IHAN Note from Mr. McSteamy

Mr. McSteamy here….


In order to give Kelly a break, I am volunteered for the first time to write today’s blog. (We are off to see Uncle Walt next week, so Kelly needs to pack!) First of all, being male, I need to put a list together to get everyone up to date.

1. Yes, I really do love the Reliable steam iron. Best I have ever had in my hands. Lots of steam and I can get a shirt done with a third less time. The coolest thing about it, is that it has a motion sensor in it, so if you set it down for more than 3 seconds, the steam temporarily stops.

2. Yes, Kelly is as crazy-wonderful as see sounds in her blog. I am blessed to be able to share so much time with her. (I think you bloggers get more of her time than I do quite honestly.)

3. I am truly impress with how much IHAN is giving away this month. Please leave your comments if you want to get in on this. Kelly is reaching out to you, and she wants to connect with you with some meaningful dialogue.

Enjoy the holiday season, and I apologize if I steal her away next week. Please be tolerant with the 30-day giveaway, as she needs a break away with the kids and myself. I promise the giveaway will go on. Keep on blogging.

Mr. McSteamy
FYI….The prizes are literally piling up here, and I can’t wait until she gives them all away!!! Good luck.

(Note from IHAN CEO-I'll post today's giveaway in a few hours....Mr. McSteamy is making me pack and not post my giveaways....guess balance in life is a good thing:)

Day 12 Giveaway #2 Mary Ellen's Best Press

IHAN's 30 Days of Giveaways

Anniversary Celebration

Day 12 Giveaway # 2

Mary Ellen's Best Press

The Clear Starch Alternative

by Mary Ellen Products Inc.

I learned about Mary Ellen's Best Press from my quilting friends in Pennsylvania.  I have not used any other starch since buying my first bottle of Best Press.  What I like about Best Press is that it is clear, doesn't flake, and it has a stain shield.  I remember when I introduced Best Press to Rick (my Mr. McSteamy).  He could not believe that it did not leave flakes and that it starched his work shirts so nicely.  I'm not kidding when I say we have a bottle at each ironing board and a backup gallon upstairs at Rick's ironing board and another gallon for refills at my ironing board.

Quoting Mary Ellen :

There wasn't any new product for ironing in years - then I got sick and tired of using aerosol starch! So now, I've introduced a clear crisp starch with a lovely scent that makes ironing more enjoyable. It's in a non-aerosol can, so it's environmentally-friendly and you can see how much is left, too. There's no flaking, clogging, or white residue on dark fabrics. A special stain shield protects fabrics, and the product helps resist wrinkles. Best of all, it's more effective than any starch you've ever used. 

Here are some quotes from other Best Press users:

"My quilting ladies love Mary Ellen's Best Press. We put a sample out for them to use during classes and once they have tried it, they have got to have it!

*the scents are lovely, not over-powering
*there is no residue left on the fabric
*it provides a little extra stability when working with bias edges
*it aids pressing curved piecing like on the double wedding ring pattern
*seams press flatter and crisper for precision piecing
Many of my quilter's buy it by the gallon.
We have only good things to say about Mary Ellen's Best Press. Thank you for making a quality product that is a joy to use, Kathy Rutherford, owner of Calla Lily Quilt Shop"

"I am a new consumer of Mary Ellen Products. As sick as it may sound, I like to iron, and have been a frequent user of Niagara Spray starch for many years. I had the opportunity to try "Best Pressed". Can't say enough good things about Best Pressed. Product lasts longer than Niagara, does not flake or leave any type residue on clothing after ironing. Also leaves a nice fragrance on clothing. Yuo should try it." -Lynda, Texas                          (taken from Mary Ellen's Product website)

Aren't these the cutest little bottles?  Best Press now has a gift bag with six 2 oz bottles of each of their scents.  These would make a wonderful Easter Basket surprise or a fun  way to say Happy Birthday or Thank You to a quilting friend.
 
Mary Ellen's Best Press is acid free and made in the USA!!!
 
