Now You're Talking

I saw this in a shop window while we were out shop hopping.  I would love to get a box of thread like this for Valentines day....wouldn't you?  How fun is this?

 

I'm drowning in things "to do" today.  The boys have been home from school the past two days.  Today is their Valentines parties at school, a spelling test and a Super Reader day (Aaron has to read out loud to his classmates). 

The last few days have been filled with sledding and preparing for today.  They have Friday and Monday off too....so I only have a few hours before I head to the school for their parties and then whisk them off to a Cub Scout "Go See It" at the local television studio.  Sooooo....I will leave you with this fun quote I read this morning from a little book, "The Portable Life 101."

-92-

Don't worry about losing weight (ugh!), think about using weight (oh, boy!).  The good news about being "overweight" is that you have lots of stored energy to do all the things you want to do.  It's your energy-bought and paid for.

Since I've found a little extra energy....I think I'll use it today!!

Smiles,

Kelly

Shop Hopping-Snow Shoveling-New Purchases and Da Loom

In the lane, snow is glistening....hmmm hmmmm....we're happy tonight dancing in a winter wonder land!!!  Ok...so those might not be the exact words....but perfect for this weather.  I love the snow....isn't it beautiful?  This is out our front door.

 

This is a photo near the bridge in Maumee.  I thought the snow on the river was pretty too.  I take the boys sledding not far from here.

On Monday I got to go to 5 different Quilt Shops in Michigan with some fun gals.  We started out at 9:00 in the morning and we got back at 4:30.   I've never been to any of the stores before so I had a great time.  I got a scissor fob for my favorite pair of Dovo Scissors.  I love these scissors and I think they deserved a beautiful bobble to identify them as mine (as thought I would let anyone ever walk away with them...lol).

I found this fabric in a fat quarter bin and they did not have any left on the bolt.  Ohhhh darn....I love these colors.  I bought two fat quarters and have absolutely no idea what I will do with them.....but I love them and that was good enough for me.

I also bought a new foot for my sewing machine and some other fabric that I'm not showing yet.  I'm hoping the boys get outside to play with a babysitter later today and I'm going to put together my Valentines wall hanging.  I love the fabric and I hope it turns out beautiful.

Sandy brought this to a meeting last Monday.  I had never seen a loom like this before.  She said it was  faster than knitting a pair of socks.  I'm not a knitter but this looks like something I could do.  I found it fascinating.  Here is a link that I found when looking for them on the internet.

Da Loom

Sandy said she uses thin yarn and if my memory serves me correctly she said it had some wool in it too.  Da Loom website gives you all the information you need including a video.  So cool.

Snowman Smiles,

Kelly

I Have A Notion Employee Update

Hmmmm....how much sewing did I get done this weekend?  NONE.  Here is my "excuse"...I mean JOY.

Snow hill here we come....oh yea baby!!!

No, this is not a photo of a long lost daughter.  I have not been keep secrets about the mail man and myself.  This little angel was just sledding on the hill with us and her Grandmother said I could take her photo.  I was captivated by her curls. 

I started thinking about the portrait quilts people have done. Can you imagine doing one of this angel? One question: How would anyone capture those curls? It is beyond me. Anyway....she is beautiful and we all shared sleds and our snacks so she was part of our Posse for the day.

Do I just take my two sledding?  NOPE.....we take as many as will fit in our van.  Four little fellas spent 3 hours sledding and then we went on "An Adventure."

On another subject:

A few weeks ago, I decided to bring out our cloth napkins.  We used them daily before the boys were born.  Now time has passed and the co-workers are 5 (soon to be 6 in May) and 7, so I pull out the cloth napkins.  Aaron comes to the dinner table and asks, "Momma, what are these?"  I explain that they are dinner napkins and Mommy and Daddy used them everyday before they were born and now they are old enough, Mommy has decided to use them again.  Aaron and Zach were fine with this idea.  It was difficult for them to consider wiping their faces on cloth....but....they actually did it.  The next night, Aaron comes into the kitchen.....looks at the dinner table.....and says, "Oh Rags again Mom (in a tone of voice that one might expect if they were being given hot dogs for the 12th night in a row)?"  Can you imagine?  I laughed and laughed and could not wait to tell Rick.  So the next time you are using a cloth napkin....remember you are using a "Rag" and not a fine dinner napkin.  ROFL

Meet Pickles, my nephew.  I won't tell you his "real" name because he is a teenager....and you know how they can be.  He was visiting and his JoJo (IHAN CEO) made him do his homework.  He was not too thrilled about the book so I told him I had this special reading hat that I found helpful when reading.  He never questioned me....Pickles just sat there.  I approached him from the side and put a pair of the boys boxers on his head.  I only wish the other leg would have continued to stay up.  So when you need help reading....you don't necessarily need a brighter light or even your glasses.....you may only need a pair of Pirate Boxers!!!

