Lake House Retreat Feb. 2012

LAKE HOUSE RETREAT FEB 2012 in Short Chapters

Chapter One

MJ and I arrive at the Lake House and get our things unloaded....it was only a short time later that each one of these beautiful faces began arriving.....

 Leona and Donna checking out the free fabric piles....I took 3 boxes of free fabric and I was determined not to bring one piece back home (determination smer--mination....I brought back a box of leftovers...can you believe that?)

 Philly aka Phyllis and Ruby with Bonnie her daughter

MJ succumb to participating in a Pennsylvania Block swap....lets just say MJ's favorite quilting is applique blocks....not pieced blocks.  She was pleasantly surprised how pretty this quilt turned out.  I wish  I had participated....I love those quilts.  No matter how weird the fabric (there is a Halloween spider web...black on orange) the quilt turns out beautiful when the smaller squares are neutral fabrics.  Believe it or not....the neutrals are not even the same fabric....impressive isn't it?

 Couldn't pass up taking a pix of this fun mug caddy.  Kay made one for each of us for Christmas....they are just perfect for travel.

 MJ gave a tutorial a few months back.  She taught the gals to do hand pieced Cathedral Windows and Donna brought hers to work on.  Someone you might know also learned to make Cathedral Windows and you just might see an example in a future post.

Joyce makes fleece hats for the children in the cancer ward at a PA hospital.  They keep the children's heads warm while they are going through their treatments.

 In three days, the gals made a total of 58 hats (not all shown) .....there will be some warm heads in PA :)

Ruby sleeps right next to Philly's body...yep...under the shirt!

 Sometimes a gal just needs a wee bit of a nap....then someone goes and picks on her....who would do that?  Some un-named character just so happened to mention she had not seen a woman Philly's age so pregnant....

Then her restful peace was interrupted with laughter....and there was lots of that this past weekend.

Marge working on a UFO.....all hand quilted.... 

Talk about a treasure.....

 Speaking of treasures.....Kay is hand quilting her Grandmother's Flower Garden quilt....started in 2002.

Stay tuned.....I have an appointment this morning....so I'm off...but I'll be back :)

Smiles,

Kelly

I'm Back & Announcing the Spotlight on Neutrals Winner...Finally

Remember this post?  It is hard to believe I couldn't get onto the internet long enough to announce the winner of Pat Wys wonderful book, Spotlight on Neutrals  but I couldn't until now.

.  Congratulations to the winner :  Ava K

Ava, please e-mail your full name and address to IHaveANotion@yahoo.com and I'll get your book and fat quarters in the mail to you.

All the photos from retreat are coming soon....I need to get them off the IPhone and into this computer.  After a google search of how to do this....I'll be back :)

Smiles,

Kelly

UNCLE

Remember when you were a kid and you said, Uncle...meaning I give up or I quit.  Well....this evening at 11:30 PM...after several hours invested in getting my technology to work....I am saying UNCLE.

This was the only photo that has loaded....so I'm going with the flow....LOL.  I'm not thinking there is anyone on this planet that is holding their breath to see what I'm up to....so I'm just going to enjoy reading in bed and shut this bot off.  I've heard you gotta know when to walk away...and when ya gotta run....I'm running away from this technological frustration....best yet...I'm not even gonna do spell check....oh yeah...I'm feeling the freedom now!!!

Smiles,

Kelly

Have Arrived Safely

Once again I've had some technical difficulties but I'm back on the net.  My IPhone died yesterday..out of no where...and then today it is back on.  Honestly I wonder if I have those strange hormones that has a strange effect on electronics : )

Since loading photos is taking so long...I'm just going to say I'll post later this afternoon or early evening.  I didn't forget to announce the winner for the giveaway.....I just have to get this computer to work faster here in the mountains.

Smiles,
Kelly

Packing for Retreat Follow Up

Good news...there is one among us who has a wonderful packing list that can be copied and pasted or printed so we'll all have a check list.  That one is SewCalGal!  Click HERE for the link.  If you find the list helpful be sure to leave a comment thanking SewCalGal and if there is something you think would be valuable to include on the list you can also let her know.

