Alex Anderson's Essential Sewing Tool

Penny Haren from Checker Distributors has written an excellent review of this new tool.

Alex Anderson’s 4-in-1 Essential Sewing Tool will begin to be shipped to stores
the middle of August so place your orders now. This notion is carved from maple
and includes a seam ripper, a stiletto, a presser and a turner. This is an
heirloom quality notion that every quilter will love - and the perfect gift.

It is designed to lay flat on your work surface and will not roll off of the
counter or table at any time. Alex has thought of everything! This notion should
be in every quilter’s stocking this season!

They are now available at I Have A Notion for 16.99. Woooo Hoooo....time to get one for yourself and one for your best stitching friend. Booo Hooooo I just learned they won't be available until Sept. Anyone friends with Alex? Maybe she'd ship us some sooner :) We can always hope, right?

Smiles, Kelly

Easy Reach Thread Carousel

I forgot to post pictures of my Easy Reach Thread Carousel after it was filled. Here it is....isn't it beautiful? I just love it. It saved me two wall racks worth of space. Also two acrylic boxes that held my bobbins. Huge space saver and very convenient to keep near my machine. These are fine heirloom quality thread carousels and I feel very lucky to have one.

Virginia Lauer is the inventor of the Thread Carousel. She is such a dear and sweet woman. I am very lucky to have met her. Her Thread Carousels will be featured in some big magazines soon....so keep your eyes out. I'm not sure I'm allowed to say just yet....so that's all I'll say for now :)

Smiles,

Kelly

A Zillion Uses for WD40

(Edited 7/24/09) See Bold type below.

I received several e-mails asking how I knew what to use to get the red crayon out. To be honest, I really didn't know what to use exactly. I did have the De-Solv-It in the laundry room. I've used it for lots of things before. Then I just remembered WD40 has a Zillion (yes I'm exaggerating.....do you think someone can count to a zillion?) uses so I just gave it a try. I didn't have much to loose at that point....other than my sanity and that was already long gone!!!

This is only a partial list. Click here for more.

•Prevents rust on tripods
•Removes gaff tape
•Removes old cellophane tape
•Removes ink from blue jeans
•Keeps sewing needles from rusting
•Cleans metal figurines
•Cleans piano keys
•Adds moisture to and preserves ivory and bone items
•Shines mother-of-pearl accessories
•Removes glue from carpet
•Keeps curling iron from sticking to plastic crafts
•Spray sewing thread to prevent breakage
•Removes rubber cement
•Removes glue from paneling
•Removes adhesives from sewing machines
•Removes stickers from guitars
•Spray on hands before using heavy adhesives to prevent sticking
•Removes rubber cement from clothing
•Protects metal bars on glockenspiels (without google...or any other resource...does anyone know what a glockenspiel is?)
•Cleans Hemming dies
•Prevents rust on jewelry forging blocks
•Protects DJ components from rusting
•Coat electric guitar pickups to prevent rusting
•Cleans synthesizer keys
•Coat collectible metal toys before storing to prevent tarnishing and corrosion
•Removes stickers from piano keys
•Protects antique toys
•Cleans potentiometers on guitar amplifier
•Cleans and protects collectible cans
•Cleans glue from antique bottles
•Cleans old coins
•Cleans microphone cables after rental
•Cleans and protects chrome on bass guitars
•Removes ink from hands (Edit: Not for Kelly Jackson...see post of 7/24/09)
•Cleans electrical contacts on slot racing cars
•Shines doll shoes
•Gets glue stains out of jeans
•Cleans piston valves on horns and tubas
•Keeps clay from sticking to molds during crafting
•Removes play-dough from hair
•Removes stickers from Hummel figures
•Cleans antique guns
•Shines seashells
•Helps lubricate fretboard on guitars
•Keeps flight controls for model aircraft in working order
•Prevents detail from sticking to cast material in resin-kit model production
•Gives a great shine to flat surfaces for stock photography
•Removes duct tape
•Helps hone stones
•Polishes seashells
•Cleans ostrich eggs for craft use (Now ya know I really need WD40 for this!!!)
•Gives virtual rocks a clean shine (Is this a joke? I did not write this....HONEST)
•Keeps model trains rust-free
•Drives out hard to remove debris from rock samples
•Protects HAM radio antennas from moisture
•Cleans tin-plated parts on model trains
•Keeps moisture and corrosion from building on the control cables of model airplanes
•Use the WD-40 Smart Straw to help clean frets on guitars and prevent strings from rusting
•Keeps trigger on glue gun from sticking
•Lubricates needles on knitting machine
•Penetrates stuck walking foot on sewing machines
•Lubricates piano lid hinges
•Lubricates air nozzle of balloon pump
•Lubricates piano leg casters
•Lubricates tuning mechanisms on graphic equalizers
•Frees up stuck keys on organ
•Lubricates gear trains on servo motors
•Lubricates bass drum and high hat pedals
•Lubricates and improves electrical contacts on model train tracks
•Lubricates antique toy trains
•Lubricates end pins on cellos
•Lubricates stuck parts on vintage 8 mm film projectors
•Unsticks piano keys
•Stops knitting machines from binding
•Lubricates latches on saxophone case
•Loosens end joints on flute
•Lubricates crank motors on antique mechanical phonographs
•Unsticks keys on baritone horns
•Soak clarinet joints to loosen pins for easy dis assembly
•Lubricates soap box derby wheel bearings and spindles
•Lubricates piano hammer action in pianos
•Lubricates guitar case latches
•Lubricates flute joints and screws
•Lubricates rotors on French horns
•Lubricates wheels on tuba case
•Lubricates tuba valves
•Frees stuck slides on brass instruments
•Lubricates landing gear on model airplanes
•Lubricates tuning gears on guitars
•Lubricates robot joints
•Loosens arm and leg joints on porcelain dolls
•Lubricates valves on peck horns
•Lubricates model airplane linkages
•Lubricates joints of artist’s easel
•Lubricates craft punches
•Lubricates "fine tuner" screw on stringed instruments
•Keeps the throttle cable on my model airplane working smoothly
•Use the No-Mess Pen to lubricate the area under the hook of a sewing machine
•Makes rusty piano strings pliable again