So....this is why I did not get one bit of stitching done.  Someone has to soak up all these wonderful memories....it might as well be me :)

Smiles,

Kelly 

Creative Grids Rulers

I have seen all of these Creative Grids Rulers demonstrated several times. They are so cool. I bought myself the Kaleidoscope Ruler last week.  Checker Distributors has a link on their website for directions for using each one of these rulers.  Check out these directions for using them. I think people see the rulers and wonder to themselves, "what do I do with that?" Wonder no more.

Non-Slip 45º Double-Strip Ruler

60 Degree Double-Strip Creative Grids Ruler

90 Degree Double-Strip Creative Grids Ruler

45 Degree Kaleidoscope Double-Strip Creative Grids Ruler

Creative Grids 60 Degree Strip Ruler For 2 1/2in Strips & Triangles 14in x 5in

Creative Grids Trapezoid Strip Ruler 15 1/4in x 5in

I hope this helps explain how to use each of these rulers.  You will need Adobe PDF to load the instruction pages. 

I'm a visual learner so having these instructions really help me when I'm using my tools.  I hope they help you too.

Smiles,

Kelly

Special Discounts for IHAN Blog Readers from Joey & Aleethea's Esty Shop

It's not like I don't sell everything at great prices....now folks are throwing their discounts into the ring for IHAN Blog readers too.  We keep this up and we're going to be having free stuff soon!!!  (a teaser for March...he he he)

Remember this post about Joey & Aleethea's Esty Shop?  I was not expecting this reply:

Awww thank you so much for the feature!!!! You're so completely sweet, and I totally appreciate it!! Thank you also for the kind comments! If you want anything in your size -- I would be thrilled to make it for you!! hehe. :D If any of your readers would like to place an order please do enjoy a 15% discount with code "Kelly ROCKS!!"

Isn't that extremely generous?  I know, as many of you know, the time it takes to gather the materials, buy the materials, make the items, and then photograph the items and finally list them for sale in a Esty Shop.  Then there is the packaging and shipping time and effort.  So to offer a discount is HUGE....because that is truly a gift of time and energy.  So take advantage of this opportunity, click here and get your Monsters some Monsters....or Peace Signs...or Owls....what ever is your fancy :) 
 
Keep in mind, these are not friends or family of mine.  I was doing what I typically do when I see something I like....I tell everyone about it.  They are showing their appreciation by offering a discount to you.  Now that is what I call Generous!! 
 
Smiles,
Kelly

Moda Bake Shop Delivers Again and Again and Again

Again, and Again, and Again!!!  Has anyone ever looked at the Moda Bake Shop and said, "Yuck?"  It has never once happened to me.  Not even one time.  Every time I get their e-mails from United Notions/ Moda I read it from beginning to end....not scanning....actually reading and then I have to go and see what they have in the Bake Shop. 

The little girl in me wants one of these on the back of my kitchen chairs.  We could all leave little love notes for one another during the week.  A compliment for the boys....or a hot love note from Rick....or perhaps a place to put movie tickets to surprise him for a weekend date.  I don't think these are just for Valentines Day do you? 

We could even do a huge swap....where everyone makes a few and then swaps with someone else.  You know the coordinator is not going to be me....cuz I got way tooooo much on my plate (yes I know the word is have....I was educated once...lol).  However, if you are so inspired....let me know and I'll sign up!!!

How about a new Ironing Board Cover Swap?  Anyone want to coordinate that?  I think these rock.  So much fun and cheerful too.  I'm not sure I would want to use it though....what if it got dirty?  I would cry and cry and then cry some more.  It is beautiful and I would not want to ruin it.  I think it would make a wonderful Birthday gift for almost anyone don't you?

For project sheets, click here to be

technologically transported (TT) to

The Moda Bake Shop

Now I've awoken from my slumber....I'm off to fund-raise for the boys school.  A Mommy's job never ends....and the pay doesn't either :)

Smiles,
Kelly

Are they saying Lilly or Kelly?

