Christa’s Soap Box – Why I Quilt My Own Quilts

March 9, 2015March 7, 201519 Comments

I’ve come a long way since I began my quilting journey so many years ago. My style has changed over the years, but my passion has not. In fact, it’s gotten stronger, the more quilts that I make! I was recently reflecting about why I do what I do and what drives me to do it! A large part of my personal quilting style is that I choose to quilt my own quilts. The reasons for it have changed over the years, and I feel like I’ve come a long way since I began.

WIP sneak peek #1 – gotta love all that texture! I used Aurifil 50 wt cotton – my favorite!

I first started off quilting my own quilts because I didn’t know any better. I just thought that’s what you did. Of course, my first couple of finished quilts were actually tied but I loved them just the same.

When I began quilting in earnest around 1994-95, most award winning quilts were still hand quilted and longarms were just coming onto the scene in a big way. I knew people who owned one and came so close to purchasing one. A friend was selling hers cheap and I thought about buying it. When I mentioned it to my mom, she agreed to loan me the money, but by the time I got back to my friend, she had already sold it to someone else.

WIP sneak peak #2 – I free-motion quilted the spiral with the help of a stencil.

So I just continued to quilt my quilts because that was my only option. I will admit that I did go through a period of quilt snobbery where I thought it was cheating if you didn’t quilt your own quilt. But then I was enlightened when I realized not everyone enjoyed that process. Just as I don’t like to sew clothing or accessories and will gladly pay someone for those services, I’ve realized that many quilters are perfectly content to do the piecing while others are perfectly happy to just quilt. What a great match!

At one time I took orders for custom quilts and even gave professional quilting a try on my domestic machine, but that was really way too stressful. I am still a recovering perfectionist so I’m much happier to make mistakes on my own quilts rather than the quilts of others. Over the years I’ve tried longarm quilting, but it’s just not for me, and I’m totally cool with that.

WIP sneak peek #3. I enjoy quilting straight lines, and my machingers gloves are a must!

After making quite a few quilts in a short period of time last year, I finally realized that the reason I quilt my own quilts is for the sheer pleasure of it. Instead of feeling stressed and overwhelmed that I had to a tight deadline to meet, I enjoyed every minute of it! In fact, I had a little bit of a letdown when I had finished my quilting obligations!

Wip sneak peek #4 – the pieced back is as much fun as the front! The final reveal will be shown in a future issue of Make Modern magazine. Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss it!

For now, I will continue to enjoy the journey I’m on and share my methods with others if they want to learn. And if they decide it’s not their thing, at least they tried, right? (I can’t tell you how many things I have tried that are not for me… but that’s another post for another day!)

Christa’s Soap Box – My Thoughts about Modern Quilting Post QuiltCon

March 4, 2015March 3, 201518 Comments

I’m throwing in some more random QuiltCon pics while I wax philosophically below. 🙂 Click here to see most of the quilts from the show, courtesy of Sew Mama Sew.

It’s no secret that in the last few years my quiltmaking style has definitely changed. I’ve enjoyed making quilts for 20 years now, but only discovered the modern quilting style back in 2012 when I first heard about the movement in a traditional quilting magazine. I was instantly stopped in my tracks when I realized this is what I had been searching for, but didn’t know it!

I loved Casey York’s lecture on finding modern inspiration in art! Quilt by Debbie Grifka.

I also love it that people are so passionate about their opinions! I’m not one to stir up debate, but I love reading the emphatic appeals from quiltmakers on one hand who don’t want to be labeled and those on the other hand that do! Isn’t it so awesome that within the larger quilting community, there’s room for all styles and tastes?

I picked up some great tips from Jacquie Gering on being a better teacher. We also had some great conversation about modern quilts and what a wonderfully unique show QuiltCon is!

Going to QuiltCon in 2013 put me on a career path that inspired me to publish patterns, write a book and return to teaching quilting after a long absence. Attending QuiltCon again in 2015 solidified my desire to want to make and share even more!

Lee Heinrich and I stealing a few moments to chat on the show floor. Be sure to read Lee’s QuiltCon comments here. I think she’s right on the money!

