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 future of handmade in the morning and I’m teaching a class on email marketing in the afternoon. Right now I’m making slides and writing talking points and practicing.
I haven’t been to Columbus since my brother graduated from the Columbus School of Law in the late 1990s so I’m excited to see what it’s like. I’m also looking forward to connecting in person with people I’ve followed online for years including Grace Dobush, Kate McKean, and Shannon Okey among others. Are you coming? I’d love to meet you (tickets here).
2. Last week I signed the contract to be the editor of the next edition of Crafter’s Market. I’ll be commissioning 15 articles about topics related to craft business, plus writing my own introductory piece. It’s an interesting project (I’ve never been the editor of a book) and I’m looking forward to working on it. The manuscript is due April 1.
I wanted to share how this opportunity came about because I think it speaks to something I believe in strongly and talk about often: do what you love as though it were your job and it will become your job.
Out of the blue a few weeks ago I got the following email from the editorial director at Interweave:
Hey Abby,
I hope this email finds you well and enjoying winter!
I’m about to start the curation of craft business articles for the next edition of Crafter’s Market and wanted to reach out with a unique proposition. As I began to brainstorm new article ideas and potential contributors, I had this nagging thought that I might not be the best person to curate this collection this time around. I certainly have ideas for articles, but I really think this is a book that would benefit from a fresh perspective. So, I’m wondering if you might be interested in acting as the author/curating editor of this next edition? …Each week I look forward to your newsletter and the valuable articles it contains. Each time I read it I think, “she should be working on Crafter’s Market!” If you could let me know your interest either way, I’d greatly appreciate it.
Writing a weekly newsletter about what’s happening in the craft and home sewing industry and sending it every single Wednesday for over two years as though it was my job has led to me having a job.
3. Craft Industry Alliance now has 715 members including whole publishing houses, the leadership and staff at major craft businesses, amazing designers, writers, and shop owners from around the world, and pro bloggers in the craft space. Kristin Link (from Sew Mama Sew) and I co-founded this new trade organization which launched in mid-October and it’s incredibly satisfying work.
Next week we’ll hold our third webinar for members – Todd Gibson from Oliver + S will lead a workshop on strategic planning for your business.
We’ve published nine issues of our digital journal, each one featuring professionally written articles about topics relevant to craft businesses as well as a downloadable resource. Jaime Jennings from Fancy Tiger wrote about diversifying your business, Melanie Falick explained why she feels it’s still worthwhile to write a craft book, I interviewed the acquisitions editors at the major online class platforms to find out how to successfully pitch a class, and so much more.
Really helpful discussions are taking place in the forums and people are connecting with one another and working together on new projects. Join us!
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I have other projects going, but these are the big ones right now.
I saw this quote on Pinterest today and I think it’s a good one to think about. The more you do, the more people you get to know, and the more things begin to happen.
Wow! That is the teacher in you… getting things done and doing them with passion. Best of luck with all of your new and exciting ventures.!!
Congrats on your editor project!!
Congratulations on the editor position! That’s very exciting! I, too, look forward to your email newsletter each week and I know you’ll do a fantastic job!
Thank you! I’m excited about it.
Congrats – well deserved!
Congratulations. I’ve read your blog for years and admire all your accomplishments. You’ve definitely carved your own path and it is very generous that you share your story with all of us.
Thanks for being a longtime reader, Joyce. I so appreciate your support.
Well done indeed. Good to see your hard work paying off. I’m sure you will do an excellent job.
I like your final quote. I was offered a job of sorts by an acquaintance I have a difficult relationship with. In effect he would have been my boss. I needed the work but refused it as being an untenable situation to work with him. At first I had been excited about the job. I later explained to my daughter why I had turned it down (no regrets, I feel I did the right thing). I was bewailing the fact that my ‘good luck’ had not been all that I first took it to be. My daughter told me that if I knew more people and had more contacts, I would not have felt like that, because it would have broadened out my horizons and the offer might well have come from one of those instead. It gave me food for thought.
Thanks for everything you are doing! The information and opportunities being shared at “While She Naps” as well as the CIA are amazing!
Yay! Thank you.
Wow, Abby! Congratulations. You are so busy and things appear to be falling right in place for you. I love following along to se all that you are involved in. It’s very exciting.
Thanks, Robyn. It is definitely busy and sometimes does not feel like it’s all falling into place, but every day is interesting for sure.
I am going to be at Midwest Craft Con and I am really looking forward to meeting you! I heard about the conference while listening to one of your podcasts. 🙂 Can’t wait!
That’s terrific, Erika! I’m looking forward to meeting you, too!
Congratulations on the new and exciting opportunity! You inspire me!
It’s so amazing to watch you grow, Abby. I admire your willingness to dive into the “political” side of the craft world and shine the light where we need it. All the best on your editorial project.
It’s not sewing related, but touring the James Thurber house in Columbus is a treat. I love seeing the (generally ordinary) physical spaces where creative minds got their start.
thurberhouse.org