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!

Sunday, April 11, 2010

5 Days left in the IHAN 30 Days of Giveaways Anniversary Celebration

The 30 Days of Giveaways Anniversary Celebration ends on Thursday April 15th 2010 at 10 PM CMT. That means we have 5 days left and we've got some incredibly talented designers, authors, teachers and products left to be given away.

On Monday April 12th IHAN will be posting an GO! AccuQuilt Fabric Cutter!!!


Have you caught your breath yet? If you are hyperventilating you might grab a paper sack and breath into it. I know it helps for hyperventilating because my mother had to do this frequently when she turned 40. No kidding!!!

If it is safe to continue....keep reading....if you have not caught your breath yet....continue breathing into that paper sack....

If you would like 10 extra entries into the GO! AccuQuilt Fabric Cutter Giveaway just post on your blog, Facebook page, Tweet, or rent a bill board in Time Square and tell all of your quilting and stitching friends about IHAN's 30 Days of Giveaways Anniversary Celebration. Do you belong to any forums or chat groups that allow you to post about great events? Let everyone know about IHAN's 30 Days of Giveaways Anniversary Celebration and then post the link below in Linky. Feel free to let your Guild members know about the giveaway. Everyone who posts about the Giveaway between April 11th and April 13th will get Ten extra entries into the GO! AccuQuilt Fabric Cutter giveaway. There is a comment section to post share where you posted about the giveaway. If you let all of your guild members know, please leave the name of your Guild and their contact information in the comment box so all entries can be verified.

Please note your post must include a link to IHAN blog and Store
Blog Link:: http://ihaveanotion.blogspot.com
Website Link : http://ihavea-notion.com/store/

If you are a previous customer of I Have A Notion (IHAN) you might want to share about your shopping experience in your post. You also must let everyone know that all giveaways from March 15 - April 15 2010 are open until 10:00 PM CMT. Readers can post on any of the giveaways they choose but the comments need to be relevant to what was asked for in the post. Saying, "add me to the list" does not qualify as a comment relevant to the post.

You can use any of the photos of products that are posted on my blog in your post if you like. Keep in mind you can only use the product photos (not projects) and this is only good for the Giveaway posts. Feel free to share which giveaway you want to win the most or which post you liked the best or where ever your creative juices take you in your post.

Ten extra entries for an GO! AccuQuilt Fabric Cutter!!! Good Luck to everyone who enters!!! Everyone who leaves a relevant comment on that post gets one entry and you have the chance to get 10 extra entries. That's a possible 11 entries....oh yeah baby.


Stay tuned....many more exciting things to come!!! Don't forget about the Grand Prize Drawing.

Smiles,
Kelly

Saturday, April 10, 2010

Day 26 of 30 Days of Giveaways - Amy Butler Design

IHAN's 30 Days of Giveaways
Anniversary Celebration
Day 26


I know everyone gets excited about Amy Butler Patterns and Fabric giveaways....so here they are.....


Now that I have your attention.....Did you know that Amy Butler Design is not just "Amy Butler"?  Amy Butler Design is the creative collaboration between a fantastic husband and wife team, Amy and David Butler.  David designs the product packaging, logos, photographs, and website for Amy Butler Design.  Talk about an amazing team, wow!!

You MUST check out David's website, Art of the Midwest. The first thing you will notice is there is a link to Amy Butler Design above his link to Art of the Midwest.  How is that for love?  I'm thinking that man really loves and respects his wife!!! 

When you are looking at David's site click on Logos.  Look how many amazing logos he has created.  Can you imagine what IHAN would have looked like if I had David design it?  I dare dream.....

Amy Butler Design has really expanded.  They have the following product lines:
Not only are they extremely creative but they are generous too!!!  Amy Butler Design has joined IHAN in celebrating our First Year Anniversary by offering some very lucky blog readers the patterns and fabrics pictured above. 

You may be asking yourself....Why did Kelly group the patterns like that?   I was thinking about spreading the love around a bit.  I will draw three winners for today's giveaway. One for the Weekender Travel Bag pattern, one for The Madison Bag and one for the Stash and Cash pattern with the Lotus Pond and Oxford Stripe fabric.

