The Gender Discussion
In the last couple months, we've seen gender in quilting discussed in several places, and after following the conversations I feel a need to add my voice. I'll attempt to pull some threads together for [...]
Judge and Jury
It occurs to me that offering a quick definition of judging vs jurying (in the arts and crafts) might be helpful! Judging: A set of rules or criteria are set out, and the works are [...]
Rejected from QuiltCon
Rejected. I've been told I shouldn't use such a harsh word on myself, but it certainly is a clear statement of facts: I offered one of my quilts to QuiltCon, and it was not accepted [...]
Ten Quilty Hopes for 2016
I'm not usually one for resolutions - I prefer to build habits when I notice I need them. Nor am I one for "my word of the year" choices - there are so many luscious [...]
WASWI – How you use your time
A friend messaged over the weekend, asking for help to price a commission. We went over the costs of materials, and the time it might take to make. Yes, it does come down to time [...]
I Sew
"I Sew." You're probably thinking, "Yep, so do I." But, believe it or not, what we do isn't ordinary. It's a TALENT. Fifty years ago it was rare to find a woman who didn't sew, [...]
WASWI – Saying NO (or more Snappy Comebacks)
Recently, Karri G wrote with this question: "What do you say when someone wants you to make them a copy of a pattern without sounding holy than thou?" First of all, can I just say [...]
WASWI – Legs of the same table
We need each other. Every person, in every role in the quilting industry, whether it's on the buying side or the selling side, from the CEO to the fledgling sewist, is necessary. Absolutely necessary. Every [...]
The Joy of a Slow Project
I'm capable of working quite quickly, fast enough that my friends invented a hashtag for it, #sewingatthespeedofsam. Yes, I get through a lot of projects - remember, I design and sew for a living! - [...]
WASWI: “But I don’t need the money”
It's exciting to see the topic of selling handcrafted items for decent money rise up in the consciousness of our industry. I believe that the more we talk about it, the better it will be for [...]