The Mountain Laurel Quilt Guild's Show Opens Tonight

 The Mountain Laurel Quilt Guild Exhibit 2014 will be on display at the Gmeiner Art and Cultural Center in Wellsboro, PA -- September 6-28, 2014 (open 2:00-5:00PM daily, free admission). Gala opening reception, Friday September 5, 2014 7:00-9:00PM.

The show is being dedicated to the memory of Mary Jane Ehlich.  

 If you live close enough or even within 7 hours drive (like me) it is well worth the trip to see the beautiful quilts that the gals of the Mountain Laurel Quilt Guild Make.  

The "Color of Cancer" is a fundraiser that will be going on during the show as well.  You can read more about this on the MLQG website, click HERE.

The raffle quilt is amazingly beautiful.....

Kate Means, the current MLQG President was interviewed recently about the exhibit and you can see that interview by clicking HERE.

OK, I've got to run now....if I'm going to be on time.  I hope to see you there...if not...I'll take pix and share them soon.

Joyful Smiles,
Kelly

Working Towards Normal

 (why this pix?  no reason other than I love it and it conveys "dropping in" in my book.)

So much has happened in my life in the past few years that I have forgotten what "Normal" is for myself and my family.  My mother was diagnosed with end stage Pancreatic Cancer back in Jan. 2013 and she passed away in May that year.  In October I had an accident and broke my left ankle (one of those bad breaks that required surgery and metal plates/screws....nasty and life changing) and then my very dear friend Mary Jane started becoming more and more aware that the blood disorder she had was becoming more serious (Myeloid  Leukemia) and she has recently passed.  If all of that wasn't enough, just before she passed I had to have surgery to remove the metal from my left ankle.  Clearly..."normal" has long since been lost and today was the first day that I got out of bed and thought to myself....what would be fun and enjoyable to do this morning. 

It didn't take long to find some fun...

These placements arrived in the mail yesterday from Joanne at Splitting Stitches Blog.   If you have not had a chance to see the very cool placemats you can click HERE.  Joanne had made a huge stack of placemats and took them to the Dartmouth Hospital Children's Rheumatoid Arthritis Camp for the children to color/paint.  When you read her post (HERE) you'll easily see how much children enjoy painting their own placemats. 

My co-workers jumped right into the Fabric Markers and began to color in their placemats.

Oldest Co-Worker with a bit-o-tude :)

Talk about an uplifting morning....we all had a ball.  The best part of Joanne's Placemats is that anyone can color/paint them and enjoy them not matter how young or old they may be.

While we were painting I started thinking about the class I took from Patt Blair at the Empty Spools Seminar last March.  Had I had one of these to practice on before I started my Elephant....I may have been a wee bit more relaxed.  Live and learn :)

Now that I've shared what getting back to "Normal" is for us....what is "Normal" for you and your clan?

Smiles,
Kelly

Returning from PA

Mary Jane Wheatley Ehlich in 1955

Mary Jane's memorial service was perfect!  Her oldest son, Mark gave the eulogy.....his mother would have been beaming with pride.  Mark read from 1st Corinthians. 

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Mark was brave....I could not have done what he did and his words seemed divinely chosen.  

Mary Jane was indeed patient, kind, humble AND generous in sharing her own gifts with others.  This world is a different place because she was here....the  gifts she shared with all of us will ripple throughout time.  I thank God for Mary Jane and will be forever changed because she was my dear sweet friend.

I have no idea how on earth I'll ever manage without her, but somehow I will have to.  I can hear her words in my mind and I know what she'd say to me so I'll have to rely on those thoughts until I have the great fortune of making my own transition. (Right now she'd say, "Dry your eyes Gal, you have things to do.")

Mary Jane the reason I started I Have A Notion, Inc. (IHAN) and I used to refer to her as the East Coast Head of Operations.  She always got a kick out of that title.   I guess it would be fitting to now call her IHAN's Chief Guardian Angel In Charge :)

Driving back to OH I saw a sunflower field and my van stopped almost on a dime.  It was a huge field and those beautiful flowers filled my heart with such joy and comfort.  I stood on the side of the freeway crying for what seemed like an hour knowing I'll now have to refer to my memories and there won't be any more phone calls or visits with her on this earth.  The flowers I sent for MJ's memorial service specifically included sunflowers...because Mary Jane was tall and bright just like these beautiful sunflowers.  I have been so immensely blessed it is beyond description.

