What A Difference 10 Years Make

Ten years ago tonight I was having the time of my life.  Rick and I were married that Saturday afternoon.  I think the look on my face tells it all.  I thought I would burst with joy. 

As a tribute to our marriage I got 10 rose bushes for our yard.  I told Rick the roses are beautiful like our life together over the last 10 years and the thorns are to remind us that we get prickly sometimes.  He laughed and said they seemed appropriate.  

I have not posted the last couple of days because my youngest co-worker has had Strep Throat. 

My oldest co-worker reached into my purse while in the doctors office and started shooting pictures.  They both use my camera and it is funny when I find close up photos of each other's mouths and stones on the ground.  Mr. Zach is feeling better and will be going to school tomorrow :)

Do you know what this is?  It is hail!!  We had a bad storm roll through and I was away from home.  Rick ran out and grabbed a piece of hail and put it in the freezer.  The next morning the boys were thrilled to see their "hail" still in the freezer.....and it is still in there now.  I just glad they did not put a critter in there....the joy of boys :)

Isn't this a lovely postcard?  I think it is so great.  Anya, HillsCreekQuilter, sent it to me after she received her prize from the Anniversary Celebration.  Thank you Anya!!!

Smiles,
Kelly

Electric Quilt Company EQ 7 Pre-Order for 130.00 Upgrade 49.95

Electric Quilt Company EQ 7 Pre-Order

$130.00

 Save 59.95 

Electric Quilt Company EQ 7 Upgrade

Pre-Order

$49.95

Save 40.00

No I'm not going crazy......I've had customers that pre-purchased the software and then found lower prices.  My customers know I don't operate "Catchem and Cheatem's Bargain Store" here at IHAN so I've reduced the price.  This price will be honored here at IHAN through May 25th.  Thank you for choosing I Have A Notion :)  I would be honored if you referred IHAN to your quilting friends and groups.


Smiles,
Kelly

Do You Know Any Quilters Who Live Near Downtown Minneapolis?

Time for a little savy Quilt Networking!!!  I'm looking for a quilter or family member of a quilter who lives near Downtown Minneapolis.  There will be two of us going to Minneapolis on the night of the May 12th through May 16th EDITED HERE: 19-23rd. because I would then have to stay yet another week because Market does not start until the 19th!!!  .  All we need is a clean (non-smoking) place to sleep and shower.  I figure there is no need to pay a zillion dollars for a hotel when we are part of the most wonderful community I know of....the community of Quilters.  I've always said I wish when folks traveled they would come and sleep here for free rather than pay a zillion dollars to sleep in a hotel.  Perhaps there are others who think like me?  Ya don't know until you ask right?

I figured a Quilter might like an AccuQuilt GO as a Thank You gift.....or perhaps something else?  Hmmm....guess I'll ask the person.

We are driving so we can drive downtown but we don't way to stay too far away because we'll be very tired.  Neither of us smoke and we've never been convicted of any crimes....yet (I'm still planning that Aurifil heist!!!).

You know where to reach me.....just drop a line.  If anyone of you are passing through Perrysburg....south of Toledo.....you're welcome to give a ring and we'll make room for you.....or like Tom Bodett says, "We'll leave the lights on for ya!!!"

Smiles,
Kelly

It's A Wrap Bowl by Rosemary and Tonya's Mod Podge Prize

Most of you know I have been working on the It's A Wrap projects with my friend Rosemary.  This is her second project.  This time she used Batik fabric.

She wanted to do an oval basket and this is how it started.

And this is how it ended!!!

Great looking basket isn't it?  I'm currently in the process of using Batiks as well.  I'll post mine when I'm finished.  Beware.....this is a lot of fun.

Tonya over at Tonya's Sewing Room Blog won the Mod Podge in the IHAN Anniversary Celebration.  Check out the fun things she has made already:

A decorative thread jar and

A Magazine Bowl.....now tell me how very cool this is.....so Green and just darn right spanky!!! 

Thanks Tonya for showing us your fun projects :)

Smiles,
Kelly

Needle Felting Beginners Class with the Needle Arts Guild of Toledo

It has been several days now since I went to this Beginners Needle Felting Class at our Needle Arts Guild of Toledo meeting.  Caren Scarbrough, our past Guild President, gave us a beginners lesson on Needle Felting.  I had exactly zero experience with Needle Felting prior to this class.  All I have to say is it was fascinating. 

