Simpli-EZ Bias Ruler And the Double Diamond Ruler Demo's

On March 4th Checker Distributors had a demo of some of their products in the warehouse.  Penny Harren, author of Pieced Applique`, gave a great demonstration of the Simpli-EZ Bias Ruler by Simplicity and the Double Diamond Ruler by Bright Quilting Notions.

This is the Simpli-EZ Bias ruler.  You lay the ruler on the edge of the fabric as shown.  You make your first cut to the right side of the ruler at the distance you require.  If you cut the blunt ends of the ruler (difficult to see in this photo) you will be able to match and join your bias strips.

You can cut bias strips quickly and accurately using the Smili-EZ Bias Ruler.  I love this ruler and use it every time I have to cut bias strips. 

The Double Diamond Ruler is a very interesting ruler.    Not only can it be used on fabric....but I can think of how wonderful it would be in scrapbooking and card making too!  Add some Mod Podge and the sky would be the limit!! :)

You get TWO rulers!!!  The 1 1/2 and the 3 1/2 rulers come in the package!!  Can I hear a "Wooo Hooo?"

 

Isn't this neat?  I think it is really interesting and I can see it being used with paper as well.  It would be fun to see an embellished shirt or jacket.  I'm sure there are a million ideas....I just need time to think of them all.  LOL

 

To watch a video of how to use this ruler, you can click here for The Bright Quilting Notions Video. 

There are three patterns available that use the Double Diamond Ruler.  If you want a closer look, click here. 

Stay in touch....leave a comment....or three!!  You  are going to need the practice for the 15th of March!!!

Smiles,

Kelly

Vicki Jones' Amazing Hand Quilting

Last week at our Applique Group meeting Vicki Jones (OH) brought in her finished quilt to show.  All eyes were on the quilt and some very talented ladies were saying to me...."wait until you see this....you want to talk about perfection". 

This was all hand quilted, needle up.....needle down (stabbing) not the rocking method.  Look how absolutely beautiful and even those stitches are.  The flowers were all hand embroidered.

Do you know how glad I was that I did not miss that meeting?  Oh wow....Vicki is a very talented lady and her quilt is a heirloom that will be enjoyed for many generations.

Grateful Smiles,

Kelly

Sew Fantastic Kona Giveaway

SewFantastic is having a Kona Color Wheel Give Away.  Run don't walk....translated....click quick...clickity clack and enter so you too will have an opportunity to gaze upon these lucious fabrics in person.  Good luck to you....I hope you win!!!  (I'm just being nice....really I hope I win)

Sneeky Smiles,
Kelly

Blog Hopper

Well....I've done just what I've said I would do....I've been blog hopping.  I have found a great tip for flat bindings and I've discovered a blog that I love.  So....as usual...I can not keep the good stuff to myself....I share.

Check Nellie's Needles for the flat bindings tip. (I added a seam press to my store (I know .... I did some work....but can you blame me?)

And Sue Spurlock's blog, Piece of Work. (I love the name of her blog)

Smiles,
Kelly

I Declare

(your never too old to go surfing....when you're young you stand up....then as you bloom....you lay on the board:)

....That today is be nice to Kelly day!!!  Have you ever just wanted and needed to have a day where you were just so nice to yourself all day long that you smiled when you went to bed?  Today is my day....I declare it to be so!!


Being this is my day.....I went back to bed after the boys went to school this morning :)


I'm having a cup of fresh coffee and I'd add chocolate to the breakfast menu if I had some here (darn....that is a crisis for sure!)


I'm going to take the time to color my hair which I've put off now for over10 days, yikes!!  (I know you are glad this is not television....cuz I'd need to have staff like Oprah to make me beautiful every morning.)


I'm going to work on my punchneedle name badge that I've been working on for way too long.  It should have been finished long ago but I have pulled out parts that I did not like the colors....so....I want to finish it soon!!


I'm going to get together all my thoughts about my big Anniversary Celebration coming up March 15-April 15.    An Anniversary Celebration is typically one day.....but when it includes lots of Give Aways....I thought it should last a whole month!!!  I'm sure you ALL agree!!  My house is beginning to look like The Santa's Stitchers Workshop thanks to all the incredibly generous folks in our Stitchers Circle!!! 


