Susan Brubaker Knapp Workshop, I LOVED It!

I realize it has been a week since I attended Susan Brubaker Knapp's workshop, but I've had a kidney infection and today is the first day I have been up to posting anything.  

Rosemary and I loved Susan's workshop and I took lots of pictures to share.  While I get my photos together, I thought I'd announce a giveaway :)  I purchased a  copy of Point, Click, Quilt from Susan to giveaway to one very lucky IHAN blog follower.  The giveaway won't start until tomorrow, 3/21/15 but you'll have a week before the drawing.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thank you to everyone who sent well wishes recently!

Smiles,
Kelly

Top O' The Day To Ya

I can hardly wait to tell you all about my trip to Columbus to see Susan Brubaker Knapp....but first...I have to get through the worst of this kidney infection.  My back hurt like the dickens while I was in Columbus....it wasn't the chair...apparently it is a roaring kidney infection.  I'll be back soon to tell you all about the great time Waldo and I had.


Green Tinted Smiles,
Kelly

Working on Mary Jane's UFO's

Mary Jane Ehlich

When my dear friend was ill she assigned me the task of clearing out her sewing studio.  Between traveling back and forth and a surgery of my own, I was in PA as often as I possibly could be and doing my "job."  We managed to go through some things and assign them to new owners and the rest was generously stored at another friends home.  When I went back to PA for Mary Jane's funeral I had just a short time to go through the remainder of her things and rack my brain as to what projects I thought I could manage to finish for her and which would be better finished by the rest of her close knit quilting group.

I came across a bag of assembled squares and I thought....AH HAAAA....I can do that!!! LOL

When I opened the bag with the squares I noticed a page with instructions.  It became very clear that this was a group project (making the squares) and they were to be made into a charity quilt.  I assembled the blocks and finished this quilt top and it will be donated in her memory.

Do you think it needs a border?  There is some red fabric left and I was thinking about small dark border and red binding....what do you think?

You may have heard it is warming up here in Ohio.  From mounds of snow to giant puddles everywhere.....I will miss the snow greatly.  While dropping off Aaron this week I drove past a GIANT mountain of snow in a yard and my car came to an immediate stop and out came my cell phone.

 

This mountain of snow is over 7 feet tall and it has been melting....can you imagine?  Who ever piled the snow and then dug the tunnel is a super hero in my book.

This is a view just inside to the right.....an enclosed cave was dug in the side....blows my mind.

The view directly through the tunnel.  Sure makes the assembly of a quilt top look like a walk in the park doesn't it?

Before I go, keep in mind there are a few EXCELLENT Giveaways going on in the blogosphere:

Gene Black, Alabama Quilt Artist's is giving away two PDF copies of his  "Dance of the Japanese Lantern's" quilt pattern. CLICK HERE.

QuiltShopGal has a few giveaways on her informative blog.....she is one of the Quilting Industries Super Heros in my humble opinion.

Jack Dempsey Needle Arts Giveaway is  HERE.
A Modern Twist Giveaway is HERE.
Eco Plus Premium Felt Giveaway is HERE.

Best of luck in the giveaways!

Smiles,
Kelly

Looking forward to Susan Brubaker Knapp Classes

Having something to look forward to can be such a fun focus.  Waldo and I are headed to Columbus, OH to hear Susan Brubaker Knapp speak on Thursday March 12th at the Quintessential Quilters Guild meeting. 

It  has been quite some time since I've visited with Susan and I am sooooo looking forward to re-connecting with her.

Friday March 13th Susan is teaching Thread Sketching Snowflake.

Saturday, March 14th she is teaching "November Leaves".

 

My pieces won't look anything like these.....but you know what?  I'm going to learn and have some fun!

If you are anywhere near Columbus, OH on the 12th of March, I invite you to join us for Susan's lecture.  CLICK HERE for information and location.  I'm not sure if there are spaces left for Susan's classes....but you can e-mail quintessentialquilters @ gmail.com to inquire.

Tickled Smiles,
Kelly

How Do Your Bobbins Roll?

