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!

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Roc-Lon Challenge Photos and Winner Announcement

So you ask what can you make with an 8 1/2" x 11" piece of Multi-Purpose Cloth from Roc-Lon Industries? Well let me show you what 13 talented and fun loving folks did with their cloth. I'm up loading these in no particular order:



Submitted by Diane G. I also uploaded the close up for everyone to enjoy.

Diane said, "I loved working on this! Thank you so much for the opportunity. I had a blast! I wanted to try as many techniques as possible on this cloth! The basic design was painted with water color paints. I didn't Gesso it and it blended into a nice, watery effect. Next was thread painting! My machine easily stitched thru the fabric. I decided to try hand beading, and found the really tiny quilting needle went effortlessly thru the fabric with the beads. Of course, appliqué was an option, and I appliquéd the ladybug with fusible web, and then stitched down a butterfly in the center to create a 3D effect with the wings standing up. It looked like it needed a border, so I stitched a black bias on the edges. I was surprised it stitched so easily. I plan to glue this to a journal or photo album. I'd like to know where to buy this locally; I plan to do some orange-ish backgrounds with black/brown tree silhouettes for Fall and attach it to a jean jacket back! I can think of many uses for this."

For those of you who missed my post, this is the booty I made. I was not entered in the challenge. I just wanted to take the challenge too :)
Submitted by Lacey Hill.
Lacey's description, " Attached is my 20 minute Mug Rug. I printed my website background graphics onto the Roc-lon - both side. Created the 4” circles with my Circles & More Ruler and used my Sizzling Circle technique to finish it off."
Picture entered by Linda S. (CraftyLady).

Linda said, "I thought I had to keep the paper the same size so I didn't make it very dimensional. I did stamp it, painted on it cut it, embossed it, and sewed it. I added fabric ,glitter, glue, brads, beads, yarn and paper. I cut it to see how easy it was to sew pieces onto and if it could be manipulated to become a raised surface.

I found all of the techniques and extras worked. I did have some slight rippling with the heat from the embossing. The fabric was sturdy and manipulative, easy to sew on and paint on. It would be good as a canvas for painters and sculpting would be easy as it can be glued and sewn. The color could easily be changed by using a variety of types of paint.

I thoroughly enjoyed this creative experience and would use the fabric for future creative endeavors....possibly jewelry, sculpting or painting."

Submitted by Catherine Elliott.
Catherine said, "I made a little puppet theater with my piece of Roc-Lon multi-Purpose cloth. I cut a hole in the cloth (Love the no fray cuts!)
I used acrylic paint, sewed a fabric house around it, and used clothespins for legs to make it stand up. Of course, I had to make a few clothespin puppets to star in the show!"

Submitted by Julia Wood.

Julia's description, "Here's what I did with my fabric, which I am now in love with. So many possibilities! After sewing the star, I painted it with Setacolor Paints."

Julia sent me another e-mail and I thought I would share her thoughts about this fabric.

"Yes, you have changed my life! I'm so glad I happened upon your blog and the challenge. This stuff is WONDERFUL! It has so much body, yet it's so soft at the same time. I hope it's okay that for my project, I've cut it in pieces and sewed them together. I love that it doesn't fray, too."

I think Julia really likes the cloth!!! I'm so glad I'm not alone :)

Submitted by Marsha Randles.

Marsha said, "Since this material doesn't fray, I did a 'stain glass' look. I cut out all the petal and leaf areas on the sunflower and then backed it with the yellow fabric and sewed down the middle of the "lead part". I also cut the leading apart from the sky and then fused the 2 pieces back together. I colored the leading black with rubber stamping ink. The center of the flower I cut slits in the fabric and then wove material strips and floss. The sky is painted, stamped, and splattered. It was fun to put some techniques together and see how then come out. I think this material could work well for easy stain glass window quilt work. And to explore weaving."

Submitted by Terri Stegmiller.
Terri said, "I was able to create two coffee cup sleeves from the sheet of Roc-lon that was sent to me. I cut the shape from the Roc-lon, drew a design with pencil, and painted with acrylic paint. One photo shows the sleeves flat, before they were stitched. I zigzag stitched the two ends together to form the sleeve."

Submitted by Joan Watkins.

Joan said, "Here are pictures of the tray I made using Roc-Lon.
It is crazy pieced, machine embroidered, zig-zagged edge, with black webbing stitched to the outside. Roc-Lon was really easy to work with!"

