tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34479455334740677662024-03-14T14:13:08.365+05:3013 Woodhouse RoadShruti Recommendshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07536768030575067545noreply@blogger.comBlogger866125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447945533474067766.post-32222271898296254172024-01-08T16:25:00.010+05:302024-01-08T16:25:36.277+05:30Who is your dream client and why do you need to profile them?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Every business has an ideal or dream client in their mind when they start. Do you know who <em>your </em>dream client is? How will knowing them help you grow your business?</div>
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<img alt="dream-client-who-and why-do-you-need-to-know-them-by-shruti-dandekar" height="825" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2040/4679/files/07_1024x1024.jpg?v=1506994813" width="550" /></div>
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When I first heard about profiling my dream client, the first thought that came to my mind was - <em>okay, but I have just started and I want to sell to as many people as I can; so how can I narrow down to just one person as my dream client?</em></div>
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But then gradually I realized, I <em>can</em> sell to as many people as I want to, but I will <em>design </em>for my dream client. I will speak <em>their </em>language. I will be at the places where <em>they </em>are. I will appeal to <em>them.</em> And that helped me grown my business manyfold. I went from zero customers to being the busiest booth at the local craft fair. I went from being an unknown quilter in a quaint little town in India to a Brand Ambassador for three leading companies in the Quiltign world!</div>
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How did I do that? I created my dream client profile and started speaking to them. </div>
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Do you want to create your Dream Client profile? Take a piece of paper and imagine who is it that you <em>want</em> to buy your products. You might have made thousands of sales by now or maybe this is your first product. It does not matter. When you made your product, who was in your mind as the end user? You can even use an existing customer if you think they are the ideal customer for you. Now answer the following questions about them. </div>
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<li>What is their gender?</li>
<li>How old are they?</li>
<li>Where do they live?</li>
<li>Are they single or married?</li>
<li>Do they have a family?</li>
<li>What does their family look like? </li>
<li>What is their occupation?</li>
<li>What is their yearly income?</li>
<li>How does their regular day look like?</li>
<li>How do they best like to stay in touch?</li>
<li>What are the places that they frequent regularly?</li>
<li>What are their hobbies?</li>
<li>Are they a part of any groups or social circles?</li>
<li>Where do they hang out with family?</li>
<li>Where do they hang out with friends?</li>
<li>What are their favorite magazines?</li>
<li>What is their favorite social media platform?</li>
<li>What are their top 10 favorite accounts on that social media?</li>
<li>Do they read blogs? Write their 5 favorite ones.</li>
<li>What are their favorite shopping places?</li>
<li>What are their favorite online shopping places?</li>
<li>Who do they idolize?</li>
<li>Where do they spend their vacations?</li>
<li>What do they consider or think about before they buy anything?</li>
<li>What do they consider or think about before they buy from you?</li>
<li>What is the most important thing for them in life?</li>
<li>What is the most important criteria for them when they are buying products that you make?</li>
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You can add as many question to this as you want to make the picture so clear that you can go into a crowded space and pick your ideal client just by looking at them.</div>
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How will this help you in your business?</div>
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<strong>1. It will help you design better products. </strong>Now that you know what your dream client wants, it will be easier to design products by taking their needs and likes into consideration.</div>
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<strong>2. It will help you write product descriptions. </strong>Knowing what they consider before buying your product, will help you word your product descriptions so that their requirements are addressed and communicated.</div>
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<strong>3. It will help you to directly talk to your dream client. </strong>You know what they read and enjoy, so you can also read what they are reading and make sure that your language is similar so that your products will appeal to them. </div>
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<strong>4. It will help you be in the right places. </strong>It will help you be in the places that they frequent so that your product gets the maximum visibility.</div>
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<strong>5. It will help you target ads. </strong>If you have ever used targeted ads on social media you will know how much knowing in detail about your ideal client will help you target the ads to a smaller percentage and increasing the conversion rate. </div>
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<strong>5. It will help your business grow. </strong>An ideal customer profile can do wonderful for your business. As you start speaking to them, your following will gradually start filling with people who roughly match that profile. So every product you make will look like it is custom-made for them. Customer satisfaction will skyrocket and so will your business.</div>
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Remember that by creating your ideal client profile you are <em>not excluding </em>those who do not fit it, but you <em>are attracting </em>those clients that make you happy to serve.</div>
