Greetings from Evansville IN! What am I doing here you might ask? Well, I’m at my first Floriani event where I’m shadowing one of the teachers, at SewTech. I’m excited to get started. If you’ve been following on Instagram I’ve been working on the embroidery part of the machine a lot, and learning a lot in the software.
While all this is happening I’ve been working on the September Quilted Block of the Month. My intention was to get the pieced block together before leaving for this first gig. Piecing, pressing, practicing embroidery, learning the embroidery software.
Learning means screwing up some, and then teaching some to get a handle on what’s what.
Now
Everything I learned about stabilizer and how to use it for the greatest success is being turned on it’s head, and in roller coaster fashion I’m enjoying the process.
There are reasons to use the different stabilizers, toppers, fabric preps and all that jazz. I’m excited about learning because I’m excited about teaching. What I’m learning right now in embroidery falls under the category of “if I’d only known this about free motion machine quilting when I got started” Yeah it’s that big and that dang good. When I teach machine quilting my entire goal is to set you up for success – it’s the same with the embroidery.
Sigh, it’s that good.
Here’s a link to the Stabilizer Workbook and the Quick Reference Guide. Both of these will add to the depth of understanding the what and why we’re all seeking. And! then there’s the difference and complimentarity of the quilting stabilizers.
so for Saturday I’m going to post a little something that will add to the Quilted Block of the Month.
Well then there’s Charles, Candy’s Quilting manager. Totally loved working with him at the other shop when it was open. He’s been working with Candice to get Candy’s Quilting open. Check out their facebook page and instagram.
They’ve curated a selection of books for the Modern Quilter, and the quilter who enjoys precut fabrics. Some of the shelves are glass and steel giving a clean fresh look and a lovely way of displaying books, and the some fabric.
Here’s part of the fabric selection: Me+You batiks, Allison Glass, Northcott Toscana, some lovely plaids and stripes. On another shelving unit live the solids, and Shannon Cuddle.
Classroom space galore! This is a space for local teachers to have private lessons for up to three students. A quilter can go use this space to work privately.
There are two other classrooms: The first has 10 machines, each with it’s own table and power outlet.. There are currently 6 cutting stations (a few more coming soon), and four ironing stations.
The final classroom is for handwork.
So there’s lots of space and there will be classes to choose from later on. As of August classes to “work on your own project” with Charles will be available. Quilting and other classes will start in September.
Local teachers now is the time to reach out to Candice and Charles to get on the schedule for fall. Send a class description, supplies list, and photo of your project giving them all the information they need.
Here’s Candice, the owner, speaking with Mary and Jamie, the Candy’s Quilting staff. Mary is the tallest of the three.
Candy’s Quilting location: 140 West 22nd St. between 6th and 7th, close to the subway and some really good restaurants. And let’s not forget Trader Joe’s is nearby.
Oh! They carry Aurifil thread located behind the main counter!
Good friends, like good wine are a rare gift and a distinct pleasure.
As a quilter I’ve been blessed with some good friends. Several who are teaching at Quilt Market in St. Louis.
Tracy Mooney, Senior Editor of Generation Q Magazine – Keep Your Customers Sewing: Adaptive techniques to keep your customers sewing and quilting longer. Tracy has Sjogrens, an autoimmune related to lupus that causes fatigue and has her exploring ways to keep her passion for quilting, sewing, teaching, and writing going. She’s one of those people I “go to” when the world seems to be spinning off it’s axis.
Cheryl Sleboda, Muppin Inc: What is Cosplay? And why should my shop care? I had the privilege of attending Cheryl, Tracy, and Toni’s presentation at VDTA in February. The standing room only crowd was quiet and taking notes! Cosplay has been around for a while and is a way to engage a broad range of customers, it’s incredibly creative, and body positive. Cosplay is a breath of fresh air and a way to grow.
Building up your Branding Learn the tips and tricks to build brand awareness both by design and by accident! Learn the strategies that elevate your business and how to leverage your brand across social media. These are the kinds of things that will help us stand out in the ever widening crowd, help us define who we are, what our niche is, and how to make the most of it. This is the stuff!