The piece above and this incredible gentleman were made by Kay Griffith.  All I can say about her Needle Art Skills is                     .  Her work leaves me speechless every time.  There are always those experienced Guild Members that have seem to turn every piece of work into a breath taking object of art.  She is one of those in my eyes.  Not to say there are not many more....but today, I'm talking about Miss Kay :)

Kay stitched and felted every part of this gentleman.  Isn't it incredible?  I bet I could visit her house and spend the entire time taking photos and never wanting to leave.

Caren brought her Baby Lock Felting Machine.  I did not even know such a machine existed.  It has 7 needles and no thread.  It just felts and wow it is a fast and wonderful machine.

This is a close up of the felting process.  It is much like free motion quilting.

These are some samples of other felted pieces.

Our beginners lesson was about making this birds nest.  We started out with a felting needle and a piece of Styrofoam.  We just poked and poked and turned and poked until it became the shape of an egg.  I think it was a great beginners project.  I'm going to use mine as a pin cushion. 

And I'm going to put these "Just Pins - Around the Block" in the pin cushion.  Won't that be so fun?  I think it will.  Another reason to smile.  By the way.....I'm always open for another reason to smile!!

Smiles,

Kelly

IHAN Anniversary Celebration Statistics

No wonder I'm tired!!!!  I had no idea the number of gifts nor their value until I sat down and tabulated these Stats.....unbelievable!!!

Now keep in mind these are rough numbers.  I did not go back and recount and obsess.  I'm sure there is someone out there who will re-count for me...feel free!!  LOL (ps....you need to see a psychiatrist for your obsessive tendencies if you are the one who actually does it)

Number of Prizes: over 160

Retail Value of Prizes: $3300.00

Number of Winners: 83

Total Number of Comments: 4613

Qualifying Grand Prize Enteries: 2448

Can you believe it?  I couldn't!!!  If I seem a bit wonky lately it was from having to exchange e-mails with 83 winners (multiple times) and many contributors to coordinate shipping of prizes.  Then there was the calculating postage, paypal requests for postage, boxing up prizes for about 75 people, and hand written notes in the packages.  Hmmmmm.....yep....I guess there is a good reason I've been tired lately.  This was a 4 person job not a one person job :)

You know what kept me going?  It was all the wonderful thank you comments I received from IHAN blog readers.  So many people took the time to thank me for doing the 32 Days of Giveaways and complimented my posts and efforts.  What an incredible Pay Check that was!!!  Thank you to everyone who took the time to read and leave comments.  I so appreciate your kind words and support.  It is truly fuel for my soul.  Not only that.....several folks sent nice thank you notes back with their postage.  A few sent extra postage and more offered to send more to cover additional expenses.  I don't know of another business person (I"m sure they are out there....but I don't know them) that people actually offer to pay more....go figure!!!

Then there were those few gals who worked in the background....they had the toughest job of all.....they gave me feedback and support when the going got rough.  Their suggestions, help, several daily e-mails, and kind words really allowed me to keep my sense of humor up until the end.  You girls know who you are....my heart felt thanks!!! 

Oh yea....there is someone to blame for all of this.....you know who YOU are too!!!!  This is all your fault and don't forget it.....LOL :)

Huge Smiles and Monster Gratitude!!!

Kelly

(edited to add the total number of grand prize people)

It's A Wrap finish and Superior Thread Company Machine Needle Experience

Well I enjoyed Tuesday morning so much I decided to take a break this afternoon and finish my, "It's A Wrap" plate (recommended first project by the author).  Keep in mind I left my book with Rosemary so I had no idea what was recommended for the process of keeping your work from getting all tangled up.  I am someone who will wrap it up around my feet....trip and fall....catch furniture with it while I walk downstairs to sew etc (yes I catch my purse strap on door knobs).  Luckily my paper towel was down to the last three pieces so I used the cardboard part to coil my wrapped line around.

Here it is next to my machine.  Check out how bright my Bendable Bright Light is....I love that thing!!!

