Inspiration
Everyone gets their inspiration from somewhere. For me, it’s usually from books (from the library or purchased for my growing collection), other people’s projects (on blog posts or at quilt shows), or just from imagining something I want to make and looking for a similar pattern (usually these days on Pinterest).
Here are some of my favorite links / blogs / books in case you’re interested in using similar resources as your inspiration.Check out the Quilting Books available at your local library
Following other people’s blogs are helpful ways to get ideas for projects and get inspired:
- Amy Gibson’s blog http://www.stitcherydickorydock.com/
- Maureen Cracknell’s blog http://maureencracknellhandmade.blogspot.com/
- Sherri Lynn Wood’s blog http://daintytime.net/ and especially her improvisational modern quilting techniques
- Susan Albright’s blog http://sewsusansew.blogspot.com/
Blocks released monthly/weekly are another way to try new techniques:
- Moda Blockheads 2 http://blog.modafabrics.com/block-heads-2/
There’s even someone quilting in space! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N0c1CijmH7o
Local Shops and Guild
Check out my local quilt shops and quilt guild. Make sure to buy local when you can and consider joining your local guild. The guild members and shop owners are often very supportive of new quilters and will offer tips on fabrics, colors, patterns, and sewing techniques!
Westside Quilt Guild (member since 12/13) http://www.westsidequilters.org/
Sharon’s Quilt Attic, Hillsboro, OR http://www.sharonsatticquiltshop.com/
Cool Cottons, Portland, OR http://www.coolcottons.biz/
Connecting Threads, Vancouver, WA http://www.connectingthreads.com/
Country Manor (huge selection of Moda solids/blenders/pre-cuts as well as other fabrics stored in a barn type setting) at 7702 NE 179th St, Battle Ground, WA
Volunteer Opportunities
Coffee Creek Quilters, Wilsonville, OR http://coffeecreekquilters.org/ This is an organization that teaches quilting to women in prison.
Podcasts and Videos
I recently started listening to podcasts while driving to/from work or watching a video while doing dishes at night. Here are a few of my favorites that relate to creative business and/or sewing.
While She Naps http://whileshenaps.com/
Elise Gets Crafty http://www.elisejoy.com/podcast/
Sewing Together https://www.appletreesewing.com/category/podcast/
Love to Sew http://lovetosewpodcast.com/
The Midnight Quilt Show with Angela Walters – a fun, short tutorial showing colorful quilt patterns and ideas for machine quilting https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLjp-yIkiW1qAM-OX4StCCg
Jordan Fabrics has great tutorials on youtube as well https://www.youtube.com/@jordanfabrics8380
Other Resources
Recently, I ordered iron on labels for a project for a client. Melody at Mad Mad Graphics produced a really nice looking final product. She was friendly and helped to create a new logo for So Sew Gifts that fit best on another label. Check her work out on Etsy!