Jump to content

loraquilts

Member
  • Posts

    334
  • Joined

  • Last visited

  • Days Won

    11

Reputation Activity

  1. Like
    loraquilts got a reaction from Maryllisquilts in UFO Challenge 2024   
    Every year I tell myself that I need to finish three UFO (Unfinished Projects (don't know where the "0" fits in)).  This year I've set the goal at 3 completely finished projects for the year and my stretch goal is 6 fully completed projects for the year.  I've also committed to not starting any new projects until I completely finish at lease 3 UFOs.  
    Well, my friends, it's only February 21, 2024, and I've already completely finished 3 UFOs.  *insert fireworks here*  
    Okay, to be honest, two of the UFOs just needed binding, but they had been sitting around unfinished for a very looooooong time.  Now they are done.  
    The other UFO I finished was a block swap quilt top with 25 different 12" blocks.  The top has been finished for several years, but I was never sure how to quilt it.  Well, I just put in on the frame and custom quilt each block, simple sashing and feather borders, roll over binding, and voila, it's done!  I'm so proud that I actually finished this one.  It has been intimidating me from the corner for far too long.  ; ) 
    Now I'm working on two more UFOs.
    #4 is a flannel pinwheel square in square baby quilt.  I need to make 8 more blocks (maybe more depending on how big the finished quilt will be).  Then quilt and bind. 
    #5 is 30 embroidered inspirational blocks (27 were already done).  I've already embroidered one, just need to embroider two more blocks and then add sashing, borders, quilt and bind. 
    #6 ????  ooooh there are sooooo many to choose from, but now that I'm on a roll, I'm really excited to get these old projects finished.  I started making an inventory of unfinished projects and it is a little daunting -- over 25 (mayby close to 40 or 50 quilt tops, but some of those were my mom's that I brought home with me after she passed), a dozen totes and other bags, half a dozen table runners and coordinating placemats, and a few miscellaneous projects.  I think I'll do at least two quilts for every three UFOs that I work on. 
    Does anyone else out there have UFOs?  What is your strategy for getting them done?   
  2. Like
    loraquilts got a reaction from dbams in UFO Challenge 2024   
    Every year I tell myself that I need to finish three UFO (Unfinished Projects (don't know where the "0" fits in)).  This year I've set the goal at 3 completely finished projects for the year and my stretch goal is 6 fully completed projects for the year.  I've also committed to not starting any new projects until I completely finish at lease 3 UFOs.  
    Well, my friends, it's only February 21, 2024, and I've already completely finished 3 UFOs.  *insert fireworks here*  
    Okay, to be honest, two of the UFOs just needed binding, but they had been sitting around unfinished for a very looooooong time.  Now they are done.  
    The other UFO I finished was a block swap quilt top with 25 different 12" blocks.  The top has been finished for several years, but I was never sure how to quilt it.  Well, I just put in on the frame and custom quilt each block, simple sashing and feather borders, roll over binding, and voila, it's done!  I'm so proud that I actually finished this one.  It has been intimidating me from the corner for far too long.  ; ) 
    Now I'm working on two more UFOs.
    #4 is a flannel pinwheel square in square baby quilt.  I need to make 8 more blocks (maybe more depending on how big the finished quilt will be).  Then quilt and bind. 
    #5 is 30 embroidered inspirational blocks (27 were already done).  I've already embroidered one, just need to embroider two more blocks and then add sashing, borders, quilt and bind. 
    #6 ????  ooooh there are sooooo many to choose from, but now that I'm on a roll, I'm really excited to get these old projects finished.  I started making an inventory of unfinished projects and it is a little daunting -- over 25 (mayby close to 40 or 50 quilt tops, but some of those were my mom's that I brought home with me after she passed), a dozen totes and other bags, half a dozen table runners and coordinating placemats, and a few miscellaneous projects.  I think I'll do at least two quilts for every three UFOs that I work on. 
    Does anyone else out there have UFOs?  What is your strategy for getting them done?   
  3. Like
    loraquilts got a reaction from HelenS in If you dream it, someone will redevelope it and make a profit   
