Irish Quilting

Greetings for Heart Day

2012-02-09T00:15:00.000-08:00

We love to decorate for holidays. Show your love for Valentine's Day with a greeting banner.

All you need is:

Scraps 4" or larger; (try orphan blocks, we did!)
buttons
Contrast scraps for letters
fusible web
pinking shears
1. Simply cut the larger scraps into bunting flags. You can do this by cutting 4" wide strips. Cut strips vertically, at an angle to create flags. (In my home, we have 7 and 8 year olds helping, so in fairness, our cuts are very organic. You could be scientific and measure the correct angle of degrees of each cut for exact and consistent sizing.

We advise using pinking sheers, if at all possible. The pinking edge eliminates frayed edges. (With straight blades, the raw edges will ravel. To avoid raveling, the bunting flags should be topstitched or twosided with seams--both increases workload.) I love pinking sheers for this reason. In fact, we have a rotary pinking blade and it is brillant!

Align your banner's flags according to fabric contrast. Light, dark, light order will be the best contrast.
2. Create letters for HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY, one letter for each flag.

Draw fat letters, reverse direction, on the glue side of fusible web. Again, our designwork here is very organic. For perfect typeset, consider drawing or using letter templates using mirrored type by tracing in reverse using a light box, or copier if available.

3. Follow manufacturer's directions for fusible web, and apply each letter to the center of flag.

4. Connect flags by sewing buttons.

5. Hang and celebrate!

Don't forget to bring in your own creativity. I made my own Valentines to give to my friends.

2012-01-25T00:21:00.000-08:00

I was seeking an interview with a textiles designer when I first heard of the Dublin Horse Show at the Royal Dublin Society (RDS). This designer had difficulty fitting me into her schedule as she explained she was crazy busy trying to get ready for the upcoming Horse Show. Not being local to this event, I niavely, inquired, "oh, how interesting, that you show horses too!"

You can imagine my embarrassment when it was quickly revealed that the "Horse Show" is so much more than horses, jumps and hay. The Dublin Horse Show, indeeds caters for everyone with an exhibition of crafts and antiques, a diverse range of shopping among exhibitor booths.

Now, a good few years later, although sure to be a good showcase, the horse show is the lesser of the excitement for our crafts in Ireland. In conjunction to the Horse Show, each year the RDS holds their RDS National Crafts Competition. It is a juried showing and involves more than €28,000 is prize winnings.

In fact, in 2010, Cork-based quilter, Mary Palmer, scooped the overall show prize, as well as three other winning placements. The talent and beauty that is entered into this show is incredible.
In creative circles one almost always hears about the stellar crafts being created in County Cork. There are several textile groups that flourish in this area. Each year, I am delighted to see the latest textile entries from this talented bunch. It is my own personal reunion of unmeasured inspiration.

As I sat in our meeting yesterday, it was overwhelming to think of the immense talent and ambitition that filled the room. Most attendees were representatives of guilds and associations. Everyone from woodcutters to feltmakers, to lacemakers to goldsmiths. A tighter niche, though equally well represented, sub group makes up the working committee for the RDS National Crafts Competition. The purpose of our meeting was to open discussion for feedback and suggestions from the craft community as a whole. It was impressive. The RDS is to be commended for holding such a prestigious competition and the craft organisers around the table, hugely commended for the efforts put forth by all the entries and supporters.

Entries in photo format are to be in by 8 May. We await the many talented artists.

Are you one of them?

Proofreading Pays It Forward

2012-01-11T02:43:00.000-08:00

We are currently looking for office staff. Since Lauren's gone to college, it's Dermot and myself holding down the fort. And it's busy.
We are always looking for sales staff for selling advertising.

Recently we hosted several advertisements for the openings on job sites.

What amazed me is the amount of responses filled with typos, spellings and poor writing. If I'm not mistaken, the number of poorly constructed responses is increasing. Why?

In my past life, I have been a substitute teacher and in my schooled life, I'm a technical writer. Both have a penchant for teaching others. So when I review responses to job postings, I am eager to alert the person to their mistakes. There was a time I would open every email and every CV. At minimal, I send a confirmation of receipt every time.

Now, if there is one wrong spelling, a lowercase that should be uppercase or a glaring typo, I simply delete the email. One button and it possibly changes the direction of someone's life. I feel some guilt.

As a result, my own emailing and texting has become sharpened. Friends or colleagues frequently get abbreviated, noncapitalised, unpuncutated responses, saving my time--but possibly increasing their time in deciphering my message.

Now, the time I save deleting poor responses, I pay that time forward by composing better responses in my own communication.

Oops! Time's up and there's still a heap of CVs to review.

Creative Potholes

2012-01-04T22:11:00.000-08:00

Winter rains have made the texture of our country's roads a patchwork vision, but these weathered potholes take a toil on our vehicles.

Which is why I loved this snippet reporting from Paris earlier in 2011.

Kudos to the creative concerned citizens, like this 'yarn bomber' who knits to improve her surroundings.

New Year's Resolutions

2012-01-04T20:31:00.000-08:00

Who or what helps you keep your new year's resolutions?
We endure our triumps and of course, our forgets. Rather than call them failures, I call them forgets--that is what happens: we forget what we resolve to do in January by the time February's Valentine sugar cookies hit the table. That's just life.

Are you using technology to track your resolutions? Lucky for us, I have a fairy Googlemother. Instantly, upon search engine wish, Keep It Real: 8 Services To Make Your New Year's Resolutions Stick appears on my screen. Fairy Googlemother knows all.

What I found was websites offering accountability aids for resolutions and smartphone apps for tracking life goals. All inspiring and most free, are these tools used by all, some, most or just the overachieving personal coach?

Despite the bells and whistles of technology, I find myself not quite ready to enlist and decide to resolve with incremental steps that when combined, result in a greater balanced achievement for me. For simpler life solutions, I found these fun resolutions. With the resolution Smile More topping the list, who wouldn't succeed in these goals?

Back with fairy Googlemother, I wish for patchwork app or websites to increase my sew time or perfect my quilting stitches. Nothing particular to those tasks was granted, but quilting aids such as Easy Quilt or BlockFab were revealed and available for download.

In our latest Irish Quilting issue, read quilting resolutions that are more traditional and true to turning over the stitched leaf of the new year. Remembering to achieve that goal of finishing UFOs (one a month?) or equal opportunity stash buster (if the fabric is still ugly, it's not cut into small enough piece) is still key.

I share these same goals and yet, I've managed to post-resolve: Download and Experience a Quilting App.

Any suggestions for which quilt app I should try?

Happy New Year!

Another Choice Issue

2011-12-09T00:27:00.001-08:00

The latest issue is on the streets! We are particularly proud of Ireland and our quilters in this issue. There’s a huge amount of quilting being seen in the mainstream. We’re so excited as we report about it all.

Bigger still, and more vast than most subject matters, science is partnering with quilting!! We are so excited to work with our Fair City, chosen from so many European cities, and named City of Science for 2012. In celebration of Dublin City of Science 2012, we want to see science in your quilt. Check out our Science in My Quilt competition. It is early days, sponsors are eagerly signing up and offering prizes (more than €3000 in value), so get creative, grab your lab coat, pick your instrument and come out with a really inventive and creative quilt!

That’s just one article out of so many in this issue.

Last issue, our tutorials were a big hit. Who doesn’t want to learn more?

In this issue, we provide a tutorial for some elegant polishing to a quilt. Our feature quilt required this particular feature so it was easy enough to have the makers of the quilt prepare the tutorial. Once the proof reader went through the paces, we had volumes of tips, tricks and guidelines for our scallop border tutorial. Mass is good, but the need for appropriate presentation and structure reminded me of an online tutorial I once read on a blog:

32 Steps To Do Scallop Borders.
Janey Mac! But it only took me 20 steps to make the quilt top!

1. Experiment Always a good start!

2. See Step 20. Do I bother with Steps 3-19?

3. Consider not doing scallops and do an ordinary edging. Grand! Let’s not do it afterall!
4. …

Options. It is all about the options, right?

Behind Behind the Scenes

2011-11-25T08:02:00.000-08:00

Hello!
Is there anybody out there? Just nod…ah forget it…
The Boss (Sherry) is away, so I’m here at the computer in the office with Kevin beavering away in the Other Office. I DO hear a keyboard being used, so…
Oh yeah, I’m Dermot and what I know about quilting is about equal with my left boot’s
understanding of Quantum Mechanics. To me, Jacob’s ladder is a very scary movie. Good to meet you! There. I confessed and I feel much the better for doing so. I’m a quilting ignoramus!
Why work at a quilting magazine, then? Well, let me stop you right there. I don’t work at A quilting magazine; I work at THE quilting magazine in these here parts. A small but important point, no? As for writing, filing, processing adverts and subscriptions, proof reading and making a damn fine mug of coffee (if I do say so myself), I LOVE it!
Lately, however, odd things have been happening. Our beloved Lauren has transferred to Dublin, Sherry is more out of office than in and even my wife and son are visiting a sick relative…..I’m keeping a very close eye on Kevin. Abandonment is a terrible thing!

Never mind, minor mental issues aside, the weather here is pretty spectacular for this time of year. Usually by this time, small animals have been kicking at my back door and making with the whinging and wailing but this year? Let’s just say that it’s never good for one’s self esteem to have a hedgehog, four Thrushes and a Robin turn their noses up at the usual scraps and nuts left outside for them. And one would get funny looks if one should chastise said ingrates with a stout stick.
Better leave it at that. Wonder what Sherry will think of me invading her blog like this?
Hmmm!
So, any of you looking for a half-decent, house trained office worker?
Hello……?

Dermot

What I Heard at the Houston and Dublin Show

2011-11-15T01:56:00.000-08:00

We've finally returned from two shows back to back. The week before last we exhibited at the International Quilt Festival in Houston and this last week we exhibited at the Knitting and Stitching in Dublin.

What an interesting stretch of days. What a tiring stream of days.
I am very fortunate that we could take part and I'm delighted that we successfully exhibited at both. This week we finalise the latest issue, so it is such a productive month!

My thoughts in this post were to summarise the two shows individually, and of course in comparison.

The Houston show was immense. Naturally it is dedicated to quilting, so everyone shares one love. Apparently the attendance numbers were down, the isles quieter than past years. As a first-time exhibitor, this was not as obvious to myself. Four years I have been traveling to Houston (three as nonexhibitor) and not once have I made it to see the quilts on show. One year, I will find some stolen time and I will check out the quilts on display. If you have been to either Houston Market or Festival, you will understand the overwhelming amount to see and do in a short span of time.

The Knitting and Stitching show in Dublin continues to grow each year. This year it arrived later in November and I wondered if the miss of school break would make a difference in the crowds. School's in session, and yet, the isles were still crowded. In fact, it would appear some schools made the tour so children did not miss out. As a 'knitting and stitching' event, there was a great mixture of craft enthusiasts. Unlike at the Houston event, I did have help in Dublin and I was able to chat with customers and vendors alike. I also saw the incredible display of quilts--many marking the 30th anniversary of the Irish Patchwork Society.

With a great showing of vendors (Oakshott, Van Gogh, multiple Irish quilt shops). The first thing I learned from the vendors was that the mixed crowd (knitting and stitching) was increased work for them. Even at our booth, we realised the impact of non quilters with the many queries for the nonexistent pricing our quilts on display. Several non-stitching visitors were confused as to what product was being sold, whereas quilters were well educated on a quilt booth's wares.

Interested readers were ample at both shows, making our attendance well worth the effort.
As both shows happened one after another, I amused my travel times both in car and plane comparing the two events. Perhaps unfairly.
The Houston show caters to a full blown industry of quilters. The Dublin show is for craft enthusiasts. Both shows had education and workshops and so the biggest difference was in the vending. And, of course economics played a role as well, but in general, I could see finances being a distinct concern for the people of both continents.

There were no beginner quilters in Houston--no one outting themselves to me, anyway. Whereas in Dublin, from the nonquilting crowd, the beginners were out and proud; so many folks wanting to learn patchwork, wanting to find quilting teachers.

The quilters in Houston were finding a new affection for embellishing and creating art quilts like those that European quilters do so regularily.

Finally, other marked differences are simply summed up in two words: customer behavior. For fear of getting into trouble, but for want to share my amusement, I leave it with you to guess which clientele carries which attribute:

In one show among the upbeat and happy, there were some weirdos. The ones that know no personal space, those that ramble on about nothing, those that leave you wondering, "what was that all about?"

In the other show among the upbeat and happy, there were some contrary. The ones with a sour puss, the ones that gripe as if you are forcing them to buy, the ones that leave you wondering, "what was that all about?"

In truth, it doesn't matter which is which, I've come to learn that the same resolution is true for both of them. I listen. Because he/she is my customer. I listen. If I can do something to help them, I will. I listen, because they want to be heard.

Isn't that we all want?

Obedient Yet Perplexed

2011-10-27T23:50:00.001-07:00

One of the most important aspects of being an editor is protecting copyright. Funny enough, often this copyright rarely is for me nor Irish Quilting's material.

We promote quilting and we share information. Irish Quilting is a window into the Irish quilt lifestyle, as well as it is a window into the quilting world for those in Ireland.

