Miranda Stewart in Minneapolis for Spring Quilt Market

Marinda Stewart was one of the ladies I met at my first Quilt Market.  You may recall this post. 

While walking through the Windham Fabrics booth I saw the quilt below.  It grabbed my attention immediately and I walked right up to it.  I was very surprised when I saw the label below the quilt. (pictured below)  

These flowers just literally jumped off of the quilt.  Below you can see the dimension a little better.

You know I would jump at the chance to take a class with Marinda Stewart to learn to make a "Flower Vase" quilt.  I think it is just beautiful.  The fabrics are from The Gee's Bend Collection. 

In  the Michael Miller Fabrics booth here were more Marinda Stewart quilts.  Talk about incredible!!!

Antiquities Medallion

  

Close up of Antiquities Medallion

Antiquities " Send in the Crowns"

 

 Antiquities Bargello

Antiquities Ephemora

I thought Marinda's Punchneedle book was/is incredible.... and now there are these amazing quilts too.  I'm going to have to ask here what else she does. 

I'm hoping to see more of Marinda's work in Houston at the end of October.  I'm guessing after these incredible designs the fabric companies will be beating down her door to do more.  You know they won't be at my door!!!  LOL.  If they do come to my door, all they will be asking for is their semi-truck of fabric back that I hijacked :)

Wicked Smiles,

Kelly

Deluxe Rotary Cutting & Embossing Machine and Deluxe Side Winder by Simplicity Creative Group

Back to Spring Quilt Market News!!

Simplicity Creative Group has TWO new machines.  The Deluxe Rotary Cutting and Embossing Machine and the Deluxe Side Winder.

Hi Miss Mimi :)  This is Mimi Shimp and she is the Product Manager at Simplicity Creative.   You've seen Mimi here before on the IHAN blog and you'll see her again I'm sure.  I enjoy seeing Mimi at Quilt Market and getting a friendly hello and a warm hug. 

This is the NEW Deluxe Rotary Cutting and Embossing Machine by Simplicity.  I got to see it up close and personal and it is way cool! 

You can cuts strips of paper and fabric from 1/4 to 6 inches. This machine is truly Deluxe!!  It has all of the following:

•  A knob that allows you to control the speed of the machine.
• A clear cutting guide bar.
• Light turns on when machine is running and illuminates the cutting/embossing area.
• Embossing disks slip on and off as easy as the blades.
• Separate power and foot pedal cords.
• Special tool included to adjust blade pressure.  

The Deluxe Rotary Cutting and Embossing Machine  is perfect for Quilters, Scrap booking enthusiasts and those who enjoy Paper Crafting. Make your own Jelly Rolls!  You want wider strips for boarders or binding? You can adjust the width and have custom fabric strips, squares, and rectangles with ease.

I remember seeing a Side Winder for the first time.  The small ones that first came out.  For the life of me I could not figure out why someone would want one.  Then I began quilting and now doing some free motion quilting and I'm telling you I now know the value of a Side Winder! 

  

Simplicity Creative Group really has outdone themselves with the new Deluxe Side Winder.  First let me tell you it comes with a Universal Plug.  That means it will work worldwide!!!  Isn't' that great?  I wish all appliances came with a Universal Plug don't you?  Here are the other excellent features the Deluxe Side Winder has:

• 
  
  Interchangeable bobbin spindles to fit all makes and models of sewing, embroidery and long arm quilting machines.
• 
  
  Winds spools to cones up to 12,000 yards.
• 
  
  Has storage compartments in the lid to hold bobbins or spools of thread.
• 
  
  Offers a telescoping guide that adjusts to different heights of thread spools.
• 
  
  Enjoy a thread cutter, bobbin fill control and a speed control knob.
• 
  
  Adjust the tension knob to accommodate a variety of thread weights.

Now that I've tried my hand at long arm quilting and I see how many bobbins you go through, I'm thinking the Deluxe Side Winder is a great invention!!  I don't have an Embroidery Machine but I know several people who do have them and they are always winding their bobbins too. 

Keep your eyes out for the Great Banana Quilt Challenge coming in 2011.  As soon as there is more information available I'll be sure to post it. 

Thank you Simplicity for continuing to work to bring the rest of us great notions to make sewing and quilting more enjoyable!!  Oh yeah, thank you too for being so wise to have Mimi working for you!!!  IHAN loves great people to work with and learn from :)

Smiles,

Kelly

"It's All About You Cupcake"

The theme of our meeting last night for the Needle Arts Guild of Toledo was "It's All About You Cupcake."  Karlyn, below, coordinated the entire event and it sure was a ball. 