This will be a fun month.  I celebrate my 46th birthday, Rick and I celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary, and IHAN turns one year old (I think she needs a pretty Birthday Party dress with polka dots and ric rac.....but how do you dress a website?   Ok....there is another thought that just popped up.  I'll have to check with those folks over in the techno know how world to dress up this little girl.....ya never know what will pop into my mind/fingertips next.  I"ll be buying tuxedos for the co-workers (nope....too frugal!!)


Ahhhhh.....feel the declaration settling in with a wonderful cup o joe and now instead of working ......I'm going Blog Hopping!!!  One of my most favorite things to do because I don't like television.....Blog Hopping is like tuning into my favorite stations when ever I want to and there is always something "On" that I want to see.


Spunky Smiles,
Kelly

"IT'S A WRAP II" Now Available at I Have A Notion

Susan Breier's new book, "It's A Wrap II" is available NOW at IHAN (19.95).  If you loved, "It's A Wrap" you will be thrilled with her latest book.

Can you imagine Easter Baskets that get used every year because they were made special for your child or grandchild?  (co-workers in my case :)

What a statement this would make in a room. 

OK, everyone knows I love fish....so yes....this one really, really, really appeals to me.

Cheerful Green

How about this one at a picnic?

These bags and plates are really great too.  The instructions are clear and easy to understand (which is a lot for me to say because I have a tough time reading and understanding instructions). 

Another thing I think is really neat about Susan's designs is the clothesline she uses to wrap in fabric.  I much prefer this use of a clothes line!!

100 feet of Clothesline is only 3.75!!  And you can use your scraps, salvages, and even use the Simplicity Rotary Cutting Machine to cut strips for you.  With all the energy you'll save you will have some left over to jog to the store and get a few packages of Tim Tams!!!  Now you're talking :)


Naughty Smiles,
Kelly

New Additions at www.IHaveA-Notion.com

If you are traveling this Spring and Summer you might want to take advantage of this IHAN Special.  Fiber & Fabric Mania A Travel Guide 15.95 is NOW only 10.95 at IHAN.

This price will be good for one week only.  So if you want one Now is the time to order :)

Other new and fun things available at IHAN are Presencia Thread Collections.

To View Presencia Cotton Sewing Thread Sampler Crayon.  To view all of the Presencia Collections just click here and you will be magically transported to the IHAN Presencia Collection page :)

Also added to IHAN is the:

 "BIG DADDY or GRANDADDY" *

Aurifil Suitcase

.

( I call this a focal point for decorating....however technically it is not.) 

*Ever notice I seem to have my own names for products?  I know the manufacturers and designers really do put a lot of effort into naming their products....and I guess on one hand I know why they don't ask me first for the name they should give their products.....but I have to say.....I think the names I give them are so much more fun.....just my opinion...and with 44cents you can buy a stamp I know :)

Smiles,
Kelly

"Do The Crazy Dance Mamma"

Those are the words I last hear as my boys get on the school bus in the morning.  "Do The Crazy Dance Mamma" started when my first co-worker was in Kindergarten.  I would stand in the driveway and wave goodbye as my "baby" got on the big bus and he loved it when I would do a silly wave or shake my legs around.  He started calling it the "Crazy Dance." Mind you, I have bed head and I'm typically still wearing my jammies.  I figure if it bothers the neighbors they can always move :)

The last few weeks have been filled with "Peak Experiences" with my co-workers. So many activities and good times have been shared. If you've been wondering why I have not posted as regularly, that is why. I want to soak up every minute of this joy.

Aaron having a pizza lunch with "The Principal" at school.

Zach having a pizza lunch with his teacher at school

This was one of the Silent Auction items at their school last Friday night.  Wonder who's idea it was to have a silent auction for "Lunch With Teachers"?  Hmmmm.....the kids absolutely loved it and the folks at the school thought it was great too.  The pizzas were donated by "Marcos Pizza."  It was a great fundraiser and definitely a Win/Win/Win activity.