My expertise is in writing and managing content and a team--not in patchwork nor techniques--this is one of the bigger misconceptions of my job. It is however, correct to say, that my primary focus is to surround myself with expert patchworkers and quilters. And, it is their copyright material that is my top concern.

Can I print it? Is it ok with them? Does the content convey accuracy and relevance?

Whenever quilts are submitted, I find myself repeating..."we CAN ask". Irish quilters, new to the quilt business, frequently say, "it isn't original, it can't be used". As a business focused on promotion of quilting, I urge exploration and compliance. From Eleanor Burns in America to Annie Downs of Australia, we have been permitted to print copyright material other than our own. I like to believe these professionals believe in the same promotion of quilting. However, as proprietors of unique property, it is only correct they be given credit and compensation as they wish. And yet with such righteous entitlement, there has yet to be an owner of copyright material say no.

However, we have had a professional deny permission after the fact. Oye vey. Permission was given in writing--as it should, which makes the encounter sour more. Making matters worse, this copyright is for 'technique'--a gray area in itself.

Before print--we know this particular professional and her views--we sought written permission, despite that many would argue whether technique is even covered under copyright. The professional has since surfaced exclaiming permission extended only to a photo of the quilt. A photo? A photo of a quilt made by a technique that is purportedly covered under her copyright? Now, why would I do that? Only print a photo of quilt that was made with one person's design and another's technique? The quilt design is not hers and lordy, I haven't the heart yet to tell the original designer about the professional's absent mindedness...did I mention, initially, the professional originally denied ever writing to me. I had to send a copy of her own correspondence back to her! Oye vey.

Meanwhile on other places on earth, there are oodles of creators replicating works. The TV is bursting with these 'Ink' reality shows--every episode the artist is inking some Disney or Harley Davidson tat. And just the other day I watched a restoration show where the artist refurbished a Hershey's candy dispensor, logo and all. The artists are accepting payment for these works and, you know, the Discovery channel is writing them a check.

I wonder, who is minding those copyrights?

At the very least, they should mention copyright and how it's handled--it would make those of us, obedient and tortured in compliance, feel better.

Just Imagine

2011-10-22T05:44:00.001-07:00

A beautiful Irish quilt on the horizon.

That's the cover of our next issue and it's coming soon!

(don't you just love that chair?)

Designs of Another Time

2011-10-11T11:50:00.000-07:00

Has anyone else have preconceived notions about antique Irish quilts?

Much as quilting's history in Ireland has been distinctly without a business angle (as in America's patchwork growth and background), my intrepretation was narrowly constructed of quilts that were created out of need and necessity. Some years ago I viewed quilts made of wools and heavy textiles--100 years old stitching recorded the worn remnants of soldiers' uniforms.

Completely sterotyping a persona without more consideration or creativity, I pictured patchworkers of the Irish 1700s and 1800s with little or no design zest, piecing together remnants for warmth and practicality. Fabulous Ulster quilts with red applique dabbled in creativity but without presence, my mind files the olden Irish quilts as ultimately, a utiltarian need.

Last Monday, a viewing of quilts greatly broadened my notion of long ago Irish quilts and their creators. With special permission and guidance, four 1700-1800's quilts of Dublin's Collin Barrack's Museum lie before us. (Unfortunately there was no photography allowed.)

Two quilts were of hexagon piecing. Among six smaller hexagons circling one, great care and design was obvious as it was a multitude of design within designs. This hexagon piecing was clearly a product of fussy cutting, a kalidescope design. In a conceited effort to validate my earlier intrepretations, I do think the size of hexagons, ie., 2" shapes, were inherently scrap fabric in a time when quilting fabric was indeed remnants. However, the creators of these intricate designs and thoughtful coordination of prints and patterns certainly elevated their 'scraps' into contention with any of today's designers' work.

I had the pleasure of viewing these antique quilts with Cathy from City Quilter and we both were really impressed as several prints within the fabrics stood out with familarity. It was amazing to see how perfectly matched are today's designers' reproduction fabrics. Several prints, I felt, were dead ringers for Jo Morton's designs--or at very most, a great-great-great aunt of Jo's!

The shaped edges of the quilts were tidy hexagons kept together with aged, yet still invisible, whipped stitches. In continuing awe we also saw several 'bed covers' covered in colourful embroidery.
Imagine how this impeccible stitching was done in a time without electric lighting!
Honestly seeing these quilts really changed how I visualised quilters in 1700 Ireland. Really, once upon a time they were doing a necessary task--now I can very nearly hear design details shared among these creative ancestors.
Just imagine a time with no rotary cutters, no fusible web, no lamps. These quilters were amazing, nothing short of magicians!

Fulfilling Quilters' Quest in Ireland

2011-10-10T06:44:00.000-07:00

Our industry is small in Ireland, so when I see the quilting forces working together, it is a great thing!

Check out Karen's blog--Karen is a regular contributor for Irish Quilting and for several other publications. Her designs are always colourful, clean and new for inspiring experienced quilters and beginners. Today she blogs about Quilters Quest, an Irish quilt shop in Belfast Northern Ireland.
She's even doing a great giveaway. Be sure to visit her blog and visit Quilter Quest online.

Big Apples in the Fair City

2011-10-04T15:05:00.000-07:00

Monday this week myself and Dermot from the office had the pleasure to visit with Dale and Cathy of City Quilter. They had been visiting in Ireland and we were delighted to meet up in Dublin.

(I have previously met them in Houston and have regularly followed their Manhattan adventures such as creating City Collection fabrics and opening the latest and ONLY Art quilt gallery in NYC!)

Though they had mere days of a tour, we were honoured when we could meet up for a few hours at their hotel. Dermot had been forearmed and planned a little stroll and a visit to the Museum at Collins' Barracks.

Cathy Izzo (City Quilter Owner) Alex Ward (Curator) and myself

Now many here in Dublin know this museum is closed on Mondays. So we were really thankful that Dermot was able to organise a private viewing of some very old antique Irish quilts, categorically filed, "decorative textiles". (I am almost scared to report on this, being I don't want to annoy our lovely currator with similar requests... but it is too good not to share).

Dermot really turned on the charm and with special instruction we went on to view five gorgeous incredible quilts dating from 1700s to early 1900s. Museum quiet and closed, our Currator Alex had to unearth the secure textile boxes, schlep them to a vacant room and find space enough to unfold and layout for viewing. She really went above and beyond to share with us and our friends from the Big Apple. It truly was a grand gesture from the Fair City. My two favourite peoples: Dubs and New Yorkers!

These quilts were exquisite. Hands in gloves, Alex reminded us that photography was not allowed, so goes this blind post. We also want to stress that quilts are, indeed, found on show at the Country Life Museum of County Mayo and NOT in Dublin. So if you want to see incredible textiles like these of olden days of Ireland--olden as in hundred years old--do visit the Country Life Museum in Castlebar.

Dermot is here on left with Dale Riehl (City Quilter Owner), Alex Ward (Currator) Cathy Izzo (City Quilter Owner).

Hollywood Fair

2011-08-23T00:54:00.000-07:00

This weekend our photo opportunity traveled back in time.

This the Annual Hollywood Fair in County Wicklow--one of the best if you ask me!

Where the dress is pre 1950s and livestock roam the grounds.

Food is on the grill. What's an Irish barbeque without potatoes? Check out the potato-filled crates!

A little story about Hollywood, the one in California and in the Republic of Ireland (FYI, there's also a Hollywood in Northern Ireland.) My maternal grandparents are from Hollywood, California. (In fact, my great grandfather is Harry Davenport, Doctor Meade in Gone with the Wind, and my grandfather was the one-armed soldier turned away by Scarlett O'Hara. There's media trivia for you! )

Across the pond, my future husband's paternal family was also being raised in Hollywood--this one in County Wicklow.

Taking in the infamous sign on the hill, below, one difference in our Hollywoods is whether the sheep are grazing.

Acting on Hidden Signs

2011-08-07T01:16:00.000-07:00

Recently we posted an image on Facebook asking friends to guess what it was. It was a partial shot of a larger feature that is in production on a quilt. There were a lot of guesses. Can you guess it correctly?
Neither could anyone else! Though, FB friends Patricia did guess 'clover' and Virgina guessed 'birds'. They both deserve a win and will receive a complimentary copy of the upcoming issue that features this quilt. Here is the full shot:
Months ago I spotted this Irish Hex Sign and immediately envisioned it on a lovely quilt. After contacting Jacob Zook et al. (the company who makes these signs), we secured permission and viola! production began.

The end result is a sweet quilt, king size. Talented Karen in County Kerry pieced this large applique quilt with Hex signs set in an Irish Chain. Now Romi of Creative Quilting is quilting it on her long arm machine.

People who know me know I'm a writer first and a quilter second.
(That's because my schooling happened to be as such. Trust me, had I attended four years of quilt school and could quilt for a living, I would! Heck! it is hard enough writing for a living--but I'll have a go at it anyway.)

Who am I fooling? My own stitching is never straight. My patience can't compare to the sharpest point of any star block. I stick to writing, but with my business, I know to surround myself with the best quilters.

So, here I am chuffed with each step of progress on this Irish Hex Sign quilt-- seeing my idea with the inspiration of the Zook signs come to life. I use the term 'designed by' lightly--but it is not to discount our ideas. Your ideas. You all have ideas and inspirations--they usually begin as simple as, "ooh, that would make a great quilt".

Most the time, it simply involves one call or email to get permission and the sewing can begin. Despite my inadequate sewing, had I more time, I would have loved to do the piecing myself. But then, with my sewing, who knows if the quilt would made it in the issue!

I Did Yudu

2011-06-22T00:18:00.000-07:00

For some time now, I've had an ongoing email thread with reader Angy from Texas. Thanks to Angy, I'm a much smarter person today.

Angy is a subscriber who receives our magazine digitally. There has been intermittant problems with this service and following her most recent email, I became determined to find the source of the frustration. I wasn't going to stop until I did.

The only natural thing to do was to reinact what she was doing and hopefully these problems would surface. And they did. When printed, the magazine appears disjointed and content views obstructed. Yudu is our service provider for the digital magazines and having been informed of another issue (excessive spamming once becoming a Yudu registered user), I went to battle.

Surfed to Yudu, registered with Yudu and bought my digital version of Irish Quilting. (Note to other business owners: never wait to buy your own product! Be your first customer, it tests processes and you know firsthand the quality product is the result!)
Of course within a second or two of getting my digital version, I had questions. I am the MOST skeptic customer, in every part of my life, personal and business. The customer help at Yudu probably thought I was insane. I was saying, Why can't I get this? Why not? He actually said, this is your business, do you really want it given away like that? Oh. Right, put my business cap back on.

(We had been discussing why a simple downloaded PDF file didn't fulfill my purchase. Rather Yudu makes you download an application that runs the magazine on an offline utilty. This app confirms your registered name. His point was a PDF would mean one reader could forward it to one, two or 52,000 other readers. Not good for business.)
I reread Angy's latest email. The inability to have a PDF did not bother her.

Remembering customer feedback and realising I'd just registered, I envisioned spam emails filling my inbox. I had the customer helper direct me to my profile and options within where I could un-opt for special offers. Done. It is a bit hidden and not in the registeration process, so word up on the anti spam process. Check your profile settings.
I reread Angy's email. She said nothing about spam--she was probably smarter than the average (me) and un-opted in the beginning.

Finally I went to print as Angy had. My printer behaved just the same and printed disjointed and obstructed content. Back with customer help, we determined it was the original design settings on the source file. Customer help was kind enough to fix the back issues. Our designer is going to ensure going forward we avoid this problem.

Whew! I actually think we solved the problem presented for Angy and more!

Also, I now have a digital subscription to a fabulous magazine!

Reward Offered for Most Wanted Readers

2011-06-19T15:29:00.000-07:00

Update: FOUND One Reader
Our unsung winner of the Janome blocks has been identified as Vicky Parsons. Now, Vicky, you winner, where are you?

We've lost two readers. Have you ever heard of anything sillier? It's not.
You see, it's happened and well, we're hoping you can help us find them.

One reader was lucky winner Robena Tyndall of County Antrim in our last issue. She won the book Charmed Beginnings by Jo Baddeley. Somewhere between the name draw and the packaging of her winning, her address was misplaced. Anyone who knows her and can put us in touch with Robena,will be rewarded with a year's subscription to Irish Quilting.

Worse, but funnier, is how we came to lose our next reader.

This reader sent in the block below, a winning block! Somehow, there was the wrong name credited to this block in our Janome competition. We were so delighted to receive 70+ blocks for judging; I actually thought, for a moment, that we should photograph each one with a name placard as they arrived in the post. Oh! but I didn't. (People, always follow your gut!)I suppose it is most upsetting because the winning block is in the magazine mis-identified and oh, how I wish this reader would phone us.

If you know someone who knows this block, please put us in touch and we'll reward you with a two year's subscription to Irish Quilting.

Time to network friends. We always want to find readers, but I'm particularly attached to these two.
Thanks!

Spotted: Craft Challenge

2011-06-13T13:46:00.000-07:00

Are You Interested?

Inspired by the sea and the underwater world? Show your maritime colour, texture, pattern and force. This exhibition is calling for contemporary designs in any textile media and technique. Literal or abstract interpretations accepted.

Coming to an exhibition in Dublin!

For more info, visit here.