Submitted by Jocelyn Pleus. She posted the entire process on her blog, Happy Cottage Quilter.
Submitted by Sue Bleiweiss.

Sue's description, "I painted some roc-lon with Goldens Fluid Acrylic in Bone Black. When it was dry a 3"x8" piece was cut off and set aside. On the rest I applied a layer of black Mistyfuse and fused on some copper textile foil. Two strips were cut from the foiled piece and stitched to the base piece, beading was added and then the whole piece was fused to a piece of black ultrasuede and additional stitching was added around the outer edges of the cuff. The cuff closes with a metallic clasp and measures 1 3/4" x 7". "


Both of these were submitted by Vickie Collier.
Vickie's description, "After lots of thought I really wanted to try as much as I could with this fabric
First I made a table centre piece out of some lovely Ginger Blossom fabric by Sandi Henderson for michael miller
I then photographed the mat and printed in on the Roc-Lon..and trimmed all edges with pinking shears
Then I machine sewed the zip in...
I hole punched the long sides and twisty threaded a green ribbon thru....
turned it inside out and machine sewed the corners across to form bottom boxing...
I hand sewed the strap and added some bling....then popped a bling zip pull on the zip..
Thank you so much for the opportunity to try something new..
I'm happy that I managed too use the Roc-Lon in several forms of craft(so to speak)"

Submitted by Sheila Painter.

Sheila's description, "Using Jinny Beyer/RJR fabric, I fussy-cut the borders and motifs to create the rug design, mitering the corners. I machine sewed and glued, and was pleased how easy the multi-purpose cloth was to work with. I made the rug 'fringe' by painstakingly by-hand removing the warp threads from fabric strips."

And the winner chosen by Roc-Lon Industries is:
Marsha Randles' Sunflower!!!
Congratulations Marsha!!!
What did Marsha win? (where is Carol Merrill when you need her anyway?)

5 yards of 54" Roc-Lon Multi-Purpose Cloth, 3 yards of 107/108" Roc-Lon Star Pattern Cheater Cloth, 2 yards 44/45" Roc-Lon Light Tea-dyed Muslin, and 2 yds Roc-Lon 108" Solid Brown - 100% Cotton, and a Surprise Gift Package from http://www.ihavea-notion.com/. More on the Surprise Gift Package on the next post :)

Smiles,

Kelly

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

We have a winner in the Roc-Lon Multi-Purpose Fabric Challenge

Before the winner is announced (sorry for the late post...co-worker issues:) I will finally divulge the exact prizes the winner will receive. AND....there will be another prize....Viewers Choice Award. Everyone can vote on their favorite entry by e-mailing me at IHaveANotion@yahoo.com with your vote. I will keep track of all the votes and the winner will get a different prize pack. I'm not telling what yet.....I have to keep you guessing right?

Ok....the Winner, selected by Roc-Lon Industries, gets:

5 yards of 54" Roc-Lon Multi-Purpose Cloth, 3 yards of 107/108" Roc-Lon Star Pattern Cheater Cloth, 2 yards 44/45" Roc-Lon Light Tea-dyed Muslin, and 2 yds Roc-Lon 108" Solid Brown - 100% Cotton, and a Surprise Gift Package from http://www.ihavea-notion.com/

The Surprise Gifts:
An autographed book by Shelly Stokes, "Paintstiks on Fabric" and a set of Paintstik Minis!!!



An autographed book by Ellen Highsmith Silver, "Floorquilts"!!!


Amy Anderson of "ModPodgeRocks" blog is giving a gift assortment of Mod Podge formulas!!!
I don't have a photo to put here....but you've been living under a huge rock if you don't know about ModPodge!!!
This entire challenge was just an idea I had. I want to thank Cynthia VanFleet from Roc-Lon Industries for allowing me to do this challenge.
Huge thanks to Shelly Stokes, Ellen Highsmith Silver and Amy Anderson!!! I did not buy these items.....they graciously gave them to me for the winner of the this challenge. Please be sure to stop by their sites and thank them for being such wonderful and talented ladies!!!
A really huge thanks to everyone who submitted entries!!
It was great fun!!! Don't forget to vote!!! Viewers choice votes must be received by Friday, September 11th.
Smiles,
Kelly

Checker 61st Anniversary Open House - Chapter 9

Chapter 9




Lots and lots more photos to share. These designers were not present but their work spoke a thousand words. The displays were very enjoyable to look at and I though many of you would enjoy looking too.





