Kick It Up A Notch!

My quilting space is a jumble of mishmash-ed old furniture and make-do tables.  My cutting table is, in fact, our old dining room table.  But it is really low and uncomfortable for me to cut at.  I have to bend my 5′8″ back practically in half to reach across the table when I am cutting long strips.  Definitely not a lot of fun when you are cutting 4+ quilts at a time!

So the options are to either buy a new table or find a way to make this one work.  Being a thrifty Yank, I decided there had to be a way to make this one the height I needed and more ergonomically correct.

Viola!  Place 4 bed risers under the legs and I get an added 6″ to the table leg height.  Not only do they do the trick, but I got them for 1/2 price, with a gift card!  He he he – I didn’t pay a penny for them! 

 I wish I could claim total credit for this clever idea, but it was at the suggestion of my friend Gerry that I try this.  Thanks, Gerry!

 

How to Start a Quilting Business

Too often I get e-mail from people asking how they can start up a business selling quilts.  It never fails to amaze me that people think I will tell them all my secrets!  I am not in the business of helping create competition for myself – I want all of the customers! 

 But if you are truly looking to start your own business, I do have a few general tips I would give:

1. Be prepared for lots and LOTS of hard work!  This will not take off overnight.  You are looking at a minimum of 2-3 years for things to start to get rolling.  This is a long term commitment and not a get rich quick scheme. 
2. Join any quilt guilds in your area.  Fantastic groups with lots of experience and resources.  There are bound to be some pros there.
3. Attend classes at quilt shows and talk to the celebrity quilters.  Listen to their stories.
4. Research on-line stores and get good quality sites to link to you.
5. Pay someone to build your store.  Just because you love your teenager does not mean they know how to best design your store!
6. Join any Crafts Councils or Art Councils in your area.
7. Talk to gallery owners and other crafters.

Hopefully these ideas will get you started.  This is definitely not an all encompassing list but if you are serious about becoming a crafts-person, it should get you pointed in the right direction.

Good luck!

 

Music and Quilting

A lot of people ask me how I do free-motion quilting, and the key for me is “relax”.  I find that music can really affect my mood and my productivity levels depending upon what disc I choose. 

 If I am under a deadline (like now), some upbeat rock like Cyndi Lauper, Peter Gabriel,  or Melissa Etheridge goes over really well.  I especially like the new Annie Lennox.  A little Celtic music can be fun, too.  It keeps me hopping and my mood elevated.  If I am taking things slow, doing delicate work, I might choose some Laureena McKennitt or maybe Andreas Vollenweider. 

There is a new 70s rock station in our area that my husband really likes to listen to (especially since the other rock station is playing Christmas music already!!!).  I can only take small doses of that.  Then the guitar solos start to get to me and I get all tense and cranky.

 So I guess the key is to find what works for you and helps keep you focused.  If you are having a hard time, try changing your music.  It may put you in a better frame of mind!