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Do you already have a client that fits in your ideal client profile? Or are you working on an imaginary one. Do let me know how ideal client profiling helps you in your business.</div>
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Shruti Dandekarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06534182271330207949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447945533474067766.post-83490143600639896852024-01-08T16:25:00.009+05:302024-01-08T16:25:32.950+05:305 quirky things that make me - me!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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We all have them. Don't deny it. We all are a little whimsical or quirky! What are the five quirky traits that make me uniquely me?</div>
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<img alt="five-quirky-things-that-make-me-me-by-shruti-dandekar" height="825" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2040/4679/files/08_1024x1024.jpg?v=1507025001" width="550" /></div>
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I come as a whole package! I am smart. I am funny. I am loving. I am crazy. I'm the whole deal!</div>
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I am me. Everyday!</div>
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Are you ready to know me better? I hope you are not put off by any of these.</div>
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<strong>1. I wake up at 4. </strong>Sometimes, even earlier. I am a morning person and I love to wake up at 4! There was a time when I could catch a 5 am flight by staying awake all night, but now I will just wake up earlier! Why? <a href="https://13woodhouseroad.com/blogs/shruti-dandekar/why-do-i-get-up-at-4-am" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="why-do-i-wake-up-at-4-am">I wrote a blog post about it.</a> Sometimes that means that I am getting up when my husband is getting into bed. Even on holidays I am awake at 4 and then spend the morning lying in bed, because I do not get any tea or coffee that early! When in the US for QuiltCon (2017) I used to get up at 3! And was actually awake and fresh the whole day! I just am crazy like that.</div>
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<strong>2. I do not like chocolates. </strong>Phew. I said it aloud and yes, you heard it right. I do not like chocolates. If you offer me one, I will accept it and then slip it into my purse to give Aadi or my Mother-in-law - both of whom LOVE them. But me, not so much. I prefer candies to chocolate, but only when its like a question of life and death (which it hasn't been thankfully for the past 38 years of my life). So there it is. Out in the open. I do not like chocolates. But if you're planning on sending some my way. Please do. Aadi and my MIL will finish it off in no time.</div>
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<strong>3. I cannot cook. </strong>Yup, sadly, that one is true too. I cannot cook to save my life. Okay I won't kill you with my cooking. But if someone put a gun to my head and said, "Make something tasty or you're dead" (I am hoping no one will do that though) - start making my funeral arrangements. To my credit, I can make a decent meal once a week. But that isn't enough for survival. Is it? So how does my household survive? Well, my husband did survive about 4 years of my cooking before we decided to hire a cook. And then when we could not find a replacement for the one who left, he learnt to do it himself. So now, he does the <em>taste</em> part of the meals in the morning while we do have a cook who comes in the evenings - <em>everyday! </em>I'm lucky - I know!</div>
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<strong>4. I have consistency issues. <em></em></strong>In fact, quilting is the <em>only </em>thing I have stuck to for so long. Maybe because it lets me be inconsistent while doing what I am doing. Every quilt is different from the others. Even when I started this website and my new blog, I knew I was going to have a hard time staying consistent. Plus, I decided I wanted to write everyday instead of four times a week. So I trained myself to work in batches. I sit and write 4-5 blog posts in a day. I do choose a single category to focus on so that my train of thought is not broken. Then I sit and schedule all my social media in batches - usually 15 days at a time. As I am writing this, we are nowhere near October and I will be already writing the content for November when you are reading this. I've hired a VA who starts working in November. So I am looking forward to her doing a lot of the scheduling part to keep me free to create better and better content for you. </div>
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<strong>5. I go through phases about my looks. </strong>I do not have <em>my</em> own style. I have trends/phases. There will be days on end when you will find me in a T-shirt and yoga pants or jeans and then there will be days when I will go all out with the salwaar kameez. Same goes for hair. I love long hair. But I get tired of it soon. And then out of the blue, I go and cut it up into a short crop and shock anyone who is around me! Comfort is my style statement! In my heart I don't really care how I look as long as I am comfortable in what I am wearing. </div>
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There! Its out in the open. Five quirky things that make me - me! </div>
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What are your quirks?</div>
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Shruti Dandekarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06534182271330207949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447945533474067766.post-44811484232150217422024-01-08T16:25:00.008+05:302024-01-08T16:25:28.979+05:30Using the right thread and using it rightly<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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As you all know, I am one of the 45 Aurifil Artisans worldwide. I love this thread and using it has truly changed my life. Today I am going to share some information about how to choose thread for a project and then what needle and what machine settings to use with it to make it work the best.</div>