Amy Butler Designs


I love these patterns really liked the way this pillow had some added dimension.

Oliver + S


Some great patterns by Oliver + S. I love the little dresses and especially the PJ's. So darn cute.
Martingale # B974T
Quilts from Paradise-Island Treasures

C & T
Publishing # 10694
Intuitive Color & Design - Landscape
I really like the variety of patterns in this book.


Anka's Treasures - #ANK 291


Stop Drop Roll - Center of Attention


Cheerful colors and great design....just my opinion of course :)


Anka's Treasures # 292


Opposites Attract
I really like the design of this quilt. It is bright and fun.


Electric Quilt Company


Can you believe all EQ has to offer? I think this is amazing and the amount of time it takes to write all that software....I'm soooo glad it was not me :)



Gardner's Angle of Autum - ThankfullnessGardner's Angel of Spring - Hope





Gardner's Angel of Summer - Charity


All by Crab Apple Hill Studio

I hope you enjoyed the tour as much as I did. If you are interested in any of the patterns or books that you saw here and they are not on my website, feel free to e-mail me at IHaveANotion@yahoo.com and I will get them ordered for you. A girl has only so much time you know. I need co-workers in their teens who can type and work a website :)

Smiles,
Kelly
Don't know why this won't align left....but it won't and I'm going to publish it anyway!!!









Monday, September 7, 2009

Sharing Some Magic With You Today

Website Changes

Random Photo...Just for Fun....Zachary John

For all US readers...I hope you are having a wonderful Larbor Day and Weekend. I sure have had a good weekend. I'll share more photos later today or tomorrow.
I made some changes to www.IHaveA-Notion.com There is now a link for Challenge, Contest and Giveaways at the bottom of the page.

Most importantly I added a place for customers to leave their feedback and comments on the Guest Book page...it is not Guest Book and Customer Feedback. I receive several e-mails from customers with their comments. If you read my blog and have been a customer that you please, please, please go and leave a comment about your experience shopping with IHAN.


Thanks a million :)


Smiles,
Kelly

Sunday, September 6, 2009

I Love This Hat


I just love this hat. Yes it is made of paper. I went to the Toledo Museum of Art for a 30's style picnic. They were making paper hats for the ladies (really for the little girls but a few of us bigger girls jumped in to the seats).

Isn't this just a great idea? The lady said you could use newspaper and gift wrap too. What fun and a great idea for kids. You could make pirate hats for little boys (or pirate girls).

I got lots of compliments on my hat as I walked around. Oddly enough, I felt so pretty in that beautiful hat....I smiled all day. That hat is on top of my computer desk now. On the days I don't feel so pretty, inside, I'm going to wear that hat around the house. If nothing else, I'll be smiling.

Smiles,
Kelly

Saturday, September 5, 2009

More Splash Than Cash Decorating

Checker 61st Anniversary Open House
Chapter 7

Donna Babylon author of "More Splash Than Cash Decorating" was at the Checker Open House. I enjoyed meeting Donna and of course I love the name of her business, "More Splash Than Cash." I know I can learn from someone who thinks like I do....conserve the dough!!!

This book is designed for those who are novices as well as experienced stitchers. Donna is your "private teacher" so to speak. She focuses on three sewing techniques, stitching a seam, turning a corner and sewing a blind hem. Donna has included some other techniques that are unique to home dec. sewing (like how to match fabric repeats), but the actual sewing is only done with simple seams.

Most everyone who reads my blog regularly, knows I pretend to be ignorant about sewing when it comes to home dec. My Mom and Sister take over and do all the home dec. sewing for me. It has worked for 25 years. Now I own a sewing business......my cover has been blown.
Donna is right....many of us fear doing the home decorating sewing because, speaking for myself, I don't want to waste the money and time and have it come out looking like a 5 year old made it. Time for Donna's book!!!

Donna's Bio

I have been sewing since I was seven years old.
This passion lead me to major in home economics in college. After graduating from college, I was a middle and high school teacher for several years. Just imagine teaching 25 to 30 kids (in a classroom) how to sew. Whatever could go wrong did go wrong! For my sanity, I quickly learned how to adapt my instructions to bypass any potential problems. When I did that, the classroom was much calmer and my students had immediate success. I had no idea when I was in the classroom that I would one day be writing how-to books. But when that opportunity presented itself, I decided to write my books the same way I taught—by offering simple and stylish projects with well-thought-out instructions. I see so many creative opportunities with sewing— especially for the home. And, I love to teach.

