Epic, Ridiculous and AWESOME

I am so inspired by these ladies right now.  It truly makes me believe that we live in the greatest nation ever, where anything is possible and that we are an industry of YES!!  Check out their website and PLEASE watch the little film about how they started...it is awe-inspiring at the very least!

http://www.cottonandsteelfabrics.com/

http://vimeo.com/76730844 - here is the link to the video...

Check them out on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/cottonandsteel

I cannot wait to see their new line!! Woot Woot!!  Who is with me????

New Patriotic Table Runner Pattern!

New table runner pattern! If you want the pattern leave me a comment; send an e-mail lizbquilting@hotmail.com.

I made this table runner for a class that I am teaching on Paper Piecing.  I wrote the pattern for the paper piecing part, but if you want the whole pattern just let me know : D. 

Let us begin to get our Patriotic on!!!

If It Is Meant To Be, Then So Shall It Be...

So here is how it happened...

I was quilting away in my basement studio - happy as a clam.  I started teaching a few classes, was doing some "hands on demos" and selling the machines.  It was getting a little crowded down in my 500 sq ft studio.  So, about a month ago...a friend of mine let me know that a mutual friend of ours was looking to rent a commercial space.  I contacted her and looked at the space...I did my homework and realized that moving into a commercial space was VERY doable and would be good for me and my family (it would be good to have a "workplace"...so I am not constantly working). 

Well, that space ended up being too small and I was VERY disappointed.  In my head I had already moved out!  So, I kept looking to see what else was available...

Then, I found two other locations that might work and the landlords were able to work with me on the lease and rent etc...  However, one ended up needing a lot of build out (I don't have a lot of money up front - need to save it all for inventory etc.); the other the lease was unacceptable...ugh more disappointment!

However, I saw another location right across the parking lot from the unacceptable lease and it had a different phone number, owner and LEASE - YAY! 

After a little back and forth with the lease, lots of money to the lawyer - I just signed it today!!!  Whoooo hoooo!!!  I got the key and everything!!!

During this entire process I have had many ups and downs, but just kept telling myself that if I am supposed to have this it will be mine...if not then it wasn't meant to be...I kept looking for signs and tried to make good decisions and it has happened!!!!  So, I feel very blessed and VERY lead to this opportunity.  I truly feel like it is meant to be (during the moments that I am not nauseous with fear and doubt : D) and plan to do all that I can to take advantage of it!!!

Of course it needs to be painted and needs flooring.  So, now my head is swimming with turning on the power, color schemes, classes and events etc...so much to do - I can't wait!!!  I'll keep ya posted!!!


I will post pictures soon!!! 

Paper Piecing Anyone?

So, my next class is going to be paper piecing.  I am thinking a table runner of crossed canoes...what do you think?

Disappointment = GREAT Learning Experience...

I wasn't even thinking about expanding, but I was in a funk because of the clutter of my studio (it is fairly small in there)...but it does work! 

 

However, last week - I got a line on a commercial space that I thought was a good size and was a GREAT price. I talked to the Realtor/Owner (I think that is who she is)... She confirmed the price, but didn't have the dimensions...I was over moon! So, I went on a 5 day odyssey of finding all my start up costs - build out, cabinets, tables/chairs, displays, insurance, phone, alarm etc. It was ALL wor...king! THEN, I want to measure it...it was much smaller than I had initially thought (although no one really has the dimensions and I was walking it off (forgot my tape measure)...I was still thinking it could work...but when I called the Realtor/Owner to talk about a lease...it went sideways and there was no way to salvage it. However, I have all my start up numbers and am still thinking of moving out of the basement studio - it just seems really doable now. So, it was a GREAT learning experience, but did not turn out like I wanted : (

 

During my odyssey I talked to lots of really knowledgable people and now have several ideas of how to make it work at a higher cost and make it work at a lower cost...  I also found out all the information on my "start up" costs...I got lots of estimates and found some costs that I hadn't considered in order to get my numbers together.  It is VERY empowering to put some numbers to a pie in the sky idea that actually make it doable : D...

 

I have one more room in my basement - that is the exercise/storage room right now...planning to put my office area in there and maybe my piecing machine to open up the studio for customers to come and see the machines and drop off quilts.  Also, thinking I can make a separate entrance (I have a walkout basment) to the business, so people don't have to walk through my messy house (I have a 5yr old)...possibilities - hmmmmm

 

Or I can get a bigger space and maybe share the costs with a complimentary business (I know lots of small business owners that might be interested...) 

 

So as you can see - my disappointment turned into a GREAT learning experience!

If You Are So Lead...

