It's Official. I'm Getting Published!

I'm so excited! I have been working on my sewing creations for my Etsy store for some time now. My goal still is 100 items.
I'm working on it pretty steadily.
I'm having a blast creating. I get side tracked so easily. But it always comes out well.

This is one of my favorites. It fits me of course. But I won't make any money putting stuff in my closet.

So back to the getting noticed thing.
I got my courage up and submitted an upcycled red jacket and skirt outfit to Altered Couture Magazine.  Lo and behold within a day after I sent it off, I got an email from the assistant managing editor asking about another dress on my Etsy store.
They hadn't even gotten my package yet!

I guess it was meant to be. I got the "official" email letting me know two of my creations were chosen for a future issue. I'm thinking February. Plus, they still have the red outfit and I sent them another hoping for another submission the future. We will see. Fingers crossed!

Oh, and I get to write two 600 to 700 word articles for the submissions... yea!! (said in a weak voice). I didn't know there would be homework!

I feel like I have finally found my "thing".

Something I love to do everyday. I dream about sewing these outfits. Crazy huh?
I'm working on getting noticed by potential customers.

 Etsy has many areas to get great help. Forums for questions and groups to join for support and education.

I have been reading a bit of unhappiness with the new seller rules. Etsy now allows sellers to have other people make their products. I don't think it will take long for sellers who are actually manufacturers to show up. I have seen them already. It isn't too hard to find them.

However, I see Etsy as a simple avenue for selling to my customers and giving them a place to find me.

I realize I need to be proactive in attracting customers.
Opening a store, adding products and waiting for the sales to roll in just isn't going to happen.
 It takes work!
Sending submissions to magazines is pretty scary. But it is necessary to market myself. No one else is going to do it for me.

I learn new things everyday in both my sewing and marketing. But for now, I'm enjoying the process.

Until next time....

Kids Sewing Camp

   

Teaching kids to sew is an adventure! For the last few years I have taught a few kids sewing classes during the summer. I always forget to take pictures and show how creative kids can be. Here is my group from this year. The quilt is a strip "quilt as you go" quilt. It is great for kids that are familiar with their machines and the ability to sew a straight line is a must. We did have a few dates with the seam ripper I'm afraid.
I also feel this needs to be a 5 day class. We just can't get everything done in 4 days. The class was 3 hours long and trust me, that is enough for them. They really wear out after 3 hours.
The class was taught at Hood River Sewing and Vacuum in Hood River, Oregon. If you need a new sewing machine or vacuum... this is the place!
Here are my students from this year with their wonderful quilts.















      

You need:
Main quilt fabrics: Eight fabrics 1/4 yard each
Binding: 1/2 yard
Backing: 1 2/3 yard
Batting: I use Warm and Natural crib size because you can leave up to ten inches unquilted. This is very important! We leave about 5 inches unquilted.
505 Basting spray and some newspaper to protect from the spray.
Basic sewing supplies: pins, thread, hand sewing needle and thimble for sewing the binding.

Lay out the batting on a large flat surface. Preferably on something larger than the batting.  Line the batting around the edges with newspaper so the spray won't get on the floor or table.
Lay the backing on top of the batting, right side up. If you have help this goes a little easier. Fold back the backing fabric about half way. Spray the batting with the 505 basting spray and gently lay the backing back down. Use your hand to smooth it as you lay it down. If you get a wrinkle, you can lift it back up and try again. Repeat on the other side of the batting.
Cut each 1/4 yard of fabric in one of four different widths. One strip cut a 4" and 5" strip. Another cut 3" and a 6" strip. Cut from salvage to salvage and leave the salvages on. You will trim the quilt when you are done.
Starting in the center of the quilt. Lay one strip face up. Lay another strip face down matching raw edges and pin. Sew from one side to the other all the way through the strips, batting and backing. Fold back the strip and smooth flat. Lay another strip face down matching raw edges and pin. Repeat until you get to the edge. Go back to the center strip and repeat to the other end of the quilt. Trim the quilt at the shortest strip.
Cut six binding strips 2 1/4" wide and bind your quilt.

Have Fun!