So, the story continues with this book (my fifteenth). I enjoy sharing my sewing and decorating advice by conducting seminars and workshops around the country. I have also appeared on over 250 television shows including HGTV, Lifetime, and Discovery. I design patterns for Simplicity Pattern Company, I’m a certified window treatment consultant through the Window Coverings Association and also a master sewing instructor (one of only nine such recipients) through the Sewing Educators Alliance.

Throughout the process of sculpting my career, I created my own indie publishing company and
developed my More Splash Than Cash® brand. I publish my books and design a line of sewing patterns called Room Mates™. This aspect of my career has been the most fun. I do everything when I create a book or design a pattern.

I write, sew, photograph, illustrate, and draft the patterns. I love that my books help someone create beautiful things.

Wow, she is one accomplished gal....impressive!!

Smiles, Kelly

Friday, September 4, 2009

Showing My Booty for Roc-Lon Multi-Purpose Cloth

Here I go again, showing my booty.

This is my booty. I wanted to make something with the Roc-Lon Multi-Purpose Cloth challenge because I was asking others to come up with something. When I picked up my cloth the first thing that popped into my head was a pair of booties. I think because the Multi-Purpose Cloth is soft, pliable and does not frey. This is what I used to make my booty.

I took a piece of art paper I had purchased at Hollander's in Ann Arbor, MI quite some time ago (I used to make boxes and journals). I cut out the Multi-Purpose Cloth and the art paper in the shape of my pattern and fused them together with Mistyfuse. Then I did a tight zig zag stitch around all the pieces of my booty. I really needed the Gingher Seam Rip
because all my other seam rips would not cut through the tightly woven threads of my zig zag stitch. I had to tear it out a few times in places because of "operator error." This is an excellent seam rip if you are considering getting one.

The other great tool was my GrabARoos. I used them to hold the pieces as I was stitching on the edge. I really struggled with holding onto those small pieces while trying to guide the piece under my needle. I put on my GrabARoo gloves and they allowed me to grip the piece without pulling it under the needle too quickly.
Photos of the other entries will be posted as soon as I have them all. There are a few folks who finished their challenge piece but have been having technical difficulty getting their photos to upload. We are in the process of getting those prepared and I'll upload them all at one time. There will be a viewers choice prize....so stay tuned so you can vote.
Smiles,
Kelly

Thursday, September 3, 2009

Inklingo by Linda Franz

Checker 61st Anniversary Open House
Chapter 6
Linda Franz, creator of Inklingo, was at the Checker Open House. I got to meet Linda and Monkey. I had been introduced to Inklingo previously so I was excited to meet Linda and hear more about her invention.

What is Inklingo? "It is software that allows you to print cutting and stitching lines on fabric. It eliminates measuring (and mistakes), tricky templates, funny markers, weird rulers and light boxes, plus it allows you to cut with a rotary cutter OR scissors. These templates can be printed on fabric using the Inkjet printer you already have. It is precise, simple and fast."


Linda Franz
I took these photos to help demonstrate the process. The lines were printed on this piece of fabric. The solid lines are the cut line and the dashed lines are the sew lines. You will get a perfect seam allowance every time!!
With these shapes you can get the block below.

Can you see the squares and diamonds?

You can also get this arrangement from that pattern. Check out some of the other fun patterns that can be made:



So when you go shopping and you want to see if a pattern on the fabric will look good in one of the shapes. First you print out the pattern on paper and cut out the shapes. You slide it into a plastic sleeve and now you have a easy way to audition fabrics while you are shopping.
These clearly are not the only shapes. You can click on the Quick Start Guide that takes you to Linda's Inklingo site. You will be able to read all about the process. Linda also offers a video demonstration. Believe it or not she also has a blog but a Yahoo group too. I don't know how she keeps all this up and running. Oh wait a minute....yes I do....she has a monkey. I need a monkey too!!!
Linda's newest projects are Jane Austen and Quilted Diamonds. You'll have to hop on over to Inklingo to see all these fun new things. If you want to buy the Inklingo Handbook or the Inklingo Shape Collection or you know where to get it....oh yea baby....I Have A Notion :)
I still have a notion to Smile,
Kelly

