Adding and Selling Patterns on Craftsy

Hi everyone:

(Note: This post contains affiliate links which means I will be compensated if you purchase after clicking on these links.)

Have you ever thought about selling your quilting, embroidery or sewing patterns, but didn't know where to start? I have some helpful information for you that I'm sure will start you on that designing - and selling - path.

As you know, I create and sell my digital designs on my Craftsy pattern store. You didn't know that Craftsy sold patterns too? In addition to wonderful online courses and craft supplies, Craftsy also has an independent online pattern store that lets anyone upload and sell downloadable e-patterns with no fee!  That's right, Craftsy doesn't charge you any fees to sell your patterns on their website. You set up your store, decide on the fee for each e-pattern and wait for the orders to roll in.

Hearts Abloom, one of the patterns featured on my Craftsy pattern store

If you're now wondering how to set up your own pattern store to sell your fabulous patterns, just follow these easy directions:

1. Make sure you have a Paypal account. All pattern transactions happen through Paypal, and Craftsy requires that you have a Student, Premier, or Business account in order to sell patterns.

2. Put your pattern in .pdf format. You can’t upload any patterns to the online pattern store unless they’re a .pdf file format, so if they’re currently saved as a Word doc, .jpg, or other file format, you must convert it to a .pdf before you upload it to Craftsy.

3. Include a photo. All patterns must have at least one photo to accompany them, but you can add up to five photos. Colorful, interesting photos tend to work the best for catching our members’ eyes!

Manga Owlet applique template on the Chatterbox Quilts pattern store on Craftsy

4. Fill out the pattern description. We will ask you some basic questions around your pattern making it easier for Craftsy folk to find your pattern and know what your pattern is for. Make sure you have info about your pattern handy for this step.

For more information on how to sell a pattern through Craftsy, or to get started setting up your own pattern shop, visit Craftsy today!

There's no easier way to set up your own pattern shop and start selling your designs today. Good luck!

My Shopping Treasures

Hi everyone:

I've finally managed to sort out the few things that I purchased at the recent quilt show in Red Deer. I really didn't get too much bought more than I thought. 

Still some room in there

Isn't it amazing how much a rolling shopping bag can hold? It's a good thing I had this with me as I wouldn't have been able to carry all of my purchases around in a shopping bag or even in my backpack. Thank goodness one of my friends bought this rolling tote for me a few years ago or I would've only spent a few, instead of several, $$$. I'm not sure that my husband feels the same way however…

It's not even overflowing

I know you're dying to see what I bought, so I won't keep you waiting any longer. Drum roll, please!

I bought these items at the first vendor's booth just inside the door, probably within five minutes of entering the show. I had, after all, just driven us all up to Red Deer and definitely needed a small reward.

Batik half metre cuts, some Aurifil thread and a fat quarter pack

Who could resist this wonderful combination of red, black and grey and the snowman was just too cute to pass up. (I had just watched "Frozen" before the quilt show).

Batik jelly roll and a chenille snowman pillow kit

I did have batiks on my "must buy" list, so I was pleased to find more half metre cuts at another booth.

Just a few more batiks

 I loved the fabric combinations in this fat quarter pack, so into the cart it went!

Another fat quarter pack

I always look forward to visiting this vendor to supplement my embellishment stash. And I might even use these some day.

Incomparable Buttons, sari fabric strips and buttons

 I cannot resist homespuns and linen fabrics, especially when they are this gorgeous.

Homespuns and linens are always good

I never pass up a Yoko Saito book, but almost did until one of my friends dragged me back to purchase this - as we were walking out the door. Can't blame this purchase on me.

Another book to add to my collection

Usually I pay around $4.00 for a fat quarter, so these were a steal at $20.00 for 10 of them   - or in my case, $40.00 for 20 of them. But they're only $2.00 each!

Fat quarters for several projects -
and yes, I bought some duplicates on purpose

I've been investigating more artsy options lately and this looked like a good book to add to my mixed media section. And the Lutradur? Well, I've heard so much about it, that I had to purchase some to try.

Just one more book, please?

You really can't blame this purchase on me. Okay, I did buy the perle cotton, but I did not buy the cone of embellishments. One of my quilting friends bought it for me to say thanks for driving her to the show. How nice! And pretty!

Embellishment cone, yum!

