Simple Pleasures and Joys

Getting a hug and kiss from my Mom as I left the hospital on Friday to come home. 

 

 

 

Having kind and loving people in our lives to send cards when the journey gets rough.  (I bet many of you recognize those cards on that wall.)

Getting back to my family in Ohio!!!  Rick's parents came and helped with the boys for 10 or so days.  When I got home, not only were my boys well....but my house was clean and all the laundry was done and put away.  Even my fridge had been cleaned out.....talk about Pleasures and Joys....you know I was absolutely thrilled and grateful.

Oh wait, that's right....I did have one stop to make before arriving home.....I had to see Waldo.   She had to have her gallbladder removed and had been very ill this last week while I was gone.

Mrs. Rosemary looked tired but not too tired to get a smooch from Mr. Charlie!!!  I saw her today and she had much more color in her face and was up and walking, albeit slowly.  (Mr. Charlie was following close behind...it was the sweetest thing I think I've ever seen.)

Then home to Mr. McSteamy and the co-workers.  Yes, this is one of my co-workers....ya just never know what you're going to see around here.

The sun was shining today....the simple pleasure of having the sun in my face and fresh air after being indoors for the past week....ahhhhh.

You can see the co-workers were very creative today.  I rested mostly.....except for a quick trip tonight...

... a trip around the neighborhood on roller-blades....what a gift!

Speaking of gifts....I also returned home after being away for my birthday and I had some surprises waiting for me.....

One very sweet and dear friend of mine made this lovely table runner and sent it to me for my birthday.  This isn't the first time she has assisted in decorating my kitchen either....check this out:

I see this every day as it hangs next to my kitchen sink.  I am one very spoiled gal I have to say :)

Check this out....someone sent me a video of a person doing a machine embroidery demo....I thought it was the craziest thing I'd ever seen so I forwarded it to a few friends....and then  I arrive home to....

Yes, my very own machine embroidered roll of toilet paper!!!!  ROFL   That's what the ME demo was...can you believe that?

I fell in love with this little ant at the hospital gift shop and later in the week my sister gave it to me for my birthday.  Sometimes, ya just have to kick back and take stock of the wonderful things in your life...and that is what I did today :)

Smiles,

Kelly

PS....I have not selected a winner yet for the IHAN® Machine Embroidery Hop sponsored by Anita Goodesign.  If you have not stopped to leave a comment, I suggest you high-tail it over there and leave a comment so you can have a chance to win a Special Edition Design Collection from Anita Goodesign.

Enviornmate Brio & Pronto by Reliable to the Rescue!

Spending over 21 days in a hospital room 24/7 is not all that much fun, so we make our own fun.  I have danced to Michael Jackson on top of a chair (chair surfing) and put on Depends (adult diapers) and flashed my mother to get her to laugh....what ever it takes to keep us going!

One of my main concerns, other than keeping our spirits up, was germs.  I'm not a germaphobe, but I do know that many people who go to the hospital end up with more health problems due to hospital acquired illnesses.  You know the IHAN® clan wants nothing to do with those nasty things.....so I brought my EnviroMate Brio  to the hospital with me. I also brought my Pronto Hand Held Steamer by Reliable and used it for re-freshening after the initial total steam clean.

The Brio comes with a 21 piece accessory kit so there are plenty of attachments for all types of surfaces. The attachments are incredible....no kidding.  I don't think there is anything you can't clean with all the different attachments.  Lets just say I haven't found anything I wanted to steam clean that  I couldn't.

There are just so many surfaces in a hospital room that can potentially hold germs and viruses that I wanted to clean everything.

I started with the bed.  I know they wipe them down after someone leaves, but somehow I felt much better about my mother laying in the bed after I had steam cleaned it.  I even cleaned the metal frame below the air mattress.  The bedside commode was only rinsed and wiped out (I watched).  The frame and handles were not wiped.  That certainly was not clean enough for me.  I steam cleaned all surfaces and the frame of the commode with the Brio Steam Cleaner.  There was no way I was going to have my already very ill mother get even sicker!