Bias Tape Maker Machine and Rotary Cutting Machine By Simplicity Update









Somebody some day will change blogger so it is easier to move photos around. Until then, here they are.
The additional Tips for the Bias Tape Maker and Replacement Blades for the Rotary Cutting Machine that were promised out by Aug. 14 are not "available" to be shipped from the distributors. They are "in" but not "available."
What does this mean for those of you who are e-mailing me and questioning why they say they have them but we don't have them. That's just it....they have them....we don't. However, just as soon as I have them....you will :)
I'll keep everyone updated. By the way, I know what the "official" word is on the websites and blogs....but I'm still saying....me no got...when me get...you get :) I'll check with the MOB and see if they have any influence over supply and demand. I've seen movies where the MOB gets things done.
Smiles,
Kelly





Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Just Needed a Break :)

Seriously now, see what happens to me when I get a break? Danger Will Robinson, Danger!!

Life imitates art this morning. My boys got up extra early and were playing with their marble game. I'm in the kitchen posting to my blog. The boys come in and I showed them the Bionce' video and told them that is what I did when they went to school yesterday. I had two little fellas, 5 and 6, standing next to me with the biggest smiles. Each of them believed me. I'm not kidding. Then I said, "Come on now, does Momma look like that?" Aaron said, "yes." They honestly both believed that was me. You just gotta love little people ay?

I promise to get back to stitching talk...and news. But this little break has been a ball.

Smiles,
Kelly

Back to Life, Back to Reality....Beatbox Style

Day three!!! Here I am again....this time Rick (sorry for his bead head....his hair sort of sticks up in the morning) is my back up singer.

Don't you wish your morning was full of such SOUL? Next I'm going to learn to beatbox.....

My imagination won't stop. Guess I better get these boys off to school before the men in white jackets come for me :)

Smiles Over the Cookoo's Nest,

Kelly

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

"I'm Coming Out"


This is a video of my "first real day off" (had plans Monday). Both boys were at school and I'm free to express my "real" self. I was on stage singing "I'm Coming Out" by Diana Ross. So even though this YouTube video looks just like Bionce' it is "really" me (stretching the truth again...just a little!).

So here I am strutting around my living room and these are the photos of the proof that I'm coming out. First, I avoided clearing off the kitchen table after breakfast.

Lego's I've avoided picking up.

Next I plopped my sexy Bionce' butt down on the sofa and I turned on the TV. What was Dr. Phil's topic today? Stressed Out To The Max

Dr. Phil and his guests give tips for dealing with stress, anxiety and depression. Go over (click on the link) and read what they had to say. I really enjoyed listening to the show and seeing the folks share their story. Did I learn anything new? NOPE....not one thing. Did I need to hear it? YES! Life really is very simple....much more simple than I make it. However, it is not easy. NOPE....not easy!!!

Everyone tells me to "take a break, rest and do nothing." Usually I run from sun up until sun down and drop in the bed and wake up running again. I'm stressed out. So, I'm going to slooooowwwww down.....relax, breath and reflect more frequently on the joy in my life. (You know if I really looked like Bionce' I would be walking very slow by the mirror and breathing (my husband might breath really deep....then fall over) while I checked out my reflection right?)

So I'm going to be taking better care of myself....I'm actually going to take a shower tonight before bed!! I'm going back to the gym on a regular basis (I lost 35 lbs a year and a half ago...I've gained a few back...yikes). I'm going back to eating 5 servings of veggies every day. I'm going to spend more time "being" with my children instead of "doing" with my children.

What are you going to do to reduce your stress and focus on the joy in your life today?

Bionce' Hot Hot Hot Smiles,

Kelly

Serious Give Away Alert

This is a "Serious Give Away Alert." I'm only posting this to get a second chance to win it. Secretly I'm hoping no one goes over there so my chances are better!!! At least I'm open and honest :)

Who is giving away this pretty little baby? I don't want to tell you but I will....

http://domestic-chicky.com/ Ok...now you all know....darn....that decreases my chances of getting this printer. I'll pretend to be happy for the person who wins it if it is not me :)

Naughty Smiles,
Kelly

Roc-Lon Challenge ...Count Down


Roc-Lon Multi-Purpose Cloth Challenge

Just a friendly reminder: Friday September 4th at 9:00 AM EST is the deadline to e-mail photos of your creation to IHaveANotion@yahoo.com


I'm very excited to see everyone's creations!!!

Smiles,
Kelly

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