Technology and the Quilter

I was thinking about my interview with Brandy Maslowski on Canadian Quilt Talk. We covered a wide range of topics and I am sure I lived up to the name of my company, Chatterbox Quilts. It was fun talking about how I began quilting and how things have changed at Chatterbox Quilts over the years. We discussed how much technology has changed the way we interact with each other.

I got the idea for this mixed media collage from browsing on-line.

What keeps me busy has certainly changed a lot over the past couple of years. I have a greater focus on creating videos, both on Youtube and Curious.com. I find that it can sometimes be more effective to show someone how to do a craft in a video rather than to write about it. It's like a one-on-one conversation with my viewer. I'm still writing my blog but I use it as another way to communicate with my subscribers.

One of my more popular Youtube videos about my latest (new) machine.

I also use Facebook (where I have a fan page and a group) and Instagram (although I'm still learning this app) to communicate small snippets of information about what I'm creating or the latest idea that's caught my eye with my followers, subscribers and friends. Both of these sites allow me to keep up with fellow quilters and see what the latest trends are.

I don't know how I'd conduct my business without technology. It allows me to blog, send out newsletters (subscribe in the sidebar for Chatterbox Times), chat with creatives in other countries and post videos to help others. I wouldn't be able to sell my downloadable patterns without today's technology!

While it can sometimes be distracting, I've found that technology has allowed me to connect with quilters all over the world and make new friends with similar interests. I use it to learn new techniques and find information about vintage sewing machines. Where else would I find a manual for a vintage Singer 15-91 sewing machine or learn about upcoming quilt shows and events? While my husband might say, "You don't need to know that", I think he's in the minority.

While it can sometimes be distracting, I've found technology to be more of a help than a hindrance. While I might get other things accomplished if I didn't spend so much time on Facebook, I would miss out on all those cute cat photos and videos.

Let me know if you find technology a help or a distraction. Just leave me a comment below. And let me know your favourite cat photo LOL

Craftsy Flash Sale!

Just in time for the week-end, Craftsy is having a FLASH sale! This is a perfect opportunity to get better at what you love to do or learn a new skill. This week-end only, get up to 50% off Craftsy's best online classes. You'll enjoy hours of up-close instruction from expert instructors and you don't even have to leave your home. Who doesn't love learning in their pj's?!

Of course, I'm especially interested in the quilting and sewing classes (as if I haven't already enrolled in enough of these!). There always seems to be new classes that I'm interested in and I find that I really enjoy creating a project along with the teacher. I have also taken several of the cooking classes and learned lots that I didn't know.

You'll have to hurry to take advantage of these savings as this sale ends Sunday. Don't delay: check out the savings today - and let me know the classes in which you enrolled.

*Please note that I am a Craftsy affiliate and will be compensated if you enrol in a class. 

Giveaway Winner for Quilter's Connection Magazine issue

Quilter's Connection magazine Spring 2015

I'm thrilled to announce the winner of my recent giveaway. The lucky winner of the Spring 2015 issue of Quilter's Connection magazine is... well, actually I have two winners! Maybe it's because this is a new blog and not everyone is actually receiving it yet or perhaps it's because I held the giveaway over the Easter week-end, but there were only two comments left for the giveaway. I couldn't decide on one winner, so both Kathy H and Susan B will be receiving a FREE copy of the Spring 2015 issue of Quilter's Connection magazine. Congratulations to both winners. Ladies, I'll be mailing your copies out soon. (Susan B, could you please send me an email advising as to your name and address as your email address wasn't in the comment for me to get back to you. Thanks!)

I tried to get Charlie and Teeka to draw the giveaway winner, but they were just too tired to make that decision.

If you missed out on this giveaway, don't despair. You can always purchase a copy of the magazine from their website - as well as many of the back issues of the magazine. Digital copies are also available.

Thanks for entering, Susan and Kathy!

Telecast Thursday - Back Stitch Tutorial

Welcome to Telecast Thursday. Today I'm continuing my series on hand embroidery. This week's video shows you how to do a back stitch - one of my favourite stitches and also one that I use the most in my designs. It is great for outlining areas or when you need a definite line.

You can watch the video below or on my Youtube channel. 

If you haven't seen the other episodes in this series, you'll can find them here.

Subscribe to my Youtube channel to receive automatic notifications when new videos are posted. You can also click on the Chatterbox Quilts logo in the lower right corner on the video itself to subscribe.

Hand Embroidery Threads

Welcome to the first Telecast Thursday on my new blog. I've been hard at work creating new content for you that I hope you'll find informative. 

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This week I'm introducing my new series on hand embroidery. If you haven't tried hand embroidery, you'll want to give it a go. It's quick and easy and portable - perfect for taking with you just about anywhere! While I don't enjoy hand quilting, I really don't mind working on an embroidery project. I find that I can accomplish quite a bit while watching House of Cards or Downton Abbey. 

In this week's video, I'll be discussing the various types of embroidery threads that I like to use. I tend to stick to easy-to-find threads and prefer perle cotton for most of my projects. 

You can watch the video below or on my Youtube channel. If you're not already a subscriber, do subscribe so you won't miss out on a single video.

Let me know if you are a fellow embroider and the types of projects you prefer.

Creatively,

Kim