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Welcome to episode 015 of the Me Being Crafty podcast, where we explore creativity in your life.

In this episode I talk to Julie Persinger of Knitpickin’ Chicken and the soon to come long arm quilting business, Top Shelf Quilting. We had a really fun (and really long!) conversation about quilting, Project Linus, pattern design, and more.

I have known Julie for years – and please allow a little freak out moment of oh my gosh Julie from Craftborg is on my show! If you’ve been around the crafting or knitting community for a while now, you might remember when Julie and Rosemary Waits published the Craftborg podcast and videocasts. Sadly, it is no longer published, which is a topic for another show, but it was so great. Thanks again for being on the show Julie, I know we’ll be talking again soon!

Where you can find Julie - Julie’s Etsy shop – Julie on instagram – coming soon: Top Shelf Quilting

One of the things Julie talked about is the uncertainty of being a quilt pattern designer because it can feel like there are already so many people out there doing this very same thing. I want to encourage you in the same way I encouraged her – no one can make the ideas you have. There is inspiration everywhere and we see what others are designing and making, but only you have your ideas. Maybe designs look similar, but only you can make what you are thinking of.

Julie’s new long arm quilting business, Top Shelf Quilting, will be online soon and we talked about the difficulty of pricing when it comes to a creative business. There are a lot of articles that talk about what we are worth, how to price a quilt you make, and how to have a creative business. This is going to be one of the main topics here at Me Being Crafty in 2015 and I look forward to sharing more with you.

Listen to episode 015 and let me know if you have ever felt stopped creatively, if you want to have a business or be a pattern designer but you think there are too many people doing the same thing. I’d love to hear your thoughts on is this, does it feel crowded to you, are you interested in sharing the ideas you have but don’t know where to start?

Leave me a comment and let me know how you were creative today. Me, I’m getting ready for the holiday vacation! Here come the cookies!

Head over to iTunes and subscribe to Me Being Crafty so you don’t miss an episode! You can also subscribe on stitcher.

Welcome to episode 014 of the Me Being Crafty podcast, where we explore creativity in your life.

In this episode I talk to Christa Watson of Christa Quilts about her journey with teaching and the transition she made into modern quilting. Christa has been sewing for twenty years and teaching for seventeen years so it was really fun to talk to her.

I’ve read Christa’s website for a few years now and have really enjoyed the quilt alongs she has published. I’ve made a couple of the quilts, but on my own schedule which is just another reason to be glad the breakdown of instructions is still available! Thanks again for being on the podcast Christa!

Where you can find Christa – Christa Quilts Craftsy Pattern Store – Christa Quilts on facebook – Christa on instagram

Christa and I talk about being a confident person and just going for it when you are looking to build your skill set. Don’t be afraid to just go for it because the voices that are doubting you are only in your head! The teacher you are learning from, the others in a class you take, your friends online, everyone is supportive in your journey to learn something new and is willing to help you. Christa is right – you can’t mess up a quilt. At the end of your trip making something new, it is going to be spilled on and washed and used outside and so many things – you can’t mess up that functionality.

We also talk about new designers and how they are breathing  more life into this already large and amazing industry. It can feel like there is a new designer entering every day and to that I say welcome! We also talk about accessibility in the industry, because quilting and sewing are not inexpensive hobbies. Christa recommends starting small with the basic supplies necessary and when you fall in love with being creative in that way, then invest in more tools or a more expensive sewing machine. She mentions that only recently, after years and years of sewing herself, did she buy a higher end, more expensive machine. At the end of the show I talk about my experience with investing in quality tools and products. We both agree that making the investment in quality fabric is something that should happen from the start.

I am excited to see what else Christa has to offer and for her new book coming out in 2015! If you have the chance to take a class from her, I encourage you to do so. I love sewing with other people and taking classes and what she is offering looks really fun.

Listen to episode 014 and let me know what your tools and supply stash look like – are you sewing and quilting with just the basics, do you have fourteen rulers and six rotary cutters, how do you make the decision as to which tool is one necessary for your art to be created?

Leave me a comment and let me know how you were creative today. Me, I’m sending swap packages and taking care of sick kids.