The earthquake in Haiti was two weeks ago and the devastation has been hard to watch. Quilters are know to rise to the occasion with help in any situation, largely with making quilts for those afflicted, and I’ve been asked by several people if a quilt donation is underway. This time, though, quilts aren’t the immediate answer and will likely not get to their intended users. What is needed is money that will be used for food and medical supplies. I’ve made a donation through Episcopal Relief and Development. You can find lots of reputable organizations, including the Red Cross, Unicef, and Doctors without Borders, that will help the Haitians begin to recover. One way quilters are getting involved is by making quilts and selling them online to send the proceeds to Haiti. You can go to etsy.com and search for Haiti quilts and find examples of quilters doing this. Also, one of my friends, Jeanne Marklin, mentioned that a collection of tote bags, like those we get at shows, was being assembled to send for people to carry food and other critical goods. I’ll add details to this post shortly.
Did you make resolutions a few weeks ago? Were they the same ones you made last year and the year before? You know, lose weight, exercise more, get out of debt, get organized. I use to make some of those, too, and, if truth be told, probably still do.
For the past several years, though, I’ve tried something new. I’ve picked a word to reflect on and act on for the year. I started this practice in my yoga class. At the first session of the year, Kathy, our instructor passes around a basket with words and we draw one. A couple of years ago I selected “openness.” Pat, the woman next to me picked “love,” and I thought that was a much better word. I asked if I could draw again, and Kathy told me that I didn’t pick the word, it had picked me. OK, so openness it was. I took the paper home and taped it to the top of the computer screen where I looked at it each day. Something really magical happened. I began to look at opportunities in both my business and personal life in a whole new light.
So at yoga class on Saturday, it was time to draw this year’s word. Knowing how powerful the word as an intention was for me in the past, I had already selected a word for 2010. That word was “challenge.” I wanted to challenge myself each day, whether that was challenges I sought out or those that came to me. I put the word challenge on a post-it by my computer.
The word that I drew in yoga class was “enjoy,” and I look at it as a perfect complement to challenge. I tend to get highly focused on something and need to see it to completion, easily neglecting the joy of the journey. With both these words, I see a great 2010 ahead for me.
One way you could put this into practice is when you find a weakness, look for a way for someone else to handle it. Here’s just one example: hire a bookkeeper instead of struggling to do your own books, if that’s not one of your strengths. Your time will be spent more productively on those tasks at which you excel, and you’ll make enough money doing those tasks at which you are better. A bonus is that someone else is able to put her strengths to work. Remember you have power in your strengths.
Please share your thoughts on selecting a word or building your strengths.
The International Association of Professional Quilters offers resources and networking opportunities for you to create a success from your quilting business. Learn about all the benefits of IAPQ membership here.
We are about to start a New Year. I’m excited about some of the things I have planned. I’m working with a coach to expand the business, and I have some new business programs planned for later in the year. As I look ahead, I can see that I have a lot to accomplish, and I need to stay focused to do that. A lot of you know one of my favorite planning resources is Your Best Year Yet by Jinny Ditzler, and following her process helps me focus. You can read some of the questions she asks on a previous blog post.
I wanted to share three and a half tips to keep in mind as you start the New Year.
1. Set time for yourself in your calendar. I’m sure I’m not the only one who doesn’t take enough time for her or himself. This fall I had knee surgery and was sidelined from my yoga class. I plan to get back in class this winter. And, I want to also set aside time each afternoon for a little self care. It’s important to find a little time here and there to care for ourselves. We’ll feel happier and stronger inside and this will in turn make us happier and stronger business people. One good reference on self care is The Art of Extreme Self Care by Cheryl Richardson.
2. Remember to allow adequate time for marketing. For many, the production is the fun part and the marketing takes a back seat. I’ve had more than one person tell me that she spends two to four times as many hours marketing herself and her product as she does producing the product. Marketing is an ongoing process; you are always marketing. I love this quote from actress Carrie Fisher, “There is no point at which you can say, “Well, I’m successful now. I might as well take a nap.” This keeps me focused on marketing my product.
3. Keep on top of your financials. I know, most people do not enjoy bookkeeping, and if you can hire someone to take it over, that’s great. But watch your numbers. You need to know what’s coming in and what’s going out. What is your ROI (return on investment) for your activities? Your business can’t grow if you aren’t aware of the financials.
3.5 Remember why you got into business. For many of us, it was our love of quilting or fiber arts and wanting to share our gifts with other quilters. Sure, we work hard at it, and we are rewarded. When times get tough, step back and remember what got you in the business. Maybe use some of that self-care time to make something for yourself. Another quote I like is from Thomas A. Edison. “I never did a day’s work in my life. It was all fun.”
The International Association of Professional Quilters offers resources and networking opportunities for you to create a success from your quilting business. Learn about all the benefits of IAPQ membership here.
Turquoise. The Pantone Color Institute selects a color each year that is based on its general sense of the world’s mood. Pantone says that turquoise, combining the serene qualities of blue and the invigorating aspects of green, evokes thoughts of soothing, tropical waters and a languorous, effective escape from the everyday troubles of the world, while at the same time restoring our sense of well-being.