I am so glad they did not write me and ask me to compile a list for them. I'd be very busy for a very long time. Before I finished I bet I'd be looking at lots of wrinkly Tattoos and listening to the golden oldies (Rap Music).

Smiles,
Kelly

Oh My....I never thought about this...SCARY

RUN FOR THE HILLS!!!
Kelly

Much Better Day

This is the inside of my dryer today :) It is spanky clean.

What pray tell allowed this miracle to occur, you may ask. First I used De-Solv-It to wipe out the dryer. Afterwards I cleaned the dryer with Dawn dish soap and water on a cloth. Nice and clean. Then I turned the dryer on high and ran it for 20 minutes with a white cloth inside. When I opened the dryer I found only two small areas to clean.

Then I took the WD 40 and sprayed all the clothing that were red streaked. I re-washed the clothing on the hottest cycle. That took out most of the red crayon. There were small red areas on a few things so tonight I got Spray and Wash and it is all out. Can you believe it? I'm so glad my mother did not shoot me....I would not have been able to enjoy a clean dryer. Oh the joy I would be missing. ROFL

I was so over tired yesterday. I finally got into bed and went sound asleep. Then in the middle of the night I heard this faint crying. I checked the boys, they were fine. I checked all the TV sets and the radios. They were all turned off. Then I figured it must be a toy in the basement so I went down there. Nope. Hmmmmm.....when I came back upstairs I passed my purse on the kitchen counter. That is where the sound was coming from. I opened it up and in my wallet I found my credit card.....it had been so badly abused during the past week it was whimpering and crying. Guess a wedding will do that!!!

Got Ya!!!

Smirky Smiles,

Devilish Kelly

More Retro Aprons by Cindy Taylor Oates

This is the best photo I have right now of Megan in her apron. She really liked it. I heard several people say they wanted one too.

This is the pattern I used to make her apron. Isn't it sooooo cute? I had to change threads and feet a few times but it was well worth it. Cindy Taylor Oates has other very cute designs on her blog. You'll have to check them out. I used batik fabric. Because there is no right and wrong side to the fabric it made the pattern a zip for me to follow. I don't sew from clothing patterns very much so I have to depend on my Mother or friends to help me when I get stuck.

Today I hit the ground running...literally. VBS started this morning for the boys. It was 8:30 when my eyes popped open. I had slept through my alarm. Guess I was pretty tired ay? So off we go to VBS and we arrive on time. Score a point for the Jacksons :)

Then I rush back home to unload suitcases and sort the laundry. I put a load in and quickly answered some e-mails. I unloaded the dishwasher and swept the kitchen floor. Called to re-schedule a Dr. apt (the only time they had available was 1:00 today).

