See MIB at Quilt Market

Hello Friends,

It's been some time since the last I wrote you, but I'm happy to say I've been working hard designing, making, and writing a series of sewing related products you'll love. I'm gearing up for my first experience as an exhibitor at the 2016 International Quilt Market in Houston, TX. I've had a whirlwind of tasks and learning to catch up on, but I'm so happy with the end result. Let me take some time to share with you MIB's latest news.



First, my first fabric collection for Michael Miller Fabrics is out. It's called FRONT YARD. The designs are inspired by the landscape and movement of things in the front yard of my house. It's so exciting to get the collection out in the world. I'm thankful for the team at Michael Miller for making my dreams come true. They love it, I love it, you're going to love it too.

FRONT YARD is available for presale, shipping January 2017. Simply call your local fabric shop to ask for FRONT YARD or if you're a shop owner, call (212-704-0774) or email Michael Miller.

Second, I finished up my official website and my own shop. Phew. It was a lot of work and a lot of learning. I had felt that I'd become quite efficient with blogger for my blog, but a website with a shop was an entirely different animal. The website came out nicely. There's more things I'd like to do to customize the website, but those changes will sprinkle in as the days go by.

And... yes, I have more sewing products available for you. The products were made with FRONT YARD. There's 6 quilt patterns, some of them modern and some traditional. There's a new book, called Simple Patchwork. It has 9 classical blocks, made in 3 block sizes, set in 12 layout options. Plus, it's chalk full of information from my favorite techniques and tips, as well as information for you to build out your own quilt. In addition to the fabric, quilt patterns, and book, there's also 7 garment patterns and 2 decorsewing patterns available. You must check them out!

 

Along with a new website, comes a new email address. Please update my email to sandra@sandramakeitblossom.com.

If you're heading out to market, then come to my schoolhouse and stop by my booth to see in person the beautiful garments and quilts.  Details are noted in the first photo above. I am taking appointments, but I'm flexible either way. Simply shoot me an email to schedule an appointment.

I look forward to meeting many of you at quilt market,
Sandra

2016 Fall Quilt Market Readiness

Hello Friends,

It's been a long time, but wanted to say hey and let you know I'm still around.

It's been hard days working on my first booth for Quilt Market, which is about a month away. I'm debuting so much, a fabric collection, new quilting and garment patterns, my second book, and more. You're going to love it.

I'm really excited to be an exhibitor, but it is also my first time. When it comes to design and making, I'm confident. I can talk and talk your ear off, but preparing for such an event like quilt market, it's been a guessing game. A costly guessing game. It's finding this happy middle ground where you anticipate enough to be ready for any business opportunities and yet determining what's overkill.

For example, I have these beautiful brochures and order forms. How many to print, what paper to use, color, both sides, buy online or use local?

I will admit I went overboard on my booth. It's hard walls and it's beautiful. And so more decisions. Do you ship or drive? If you ship, how will it get to the convention center. If you drive, do you rent an u-haul and if so, where do you park it. How much will it all cost?

And yet there's more decisions. How much inventory to bring? What should be preorder or what should be ready for the sale. What's my sale policy, how to price, how will I transact, and so forth.

Then the anxiety questions starts to enter my brain... Will I sell enough to at least break even? Will it be worth my time? I'm optimist, but there's no guarantees.

Overall, I'm really excited. It's been a whirlwind of everything. Designing, making, drafting, writing, photography, building, coordinating, and so forth. And also, I built an official web page.

It's been a lot. I've learned so much. I may not have been efficient this go around, but I'm improving my learning curve. I'm gaining more confidence as a business women and growing as a designer. Those are things to focus on, to focus on the positive.

In the midst of market prep,
Sandra

Make It Blossom is going Full-Time

Friends,
I have awesome and yet scary news to share with you. The day has come. I have resigned from my day job as the Director of Internal Audit of a financial company downtown Denver. I'm taking Make It Blossom full time! For the past 15 years, I've enjoyed the consistent income from Corporate America. Then, I was able to dedicate all my free time to moving up the corporate ladder. But now, I'm a mom, and a wife, and that kind of commitment to a corporate job is no longer desired. Although my priorities have changed, I still desire to be a business women and create a balance family life.

Wish me luck on this journey. The best support and encouragement you could offer me is to reach me on social media, tell your friends, and check out my store on Etsy. (For shop owners, my patterns and book are available through Brewer, Checker, and United Notions.)

Currently, I'm working on a formal webpage, making my booth for fall Quilt Market, and making samples/patterns for my first fabric collection.

I'm excited for this next chapter in my life. Thank you for being here for me, because without you, this wouldn't be a possibility. Below are some photos of the booth project.

Seizing the day,
Sandra
 

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