tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4932593447088657785.post8481575626265411131..comments2023-10-19T05:06:50.151-06:00Comments on Green Fairy Quilts: Overwhelmed.............Judihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17629927008581474583noreply@blogger.comBlogger46125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4932593447088657785.post-71731231814412482362011-03-23T19:03:09.650-06:002011-03-23T19:03:09.650-06:00Hi Judi
Lots of wisdom in these replies. My thou...Hi Judi<br /><br />Lots of wisdom in these replies. My thoughts are that you schedule YOU into your life. You are an unbelievable quilter (I want to be as good as you when I grow up). You need to slot your designing into your work life. Your quilting list may grow longer but you will always have a steady stream. Wor out your dollar target for each week and let the rest flow from there. If you don't do your designing you will begin to resent the quilting, lose interest and burn out. Can you schedule one day a week for you and your designs? Set up a design wall near your quilting area so you can see it all the time. Don't stifle your talent.Maggie Ahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17140584467656645923noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4932593447088657785.post-47959393512942155182011-03-21T20:11:39.215-06:002011-03-21T20:11:39.215-06:00Hi, Judi
I've been custom quilting for about 1...Hi, Judi<br />I've been custom quilting for about 11 years. When I was about 2 years in, I had a 60-month waiting list and the pressure was killing me. People would tell their friends, ``Oh, don't call her. She won't get to your quilt for 6 months.'' Then my mentor told me anytime you have an out-of-control waiting list, it's a clear sign that you need to raise your prices. That immediately cut the wait down to 3 months. Much more manageable and reasonable. The clients who want your best work will stick around; those who would be happy with some other quilter will be happy with some other quilter.<br /><br />When I ask God for guidance, I always get it.<br /><br />Susan in Texas<br />http://customquilter.blogspot.com~Susan Corbett~https://www.blogger.com/profile/14500879767605019559noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4932593447088657785.post-69005263970191413802011-03-20T07:02:58.416-06:002011-03-20T07:02:58.416-06:00I feel your pain because I was right where you are...I feel your pain because I was right where you are 3 years ago but it took my mom's illness and death to show me where I need to be.<br /><br />I still quilt my custom...it makes me happy... I just don't quilt so much of it.. I have already designed my first custom pattern and that feels good.. I have yet to pick up my quilt patterns (piecing) but I will do that by summer. Right now I am finishing up the few quilts from the customers who have stuck out the entire ride with me and I feel good that I am down to less than 6 quilts now and have already started taking in new work to do once those are out the door.<br /><br />But I have made myself a solemn promise not to take in as much work as I did before and not to do near as much custom work on customer quilts. This way my designing can begin and I can be well rounded as a quilter/artist/designer all in one package and feel good about it all.<br /><br />I know you will find your "place" and where you exactly want to be right now. It will require much thought and no matter how much advice you get, it will directly come down to you and exactly what you want to do.<br /><br />Good luck in whatever you decide and I wish you a fabulous career!Thearicahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00630873857696850018noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4932593447088657785.post-10313701720854800522011-03-20T07:02:36.910-06:002011-03-20T07:02:36.910-06:00I found you through SewCalGal's Golden Quilter...I found you through SewCalGal's Golden Quilter Awards and I wanted to comment on your post here. <br /><br />When I moved to NC I was a hand quilter. 3 years in, carpal tunnel took that away from me so I purchased my 1st longarm. I started out doing only pantographs, mainly because I could not get custom to look anything like hand quilting. I finally took some classes and I found my niche with custom. I soon found myself quilting for several ladies in the community and getting work via 3 shoppes. My rack stayed full of quilts continuously. I never wanted for customers. As the customers saw the custom work I was doing, more and more of them wanted it until I was doing 90% custom. Needless to say, I fell behind.<br /><br />Then, the inevitable happened. Someone in my family got sick. My mother was diagnosed with cancer. Over the next 3 years I found myself in a whirlwind of dilemas. I had numerous quilts hanging on the rack and no time to do them. My customers were very patient and understanding but it bothered me to see them hanging there and no ability to quilt.<br /><br />During my mothers sickness I became depressed to the point that I could not "design" so I stopped going into my studio all together. One by one most of the customers picked up their quilts and sought a new quilter. This year I am re-opening my studio but with a lot less customers. But it is a good thing for me.<br /><br />I am like you... I have designs on paper and in EQ that I have not had the time or desire to get patterned. I want to design some fabric too.<br /><br />The past 3 years have taught me a valuable lesson. We simply cannot do it all and be wonder quilter too.<br /><br />Through some of your photos I see you do a lot of the hard core custom too. My advice to you is to draw a line between how many customs you will do in a month and let the rest be your allover freehand work. Yes, this isn't as awesome as that fabulous custom, but it will open up a lot more time for your pattern and fabric designing.<br /><br />I have finally realized that not all quilts deserve custom. I have made myself ask "Is this quilt for a show?" "Is this quilt for a bedspread?" "Or are you simply using it for cover?" "Or is it even going into a quilt cupboard?" If it isn't going on a bed for show or going into a quilt show, I do not do the hard core custom any longer. This has opened up a lot of time for me, myself, and I. <br /><br />Your family should always come first.... And if you remain so bombarded as you are now...it would make it even tougher on you to face such a serious illness in your family (as we all do eventually) and then you will become even more upside down than you are right now. We all hope that never happens to us but as our parents age, it will come.