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

Sapphire Sea Dupioni Silk Collection

by Brewer Quilting and Sewing 

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:  

Berkley Blue

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

Day 16 of 30 Giveaway #2 Ohhhh Yeah - Alicia's Attic

IHAN's 30 Days of Giveaways

Anniversary Celebration

Day 16 Giveaway #2

Qtools Cutting Edge Strips and

Qtools Sewing Edge Strips 

by Alicia's Attic 

I use Qtools Cutting Edge Strips when I am cutting fabric.  I make fewer mistakes when cutting therefore I waste less fabric.

My 1/4 inch seams are easier to achieve with my Qtools Sewing Edge Strip attached to my sewing machine bed.

This is how the Qtools Cutting Edge Strips work:

See what I mean?  It makes rotary cutting easier, more accurate and less frustrating trying to find that line again and again.  The fabric stops at the edge of the fabric so I know exactly where it is not like a piece of painters tape.

This is how the Qtools Sewing Edge Strips work: 

Again, I have used painters tape but the QTools Sewing Edge Strip is thicker and allows me to sew with speed and precision   It aligns in front of the foot of the sewing machine for a perfect scant 1/4" seam. Another cool thing is that the strips are reusable and fit to the shape of the sewing machine.  Just think how much painters tape we will save....now you can paint your entire house!!!! Better yet....bring your painters tape to my house because it desperately needs paint in several rooms :)  And while you are at it....bring some brushes, rollers, pizzas, diet Pepsi, Tim Tams and a sleeping bag!!! 

Marci Baker of Alicia's Attic has a new book coming out this spring!!!  The title is

"ABC 3-D” which has Marci’s strip pieced method of “Not Your Grandmother’s Tumbling Blocks” and also combines the most popular patterns out of Sara Nephew’s “Big Book of Building Block Quilts” and some great new patterns!  If you want updates on Marci's latest and greatest you may want to check out her blog.  She also has some great video tutorials on her website too!!

Here are some other books Marci has written:

Oh My Stars

Doubledipity More Serendipity Quilts

This is an e-mail I received from one of IHAN blog readers:

Hi Kelly

I Want To Win! Q-Tools cutting edge strips are one of my absolute favorite notions. They make rotary cutting so much faster and your strip width is consistent. They can also be used over and over and over again. Such a simple 'tool' with such great results!

Happy Anniversary,

Kathy Johnson

IHAN blog readers seem to be on top of all the latest and greatest!!!  LOL

Alicia's Attic sent 5 of each of the Qtools Cutting Edge Strips and 5 of the Qtools Sewing Edge Strips to be given to IHAN blog readers during this Anniversary Celebration.  One of each will be included in the Grand Prize Drawing.

Leave a comment telling us if you have used Qtools Cutting or Sewing Edge Strips and if not, why would you like to win them.  Four lucky IHAN blog readers will be drawn at random on April 15, 2010 after 10 PM CMT!!! 

Thank you Alicia's Attic for joining IHAN in our First Anniversary Celebration  by giving IHAN blog readers an opportunity to own some of your fantastic notions!!!

Smiles,

Kelly
PS...for those of you who have placed a button on your blog or posted on your blog  or facebook page  PRIOR to today, please e-mail me at IHaveANotion@yahoo.com.  Please pur Button in the subject line so I can thank you personally.

Day 16 of 30 Day of Giveaway - Laundry Basket Quilts

IHAN's 30 Days of Giveaways

Anniversary Celebration

Day 16 Giveaway

Laundry Basket Quilts

by Edyta Sitar

The first time I heard Edyta Sitar speak was at the Toledo Gathering of Quilters.  She had come to give a program and share her quilts.  It was such a wonderful experience for me.  Edyta did not just share details about how she made her quilts, she shared the real life stories behind what inspired her to make the quilts.  Her quilts took on new dimension for me and I began to think differently about quilting.  I volunteered to help her husband hold up quilts while she gave her lecture.  Being 6' tall is an advantage for holding up quilts for others to see.  My secret motive was to be able to see them close up and touch them too.

These are 5 of Edyta's patterns from Laundry Basket Quilts.  She sent them to be given away to 5 very lucky IHAN blog readers.

Daffodils Quilt  

.

Winter Lily  

Vine and Berries

Snow Sparkle

Shooting Star

I really like Edyta's two books:  Hop to It and Friendship Triangles. 

