Charm Square Bow Tie Tutorial

Guest Post by Karin


I have this charm pack of fabric and I never know what to do with squares - I usually start with strips or yardage.  So here's what I'm doing with it:

Fabric is Lilac Hill by Moda

I started by laying a charm, face up.

 Fold it in half, right sides together and finger press it.

 Rotate it 90 degrees, and fold it in half again, still right sides together.  Finger Press again.

Easy so far, right?  OK, here's where it gets hairy, so don't say I didn't warn you.  Flip your charm over, so it's face down.  Pinch the edge right at one of the middle folds, and bring it to the right, to meet the corner and pin it there (you may certainly go left, if that's easier for you):

Rotate the charm 90 degrees, clockwise and do that again:

 Next verse, same as the first.  Do it until all middles are pinned to their corresponding edges:

 So now you've got a lumpy charm, with 4 pins in it right?

 Neatly flatten out that lump, so it looks like you have a 3-D square in a square:

OK, here's where you break out the hand-sewing needle.  Wait, don't drift off just yet - I know, hand sewing's not my favorite either, but this is really REALLY easy.  And you can do it while you're watching TV, so you can do this instead of snacking (one of my REALLY bad habits!).

Single strand thread is fine, and please, don't be too fussy about the size or even placement of your stitches. Make a knot in the end of your thread.  About halfway down one of the smaller square's side, slip the needle between the base fabric and the 3D square, and poke it through, coming out towards your other hand (or your face, whatever is most convenient, just don't poke out your eye at this point, 'cuz you're gonna need it in a minute).

Rotate and repeat.  See the pattern?

Go all the way around, and take another stitch right next to your first stitch, so you now have another square in a square:

 Give a good tug on your thread (should still be in the needle), and draw all the edges together:

Now pinch to adjacent folds together and whip stitch them closed.  Remember, you don't have to make your stitches pretty, but do try to go through all 4 layers:

When you get to the end of those two, go back to the center with your thread, and start stitching the other two folds together:

 When you're done, they should be nice and neatly stitched together into a line:

Take your pins out and flip your charm over:

 Gently tug the corners of the bow out:

When you've piled up a few, give 'em all a good press, making sure to straighten out the sides, so that everything keeps pretty square.  Sew them all together in any combination you choose.  I'd suggest pinning, to keep those layers straight and square.

There you have it - a fun and easy way to use charm squares.

Karin

Perfect Endings with Floriani :)

Hey y'all, Karin here again...

Just wanted to pop in a moment and share a thought with you (I can't stand it when they rattle around inside my head, just clamoring to get out!)....

If you want a perfect ending, you've gotta start with a good beginning.  And if you're gonna start off right, you'll want to start with Floriani Thread.  Believe me, I've used my share of the other stuff...and then some.  And I'm here to tell you, results just aren't the same.

Take a peek at what came off the machine yesterday.

Bet you're wondering what the heck they are?  They're pillowcases!  Made with the super easy "hot-dog" method, then just neatly folded and laid side by side.  

I actually started with some really nice fabrics from Moda (the stripe is Songbird), Benartex (the solid teal is Quilters Suede), and Windham (the small checks are Christmas something...).  The dotted fabric is unknown, sorry.  They all have a really nice hand and were super easy to sew.  They frayed something fierce, tho, I must admit.  (I pre-wash EVERYthing before I use it.)

The thread is Floriani PFP52, and to my eyes, it's a really close match.  Unreal how different fabrics and thread from different manufacturers all works together, eh?

Anyway, back to the beginning....I ironed some Floriani No Show Mesh  to the fabric, loaded a hoop with Floriani Tearaway, then a narrow strip of Floriani Perfect Stick, then placed the fabric on that.  Of course, I had finger-pressed to find my center and marked it with a straight pin.  I programmed the name straight off my Babylock Ellegante2 and messed with adjusted the spacing just a wee bit.

Once I had my placement perfected, I pressed start, and away she went!  I can't say it enough, Perfect Results, Every time.  Thank you Walter Floriani!