The Blue Sky Hats, Sophia Carry All, and Temple Garland and Oxford Stripe fabric will go into the Grand Prize Drawing!!!  Did you know there is a Grand Prize Drawing
To enter today's giveaway you must leave a comment on this post telling us who helps you find your creative energies?   Is there a favorite person or place that when you are together or in that space your creative energies expand and flow?  Tell us about it.

Thank you Amy and David Butler for your generous gifts....you are making lots of people very happy!!!

Smiles,
Kelly

Friday, April 9, 2010

Day 25 of 30 Days of Giveaways - Simply Tracy

IHAN's 30 Days of Giveaways
Anniversary Celebration
Day 25
A Beautiful Scissor Fob
by Simply Tracy

 
Don't you just love this scissor fob?  You better say, YES, and loudly too!!! :)  Know why?  It was made by my incredibly talented sister, Tracy.  After showing her some of my favorites scissor fobs (scissor porn embellishments..lol) she made a few and gave them to me for my recent birthday.  I begged her to make some to sell on my website and she has.  The problem is getting her photos to the correct size to put on my website.  It has been difficult for me to get all of this accomplished while being out of town. 
Tracy has been very helpful in getting IHAN organized and doing some behind the scenes work and I SOOOO APPRECIATE her help.  She does this for the same price I pay all my other co-workers....nothing!!  Tracy is my number one fan and has always been behind me no matter what I've done.  She has been unemployed (she lives in MI) for over a year and after spending long days looking for work she always seems to have time left to either do my dishes, cook, or look after my co-workers.  I'm very blessed indeed!!!
Tracy's first request was to be able to participate in the IHAN 30 Days of Giveaways.  Who could say no?  Not me?  Definitely not you, right?!!!  So here it is, a beautiful scissor fob to be shipped to the address of the winners choice.  If you would like to have a chance to win, all you need to do is leave an encouraging comment for Tracy.  Her expertise has been as an Administrative Assistant in the Financial Industry.  If you know of anyone or any firm that could possibly employ her, please e-mail IHaveANotion@yahoo.com with Tracy in the Subject Line.  Until she finds a job where the title is other than "Girl 2-4-7" as she now calls herself , please consider buying a Scissor Fob made by Simply Tracy coming soon to the IHAN website.

Smiles,
Kelly

Thursday, April 8, 2010

Day 24 of 30 Days of Giveaways - It's A Wrap II from Martingale and Company

IHAN's 30 Days of Giveaways

Anniversary Celebration
Day 24

It's A Wrap II 
by Susan Breier
from Martingale and Company 




I recently wrote a post about Susan's new book, It's A Wrap II.  Guess what?  Martingale and Company is giving one lucky IHAN blog reader a copy of Susan's new book.  This is so exciting. 





It's A Wrap II shows Susan's easy method of how to wrap clothesline with  fabric to make bowls, as well as make exciting new shapes, handles, lids and totes. This book contains 20 new designs with excellent instructions and photos.   This book goes beyond the basics, such as ideas on how to enhance fabrics with paint.  Susan shows you how to make circle baskets, triangle baskets, square baskets, heart shaped baskets, and more. There are some cool ideas about embellishing these projects too.

Thank you Martingale and Company for joining IHAN in celebrating our First Anniversary!!!

If you would like to win It's A Wrap II just leave a comment on this post telling us what project you would  make first if you were to win.  I think I would make a bowl for my kitchen table using green fabrics.  How about you?

Smiles,
Kelly

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

IHAN Co-Worker Update

Those IHAN co-workers have been very busy since arriving in Orlando.  I thought I would share some of the photos they have taken recently:

"not taken by Zach"

"not taken by Aaron"

Yes these are very cute photos....but the best part is when I asked them who had Momma's camera....they both said, "Not me!" 

Smiles,
Kelly

Day 23 of 30 Days of Giveaways - Mistyfuse

IHAN's 30 Days of Giveaways
Anniversary Celebration
Day 23 


No I've not lost my mind (well....maybe a little)!!!   I do remember posting Mistyfuse previously....but did you know Attached Inc. is giving one package away for three weeks and then an entire 100 yard roll to be included in the IHAN 30 Days of Giveaways Grand Prize? 

