Don’t think you’ll ever be interviewed?  Never say “Never!”
When I was a reporter for our local newspaper and a writer for quilting magazines, I interviewed quite a few quilters, both those who weren’t widely known and others who were   Do don’t be surprised if what you’re doing is of interest to a reporter somewhere.
The next question…“What do I do if someone wants to interview me?”
You’ll find 5 great tips at the b5media Business Channel’s Home Biz Notes (5 Top Tips for Newspaper Interviews) with further expansion at Pimp Your Work (Top 5 Interview Tips). 
Part 3 of the Business Channel’s “Apprentice” type challenge consisted …read more

One of my biggest challenges in our multi-generational home is keeping organized for my writing, sewing, fabric art, scrapbooking and many projects.  My daughter, also a fabric artist, has her nook that she tries to keep from getting too cluttered.
However, I’ve found some really neat ideas at The Domestic Diva’s Disasters‘ post, Sew Very Organized. There you’ll find a great collection of ideas for all kinds of organization.  This also is an interesting site to browse around for organizational ideas.

Cyndi’s art quilts continue to entrall me.  (I must take time in my busy days to try some of her techniques with my scraps.)  Over at Layers Upon Layers, Cyndi has two posts you’ll want to check out. 
Making an Art Quilt compares techniques used in two similar quilts.  A technique she used in the beige colored piece consisted of staining with coffee.  (My daughter has used tea to dye some of her fabrics, lace, and other accessories.  I don’t think she’s tried it with coffee.)
Making a Monochromatic Art Quilt with the coffee stained pieces results in a lovely antique type …read more

   Do you find your quilting style changing as you become more involved in this art?  For instance, I started out making traditional quilts using the patterns handed down throughout the years.  More recently, I’ve been drawn to art quilting and smaller pieces.  I haven’t made a bed quilt for years.
My daughter has done the same.  Beth made her first quilt for her bed at college.  Her work now involves art quilting and fiber art.  (Actually, my venturing into art quilting resulted after seeing what Beth does.  See examples at her Meandering Threads blog.)
Are we finding our style or voice?  Are we following a …read more

               Do you find family and friends wonder why you do all that quilting?  Also, if you do this as an at-home business, do they think you don’t really work?  They consider you available for errands, volunteering, taking care of other family members and pets so think you have all this free time that’s at their disposal.
Quilting moms (and grandmoms) do work.  Bridget Wright, at the new b5media blog, Biz Chicks Rule, addresses this topic, Really, Really, I DO Really Work!  I’ve also discussed, at Home Biz Notes, how work at home moms can feel and look professional.
Since more and more women (and …read more

Do you need something light and fun and cheerful for your day?  It doesn’t have anything to do with quilting or fabric art, except that it might inspire you in designing.  However, sometimes we need something to give us an uplift and inspiration.
When I read Jennifer’s post, 32 Little Green Babies,  at Tree Hugging Family,  a new b5media blog, I thought I simply must share it.  Then I shared, in the comments section, about my family rescuing baby ducklings.  (That might make a duckling inspired wall hanging!)
                                    ENJOY!

The upcoming issue of Quilting Arts Magazine mentions working on your quilting and fabric arts projects by doing your designing from the items around you.  If you don’t have the inspiration or inclination to make the actual projects this summer, you can sketch, take photos, gather objects, and receive inspiration that you’ll later use in the creative process.
My daughter Beth does this all the time.  From her collections and photos, she receives inspiration for her art work.  Recently on a vacation to Cape Cod, she took numerous photos that soon will find their way into her fabric art and quilting.
Here is one, …read more

As I was browsing around various blogs containing quilting references, I discovered Jafabrit’s Art and her spectacular Wooden Quilt Kimono.  A coat of many colors!
I haven’t learned yet just how Jafabrit has constructed it.  However, I clicked on the photo and got a close up showing the stitching between the pieces.  This reminded me somewhat of crazy quilt construction.

Throughout the ages, needlework has sustained women (and sometimes men) as they work their way through grief…loss of a person close to them, a pet, a job, a home, or relocation to an area where they know no one.  (At a grief seminar, I learned there are many types of grief, other than that of losing a person in our life.)
Needlework also has comforted women during war time, as they made quilts and other items (nowadays even fabric postcards) for those far from home on the battlefront.
I recently discovered a site, Real Women Quilt, with a page, Quilting through Grief, where quilters …read more

Heather Goldsmith, at A Creative Journal, alerted me to a new magazine, Artful Blogging, published by Stampington & Company that combines blogging and the art world.  Blogging has become THE method to get word out there about what you’re doing.
So we’re finding that quilters, fabric artists, and quilting writers, along with others in the arts and crafts world are joining in.  If you don’t, it appears you’ll be left behind.