Now, if you don't mind, I have some purple turtles calling my name.  Thanks for letting me pop in here, Kelly!  Wishing you and all your fans a very happy and safe holiday season!

Karin

DON'T MISS THE QUILTERS CHRISTMAS PARTY

Today is the big Quilters Christmas Party Day 

hosted by SewCalGal.

Parties are so much fun....and you just never know who will be showing up or how good the entertainment will be.  One thing I do know for sure....SewCalGal pulls out all the stops and provides plenty of fun for everyone.

Since it is a virtual party....I figured it would be fun to invite some totally cool people to entertain during the party.  I'd like to introduce you to some of my favorite people in the quilting world.  These folks really do know how to have fun and party, party, party!  So without further ado....I'd like to introduce you to Lady Eleanor (Quilt In A Day) Julie Herman (Jaybird Quilts), Gene Black (Alabama Artist and Quilter), Ricky Tims (Musician and Quilter)  and Alex Veronelli (Aurifil Threads)

You know it is so much easier to get forgiveness that it is permission....so I didn't ask any of these amazing people if they'd like to dance today....I just figured they are so much fun they would accept my invitation to dance like no one is watching :)

The party is to benefit Operation Homefront.  I had heard about Operation Homefront but I had never seriously considered making a donation until SewCalGal shared more information  about the program.  Operation Homefront  provides emergency financial and other assistance to the families of our service members and wounded warriors.  I can't even begin to imagine what it would be like to have an injured family come home from a tour of service....not to mention falling into need.  Lets show those who have served to protect us some love and compassion by helping...... TODAY!

Quilters are givers and we are asked for quilts, fabric, time and money all the time because typically we are loving people who want others to know they are loved and important.  It is a pleasure when I share and help another person.....I often feel selfish because I feel so good after I know I've helped another human feel cared about and important.  I'm guessing all of you have families, friends, and guild members that you give to during the holidays and you are probably feeling a bit stretched.  I'm going to encourage you to stretch a little or a lot more.... 

IHAN has already donated lots of fun things for the party today....but I'm also going to give one of my favorite tools away today too....just because I love to see people smile.

I'll give one Hands Free 6 LED Beam N Read Lights....yes...one of my very favorite tools....to one lucky winner that will be drawn from the list of those who donate today through SewCalGal's Blog.  ALL Money is good money....so please don't think...well 2 bucks isn't enough....everyone's 2 bucks adds up!!

If you are anything like me...you don't want your name posted to a blog saying you donated.....so I'm going to ask SewCalGal to just draw from her list for the winner of the IHAN  Beam N Read Light Giveaway.

Now go over and see what all the fun is about and hit all the other blogs that have joined in the celebration!

Smiles of Gratitude,
Kelly

 

Working on Christmas Gifts

I've been working on some Christmas gifts lately.  I know some folks who are amazing and begin working on their gifts in January.  Not me....I'm a last minute gal if there ever was one.

I started playing with some designs I liked for guest towels.  I really liked this one so it is now hanging in my first floor bathroom.  Feeling festive around here :)

Machine embroidery on the corner of a dinner napkin makes Christmas dinner a bit more fun.  I'm making these for some family members as well.  I hope they like them.

I made these pot holders for a church donation today.  They are so easy to make and go together rather quickly too.  If you make them smaller, they can also be used as coasters.

Waldo has been working on some coil bowls and I just love how she embellished them.

Do you have any quick and fun gifts that you make to give during the holidays?  I'd love to hear about them.

I saw a fun  tutorial for making small, medium and large gift bags.  Click here to see how fun and pretty they are. 

Hope you are having some fun sewing time too.

Smiles,
Kelly

Broken Wrist

No, not me!  Jocelyn, from Happy Cottage Quilter, has broken her wrist.  Jocelyn is among one of the finest people I know....and there are several of you out there!!!  Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers as she undergoes surgery on Thursday morning.  I sure wish I could send her my surgeon, Dr. Gladden, from Bowling Green, OH. 