Although I do consider myself a “modern” quilter, I’m pleased as punch to be friends with those who don’t share my zeal and enthusiasm for the aesthetic. During and after my trip from QuiltCon I heard from several quilters who realized that maybe “modern” is not their thing, and that’s totally OK!! Because you know what – it certainly is my thing! 🙂

Getting some great tips from Cristy Fincher from Purple Daisies about submitting a class proposal to Craftsy. She’ll be launching her first class soon – stay tuned for details!

But far be it from me to ever demand any of my friends or fans to follow in my footsteps. Instead, I’ll continue to explore the modern aesthetic and will seek to educate myself (and others) about it whenever I get the chance. Because what I love most about the quilting community are the many friendships I’ve made while pursing this passion.

Delicious crepes for brunch with fellow bloggers. The food and conversation were delicious! Visit Elizabeth’s blog at OP Quilt to see a much better picture of the group than the one I had!

I loved the quilts of QuiltCon because you could really see the heart and soul that went into each of them. I enjoyed viewing so may original compositions and appreciate that there was such an emphasis on aesthetics and design. I’ve also been exploring how to incorporate many of the principles of modernism (negative space, minimalism, asymmetry, clean lines, abstract design and even improvisation) into my machine quilting and it’s been a fun ride!

Yes, I totally admit to stalking my quilts! It was so exciting to see people admire my work!

I’ll leave you with one of the first things I said to members of my local MQG when I recently took over as president:

Just because you enjoy modern quilts doesn’t mean you have to BE a modern quilter. And just because you consider yourself part of the movement doesn’t mean you have to make exclusively modern quilts. 🙂

Best of show – i Quilt by Kathy York. When I saw it in person, I didn’t see the larger “I” at first. Then I realized it has so much meaning in the message!

Now, who wants to go make a quilt?

Christa’s Soapbox – QuiltCon’s a Comin’!

February 16, 2015February 16, 20154 Comments

This week, I leave for QuiltCon, the the modern quilt show and conference. I’m excited to meet so many of my online friends there, and share my trip virtually with those of you who won’t be attending. I’ll be sure to write up a blog post or two while I’m there, and I’ll have day-by-day action (more like hour-by-hour) live on Instagram @christaquilts.

For those of you who have never gone, be sure to check out my QuiltCon post on Craftsy, for a sneak peek of what to expect. You can also go back and read my original posts from 2013 below. I’ve listed them in reverse chronological order.

Celebrity Encounters from QuiltCon 2013

What I learned from QuiltCon 2013

More Amazing Quiltcon Quilts of 2013

2013 Winning Quilts Part 3

2013 Winning Quilts Part 2

2013 Winning Quilts Part 1

QuiltCon 2013 Sneak Peek

If you will be at QuiltCon, be sure to come say hi and grab a button! Due to a color printing error I actually have twice as many as I originally ordered, so there’s plenty to share!

These are the first batch in turquoise – I also have them in teal!

PS: If you enjoy my blog and would like to read about more quilting content, be sure to sign up for Friendly Threads, my weekly email newsletter!

Christa’s Soap Box – I’m Jumping Off the Deep End With My Patterns

January 28, 2015February 3, 201521 Comments

After literally 10 years of going back and forth on whether I wanted to design and write individual quilt patterns, I’ve finally come to a decision – I’m going to do it! For real! 🙂 I’m jumping on the bandwagon, diving in head first, or whichever metaphor is appropriate for what I’m doing, LOL!

If you’ve followed me for any length of time, you’ll know that the best way for me to accomplish a given task is to blog about it. So guess what? I’ve decided to take you along with me on this journey as I go from concept to completion.

These cover shots are ok – but there’s no branding!

The background leading up to this decision:

I’ve seriously wanted to do patterns forever but never thought I had the skills to successfully sell my own patterns. I can do all the math and come up with the designs, but the idea of creating a professional looking layout was a huge roadblock for me. It hasn’t stopped me from releasing a limited number of self-designed PDF patterns, but I wasn’t ready to get serious about pattern design until now.

At first I thought I’d learn how to do everything myself, take some online courses, and read a few books on how to create a professionally looking layout. But you know what – I tried that and found that it’s just not fun for me. In the end, I’ve decided to hire a graphic designer (hi Lindsie!) to do that part for me, so I could concentrate on what I love best: designing, writing, and making quilts.

