Curved Piecing and Fun in Ohio

Many of you will remember my friend Jean Overmeyer and her amazing art quilts.  A group of us have started gathering once a month and are sharing some techniques and skills that with one another.  Last Sunday Jean shared how she does curved piecing. 

Jean pieced each of these fabrics....I think it is amazing because before Sunday the only way I would have thought to achieve this would have been applique.

 The background of this quilt is all curved piecing and this is what Jean wanted us to start with....just a background we could use to start an art quilt with. 

Here is the pattern I created.  The fabrics I choose were not necessarily neutrals....but I didn't stress over the fabrics.  Instead,  I chose to look at this as a learning experience and if I could incorporate a fun applique later....that's be great.  If not....I'd have one cool looking curved wall hanging to practice some free motion quilting on.

I'd like to say I was like some of the other whipper snappers in the group who finished their tops before the end of the class.  I'd also like to say that I finished more than one seam....but I can't.

 I brought mine home and finished it yesterday.  My problem was that I had not trimmed the seam allowance close enough so I had way too much fabric to ease into the curves and I needed to do more pinning.  I really am proud of my curves today.....every pun intended :)

I don't want you thinking it is all work and no play around here.....

 IHAN has Freddy the Flamingo now....he turns up all around the house.  Apparently Freddy likes to sew as well....look at that big beakey grin.

As if curved piecing wasn't enough for one day....my co-workers and I played a nerve racking game of Jenga.

 I won't tell you what happened next....I'll just leave you hanging...LOL.  All I can say is I'm so glad it wasn't my turn again!

Flamingos and snorkeling....you'd think we were in the south ....nope....us Nawtherners can do what the Sawtheners do.....we just have to make a few adjustments.

Smiles,
Kelly

A Little Progress

Since having set up the small sewing space upstairs I have made some progress.  I know...a big shock.  I finished all the blocks for my Hugs and Kisses Quilt.  Here they are on my design wall....and I numbered them .... that is what the little white stickers are on the blocks.

I'm going to be adding at least one border....and that is as far as I have planned.  If you have any visions or see something you think might look fun added....feel free to leave a comment and tell me.  I'm always open to hearing suggestions, opinions and anything else you want to share :)

February in OH....and I took these two pix yesterday....almost unbelievable!!!

Can you believe it?  These little flowers are about to open.

A little Flamingo update too...here is how they are today :)

And then there is a stray Flamingo peaking in the window....a peeping Flamingo!

Smiles,

Kelly

Lots to Share

First, I want to say THANK YOU to  Annie's Ruby Slipperz for the kind and unsolicited review of not only the Reliable V50 Steam Generating Iron, but IHAN as well.  AND she is also being kind to all of you..... with a  giveaway. 

Pretty Little Patchwork

Annie is giving away a copy of Pretty Little Patchwork....to read about the details...CLICK HERE.

Honestly...I'm the lucky one because I do get to talk with many people from all over the world and hear about what they are doing.  Just call me spoiled :)

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Changing topics now.....and what a doozy of a topic it is too :) or should I say vvvv  LOL

When was the last time you came face to face with a Shark?  A real honest to goodness Shark? 

I have a friend who not only came face to face with a Shark....she even put her face right next to the Sharks face....100% Truth!  I suppose you want proof right?   Ok...here goes...Proof!!!

Barbara Corcoran and Shelly Stokes

This is a photo of my friend Shelly Stokes from Cedar Canyon Textiles and she is literally face to face with a "Shark."  This beautiful Shark also goes by the name of  Barbara Corcoran....the amazing and wise woman from the ABC television show, Shark Tank.  I don't watch much television....but I certainly know about Barbara Corcoran and my jaw dropped when I saw this photo....talk about green with envy! 

I've copied part of Shelly's newsletter (with permission of course) and pasted it below.  Shelly didn't tell me she was going to spend time with Barbara Corcoran....and I might someday forgive her for this one day (she has also been to Africa!!!  I think she's doing my bucket list.).   When I read her newsletter I thought I would share Shelly's excellent news....so here it is:

Shark Tank Special!

If you love bright colors like Barbara does, I just know your mind is bursting with ideas for using these amazing, eye-popping colors -- and I have a very special offer just for you. I've gathered up my "daring dozen" Bold & Bright Colors -- and a separate bundle for the CL Colors. Here's the deal.



Purchased separately, the 12 Bold & Bright Colors sell for $101.00 even. For a few short days. you can add all 12 colors to your paintstik collection for just $70.00. That's a huge savings of 30% off the retail price! This offer will disappear from our Online Store after one short week, so don't be a guppy -- bite now!

Do you really, REALLY love brights? I'll give you the same great deal on the 5 Bright CL colors. The retail price of these fabulous fivthe next week, you can scoop up these colors for just $47.00. Again, that's 30% off the price of buying each color separately.