Irish Quilting in New Jersey

2011-06-12T05:13:00.000-07:00

The Ireland Show Secaucus, New Jersey U.S. A.

Roisin O'Coineen, harpist

Powered by More

2011-03-26T10:31:00.001-07:00

Did you all hear?

February is for match making. In February, we were matched. Our partnering is with Kilcullen Kapital and Partner Enda O’Coineen, businessman/entrepreneur--he's the man who brought the Volvo Ocean Race 2008/09(and again, 2011/12 as Finish Port!) to Galway, Ireland.

O’Coineen, founder and publisher of Irish titles Afloat and Security in the 1980s, announced the partnership with Irish Quilting as an insightful investment and adventure into the growth of the Irish Quilting magazine and into a sustainable textiles/publishing market open to employment opportunities and regional expansion abroad, both areas being a promising pursuit for Irish businesses.

“We’re taking a strong product and brand and making it stronger. Within our
organisation, Irish Quilting will have the means for promotion and expansion it needs to become a leading Irish brand in the existing $3.58 billion yearly quilting industry of America.”

We are enthusiastic about our new opportunities and the support of Enda O’Coineen and Kilcullen Kapital. We believe we have found the right people to take our business to the next level because they have the expertise and the resources, including a commitment to serving our readers while promoting the best of Ireland.

How can you not be excited about that?

(Quilt by Naomh Muire Quilters,in April 2009)

When Picking Favourites is Fun

2011-02-05T14:26:00.000-08:00

Thank you to everyone who sent in Janome Jackpot competition blocks.

The blocks are officially with the first set of judges. Though I'm not a contestant nor a judge, I snuck a box of chocolates into the box when handing over the entry blocks.

In fact, knowing for these two judges it is a weekend of patchwork lectures and courses, well, might they be judging this very moment?

Personally, I like the odd red wine with my chocolates, but it's bad enough I'm influencing (for no reason) with chocolates, but to impair them with vino, well no hard-working contestant wants that! And don't ask who the judges are just yet, I'll take no chances of anyone else plying them liquor!

As editor, I've reserved a special 13th winner slot, beyond the fantastic 12 wins so generously awarded by Janome. While I'm so very thankful not to be a judge, I am going to select an Editor's Favourite: a favourite hand-picked block which spoke to me. Working in a small office, I personally opened each and every block. I know the one who spoke to me, she quietly whispered, "Love me." And I did.

The next time I see her, I'll be honoured to announce her as my favourite. Who knows, she might take home more than one title? But for everyone's sake, I hope not!

Spread the love!

Party Like a Quilter

2011-01-18T16:58:00.000-08:00

Our friends at Janome have been fabulous to sponsor our Janome Jackpot where we'll be awarding 12 lucky quilters big prizes--at the top of the list is the Horizon Memory Craft!

In fact, I bet there are a few good men, who upon hearing "Win a Horizon Memory Craft"--well, they just might get behind you thinking they might win a luxory ship! I've only just now, realised the name Horizon Memory Craft rings just a bit like a luxory computerised nautical ride into the great sunset, of course without the seasickness and sand in your shoes!

For months now, entry forms have come in. There were several that came in past the December deadline, but most importantly is the 31 January deadline for the actual blocks! Depending where you live, this may be your last full week to create your stunner entry.

While none of us at Irish Quilting can compete in the contest, there is nothing against us having some fun alongside. I'm personally hosting a sewing weekend where I hope to see a few entry blocks come to life.

I'm a gal who likes themes. and sewing. and food. What about a quilting party for sewing and eating, where everything is layered as in a quilt? Can you imagine the fun with pastry layering? Sandwich fillers? Stackable appetisers? A bartender in my former life, heck, I can even layer a few beverages.

While everyone's creating blocks, I have my own sewing UFOs that need attention, so the Food and Drink quilts will just have to wait out another soire.

Looking for more themes, I read up on the date of our quilt block party: 22 January. Turns out, on that date in 1927 was the first live radio commentary of a football match anywhere in the world, between Arsenal F.C. and Sheffield United in England. I thought we could honor it and our party by listening to football nonstop as we quilt. Then I thought again.

Sometimes you just have to go with what you know. I love nothing more than to do up oldies but goodies that I miss and love from America. Warm chocolate chip cookies, refreshing tart lemonade, tantalising 7-layer chip and dip and standby Lipton Onion dip. Sooooo American. There you have it. Saturday we will be sewing all day and eating American treats. Sew American.

What sewing session party themes would you RSVP yes too?

That said, if you're in Ireland this coming Saturday, in County Wicklow vicinity, drop a line and come sew Irish-like and eat American-like!

make, do, and a pint, please?

2011-01-11T04:47:00.000-08:00

At half-past six and armed with handbags bulging of textiles, car filling of chatter and giggles, we with oodles of inspiration bounced along the potholes and back lanes to converge together in one famous Irish pub for a "make and do" session.

Twice a month, the O'Toole family extends the pub's conservatory room to a gang of creative minds to knit, quilt, sew, paint--well anything you wish to "make and do". The pub is the Harbor Bar in Bray--recently voted the best pub in the world in the Lonely Planet survey.

A newcomer, I brought some handwork sewing and quickly felt at ease.

Pull up a stool and read more about this creative gathering in an upcoming issue...

Find the Rainbow

2011-01-06T11:18:00.000-08:00

in the latest Quiltposium and you'll find our very own Nikki Foley!

A regular contributor to our magazine, patchwork teacher and owner of The Sewing Shed, Nikki is the centerfold in the Winter 2010 issue of Quiltposium. Learn more about Nikki from this playful and fun profile. I read it each quarter and am amazed with what golden nuggets, trival and otherwise, are "found out". I guess that's what makes its centerfolds so interesting!

Check it out! Also, once upon a time you needed a password--not so anymore, so hurry, click away.

News In Killarney

2010-12-31T00:11:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we had a great time in Killarney, County Kerry. We had a photoshoot and as usual, Terri and I pop in on the locals, find the craic and hear the news of our quilters around the country.

Nikki Foley, who teaches patchwork and owns The Sewing Shed in Keel (twenty minutes from Killarney) arrived to meet us and catch us up. If you can't get to Ireland, visit her at Patchwork Promises too!

Her first point of mission was to let me know that a few days ago she had seen a bunch of our magazines at a newsagent in the town centre. Every editor needs a good spy! E&M, our Irish distributor does a fairly good job of keep us here and there, so I was pleased to hear this.

Soon I realised that I had no few spare copies with us. Shame on me! I don't know, it must have been all the presents crowding my sleigh from the week before? I usually have a stash in my vehicle! So off we went to the newsagent.

Though I wanted to purchase IQ, I quickly found other quilt magazines of interest--this shop indeed had a large variety. Jackpot...until I saw no IQ. We are at the end of this issue and new one is due out, so I'm not entirely surprised they vanished from the shelf. However, I still continue to do what every small business owner should do--you seek out the man in charge and query as a customer, so, well, they know Irish Quilting is in demand! I approached the counter.

The man before me wore the "I'm the owner" look. (And he was.) As I purchased my other magazines, I asked, "Do you carry Irish Quilting?" He look around, asked me to repeat the question, thumbed through my purchases, and then looked me right in the eye, and said "Nah, I don't think it exists." Now, shame on him!

I gave him a grin, slid my business card across the counter and said,"Oh, but it does. I'm the publisher." He turned as red as Rudolf's nose and began stumbling for words. Nikki piped in that she had seen the magazine in his shop previously. The man was tripping over himself to apologise.

I said to him, "don't worry, I've been told worse at the counter before." Really? No, not true. But this poor man needed a little saving face. (We do have a list of retailers who stock IQ. Once, I was told by a young (lazy?) clerk that they don't stock it--when in fact I knew they did.) Mr. Owner came around the counter and soon we were chatting away.

One thing's for sure now, Killarney knows who we are!

Happy Holidays

2010-12-29T23:07:00.001-08:00

Greetings from Irish Quilting!
(This picture taken in Blessington, County Wicklow. Brrrrr!)

Merry Christmas Kay!

2010-12-27T04:55:00.000-08:00

In our recent post for Tallanstown County Louth, there was a giveaway of Jo Badley's Charmed Beginnnings. Kay has been through Tallanstown and we thank her for commenting! Kay, please send us your contact details and we'll post your book asap. Charmed Beginnings fo 2011! Email me at sherry@irishquilting.ie.

Happy Holidays to all!
Sherry

Corrections!

2010-12-03T02:45:00.000-08:00

Janome Competition Entry is 31 December 2010. Send in your entry form this month and your block will be due in our office 31 January 2010.
Get your entry from on this page in Janome UK website.

Also, did read about Copyright Infringement in our recent issue? Interesting! There was one typo! Teaching techniques--techniques created by others--is legal.

Janome Jackpot

2010-12-01T00:19:00.001-08:00

These days there is a repeating sigh in our office.

"Oh, but I can't win!"

Yes, we are sitting here drooling and dreaming. Janome is giving away two sewing machines and ten other prizes to our readers. All you have to do is make a 10 1/2" block. Janome asks that you provide two styles of stitches, and we ask that you include a floral element--as we hope to make a charity quilt with the entries.

Trust me, you want to win! The top prize is a Janome Horizon Memory Craft MC7700QCP. We have made several projects in the office using the same machine and it is a dream!
Download the entry form. Send the form to Janome by December 31. Send your block in by 31 January. Everybody has an orphan block that can quickly be transformed into a winning entry!

Both of our last two issues promote this competition. In September, we talked about great ways to improve your stitching; where to find good resources and whatnot. In November, I wrote about a stitching class I attended, where I brought the Horizon MC--it was my first spin using the machine, and well, I'm in love.

Unfortunately, employees can't win, so sighs us. But you can!

Enter today or let me know a good reason why you're not entering!

M for Market ...

2010-11-01T14:06:00.000-07:00

and Margaritas!

Second place to Market mania is the abundance of Mexican food in Houston. I am in heaven here. Give me quilts, enchiladas, tostadas, quac and margaritas any day!

Meanwhile, the appetite for Irish Quilting in this international festival is in alive and healthy.

Before I lose myself filling you in on the International Quilt Festival here in Houston, we should be sure to report on the phenominal show back home: Knitting and Stitching in the Dublin RDS this past Thursday, Friday and weekend. This is the first year that the shows collided.

We love our Dublin show because we get to visit with our readers and hear the latest and greatest quilt news of Ireland. Thursday and Friday had record breaking crowds with whom we enjoyed our third anniversary with birthday present giveaways. All subscriber received presents with each renewal.

Outside the IQ stand in Dublin, our patchwork shops were all in attendance in their own booths. Another record broken. Well done, and I hope all the shopkeepers and customers had a great show!

Subs manager Kevin covered the IQ stand Saturday and Sunday as I flew onward to Houston.

Houston greeted me with sunshine and soaring temperatures to last into the week.

One of my first customer stops was Robert Kaufman fabrics where the Cuddle fabrics were warming up the visitors. This fabric, much like plush-the textiles used for stuffed animals, is back with a splash and the Shannon line from RK makes this cuddle fabric adorable and a must feel. Watch for a feature Cuddle quilt coming soon in Irish Quilting!

I continued on to meet new and old friends in the Market.

A recent sponsor, Gutterman Thread is always a friendly booth. Ted recently organised the giveaway of 100 spools with in-home cabinet for the summer issue of IQ. Before long, Ted and I were conspiring on the next giveway. Who wouldn't want Gutterman threads? Free?

The highlight of my Houston trip is going to have to be a taping with Jodie Davis of Quilt Out Loud. Yes! A taping...soon to feature Jodi and Yours Truly. She is an absolute dote and we enjoyed our chat. Hope you enjoy it too. I'll alert the internet once it is broadcast. (Did you know Jodi is from Ireland? Her family is from County Clare--you may read her tale of Irish relations in IQ yet!)

One fun future read will be that of our own Irish lassie, Marianne Byrne Goarin--founder, author and artist of Cinnamon Patch, a design line and quilt goodness using felt wool. This morning, Marianne sat with me and shared her tale of an Irish childhood, family life in France, and crafty roadshows in America and throughout Europe, that is sure to interest our readers everywhere. (Funny enough, with children in the same primary school, Marianne's sister and I serve together on the parents' association. Much to our surprise, Marianne and I find our worlds are closer than ever.) Watch for her delightful felt patchwork and her 'Irish Abroad' feature in an upcoming IQ!

There was so much to see and do at market, there is never enough time.

Before leaving, I popped over to Kona Bay. I'm intriqued as KB's Douglas is an ever present face on the Internet. He has a real handle on the information feed--a man in the know. I was delighted to meet him in person. As if he was reading my mind, he immediately rattled off his opinion of past postings on my blog. Goes to prove, you never knows who's watching, or reading for that matter.
Anyhoo, what is important to know is our very own Nikki Foley is designing for Kona Bay! So I was poking and peeking around to see if her designs have surfaced. Not yet. But be sure to watch this space; IQ has yet to showcase an asian quilt feature, and Nikki's designs might be the unveiling yet!

Well this gal has to begin conjuring ways to expand my suitcase. I always go home with more than when I arrived!

Sherry
ps., malfunction with the photography--come back soon for visuals!

Hats Off to All The Tidy Towns

2010-09-20T09:27:00.000-07:00

I know. I know.
Most visitors to Ireland think all our towns are tidy. And, well, they are.