I know you are going to be thrilled that Mary Ellen Products have sent six bottles of Mary Ellen's Best Press (16 oz), to be given away to six very lucky IHAN blog readers.  The Tea Rose Garden scent will be put into the Grand Prize Drawing.  To win one of the other five bottles of Mary Ellen's Best Press leave a comment here on this post telling us what you like about Best Press if you have used it.  You've not tried Best Press?  Please tell us why you would like to win a bottle.  We will draw 5 names for this drawing. (The sixth one goes into the Grand Prize Drawing:)
 
Smiles,
Kelly

Day 12 of 30 Days of Giveaways - Mistyfuse

IHAN's 30 Days of Giveaways

Anniversary Celebration

Day 13 Giveaway

Mistyfuse

by Attached Inc.


Mistyfuse White

Mistyfuse Ultraviolet

Mistyfuse Black

I am so surprised every time I hear someone say that they have not heard about Mistyfuse. If this is the first time you are hearing about Mistyfuse, boy are you going to thank me.

The official description for Mistyfuse:

Use paper-less Mistyfuse® for all weights of fabric from velvets and cottons to delicate tulles and organzas. It's a dream to work with—it handles well, is incredibly sheer, doesn't add bulk to your fused piece and bonds firmly once cooled. And since there is no added adhesive, it will never gum up your scissors or quilting needles.

"My" description of Mistyfuse:

Use it...trust me...you won't be sorry....excellent fusible that is light and does not make your fabrics or papers hard or stiff....they stay nice and soft...(stop thinking about Charmin Toilet Paper will ya.....it is soft but not nice and thin like Mistyfuse)

I met Iris Karp (Owner of Attached Inc.) in Pittsburgh last May. She demonstrated how Mistyfuse works and I was fascinated. I'm sure she thought I was absolutely nuts because I carried the sample she gave to me all around for the duration of market asking people if they were familiar with it. I sent everyone I spoke with over to Iris so she could show them how cool it is. I'm surprised Iris did not call the police and report a nutcase on the loose. (No one here will be surprised because all of you know when I learn about something that is really neat and works like it says it will.....I tell everyone I know. )

I know you want to see some projects that have used Mistyfuse.  Here are some examples of things Sue Bleiweiss has made using Mistyfuse:

Fabric Charms 

Silk Journal Purple, Green & Blue from Sue's Etsy Shop 

Funky Flowers Art Quilt from Sue's Etsy Store 

Soap Bubbles Art Quilt in Sue's Etsy Shop 

Sue is a very talented artist and quilter.  I really appreciate her allowing me to use her photos from her projects for this post-THANKS Sue!!! 

Three Creative Studios   (Sue Bleiweiss, Terri Stegmiller, and Vicki Welsh) have put an excellent Mistyfuse Tip Sheet on their site.  They also have the following free tutorials:

Fabric Charms Tutorial 

Fiber Collage Cards 

Fabric Frames 

Foiled Silk Cards 

Mixed Media Fiber Cuffs 

Mini Padfolio 

Painted Lace Surfaces 

THANK YOU Three Creative Studios for the excellent tutorials :)

Here are some of my customers e-mails with their thoughts on Mistyfuse:

Mistyfuse and I have gotten to be great friends, and it is definitely my preferred fusible. I had avoided using fusibles because they made my quilts stiffer than I liked, but Mistyfuse converted me. It is so light I have even used it under organza. My latest project involved small narrow circles and ovals of fabric, and Mistyfuse made it possible to easily translate my vision into fabric; if I had had to pull paper off all those narrow pieces of fabric, I would have gotten very frustrated with the process. It gets an enthusiastic recommendation from me.

Madalene Axford Murphy
workingwall.blogspot.com

Hi Kelly,

Mistyfuse is a great product. Recently I made ATCs using layers of candy wrappers and Misty Fuse was so easy to work with to get the look I was hoping for.

Jenny Morlock
quiltcrazygaljennalouise.blogspot.com

MJE's Bag Tag Tutorial is posted on the sidebar of my blog. I make fun Bag Tags using Mistyfuse. They make great gifts and I love them to put on all my bags including my co-workers backpacks.