The photo at the top of this post was one that MJ's boys had pulled from a family photo album.  I had not seen this this photo nor any photos of Mary Jane as a young woman.  Talk about a real beauty....just like those sunflowers :)

If you would like to read her obituary you can find it HERE.

Thank you for the cards and e-mails as I have found great comfort in them.  I'll be getting back to the focus of my blog very soon.....until then.....

Mary Jane Wheatley Ehlich, 77, of Covington, died Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2014, at her home.
She was the devoted wife of William (Bill) J. Ehlich for 59 wonderful years. She was born Jan. 10, 1937, in Blossburg, the daughter of the late Edward and Ruth Brent Wheatley.
Mary Jane lived in Covington till she met her husband who was in town on leave from the Navy.
They moved to Detroit, Mich., Louisville, Ky., and Charlotte, N.C., where she had a highly successful career with Squires Construction Company. After retirement they moved back to her family homestead where they took pleasure rekindling old friendships and making many new. Restoring and adding to the family home was also such a joy. Mary Jane's love, second only to her family was quilting. She was an award winning hand-quilter who mastered the art of needle turn appliqué. She was a member of the Charlotte Quilters Guild before returning to Covington and co-founding the Mountain Laurel Quilt Guild in Wellsboro. Mary Jane shared her talents and gifts willingly and mentored the Tuesday Quilters who have developed formidable appliqué skills under her tutelage. Her legacy includes a prodigious collection of heirloom quilts that will be treasured for generations to come. She and Bill also enjoyed traveling with the Lions Club which took them to many faraway places.
In addition to her husband, survivors include two sons and daughters-in-law, Mark Ehlich and his wife, Susan of Locust, N.C., Scott Ehlich and his wife, Diana of Forest, Va.; grandchildren include William Ehlich and Matthew Gladdan, Ashly Eudy and her husband, Josh, and two great-grandchildren, August and Zain. Also surviving is one brother, George Wheatley of Covington; niece Patsy Evans and husband, Brad.
The family will receive friends on Sunday Aug. 24, from 4 to 6 p.m., at Wilston Funeral Home 130 S. Main St., Mansfield. A memorial service will follow there at 6 p.m. In lieu of flowers, a memorial in Mary Jane's memory may be made to Blossburg Ambulance, 524 Main St., Blossburg, Pa. 16912 - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/tiogapublishing/obituary.aspx?pid=172202698#sthash.kif8FB8N.dpuf

Great Smiles of Joy and Gratitude!
Kelly

My New Guardian Angel

My very dear, sweet, strong, kind, generous, loving and truly mind blowing quilter and treasured friend/mentor Mary Jane Ehlich has left her human experience as of 8/20/14.   I am so very joyful to say I believe she is my guardian angel (not to say I'm the only one :) and that the bond that connects us can never be broken.

I will post more about Mary Jane and her Award Winning Quilts, but for now, I grieve and I will be going to PA for her Memorial Service. 

Kelly

A New Quilter Is Born

You are looking at a photo of the very first quilt my youngest daughter, Madeline,  made this past month.  I'm so very happy for her and proud that she, all by herself, pieced and quilted this quilt.  As many of you may recall your very first quilt, it can be daunting to just figure out how to thread the machine much less how to piece fabrics so they actually will fit together when you are finished piecing.   She is so excited and pleased with herself and you know I'm tickled pink. 

I had given Madeline what I thought was a very good used sewing machine.  She didn't begin using it until June and July of this year and she became frustrated with the machine.  Instead of having it looked at, she went and bought a new machine (Exactly what I would have done and what I did when I was in her shoes 20 years ago.  Madeline lives in FL I couldn't just drive over and bring her my machine).  She had a mission and there was no stopping her.

