Come Stitch With Me

Because it puts you more in control of things and lessens the impact of outside influences.

Decisions and actions you take in your 20’s and 30’s will have a direct bearing on what your life will look like in your late 40’s, early 50’s and on into retirement. It also applies to business planning, but in this instance, I’m speaking from a personal perspective.

Ever since I moved to my current school two years ago, I’ve experienced a shift in priorities. It’s no longer about making money, but rather where can I add value and make a difference in the world around me. Yes, money is needed to buy the things we all need to live (housing, clothing, food, medical care) but the quantity of money is no longer my primary focus. My free time outside of school hours is simply more valuable. I turn down more extra curricular teaching activities than I accept. I have also turned away some quilt for hire opportunities so I can focus on developing my kid’s sewing club and summer camp curricula.  I have also increased our therapy dog visits, averaging 1 visit per week.

I am also starting to wonder if I can press the retirement button a few years early, or at least scale back to part-time without messing up the master plan.  I never thought I would see the day hubs would start talking about life after HD, but the unthinkable has happened. Hubs and I are currently working with a financial planner to see what’s possible (many employers offer this service as an employee benefit). Who knows what the future might hold?  Regardless, we would have never made it to this point had we not consistently lived beneath our means and paid ourselves first over the years.  Thank you to Clark Howard, Dave Ramsey and more recently, The Minimalists, for keeping grandma’s common sense wisdom at/near the forefront of my mind.

What a fun filled three days I had had!

So, as an individual member of the Modern Quilt Guild (both former Atlanta MQG affiliates to which I have belonged opted to disassociate themselves from the mothership), I was entitled to a free 4-day show pass.  I went ahead and ordered one last summer, not knowing if I’d be able to attend or not.

Lo and behold, the new school schedule’s February break corresponded with Quiltcon in Savannah this week.  I was able to go without taking time off from work like I did to attend AQS Chattanooga back in September.  Quiltcon East in 2019 will be held in Nashville, and yes, I will be attending, even if I have to use all my personal days to go!

One thing I have really liked about the Modern Quilt Guild is that it attracts sewists and quilters from all age groups.  Savannah was equally represented with attendees from college age to retirement age.  Bright, happy colors abounded everywhere and people were happy to be there.  Yes, many of the quilts on display were not what you’d see at an AQS show (skill level or subject wise), but that’s part of the charm of the MQG.  These folks care more about the creative process, handmade with love and less about perfection. Let’s face it – 100% perfection in quilting isn’t possible – no matter how hard we try. My creative time is precious. I want to make for the sheer joy of making something (yes, sometimes for others for a small profit!) – not feel I have to always create something worthy of judging at a major quilt show.  By the way, this will be the first year since 2005 that I haven’t had a quilt in the East Cobb Quilt Guild Show.  (It’s actually quite liberating.) If I’m in town that weekend, I’ll certainly enjoy the show as an attendee rather than entrant.  🙂

I didn’t feel compelled to take any classes at this particular Quiltcon for two main reasons: (1) similar classes are available to me locally and (2) cost.  Classes were $80-$200+ each, depending on instructor and length of class.  This is way more than what I typically pay at home or at other major sewing/quilt shows.

I did find a lot of value in attending the various demos (especially on Saturday) and in meeting key folks from various organizations that expressed interest in supporting my elementary sewing club (one immediately donated a HUGE bundle of fat quarters, one asked me about writing  a guest blog post/essay for her organization’s site and another wants to donate kid’s craft books from the publishers he represents to our school library). I am overwhelmed by their interest and generosity.

I did pay money to attend a lecture, but did not appreciate the speaker going on about their personal political ideology and belief system.  Making mention that certain things inform your art is one thing, but amount of time devoted to this topic was a bit much for this particular venue IMHO.  MQG members represent the entire political spectrum. Besides, I had enough with all of the elections last year and I really don’t want to hear about it at a quilt convention. ‘Nuff said!

Finally met Elaine Perez of Summercrafter Patterns in person (after editing her patterns for the past 2 years) and we had our picture taken with none other than Jenny Doan from Missouri Star Quilt Company!  Sending that one to be printed so I can pin it on my board in my sewing room!

Yep, all those personality tests peg me as an introvert and they are spot on.  You may not think so if you see me at work because:

• I can read stories a room full of kids with costumes, props and multiple voices.
• I teach sewing classes to kids and adults.
• I make presentations to parents, staff and at the state library conference.

But put me in a situation where I have to make small talk and I immediately become tongue-tied.

Learning how to “work a room” takes skill and practice.   It’s one area I have to constantly work at.  It definitely puts me outside my comfort zone, but it does get easier with practice.  I’m heading to Quiltcon East in Savannah later this week.  I am going solo, but plan to meet up with several of my online quilting biz friends at the event.  I’m really looking forward to actually meeting Elaine Perez from Summercrafter in person for the first time. We’ve worked together on her patterns over the past year, but our contact has been limited to phone and email.

Here are some tips to help fellow introverts “work a room” and develop those connections you need to expand your small business.

• Wear an outfit that you love (if you know you look good, it helps boost your confidence)
• Have a 30 second “elevator speech” ready
• Have plenty of business cards in your pocket
• Ask follow-up questions to learn more about the other person (Ex. What makes your hometown special?  What drew you to that line of work?)
• Have 1-2 personal stories that you feel comfortable sharing (kids, dog, vacation, unusual hobbies, etc.
• Discuss sports, weather, upcoming holiday season, biz trends, but stay away from controversial topics.
• If you’ve met the person previously, follow-up on something discussed the last time you met (vacation, kids, pets, new product coming to market) or comment on their Instagram feed.

Whatever you do, don’t stay in the corner hidden away or talking with the same person the entire evening (unless it’s a business deal you are negotiating)  the point of a networking event is for you to meet as many people as possible.