We even had a cupcake tower and this beautiful cupcake cake to enjoy for our meeting.

Those who chose to made Cupcake Pincushions to enter into a contest. We only had 8 or months to make the cupcakes but I waited until yesterday to make mine (perhaps I just wanted a fresh cupcake?). I had thought about it several times but the word "contest" really threw me off.  The ladies that belong to this guild are very talented in my opinion.  I have no intent to ever enter into a "contest" with any of them, ever!!!  So I decided instead of participating in the "contest" part mentally....I switched it to a challenge to make a cupcake that I would enjoy looking at and using as a pincushion.  Can you guess which one was mine?

Jenna Morlock was the speaker at our meeting last night.  She is the same gal who spoke at the Wood County Fair last week.   As you can see by her smile she is a fun person to talk to and hear speak.

Last night she shared her love of making ATC's and Fabric Postcards as well as her on-line quilting class.  I really enjoyed looking at the collection she brought with her.  Some were thread painted, needle felted, stamps on cloth, painted and most were embellished with almost everything you can think of.

 

This Morning:

Dale is a friend who owns her own longarm quilting machine and she has offered to let others use it.  With Dale's help and encouragement, here I am actually using a longarm quilting machine.  Not pretending to use one, actually using one :)

 

I followed a pantograph and actually really enjoyed myself.  Prior to today I had touched one and moved it's handles but never really used one. It was such a good time and I am so pleased with how the quilt turned out.  I began to relax a bit and found it easier to move once I was actually breathing in and out...LOL.  I thought I would never want a longarm quilting machine.....I may have to eat my words....I think I want one now.  Of course I'll have to practice some more and learn more, but for today.....I'm one happy camper!!

Time to get that binding on so I can put it in the mail.

Smiles,
Kelly

No Defibrillator Needed :)

I know many of you by now are thinking I may be needing CPR or Defibrillation....no resuscitation needed :)  I'm around and kicking.  I'll be able to post later today....but for now all I can say is....I made my first cupcake pincushion yesterday and I love it, the Simply Sublime Gifts arrived.....EXCELLENT book....no embellishments needed.....just a fantastic book.  No, I don't know Jodi Kahn so my thoughts are not premeditated...LOL  I'm off this morning to use a long arm quilting machine for the "real" first time.  As Aronld says, "I'll be back."

I feel like I'm working on Pat Sloan's schedule now....productive hyper-speed with roller skates. 
Smiles,
Kelly

Mail Treasures

Lauren, the mail carrier,  has been good to me, really good to me this weekend!!!  Look at this amazing hand dyed batik table runner that was made by Abigale in Kenya.  Rosemary sent it to me as a thank you for helping her raise the money necessary to take the Nolting Mid-Arm quilting machine to Africa several weeks ago. 

Look at these batiks.  They are absolutely lovely and I am so awed that I can't stop touching the table runner.  I'm afraid my co-workers would not have the same reverence for this gift so I'm going to ask Mr. McSteamy to make a special wall hanger so I can hang it on the wall.

It is 5 feet 10 inches long too.  Every time I touch it....I think about it being made in Kenya and know I'm a little closer to Africa and my dream of visiting.  I am so moved by the gift, Thank You Rosemary!!! I am also  moved by the process by which this treasure has arrived here in my home.  The "chance" meeting and the "chance" phone call.....my exhaustion and hesitation at doing "one more thing" and then at night thinking about the women who have learned to sew so they can feed their families and care for themselves. 

The gift of sharing a skill, the gift of friendship, connection to those near and far......extending the human chain of kindness, compassion and willingness.....a Quilters Dream.....and the grace by which all of these amazing events have given me a gift.....I live for experiences just like this one....this is what nourishes my soul and gives me hope and joy.  (the entire process....not the material gift itself)

I thank everyone who contributed and you all know who you are.....it is only because of your care, concern and generosity that I was able to be a link in the chain....we all made the chain and I hope your lives are touched by what we were all able to accomplish together!!

Two packages arrived......this one was full of some fun fabric from Linda Poole.  

