Pictures from the International Fall Quilt Market 2009

Schoolhouse at Market is a series of classes that run every 15 minutes to 30 minutes. The schedule comes out 2 hours before it begins. I quickly circled the ones that interested me the most.

Westminster Fibers had a class entitled, "Quilt Romance." Kaffe Fassett, Liza Prior Lucy (I did not forget to link to Liza's site...I could not find it and I've got to run...sorry) and Brandon Mably spoke.

Upon entering the room you typically have to put your business card into a basket. At the end they may pull business cards and give away something.

Liza, Kaffe and Brandon shared about their new fabric lines. They allowed us to gaze upon such beauty using their fabrics.....I thought it was so generous to allow us to see these and some folks actually touched them. I looked like I had recently been to the dentist and the anesthetic had not quite worn off. I was drooling all over the place.....so embarrassing :)

I want to roll around in a bed with this as the quilt...don't you?

Kaffe and Brandon were poking fun and I think they were actually making up names for their fabrics as they went along....it was very entertaining. Something I might do....just call it the first thing that came to my mind.

Singing in the rain....I'd be dancing in the rain if I had an umbrella like that. I think I might just wish it rained more often.

At the end of the Schoolhouse series they announced they were going to give away Kaffe's new book.

I was so intent on having one of those autographed books that the vibes made my business card float.....and I won the book. You can see by the joy radiating out of me in this picture how happy I was. I could have jumped up and down,
cried and kissed the man.....but I found that last ounce of composure and just smiled. (I have it under lock and key so don't even think you'll be breaking into my house to get this....it ain't happenin....nope...stop dreaming)

These are some photos of their booth on the Market Floor. Brandon Mably and Philip Jacobs had some really great fabrics...more drool.

Brandon's dog cover. He actually put this on his head at Schoolhouse. Exactly what I would do with it.....you just gotta have fun right? Knowing me I would have found the most serious looking person in the crowd and put it on them...I'm so bad.

At the same time, I'm sooooo GOOD. I stood in some pretty long lines to get some books autographed. You ask, "Why on earth would you do that Kelly....after all your feet were so tired?" Because I was thinking of you. I don't really think when the Publishers give books to the authors to sign as gifts for shop owners that the books are really for us. I think they are for the shop to inspire others and let them have something fun to look at. Since my shop is virtual....I've gotta give mine away (NOT THE ONE I WON!!!). So while I'm at retreat this weekend I'll be posting photos of a few books that you will have the opportunity to win....and they will be autographed too!!!

Big Ole Happy Smiles,

Kelly

International Fall Quilt Market Houston 2009 Update

I hope you can all appreciate the amount of "work/too much fun" it is to collect all this information and then organize it so I can responsibly share about what I saw. Here is a photo of the brochures I have in my living room floor this morning. And on top of all that....I have a house guest to deal with.

Alex Anderson's Essential 4 in 1 Tool is making its way to its final destination today. I know everyone thought it was for me....nope. It is going to an undisclosed location for it's final playing place. The tool will be very happy I assure you and it will have some other playmates as well.

Someone got very emotional when I put it into the envelope. I'm not naming names but a certain someone is a bit sensitive. Some people are prone to emotion....but Alex really takes the cake....who would have known?

She cried all over my kitchen floor. I've never seen anyone respond like this before. I admit she is not as calm as she appears. I think I found her "sensitive" spot...yikes.

After cleaning up this puddle of tears I'm going to organize my photos to the brochures so I can (hopefully) be accurate in my posts about what I saw and who it belonged to.

Smiles, Kelly

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!!!

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

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

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