Everything IS Bigger in Texas!!

I'm back home safe and sound.  I know everyone is chomping at the bits to see Quilt Market photos and finds but I've gotta get organized yet.

 This is what I was looking at yesterday morning.  A cool sculpture across from the Convention Center.  Then I spent my entire zooming around finishing up my business and when Market closed, I had the pleasure of going out for dinner in Houston.  I've never been anywhere away from the Convention Center so this was a real treat for me.

 We sent for Texas BBQ and the restaurant was something else!

 When we drove up to the place the aroma of BBQ was so strong it nearly pulled us out of the car.

All the cedar used for the BBQ....oh it smelled so good.

 But then I was greeted by a buffalo head..... 

 Turned around and ran into none other than an armadillo....

 Then this creepy looking dude....I'm supposed to want to eat now? 

While in line, I entertained my brain by looking at all the really neat pictures they had on the wall.

A little bit closer...they looked like they may have actually been real photos and not re-makes.

 Oh wow....this was really happening....I was going to be eating some authentic Texas BBQ....I chickened out and had turkey!!!

See, everything really is bigger in Texas!!!  I left home 30 lbs lighter and then as soon as that plane touched down in Houston....BANG....I was bigger...no...really...it's the truth....OK, don't believe me.....I'd believe you!!!!  LOL

This GIGANTIC Armadillo was outside the restaurant  /bar next door.  I think I'll call this guy, Mr. Armadillo.

 This is not a joke...it is for real.

 This was a 500 pound red velvet armadillo cake...yes...FIVE HUNDRED POUNDS of red velvet cake...holey sha' mokin!!!

The horns were made out of rice krispies and fondant.

 Check out the size of pieces this lady was cutting...enormous!  Or should I just say, Texas Style :)

 These were his scales...made from fondant. 

A gal was there who had taken a picture of it before it was cut on her "eye-phone" so I took a pix of a pix...best I could do for ya.

They gave us a few boxes of cake to take with us.  I had already had a piece earlier, so I made the folks back at the hotel very happy with some Armadillo red velvet cake.

I wish I had taken a pix of what Karin and I arrived in Houston with.  It would make this photo even funnier.  Suffice to say....it was a whole lot less than this!

 

The bed of "Drivers" truck was full and so was the back seat.

This was the view arriving at the airport for my trip back home.  I'm so glad to be home and they co-workers and Mr. McSteamy were very happy to see me too. 

Those who know me well won't believe this one....all my stuff is unpacked and put away....this may be only the second time in my life that has happened...hurray :)

Smiles,
Kelly

Saturday in Houston for Quilt Market 2011

I sware I'm getting old or something.  I used to be able to stay up and post to my blog at night....but now I need my rest.  It was a busy day and I just wanted to share a few fun photos without any stories...just some teasers.

Michael Miller Fabrics Booth

Pillow & Maxfield new collection, Ohh La La for Michael Miller Fabrics.

I love the simplicity of their booth, my eyes go directly to their fabrics and my attention was not taken away by props etc. 

Patricia Bravo, Art Gallery Fabrics standing next to a very sensual over dress/coat....I'm not sure what it is called but it stopped me dead in my tracks.

I know many of you ladies think Brint (Famore Scissors) is eye-candy....so this pix is for you.....does this sound like sexual harrassment?  If so, I'll be judged by a jury of my peers and what quilter who would want to convict me? 

Paula Nadlestern's new fabric line...and wait till I show you what she is doing now....all I can say is, "Great Balls of Beauty"...(sung with the passion of Jerry Lee Lewis)  I'll give you more details later!

Brandon Mabley, Kaffe Fassett and Liza Prior Lucy's booth.  I know it looks like a whole lot of color....but you know I would absolutely love to have a room with that chair and quilt along with the fabric on the walls....I'd be in heaven.

Bet you can't guess who's new fabric line this is?  Go ahead...guess....nope, nope and nope.