 

I know I'm busy and I don't know weather to wind my butt or scratch my watch ....however, I had to  squeeze in this one little project because I believe it will help keep me centered in doing what I love and also allow me to nourish myself by accomplishing one of my goals.  You may have noticed the button on the right sidebar of my blog that says, "My Plan For Self Care."  I'm making a quilt for me!!!  I have wanted something to put in my screened in porch that is colorful and bright that enhances the feeling of being outdoors.  What better challenge than to make one with Linda's new "Iridescence" fabric line.  If you have not joined in the challenge.....I'm inviting you to join me....together we can encourage one another to finish our projects and take better care of ourselves :)

I have to get off of this bot and get over to my serger to serge the edges of this fabric so I can wash it.  Before I go, I want to know if anyone is considering the Electric Quilt Cruise?  I can't make plans to go unless I know I'll have some cronies with me.....so if you are even thinking of going please e-mail me, IHaveANotion@yahoo.com 

Joyful Smiles,

Kelly

SIMPLY SUBLIME GIFTS by Jodi Kahn Will Be Released Tomorrow!!!

AUGUST 10, 2010

the release of

Simply Sublime GIFTS

by Jodi Kahn

Random House says, Simply Sublime Gifts offers more than thirty fun and imaginative gift ideas to make quickly, inexpensively, and with little to no sewing using clever short-cuts and inventive techniques. You’ll find a well of inspiration for any occasion, including Handy Hand Towels for hostess gifts, fancy Fabric Bangles for her, Tailor-Made photo frames for him, charm necklaces, holiday ornaments, and more. Accompanying eye-catching gift-wrap ideas are sure to complete the perfect present for everyone on your gift list.


With projects that are a snap for beginners—and that provide a fun challenge for experienced crafters—Simply Sublime Gifts is loaded with hints, tips, and tricks of the crafting trade. Many of the gifts are also made from accessible, recycled, or repurposed materials, like the kitschy, cool Wonder-ful Apron created with iconic Wonder Bread® wrappers! Kids, family, teachers, and friends will love the customizable treasures found in this book, and you’ll love giving gifts that are special and meaningful, original and personal.

With author Jodi Kahn’s clear instructions and step-by-step illustrations, in less than a day you’re on your way to creating a gift that is simply sublime.
 
IHAN says, HOT DIGGIDY DOG DIGGIDY!!!   Because a little birdie has told me that I will be getting to review this exciting book and I'm thrilled  Just in time for the holidays too!!!  I'll let everyone know just as soon as it arrives and I'll give you the IHAN scoop!!!
 
Do you remember Jodi's last book, Simply Sublime Bags?
 

Jodi showed us how to make really nice up-scale hand bags so I know her new book, Simply Sublime GIFTS has to be a good one.  I think I'll wait for the mail carrier tomorrow, just in case!! :)

 

 
Anticipatory Smiles,
Kelly

Pat Sloan's Quilt The Seasons Book 2 Giveaway Winner Announced

Someone has been busy lately!!!!  I apologize for not announcing the winner of Quilt The Seasons Book 2 by Pat Sloan.  The random number generator chose number 9 and the winner is Sherry from Keep You In Stitches Blogspot.  Congratulations Sherry!!!  Please send an e-mail to IHaveANotion@yahoo.com and let me know what your shipping address is.  I will have the book in the mail first thing tomorrow morning.

Thank you for reading the IHAN blog and leaving comments.  There are many more books and fun things from Quilt Market to be given away here so stay tuned :)

Smiles,

Kelly

Quilt Day at the Wood County Fair Update

When I was asked to do a Notions presentation at the County Fair I had no idea what that really meant. I agreed to do it to help out. Afterwards I learned there would be a stage and a microphone. Oh geez, I'm not a professional speaker and I thought I had made a mistake. Then I figured I'd just be myself and fly by the seat of my pants they could only ask me to leave right?

It was very hot and they only had fans going in the Annex Building.  I was dripping as I stood and spoke to the ladies who had gathered.

 

This is me setting up.  I was just getting my supplies out and on the table here.  I was nervous and my hands were shaking a bit.

 

This was my table after I got it set up.  I demonstrated the products I use most often and really like.

This was the audience before I started.  I figured I'd better get a photo since it was the first time I'd given a Notions lecture.  Just as I was introduced I looked up and this is what I saw:

 

I don't know who was behind the signs, but I can tell you for sure my heart was deeply touched.  This experience will stand out in my memory for the rest of my life.  I only have a few experiences that I hold near and dear to my heart, peak experiences with people, and this was sure one of them.  Thank you so very much to all of you who supported me.  I still can't believe it. 