Will you just look at all the steam this baby produces....there was no way a germ would survive that sort of steam!  When I first depressed the steam button on the handle, some water came out as the steam was building up so I held it over a bucket before I started steam cleaning to let the few drips hit the bucket.

I was working like the Energizer Bunny!  The Brio cleans and sanitizes upholstery, curtains, bedding (for the pets too),  yucky stuck on things inside and outside the fridge, oven, and windows.  Ask me how I know! 

I even steamed the stuffed animals that the grandchildren gave her....I need to remember to do that to the stuffies my co-workers have when I get home.

A clean and safe hospital room gave us all some peace of mind!  When I wanted to freshen up the room, I used my Pronto Hand Held Steamer.

I was alone so I didn't have anyone to help with photos....so this is the only one I took of myself using my Pronto.  The Pronto is an excellent way to clean and sanitize around the house and it also steams clothes.  I've used it to clean the gunk off my bicycle, the wheel's on the van and the grill too. It comes with a 15 piece accessory kit.  CLICK HERE to see the accessories.

The Brio is lightweight and on wheels making it easy to pull around as I clean.  It also has a 360 degree swivel so I don't get tangled up in the hose.  I can be clumsy and I hate falling over cords and cleaners so this feature is great for me.  (Quit rolling your eyes....I've done that several times with those pull around vacuums.......now quit laughing!!! :)  It cleans tile, grout, windows, furniture, curtains, floors and outdoor recreational equipment too.  There are NO chemicals, only steam, so it is wonderful for the environment....a big deal for me because I have children.

I highly recommend the EnviroMate Brio and the hand held EnviorMate Pronto.  I know you'll be happy with your steam cleaner....they are definitely IHAN® approved!

Smiles,
Kelly

I found this in my e-mail just before I hit publish on this post and thought I'd share it with everyone.  And don't forget about the IHAN® Machine Embroidery Blog Hop sponsored by Anita Goodesign :)

Helping out a local school win some equipment by "Liking" this site on Facebook....I'm sure they would appreciate all the "Likes" they can get.  It doesn't get any easier to support some kids in getting equipment...no magazines or wrapping paper to purchase!  CLICK HERE for the link.

Spread The Word

Tell everyone you know...you don't have to own an embroidery machine to appreciate the beautiful work that is being shown in the IHAN® Machine Embroidery Blog Hop sponsored by Anita Goodesign. 

Mon., March 18th

Kelly - I Have A Notion
SewCalGal

Tues, March 19th

Cindy - Sew Cindy
Trish - AllThingsCrafty.com

Wed., March 20th

Marjorie's Quilting Bee
Margaret - The Average Quilter

Thurs., March 21st

Rebecca Grace - Cheeky Cognoscenti

Fri., March 22nd

Gene Black - Alabama Artist
SewCalGal

Do you belong to a Yahoo, Google, Facebook etc. group?  Go shout it from the rooftops:

 IHAN® and Anita Goodesigns are going all out and want you and your friends to join in the fun.

(Photo Credit)

The last I heard there are only 6 degrees of separation between everyone on earth so if you tell six friends and they tell six friends .....you get the picture :)

Incentive?  Did someone ask what the incentive is?  Well let me tell ya!  One winner from each blog will be  get to choose one Special Edition Software Collection from Anita Goodesign. (A $99.95)  There are 15 to choose from....here are just a few choices:

OK, OK....I hear you....not everyone does machine embroidery......

BUT if you are willing to spread the word and leave a comment on this post telling me where you shared this great news, I'll put your name into a drawing for a $25.00 Gift Certificate to I Have A Notion®  (IHAN®).  If the comments on the HOP POST at the IHAN blog reach over 300 by Friday, I'll add an additional $25.00 Gift Certificate to I Have A Notion®  (IHAN®)  Please encourage your friends to visit ALL the blogs in this hop :)

 Thank you in advance for sharing this fun event.....I should have thought of this earlier....but I've had :

A Lot On My Mind Recently!