Do you remember this post, "How Do You Store Your Bobbins?"  I wrote it back on May 3, 2012. 
In that post I reviewed Handi-Bobs and Bobbin Mates along with suggesting a few other self made solutions to storing your bobbins.

In that post I demonstrated how you could use a simple pipe cleaner to store your bobbins.  A variety of colors could be used for the different thread weights (color code as you wish).

The pipe cleaners work nicely because the ends can be easily manipulated to accommodate any opening on the top of your thread spool.

 The bobbin rests nicely o top of this spool of thread.

 See how nicely the pipe cleaner holds the bobbin from falling out.

There is a new product on the market (not very easy to get because they have been on back order for months) that work similar to my pipe cleaner idea....they call them "Bobbin Buddies."

They come in 4 colors and the plastic tips fit through the center of the bobbin.

The Bobbin Buddies also fit the tops of a variety of spools of thread.  

Is it a coincidence that the new Bobbin Buddies use my concept?  I don't know.  What I do know is that I have a ton of great ideas for saving money and it is you can spend your money any way you wish..

Bobbin Savers is how I roll....the hold my Bernina 140 and 430 bobbins perfectly.  I inherited my Bernina 820 and along with it Mary Jane's bobbin storage.

She had this foam storage to hold the larger bobbins and I used a Large Bobbin Saver for the overflow.  I still don't know where she got the foam holder....but I still prefer the Bobbin Savers because they hold my bobbins nicely and I can stack them easily in my drawers.

Rolling with the Smiles,
Kelly

All Is Well

I've had several e-mails from people want to be sure my family and I are OK.  For the record, we are all doing well.

My youngest co-worker is no longer a Cub Scout....he is now a Boy Scout!!!!

The Boy Scout strikes a pose....LOL!

I even got inspired and covered the seat of a chair yesterday....

I'll want a coordinating fabric for the back of the chair.

Don't ya'all plan for your futures?  Well, that is exactly what I'm doing.  No one is sick and nothing terrible is happening....just the opposite as a matter of fact.  Mr. McSteamy and I have long been talking about downsizing and moving.  Looking for a buyer for IHAN is just part of that downsizing and simplifying our lives.

I absolutely love IHAN and have been so pleased with the growth this business has had in the past 5 or so years.  I want to pass this blessing along to someone or a group of someones to give their journey new dimension.

IHAN is perfect for someone into quilting/textile arts, a couple, sisters, best friends or a quilt shop that would like to get a worldwide stage with which to further their business.  

You have my word I'm not going anywhere fast and I will continue my journey and passion in a different venue.  Short of death.....I am committed to continuing to grow the friendships I have made and I'm always looking forward to making new friends.

Sincerest Smiles,

Kelly

I Have A Notion - For Sale By Owner

IHAN

Aka

I Have A Notion Inc.

For Sale by Owner

Sale includes IHAN website, blog and registered trademark.

Inventory negotiable.

Serious inquiries ONLY contact:

IHaveANotion@yahoo.com

To some this announcement may come as a huge surprise, to others, not so much.  I'm not going anywhere fast so please don't be alarmed.  I am planning for my families future and it requires I look for a buyer for Have A Notion, Inc.

I would appreciate your passing the word along to anyone you think would make a kind and honest IHAN owner. 

Warm Smiles,

Kelly

Presidents Day

Presidents....an interesting group of men (so far) don't you think? 

 Forty-four men willing to be criticized beyond imagination and give up most everything personal (including their physical life)  to provide service to others.   Certainly not a job I would ever want nor want for my family members (not that any of us are qualified candidates....well maybe my younger brother because he is a lawyer....scares me to think of my younger brother as the President....forget I ever said a word about it!).

Sure they no longer have to drive car, mow the lawn or shovel the walk AND they have their meals prepared by a real chef....they have  amazing people to their house for a visit (the amazing people actually show up too!!!).  I bet President Obama can dial Oprah from his own cell phone and for that matter get anyone to answer his calls.  He gets to travel more than First Class on all his trips and take his family along without having to worry if he has enough money in his checking/savings account. 

My two cents on the subject....I thank God for anyone who is willing and able to do the job of President of our country.  I don't care what privilege they have or will ever have....the responsibilities and decisions they are asked to make goes far beyond what my soul wants to carry in this lifetime. 