Still packing ...but I do have a review to post about later today...so stay tuned.

Smiles,
Kelly

Packing For Retreat

It's that time of year again!!  I'm heading to PA for the Lake House Retreat with my girlfriends and I have actually started packing....a first for me.  I typically pack the morning of or the night before...but not this time.  (I didn't say I've finished....I said I've started...big difference :)

I typically throw my clothes into a suitcase like the one above....and then pack every last thing I think I might need and typically several things I think others just might need too.  Yes...I'm nuts...but we already knew that!

How do you pack?  Are you a planner and think packing in advance is part of the fun of going to retreat or do you hate packing like I do? 

The main project I want to work on is my Hugs and Kisses Quilt that I started last year.  It is a quilt I am making for myself (can you believe I'm actually making something for myself?  That's only happened one other time...yikes!)  I love Julie Herman's pattern, Hugs and Kisses and I'm looking forward to getting back to that project.  You can see I have lots of squares finished but I need to finish them and then decide on how to put them together.

I'm wondering what everyone else packs when going to a 3 day retreat.  Of course I'll take my sewing machine in my Tutto Large Machine On Wheels bag...I love that bag for travel....but I also have the Omni Glide in Red and what I love about that case is it rolls either sideways or forward and it can go in a circle....that bag really rocks too. I am very blessed to have two bags...I use one for my machine and the other for all my supplies and notions.

I'll need a design wall of some sort....do you pack a portable design wall when you go to retreat with a large project like this?  Any tips or ideas on how to minimize what I'm taking even though I still need to visually lay out every one of my blocks?

I'll take my Scrap-Ma-Bob so I don't run the risk of spilling my water or drink on or near my work or anyone else's for that matter.  Under my pattern you can see I have my Omni Grid Cutting Mat and Ironing area....I love this for retreats....does anyone else have one and use it?  It keeps me from hopping up and down or moving between the cutting area and the pressing area.  When I get to retreat I just want to make progress on my project and not spend all my time waiting for an iron etc.

Of course my Beam N Read will go with me....that's a given.  I think I'm beginning to see why I hate packing.....I'm afraid I'll forget things.  This time I think I might get compulsive and make a retreat packing list.  Have you ever done that...or am I nuts for even thinking about making one.  There is a tab on the IHAN website that says Retreat Necessities.....but it doesn't have a quick tips list for packing. I need one of those things! If you have made one, would you be willing to share it with me?  I'm curious how other Quilters and Stitchers move about with their supplies and projects. 

You may be seeing this sign on my blog on Thursday until Monday....because I'll be off "Fishing"  LOL.  All orders received on the I Have A Notion website through tomorrow will be processed and shipped on Wednesday.  All other orders will resume shipping on Tuesday, February 7th.  I'm not sure if I'll get reception so my blog posts might have to wait until I return ....we'll see.  Just know I'll be happy as a clam and stitching up a storm!

Smiles,
Kelly

Spotlight on Neutrals by Pat Wys- Book Review & Giveaway

Winter brings out the book worm in me....and since my computer has been so ill (Geek Squad has had it for over a week now...hence my absence) I have brightened my days by reading the stack of books I got in Houston at Fall Quilt Market. While I know I'm 100% responsible for myself 100% of the time....I don't understand why on earth this book as not been put on my blog sooner.  "Pat....why didn't you kick me hard?"

Pat Wys is a lovely woman and the author of Spotlight on Neutrals and an IHAN blog reader....so I'm thinking I owe Pat a big apology for waiting until January to post my review.  I'm 100% sorry Pat....and to everyone else....waiting will certainly pay off....because I'm giving away some Neutral Fabric along with the book to make up for the delay  :) 

 Pat with her book, Spotlight on Neutrals

 With a new book about neutrals out, one might think Pat's booth is a bit....well...lets just say...not neutral!  :)  Once you know a little more about Pat Wys you'll completely understand.

"I love quilting, quilts, and most of all quilters.  Big shock!  I love every single color, including all the shades, tings, and hues within the color spectrum.  I love prints large and small, from vintage to whimsical.  My taste in color and fabric changes regularly.  Many thanks to the fabulous fabric industry for keeping it coming!  I guess you can say I'm all over the board; I don't specialize in any one area or genre, and I don't have too much trouble stepping outside the box."   Excerpt  from Spotlight on Neutrals posted with permission of the author.