Then all I did was use my left hand to rotate the coil under my machine while I held the cord taunt with my right hand.  It went very quickly.  I really like how forgiving this project it.  If by chance you don't catch the coil....just go back and stitch it again and it does not show.

Here she is....finished :)

And here is a close up of the fabrics.  Amy Butler fabric....oh yea!!!

These needles have nothing to do with my "It's A Wrap" project except that I used them for the first time today.  I have only used one brand of needles in my life.  I have never had a reason to change....I honestly have never thought of even trying another brand (old dog I guess).  I was asked to give these a spin and see how they worked.  I can tell you that I was able to thread the needle and that was huge for me.  I typically can't thread a needle to save my life.  Not with my glasses, two Ott lights and a Bendable Brightlight.....I guess the holes were just too small.  I had not one problem and only had to do it once....not 5-10 times licking the thread then the needle etc.  One time!!!!  The needle was nice and sharp....not one problem with the needle at all.  Guess you know where I'm going with this ay?  Yes....I'm going to start using the Superior Needles. 

Smiles,
Kelly

Ahhhhhhh The Human Touch Therapeutic Massage Chair

Ahhhh....taking a break is soooo good.  Some of us are faster than others....this is Rosemary's finished plate.  Didn't it come out great?  I'm going to work on finishing mine today. 

I am so glad I carry my camera with me everywhere I go.  This picture was taken at my favorite garage sale.  These gals get together once a year and have the best garage sale.  I stopped by last Friday to see what they had.  It was 3:00 and as I walked through the yard I saw a gathering of ladies having shrimp and wine.  Some were sitting in wicker furniture that was for sale...and when there were no more seats....this lady just made a seat for herself.  I LOVED IT!!!

Yes, she is sitting in a kitchen sink drinking a glass of wine and using a trash container for a table.  This is my kind of girl time....just hanging out....in a sink!!!  I wanted to take a picture from the front but she did not think that was the best idea.  Too bad because that was the best view.

Here comes the R & R....Jackson style.  Back in March before my birthday, we stopped into Costco to get some groceries.  It was a Saturday so you know they have every imaginable free sample to pass out.  The boys love going to Costco on Saturdays.  Can you guess how long it took me to sit down in one of these massage chairs they were demoing?  Do you think I was hesitant....or waited politely to be offered to sit down.....OH NO....the minute I saw these chairs...I walked over and sat right down.  It could have been the electric chair for all I knew....but it looked to inviting and I was willing to take the chance.

There were 4 chairs, two here and two on the other side of that advertisement.  All four Jackson's were flat out on our backs with feet up being massaged.  I think we stayed there for 20 minutes or more.  I was so surprised people were not lined up just waiting to sit down.  Guess they are not as adventurous as we are!!

Zach gives it his approval.

Sir Aaron would not get up.

Here is the pix with the machine on high...LOL.

This was the poster than had next to the chairs.  20 years of use....that chair would last longer than many marriages.  And much less costly than a wedding too!!  LOL

I was sold.  All I knew was that I wanted that chair.  Rick said he would like to think about it.  There is something you may want to know about he and I.   Invariably we end up on the same page....I end up there immediately....he ends up there in 3 days.  I'm patient and I wait :)  My birthday was on the 18th of March and all I knew was I wanted that chair.  We typically don't spend money like that except for on appliances and furniture.  I was convinced having this chair would prolong my life (and I tried to convince Rick I would live longer....all he did was laugh.  Do you think he wants to shorten my life?  Nah....me either.)

We celebrated my birthday on the Sunday following the 18th with my family here.  That morning Rick got up and called the man (Rodney -661-886-3889) at Human Touch and ordered that chair for me (all of us).  I was so excited I could barely wait.  They said it would arrive in 2 weeks, but the local delivery person called that next week.  It was a Friday and he said he could deliver on Monday.  With great enthusiasm I asked if my chair would sit in a warehouse over the weekend.....oh no it won't....I'm coming to get it....where are you?  Oh yes....I drove right over that afternoon and brought that chair right home.  I went next door and got the neighbor and his son.  When Rick arrived I had the entire posse ready to bring my chair in the house.  I am in love with that chair and I sit in it almost every day.  Rick falls asleep in it and the boys love sitting in it too.

