May 26, 2009
We had a ball at Quilt Market! Pittsburgh is a lovely city! Jennifer Lokey and I rode the incline with Connie and Mary from Country Threads. It was fun if you didn’t look down (right , Mary?)! Many vendors had smaller booths, but I took this as a sign of caution, or reserve, not “trouble.” The attendance may have been a bit light, but by the last day vendors seemed happy — and this is what really counts. As always, there was so much to see. Don’t listen to anyone who said “there was nothing new.” There were all kinds of new products and looks! All weekend, everyone would ask me what I was seeing — I always have to do my “big sort” before I know. So, I’ve spent the day sorting through a suitcase of material and the results will be in the next issue of American Quilt Retailer which is scheduled to be mailed July 2. Don’t miss it!
May 14, 2009
Jennifer Lokey and I are off to Quilt Market in Pittsburgh this morning and we hope to see many of you there. I’ll try to blog while I’m gone and look for more updates next week!
May 12, 2009
Where Women Create — I love this magazine!
The third issue of Where Women Create published by Stampington & Company’s Somerset Studio and created by Jo Packham, hit the newstands on May 1. Each issue shows us the creative working spaces of 11 talented artists and designers. The first issue even gave us a peek at our own Karey Bresenhan’s home office and sewing area. The current issue features Marie Osmond on the cover with her creative space and story following inside. The features are written by the artist, each telling their unique story of why they create, how they create and where they create. It’s all very inspiring!
Running a shop, you know how important ambiance is and everyone is interested in seeing bits and pieces of other people’s lives. I think you and your customers will love reading these artists’ stories and will also be inspired by the fantastic working spaces. I suggest you stock the magazine. Seeing craft and fiber artists and their working spaces so beautifully presented, elevates our art to new heights. And — look carefully and you will most likely get all kinds of storage and display ideas for your shop.
You might also want to stock the book Where Women Create — its success started the magazine.
Along the same line — Stitchin’ Heaven owned by Deb Lutrell in Quitman, Texas is posting pictures of some of her customers’ sewing rooms on her blog. What a wonderful way to make them feel special and to show others ways to make their sewing rooms better and more complete.
And, Stitchin’ Heaven along Everything Quilts, Pine Needles Sewing Center and Quilter’s Quarters are sponsoring a $10,000 Dream Sewing Room Makeover — now this is a cool promotion! Browse around these Web sites — you may find all kinds of other ideas.
May 4, 2009
Are you on Facebook yet?
Facebook, originally a social networking site for college students, is now a popular place for adults to keep up with family, friends and business associates. Many companies are asking their employees to set up a Facebook page as it can add a personal face to your professional side.
I set up a Facebook page about a month ago (it is really easy) and have found it lots of fun! There’s a brief amount of information in my profile. I can’t decide (or remember!) my favorite books and movies — maybe I’ll add them later. You can see some of my family and pet photos, see a recent needlepoint project and learn about my favorite ice cream (which I highly recommend!).
Facebook need not take up a lot of time. This is fully under your control and you can set up privacy levels as you wish.
If you’re already on Facebook we can “officially” be friends, and now you can join our Facebook group called “Friends of American Quilt Retailer.” The new Friends of AQR is a group of retailers and other quilting industry business people interested in promoting and growing their quilting businesses. I’ll post questions and you can post comments or your own questions. Let’s get some business dialog going and keep business going!
Once you have a Facebook page and you have joined “Friends of American Quilt Retailer,” you should set up a “friends” group for your shop or business. Reach out and develop an interactive community with your customers!
May 4, 2009
American Quilt Retailer issue 87 is on the way! Our mailing house mailed the new issue late Friday afternoon so your copy should arrive this week. Need to subscribe? Click here.
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We had a ball at Quilt Market! Pittsburgh is a lovely city! Jennifer Lokey and I rode the incline with Connie and Mary from Country Threads. It was fun if you didn’t look down (right , Mary?)! Many vendors had smaller booths, but I took this as a sign of caution, or reserve, not “trouble.” The attendance may have been a bit light, but by the last day vendors seemed happy — and this is what really counts. As always, there was so much to see. Don’t listen to anyone who said “there was nothing new.” There were all kinds of new products and looks! All weekend, everyone would ask me what I was seeing — I always have to do my “big sort” before I know. So, I’ve spent the day sorting through a suitcase of material and the results will be in the next issue of American Quilt Retailer which is scheduled to be mailed July 2. Don’t miss it!
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