    My son is convinced that Alexa and Google listen to EVERYTHING (and they do!).  He is very entrepreneurial and always coming up with invention ideas.  Whenever he has what he considers a really good idea, we have to go out into the middle of the back yard and whisper, so none of the smart devices can eavesdrop on our conversation.  At first I thought it was a bit ludicrous, but not after I saw an ad for one of his idea only a couple of months after we talked about it in the house.  
  4. Upvote
    loraquilts got a reaction from HelenS in Long Arming "Hot Mess" Quilts   
    Like many others, I've had my share of nightmare customer quilts.  I always call the customer, explain the difficulties I'm having with their quilt, and provide a couple of solutions (and associated prices).  One lady (a dear sweet thing) doesn't care what I do, she just loves getting the finished product.  She does a lot of "circular" quilt blocks (marier's compass, etc.) which never lay flat, so I "practice" various stitch patterns in each wheel and end up quilting out a masterpiece (her words, not mine).  She's happy, and I've been able to practice some new patterns.  Win-win. 
    I have another customer who, bless her, is very picky about how things are quilted and she wants everything as cheap as cheap can get.  Mind you, her piecing is horrendous - going from a 1" seam allowance to a 1 thread seam allowance in the same 12" block.  She expects me to fix all of her boo-boos and do it without complaining.  Quilting for her is not a joy, so I very tactfully (or at least as tactfully I could muster) recommended that she might be better served by another quilter who has more time to devote to her quilts.  Now she only comes to me when she needs something quilted for show or custom quilted.   I don't have the heart to outright refuse, so I give her a price quote that will compensate me fairly for my time (and trouble) and she usually decides to go elsewhere.  Whew!  Another win.  ; )
    I agree with the other comments and would definitely tell her that you cannot work on a quilt if it is full of pet hair and smells bad.  It is a health concern for you as well as for any other customers you may have who could be allergic to pet dander.  She should be able to understand this and adjust accordingly.  Limiting her to one quilt a month is also not a bad idea.  This give you time to work on other quilts and still work on some of her quilts as well.  Who knows, if she ends up making many more than one quilt a month, she may end up finding an an alternate quilter anyway.  
  5. Like
    loraquilts got a reaction from Barbara Conquest in Loyal customers. ???   
    Just a quick update.  I talked to one of my customers at the sewing club this morning and asked her why she was taking her quilts to another quilter instead of me (not in those words of course).  I just wanted to hear from her what I could do to improve my business, my relationship with customers, etc.  I could tell she was a little uncomfortable at first, but I assured her that I was not trying to coax her into coming back to me, just curious about the change.  She said that she uses the other woman for all over panto work, and would be using me exclusively for custom work - something the other woman doesn't offer.  She showed me an invoice from the other woman and her pricing was very similar to my new pricing, however, one thing she includes in her pricing is trimming the quilt and attaching the binding strips to the back of the quilt.  
    gkazee, I really like your idea of making a sample quilt with the pantos that I would do for 1 1/2 cents a square inch.  Linda, your suggestion of having a sale month is a great one too.   I'll make up the sample quilt and promote my sale for the month of November and the first two weeks of December.  We'll see what happens.  
    Thank you all for being candid with me.  I had checked around and found that my previous prices were about a cent below the average in my area.  I had been told by many that I wasn't charging enough, so I raised my prices a little after I got the computerized system.  Now I see your points about customers not caring that the stitching is perfect and just wanting to get the quilts finished quickly and as cheap as possible.  Also, I recognize now that showcasing all of my custom work probably scared some people off.  I think you are right - they see the detail and amount of effort in the quilting on those quilts and think $$$$$ cha-ching! and don't want to pay for that.  
    Next year, I'm going to try to show off two quilts a month (probably lap size) - one with custom quilting and one with an all over panto.  Hopefully, that will convey the message that I can do both.  
    Thanks again.  I really appreciate your honest feedback and input!!!!!  Thank you. 
     
