Last year about this time, hundreds of quilters descended upon Chicago for the Sew Pro Convention. The convention was unique because it was about being a professional in the sewing industry. You can read my initial recap here.
So what have I done with all I learned in the past year?
- I have a logo and a brand: Powered by Quilting
- I'm officially registered as a small business through the Minnesota State Department.
- I have 3 patterns for sale on Etsy, Craftsy, and Payhip! (most recent, Circular Illusion, has introductory pricing until the end of the month).
- I have participated in several blog hops (See the buttons on the right side bar on PC or at the end of the page on mobile). The most recent is Making Connections Blog Hop - giveaway ends at the end of today!
- I am a designer for the I Wish You A Merry QAL (my block was released this past Tuesday).
- Last but not least, I've made lots of quilting friends!
Without Sew Pro, I would not have gotten the inspiration and the motivation to really push for publishing patterns and creating a brand for myself. I have a long way to go, but I definitely feel like I'm off to a good start!
What are my future plans?
- I have 2 more patterns in the works to release by the end of this year (fingers crossed!)
- I will be transitioning into making paper patterns in addition to the PDF offering.
- I want to create my own QAL - I have an idea for the spring, but I am starting to doubt my ability to finish it myself prior to the end of the year. So this may be postponed until the following year.
- I will be attending Spring Quilt Market in Portland.
- I want to create more tutorials for the quilting community.
Questions for my awesome readers:
- Paper versus PDF Patterns - what is your preference and why?
- What tips or techniques do you have trouble with and would love to see a tutorial for?
- Hosting or participating in a spring/summer QAL, would you be interested?
Thank you to everyone I've met along the way and all my readers. I definitely could not have done it without everyone. I am always blown away with how amazing and supportive the quilting community is! Sending you all lots of love!!!
Now that I'm back home for at least a little bit, I can get back to creating!
9/15-9/22 Weekly Goal:
Available time for quilting:
Saturday, Sunday, and Monday PM
Projects I want to work on:
PBQ104
PBQ105
PBQ106
Long Time Gone BOM
Goals for the Projects:
PBQ104: Finish writing pattern for testers
PBQ105: Cut fabric for sample and begin sewing! (I got some sample spree of Voyage by Kate Spain! I can't wait till this is done!)
PBQ106: Use as my ender/leader for my other sewing.
Long Time Gone BOM: Finish Month 3 blocks!