Houtson Quilt Market 2010- Quilts, Art Dolls and Art Bras....Really :)

I was not about to give up on this post.  Ok....so the video says it has problems....I can live with that.  So I uploaded every photo individually.  That will teach them to give me an error message!!!!  LOL :)  You know what they say about Lemons.....So enjoy the Lemonade.....

These are photos I took while in Houston of the Quilt Show. Many exhibits were marked with "NO PHOTOS" so these are of the art I was permitted to photograph. They are in the same order the photos were taken. The credits are posted by photograph. If your quilt was there and I did not take a photo, I apologize. I had exactly one hour and I moved as fast as I could but I also wanted to drink in the moments and the absolutely amazing works of art that so many have taken their precious time to produce and so generously have shared with all of us. Proof there is sooooo much joy in this world....more reasons to smile!!

Enjoy the Quilts, Art Dolls and Art Bras!!!  Since it was Texas I'm surprised I did not find any Quilted Tour Buses :)

 

 

 

 

 

 

You know I absolutely loved this one!!!

 

 

 

Sarah Vedeler's GO! BeDazzled quilt won in the Computer-Aided Machine Embroidery category of the 2010 “A World of Beauty."  Congratulations Sarah!!  Your quilt is beautiful :) 

 

(You know how I instantly knew this was "Art" and not clothing? The size....this is so small I think it would have fit the pen I had in my purse.)

 

 

 

Smiles,

Kelly

Amazing Art from Houston Quilt Market/Festival 2010

"An Error Has Occurred" or so says YouTube....so I'm working on fixing it :)  I'm so very techie....just call me Elmer Fudd of the Tech World :)



These are photos I took while in Houston of the Quilt Show.  Many exhibits were marked with "NO PHOTOS" so these are of the art I was permitted to photograph.  They are in the same order the photos were taken.  The credits are posted by photograph.  If your quilt was there and I did not take a photo, I apologize.  I had exactly one hour and I moved as fast as I could but I also wanted to drink in the moments and the absolutely amazing works of art that so many have taken their precious time to produce and so generously have shared with all of us.  Proof there is sooooo much joy in this world....more reasons to smile!!

Joyous Smiles,
Kelly

GO! BABY IS HERE....First Wave Ships Today :)

For those of you who pre-ordered the GO! Baby from IHAN .....Brilliant move on your part (if I don't say so myself...lol) .....the first wave will ship out TODAY!!!!!

Brewer Quilting and Sewing Supplies said they would ship first.....oh yeah.....Thank you Brewer!!!

More GO! Babies are on their way to IHAN Headquarters!!!   The Pre-Order Special has ended because now they are not pre-orders.  However you can still pre-order the GO! Baby with the GO! Baby Tote for only $149.  Once they arrive....they are no longer pre-orders and won't be on sale.

More posts on Market very soon.!

Rested Smiles,

Kelly

PS....I have a back log of comments to reply to and I appreciate every one of them....please give me a few days to reply to all of them :)

Safe Landing at Detroit Metro Thanks to Delta Airlines :)

Everyone can thank Delta Airlines for bringing us (the photos) home safely.  I know there would have been a very angry mob over at Detroit Metro if those photos had not arrived safely, right? 

I got in at about 7:10 this evening and look how hard my co-workers have been working since I've been gone.

I sware it looks like Aaron is going to come unglued and Zach is going to pounce!!!  We were all very happy to be together again.  They spoiled me....I not only got the Welcome Home over one door....

but I also got this one too!!!  These guys Rock Big Socks :)!

They had set up a maze and were playing "catch a mouse." 

So that is how the co-workers were playing........

                                                        and this is how the CEO and her staff played :)

 Here are a few photos and some snippets....but the real hard core stuff will take a bit of time to organize.

It was Halloween but these gals were not in "costume."  They are Air Line Stewardesses for Emirates Airlines from Dubai.  They were just so beautiful I wanted to take their photos and they insisted we get in the photo with them.  I remember the days when all Air Line Stewardesses wore beautiful suits and were unmistakable....yes, I'm that OLD.

I ran smack dab into some celebrities from home while at Market.....