  6. Like
    loraquilts got a reaction from dbams in Anne Bright Designs   
    I really don't think I was being unreasonable asking to receive the designs that I paid for, the ones that were pictured. 
     
  7. Upvote
    loraquilts got a reaction from quilterkp in Just for Fun...Improbable Quilting Business Names   
    You could always try "Constitutional Quilting Company" with the tag line "We believe in the right to bear longarms!"
  8. Like
    loraquilts got a reaction from LinneaMarie in Latest blog post is up - just some food for thought   
    Connie,  I'm sorry, but there's no way you did 27 years in the Navy.  In your picture your only in your late 20's or early 30's, so unless the Navy started hiring embryos, I'm going to call shenanigans! 
     
  9. Upvote
    loraquilts got a reaction from LibbyG in Loyal customers. ???   
    Just a quick update.  I talked to one of my customers at the sewing club this morning and asked her why she was taking her quilts to another quilter instead of me (not in those words of course).  I just wanted to hear from her what I could do to improve my business, my relationship with customers, etc.  I could tell she was a little uncomfortable at first, but I assured her that I was not trying to coax her into coming back to me, just curious about the change.  She said that she uses the other woman for all over panto work, and would be using me exclusively for custom work - something the other woman doesn't offer.  She showed me an invoice from the other woman and her pricing was very similar to my new pricing, however, one thing she includes in her pricing is trimming the quilt and attaching the binding strips to the back of the quilt.  
    gkazee, I really like your idea of making a sample quilt with the pantos that I would do for 1 1/2 cents a square inch.  Linda, your suggestion of having a sale month is a great one too.   I'll make up the sample quilt and promote my sale for the month of November and the first two weeks of December.  We'll see what happens.  
    Thank you all for being candid with me.  I had checked around and found that my previous prices were about a cent below the average in my area.  I had been told by many that I wasn't charging enough, so I raised my prices a little after I got the computerized system.  Now I see your points about customers not caring that the stitching is perfect and just wanting to get the quilts finished quickly and as cheap as possible.  Also, I recognize now that showcasing all of my custom work probably scared some people off.  I think you are right - they see the detail and amount of effort in the quilting on those quilts and think $$$$$ cha-ching! and don't want to pay for that.  
    Next year, I'm going to try to show off two quilts a month (probably lap size) - one with custom quilting and one with an all over panto.  Hopefully, that will convey the message that I can do both.  
    Thanks again.  I really appreciate your honest feedback and input!!!!!  Thank you. 
     
  10. Upvote
    loraquilts got a reaction from Marie0722 in Loyal customers. ???   
    Just a quick update.  I talked to one of my customers at the sewing club this morning and asked her why she was taking her quilts to another quilter instead of me (not in those words of course).  I just wanted to hear from her what I could do to improve my business, my relationship with customers, etc.  I could tell she was a little uncomfortable at first, but I assured her that I was not trying to coax her into coming back to me, just curious about the change.  She said that she uses the other woman for all over panto work, and would be using me exclusively for custom work - something the other woman doesn't offer.  She showed me an invoice from the other woman and her pricing was very similar to my new pricing, however, one thing she includes in her pricing is trimming the quilt and attaching the binding strips to the back of the quilt.  
    gkazee, I really like your idea of making a sample quilt with the pantos that I would do for 1 1/2 cents a square inch.  Linda, your suggestion of having a sale month is a great one too.   I'll make up the sample quilt and promote my sale for the month of November and the first two weeks of December.  We'll see what happens.  
    Thank you all for being candid with me.  I had checked around and found that my previous prices were about a cent below the average in my area.  I had been told by many that I wasn't charging enough, so I raised my prices a little after I got the computerized system.  Now I see your points about customers not caring that the stitching is perfect and just wanting to get the quilts finished quickly and as cheap as possible.  Also, I recognize now that showcasing all of my custom work probably scared some people off.  I think you are right - they see the detail and amount of effort in the quilting on those quilts and think $$$$$ cha-ching! and don't want to pay for that.  
    Next year, I'm going to try to show off two quilts a month (probably lap size) - one with custom quilting and one with an all over panto.  Hopefully, that will convey the message that I can do both.  
    Thanks again.  I really appreciate your honest feedback and input!!!!!  Thank you. 
     
  11. Upvote
    loraquilts got a reaction from gkazee in Loyal customers. ???   
    Just a quick update.  I talked to one of my customers at the sewing club this morning and asked her why she was taking her quilts to another quilter instead of me (not in those words of course).  I just wanted to hear from her what I could do to improve my business, my relationship with customers, etc.  I could tell she was a little uncomfortable at first, but I assured her that I was not trying to coax her into coming back to me, just curious about the change.  She said that she uses the other woman for all over panto work, and would be using me exclusively for custom work - something the other woman doesn't offer.  She showed me an invoice from the other woman and her pricing was very similar to my new pricing, however, one thing she includes in her pricing is trimming the quilt and attaching the binding strips to the back of the quilt.  
    gkazee, I really like your idea of making a sample quilt with the pantos that I would do for 1 1/2 cents a square inch.  Linda, your suggestion of having a sale month is a great one too.   I'll make up the sample quilt and promote my sale for the month of November and the first two weeks of December.  We'll see what happens.  
    Thank you all for being candid with me.  I had checked around and found that my previous prices were about a cent below the average in my area.  I had been told by many that I wasn't charging enough, so I raised my prices a little after I got the computerized system.  Now I see your points about customers not caring that the stitching is perfect and just wanting to get the quilts finished quickly and as cheap as possible.  Also, I recognize now that showcasing all of my custom work probably scared some people off.  I think you are right - they see the detail and amount of effort in the quilting on those quilts and think $$$$$ cha-ching! and don't want to pay for that.  
    Next year, I'm going to try to show off two quilts a month (probably lap size) - one with custom quilting and one with an all over panto.  Hopefully, that will convey the message that I can do both.  
    Thanks again.  I really appreciate your honest feedback and input!!!!!  Thank you. 
     
