Two Reviews & A Giveaway

Why Two Reviews?  Why......

Because I have not finished my Spring Quilt Market Reviews and then I went to Fall Quilt Market in Houston.  What can I say?  I need more time and lots more energy!! 

So without further ado....let me introduce you to Liz Kettle and Ruth Chandler.  They are two of the authors of Fabric Embellishing, The Basics and Beyond.  (Minneapolis Releases)

Liz and Ruth are great fun and I love the vest Ruth wore to Spring Quilt Market.  Check out the back of her vest below.

 

How cool is she?  Not only a great looking vest but a fun advertisement and demonstration for Image Transferring.  I chased her down the hall yelling, "Hey Fabric Embellishing Girl"....no kidding.  Clearly I have no shame.  I could not remember her name ....that happens to me all the time.

Ruth and Liz presented at School House and we had a opportunity to see many of their techniques in their samples.  They have a big sample book of their techniques and the book is very inspiring.  Below you will see a collage of some of their pages.  I didn't think the collage showed enough detail so I also included some of the individual photos below those.

Unfortunately I was not able to take their classes but Ruth and Liz were kind enough to send me home with a kit to try myself.  Kind and generous ladies for sure!!!

Fabric Embellishing, The Basics & Beyond was co-authored by Ruth Chandler, Liz Kettle, Heather Thomas and Lauren Vlcek. This book (as well as the next one) are hardcover but made with the spiral bindings inside which really makes it easy to read along while you are working.  There lots of photos that help teach the techniques that are described....which include this long list of great techniques:

• Textiva
• Cocoons & Rods
• Burning
• Paper Collage
• Weaving
• Embroidery
• Devore
• Stamping
• Angelina
• Discharge Dyeing
• Couching
• Tyvek
• Crazy Quilting
• Metal
• Image Transfer
• Beading
• Needle Felting
• Rusting
• Lutradur
• Foiling

Isn't this just an incredible list?  I'm sooooo glad they did not call me and ask for help with writing this book.....it would still be in pencil form and no where near the printers.  These girls are clear in their instructions and really share tons of information....an excellent reference book and a great gift too!!

Fast forward now to Houston and Fall Quilt Market

Guess who has a new book out...already?

Liz Kettle has co-authored another book that was presented in Houston, Threads, The Basics & Beyond.

 

Liz and Ruth holding their books :)

Debbie Bates  (no photograph) and Liz Kettle have written Threads The Basics & Beyond - The Complete Visual Guide to Thread Techniques & Creativity. 

In this photo Liz is sharing some the techniques in book Threads.  Below is a photograph of one of the projects that was shown.

Debbie and Liz cover so many ways to use thread in your creating.    I never looked at thread in so may ways before.  This book offers an in-depth coverage of  thread as paint, quilting, texture, ornament, structure and embellishment.  The photos are a great part of the book for me.  Without the excellent photos, I probably would not really have a full appreciation for all the techniques. 

If you want some in-depth information to further your creativity I highly recommend both of these books!

Would you love win a copy of  Threads  The Basics & Beyond?  Here is your chance.  Just leave a comment on this post telling me what interests you most about the book.  The winner will be announced on Wed. December 15th. 

Smiles,
Kelly

PS....I most likely will not be replying to all the comments as I have made a commitment to myself to get some sewing done too :)

Fassett, Jacobs, Lucy & Mably in Houston for Quilt Market 2010

I'm in Heaven....Kelly Heaven.....oh...Heaven.....and of course there are monks chanting in the background....:)  If I put music on my blog it bothers some folks....so you'll just have to get your imaginative juices working this morning/afternoon.....

I know Sarah Vedeler thought I was stalking her while I was in Houston.  Every time I showed up she looked at me and smiled.....so.....I took her photo.  BUT....who I was stalking....and I do honestly admit it was true stalking....it was the Westminster Fabrics Booth with Kaffe Fassett, Philip Jacobs, Brandon Mably and Liza Prior Lucy. 

I'm just appreciative that Brandon has such a good sense of humor and Liza had her back turned because otherwise....I'm certain I could have been jailed in Houston.

The energy these colors. along with the designs just speak to my inner "Wild Mo Jo".....and I don't think I really knew I had an inner "Wild Mo Jo" until I first saw their booth a few years ago. 

I could have parked a lawn chair in front of this quilt and book and stayed there for three days with a smile on my face and joy in my heart.

Kaffe enjoying his needlework.

