gift so much more.


Smiles,
Kelly

On the FOURTH DAY of CHRISTMAS at Sew Fantastic

Wow....check this out if you want to win some excellent books :)

My sincere thanks to Terri Harlan of Sew Fantastic for doing this wonderful giveaway and for saying such nice things about me and my store.  I hope to live up to every single word! 

Smiles,
Kelly

Sewing Birds

Look what I got to touch last night:

It is a sewing bird.  I had never seen one before last night.  They were used in the 18 and 1900's for holding fabric.  The person stitching could hold the fabric tight with one hand and the bird was a clamp to hold the fabric so the person could stitch.

Here you will find some historical information about these beautiful collectables from the Monmouth Museum in Lincroft, NJ.  They have a collection of Sewing Birds and you can see some of them on their web page.

I went to a Christmas Party for one of my stitching groups last night.  The party was held at Joyce's house and I wish I had taken pictures of her decorations.  They were just beautiful.  A Christmas Village all light up, a beautiful Christmas tree, Santa Clause Collection on the mantel and Christmas music playing softly in the background.  Many of the ladys were wearing fun holiday clothing, not me :(   It was a mini vacation for me.  Joyce brought out some of her sewing antiques and the bird was one of them.  I loved it and of course now I want one....or 100...LOL

Joyce had an article taken from Mark Lapinski's Quilter's Home and I believe it was Aug./Sept. 2009 issue and there were lots of antique sewing clamps.  Check out the magazine to see more amazing sewing clamps.

Smiles,
Kelly

The Gypsy Sit Upon NOW AVAILABLE 22.95

The Gypsy Sit Upon is $22.95 and NOW AVAILABLE at I Have A Notion.  You ask....what is a Gypsy Sit Upon....well let me show you:

I had the opportunity to sit on this purple nubby seat cushion and I could not believe how much I liked it.  It really felt like my tailbone was more relaxed.  I know I sit at my computer for hours at a time some days and I knew this would be an excellent item to have.  My only concern....how to keep my co-workers from flinging it around the house. 

You can use the Gypsy Sit Upon while driving, reading, quilting, sewing or any other time you are seated for a longer period of time. 

Softly inflated flexible disc prevents fatigue and reduces pressure on the tailbone.
Helps relieve lower back pain, strengthens core muscles, and improves posture.
Nubby texture allows cooling air flow, and promotes improved blood circulation.
Durable purple rubberized material remains soft and pliable. One size fits all!

This is another one of those products that I wondered about when I saw it....is this a gimmick or is this really something that would be comfortable?  My 2 cents....it is worth the money and very comfortable.

 

Smiles,

Kelly

The Alliance for American Quilts

Do you know about "The Alliance for American Quilts?" 

Quilts Matter!

They tell stories and illuminate our history.
They link generations and foster community.
They are one of the most universally recognized
American art forms.

Today 27 million Americans
are involved in quilt making.
Quilts matter!

Check out their website and read more about thier mission.  I can't imagine a quilter not being interested in their work. 

Their site gives all the information and I would only be paraphrasing....so just click on over and check it out. 

Smiles,
Kelly

Help Flat Stanley Get Around

I promise I'll get back to posting about sewing/stitching related topics tomorrow...I think :)

Meet Flat Stanley.  He belongs to Sam who is in the 2nd grade in Mansfield PA.  I acquired him while home for Thanksgiving.  He needed to go out of state on a visit.  We brought him back to OH with us.  Along the way he has gathered a few souvenirs and some brochures about his travels.  Tomorrow he will be packed and sent to New Hampshire for a short stay before going back to Mansfield, PA.

HOWEVER....with the Internet.....why can't Stanley do some cyber travel too? If you would like to print out this photo and take his picture in your area and send me a digital photo...I can print it and ship it with his box.  If you have a few minutes to participate....I think we could make one little fella in 2nd grade smile very big when his box gets to his desk.

If this is too much for you to do before 3:30 tomorrow....how about sending Sam F.  a post card from where you live.  Perhaps you can tell him a little bit about where you live and / or just say hi.  Here is where to send the post card:

Sam F. C/O Jenny Kilmer

Miller Elementary School

Dorsett Dr.