But once a year, there is one town that takes the cake. This fabulous tradition is laden with spirit and pride. The winner of Tidy Towns 2010 is Tallanstown in County Louth. Congratulations!

Here in the office, our creative wheels are spinning in forward motion. What about a quilt that commemorates all the effort and work that went into make Tallanstown the best tidiest little town of Ireland? We're thinking. We're thinking. Keep tuned for a Tidy Towns quilt!

"The national Tidy Towns competition is an annual competition organised by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government with the support of the main sponsor SuperValu and many other agencies.

The competition involves participating areas being rated on all aspects of their local environment and prizes awarded to the best under many different categories. The overall winner is "Ireland's Tidiest Town". " For more information visit the Tidy Town website.

I'd like to end this post with a giveaway bonanza. The first person to comment who has been to Tallanstown (honour system, people!) will receive a full year's subscription to Irish Quilting (€29.95/$52.99). And the first person to comment who LIVES within 5 miles of Tallanstown will recieve Jo Baddeley's Charmed Beginnings patchwork guide book.

And don't forget to tell us a little something about Tallanstown in your comment!

Hooray for Tallanstown! We're coming your way!!

Peace and Colour

2010-09-15T11:25:00.000-07:00

Rainbows were invented in Ireland.

Creative Constellation in Cork

2010-09-09T22:17:00.000-07:00

My satellite navigator is a true testament to the continuing improvement of Irish roads. My journey began after 10am and according to the GPS, I would be at the Cork Institute of Technology (CIT) viewing the Irish Patchwork Society (IPS) National Exhibition’s Q for Quilts in time for the lunchtime tea.

With future issues’ content weighing on me and endless accounting numbers to be crunched, I stole out of the office like a kid mitching school. I began another adventure greeted with sunny skies and the usual threat of precipitation. But on this day, I found the rain playing a friendly game of pee-a-boo along the southbound lane of the M8.

There are many things to like about County Cork, the least of which is the fantastic accent. Its stereotypical “singsong” dialect goes hand in hand with the gregarious and friendly personality of Corkoians. Bigger still is the unassuming metropolitan zeal of Cork City. Surrounded by Irish countryside, urban Cork is a full bloom of its own sitting among the many flowers of in Ireland. Cork City has liveliness like no other Irish city. Its collective talent and enthusiasm creates the renowned cultural Cork. So it was a real treat to learn that the Cork branch of the IPS was hosting this year’s National Exhibition.

In a sprawling estate, the CIT, comprising state-of-the-art buildings, is a spectacular venue for showing quilts. The buildings’ angles and arches are an inspiring heyday for quilters. Well lit and airy, the atmosphere served quilts of varied size and shape better than any exhibition I have attended.

I kindly borrowed and give full credit for this above photo to Peter Cook. As for some quilt photos from these shows, don't miss them in our next October issue of Irish Quilting.

The Q for Quilts theme, interpreted by some but nonrestrictive for all, was cleverly present in some quilts. Northern Ireland quilter Irene MacWilliam, who expertly pushes the construction and meaning of quilts, tailored her black and white series for this theme. Visually and otherwise, her Q Play did not disappoint. Linda McCulkin of County Galway gave us Flying in the Queue, whimsical quilts in queue awaiting completion. Cannot every quilter relate?

Other quilts needed no theme for existence and were equally welcomed among the hangings. It didn’t take an expert eye to know that quilters of all levels were showing and yet, their presentation harmoniously appeared as one family: cousins in different sizes, types, levels and methods. I was very impressed with the organizers’ work.
At the exhibit, I was greeted by, double the talent, Kitty Whelan and Ursula Dale seen above.
Inside Scoop: Ursula's Ballyhooly Quilt appears in our next issue. See it in October!

Individual triumphant was clear with many of the quilts. One could see a sentimental purpose and/or need for creation as defined by each quilter. My favourites varied and, honestly, are hard to explain except to say they captured my eye and my interest.

Particularly of note would be Paula O’Rafferty’s submissions from the Limerick Prison, both appliqué wonders: a quilt from a male prisoner and one from a women’s group. The pieces were spectacular and intrinsically Irish. As an editor, these quilts beckon my attention and beg me to beg for more. I look forward to learning more and sharing this “quilt success within the walls” with Irish Quilting readers.

In true Cork fashion, there was more. Perfectly timed in sync, the Four Winds Textile Groups were exhibiting at the neighboring Bishopstown Library. The small, but impressive, collection displayed in the second floor of the library. For a literary junkie like myself, there is nothing better than wading through shelvings of knowledge and pleasure which ultimately leads to a room laden with textile showings!

Displayed beautifully, respectfully presented and identified, these patchwork exhibitions are inspiring to all.

Today, I am proud to be a quilter.

Awash in Ireland

2010-09-07T00:14:00.000-07:00

We are always scouting for photography potential for our quilts in Ireland. And since you're reading this blog, thus aware of Irish Quilting, then you are of course aware of Ireland, and then, well you already know that Ireland has miles and miles of photography potential.

We are a small business wishing to make a big impact. The wheels are always turning and we are always trying. Our home life is fully immersed in Irish Quilting and its quilts and photos and patterns and so on and so on. This includes the miles and miles of Ireland.

Last weekend I found myself, as usual, juggling Irish Quilting and family life. First Daughter had a birthday party to attend and second daughter, naturally, was put out of joint she was not invited. I told second daughter I would take her somewhere special. Between the packing of the quilts and the camera gear, she caught on quickly and groans began erupting. What 6yo wouldn't want to traverse Ireland in search of the perfect shot for a nine-patch quilted wonder?

Before my mouth could inform my brain, there were promises of chocolate milk and donuts--this being my olive branch I pull out every couple of months.

Early morning, one child and sunny skies--this I could manage. I set up the GPS. I keyed in New Grange, home of visual"mythical Ireland". Time arrival is 11:02. The journey was 52 minutes, plus some once you added the donut stop. More protests.

Mommy, where is this "New" place? Does it have "New" donuts?

Oh, the joys of when kids learn to read and tell time.

Does that mean we are driving until 11 o'clock nightime?

Could we please get out of the driveway without a meltdown?

Mommy, I'm starving!

As we headed down our Wicklow mountain to lower Dublin, the skies turned. The skies became ghastly dark and without warning, began pouring--no, dumping--rain water. On the M50, cars were pulling over; there was no wiper that could wipe quick enough. Rain. Rained out.

Rain is so intrinsic to Ireland, I've always wanted that perfect photograph of rain pelting down outside a quilt-adorned cottage--or anything for that matter. One day I will meet that photographer who will capture the ultimate Irish rain shot. Do you know him or her?

Typically unprepared for rain, we dashed in and back out of the bakery. A now-soggy second daughter happily clutched glazed donuts and a chocolate milk, her own slice of heaven. Yet, I dripped with defeat. While some rainbursts are momentary, these swollen skies were low and thick. They were going to stick around.

I had gone in search of the ultimate Irish scenery, was foiled by the Irish rain and was returning home awash in American comfort food. Go figure.

My daughter, now belly content and with a milk mustache and sticky fingers, immediately sensed the change in our driving direction, as I headed for our dry home.

"What about the "New" place? Will we miss it?"

Luckily for us, New Grange can wait for a sunny day. Afterall, it is as old as the stoneage.

Final Word from Designer, Part III

2010-08-31T03:39:00.000-07:00

Just out of chance, Nikki Foley, designer, colleague and friend, met me as I was on way to Gail's booth to beg and plead my way into her forgiveness. In times like this, everyone can use a little friendly support.

Plus, Nikki knew Gail and she was certain Gail would understand and work with us as we unravel and re-attribute this design.

It was a brisk and busy Saturday at the FOQ, and we soon found the Lawthers happily greeting visitors. Gail was busy signing copies of her new book, Glimpses of New Zealand, as I introduced myself to Chris. There was no indication that he had seen my email or known of the caper, so the next best explanation was to simply open and display the stolen Starry Night to the designer herself. "Oh, dear," she said. And yet, her smile did not entirely fade. Indeed, Gail was familiar with copyright infringement.

(I am too, but when you see the offense fully glossy in a magazine that YOU YOURSELF promote, it takes on a whole new--scary--meaning.)

Before FOQ, the submitting designer had insisted she was innocent as she had not owned or seen the book. Having now the original book in my hand, I knew this designer was incorrect in her recollection. Red stripe fabric and more were too select and exact to be by chance. The fact that the second designer stood by her byline would only infurate any original designer, so as I spoke with Gail, I focused on publication steps that would resolve and re-attribute the design for her. In the most gracious style she said the four words that would put an end to my nightmare:
"Just print a retraction."

I vowed to do more than that. This mistake had to put out there. Own it. Use it. What better way than to use it as a prime example? What Not To Do. There will be an article that provides guidelines and more for copyright compliance in the next issue. In fact, Gail went on to share with us even more odd and blatant copyright problems she's encountered and several of the resolutions.

One thing is certain when dealing with copyright: If you are unsure if you have created something which displays more likeness of an inspiration than might be allowed, ask for permission. Imitation is the best flattery, but if you intend to promote or benefit from such creation, you must have permission of the original designer.

What began two weeks ago as a nightmare is now business as usual as we write to inform and educate quilters of the ins and outs of credible designing.

Tell us what you think.
What copyright catastrophes have you been involved in?
How do you protect your designs?
Do you worry you might "copy" your inspirations?

You may be wondering about the submitting designer? Once we were able to show her Gail's book, she agreed it must be her recollection that is not right. She is heartfelt that she would not wish to copy someone's design and sell it off as hers (all fees relating to design were void). As a supporter of the magazine, she also was equally concerned for the legal predicament created with such design. Though she does not own Gail's book, it is assumed it must have been passed around at a quilting group session.

Finally, our copyright tip: Use your quilt's label to include your source of inspiration. The correct notation, had it read "Made By Mary X. Inspired by Gail Lawther's Crib Triptych", well, there is no doubt, it would have spared us this misery.

Wake Up and Deal, Part II

2010-08-25T09:33:00.000-07:00

Throughout setup and the first day of Festival of Quilts (FOQ), the Starry Night clouded my mind. With every sale of the magazine, with each page that was flipped, my heart missed a beat.

Although I try to live in the moment, my mind was whirring on how to clear up this mess. I've always been a believer of actions following a wrongdoing are as important, if not more important, than the initial problem. Own it. Manage it. Handle with care and consideration for those injured. In this case, the injured are Gail Lawther and our readers.

Our magazine is the first quilting magazine which publishes a variety of Irish designer patterns. While copyright infringement is a well known concern among workshops and quilt shows, it is our experience that quilters publishing patterns in Ireland are less experienced in this area. As a precaution, Terri and I query all our designers and their inspirations, with patterns requiring a signed affidavit of authenticity and original drawings whenever possible. Several times we have sought out permission from designers who have inspired our pattern makers and where that inspiration appears in true likeness.

And yet, we find ourselves in such a predicament.

Along with rehearsing a confession, my brain has already begun composing an article on copyright guidelines to lead our next issue's retraction of Starry Night. Again, put it out there and own it. Hopefully readers will come away with more understanding and knowledge. My greatest fear is loss of credibility. Right now, my guess is to stay real and humble. If good comes of a copyright article, then so be it.

Back to Gail. Something told me she didn't need a copyright article to know the score.

The timing of this messup couldn't have been better. I thumbed through my FOQ catalog until I saw her name. Lawther, Gail. For the first time I was glad my email and phone attempts were unsuccessful. Up close and personal is my preference. One can never be 100% sure of the tone of emails and phone calls.

Next, I purchased her Stained Glass Patchwork Projects for Christmas, the real McCoy of Starry Night from a rival magazine's booth, who coincidently shared the same publisher as Gail's book. Ouch! More pain inflicted.

With the real McCoy in one hand and the imitation in the other, I walked the two isles to Gail's booth.

An Editor's Worst Nightmare, Part I

2010-08-23T02:52:00.000-07:00

As I opened the email last week, every publisher's worst nightmare unfolded before me. Exactly one day after release of our beautiful Volume 2 Issue 4, my body went still and my heart fell to the floor as I read the email.
"Dear Sherry,
Just thought you should know, the Starry Night pattern in your latest issue is a Gail Lawther pattern and is, in fact, on the cover of her Christmas book."

The emailer is a supportative quilt shop owner and knowledgeable patchwork teacher in the West of Ireland, so there was very little doubt in my mind that she was anything but correct. Our Starry Night designer purportedly used her own designs, with the help of her daughter to draw the Starry Night. However, as quick as a click, Google proved differently.

Again, I was struck as a frightening stillness run through me . Every stitch, line, and even colour, with its exact likeness, screamed out at me from the cover of Gail Lawther's Stained Patchwork Projects for Christmas published in 2002.

My first reaction was to call Gail. No number on hand. I emailed a frantic message knowing her husband Chris mans their emails quite regularily and thoroughly. We have worked with Gail in the past with one of her patterns appearing in Volume 1, alas with her rightful name and credit. And last summer we consulted her on Celtic knotting when we found ourselves at loose ends over proper knot drawings. Now, I had to confess we plagurised her design and it was in print 20,000 times over.

Contrary to norm, our email went unanswered. Gail and Chris could very well be enroute to FOQ. We also had our own departure in mere hours. This was one knot in my stomach that would travel with me.