Anyone want to overflow her mailbox with tons of cards? I know I want to......so if you'd like to join me and don't have her addy....I Just might know a little bird that knows where to send cards :)

I'm so very grateful for all the love and well wishes I've received since breaking my hand......and I know everyone will keep it flowing as needed....and if you're in need....just let us know....its always a pleasure  to pass the love and  kindnesses along.

Smiles,
Kelly

Ways to Cope With Holiday Stress

Some candlelight to relax by....

Kelly is swamped right now and can't get to her blog, so she asked me to write a blog post for her.  I'm Jean(ie) of Jean Creates, a sewist, grandma, and all-around goofy girl.

I was given free reign on what to write... Oh boy! I could write my Christmas list here for everyone else to see. But I think instead, I'm going give you a different list -- a few tips to beat holiday stress.

1. Get sleep. sleep is important as the body restores itself during the sleep process
2. Eat right. (Of course I'm writing this after eating a big honking piece of fruitcake. ), Make sure you get the proper amounts of protein, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables (Fruitcake has all that, right?).
3. Delegate part of your to-do list if necessary. Kelly did the right thing by delegating an item on her list  (not sure if choosing me was the wisest part of the decision. LOL!)
4. Set realistic expectations. Folks, let's get real. The perfect holidays only happen in books and Hallmark movies. Families, whether by birth or of choice, are all dysfunctional and crazy. Crazy Uncle Harold will always be crazy. Just choose to react differently. It's within your power. And the holidays are crazy times! Take your craziness and multiply it by the world population and you have an epidemic! 
5. Take some time for yourself. Set aside some time to do something you enjoy. Linger over morning coffee for a bit longer, or perhaps take a bubble bath, or drive a few streets out of your way to see some light displays.
6. Do something nice for someone else. I can go on and on about this one. But sometimes just seeing someone appreciate you for what you did or who you are will give you biggest energy boost of all. And it will also provide you with a sense of peace and accomplishment. 
7. Be thankful. It only takes five minutes, a card, and a stamp to thank someone for a gift or kind gestures. Be a grateful receiver. 
8. Last but not least, Laugh. Keep your sense of humor. Laughter is the best stress reducer. It helps bring  oxygen into your system. I call it breathing hard with a smile. Well, you know what I mean... 

Whatever the next few weeks bring, make it a happy time.

The Next Generation of Stitchers - And Help Needed

Rewind to Thanksgiving....our youngest daughter is here...and I was jumping for joy when I heard what she wanted for Christmas....a Sewing Machine!!!!!


Over Thanksgiving weekend Maddy asked could I help her make a Christmas Stocking for Abby, her significant others daughter.  My reply, "Well of course...when do you want to start?"

I did the big time Happy Dance :)


I've never made a stocking so we just decided to build it from the ground up.  We traced the shape of a stocking onto paper and started interviewing fabrics.  Maddy's initial idea was to make a crazy patch stocking, sort of traditional, with Abby's name across the top.  Much to her surprise, I introduced my new embroidery machine to her and the ideas didn't stop...LOL.

The stocking quickly went from traditional to wild and fun.  Here are a few photos of the process (not necessarily in order) :

After completing the ME design of her choice and embellishing it....we bagan interviewing fabric and trim combinations.....

 So very far from traditional.

When I told Maddy she could use anything she wanted and it could look like anything she could think of....well...traditional quickly went out the door.  She was absolutely thrilled when I told her that it was only a Christmas Stocking and if she doesn't like it when it's done...ya just make another one next year...no big deal!  Maddy was beaming....oh the freedom that gave her....Let the Fun Begin!!

 I think we went through every bin and drawer looking for fun combinations.  My advise to Maddy was...you'll know it when you see it and don't stop until you see it.  I also suggested we take photos of the different arrangements as the photos provide a different perspective somehow.