I thought Kaffe was kind to even bother to look up for a photo.  After all, he had been on a plane most of the night (or so I was told.....maybe he really thinks I'm a nutcase and can't stand me taking his photo....who knows?)

Since this is my blog and I can take creative liberties.....I"m going to  name this piece,
 "Peaks of Enlightenment."  How do you like that?  :)

I'm calling this one......"Amber Waves of Joy"

I like "Cornered Energy" for this one.

"Wheels of the Ruby Dharma"....I like that title...do you?

This I call, "Where is Waldo?"....LMAO
(if you don't know what the acronym stands for....please don't look it up)

"Water Falling on Bliss"

"BAM"

"BAM, BAM and AHHHH"

These are just the titles I've given these photos.  I love these Westminster Fabrics and the designers are very inspiring to me. 

These Rowan Threads were in the Westminster Booth just down the isle.  Can you believe I did not even attempt a heist?  Me either!!! 

I was thinking while writing this post.......

........Ever notice that when someone/several some one's work resonates with you....it is actually just reflecting something on the inside waiting to get out?


The IHAN world in which I live can be fun on afternoons such as this one.  Prior to seeing any of these folks work I knew I liked color but I think it was buried deep inside me.   I realize I need some color in my world/home.  I don't typically work with colors etc because of self doubt.  My uncle was a very successful designer and he had wonderful taste.  He was held up as the measure for taste and style....if he liked it....it was "divine" (said in such a grandiose manner too).  Apparently I internalized the message that only "designers" have taste and I certainly am not an artist or a designer so I have honestly never explored much until recently.  I've never taken an art class relied on a color wheel to tell me if things "worked" together or not.

Fear color no more!!!  This photo was taken a few minutes ago in my kitchen.  Like the color?  I can tell you it sure beats what was there before....just ask "Waldo."

Happy Smiles,

Kelly

Tutorials That Rock

Since the website drama I have had to slow down quite a bit.  I burned the candle at both ends for too long and now I'm in the rest and recover mode.  Which is a blessing honestly, because it has given me the opportunity to make some things that I have wanted and needed to make.  I absolutely love being able to Google the word Tutorial followed by almost any other word I can think of ....and.... up pops someone's kind gift to others.  For that, I am greatful :)

A must see tutorial is over at the  Sew To Speak Blog.  I learned about it from the Quiltycat Blog this morning.  It really grabbed my eye.

Bee Tree Designs Blog has another one that is excellent.  I typically print off the designs and use them with some extra wool felt or other fabrics when I want a portable project.  I love hand stitching so I keep a file of those too.

An excellent drawstring bag tutorial is posted on Happy Things blog.  I made two of these recently and I think this tutorial ROCKS. 

Oh and did I mention the MJ's Bag Tag Tutorial right here on the IHAN blog?  These make great teacher gifts, family gifts, anyone gifts because they don't have to be used just on luggage.  I make smaller ones and put on the boys lunch boxes, camera bags, computer bags etc.

My last reminder about the Electric Quilt Tutorial that is free too!!!  Click here and get yourself some free lessons and have some fun too.  (This is a secret....so don't tell anyone....if my memory serves me correctly....on Facebook I saw a post that read someone somewhere in Southern California is doing a giveaway and it is related to this tutorial....I have learned that nothing gets quilters rocking faster than a fabric giveaway:...and you did not hear it from me!)
More soon!

Smiles,
Kelly

Sarah Vedeler's AccuQuilt Dies are Now Available

For all of you who have been patiently waiting, the wait is over!!!  All of the Exclusive Sarah Vedeler AccuQuilt Go! Dies are now available.

Many of you will remember these photos that I took at Fall Quilt Market in Houston this past Oct/Nov.  The dies are just now available and I thought many of you who expressed interest in the Machine Embroidery Designs and AccuQuilt GO! Dies would want to know.

This tree skirt was made using Sarah Vedeler's Sparkle CD.

Sarah's award winning, GO! Bedazzled CD was used to make this amazing quilt.

Sarah's Stars CD

Here are all of the Brewer Quilting and Sewing Exclusive, Sarah Vedeler GO! Dies by Accuquilt.

AccuQuilt GO! Diamonds by Sarah Vedeler

AccuQuilt GO! Sparkle Jumbo Tree by Sarah Vedeler

AccuQuilt GO! Sparkle Slim Tree by Sarah Vedeler

AccuQuilt GO! Sparkle Snowflakes by Sarah Vedeler

AccuQuilt GO! Sparkle Tree by Sarah Vedeler

AccuQuilt GO! 8 Point Star by Sarah Vedeler

AccuQuilt GO! Star Points by Sarah Vedeler

AccuQuilt GO! 6 Point Star Medley by Sarah Vedeler

Consider yourself updated :)

Since the website had some "issues" I've been spending my time getting it back to it's previous condition.  If there is something you want but the price has changed, please just e-mail me at IHaveANotion@yahoo.com and I can help you with that. 

