AQR Piece by Piece, Author at American Quilt Retailer

Posted on July 25, 2018 by AQR Piece by Piece

Dog Days of Summer

The dog days of summer are upon us. Friday afternoons are spent counting down the minutes and itching to leave. And Sunday scaries are even worse with coworkers taking advantage of their vacation time, knowing the week’s work load will be even more than it already is.

The weather is the best it’s going to be all year long, and yet I’m still completely uninspired.

Here are some suggestions to get through this summer slump.

Change your scene. That’s right, take a vacation and unplug, baby. Work will still be there when you get back. I know it requires some forethought but getting the heck out of dodge can help you appreciate everything you have when you return. And yes, it also stinks to come back to a pile of things to do, but to really ward off burnout make sure you take as much time as you need to come back feeling inspired and refreshed.
Read and write. As if we don’t do enough of that already. Reading anything and everything you can will broaden your knowledge, and writing it down will help you decipher those true strokes of genius when you stumble upon them in a long lost note in your phone.
Workout. Making time for the gym is definitely the hardest part about a workout (first find a routine that works for you), but making that time will make you a better boss/employee/creative/etc. in the long run. Take some time for you, let those endorphins release, and reap the benefits.
Bask in boring. That’s right, sometime our best ideas are born out of the most boring of days. That’s because our minds want and need to be stimulated. Once you think you’re going to go crazy, the creative gears start turning.

Don’t forget that it’s okay to take care of yourself, being a small business owner (and living out our dreams) requires hard work and means were constantly on the grind. If this summer is stifling your creative process, take some time to get back on track.

If you’re looking for more information to guide you in owning a retail business, subscribe to American Quilt Retailer today. Already a subscriber? No worries—join our Facebook group for insights and dialogue from industry specialists like you.

Posted on July 18, 2018 by AQR Piece by Piece

How to Grow Your Email List

Email blasts are one of the most insightful forms of digital marketing. The statistics that free sites, like MailChimp and Constant Contact, provide open up a world of ideas for how to get your ideas out there fast.

Check out these tips to learn how you can grow your email list with quality customers.

Leave a sign-up sheet. You’d be surprised how many people will leave their information when you talk about everything your email blasts have to offer. Also print off your social media timeline so clients can get a sneak peak of your awesome feed and gain more followers that way too.
Always carry your business card. Yup, this old trick really does work. Business cards provide a tangible way to recall discussions and act as a constant reminder of your business when left on a table or desk.
Organize a giveaway. The giveaway can double as a sign up drive to reach goals you’ve set for yourself on how many more people you want to add. Keep track of the data during and after the giveaway to make sure the recruits you got are still engaging with your content.
Connect through social media. Encourage people to sign up for your newsletter in the bio of your Instagram and Pinterest. Sprinkle a couple posts in your feed every now and then reminding people to sign up. And don’t forget to reverse the process; always include your social media handles in your email blasts.
Don’t give up on bounce backs. That’s right, it’s okay to be pesky. Sometimes reaching out can help troubleshoot, or provide more insight on what your customers want to see. The more you tailor your content to what your customers want, the more excited they will be when they see your notification come through.

Have other tips for what’s worked for you? We’d love to hear them! Comment or start a discussion in our Facebook page about how you’ve grown your online following.

Posted on July 13, 2018 by AQR Piece by Piece

Fox Chapel Publishing Acquires Landauer Publishing

Fox Chapel Publishing, a high-quality craft book publisher, acquired Landauer Publishing, an independent quilt-publishing company.

Landauer Publishing was founded by Jeramy Lanigan Landauer in 1991. The company has over 100 quilt and needle titles in circulation, and Landauer has served in a variety of executive positions to get her where she is today, including Funk & Wagnalls, Times Mirror Magazines, and Meredith Corporation.

The collection of authors under the Landauer name include Lynette Jensen who wrote the Thimbleberries® line and Edyita Star who is known for her quilts of both color and beauty. Quilt lovers will already be familiar with the quilt makers known as Sew Kind of Wonderful and their chart-topping book Mini Wonderful Curves. Landauer is not only a trusted brand within the quilting industry but they are also known for their books targeting beginning crafters.

Fox Chapel Publishing will maintain the Landauer website, blog, marketing, and sales initiatives. Some of the veteran members of the Landauer team will remain in their roles including Laurel Albright and Sue Voegtlin who were responsible for art direction and photography for new books. Jeramy Lanigan Landauer will also continue to work, just now under the Fox Chapel name.

As for Fox Chapel, they are known for a wide range of titles including hobbies, crafts, and lifestyle. The company focuses on top notch artisan and craft books and publish more than 1500 titles and two quarterly magazines. Other brands under the Fox Chapel name include Happy Fox Books, Quiet Fox, CompanionHouse Books, Design Originals, IMM Lifestyle Books, and Creative Homeowner.

Posted on July 11, 2018 by AQR Piece by Piece

Texas Quilt Museum’s Must-See Summer Exhibit

You’re not going to want to miss the Texas Quilt Museum’s latest exhibits that run until September 30, 2018.