Zach stayed home one Monday due to his cough.  IHAN closed its doors and spent the day tending to co-workers.  He had to wait outside (climbing up and down in the trees) for Aaron to get off the bus after school.  It is so funny to watch them argue and fight.......then wait with such anticipation and joy for the other to return.

Aaron saw me taking pix of Zach in the tree as he got off the bus.....so you know my monkey had to climb into the tree for his photo opp!!

Bowling last Sunday.....Zach strikes a pose.  My heart just sings with complete and total joy when I see them playing like this.  (What do you say.....should this be "the" photo at his wedding?  I am thinking it might just be the one!!!  LOL)

Aaron is so proud he can hold the bowling ball.  It is hysterical to watch him run up to the line and sort of roll/throw the ball down the alley.  Thankfully it is bumper bowling!!!

Zonked!!

It is such a joy and pleasure to be able to work from home so I can soak up every second of this time.  Of course there are those days when I wish I worked on another planet just to get a break....but not recently :)

Joyful Smiles,

Kelly

Aurifil Threads Challenge with Pat Sloan's Meadow Breeze BOM

There is a medical alert warning on this post.  If you have heart issues....please take your medication NOW before it is too late.  Our lawyers tell us we are not liable for any pre-existing medical condition that you may have that flares up due to reading this post :) (ok....so there are not lawyers here....but you can't blame me if you fall out)

Please DIAL 911 Immediately if you experience ANY of the following symptoms after viewing this prize for the winner of Aurifil's Challenge with Pat Sloan's Meadow Breeze BOM:

• Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.
•  Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
• Shortness of breath. May occur with or without chest discomfort.
• Other signs: These may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness

If you are still feeling well, click on Pat's link and print out a copy of her BOM pattern and get moving.  I know if I had that box of Aurifil in my house.....I would use it as a focal point in my decorating.  I might even get rid of Rick's "television" (drive in theater screen) and place the Aurifil threads on the Entertainment Center.

Want to use Pat's Aurifil Collection?  I Have A Notion just so happens to carry that too!!!  Just press down on your mouse (right side of that critter) here and you will magically be transported to IHAN's Aurifil Heaven :)

Lightheaded Smiles,
Kelly

Synchronicity With Just Another Button Company

I'm sure this has happened to you before.  You are thinking of someone and the phone rings and it is the person you were thinking about. 

That happened to Cecile (Just Another Button Company) and I just the other day.  She was in the middle of typing a message to me when I was sending her an instant message.  We may send an e-mail every 3 or 4 months....but it is not like we chat frequently.  So this was really cool. 

Cecile was writing to tell me she had just put a package in the mail to me and I was writing her to let her know about I Have A Notion's One Year Anniversary that is coming up.  (Stay tuned for some incredible things coming mid-March:)

The above photos are of the WONDERFUL Package Cecile sent to me.  I am in love with what she calls, "Just Pins" and I call....."Pretty Darn Spanky Embellished Wonderments". 

I had just been thinking about a question someone had asked me, "what do you collect?"  I don't really "collect" anything on a year round basis....because the more you own the more it owns you and I don't want to own the dust that will fall upon more "stuff."  However I do have a fancy for pin cushions.  I don't really "collect" them per se but I have a few and I love them....alot.  So just as I was revisiting the subject the box comes in the mail with patterns for pin cushions too.  (photos gently borrowed from JABC)

All I can say now is, they are owning me!!!  What wonderful pin cushions and who would not delight in seeing something so beautiful with "Pretty Darn Spanky Embellished Wonderments" sticking in them?  How many would be too many?  I think these are like Tim Tams...no recommended dosage!!

 

Thank you Cecile from the bottom of my heart for the cheerful package.  I know just what to do with all these lovelies....and my readers know too.

Smiles,

Kelly 

Jocelyn just wrote asking if "Wonderments" are available at http://www.ihavea-notion.com/  YES....Click here.....I am not monitoring overdosing....you are on your own here as everyone already knows I know no limits with some things :)  LOL

Nancy Dill from QuiltWoman.com Was Recognized by American Express!!!

