Love Is Quilt

This is my first attempt at quilting in 15 years. Back then I made a simple square patch quilt in various shades of blue. I used the machine to sew pieces together but hand quilted around every block, did I mention the blocks were 4" square and the quilt was almost single bed size 8^)
I made it for my youngest son and quilted his name across the top. It was a crude attempt at quilting but believe it or not my son still has and uses that same quilt. Although he is 15 and his 5'10" frame sticks out both ends he has no inclination to trade it for anything else.
Now back to this quilt top. I got the free block pattern from Paula at http://pacificpatchwork.typepad.com/ Also check out on the right side of her page under "Check Out These Pages" her Free Seasons Sew-A-Long and Block Party Club.
I have chosen for this piece to put some of my chosen background fabric between the squares.
I have this piece laying out on display in my store. So many people are amazed when they find out the embroidery is done by end. Gives me a warm fuzzy feeling receiving their compliments.
I have been asked what I'm going to do with it when I'm done. I say the same as with all my creations I won't know until it's done
Take Care,
Robyn

First Paying Job

Here is a picture of my first paying bead job. This is done on the sides of a pair of pants near the cuff.
The double petal sequin flowers have a pearl in the center. Placement of the flowers was measured so it would be matching on both sides. The vine was done freeform just following where the beads led me.
The owner was very happy with the results and showed her appreciation by paying me extra. Gotta love customers like that!

New Passion

Recently I discovered a new passion, bead embroidery. My first project was to embroider a peacock on the front leg of a pair of my own capri pants. I'm quite pleased with the results.
This whole new passion came about quite by chance. I'd never thought about beading on clothes until about 3 weeks ago. The seamstress in the same building I have my store in had a customer who wanted pants hemmed and then beaded on the sides like all her others. My seamstress friend doesn't really have the time for all that beading so we began a search for alternatives. That got my creative wheels cranking over time and the rest is history.

Oh My!!

My goodness I can't believe it's been over a year since I posted anything. Actually forgot about even starting this blog. I'm going to try and post more regularly this year, fingers crossed.

From Crafter to Craft Store Owner

My journey to being a self-employed craft store owner has had many twists & turns.

I spent many years doing crafts for my own & others enjoyment. I taught myself to crochet 25 years ago because I wanted to make a blanket & hat for my soon to be born 1st child. From a simple blanket & hat I blossomed into doilies, ornaments, afghans, picture afghans, dolls, stuffed animals and the list goes on. During those years I taught myself plastic canvas, counted cross stitch, a little cake decorating and a few other crafts. Some of these I still do, some not. Two years ago I took up wire work to make jewelry and then bead work.

I opened my first store to mainly sell the jewelry I was making along with beads and beading supplies. Soon I was getting approached by people asking for other craft items. I resisted getting into a full fledged craft business for awhile. After some thinking & lots of discussion with my partner we decided to go for it.

We live in a small town/city and one thing it doesn't have is a craft store. Some might think, Aha I have a captive market so I can charge what I want. But my philosophy, be it right or wrong, is to make a profit (something every business wants) but not gouge my customers. Being a frugal (cheap) shopper myself I try to price according to what I would pay for an item. So far this formula has worked. I'm happy and more importantly my customers are happy. I have been fortunate to receive comments of "You're cheaper than Michael's & Walmart" on many of my items from many people.

I also offer a service many places don't, it's actually a motto for my store and in my advertising. "If we don't have it, we'll do our best to get it!" I let people browse through my supplier catalogues and order in exactly what they want. This has brought me many a happy customer, better yet, many referrals. Offering this type of service can, of course, backfire if people don't come in for their order. Luckily this has happened only once and with something that was easy to sell to someone else.
So as my journey continues, as I know all journey's must if you want to learn, I look forward to meeting many new people, expanding the relationships with current customers and just having fun.
Until Next Time
Manitoba Mom