Patsy Thompson and Ernie Bode from Patsy Thompson Designs.  I so badly wanted to ask for their autographs, but I chickened out.  You know how timid I can be. (total and complete lie:)

 

IHAN CEO at the "Tropicana Center."

Can you believe I told the Van Driver we wanted to go to the "Tropicana Center?"  He looked at me like he had absolutely no idea what language I was speaking.  The other women in the van did not say a word.....they just sat there.  Alright already.....how far off is that from Minute Maid Park?  How many of you would have known just what I meant and said....it is Minute Maid Park not the Tropicana Center.....come on already.....both are related to Orange Juice.....at least I did not ask to be taken to the Tangerine Bowl!!!!  All I can say is EXCUUUUUUUUSSSSSSE MEEEEEEE.....(just the way Steve Martin says it ! : )

We did bring costumes but chickened out and did not wear them.  However, Mrs. Rosemary did bring her Halloween Village and we pinned it to the front of her walker.  How cool is that?  I was hoping to see Karen Eckmeier (The Quilted Lizard) during Market because this is her pattern from her book, Happy Villages.

You may remember Mrs. Rosemary fell during Spring Market and had to rely on a wheelchair for the duration of that Market.  We got smart and brought along a walker this time.  She had no troubles this time :)

I ran into a few other friends I was not expecting to see.....look how happy they were to see me.......

I had no idea Yao Ming would be so happy to see me.....

Then of course there was my good buddy George......

Good ole George Foreman saw me coming and he put up his dukes.  All I said to him was, "Dude....you don't want to mess with this.....I'm a Bad Mamma Jamma and the Posse is on its way."  He turned and ran...pretty fast too.  No IHAN Ninja Moves necessary....good thing too.....because I'm exhausted and I'm heading north to the Land of Nod.

If any part of this post is spelled correctly or makes on sense....EXCUSSSSSSEEEEEE  MEEEEEEE.....I need some sleep.....and I'm more than willing to correct it tomorrow :)  LOL

Good to be home and great to be able to blog again....I really missed blogging and posting with photos.

Sleepy Smiles,

Kelly

IHAN at Market...Alone :)

As I type....I am alone in the long, long, long hall at the convention center in Houston.  I came over to get some photos of Market being torn down and the Festival being set up.  I am completely amazed how many forklifts I see being driven around moving crates.....what I would not do to be able to drive a fork lift right now.  I saw 4 "Westminster" crates....huge crates.....alone......and I would be able to drive them home if only I knew how to drive one.

I'm off to bed now.....flying out tomorrow and once I get home....I investing in new technology.....I have three cameras and a video camera.  None will download to my laptop and one of the cameras won't work at all.  So.....until I return to headquarters I won't be able to share the great photos and stories I have to share with all of you.

Smiles,
Kelly

International Quilt Market Houston 2010 Halloween!!

Yes it is Halloween even at Quilt Market.  I saw some fun costumes today and there is always candy within reach at Market...I'm so glad they speak my language!!!

You want photos?  Me too.  Camera number one broke....using two...it is working very well....but it does not hook up to laptop.....so I guess I'm just going to have to tell you what I saw:
People
Fabric
Notions
More People
More Fabric and
More Notions....and some empty candy wrappers!!!  :) 

Now aren't you so darn glad the digital camera was invented???  Me too....because the words are not as pretty as the photos :)

Tomorrow is the last day of Market and my hope is that my camera will magically start working so I can post some photos. 

Sleepy Smiles,
Kelly

Fall Quilt Market 2010 Houston, TX Day One-Schoolhouse Series

I thought I'd log on and give everyone a sneak peak at a few people I spoke with today....just a little teaser....there are so many more and lots of photos too!!! 

The lovely Amy Butler just before her Schoolhouse presentation. She looked as fresh and beautiful as ever and I can't wait to get to her booth at Market and take more photos.  Hmmmmm who is the gal in the background?  Why it is Miss Rosemary....you just never know where she is going to turn up.

Eleanor Peace Bailey with an unidentified passerby.

 I love this picture.  Sarah Vedeler and Susan Brubaker Knapp together in the hallway after their Schoolhouse Presentations.  They both have fantastic presentations today and I took lots of photos in each to share.