“In many cultures, turquoise occupies a very special position in the world of color,” says Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “It is believed to be a protective talisman, a color of deep compassion and healing, and a color of faith and truth, inspired by water and sky. Through years of color word-association studies, we also find that Turquoise represents an escape to many – taking them to a tropical paradise that is pleasant and inviting, even if only a fantasy.”
One-Yard Wonders
Rebecca Yaker and Patricia Hoskins
Storey Publishing; $20.95
This fall in Houston I met the authors of One-Yard Wonders at their book signing in the booth across from mine. Rebecca Yaker operates her design business, Hazel and Melvin’s Room, creating one-of-kind baby bedding and apparel in her Minneapolis design studio. Patricia Hoskins is the cofounder of Crafty Planet, a retail fabric and needlework store and craft workshop in Minneapolis. And, when my review copy arrived, I loved the clever marketing approach. The book had been wrapped in one yard of fabric, perfect for me to try out one of the projects in the book. To promote the book, the publisher is also sponsoring a contest to win a yard of fabric a month for a year.
On to the book. I loved the concept of starting with a yard of fabric – and who among us doesn’t have an extra yard – and making a variety of projects. The book includes 101 projects, ranging from a few you could figure out yourself (tacking fabric on a bulletin board or lining a bookcase) to those that require a pattern (a sundress). And, for those who think you might be able to figure out, for example, the grocery bag, it’s nice not to have to think about how to do it. You just cut and sew. For every project you’ll find either full-size pattern pieces and/or illustrations with step-by step instructions.
The book is divided into ten pattern sections based on use, including, Dwell Redux (patterns for the home), Household Affairs (aprons, casserole covers), Craft Organization (artist brushes case, notions box), On the Go (lunch bags, yoga bags), From Head to Toe (clothing), Carry It All (totes, grocery bags), Outfit Your Small Wonder (toddler clothes), Accessorize Your Little One (toddler’s art apron, bright patchwork blankie), Playtime (kites, stuffed animals) and Your Furry Friends (animal patterns). The patterns were solicited through a global online campaign.
The book also includes a section on sewing fundamentals, perfect for those new to sewing and nice for quilters who could use a refresher on regular sewing techniques. The book is hard bound with a concealed wire binding, making it perfect to open flat. I found several projects I’d like to try; unfortunately, I don’t think they’ll do much to diminish my stash!
Here’s a link to Amazon to learn more about the book.
Do you feel extra stress during the holidays? Editing the Winter issue of The Professional Quilter always hits in mid-December and that adds somewhat to my stress level if I consider all the holiday activities I enjoy. I try to get adequate sleep, watch what I eat and drink, and get plenty of exercise. And, I let go of some of what I always do. This year my husband picked out our Christmas tree – without my input – and he is the tree decorator. We do come from families with different decorating styles. His family is a single-strand tinsel placer. I’m a free-for-all tinsel tosser. So, I’m fine with enjoying the end result. Did I mention, I will be the tree undecorator? And, I got most of my holiday baking done Thanksgiving weekend. Despite my attempts to handle stress, I must not be doing as good a job as I thought. I have laryngitis and it’s turning into a whopper of a cold.
If you are an IAPQ member and want to get a handle on stress, during the holidays and beyond, the audio from our monthly call is now available on your members page. I talked with Meredith McEver, a licensed clinical social worker who teaches mindfulness-based stress reduction workshops. She taught us how to create a breathing space and led us in two different types of guided meditations. She also shared tips and solutions from her years of working in private practice dealing with clients and their stress problems. The audio is just one of the benefits of your membership in the International Association of Professional Quilters.
Have you considered holding an open studio to educate the public about your art and make a profit at the same time? While many such events are often held at a holiday time, they can be successful year round. In the Fall issue of The Professional Quilter, Eileen Doughty interviewed eight art quilters to get their take on how successful their open studios were and what was involved in putting one on. If this is one of the marketing ideas on your goals list for 2010, you’ll want to go back and read Eileen’s article to refine the notes you probably took when you were researching at local events this season. Following is an excerpt from part one on preparing your studio. Part two of the series is in the Winter issue of The Professional Quilter.
The most engaging studios tend to highlight the creativity and individuality of the artist. They are beautiful and inviting, inside and out. Consider including demonstrations, an artist talk, works in progress, photographic displays or even videos. Display samples of your work or process that you don’t mind being handled by a lot of fingers.
Whether your studio is in your home or a public place, it may take a few days to set everything up, and even more time if you are using someone else’s space and have to start from scratch. “Getting ready is a huge job – not just in terms of making and mounting my artwork, but rearranging the furniture, cleaning, preparing refreshments, labeling, pricing, doing the signage, arranging for helpers, printing and packing greeting cards, and preparing storyboards and displays of materials and equipment,” says fiber artist Susan Else, who participates in a tour sponsored by the Cultural Council of Santa Cruz County, Calif., each October.