Recently I was approached by someone who saw my website to look into finding a home for her 20 antique quilt tops.  These tops are not commercially viable...but to a collector or a dealer they would be quite a find (I think).   This is not usually what I do, but...I am so lead to find out about this for her : D. 

I met a wonderful lady named Mary Kerr a few years ago who has been doing appraisals, lectures and repairs for many years.  I have been very interested in learning about this stuff.  I haven't really had an opportunity or reason to look into it until now : D...

I have found out that there are opportunities to donate them to a textile school, museums and/or sell them to a dealer.  However, now is not a good time to be selling these types of things as the recession has everyone hanging on to their money and they are not bringing the money they once did or probably will again someday. 

Here are some pictures:

Beginning Quilt Class...SUCCESS!!!

I am so excited about how well the beginning quilt class went this weekend!  We have had fun at all the sessions and I have met some really wonderfully fun women, but this weekend...they actually were finishing their quilts and it was awesome!!! 

Everyone's quilts were/are so wonderfully different.  Here is the one I did...

Here is one my students made...

 

I will share more pics when I get them in...this is one other one, but don't have the finished product pic yet...

 

 

 



More practice on this charity quilt : D

New Expansion to My Business!

It is official this week I got my samples from Sew Batik.  I will be offering these beautiful batiks as backing fabric...I will also be selling it to those who would like to buy it!  I am soooo excited - these samples are absolutely beautiful!  They come in 108" lengths and have edges that can be trimmed off and used as borders or you can use it as it is and they become the borders (on two sides- and you can sew them on the other two sides - although us longarmers do NOT like to center backings). 

I am also offering another collection of theirs, but I can get any of their fabrics that you want.  As business goes on I will have more samples to choose from : D.

I am also offering Quilter's Dream Batting!  I can get any of their battings, but will be stocking their polyester - Puff;  their 100% cotton - request, select and deluxe; their black polyester and their 70/30 blend.  I have samples for you to look at when you come to drop off your quilt. 

http://www.quiltersdreambatting.com/


I will soon be offering Hobbs Heirloom batting as well, but I haven't placed my first order.  I am hoping to stock their 80/20 blend, 100% cotton and poly as well!!  Yay!!!!

http://www.hobbsbatting.com/

Lull in Business - Heightened Activity Anyway!

 So, I am experiencing a lull in business...but my activity level is through the roof! 

I am pretty sure that the lull has more to do with the fact that it is the end of summer and everyone is on vacation or focused on school starting.  Either way...it is giving me a moment to focus on some much needed admin stuff...

I sent out a survey to my customers to find out how they think I am doing for them.  I used SurveyMonkey - it is super easy and I got some good feedback.  You have to know how to write the questions, but they have help if you are not sure what kind of questions to ask.  I highly recommend staying in touch with your customers to close the feedback loop.  People don't like confrontation and will usually say something nice to your face no matter how they really feel.  SurveyMonkey is anonymous, so you don't have to worry about confrontation.  Here is the link if you want to check it out...  http://www.surveymonkey.com/

Next, I have to learn how to do my accounting software...I just ordered QuickBooks and it looks really hard!!  I am looking for someone to help me set it up, so can populate it with my business stuff.  You can try it for free first and they have lots of resources for you to check out...here is the link:  http://quickbooks.intuit.com/

After that, I am going to finish the cook book that I am writing for my Quilt Guild and the Show that is coming up in Oct, which I am in charge of running, which includes, managing entries, planning the layout of the quilts, set up and take down as well as managing volunteers for the whole thing and advertising.  The quilt show is for the local quilt guild the Stafford Piecemakers Quilt Guild  - here is that link:  http://www.staffordpiecemakers.com/ (oh yeah did I tell ya I do the website too?) 

The website for my guild is http://www.webs.com/  it is really user friendly and intuitive -  I use Go Daddy (which is expensive, but I already have a contract)

Then, I am going to send out my reminder e-mail that we are only 30 days out from the Christmas deadline that quilters must meet to get their Christmas presents quilted and bound before sending them as Christmas presents.  I usually give them until October 31 - but have to see how many quilts I get.  Sorry no link for that : D.

All the while, I do have some quilts to work on...I have the Swirls on Batiks that I put on the FB this morning and two customs to do in the meantime. 

It is all so exciting...even when I am not actually quilting it is 100miles an hour - Yay!!!!  However, right now...I am going to finish my glass of wine and Scooby Doo with my son/husband : D.

Getting Ready for the Quilt Show...

