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!

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

International Quilt Market Houston 2009 & Alex Anderson

Well.....as of tonight....I'm not behind bars nor in surgery. I know you will all be so relieved to hear that!!!

I'll let you in on a little secret.... Alex Anderson has been working very hard this past week and she desperately needed a little "vacation" so I helped sneak her out of Houston. I'm only sharing this little travel log with you because I know how well you can keep a secret....she really does not want to be bothered....shhhhh
Here she is on my pillow at the Hilton in Houston on Monday night.....doesn't she look so peaceful resting on my pillow. That poor dear....her feet were hurting.

After an hours rest she was out and about....visiting with the gentlemen at the front desk at the hotel. She is so lovely....willing to speak to and visit with so many other wonderful people.

Of course....she does need a little nip every now and again....nothing too hard....just a little brew.

In the lobby at the Hilton, Alex ran into Neil Armstrong and could not resist getting her photo taken with him (he's slouching because he's a little tired too).

Of course she can't pass up Kenny Rodgers. I think she secretly wants just one slow dance with Kenny....but she just can't bring herself to ask him. Isn't that just so unfortunate?

I bet you didn't know Alex was once a member of ZZ Top. They threw her out of the group when she took some fast to fuse to their beards....those guys just don't have a sense of humor....too bad ay?

Time for a little spin before dinner....Alex really recovers quickly. She is sort of like the Energizer Bunny....she just keeps going and going and going!!!

She was spotted at The Grove having dinner.

After dinner, Alex went for a little stroll.....

then returned to the hotel and rested her feet for a few minutes before going to the Spa.

Here she is on the 23rd floor of the Hilton. The city lights were beautiful and she enjoyed a little dip in the hot tub.


Alex sure does make friends quickly. She acted like she knew these ladies all her life and I think she had just met them.
I'm really not bragging or anything when I say she enjoyed my company so much she asked....truthfully....she begged..... to come home to Perrysburg with me. What could I say?

She just hopped into the cab with me and off we went....to the airport.
Alex got side tracked when she spotted one of her old students. She taught Barack Obama to sew back when he was just 9 years old. She was a young teacher just getting her start and he was her star student. Not only could he stitch in the ditch without a Bernina #5 foot.....that kid could really do some amazing thread painting.

While on the way to the airport....the cab experienced some technical difficulties. So, Saddo Dawood, the cab driver, had to take us back to the cab station to get another cab.

Alex was so patient and understanding. She never once complained....she just looked out the window.

Saddo drove through the city for another 5 miles when he needed to stop for gas. This new cab was out of gas. Smiling all the way....Alex just continued looking out the window.

We missed our flight to DTW......but at least Alex and I were able to hang out for a bit and visit with some new friends. Alex makes friends very quickly....check this out:
This young Texan was just standing in line and Alex starts chatting with him. I warned her.....but she didn't listen....(She knows "I Have A Notion" but she needs to get a clue too!!!) See what happens when you don't listen:

That poor girl needed a defibrillator....she had heart failure. I warned her about boys in cowboy boots and tight jeans....bet she listens to me next time!

She made it through security without so much as a bing or a buzz....not one alarm.

Some people just have to chat with everyone....including the pilot.

After stowing our luggage safely in the overhead bins....we took our seats and prepared for departure.

Of course she had to have the window seat. Normally I like that seat, but since she is going to be a guest at my home....I thought I'd be polite and let her have the window seat. I see she enjoyed the view.

Alex ran into Kaye England in Detroit. She actually begged Kaye for an autograph. Can you believe that? I was so embarrassed. They were chatting about Kaye's new fabric line "Hoe Down." I thought they would talk for hours so I interrupted the two of them and explained my Mother was waiting outside and we had to go.

I had to stop and get some little prizes for my co-workers. Alex went with me into Meijer so she could stretch her legs and check out the sales.

I only wish I had known her a little better before I agreed to allow her to come home with me. Alex really has some interesting taste. Kiss, come on.... that is so 70's. (eye roll here)

Then of course there was a potty break.....

.... and then the claw game. She spent 2.25 trying to win one of those ugly little toys. You would think being Alex Anderson someone could and would make her a decent stuffy. If any of you have any attractive stuffy's or know someone who makes them....can you see to it that she gets one? That would be so nice.


We made it back to the car with our little prizes. A little candy and a few other treats from Houston for my co-workers. Since I bought some Lego's for my co-workers Alex decided to have some shipped to her staff as well. (Geez...I hope I have not given away any secrets.)

Of course the cab needed gas and then my Mom needed gas in her car too! When we stopped Alex noticed the lottery jackpot was up to 170,000,000. She told me that would be enough for both she and Kaye to retire and she wanted to buy a few tickets. I lent her 3.00 so she could dream for just a little longer.


