whileshenaps.com

Sewing, blogging, and creative business.

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Insider Tips: How to Get Your Work Published in a Magazine

January 13, 2014

For crafters looking establish themselves as professional designers, getting published in a magazine can be a good first step toward building a professional portfolio. Designers who've been in the business for many years continue to submit work to magazines because it's a great way to get national distribution and exposure to a new audience, plus… 

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Filed Under: Getting Published, Traditional Print Publishing

Book Review: Sew Fun by Deborah Fisher

December 20, 2013

Making art is all about solving problems. How can I form this shape? Which two colors will look best here? What material should I use to make this part sturdy? If you think about it, you are facing and solving hundreds of tiny problems throughout the process of making something. Every one of us develops… 

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Filed Under: Book Reviews

Use CreateSpace to Self-Publish a Craft Book and Get National Distribution

December 5, 2013

I have a friend who’s had a long and successful career in the craft and design industry. She’s hit every marker of success: she has a fabric line, a booth at Quilt Market, teaches nationally and online, and has a huge blog following. Last week she turned in the manuscript for her fourth book. And… 

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Filed Under: Getting Published, Self-Publishing

Gift Guide: Craft Books 2013

November 27, 2013

I love books, and I especially love a good craft book. This year I've reviewed a number of new releases and any one of them would make a terrific holiday gift for a creative person in your life (or for yourself!). Here's my 2013 craft book holiday gift guide! I Just Like to Make Things,… 

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Filed Under: Book Reviews

Book Review: Creature Camp by Wendi Gratz

November 15, 2013

Designer and sewing teacher Wendi Gratz has a new book out with Stash Books called Creature Camp: 18 Softies to Draw, Sew & Stuff. Wendi is known for her clear easy-to-follow sewing instruction. She creates videos and tutorials demonstrating sewing techniques especially designed for beginners. Wendi has also taught hundreds of kids to sew during… 

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Filed Under: Book Reviews

5 Tips for Writing an Ebook That Sells

November 12, 2013

When you write an ebook you have the opportunity to really explore a topic in depth, much more so than in a blog post or tutorial. It’s a satisfyingly fast way to get your ideas out into the world, and you retain complete control over every aspect of the content. Writing an ebook is a… 

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Filed Under: Self-Publishing

Insider's Guide

The Insider’s Guide to Starting an Online Sewing Pattern Business

November 8, 2013

I love to sew. I used to dream about building a business that allowed me to sew every single day. For years, I worked in my studio sewing handmade soft toys and sold them at craft fairs and online. I made a little money – enough to cover expenses and have a little left over… 

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Filed Under: Patterns

Forging a New Path in Craft Book Publishing: Introducing Lucky Spool

November 6, 2013

Signing the contract to publish a book is one of the most thrilling, and overwhelming, moments in any designer’s professional life. You know it’ll be a lot of work, but you can already imagine the day when you walk into the bookstore and there’s your beautiful book sitting on the shelf. You’ll glow with pride… 

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Filed Under: Getting Published, Traditional Print Publishing

Book Review: Sewing Tales to Stitch and Love by Kerry Goulder

November 4, 2013

Sewing Tales to Stitch and Love, by Kerry Goulder, is a new project book with 18 softie sewing patterns. Kerry lives in Southern Maine and is a mom to two girls. Before writing this book designed five patterns for Anna Griffin, a well-known brand of stationary, home, and gift products. Kerry also sold her handmade… 

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Filed Under: Book Reviews

Book Review: Sew & Stitch Embroidery by Alyssa Thomas

October 10, 2013

It's rare to find a craft book now that contains projects I haven't already seen somewhere else. We're so surrounded now with projects and tutorials that it's easy to feel like everything has already been done. Every now and then, though, I come across a book that's truly new. Sew & Stitch Embroidery by Alyssa… 

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Filed Under: Book Reviews

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Welcome! I'm Abby Glassenberg and I'm glad you're here. While She Naps is a blog about designing and sewing stuffed animals and running a creative business.
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