I will be working in my new studio starting Monday! Tomorrow we will get the couch we ordered today and next Friday the rug for the stairs and the small area rug for the couch will be delivered and installed. Gary got a flat screen TV and it is mounted on the wall. I put my Bernina 730 in my new sewing table. It is my first sewing table ever! I have always just sewn on a table or counter. After next Friday I will post pix of the progress. I still need to label all my drawers that are exposed. I also want to find my “vision board” that I made digitally to see where I am and what I would like to add and what can be deleted. It is really crazy to think about the fact that I will be working in a new place. I will post new images of the studio and my vision board soon.

I will be happy when all the schelping from house to studio is over! That has been a pain. It has been pouring here for 4 days. Moving has been wet and soggy!

My old studio is almost all cleaned out and cleaned up for Gary to move into over the next few weeks. He will move from the Guest room and we will have our old guest room back. That will be nice. The kids have friends over all the time and they are getting too big to share a bed or be interested in sleeping bags on the floor.

The book has been my fun/down time as I have settled in at night. I sit in my bed with the TV on and I design. I usually play Scrabble or cribbage on the computer to relax. I have been having such a fun time with these states I have not played Scrabble in weeks!

I am going to give you a peek at  a few states. These are my favorite so far – Maine – the Lighthouse State and Colorado with its Aspens, Mountains, CO River and canyons. I am really going to write this book! I am going to self publish. I have already looked into the costs and benefits. It sounds crazy – I am writing a book – but I am shooting for the moon and I am sure there are books on that moon along with patterns!

I have AR, AL, AK, AZ, CA, CO, FL, HI, ME, MD, NY, OH, TX, VA, NH and MO done. 34 more to go! Plus I think I need to include DC – do you? Or save that for another books of cities?

Next week I am off to Upstate NY for a lecture and a workshop. I will be there on Wed-Thursday and then I will go to NYC to meet with the fabric company I am talking with.Then it will be Thanksgiving! I am having everyone and anyone who wants to come to my house. So far it will be my folks, my sister and her husband, and my niece and her family. I love to cook so it should be fun. If you have and “crowd pleaser recipes” please send them to me.

Keep tuned for more pix!

Looking for…

I am looking for quilters who would like to test my book patterns. You need to know how to raw edge applique or turned edge applique. You need to be willing to work on these blocks/quilt over the next 4-5 months and have the final product completed by May 1, 2010.

Concept….

The book involves 6 inch square fused applique blocks. The book theme is US State blocks. It is 50 great location blocks- one representing each state. The concept is that quilters can pick an assortment of blocks that have particular meaning to them from my new book. For example…Maybe you live in MD, but were born in NY, maybe you went to school in FL and your husband is from Hawaii. Get it? You would make blocks of the states that have special meaning. Then you would put them together how ever you think would look great. I was thinking of integrating them into some traditional patterns – like Irish chain? star patterns? log cabin?- what ever.   This concept is a spin-off from the state stamps. The blocks are only 6″ square so they would need other fabric elements/blocks to make a quilt.

How will it work?

I would like you to make the squares and then put them into a quilt, or tote, or wall hanging – or table runner. I am looking to see what you can make with the blocks. If the samples are great I will include them in my book in the gallery section. If they get chosen you will have full credit and your piece published as well as get a free finished book. (I will return your pieces after I photograph and possibly take them to market in Fall of 2010)

I would ask that you send in a digital photo via email for me to review. I will be deciding if the entered quilts will work well in the gallery.

How do I sign up?

I would like you to email me at debra@zebrapatterns.com.

1. In the subject line of the heading please put: “WYB Book Volunteer”.

2. In the body of the email please put your email, name, address and a phone I can reach you at.

3. Describe the project that you had in mind. (Size and type of quilt… ex: throw, bed quilt, runner, tote – etc)

4. Next list the states you would be interested in doing.  (Up to 12 states for large quilt)

How do I know if I am accepted in program?

You will receive a confirmation from me via email and I will send you the patterns free for each state requested. You will be required to sign a release saying that you are taking part and will not distribute or reproduce my pattern other than for this program. You will also be signing that you will keep the concept and designs confidential and will not show or enter anything you may make into any shows or even in guild “show and tells” until after the book is released.

How does all that sound?

I think it will be fun and those of you who have been following me and or my blog would be able to take part in my first book. It might be cool to include a brief paragraph describing why certain states were included in your quilt. I have no idea if this will be successful – but I know there are a ton of very talented quilters out there who might love this challenge opportunity. I look forward to hearing from you! Debra

I am writing this shoot for the moon series as a record of experiences and feelings of running a small business. Sometimes the experiences are good – and sometimes – not so good.