                        

Both books are excellent.  I love applique so I just had to have Hop To It.  Friendship Triangles came out after Fall Quilt Market and IHAN was fortunate enough to be able to give an autographed copy to a lucky IHAN blog reader :)  Many guilds and friends have had a great time participating in the Triangle Block Exchange Program Edyta shares in her book. 

That's not all....Edyta now designs fabric for MODA too!!!

I have purchased her Aloha fabric line and I love, love, love it!!! To purchase some of Edyta's fabric you can click here and you will magically be taken to the land of beautiful fabrics :)

Now you know why I like Edyta Sitar's patterns, books and fabrics....she has a gift!

The above pictured patterns will be given to five very lucky IHAN blog readers.  To qualify please leave a comment on this post telling us if you are familiar with Edyta's work and why you would like to win one of her patterns.  Feel free to share your preference so if  you win I'll know what pattern you would like :)

Thank you Edyta and Laundry Basket Quilts for joining in IHAN's Anniversary Celebration!!!

Smiles,
Kelly
For additional information about increasing your chances of winning a drawing please click here.

Day 15 of 30 Day GIVEAWAY #2 - Aurifil Thread

IHAN's 30 Days of Giveaways

Anniversary Celebration

Day 15 Giveaway #2

Mark Lapinski's 

The Intermediate Collection 

by

Aurifil Thread 

You won't need an afternoon cup of coffee or a sugar hit today.  This giveaway should provide enough adrenaline to keep you up until midnight.  Your eyes are not failing you...it is true....Aurifil Threads is giving one very dog gone lucky IHAN reader the Mark Lapinski's Intermediate Aurifil Thread Collection.  Twelve great colors of 28 weight cotton thread 820 yards of thread. 

 
I thought that was the response I would get!!!  I promise I did not open any of the threads although they may have been fondled....the wrapper is still on all the spools :)  I don't know how much longer I can be trusted though.

When I was a teenager I actually had a dream about finding the make up displays from the big department stores and no one wanted them.  (Teenage Heaven)  Now, I dream I come upon those incredible Aurifil Displays and those handsome Italian guys are away from their booth...(in my dream, I also have a dolly and a getaway vehicle).

Can you imagine?  This must be Thread Heaven....all the colors....when ever you need one....just reach over and grab a spool.  One for you sewing machine, a few for your embroidery machine (MJE, Diane, Dale, Joanne, Darlene), three or four for your serger and then some for your mid or long arm machine.  See what I mean....we need all this thread:)  Of course there is plenty for hand applique, redwork, making lace and plenty for eye candy in your sewing room!!

Ok, well stop dreaming and come back to reality.  Here is some great information about Aurifil Thread:

Cotton Mako 50 wt (orange spool) great for:

• Needle Turn Appliqué
• Lace Making
• Detailed Machine Embroidery
• Redwork
• Quilting - Piecing and Hand sewing (lighter weight helps seams lay flatter)
• Serging
• Stitching Miniature Blocks

Mako Cotton 40 wt. (green spool) great for:

•  Decorative Stitches
• Machine Embroidery
• Quilting - Hand and Machine Piecing
• Lace Making
• Buttonholes
• Stitching in the Ditch

Mako Cotton 28 wt. (grey spool) great for:

• Blanket Stitching by Hand and Machine
• Lace Making
• Hand Quilting (does not need to be glazed or waxed)
• Long Arm Quilting (Borders and Edges)
• Top stitching
• General Purpose Sewing
• Machine Embroidery

Lana Wool 14 wt. great for:

• Folk Art Applique
• Machine and Hand Sewing
• Sewing on wool or felted wool
• *requires 90-100 needle

Mako Cotton 12 wt. (red spool) great for:

• Decorative Quilting
• Machine Embroidery
• Folk Art
• Sashiko
• Redwork
• Embellishment
• Buttonhole or Blanket Stitch
• Serging - gives more texture and dimension
• *requires a large eye top stitch needle size 90/14

Want to know more about Aurifil thread?  Click here :)  Look at this incredible Suitcase 216 colors....oh yeah baby!!!  I've heard people say Aurifil thread is expensive....do yourself a favor and check out the price you are paying for the equivalent thread in another brand.  You will be surprised to find it is only a little more and the quality is certainly worth it!!
It may be difficult to type after all this excitement.  But in order to have an opportunity to win Mark Lapinski's Intermediate Aurifil Thread Collection you must leave a comment on this post telling us:

1. Have you used Aurifil Thread?

• If so, tell us about your experience.
• If not, please tell us why you would like to win.