I have read the comments that were left on the previous post about Mistyfuse.  I was surprised to hear how many people had not heard of Mistyfuse.  It is wonderful for appliquĆ© but also for many other projects as well.  You can use it to fuse paper, tulle, silk, threads, yarns, and so many more mediums.  Lets say you want to make a  cool gift or wall hanging.  You could fuse some fun threads to the top of  paper, fabric, Roc-lon Multi-Purpose Cloth, cardboard, you name it.  Just remember you will be using an iron to fuse it so watch your temperature with certain fabrics and papers etc. 

I was fortunate enough to receive one of these note cards from Sue Bleiweiss after I left a comment on her blog.  That is where I got the idea for making fun collages, wall hangings and note cards.  Check these out:


Sue used Mistyfuse on the card and put paper flowers and some decorative threads and fused it.  Don't you know I've been keeping my eye out of interesting things to fuse to note cards myself.  Just too much fun to pass up.  You could make an entire set and give them to a friend as a gift (oh...that would be me too :). 

Here is the skinny on Mistyfuse for those of you who missed the previous post:

Use paper-less Mistyfuse for all weights of fabric from velvets and cottons to delicate tulles and organzas. It's a dream to work with—it handles well, is incredibly sheer, doesn't add bulk to your fused piece and bonds firmly once cooled. And since there is no added adhesive, it will never gum up your scissors or quilting needles. Each package comes with simple instructions for easy fusing with no waste.

Use Mistyfuse Black with any fabric or with tulles and sheers to create shadow and other special effects.


In accelerated aging studies, exposure to UV rays have been shown to cause fusibles to tan (darken). Especially on light colors, sheers or other light weight fabrics, and surface use, tanning may read as a color shift or dark spots. But now there’s Mistyfuse Ultraviolet! Mistyfuse Ultraviolet is specially formulated with an effective retardant to protect against the tanning effect of UV rays - without sacrificing any of the inherent Mistyfuse qualities you expect and trust. Mistyfuse Ultraviolet is white and fuses clear.
Since so many of you had not heard of Mistyfuse I thought I'd let you know about another very interesting tool from Attached, Inc. the Goddess Sheet.


When those of you who are new to Mistyfuse begin using it, you might just be ticked if I don't tell you about the Goddess Sheet.  I don't want any angry e-mails saying I've been keeping all the cool stuff to myself...so here is the skinny on the Goddess Sheet.
The Goddess Sheet combines a slick Teflon coated sheer fiberglass — for a long-lasting, nonstick transparent sheet that puts a helpful glossy sheen on fused surfaces — with the Goddess Curve™. Inspired by the goddesses of antiquity … who knew a thing or two about curves … the Goddess Curve™ is your reliable guide to accident-free fusing. The Goddess Curve is there to help you dedicate one side of the sheet to your iron only and the other side to contact with fusible. The glossy sheen is there to make it obvious which side of your fabric has the Mistyfuse on it (since with Mistyfuse it can be hard to tell!) Designed to be used with fusible, the Goddess Sheet is also suitable for all types of crafts. Size 16 1/2" x 10¾”
One of the really nice things I like about the Goddess Sheet is that it has a curve along one corner so you know which side of the sheet is up.  I can't tell you how many times I've gotten fusible on my pressing surface, my iron, or on other pieces of fabric because I didn't know which side I had used previously.  Now I always know which side is up and I don't have a frustrating mess.  The other really cool thing I like about the Goddess Sheet is that I can see through it.  That is really helpful when I'm fusing pieces in layers and want them to be in place before I fuse them (geez...I've done that too....fused a piece only to have to pull it up because it shifted and I did not realize it).  So now you can't say I didn't tell you about another very cool tool that I like.

Back to the giveaway!!!  If you would like to be the lucky IHAN blog reader to win a wonderful package of Mistyfuse you need to leave a comment on this post.  Since I've shared some insights about Mistyfuse not just being for appliquĆ©, I'd like you to leave a comment telling us what sort of other cool things you would use Mistyfuse for in some of your other creations. 

Thank you again Attached Inc. for joining IHAN in celebrating our First Anniversary!!

