The Patchwork Pearl

Announcing "What Happens at the Abbey" Challenge!

2012-02-28T13:06:00.000-08:00

Good afternoon Quilters! Happy end of February to you all.

I've decided to launch my first ever Quilt challenge - and I got the idea from something that I've seen pop up over and over again on blogs and on Facebook. It would appear that many of us are fans of the PBS show "Downton Abbey". The show is off the air until the end of the year, but we can enjoy it by doing something we love the most. Putting our creative talents to work on a Challenge.

Looking for inspiration? Your piece could be as simple as a Double Irish Chain or as elaborate as the costumes that the ladies wear. That's what I love about a challenge. The Challenge will last until Sept 30, 2012

I'm doing this with the idea that if we could get some of the quilts donated, we could use them as a fundraiser for PBS. I've spoken with the local affiliate here, and they would love to have some quilts with a DA theme for their online auction come winter. We will continue to have some discussions in the coming weeks. A disclaimer here is that the Fundraiser would be to support local stations here, not the nationwide network; I'm hoping that this does not discourage you from playing along. You do not have to donate to the fundraiser to participate!

The Challenge rules are simple...your piece needs to be a traditional 3 layer quilt structure, it must relate to the show in some way, and your piece should not measure more than 18" per side when completed.

Please (when submitting pics of your piece) provide a brief description of how your piece relates to the show. If you'd like to donate to the fundraiser, please leave me a comment and we'll get more information about it.

I'm actively soliciting sponsors and prizes, but for now this is enough to get started. Let me know what you think, and if you'll be playing along.

I'll be putting up a page on my website with information about the Downton Abbey Challenge, and there is an event on Facebook that's marked as The Patchwork Pearl's Downton Abbey Challenge.

Happy February 13th....We have a GiveAway Winner...

2012-02-13T17:55:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Laura of Davinia Designs...she's the winner of the DVD set Why Quilts Matter by the Kentucky Quilt Project. I hope that Laura has as much enjoyment in viewing the series as I have. Look for our next GiveAway later on this spring.

I'm pleased to announce that I am teaching a class at this spring's A Quilter's Sampler in Nashua NH the weekend of May 10-11th at the Courtyard Mariott in Nashua. The course is entitled The Online Quilter, and if you want to know the latest and greatest in the world of Online quilters - including Pinterest! - come join me on Thursday night. Here's the link to the information page for A Quilter's Sampler

And back over to the EvaPaigeQuilt Design's Drop and Give me Twenty challenge...I made a lot of progress today; I'm most likely breaking out the Jewel-It tomorrow.

Saturday night musings...and a picture

2012-02-11T18:39:00.000-08:00

So I just wanted to check in with you all, and welcome those new to the blog. I have picked up several followers, and the drawing will be held - as promised on the 13th. I know you're all working your schedules areound me this week.

There's still time to get in on it, so share this amongst your friends.

Tonight's update of the DaGMT challenge proves that if I start earlier, I get more done. Not to the standards of others working on this, but progress all the same.

Oops, sorry about the socks!

Since it's a challenge entry this is probably the last time you'll see it until it's been entered. I'm pretty safe to say that this is the first "Art" quilt I've ever done....thank heavens it's behind me. Getting dimension on this has been an experience....

Tomorrow I work on adding character to this nest... g'night all...

Progress on the Challenge...

2012-02-08T19:26:00.000-08:00

Just a note to login and say that I have finished tonight's work on the Drop and Give Me Twenty Challenge (now referred to in shorthand as DaGMT). I have learned that I am not the most productive person after 9 PM at night, but I am stubborn. Tonight's project - and I recognise that I've been jumping around a lot - is continuing to work on the other Guild's challenge, the one that involves the stuffed/Trapunto eggs. I Finished that part, and tomorrow I move onto the really scary part...the dimensional part. But for tonight, here's what I've got so far...

This is going to be interesting...so far, I've gotten far more done than I ever would have thought. Tomorrow, Machine quilting...

I found time in my day!

2012-02-06T13:55:00.000-08:00

My friend Beth Helfter at EvaPaige Quilt Designs is running an online challenge this month, the Drop and Give me Twenty Challenge. It has nothing to do with exercise, but is her (unique) way of getting us to commit to doing something every day. The challenge is to spend 20 minutes per day working on something sewing related. I can tell you that running a business, it's sometimes too easy to focus on the computer and not the fabric. I know that I need to spend more time sewing and less time computng, so I took it on.

There are days it's a bit easier said than done; literally, day 1 of the challenge saw me sitting down at the sewing machine at 10PM. That's not my best time of day to be working on something, and I don't recommend it. However, I don't throw in the towel on day 1 on anything. Voila - with the help of the alarm on my cell phone...borders put on a mini-quilt.