<br /><br />Sit down and take stock of all of your world. Your life as it is now... think about how it would influence your life as it is now to have someone very close to you to get ill... <br /><br />Think about where you want to be 5 years from now..."Will continuing on the way you are now get you any closer to that?" Seriously consider your future with you and your family in mind... NOT your customers...NOT anything else..<br /><br />Continued on next reply..Thearicahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00630873857696850018noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4932593447088657785.post-44546227615657942512011-03-15T17:43:13.612-06:002011-03-15T17:43:13.612-06:00Family comes first. Do what is right for you, not ...Family comes first. Do what is right for you, not us out here.<br /><br />I will say I am saving up so I can send you a few quilts. I would gladly wait a year for your lovely talent on my quilts!Kristenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04929308533488145608noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4932593447088657785.post-15474213694508914532011-03-08T12:39:42.480-07:002011-03-08T12:39:42.480-07:00Coming from someone who has had a quilt quilted by...Coming from someone who has had a quilt quilted by you, I would hate to see you give that up because you are so talented. At the same time, you need to be happy in order to be the best mother and wife that you can be. If designing is where your passion is and where you would be the most happy, then I would make a conscious effort to spend some time on that. <br /><br />I've seen a lot of professional quilters dedicate specific times of the year to designing or personal quilting time. Maybe you could do something like this. Similar to what others have suggested such as dedicating one day a week to designing, you could always dedicate two to three months out of the year to designing. You wouldn't schedule any quilts during this time and would be able to focus on your passion. Think about when market is typically and work backwards from there to see what you would need to do to showcase your patterns at market to be seen as that professional designer that you want to be. Maybe you stop accepting quilts for a couple of months to figure things out.<br /><br />You are also admired by quite a few people all over the world for your machine piecing, so while it might not be where you initially thought your quilting career was going, you have a bright future ahead of you should you choose to continue with your long arm quilting. That is such a rare gift. <br /><br />Not to downplay being a pattern designer, especially because I have often thought of doing so myself, but there are so many pattern designers out there and very few long armers of your skill level out there. <br /><br />In the end, you need to do what is best for you and your family. That should be your number 1 priority. Do I hope that you continue to long arm? Of course, especially because I hope to have more quilts done by you in the future.Jenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15078819135489710059noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4932593447088657785.post-74619500959464232372011-03-07T15:40:37.109-07:002011-03-07T15:40:37.109-07:00You have had a lot of comments posted on here - an...You have had a lot of comments posted on here - and I have not read them all, but as an LDS mother and wife, having raised 6 children, now all grown, I would tell you that you can never get those years back of enjoying and teaching and loving your children. They go by all too quickly - seriously! I now also quilt and am glad I didn't find this wonderful talent until my children were gone from home so I didn't have to have the same questions you're having now! Just remember "Family First" and then everything else will fall into place!LynnEl Springerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12200735617960802658noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4932593447088657785.post-86545234722899960492011-03-06T06:45:54.566-07:002011-03-06T06:45:54.566-07:00Dear Judy,
You are the most awesome and inspiring ...Dear Judy,<br />You are the most awesome and inspiring long-arm quilter, light years ahead of the best ones around! I saw your work (unfortunately not in person, but on the web) when I "met" Emily through her blog more than a year ago. Since then I follow your blog and feast my eyes on your one-of-a-kind work. I have passed the link to your blog to every quilter I know and brag about your extraordinary quilting art any time I get the chance, just like proud parents often do about the achievements of their kids :-). <br />I really think you should not stop quilting - it would be a real loss for the art of quilting (I deliberately insist on using the word art and not craft because yours really is). I must acknowledge a vested interest here: for already a couple of years I've thought of making a Dear Jane quilt for my daughter. I bought the book, chose fabrics for the background, started gathering civil war repro fabrics since I love their charm and a month ago joined a european DJ club to have the moral support during the long journey ahead (I am doing everything by hand). One of my dreams was to have the quilt hand made by me but quilted by you. Here, it's out my little guilty secret ;-) !<br />That said, I have no doubts that in your place (I'd love to be in your place, not that I don't like my own one :-)) I would first and foremost enjoy my kids growing up and my family. I am in the process of doing exactly the same with my 7 year old daughter and would not change it for the world!<br />I very much hope you manage to find the right path for you - both personally and professionally - and have joy, satisfaction and pleasure along the way!