The funniest part is that she told me when she was finished quilting it she noticed she had sewn one of the blocks on upside down.  To avoid photographing the "mistake" she just flipped the edge of the quilt up so as to show off the backing.  With great confidence I told her that it is not at all uncommon to sew blocks on upside down, forget blocks, mess things up and put them away for years etc.   She finished it...that is the best and greatest part of quilting.

Ok, so there was more humor involved....but I think it was just because of the way I think.  I had given Madeline all the notions and some pre-cut fabric for Christmas.  She had never had to purchase anything for sewing or quilting.....so she inquires as to the cost of paying someone to do the long arm quilting for future projects.  When I told her the price she was surprised.  I was thinking....oh but wait....you will have to purchase the fabric and batting in the future....the quilting may be a drop in the bucket!

I hope you have found something to giggle about today....I know I sure have.

Smiles,
Kelly

Flamingos Playing Again and A Giveaway Announcement

Yep, I caught them in the act....

They have been playing volleyball and apparently enjoying themselves too!

The Flamingos in the neighbors yard came first....then the Toledo Zoo must have been jealous because they have added flamingos to the Zoo...giggles.

I had the metal taken out of my ankle on Monday so I've been recuperating here on the sofa.  Not much fun really but I'm thrilled to have the metal out and hopefully the pain in my ankle will stop for good.

A fun giveaway is going on over at Splitting Stitches blog.  Joanne has made some very fun placemats.  Hope over and leave a comment for your chance to win some of these fun placemats:

That's all from here for now....hope all is going exceptionally well for you and yours!

Smiles,

Kelly

Some Fun Thank You Gifts for Nurses

Some how on my last post people got the impression my dear friend had passed away.  She is alive and kicking...for the record.  She was sent home with hospice care and I had the great fortune and honor of spending 2 weeks with her.  You can't begin to imagine what your kind thoughts and prayers have meant to me...THANK YOU!

Mary Jane wants to thank the nurses at the cancer center and asked me to make some Humbug Bags for her.  Between the few I was able to finish and the one's my other dear friends helped me with....we have them finished.

Notice the handle on this bag?  The zipper was extra long so I used it as the handle....better than cutting it off and throwing it away.

 Keep in mind I did not stuff any of these with tissue paper...which would have made for better photos. 

 I had so much fun doing some outline stitching on this fabric....I hope the nurse who receives it enjoys it as much as I did making it.

Choosing a variety of fabrics was fun...each is lined with a coordinating fabric too.

Deciding what type of handle, if any, you would like for your Humbug Bag.  You can use almost anything that coordinates with the fabric.  I put some cotton cording on this one and I think it turned out very cute.

When making the handles with fabric I have added some RocLon Multi-Purpose Cloth to make the handle a little more sturdy.  See pix below:

I cut the fabric border to make the handle and used 1" of Roc-Lon Multi-Purpose Cloth.  I enclosed the Multi-Purpose Cloth inside the fabric border. 

Nice little gifts I think and I'll be putting some  home made Buckeyes in each one (wrapped well of course) .  Buckeyes are Mary Jane's favorite sweet so what would be more appropriate?

In case you LOVE chocolate and peanut butter....you Love the following recipe for Buckeyes (click on word Buckeyes for recipe).

I hope this post leaves you a little inspired and know I soooo appreciate your visiting and comments.  They warm my heart!

Smiles,
Kelly

Quick Update

 (I know this is a Christmas Angel...but she is so pretty and I think appropriate for my dear friends passing process)

Thank you so much for all your kind e-mails and your concern.  I am well and have been honored to be with my dear friend.  She was released to go home on hospice yesterday.  My silence is a drawing inward to keep my energy with my dear friend....and I'm doing well and so appreciate everyone's well wishes and prayers.

Grateful Smiles,
Kelly

Floriani's Doing WHAAAAT??

Hey y'all!  It's Karin here, 'cuz Kelly's had to leave town real quick.  No, no, she's not in trouble with the IRS or the sheriff, and she's not running away from home.  A dear friend of hers has had a medical emergency, and Kelly's gone to help her out.  (Kelly's a good friend like that, isn't she!)


So, in the meantime, she's asked me to share some real exciting news with y'all.