THANK YOU Aurifil Threads and Alex Veronelli for giving one very lucky IHAN blog reader a box of your incredible thread!!!

Aurifil Threads has a Facebook page and a blog-Auribuzz.  For more fun information you may want to look there :)

Smiles,
Kelly

Day 15 of 30 Days of Giveaways - QuiltWoman.com

IHAN's 30 Days of Giveaways

Anniversary Celebration

Day 15 Giveaway

QuiltWoman.com 

Nancy Dill, Owner

Anyone remember this picture?  These are the women who "saved my life" in Pittsburgh.  Carol, Lacey and Nancy were the ones who I approached on the streets of Pittsburgh and asked if they were familiar with the area.  I had gotten turned around and could not find where I had parked and it was after 10 PM.  They were so kind to help me find my van and then they waited until I got in and left.  I could still be wandering the streets of Pittsburgh if it were not for these lovely ladies. 

Since that time I've had the pleasure of meeting up with them again and chatting with them over the Internet.  I posted recently on the recognition Nancy received from American Express for 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. 

Nancy also owns Betty's Quilting Etc. I am telling you she is one busy woman!!!   I don't know weather to scratch my watch or wind my butt most of the time.  I guess I need to learn how Nancy does it all :)

One thing I can tell you, she did send 10 wonderful patterns to be given away to 10 very lucky IHAN blog readers!!!  Here they are:

The top 10 patterns of 2009 for QuiltWoman were:

Stoneworks by Ann Anderson

Humbug Bag

Window On The East by Carolyn Startup

Take Four Placemats by Cary Flanagan

Batik Diamonds by Barb Sackel

Tuck AwayTote by Mckenna Linn

Jelly Patch Straight To The Point Series by Ann Anderson

Table Graces by Jean Dunn

Prairie Window by Anne Wiens

Trophy Case by Barb Sackel

Very cool patterns indeed!!!  Speaking of cool.....in January when it is cold here....I mean freezing and the skys are grey and dark.....you could join QuiltWoman on their

First Annual Quilter's Family and Friends Cruise.  They are going to the Western Caribbean, January 15 - 20, 2011.  NO we are not giving away a cruise (I would have to draw my own name for that one folks!!!)....but if you want to join them...click here for more  details. Can you imagine the fun of stitching with a group of wonderful friends on a cruise ship?  Oh I'm going to be busy when my co-workers get older!!

Back to the giveaway!!!  To enter to win one of QuiltWoman's  patterns please leave a comment telling us which patterns you would like to win and why.  Two of the patterns will be put into the Grand Prize Drawing so that leaves 8 lucky people for this drawing.

Thank you QuiltWoman / Nancy Dill for giving 8 IHAN blog readers this wonderful opportunity:)

Smiles,

Kelly

Day 14 of 30 Day GIVEAWAY Simpli-EZ Rulers by Simplicity Creative

IHAN's 30 Days of Giveaways

Anniversary Celebration

Day 13 Giveaway

Simplicity Studio Rulers 

by Simplicity Creative Group 

For a quilter this looks like the flood gates of Quilt Heaven has opened up and dropped out some incredible rulers!!!  And....it did.  When the Simplicity Creative Group told me they were sending one of each of the Studio Line Rulers.....I asked them to dial 911 and send the fire department to pick me up off the floor.  I could not believe it until they arrived here at IHAN headquarters.  It is soooo tempting to keep them all for myself....but I have not given in to the Quilt She Devil that lurks within me....I will be giving these all away to very...did I say very....I mean incredibly lucky IHAN blog readers. 

Lets begin by showing you each of these beautiful rulers:

Simpli-EZ Bias Ruler  - Cut bias strips quickly and easily from fat quarters or 1/2 yard cut of fabric. Cut perfect bias strips from 1/4in wide to 2 1/2in wide.

Simpli-EZ Piping Wizard - Cut perfect seam allowances after covering piping cord. Use with multiple sizes of cording and seam allowance. Always a perfect seam allowance. Great for working with piping for quilts, garments and craft projects.