Smiles,
Kelly

(Photo Credit)

PS....Anita Goodesign is not a she, it is the name of a design company.  The owner is actually Steve Wilson.  I get a little giggle every time I see that someone has written "she" in relation to Anita Goodesign.  It is a play on words, "I Need A Good Design"....sort of like a Psychologist who sells sewing notions and calling it "I Have A Notion." 

Day 2 of the IHAN® Machine Embroidery Blog Hop sponsored by Anita Goodesign

Mon., March 18th

Kelly - I Have A Notion SewCalGal

Tues, March 19th

Cindy - Sew Cindy Trish - AllThingsCrafty.com

Wed., March 20th

Marjorie's Quilting Bee Margaret - The Average Quilter

Thurs., March 21st

Rebecca Grace - Cheeky Cognoscenti

Fri., March 22nd

Gene Black - Alabama Artist SewCalGal

Are you Hoppin'?  I sure hope you are :)   I have provided a schedule of blogs that will be posting during this Machine Embroidery Blog hop sponsored by Anita Goodesign.

Changing topics here.....and Update from the Family life of the IHAN® Clan:

A photo montage made by my brother.  He took photos of her grandchildren and made this photo of my mother.

As the regular IHAN® blog readers already know, my mother was diagnosed with late stage pancreatic cancer on Feb. 26, 2013.   There were several flower arrangements, cards and hundreds of phone calls received from family and friends.   In less than  a week, all of her 8 grandchildren had come to town to spend time with their grandmother.  Two had to travel from Colorado and one from upper Michigan.  Her friend of over 40 years flew in and brought her daughter and spent a week with mom.  My 1/2 sister, who is not a blood relative of my mothers, also flew in.  Initially there was lots of activity.  After everyone has returned to their lives, we stay in touch using a website called : LotsAHelpingHands.  If you have never seen this website, it is incredible and I highly recommend checking out their Free services. We are able to keep everyone informed as to her health, procedures, share photos, share important documents and coordinate volunteers is all possible through the LotsaHelpingHands website. 

When my mother was first diagnosed all I could think of was the quilt she had asked me to make for her.  She had selected the fabric (Fandango by Kate Spain for MODA) and I had chosen the pattern (Big Ten by Swirly Girl Designs) but I had not had time to work on the quilt.  I did run home and make this pillow case for her bed at the hospital. 

A dear friend asked what she could do to help and I asked, do you think you could get some help and possible start my mothers quilt for me. 

Within 3 days, the entire quilt was done.  Talk about a "quilting miracle."  Ten very  dear women (Diane, Dale, Sandy, Marty, Carol, Linda, Joan, Nancy, Peggy, and Linda) spent a few days working on the quilt.  Dale then did the quilting using her long arm machine and Diane made the label.  I asked them to please leave the binding for me because I wanted to contribute and the binding is one of my favorite parts.

 I'll never be able to thank these ladies enough.  I could not have finished that quilt and been her to take care of my mom....it just would not have been done.  Now this "quilting miracle" covers my mother and keeps her warm. 

My mother has been "card bombed" in the last few days.  On Monday she received 46 pieces of mail and today she received 22.

If someone has to be diagnosed with a terrible life shortening disease.....it sure is wonderful to have loving, caring and concerned people reach out and share some humor, joy and a tender thought.  Thank you to all of the bloggers who have sent my mother a card.  Each card is a bright ray of love and light that lifts her spirits.  THANK YOU!

Smiles of  Immense Gratitude,
Kelly

Welcome to the IHAN® Machine Embroidery Blog Hop Sponsored by Anita Goodesign

Hello, this is SewCalGal back as a guest blogger today.  And, Jean is also helping out with this post too!

Kelly has organized a wonderful blog hop this week that we hope you'll enjoy.  Before I share insights with you, I do want to invite you to join us in wishing Kelly a Happy Birthday and hope all her special wishes come true!  SewCalGal and Jean also hope you'll leave a comment on this post to wish Kelly a Happy Birthday too!