Once we arrived in Perrysburg, Alex was exhausted. So I tucked her into bed....she is resting peacefully now.
This has been a very long day for us. So please don't tell everyone in Houston where Alex is staying. She just wants to be anonymous for a few more days....I'm sure you understand.
Smiles,
Kelly
(disclaimer: the truth may be stretched just a wee bit.....and I did not steal the 4 in 1 tool.....nor did I hide in my undergarments....it was in my checked luggage!!!

Monday, October 12, 2009

International Quilt Market Houston 2009

Today at 1:00 Alex Anderson was signing her book at the C & T Publishers booth. I was lucky number 9 in line to get a book.
Alex is such a lovely lady.....something I aspire to......since.....
I have promised Excellent Customer Service.....so sometimes I just have to go to great lengths to satisfy my orders.......
As you can see....I don't appear to have a bullet in my booty as of yet......stay tuned!!!
Smiles,
Kelly

Alex Anderson's 4-in-1 Essential Sewing Tool is Here in Houston

It is here....I saw it....I touched it....I used it.....and I still I want it!!!! What is it?

Alex Anderson's Essential Sewing Tool....the 4 in 1 tool. I even have proof....wanna see?
Ok, here it is....drum roll please.....



It is made of Maple and features the Bernina seam ripper.
My favorite photo....my hands touching it....oh yea baby....that is me....sitting smack dab in Houston playing with Alex's tool. I feel so darn lucky. I'd feel even luckier if IHAN had them in stock to ship out!!!! We gotta speed up this process....I have orders for these little fellas.

I did think of grabbing every one of these I saw and running for the door. My fear was the guy with a gun would shoot me. Or worse yet....I'd set off the alarms at the airport....how would I explain smuggling sharp objects onto a plane in my undergarments??? Sorry folks....you'll just have to be happy with your back orders for now....I'm not digging any bullets out of my rear or being hauled off to airport security....NOPE. You'll have to find another nut case for that job!!!

If I muster the courage....I'll think of another plan tomorrow...we'll see what happens....stay tuned.

Chicken Smiles, Kelly

Sunday, October 11, 2009

International Quilt Market Houston 2009

Another GREAT day in Houston



Only 178 photos today. I'm slowing down a little.....I've gotta do some two steppin to catch up.

Eye candy every where you look. So many interesting people and products.....my mind is reeling and my notes are jumbled....I'm not sure weather to scratch my watch or wind my butt.

Remember Janice Pope? She won the Amy Butler "Spanky Name Badge Challenge." Here is a Picture of Amy Butler and her staff wearing those wonderful badges!!!! Woooo Hooo Janice....look how nice they look.

Amy and her staff really appreciated the beautiful name badges Janice....Thank You so very much for making them. XOXO



Speaking of Winners.....how about the display at Roc-Lon booth???

Marsha Randle's Sunflower.....here in Houston. You go Marsha!!!! Marsha was just so thrilled to be selected by Roc-Lon as the winner of the challenge and now her work is on display in their Quilt Market Booth. This is just so very cool :)

Smiles,

Kelly

Saturday, October 10, 2009

International Quilt Market Houston 2009

Houston I'm Out of Gas

After walking all day and dancing tonight (MODA Customer Appreciation Party) and taking 356 photos....not to mention speaking 11 million words (at least) that I'm sort of pooped. Here I sit in the lobby of the Hilton Hotel blogging. Proof I really am completely nuts!!!

I know you want to see all of those photos....but I have to make this post short so I can function tomorrow. (No boooooing please.....or you'll be hexed and have insomnia for three days)
One short story....a highlight today. I gave Mallory and Amy the thank you gifts I brought for them. They both seemed to like their gifts. Here is Amy with her business card holder.....the project I was working on. Now you know why I was sweating it....pretty scary thing to give a designer a gift....but I wanted her to know how much I appreciated her indulging me in the "Spanky Name Badge Challenge."


Here is how it came out....thanks to everyone who left me feedback and helped me finish this project....I needed the encouragement and feedback.


Here is the front.

Here is the holder open.....and.....

This is the back. I've never made anything like this before so I felt like I was winging it.....I finished it this morning....just like me...to finish it 10 minutes before I give it away!!!

Proof I was dancing.....and we had a ball. Eleanor and Orion Burns were cutting a rug too.
Ok....I know this is not a lot of juicy details....but will need my notes and glasses to give more details and at least 6 hours sleep.....ahhhhhh...
Pooped Smiles, Kelly

Thursday, October 8, 2009

International Quilt Market Houston 2009

Houston We Have Lift Off

I had not even boarded the plane when I met Beth Ferrier, Applewood Farm Publications. Beth is from Saginaw, MI and she has a new book coming out. She is traveling to Houston to talk about "More Hand Applique by Machine".

