A Plan for the Future

 I had lunch with a fellow longarm quilter yesterday. We do that periodically just to touch base with each other and to talk about our chosen avocation. It's always good to bounce ideas off of each other, share thoughts on different subjects, and possibly work out joint projects.

While we were talking the subject of my quilt retreats came up. I think I have convinced her that she needs to come join the fun really soon. We have all been so confined, more so than usual, and getting around other quilters will always raise your spirits and help with getting the creative juices flowing. Seeing what others are working on always jump starts our creativity. 

One idea that came out of our lunch was for me to re-start 'May Mester' in 2022. I have had requests for that type of retreat where we are in class for several days and then have the option of staying around to sew for a few more days. I have also set this as a split retreat where some are there for the instruction and some to work on UFO's.

 I have actually missed this 'teaching' retreat. My opinion is that we need to stretch ourselves to do somewhat more difficult designs so that life doesn't become dull and boring. Here lately we tend to do alot of  really fast quilt tops. Now, don't get me wrong, as a longarmer I love those types of quilt tops as they keep me busy. However, I love seeing someone tackle something that they thought they could never do, and then see it to completion.

So, I have added a poll to my group facebook page to test the waters as to the type of quilt that you might like to 'tackle'. For about 4 years we did Judy Neimeyer quilts, and I am not against doing them again. Many of us thought we could not do those quilts and I have seen many of them completed over the last couple of years. (I have a few myself that need to be quilted) A similar quilt would be one from Jacqueline de Jonge. I have always wanted to work on one of hers, but, have heard that the instructions are somewhat convoluted and difficult to follow and understand. That said, I have someone who can carry us through that maze. With either of these choices we could pick a specific quilt or two and all work together to learn how to put them together. If you didn't want to pick your own fabrics, Batiks Etc. is always a great place to have a kit made up. I have used them often and always happy with the results. There are several local quilt shops that might want to step in and help with this too. These are just 2 examples of the designers. These are not the actual quilts that we might choose to work on. 

This is one from Jacqueline de Jonge.

This is one of the many Judy Neimeyer quilts.

Well, that's as far as I have gotten with this idea for now. It does add a little spark of excitement to the coming years at One Loose Thread. I do love doing retreats. I do love the planning stage. It's like I can invite everyone to my home studio for several days of sewing and the joy it brings. Add to that the peace that we feel when we go to Gravatt for several days, it makes all of the work worthwhile. 

So, think about it. Let me know what might interest you. But in the meantime:

LET'S  GO  SEW!!!

It's a New Year!!

I cannot believe that we are more than half way through the month of January!! 

I haven't done a 'true' blog post in a long time. I can remember sitting at this computer in the evenings and doing some pretty good writing. With Covid, keeping up with Mr. OLT's health issues, trying to keep a small business running, I just haven't found the time or the energy. However, it's time to get back to 'real living'.

Quilt camp is coming up in a few weeks, so I am working on getting ready for that. Letters with supply lists and forms have been mailed to everyone. This is the retreat where we do an optional mystery. I say optional because everyone gets the clues and they decide if they will be participating. The mystery, again this year, is one from Deb Caffery. She writes great directions and I have always been pleased with her quilts. Sometimes not my fabric choices, but, that's not the quilts problem. 

I haven't really come up with a theme for this camp. In November we did 'Purple'. In August we did Dr. Seuss (that was really fun!). Last February we did Mardi Gras. I'm thinking that 'Spring' will be a good idea for this February. Nice bright colors. Lots of flowers. Keep it light and fun.

I have been working on some client quilts. Here are a few pictures of those. Some, I can't show you for one reason or another. 

I do have a couple of custom quilts in the works and a couple of commissions that I'm working on. I have a few personal projects, but, we'll talk about them another day. 

I hope this new year finds you healthy and happy. We have to make the best of the situations that we currently have, that's for sure. 

Have a great day and LET'S GO SEW!!!

Questions Answered about Quilt Camp

 

I have been asked about how I operated my retreats during this terrible time of Covid-19. This is how it works.

Even with all of these precautions, I cannot guarantee anything.

This is the way things stand TODAY..............

 1. All rooms will be singles charged out at the rate of a double. No one may share rooms.

2. Everyone will have 2 6 foot tables to work with. There will be no 'pods' as we usually have.

3. I will only supply one ironing surface per building, so everyone will be allowed to bring TRAVEL irons and their own ironing surfaces.

4. I will not supply cutting surfaces..........everyone will need to cut on the extra tables that I have provided.

5. Masks will be worn whenever you are out of your chair and moving about the room.

6. Temperatures will be taken at check-in and every morning at breakfast.

7. All meals will be plated. There will be no salad bars or buffets.

8. Masks will be worn into the dining hall and as you move around in there. Once seated at a table they can be removed.

9. The number of people seated at a table for meals will be limited.

10. You must bring your own pillow.

11. Once on site, I ask that no one leave and no one is allowed to visit. That limits the possibility of exposure.

12. I also request that everyone limit people contact for at least a week prior to camp, in a effort to keep everyone as safe as possible.