Smiles,
Kelly

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Day 22 of 30 Days of Giveaways - Toni Whitney - Backdoor Bear Pattern

IHAN's 30 Days of Giveaways
Anniversary Celebration
Day 21


Toni lives in Montana, one of my very favorite states.  She has told me that bears come walking up to her house and through her yard.  Can you imagine coming  home late from a Guild meeting carrying some extra peanut butter cookies and having a chance meeting with a bear on your way into the house?  I'm keeping my cookies in a smell proof zip lock bag!!!

Toni designed the Backdoor Bear pattern to be mounted on canvas or used as a wall hanging.  She has been teaching classes recently and all of her students left the class ready to quilt their projects.  Wow, that is my kind of class.  I love to make that kind of progress when taking classes!!! 

Here are some of Toni's other patterns:


If you are interested in taking one of Toni's classes you can find Toni on Facebook , on her blog  tor by e-mail at toniwhitney@rocketmail.com  I would personally recommend taking a class with  Toni .  She is a wonderful artist and has a true appreciation for the animals she has choosen for her paintings and patterns.  Her patterns really capture more than just the shape of the animals....they seem to capture the spirit of the animals as well.   I have the Savanna pattern and fabric kit.  Finishing Savanna is one of my goals for the comming year. Pray for me....lol...I have way too many UFO's.

Three very lucky IHAN blog winners will each win one of the Backdoor Bear patterns.  Thank you Toni for being so generous and joining IHAN in celebrating our First Anniversary!!!

If you would like an opportunity to win one of the three Backdoor Bear Patterns you need to leave a comment on this post telling us what inspires you to create.

Smiles,
Kelly

Monday, April 5, 2010

Day 21 of 30 Days of Giveaways - Day and Night Quilt by Eleanor Burns - Quilt in a Day

IHAN's 30 Days of Giveaways
Anniversary Celebration
Day 21

Day and Night Quilt
 by Eleanor Burns
Quilt in a Day 


Eleanor Burns has created this beautiful Day and Night Quilt design and it makes dramatic quilts. This book provides insights on using strip techniques and it comes with an acrylic template right in the back of the book!!! This fun design can be made with two or three contrasting colors and there is a section in this book to help you with fabric selection. The instructions are well written and include great visuals. Full yardage and cutting charts are included to make quilts in various sizes from table runners to a king size quilt. The book also has a great gallery of quilts that will inspire you!

One lucky IHAN blog reader will win Day and Night Quilt and it is autographed too!!!  Thank you Eleanor and Quilt in a Day....everyone would love to win an autographed copy of Day and Night Quilt.

Some of you may remember this photo as I have posted it previously.  Look at the spark and vitality in Eleanor's eyes.  I don't think she could give a boring lecture even if she wanted to.  On the left is her much younger boy friend.  She was dancing up a storm with him the very next evening.  I'm telling you she is one "wild" lady!!!  (OK all right already.....so it is her son....but the story of the much younger man was fun and much more gossipy don't you think?)
Oh, so you like gossip....well you are going to love this little tid bit of gossip.  Eleanor has a new book coming out in April.  The title is American Tatoos on Biker Babes Booties.  Ok, Ok, Ok....you are no fun....I'll tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth this time.  The real title is "Quilt Blocks on American Barns."  Quilt in a Day is taking pre-orders and if you order before April 28th you'll get a free collectors pin. 

You can follow Eleanor on her new blog too.  Just go to www dot StripQuilter dot com and you can read Eleanor's most recent posts.  I know what you are thinking now....oh sure Kelly...."Strip Quilter" now I know you are lying again.  NOPE....not this time!   www.StripQuilter.com is really Eleanor's blog....don't believe me....just click on the link and see for yourself.  (Everyone who reads the IHAN blog regularly already knows that when I lie....I say so...I'm what's known as an honest liar)

Quilt in a Day also has a newsletter and a forum too.  There is no reason you need to be getting your Eleanor gossip here....you can just go straight to the source for the real nitty gritty...lol  :)

Back to the Giveaway!!!  If you would like to win an autographed copy of Day and Night Quilt by Eleanor Burns you need to leave a comment on this post telling us why you want to win this book or if you have any good Eleanor Burns stories you'd like to share....that comment will count too!!!  I've heard some great ones from Lancaster recently. 

Thank you Eleanor and Quilt in a Day for joining IHAN in celebrating our First Anniversary!!! 

