Letting Go- SteamFast SP-660

I remember a wonderful conversation about letting go with Arline Crowley. She has a story in my book Quilts in the Attic called "History Returned. "I heard people say that when they got older, they started giving things away. I just thought that was nuts until I turned seventy-two, and now I understand." I am not seventy-two but I do feel a strong need to clean out items I am simply not using. I have a lightly used SteamFast SP-660 with manual, pressing pad and water container for filling the water tank. Retails for $249.99 and I am asking $100. It is great for pressing large pieces of fabric. A friend uses her to fuse. I am willing to ship for the actual cost of shipping. 

With gratitude,

Karen

"Tradition Show with a Contemporary Interest"

On Sunday, July 20th, at 2:00 p.m., I will be giving a program on my book, "Quilts in the Attic: Uncovering the Hidden Stories of the Quilts We Love," called "Quilts in the Attic: The Journey" at the quilt and textile Show in Batavia, Illinois. This is all part of the "Traditional Show with a Contemporary Interest" presented by the Batavia Depot Museum which runs from Friday, July 18 through Sunday, June 20th. Admission is only $6 with children 10 and under free and seniors (60+) get in for $5.00. What a bargain! I am looking forward to sharing.

You might not be aware but the Quartro Publishing which includes my publisher Voyageur Press, "rebranded." New people were brought in including Jeff Serena who is now Voyageur Press's publisher. Jeff came from Lark Books so when he told me that the first thing he did was stop publication of all quilt and craft books, I was sad. He did great things for Lark books so hopefully he will do the same for Voyageur and bring back quilt books. My book has continued to sell but whether or not there will be a second one (I have a two book deal) is still to be seen. the decision will be made at the end of the year. I hate missed opportunities. There were so many with my book. However, I am always heartened when people find me and want me to share the journey of my book. Hope to see you Sunday.

Dealing with Bad Reviews- Amazon

What I really like is an intelligent review. It doesn't have to be positive. A review that has some kind of insight, and sometimes people say something that's startling or is so poignant. -Patti Smith

Other writers, friends and family all told me to be prepared for bad reviews. I never thought when I was writing Quilts in the Attic that it would be loved by everyone. However, I have had two one star reviews on Amazon and both of them made me crazy. I could not just "let it go."

The first review stated that I had not done my research which simply was not true. She also had my name wrong. I decided to see if I could track the person. I did and I called her. This shocked the crowd and the other authors at the On the Same Page Literary Festival. Why? This is my problem with anonymous reviews. It's not fair. Anyway, I called the woman and asked her to explain her review to me. It turns out she had not even read my book! When I explained to her that I did not take the story that her family member gave me as fact (family feud), she removed the bad review. Success!

The next bad review happened just a week ago. This time it had nothing to do with my book or even Amazon. It seems the guy had bought my book as a gift and it arrived damaged. Really? This time I contacted Amazon directly asking them to remove his review since it had nothing to do with my book. I was shocked at how quickly (less than 15 minutes after my email) that his review was gone and an apology from Amazon arrived in my inbox.

So my advice when asked about bad reviews is to accept them if they have merit (too few and too small photos is one I have gotten and actually agree) and challenge them if they do not.

Mending a Broken Heart

I am so excited tonight I will be giving a lecture on the journey of my book, Quilts in the Attic, to Faith Circle Quilters Guild in Downer's Grove, Illinois. I will also be teaching my "Mending Your Broken Heart" workshop on Saturday. I always find it interesting how my workshops seem to go in cycles. I haven't taught this workshop in a couple of years and now it is being requested again. I started making these hearts more than 15 years ago when friends began having heart attacks, divorces, etc. I wanted to send something more than a card so "Mending a Broken Heart" came into being. I love teaching this workshop because people go home with multiple hearts nearly done (sewing down the binding). They also learn to put a complex binding on and they can use the embroidery stitches on their machines and I teach how to make fun rope so that they can hang on a door knob, hospital bed, etc. Looking forward to sharing!

