Musings From the Fiber Goddess
Posted by administrator on Monday, April 19th, 2010
Hello! I've finally decided to get serious about trying to write a blog. At every consumer show where I have a booth, my customers chastise me because my blog is not up. So, I've decided to give it a try. I can't promise that I will post every day because my life is just not that interesting; and because I am trying to run my business, I probably won't have time, but I'll do my best to post as often as I can.
When I tried to think of how I could make my blog interesting, I always drew a blank. After giving it a lot of thought, I decided to make my time spent at trade shows my primary focus. I meet such fun, interesting, creative, and talented people at these shows. Many of them have become old friends that I look forward to seeing each year and I get concerned if I don't see them. I have been doing shows since November 1996, starting with The Houston Quilt Festival. I currently average about 15 shows per year; that's a lot of shows and a lot of people.
It is my intention to feature what I will call The Fiber Goddess' Favorite Things. Okay, so Oprah thought of it first, I know, I know. I don't think she will mind if I use her two favorite words, they are found in Webster, you know. At any rate, I see so many innovative, useful, and just plain fun products, that I decided this is the perfect place to share them with you. Many of you may live in places where it is too expensive or difficult to go to the major bead and quilt shows. So, I thought I'd try to bring my favorites to you. It may inspire you to put your favorite show on your “bucket list”.
I plan to feature at least one vendor per month, giving information about their products and a provide a link to their website; so, that you can find out more about them and what they have to offer. Just so you know, I have no vested interest in their businesses and I am receiving nothing from them for my endorsement. I just like their "stuff"! Please let me know if you enjoy meeting these people so that I will know whether to continue to take photos and interview them or whether you find this whole process boring. So here goes!!!!
I'll start with the Houston Quilt Festival. As usual there were many vendors selling anything and everything you could possibly want or need to make fabulous quilts. The first vendor I would like to highlight is one of the zaniest, funniest, talented, and most energetic people that I have ever met and her name is Diane Springer, the designer and owner of Quiltinacup.com. At any show, she and Eleanor Peace Bailey will tie for the most colorful booth. Diane is from Louisiana and oozes southern charm and wit. She talks faster than I do, that's saying something, and she makes you laugh out loud. In her mission statement she states that her goal is to add to the fun in her customers' lives and she does that in spades.
Diane is the designer of Quilt-in-A-Cup and her line has now expanded to include Quilt-in-a-Clock, Quilt-in-a-Mouse-Pad, Quilt-in-a-Clipboard, Quilt-on-a-Chair, Quilt-on-a-Clipboard and a quilted rug. Her samples are always done in bright, whimsical fabrics, but she says that you are free to use more modest colors and prints. The mouse pad and clipboard are great quick and easy projects for beginners and will make fun gifts for some of your favorite people.
Diane and her daughter, Brandy, are also very socially conscience and have breast cancer awareness as one of their causes. They participate in a 60-mile walk, which Diane calls "Save the Boobies". She's made a gorgeous quilt and sells raffle tickets for it for $5. Her clothing is as much fun to view as her products. Take a look at her website and her blog called, "Threads from my Head". Don't forget to stop by her booth at all major quilt shows; you'll be glad you did. Diane was kind enough to complete my questionnaire so that you could get to know a “smidge” about her. Here goes:
My Interview with Dianne
Do you have an art background? Yes, I hold a Master’s degree in Fine Art and I was an art teacher.
When did you retire from teaching? Three years ago.
How old is your business? Two years old
What do you like to do in your "free" time or to relax from business stuff? Make more quilts, paint, make lampworked beads, hook rugs, prepare for the Susan Komen 60-mile walk for Breast Cancer, and, oh yeah, try to squeeze in a couple of hours of sleep.
Did you have a mentor? The guilty party would have to be Hannah Marie Lee of Choudrant, LA, who owns Hannah's Quilt Shop.
How difficult was it for you to find a manufacturer for your product? First, I tried to have it manufactured in the U.S. Unfortunately, that was way too costly and I, like everyone else, went to China. The process took a year from the time we first contacted the factory, to the cups arrival in Dallas.
Any words of wisdom for an aspiring entrepreneur? One needs a support group, preferably folks who are (1) ready and willing to work for FREE (2) enthusiastic and upbeat, (3) have deep pockets and like to SHARE. Seriously, realize that everything takes at least twice as long as you think it will, takes 10 times the money you think it will, and learning curves are costly and painful. So, love what you are doing.
What did you want to do when you grew up? I thought total happiness would be having a husband that loves you, a kiln in the basement, and all matching underwear. For a career, I wanted to be an artist
Did you have to make any major sacrifices to have your business? Eating, sleeping, allllll of my retirement savings from 25 years of teaching. Of course, "savings" from teaching does not go far under the best of circumstances, but allll says it allll regardless of the amount, doesn't it?
Who or what inspires you? The creativity of others, I love to go anywhere from local craft shows to galleries and museums to see what comes from the mind and the hands.
How long have you been married; were you serious when you said 40 years? Extremely happily married for 44 years. My husband is proof there is a Heaven because that is where Angels come from isn't it? He is my oxygen, my heart, my reason for being.... corny, but the truth is I get tears in my eyes just writing about him. Did I mention he just bought me a Porche, today? Heh, heh What's NOT to love?
What is your favorite flower? hmmmm. Orchids??
What is your favorite color? I have to pick just ONE???? I love color, period. If I have to choose one it would be magenta, or, purple, or, lime green, or..........
What is your favorite dessert? Anything with sugar.... ok., how about the Key Lime pie recipe my grandmother made for years. Jeez, now I have to go make one...
Heeeeere's Diane
Some of her fun products are shown below:
Quilt Pattern
Quilt in a Clock
Quilt in a Mouse Pad
Quilt in a Cup
Quilt in a Chair
Until next time!
The Fiber Goddess
Comments
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Loooooooooove the chair!! Thank you for sharing!by Nikki on 19 April 2010 at 4:27 p.m.