  12. Upvote
    loraquilts got a reaction from dbams in Loyal customers. ???   
    Just a quick update.  I talked to one of my customers at the sewing club this morning and asked her why she was taking her quilts to another quilter instead of me (not in those words of course).  I just wanted to hear from her what I could do to improve my business, my relationship with customers, etc.  I could tell she was a little uncomfortable at first, but I assured her that I was not trying to coax her into coming back to me, just curious about the change.  She said that she uses the other woman for all over panto work, and would be using me exclusively for custom work - something the other woman doesn't offer.  She showed me an invoice from the other woman and her pricing was very similar to my new pricing, however, one thing she includes in her pricing is trimming the quilt and attaching the binding strips to the back of the quilt.  
    gkazee, I really like your idea of making a sample quilt with the pantos that I would do for 1 1/2 cents a square inch.  Linda, your suggestion of having a sale month is a great one too.   I'll make up the sample quilt and promote my sale for the month of November and the first two weeks of December.  We'll see what happens.  
    Thank you all for being candid with me.  I had checked around and found that my previous prices were about a cent below the average in my area.  I had been told by many that I wasn't charging enough, so I raised my prices a little after I got the computerized system.  Now I see your points about customers not caring that the stitching is perfect and just wanting to get the quilts finished quickly and as cheap as possible.  Also, I recognize now that showcasing all of my custom work probably scared some people off.  I think you are right - they see the detail and amount of effort in the quilting on those quilts and think $$$$$ cha-ching! and don't want to pay for that.  
    Next year, I'm going to try to show off two quilts a month (probably lap size) - one with custom quilting and one with an all over panto.  Hopefully, that will convey the message that I can do both.  
    Thanks again.  I really appreciate your honest feedback and input!!!!!  Thank you. 
     
  13. Upvote
    loraquilts got a reaction from Gail O in Loyal customers. ???   
    Just a quick update.  I talked to one of my customers at the sewing club this morning and asked her why she was taking her quilts to another quilter instead of me (not in those words of course).  I just wanted to hear from her what I could do to improve my business, my relationship with customers, etc.  I could tell she was a little uncomfortable at first, but I assured her that I was not trying to coax her into coming back to me, just curious about the change.  She said that she uses the other woman for all over panto work, and would be using me exclusively for custom work - something the other woman doesn't offer.  She showed me an invoice from the other woman and her pricing was very similar to my new pricing, however, one thing she includes in her pricing is trimming the quilt and attaching the binding strips to the back of the quilt.  
    gkazee, I really like your idea of making a sample quilt with the pantos that I would do for 1 1/2 cents a square inch.  Linda, your suggestion of having a sale month is a great one too.   I'll make up the sample quilt and promote my sale for the month of November and the first two weeks of December.  We'll see what happens.  
    Thank you all for being candid with me.  I had checked around and found that my previous prices were about a cent below the average in my area.  I had been told by many that I wasn't charging enough, so I raised my prices a little after I got the computerized system.  Now I see your points about customers not caring that the stitching is perfect and just wanting to get the quilts finished quickly and as cheap as possible.  Also, I recognize now that showcasing all of my custom work probably scared some people off.  I think you are right - they see the detail and amount of effort in the quilting on those quilts and think $$$$$ cha-ching! and don't want to pay for that.  
    Next year, I'm going to try to show off two quilts a month (probably lap size) - one with custom quilting and one with an all over panto.  Hopefully, that will convey the message that I can do both.  
    Thanks again.  I really appreciate your honest feedback and input!!!!!  Thank you. 
     
  14. Upvote
    loraquilts got a reaction from dbams in Spa Treatment   
    Thanks!  My machine is an older one - Ultimate I.  I have used it since 2007 and am the 3rd owner, so don't really know how many quilts have been done on the machine.  Right now it runs fine, but I have to adjust the needle bar height every few times I warm up the machine -- a little drag sometimes.  Fixable, but a bit of a bother.  A few days ago I noticed that my hopping foot has a little movement to it now when doing ruler work.  Never noticed that before.
     
    I had been debating about whether to upgrage to the latest Millie, but decided to keep my current machine since it still works great.  I think a spa treatment will be just the ticket to get it all performing perfectly.  Hope they still service the Ultimate I machines.   
×
×
  • Create New...