Smiles,
Kelly
PS....Stay tuned for more Quilt in a Day Giveaways coming before April 15th.  Also, my computer seems to be back on line and it was not my computer....it was a server on my site so all is well now.  Thanks for the kind words and thoughts.  One last thing....EPCOT ROCKS BIG SOCKS :)

Sunday, April 4, 2010

Day 20 of 30 Days of Giveaways - Texture Magic and Patterns by Annie

IHAN's Day 20 of the
30 Days of Giveaways
Anniversary Celebration

and
from Patterns by Annie 




If you did not see my first post on Texture Magic you need to click here for some incredible tutorials on using Texture Magic.  Everyone else will be happy to know that Annie Unrein from Patterns by Annie has added one of her patterns with todays Texture Magic Giveaway!!  Wow, Thank You Annie!!!! 

I know some of you may be thinking, why give us a basket on Easter, right?  Oh don't pretend that did not fly through your mind.....I know....I've done it myself.  But, I also know that if we had done the drawing last week that everyone would have missed another 12 days of giveaways.  Who would want to miss that ?  Not me :)  Besides, if you are like me, you "think" you'll get to that project fast......but your stack of UFO's are probably as big as mine...LOL.

Since it is Easter and I want to go have some dinner with my family here in Ore-Land-Oh I'm going to end with a quick piece of information I found very cool.  Dr. Bob from Superior Threads has written a book and you know if he teaches classes on Threadology that this book must be a good one. 

The School of Threadology Book contains over 90 pages of educational information condensed from 10 years of Bob's research and newsletter education. This is the book used in our School of Threadology. Reference Guides are also included. Worth $10,000.  But the only price Dr. Bob is charging his friends is 19.95....good for us :)

To have a package of Texture Magic and Annie's Pattern, The Occasional Basket, to the address of choice for one lucky IHAN blog reader, please leave us a comment telling us what type of basket you will make and thank Dr. Bob and Annie for their generousity.

Smiles,
Kelly

Thank you for your patience as there have been computer problems with my blog and website.  I'm having the web master work on the problem.  Like they say....don't sweat the small stuff right?  Right!!!

Saturday, April 3, 2010

Day 19 of 30 Days of Giveaways - Isacord Thread

(This post was supposed to release on Saturday..
...so your comments are fine....but it is for Saturday's post..KJ)
IHAN's Day 19 of the
30 Days of Giveaways
Anniversary Celebration

You could use this Isacord thread collection to create Sarah Vedeler's "Be You" Quilt  or another design you have been wanting to make.  This wonderful tin includes 12 Isacord spools in a collectors window tin: Bright Yellow, Orange Peel, Pumpkin, Red Pepper, Bright Ruby, Cherry, Alexis Blue, Dark Teal, Amazon, Champagne, Pecan, and Limabean.


Sarah Vedeler Designs are so much fun.  I love the energy in her work.  Remember this gorgeous quilt?

Posted as a giveaway on March 16, 2010 here on the IHAN blog

I think the "Be You" Isacord Thread Collection" would be fun with this as well.  With all this silk and thread....I'm thinking St. Peter is going to be asking some questions at the pearly gates soon....I'm seeing a bright light in the distance....(just kidding).

I don't have an embroidery machine but I have used Isacord thread with some of my punchneedle projects.  I really like the shine and color...it gives a piece some pop.

Darlene has an embroidery machine and this is what she has to say about Isacord thread:

Kelly,
I just wanted to let you know how happy I am that you carry Isacord threads. I have been using Isacord thread for machine embroidery for many years, and in recent years have even been using it for machine quilting. It is a high quality thread that comes in a variety of colors. But I love how easy it is to work with and how well it holds up. I highly too recommend Isacord thread!
Darlene aka SewCalGal
These are some samples of machine embroidery using Isacord thread.  (bottom is unfinished....but it was so pretty I could not resist posting it)



I think these are cheerful, don't you?