Any wonder why Pat and I get along?  I feel the same way....she just put it in better words than I have :)

These quilts here are both in Pat's book and oddly enough....they are both my favorites from the book too. 
Before I move into my book review, I thought I share one more pix from Pat's Quilt Market Booth.

Pat Wys, Kelly Jackson (aka...me...) and Becky Rabalais

One of the best things about going to Market is being able to spend face time with folks that I otherwise just exchange e-mails with....face to face is soooo much nicer!!

Knowing that Pat loves all colors and hues I was surprised to see a book about neutrals.  Neutrals are definitely not my favorite and I don't know why....honestly.  After reading Spotlight on Neutrals I honestly feel differently....I have a deeper appreciation for Neutrals that I didn't have before....which is a great shift for me and my way of thinking. 

"Baby It's Cold Outside" is one of the quilts featured in Pat's book.  There are so many different things I like about this pattern.  The gray fabric of the background really gives life to the snowflakes, it grounds them and speaks of quiet cold snowflakes in a way that wouldn't be communicated on a brighter fabric.  Looking at this quilt calms me...centers me as I am in this winter season here in Ohio.  The buttons add a lot of interest as does the wide rickrack on the border. 

"Scrappy Nines" is another quilt in Spotlight on Neutrals that really grabbed me.  Adding the black fabrics with the neutrals makes this quilt visually interesting for me.  Without the black, I don't think I'd like it very much.  One of Pat's friends used this pattern to make a quilt as a wedding gift.  What an excellent idea...I would have never thought of doing that.  How many times do people get quilts as wedding gifts and never use them or their tastes change and the quilt no longer is used.  A quilt made from neutrals is timeless....genius idea! 

 I realize this is a photo of the back Pat's "Woven Pillow Sham" but I don't want to show a photo of everything....that would ruin the joy when you get your own copy.  The reason I'm including this photo in my post is because my mother sews like this....with attention to finishing details when she makes pillow shams and other home decorator items. 

Pat does an excellent job with directions and explanation in "Spotlight on Neutrals"and she also included little stories that I found interesting.  I think if we all followed Pat's instructions in the beginning of this book....we'd all be much better off....and I'm even including seasoned quilters in this generalization. 

What does Pat say? 

You'll just have to purchase a copy HERE  or  leave a comment for a chance to win an autographed copy of Spotlight on Neutrals on this blog post!!!  ( IHAN Blog Readers receive discount with coupon code: Pat Wys used at check out)

Because I waited way to long to write this post....I'm including 5 Moda Bella Solid Neutral Fat Quarters to the giveaway! 

Leave a comment on this post before Thursday February 2nd telling me what peaks your interest in this book and I'll let the mean and nasty Mr. Random Number Generator choose a winner!!

On a personal note, I think the timing of this review came at a perfect time in my life and awareness.  Neutrals and timelessness is what makes the brights so much brighter provides a restful space that is equally as beautiful and energizing in its own way.  Thank you Pat for inspiring my awareness and giving me a deeper appreciation in a Neutral way :)  LOL

Smiles,

Kelly

LUX Bar LED Task Light Follow Up & Perfect Alignment Laser (PAL) Product Review

 Before I get into my reviews, I thought I'd give you an update on the local wild life :)

 The Flamingo's were plenty warm in the recent snow and one actually was seen sledding from this miniature hill in the owners yard.  It rained yesterday...I should have run down there to see if the owners had put out enough umbrellas!!!  LOL

The LUXBAR LED Task Light I blogged about here arrived last evening.  I have had a chance to assemble the light and move it around the house a bit....I'm still very impressed with the LUXBAR Light.

Assembly is required but it was quite easy...just one screw and it was put together.

Some bloggers wanted to know how much the LUXBAR weighed so here is the skinny on it's weight:

I weighed the base and arm separately for those of you who may be interested in getting the LUXBAR Clamp Light. The arm of the LUXBAR Light weighs 11.5 oz and is approximately 19 1/4 inches long. 