 We will be in 2 buildings, so, you can imagine that the number of campers will be reduced. At this time there is space available.

Hopefully you can tell that I have done everything to keep everyone as safe as possible. We still find it necessary for all attendees to sign a disclaimer for both Gravatt and One Loose Thread.

 This is the way I have operated my last 2 retreats and it has worked well. We do the best we can.

 Joyce Greer-One Loose Thread, llc

November News!!!

 I am getting close to filling the November retreat, however, I do have some additional slots available. The magic number would be around 20, but, I currently have enough registered for us to have a great group and work within Covid guidelines. 

Something has been added that is not on the registration form. It is a special offer from Gravatt and one that I just could not refuse. It goes like this:

Special Invitation from Gravatt Conference Center:

Continue the fun of your Quilt Retreat with One Loose Thread

·       Sew all day Friday

·       Dinner by Gravatt Kitchen on Friday night

·       Sleep in your same room Friday night

·       Sew all day on Saturday

·       Bruch by Gravatt Kitchen on Saturday morning

·       ENJOY THE BIG DELISH with food prepared by our favorite chef Brandon Viele from Juniper!! ( This is included in the cost)

          This event will be held on the Camp side of the Lake!!

·       Sleep in your same room Saturday Night

·       Pack and leave on Sunday morning

·       Sunday breakfast on your own

Cost will be an additional $125.00 over your retreat fee.

So, this would allow you to extend your relaxation and sewing time by 2 extra days. You won't have to change rooms or move machines.

Think about it. The registration forms are available by clicking a link at the top of this page or on the facebook page. The special Invitation has not been added to the form, but, can be noted or you can just email me. 

I'm off to work on a beautiful wool Halloween quilt for a client. Hope you have a great day!

Time To Move Some Fabric!!

 One day last week it occured to me that this studio is a DISASTER!!! And, it was contributing to my mental state, not being it's usual up beat self. Sooooooooooooo, I decided that I would sell off my stash. Well, I really don't have the time to measure, cut, package, mail, sell it myself. Wouldn't you know that an elf stepped in and said that she would do all of that!! So in comes Sharon Sisson from Treadle Pushers Quilt Shop in Sumter!!! YEA!!!!! SHARON!!!!!

These pictures show what I started with each shelf is 2 layers deep in fabric. Most of which I have not seen in at least 5 years, probably more. 

So, I have started sorting. I know I want to keep the precuts (more on that later). I really like to have a lot of neutrals. Purple, orange, hot pink, and lime green are my favorites. For some reason I have A LOT of Halloween fabric. I have a dozen or more of the big blue Ikea bags and I have borrowed more from friends and I am moving fabric. 

I have told myself that I can have one.....ONE....stack of each color family........... well maybe the whites, creams, and tans can have two..Then there is my collection of black and whites that I have worked on for over 20 years....... I think it will also have 2 stacks....but these must be side by side so that I can see everything. Halloween gets a stack. Christmas gets a stack, and POLKA DOTS!!!! they get a stack!!

The rest MUST GO!! and it will. This is all first quality, quilt shop quality fabric. There is NO JUNK... now, I'm not saying that it is all beautiful..........there are a few 'What were you thinking' pieces....for sure. 

On Sept. 20, 2020, Sharon and her husband will be here to pick it all up and take it to the shop. She will get it ready for the BIG SALE.......... so you need to watch our facebook pages to see when that will happen. I have added several bags since this picture was taken.

In the meantime, Alexis Greer spent several hours today reorganizing my fat quarter bins. They really needed it. I think that sometime after all of this I am going to cut all of that up into Bonnie Hunter's Scrap System and use those drawers for that purpose. But, that's for another intervention!!

Alexis is doing a great job. Those white drawers have been buried under at least 2 feet of fabric for at least 8 years!!! What you see on the longarm table still has to be filed once she finishes the reorganization. That should all happen tomorrow.

Once this side of the studio had been cleaned out, I have the other side to do. I will get all of the 'hidden' fabric out of there before Sharon picks up and then I'll have a lot of STUFF that will have to be disposed of. The fabric on the other side of the room has a lot of what would do very well for One Block Wonder quilts.At least I think that's what's over there. 

Then there are the project boxes........... I have a TON of them and each one has a project in it and some have 2 or 3 projects in them. I don't think I will be  sending those to Treadle Pushers for sale....I'll deal with them another way. However, as I type this, I'm thinking that maybe I 'might'...and send box and all. We'll see.

Oh yes, I said I would get back to the precuts............ I have far, far, more that I ever thought that I had. Therefore, I am going to have to rethink what I will do with those. I imagine that quite a few will go into the fabric sale, so stay tuned.

So, that's what's going on at One Loose Thread. The dust is flying!! This studio is going to look soooooo much better and it will be a much happier place.......Mr. OLT even suggested that we change out the carpet............YES!!!!!!!! It is a dirty tan piece that has been on the floor for years!!!