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<img alt="thread-talks-how-to-choose-the-right-thread-and-how-to-use-it-rightly" height="825" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2040/4679/files/11_1024x1024.jpg?v=1507111989" width="550" /></div>
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Before I started using Aurifil, whenever I had to choose thread, color was the only criteria that I used. As I started using better thread and saw the difference I worked hard to understand the importance of using the right thread.</div>
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<strong>Why is thread so important?</strong></div>
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Well, I learnt it the hard way. I will tell you two stories to make my point. </div>
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Long back, I had made a quilt with some lovely linen. I used a local brand polyester thread to quilt it. I was really proud of my work. After finishing, I took it to the ironing table to remove the creases. You all know how stubborn linen is when it comes to creases. This one was no different. I turned my iron full throttle, sprayed the hell out of that quilt and began ironing! Everything was okay for a while, but then I smelled smoke. And I realized the horror that had transpired under the iron! The super hot iron on the <em>linen</em> setting had burnt my beautiful quilting because it was polyester and could not stand the heat! All that effort was spoiled. Not just did the thread burn away but it actually formed half burnt polyester clumps and stuck to the quilt. The quilt was completely gone!</div>
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The second story is when I made a lovely grey, white and baby pink quilt for a little girl. The quilt had turned out fabulous! Since it was intended to be used immediately, I decided to wash the quilt before I gifted it. I had used all designer fabric in the quilt and knew that it did not bleed color. So I did not bother with soaking it in the color fix solution. It looked okay when it was done washing. But after putting it out to dry, the <em>thread</em> started bleeding color onto the beautiful quilt! All of my lovely quilting had a shocking pink halo around it! The little girl did use the quilt, mainly because the mom knew how much efforts I had put into making it and she also knew that the fabric I had ordered was specially for the quilt. But I wasn't satisfied!</div>
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That is when I switched to using Aurifil for all my projects. Even if it means buying a spool for 10 USD (@650-700 rupees) instead of 5 rupees!</div>
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<strong>How to choose the right thread?</strong></div>
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There are three criteria you will need to judge the thread on to find the right thread for your project.</div>
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<strong>Color : </strong>You can choose to use a matching, blending or a contrast thread, depending on your design.</div>
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For quilts that do not have many different colors, I usually opt for a matching thread both for piecing as well as quilting. </div>
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In this quilt - #viewPOINT, I matched my thread perfectly with the hand dyed fabric that I used for the quilt because I did not want it to stand out.</div>
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<img alt="" height="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1UhCUIpuBE5vLMMY8nn1w6q3qWZUQmkZnfX_FZKFoWapBwhl7mWxBoWWEObL91NPAZfExTG0LCEQ2648mGfcUUTRkfjDcCNnSXV2ARaE2_p3lvR8G-Sq1HlRzmsCIX9IsLT5IbF07BIs/s640/IMG_0555.JPG" width="550" /></div>
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If my quilt has too many colors, I usually opt for a blending color. My go-to blending color is 2310 - Light Beige.</div>
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<img alt="Aurifil-2310-light-beige" height="550" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2040/4679/files/MK50SC6-2310_grande.png?v=1507120014" width="550" /></div>
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I love how the thread just blends in with any colors.</div>
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Sometimes though, I need to make a statement - especially with the quilting. That is when I choose a contrasting thread. I love the pop of colors on this quilt. </div>
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<img alt="" height="431" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFqPVolS8uVqpNU2cbIFFlhXvifE1FCvyugWZM_XFDYMiqpdGW2og5rIYt43aYPt4iBZ5pe_E2FlVHGruggfQBwPkNPSUA-OTAmCQy37POisuYC2dOBpGH3VOEn_gUds44uAjQsBItut0/s640/DSCF4199.JPG" width="550" /></div>
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<strong>Material</strong></div>
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If you are piecing or quilting on a domestic machine I highly recommend using cotton thread. </div>
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But if you are quilting on a long arm machine I would recommend you use a polyester thread. (Aurifil has polyester cones available)</div>
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Sometimes, especially when I do not want to focus on the quilting, but use it only to bind the three layers together, I use Monofilament thread. I also use them when I am making portrait quilts. I love that it comes in two shades - white (for light fabrics) and smoke (for dark fabrics)</div>
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<strong>Weight</strong></div>
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Have you seen a number on your thread spool? Normally it will be something like 50/2. What does that number mean? </div>