That unidentified passerby has found a new love interest.  What can I say....he offered free Chocolate Milkshakes for life....LOL (No worries Mr. McSteamy....just a wee bit of humor :)

It was a great day today.  I am finding it very difficult to blog on a laptop.  I will keep my posts short while here in Houston and share much more once I'm back at IHAN headquarters on the trusty ole home bot.

If you were here at Quilt Market what would you be most interested in seeing?  Is there anyone you would just absolutely love to meet?  Who and why?  Inquiring minds want to know :)

Tired Smiles,
Kelly

Safe Arrival In Houston and Winner of the X-Block Template and Bright Eyes Pattern

We've arrived safely in Huston!!!   The weather here is just lovely.   I remembered all the cords and memory sticks....hurray!!!  Progress, not perfection, right?  Right!!

THANK YOU GENE for reminding me to visit the Random Number Generator :)

And the number is......

Number 40- Congratulations BillieBee!!!  Please e-mail me your address and when I get back I'll send you the Bright Eyes Pattern and the X-Block Template :) 

Sorry there are no pix tonight....I'm in the lobby at the Hilton (right across from Market......I can smell the fabric and notions from here :) ....something about waking up Mrs. Rosemary to get my camera etc....well....lets just say....I'm a good rommie :)  So you'll just have to visualize the pattern and template and the links and photos normally posted.  If you are not good at visualizing....scroll down to earlier post where all the photos are :) 

Thank you to everyone who left comments and wished us safe travels.  I had the good fortune of meeting a neat gal on the flight from Detroit to Houston.  Her name is Jean Gerow and her website is http://www.cleverquilter.com/  I think that is my favorite part of coming to Market is all the interesting and fun people I get the opportunity to meet.

Ok....time for some much needed sleep.  zzzzzzz :) zzzzzzz :) zzzzzzzz :)

Smiles,
Kelly

IHAN Needle Exchange Program Update and MORE!

Well, I'm almost ready to go to the airport....but still a few last minute things....cameras...extra memory cards....cables....video camera this time....but I won't be able to post because my laptop can't do that....darn it anyhow!!!

So I have some loose ends to tie up here on the IHAN blog.  I still have some giveaways and posts to do from Spring Quilt Market.  So, I will post when I get back or perhaps I'll consider a double hitter!!!  Time will tell.

The IHAN Needle Exchange Program is still open to everyone in the world who would like to receive a free  Superior Titanium Coated Topstitch Sewing Machine Needle.  Just click the link and read the details.  I have sent out lots of needles so if you would like to exchange a needle....jump on the bandwagon :)

This is a comment I received from a person who exchanged her needle:

I just used my new Topstitch 100/16 Superior needle to attach prairie point binding ties to a Christmas tree skirt using decorative metallic thread and it all went thru like butter. No needle breakage and no thread breakage. Thank you for setting up the free needle program, I will definitely be ordering some soon.

Judy

(published with her permission)
Many of you will recall the IHAN 30 (plus) Days of Giveaways celebrating our 1st Anniversary and at that time I asked the winners to please send me a photo of what they did with their prizes.  There were two gals who responded and here are their photos and letters.

Dear Kelly,

I finally finished the lovely quilt design you were so generous to share
with me. Attached photo shows my version . I decided not to add theappliqué leaves but to quilt an 'all over' pattern of leaves and swirls thatlook like leaves blowing in the wind. Gerald loves the quilt... and retirement also. The quilt looks attractivespread over his favourite chair.  I have made four other quilts for various Charities since starting 'Natures Palette'. They were considerably smaller than Gerald's quilt as his measures2.0m by 2.5m.I quilted it on my favourite quilting machine...Brother PQ1500 which I wasfortunate to win on eBay for the tiny sum of $700. It is a wonderful quilter.
Kind regards,
Dorothy

 

Kelly, 

My new simplicity ruler is fantastic. It is so clear and easy to read. The break down of measurement variations is wonderfully helpful.I can't wait to go 'Star Crazy'.