I should also tell you that Mistyfuse comes in :

Ultraviolet-

In accelerated aging studies, exposure to UV rays have been shown to cause fusibles to tan (darken). Especially on light colors, sheers or other light weight fabrics, and surface use, tanning may read as a color shift or dark spots. But now there’s Mistyfuse Ultraviolet! Mistyfuse Ultraviolet is specially formulated with an effective retardant to protect against the tanning effect of UV rays - without sacrificing any of the inherent Mistyfuse qualities you expect and trust. Mistyfuse Ultraviolet is white and fuses clear.

And Black-

Use Mistyfuse Black with any fabric or with tulles and sheers to create shadow and other special effects.

To have a package of White Mistyfuse shipped to the address of your choice, you need to leave a comment here telling us about your experiences using Mistyfuse and if you have not used Mistyfuse please tell us what you intend to make using Mistyfuse.

For extra entries please send photos of projects you have made using Mistyfuse with a description and you review of Mistyfuse to IWantToWinAtIHAN@yahoo.com

But WAIT...there is MORE....Iris Karp is going to give away one package of Mistyfuse each week for three weeks....so watch for more posts....and the last week she is going to giveaway a roll of Mistyfuse 12 in. x 100 yards in the Grand Prize Drawing. To learn more about the Grand Prize Drawing....click here :)

Thank You  Iris Karp (Attached Inc.) for your generousity and for giving me the idea of having a Grand Prize Drawing !!!

Smiles,

Kelly

Did Someone Say There Is ANOTHER Giveaway?

Guess what, Barbara Foley from Craft It Wednesday is having a giveaway and I thought everyone would want to know.  I'm starting to think the old saying, "April Showers Brings May Flowers," should be changed to April Showers Brings Great Packages :) 

Barbara is giving away a brand new issue March/April 2010 of Creating Keepsakes,  Trading Cards for scrapbook book, and  Crazy for Chipboard book.   Click here to enter her giveaway :)  Craft It Wednesday's giveaway ends on April 1, 2010 too.  Hop on over and put your name in the hat....feel free to tell your friends too.

Smiles,
Kelly

Day 12 of 30 Days of Giveaways - Kaleidoscope Kreator 3.0

IHAN's 30 Days of Giveaways

Anniversary Celebration

Day 11 Giveaway

Kaleidoscope Kreator 3.0
by  Kaleidoscope Collections

This software is so cool that within minutes of me loading into my computer, I had my youngest co-worker on my lap and we were making fun gift tags with Kaleidoscope Kreator 3.0.  This is his first kaleidoscope:

He was smiling ear to ear when IHAN Daddy came home from work.  "Look what I made Daddy!"  He was soooo proud and I was very surprised to see that within minutes of loading the software a design could be made. 

Here is how we did it:  We opened a photo, Zachary chose a photo of himself of course :)  Then we selected a shape for our design, then he decided how many of the sections he wanted for his picture.  We put our cursor on the photo and moved it around until the part he wanted to focus on was in the "key hole" - area of the design-  he wanted to use. The program gives you a preview on the sidebar.  Zach loved moving the photo all around getting all the different scenes of himself.  Then we saved it....honestly that was all we did. 

Kaleidoscope Kreator 3.0 was so much fun (addicting) that I kept putting all sorts of photos into the variety of shapes and laughing when we came up with silly photos of the boys. 

The next photo I took from a book that will be given away during our Anniversary Celebration and made a fun kaleidoscope with it.  Can you guess what book this is from?  If you know, e-mail your answer to IWantToWinAtIHAN@yahoo.com for 5 extra entries into this drawing.  Please don't post your answer below in the comments.

I made this in less than 2 minutes and that is not an exaggeration.  Talk about a very cool pattern for a wall hanging....I love it, don't you?

Kaleidoscope Collections has a wonderful website (not to mention blog and Facebook Fan Page!!!) with great examples of how Kaleidoscope Kreator 3.0 can be used in a variety of mediums.  The photos below were "gently borrowed" from  Kaleidoscope Collections for the purpose of demonstrating the variety of amazing things that can be made with their oh so cool software :)

Card Making 

(please make and send me this card...pretty please)

Scrapbooking....how cool is this?

Paper Crafting

Quilting and Sewing 

Fashion and Accessories 

One very lucky IHAN blog reader is going to win a Kaleidoscope Kreator 3.0 CD or Download (out side the US) .  To enter, please leave a comment on this post (you may want to put your e-mail address under your name) telling us why you want to win Kaleidoscope Kreator 3.0 AND what you will make if you were to win. 