Festival of Quilts

2010-08-21T02:46:00.000-07:00

Live from Birmingham!
We are having a wonderful time here at the Festival of Quilts. The quilts are breathtaking (unbelieveable), the isles are packed (as usual) and the stands have grown (bigger show!)

Everyone is in great form. Really, this year is a wonderful experience. Whether you are a vendor or a visitor, there is a vibe of fun and friendliness in the air. Yesterday the rain pounded from the skies as quilters and visitors took in the sights and wares of FOQ. Today it remains damp, but spirits are soaring!

Our latest issue, debut last week, is, well, nearly sold out!! We have a great Christmas bonus--flip the magazine and there are five Christmas patterns, reading inward from the back cover where Kass Mansfield's spectacular Santa's Sleigh appears.

As always it is so lovely to see and meet with all the quilters. We are so grateful for the chance to meet in person and chat with our readers. This year has been especially sweet with many readers sharing how much they love IQ. We work so hard and we will continue to do so, so it is vitally important to hear the feedback. Good and bad!

The booth itself is fun with lots happening. Our readers' postacards are a charming decoration, with many readers loving to see their very own "exhibition" at FOQ. Mabel Long (seen here) was one reader delighted to see her quilt work hanging in FOQ, albeit in the IQ booth!

Before we left for the show, magazines were channeled to our distributors, so be sure to ask your local shop owner if he/she can order them. Happy/sad to report our office will be void of this great issue!

I must run back to the booth! Have a great day!
Sherry

Birmingham FOQ or Bust!

2010-08-11T00:27:00.000-07:00

As we pack up our office for Festival of Quilts in Birmingham, we're bending our ears for the busy hum of next issue's arrival! Magazines will be sent to subscribers this week to arrive in time to keep you busy on your journey to the show.

FESTIVAL OF QUILTS Tickets Winner is Julie Jardine. Congratulations Julie!, an email will follow with ticket retrieval info.

Thanks everyone for playing along!
While at Birmingham...
Please be sure to come by our booth at B26. Say hello and stay for the fun:

Drop off your fabric postcard--there's still time to win the 100 spools of coloured thread and cabinet from Gutermann!! See competition in June magazine or email me for more details.

Learn more about how to enter and win the Janome Horizon Memory Craft sewing machine (worth €2000!!). See competition in August magazine or visit Booth B26 for more details.

No Gimmicks, Just One Great Price: £20 Year's Subscription (6 mags!), postage included -- no matter where you live! Great show prices for individual magazines too. (£20 Show Sale Price only available during FOQ)

Demos include Janome Horizon Memory Craft sewing machine, Christmas card, fabric postcards, Accuquilt Cutter and much more!

Enjoy the new August issue packed with patterns and entertainment, including:
Nicholas Mosse Pottery Inspired Crazy for Tulips by Terri McNeill. Kits for purchase!
Quilting Beauties! Five methods on show by quilters all around Ireland
Effie Galletly, also showing at FOQ!
Who swept the awards at Irish 2010 RDS National Craft Competition? Read about our star quilter!
and finally, Christmas comes early with a simple flip of the mag! Our present to you: more patterns!

I hope to see you in Birmingham next week!

IQ Creates With Youth

2010-08-01T13:12:00.000-07:00

Jack was creative from his head to his toes. Saturday at the Gorey Community Craft Event Jack created his whale of a postcard. He was one of many youth who came to create and embellish fabric postcards. Organised by Roisin, there was fun for all!

Cork Quilter Sweeps Nat'l Competition

2010-07-30T23:29:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Cork quilter Mary Palmer took home five medals at the RDS National Crafts Competition! And get this,

She won the overall prize award. The California Medal, worth €7,000 was awarded to her over hundreds of artists and crafters across Ireland. Here she is with her winning quilt and a winning cup.

Hooray for Mary!! and Hooray for quilting in Ireland.

See her quilts and the many award categories in next issue. Coming in days

The Stars and Stripes of Ireland

2010-07-28T12:28:00.000-07:00

Every month or so, in Dublin there is a large group of ladies who come together to talk about burritos, sunshine, and Nestle Toll House chocolate chips.

These items are atop most topical lists for American fondness amid an Irish lifestyle. I'm not entirely sure how much they are missed, as much as it is nice to chat about common pinings.

Later this Autumn, I will have the opportunity to speak to this group, the American Women's Club of Dublin (AWCD) about quilts, and well, our quilt magazine. As many know, Americans have a longstanding history of traditional quilts, so I look forward to this mixture of sharing and perspective. Below is on left, Margaret (living 10 years in Ireland), at centre, Eileen (living six years in Ireland and me, also a six year veteran to Irish life. All three of us are victims of Celtic love--marrying an Irish lad.

As a member of the Irish Patchwork Society, I am familiar with Marguerite, a dedicated quilter. What I didn't know, was she is American! We are bi-club members. She has held the helm of the quilting groups in AWCD, and understandably time marches on. She has done an incredible Stars and geese-Stripes flag in patchwork, seen with her below. It is fantastic!

We expect a resurgence of patchwork and quilting in the AWCD, and IQ hopes to help lead the way!

Gȕtermann Wishes You Were Here

2010-07-24T10:57:00.000-07:00

Good News: The August issue is nearly here and is packed full with specials.

Bad News: The August issue is so packed full, we had to remove excess content! There will be no reminder to send in your textile postcards!! So I'm leaving it up to you clever ones online to spread the word:

Who wants to win a Gutermann In-Home Cabinet with 100 spools of coloured thread? Besides me?
All you have to do is send us a postcard, created by yourself and you could win!
They are addictive. Imagine creating a quilt and finishing within the hour? That's it! Again. Imagine:itty bitty quilts flying through the postal zones.

Deadline is 20 August. Our postman is on standby!

Get stitchin'!

Pouring Rain and Quilters in Derry!

2010-07-21T13:34:00.000-07:00

Today Terri and I headed to Derry in Northern Ireland. Yes, cue the music: Sherry and Terri on the way to Derry! Just as bad as going to Kerry! And we've done that too!
Things I learned:

1. Derry is closer than I thought -- only took us 3 hours from Dublin!
2. Derry is a beautiful and, walled, city -- surrounded by a wall! Yikes, shows my shallow knowledge of Irish history. You can really imagine the olden days!
3. Derry official symbol is an Oak Leaf, Derry meaning a place of Oak Trees

So, now you know, watch for the Derry fabric (oak leaves) in Mission Hall Quilts! We were visiting and researching MHQ for a future issue. How adorable! Recently relocated to the Craft Village in Derry. MHQ is wonderful!

And the staff is just as great! This is Brigene and Anne.

Stay tuned for MHQ feature in a future issue. (p.s. the ladies are giving away the quilt kit held here in and with their feature!)

The road trip was somewhat uneventful --beyond MHQ--for Terri and me. Usually we find ourselves circling a roundabout 12 times, asking farmers for photo opps or hiking the fields in heels. Terri is recovering from being ill and I'm digging out Issue 4 (coming soon!) content, so low key worked today.

But I DID forget to post about our trip last week--also to Northern Ireland. We went to Enniskillen for a photoshoot on a Jane Quinn design--at fabulous Irish Manor House. All credit to Jane, an ideal spot! On the way home, we detoured on a hunt for quilt art rumoured to be in a church in Coolhute? Drumeltan? Cornbeagh? Kill? Last count was seven churches (some villages have two and more!) when we finally found the ~~holy grail~~ quilt hangings.

By the time we arrived, several local folk had been alerted to watch and help the two "tourists" looking for fabric in a church!

So, sometimes it takes a village to raise quiltart. And us to report on it. Appearing soon in Irish Quilting!

Irish Quilting Named 2010 Top Exporter

2010-07-20T02:02:00.001-07:00

We won!
This month we were chosen from more than 100 robust businesses in Ireland and awarded the 2010 Exporter Award.
The Wicklow County Enterprise Board promotes the development of enterprise in County Wicklow by focusing on the creation of enterprise awareness, encouraging new businesses to startup and supporting new businesses to grow. Our contribution is vast as a small enterprise in Ireland's economic development and its role in building a vibrant and successful indigenous business sector.

Equally important, Irish Quilting's entrepreneurial role promotes an optimistic and positive message for the future and puts quilting on the business roadmap of Ireland!

We attended an awards luncheon where Fergal Quinn (on right) presented awards. Mr. Quinn is a funny and astute business man who currently hosts Retail Therapy. He advises who to do business correctly. Wise man.

The award is wonderful; geesh, it adds more pressure!

Speaking of, off to finish content for Issue 4!

Panel Meeting in Connemara, Galway

2010-07-07T00:01:00.000-07:00

Hello All!

(more photos to be uploaded today!)
Vol 2 Issue 3 has been out for a few weeks now. Last week, the gals and I headed to the West for a panel meeting. But it was much more than just a panel meeting.
First, we met with Frances Conroy (below), a longarm quilter who has her very own sewing cottage located down a remote road from the Quiet Man bridge in Connemara. Frances was working on a quilt for the magazine, so lots more to come about that!

Over in Westport, we visited Brenda at Clew Bay Studio, one of my favourites--though I never had been there before. Brenda had been one of our earliest supporters of the magazine and we so grateful for her. Her shop was lovely and we even met up with some American readers--the Crogan family, what a troupe. Fantastic visit!

We visited with Ann of Annie's Crafts in Ballymote. What an enthusiastic woman! It was lovely to see and meet her in person--she's gearing up for lots of patchwork classes and clearly has a good buzz among the quilters of Sligo!

Onward and up to tip of Sligo, we visited the Crafter's Basket, another of our clients, and more importantly, one of the best craft shops I've ever seen in Ireland. A real retail gem, Crafter's Basket is a beautiful shop on the coast of the Atlantic; Caron and Mary are the proprietors who clearly work very hard to keep their customers happy. This was the last stop for Terri and I. Thank goodness for Caron and Mary's patience--we arrived 3 hours late and with several calls of duress for time in the meanwhile. Mary leads the patchwork team in the fabric nook that covers everything from quilting to dressmaking. Caron is an expert sugar crafter and works hard at making their website http://www.craftersbasket.com/. When in the West, do visit Crafter's Basket!

Back to the panel meeting. Linda from "Rags from Linda" shop was wonderful and hospitable as we used her shop to host our panel meeting. Linda is in Oughterard outside Galway and has a lovely shop.

As this blog is truly behind the scenes, this issue, we thought we would share our findings from our meeting (some of us below). If you have a critique or specific feedback, please do forward it on!

Issues in the forefront:
Good cover. Clouds are not necessary bad--sunny skies kinda unrealistic of Ireland?
Chat with Pat--bring on more! Panel felt content was incomplete and want more. We are redesigning and feel extra room brought on would be spent well on this type of human interest. Will give Pat more room.
Advertisements--funny enough, we had lots of discussion on ads. which work, which don't. This was a bit of first for panel, but really informative. Clothwork Textiles a huge winner. Others did have much lesser appeal. We've decided to provide this critical information to our advertisers in an individual email--they would want to know what direction works, which don't. We've even decided to award the favourite advertisement 10% on next booking--so I feel this panel gives so much value to focus group efforts-something of value we can pass onto our clients.
Paris Chic--this pattern was a redo of designer original. Unfortunately designer was dismayed by changes in the redo--lesson learned--incorporate into contract--more communication to designer!
Where to Buy--ooops! missing intro text on Baby Farm, misleading reader to buy the exact fabric.
Materials list--readers love that the materials state which cuts are for what parts of quilt. invaluable
Photographs--seems our photos have a loose thread in some. More care to be spent so this does not repeat.
Features--museum clipart runs into photo-maybe set off, but great quilt photo, shame not to have pattern in print.

We are currently working the next issues, so you can see how valuable our meetings have become! Send in your feedback!

Shortlisted for Top Exporter

2010-05-29T00:14:00.000-07:00

We've been selected as a semi finalist by the Wicklow County Enterprise Board for County Enterprise Awards in the Exporter division pitted against two other businesses, out of more than 100 nominations.

Thank you to all our readers near and far. It takes everyone!

When: Finals 15 June; Winners 5 July.

Why:
The Wicklow County Enterprise Board promotes the development of enterprise in County Wicklow by focusing on the creation of enterprise awareness, encouraging new businesses to start up and supporting existing businesses to grow. This award selection acknowledges Irish Quilting’s contribution as a small enterprise in Ireland’s economic development and its role in building a vibrant and successful indigenous business sector.

Equally importantly, Irish Quilting’s entrepreneurial role promotes an optimistic and positive message for the future and puts quilting on the business roadmap of Ireland.

Because!:
In a stressed economy, interest in sustainable crafts soar. By the very nature of patchwork, quilting is a sustainable craft. Quilting is a growing energy in Ireland. With 20,000 magazines in circulation across 15 countries, Irish Quilting serves to promote this craft, showcases its quilters and connects worlds.

In each issue IQ presents focus (quilt) features beautifully photographed on location in Ireland. Introduction text focuses on the backdrop and location, identifying and providing a bird's eye view into Ireland. This is the Irish 'sell', our USP, to readers' abroad. However, each feature is ample full of resources (pattern, fabric, where to/ how to buy) for all quilting communities.

Isn't that exciting?

