Yippee Skippee!

Yipee Skippee!

At long last, my computer glitches are resolved, the wonderful rush of business during the holidays is lonag ago complete, my husband’s relapse with Meniere’s is back under control and I can finally get back to visiting with all of you. I have several things to share with you, so I will just “bullet” each one to expedite all the things I want to say :

• First, please take a look at the Machine Quilters Expo website! This fabulous machine quilting conference will begin April 12 and will provide not only fabulous quilts but also wonderful classes, including mine, LOL! The conference is held in Providence, RI and has a long history of providing wonderful learning opportunities for all levels of experitise and machines. I will be teaching Blog Cabin Blocks, a course on business blogging as well as Putting the You in YouTube. This course will discuss how to create YouTube videos to promote your business.
• I have added THREE really cute items to my embroidery business. You will see pictures of these on the site today. They include a quilted and monogrammed bag tag, doggie bandanas and an adorable portable tea or sweetner caddie to keep with you in your purse or tote. The patterns were designed by DigiStitches and are really darling.
• I added pictures of one of the art quilts that I completed for a customer during the holidays. I am so proud of how this worked out…it is so much fun to create designs “from the front” of the machine. Also, the precious puppy modeling is my dog niece, Mattie, of Asheville, NC. Attie is modeling a doggie bandana in a cowboy novelty print which slides over her dog collar. Very spiffy! These can be monogrammed, of course!
• Another item that I am showing is an order that I did for Veronyka’s, a lovely salon here in San Antonio. Please notice that one of the items is basically plastic and it embroidered beautifully.
• If you live in the San Antonio area, I will be teaching a business blogging course for the North East Independent School District Community Education beginning on Feb. 17 for three class sessions. If you have your own business or just want to learn the basics of blogging, please join us by registering for the class on the NEISD website, clicking on Community Education.
• The baby quilt is my tip for today…simply take a cute panel, add borders, and, if you have monogramming or lettering on your machine, add some cute embellishments. In this case, I added “mommy’s girl” and  a “k” on the pajamas hanging on the close line. I also added some free motion designs, including a dragon fly. Fast, Easy and Fun…all the elements you need for a gift!
• A picture of the personalized quilt labels that I will do for your quilt is part of the blog today, too.

I think that I have shared all my news. Hope that the New Year has been kind so far and that you are well. I continue to be thankful for all of my blessings, especially in light of the recent horrific earthquake in Haiti and all those who have suffered job lose as our economy struggles to improve.

Innovations 2009 and Info on Luggage Tags and Koozie

Greetings from Reno, Nevada! We are still traveling throughout the U.S. and, unfortunately, some of our destinations were without connectivity. It’s great to be connected again and I wanted to bring you up to date on what is going on with ChiliQuiltes!

First, I am scheduled to teach again this year at Innovations. As you may remember, Innovations is a machine quilting conference (along with many other related topics) and it will begin Sept. 15, 2009 in Tacoma, Washington. I will be teaching a course entitled,” Blog Cabin Blocks with Twittering Embellishment” and I hope you will join me.

Also, I received a comment recently asking abou the luggage tags and Koozies. Yes, they can be easily monogrammed and they come in a variety of colors and designs.

I hope to post the latest info on quilt shops and quilting that I have found during my travels tomorrow. Since we have just arrived in Reno, I need to get organized!

Luggage Tags and Koozies Arrive!

New Koozies Available at Chiliquiltes

Colored Luggage Tags with Wrapping on Strap for Protection

First, a quick hello to Leann and Robyn, the new friends that I made at the Houston Quilt Festival. I will be checking in with you in the near future. I thoroughly  enjoyed hearing not only about life in Australia, but also life in North Texas!Thanks for your comments on an earlier post.

My blank luggage tags and koozies have arrived and I had to share them with you. I LOVE the colors of the luggage tags and I think that those who receive them will find that they will be a big help when they are trying to identify their bags at the airport!Even the black tags will stand out with bright monogramming; I think anyone would be happy to receive one, regardless of their age or gender.

The koozies are also VERY cute and the camouflage variety will be a big hit with a “hard to buy for” guy on your Christmas list.  Dots are still a fashion item, so I think the lime dots and pink dots would be happily received by anyone on a Christmas list as well.

I hope to add some pet products to our product line, too. I am currently investigating leashes and collars as well as bandannas for your favorite canine or feline.

If it sounds like I am having way too much fun finding this item, I have to admit that I am enjoying it! The best part is that I believe that folks who will receive them will enjoy them, too.

Another Word On Luggage Tags

I received a nice comment this week about the luggage tags as gift ideas for the holidays, small shower gifts (wedding), graduations, etc. I wanted to give you an update on the colors of luggage tags that I will be receiving in my shipment. The tags are not only available in black, (see posting for 10/07/08), but also red, orange, lime green, hot pink, aqua, and yellow.

The other cute gift idea that I will be receiving this week are koozies. The ones that I have ordered are black with pink dots, black with lime green dots and camouflage.

All of these items can be mongrammed with initials or with cute phrases. Again, both items would provide a great and inexpensive gift for any occasion.