Sharon

Well....that is today's post!!  Wish us all safe travels and I look forward to blogging from Houston!!! 
Smiles,
Kelly

National Alzheimer's Awareness Month - November

I recently had the pleasure of talking with Ami Simms on the phone (lucky me:).  She was telling me packing for Quilt Festival and some of the things going on at the  Art Quilt Initiative.  Next month is National Alzheimer's Awareness Month and I thought folks might want to check  out Ami's Blog and her Facebook page.  Below is a video of some of the quilts that will be for sale in Houston at the International Quilt Festival.  Warning-the photos move fast....put your coffee down and breath....it is worth it trust me :)



Oh I just loved seeing all those quilts.  Can you imagine 1,000 of them?  I wish I were staying for Quilt Festival but I have to get home to the monkeys/co-workers :)

Not going to Quilt Festival in Houston either?  You can still be a part of the action!!!

At the end of November, Ami will have this collectors pin for sale on the Alzheimer's Art Quilt Initiative Website .  There are earrings available too.  What a great gift to give for the holidays to the Quilter in your life with everything!!!  (we all know a few of those :)

"1,000 quilts, lapel pins, and earrings — we have no shame when it comes to trying to relieve you of your spending money when the cause is fighting Alzheimer’s. This is a vile disease that affects 5.3 million Americans and we can only raise awareness and fund research with your help." (copied from Ami's blog with her permission)

The World Series Quilt Challenge is in full swing as well.  You can root for your favorite players...just click here :) 

I won't be staying for Festival....booo hoooo....so I guess I'll have to get my pin on the website too.  Where do you put your pins?  I put them on my camera strap and on my guild badge holder. 

I can't say enough about Ami's work/dedication to raising awareness and funding research for Alzheimer's.  Go over to her blog and the Art Quilt Initiative Website and see for yourself.  Ami is proof that all it takes is one....one person to make a decision.....to do something good.....to inspire others.....and that one persons work begins to touch the lives of others and then an entire legion of people are working together to make a difference in the lives of others....and in Ami's case it touches those with Alzheimer's and those who will have Alzheimer's in their lifetime.
Smiles,
Kelly

Spring Quilt Market 2010 - X Blocks by Quilt Queen Designs

Counting down the hours now....before Fall Quilt Market 2010 in Houston, TX.  However, we still have some things to discuss before I go....namely...X-Blocks!!!

This is Patricia Pepe from Quilt Queen Designs.  Patricia has designed the X-Block Patterns and Templates.  I took some photos of the beautiful quilts that were hanging in her booth during Spring Quilt Market.

The quilt behind Patricia is Venetian Tiles.  It is hard for me to see that all of these quilts were made with the X-Block Templates.  They are all so very different aren't they? 

"Bright Eyes" is a fun pattern that would be great for a teen as well as a baby.  Of course, it would be great for me and I'm not a teen or a baby....anyone want to make me one?  LOL

 

Patchouli is the name of this pattern.  Strong yet sensitive - here I go again- like the Patchouli Essential Oil. 

This is the wall banner that comes along with the Patchouli Pattern.  Two great patterns for the price of one :)

Blueprints Pattern also comes with a "Bonus X-tra Quilt Pattern". 

Patricia also has a book, Once Upon A Time in X-Blocks Land.  "Discover the exciting quilting adventure of X-Blocks!  Not just another quilt book, it's a fabric fairytale come true! Use the X-Blocks rotary tool to turn simple blocks into exciting new designs - no more "ho hum" quilts! 9 magical quilt designs included. "

I like that the X-Block patterns are pleasing to the eye and many come with two patterns for the price of one.  That is great when you want to make a lap quilt for someone and have left overs to make a smaller quilt too!!

This is what the X-Block Templates look like.  They come in 6 1/2 and 7 1/2 inch as well as a Mini and the X-Block Tool Belly Buttons that go along with Once Upon A Time In X-Block Land. 

"With the X-Blocks® rotary cutting tool, you can create dozens of spectacular designs that look complex but are incredibly quick & easy! They can be created from strips or easy-to-piece blocks and the fabulous borders are created as you make your X-Blocks® so there is virtually no waste! "

I've had the good fortune of having the Bright Eyes Pattern (Autographed) and the 6 1/2 inch X-Block Template in my possession since May.  The best news of all is that I did not open and use either of them....I saved them to give away to a very lucky IHAN blog reader!!!  Patricia was kind enough give both autographed items to me!!!  THANK YOU Patricia!!!!