Ebony LoveBlogging is not dead yet – How to get your blog off life support. She’s right, in so many ways. Whether you’ve been blogging for a long time, or are new Ebony will help you nurture that blogging spirit and keep it lively. This is a time when we need reminders of the good work we always like to do.
Independent Publishing – From Idea to book in 6 months or less. Here’s how to tackle that original, idea and publish yourself. Take this one!!
Kelly Ann RichardsonQuilt Shop Owners and Designers – Building Relationships In Kelly Ann’s words: I believe in building strong relationships, not just in my personal life but in my business which is why this year at Spring Quilt Market I will be presenting a seminar “Quilt Shop Owners and Designers-Building Relationships”. I’ve spent the last 12 years in business building relationships with quilt shop owners and designers, working together and sometimes making the difficult decision to walk away from some of those relationships. I’ve included time for some healthy discussion on how to break up, build up and form some lasting relationships. This is so essential to our growth and health.
Maddie KertayShaking the Money Tree Without Wallowing in a Discount Culture Promote your store and sales with effective programs that don’t center on discounts to get people in the door.
Campgraphical – Beginners Guide to Creating Media for Quilt Shops Enjoy techniques and resources plus hands-on practice to gain experience and confidence with
modern media.
Alex Anderson & Kay BrooksAre you Working for Yourself or Your Suppliers Are your suppliers making more profit margin than you? You deserve more and we will show you how to get it!
Roseann KermesHow to Teach a Successful Wool Applique Class Includes basic stitches, supply list for add-on sales, lesson plan, and tips for a successful class. Take home a cute finished coaster for a shop display.
The quilting community is rich in depth and character. I’m happy to call each and every one of these amazing people, friend.
Today’s words of wisdom, Just Show Up. I’ll talk more about this later in the week. For now,
If you’re a quilter who is in business and needs a bit of guidance check out Cheryl Sleboda’s courses and consulting. She has more than 20 years of experience guiding shops in the comic book industry. She’s knowledgeable and gives excellent insight.
I’ll be in Lancaster on Saturday at the AQS Show. One place I’ll be stopping is to get a photo of the Indigo and Oatmeal quilt that I made for SewBatik.
ahh I did it…here we are. Two facebook live videos on the Pinwheels and Friends show. The first is set up and the second is the first morning of the show
As I talked with quilters yesterday I know one thing for sure…I miss working with each and every one of you in a quilt shop.
Pinwheels and Friends is open from 10 – 3 today. I’d love to see you. There are 17 quilts in the Generation Q Magazine exhibit and about 10 – 12 antique quilts. The Village Squares Quilters have their raffle quilt, it’s totally adorable and bed worthy.
I get to go to the next guild meeting! I can’t tell you the last time that attending was possible. Not complaining, just sayin’ that working in the city cramped my quilting style would be something of an understatement. I’ve missed my quilting peeps.
Over the last couple of days I’ve actually spent some time stitching, writing some of the directions. And in the spirit of having something to show of my quilting I’m working on a new bag for me. At the BERNINA Ambassador Retreat we got to play with some cork fabric and I’m going to use that to make part of my new bag and two new wallets. Directions for all of this will eventually be available, I’m just uncertain as to where.
I read quite a few blogs, one of my faves is Kelly Ann’s Quilting. Kelly Ann is a fun sized (read as my height) quilt shop owner whom I adore. She’s got a kind heart, and a lovely shop from what I’ve seen on facebook and vids. I’ve met her shop manager Angie, and if she’s any indication of the staff, well, this is a place to visit when you’re in Virginia. Kelly Ann posted a “Tuesday Tip” that you can see here. I forgot that I actually knew this. And if I remember correctly it was from one of the Elm Creek books by Jennifer Chiaverini. I carried Kelly Ann’s Quilting tote bag so much that I wore it out in less than 6 months. It’s a good thing there are more, just sayin.
This might sound a little overly dramatic and it’s intended to be because drama can be so very much fun. I shopped on Small Business Saturday #smallbusinesssaturday for the fun of it. I don’t need fabric, but I love it so what the heck.
This will live as a reminder that quilt making is a messy process.