<br />Just please, please, please do not completely abandon your quilting, even if you decide to scale it down! I would be happy to be put on a waiting list for my DJ, as long as it can be ready for when my daughter leaves home ;-). And of course, we can always find reasons to convince her to stay with us a couple of years more!<br />Good luck and thank you for bringing happiness to so many with your talent!Blogless mehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08197604186807076554noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4932593447088657785.post-33654147485155823522011-03-06T06:42:32.683-07:002011-03-06T06:42:32.683-07:00This comment has been removed by the author.Blogless mehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08197604186807076554noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4932593447088657785.post-45978557320144263592011-03-05T22:33:11.440-07:002011-03-05T22:33:11.440-07:00OK...either give up longarming because it involved...OK...either give up longarming because it involved a lot more thime than people realize and your hourly pay isn't worth the trade-off with your family. Or raise your longarming rates to such an amount that you decrease your amount of customers to a reasonable level and you make so much money doing it that you don't mind it as much. I gave up and sold my longarming business for all the reasons you cited...I just like the creative side more. And just because you are an awesome longarmer doesn't mean you have to be guilted into sticking with it...let your family win, take a break from the LA, and turn your skills into something you will enjoy more! You could be the next Camille Roskelley!! She probably couldn't get half her stuff done if she was longarming for others! LOL...Good luck!Vic H.https://www.blogger.com/profile/00731457735125526759noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4932593447088657785.post-63552621664915004722011-03-05T17:30:15.348-07:002011-03-05T17:30:15.348-07:00You are the most amazing quilter I have ever seen!...You are the most amazing quilter I have ever seen! You have been blessed with a wonderful talent. I am not creative at all and can't imagine having those qualities. Just hang in there doing what you can. My kids are grown and gone - it really goes fast!Joanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15866722188646448636noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4932593447088657785.post-42239431777629276882011-03-05T10:07:54.733-07:002011-03-05T10:07:54.733-07:00The first comment says it best..your 'babies&#...The first comment says it best..your 'babies' will grow up in a blink of eye. Is it possible to cut back on the quilting part for a bit and focus on the designing? Do you have an opportunity to 'rent' out time on your longarm...if you lived close to me, I would definitely sign up! The quilting will be there waiting when you are ready. Don't get overwhelmed by trying to make the right decision, it will paralyze you. Remember that your 'babies' will only be little once...I didn't miss out on anything of my twins, but I so would like to have one day back to enjoy it all over again. Lisa in TexasThe Rx quilterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10298509954770050074noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4932593447088657785.post-41633319013282483072011-03-05T07:42:01.447-07:002011-03-05T07:42:01.447-07:00You are so talented so not being able to expand fe...You are so talented so not being able to expand feels like constricting to you. I would start by slowing down. You are booked a year in advance but that means don't schedule so much from that point forward. You have committed to doing those between now and then but going forward don't take on so many. Continue keeping your notebook of ideas so when you are able to steal some time away you know what to focus on. Your quilting is so wonderful too bad a computerized quilting program couldn't be utilized (even if that meant a new quilting machine) even though it would be something new to learn in the long run it should help you out. You need a day at a spa or something to "chill out", you deserve it!Becky Rhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00877223121270773074noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4932593447088657785.post-61851612184855929712011-03-05T06:33:25.908-07:002011-03-05T06:33:25.908-07:00Wow, you have gotten a lot of good advice. As a g...Wow, you have gotten a lot of good advice. As a grandma and very busy, mind always racing and feeling overwhelmed myself sometimes I just encourage you to follow your heart and take a deep breath. I know how easy it is to get overwhelmed. I sense you are very hard on yourself, relax (easier said than done) and enjoy life today. Learn to set priorites and schedule some design time in. Kids grow up way too fast but I'm sure they know you love them, it's ok to take a little time for yourself too. May God give you grace and peace and joy in your journey, keep your focus on Him and He will direct your path.Pamelahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10329490611964136201noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4932593447088657785.post-57152493959238987092011-03-05T06:07:24.858-07:002011-03-05T06:07:24.858-07:00I am also a young mom and a quilter, (not as good ...I am also a young mom and a quilter, (not as good as you.) I also like to design quilts, and have in the past ran a blog with my sister. When I finally decided to let designing quilts, and blogging regularly go...things got better. I can do those things again when all my kids are in school maybe. It is still stressful a lot of the time.Mollyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04750527188461933519noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4932593447088657785.post-55262564258580487312011-03-05T00:24:22.887-07:002011-03-05T00:24:22.887-07:00You have gotten responses all across the spectrum ...You have gotten responses all across the spectrum with most saying what I wanted to say, family first. I had a business that I dissolved months before giving birth to #3. I do side work or really some volunteer but now I just had #4 and really know I need to focus on my hubby, kids, and home. The 'work' will always be there. <br /><br />Now specifically for you, I think keeping your sketch books going is great. But if you think they are designs for now (may seem dated later) then transition from machine quilter to designer or learn to say NO to some of the quilts to have a more realistic schedule. you don't have to cut anything off 100% or do if it helps. <br /><br />I know just for me personally, this (full time) 'mom' season is not for very long, even if its another 18 years. Fabric, sewing, quilting, patterns, and such will always be around! Our family is going to come/go! I like to live with NO regrets. and yes even personally too. <br /><br />So if your sewing goals are stronger than your mothering goals, then persue your sewing goals! You have to live with your choices, but then since your working from home, your family does too. <br /><br />Keep us updated on your ideas/choices your heart. It's not easy and we all have to make these life-balancing decisions to make things sane!