I want to thank Kaleidoscope Collections for helping to celebrate IHAN's First Anniversary by so generously giving away Kaleidoscope Kreator 3.0 to one very lucky IHAN blog reader.

THANK YOU Kaleidoscope Collections :)

Smiles,
Kelly

Day 11 Giveaway - GrabARoo's

IHAN's 30 Days of Giveaways

Anniversary Celebration

Day 11 Giveaway

GrabARoo's
 by File Gloves Plus, Inc.

I know all the regular readers of the IHAN blog already know about GrabARoo's.  Since I have yet to learn how to get my hi-def video camera to download to my computer, I have to depend on YouTube quite a bit. 

GrabARoo's are the best gloves for quilting, scrapbooking, filing, stocking shelves, bank tellers....and I could go on and on.  I don't feel like I have anything over my hand like other gloves and my rings don't snag the glove either.  I can even type in them...and have because it gets cold here in the kitchen at night :)

So many people have written and asked could they get them in another color because their husbands worked with boxes or paper and their hands are beat up.   Guess who has GrabARoo's in XL Black?  You guessed it, www.IHaveA-Notion.com. 

This is a photo of a little booty I made for the Roc-lon Multi Purpose Cloth Challenge.  I had little experience with using the satin stitch on my sewing machine.  It was very difficult to keep those little pieces straight.  That is when I stretched my arms and neck, looked forward...and what was hanging on my rack in front of my eyes?  My GrabARoo's, no kidding. 

I found it much easier to guide the fabric and go around curves when wearing GrabARoo's .  Turning corners can be difficult when doing the satin stitch and I was pulling my fabric through the machine and getting spaces in my stitches.  I discovered wearing GrabARoo's  gave me more control and helped me stop pulling on my fabric.  Another very cool thing about GrabARoo's is that there are grippers on both sides of the gloves, top and bottom.  This is great because when you wear down one side, you just flip the gloves over.  It's like having two pair of gloves.

Two very lucky IHAN blog readers are going to win a pair of GrabARoo's.  All you have to do is leave a comment telling me why you want to win them and/or what other uses you can think of for these fantastic gloves.

For extra entries, e-mail a photo of you with your GrabARoo's to IWantToWinAtIHAN@yahoo.com

Smiles,
Kelly

Day 10 of 30 Days of Giveaways - Hook Loop & Lock

IHAN's 30 Days of Giveaways

Anniversary Celebration

 hook, loop and lock

by Theresa Pulido

Krause Publications

 Ooooohhh Ahhhhhhhh.....(short shallow breaths).....Wow, aren't those beautiful?  That is what I said the first time I saw Theresa Pulido's work.  She was sitting  at a table outside a large conference room.  I saw her using this beautiful fabric and an hook.  Theresa smiled as I approached and I asked what she was doing.... "Locker Hooking (which refer to the tools that are used), would you like to see?"...(really big smile on my face) "Yes!"  Who would not want to know what she was doing with all that lovely fabric and those cool looking tools?  

For those of you who are not familiar with locker hooking tools, I bet you want to know how it is done, don't you? 
I thought so.....

Didn't you think that was a great video?  Feeling more confident that you can also make something very cool?  (if your answer was not yet...check out Theresa's second video on her website: Color Crazy.)

This craft is a great way to deplete a whole lot of scraps and leftovers from other projects.  Once used, you can shop for more fabric with a clear conscious!!

Can you imagine this as a house warming gift?

 
Theresa's Sari Silk Bangles are just stunning.  Did someone say SILK?  Wow that is a popular word these days:)  Another great use for the winner of the Brewer Dupioni Silk Giveaway!!

Theresa has a new kit coming out next month:

The Blossom Basket Kit

 You may want to become a fan on Facebook or her blog so you will know when it is available.