On August 1st, Floriani is releasing a new version of their editing & digitizing software, Floriani Total Control Professional.  Now, lemme tell you, you certainly don't have to be a professional anything to take advantage of this opportunity.  First off, let me just say that Floriani isn't like a lot of other programs, where you have to pay for every new design feature and upgrade.  Oh no, no, no...Walter Floriani is a real-live person, and it's always been his policy that once you are their customer, you are theirs for life.  And you get FREE UPGRADES, for life.

And he's been true to his word.  Many times, I've fired up just to get a quick monogram done, or check on the stitching order of a design, only to be halted by the little info box, telling me an update's available and asking if I wanted it to download now.  I always say Yes, because I never know what new little trick or feature they're gonna throw in there.  The software is already pretty comprehensive, but they are always tweaking (as opposed to twerking, LOL!) it to make improvements, based on consumer feedback and surveys.

So, if you have already purchased your Floriani Total Control or Floriani Embroidery Suite Pro, never fear.  Your update will be automatically sent to Kelly and in due time, she'll be mailing you a CD to use for the new version installation.  And if you haven't already made that purchase, now's the time.  You see, if you purchase the software NOW, you'll get today's version, and in a couple of weeks, you'll get the brand-new & improved version as well!  AT NO EXTRA CHARGE!  (who DOES that??)

So what's so great about Floriani anyway?  Well, for one thing, if you can imagine it, you can do it!  I swear, there's not a single thing I've wanted to do that I haven't been able to easily accomplish....from making simple size changes that automatically adjust the stitch count, to removing unwanted parts and pieces of purchased designs, to merging designs (think banner + school name + sports equipment + team name) to form a very custom & personal logo, to digitizing your favorite daughter's portrait....it's all in there, just a click away from done.  And if you're a visual learner, like me, there's tutorials and learning videos to help you figure out how to get your desired results.  (Really...who has time to read the manual, anyway?)

One of my very favorite features of Floriani Total Control is what happens when you use the Save-to-Sew option.  Up pops a wizard that steps you through your design and fabric choices and suggests the type and amount of stabilizers to use.  Yup, that's right - no more guessing, is this one layer of tear-away gonna hold, or do I need a topper with this?  It'll automatically tell you exactly what stabilizer to use and how many layers, based on what your fabric choice is.  Isn't that sweet?  The only thing you have to really think about is what color threads to use, and they offer suggestions for that as well.

And fonts, oh my gosh, there are fonts galore.  I use a Babylock Ellisimo, and I thought it was pretty well stocked with a good selection of fonts...maybe 8-10, and 3 different sizes of each.  Well, Floriani stocks his software with over 140 different fonts, many of them already automatically formatted into monogram styles for you!  And they're so easy to use!  You just create a text box, type whatever you want to say, click here, click there, click APPLY, and Bam!  You have digitized into the format & font you want!

Now, I know that not all embroidery machines are created equal.  And there are some whose biggest hoop is only about 5" x7" which means you can't always do those big, fancy statement pieces.  Well, now you can.  Oh yes, Walter has added a split-design function, so that you can get that huge parrot, break it down into quadrants and stitch 'em all onto the back of a jeans jacket in 4 separate hoopings, and no one will be the wiser.  To them, it'll look like one design, that you spent hours on, and it'll be a masterpiece.

And don't let me forget - it doesn't matter what format file YOUR machine takes - Floriani software reads & writes 'em all.  Yup, no joke.  Say you accidentally purchased a design in HUS or VIP or VP3 format, but you really need PES format for your machine.  Oops.  Yeah, not like that never happens, is it!?  I know I've done it!  No sweat, tho...you just open up what you have and save it in what you need.  Yeah, it's that easy!

So, what's up with the new release?  Tell you the truth, I'm not 100% sure of everything that's going to be included.  I do know they're keeping the Workspace much the same, but the icons are a little easier to see and figure out, and they've added a lot of new digitization features.  And that is not all....

With the new release, they are opening up an amazing new virtual section, where you will find customizable, interactive templates you can use to create your own designs via any internet connection.  That's right - you will be able to access this area via smart phone, tablet or the computer down at the library.  How exciting is THAT?  You are no longer tied to one computer or a dongle...any internet connection gets you to this new database of designs.