I know it can not sew.....but dang it sure is Wonderful!!!!  Don't you wish I had invited them to join in the IHAN Anniversary Celebration?  Me too....but I knew I could not have been honest....I would have pulled my name and won another one.....and then I would have felt guilty for the rest of my life.  Some temptations are just too great :)

Relaxed Smiles,
Kelly

Some Time To Sew - "It's A Wrap"

I've not taken ill or gotten lost on the freeway....I have been finishing up packaging the last of the Anniversary Celebration prizes.  I still have three to ship and only two to be claimed.  Not bad ay?  That was an incredible amount of work and I had no idea when I came up with the idea that it would require so much time and energy....as they say....ignorance is bliss :)  I had a ball and it seemed like many of you did too....so I would say that was a successful party.

My girlfriends in PA meet and stitch on Tuesdays.  Every Tuesday I think of them and wish I were there stitching with them.  I am there in spirit and sometimes even via phone....but it has been since Thanksgiving since I've been there in body.  So when my girlfriend Rosemary called and said she wanted to get together today (Tuesday) to sew, I said YES...feet don't fail me now. 

For a long time I have wanted to make one of the projects from It's A Wrap. written by Susan Breier.

Rosemary actually took the time to read the beginning of the book for directions.  I typically jump in and only refer to the instructions if I fail....anyone else do that?  Crazy isn't it?  But I do it anyway.....not always....but many times. 

This is the clothesline we used and here are the Amy Butler Fabrics I used.  Susan recommends cutting your strips either 1/2 or 3/4 inch wide.  Both Rosemary and I decided we liked the 1/2 inch strips the best.  Somehow they just seemed easier to wrap.

I could not help but say, "Don't Pull the Rope MO!!"  Naturally Rosemary is looking at me sort of funny because it makes no sense to her...LOL.

This is MO Doodle....and he does what we did....He pulls the rope!!!

Yep....somehow we could not help ourselves...it was funny.  Twice we had the rope all messed up and had to get it untangled. 

These are Rosemary's fabrics all cut and ready to go.

Susan recommends using glue to attach the fabric every so often.  Rosemary preferred a glue stick and I preferred Roxanne's Basting Glue.  She found it difficult to squeeze the bottle (it hurt her hand) and the glue stick worked better for her.  I liked the way Roxanne's glue worked....so it is good to know what you like to work with.

This was as far as I got today.  I found it very relaxing to wrap the fabric onto the clothesline. 

One way to keep your rope untangled....wrap it around your hand and then put it into a Ziploc bag and close the bag up to just the end.  Then when you are working your rope is not long enough to trip you as you walk away....or get all tangled....of if you are anything like me.....I got mine all tangled into Rosemary's 15 yards.  You have to be super talented to be able to do that though!!

Susan recommends starting with a plateso that is what we started with (thanks to Rosemary :).  They would also make lovely glass or mug coasters.  Wouldn't they make some really fun gifts?  I want some but I'm afraid my co-workers will use them as mini frisbees....and they will be flying all over the house.

Smiles,

Kelly

Unclaimed IHAN Prizes from the Anniversary Celebration

Does anyone know Joon Toons?  There has been no reply to claim their prize. The won the Simpli-EZ 9 1/2 x 9 1/2 Square from Simplicity Studio.

Beeshebags won the Checker Distributor gift package

Jean from The Black and White Quilt Challenge has won It's A Wrap II

If anyone knows these folks would you please have them contact IHAN at IHaveANotion@yahoo.com

Smiles,
Kelly

The Electric Quilt Company's NEW EQ 7

Just when I thought the excitement at IHAN had calmed down I find out The Electric Quilt Company is coming out with EQ 7. 

There is no blog rest for the IHAN team.  I can't sit quiet after reading about this....I might loose some good friends if they found out I knew and didn't tell them. 

This does not make our EQ6 less wonderful, it is still the same incredible quilt software it has always been.....it just means we can upgrade to 7 if we would like to have the new features.  The new version will allow us to use our Digital Cameras to turn our photos into our quilting creations.  You can also photograph your stash and add it to your EQ7.....now that is way cool!!!  Perfect for me because I can't tell you which fabric will be the best as the boarder.  I typically have to pack up my projects and carry them around to my quilting friends and get their opinions.  Now this evens out the playing field....I don't have to feel bad I can't visualize how it might look.....I can make it digitally ..... check it out....change it.....without ever ripping out a single stitch. 