This is David Butler's first line of fabrics...they are sophisticated for sure.
What?  You say you know know who David Butler is?  I've blogged about David before...he is Amy Butler's husband and an amazing photographer, graphic designer and a member of the Black Owls, a rock band.

Amy Butler's booth and new line, Lark.

Aurifil's booth...a garden picnic.  Definitely one picnic I waant to be invited to.  I'd be asking for at least two extra servings!!! :)

I know this is only a small sampling of Market....but I have two more days to go and I'm not wonder woman....but I will do my best to get more pix up tomorrow night.

Smiles,

Kelly

Houston, We Have Touchdown

This is proof I have arrived in Houston for Quilt Market (the beautiful carpet that is in the sky walk between the Hilton and the Brown Conference Center).  The flight was bumpy coming in, but our landing was smooth as silk.  I did go to School House today and got lots of fantastic pictures.  I'm just so sorry to report how tired I am so you're just gonna have to wait for me to sleep before I can share all those pix with you.

I hope all is well where you are tonight/today and now I am off to bed.

Smiles,

Kelly

Increase Your E-Notion IQ - Tutto Machine on Wheels Product Review

You already know I'm on a plane today so how did this post get here?  I asked Jean from Jean Creates to review something for me and she agreed.  I'm so glad!!!  Take it away Jean :)

Hi, I'm Jean of Jean Creates. Kelly's traveling to the quilt market in Houston and she asked me to do a review for her. We thought it would be a natural for me to review my most recent purchase from I Have a Notion --  the Tutto Machine on Wheels case.
Let me start off by saying I'm just doing this review to cover for a friend who's traveling and I really like this case. I'm not getting any payment or special discounts for this or any product. I'll let you know when I do a paid review. Now that we got that out of the way...

I travel a lot with my machine, "Heywould Janome", and he is one heavy guy. Not being a weight lifter, I wanted a way to transport Heywould (my machine) and his entourage (my tools) when I go on a road trip. Believe me when I say lugging a 30+ pound machine around is not fun. Rolling was the best option for me.  That's why I chose a Tutto Machine on Wheels XL case.

Tutto Machine on Wheels are heavy duty, yet light weight. The foundation of their design is their patented luggage frame -- a sturdy four-wheeled collapsible base for stability. And those four wheels keep it from wobbling while you're wheeling it about. The weight of the machine is evenly distributed with the four wheeled construction, lessening strain on my arms.

Tutto's Machine on Wheels cases are made to protect your machine for vehicle travel. The sturdy frame ensures your beloved machine is protected for vehicle travel*. As you can see, My Tutto Machine on Wheels XL case has cushioning and a seat belt for Heywould. This way he won't jostle about. And a seat belt for your machine is just as important as it is for you!

I love how I can access my machine two ways with my Tutto Machine on Wheels XL case -- I can lift it up out of the case, or pull it out from the front of the case.

This Tutto case is chock full of handy pockets/storage. I love how I can virtually pack everything I need for a class or retreat. See? Go ahead and click on the photos to see all the storage possibilities!

The side pockets are roomy enough to hold your foot pedal, extension cords, machine cords, knee lift, plus a few cones of thread plus a bottle of wine and four large bags of chocolate... Hahahaah! Seriously, those side pockets are HUGE! The front and back pockets will fit all the sewing tools you can imagine. I just put a few items here for suggestion. The back pocket is what I use for my oversize acrylic quilting bed (if I let it hang out as shown) and my class-size cutting mat. That pocket will also fit some of my fabric as well.

The handle is foldable and removable so it will fit in your trunk easily. And it assembles right on in a snap. Just stick one end in the slot, pull the other side back so it will clear, and insert the tab into the slot. That easy! It was sprinkling outside when I did my field testing. Try carrying your machine around in that kind of weather.

When my machine is out for home use, my Tutto Machine on Wheels XL case collapses and folds up for easy storage. I love how it doesn't take up a lot of space. I know this is an un-sexy shot, but you get the idea.

