CRAFTY CORNER- Crafty Facts and Quilting Survey

Crafty Facts

Did you know?………………………..

By Sewsouk





Most of us know knitting is making fabric from a strand of yarn and usually uses 2 needles. The word knitting derives from the word “knots” and to knit means to tie or join.The earliest fabric pieces which have the appearance of knitting still existing are socks and stockings made in the 300 AD in Egypt.






Crochet derives from the French wood “crochet "
meaning hook. There is no clear evidence to show that people did crochet work before the 1800s so it is a much more modern craft than knitting. The first crochet patterns were published in Europe in 1824. With the industrial revolution machine spun cotton became readily available replacing more expensive linen and so crochet became more popular. Early crochet hooks were nothing more than bent needles stuck into cork, richer ladies used decorated silver, steel, ivory and bone hooks though these were more to set off a rich lady’s fine hands rather than for serious work.






Quilting Survey

By FabricGreetings









Here are a few facts that came from a survey that is presented By “Quilters Newsletter” in cooperation with the International Quilt Market and Festival, a division of Quilts, Inc.

http://www.quilts.com/announcements/y2010/QIA2010_OneSheet.pdf

These results are from a survey conducted for 2010.

• 14% of US households are home to one active quilter

• total quilters in US exceeds 21 million

• In 2010 – quilting households spent an average of $219 up 27% from 2006

Estimated total dollar value of quilting industry - $3.58 billion

Dedicated quilters are defined as households that spend more than $600 per year on quilting related purchases

Who is the dedicated quilter? (My profile)

• Female (dedicated)

• 62 years old ( over dedicated)

• 72% attended college (dedicated)

• Affluent - $91,602 HH income (very under dedicated)

• Spend an average $2,442 per year on quilting (under dedicated)

• Quilting for average of 16 years (over dedicated)

• 44% prefer traditional quilts

• 50% enjoy both traditional and contemporary styles (my choice)

• Check out this web site for free quilting patterns:

http://www.freequiltpatterns.info

Etsy shops featuring quilting items:

www.NancyEllenStudios.etsy.com

www.EggMoneyQuilts.etsy.com

Team Spotlight! Maison de Terre!

Today we would like to introduce you to Betty of MaisondeTerre. Betty is one of our resident Mom's and we love her for that (Keeping us all in line)! I just love all of her hats! Check this one out!

1. Your name, nickname and a little about who you are.

Hi, my name is Betty Wallace. Here’s one of the listings in my shop. It’s hard to choose a favorite. My favorite always seems to be the last thing I’ve made.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/48229640/hot-pink-newsboy-with-white-rose-and

I’m a Mom, Grandma, Gardener, and Maker of Beautiful Things. As with most of the fantastic artists on Etsy, I have loved making beautiful things with many different techniques and materials all my life. I love sewing, knitting, crochet, floral design, working with polymer clay, and even building furniture.

2. Surprise us with something about you that you think will shock
us!

My home is a “Rammed Earth” house. It’s an ancient building method which was actually used to build parts of The Great Wall of China. You can see pictures of it in one of my photo albums on my Facebook page. Check out “rammed earth construction” on the internet for more information.

3. What is your main craft/art/collectible?

I owned a florist for many years which is extremely hard work! I’ve chosen a much easier art form for my online business. I have filled my Etsy shop with crochet and knit items. I love exploring and creating new designs and patterns. And it is so much fun to see how the same design will have an entirely different look and feel when I create it in a different texture or medium.

4. How did you start with Etsy?

I started with Etsy as a buyer. I loved the huge array of gorgeous items that were available from so many talented artists. When I listed my first few items, I thought no one would even notice them. Then when I started getting views, then hearts and even sales, I was hooked. I love checking my stats and finding that people from other countries are viewing and buying my designs. I’ve also made many new friends through this wonderful marketing method.

5. Any secrets to share for success?

Secrets to success? As with any business, it’s hard work, quality product and excellent customer service. The biggest difference with an online shop and a brick and mortar shop is the absolute must of having high quality pictures. This has been and still is my biggest struggle.

6. Hobbies or pastime when you are not doing Etsy.

My hobbies and pastimes are gardening and playing with grandchildren. I volunteer at our Wildflower Center and I’m taking classes with my new puppy. I hoping we will eventually be certified to visit hospitals and assisted living centers.

7. Where would your dream vacation be?

My dream vacation is being anywhere with family and friends. What could be more fun?

8. What do you hope to contribute and gain from Hearts and Hands
United?

The Hearts and Hands United Team is a wonderful supportive community of friends and artists. We are there for each other with business and personal advice. We laugh at each other, cry together and try to boss each other around. Ok, only a couple of us are bossy. And, as with my kids and grandkids, they don’t pay much attention to my directives.

9. Where can we find you?

www.maisondeterre.etsy.com

http://www.facebook.com/maisondeterre

http://twitter.com/maisondeterre

10. Where do you draw your inspiration from?

Most of my inspiration comes from nature. But my kids and grandkids keep me updated on current fashion trends. I love to make beautiful items but I’m also all about comfort. If it’s too hot, too tight or too itchy, I can’t imagine anyone enjoying owning it!