The base of the light weighs 1 lb 11.2 oz and measures  apx. 5in x 7 in.

The silver knob extended out from the light is the screw that attaches the light to the base.  I left it in to show you how the light just slips onto the base.  I unscrewed the silver knob and pushed the light onto the base and re-screwed the knob and wah lah...it was put together.  The power cord, 74 inches long,  plugged into the black circle you see above the knob.   No tools required!!

The silver knob in this picture is how the LUXBAR can be adjusted by loosening and tightening that knob the light holds it's position snugly.  No bumping or moving makes the neck droop.  The LUXBAR rotates 90 degrees....basically up and down and side to side.

So I bet you are wondering how bright the lights appeared in a real house right?  This is a photo I took of the LUXBAR sitting on my kitchen table with the lights in the kitchen turned off.

I raised the head and took a photo as well....ya just never know who's going to ask for that photo so I thought I'd just beat them to the punch :) 

Then I brought the LUXBAR down to my sewing table.  Remember, I bought the one with a base and didn't get the additional clamp (yet...but I'll be getting one).  I had not really thought about using it next to my sewing machine because I have a Bendable Bright Light on my machine and it illuminates up my machine foot area wonderfully. 

A blogger friend, Perry,  wanted to see the LUXBAR demonstrated near a sewing machine so here you go :)  Above it is sitting on the base next to my current sewing machine.  My old machine has a Sew Steady Table so I also got it out and held the light arm to the acrylic table.

Above I'm holding it on the back of my Sew Steady Table and below it is in the front.

Since the arm is so light I believe it will hold onto the Sew Steady Table and not tip the table at all when I get a clamp.  You can see it does illuminate the entire sewing bed. 

 Here is  a photo of the LUXBAR sitting on top of my Sew Steady Table.  If I were just doing some piecing and wanted more light this would be just fine.  I certainly would not want it there for quilting or any large projects as it would be in the way on top of the table like this.

This light bar is what was supposed to give me some beautiful bright light....nope...after having Mr. McSteamy install this light and throwing the box away.  The only lights that can work in this light bar are not bright enough to illuminate my sewing area...and when I changed the bulbs to brighter bulbs....the light smells like something is burning.  I wish I had never bought it for this purpose in the first place.

Bottom line is I feel comfortable recommending the LUXBAR LED Task Light and I'm going to be enjoying mine.  If you are in the market for a new Task Light, I'm offering IHAN Blog Readers a special price through the end of January :) 

Many of you are into Machine Embroidery so I thought I'd add a small review of the Perfect Alighment Laser (PAL)

The PAL is a laser that assists people in centering their ME projects in the hoop.  It can also be used in beading, scrapbooking, drawing etc.

You can see the laser here...it is lined up with the centering lines on this hoop.  Now I know exactly where the center of my design needs to be.  I took the PAL with me recently and asked some experienced ME gals what they thought of the PAL.  They've been hopping for years so they didn't need any additional help in centering their designs.  I think if you are new to ME hooping and want guidance the PAL does help align your design in the center.

The PAL is also advertised as another method of sewing perfect seams.  The light can be positioned so that the laser marks the distance you want from your foot or needle and you use the laser light as a guide.

The Perfect Alighment Laser comes with 3 AAA batteries and a USB cord to plug it into your sewing machine USB

 What I think the PAL is also good when you want to embroider a name or word next to a design or on a garment pocket.  I would line up the laser and follow the horizontal line so the lettering would be straight and not slope down hill.  If you were putting a name next to a pocket for instance....you cold align the laser with a button or the edge of a pocket to be sure it comes out straight.  I hope this is all making sense....I'm certainly no expert...as you know.

This is not my embroidery piece, it was given to me by a friend.  If I wanted to go back and hoop the block and add her name I could be sure it would be placed correctly. 

I'll also embed a YouTube video here so you can see what I'm talking about.

For a video on Continuous Embroidery Alignment...you can click HERE!

I hope all of this information is helpful to some of you.  I'm off to the post office now....I'll check on the Flamingos to see how they are doing today.

Smiles,
Kelly