Right now I am in the “not so good” mode. I have clearly been pressing too hard and I am making mistakes. When you are writing a pattern it is very difficult to self edit which is what most pattern designers do. My technique for writing a pattern is as follows:

1. Design concept in sketch book

2. Scan concept into computer and make a digital pattern pieces (no numbers or written instructions)

3. Print the pattern pieces and put together a sample.

4. After initial sample is made I go back and write all the directions and step by step written directions.

5. Then I add all numbers and labels to pattern pieces.

6. Then I print out directions and pattern and remake 2-3 more samples. Make any changes or corrections

7. Shoot final quilt for cover

8. Finish cover and send pattern off to printing.

**********************************

You would think that it would be pretty clear by the third sample. But with the many interruptions, errands and phone calls one loses their train of thought. Also working so closely with a piece you sometimes cannot see the obvious – like leaving out the border page! DAH! They are in every pattern of the stamps. I know what happened – Most of my patterns have 6 pages that includes the borders. America also had six – but it needed one more for the borders to make 7. Once I had all the pieces done on the six – I forgot to copy the mandatory border page to make 7.

These mistakes weigh heavy on me. I try to correct them asap. I try to correct them before the store tells me there is a problem – but sometimes it does not work that way.The real message here is for me to slow down and take a break. I have been over extending and on top of all of these endeavors I am moving into a new studio.

Being an artist and quilter the designing and making of the patterns are easy. The writing is VERY time consuming and tough. Most of my stamp patterns have between 50-100 pieces. Although 99 of the 100 instructions may be correct – if that one piece is mis labeled or worse missing – you can ruin your reputation. It is like they say in sales it can take years to acquire a new customer and just minutes to lose one.

I think the combination of going to Houston for 11 days, moving into a new studio, upcoming holidays and what ever else I am doing is just taking a toll. It is time to breath!

If you are reading this and you are a customer please know that I will and do make every effort to make my stuff accurate and easy to use.  When I screw up I really appreciate knowing as soon as possible so I can do everything possible to right the wrong.

I guess I am feeling overwhelmed and defeated. It is very hard to be caught off guard in a workshop with two big errors. This too shall pass. I will right the wrongs but it does not minimize the impact it has on my confidence.

Yesterday I taught a workshop on the Stamps. The workshop was fine, however I found out that my new America Pattern is missing a pattern page! I really feel bad when I make a mistake like that. I have already printed up 200 pages to go into the patterns. I will stuff the ones I have on hand tomorrow and I will send out the sheets to all my customers who bought the pattern at market. I AM ALSO GOING TO POST A PAGE ON MY WEBSITE FOR PATTERN ERRORS WITH DOWNLOADABLE CORRECTIONS.

Not only was there a mistake on America – there also was one on Baltimore that just got pointed out to me in class! That pattern has been out for a year. That mistake is less serious – I forgot to label the aquarium neon wave with piece #16 and there are two #15 buildings. One should have been 19.

Please go to the Zebra Patterns button on my site and you will see Pattern corrections listed. If I get any reports of problems I will post them here and provide solutions.  Sorry for the mistakes.

Finally it has stopped raining and I have had three minutes to go snap a few pix! The studio is almost done! The electric is on – the floor is in, the trim is done. We will start moving stuff this weekend! I took a bunch of pix. I took some from each window looking out so you would get an idea of the setting. I took some from around our house so you would see the proximity to the house. Enjoy the pix! I think in January I might have my first class!

Studio - Looking west toward stairs

Studio East view looking from stairs toward Looking through windows and screens from upstairs

Looking through windows and screens from upstairs

Brooks and Lacey

Looking out upstairs windows

I snapped this one too of my marigold wall.(below)  Every year I dead head the marigolds about this time of year and when I pull out the annuals I drop all the dead heads in the hole and I get a fresh crop of marigolds every year! Much cheaper and easier than buying small plants from the greenhouse each year. It is a great way to line a bed on the cheap!

That is it for this posting – lots of pix! Stay tuned for another Shoot for the moon coming soon!

This weekend was homecoming for my two older sons. Austin had his first official date with corsage and boutonniere! Brooks went with his long time pal Elena. Austin took a new friend from high school – Dannie. Austin approached me early in the week to ask if they could go out to dinner before. We said yes and the restaurant they liked was out of business. Wednesday before the dance Austin asks if I could make dinner for them. “Them” was 3-4 couples. By Friday morning it was 3-4 couples and a few singles. Friday night at 8pm it was 19 of his friends.  So went back out to the store for a lot more food. Good thing I love to entertain and I have had plenty of experience with large crowds. The goal was to make “white” food – so when they spilled and dropped it before the dance it would not stain. No spaghetti sauces! I made 10 pounds of chicken strips breaded with panko crumbs and fettuccine alfredo. We had rolls and a sherbet fruit punch. For dessert 200 toffee bit scone cookies and a sheet cake. Some of the other parents brought fruit, appetizers, dessert, soda and salad. Below are the pix from the event. They had a GREAT time. I am so grateful healthy happy kids that would want to have a party at home! These are the good times!