(Hi Theresa:)

Day 10 Giveaway- One very lucky IHAN blog reader will have everything pictured at the top of this post delivered to the address of their choice:

• hoop, loop and lock book by Theresa Pulido
• a starter kit to make a trivet with insert tile
• a locker hooking kit to make a blossom basket (great for gifts or as a business card holder
• additional supplies to make the matching bottle cozy that can double as a pencil cup holder

 Thank You Theresa!!!  Someone is going to be extremely happy with your generosity :)

Many of you have asked about where to find the great products that are being given away.  You can find them at www.IHaveA-Notion.com my on-line Quilting and Stitching Notions store :)

To enter today's giveaway you need to leave a comment (Click on Please Comment Here directly under each post and scroll down to comment box)  telling us if you are familiar with locker hooking, weather you have done locker hooking or think you would like to give it a try, and say thanks to Theresa for this great opportunity :)

For extra entries, e-mail photos of your locker hooking projects to IWantToWinAtIHAN@yahoo.com

All giveaway entries will remain open until April 15, 2010 at 10PM CMT.  To qualify for the entries you must leave the required comments that are indicated in each post.  If you would like to increase your chances of winning, check out Darlene's recommendations at SewCalGal and the Happy First Anniversary Page.

Smiles,

Kelly

Day 9 of 30 Day Giveaway Featuring Texture Magic

IHAN's 30 Days of Giveaways

Anniversary Celebration Day 9

Texture Magic

by Superior Threads

 

If you have never used Texture Magic before you are in for real surprise.  I can't think of a more appropriate product to follow the V100 Digital Velocity Iron (aka Steamy McDreamy) than Texture Magic!!!

Look at this beautiful journal cover made by Bridget Wiseman that is being shown on Mother Superior's Blog.  I think it absolutely beautiful.  I want to open my bag and pull out a notebook that looks this beautiful, don't you?

Texture Magic gives any fabric project added dimension and texture.  All you have to do is put Texture Magic on the wrong side of your fabric and stitch it down.  You can have some fun with how you stitch it down because that will make a difference in how it turns out.  Once it is stitched down....you steam it.  Did someone say steam?  If you are the lucky winner of the V100 Iron....you'll have absolutely no problem with this one :)  The Texture Magic shrinks up and so does the fabric.  You get a really cool texture that can be used in clothing, quilts, stuffed animals, home decor....the sky is the limit.  (It can be used on Silks-oh boy....and we're giving away silk too!!!)

Watch Patsy Thompson's tutorial here....this video shows you just how to use Texture Magic.  There are two more videos of Patsy working with Texture Magic.  They are on Superior Threads website and you can click here to view them.

Speaking of Superior Threads website, you may want to spend some time there looking at all the incredible information they have on their site.  Bob Purcell offers a  "School of Threadology"  and there are Reference guides, a  Gallery, and an Eduction Index that covers information about bobbins and needles etc.  There is so much more to see so you might want to sign up for their Newsletter so you can on top of all the news.

"Patterns by Annie" offers several patterns that use Texture Magic.  We will be giving away one of Annie's Patterns along with a package of Texture Magic in a future post....stay tuned:)

Do you want to know how you can have a package of Texture Magic sent to the address of your choice?  All you need to do is leave a comment below sharing with us what project you have that could be enhanced using Texture Magic.

For extra entries, please send photos of projects you have made with Texture Magic to IWantToWinAtIHAN@yahoo.com

Smiles,

Kelly

Last but not least- I want to remind everyone that they can enter all of the giveaways because they don't close until April 15, 2010 at 10:00pm CMT.  If you would like to increase your chances of winning please read SewCalGal's Tips.  Please consider taking a button (copy and paste) from the upper right hand corner of my blog to post on your blog and link to it.  I want everyone to have an opportunity to win these beautiful gifts. 

Reliable V100 Digital Steam Velocity GIVEAWAY

Day 8 IHAN Anniversary Celebration Giveaway

Reliable Corporation

Digital Steam Velocity V100

How well do you really know yourself?  

What is your vision of Perfect Steam?

This is good steam..it works....but it is a little loud and might ruin your ironing board.

This is also good steam....very good steam :)

Mr. Steamy McDreamy!!!

Now that I've introduced you to a few varieties of steam, I ask you.....which would you rather have?  (Keep in mind that Steamy McDreamy is not available!!!)

My preferred and available (which is very important) preference for an excellent source of steam is my  V100 Digital Velocity Iron by Reliable. 