The doctor was one hour behind. Two hungry boys were very difficult to keep quiet and peaceful for an hour. So my nerves were pretty much shot by 2:00 when we got out of there. Then over to McDonald to get them something to eat....it had been torn down....in the past week. Now please....this building was just fine. Who has the money to just tear down a perfectly good building just to update the place? (don't answer that....we know....got to keep up with BK I guess). So I hit the Wendy's all the while the boys are very upset that their McDonald had been torn down. Lovely!!!

I get their lunches and open them and give them their lovely "fast food/unhealthy" lunch. Then I drive over to the recycle center to make perfect use of my time while they eat. I get my box tops off the cardboard cartons and my extra coupons from the newspaper bin. That takes all of 12 minutes.

I head for the freeway to come home when I remember the Eye Glass shop had phoned while we were away and my glasses are ready. We quickly get my glasses and arrive home at 4:00. The boys were whipped out and I was whipped out squared. I guess that would be WO2.....or something like that!! Could have been cubed I was so zombified.

I got the boys down for a nap and returned to the laundry. What do I find?

Oh NO!!! .....please, please, please don't let this be happening to me.

This is a picture of Rick's shorts. I bought these for his birthday. Know what that is in his pocket? Lipstick....no....that might have been a relief.....then I would have made him clean it up or his girlfriend. LOL ... This is a red crayon that Rick put in his pocket while out for breakfast with the boys on Sunday morning. Yes it went through the dryer and yes the load was full. The beautiful shirts we got the boys for the wedding, new socks, shirts, pajamas, pants, underwear, oh yes....all with red crayon. The dryer was covered. While my head was inside the dryer so I could see every area I needed to clean, I was thinking to myself.....don't sweat the small stuff.....this is just another adventure.....look at the bright side......it could have been worse.....then I called my Mother and begged her to shoot me. No go.....so I cleaned it up and I'm still washing the clothes to see if the rest comes out.

Crooked Smiles,

Kelly

Wedding Photos

We are home safe and sound. Before I hit the hay I just had to post a few pictures to share. I have not gone through all of the pictures yet. After all this nutcase had two cameras and a video camera (and it takes pix too!!!). Rest assured I was not going to miss a picture if I could help it :)

Let me introduce Cody and Megan Ricks

On their way to the reception

Krista my oldest step-daughter




Maddy my youngest step-daughter

I can brag about their beauty and intelligence because I didn't give birth to them. Everyone thinks....well, every Mom thinks their children are beautiful. But I'm not birth mom so I can say Rick and Susan sure did have three amazing girls and I'm so lucky that they share them with me.....I'm very blessed indeed :)

Good Morning to some and Good Night to others :)

Kelly

Dear Jane quilt completed in two weeks?

Yes....I'm kidding. No one could complete a Dear Jane quilt in a few weeks. Or could they? Can you believe this "convenience cloth" Dear Jane??? A woman from the Black Swamp Quilters brought this in to show the rest of us gals. Now.....I think that there Dear Jane quilt my kind of Dear Jane!!! Just sandwich and stitch around the pieces....from a distance no one will know the difference.

I can just hear the booing and hissing from all my Dear Jane enthusiasts friends. Its like thinking you've been to Paris if you've watched a movie filmed in Paris....ain't no comparison!!! But that may be the only way I ever get a Dear Jane quilt.

Smiles,
Kelly

Purses by Kathleen Plumley

Look at these beautiful purses (and the young lady too of course). When I was at Needles in Wellsboro I found these great purses made by Kathleen Plumley. The quality of her work is really terrific. Her prices are really reasonable especially for the quality. I bought the pastel one for the girl next door (she watered our garden and flowers while we were gone) and the black one is for myself :)

I called Kathleen to tell her how much I liked her work. I asked if I could post pictures and share her information. She said that would be fine. So here goes: Purses by Kathleen Plumley, e-mail KPlumley@PTD.Net and she accepts custom orders too!!!

Next time you are in Wellsboro you need to stop at Needles and check out Kathleen's purses. You won't be able to help but notice all the lovely fabrics there too!!! That is where I got my fabric for my daughter's apron. Just tell Katie and Mary that Kelly sent ya and give them both a big hug from me :)

Kelly

Black Swamp Quilt Guild Meets Again

I am now a member of the Black Swamp Quilt Guild in BG, OH. I really like the enthusiasm of this group. I invited my neighbor and fellow quilter, Rosemary, to go with me. She knew several people and also really enjoyed the great company.

One of the members brought several boxes of fabric and notions to give away. The tables were full and overflowing. They were from a woman who had passed away. Everyone knows I don't need one more thing.....even if it is free.....but.....my alter personality took over and picked up a few things. I have no idea what I'm going to do with these but I just liked them.