Well, I think this video captures exactly where I am this morning.  I was smiling and happy when the boys were getting ready for school.  Zach was singing and Aaron was proudly showing off the new paper airplanes they "guys" made last night.  Then, the bus arrives and just as the bus door closes....Zap....lights out.  From Smiling to sound asleep....or just after this post....zonkers.  Too many nights up with sick people makes one IHAN CEO Zonked!!! 



Notice how Lilley smiles and then her head rolls to the side.  That is me right now....I just hope I don't drool on the sofa!!

G-Night

ZZZZZZ

Kaleidoscope Kreator 3

Can you believe I made this in less than 5 minutes after installing Kaleidoscope Kreator 3?  After I saw  a few of these I knew I had to have this for my scrapbooking, card making and quilting.  It is tooo much fun.  Beware....you may begin snapping photos of strange things just to see how it looks in a Kaleidoscope. 

My youngest co-worker is home from school sick (again) today. We had very little sleep last night so he was frustrated when I sat down at the computer to to some business. So I got him on my lap and we opened photos of him and put them into the software. He absolutely loved it and we both laughed so hard. We made on pix that looked like he had 6 fingers on a wheel...it cracked us up. Like I said, "Beware."  Consider yourself forewarned :)

Smiles,
Kelly

Some of the cutest children's clothes at Joey & Aleethea's Esty Shop

I have always found it difficult to get really neat things for my boys.  When they were babies...no problems!!  But when they were toddlers and even now, I find it very difficult to find things that I really like and think they will like as well.  I've found one shop that has great things for boys as well as girls so you know I had to tell everyone about it.  It is an Esty shop, Joey & Aleethea's. 

Monsterlicious Zip- Up Hoody

I want to know if I can get these in adult sizes too!!!  Can you imagine my husband, myself and the boys wearing one of these....I would love it :)

Now, am I right or am I right?  Aren't these just the cutest clothes for little ones?  You can browse through their Esty Shop by clicking here. 

Smiles,

Kelly

Need Some Humor?

I got this from Joanie's blog .  When I saw it....I laughed and just loved it so I thought I would share it with all of you.  I hope it offends no one...however....there is always that chance....so forgive me in advance and pretend you never saw it.

Can you imagine?  Someone is now going to do some art ear muffs made from old bras I just know it.

Smiles,
Kelly

I Love Bird Brain Designs Patterns, Check These Out

I am on Bird Brain Designs mailing list.  I get e-mails updating me on their latest patterns.  I always love seeing what they have to surprise me with.  You can get a free pattern of this lovely pin keep below by clicking here.  Isn't it great that they share free patterns?

Wouldn't you just smile every time you took out your pins if they were in one of these pin keeps?  I would....I think it is so much fun.  I'm sort of a sewing do dah fan though.  I could never have enough beautiful pin keeps or pin cushions.  I could even use more scissor fobs for my growing scissor collection.

Americana Needlework Accessories

Look how pretty these are.  I really like the design on the black background.  They have patterns and full kits including patterns as well. 

Elegant Floral Pin Cushions

 

Ok....I love this one too.  See what I mean?  Every time I open their e-mail I know I'm going to want what they have. 
 
Thank you Bird Brain Designs for giving me the "oh I just love that" feeling and the generous free pattern.
 
Do you have a favorite sewing do dah?  Share it with us so we can all enjoy these beautiful creations.
 
Smiles,
Kelly

I Have A Notion To Make A Difference

This is just a reminder for those of you who may not know that I am wrapping up the donations that will be made to Haiti.  If you did not get a chance to donate and you wanted to, please contact me at IHaveANotion@yahoo.com  I will send the funds in for matching this week.  For more information you can check out IHAN's sister blog, I Have A Notion 2 Make A Difference.

Kelly

"Marvelous Modas" by Lynn at Quilts and Cats Blogspot

Look what Lynn made after she bought the Moda Bake Shop Sampler. 

I just love this wall hanging.   Lynn only used 81 of the 480 2 1/2" inch mini charms she got in her package. 

I can't wait to see what she will do the the other 399.  I just love how she put this wall hanging together.  Of course....I am crazy about green. 

Great piece Lynn....thanks for letting me share too.

Smiles,
Kelly

Red Ruby Rose Giveaway....I'm hooked

I'm beginning to feel like Vanna White here....but you know what....when I find wonderful things....I truly love sharing them with others.

Another very talented lady, Rowena, makes these gorgeous clutches. She lives in Bristol, England and has an Etsy Shop as well as a blog.  Daisy Dayz is hosting a giveaway of this clutch made by Rowena. Stop over and put your name into the drawing. This is a wonderful opportunity to own such a beautiful clutch.

Smiles,
Kelly