So what can you do with templates and why would you want one?  Well, right now, all the templates appeared to be sports-oriented.  So, instead of spending all that time merging each design to get that sports banner I'd mentioned earlier, you can just logon and they'll have a few designs already put together and waiting for you to customize.  Say your daughter's volleyball team was the Falcons, and their colors were blue and white.  Well, you just open up the template that has a volleyball (you can tell which one it is just by looking at the convenient thumbnails), and in the Team Name element field, you just type in "Falcons."  You can select fonts & colors with a simple click of the mouse.  And presto!  The design will update to read "Falcons" in the banner!  Want to modify colors?  That's easy too...just click the color chart and select your desired color...and, you guessed it...Presto!  The design updates to show your new colors!  Export your custom design and it'll be there when you're ready to sew!  I'd say it was easy as pie, but I've made pies, and they're not always so easy, so I'll just say it's as easy as falling off a horse.  (I've always found falling off a horse lots easier than staying on!)  The plan is to add more designs as they're requested - think quilt labels, birth/marriage announcements, tags for presents, luggage tags.  The possibilities are endless!

Are you excited yet?  I know I am!!  And I'm pretty sure Kelly can make you a great deal, but only if you act fast.  She's out of town, but she's still going to be checking her email, so shoot her a message or give her a call if you want to discuss pricing or financing options.  If you've got questions about the software, leave a comment and I'll get back to you here, so everyone can see the answer(s).

In the meantime, let's all send Kelly a virtual hug and hope she returns soon, safe and sound.
*´¨)
,' .•*´¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•`*~~~~ Karin

A New Approach - Painted Applique

Painted Applique A New Approach by Linda Poole

I have had the excellent fortune to have heard Linda speak at two different guilds in two states PLUS take one of her classes.  Linda is a very well traveled, educated and talented artist who has contributed so much to the quilting world.  When I heard she had a new book out, I was not only pleased for her, but excited for me to see what she would be sharing this time.

 

Linda fully explains different materials and supplies (you don't need them all and probably have many already in your stash) that can be used to take your applique to the next level.  There are excellent photographs that provide step by step instructions.  Like I said previously, Linda is an excellent teacher and it carries through in her book.   "Fancy Heart" is one of the patterns included in the book and below you can see how she made an ordinary flower, extraordinary.

The flower just JUMPS right off the fabric.

There are several patterns that Linda has included in, "Painted Applique".  "Dragonfly Star" and "Little Helpers" below are some of my favorite.  This book is so much more than the patterns provided.  Linda covers her  glue stick applique technique, her painted applique techniques, teaches you how to make bias tape and do machine applique. "Painted Applique" is a comprehensive "how to" for so many of the techniques Linda has mastered. 

These birds grabbed my heart....I just love this pattern and all it's beautiful color. 

Linda writes a blog, you can find it HERE.  If you are not familiar with her work, consider inviting her to speak and teach at your guild....I guarantee you'll enjoy every minute of your time with Linda.

For those of you who think...gee....Kelly must be getting something out of writing about Linda's book....you are ABSOLUTELY RIGHT!!!  I get to share with others the pleasure I've had in taking Linda's class, getting to speak with her and enjoying the book I purchased for myself, "Painted Applique."  That's what I get....and I'm so greatful to be able to share with you.

Smiles,
Kelly

Ever been to Bali?

My body has not been to Bali but my mind has been there now for several days as I have vicariously traveled with Linda Fitch who is writing on Hoffman Fabrics new blog, Creative Canvas.

Linda is traveling in Bali now and she is posting photos of how the Hoffman Batiks are made, pictures of the town, and today she has posted about how the Tjap (chop) is made.  The chop is the die that is hand made and produces the design on the fabric using wax resist.  Each of the amazing Hoffman Batiks are made this way....can you imagine the number of chops they must have?  Mind blowing!

Vicarious traveling smiles,
Kelly

Did Someone (Gene) Say....???

July is 1/2 over?  Where do I live/breathe/think/exist???  In "my world" July has just started and Gene tells me it is 1/2 over!  I'm not only ticked off....but I'm left in a quandary.  How is it that the month starts just yesterday and now it is 1/2 over? 