Testing on Cloud Nine

2010-05-26T16:07:00.000-07:00

Goodnight!
Just signing off this long, busy day. We have had a full office of testing, testing and testing. The next issue is nearly at the printers--and yes,it will be with readers very shortly. Hoo-ray!
As you know, I always try my hand at some of the projects. Oh yes, tried and tested. Here is my pride of today, below! Guttermann is sponsoring a quiltart postcard making project--details in your next read!

I call this Hair on Cloud Nine. It will be a congratulations card to my neice in Washington who is beginning beauty school in June. Another hoo-ray!

Tonight, I leave you with one thought of gratitude: Editors are not allowed to participate in the challenges. Lucky for you--'cause I'm hooked on these easy peasy postcards!

'Night!

Snow Bind and Bound

2010-01-06T11:40:00.000-08:00

Today I sat watching the snow swirl round and round outside. A real blizzard unfolded before my eyes. Earlier I arrived in the office and found the Internet down. If I didn't know better, this day was bound to be wrapped tightly in a quilt and treated to hot cocoa.

I don't know about you, and contrary to that image, these are the days I'm most productive. The Internet is off. The elements urge you indoors. Nothing to do really, but work. Head down and bum up.

Rebecca would always say that. She did a lot of our longarming last year. This fall, she and her family moved home to Australia. 'Head down and bum up' was her way of saying she was a busy bee, tied to her longarm and creating a masterpiece. We miss her, head, bum and masterpieces!

While my head was down, and my bum planted firmly at my desk, I may not have created masterpieces, but there was work done. Between the weather and the winter holidays where most Irish companies, banks, offices--anyone who does not run their own business--close for 57 days in December and January, it can be challenging to conduct business to business. Which brings us back to head down, bum up. Writing, planning, preparing and a bit of house cleaning and my desk is rattling with efficiency. Kinda reminds me of 1993, before Internet flowed freely into our homes.

Every so often, I'd return to the window and ponder the forecast. My DH is a forecast groupie. He will schedule showers, meals, work and even a pint, around weather forecasts. He follows weather warnings as if his living is dependent on the earth's natural elements. Whereas, I'm zoned to follow whether my hair dresser works on Saturdays, when Moda debuts a new paisley line, or whether the substitute postman is on, delaying our mail delivery from 9am to 4pm. Priorities, I know.

So when there's a raging cold front for 11 days, it's kinda good to be married to a forecast groupie. He's kept me in tune, as much as I hate being held back, keeping me safe and sound indoors. Four canceled errands, a postponed interview in Cork, and 20 gorgeous donated quilts lying in wait, the snow and ice has severly stalled some plans of action.

And I haven't even mentioned the magazines. Vol II, Issue 1!

Oh, I hope the kind courier is lovingly draping and holding tight the several pallets of newborns as they cross the seas and struggle the frozen transition to destinations. The office here is atop a mountain and DH reported--ah, his weather vigil work pays off--the road leading down and beyond is a slippery slope with cars littered haphazardly in ditches and driveways.

We await the new issue with open warm arms! Drive safe everyone.

Quilters, Busy as Elves

2009-12-29T13:11:00.000-08:00

We know what many of you were doing over the last few weeks, because we have quilts and blocks to prove it! So many have responded to our Give Warmth Back flood project, it's amazing! Thank you!

When we began in mid December, we headed to Athlone, where the Athlone Flood Relief Centre graciously opened their arms to our first batch of 30 donated quilts. Helen McCaul (on right) of the centre reported more than 150 distressed families with 52 still displaced. Terri and I were happy to pass on the generous quilters' quilts. It is always awarding when non-quilters see and develop the appreciation for quilts. They will find good homes, we are sure.

In the coming weeks, we are enroute to Bandon, Co. Cork, where we have been connected to the Flood Relief Centre established there. Thanks to several quilting readers and colleagues in the Cork area we have connections and meetings planned for this trip well worth traveling. We anticipate the same amount of quilts or more, for the Bandon area was hit especially hard by flood waters.

Later in January we head to Galway/Clare area. So, stayed tuned!

In California, Golfinlizzy was a true winner for us when she bid and won the beautiful Dolly Dress Quilt from Elizabeth. The winning money of $400 will be donated to a family affected by the flood. We will be posting more on that soon! Thanks so much Liz and Elizabeth!

We wish you a very good new year! May you have lots of sewing!

Twilight Press

2009-12-17T19:34:00.000-08:00

It's 3:34 a.m. and someone wants to know when the next issue is due out. Priorities, people. Lucky for this emailer, I'm at my desk and can give her an answer (in just two weeks..North America, a little longer).

While my sleep-deprived designer works his magic, I await the results, ready for a thumbs up or a thumbs down for each and every special, lovely page. There's pagination, high resolution, optimisation and a whole bunch of other techy jargon flying to and fro.
But don't worry, I gots your emails and I gots answers!

Meanwhile, drafts go and new drafts come. We think, have we caught it all? Are our facts correct? Are the photos right? Are the page layouts correct? Don't get me started on the text... Do writers ever stop editing? I can edit and rewrite and rewrite for days. When does one stop? Not soon enough, cries our designer.

Around midnight, Ginger from the U.S. was looking for a calendar and boy, she thought it was late for me then!

Answering emails at dark o'clock in the morning makes me look pretty darn dedicated.

Wait a minute, I am dedicated!

Dash over to Dolly Dresses, Now!

2009-12-16T15:41:00.000-08:00

You have to get over to Elizabeth Scott's Late Bloomer !! She has done an adorable quilt with tiny dolly dresses (fab fabrics from the greatest Holly Holderman!), and guess what? She's auctioning it off for the Irish Quilting Flood Quilts Relief Action!

Some people are just too kind. A complete daisy chain, I'd say. First there is Holly Holderman who kickstarted with her adorable dolly dresses panel and there there's Elizabeth who did amazing creating and embellishing (including her signature scallops!) and there's Darla Padilla of Wildflower Quilting who did the purtiest quilting and now there's name after name of kind people who are bidding. Bidding with dollars that will transfer to euros and will go to help an Irish family (ies) still in the cold following the floods.

Elizabeth has begun the bidding and will keep the auction open til Monday Dec 21st, so feel free to share in the Season of Sharing. Don't forget to oogle all over the tiny cute dresses

A Cover Is Worth A Couple Pictures

2009-12-15T14:36:00.000-08:00

We had another great day in the office. We are working ahead (yes!) and while choosing a future cover, we were stumped. Do we pick A or B? B or A? or C?
A? B? or C?

Choices, people! We have choices! I love it when that happens. One day I'm going to blog, or even print, the covers that weren't. Some shots and covers are so incredible, you nearly want to create a whole other issue just so a cover won't go to waste. But I won't. For fear my family'll leave me!

And then...Easons, our Irish distributor (who I was just complaining about...shame on me!) sent a lovely bottle of wine to the office for the Christmas spirit. A year in biz and yes! we are finally feeling the love!

Talking about the love... Did you know Quiltposium has 225,000 registered readers? It is a lovely ezine and best of all, I'm a contributor! Check us out on pages 74-76! Not sure why half of page 76 is empty. Waste of space! And I could have written for days...

Now, I'm feeling very cheeky--what's this red wine doing in the office?

Laughing and Dancing

2009-12-04T16:52:00.000-08:00

Last week I was reminded of a good tip. It's the simple things in life that are important and yet, they slip our mind!

Like having a good laugh. Don't take yourself too seriously.

It makes me think of our trip to the Festival of Quilts in Birmingham. As usual, it was all work and little play. And then, one evening Terri and I dropped our child off at the minders (aka DH at the hotel pub) and scurried away to meet Laura and Rebecca for an evening of Dancing with the Stars.

Now, in all honestly, I thought I was going to a filming of professionals and wayward stars doing a battle of the dances.

In reality, it was some nifty kids teaching the audience to dance. I don't think we gals could've run out of the place faster than if all the fabric in Birmingham was free. However, we're not that rude. We stayed. At. Our. Table.

It was not long though, giggling like school girls, our true personas emerged and the real judging began.

Fortunately for us, the student dancers were having such a fun time, I don't think they noticed the new crew of judges.

It Helps to Be Resourceful

2009-12-04T09:45:00.000-08:00

For an upcoming issue, we are doing a fantastic feature. Something to which we can all relate. Well maybe we can relate to one or two items. Or four or five. Or maybe, nine or ten?

The article is 50 Biggest Mistakes Quilters Make.

Once the content was researched and written, we needed visuals. Like, who has a really bad pieced or quilted quilt? I want to see mistakes! I want to see obvious oh-ohs! I want to cringe!

Finally, we found one yesterday and I was delighted to hand it over to our photographer. Pretty chuffed that we could fulfill the imagery requirements.

And then, I realised. It did, afterall, come straight from my own personal stack!
ah hem.

What are your mistakes? I dare you to send photos!

2009-12-02T00:09:00.000-08:00

Have you heard?
We are going to make a difference!
What's happening? Rain, rain and more rain. Levys breaking and homes evacuating on a daily basis. Cork City still shut down. Sallins in dire need. Athone still suffers, Galway areas still suffering. A once in 800 year storm of floods!

What's the response? Quilters around the world are busy making and donating quilts and quilt blocks.

Interesting: We are working to find an Irish organisation with collection points around Ireland. If you know of organisations that might help facilitate this process, please email me.

Definite: Even if we have to hit the waters in our dingy boat, we make sure every donated quilt reaches a victim in need, we will!

Donate: Sent quilts, blocks, backing, wadding to Irish Quilting, Flood Quilt Relief Action, Berowra Djouce, Roundwood County Wicklow Ireland

Questions: Call +353 1 281 2028

Artwork: courtesy of Rachel over at P.S. I Quilt. She's great!

Thanks a million!

Keeping Busy

2009-11-29T09:08:00.000-08:00

In the fastlane of business, there has been a resounding message that appears with every sentence, comment and marketeer I encounter lately. Use the internet and use it wisely. Once you give birth to online, nuture it. And I think what that means is once you begin an internet relationship, keep it up!

So we are here. I remember when we were redoing our website; I was speaking to Mark Lipinski about his blog and blogging. Don't do it. Those were his words. Don't do it, honey! Once you start, you gotta keep it up. And boy did he know what he was talking about!

Oh, so much to share! But first, Issue 6 is out and the website should be updated in the next 24 hours! Christmas is here at Irish Quilting!

Issue 6 really brings in the yuletide. We worked hard on the issue, even creating Christmas early. At homebase we are fortunate to have a good quilting friend who is the craft and creator of all things warm and festive. Her cheerful husband was a good sport coming home to Santa, bells and boughs of holly in July.

Our templates are back to bother us! Have I ever shared that I despise templates? Well, for the time being anyway. Each production, we agonise over the templates. The large foldouts found in many quilting magazines cost a good 25% of the overall print cost, so until we can fully fund that, we provide them in smaller size--to be enlarged. This is not the problem, except that there was an oversight with templates in Issue 6, in the Twas the Night pattern--a few were missing. So pass the word. We are sorry! We have all the templates, in actual size and reduced size on the website.

Issue 2 and Issue 1 are on the cutting room floor. Ohhh! Wait til you see Issue 1 cover. It is a dandy. That is even too little an adjective to describe its immense beauty.

We've a new panel for Volume II, and already we met last weekend. We gather quilters of different strengths and interests and ask them to review the magazine. This year we are including a guest panel member who brings a new perspective, not necessarily a quilting eye. So that was good. Read all about it in Issue 1.

Terri our creative director is busy in design mode. We are working with a famous Irish potter of goregous designs, to create a stunning quilt! How exciting is that?

Our circle of Irish designers have grown tremendously since this time last year. We are excited to bring some really fresh and innovative designs from all parts of Ireland. Brought by popular request, we are featuring more lifestyle of us and what we do here in Ireland.

This moment, our lands are being hit by wet storms everywhere. In the south and the west, there are many families evacuated from their homes due to the flooding.

Stay tuned as we hope to roll our some quilting remedy to these folks soon.
Details to come

Sew for now,
Sherry

Bithday Time!

2009-11-01T00:49:00.000-07:00

We are here at the Dublin RDS, our last day of the birthday celebration!
Issue 6 rolled off the press on Thursday and anyone who can't come to our party this weekend will be seeing the magazine first thing this next week. If you're a suscriber, it'll be on its way in this week's mail. If you're not a subscriber, what are you waiting for? Sign up!

The show started Thursday and it has been great. Yesterday the rain appeared, so I hope our last day still brings a crowd! The stands are great. There are a good few businesses that are not on the craft page per say, but folks, I spoke to the organisers as well as the ladies from the Craft Council of Ireland, and this show will only improve year to year! They together have exciting plans to bring in some wonderful crafting for the future RDS Knitting and Stitching Shows. So that is very good news. All in all, it is a great buzz.

We've been on the map a year now! Wow! What a journey. A few quilters and I started this magazine in our minds as a dream. There's been a few moments of awe over the weekend, just thinking back to the work, sweat and tears (oh yes! there's been tears!). But one year in our back pocket and this show brings our work to light. Or rather, talking to the people here does. The ladies(and men!) have much to say, very much positive about the magazine. And, anything critical, well, we want to hear it! Like the show, we will only improve from here on. We are ready and onward on Vol II!