<br /><br />*HUGS*<br />Jackie (at) jackiesue.comMrs. Jackie Suehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12849412723760824808noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4932593447088657785.post-87460193021981795622011-03-04T21:09:05.238-07:002011-03-04T21:09:05.238-07:00Judi,
I have seen all kinds of crazy good quilting...Judi,<br />I have seen all kinds of crazy good quilting and you the by far the BEST I have ever seen. You have a gift. Don't be afraid to raise your prices, which may cut the volume, give you more time, but maybe yield the same profit. You have to at least keep quilting until I get my American quilt top finished! Be happy, enjoy your kids. I swear my son was just 7 years old and his 24th birthday is next month.<br />DeborahDeborahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14597945428961091793noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4932593447088657785.post-3105252498224986632011-03-04T16:02:43.496-07:002011-03-04T16:02:43.496-07:00If your heart is into designing, o for it, as that...If your heart is into designing, o for it, as that will make you the happiest.<br />MickiMickihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09075827547379051762noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4932593447088657785.post-66804829029838071192011-03-04T13:36:26.108-07:002011-03-04T13:36:26.108-07:00There's a time for everything...that includes ...There's a time for everything...that includes a time to work and a time to be with family. Those of us in office jobs working 9-5 Mon-Fri have children in daycare or home daycare or preschool, sometimes are even lucky enough to have an au pair or nanny or relative helping right in the home, but it sounds like you need two separate times in your day; one to focus on work for a set amount of hours; one to focus on family. Don't forget a time to rest, reflect, relax and regain your strength. Perhaps one day off a week from any work (or two) would be a very good idea? Make a list: one of priorities/necessities and one of wishes, then combine them to see how much time you need to spend on things during the week. Seek balance. Best wishes to you! <br />To whom much is given much is required.<br />http://likemylife.homestead.com/muchisrequired.htmlMary Annhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01848908751785134160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4932593447088657785.post-20887303954710810742011-03-04T10:51:34.094-07:002011-03-04T10:51:34.094-07:00Tough decisions. Of course you want to spend time ...Tough decisions. Of course you want to spend time with your children and you deserve to be successful in your business. Work at home mom sounds wonderful, but I think you're still looking at your business as something you do on the side. If you went out to work where would the children be? Daycare may not be an answer, but do you have a neighbor or someone who would like the extra income of taking your children for a little bit? Sure, you'll take a financial hit, but the mental wellbeing should be worth it. Time to yourself and doing work you love will make you a better mother. I've never seen anyone with more of a gift than you have for quilting, so I hope you hold on to that. I wouldn't hire someone for the quilting, people want you, and training someone else will take even more time. Treat your business like a business, time to work, time for family and hopefully time for designing.Dana Gaffneyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02023202806714127984noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4932593447088657785.post-16478550366727565092011-03-04T09:34:04.756-07:002011-03-04T09:34:04.756-07:00Hi Judi, I haven't commented before but I'...Hi Judi, I haven't commented before but I've been following your amazing work on your blog for more than a year. You have inspired me to take the leap into longarm quilting with the way you make it all work. I have 5 kids so I know how demanding it is trying to take care of them & satisfy your need to create. For that reason, I invested into a Statler Stitcher/Gammill machine.( Just got it a week ago!) Have you considered a computer guided system? It can allow you to quilt faster & leave more time for designing. Maybe you could digitize some of your designs (love your feathers!)so you can reuse them. This could allow you to devote more time to what are the most important things you need to do...Denisehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02438928026711608351noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4932593447088657785.post-34612907954835436052011-03-04T06:49:28.247-07:002011-03-04T06:49:28.247-07:00Sorry, forgot to add: Since you took the financial...Sorry, forgot to add: Since you took the financial hit to buy your long-arm machine, I would not train anyone else to do the quilting side of your business. You know your machine and you have an instinctive ability to know which designs go well on quilt tops, so I'd stick with the long-arm work yourself. This way you know the quality of the work that goes into the quilting and you will continue to attract business. IF, in the future, your pattern designing, fabrics, etc. end up becoming the bigger part of your business, then you can phase out the long arm work.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4932593447088657785.post-19732721653116718752011-03-04T06:42:15.730-07:002011-03-04T06:42:15.730-07:00I posted, but lost my post, so here I go again!