Olivia Statler will reappear on the 20th of this month, so I need everything ready to rock and roll. I am 3 weeks behind on my clients quilts...........to me, that is totally unacceptable and I need to get back on schedule. 

I am still registering for November Quilt Retreat!! It's a great deal, so register soon. I have a limit of 20 for this retreat!!

In the meantime!!! LET'S GO SEW!!!!

Longarm Quilting gets Better and Better !!!

 

Sally King, I have pretty much finished the backgrounds in these blocks. I have some fill work to do, but, Olivia Gammill has a trip to take. I will finish this up once she gets home.

I KNOW that my husband thinks his wife is so crazy and that she cries at the drop of a hat. Well, this girl and I have been dancing together for 10 years now. We have learned so much about each other and both of us have screamed a lot. So, as I undressed her this afternoon, the tears are flowing.......crazy.....I told you.

Tomorrow, Tracey and Jessie, from Bird House Quilts, will pick her up and take her to Georgia for major surgery. 

When she comes back she will be Olivia Statler!!! I am so excited for her and for One Loose Thread, LLC (that's me). It has become more evident to me over the last few months that my back, hips, and legs can't take too much more standing in place. So, I made the decision to retrofit Olivia to Statler. This will make things much easier for me to continue to give my clients the best possible product for a longer period of time. Of course, I can still accomplish the beautiful custom quilting that you have come to expect from One Loose Thread. That can be done with  Statler robotics or I release 2 belts and I'm dancing with Olivia again, or a combination of both.

At the same time, Bird House Quilts will be doing an annual service on Penelope Statler and giving her some updates too. Both machines will be be on the same level of computer system and I won't have to learn a whole new program. 

So, tomorrow will be a very busy day too. Right now, I need to start clearing that thread wall that you see behind Olivia, so that I have room for my computer and monitor. If I can figure it out, I might also hook it up to my smart TV.......then I can REALLY see the screen... 😃

Of course, none of this would be happening without the support of the FANTASTIC clients of One Loose Thread, LLC. Thanks to all of you for your love, faith, trust, and continuing support. Time to put in another 10 years to my second profession. That of being a longarm quilter.

Custom Quilting Costs WHAT!!??!!

THIS IS NOT A RANT    ........................ but is may sound like one. These are just some thoughts that I am having. As a professional, I really don't usually feel the need to explain my fees.

 Had a conversation today with a new client. We have never met and apparently she has never seen any of my custom work on quilts. We were discussing the cost of custom quilting on her absolutely beautiful quilt top. I explained that it would take me from 40 to as much as 80 hours of time to quilt her top and what that would cost...........I know she was somewhat shocked. You can hear that through the phone for sure. If I stuck with the lowest part of the quote I would make $7.50 per hour.............. if it were on the high side of the quote, it would be $10.00 per hour. This is far below what I would 'like' to make as an hourly rate (that quote would have been $800.-$1600).  Of course if it only took me 30 hours, the fee would be adjusted accordingly. She said that was more than she had anticipated. I told her to think about it and call me in a week or so and let me know whether or not to proceed.

I always quote my custom work somewhat high. I have to because I have no idea how long it will take or how 'custom' the quilt will insist on becoming. I don't want the client to be surprised at the fee.  For me, light custom is one design in the center of the quilt and a different design on the border. For each additional border, there is an additional fee. Once I am finished with the quilt, then the cost can be adjusted, usually downward, very rarely would it be higher without the clients knowledge. However for full custom quilting............it's all out design and stitch. 

Design........you know, that takes time too. With this particular quilt, I have already spent several/many hours just studying the quilt to see the most appealing way to quilt it. There are going to be upwards of 15 thread changes. There will be lots of 'stitch in the ditch'. These things I already know. By the time this quilt gets to the frame, I would have already put many design hours in so that I can start work. However, before I begin the actual quilting the entire quilt top will have to be basted to the backing so that I can move around the quilt with ease and roll it back and forth to try to reduce the number of times that I have to change thread.

So, now the quilt is on the frame and it needs my undivided attention. That reduces the amount of time that I can spend with edge2edge or light custom quilting. If I am not doing the edge2edge quilting, I am then not making any money, because I am only making $7.50 an hour on this custom quilt. I am in the BUSINESS of longarm quilting you know. This is my lively hood and my accountant, as well as the IRS expect me to make money with this BUSINESS. 

So, with all of this explaining/complaining, please understand that I LOVE MY JOB. And, I will happily make that $7.50 an hour and provide that client with a quilt worth thousands in the end. That is simply because it will make me happy to do so.

I just wish that we as longarmers could actually received the compensation we earn. As I type this, I am paying a painter to paint a couple of small walls in my kitchen. It will take him less than 2 hours and I am supplying the paint. His fee............................$300.00.............. go figure.

So, as you take your tops in for your favorite longarm quilter to work on, remember, she is a professional quilt artist and deserves proper compensation for her work. Most of you wouldn't work for $5.00 and hour...........why should we?

Have a great day and remember...........wash your hands and wear your mask.