 

Ok, it was so exciting I put in two photos, I had to have the gals do another showing of the signs.  Wow, what a gift.

Afterwards people asked me how it went.  My reply: No one left and no one said booooo so I guess it went well.  Not everything went smoothly and that is OK.  I didn't wet my pants but I suppose if I had it would not be the end of the world.  Thank You Janette Willman for inviting me and all the wonderful women from the Extension Office who unloaded my van with lightening speed and helped me set up my displays.  Thank you Joan Edwards for your help and for taking some photos for me.  Of course special Thanks and Hugs to all of you who held up the "Kelly" signs.....you rock big IHAN socks!!!

After I spoke then Jenny Morlock, QuiltCrazyGalJennaLouise blog)  spoke about Artist Trading Cards and Post Cards.  She is the Youth Development Director for the 4-H program.  Many of the quilts displayed at Quilt Day were quilts that the 4-H Quilters were donating to charity. 

I just love the Artist Trading Cards and the Post Cards.  I have one ATC and three Post Cards.  I guess if I want more I better make more.

By the way, I heard about a fun contest that I decided to do and I thought I'd invite anyone interested to join me.  I loved Linda Poole's class on Bended Bias Applique so when I heard she was doing a contest I knew it was something I could manage.....if you know what I mean :)  Join me, it will be fun.  Just click on the link on the left sidebar of the IHAN blog. 

What's New in Notions?

Quilt Day at the Wood County Fair, Bowling Green OH

Inquiring Minds Want to Know!!

If you really want to know, you'll have to come to the Wood County Fair today at 2:00.  IHAN was invited to do a Notions Demo. I'm going to have a stage and everything.....yikes....do these folks know how tall I already am?  I can't believe they want to give me a microphone and have me stand on a stage.

Apparently no one told them I'm really just a Chicken Chaser...LOL

Hope to see you there.

Smiles, Kelly

PS: No I did not forget about the Amy Butler Giveaway....Congratulations Sheila, you are the winner of the Amy Butler Gift Package!!  Please e-mail me at IHaveANotion@yahoo.com to claim your prize.

Bosal - Their new Premium Batting at Spring Quilt Market 2010

At the Northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail stands the Mount Katahdin, the highest peak in the Sate of Maine. In the native Penobscot Indian language "katahdin" means "The Greatest Mountain".

Like Mount Katahdin, we believe you will find our Katahdin Premium Batting to be the greatest, highest quality quilt batting available today.

(copied from the Bosal website)
I just had to include that because I had no idea what Katahdin referred to.  I knew I liked the name but had never heard of this Mountain in Maine.  I love the name don't you?  Wish I had thought of it.

I discovered a new Premium Quilt Batting by the Bosal Company.  Katahdin Premium Quilt Batting is VERY NICE.   Do you know how I know?  I was given some samples while at Quilt Market and believe it or not, I kept them :)  Yes, something for myself .  I used it on my Heart wall hanging and I'm telling you it was wonderful.  I am saving my other pieces to use with my other UFO's. 

I had the opportunity to meet both Drew Serbin (Director of Operations) and Rolando Berdion (Director of Sales) while at Quilt Market.  They were great guys to chat with and very kind to show me the three new battings and give me some samples too.  Little prizes are always nice :)

I'm posting these photos so folks know what their booth looked like at Market.  

There are three Katahdin  lines, Summer, Winter, and Autumn and all Made in the USA.  They are 100% with no scrims or resins used.   There is no preshrinking required.

The Katahdin Summer Batting is a Lightweight 100% Cotton batting that is great for hand-quilting. 

The Katahdin Autumn Batting is a Midweight 100% Cotton batting. It is great for hand or machine quilting.  

The Katahdin Winter Batting is a Midweight 100% Polyester batting.  It is a soft and luxurious microfiber. Excellent for hand quilting, machine quilting and crafts. No resins, glues or binders.

You can also read all about the Katahdin Premium Batting on the Bosal Website by clicking here.

I have to say I'm a little concerned about Drew and Rolando's thinking.  I was there at the end and helped Patsy Thompson load a few things and Drew and Rolando were still taking down their displays.  I offered to help them and they said no.  Who in their right mind would turn down free help?  Maybe they saw me on the Aurifil forklift and they knew they might be in trouble!!