Consider offering artwork in a variety of sizes and prices. Place neat labels next to each work with title, size, materials and price. Besides wall art, several artists offer hand-dyed scarves, books written by or featuring the artist, note cards, small gifts, jewelry, framed art and wearable art. Inventorying every single item can be time-consuming but will help you track sales patterns, and you’ll know if there was any shoplifting.
Have a guest book to build your mailing list and get comments. Also set out your business cards and postcards. Susan puts her sign-in book on the way to the kitchen, so no homemade apple cake until you sign! Susan’s homemade apple cake is not the exception, as many artists provide beverages and non-greasy food.
To read more of Eileen’s article on Holding an Open Studio in Issue 109 of The Professional Quilter, your subscription or membership in the The International Association of Professional Quilters must be current.Learn about all the benefits of IAPQ membership here.
Artful Bras: Hooters, Melons and Boobs, Oh My!
Quilters of South Carolina
Kansas City Star Books; $24.95
Art bras – bras that have been decorated – have become popular the last few years and this surge in popularity spurred the Quilters Guild of South Carolina to sponsor a statewide challenge to its 650-person membership. Their goal was to raise awareness of breast cancer, and 41 members took up the call creating 50 artful bras. Each art bra is showcased on a full page in this book and is accompanied by the artist’s summary of her inspiration and how she created her bra as well as any specific connection she might have to breast cancer. I had a blast looking at the bras and choosing a favorite is impossible. I laughed at Monkey Business (the bra decorated with the sock monkey), marveled at the ingenious application of boas and feathers and chuckled at the titles. Several of the bras went onto greater fame, including two that became cover girls for the American Journal of Nursing. The bras were exhibited throughout most of 2009 and are currently on auction. All proceeds from the exhibit, book and auction go to Second Chance Network, a South Carolina program that helps women without insurance pay for breast-cancer screening. Here’s a link to Amazon to learn more about the book and a link to the Quilters of South Carolina if you are interested in bidding on an art bra.
The Best of Sew Simple Magazine: Over 50 Quick Projects
Leisure Arts; $18.95
I don’t know about you, but I often pick up Sew Simple on the newsstand. It either has a project I want to try or something that I think would be good for my nieces who are relatively new to sewing and quilting. This book includes projects ranging from totes to quilts to home dec with a few fun things included. I think the fabric drink umbrellas will be perfect for next summer’s barbeque, the funky pillowcase will be great for several on my holiday gift list, and the java jacket is bound to find its way into a stocking or two. If you’re looking for some quick and fun projects, this is a good source. And, a bonus for those new to sewing is the supplies and techniques section.
Here’s a link if you’d like to add it to your library.
In the Fall issue of The Professional Quilter, Longarm Forum columnist Mindy Caspersen lamented about the year she was quilting for customers right up until Christmas Eve. For her that year was not as joyful as it should have been. She missed time with her kids, and says she let herself be cheated out of her holidays. Vowing never to let it happen again, she took four steps to insure that her future holidays were full of joy. Here’s an excerpt from her column:
Without a doubt, the most important thing you can do is to schedule properly. You must take into account the number of quilts you can reasonably do without overworking yourself. A lot of us just put the quilts on the list as they come in the door or as the customers call, but this method will really put you in a bind as the holidays get closer.
If this is your first year in business, it’s very difficult to estimate how many quilts you can do in a specific amount of time, and it will take you a couple of years to figure out how many quilts you can comfortably do in that specified time period. Just try not to overestimate. It’s better to underestimate than to book too many right now. Do not try to schedule more than you can handle. Most of us don’t work well under pressure; we become frustrated, and then we begin to resent the whole process and our customers. You must set limits for yourself and stick to them! Understandably, you want to be as productive as possible and take advantage of this extra earning time, but overworking yourself only produces poor quality work, which will cost you customers in the long run. If this is your first time for a new customer, it may be the last time if you return poor quality work. Returning customers may be more understanding, but that doesn’t mean they’ll be happy. It may end up costing you more than you bargained for by having to refund money or do the next job at a big discount.
You also need to allow time for yourself. If you have family that will be visiting for the holidays or kids that are out of school for a couple of weeks, you need to be able to spend time with them and enjoy that time without constantly feeling guilty or feeling the need to get back to your pile of customer quilts. If you don’t allow yourself this time to enjoy your family and friends, you’ll resent your customers, and it will show in your work and your attitude toward them.
Also remember to allow time for the unexpected. Never had to set the timing on your machine? You’ll have to do it in the middle of the rush season! Never run out of needles before? It’ll happen now. It’s the nature of the beast, one of those Murphy’s Law things – whatever can go wrong will go wrong at the most inopportune time! Maybe you don’t have that perfect color of thread and you’re waiting for your order to come in the mail. And guess what? The mail gets overloaded at this time of year and slows down too! Or family or friends unexpectedly decide to come visit, or the furnace dies or the dog needs surgery. A million and one things can suddenly come up and take you away from your work. You can’t deal with those things if you’ve overbooked yourself with customers and are already frustrated.
To read more of Mindy’s tips in her Longarm Forum column in Issue 109 of The Professional Quilter, your subscription or membership in the The International Association of Professional Quilters must be current. Learn about all the benefits of IAPQ membership here.