Electric Quilt has changed their activation policy too.  You can activate and deactivate your software when you change computers without all the hassles.  Just a few clicks and you are done. 

This gives you more information (gently borrowed from EQ :)

EQ7 is the most user-friendly full-featured quilting software yet.

 •Complete user manual
•22 printable full-color PDF lessons (115 pages)
•Point-and-read info on each tool – now linked directly to Help topics
•10 videos targeted for beginners
•67 “How do I?” topics: printable stepped-out instructions for doing everything from printing English paper-piecing templates to drawing a New York Beauty
•Built-in Help buttons are everywhere, targeted to the task you're doing
•New block tools for creating original blocks instantly without drawing
•Blocks size themselves – just drag and drop on the quilt

Includes tons of user-requested new features

Exactly the same friendly interface, plus loads of new user-requested features.
•5000 copyright-free blocks
•5000 new scanned fabrics, plus grayscale textures
•120 new pre-designed quilt layouts
•Snap blocks to a Quilt grid
•Instant border blocks with greatly expanded Auto Borders
•Print multiple photos on fabric
•Create original fabric designs from photos, then print on fabric
•Mirror and use myriad symmetries on photos
•Use dozens of artistic effects, making everyday photos look like watercolors or Impressionist paintings
•79 new features in all

Netbook compatible

Works on netbooks as well as laptops and desktop computers.

You knew all that had to be gently borrowed ..... everyone knows I'm no wiz....but I can certainly use my EQ6 and I can't wait to take pix of my stash and put it into my computer when I get the EQ7 upgrade!!!

I have added EQ 7 and EQ7 Upgrade to my website.  It is available for pre-order.  Like most new releases they sell out quickly and then go right into back order.  I'm going to stock up and if you pre-order through me you will get your copy just as soon as I get them (the are in Bowling Green, just 15 minutes down the street..oh yea!!)

You will be charged to secure your copy but it will not ship until they are released by The Electric Quilt Company on June 7, 2010. 

So if you want a copy, hop over to IHAN and order yours now :)

Smiles,
Kelly

Run Don't Walk to visit John at Quilt Dad

Seriously, who could not want to see what this guy has to say?  If you don't know John from Quilt Dad....it is time you meet him.  He is a father who quilts and his work is wonderful.  John has been featured in the Moda Bake Shop. Way cool!  He has lots of creative and talented friends and he seams to be in every swap group group going.  I'd love to swap with him....I'm just not sure he would want to swap with me....LOL!!!

If you visit soon you will be tickled to read that he is having a giveaway Prizeapalooza celebrating his Second Blog Anniversary.  I've been living under a pile of packages lately so if this is old news to you....it's your fault I didn't know until now because you knew I was stuck under a pile of packages and should have called or written!!!

Happy Second Anniversary John!!! You are the best Quilt Dad ever :)

Smiles,
Kelly

IHAN in American Patchwork & Quilting???

Long time IHAN blog readers know I don't pay to advertise.  I'm a peanut size business and advertising is a luxury I don't choose to afford.  100% of my business is from word of mouth or Google.  You may be surprised if you have seen the June 2010 edition of American Patchwork and Quilting .

Check out page 14

Oh yeah baby.....that is IHAN right there in print.  You can imagine my excitement and joy when I saw this.  Talk about a Happy Anniversary....I'd say that is an awesome Anniversary present, wouldn't you?

Thank you Aurifil!!! 

Now....although I am sincerely grateful.....this does not mean I will put aside my plans to run off with all the Aurifil thread displays at Quilt Market.  Don't think IHAN has hired nude models to distract the Italian guys at the Aurifil booth.  Nope, not me.  Just because I'm driving to Minneapolis with a dolly does not mean I'm conspiring a heist.  (total lie.....I am conspiring a heist!!)  I figure if I get a jury of my peers....I'm home free, right?  Who among you would convict me of such a wonderful dream/crime?  I didn't think so.....look out guys!!!  ROFL

Smiles,

Kelly