Chalk up another major experience while shooting for the moon. I really intend to put these posts into a book for quilters who really want to know what it is like to venture into pattern design as a full time business. I think I will do that after I feel I have a well established profitable business. Let’s set a date ….. maybe 3-5 more years? Yes lets say by 2014 or sooner – I will transfer all these posts into a comprehensive memoir for the future pattern designers. Hopefully it will give them a glimpse of the real trials and amount of work that is involved. That inspires a name for the book… “A TON OF WORK “- the complete memoirs of a determined quilter following her passion and working hard to build a profitable business. What do you think?

It is Thursday after Festival and things are getting back in order. It has been a bit strange having so many orders to fill and having no product to ship! All my stock was in Houston. Gary just left to get the pallet that just arrived in a local shipping dock and I will start filing wholesale orders.

I have spoken with two of my new industry contacts made in Texas and it looks like things are going forward with plans for fabric design. I will let you in on the details as things firm up. I am proceeding with caution as I would like to avoid disappointment.

Looking back I feel I have a MUCH better grip on the Market/Festival experience than after Pittsburgh. I kept a small notebook of copious notes and business cards. That is the ticket!I have total recall and notes based on that simple tool.

Today I will fill and ship as much as I can and plan for what needs to be printed.

Yesterday I got a new sewing table delivered. I got it at market. It is a real sewing table by Horn/Regal. It has a lift for the machine and is counter height with a cutting mat on the top when the cabinet is closed. I have always just sewn with my machine on a table.

I have started my first book! I don’t want to give away too much on that either – but I designed the lay out the whole book and have two pages complete! I am really leaning toward self publishing. I cannot grasp the idea of doing a full book of writing and design and then have a publishing company give you 1.00 for each book- even if they do advertise. I will give you sneak peeks as I move along!

This weekend Austin my middle son is going to his first Homecoming Dance in high school. Brooks and his best friend Elena will be going too. I am going to make dinner for the kids before the Dance for 12 of Austin;s friends. Hey why not – I am not busy with anything else – lol.  It will be fun. I love to cook and entertain.  I will post pix next week. Brooks got his senior pictures. They look great. It is hard to believe that he is graduating high school. Cole has been home for two days and will be going to the Doctor tonight. Over 33% of his school is out with the flu. I hope it is not the flu. We are very worried.

As these projects continue I will keep you updated. I think I will try to snap some updated pix of barn over the next few days. Keep tuned..

This will be my last posting from Houston. We are all packed and Gary is bringing the booth and extra patterns to our friends’ warehouse. Dee just went for breakfast and I have a few minutes to myself. I think I will write a list of spontaneous comments that I am thinking after this whole adventure. Here we go.

- This was a TON of work.

- I would stay at the Residence Inn again – nice hotel.

- I would NOT bring as many patterns.

- I would set up the booth differently.

- I would buy an endcap booth and possibly spread out to two booths for festival.

- This was a TON of work.

- I would get a table and position it in the back of the booth with patterns underneath.

- I would pick a few top sellers and sell them in kits as well as in pattern form.

- I will look into a different grid display system.

- This was a TON of work.

- I would print up special calling cards with my booth number for the show.

- I would bring a cash register for the festival part.

- I would like to get a booth near the fabric companies I will be working with.

- I would take less clothes! I packed too much stuff.

- I would not display all my quilts. There was too much to look at.

- This was a TON of work.

- I would get track lighting for the booth.

- I will do a demo and I will sell pressing sheets and fusible webbing.

- We would do a better job of bringing lunch each day rather than eating from concessions which was a rip off! 3.00 for a bottle of water.

- This was a TON of work.

- There is so much work ahead of me! YIKES! but very cool!

That is just a few stream of consciousness thoughts. Overall it was a god experience. I think we may have broken even as far as costs/profits. What I gained is many new shops in the US carrying zebra patterns. I have wheels in motion to start working with a thread company and a fabric company.

I am ready to go home to my three boys, my sweet doggie and my new studio. Thanks for taking a ride to Houston with me!

My next blog will be about how much work is involved once I get home. I think it might be the right time to start printing huge lots of patterns. Stay tuned…

New Friends

The pix below is of Cheryl and Robin Lune from New Zealand. We stayed in the same hotel and visited many times at breakfast. They have a shop in their home country.

New Friends . . . Robin and Cheryl Lune from New Zealand

Guildmate Sheila Reiss won the 2009 Hoffman Challenge

Yesterday, Saturday was supposed to be the “big surge”. While overall the day was good it was not a blockbuster or major rush. Vendors speculated that the economy and the football game kept quilters away. Apparently there was a big TX vs OK college game on. Another reason for diminished traffic might have been the date of the show. I have been told Festival is always the last week of October and the first week of November. This year it was mid October – two weeks earlier. We shall see what today brings in the way of sales.