Shop 2: Colchester Mill Fabrics – Colchester, CT for my local peeps this is a small version of Hartsdale Fabrics with some fashion fabric, home dec fabric, yarn, quilt fabric. Friendly staff, and sewing machine repair. They do have crafty stuff including chalkboard paper. I need this! (Melissa when you read this I have an idea to bounce off you for the magazine) Wandering around a shop to listen to what speaks to my soul is fascinating. While I didn’t get any Christmas fabric the rounder of red and silver/gray caught my attention. There is something nostalgic about the color scheme, like a childhood memory of the silver tinsel tree in the corner of the living room decorated with chains of red and green construction paper, and cranberry and popcorn.The fabric was tempting however, when I revisited the rounder, not so much.
The solids and batiks are situated near each other. I seriously contemplated a few American Made Brand – but couldn’t remember what I had at home so left those. The batiks though, that’s a different story entirely. So I’m getting fabric cut and one of the ladies asks what I’m going to do with the fabric. . .shoulders shrug, hands lift up and the question is asked, “I have to do something with it?” Which had the desired effect of a laugh. I offered the gal who asked, and her friend a quarter yard of the fabric if they purchased something. You can take the woman out of the quilt shop staff, but she’ll always enable customers, quilters any chance she gets because it’s fun.
I did answer the question a little more directly, I might hang the batik on the right above on the wall because I love it so much. It’s inspiring, it simply makes me happy. Right now I have some fabric samples by Valori Wells on my wall, three different colorways. By hanging it I get to enjoy it and figure out what, if anything I might do with it down the road. This suggestion gave the gal behind the counter some ideas for the white, bare walls of her sons apartment. Just a little something to add some fun and color.
The light batiks from Hoffman simply spoke to this quilters heart. With my back to basics trend in piecing right now my gut tells me these may be involved in a couple of quilt remakes. I’ve been wanting to remake a favorite quilt for our bed and I’m not one to make the quilt exactly like the first time around. Even doing step outs is kind of challenging for me.
I visited this place years ago and they’ve painted and refreshed the place. The walls are white giving the fabric pride of place, there are good samples around. Staff, warm, friendly and helpful. Lots of quilt samples around and some fun stuff overall. Some coming in on their day off to shop for their own quilts.
Meeting facebook friends is always fun! Christie is sweet, enthusiastic and her shop is simply adorable! As of last week she is now a BERNINA dealer. Christie really loves her local fabric designers: Jennifer Paganelli, Kate Spain, and Denyse Schmidt showing their current fabric lines with great enthusiasm. Both Kate and Denyse teach in the shop. There are also classes for kids.
I picked up some Kona solids and these beautiful fabrics from Jennifer and Denyse.
Christie had a small tote with a few things inside for her first 20 customers. I was one of the 20 so check this out! There’s a mug inside as well.
Here’s a better shot of all of the fabrics from Christie’s shop. I love the fabrics, her enthusiasm. Christie carries the hardware for bags and totes. I was able to pick up some d-rings to make either a couple of totes or key rings. Not sure which yet, but oh the possibilities.
So as I build my stash and share it with you. The possibilities are endless. That’s the fun part of building a stash – the possibilities. Oh I long to say something beautiful and encouraging about growing as quilters. But I think I’ll say simply, whatever you do…have fun. Quilting doesn’t need to produce a lot of angst. But it does. As I’m beginning to quilt again and I mean really quilt I feel the anxiety of what putting these quilts out into the world will be met with. The work is interesting to me again and I long for it to be interesting on a grander scale. I will have one piece ready for next week that I’ll probably be binding it on the plane to Chicago, as I do, because the last minute is always the perfect deadline.
While all this is happening I’ve been working on the September Quilted Block of the Month. My intention was to get the pieced block together before leaving for this first gig. Piecing, pressing, practicing embroidery, learning the embroidery software.
Everything I learned about stabilizer and how to use it for the greatest success is being turned on it’s head, and in roller coaster fashion I’m enjoying the process.
Good friends, like good wine are a rare gift and a distinct pleasure.
Here’s a better shot of all of the fabrics from Christie’s shop. I love the fabrics, her enthusiasm. Christie carries the hardware for bags and totes. I was able to pick up some d-rings to make either a couple of totes or key rings. Not sure which yet, but oh the possibilities.