The Story Behind the Quilt

The Ashe County Piecemakers Quilt Guild had a contest to honor my book, Quilts in the Attic. Brenda Cole, President won Best of Theme. The photo is of her with her quilt. Brenda and I never got to connect while I was there, but we have now. Isn't the Internet a wonderful thing! I don't think I will ever tire of hearing the stories behind a quilt. To me, it makes the quilt more intriguing and complete. Here is Brenda's story and I hope it touches your heart as much as it did mine.

"My grandmother Rosalie was born in 1896 and lived in Ashland, Kentucky, most of her life.  She had 5 children – 3 of them girls.  She made quite a few quilts and planned to give a quilt to each of her 10 grandchildren.  Things didn’t turn out that way, but that was her intention.  She died in 1976.  I had visited her in ’73 and she gave me an “umbrella girl” quilt that she had finished and showed me another finished one.  In the 1990’s, my cousin had rounded up the remaining quilts and the girl cousins divided them amongst the 3 of us who had known Gran closely.  At that time, I ‘inherited’ the 12 Umbrella Girl blocks that my Gran had not made into a quilt.  I knew nothing about quilting at the time.  When we moved to West Jefferson, I took lessons at a local quilt shop (which is no longer in business). After all this time, I decided to put my Gran’s quilt together.  It was perfect for the theme of this year’s fair.  I was on schedule to get it finished in plenty of time, but my Mother passed away on Sept 8 and we had to “take her home” to Florida where my Dad was buried.  So I was racing to get my quilt finished in time.  As I worked on it, I was very much aware that my Gran’s hands had handled that fabric and made those stitches.  I could also see where she had left basting stitches in on a few of the “girls” and saw little pencil marks where she had planned the lay-out.  There was an error on one of the blocks which I left “as is” for historical accuracy.  It was a very special project for me because of all this.  When Scott Murkin picked mine as the theme winner, it was a wonderful ending to a very emotional three weeks.  This will always be a very special quilt for me because it was 70 years in the making and was done by my Gran and Me.  (My granddaughters also call me Gran.)"

Villa Park Library Presentation

I am giving a presentation on my book, Quilts in the Attic: Uncovering the Hidden Stories of the Quilts We Love, and the importance of quilts at the Villa Park Library tonight beginning at 7:00 p.m. If you are in the area, do come. I'm bringing quilts to show too. Love to see you.

Heather Lair

Yesterday I learned that Heather Lair had died on July 3. I "met" Heather through Postmark'd Art and got to know her even better when I interviewed her for an essay, "The Oldest UFO," in my book, Quilts in the Attic.  It was wonderful to have a Canadian quilt story and one with such a rich family connection. Who knew hoarders existed in the late 1800s was one of our favorite jokes.  Heather shared so honestly about her mistakes while she worked on the quilt. We touched base not too long ago and I teased her about the quilt still not being finished. I hope that someone in her family does take up the cause because it was Heather's desire that it be finished one day. Her death is a loss also to the quilt world. She was wildly talented and a very kind and caring person. I will miss her.

-all paths lead to the beach! by Heather Lair

4 x 4 Collage Addiction

Nature doesn't move in a straight line, and as part of nature, neither do we. -Gloria Steinem

I can certainly understand how making small collages can jump start one's creativity. While I have considered making a collage a day like Karen Stiehl Osborn, it was until my friend Jill suggested  making 4" x 4" collages for a heArtist Trading Cards side trade that it all came together for me. Now I am addicted! Making them is also helping me use up "bits."

My friend Barbara and I joke often about our ever growing boxes of bits. This comes from a story I have told about helping a friend go through her mother's quilt supplies after she died. We came across a box labeled "bits too small to use." My friend lived in a small apartment with limited space and yet I watched her struggle to let go of that box.  I do not want to become a person that cannot let things go. It has been a process for me. Last night at Hannah's opening at ClaySpace, there was a discussion about being able to let things go. Some people were good at it and others not so much. I remember a time when letting things go was tough for me too. There is a story, History Returned,  in my book about a quilt returned to the place where it was made. Arline Crowley shared that she heard that when people get older, they want to simplify there lives. She didn't think it would ever happen to her, but it did. One of things that I struggle with is how to balance the need for simplicity with my need to have stuff around so I can create.

So the questions for today are: 1. Do you have a daily creative ritual and if so, what is it? 2. Is it easy for you to let things go?