A Nuestra Senora, La Virgen de Guadalupe.

The first collection, titled “Sue Garman: Traditional Masterworks,” features the works of Sue Garman, best known for her website ComeQuilt.com. For four decades, Garman shared her techniques, patterns, and advice with fellow quilters. She won many prizes and her quilts have been published in multiple books.

Not only was Garman talented in quilting, but she was gifted in math, working a lifelong career as an executive at NASA. This dedication shows in the detail and precision of her quilts. Even though Garman passed away in 2017, her two daughters remain active on the ComeQuilt.com website.

The second collection on display is “Comfort and Glory: Selections from the Briscoe Center’s Winedale Quilt Collection,” which will feature 14 quilts from the Winedale Quilt Collection, a scholarly resource at the Dolph Briscoe Center for American History at the University of Texas at Austin. All of these quilts on display along with 100 others will be available for purchase and published in Comfort and Glory: Two Centuries of American Quilts from the Briscoe Center.

Three superstars that will be on display include the Troutman Quilt by Joanne Troutman that includes improvised red and green appliqué as well as the famous “Betsy Ross of Texas” and “A Nuestra Señora, La Virgen de Guadalupe” by Beth Thomas Kennedy.

If you’re going to be in the La Grange, Texas area, you’re not going to want to miss this once-in-a-lifetime collection of some of the world’s most famous quilts. To find out about hours, addresses, and more, please visit texasquiltmuseum.org.

*Inspiration for this post came from the Texas Quilt Museum.

Posted on June 27, 2018 by AQR Piece by Piece

Fourth of July Crafts

Even though it seems like summer has just started, the Fourth of July is already here! Check out these five craft ideas you can add to your window display to celebrate the holiday of the summer.

American Flag Backdrop. Cut up strips of red, white, and combined red and white material you have in stock at your store and tie them to burlap string. Find some blue material with stars and pin to the top left corner—and there you have it, a homemade flag that doubles as a backdrop!
Handkerchief quilt. Make the quickest quilt ever with red, white, and blue handkerchiefs. You’ll need three of each color, and after a little sewing with quarter-inch seams, you’ll have a patriotic quilt hanging in your window in no time.
Cardstock wreath. Wreaths are every crafters favorite project because they’re known for being quick, easy, and cute. You’ll need red, white, and blue cardstock, and cardboard a little smaller than what you want your wreath to be. Roll the cardstock into cones, and glue them to the cardboard, stacking them on top of each other in a circle. Cover the center with a fanned piece of cardstock in the color of your choice.
Clothespin flags. Probably the most self explanatory craft, paint clothespins and glue them together so they make a miniature version of our nation’s flag.
Patriotic string lights. You’ll need red, white, and blue yarn, 5-inch balloons, petroleum jelly, and string lights. Inflate the balloons. Soak the yarn in two parts petroleum jelly to one part water. Tie the yarn to the tied end of the balloon, and wrap. Wait 48 hours. Pop the balloons and remove them from the yarn. Place balls of string over lights and voilà! Your own DIY string lights.

Don’t fret if time is short, these crafts will transform your window display so you’re ready to celebrate.

Posted on June 20, 2018 by AQR Piece by Piece

Let’s Talk Money

Money never seems to be easy. Not easy to talk about, not easy to understand, and especially not to get.

But whoever said there’s no such thing as free money never applied for a small business grant. Grants are a great way to give your business the extra financial push it needs to meet it’s next goal.

When it comes to setting yourself apart from the rest of the applicants it’s important to do your research well ahead of time. Make a list of the grants you could qualify for, their deadlines, and their requirements. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time to meet these steps, and begin to schedule a rough timeline to complete each task.

Make sure you don’t have to force justification for these grants; it will show in your materials if the fit doesn’t seem natural. And don’t forget to search for local or regional grants that may be better suited for your area’s economic needs (and thus a better fit for your business).

Next, seek professional help. Sometimes you have to spend money to make money. Or utilize resources that have experience in grants, like the Better Business Bureau or The American Association of Grant Professionals. If you have a friend with experience in the professional writing world or with a stellar set of skills and experience in editing, then you’ve hit the jackpot if they’re willing to give you help for free.

Often times these grants can seem like a pipe dream, but it doesn’t hurt to try. And with most things, persistence pays off. If you don’t get it in year one, try again. With each year you apply, the more the committee will recognize your effort and the less daunting the process will seem.

Posted on June 13, 2018 by AQR Piece by Piece

Sewing Machine Day is June 13

I’m not sure if many realize but today is a holiday that us creatives can all get behind… National Sewing Machine Day that is!

Believe it or not, there is a day devoted to one of our favorite tools, and that just so happens to be June 13.

In honor of Sewing Machine Day, I thought I’d take a moment to appreciate both its history and the best machines on the market today.

The sewing machine was invented in 1829 by Barthélemy Thimonnier and revolutionized the textile industry into what we know it as today.