It hit me like a ton of bricks when I realized this is the same reason people hire others to do their machine quilting. Those graphic designers are probably rolling their eyes at me thinking, “but it’s so easy” – the same way I’m out there trying to encourage others, “but machine quilting is so fun!” I will machine quilt in my sleep if I have to, as long as I can avoid having to illustrate and layout my own patterns, LOL!!

My one and only print pattern can use a little help with graphics – don’t you think?

The First Steps

Like I said, I’m going the professional graphic designer route, but you certainly don’t have to! I’m also working with my friend Tina from Mod Geometry to do a little pattern testing on the side. I’ll first update and re-release all of my current PDF patterns, and finish a few that are in various stages of completion. Then I will release the print versions with sales channels to be determined later.

I’m also working with Lindsie to update the look and feel of my logo and blog. Nothing will change functionally, but we’ll work together to create some cohesive branding, which I’m really excited about.

Now that I have the rights back to Colorful Chevrons, I can re-release it myself.

Future Goals

I guess the big pie-in-the-sky dream for any pattern designer is to have a booth at quilt market and get picked up by national distributors. While I’ll certainly consider that for the future, it won’t be the measure of my success in the short term.

For now, I’ll be happy to have professional looking patterns which I can sell to my fabulous readers, use to teach from myself, and offer to other instructors for them to teach from. I get a lot of requests to use my designs as the basis for other teachers’ classes, so If I can help them out with a ready-made pattern at an affordable price, then it’s a win-win for all of us!

Getting published in magazines was a great way to get my feet wet with pattern writing!

A Little Bonus

For a limited time, you can purchase any of my current PDF patterns for just 4.95! When all is said and done, I’ll offer them for the normal going rate once they are all jazzed up. So stock up now while you can!

Hopefully my collection of patterns will grow over time.

If you’ve purchased any of my patterns in the past, I’d love to hear your feedback on how I can improve them in the future. Just shoot me an email or leave your comments below.

And if you are thinking of getting into pattern design – don’t wait 10 years like I did!

Around the World Blog Hop – Remix

January 19, 2015January 19, 20152 Comments

Isn’t it such fun to meet a variety of bloggers, quilters, and pattern designers? I previously participated in the Around the World Blog hop back in September where I was able to share a bit about my creative process.

Free Clipart Courtesy of Clipartof.com

I think it’s gone around the world a few times and it’s come back to me once again, this time from my lovely friend Melissa Corry of Happy Quilting Melissa. I have to give a huge shout out to Melissa, who also has a book coming out with Martingale. She was the one who encouraged me to submit my book proposal to them and I couldn’t be more grateful!

Melissa Corry of Happy Quilting Melissa

Melissa was tagged by Melissa Mortensen who was tagged by Amanda Herring who was tagged by Amber Johnson who was tagged by Amy Smart who was tagged by Jen Kingwell who was tagged by Sue Spargo and it goes on and on from there! So be sure to check out each of these fabulous women’s posts. I think you’ll learn something new and be inspired!

I’m currently working on some secret sewing featuring the fabulous Handcrafted batik collection by Alison Glass for Andover fabrics. I can’t wait for the big reveal!

If you haven’t shared your journey yet, I invite you to now! Just write up a post by next Monday, January 26th and link back to this post. Then invite a friend or two to join the fun by mentioning them in your post going forward. On your blog, feel free to answer these questions any way you like:

What are you working on?
How does your work differ from others?
Why do you do what you do?
How does your creative process work?

I can’t wait to read your responses!

A Concern About Bloglovin’…

January 15, 201527 Comments

Hey guys – do you run across this problem? I follow a LOT of blogs via Bloglovin’. However, I’ve noticed lately that I don’t always see all of the blogs I follow in my feed. In fact, a couple of my blog followers have said the same thing about my blog – they aren’t getting my blog updates on a regular basis. Now that is disconcerting.

Hey guys – thanks for reading!

I’m not a techie – so here’s an easy fix: subscribe to my blog directly via email so that you get an email each time I publish a post. Just look for the subscription box on the right-hand sidebar. I usually try to post about 3-4 times per week.