Well, it may seem premature, but I am getting ready for the Stafford Piecemaker's Quilt Show - Oct 19 - 21, 2012 at the Porter Library here in Stafford.  I am in charge of it this year and I know that as it gets closer I am going to be super busy with publicity and logistics etc.  So, I am starting NOW : D.

The Quilt Show theme is "Quilts: Food for the Soul" ...and you have to make something quilted that has food fabric in it or applique food stuff or have some kind of food theme.  It can't be larger than 36" x 36", which means that you can make pot holders, coasters, oven mits and small wall hangings etc.  I am making pot holders and a small wall hanging for my cousin who recently bought her own first house.  She wanted to get the fabric from me the last time she was here, but she is so busy that even if I had given her the fabric, I doubt she would have had time to quilt it  - so I am doing it for her...so far I have made 6 pot holders...here is one and I'll post the other ones when they are done too : D.  I hope she doesn't read my blog or this won't be much of a surprise for her - huh?!

To Guild or NOT To Guild...

Let's talk about Quilt Guild... 

When I first started quilting, my Mom told me two things...take a class and join a guild.  I learned how to make a Double Irish Chain Quilt pattern by using strip and chain piecing - whooo hoo!  Then, I joined the guild!  So, now I go to Quilt Guild (my local Stafford Piecemaker's Quilt Guild) and it is quite mind blowing!  I am NOT usually a joiner...I tried to join some Mommy groups and some Crafty groups, but they didn't take - however the quilt guild has turned out to be quite the opposite.

We have two meetings on is a business meeting, which is pretty boring - but necessary and then after we have show and tell, which is the fun part.  After the show and tell we eat some light refreshments and talk.  Then, we have the program meeting, where we learn to do techniques, have trunk shows etc. 

We do lots of charity work through the Stafford County Sheriff's Dept and the local hospitals and we are hoping to expand our reach to other charitable outlets as well.  This is a picture of us burying our Deputy Sheriff in quilts for the officer's to carry in their trunks for those in need. 

We do a block of the month...which is featured in our newsletter and on our website:  http://www.staffordpiecemakers.com/blockofthemonth.htm and we do a fabric exchange also on our website.  In our guild there are those that are experts at just about everything, but no one is an expert at everything.  I can be intimidating, but not to me.  I just get inspired...when I leave I cannot wait to get into the studio the next day and start working on a new or current project. 

There are also a lot of longarmers in the guild and I have met most of them.  We are thinking of doing an event for a program meeting and maybe starting our own side group to share info etc. 

I do have to get a babysitter and then pray that little man sleeps later in the morning than usual or else I am useless the next day no matter how inspired I am... : D. 

I have taken on the website and the quilt show this year, so I seem to have stuff to do for them all the time...I am even putting together a cookbook that we can sell at the quilt show in Oct to raise money for the guild...WOW!!!!  I just seem to LOVE it - huh???  So, in my case it is definately To GUILD!!!!

My New Quilt Loading System - The Red Snapper!

Whooo hooo!  My Mom went to the MQX show in Kansas City last month and purchased me the Red Snappers (actually she bought herself some and went home and ordered mine online).  They came to me in record speed - I think only a few days and I think I really LOVE them!!!

The official website for this loading system is:  http://quiltsonthecorner.com/home  If you are pinning your quilts on your longarm, I highly recommend you go check it out!  I heard of them when I went to quilt school a year ago...but was "too busy" stabbing myself with pins to check them out and buy them.  Everytime I stabbed myself with a pin (usually drawing blood and having to wait until it stopped bleeding to finish pinning my quilt on) - I would curse and say "I HAVE to get those Red Snappers!  I talk to my Mom on the phone a lot when I am pinning on quilts and she heard it soooo many times, she bought them for me : D.  I LOVE my MOM!!!!!

So, how to put them on...I recommend that you check out the official site and watch the youtube videos, but here is a quick tutorial on how I do it. 

First you have to take the red tubes and screw them together (so that they go the length of your leaders). Then you thread the tubes through the hem casing on your leader - like so...

Roll the bar until the red tube is on the top of your bar - see above.

Then, you need to find the center of the top and bottom of the quilt back and lay it over the back and forward bar on which you load the top and bottom of the backing fabric.  (If you don't quilt, this won't make much sense...don't worry it confuses even those of us who quilt : D). 

Line up the center (see the pin) with the center of the leaders (which should be marked).  Then, check t o make sure that there is the same about of fabric over the bar all the way down.  (You should have made sure your backing fabric is squared up by now anyway.)

Then, snap the red snappers on across the top.  I find that it is good to have them hang off the ends of the backing fabric a few inches to hold it really well.