After going through all my fabrics I got frustrated and called Waldo and asked could we come over and search her stash.

Success!  Waldo had this plaid that Maddy loved and some cute hot pink trim too.  She was so excited to show off her first creation.

Maddy quilted the fabric and did all the sewing.  I operated the Embroidery Machine and she choose all the colors. 

 

And then she added some bling. 

I was tired and called it a night when Maddy ran back to the sewing machine and made her two children a little holiday bling:

Annie, Maddy's youngest "child" is now sporting a holiday collar sleeve.

Naturally, she couldn't leave out her son...LOL

Maddy was so excited and proud of herself.  What a joy it is to see the next generation embrace stitching :)

Oh yes...I almost forgot....the Flamingo's also celebrated Thanksgiving:

One more thing before I close- HELP NEEDED!  Our oldest daughter, Krista,  has sent me an e-mail requesting help with her Disertation.  She is working on her PHD and needs some folks to fill out a survey.  Here is her e-mail:

Could you forward this survey to some of your friends (and ask them to pass it on as well)?
I need married couples living with their spouse who have NOT had a head injury.....it would be even better if they were married to someone who has had a TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury...including concussion) at some point in their lifetime....but not necessary as I need control subjects too. Realistically it takes about 15-20 minutes.

I need at least 20 more participants or I risk not being able to move on to internship!! eek!!

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/MarriageResearch

If you would take the time to fill out her survey....we would all greatly appreciate it!  Thanks to all of you who have already filled it out :)

 

Smiles,

Kelly

Anita Goodesign Fall Promotion and Floriani Promotions End November 30, 2012

Both Floriani Embroidery and Anita Goodesign are offing Great Deals and they are ending on November 30, 2012....Don't Miss Out!!

Anita Goodesigns:

 
If you are love machine embroidery than you already know about the high quality digitizing that Anita Goodesigns offers. Did you know there is a Fall Special going on right now and it ends November 30, 2012.

Join the Diamond or the Quilting Club before November 30, 2012 here at IHAN ® and you will get 8 Free Collections of your choice plus you will recieve the New Premium Collection, "Art Quilts."

Below you can see the design I made from the Art Quilts Collection....and I'm a newbie to machine embroidery.

I was very impressed with how well mine came out.  Imagine being able to make all of them?  Well, you can when you join the Diamond, Quilting or VIP Club before the end of November.

IHAN® Creative Group Members receive an additional bonus!  Are you a member yet?  It's completely free and you can click HERE to sign up today.

Floriani Holiday Specials

When you purchase 60 spools of any combination of Floriani Thread  on or before November 30, 2012 you will recieve 2 Thread Storage Cases and 10 Floriani Embroidery Designs FREE.

 A$500 value for only $269.00

You Save $231.00

Floriani Holiday Gift Bundle

What a perfect gift for the Machine Embroidery Enthusiast in your life! Don't forget IHAN® has a Gift Registry as well :)

Floriani Deluxe Thread Set Holiday Special

Purchase this beautiful Holiday Thread Set that contains 12 Large Cones of Floriani's beautiful metallic threads and 12 Large Cones of polyester in brilliant Floriani colors and you'll receive Walter Floriani's Vintage Christmas Signature Embroidery Design collection absolutely free!

You get $399.00 worth of Floriani Threads and Designs for only $249.00...that's a $150 SAVINGS

Floriani Embroidery Took Kit Holiday Special

Excellent Tools (made by Famore for Floriani) and Free Embroidery Designs....now that's a great deal!

When you spend $50.00 in any combination of Floriani Stabilizers, Floriani will send you these beautiful Holiday Embroidery Designs:

Don't forget, these great deals end on November 30, 2012.  If you have any questions please feel free to e-mail me at IHaveANotion@yahoo.com

Smiles,

Kelly

CYBER MONDAY HOT DEALS AT IHAN®

Get the best prices of the year! CLICK HERE to view all the CYBER MONDAY HOT DEALS.