Also, while you are at it, you can sign up for my weekly email newsletter here. I try to curate different content across all of my social media platforms; so between my blog, instagram, and email, you can keep up with me and all of my quilty antics! 🙂

Las Vegas Modern Friends – Come Join Me!

January 13, 20151 Comment

This is an invitation to my local Las Vegas friends and those in the surrounding area, to come join the local modern guild! The Las Vegas Modern Quilt Guild has been around for a few years, but they made a New Year’s resolution to become an official affiliate group of the national Modern Quilt Guild!

Isn’t that exciting? I’m helping out by getting all the paperwork together and recruiting a few of my friends. Be sure to check out details about upcoming meetings on the LVMQG blog and join the fun. 🙂

My Phrase of the Year for 2015 – Be More Present.

January 2, 2015January 1, 201510 Comments

My 2014 word of the year was Quilt, and boy did I take that to heart with my 2014 finishes. I think I made more quilts last year than I have in a long time and it felt wonderful!

For 2015 I came up with a phrase that will be my mantra for the year – Be More Present.

These 3 are my pride and joy. I want to be more present for them!

As I continue to juggle the work/life balance, I want to be more involved and invested in everything I do. If I’m hanging out with the kids, I want to really be there (not thinking about the gazillion quilts I want to design and make).

If I’m teaching a workshop, I want to be fully ready ahead of time so I can focus on my students’ needs and be prepared to adapt the class if needed. When I’m trail running with Jason, I will enjoy the ambiance, rather than thinking about how hard it is to run up hills!

Our kids joined us on a recent trail run. We love the desert where we live!

We also came up with a family phrase – “be more adventurous,” and I think the two will go hand in hand. We’ve got a lot of fun family trips planned (Disneyland, lots of skiing, Hawaii & California beaches), plus Jason and I have signed up for a few trail races (there’s nothing like deadlines to keep me motivated)!

My daughter and hubby on a recent ski trip – we want to be more adventurous!

I’ll also be doing a lot more quilting-related travel this year. I think that if I can be more present at home, I’ll be able to be more adventurous when I’m out and about. That’s the plan, anyway!!

How about you? Have you coined a word or phrase for the year?

Christa’s Soapbox – Half the Key to Success is Showing Up

December 29, 2014December 29, 201423 Comments

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’s Soapbox – On Acceptance and Rejection

December 18, 2014December 18, 20145 Comments

First off thanks to those of you who responded to my post from yesterday! The response has been great so far and I truly appreciate it!

For this week’s soapbox I wanted to tread lightly on the whole notion of acceptance and rejection, alluding to the very vibrant and passionate discussion that has been going on in blogland and on instagram since people received their notices about their QuiltCon entries. As I mentioned earlier, I got 3 accepted and 2 rejected so I got to experience both emotions.

Remember this? It really is how the process works most of the time!

I think most of everyone’s disappointment stems from the fact that we are so used to uplifting and encouraging each other in the online community, so it can hurt when all of a sudden that seems to be taken away, even momentarily. We begin to question ourselves, our worth, and even our reasons for making. That’s totally normal, and fortunately, for most people, that initial frustration and disappointment dissipate with time so we can get back to the fun part of making.

I will admit that I’m an optimist, but I’m also a realist. My friend Leanne (from She Can Quilt) put it best when she said that anything she enters she expects to get rejected. I totally echo that sentiment. You guys know quilting is my career and I try to do all I can to further that career in an uplifting, positive way. But trust me, I have had my share of rejections along the way.

If at first you don’t succeed – just keep sewing, just keep sewing!

I was sharing with some friends at a quilting meeting last night, that it’s not a smooth path to success. For every positive experience I’ve had, there have been an equal number (or more) negative ones, too. The thing is, I just don’t dwell on them. I move on to the next thing because I just don’t have the time to waste on negative energy.

I know my perspective may be a little different in respect to this. Because quilting is my business, along with my passion, I just see a rejection as something that didn’t work out on my way to my goal. But I don’t let it stop me from doing what I want to do.

So if you experience rejection, disappointment or frustration in anything you do – please don’t let it stop you from achieving your goals either. As I said in an earlier soapbox, the only one standing in your way is you. 🙂

Now, what fun things are you working on this week??