Mansfield PA 16933

There is a third option too.  If you are swamped...like someone I know....you can just send me an e-mail with SAM F. in the Subject box and tell him you saw his Flat Stanley and send him a greeting from where you live.  You can tell him a little about yourself and your area.  Then I'll print out the e-mails and put it in his box.  My e-mail is: IHaveANotion@yahoo.com

I hope Sam F. who colored this fun Flat Stanley smiles when he sees how far his Flat Stanley went on his little trip. 

Smiles,

Kelly

WHITE FRIDAY SALE EXTENDED

IHAN'S WHITE FRIDAY SALE  has been extended until November 30th.  I have received several e-mails from people who are traveling and would like to shop on Monday.  I agreed to hold the sale open for them and I am opening it to everyone.  I will honor the sale prices through Midnight Nov. 30th.

Smiles,
Kelly

Sewing Notions and Fabric Sale at I Have A Notion - White Friday Sale

Avoid the Stampede....no need to fight, push or get out of your pajamas....

Come on over to IHAN to check out the White Friday Sales.

There are limited quantities available on some items.  I will take orders in timestamp order.  If you prefer to phone in your order feel free to call 419-913-8080 and I can tell you if the item is still available.  I have worked very hard to avoid back orders on items but please be patient if a back order occurs.  Or....be impatient and call and bug me every day!!  Your choice :)

Shopping at IHAN guarantees you the Best Customer Service available and typically the best prices too.  Your packages will be delivered in recycled (or priority post) boxes.  Not only does that help our environment....it also saves you money.  If you would like your package wrapped in a New Spanky and Bright package....be prepared to pay extra!!!  LOL ...Spanky and Bright recycled packages don't cost a thing :)

Have a safe Black Friday and should you need some purification....shop IHAN's White Friday Sale.  After all the pie I ate yesterday....I need some purification...how about you?

Smiles,
Kelly

Happy Thanksgiving and IHAN White Friday Sale

This is my way of saying "Happy Thanksgiving" to all of you.   You certainly did not expect anything traditional from me did you?

Being a non-traditionalist....I'm not going to have a Black Friday Sale.....instead....I'm going to have a White Friday Sale!

Here are the details....starting Friday at 12:00 AM CMT through Friday 12:00 PM CMT (November 27th) Sale prices are only valid during those hours.   Some things are "while supplies last" because I only have a limited number and there are no re-orders.  I'm sorry about that....but I have no other choice here.  The prices will only be good during that period and will only show up on the site during those times.  I will take the prices down at Midnight on Friday.  Basically I'll be getting no rest...LOL...what is new ay?

Here is the link to where the sale items will be posted: CLICK HERE 

Have a Wonderful Thanksgiving!!!

Gobble Gobble (me eating pumpkin pie:)
Smiles,
Kelly

CEO of IHAN Greatfully Released from Captivity on the Eve of Thanksgiving

Ohhhhh my....thanks for all your thoughts and prayers....I'm so glad to report I have emerged from the undisclosed location unharmed!!!!  I was driven to my in-laws house and pushed from a running vehicle into their driveway just in time for Thanksgiving :)

Today I spent my day with this lovely woman.....she is my Mother-in-Law.  No one can fix a Thanksgiving feast like she can.  I know I'm safe now :)

This is what she was up to today.

Ohhhh yea baby....I made cranberry relish today....one of my favorites.

Look, it's Mr. Wonderful helping in the kitchen!!!

Joanne has asked to visit with Mr. Flat Stanley so as soon as I get back to OH I will take some photos with him there and ship him to Joanne!!!  Thanks Joanne :)

I have to say all this captivity has done me well.  I've been in bed before 2 am every night.  However I have not been getting back to all my e-mails  very quickly.  I have read every one but I will need a little more time to reply.  Orders are being shipped her from PA....the CEO never rests :)

Here is an excellent deal......http://www.piecesofyoulockets.com/ just in time for your holiday shopping....

and speaking of holiday shopping....stay tuned for more updates coming soon :)

Smiles,
Kelly