With all these features I didn't even think twice about purchasing a Tutto Machine on Wheels case. It's all I need wrapped up in a sturdy, durable case! And my baby Heywould deserves the very best
 * Small Print: When flying, I do not recommend checking your machine as baggage using this case. it was created specifically for vehicle transport. FYI, this size case does not satisfy airline carry-on requirements. 

THANK YOU Jean...I really appreciate your help and being the first guest blogger for IHAN.

Stay tuned for some Market pictures.

Smiles,
Kelly

Fun, Prizes and Gift w/ Purchase of Aurifil

It is time to head to Quilt Market in Houston again.   But, before I go I thought I'd have a wonderful book giveaway compliments of Martingale/That Patchwork Place :)

One lucky IHAN blog follower will have the opportunity to win not one...but all of these books!!!

Creative Mixed Media  by Sherrill Kahn is a fabulous book if you are interested in learning more and improving your skills with painting, printing, Stitching, Stamping and Embellishing fabrics....and really any medium...after all it is Creative Mixed Media :)

Double Take, Quilts With That Hopscotch Twist by Heather Willms and Elissa Willms is another fun book with 16 different projects. Each project is rated Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced...very helpful if you are new to quilting to start with a pattern you know you will be successful with.

AND Make Your Bed by Leslee Evans. What I love about this book is it takes the pressure off of me to re-decorate a bedroom. No need to make full size quilts for your beds....nope....you can make some beautiful quilted bed runners, pillows and pillow shams and have a whole new look in your bedroom.

(personal note: it takes a long time to make a quilt as a wedding gift...especially when some folks don't stay married for more than a few years....so how about a beautiful bed runner, pillows and shams instead...so much easier. Then on their 5th anniversary you can give them a larger bed quilt. Good idea ay?....of course I would think that since it was mine...lol.)

For your chance to win all three books, you need to leave a comment on this blog post and tell me what you would like me to research while at Quilt Market.  The winner will be drawn on Nov. 4th, 2011.

While I'm away shopping for notions in Houston, IHAN is running a special on Aurifil Threads....Yes Sir-eeee Bob! A U R I F I L....I wonder how much I can get away with this year?

With the purchase of any Aurifil Thread Collection...

(any and all collections...not just these shown)

You will receive a gift with purchase of one Posh Posies Snap Sack ...while supplies last of course.  When these are gone....I'll substitute something equally as fun and useful :)

Gift value: 15.00

Now for the IHAN fun of recent.  As Rosanna Rosanna Danna said, "It's always somethin'" and around here...it IS always something!  I arrived home from visiting Mrs. Waldo and this is what I saw:

All three boys had taken the vacuum extenders and any cardboard tube they could find and they had made themselves a "shooter."  I could not help but laugh.  Zach was blowing a ball out of his and Mr. McSteamy was the guided missile launcher and a rubber ball was blown through the tube and little "Go Go's" were smashed to smithereens.  Aaron was thrilled with the little window he had made in his "shooter."  He was able to see his little cars and skateboards being launched....way too much fun.

Yesterday the "little shooter" was home from school sick.  Hence...no blog post....he spent some time on an IPAD and this is what he created:

(click to enlarge...lets hope it works)

Apparently is an app for the IPAD that allows you to make cookies virtually and you can put a photo (taken with the IPAD) on your cookie, decorate it with sprinkles and candy...do all sorts of things.  How you do all of this?  Don't ask me...I have no clue...ya gotta ask a 7 year old!  I thought these were so cute...just another day with the IHAN clan.

I will be checking this post for comments and I'll be posting what I see...so stay tuned :)

Huston...I'm ready for blast off....zooooommmmmm

Smiles,
Kelly
PS...I will not be replying to comments while I am away.  If you need to reach me, please send an e-mail to IHaveANotion@yahoo.com