S...I posted, but lost my post, so here I go again!<br /><br />Since you and Clint depend on your business for your income, it's obvious you can't let the long-arm side go...you have to continue with it. So...all the advice here to get help watching your kids sounds great--personally, I'd try two days a week and see how that goes. Your kids won't hate you, trust me! You can figure out how to schedule in family time, even vacation time after a while. It will tough at first, but everyone will get through it. I tend to think you may also need help with housework, having someone come in a couple times a week to do laundry, etc. Yes, it all costs $$, but in the long run, it will help you both to keep your sanity.<br /><br />I may be crazy, but it might be worth it to try to get in touch with quilting professionals/teachers such as Bonnie K. Hunter or even Ellen Burns. Why? So you can ask any questions you may have about getting fabric ideas out to market, or any other design questions/problems you may have. I may be wrong, but i don't think these ladies are so competitive that they would be able to at least email you and give you some advice from their years of experience. Who knows, maybe they know of some people who can help you with fabric designing? The worst they can say is 'No'. You could try other people in the 'quilting world' as well. Remember, you are now part of this professional world, you have an online business! That's not a little thing! Give it a shot...you already have done great things...moving on the spur of the moment and getting your business going. Many, many people fail at this, you have NOT!<br /><br />I for one would love to see your fabric ideas out in the market. Good luck!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4932593447088657785.post-34461580019821185572011-03-04T01:30:02.385-07:002011-03-04T01:30:02.385-07:00Judi, Judi - do you know you are my guru. I admire...Judi, Judi - do you know you are my guru. I admire you greatly and wonder how-on-earth you can possibly do all you do with all the challenges of life - ie, husband, home, children .. I really was starting to wonder if you really were a fairy and maybe had little fairy helpers to get all your work done .. but alas no Judi .. you are simply human!!<br /><br /> I can really understand your dilemma, when you are feeling over-whelmed the best thing to do is prioritise. Usually being 'mom' will be at the top - you are exceedingly lucky and have it all - right now .. enjoy. Fame and fortune can be fleeting, whose to say you'll even like it ... your children are young .. you are young, believe me your time will come. <br /><br /> Embrace those beautiful children, your gorgeous husband and enjoy your business for what it is, the rest will come later. <br /><br /> from a very big fan xxxxxxxContented Carolinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04858745267434206788noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4932593447088657785.post-78760030165186255402011-03-04T00:10:32.212-07:002011-03-04T00:10:32.212-07:00Seems like you have lots to do and you are not con...Seems like you have lots to do and you are not concentrating on any of it because while you are doing one thing you are thinking about the next job. Make a simple schedule for a week or a month that covers all the things you need to do. Leave a bit of leeway for moving or swapping things. Have the schedule so you can easily check it. I do mine on the computer. While you complete a task you can give it your full attention because you don't have to remember or think about all those other things on the schedule. If your schedule says 10pm - read latest quilting magazine for 15min then go to bed you can relax because you know the schedule has it covered for tomorrow. Obviously small children can't read the schedule so it won't always fall into place perfectly. Don't you hear it said that children like routine? Well you need routine too. It is also said that people study better if they take a break - 20 mins on 10 off for 2 hours is less tiring than two hours straight. You may not get quite as much done but you are more fit for the next task. So to begin with list 5 things that have to be done and fit them onto a schedule and go from there.Valspierssewshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10052294048481393185noreply@blogger.com