I made an Easter version of my Chick and Egg Reversible Toy. This patterned fleece looks just like a decorated Easter egg. And when you flip it inside out… So fun! I had to make him a sister. I sewed both of these in an afternoon. They’re not hard even if sewing with fleece is…
Archives for February 2016
A Pinterest Traffic Experiment
I love Pinterest, but I didn’t always love it. When Pinterest first launched in the spring of 2010 I opened an account, but didn’t use it. I didn’t get it. I understood that it was a virtual bulletin board and I could see the value in collecting inspiring images for future projects, but I didn’t…
Report from Midwest Craftcon
I’m writing this on the plane on the way home from the inaugural Midwest Craftcon in Columbus, Ohio. I flew from Boston to Columbus on Friday and Grace Dobush, one of the three event organizers, picked me up from the airport. It was terrific to meet Grace. Last February we spoke on the phone when…
Craft News This Week
Glimpse of my new studio bookshelf! I’m an avid follower of craft and sewing news. Sometimes people look at me like I’m crazy when I say that there is even such a thing as craft and sewing news, but of course there’s news in every industry. Here’s some of what’s going on this week: “My…
Podcast Episode #67: Etsy Wholesale
On today’s episode of the While She Naps podcast we’re talking about Etsy Wholesale, with my guests Dana Mauriello and Rachel Greenwald. Dana is currently the Director of Seller Category Growth at Etsy where she is responsible for managing Etsy’s Wholesale business. Rachel is the Seller Growth Lead for Etsy Wholesale. She manages programs that…
Unusually Good Books for Creative Entrepreneurs
I don’t read a lot of fiction. I prefer real life stories and recently I’ve read several non-fiction books that appeal to the creative entrepreneur in me. From reading, I learned that effective entrepreneurship often requires a strong foundation in critical skills such as problem-solving, creativity, and adaptability. I was also given the chance to…
Studio Update
Photo by Lisa Neighbors. I’ve got lots of interesting things going on so I figured it’s time for a studio update. 1. This week I’m getting ready for Midwest Craft Con which will take place February 19-21 in Columbus, Ohio. I’m the keynote speaker on Friday night. On Saturday I’m on a panel about the…
A Doll Quilt
I just finished this hexie doll quilt. I continue to love English Paper Piecing because it’s all done by hand which means it’s totally portable. I sewed this while watching my kids play on the weekends and while relaxing in the evenings. I took it along on a car ride to Connecticut a few weeks…
Quilts, Inc. Raises Rates for Quilt Festival Teachers for the First Time In At Least 17 Years
Quilts, Inc. informed its current faculty today that it will raise teacher pay rates by 33%, the first pay raise for teachers at International Quilt Festival (IQF) since at least 1998. A letter sent to teachers and parts of a US gambling apps list this morning from Judy Murrah, Vice President of Education and Administration…
Podcast Episode #66: Jennifer Keltner, Publisher and Chief Visionary Officer, Martingale
On today’s episode of the While She Naps podcast we’re talking about craft publishing with my guest, Jennifer Keltner. Jennifer is the publisher and chief visionary officer at Martingale, a leading craft publisher. Many well-known sewing pattern designers have books out with Martingale including Sara Lawson, Pat Sloan, Angela Walters, Christa Watson, Amy Smart, Vanessa…