If you would like to be the lucky new owner of the Bright Eyes Pattern and the 6 1/2 inch X-Block Template leave a comment on this post telling me why you would like to own it.  I know what you are thinking...."why does she ask that all the time?"  Right?  I ask because I really do want to know why you are interested in a particular giveaway.  You must have a reason and it is fun to read those comments.  But if you are tired of that question....make up an interesting one of your own....write it in the comment box....and then answer it!!!  IHAN is a kinder and gentler sort of place.....:)  LOL  How about we choose a winner on Thursday Night?  I"ll ask Gene to remind me....because he is great at that sort of stuff!!!  Gene, will you please remind me on Thursday that I need to do a number generator for a winner?

Smiles,

Kelly 

I'm still here :)

I'm still here.  We had family in town over the weekend and trick or treating with the boys and cub scouts food collection.  As many of you know it takes time and energy to write a thoughtful post....so you'll just have to let me rest tonight and wait for a good one tomorrow :)

Smiles,
Kelly

Winner of "TidBits from Triangles" by Kari Ramsay

TidBits from Triangles by Kari Ramsay

I went with the random number generator and the winner is Terry from Terry's Treasures Blog!  Please e-mail me with your address and I'll get your book in the mail to you right away!

Stay tuned...still more gifts from Spring Quilt Market and I leave Thursday for Fall Quilt Market!  There is a list with at least 25 things I have to do before Thursday noon.  I have lots of comments that have not been answered.  Please forgive me.  I've had my brother and sister-in-law here for the weekend and we've had lots of activities with the co-workers.  I appreciate your understanding and I'll get right on to the next post so I can give away some more fun prizes :)

Smiles,

Kelly

Spring Quilt Market 2010 - Dovo Solingen

If you have never heard of Dovo Solingen you are not alone.  Until my first Quilt Market I had never heard of Dovo Solingen Scissors either.  It was the end of market and I was walking up an isle and saw a line of ladies waiting at the Dovo Booth.  I happened to have known one of the gals so I asked what they were waiting for.  I was expecting to hear something like....Elvis will be right out or John Alison is giving away free fresh chocolate chip cookies.  Nope!  They were waiting to pick up the scissors they wanted to purchase from John.  So, I asked why?  She let out a small gasp and walked me over to the scissors and showed me why.  Holey smokes.....these are like Heirloom Quality Scissors.  They are imported from Germany, Solingen Germany, and they are definitely some spanky scissors. 

This is John Allison's Dovo Booth.  Now I'm not saying he does not work.....but can I say....he is the most relaxed guy at Market.  His booth is easy to set up, just unfold the boards and he is done....no sweating and rushing.....just up and done.  Ya gotta love that.  I so badly want his job.....but I'm thinking he would not give it up for all the steel in Germany!

There are also Gift Sets like this one and others too.

This little brief case is too cute.  What a lovely way to disguise your "business!"

These are folding scissors and they come in a little leather pouch.  I was fortunate enough to get a pair of these in Minneapolis (I treat myself to a pair at every Market) and I walked around the entire time rubbing my pocket.  I absolutely love these scissors.  I know what you are thinking.  What about the Scissorman? Was I right?  Yes....I knew that is what you were thinking.  Brint understands I have a "thing" for scissors and he accepts me just the way I am.  The Dovo are significantly more expensive and some girls just like to have some of everything :)

These are Hardanger Scissors.  Oh they are soooo nice.

Close up of their blunt tip Machine Embroidery scissors.

Oh yes, and I also have a pair of these, Embroidery Scissors.  These are the ones that have such a sharp fine point that you can cut a single check out of a piece of small gingham check fabric without over cutting.  I was amazed the first time I saw that. 

IHAN currently has three pair of the Embroidery Scissors in stock.  I order direct from Germany so I don't keep many pair in stock because I pay import tax and shipping.  I will be placing an order in the beginning of November for the Holidays.  So if there is a pair of Dovo Scissors you would like, please e-mail me at IHaveANotion@yahoo.com and inquire.  All of the scissors you see on the Dovo Solingen website I can get so just write down the part number and let me know. 

Smiles,

Kelly