Today was scheduled to be an early morning out the door to another meeting kind of day, but I figured out a way around it. I created a handwork project by pre-cutting and pre-kitting something that I could bring with me. Definitely not something I do everyday, but it does go to the core of the challenge. It was probably painful for my table mates to sit and watch me try to remember how to buttonhole manually (isn't there a button on the Horizon for that?), but I persevered.

There's a lot more handwork in my future this spring - more coming later on that. You'll see more of this project later on. Tomorrow is another early AM out the door day to a computer class, so who knows?

Come back and find out

We've gained several more blog followers recently, and I'm looking at a lot of names to be entered into the GiveAway for Why Quilts Matter. To enter, like this blog - and pass it on.

Linda

Happy End of January Everyone!

2012-01-31T05:40:00.000-08:00

Well, January has turned into a clean the studio, clean the room, set some goals, organize your day better kind of month for me, how about you? Some really tangible progress to report, so here goes...

First off, the Blog GiveAway is going well, but there was an issue with the way it was being set up, so I've extended it to Feb 13th. Everyone who's already entered has a chance to share the news with Friends and Family (and Guilds) and to win the DVD. I'll announce the winner here on February 14th. To enter the GiveAway, follow or like the blog so you get my updates automatically.

The signups for the Un-Tangle Retreat at the Beachmere in Ogunquit are going really well, Sandy Steen Bartholomew and I are really excited about it. I'm going to be learning a lot, and getting to know a lot of fabulous new friends and artists along the way. If you've never tried to Tangle before, this is the time.

My website has now been mostly updated - you can see the current calendar and this blog all in one place. I'm very happy that this gives me a more cohesive look to the site, and there'll be more changes coming along the way. Can you check it out and let me know what you think of it? It's www.thepatchworkpearl.com.

How many of you have seen EvaPaige Quilt Design's February challenge, The Drop and Give me Twenty Challenge? No, it's not exercise, it's quilting - her take on what can you get done in 20 minutes a day. I signed up last week and I've been getting prepped for it since I did. Do I get credit for banking days ahead of when I can't get to them? If you want to see the details of the challenge, click on the button on the side of my blog, and see who's up to what. I committed to trying...and I've already gotten some things done. Take a look...

Note, this is my contribution to Beth's group project - and (me being me) this was actually one and a half 20 minute chunks. It did lead to a fund discovery in my stash...how many of you have every gone stash diving and found something like this - wondering why did I only buy a FQ? Fun...Fun...

Let me know how your week is going...

One Quilting Circle, January 26, 2012

2012-01-26T16:50:00.000-08:00

It may seems odd to some outside the crafts arena, but the term “Stick to your Knitting” has some profound wisdom to share in mainstream American business. The term first came to popularity as one of the core principles behind Tom Peters “In search of Excellence”.

The term references the idea that a company (or a service provider) should remain true and faithful to the principles that founded it in the first place. It seems appropriate that in January, as we set goals and plans to paper, we remember this principle.

Diversification is thought to promote stability in a difficult economy, but at some point you have to decide what your core business is, and build any secondary businesses to support that. In a quilt shop, adding a line of sewing machines would support the original mission statement – but adding a line of vacuum cleaners does not.

There comes a time when you have to decide where you’re going to focus your energies. You owe it to your customers, your employees and yourself – not necessarily in that order – to make a plan and have your day-to-day activities support that goal.

Will everything get done? No – and that’s the point. The mark of success is not cleaning the desk, or getting everything on a to do list – it’s making sure that the right things are on that list, and that it’s narrow enough in focus to allow you to be successful. You can’t be all things to all people.

Has anyone else been goal setting this month?

So have you seen Handmade Ryan Gosling?

2012-01-23T14:19:00.000-08:00

One of my goals for this year is to integrate my social networking strategy better, so that the message is more cohesive to those of you who are my customers. It's been a busy month, sometimes frustrating - and some lightbulb moments along the way. I can almost think I'm getting the hang of it. It makes sense, really...I have a diagram, a flow chart and have just about figured out how my webpage, Facebook (me), Facebook (The Patchwork Pearl), and Constant Contact (which I love!) all intersect.

I had a 'moment' last week as I was getting ready to do my first presentation to the Bedford guild here in New Hampshire - how do I tell them to keep up with me? Do I send them to Facebook for the business or to my blog (which has the information about my GiveAway on it)....wait a minute. You. didn't.enter.it.yet?