At the end of my life....I won't have on my heart that some of the decisions I had to make killed other humans (at least that I'm aware of...yikes...I pray not) and caused unimaginable suffering to others....in an effort to uphold freedom and democracy.

A good funny to end with here.....
The night my mother died, her four children were holding her....one at each hand/arm and one at each leg/foot.  The four of us  moved her to the gurney that would used to take her to the mortuary.   The four of us approached the front door and my younger brother said, "Wait."    Puzzled...I asked what are we waiting for....his reply...."Marine One to land on the tennis court across the street.  I think President Obama will want to say good bye to his greatest fan."   Perhaps my younger brother does have what it takes to be a President....but I doubt he would want to age so quickly!

Big Smiles,
Kelly

Be My Valentine?

What does "Be My Valentine" mean for you?

Is it about romantic love in your world?

Do you celebrate?

Send cards?

Gift to my mother from Patsy Thompson of Patsy Thompson Designs

The stitching is perfection....and the fabrics....perfect harmony to achieve an energetic flow.

Do you feel the energy flowing from the thread?

The back stitching is a bit tough to see in this pix....but if you look closely you can see it...fine, delicate and echoing the time and attention given to this design....it speaks volumes to me.

Who is included in your Valentine circle?

Do you celebrate as a family?

Yes, I really want to know.....what it means for you.....and I'll share what it means to me....

The love that was put into making the wall hanging Patsy made and sent to my mother while she was very ill.....that is the love I think about for Valentines Day.  Pure love and kindness....because as humans we are capable of such amazing opportunities to reach out and touch one another.... gently, kindly and with pure love.....and I believe the more we allow that gentle love to be expressed in our daily lives to everyone we come into contact with.....the more we can see that golden cord that connects us one to the next.

Now....ask Zach, the youngest co-worker and you'll hear all about  his experience:

Yes....he wore that hat to school yesterday.....oh my!

Valentines Day means getting little paper cards and sweet treats ....and of course a break from doing school work.

It's all about perspective and your vantage point.

Smiles,

Kelly

Jean Overmeyer Makes A "Splash"

Last nights Black Swamp Quilt Guild show and tell was great!  Jean showed her latest piece, "Splash."

Her free motion quilting is excellent and I really liked the ultra suede and beading around the drop of water.  Jean uses decorative threads in many of her quilts and inspires others to try new things.

 

Our guild has been blessed with many talented quilters....they really are a great inspiration to me.

Jean will be teaching a class at the Quilt Foundry in Maumee OH on Feb. 22nd.  She will leading a class on making very fun mittens.  If you are local....its a Sunday and I think Jean is an excellent teacher....sign up before the class fills up.

Smiles,

Kelly

Blue Heart

(Embroidery Design by Urban Threads)

If you are a long time blog follower you know Waldo...my dear friend Rosemary.  Her husband, Mr. Charlie, passed away night before last and my heart is blue.  Rosemary and Mr. Charlie had their 58th wedding anniversary last week. 

I was able to be with them earlier in the day....a blessing.   This is the link to this wonderful man's obituary: http://www.walkerfuneralhomes.com/obituary/dr-charles-f-kahle/

Blue Smiles,

Kelly

The Borders Are Finally On

I say finally because this one has taken me some time to actually put my mind to getting those borders on.

You may recall this post (click here) where I showed Mary Jane's last quilt.  It was a Pennsylvania Block Quilt and she titled it "Coming Home."  My girlfriends in PA did a block exchange and I wasn't able to participate but one of the gals, Eleanor, shared a set of blocks with me.  I put them together but then I put the top on a shelf.  The more I sewed the sadder I got....I missed my girlfriend and the grief wouldn't seem to ease.

I found a new way to sew with Mary Jane.....

I put her picture on her machine and now we sew together and chat :)  She encourages me to finish my projects just like she always did and I'm feeling a little better these days.

The snow continues to fall and I tried to capture how beautiful it is when it is all white outside....

This was last evening and you can't really see all the snow falling....but it was coming down again.