Oops did I say "my"?  This is Rick's Digital Velocity V100 iron....not mine.  As you can see, he gives it two thumbs up.  Rick (my McDreamy) has complained for years about our irons not getting wrinkles out and water leaking all over his shirts.  He has not complained once (100% truth) since he got the V100 Digital Velocity Iron.  An iron that doesn't leak.....is a modern miracle.

It has two heating elements and a micro-pump that ensures a continuous flow of steam, even on low temperature, and with no spitting or leaking.  Here are the other great features of this iron:

• 30g/m of continuous steam

• 8 minute auto shut-off
• Steam Ready (bypasses auto shut off)
• 1800W heating element
• 30g/m of powerful continuous steam
• 1.8 cups (430 ml) water capacity

Steam Ready allows the user to iron continuously without the auto shut off feature. When activated, the iron will not shut off, unless manually turned off by the user.


Save water with the Eco-Intelligent feature. When the iron is picked up, the iron starts to steam immediately. Place the iron down and after 3 seconds it stops.

The V100 has received the coveted Woolmark Approved status, confirming it’s safe use on all types of delicate wool fabric.

 
Since it is illegal (I guess) to giveaway Mr. Dreamy McSteamy. 
 
Reliable Corporation is doing one better....they are giving away a V100 Digital Velocity Iron to one extremely lucky IHAN blog reader (including shipping).
 
THANK YOU Reliable!!!! 
 
To be entered into this drawing you need to leave a comment telling us what you think the V100 will do to improve your stitching and quilting projects. Give us all the Steamy McDreamy details....not just..." it will take the wrinkles out"....that is already guaranteed :)
 
For extra entries, send us photos depicting why you need the V100 Digital Velocity Iron to IWantToWinAtIHAN@yahoo.com
 
BTW: You may want to visit SewCalGal's blog.  She has posted some excellent tips for increasing your chances of winning giveaways.  Click Giveaway Tips to magically transport yourself to that excellent knowledge :) 
 
Steamy Smiles,
KellyTo read more you can go to the Reliable website or click here.

Day 7 of 30 Day GIVEAWAY at www.IHaveA-Notion.com

Today's IHAN Anniversary Celebration Giveaway

will leave you spinning!!! 

Sizzling Circles

by Lacey Hill

 Golden Thyme Designs

Lacey has generously given Sizzling Circles, a wonderful book,  AND her Circles and More Ruler to one very lucky IHAN blog reader.

  (Circles and More Ruler)

I know first hand of what I speak/type because I have made one of the Sizzling Circles patterns. 

This is my table topper in the fall and wall hanging in my sewing room during the other three seasons.  It is a flip and sew so there are no bindings. Quilt as you go, leaves you with the four circles then they are joined making the beautiful flower in the middle.  I machine appliqued the leaves. I just love it and I get lots of compliments from visitors too.

One lucky IHAN blog reader will also  get Lacey's Circles and More Ruler.

"It's the perfect everyday 4" x 18" ruler with an added bonus of holes every ½" in the center to quickly mark circles up to 34" in diameter with ease. It can also help mark scallops on quilt borders!"

Here is a sneak peak at one of the other patterns in Sizzling Circles. "Sizzling Circle Baltimore Basket" is the title of this pattern. Isn't it beautiful?



I like that the patterns use the "Simple Quilt-as-you-go Technique. No Quilting or Binding Required!" I imagine these would make wonderful gifts....not only the table toppers, wall hangings, or jacket embellishments (the possibilities are endless) but the Sizzling Circles book as well.  I know I loved getting mine as a gift.  THANK YOU Lacey.....you are one generous woman :)
 
If you would like an opportunity to win Sizzling Circles and the Circles and More Ruler, you need to leave a comment on this post telling us where you will use your Sizzling Circles Quilts and who you would give one to as a gift (we may hold you to the gift part!!!  :)
 
Lacey Hill of Golden Thyme Designs will mail the book and ruler after a winner is drawn on April 16, 2010.
 
For additional entries, please send photos of your Sizzling Circles projects along with the pattern title to IWantToWinAtIHAN@yahoo.com
 
Smiles,
Kelly