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Having recently published an ebook titled “9 Easy Steps to Beautiful Batik”, I read with interest today a great article about the creation of batik fabrics in the “Love of Quilting”.  The article has some great photographs showing the commercial process accomplished by Indonesian artisans from preparing the cloth, to adding the base colors, applying the wax as a resist, and then dyeing the fabrics.

Hats off to Bruce Magidson for a great article!

Recently I was fortunate enough to befriend an expert in batik fabrics from Malaysia, a lovely lady named Aneeta Sundararaj. Together we co-authored the book “9 Easy Steps to Beautiful Batik” that illustrates how to use basic equipment such as an electric skillet and skimmed milk to create fabrics that can be used for projects from scarves to quilts.  Our process uses equipment and supplies found around the house or at craft or discount stores. Read the rest of this entry »

The rise in the popularity of quilting as a hobby has meant a corresponding rise in the public awareness of the importance of the quilt. When anything starts to make a big impression on the public consciousness (and at a whopping $2.27 billion there is no disputing that the impression is big indeed) you can bet that a slew of informational content will begin to hit the markets. Writing for this niche is a great way to turn a knowledge and passion for quilting into a viable career.

Types of Quilting Books

No subject is limited to just one area when it comes to literary materials, and quilting is certainly no exception. There are many different areas within the topic of quilting that can be turned into engaging and informative book material. Listed below are a few areas where an aspiring author could focus their energies in order to create a book that is popular with the public.

How-to’s

This is probably the most recognized genre of book in quilting, as it is in any craft. How-to books focus on the basics of making a quilt, from materials and setting up a workspace to block and quilt patterns and stitching suggestions. The advent of the internet has meant that how-to books have fallen in popularity, as the information found within them is often easily accessible for free to anyone with a computer connection. Still, these books offer concrete steps from recognized experts, and are still important inclusions in the library of most hobbyists. Read the rest of this entry »

One job that tests the foundations of knowledge for any quilter is that of the quilt appraiser. There are several requirements necessary in order to do this job capably and as a source of steady income, but for someone who blends the perfect mix of ingredients together, there is really no telling how far it can go.

Quilting has grown in popularity exponentially over the last few years, and the quilting industry has also seen a rising awareness of the importance of antique and heirloom quilts on the collectables market. The result has been a definite increase in the number of quilting appraisers throughout the country.

When an appraiser is needed

There are several circumstances under which the services of a reliable quilting appraiser will be called for. The following list is not exhaustive, but it probably covers the main reasons a person would want to have a quilt appraised.

Insurance.

Although made for use, quilts are not indestructible. A lot will depend on the fabric and the stitch pattern, of course, but over time even the most durable quilts will begin to wear. Valuable quilts can be insured against incidental damage, as well as Read the rest of this entry »

No doubt that at some point during the time you have been creating quilts, you have thought about what it must be like to do so for a living. There are entrepreneurs who have made their hobby into a full time career, although it takes hard work and sacrifice.  

Opportunities  There are several ways that you can turn your crafting skills into income by selling your quilts. Let’s take a look at some of them. Selling your quilts yourself: This is the approach taken by the vast majority of craft entrepreneurs. Once you have finished off a quilt, you begin to look around for places to sell it. Some quilt makers will sew throughout the year, and have a good range of stock available for shows during popular seasons. 

Becoming a product line: If you are familiar with (good parts of!) the story of Martha Stewart, then you know that the foundation for her empire was laid by signing an agreement to sell her products through K-Mart. This is actually a very common tactic among entrepreneurs looking to sell a product to the masses. Read the rest of this entry »