Do you have a book in you? If you think you might like to write a craft book, all sorts of questions begin to pop up in your mind. What’s the first step? How do you write a proposal? What kinds of ideas are appealing to publishers? Will you need an agent? I know…
Archives for July 2013
Book Review: Flip Dolls and Other Toys
“That’s so clever!” If you hear this remark when you show someone what you’ve made you know you’ve done it right. We are drawn to things that are designed with an element of surprise. Think about some of the evergreen toy designs, like the jack-in-the-box. No matter how old you are, you’re going to smile…
How to Build Buzz for a Product Launch: Indie Designers In Conversation
How do you generate excitement about a new product or pattern? What can you do to build buzz in advance of a product launch so that the day your product goes live customers are clamoring to your shop to get what you've got to offer? A lot goes in to orchestrating a successful product launch…
Podcast Episode #7: How to Monetize Your Blog with Bjork Ostrom of Pinch of Yum
Before we begin today’s post, take a minute to think of the name of a craft blogger whom you would identify as being financially successful. Okay, got one in mind? Imagine if that person wrote a blog post once a month in which they reported to their readers how much money they made and from…
How to Make a Fleece Rose (2 Ways)
Make these pretty roses in minutes with just a little bit of fleece and some thread. Attach them to hairclips or pinbacks for a sweet accessory, or sew them to a doll or softie. These are my two favorite ways to make fleece roses. For each of the two methods you’ll need: scissors a strip…
Podcast Episode #6: Are Handmade Toys Safe with Dawn Treacher
Ever made a gift for a child and worried that maybe it wasn’t as sturdy as it could’ve been? Maybe you’ve woken up at night wondering, “Were those seams really sewing tightly enough?” “Did I remember to double knot the embroidery floss when I stitched the eyes?” “Is that tail really securely attached?” Anyone who…
Why Isn’t There a Site Like Raverly for Sewing?
Edited: Threadbias responded to this post and I published their response here. The longer I’ve worked as an independent sewing pattern designer, the more it’s become apparent to me that those of us who sew are missing out on something amazing. We are missing out on Ravelry. Ravelry is a free site for knitters…
Emma: A Fleece Doll to Sew
I'm very excited today because the Emma the Doll pattern is officially released! Hooray! I've made more than two dozen patterns since turning in my book manuscript last year and I have to say, this one is my favorite. I knew I wanted to design a doll and started to think carefully about what kind…
New Pattern: Emma Doll
Say hello to Emma and her best friend, Emma! I’m sewing a third Emma today. My new doll pattern will be released next week and I really hope you like her. She’s fleece and entirely machine sewn so she’s not only cute and stylish, but she’s also durable and machine washable. It’s good that we…
The Benefits and Pitfalls of Inhabiting a Tiny Niche
“It’s entirely possible that you will choose a niche that’s too small. It’s much more likely you’ll shoot for something too big and become overwhelmed. When in doubt, overwhelm a small niche.” These are Seth Godin’s words, but the sentiment is repeated over and over to small business owners as sage advice for getting noticed…