Also on our stand is the fabulous Nikki Foley from County Kerry. She is a great designer who has teamed up with us for all of Volume II with a great celtic creation (all her creation, our promotion!) in her Celtic Designs. They are the Signs of the Year in true Celtic history. She's done blocks in wonderful dyed fabrics and is selling the kits--so you can dye you're own blocks! Don't forget to use each issue in Volume II to find the pattern. I don't think I captured her on the camera yet, but today's bound to be the best day.

We've had birthday cake every day at 1-2. I think our stand neighbor thought we had serious sweet tooths, but now he knows we are just bonkers for a celebration! Each cake each day reveals a different mag cover from Volume 1. We have balloons and at 4pm we giveaway a big birthday present along with the goodies going to ever re-newal and new subscriber with €20+ purchases. Fat quarters and thread, food for the quilter's soul.

Today will be the party. We even have face painting. I would ordinarily preface it with kids' face painting, but hey our paints work on anyone. We'll keep the camera out for this one. As a mom, on the Halloween weekend, it was the best I could do to include my daughters--they arrive from the babysitter in time to see the afternoon antics at the show.

PEOPLE, it's all about the kids, if we don't feed them cake and paint their faces silly, who else is going to carry on the wonky blocks of our quilting world??

Happy Birthday,
Sherry

Make a Wish

2009-10-14T15:06:00.000-07:00

Hello all,

I know the first thing you all want to know is...where exactly is Issue 6? Well, let me tell you.

Our team is working like little elves polishing our Christmas issue. A little sparkle here, a little tinsel there. On top of the festive season, we are sprinkling in a birthday. Who's birthday? Yours and ours. Our subscribers turn one year this month, alongside us, Irish Quilting!

So on 29, 30, 31 October and 1 November, at the Dublin RDS for the Knitting and Stitching Show, we are having a birthday party. It's been exactly one year since our debut at last year's show and doesn't everyone like a party? We're talking cake, presents, balloons and so much more!

Come celebrate! Collect your birthday present (patchworker's dream!), enjoy some cake and renew your subscripton for a low €20 and don't forget to buy your 2010 calendar for a mere tener!!

Anyone who can't attend, well, we'll miss you. But your personal copy of Issue 6 will be posted out 2 November, no fail. Ring us, wishing you and us a happy birthday and we'll extend the low celebration €20 subscription price for you...during November only.

There's so much more to our celebration, we hope you can make it.

15 days and counting,

Sew Create It in Person

2009-09-01T13:17:00.000-07:00

One of my favourite things to do at quilt festivals is to meet our internet friends in person! Jane Weston from Sew Create It was a blogging friend before the life of our magazine. She is an inspiration everyone should know about!
She and her daughter Rebecca came by the stand. Here I am with Jane!

FOQ Birmingham Sightings

2009-08-22T04:28:00.000-07:00

I began this post wanting to tell you minute by minute recounts of the last two days of at the Festival of Quilts. Minutes ago, and at the request of my tired husband, I’ve revised my post from a babbling ramble to a list of who’s who highlights. (in my book everyone who takes interest in the magazine presents a highlight, so if I missed mentioning you, drop us an email and tell us your FOQ details!

Margaret and Helen--our friends at Mission Hall Quilts. We are blessed with our friendship and the knowledge and business experience that they share. They do an incredible job of promoting quilting in Ireland.

Chris Hammacott—author of Wild and Woolen in Wales, our Vol I, Issue 5. Wonderful to meet in face after an online working relationship.

Jackie Preston—an up and coming professional quilter from North Dublin. A mom of four (under 14yo), part-time nurse and long arm quilter. How does she do it all? Go Jackie!

Manuela and Emma from Rowan and FreeSpirit—the ones to know when you want delicious fabrics

Ferret—this lady is soooo talented. Earlier in the year, we contacted this great designer named Ferret hoping for fab feature. She sailed by our booth, in her infamous energy, leaving her most recent book, she’s promised she’ll be back!

Miriam and Mary—travelling from Dublin, two quilters who know what’s what and who’s who of Irish quilting. Miriam is a self-professed workshop junkie who does extraordinary work with postcards and ATCs. Mary is our Irish representative in the European Quilt Association (EQA); she does incredible work pulling together many exhibitions.

Last year I spoke to the EQA of the magazine-to- be, so I’m delighted this year she’s giving a copy of Issue 5 to every EQA member! Future issues will now be full of European events from all over!

Geraldine and Marion—the nicest two sisters ever. Bernadette hails from Co. Clare and Marion from Co. Donegal.

Yvonnne—From Belfast, Yvonne of Quilters’ Quest was strolling the festival.

Beryl and Robyn—more longarm quilters. We’re all on stands so it is a wonder we see each other; so last night’s class of wine was wonderfully enjoyed in their company. The big news is Robyn’s quilt one second prize in Traditional, Overall. It is stunning to see this masterpiece in person and very obvious why it won.

(PS. Both these ladies are world class longarm quilters. I’ll let you in on a secret: in the October issue there is going to be a longarm service giveaway AND these ladies are signed up to do the quilting, along with other greats! So get your pushed aside quilt top ready and who knows? You may get your quilt quilted by a winner!)

Laura and Rebecca—these gals are keeping us laughing and in sweet disposition. If you’re looking for us, look for pretty Rebecca and Laura and they’ll show you where we are.

Kass and Ruth—designers extraordinaire from County Waterford. We work with many of Kass and Ruth’s designs, so it was great to see them playing among the stands taking in inspiration for future creations. Can’t wait to see!

Mary and Veronica—our own panel member and her daughter did the day journey on Thursday.
Brenda Wroe—our first day brought a real surprise visitor, Brenda was the judge for the RDS Craft Competition. Both she and Terri were excited to meet one another as it was Terri’s quilt that Brenda ruled the number one place for that competition a few weeks back.

Stitch Witch—our favourite witch! Lynette is so talented! She is our stand mate across the way. So it was especially great that we are featuring her fabulous shamrock pattern in our now on sale 2010 calendar!

Bridget—another quilter from Co. Waterford. She and her friend brightened our first hour on our first day.

Debra and Erika, Down Under—a wonderful publication, led by these two very capable gals. We were excited to meet and share editor woes and greats. It is the start of a long and fun friendship.

Day 3 is only beginning here in Birmingham, stay tuned!

Catch Up

2009-08-13T15:01:00.000-07:00

Issue 5. Have you seen it?
It's boootiful!

Don't worry the website will be updated very soon! If you don't receive your own subscription copy, shame on you! You could be looking at Issue 5 now!

This is our autumn issue and is topped off with Terri's fantastic Halloweeeen! quilt seen on the cover. In Ireland it is tradition to set fireworks at Halloween, so we have our friendly black witch amid the fireworks. It pops! So much so, Terri and her quilt won second place in the large Tinahely Show over August bank holiday.

Calling All Winners!
This win came right after Friday's unveiling of RDS Craft Competition Traditional Patchwork First Place awarded to who? You guessed it, Terri McNeill! She is on fire! Hot! Hot! Hot! She also was awarded the IPS prize money. (Thank you IPS for supporting your quilters!)
Ann Fleeton and her work scooped first prize for Contempory division. The RDS show in Dublin--check it out. Beautiful crafts.

The Buzz
We're busy as usual. But the real fun is about to unleash. Next week, Terri and I are hopping on a jet plane, while our gear boards the Dublin ferry with 2000 Irish Quilting 2010 Calendars (with 12 patterns!), alongside many copies of present and past issues (all but issue 1). Where are we going, you ask?
Birmingham! Festival of Quilts! We are very excited. Our kind friends at Mission Hall Quilts will be opening their stand so we can be there with them. This is the largest quilt show in Europe. It will be hard work and long days, but I wouldn't miss it. Stop by and say hello if you're in town!

What's Coming
With summer coming to an end, it seems there is so much to do and it will only increase. But I find it exciting! Terri and I are working with dozens of designers and hope to bring some really great patterns to life in the next year.
As for articles and content gathering--where do we start? We have done several longarm features, we're turning the tables and will be featuring a hand quilting article. Very good!

Most of our competitions will be finishing in September so be sure to go here and see what you might be interested in.

Got the Traveling Bug?
Stay tuned to Irish Quilting--we're working with Sew Many Places and can't wait to take you with us!

Where would you like to travel?
I'd love to know!
See you in Birmingham!

Go On, Ask Me

2009-07-28T01:10:00.000-07:00

Well, hello!

If you asked me 10 years ago if I'd be founding, publishing and managing a magazine, I would have said,
"Yeah, I can do that."

If you asked me 10 years ago if I'd be founding, publishing and managing a magazine in Ireland, I would have said,
"How cool!"

If you asked me 10 years ago if I'd be founding, publishing and managing a magazine with 17,000 circulation in 15 countries, I would have said,
"GET OUTA HERE! Really?"

Now, do you know how I feel? Crazy but exhilarated!

There is so much going on in this office--wait til you read all about it. Here we share some hightlights. The focus is to post regularily, so I'm just giving you a bite-size taste of what's to come:

Issue 5 BOO-tiful! is arriving in office TODAY! with lots of Halloween and Autumn projects!
WH Smith, Here We Come. UK peeps get ready!
Sew Many Places Comes to Ireland and we've got our dance card ready
EQS Partners With IQ to bring gadgets, gadgets, gadgets to our pages
RDS Craft Competition Unviels Winners on Friday
2010 Calendar Hits the Printing Press
IQ office Celebrates Christmas in July
Panel Garden Challenge OFF the Charts! Have you voted?
Win a Trip to Donegal and Don Your Best Dress

Anything there tickle your fancy?

Because You Care

2009-05-25T15:33:00.000-07:00

Issue 4 is nearly on the newstands and because you care enough to find us on the web, I'd like to treat you to a preview:

Patterns We worked really hard to give you loads of projects. This issue has 13+ patterns! We are focusing on providing more advance patterns and more advance patterns take more space, but we think we can provide a good cross section. There's been a couple readers sending photos of completed IQ projects, and I'm dying to see more. Send them in!

Giveaways I don't care if you think you are never lucky in giveaways or games, I urge you to enter our many competitions and giveaways! This issue is packed with them, and a couple merely require your name and address sent via snail mail, telephonic wires, or email. Heck, I'd gladly enter your name if it came in gliding through our office on a paper airplane.

Tutorials step-by-step photo-illustrated techniques. Sounds clinical and boring, but it will make your quilting more fun! Trust me!

Specials Sew Shapely--several topics on how to sew and piece in curves! Easy level and more difficult. Somthing for everyone.

Features An insight into Frances Sawaya, our very own from County Cavan and Gail Lawther, sharing her celtic beginnings on the English side.

Behind the Scenes
Crisis. You name it, we have it. Doesn't everyone?

:::Lean on your laptop and hear the harddrive break inside

:::Power crash during photo upload...after photos deleted = no photos

:::Hard drive crash taking 3 patterns hostage (yet another computer)

:::Internet stoppage means unhappy campers

:::Increased postage for business customers

:::Missing postal packages (no quilts, thankfully!)

For every crisis, we are happy to report 2x the good times:

:::Entry into UK market...hooray for W.H.Smith customers!

:::Joann Fabrics pick up IQ magazine in 266+ stores...Even if we did have to promise not to reuse model ~~naked lady~~ from premier issue!

:::Discover former Ms. Ireland as top quilter

:::Learn that President of Ireland quilts!

:::Team up with Spain for Quilters' tours

:::Increase circulation to 15,000 with magazines in Ireland, US, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Spain, Germany, South Africa.

Aren't you glad you visited us today?

Belfast Biz

2009-04-17T09:50:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, today and tomorrow we've been in Belfast at the Stitch & Creative Craft Show. Itchin' to ask the organisers what craft is not creative?

If you look closely, you will only see Issue 2 on our table. YES! Another sold out issue. We no longer have Issue 3 in our own stock, but don't worry. You can still find in shops. Also, Issue 3 is still enroute to North America and Australia.

We are here on invitation from Mission Hall Quilts. They are a quilting shop from Derry in Northern Ireland. But really, they're so much more! You'll have to wait for June issue when we chat with Margeret Lee and others from MHQs. They're even treating our readers to a reproduction and pattern of an 1800s Irish quilt.

There was much buzz yesterday as the show opened and many visitors swarmed around. It is a wonderful feeling to see and talk to the people whom we work for. We work for the readers, and quilters in general, in case your wondering!

Today was a bit quieter and I had time to visit and chat with the people behind some of the busiest shops in Ireland. Yvonne from Quilter's Quest, Gaye from The Fennel Shed, Lynda from The Cotton Shed, Pauline from Pauline's Country Quilts and of course, the MHQ gang.

Over at MHQ stand headquarters, they keep it busy with demonstrations. Such a nifty time, I even sat in on a couple. Which was when I noted just how dedicated they are at Mission Hall Quilts:

Now that is what you call sewing around the clock!

The Aftermath, Issue 3

2009-04-12T06:54:00.000-07:00

After each issue is released, the panel, our designer and myself meet for an afternoon of review. Usually there is a good lunch on spread, new designs to oogle and of course, my favorite, plenty of criticism to absorb and mistakes to recognise.

Really it's not that bad. It's worse. If the one responsible (ME) can get beyond the embarrassment and self-loathing of mistakes highlighted and dissected by all, the lessons learned make it a better magazine. So I'm told.