I saw someone on a neighboring street that looked like they were stuck at the entrance of their driveway so I backed up and inquired.  Sure enough....they had driven into a snow bank and couldn't get out.  I hopped out of my car and shoveled the bank and then pushed their car and they were able to get up their driveway.  Come to find out the man was in a car accident a few weeks back and has an injury and he couldn't help his wife....so glad I stopped.  He said there wasn't much the doctors could do for him.  This morning I was thinking....it is always best to call a quilter when in need....right?  RIGHT!  I made him this:

No, it isn't a pillow....but it looks like one....giggles

It is a 7 x 10 rice bag with some lavender inside to microwave and put on his back.  Maybe it will help....if not....kindness always makes people feel better.  

Snowy Smiles,

Kelly

Valentine Gift and Snow

I made a small wall hanging recently to give to Zach's teacher. She is one of those "special" teachers that a child never forgets.

I stitched out the heart design ( Urban Threads) on white fabric and then added the borders.  A wise person might have quilted the background first.  I started quilting and decided to take the borders off.

Unfortunately I used a very small stitch length and it was very difficult to remove the stitches so I opted for cutting off the border.  You can see in the photo above a bit of the fabric remained.  Good thing I own all the best tools because I was able to get that line of fabric off with the tip of my Seam Fix and Famore Micro Fine Tweezers.  All I did was pull a bit at the fabric with the tweezers and then rub with the tip of the Seam Fix and all of that fabric came off.  If you can believe this....the white Kona fabric didn't fray :)

Nice to be able to get all those threads out.  I didn't bother with those that would be beyond the border.

The wrinkles in the fabric will come out with  a bit of steam.  I put a extra layer of wool batting just behind the heart so it would pop and then I used my regular sewing machine to go over some of the stitch lines to give extra dimension.  A bit difficult to see in the photo but I think it came out nice. 

You might be able to see the dimension a bit better in this photo.

The Seam Fix and Famore Micro Fine Tweezers are available at I Have A Notion, Inc (IHAN)and below are the links if you are interested.

Famore Micro Fine Tweezers-
http://ihavea-notion.com/store/item_2838/Famore-Micro-Fine-Tweezers-3-12-in..htm
Seam Fix Mini-
http://ihavea-notion.com/store/item_3633/Mini-Seam-Fix.htm
Seam Fix Pink
http://ihavea-notion.com/store/item_3493/Seam-Fix-Pink.htm
Seam Fix Teal
http://ihavea-notion.com/store/item_3494/Seam-Fix-Teal.htm

How about all that snow we are getting here in Ohio?  I'm a snow lover so you won't hear me complain.  The boys have been out of school and today had a two hour delay.

 

All 4 of us shoveled our driveway and front walk 4 times on Sunday....yep.....4 times.  It was a ball!  The neighbors all use snow blowers and the boys always ask why we don't have one.  I say the same thing every time....until we can no longer use our arms and legs we'll continue to use a shovel to remove our snow....they roll their eyes....giggles.

Yesterday I took them and a friend sledding at a local hill.  The wind was so cold it was burning our faces but the kids didn't seem to mind very much.

Good thing I remembered our thermos of hot chocolate.....oh what a good time we had.

Cold Smiles,

Kelly

Breaking My Silence

I don't believe I need to post until I have something noteworthy to say....and I've been enjoying my retreat and honoring my silence.  Now....I have something to say.....sinister grins :)

A dear friend, Jean from Jean Creates, recently had foot surgery and it wasn't that long ago that I underwent two surgeries on my ankle so I can definitely understand what a woman would appreciate at a time like this.

If you are 50 or over, you probably already have guessed what I made and sent to her....a "Let It Go" just in case tinkle pad for her chair/sofa.  Yep....I figured she just might feel the urge and need to go quickly to the ladies room to powder her nose....if she didn't make it fast enough....the powder could be absorbed and not ruin her lovely furniture.    I used two pieces of fleece that I had embroidered, a piece of water/powder proof soft lining and serged around the edges.  The goal was to make her laugh and I think I succeeded.

A few weeks back when I was looking out the window at the beautiful snow  I happened to also look down inside the window sill...YIKES. 