Smiles....because I've also been sewing while working on my website....oh yeah baby....I'm loving it :)

Kelly

Winner of Square-agonals Giveaway and an EQ Lesson Invite

Square-agonals by Sandi Blackwell.....an autographed copy....oh yeah baby.....goes to:

Cbar said... 54

I love using simple creative methods to achieve complicated quilt patterns. This is one book I have to have.
november 30, 2010 9:06 PM

Cbar does not have a blog so when you see this post, please e-mail me at IHaveANotion@yahoo.com with your name and address and I'll get your book in the mail on Monday.

I really appreciate all the great comments.  It is nice to read the comments and know I'm not alone in my appreciation for Sandi's process.  What a wonderful way to teach others how to make quilts set on point without all the fear that most of us have about messing it up. 

By the way, a  little birdie told me about an Electric Quilt Lesson by  Benni Harper.  It is "Mystery Lesson 10: Sunshine and Shadow"  I think all of us with Electric Quilt Software need to throw caution to the wind and have a few minutes to ourselves.  I know I want to continue to further my knowledge about my EQ 7 Software and I don't always make time to enjoy learning more about what I already have.  I made a commitment to do this Lesson....why don't you join me? 

Smiles,
Kelly

Sometimes, You Just Have To Make Something

By now everyone knows my website was down and I sat for 2  1/2 days at my computer trying over and over to get into the site and sometimes I could get in and do something and then it would knock me off.  You can imagine the hours of frustration and the feelings of helplessness.  Early on I decided I would get through this experience one way or another and I'm be happier if I had something to do with my hands while I was click, click, clicking. 

I brought my sewing machine next to my computer and started working on the long list of Christmas gifts I have to make.  If you are wondering if I always wait until December to start my gifts.....the answer is.....Yes....that is the case more often than not!!  LOL....and I'm sure I'm not alone either! Right?

 

You may remember this post, when I started learning from the book, It's a Wrap.  I wanted to continue my "lessons" so I started with these bowls.  Wrapping the clothesline kept my fingers busy while I was waiting for the computer to respond.  Working with my hands is such therapy for me and I definitely needed some THERAPY.  The bowl above is one of my favorites.  I started with a 8 inch bottom so this baby is going to be large. 

Here is a pix of the side of the bowl.  Ain't she purdy?

I also made these two smaller ones.  The brown and orange was made from Batik and will be given to my younger Brother for Christmas.  Don't worry, he doesn't read my blog.  No one in birth family reads my blog so I can show all the secrets. 

I also watched these 3 DVD's Paintstik Inspirations by Laura Murray, Thread Therapy with Dr. Bob and Bobbin Play with Bonnie .  I've seen a few of them before but I wanted to review what I had learned.  Since I've dipped my toe into the thread painting/sketching/doodling/coloring I wanted to see how to use the more decorative threads that won't go through my sewing machine needle but can be used in the bobbin.  Bonnie McCaffery sure has some great ideas and tips.  Now I can hopefully finish the backpack project.

FYI:

Some of the usual products at IHAN have accidentally been removed and will be replaced.  If there is something you are looking for and don't see, please e-mail me and I'll take care of getting it for you.  There is also Free Shipping at IHAN until Dec. 5th....so if you have been wanting something heavy or large now is a great time to order them.

The deadline for the Square-agonals Giveaway is tomorrow, Friday....so if you have not left a comment...you just might want to do that....on the Square-Agonals post....not here.

Smiles,

Kelly

Free Shipping at IHAN Dec 1-5, 2010 US Orders Only

IHAN is offering

FREE SHIPPING on Orders over $75.00

USA ONLY

December 1 -5, 2010

Orders under $75.00 will be sent a payment request for shipping.

International orders, please e-mail IHaveANotion@yahoo.com

I guess an old dog can learn a thing or two from some young people (daughters).  They kids said Cyber Monday is all about Free Shipping and that is what they were doing so they did not have to ship their gifts.  They suggested I do the same and so I "attempted" to update my website to make this happen.  What happens instead?  I crashed the website!!!  Or should I say, Kindness Killed the IHAN website....ROFL. 