Smiles,
Kelly
PS.  A little birdie told me about a new and exciting Bosal product that will be shown at the Fall Quilt Market in Houston.....oh this is going to be a good one....stay tuned.  I'll only tell if you buy me the land in PA that I want and put only my name on the deed.....then I'll squeal :)

Electric Quilt Cruise....Oh Yeah!!!

Honestly when I got this notice in an e-mail a few minutes ago, I thought to myself, what a wonderful opportunity and a great way to get together with blogging friends.  I think we should all consider going!!

The Electric Quilt Company's e-mail included the link for more information.  If you want to see it, CLICK HERE.

While I'm on the subject of The Electric Quilt Company, did you know they added Video Demo's for the EQ7?  Well they did and all you have to do to see them is Click Here.

If you're thinking of signing up for this late January cruise, now's the time. Really. The cruise is filling up, and we want to save room for you! Sign up now to join us on a 10 Day / 9 Night Caribbean Cruise - January 28-February 6, 2011. You'll have sun and EQ fun with top-notch teachers Barb Vlack & Mary Ellen Kranz. Come home knowing more about EQ7 and with small sewn projects featuring your own cruise photos. BONUS: You'll learn how easy it is to take better vacation (and quilt) photos with one of the quilt world's best photographers and teachers, Gregory Case.   To check out all the details, click here on EQ Cruise.   (copied with permission from The Electric Quilt Company)

Smiles,

Kelly

Pat Sloan and The Edge in Minneapolis Spring Quilt Market 2010

This is Pat Sloan, as if I even needed to tell you her name.  By the way, if you do not know who Pat Sloan is, I'm sorry to say you just might need to get out a little more....just a wee bit :)  Pat was autographing her book, "Quilt the Seasons" at the Checker Distributors Booth at Quilt Market.  It is tough pulling myself away from the Checker Distributors Authors stand.  I'm always there ready to hear their guests talk about the latest products and books.  I'm actually thinking of wearing a disguise in Houston for Fall Quilt Market so they won't tire of me...LOL.

Quilt the Seasons is a wonderful book with so many great projects that your home is guaranteed to be festive for all seasons.  The list of projects include quilts, table toppers, and wall hangings but we all know the patterns can be used for any project from Seasonal Clothing to Scrapbook page designs.  (I love using the fun designs for page layouts when Scrapbooking....it gives new meaning to paper piecing!!)

Pat was one very busy woman at Quilt Market.  Not only was she autographing her book but she was also lecturing about The Cutting EDGE rulers and Rotary Cutter from Sullivans.  The lecture was great and I was thrilled to be getting so many photos.  All of which had Pat with her mouth open or sideways as she lectured.  So here are the photos I took that explains how Sullivans has an EDGE on quilting rulers.

All of The Cutting Edge rulers have a diamond carbide EDGE (650 grit...as if I know what that means:) that keeps your rotary blade sharp while you work.

 

Each person who attended the lecture received a.....well....a business card....as a promissory note to get a ruler to demo at their shops.  Unfortunately by the time I got to their booth to turn in my promissory note all of the rulers were gone.  I was able to use The Cutting Edge Rulers and Rotary Cutter at their booth.  Definitely innovative in the age of conservation.  Longer lasting rotary blades is definitely an excellent way to save more money in the long run.

Sullivans USA has all the information about their rulers right on their website.  Click here for more information.  One of the "frustrating" things about going to Market is almost everything that is shown is on it's way to market and not always available to order.  I Have A Notion will carry the rulers just as soon as they become available....and I hear that will be soon!!!

 

Although Pat is working her bootay' off while at Market she was kind enough to pose for a photo with me. I honestly have no idea how Pat Sloan manages to publish books & patterns, participate in Twitter, Facebook, Blogging, and maintain a website, host Creative Talk Radio....oh yeah....did I mention she also has this thread kit and this thread kit with Aurifil?  I would need roller skates to keep up with her....and a full time staff with two nannies too!!

I'm sure you all know that I took good care of you....yes I got an Autographed copy of Quilt the Seasons Book 2 by Pat Sloan.  Although it is killing me to give it away, I know it will go to a good home.  Will it be your home?  Will your Seasons be festive?  We'll find out on the evening of Friday Aug. 6th.  Just leave a comment telling me what adding some Seasonal fun projects to your home will mean to you.  Non-replay bloggers need to leave their e-mail address to qualify.

Smiles,

Kelly