New Lecture and Lots of Good News

Thursday I will be giving my new lecture "Quilts in the Attic: Uncovering the Stories Behind the Book" at Pride of the Prairie Quilters' meeting which begins "promptly" at 7 p.m. They meet at the Zion Lutheran Church, 11007 Book Rd., Naperville. This group has always been near and dear to my heart so I am excited to share with them first. This will also help me prepare for being the featured author at the On the Same Page Literary Festival in West Jefferson, North Carolina, in September. Can't tell you how excited I am to be participating. I have also learned that my book is going into its third printing! Life is good!

12/12/12 Another Background

This time I decided to create the background then figure out how to add the "12" elements. I'm thinking that this time it might be fun to play with the number but who knows until I actually get down to the work. Not really planning, just planning on having some fun.

Yesterday I was playing around on the computer using different search engines. I'm always curious to see where I can find my book, Quilts in the Attic. Yesterday I discovered that you can purchase it at Target.com (not sold in stores). I would love to know how many they have sold because personally I have never thought of buying books at Target.com. Have you?

Quilts in the Attic- Day 3 Stuff My Stocking Offer

What a great surprise to have an email (see below) from Pieceful Heart Fabrics and discovering my book was the Day 3 offer for their "Stuff My Stocking." I might just see a paycheck next year!

Greetings from Pieceful Heart Fabrics!

Dear Friend of Pieceful Heart Fabrics,
It's DAY 3 of STUFF MY STOCKING! This is the third of 12 special offers - one each day thru December 12th for a special discounted gift item.

To take advantage of the special price, all you need to do is hit reply or call us (630-718-0112) and tell us to "STUFF MY STOCKING—Day 3!" Be sure to include your FULL NAME and phone numbers. (Remember: We have more than one Linda!)

We will be sending a new email each day with the special item of the day. Feel free to purchase only the packages that you would like to have. The special price for each of the offerings is only available until midnight (you have about 28 hours to respond), so be sure to check your email daily!

From December 15-24th, stop in the store to pick up and purchase your loot or better yet...send a SANTA!

If you or your Santa can't get here by the 20th we'll call you for your credit card info to ensure your order is held safely for your last minute pick-up.

If you want to participate but live a distance away, we will be happy to ship the items to you. (We will add the shipping charges).

This is the perfect way to get what you want for Christmas and save $$$, too! You know that your family wants you to have just what you want so...COME ON...JOIN THE FUN and tell them you are doing the shopping for them!

DAY 3 "Take A Breather"

"Quilts In the Attic" by Karen S. Musgrave

Quilt lovers will enjoy taking a break from stitching to read the short stories in this book.

Karen has done her research and accomplishes what the subtitle "Discovering the Hidden Stories of the Qults We Love" promises. Fun to read a story at a time, or straight through if time permits. The sense of the history and legacy we leave when making a quilt is inspiring.

Regular Price, $24.00-- STUFF MY STOCKING Special $18.99

To take advantage of the special price, all you need to do is Click Here and tell us to "STUFF MY STOCKING-Day 3!"
(Remember to include your FULL NAME & Phone numbers)

I will be back with another special tomorrow!
Piecefully, Head Elf Gina, and all the elves (staff) at Pieceful Heart Fabrics

Glancer Magazine

Glancer magazine arrived in my mailbox today! I'm really happy. They didn't edit which they said was a possibility and there's a nice large photo of the book's cover. I was worried that it would be small and people would not be able to see it. It should be interesting to see if any of the bookstores in town actually get copies. Right now the only place that it is available is Pieceful Heart Fabrics in Lisle.  Life is good!

Glancer Magazine

Just heard that my book will be featured in the December issue of Glance Magazine! I think this is great timing and hopefully people will buy the book!

Amazon and Quilt in the Attic

For those of you who alerted me to Amazon stating that my book "usually ships in 1 - 3 months," thank you. Don't panic. The publisher ran out! More are being printed so Amazon will have more books around November 11th so we are talking three weeks not months. Big relief here too. Thanks again and especially to those of you who have bought additional copies as gifts. You're the best.