Time to talk about the blog hop.  Anita Goodesign is the sponsor for this wonderful hop and they have also donated prizes that will be offered on the blogs in this hop. Everyone is invited to join the fun this week and we encourage you to visit all the blogs for inspiration, tips, some tutorials, as well as more opportunities to win a great prize!

SHHHH....Kelly here.....
I snuck into this post, those girls thought I had my plate full (I have some of the best friends on this planet) but I just have to share with everyone what I made on Sunday for my Mom.  I choose the "Art Quilts" designs by Anita Goodesign for this blog hop.  

"Art Quilts" a Premium Design Collection from Anita Goodesign

I'll show you more of the designs later....now I'll share my process with you :)

The instructions for these designs come in booklet form as well as on the CD. The instructions were very easy to follow.  The recommended stabilizer is Floriani No-Show Mesh.  I hopped it with some muslin as suggested.

Then I put some batting on top of the No-Show Mesh, the machine basted it in place.  Then I laid the background fabric over the basting stitch lines.  (It doesn't get any easier than this.....really.)  

 Lucky for me, the software  indicates which colors of Floriani Embroidery Thread to use.  I just had to change a few based on the colors of fabric I choose for the appliques.  All of the thread in this design is Floriani Embroidery Thread other than the bobbin thread.

I use Wonderfil Prewound Bobbins when I do machine embroidery....I like the convenience.  Winding bobbins is not anywhere near the top of my list of fun things to do.

The quilting lines were stitched first and then an outline stitch showed me where to place the fabric for the background of the angel's wings.  After they were stitched down, I simply cut around the outline.

Taking photos of every step would have bored you to tears so I've jumped forward a bit.  I used silk for the dress and the skin on the angel.  

Knowing silk can fray, I decided to use some Mistyfuse and fuse the No-Show Mesh to the back of the silk.  I could have used the Fusible No-Show Mesh but I didn't have a package open at the time.  

It always seems that I am stitching a project when the local quilt shop is closed.  I didn't have any flesh colored fabric but fortunately I remembered I did have some small pieces of silk dupioni. 

Believe it or not, I actually got all the way through most of this design without any mistakes....up until step 30 something.  The thread color that was indicated was a dark brown and it said it was for an outline.  Thinking it was for the bird, I just put it in the machine and hit the button.  YIKES....in a minute or so I noticed the dark brown was outlining the hair.  I specifically made the angel with red hair and didn't like the dark brown outline.

The most difficult stitches to take out, in my opinion, are machine embroidery stitches.  I used my Famore Seam Rip and Famore Micro Fine Tweezers to remove that dark outline.  Where would I be without those tools? 

Here she is, a beautiful angel holding a dove....sans the dark brown outline!  

As promised, here are the other designs included in the Premium design collection, "Art Quilts."

 

The designs can be made into greeting cards, wall hangings, post cards, mug rugs or added into quilts....your imagination is really the only limit.

I hope you have enjoyed this little journey with me....I sure had a great time making this angel for my mother.

Now....back to post written by SewCalGal :)

Schedule for this blog hop that will share tips, tutorials, inspiration and oodles of giveaways:

Mon., March 18th 

          I Have A Notion® aka IHAN®- Kelly Jackson

SewCalGal

Tues, March 19th

Cindy - Sew Cindy
Trish - AllThingsCrafty.com

Wed., March 20th

Marjorie's Quilting Bee
Margaret - The Average Quilter

Thurs., March 21st

Rebecca Grace - Cheeky Cognoscenti

Fri., March 22nd

Gene Black - Alabama Artist
SewCalGal

And, don't forget today is sweet Kelly's birthday.  Happy Birthday Kelly!

SHHHH...it's me again....Thanks for the Happy Birthday thoughts....I've been bowled over by people remembering my birthday.  Sure does lift the spirits :) :) :)

If you leave a comment on this post you will have an opportunity to win a Special Edition Embroidery Software from Anita Goodesign.  (Value: $99.95).  Make sure you leave a comment on each of the participants blogs....there will be one winner from each blog!   Please join me in thanking Anita Goodesign for their incredible generosity.

THANK YOU ANITA GOODESIGN!!!!!

Smiles,
Kelly