This brings me to another thought. When am I going to have a little more time to play with my lovely things? The boys will be in school in Sept. I hope I get a few hours here and there to get back to making some fun things. I really liked making the apron. Thankfully my Mom was here to guide me when I got lost.

Another thought.....what in the world am I going to do with all the things I want to make? I have a list so long I could give everyone in our town a gift. Guess I better get focused ay?

Smiles,

Kelly

Winner Alert.....

I have won my first blog giveaway!!! One of my friends e-mailed me to say I had won. I checked it out....and I sure am the winner. I'm speechless.....especially after what I pre-posted to my blog. Everyone will be rolling their eyes after my blog posts while I'm out of town. Thank you to Marguerite for the nice e-mail :)

It was the drawing with the wonderful opportunity. I won a jelly roll and a pattern at Green Fairy Quilts blogspot.

Candy kisses.....how ironic.....you'll know what I mean in a few posts.

I was drawn to the opportunity because 100% of the monies collected goes to feed people in Romania. If you've ever seen any television programs on the homeless children you will know why I donated to this cause. I once saw one of these on televison and I had to stop watching TV for months. I cried so hard I threw up. I can't stand the suffering of children. So if you are so moved to donate (she said even 1.00 will help quite a bit) you know your money did not go to postage to send fliers requesting money or to someone's airfare etc.

Just an FYI....I have no affiliation to Green Fairy Quilts and I've never met the owner. I was just moved and a trusted friend said the charity was legitimate. Typically I don't tell people who I donate money to but I thought this was a grass roots way of getting something meaningfull done.

Smiles,

Kelly

3.00 Shirts Revealed and Apron & Dishcloths

Shirts number 2, 5 & 6 were all 3.00 from the Goodwill on Reynolds Rd!!! Can you believe it? I love them. I also got a Evan Picone (sp?) outfit for 4.00. I could have worn that to the wedding but Rick did not like that the top matched the Capri pants. It is beautiful however :)

OK, on to the wedding shower. I was asked to bring an apron and tea towels for a gift basket (and our gifts of course). So I made this apron and then I put binding around two tea towels so they would match the apron. I really like the apron (pix is a little blurry...and I'm not saying who that 6 foot 5 model was) but it really took much longer than I expected. I really like the quality of the tea towels. I'm going to add them to my website when I get back. What I would do differently next time is make the binding wider. An applique would have been very pretty too.....but time has run out...for today anyway.

So, what do you think? Let me know. I may not be able to moderate comments for a few days....but I'm interested in hearing what everyone thinks.

Smiles,

Kelly

Lurking in the mist

For everyone who is lurking in the mist....please add yourself as a follower on my blog. It is painless and free. Just click on the follow button. Go ahead....it is calorie free too :) But you know what? No chocolate bars fly out of your printer when you do this.... :( that sure would be cool ay? I would want Twix bars flying out of my printer and lots of them.

Devilish Smiles,

Kelly

Who Knows?

By now you all know how thrifty I am. I get a thrill out of saving money. Something great for nothing is my idea of a great day shopping. I have lots of those stories....for later.

How many of you can tell the 35.00 shirts or more from the 3.00 shirts? I bought all of these shirts on the same day. Can you tell which cost $3.00 and which were 35.00 or more? Come on now....just take a guess.

Number 1

Number 2

Number 3

Number 4

Number 5

Number 6

Smiles,

Kelly

Tomorrow I'm hoping to post the apron and tea towels...and pot holders if I'm assured none of the girls are reading my blog.....secrets are fun :)

Replacement blades for the Rotary Cutting Machine by Simplicity

Replacement blades for the rotary cutters are due out in Sept.

(Juanita, you need to leave your e-mail address for me to reply.)

I hope this clears things up for everyone :)
Kelly

Giveaway Alert and Opportunity Too :)

Hurry over to Green Fairy Quilts Blogspot. I was tipped off about a giveaway....a great giveaway....but a much better opportunity. You'll have to check it out for yourself. Please come back and let me know your thoughts :)

On a different note altogether, my step-daughter is getting married next Saturday. I need help choosing outfits. It is a beach wedding. Which outfit do you think would be best? The white skirt is linen. The other skirt is cotton. I just ordered white sandals to go with either.....when you wear a size 12 its tough to get shoes near home. It also makes it tough when you have to put your foot in your mouth!!!