  Next do the same with the back bar where you usually pin the top of the backing fabric...  It works best if you put the red snapper on top of the tube and press down with your palm...you will want to NOT push on the bar, but wrap your fingers around the bar and use your fingers to press your palm onto the bar to snap it on.

You can put the system on for the front bar on which you usually load the bottom of the quilt top - if you choose not to float your quilt.

Then, it is loaded.  On the website, it talks about how fast it is...it is faster for me, but I have a feeling I will get even faster...but the BIG reason I wanted it is to STOP stabbing my fingers & it is heaven for that reason.  Yay!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  : D

Then, roll it tight to get it ready to add batting and top and you're loaded.

A New Baby Blanket...

So, I was inspired to make a new baby blanket...I don't really like the exact way it came out, but I think I am on to something.  I think with a few tweaks it might be something that I can do as a pttern for others.  If you see any tweaks that are necessary please comment!  Here is the pictures...let me know.

These are Timeless Treasures fabrics.  I am not sure how I am going to quilt bit, but I think it will make all the difference.  However, I do like how the pink outside borders and the white outside borders cross eachother and bounce back up it reminds me of pong...back in the Atari days : D.

Artistic License...

In the last 2 weeks a couple of my customers have bought longarms for themselves...it takes business away from me, but I have to be so excited for them : D.  I really love what I do and have to share the info that I have gathered thus far.  I can't wait to go see their set ups and help in any way I can. 

I was talking to  one of my friends (with a new longarm) yesterday before quilt guild...she stated that it just wasn't going well and she just had to walk away.  I told her "absolutely" you just have to walk away.  As I recently put on my logo "Stitches of Love", it is true.  If your mind isn't right...if you're stressed, tired, hurting etc. your stitches will show it.  When I find that I just can't seem to get it right, I usually just have to step away. 

I find it is artistic license to step away.  It is as important as any other criteria you use for making decisions on design etc.  Unfortunately, I had that experience myself today...I worked all day on an 18" x 18" wall hanging - ugh!!!  I have less trouble with a king size 110" x 110".  However, this particular quilt I am doing custom, which means that each section will be a different design.  All the designs have to flow (look good on the part of the quilt they are on and go with the other portions as well).  I did 4 sections and then hated one of them...after picking out (taking out all the stitches) for  that section (which is no small task even for a small area : ()  Then, I had to find another pattern for that section, which I think I did, but as I was loading it onto the quilt...my machine froze - ugh!!!  So, as it was almost time to go get my little boy from daycare, I decided it was a sign that I needed to step away : D.  So, I shut it down and hopefully after a good nights sleep, I will successfully finish it tomorrow : D.

It is important to build artistic license into the promise dates as well.  It is impossible to know how much time, so I just do a little bit of time and hope for the best...if I run into more issues than expected, I let the customer know and go from there.  I never thought I would be an artist, but I think what I do could be considered art...thus requires artistic license. 

Picking Thread...

Anyone who quilts (or sews) knows that while a minute and tedious chore...picking thread is VERY important.  Usually the thread does not show, but sometimes if you press it very well the thread will show.  You have to ask yourself several questions in the process of picking the threaone is d...  I like to use taupe, tan, greys and whites for piecing, but for longarming it is a completely different thing. 

First I like to pick some threads that I like...usually based on the colors on the top of the quilt.  Sometimes I will choose two different threads one for the top and one for the bottom.  This usually creates a "whole cloth" quilt effect on the back, which I absolutely LOVE!!!  However, you have to spend a little more time getting the tension just right so that the bottom doesn't poke out on the top and vice versa. 

This morning I was picking threads for this quilt...

The threads are hard to see, but the one on the far left is black, green, orange and gold, the next one is black, the next one is red, green and gold, the next one is tan, brown and black the one on the far right is tan and the last one at the top is a shiny red, green gold and red.  I chose black because it is more traditional and this is a raffle quilt, so should appeal to the most people possible.

However, I really liked the tan...it would have really popped on the solid black backing. It would have created a 2 sided quilt as would the black, orange, green and yellow variagated thread, but they would not have looked as good on the front and that high of a contrast on the back doesn't appeal to some people. 

I is also very important pick threads based on their weight.  The thread on the top should be heavier/thicker than the one on the bottom...the weird thing is that the numbers are opposite.  60 wt is very fine (thin), the 40 wt is thicker.  So, I am using a 40wt black on the top and a 60 wt black on the back.  Sometimes the 60 wt can look a little "stingy" on the back of lighter colored backing fabrics, but with black on black it looks great!!! 

I am almost done with  it...post the finished quilt in a bit. : D.

So, I think it came out GREAT!!!  Check it out!!!