And yet another item that I did not purchase. One of my other friends found this adorable decal to embellish my van or my mirror or to put in my studio. What a cute idea and it's just my colour too!

The perfect decal for me

 Now I just need to find room for these in my studio before the next show in May.

Welcome Spring with Special Savings

Hi everyone:

Spring Flash Sale This Weekend Only on Select Craftsy Classes!

Just a quick blogpost to let you know about the Spring Flash Sale at Craftsy this week-end. There are huge savings on select classes and some of these are even quilting ones! I've even found a few that I'm not yet enrolled in - I know, hard to believe, isn't it?

The Spring Flash Sale is only on for a limited time and expires at 11:59 MT on Sunday, April 13, 2014. Visit Craftsy to reveal what classes are on sale, but hurry, this offer expires at 11:59 MT on Sunday, April 13, 2014!

**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you click on one of my links and make a purchase. Thank you.

Spring Is In The Air - And In These New Quilt Designs Too!

Hi everyone:

I've been busily working away on new patterns in between working at my "real" job, videotaping (look for new videos soon) and making sure I keep the quilting industry in business. Yes, I do tend to spend some money when I'm let loose at a quilt show or shop.

Detail of Easter Brights pattern by Chatterbox Quilts

I'm excited to tell you that I have three - not one or two, but three new patterns available just in time for Easter. These designs all use fusible web appliqué and don't require binding, so there is no excuse for not completing at least one of these before Easter. I'm not listening - no excuses, remember?!

Easter Blooms design by Chatterbox Quilts

Two of these designs, Easter Blooms and Easter Treats, could be wall hangings or would be great as table runners to decorate your holiday table. 

Easter Treats design by Chatterbox Quilts

Easter Brights is a wall hanging that would be perfect on your dining room wall. 

Easter Brights design by Chatterbox Quilts

I finished the appliqué shapes on all of the designs with a narrow zigzag stitch and used the same colour thread for all of the appliqués on each piece, but you don't have to do this. You could decide to use a blanket stitch or satin stitch for your appliqués. You could even decide to not finish the appliqué edges if you were going to use these as wall hangings and weren't going to wash them. Shocking, I know, but I have fused on appliqué shapes without finishing the edges and they've stayed on for years without coming away from the background fabric. Certainly speeds up the project.

Flowers and Easter eggs - how spring-y!

All of these designs are available as PDF downloads to purchase on my website. Click here to purchase them today so you can have them finished for Easter. 

Quick like a (chocolate) bunny!

P.S. Check out my Youtube channel for helpful advice in completing these fusible web appliqué patterns.

Quilts and Some (Actually a lot) of Shopping

Hi everyone:

I recently spent a wonderful day with some of my quilting buddies at a quilt show in Red Deer, Alberta, which is about an hour and a half north of Calgary. Spring is always iffy in Alberta and I've driven to the show in thunder and lightning, snow and rain, but this time the weather was perfect! It was sunny and fairly mild - I was even able to leave my jacket in the van, rather than hauling it around the venue as I usually have to do.

Ready to do some looking and lots a bit of shopping

This is always a great show hosted by the Central Alberta Quilters' Guild. Lots of vendors, seminars, door prizes and, of course, many amazing quilts. While no one in my group won any of the door prizes, I did manage to bring home some treasures in the form of fabric, buttons and books. Luckily I brought my rolling tote or I would've had to make several trips to the van as the day progressed (not buying anything never seems to be an option).

After I finished my shopping (who am I kidding? I continued to shop until we left), I was able to view the quilts at the show. Since you couldn't be there with me, I'll give you a sample of the artistic creativity that was on display.

My Love for Thee by Annette Johnston, Red Deer

Forgotten Barns  by Wendy Rowledge, Erskine; Quilted by Joyce Barkley

Granny's Flowers Collection by Dara Tomasson, Red Deer

Civil War Journals by Cheryl Whitten, Red Deer

Memories of Cassindra by Carroll Coates, Three Hills

Detail of Memories of Cassindra by Carroll Coates, Three Hills

Round Robin by Cheryl Yarmchuk, Rimbey

Standing Room Only by Mary Halls, Red Deer

Union Jack by Kathy Dunn, Red Deer County

This last quilt was based on a photograph taken by the quiltmaker and then the horses were painted on the fabric. Unfortunately, I didn't note the name of the person who made this quilt, so if you know who created this wonderful piece, please let me know.