There were many challenges in the making of Issue 3, but excuses aside. Unfortunately, we did have a few typos. We like to think they're planted for our readers' challenge of find what's wrong! Joking aside, we aim to have higher standards.

While typos were present in the magazine, no patterns were affected. Whew!

In other news on the island, Irish Quilting will be appearing at the Stitch and Creative Crafts show in Belfast this weekend, April 16-18th, courtesy of Mission Hall Quilts of Londonderry. Come see us!

Margaret Lee at MHQ is working with us as one of her patterns features in an upcoming issue of Irish Quilting. Her creation is a recreation of an antique quilt now on display at the Ulster American Folk Park.

Until then, there's plenty here to be done.

Happy Easter!

Welcome

2009-04-04T06:28:00.000-07:00

For good measure, I leave below the posting that was last left on this blog. Oh, so many months ago. One year ago, the notion of Irish Quilting began. It is hard to believe we have come so far and yet we have so far to go. But we are loving every minute of it.

The website is up; visit, enjoy, and be patient. We are excited and posted it whilst knowing there might be a few hiccups here and there. Trust us, in that we are monitoring our email 'round the clock, so if you find an error or something you just can't live with for another day, let me know. I will do my very best to fix it.

Unless, of course, you are asking me to deliver world peace, pay off your mortgage, or potty train little suzy. Some things you just have to do on your own.

Day Before, Day Before and the Day Before that Day

2008-05-29T06:16:00.000-07:00

Don’t let the silence of this starting-a-new-magazine blog fool you. Because it is thundering above my head and rolling beneath my feet.

In fact, from this point forward I will categorize the updates into these areas:

Graphics
Gathered samples and resent request with samples to graphic designers. This is one area in danger of falling behind or rather holding back the other areas. Will need to recast the net to everyone I know. I am tempted to try my hand at a nameplate, but darnit, I think it has to be done professionally and I can’t start the process using dyi

Photography
Personnel: Four solid leads. What looks like 3 amatuers and one professional. I’ve kept them updated and on the line with hopes of having some photography meetings where I provide samples of what we need and where they determine what $$ if any, they can work for. Will try to get pro bono first, commissioned secondly and finally a wage if necessary and able.
Content: building folder of all sample work likes and dislikes.
Location: listing all potential landcape/scenic/landmark for future photoshoots.
Inhouse: Todo: Look up and record, file, photoshoot session off of PinkChalkStudio blog.

Content
Lists begun for features, sections, promos
Premiere issue feature targeted
Todo: contact K.Healy quilt maker/designer; focus on Christmas crafts; contact quilt magazines for pointers on designer/contributors

Advertisers
Lists begun
Todo: prepare contract packages

Stakeholders
Todo: prepare PR/funding packages

Distribution
Called E&M—very valuable information
Todo: call US distribution points.

Administration
Register IQ with national library for INSN ID
Registered name Irish Quilting
Todo: register IQ name

Day 7

2008-05-19T08:10:00.001-07:00

My mind is going all the time for IQ. and the email is packed for IQ

NIPG came back, more info so I sent my bio and my questionnaire.
No word on IPS.
Received an email from craft council. I sent them an inquiry for the Guild listed, but no website anywhere. They forwarded me to an outside contact. Funny enough she forwarded me to the IPS. So that is double duty, but I don't mind if it gets their attention.
I think the guild is namesake only. Soon to find out.

Spent a good part of the day talking to Ben a friend and graphic artist. He is brillant and let me me sound off him and he provided vital points and concerns. Initial thoughts are is there a larger market? My gut is we have to focus on the export distribution as the focus. This means trickery advertising.

Also good tip is to start stockpiling looks and feels, photo wise for my cover location shots. Even if I want photographer to copy, I can give them a photo say, do something like this.

Ben and I spent time talking about the enterprise board and potential flaws they could bring up. More reasons to shore up my business plan.

He gave me a couple contacts, printers as well as crafts council key people and I hope to call them this week. I owe him an email with all my info (and graphics wishlist) and he is sending me some vital info too.

I shared my timeline with him and I think that sparked some interest. Think he knows know I'm serious. Basically, roughly, the RDS show, Knit and Stitch is big in Ireland, really big, though not too great results from fans lately. Anyway, it is last weekend in Oct/first in Nov. If we could have the premier issue (December Christmas) on a stand at the show, it would be rockin'!! Even if it was a limited first edition--if that makes any business sense, depends on ads and printing costs. Thought is why should we limit the number, except to make it seem special.

Spent a good part of an hour adding to list of advertisers, well into the hundreds. I hope to have thousands by the time we need to begin calling/soliciting/sending packets.--July?
What a big job that will be and that is only the beginning. The sale is always in the followup process.

Laptop is due to arrive next week; that will be great. I can do a lot of the cataloging in bed then!

Ok, onto my biz plan...

Day Six

2008-05-19T07:45:00.000-07:00

Finished my daughter's quilt. This is a large sample quilt. I can use it to show at teh IPS meeting, jsut help get my name in front of the crowd. What I would love to show is my Stars and Flowers Americana quilt, but I just don't know that I will be ready in time, and I'm not rushing that quilt.

The tension is acting up in my sewing machine, so I will see if I can get it looked at by one of the gals in our group on Wednesday.

While sewing took up a lot of time, I did send gobs of emails out. And I'm happy to report that my email box is jammed with email relating to IQ.

A big hand out and hearts out to all my friends who are graphic designers. Each and everyone of them responded to my email. All said they would think about and only two moms said they might not get anything to me. No prob. Now! How to get the other volunteers to get moving. I set up a document of sample mastheads and hve been sending back with my thank yous. I will resend the whole batch later this week and ask if anyone has come up with something.

The logo should be straight forward, heck I'm not opposed to me doing something up. But this needs to be first rate. So I will push and see what I can get donated for a look.

Emails! Emails! Emails!

Heard back from Bonnie Hunter; knew I would. She is the best.
Nothing from Mark Liplinsky, but I'm not giving up.
Heard back from NIPG (nothern ireland patchwork guild)--Irene--I've seen her work around. She is not in any official capacity, but I did send on my bio and questionnaire.

Spent a lot of time with neighbor plowing through her magazines. Great feedback. She is jazzed byu the idea and soon she came knocking on my door with a stack of crafts magazines. All American or Brittish.

<

Day Five

2008-05-17T07:09:00.000-07:00

Began Business Plan!!!!!
Sent email to IPS contact hoping to start capturing statistics and the trends of quilting in Ireland.
Researched & potential feature: Sent email to Mark Liplinski
Researched & potential feature: Sent email to Bonnie Hunter
Posted want ad for graphic designers and photographers on VS blog
Added to features list
Added to advertisers list
Added to regular items list

As today is also a sewing day for me. I will be completing a quilt so I might show-and-tell at next Saturday's IPS meeting. It's all about networking.

Tomorrow's Tasks:

Sew
Email more contacts
Email media studies schools for graphic designers and photographers. I figure I can use numerous photographers and should have them all submit work.
List cover image locations.
List cover quilt potentials.
Add to advertiser lists
Add to feature lists
Build small biz/entrep lists

Day Four

2008-05-17T06:51:00.000-07:00

There will be highs and lows. This day was a low. I was all set to make my phone calls and get under way but doubt got hold of me.

One graphic designer contacted me thus far. And he had very good advice. The points he raised are not new ones to me, and because I have no concrete answers yet, the reminder of them is good.

Talking to others about these very same points, brings more issues to light and clearly this goal is going to be challenging. Today was a day of second thoughts, many of which were negative. I like to think the negative side was given time and space in my mind and discussion so that they can be accounted for. Sorta like keeping your enemies closer. I need to know what I have to overcome. But in the process I can't get pulled down on how negative these areas might seem.

For example the true quilting market--how many quilters? how many would buy the mag? The numbers are unknown, and I hope to get the numbers through IPS and other resources. Since I am in a foreign culture, walls go up rather quickly. So I need to slowly acquire the trust and respect of these Irish groups. It can be a slow process.

One point directly related to the quilting numbers is whether the magazine should have a broader topic. Instead of Irish Quilting, should it be Irish Crafts? I am a firm believer that broadening your topic, jeopardizes the readership market. If it becomes too large, readers will have difficultly deciding if the mag is for them. My heart is in the Irish Quilting clearly, but I must be realistic and see what comes of the statistics. I need to get those in for analysis.

So I welcome all the doubting thomases and will give plenty of consideration to each challenge. But if I spend every occasion fetching out the negative, I will get nowhere. Now, off to somewhere!

Day Three

2008-05-17T01:49:00.000-07:00

Field Trip

Went to the Dundrum Library; they have maybe 25-35 periodicals and none of them are crafts magazines. After discussing opportunities with the librarian, she said anything coined "Irish" would certainly be liklihood that the library scheme can/will carry my mag. The local branches request what they want to carry and the head office approves it.

Also, my doctor office said they too would consider carrying the magazine for the wait room--it share offices with New Age artists. Food for thought and potential distribution contacts.

At the library I picked up this book.

I read it in one evening. It covers many points. I knew them all! Toot, Toot. That is the sound of my own horn.
But seriously, it gives me some confidence that I am covering the basics. Certainly some key items are always in need of refreshing and rereading.

Began several spreadsheets for my lists.
Studied the magazines for styles and treatments.

A lot of thought is going on about the graphics and photography. These will be key. The initial graphics, if I have too, i will do a streamline headmast, just to get some stationary.
First, the business plan. I must get cracking on that!

A Sign!

2008-05-16T02:59:00.001-07:00

Today's list includes the task: phone local Dublin mags and printers for information interview, basically soak up all the info for producing a mag in Ireland.

Like most work-at-home days, I walk in the early a.m. In the country. With no cars in sight. Usually no people in sight. Just the sticks and a few moos and baas.

And yet, I came upon two mags alongside the road! (marked below in red) One was Now mag, a popular rag for Dublin and the second, First Class a travel and style mag. Just sitting there waiting for me, Ms. Now Researcher of All Mags, to happen by.

Is that sign or what?

You can bet I'll be calling their offices today.

Day Two

2008-05-15T02:44:00.000-07:00

Okay, many thoughts today. The mind is racing. How to get this done.

Firstly, three? 3? Three tasks a day? Now, how and why did I think three tasks a day would suffice for getting a biz off the ground? Sure, it is the early days, but just so for that reason, I should be laying it on thick. More like ten tasks a day. Right?

Well, naturally after that I have merely to report this as my only task:

1. Sent email looking for graphic designers

Oh, but the thinking. Hopefully that counts for something.

Today I had snippets of thoughts that went like: what if I can do this? what if the content is not good enough? what if I run out of steam? But I can. I can. I can.

Upcoming tasks include:

1. Business Plan, Business Plan, Business Plan!!
2. Phone American Q mags and ask how contributors, designers, patterns and content works.
3. Phone printers in Ireland (minimal 3)
4. Phone Irish mag and schedule appt with disribution manager for an informational interview
5. Send IPS research email.
6. Produce spreadsheets for printers, advertisers, features, regular spots, seasonal content, contributors, subscribers, distribution contacts, potential expenses, location/idea for cover shots
7. Develop and write one feature.
8. Build timeline
9. Email looking for photographers
10 Research college/vocational schools looking for up-and-coming graphic artists and photographers looking for limelight (for free)
11. Draft letter to enterprise, small biz board looking for grants/aid
12. Draft letter to potential advertisers
13. Add 20 advertisers to list a day.
14. Add 20 distribution contacts to list a day.
15. Draft letter to subscribers
16. Add 20 cover shot/ideas for cover to list a day.
17. Phone Brittish Q mag for research.
18. Draft letter to contribitor
19. Add 10 contributor/designer a day
20. List other admin needs such as incorporating, setting up biz paperwork
21. Secure web name and set up email.

Day One

2008-05-13T14:24:00.000-07:00

This blog makes the goal official. And incase I wasn't aware that it would take long hours, late hours and sleepless hours, it is nearly 11pm on the eve of a 5:30am wakeup, yet I press on, so that I might reaffirm that this venture can be done.

The first and continual exercise throughout the makings of this goal will have tremendous results: Each day, conduct three tasks to leading to this goal. Big or small, at least three tasks should be attempted for each day.

Today's tasks, being in the early stages, revolve around Research.

1. Compose research questions for the IPS.
2. Solicit feedback and more Qs (for IPS) from biz minded quilters (AM & Beck), via email
3. Solicit friend's old/spare/fav/subscription magazines in list or in copy, via email
4. Field trip
5. Create IQ Blog

Field trip
Eason's DunDrum (today: 6pm) three quilt magazines (one French in English! and two Brittish). Note five(!) cardmaking/scrapbook magazines
Bought Quilt Mania (French) it is adorable 8.12 Euros
Bought Brittish PAtchwork & Quilting; average but packed with quilt patterns 5.85 Euros
Tesco's DunDrum (today: 6:30pm) no quilt magazines
Bought Food and Wine 3.99 Euro
Bought U 1.50
Turns out both these non quilting mags are owned by same Publication house. Figures why I liked them both. Slick, clean and not overpowering but yet alluring. U has printer listed.

Tomorrow's Tasks
Call Printers for quotes
Email Graphic designers
Email Friends for Graphic designers
Take penned notes and produce tasks lists.

Where's your IQ today?