Simpli-EZ Flip n Set Ruler - Cut triangles to setting blocks on point. Folds open to cut triangles for 4in to 16in blocks. No math to figure. Also use to square corners on quilts.

Simpli-EZ Tri-Mate Ruler - Ideal for use with rotary cutter. Cuts triangles 4 times as long as they are tall. Cuts triangles with finished heights from 1/2in - 3in.

4.5" Easy Angle Anniversary Edition Ruler - Celebrating 20 years of Easy Angle with Sharon Hultgren. Cuts half square triangles from 1in to 4 1/2in. Built in seam allowance - no math to figure. Cut triangles from straight strips quickly and efficiently.

    
Simpli-EZ 30 degree Triangle Ruler - For Dresden Plates and Fans. Eliminates need for center applique. Can be finished with curved edges or points. Many sizes on one tool. Use even size strips.

                              
Simpli-EZ 45 degree Triangle Ruler - Great for use with Kaleidoscope quilts. Many sizes on one tool.

 

Simpli-EZ Double Wedding Ring Ruler - Cut three different units with one tool-centers, melons, and squares. Inside curves are cut easily as outside curves. A and B units can be cut from strips or squares.

Simpli-EZ Pineapple Ruler - Make Pineapple blocks with no math, no trapezoids, no stress. Make blocks in almost unlimited range of sizes. Make both traditional and non-traditional Pineapple blocks. Makes log cabin, album style, and many other quilt blocks quickly and easily.

Simpli-EZ 4.5in x 4.5in Square Ruler  - Marked in black for right handed users and red for left handed users. Numbers read correctly ANY way the ruler is turned. 1/4in markings. 45 lines for centering when squaring up blocks. Useful for cutting squares and trimming blocks to size.

Simpli-EZ 6.5in x 6.5in Square Ruler - Marked in black for right handed users and red for left handed users. Numbers read correctly ANY way the ruler is turned. 1/4in markings. 45 lines for centering when squaring up blocks. Useful for cutting squares and trimming blocks to size.

 Simpli-EZ 9.5in x 9.5in Square Ruler - Marked in black for right handed users and red for left handed users. Numbers read correctly ANY way the ruler is turned. 1/4in markings. 45 lines for centering when squaring up blocks. Useful for cutting squares and trimming blocks to size.

 Simpli-EZ 12.5in x 12.5in Square Ruler - Marked in black for right handed users and red for left handed users. Numbers read correctly ANY way the ruler is turned. 1/4in markings. 45 lines for centering when squaring up blocks. Useful for cutting squares and trimming blocks to size.

        
Simpli-EZ Rule 6.5in x 12.5in - Marked in black for right handed users and red for left handed users. Numbers read correctly ANY way the ruler is turned. 1/8in and 1/4in markings. 45 and 60 degree markings. Large numbers foe easy reading.

 Simpli-EZ Rule 6.5in x 24in - Marked in black for right handed users and red for left handed users. Numbers read correctly ANY way the ruler is turned. 1/8in and 1/4in markings. 45 and 60 degree markings. Large numbers foe easy reading.

Simpli-EZ Jelly Roll Ruler - Ruler size is 5in x 10in, perfect for cutting 10in Layer Cake into Jelly Rolls, Honey Buns, and Charm Packs.


I could write a review on these rulers....but Mom Gadget has already done it for me.  Click here to read their reviews on the Simplicity Studio Rulers and see their excellent photos of how to use the rulers successfully.
 
Some really great things about the Simplicity Rulers are:

• numbers are easy to read (Bold black for right handed users and bright red for left handed quilters
• black lines are solid and mark the ½” lines both horizontally and vertically
• edges are marked at 1/8″ intervals with a short hash mark and at 1/4″ intervals a longer hash mark
• each ruler is made of clear 1/8” thick sturdy acrylic and has a hole to hang on a hook or peg board

For this giveaway you will need to leave a comment telling us why you want to win one of these wonderful rulers.  Feel free to leave your own reviews if you own one or more of these rulers.

There are 16 Rulers here to be given away. Four will be put into the Grand Prize Drawing so we will draw 12 names for this giveaway.
 
Thank you Simplicity Creative Group for allowing IHAN to give away such wonderful rulers for our First Anniversary Celebration!!!

Please read over the Anniversary Giveaway Guidelines to learn about more chances to win during the 30 Days of Giveaways.

Simpli-Smiles,
Kelly