Don't forget to check out the IHAN® Holiday Specials too!

Smiles,
Kelly

IHAN® Newsletter Giveaway Winners Announced

In the "Happy November IHAN®  Newsletter" I agreed to share my Quilt Market Swag with anyone who sent an e-mail saying they wanted to be included in the drawing.  Are you an  IHAN® Newsletter Subscriber?  If not, you may want to CLICK HERE :)  More Swag to come!

 

I Brought Prizes To Giveaway Too!

I brought back some fun things to giveaway to IHAN ® Newsletter Subscribers ONLY. There are 2 fabric rolls from Robert Kaufman, Anastasia By Leesa Chandler, a sampler package of Aurifil Threads and Pony Express by Jodi Burrows (Square in a Square).

There will be four winners were selected at random on Thanksgiving Day. If you would like to be a lucky winner send an email too IHaveANotion@yahoo.com with "Enter me in the newsletter drawing" in the subject line. It's that simple!

And the Winners were selected...and then I got sidetracked when I decided to make my little IHAN®  Mail Carrier Icon....isn't he just the cutest ever?   (Thanks to the help of another dear friend who helped me get the layers of the icon done properly)   If you click on the icon on the right sidebar you can sign up for the IHAN®  Newsletter....it frequently pays to be informed :)

The Random Number Generator came up with
#50- Gene Black - Anastasia By Leesa Chandler
#64 Donna Austin- Anastasia By Leesa Chandler
#39 Vickie Pearce -Aurifil Thread Sampler
#49 Felicia Few- Pony Express by Jodi Burrows (Square in a Square).

CONGRATULATIONS!!!  I will e-mail each of you and get your mailing addresses to ship your gifts :)

Have a wonderful day!

Smiles,
Kelly

 

Happiest and Healthiest of Thanksgivings to Everyone

And to those who don't celebrate Thanksgiving today, Happiest and Healthiest of Days to you!

Maddy, our youngest daughter, James and Abbey, Maddy's significant others, were here visiting and have headed off to celebrate Thanksgiving with James' family.  I'm thinking they are going to be having a ball today.  I just love their costumes....very apropos!

There are so many things to be thankful for, health, being with family and friends, having food to share and enjoy, a warm house and of course pumpkin pie!  LOL

 Waldo aka Miss Rosemary

I had something happen to me yesterday that makes today every so much sweeter.   Most of you know Waldo...aka Miss. Rosemary, my girlfriend or heard me speak of her. 

 Let me digress, just for a sentence.  Last week Waldo was in the hospital with some blood clots in her legs and one on her lung.  She came home last Thursday and had been doing just fine.  I've seen her several times and as recently as a day and a half ago when she phoned to say she was out of black thread.  She popped in to borrow mine and she looked great.  Back to her normal sweet self.

Yesterday afternoon, I was getting out of my van in the driveway and another neighbor approached me and told me, " Rosemary has been taken by ambulance to the hospital, she had a pulmonary embolism, the family had been called in and decisions were going to need to be made."  She also suggested I wait until the family calls me and not to rush up to the hospital.

I felt the air being sucked out of me and all I could do is cry.   The grief was overwhelming and heavy as you can imagine.  I waited until 6pm and called her daughter.  I was told of course it is fine to come up to the hospital so up I went.

Do you know what I saw?  My girlfriend was sitting up in the bed and looked tired....but just like the Rosemary I know and love.  I climbed up in the bed next to her and hugged her and cried.....the relief of knowing she was fine was so joyous.  Apparently the neighbor didn't have the correct information and I"m soooo very glad she was wrong.

The doctor thinks it might be her gallbladder.  Well shoot....ya can live just fine without one of those.....hooray!!!!

I spent the night with her at the hospital and this morning, Rosemary showered, got dressed and is now home for Thanksgiving Dinner with her family.

Gratitude!!!! I'm feeling it deeply today.  Extreamly greatful for all those poeple in my life that are so near and dear to me.

Gigantic Smiles,
Kelly