Below are the top five best machines on the market (for a review on a variety of machines based on skill check out this article):

Brother Computerized Sewing and Quilting Machine. This machine is best for all skill levels and blows its competitors off the charts with the amount of options it provides, including 130 different stitches and 8 different buttonholes. This isn’t the cheapest model, but you get your money’s worth.
Singer Heavy Duty Extra-High Sewing Machine. A light weight option for beginning to mid-level skills. Versatile stitch options and non-computerized.
Michley Desktop Sewing Machine. A machine most definitely for beginners; although it has it’s flaws (like no threading assistance) it is a low priced option for learning the trade.
Janome Sewing Machine. This straightforward machine is good for both quilting and sewing. A bit on the pricier side, the plethora of stitching options makes the price worth it. Note the built-in stitches are non-adjustable.
Nex Free-Arm Crafting Mending Machine. Yet another tool for beginners, its durable and compact features make it great for teaching, especially if you’re going to travel. Of course, this causes some minor inconveniences like the knot threading and the foot jamming. Includes 12 different built-in stitches.

Take some time this holiday to not only enjoy your craft, but appreciate the advancements that have made it possible.

Posted on June 6, 2018 by AQR Piece by Piece

Spring Market Recap

Every year, people come from around the world to attend the International Quilt Market and promote their craft through hands-on and visual demonstrations.

I’m sure many of you kept up with American Quilt Retailer’s journey to Portland for the Spring International Quilt Market—but if you didn’t, here is what you missed.

American Quilt Retailer Editor Heidi Kaisand was tasked by her son to bring food back from each state, and although the feat wasn’t easy, you can bet Heidi went above and beyond.

Llamas continue to be a hit, as seen by the abundance of craft displays at market. Another craft tip included putting wool applique in picture frames if you don’t have enough time for a quilt.

Other trends included batiks (yay!) and tertiary colors, otherwise known as colors hyphenated on the wheel, such as red-orange, yellow-green, and red-violet.

People got creative with certain themes, like wanderlust, through travel-inspired crafts, as well as mythology which turned out to be too cute for kids. Another trend moving into the craft world is farmhouse living through home decor.

As always, quilt market provides an opportunity to meet with industry celebrities (through events hosted by companies like Moda) and provide a laid back atmosphere to find out what they’re up to. These conversations allow you to hear their stories, how they started, and what products they like.

Check out more from market through AQR’s social media posts using the hashtag #8statesin8days, or download the free digital copy of the more sights and sounds.

Posted on May 30, 2018 by AQR Piece by Piece

“In the MKNG” Joins Bethel Woods Center Lineup

A new festival called “In the MKNG,” (think of the term in the making) joins the Bethel Woods Center festival lineup.

“In the MKNG” will take place September 29-30 in the notorious Hudson Valley at the same site that Woodstock happened so many decades ago. Although the inaugural festival is not expecting as many attendees, the festival nods to the same principles that once attracted so many visitors.

The festival will showcase DIY, creativity, and imagination and is hosted by the creative giant AFCI, or the Association for Creative Industries. The festival will include live music, food trucks, demonstrations, workshops, and more.

Research has shown that the demographic of those who refer to themselves as creatives is not subject to a single group. Rather, the type of creator is as diverse as the word itself. “In the MKNG” was started as an event for the creative universe to provide inspiration and education for them all.

Bethel Woods strategic location places it just two and a half hours from New York City and three hours from Philadelphia, attracting some of the nations largest creative populations.

Bethel Woods Center for the Arts is a non-profit who’s mission is to “inspire, educate, and empower individuals through the arts and humanities.” They accomplish this mission on their 800-acre Hudson Valley campus that was once the same location as the historic Woodstock festival.

The campus also includes an amphitheater and a year long list of festivals that inspire creativity across generations and demographics. The non-profit also makes it a goal to preserve the historic site and inspire future generations to also positively contribute to the world around them.

If you’re looking to become a vendor for the 10,000 plus attendees, apply at www.inthemkng.com, or email sales@inthemkng.com.

Posted on May 23, 2018 by AQR Piece by Piece

Crisis Planning

If you’re a business owner, you have probably already experienced a crisis. If you haven’t then great! It’s just a matter of time until you do.

There are a variety of crises that businesses should plan for; the first of which are the obvious—natural disasters. Set up a plan and make sure your employees know the protocol for storms, fires, etc.

There are some crises that happen out of the blue, and that’s okay. How you respond is what matters.

First take responsibility. As soon as you can do that, you can begin to get ahead of the game by responding to whatever happened. This response can come in a variety of forms. In the case of United Airlines, you could refund the customer. And in some cases you can issue a public apology.

Speaking of which, you should definitely apologize. And along with the apology, practice empathy. Put yourself in the shoes of whoever was affected and ask yourself what you would want to feel better. Don’t worry about the cost, because every crisis costs money, but the quicker you can respond to the crisis the less it will cost you and your business in the long run.

The time right after a crisis means everyone should be extra cautious. Monitor your social media like you never have before, listen to your team on what ideas they have to get you back on track, but avoid knee-jerk reactions. Your company’s brand is at stake but chances are your employees want things to get back to normal as much as you do.

Crisis communication isn’t easy but it is something you’re going to embrace at some point in your career. And the best way to embrace a crisis is to just be ready.