Her mother and father will be walking her down the isle. I'll probably be taking pictures or video all while making sure the two little monkeys behave themselves :) I'm not part of the wedding party so I don't really need anything more "formal" than these two outfits.

Please leave me a comment or e-mail letting me know which outfit you think would be best.....I need some help here :)

Smiles,
Kelly

Other fun in PA

We really enjoy being at our "house cabin" as the boys call it. There is no electricity and no running water. Rick, his brother and father built the cabin in 1983 from the wood that was on the land there. Critters seem to snuggle in during the winter. I always find some evidence of them here or there. This year we stopped with the hospitality and got rid of anything that they could make a bed out of.....they are sleeping on the floor now!!!!

I see so many beautiful pictures of nature so I tried my hand (camera) at some nature photography. I really like the macro pictures people take....but I don't know how to do that yet....I'll learn one day :) I hope you enjoy the little snippets of the beauty around the "house cabin."

The boys and I sat on the dock (sitting on the dock of the bay watching the clouds roll away.... ... a little background music for ya) throwing sticks and rocks into the water one afternoon. The water was cool and the air calm.....a lovely way to spend some of our summer vacation. Hmmm, I love those times....relaxing and the boys are enjoying the simple things in life.

Ahhhhhh what a great memory :)

Smiles, Kelly

Bias Tape Maker Machine by Simplicity

73.99 will get you a quick and easy way to make your bias tape and quilt bindings too (the tips for the binding will be available in Aug.) Retail is 99.99.

The Bias Tape Maker Machine by Simplicity had been a huge seller for me. Perhaps because I have shown the blog readers how it works and that it indeed does work. It really saves time and it is straight forward....no confusing steps to getting it to work.

The Simpli-EZ Bias Ruler by Simplicity is a great accompaniment to the Bias Tape Maker. You just line it up with the edge of your cutting mat and it automatically lines up the 45 degree angle. See for yourself. It retails for 19.99 and I sell it for 16.50.

Another savings....and we all know what we do with every extra dime we save....buy more fabric or thread...am I right? You know you are guilty and don't even try to hide your blushing cheeks....you've been found out....caught.....but one saving grace.....we did not dye our underpants and hang them on a tree for everyone to see, right?

For those of you who read my blog regularly....this is all old news to you.....sorry. I get so many e-mails asking price and questions I thought I would just write a post and get the information all in one place :)

Smiles,
Kelly

Rotary Cutting Machine by Simplicity

54.99 will buy you a quick and easy way to cut strips for your rag rugs, strips for quilting and don't forget it works on paper too!!! Replacement blades will be available in September 2009.

I get so many e-mails asking questions about this machine so I thought I would just do a quick post telling everyone that these are now available. The Rotary Cutting Machines by Simplicity retail for 79.99 and I sell them for 54.99.

My blog readers get the best prices because I don't pay to advertise. My only advertisement is my blog and word of mouth. That is how I keep my prices low. I also use recycled boxes and shipping supplies to save money there too. If I can use a priority box provided by the post office I do that as well. Overhead is kept to a minimum so I can pass a little savings on to you.

OK....I'm done now....just though you should know how I keep my prices low :)

Smiles,
Thrifty Kelly

PS...I'm not being paid by Simplicity for saying these things....just and FYI

Simpli-EZ Bias Ruler by Simplicity

Another cool tool alert. I forgot all about posting this great ruler. I got it at Quilt Market and I guess I thought I posted about it and I didn't. It is called, "Simpli-EZ Bias Ruler" by Simplicity.

This ruler automatically lines up the 45 degree angle for cutting fabric on the bias. You just line it up with the bottom of your cutting mat and you are done. No more moving the square up and down the fabric. Of course I love this for cutting bias strips!!! Then I just feed them through the Bias Tape Maker Machine by Simplicity. You've all seen my pix of that cool tool already.

My fabric was so busy it did not show up when I first took the picture. I grabbed a dark blue piece just for a demonstration....you could not see the ruler with the other fabric (that is the secret tutorial fabric....keep looking and listening :)

I'm helping my mom make piping for some cushions for my sister's house. She called to see if I would cut all the strips because I was telling her about this ruler a few weeks ago. My mom does not even have a rotary cutter or a cutting mat. I feel so bad about that. She says she does not want them until she gets a sewing area set up. I guess I'll have to go and help her get it all together so she can whip these things up.

OK, so now you know....you really can cut your bias strips for quilt binding etc....quickly and easily...honest.

If you have not been to I Have A Notion lately (shopping in your jammies or in the middle of the night) you might want to stop by. There is now a SALE tab.

Smiles,

Kelly