As I reflect on the past year, I appreciate all of the wonderful comments and support I’ve received while putting myself out there and sharing more of my work. I’ve enjoyed giving insights into my thought process as I continue to grow my business. I recently had one of those Eureka moments when I realized – half the battle is won by simply showing up!
Yes quilting is a fun job; and yes it requires all of my free time. I revel in the successes, I sorrow in the disappointments, and I tweak my ideas constantly. A friend of mine (a former salesperson) recently said something profound to me: “9 out of 10 people may reject what you have to offer, so each time someone says no, you are that much closer to someone saying yes!” Isn’t that a great way to look at things?
I’ve realized that in my own experience, I get a lot of “successful hits” by simply trying out. Whenever I hear about a “call for entry” for a quilt show, magazine submission, teaching opportunity etc., I go for it, hoping to be selected for whatever it is I’m applying for. Most importantly – I don’t get upset or give up if it doesn’t work out. I know there will always be more opportunities, and I look forward to the next one.
I will be honest and tell you that only a few of the opportunities that have come my way have been from them seeking me. Mostly it’s the other way around, and I’m constantly keeping my eyes and ears open for any ideas that seem like a good fit for my business.
I write these soapboxes mainly as a way for me to articulate my thoughts, but secondarily to encourage those of you who have similar thoughts. I like to be a positive voice out there reminding you that with a little bit of tenacity, and a whole lot of determination, you can do anything you set your mind to!
Christa Quilts 
Thank you, Christa for this inspiration. I tend to be the ‘lurker’ on the blogs, the one who doesn’t bring anything to show and tell, the one who reads everything and does little. Fear I suppose. Fear of rejection, of not being or doing well enough. Your post is the encouragement I mean to try, to put my foot out there and take the risk. Thank you.
Correction: Your post is the encouragement I NEED to try…
What a wonderful post Christa, thank you for all that you share!
Christa, you changed my way of thinking this year, I read one of your posts on getting fabric from the manufacturers and it showed me… its always ok to ask, whats the worse that will happen – they can just say no right. So this year, I reached out for sponsors for give-aways (Gypsy Wife QAL) and a couple of fabric manufacturers to see if they would sponsor a quilt with fabric. All of my requests were successful. Without your post I would have never taken those opportunities. Thank you….Hope you have another great year and see you at quiltcon!!
Great soapbox. You encourage so many and what you are doing works well for you. Best wishes in 2015. Anne
I’ve really enjoyed keeping up with your work and opinions this year. Thank you for sharing. It takes a lot of courage to put yourself out there, but by and large I’ve found the quilting community to be very supportive. I can’t wait to see what you do in 2015!
Thanks Christa! I love all your posts.
I love to hear your thoughts. It’s motivating and encouraging. Showing up truly is a big part. So looking forward to 2015 and moving forwards with my quilting ideas.
Lovely positive way to round off one year and start the next.
I love reading about your experiences! Maybe…..someday……..I will get a bit more aggressive in entering shows. I have entered a few, and had a little success, it just takes me so long to finish a quilt as I do a lot by hand. Most of all I appreciate your honesty in telling us how things really are without all the sugar coating. That way expectations are more in line with reality. Keep it up!
Christa, thanks for sharing such a positive attitude. Although I may never get beyond quilting for my own pleasure, I appreciate your encouragement.
Thank you for your positive voice. Your posts are always thoughtful and encouraging.
Establishing the ‘discipline’ and maintaining your path toward your goal is ‘key’ (of course, one does have to decide just what the “goal” is!! LOL!) with a determined focus on that path. There are many “voices” (both ‘out there’ and within) that would pull you off that path. “Tenacity” is a very good word!!!!! Hugs……………………..
Thank you for the reminder Christa. Quilting/blogging can sometimes feel lonely, after all we do both these from our home mostly by ourselves. I have recently started treating quilting as a serious ‘job’ – dressing for work, having work hours, and having an office space for the paperwork. Doing these small things has changed my mindset so much! I am determined to make quilting my day job – I DON’T want to go back to an office job! Your posts are so helpful – thanks for writing them!
Absolutely.
That was very good advice. I am sure it is a key ingredient to all success if we were to get close enough to ask all of the successful people. Thank you for sharing.
Your positive comments are much appreciated. And as a traditional quilter for many years, you are teaching me to love the “modern” look! Many thanks.
So true Christa and if it wasn’t for you getting yourself out there and tweeking my interest in modern quilting, I wouldn’t be where I am today in my thought processes. Not completely converted though – my 28 years of grounding in traditional quilts is difficult to shake, but what I’ve done (your Wonky Logs), has certainly influenced a mind change! I wish you every success in your business in 2015. If it wasn’t for the expanse of ocean between us I would certainly be ordering from your online shop but the cost of shipping to SA and landing duties makes it so expensive but I will continue to dream of a trip to the USA!
Christa. You have inspired me to step out on faith to begin a venture. I am a new widow and my encourager is gone, not forgotten, and your courageous spirit inspires me in his absence.
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I love your positive voice Christa. Thank you!
Depending on what your former salesperson friend was selling, 1 out of 10 might have a high enough commission to live on.I do like that way of looking at things. Sounds like you have a winning plan.
Thank you – it is an encourager for us that are thinking the same thoughts. 🙂