OK...that still means we have 1/2 a month of July ahead of us RIGHT?  Do I have this correct?  Seems like I live in a timeless space where one day flows into the next and time passes without my approval (ROFL).

The UPSIDE of all of this is....the CHRISTMAS IN JULY SALE at I Have A Notion is still going on.  Did you know I have added and continue to add things daily?  You won't find cheaper prices anywhere on the internet...I promise...and if by some outlandish chance that you do...I'll beat it...but only on the items in the CHRISTMAS IN JULY SALE department of IHAN.

Please, please, please help me spread the word about this amazing sale so that I can shrink my inventory to a much more manageable level (should I ever hope to move...which we do...keeping my fingers crossed).

THANK YOU!!!  If you spread the word on your blog I'll enter you in a drawing to win a $50.00 shopping spree in the Christmas in July Department which could buy you well over $100 worth of amazing fabrics, notions, embroidery designs or what ever you choose.  Just leave a comment below saying you shared on your blog and leave me the link so I can hop over and visit.

Smiles of Gratitude,
Kelly

Ambulatory and Mostly Continent

My definition of a good day this week....ambulatory and mostly continent..yikes!  (truth)  What ever "it" is that I have/had.....if you see "it" (dark, painful and ugly) either shoot it square or run like a dickens.  Body aches (that's putting it mildly), fever (102.8), cough, pain in my ears chest....and after three treatments with the Zpac stuff...I'm ambulatory and mostly continent....ROFL.  I will however take this over any more time with what ever "it" is/was :)

         DIRT...yep...it's DIRT ...oh go on and smile...it won't ruin ya!

Today I opened my computer and I have Yahoo as my home page....and I see this post about "Dirt"...I watch it...I loved it and enjoyed every second of watching the video.  HERE is the link if you want to smile...see happy young people playing in Dirt and a song about the sacredness of our surroundings.

By the way, I've had a few people ask me why on earth I would have such low prices for the Christmas in July Sale....and in case you are wondering....this is the reason:

When I have the opportunity to get things at a good price,  the first thing I want to do is share it with others...(yes I'm a people person and if great books, notions and supplies are like good drugs in your opinion (it is in mine)) then that is my goal....to put a smile on someone's face by being able to afford to buy as many books, notions, fabrics etc.  as they would like without going without their next meal or having to mortgage the house.  I also need to reduce the insane amount of inventory if I ever hope to move...which one day...I would like to do that.

my hair today after being sick since Sunday

(just wait for Gene to see this really bad job of cropping....he will laugh his bum off and it will have been well worth the posted pix)

NO I'm NOT CRAZY....how do I know this?  Because in my book,  crazy IS paying top dollar for everything weather or not you can afford to do this.  Why am I frugal?  Not because I'm cheap....it's because I know there is always a need somewhere that I will have the money for because I've not spent every last dollar I've earned.  Just call me old fashion...I don't care....I've been sick...so clearly there is a lot I don't care about....like my house, my hair right now...and telling everyone on the planet that I'm mostly continent today...ROFL.

Wild Hair Smiles,
Kelly

Taking it as it comes aka Surrender

I was all excited and ready to head to PA to visit with my dear friend....except for...on Sunday I started with body aches and pains and by Monday....I hurt so bad I was panting.  A visit to the Urgent Care was required and I'm on meds now.

Day three and I'm feeling no better.  The flu swab came back negative and the Dr. told me I have an ear infection (I didn't ask but the Dr. looked about 19).  Hmmmmm....no matter what I have...it is rotten and so far no one else here has it....so it must not be viral. 

Thankfully I was able to box up about 15 orders of books and Lauren, my mail guy, picked them up on Monday.  Everyone else will have to wait until tomorrow when I feel like I can more again.

By the way, do you know what a great friends says to another when one is very sick?  Call me anytime if you want to cough in my ear, cry or just want to complain.  ROFL....no kidding.  My dear friend Jean called during the writing of this post and that's what she said.  Now....that is brilliant. 

Upside Down Sick Smiles,
Kelly

Christmas in July - Really?

Yes REALLY!!!