Barbara's Bonus: When you order one of our beautiful bundles of Bright by midnight on Friday (February 17), I'll add a Pearl White Iridescent Paintstik to your order -- and you can paint up your own version of Barbara Corcoran's fabulous fresh-water pearls. They were magnificent with her dress, and I just know that you'll find the perfect way to add some pearly white accents to your bold bright projects. (And if I've totally lost you in the currents here, scroll back to the top of the newsletter to see the picture of me with Barbara -- and check out those pearls!)

Don't let this special offer swim away -- Order your BOLD & BRIGHT COLORS today! And remember, the Pearl White bonus disappears once the clock strikes midnight here in Minnesota -- that's central time in the US -- so order now for the greatest savings.
e colors is $67.75.

For he next week, you can scoop up these colors for just $47.00. Again, that's 30% off the price of buying each color separately.

Barbara's Bonus: When you order one of our beautiful bundles of Bright by midnight on Friday (February 17), I'll add a Pearl White Iridescent Paintstik to your order -- and you can paint up your own version of Barbara Corcoran's fabulous fresh-water pearls. They were magnificent with her dress, and I just know that you'll find the perfect way to add some pearly white accents to your bold bright projects. (And if I've totally lost you in the currents here, scroll back to the top of the newsletter to see the picture of me with Barbara -- and check out those pearls!)

Don't let this special offer swim away -- Order your BOLD & BRIGHT COLORS today! And remember, the Pearl White bonus disappears once the clock strikes midnight here in Minnesota -- that's central time in the US -- so order now for the greatest savings.

  Smiles,

Kelly

Time to Raise Your E-Notion IQ - Thread Organization

I am a self proclaimed Thread Hoarder....and I know I'm not alone in this category.  I've met plenty of you and seen your thread collections....so I know I'm in good company.

I'm going to show you some of the thread organizers that I have personal experience with but I know there are many more that are wonderful too.

I used to have my Isacord Thread on my thread wall....but I found I wanted to be able to have access to all of them right near my embroidery machine.  So I got this Isacord Super Satchel Thread Box w/Trays.  The box is by Art Bin but this particular organizer has special trays inside that specifically hold Isacord Thread (I did check and it doesn't hold other popular brands of thread...I knew you were going to ask me that...lol)

 This is the top with the lid closed....and below I've taken a photo with the lid opened.

Oh so nice and neat...and the boxes are stack able too...for those of you with more Isacord Thread than I have :)

 There are two trays per Isacord Super Satchel Thread Box  and do you want to see what I love, love, love

 Check this out....you can take the trays out.....and if you do they won't fall all over the place because they snap into the trays.  Isn't that just the best?  I know you hate picking up all those spools of thread when your box opens....I do too.  I think the Isacord Super Satchel Thread Box is perfect for all your Isacord Thread!

Mettler has a wonderful Thread Organizers that come with 40 spools of thread.

 This is the Best 40 Silk Finish Cotton Thread Set Organizer Box and you can see it holds up to 104 spools of Mettler Thread. 

The thread stays nicely in the case and to remove the thread you just lift the spool and it comes off the spindle.  The case can lay flat or be hung on the wall.  The other sets that come with this wonderful organizer are the  Best 40 Polysheen Embroidery Thread Set Organizer Box and the  Best 40 Metrosene Polyester Sew All Thread Set Organizer. 

I have two 120 Spool Large Wooden Racks .  These have legs that support them if I wanted them on the table top.  I put mine on the grid wall.  I like these as well...they are very convenient.

I also have an Easy Reach Thread Carousel ...it very special treasure and I love it.  There is room for 100 bobbins on the top and 90 of spools of thread on the hexagon shaped carousel.  If you need to hold the large or king cones....the  Easy Reach Carousel also comes in the Large Cone size.

I'm almost embarrassed to tell you that this is not all the thread I own....but I don't want someone sending my name to the television program about hoarders....I just don't have time for their phone calls....LOL.

Do you have any nifty thread storage containers or ideas?  I'd love to hear about them...and if you'd like to send along some photos I'd love that too.  My e-mail is IHaveANotion@yahoo.com.

Smiles,

Kelly

Simple Choices by Abbey Lane Quilts Winner Announced

Simple Choices by Abbey Lane Quilts

The lucky winner of Simple Choices is Polly!

Polly, please e-mail me your full name and address and I'll get your book in the mail to you.  (IHaveANotion@yahoo.com)

Smiles,

Kelly

Valentine Specials at IHAN Extended

After reading this comment, I've decided to continue the IHAN Valentine Specials so everyone can have an opportunity to participate :) 

Just in case you missed these yesterday, here they are :

Teal Me Away Machine Tote is 50% off

Regularly 129.00 Today Only 59.99

Click here to see the review and Here to Purchase

Other Valentine Specials

25% off ALL Aurifil Thread

Click here to See all Aurifil Threads

25% off ALL  Floriani Thread

Click here to see ALL Floriani Threads

The specials will end at Midnight March 1, 2012.