Ok - let's back up now - and this was triggered by an email by someone who has now entered it by sending me an email. I have a copy of "Why Quilts Matter" by The Kentucky Quilt Project that I'm giving away on the first of February. All you have to do is to follow the blog. If you're reading this through Facebook, like it through NetworkedBlogs; if you're reading it through google, just follow me. I'm adding you all to a good old fashioned spreadsheet to keep up.

Ok, now that you've entered it - and shared it with anyone you know who may be slightly interested in the story, I'm going to come back to my IT challenged world. And then I'm going to go play with fabric...

Linkedin is a work in progress, Powerpoint is for next month, and paypal (working with Constant Contact) is a godsend for someone who's working with 3 events in the next 60 days.

I was going to add all the buttons to this blog post, but we're talking next quarter before I figure that out...

So now I have one more to figure out - what's Tumblr? It's another blogging platform - that apparently can't be integrated into this one. So think of me while you click on this link...

http://handmaderyangosling.tumblr.com/

It's really funny - even the part about nobody entering your giveaway....

Please like this and share...I'm off to the cutting table.

The Giveaway is

more interactive), my website - which is still a UFO...I pushed through that and

. Linkedin is a work in progress, Powerpoint is not as tough as I thought it would be. You can add in paypal (and three events, thank you very much) and see why I am desperately looking for a reason/excuse to go play with fabric and sew.

Have you registered to win Why Quilts Matter?

2012-01-18T11:53:00.000-08:00

I thought I'd take some time today to promote the First Giveaway for The Patchwork Pearl, and explain why I picked it to be my first. They do say you always remember your first, right? I've been excited about this DVD set since I heard it was coming out, and I had the chance to pick up an extra copy last fall. I knew it'd come in handy.

The Kentucky Quilt Project, Inc. (KQP), a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, was founded in 1981 and created the first of the state quilt documentation projects. Why Quilts Matter gives some context to the modern quilt movement, and draws some interesting lines between the quilts and their social issues of the day.

I've always been fascinated with the place quilts have had in our social conscience, and this fresh look at the subject, done by such a reputable souce is something I'm proud to share with all of you.

To enter the Giveaway, just like the blog and become a follower. If you're using Facebook's NetworkedBlogs app, just like us. Share us two - sharing is always good. If you're not using Facebook, just like the blog and drop me a line at Linda@thepatchworkpearl.com and I'll enter you into the drawing. I'm drawing the winner on Feb 1, so there's still plenty of time to enter.

More fun on the horizon...

2012-01-16T17:42:00.000-08:00

It's been a fun weekend putting the finishing touches on my presentation for the Bedford Guild, working on two retreats, arranging an open sew for my guild, teaching my son's girlfriend to make her first quilt...and, oh yes I managed to sign up for a trip to the AQS Paducah in April - something off my bucket list!

When I opened my email box this morning, I found this waiting for me - I think Sandy Steen Bartholomew added color just for me!

So what have you been up to?

Anouncing the first retreat of the year!

2012-01-09T14:15:00.001-08:00

Un-Tangle, The Relaxing Creativity Event

The Patchwork Pearl is very proud to announce our first retreat of 2012, which features acclaimed Zentangle® author Sandy Steen Bartholomew teaching what she does best in one of the places that she loves best. We're both very excited to be going to The Beachmere Inn in Qgunquit, Maine on March 2, 3 and 4, 2012 for UN-TANGLE, The Relaxing Creativity Retreat.

Spend a relaxing weekend tangling in Ogunquit with your host, Linda Pearl, and your teacher, Sandy Bartholomew, the author and illustrator of five Zentangle® books. Bring your own creations to show off and provide inspiration to others. If you have never tangled before, no worries - Sandy will get you addicted in no time. Some of the areas which will be covered will include shading, deconstructing tangles, using transfers, simple printmaking and tangling on fabric.

After a get aquainted session on Friday evening, Saturday will be spent working on projects and trying out new ideas. Everything will be kept in a little journal along with new tangles learned, and excercises completed. All materials needed will be provided, including your choice of one of Sandy's books. We've set aside some free time for you to feed your creative soul by walking Ogunquit's beautiful Marginal Way (the cliff walk along the ocean).

Sandy will be available throughout the weekend to provide you with feedback on your tangles as well as allow you to pick her brain. She will also have a small shopping area, which will showcase some of the products she's come to know and love on her journey.

The 'almost' all-inclusive cost for this weekend is $375.00 per person/double occupancy, and $565.00 per person single occupancy. That includes 5 meals (Friday night, Breakfast and Dinner on Saturday, Breakfast and Lunch on Sunday) and Sandy's getting started kit. We've set aside some free time for you for lunch on Saturday afternoon. We suggest either walking Ogunquit's beautiful Marginal Way, which has several shops and lunch stops at either end, or perhaps taking advantage of The Beachmere's luxurious spa facilities. Lunchtime Saturday will be on your own, and we'll get back together to see the fruits of your creative lunch mid-afternoon on Saturday.