Last night as I was leaving the convention center I was slowed by a group of people and police at the end of our aisle. A man has gone up to a booth and went behind the counter and stole over 5,000.00 in cash. There were witnesses. I also heard another vendor had her purse stolen from under her table and they later found it stripped in a nearby garbage can. I really am thinking my phone was stolen the second day of market. I heard of two other vendors with missing phones. It is depressing knowing that such a wonderful event is the target for crime.

AS promised I snapped a bunch of photos. I snapped pix of all the quilts that made me stop. Below you will find pix with captions. The man and woman pictured is my new friends from New Zealand – Robin and Cheryl Lune. I have a place to stay if I ever make it out that way!

The most exciting thing that happened last night is that my first book idea come to mind! I have the whole thing thought out! It is going to be awesome! I cannot wait to start working on it! I think I will self publish. I think this book might be around for awhile – at least that is the plan.

Speaking of books – I went to the SAQA booth (Studio Arts Quilt Assoc) and they have their 17th annual book out. I have a page with my Aqua Aurora pictured. My friends Ellen Linder, Karen Shultz and Cathy Kleeman are also in the book.

Enjoy the pix below! A final wrap up blog will be written after we get home. Tomorrow it will be 11 days I have been away! That is  a long time. I really miss the boys and the dog. The show runs from 11-5 today and we pack up. Gary is here with a van. He will drop all our stuff at his friend’s warehouse on Monday for shipping.

I will update names of quilts and artists when I find my little notebook. With all the stuff we lugged down here it is hard to keep track of stuff!

Cynthia England and I have become friends

Name and Artist coming when I find my notes

Name and Artist coming when I find my notes

Name and Artist coming when I find my notes

Name and Artist coming when I find my notes

"Once Upon a Christmas Night" by Sieglinde Schoen Smith.

Name and Artist coming when I find my notes

Forth and Sixth Designs - Barbara and Mary

Denise Havlan's "Shannon's Bantam" won the 5K Fairfield Master Award for Contemporary Artistry.

Artist and Quilt name to come.

Day Three (Friday) of Festival

The festival opens at 9:30 and closes at 7pm.  The show closes at 5 on Sunday and then we break down. That is a long day. Yesterday the whole gang reported for duty! Peggy, Dee, Sandy, Gary and I were all in the booth. Gary was just stopping for a few minutes as he was going on a business call near the TEX/MEX border.

Some of the most fun events of the day were seeing Michele and Sherry from my Obama Artist quilt group. I can see coming to Houston is not only a spectacular quilt show and festival, but a reunion place!

Guadalajara

We found this restaurant down here called Guadalajara. We have eaten there 6 times since we have been down. They have a ceviche dish that is amazing! I have had it 6 times! Last night Dee, Sandy, Peggy and I have had a wonderful night of food, drink, dessert and fellowship. One night earlier in the week Dee went back to the hotel and the waiter sent her back chips and dip!

The Atmosphere

I know you have all heard it a million times before but it REALLY is true that quilters are amazingly friendly. Everyone you meet here is joyous and happy. I think that is because they are so passionate about fabric and like types attract. I have made some awesome contacts. I have become friends with Cynthia England as she was two booths down. What a nice and talented lady. I have become friendly with Beverly and Mary of Fourth and Sixth Designs. The best thing about networking is that most people are so willing to share experiences and give out tips.

I met and have spoken with Gail of the “3 sisters”. What a sweetheart. This is a clip from their bio on their website:

Keeping it Real

It has been interesting to see the quote ” Quilt Celebrities”. I have to frankly say – some of the most well known names are very impressed with themselves. Others are down to earth and very willing to share.

Traffic

The foot traffic at the show has been heaviest from 10-3pm. The aisles are quite crowded. The congestion is intensified as there are hundreds of rental scooters in the aisles. If you get behind a scooter in the thick crowd you may wet your pants before getting to the ladies room! Speaking of ladies room – they opened both men and women’s rooms to the ladies. There is always a line 20 deep. The congestion is intensified as there are hundreds of rental scooters in the aisles. If you get behind a scooter in the thick crowd you may wet your pants before getting to the ladies room!

Quilt Vendors or Flea Market?

I was surprised to see a wealth of jewelry booths. Many of these booths have fiber related products – but many have standard jewelry. Then there are about 4-6 booths of massagers and massage chairs. There are both s sell in mops and sweepers. There are boths selling baskets and eyeglasses. What the heck?

Best Booths

Some of the best booths I have seen are selling finished dolls and luscious embellishments. I think I might try to go around and snap pix of my favorite booths. Would you like that? (pause ….) Yes – I am getting cyberspace vibes that you would! I will try to do that today.

I am off for the Saturday rush! More to come…