Dust, dirt and yes even webs of sorts....not very pretty that's for sure.

 I keep this Micro Vacuum Attachment Kit (available at I Have A Notion, Inc.) near my sewing machine but it works great for all those other hard to reach places including appliances, computers, heat vents etc.  

I attached it to my vacuum hose and quickly got rid of those webs and other unmentionables hanging around in there.  My life isn't always exciting you know.....and I'm guessing yours isn't either!  LOL

On a recent trip to IKEA I found this 6 drawer metal stand....perfect for my embroidery threads!

My only regret is not buying 2. 

I use this one for my embroidery threads, I could use one for my sewing threads as well. It could be said I have tried every thread storage solution out there....and I have liked them.....but what I like best about this solution is it also fits under my sewing tables so I could keep it tucked away if I wanted to.  No labels yet....that isn't so important to me now...but keeping the dust off is :)

My days are not only filled with concerns about powder and dust....I also have some prime entertainment around here!  A bit of a backdrop....there was a fair at Aaron's school recently and the prizes included small plastic toys, rings and kazoos.  Aaron was very taken with the brightly colored plastic rings and he loves wearing them.....what a free spirit he is and I can definitely relate.

Oh and did I mention for a ticket he could get a face painting...ROFL....I do love him so and pray he keeps his joyful spirit for all the days of his life.

The next day he came downstairs and started singing and dancing around wearing all of his rings aka bling.  I could not resist.....please don't ever tell him I shared this video.....I just think it is way too good not to share the laughter and joy with others.

Big Joyful Smiles, Kelly

A Gentle Retreat

I'm not talking about a sewing retreat this morning, I'm referring to a gentle retreat into my surrounds...taking time to NOTICE that which makes my world so special and beautiful.

The boys have only had three days of school since the beginning of the year because of weather conditions.  There have been no complaints at our house....we have all retreated into the warmth of our togetherness and making the most of this beautiful weather.

Monday morning school was canceled because of the snow and we relished the opportunity to go to a local snow hill to sled and enjoy the fire pit at the park.

This morning the boys answered the phone and were squealing with delight when they heard a voice tell them there was a 2 hour delay due to weather conditions.  They did not identify the voice on the other end of the phone as their fathers....ROFL.  Adults prank calling kids....a turn of the tables and it got lots of laughter out of me this morning.  How could they be so gullible?  Giggles

The house got quiet as those gullible little people headed out for school....I sat and looked out the window at the amazing snow.  I thought to myself....how can I capture this magnificent beauty?  Pictures don't always capture what I see with my eye (guess I could learn more about the cameras I own ay?)  Well....I gave it my best and this is what I captured to share with you today:

The close ups of the snow is what I was trying to get....the tiny snow flakes layered on a berry or branch....so beautiful and it is just outside my window....I'm so very grateful.

Something else I'm grateful for is YouTube because I have learned to crochet by watching tutorials posted there.  At long last I have made something larger than a dishcloth....wild laughter.

This started as a prayer shawl that was to be given back to the church who gave me one when my mother was ill.  I found the gift of a prayer shawl so very loving and comforting.  As you can see, it started so nicely....look from the bottom of the picture up about 1/2 way...nice and even...a little decorative stitch at the bottom...nice ay?  Please don't ask me what happened after that....I can not explain.  However...I can laugh and could not stop laughing when I laid it out to take a picture.  A perfectly imperfect shawl to keep someone warm....gotta love it.

Check out the uniqueness of each of the ends:

 I learned a very long time ago to count it all good....and this shawl is indeed GOOD :)  So good as a matter of fact that I have mailed it to my cousin because I know for sure she will treasure it and recognize the love that has been stitched into the shawl.  When she opens the box I guarantee she will let out a howl (laughter) and then wrap herself in it and stay warm in Washington State this winter.

Lets hope I've learned from my "practice"....no calling it mistakes....as I have started an afghan.  Scary thought isn't it?

 No I have not stopped quilting or sewing....as a matter of fact....I have gotten several projects finished recently....I'll post about those soon. 

Smiles,
Kelly