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 of our giving interview tips to Kay whose prototype business  supplies chef’s hats and aprons for kids.  A newspaper reporter has asked Kay for an interview; she  wondered what to expect and how to prepare.

The tips are fairly general.  So if you’re asked for an interview from a newspaper reporter or magazine columnist, you should find these very helpful.

If you’ve been interviewed, perhaps you have some other tips for quilters. 

(Interviews via e-mail for online publications are a different story, but very popular nowadays.)

Post from: Blisstree

5 Interview Tips for the Quilter/Fabric Artist

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.

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Keeping Your Quilting Area & Home Organized

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 piece.

The other day I posted about her September Morning quilt, Superb Creativity in an Autumn Quilt.

Have you created works of art with coffee and tea stained/dyed fabrics and accessories?  If you haven’t, you may want to give it a try, especially if you’re striving for an antique effect.

Post from: Blisstree

Another of Cyndi’s Lovely Art Quilts

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 trend…or discovering what we like to do best and where  we excel?

William Lehman has a good piece at Artist Hideout about Developing your own voice as an artist.  “There are different stages most artists go through,” he says.

Then William asks two questions to help you find your unique voice:

*What would you have your legacy be?

*How will your art reflect that [your legacy] from here on out?     

Interesting to think about…What do you want to leave as a legacy?  How will you want others to think of you?  Thanks, William, for giving us something to consider!

Post from: Blisstree

Developing Your Style or Voice as a Quilt Artist

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 men) are working from home nowadays, we don’t run into this mindset so much.  However, it’s still there to some extent. 

How have you handled this situation, when you’re torn between needing to meet a deadline with a quilting or fabric art project and requests on your time from friends and family ?

Post from: Blisstree

Quilting Moms (and Grandmoms) Do Work

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!

Post from: Blisstree

Something Fun for Quilters

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, and you’ll see more if you visit her Meandering Threads blog and check out her Back from Cape Cod post.

Post from: Blisstree

Prepare Now for Quilting Later

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.

Post from: Blisstree

Discovering a Wooden Quilt Kimono

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 relate how their needlework has helped them through tough times.  Also, quilting may be something they did with or for the loved one who passed away.  Even though the memories of these quilting times are bittersweet, they’re memories that sustain them.

Quilting and fabric art also can get us through stressful times.  My daughter’s intense interest in quiltmaking, evolving into art quilts, began when her husband was going through a bout with cancer.  She could take along small quilting projects to work on during those long hospital waits or during visiting time.  Quilt art has become her solace during stressful and non-stressful times.

What about you?

          This is the latest book my daughter has obtained to help her design and create art quilts.

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Quilting Helps Us Through Grief Stricken Times

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.

Post from: Blisstree

Blogging Steps into the Art & Quilting World