These are her samples and they are beautiful. This picture does her work no justice. I should have taken a close up of her work. When I see her again I'll take a close up to share with everyone. How fun and exciting is that....traveling to Houston to share a new book!!!

Beth even let me take a pix of her book....ohhhhhh I touched it!!! During our conversation I asked Beth what invisible thread she prefers. She said, "My preference is Superior or Sulky because they are the only ones that are polyester. They don't yellow or melt." I learned something new....I'm always learning something new :)
Hello Houston!!! It was 90 degrees with high humidity when I arrived. I had a coat on at home....now it is Summer time again!!!

Here is a sneak peak....they are setting up for Market....I can't go in of course....my badge is not blue :( Those of us with green badges can enter on Saturday. But those of us with green badges are not setting up and working our butts off to show our work either....:)




These are just photos of the set up process. I have no idea who has what booth....just a general fun shot for those at home to enjoy.
I just met up with Lacey Hill (author of Sizzling Circles) and she is doing well. Lacey has been working her booty off and I can't even tell you on what....gotta keep some secrets you know. Lacey is a wonderful woman....full of life and gives great hugs.
Ok...I'm off to bed....I'll post again as soon as I can. Thanks for all the comments. I'm reading the but can't reply due to time constraints.
Big Ole Texas Smiles,
Kelly

It's That Time Again...To Market To Market

Giggedy Gig

I'm off to Houston and here are my "spanky name badges." I need two of course....because I don't want one to clash with my clothes....oh the stress of it all!!!


I've been spoiled by MJ in the past. This time...I had to make my own name badge. No matching camera strap, Kleenex holder or backpack. Boooo Hoooo, how will I survive? This picture is of the back where I put pockets to hold my business cards, cash and credit card.

I'm very excited and I'm looking forward to seeing what is new and seeing some friends.

I learned that the Hilton has free WiFi in the lobby area!!!! So I'm taking my laptop so I can do what? Blog of course. It isn't near as much fun without all of you. I even brought a 8MB disk for my camera....think I'll run out of space? The cord to transfer pix from the camera to the laptop is also packed. I'm just hoping I can do all this techno stuff without Rick.

If there is someone or something you really must see....better leave a comment so I know who and where to take pix :)

Smiles, Kelly
Almost forgot....I made new bag tags too!!!
I'll know which bag is mine, no doubt about it :)

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Extremely Cool Item ALERT

I just received an e-mail from a new friend and in the post was a news clip of a local designer. Her product....you'll have to click here to see for yourself.....it's called Wrapagain!!! I'm in love with the idea....and I bet you will be too. As a matter of fact....if there is one single solitary person out there that does not find this very interesting....e-mail me....cuz I wouldn't believe you otherwise!!!

Smiles,
Kelly

Packages Packages

I think I'm in love with getting mail these days. Look at this fun surprise package I received from Terri at Sew-Fantastic Blog. She sent it to me because I was displaying her button. For more packages in the mail....I'll post a full page photo of her and her blog!!! LOL Thanks a million Terri. I'm looking forward to the tutorial :)
Sue Bleiweiss sent this beautiful post card. I just love it. Sue posted photos of her cards and offered to send one to anyone who wanted one. Well....I may be nuts....but not crazy....I said please send me one with flowers!!!
Thank You Sue....it is beautiful :)

Now it is my turn to pass on the love....and I finished beading this....but it seems dull....why? Is it me...am I too close to it....or is it dull?
Smiles,
Kelly

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Never Say Never...Never Ever...Know Why?

Because then it happens!!! I said I would never carry fabric....and now I do!!! I have kits that include fabric....that counts right? I'm the type of person that likes to have everything I need when I begin a project. I hate running all over town trying to match a fabric (like I had to do with my fall table topper).

Soooooo....here is the answer....I decided to carry beautiful kits that include the fabrics. The patterns, thread kits and fabric kits can also be purchased separately. I'm still in the process of getting all of them loaded onto my website...so please be patient.

Here is a sneak peak:

Cupcake wall hanging

Amur
Serengeti
Savanna....my favorite :)
Stop by www.IHaveA-Notion.com and check out the new Kit section. While you are there you can also see what is in the Recent Additions section.....enjoy yourself :)
Smiles,
Kelly

Monday, October 5, 2009

Helping Tsunami Survivors in American Samoa

I've gotten several e-mails asking what to send and where to send it. Click here for more information. Everything you want and need to know can be answered there.

By the way, many who asked are "non-reply bloggers." I can't e-mail you and give you information if you are a "non-reply blogger." So click here and fix that little problem, ay? Thanks a million.....

Smiles,
Kelly

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