“A Piece of my Mind” - Notes from the Editor
Spring is ready to, well, spring, and it’s most welcome. Winter seems to have been especially cold in the mid-Atlantic this year. My harbinger of spring is the magnolia outside my office window. It’s got a few blossoms, with many more on the way. I took a walk around the garden last week and saw the tulip leaves poking up from the ground.
Spring is also time for the annual recognition of our Teacher of the Year. This year’s recipient, Margie Engel, is a wonderful example of someone committed to the growth of quilting. She started a group, EduQuilters, dedicated to enhance children’s self-esteem through quilting. I know you’ll enjoy learning more about her teaching philosophy.
A round of grateful applause to our judges this year, Dixie Haywood, Jeannie Spears and our 2008 Teacher of the Year, Susan Shie. They do not have an easy task, and I so appreciate their time and effort with the judging process.
I’ve often wondered what quilting is like outside the United States. We have fabric, notions and other supplies readily available. We have easy access to books, magazines and shows. In this issue Eileen Doughty talked with several professional quilters around the world to get their take on how access is different for them.
Marketing is a top priority for all of us. Recently Sue Moats looked at 15 ways to market your longarm business. In this issue she takes a closer look at holding an open house. While this will be valuable for all quilters, we have plans for an article on open houses for non-longarmers. Drop me an e-mail if you have an experience to share.
I think you’d have to be hiding under a rock not to know about Facebook, the topic of Gloria Hansen’s article this issue. Developed in 2004 by three Harvard students, it’s become the rage for baby boomers. I’ve connected with lots of quilters and reconnected with high school friends. In fact, someone from my high school set up a page for our upcoming reunion, and I’ve now reconnected with nearly 70 old classmates. If you’re on Facebook, be sure to stop by my page and become my friend!
And I want to welcome the newest addition to our staff, Leslie O’Brien, who is responsible for advertising sales. I first met Leslie at a quilt show in 1995 and we’ve connected each year since. If you have advertising questions, you’ll find her contact information on the next page.
For me spring also marks a return to show season. By the time you’ve read this, I’ll have been to Quilters Heritage Celebration in Lancaster where I taught and had a booth. I may have already returned from Quilt Festival in Chicago where I taught two business classes. In May I’ll be in Pittsburgh at International Quilt Market. We’ll have a booth, and I’m giving a lecture on Internet marketing. If you come to the show, be sure to stop by our booth. It’s 1524.
Morna McEver Golletz