We really have a lot of fun time planned for you, so please come and enjoy a weekend playing with your creative side. Register today so that you can take advantage of Sandy's first retreat in Maine.

CLICK HERE to REGISTER!

Need more info? Questions? Contact: Linda Pearl (linda @ thepatchworkpearl.com)

One Quilting Circle, December 15, 2011

2011-12-15T06:22:00.000-08:00

Good morning...

There's lots of news queuing up here for the New Year - here are some of the highlights Beginning from now to the end of January - in an effort to jump start the readership of this blog, I'm pleased to announce our first Giveaway and our first Shout-out. No, I haven't been watching too much TV this holiday season - but I've come across something that gives new meaning to good old Customer Service. But first...

Have you heard about Why Quilts Matter - the History, Art and Politics (which has been put together by the Kentucky Quilt Project, Inc. Here's the link, which tells about the DVD http://www.whyquiltsmatter.org/welcome/. .This is something that I've heard a lot about, and I was very excited to get the actual DVD. Personal note, I think it should be in every guild library, but we'll start here.

I have 1 copy which will be given away on February 1, 2012. To enter the rafle, all you need to do is to become a blog follower. There's a button on the right hand side of my dashboard 'follow this blog'. That's all you need to do! I'll keep you posted on the progress as it grows.

Now for the Shout Out...If you've been following my blog, you know that good Customer Service is a real hot button for me; it's also a real touchstone for most customers, and an excellent way to cement a relationship with your customers. It's NOT an anonymous email sent from the Internet asking you 20 questions about the last time you had to buy labels.

Like many of you, I came up with a fantastic idea for a last minute quilt project, but I wanted the pattern about a week before I was going to work on a one day retreat. I put a question out to my guilds yahoo group to see if anyone knew where I could buy the pattern. One of my shops - The Quilted Crow out of Boxborough Mass http://www.thequiltedcrow.com/ emailed me the next day. She didn't have it, but could special order it for me and have it to me in time. Now, I love Sue and her staff a lot, and this is one example of how she's gone out of her way for her customers.

What makes this story interesting is that this was a simple $10 order - I'm one of her customers, but (because of time and distance) it's not a shop I get to often. The fact that she was willing to do this for me makes her my Shout Out for December...she's made a customer for life.

Do you have a good Customer Service story...I'd love to hear it. In the meantime, back to the machines!!!

One Quilting Circle, December 1, 2011

2011-12-01T07:03:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the One Quilting Circle blogs here at our new home on blogspot. The One Quilting Circle posts are targeted towards the quilting industry and quilting professionals; they will appear on Thursday morning. If you have a question or something that you want to see addressed, please post a comment here or email me at Linda@thepatchworkpearl.com.

If you're a shopowner who's been swimming in the tide of rising prices for cotton for the past several quarters, there may well be a change coming...finally. According to a Bloomberg report this morning, there have been a dramatic increase in production of the crop - coming from sources outside the United States at the same time that demand has been decreasing. The cost comparisons from 2010 are staggering - the raw commodity prices are on pace to decline over 35% this year alone.

So that's the good news...after having weathered the economic downturn as well as inventory costs skyrocketing, in 2012 we can hope to see a reduction in the cost of a yard of fabric. If that holds true, shopowners and designers are now faced with re-training their frugal customers to come into the shops and buy new product as they work through their existing higher priced inventory.

2012 looks to be as challenging - in a different direction - as the past couple of years. But change is good...keep repeating that.

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving....

2011-11-23T13:01:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving, and I have much to be grateful for. Our family will be together tomorrow to spend the day reliving old memories and making new ones. As I write this, I am grateful for the health and well being of those in my family...I have many friends and neighbors who are not as fortunate. It's good to take the time to stop and reflect on that today.

Sorry, the Keepsake Quilting story will appear on Monday.

Reincarnation....kind of...

2011-11-17T12:23:00.001-08:00

Hello

This is the first new blogpost using blogger; this seems to be a LOT more user friendly, which means it's going to be easier for me to post more often. Everything else in The Patchwork Pearl seems to be going through a change, it's only natural to add this to the list.

As a tease, I thought some of you might enjoy seeing how I spent an absolutely gorgeous Friday afternoon last week...checking out new locations for several new happenings for 2012. Next year is going to be very busy.

So for now, just feast your eyes on this picture - and think of a wonderful weekend away from it all...just you and your creative energies.

This Friday, I have another kind of amazing day planned, one which promises to have a lot of amazing women there to meet, greet and energize with. See you soon!

Linda