Announcement!

I Have A Notion blog and store have moved to:


the store can be found at


There is a much easier to navigate store, with new items. The blog has its own page as well... new content too.

The blog is now at www.ihaveanotion.com/blog

Please come and visit!

Thursday, April 29, 2010

IHAN Anniversary Celebration Statistics


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

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

Number of Prizes: over 160
Retail Value of Prizes: $3300.00
Number of Winners: 83
Total Number of Comments: 4613
Qualifying Grand Prize Enteries: 2448

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

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

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

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

Huge Smiles and Monster Gratitude!!!

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

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

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

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

Here she is....finished :)

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

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

Smiles,
Kelly

Ahhhhhhh The Human Touch Therapeutic Massage Chair

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


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

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

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

There were 4 chairs, two here and two on the other side of that advertisement.  All four Jackson's were flat out on our backs with feet up being massaged.  I think we stayed there for 20 minutes or more.  I was so surprised people were not lined up just waiting to sit down.  Guess they are not as adventurous as we are!!
Zach gives it his approval.
Sir Aaron would not get up.
Here is the pix with the machine on high...LOL.
This was the poster than had next to the chairs.  20 years of use....that chair would last longer than many marriages.  And much less costly than a wedding too!!  LOL

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

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

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

Relaxed Smiles,
Kelly

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

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

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

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

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


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


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

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



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

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

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

Susan recommends using glue to attach the fabric every so often.  Rosemary preferred a glue stick and I preferred Roxanne's Basting Glue.  She found it difficult to squeeze the bottle (it hurt her hand) and the glue stick worked better for her.  I liked the way Roxanne's glue worked....so it is good to know what you like to work with.
This was as far as I got today.  I found it very relaxing to wrap the fabric onto the clothesline. 
One way to keep your rope untangled....wrap it around your hand and then put it into a Ziploc bag and close the bag up to just the end.  Then when you are working your rope is not long enough to trip you as you walk away....or get all tangled....of if you are anything like me.....I got mine all tangled into Rosemary's 15 yards.  You have to be super talented to be able to do that though!!

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

Smiles,
Kelly

Monday, April 26, 2010

Unclaimed IHAN Prizes from the Anniversary Celebration

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

Beeshebags won the Checker Distributor gift package


Jean from The Black and White Quilt Challenge has won It's A Wrap II
If anyone knows these folks would you please have them contact IHAN at IHaveANotion@yahoo.com

Smiles,
Kelly

Friday, April 23, 2010

The Electric Quilt Company's NEW EQ 7

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

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

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

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

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

EQ7 is the most user-friendly full-featured quilting software yet.
 •Complete user manual
•22 printable full-color PDF lessons (115 pages)
•Point-and-read info on each tool – now linked directly to Help topics
•10 videos targeted for beginners
•67 “How do I?” topics: printable stepped-out instructions for doing everything from printing English paper-piecing templates to drawing a New York Beauty
•Built-in Help buttons are everywhere, targeted to the task you're doing
•New block tools for creating original blocks instantly without drawing
•Blocks size themselves – just drag and drop on the quilt

Includes tons of user-requested new features

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

Netbook compatible

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

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

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

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

Smiles,
Kelly

Run Don't Walk to visit John at Quilt Dad

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

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

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

Smiles,
Kelly

IHAN in American Patchwork & Quilting???

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


Check out page 14

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

Thank you Aurifil!!! 

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

Smiles,
Kelly

International Quilt Festival in Chicago

My girlfriends went to Chicago without me.....boooo hooooo.  I had to work and they went on a bus with a fun group of other gals.  When Rosemary got home she called me to tell me about her trip.  I could not wait to get over to see what she had purchased.  Look at these:


Felted wool dolls by TUMAR made in Kyrgyzstan.  I would have bought them too.  I think she showed great restraint by not coming home with every one they sold.   The detail in the work is really terrific.  I would be proud to own a set.  What a wonderful  way to teach my kids about other countries and cultures. 