My Valentine wish for each of you.....

for each of you to look into the mirror at some point today and say I love you....you are important....you are lovable....and you deserve to be loved.

Smiles,

Kelly

If Only I Could Teal You Away

Oh but wait...perhaps I can....

An IHAN Valentine Special

Teal Me Away Machine Tote is 50% off

Regularly 129.00 Today Only 59.99

Click here to see the review and Here to Purchase

Other Valentine Specials

25% off ALL Aurifil Thread

Click here to See all Aurifil Threads

25% off ALL  Floriani Thread

Click here to see ALL Floriani Threads

All specials expire at midnight tonight.

My Valentine wish for each of you.....

for each of you to look into the mirror at some point today and say I love you....you are important....you are lovable....and you deserve to be loved.

Smiles,

Kelly

Mini Sewing Station with Portable Design Wall and Ironing Station

How many times do you think I will run downstairs just to sew for 10-15 minutes?  If you guessed almost never....you are 100% right!!!  What I need is a mini-sewing station all set up with a project so if I have 10 or 15 minutes I can just sew a few blocks.  That is exactly what I've done and I even made myself a portable ironing station and design wall.

I had bought a set of 4 wooden TV trays at a garage sale last year for $5 with the intent on making an ironing station.  I made one for my main sewing area but now I need a portable one....so I got out some Insul-Bright and used some tacks to tack it to the top of the TV tray. 

 I used tacks to put the Insul-Bright so it would be permanent.  I then used a staple gun to cover it with fabric. 

 This way if I get anything yucky on my ironing surface I can change out the fabric and not have to change the Insul-Bright.

One portable ironing station at your service :)

What about a design wall that is lightweight and portable?  I got this tip from Lois while I was at the Lake House Retreat.  I took my 72 x 72 Quilt Wall and used some pant hangers to make my own lightweight portable design wall. 

 In order to be able to hang it anywhere I needed some 3 M Command Strips....good thing I keep a supply of those around :)

 I like Command Strips because when I pull on the tab....the white part I have my thumb under....it is removed from the wall and it doesn't leave a mark.  No one ever knows it was there.

I can take the design wall anywhere with me ....just fold it up and it's good to go.

I couldn't resist putting up my Valentine Wall hanging....just for the pix....but you can also see that I put some vintage blocks I have on the wall....it holds the blocks without using pins. 

Now when I have a few minutes, I have this nice little sewing table in my front room so I can just sew a few blocks while I'm waiting for the school bus.  I bet I get this quilt done a whole lot faster than I would have otherwise.

That's what I'm up to...what are you up to?

Simple Choices by Abbey Lane Quilts Book Review and Giveaway

Simple Choices by Abbey Lane Quilts

How about a quick and pretty easy quilt that you customize yourself?  The girls from Abbey Lane Quilts have made that so easy to do with their new book, Simple Choices.  There are 5 different block styles and they are combined with 5 different appliques and two trim options.  All you do is choose the block style you like best and then an applique (or combine appliques) to make your own fun quilt.    

How about this fun stocking cap quilt....you could also alternate and put snowmen on the quilt too...it snowed here finally so that's all I can think about.

The Pinwheel Block is a perfect anytime quilt.  Simple Choices offers full size applique templates for  a bird, bright flower, haunted house, the stocking caps and the circles.  One book, 25 different quilt options, and that doesn't include any of the options you can insert with other appliques you may already have and love.  Talk about endless recipes to cook up some fun quilts...they're all here inside Simple Choices.  There are cutting and sewing instructions with lots of diagrams as well....you can't go wrong! 

I think this is a charming book and I'd love to share an autographed copy with an IHAN blog follower compliments of Abbey Lane Quilts.  If you would like an opportunity to enter the drawing just leave a comment on this post before Wednesday, February 15th.

Switching topics here....

We've been invaded by tiny warriors here at IHAN.

Check out all these little figures....they are just too funny.

If you look closely you can see in front of all these warriors the boys have set up a tiny cannon...yep...they are going to set off the tiny cannon and knock down all these little guys they've set up.  It has to be testosterone that causes this sort of play....everything is a battle and there are always some sort of little figures being knocked over....boy play.

Check out his little Lego guy....I cracked up when I saw him....he is sort of frail looking....check out his back....

What is sticking out this guys backside? I honestly don't know....but it is definitely interesting!!!

It snowed here last evening so the boys have been making their own personal snow hill.

Most folks shovel their sidewalks and driveways....not us....we actually shovel the grass too.  There isn't enough snow to make a big snow hill so we shoveled it from all over the yard....this doesn't feel like "real" winter.

As I drove home today I had to check out what the Flamingos were up to....thought you might want to know how they are too.......

I didn't know Flamingos made igloos....but apparently they do :)

Smiles,

Kelly