Telling others about our successes and accomplishments often is difficult for some of us because we come from the generation where Mother said, “Don’t toot your own horn.  People will think you’re bragging. ”

However, if you wait solely for others to discover what you’re doing, the world won’t
hear about your or your quilting.  You can share, as I call it, without seeming “pushy.”  You can announce over forums and round-ups of success stories, as well as doing the traditional promotions. 

You might participate in a “success” post, such as the one Yvonne Russell, at Grow Your Writing Business has initiated, Marvelous Mini Milestones & Super Successes – September 2007.  Yvonne has begun doing this on a monthly basis. 

(She even mentioned the guest post I wrote for Grow Your Writing Business about blog tours, Virtual Blog Tours – The Latest Innovation for Promoting Your Writing.  Thanks, Yvonne, for “tooting” my horn!  Mother would be pleased that I hadn’t blown my own.)

Of course, the successes mentioned on Yvonne’s blog relate mainly to writing and publishing success, whether it’s print or online.  However, even if you aren’t a writer, you can apply many of the techniques mentioned to your quilting.

Why don’t you share your business successes here?  We can initate a monthly report of quilting  milestones and success stories.

Post from: Blisstree

Share Your Quilting & Fabric Art Successes With Us

   She answered questions an Alzheimer’s Notes’ reader, Kathy of KnowItAlz.com, asked about obtaining books for such a venture.  Even though Yvonne specifically addresses Kathy’s question about Alzheimer’s books, the information she gives is universal for any bookstore.

So, if you’re considering this type of business, you’ll certainly want to check out Yvonne’s post, Your Specialty Home Based Alzheimer’s Bookstore – Publisher Discount Basics.

Post from: Blisstree

Tips for Acquiring Books for Your Home Based Quilting Bookstore

So…have you decided your niche might be quilt, fabric art, and related books?  Perhaps you want to operate simply a bookstore.  Or you may want to add a book nook to your quilt fabric and supply store.

The information Yvonne offers at her Home Biz Notes post gives some great information to start you thinking, researching, planning, and actually setting up a bookstore, if that seems feasible.

(Yvonne Russell is a freelance writer who blogs at Grow Your Writing Business.  She has operated and sold a number of businesses including an award winning bookstore.  She also is the director of People People, a small development and training business.)  

Post from: Blisstree

Would You Like an At-Home Quilt Bookstore?

Music while you work usually creates an uplifting atmosphere.  Do you listen to music for relaxation, to help you concentrate, drown out distracting sounds, or simply because you enjoy it?

Yvonne Russell set me thinking on this topic…music while you work, when I read her post, Whistle While You Write…7 Songs Meme, at Grow Your Writing Business blog.  Although Yvonne didn’t tag anyone for the meme, she invited readers to share their thoughts on music while working.

I prefer quiet music, relaxing music, yet something with an upbeat tempo.  There are some nostalgic songs from my youth that appeal, like The Twelfth of Never, which I listened to at the dentist’s the other day.  This resulted in a pleasant conversation about music with the dental hygenist (as much as I could talk while she worked).

I discovered Native American flute music when Jim and I visited Sedona, AZ.  Music from the Civil War era fascinates me.  I can visualize the ladies making quilts to send to the soldiers while softly singing some of these songs.  Yanni’s songs are others I find enjoyable.

My daughter has a CD of lovely quilting songs by Cathy Miller.  One of hers is One Stitch at a Time that we often play.

Think about it…  What type of music do you like to listen to when you’re working?  Or do you prefer quiet?

              I won’t tag anyone either, for a meme, but would find it interesting if you’d share the music you enjoy.

Post from: Blisstree

Do You Listen to Music While You Quilt?