Nancy Dill of Quilt Woman dot com  (one of the gals who saved my life (sort of) in Philly last May) was recognized by American Express.  Nancy participated in the "Make Mine A Million Dollar Business Competition" and she was one of 10 awardees at the American Express Open Women’s Business Summit in Houston, Texas.  You can read all the details on Nancy's blog.  I don't want to repeat everything that has already been written.

I read through some of the things Nancy did to participate and I'm telling you I am completely impressed.  What a woman!!!  Many of us would like to say....yes....Make Mine A Million Dollar Business but how many would do all the necessary things to make that happen?  Way to go Nancy!!! 

How exciting for Nancy.  See, you just never know who you may meet when you walk up to ladies on the street and say....I'm lost can you help me. 

Smiles,
Kelly

Golden Thyme Blog by Lacey Hill

Three of these beautiful gold butterflies were given to bloggers by Designer Lacey Hill on her Golden Thyme Blog.

Golden Butterfly Award

An award given for generosity of time, sharing of knowledge, inspiration, encouragement and charitable contribution to Quilting & Fiber Art.

Kim's Quilting Adventure  
I Have A Notion 
SewCalGal

I must say I was completely shocked and thrilled that this award was for me.  I don't know who Kim is.....but you know I'll be reading her blog now (already subscribed to the feeds) and to be mentioned in the same sentence as Darlene from SewCalGal was really something for me.  I admire Darlene, so this is a real thrill for me.

I know....this is starting to sound like the academy awards or something....or you might be thinking....who cares, right?  But when someone takes the time to recognize what you have given your time and energy to in an authentic way....is a true gift and I'm appreciative of the gift.

On another but similar note.....if you want to feel like you are part of the "Members of the Academy" you need to head on over to Darlene's blog because she is doing The Golden Quilter Awards. 
The really cool thing about being part of "this" Awards Program.....you don't need to buy a dress that costs as much as feeding a family of 10 for a month.....no need to wear those cumbersome 10 carat diamonds on your ears.....it does not matter that your husband does not look like Brad Pitt....you won't go blind from all those flash bulbs going off in your face.....no need to wear a girdle to suck in your size four puffiness......there won't be anyone hiding in your bushes and scaring you half to death when the jump out and snap your photo.....no one will publish a photo of your worst stitching work and  act like "how could you"......you don't even need to get out of your ugliest house clothes.....you can just be who ever you are and feel pretty darn good about yourself because our blogging community values your spirit not your perky mammary glands :)

Spanky Smiles,
Kelly
They were given to:

The Carnival Was A Success!!!! HURRAY

I've been blogging about being so busy with the boy's school carnival.  Thankfully it was last night and the weather did not seem to detour people from coming. 

The boys had a ball.  They played carnival games, had caricatures of themselves drawn, made glass magnets, bopped around at the cake walk and thankfully did not play the gold fish game :)

This was a really neat project offered by the art teacher.  Parents paid $5 per child to make either a glass pendent or a glass magnet.  $3 covered the cost of materials and firing and $2 went to the Parent Boosters (who raise money for projects and educational materials for the students).  Zach loved making his glass magnet.  He got to wear cool glasses and select pieces of colored glass-score it and use the clamps to break it.....ohhhhhhh.....that was way cool for him.

Here is Aaron in the cafeteria sporting his latest prize-blue Dracula fangs!!!

The cake walk was a big hit so there was a long line most of the night.  When the night was winding down I encouraged the boys to go back and do the cake walk....oh yea....the each won a little cake to bring home.

Here are the caricatures Rick had done of the boys.....aren't they  cool?

If the records are correct we raised 5 times as much money this year in the silent auction and raffle as we did yesterday.  Now that's what I'm talking about.....and the bulk of that was done by two women.  Can you imagine what could be done by say.....6 women?  Hmmmmm.....

We had lots of snow overnight.  Rick and the boys made this very fun snowman in our front yard.  You ask...."Kelly why weren't you out there making that cool snowman too?"  My reply, "I would have been.....but the maid has been out working for the school carnival for the week and there is no food here either...yikes :)

Cotton Candy Smiles,

Kelly