Isacord is the thread of choice for maximum productivity and the highest quality embroidery among the largest embroidery houses. At nearly twice the strength of rayon thread, Isacord is the smoothest running and most reliable polyester thread produced. It has been engineered from the finest raw materials to provide just the right amount of elasticity to allow for high speed running without looping or puckering while virtually eliminating thread breaks. Isacord is available in 1,000 and 5,000 meter mini-kingspools featuring a unique snap down base for clean and easy storage

Thanks to Brewer Quilting and Sewing one lucky IHAN blog reader will win the "Be You Isacord Thread Collection."  To enter to win you must leave a comment on this post (click on the red "Please Comment Here" below this post) telling us why you think you should win this incredible thread collection.

Smiles,
Kelly

Friday, April 2, 2010

Yo From Ore-Land-Oh


Yo from Ore-Land-Oh

I'm just a chilin with my hommies
(Be bop bop bop)

You know you be want'n some of da Mickey
With so many sights you just gotta be pickey

So we gonna flip on the suits
And kick back while the Mamma jams with
her hip hop crowd....be back at ya.....
(Be bop bop bop)

Ok, ok, ok....I'll stop with my really bad Rap or is it Wrap....I'm so un-hip I can't even rhyme when I want to.  With only a few hours of sleep I guess I'm not doing too bad thought!!!  LOL

For the next week IHAN CEO and her hommies are chillin and I have a fill in at the IHAN World Headquarters however orders may be delayed.  So if you want to place an order....please do so.  If your order will be delayed you will be notified.

The Giveaways will go on as usual....but this is not usual...who gives away some of the very best Quilting and Stitching supplies for an entire 30 days?  Oh that's right.....IHAN does.  IHAN rocks but we can't rap!!!

Mickey Smiles,
Kelly

Day 18 of 30 Days of Giveaways - Blue Skies Quilting and Gifts

IHAN's Anniversary Celebration
30 Days of Giveaways
Day 18 Giveaway

Five Batik Textiles Fat Quarters
from

Theresa is the owner of Blue Skies Quilting and Gifts.  She knows I love Batik and she wanted to join the big IHAN Anniversary Celebration Giveaway.  One very lucky IHAN blog reader is going to win all 5 fat quarters and have them shipped to the address of your choice. 

If you would like to be that lucky person you need to visit Blue Skies Quilting and Gifts and leave a comment on this post, telling us what specific fabric or group is your favorite!!!  To have 5 extra entries, become a Facebook fan of Blue Skies Quilting and Gifts.  I'm a fan so you'll be in very good company, if I don't say so myself (chuckles).

Thank you Blue Skies Quilting and Gifts for joining in the IHAN Anniversary Celebration!!

Smiles,
Kelly

Thursday, April 1, 2010

Day 17 of 30 Day Giveaway- Dupioni Silk from Brewer Quilting and Sewing Supplies

IHAN's Day 17 of the
30 Days of Giveaways
Anniversary Celebration

Here in Ohio....Sapphire Sea Silk Collection makes me think.......
.......ahhhhhhh Kokomo

Aruba, Jamaica ooh I wanna take ya

To Bermuda, Bahama come on pretty mama
Key Largo, Montego baby why don't we go
Jamaica
off the Florida Keys
There's a place called Kokomo
That's where you wanna go to get away from it all

The luxury of silk and the beauty of the sea....together....now that is what I call a dream come true :)  The best part is you don't have to put on a bathing suit to enjoy this Sapphire Sea.....and the crowd goes wild!!!  LOL

Blue Underground Studios have the a great pattern that is perfect for the Sapphire Sea Silk Collection:  


Don't you just want to lay on a hammock in the caribbean with this lovely silk throw draped over you?  Me too!!! 

Brewer Quilting and Sewing certainly know how to spoil a quilter don't they?  They certainly know how to spoil IHAN blog readers that is for sure!!! 

If you have not sewn with silk before you may find Shannon Gifford's article interesting.  Shannon  calls silk dupioni "the queen of fabrics" and has lots of great information in her Sewing Guides at Emma One Sock - Sewing Guides by Shannon Gifford.

Who wants to win this incredible box of Sapphire Sea Dupioni Silk?  Ouch....not so loud...everyone at once....that just hurt my ears and woke my co-workers up.   Yikes, I guess I get what I ask for ay?  Well, if you really, really, really want this box of silk....you need to leave us a comment Thanking Brewer Quilting and Sewing for being so generous AND tell us what you would do to win the Sapphire Sea Silk Collection

Smiles,
Kelly

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