Save up to 85% on many books  no kidding....over 50 Quilting, Embroidery, Punchneedle, Silk Ribbon Embroidery, Rug Hooking Books all for $4.00....check it out for yourself...just click HERE.

That's not all....

Still not kidding....save up to 50% on several design packs and supplies...just click HERE.

What, you want more?  

Well...OK....Click HERE for Notions, Threads, Kits, Fabric and Supplies and you can save up to 80%.

The supplies are limited on Christmas in July items...the earlier you shop, the more choices you have to save...these are specials and the prices will not be honored when the items are sold out.

Smiles,

Kelly

Happy 4th of July

I hope this 4th of July finds you celebrating something joyful weather it be a great fireworks display or the joy of knowing you have access to electricity and are able to view this blog post....there's always something to be joyful about....or so I seem to think anyway :)

Today I'm celebrating!!!  Why?  Because last night I slept....yes...I slept through the night and that is a HUGE reason for me to celebrate.  I rarely get a full nights sleep since breaking my ankle.  It hurts 24/7 and I typically wake up several times a night.  But not last night....that's worth a year of fireworks to me :)

Hope you have a wonderful day find something great to celebrate.

Smiles,
Kelly

How young is too young to be a textile artist?

Both my co-workers went down to the Toledo School of the Arts for summer camp a few weeks ago.  Between making music, dancing, creative writing....there was a textile arts class....and I have to say I'm very impressed with Zach's accomplishments.  He's 10....just turned 10 in May and look what he made:

Day one he brought home a felt pin that he had sewn his name on...in case you can't read it...his name is Zach...LOL.

This is his painted t-shirt.  You may recall the trepidation I had while taking a ink class at Asilomar (Empty Spools) in March.  Zach whipped this up in a day....no kidding.  He wore this while reading on stage one of his creative writing pieces.  I was floored.  I could learn a thing or two from my kid ay?

Zach was very excited about making his pillow.  He wouldn't tell me what it was going to look like, just that he had sewn the entire thing by himself.

He never said a word that it was painted....another WOW for this proud Momma.  I'm thinking the teacher didn't know a blind stitch because this is how he closed the pillow.  No big deal....a few more years....his work will look like an experts...the painting already is in my book.

 Tree stump in foreground....before.

On another creative note....I was visiting with a friend at her lake house in Indiana on Sunday and we were discussing the huge tree that fell last year.  The tree was enormous and we had seen a man carving bears out of trees and mentioned to the neighbor that he may consider having someone carve into his tree instead of taking it down.  Check out what he did....all by himself mind you...with no prior experience:

It looks pretty good doesn't it?  Then Robin says....go around and look at the other side.

Creativity abounds....all it takes is a little encouragement and a few supplies.

What am I waiting for?  I better get my creative derriere in motion here God knows I have enough supplies and ideas.

Smiles,

Kelly

Winner of "A Promise in Pieces" by Emily T. Wierenga

A Promise in Pieces by Emily T. Wierenga

Ya know I never even put a date as to when I'd give this great book away!  Go figure....since it's my book and my blog...I decided today was as good a day as any :)

 The Random Number Generator appointed number 5 the winner.....and as I count down 5 comments...the fifth comment is:

Julie from Me and My Stitches...Congratulations!!! Please e-mail me your full address and I'll get the book in the mail to you right away.  The rest of you won't be disappointed if you head over to the author's website and purchase a copy....it is a great read.  If you hate it after you bought it on my recommendation....let me know within a week and I'll reimburse you for the book and have you send it on to another lucky IHAN blog reader...ya just can't loose here :)

While I'm on the subject of Julie....I happen to own two of her beautiful pieces of quilt jewlery.  Are you famiar with Julie's work?

YES, those are paper pieced tiny charms....amazing aren't they?  There's more:

Pendants and pins....Oh My!!!  I'm not much of a pin or pendant person myself and I adore Julie's work so I put mine on my camera strap.  They make wonderful gifts and are sure to put a smile on any quilters face.

No, none of this was prearranged...I sware on my life!  I just thought I'd take the opportunity to share with all of you some of what other gals are doing....you may already have known....either way....lets keep the good stuff going!

Smiles,

Kelly