Everyone who took a button had to do it two and perhaps three times.....I am SOOOO SORRY.  I'm a "Techno Tabula Rasa."  It is true....clearly.  However, I believe huge team of very knowledgeable folks have repaired the issue and I can now get into the IHAN website.....which is a good thing.

For those of you who wrote me initially to tell me that they were displaying the IHAN Button or had IHAN on their sidebar, I have not forgotten you.  I am planning an Appreciation Event of sorts....so stay tuned and you'll hear from me.

Now I can get back to our regularly scheduled programming.....more Quilt Market photos etc.....hurray :)

Smiles of Relief,

Kelly

Let's Try This Yet Again

Now we have 4 people working to do something that should have been very simple.  Yes this does happen....and it happens to me.....and even when I want to cry and give up.....there are those kind folks who keep helping and keep me going. 

Well folks, I do believe we have a solution, I mean another solution!!! With much thanks to Norma Evans of Petit Design Co. and Christine, Gene Black.....and me....and I've seen lots of comments trying to help from others....if there is any I can ever return the favor...please let me know and thanks for not shooting me in the process.  By the way, I love to hand stitch on bindings so if I can do that for ya....I'm here :)

I'm so impressed with how much kindness has been shared with me today. Kindness is the answer and I honestly think it is the prelude to Peace on Earth .....just my thoughts on the subject....and I still think this....even after all this jumbled up blog/website stuff!!

<a href="http://www.ihavea-notion.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1201.photobucket.com/albums/bb341/IHaveANotion/IHAN-GPECS-w-3.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a> <br />

Lets see if it works this time :)  Everyone say your prayers and if it does not work....come running with kleenex and wine....red/dry please :)

Droopy Smiles,

Kelly

HELP- Honestly- Kindness Had Crashed the IHAN Site

Too many hot links have crashed my site...WHY....because I'm a knucklehead and didn't tell everyone who copied my button that they needed to do this first:
Copy and download the IHAN button to your computer.  THEN upload it to your blog and link it to my website http://www.IHaveA-Notion.com 

RUN FAST AND REMOVE THE BUTTONS and do the steps above because I've been trying for two days to do a Cyber Monday Special.....and everyone will want to know what is was....will be ....right?  RIGHT.

THANKS A MILLION!!!

Please please please don't leave a comment on this post if you want a reply....I'll be swamped trying to change my website so I won't have time to reply :)

Huge Hugs,
Knuckleheaded Kelly

Square-agonals - A New Angle On Quilting

I had the very good fortune of meeting Sandi Blackwell in Houston for Quilt Market 2010.  Sandi's first book is Very Impressive!!!  Each time I go to Market I typically find one book or tool that I've never seen before and I think is innovative and truly new.  This time it was Sandi's book entitled, " Square-agonals." 

 

Square-agonals is a New Angle on Quilting

No Math!

No Cutting or Setting Triangles!

Turn Easy-Stitched Blocks and Rows into Stunning Diagonal Designs

I know many quilters who cringe when they see the word triangle. Sandi has developed a method where you sew blocks together in rows and no triangles!!  I won't give away all the magic of the book but I will show you a few photos I took that gives you a little glimpse into how it is done.....just so you know you can do it too :)

Although Sandi explains the mathematics behind Square-agonlas you don't need to understand the method in order to make any of the 14 patterns in the book. 

The blocks are sewn together in rows and then the quilt gets cut into three sections and reassembled ....that is what gives you the diagonal set design. 

You are looking at how the fabric was cut and the tape is "Arrow Guide Tape."  The tape makes a great visual guide for cutting as well as stabilizes the bias fabric that you cut.  You don't have to purchase the "Arrow Guide Tape" to use her method either....she told us we could use our own tape but that she has developed the tape just to keep things simple.  I like that!!

When it is sewn back together this is what you have....a diagonal set design without having to ever sew one of those little triangles!!!  Now you know why I was impressed right? 

Isn't it amazing that Sandi has figured out how to go from the blocks on the left to the beautiful table runner on the right?  (not to scale of course...I know someone was thinking....miracle grow for fabric right?)

You have to click here and see all of the quilts that have been made using Sandi's Square-agonals method.  You'll be really surprised to see how incredible they are and no one had to sew a triangle. 

I made certain  I was in line to get an autographed copy of Sandi's book, Square-agonals,  for one very lucky IHAN blog reader.  I was not going to miss this one!!!  So if you would like to have a chance to own an autographed copy of Square-agonals please leave a comment on this post telling me why you would like to own this book.  I will choose a winner by random on Friday night December, 3rd. 

Smiles,

Kelly