Rosemary brought home some fabrics that were nice.  But the Big Daddy was this quilt kit she got:

Kaffe Fassett and Brandon Mably fabrics......I'm wiggling just typing these words.....oh geez.   I tell you it is all I can do to stop myself from going into her house while she sleeps and sneak off with her amazing fabrics.  I love Kaffe Fassett and Brandon Mably's fabrics. 

One of my greatest experiences at the Houston Quilt Market was hearing Kaffe and Brandon talking about their work.  I was fortunate enough to win the Kaffe's book, Quilt Romance.....and he autographed it too!!!  I was so excited I thought I would burst.  I wish they were my neighbors.....I'd probably be arrested for being a peeping tom....LOL.

Speaking of Kaffe, he has a new book out,  Kaffe Fassett's Simple Shapes, Spectacular Quilts

You know where I'll be at Quilt Market....pushing my way up to the front of the class praying they call my name again.  Yes lightening can strike twice!!!  I know it can.  I want everyone to visualize them saying, "I Have A Notion, Kelly Jackson."

Smiles,
Kelly


Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Request of the IHAN Blog Readers

Yo IHAN Blog Readers


It's A Small World @ Disney

I have a request of those of you who have won prizes in the IHAN Anniversary Celebration.  I 'd love to do a show and tell.  If you make something with your prize or use it in some way, I'd like to see it.  Even if you give it as a gift to a dear friend, please take a photo and let us know about it.

If you were the gracious recipient of the Cool Million, I'd like to see if you printed it out and where you put it, so send a photo along.

I have found that the greatest gifts are those that are shared.  Lets see how far these gifts go to make ourselves and others smile.  I'll do a blog post when the photos or stories come in.  Please e-mail them to IHaveANotion@yahoo.com

Grateful Smiles,
Kelly

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Celebrating IHAN Style

Here at IHAN Headquarters we have been continuing to celebrate.  I thought I would share a few photos I took last night.


We celebrated with a few fireworks here in front of our house.  Such a lovely celebration!!  Rick even put up the holiday lights all round the outline of our home.  He is so sweet!!
Well.....ok....this is Epcot not IHAN Headquarters.....I get confused sometimes :)
I have not run off with the prizes or had a breakdown, I've needed to hire a steam shovel to get through my house.  No one, not a one of you.....not one single one of you broke into my house to see if you won and cleaned my house.  Shame on the lot of ya!!!

Kitchen floor is clean and I'm doing pretty well on the laundry.  Who had any idea how much time a 32 Day Celebration would require.  Certainly not me!!!  That sure was fun wasn't it?  I loved every minute of each post and all the prizes.  I know not everyone won a prize (including me) so I decided to give a little something to everyone so you would not feel left out.


A Cool Million

To claim your prize all you need do is copy, paste and print!!!  No postage necessary :) 

I'm still working on getting all the prizes put into boxes and ready to ship.  I think I'll be able to do some tonight and some tomorrow.  The prizes that were being shipped by the companies will be in the mail.  I contacted everyone yesterday and today.

What's next?  Hmmmmm.....Spring Quilt Market.....OH YEAH BABY!!!!

Smiles,
Kelly

Saturday, April 17, 2010

The Winners of the 32 Days of Giveaways at I Have A Notion

I hope all you are nice and limber now so you can do the "Spider Walk Around Your Head" move from the YouTube Video on the previous post!!!  Was that not the wildest thing....geez....they had to be beautiful, able to sing AND bend into thirds....I must say I've never applied for a job like that before!!

The Winners
of the 32 Days of Giveaways

photos of contents on previous post
Joy from North Carolina


 Cathy U

Anya

SewCalGal

 

 Rhonda P


 (oops, minor error...you don't get Brint the "Scissor Man")
Amy - Park City Girl

 
CrochetnQuilt

 

from Inventor Virginia Lauer
Inch Worm Fabrics

 

Gift Package from Checker Distributors
Beeshebags




Sizzling Circles by Lacey Hill
Nanbon44

 

(does not include Mr. McSteamy, sorry :)
Val Miller

 
BarbinMI


Elizabeth from NC

Moneik and BeachQuilter

benbel

Fiesta

Pam - And So I Can, Ahrisha, Delitealex,
Dee-Bitten by Blog, Goosegirl

Floorquilts book and a kit of all essential supplies to make a Floorquilt (minus fabric)
Mary on Lake Paluski

