Wednesday, January 4, 2012

More Goals!

Goals, goals, goals. 

It takes a lot of time to think thru what is, what should be and what you might like.  Yes, there are things that we want that are easy, we just know that we want them and that is that!  But in business, sometimes the end result that we want is not so easy to come by, so it requires a plan to get there- much of which I discussed in yesterday's post!

 As I said yesterday, I have three shops, one will close after today.  The Pruitt Supply shop had a sale yesterday! Yay! Well for that matter, so did the Creations shop!  Yay again!  Anyway, goals:

Creations shop:

My number one best seller (Yes, Edi) was my coasters!  With my cup cozies a near second.  So, this year I want to add some new designs and some new fabrics.  I have mostly used all cotton fabrics, but want to add a linen look coaster line to my offerings.  Also want to add some novelty fabrics, since customers at shows have often asked for specialty fabrics. So the goal is to expand this line. I also want to do more of the double and triple types:



Supply shop:

One of my best sellers in this shop was the vintage fabrics.  They are hard to find, but I intend to continue looking in all the estate sales that I can and maybe advertise for them.  They are so fun to find; fun to sell; and I feel like I am providing new life for a forgotten item--sort of my way of re-purposing them!




Personal Goals:
Now, for my personal goal.  I get a little bored making items for selling and then storing them until they sell.  This is OK, but in doing that, I get caught up in the selling and neglect my first love--quilting!  I want to make beautiful quilts. Art quilts!  In the past, I have used what pieces of fabric and scraps that I had and made do---making utilitarian practical quilts.  They turn our just fine with my creative abilities, but my heart longs to purchase fabrics specifically planned for a specific design!  I have always been too practical and purchased fabrics on sale,  fabrics that could double for my supply shop and my quilt making.  Nothing wrong with that, but I want to go . . . .

  . . . . . extravagant this year! 

I'd like to try some new fabrics, not just cotton, for quilting.  Something with a sheen that I can use for appliqued quilts, getting away from lattice and square designs.  I want to try applique, curved piecing and textured trims couched on the quilt. I want to try using specialty threads for the actual quilting.  I have so many ideas! I have already started a vintage doily quilt which I am excited about!  Here's a sneak peek:


So . . . . Goal of the year!  Ta Da!
Go extravagant, don't focus on the selling, focus on the vision of beautiful creativity! It will be much more fun!

8 comments:

Sweet Posy Dreams said...

I love the sneak peak! That looks like it will be fabulous! Good for you to focus on what you really want to do.

Kathleen said...

Great goals! Lovely sneak peak - what a great idea!

Linda B said...

Linda, it's great that you looked at everything and got it narrowed down. It's inspiring too.

Hope you have a great vacation.

BeadedTail said...

Oooo, those are going to be pretty! That's a great goal to shoot for and I'm sure it'll be fun to make too!

Alexandra MacVean said...

I love your coasters and the cup cosies sound wonderful as well. LOVE those. Lots of goals that I wish you the best on, Linda. :)

Hugs

Memories for Life said...

That is a great goal Linda! Your first quilt is already looking awesome...can't wait to see what else you have in store!

Anonymous said...

You know, you have a great point here. Getting back to your true passion helps you find the art in what you do on a daily basis. When we focus on "what sells" we take the art away from our business and life. I love it- can't wait to see what you come up with this year- LOVE that doily quilt so far!

Judy Nolan said...

It's great that you recognize where you make the most sales, but it's also great to do something just for yourself so that you don't burn out with the selling.