Quilts in the Attic on Sale

Connecting Threads has my book, Quilts in the Attic: Uncovering the Stories of the Quilts We Love, on sale for 40% off ($14.40) until October 22 or until supplies last. I've never seen my book at this price.  You'll find other wonderful things like long staple cotton thread and batiks at a great price. Oh, and free shipping for orders $50 or more.  No personal interest, just a satisfied customer and I was thrilled when they decided to sell my book since they usually sell how-to books.

Since I do not have my sewing machine, it's off to clean my studio and take this opportunity to clean, clean out and reorganize.

Need A Favor

If you have read my book and enjoyed it, please post a review on Amazon. It does not have to be long--short and sweet works. Thanks to everyone who has posted a review so far. It is appreciated more than you know.

Author Eleanor Levie put a review on her blog today!

If you haven't read my book, it's a great summer read with its 30 short essays. Don't let the cover fool you. It's not all antique quilts and some of the stories about the antique ones will surprise you.

Another way to help is to recommend that your library buy a copy. I know of one library in southern Illinois that has a waiting list to read it. I almost cried when I heard about it. Word of mouth does work. Guess reviews on Amazon do too.

Writing this book was a labor of love. It won't make me rich or famous but then again, that wasn't the point of writing it.

Quilts in the Attic Ad--Need Your Thoughts

People think that as an author of a book (Quilts in the Attic: Uncovering the Hidden Stories of the Quilts We Love), I actually know what is going on with my book. I don't. I've heard other authors tell me the same thing so I know it isn't just me. I'll admit that I don't purchase many magazines anymore but I always flip through them to see what is happening. I was quite surprised to discover an ad for my book (photo) in the summer issue of Art Quilting Studio magazine (page 139 on the page with "Art Management Policy"). By the way, I did purchase the magazine.  Here are my questions and please know you cannot hurt my feelings so be honest; the more brutal the better.

1. If you purchased the magazine, did you notice the ad?
2. Does the ad make you want to purchase the book?
3. Do you know anything about the following women- Mary Lee Bendolph, Marie Webster, and Ruby Short McKim?
4. What do you think of the overall design of the ad?

Thanks! I promise to share my thoughts too but I don't want to taint your thoughts with mine. Bring it on!

Book Signing

Last night's book signing at Pieceful Heart Fabrics in Lisle, Illinois, was amazing. What a great group of women and Chuck! And thanks to everyone who agreed to be in my photo shoot! The questions asked made me think and I felt like a star! Writing this book was a labor of love so it means so much that people actually want to read it. I was also blown away by how many people bought the more than one copy of the book! Thanks also to Gina and everyone at Pieceful Heart Fabrics for making it a night to remember! Now it's time to come down from the clouds and get to work although I think I may float a little while longer.

Book Signing

May has been a crazy month. All good but I am happy to go into a time when there is less going on in my life. 

I will be doing a book reading and signing, Quilts in the Attic: Uncovering the Hidden Stories of Quilts We Love,  on Thursday, June 7 from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. at Pieceful Heart Fabrics, 2723 Maple Ave., Lisle, IL 60532; 630.718.0112.

 Light refreshments will be served. Please pre-register ($5.00) so we can have
enough books on hand. Attendees will receive a 15% discount on purchase of book. (Retails for $24.) Meet & Mingle at 6:30 p.m., Reading at 7 p.m.  I am excited to share some details about the book that aren't in the book!

If you can't make the book signing, I will offer you this: Pay the retail price for the book $24 (IL residents must pay sales tax), I'll pay the shipping (U.S. only, I'll see what I can do for everyone else). Just email me.

Quilts in the Attic Update

I thought I would share some news about my book, Quilts in the Attic: Uncovering the Hidden Stories of the Quilts We Love. The first is that Checker Distributors (they wholesale to quilt shops) has decided to pick up and sell my book. This is good news for those quilt shops that would like to carry my book and hopefully they will offer it in their shops.

Next Connecting Threads, Vancouver, WA. is now carry my book and I was told that it will be featured in their next catalog. When I checked out the May issue, it was not there so hopefully in June. For me this is personally touching since in the past they have only offered how-to books to their customers. It's a great place to get batiks. They only charge $6.96 a yard. Will sell 1/4 yards pieces either linear or fat! Great service and fast shipping. Oh, and they have wonderful thread too!Life is good!