ModPodge Starter Set
Tonya's Sewing Room



Rusty Bird

Window On The East by Carolyn Startup
Barb - Spokane WA

Batik Diamonds by Barb Sackel
Marcia
SewLindAnn

Prairie Window by Anne Wiens
Jessica - from CA
Stoneworks by Ann Anderson
Mamma24Monkeys
Table Graces by Jean Dunn
All Sewn Up
Take Four Placemats by Cary Flanagan
joanne lendaro

Tuck AwayTote by Mckenna Linn
 from QuiltWoman
QuiltCrazyGal


 
Liz A

 Tich


Nancy from Missouri

Joon Toons from Germany

Sheila C -My Empty Nest is Full of Cat Hair

Quilting Daisy

Happy Cottage Quilter

Susan - Random Acts of Stitching


Alissa

Lois Grabowski

Quilt Hollow

Deanna (czereyna e-mail addy)

Julie DaisySewing

 28wt Cotton Thread Set 
Deserae from Utah

Micki
Loris

Kiynomi
from Laundry Basket Quilts 
Sue H

from Laundry Basket Quilts 
NeedledMom



from Alicia's Attic - Frustration Free Quilting Notions
Melissa from Ohio, Quilts And Pieces,
Onlymehere, and The Jenkins

Sapphire Sea Dupioni Silk Collection 
Cathy Lakebay from WA

Annmarie from Wisconsin
Duff

Texture Magic
by Superior Threads
and
All Occasion Baskets Pattern
from Patterns by Annie
Sharon from Canada

Day and Night Quilt (an autographed copy :)
from Quilt In A Day
dj

Backdoor Bear

by Toni Whitney
Annie of Green Gables, Laurie from Main and Marcia


Mistyfuse White 20in x 10yd

by Attached Inc.
Elizabeth from Utah

It's A Wrap II by Susan Breier

from Martingale and Company
Jean - The Black and White Quilt Challenge

A Beautiful Scissor Fob

 Simply Tracy
Barb - Bejewled Quilts by Barb

Madison Bags
from Amy Butler Design
Jennifer from Tucson AZ

Weekender Travel Bag
from Amy Butler Design

Carol from WV
from Amy Butler Design
Khris from AU
Roc- lon Osnaburg Muslin
from Rockland Industries
PamDux

Carrot Patch
lcloos

Sue from Sydney AU

My Life Under the Bus

GO! Fabric Cutter
from AccuQuilt
Jessica from CA

Bendedbias Applique
by Linda M. Poole
A Plus Quilt Shop

A Journey To Light
a multi-block Quilt Pattern
by McKenna Ryan
Pine Needles
Sherry - Keep You in Stitches

by Attached Inc.
Gene Black

The Tulip Bag Pattern and
Orchid Series Note Cards
from Susan Brubaker Knapp
of Blue Moon River
Molly

Twice as Nice....Plus More (autographed by Eleanor Burns)
by Anne Dease
and
Triangle Square Up Ruler 9 1/2in
from Quilt in a Day
Rafael's Mom

Nanbon44

Mary Grace McNamara
Large Protect and Grip Thimble
from Clover Needlecraft
Judy in NC

Sew Red Silk Dupioni Collection
from Brewer Quilting and Sewing Supplies
9patchnurse

Thank you to everyone who took their time to leave comments.  Hopefully I'll have some time to sit and read them all soon. 

Thank you to everyone who posted about the 30 Days of Giveaways for IHAN's First Anniversary Celebration.  We could not have done it without you!!!

The work of organizing the randomization was mine.  The Random Number Generation and selecting of the winners was thanks to Mr. McSteamy (he does not know anyone's names so it was all done on the up and up).

To claim your prize you must e-mail IHaveANotion@yahoo.com and in the subject line write "I Won."  Please include your Name, Address, Phone Number and what you won in the e-mail.  That will save me a lot of time and I really need that right now:)

Big Smiles,
Kelly

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