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The first number - in this case 50 - is the weight of the thread while the second number - in this case 2 - indicates the number of strands that are plied together. So a 50/2 Cotton thread means that it is a 2 ply thread of 50 wt cotton strands.</div>
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The most simplest way to remember thread weights is to remember that <strong>the bigger the number of the weight, the thinner the thread is.</strong> So a 50 wt thread will be thinner than a 28 wt thread.</div>
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Below, I am sharing with you the information about all the threads that Aurifil makes that will help you decide not only the best thread for your project, but also the best way to use it.</div>
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<strong>80 wt Cotton : </strong>This is the newest thread introduced by Aurifil and ever since I have used it I am in love with it! It just disappears into the seams!</div>
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It is available in 88 <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/sh/bc7yqag0gzwtwhs/AAC2IWT76kMOAIy7oQLmggqAa?dl=0">vibrant, luxurious colors</a> available on a beautiful cherry wooden spool that holds of 300 yards (274 meters)</div>
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<img alt="" height="539" src="https://auribuzz.files.wordpress.com/2017/09/aaa-80wt.jpg?w=676&h=663" width="550" /></div>
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<em>Photo credit : <a href="https://auribuzz.wordpress.com/2017/09/17/all-about-aurifil-part-3/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="all-about-thread-80-wt-aurifloss-wool-aurifil">Auribuzz</a></em></div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; padding-left: 60px;">
<strong></strong></div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; padding-left: 30px;">
Recommended for - but not limited to - </div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; padding-left: 60px;">
English Paper Piecing</div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; padding-left: 60px;">
Hand Applique</div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; padding-left: 60px;">
Machine Embroidery</div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; padding-left: 60px;">
Machine Applique</div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; padding-left: 60px;">
Free Motion Quilting</div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; padding-left: 60px;">
Free Motion Couching</div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; padding-left: 60px;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; padding-left: 30px;">
Other recommendations :</div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; padding-left: 60px;">
70/10 or 80/12 Microtex/Sharp or Embroidery Needle with 80wt in the bobbin.</div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; padding-left: 60px;">
For hand sewing, use a short length of thread, around 12”-18” to reduce tangling and breaking.</div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; padding-left: 60px;">
Some prefer to condition the thread when hand sewing, though it isn’t necessary.</div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; padding-left: 60px;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; padding-left: 30px;">
<strong>50 wt Cotton : </strong>This is the most popular weight in Aurifil. This is found on the orange spools. It is the perfect thread for piecing as it does not add any bulk to your seams. It is available in all 270 colors, on a small spool of 220 yards (or 200 meters), a large spool of 1422 yards (or 1300 meters) or a cone of 6452 yards (or 5900 meters).</div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; padding-left: 30px;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; padding-left: 30px;">
<img alt="" height="322" src="https://auribuzz.files.wordpress.com/2017/09/aaa-50wt1.jpg?w=676&h=396" width="550" /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">
<div style="padding-left: 30px;">
<em>Photo credit : <a href="https://auribuzz.wordpress.com/2017/09/10/all-about-aurifil-part-2/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="all-about-thread-50wt-and-40wt-aurifil"> AuriBuzz</a> - visit the blog to know more about this wonderful thread.</em></div>
</div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; padding-left: 30px;">
Recommended for - but not limited to -</div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; padding-left: 60px;">
Needle Turn Applique</div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; padding-left: 60px;">
English Paper Piecing</div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; padding-left: 60px;">
Hand Piecing</div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; padding-left: 60px;">
Bobbin and Machine Lace</div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; padding-left: 60px;">
Machine Applique (Straight Stitch, ZigZag, Blind Hem and Blanket Stitch) Machine Embroidery</div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; padding-left: 60px;">
Dense Machine Quilting</div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; padding-left: 60px;">
Subtle Machine and Longarm Quilting</div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; padding-left: 60px;">
Basting</div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; padding-left: 60px;">
Whole Cloth and Micro Quilting</div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; padding-left: 60px;">
Dense Background Designs.</div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; padding-left: 60px;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; padding-left: 30px;">
Other recommendations :</div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; padding-left: 60px;">
80/12 Microtex/Sharp</div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; padding-left: 60px;">
Universal Needles</div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; padding-left: 60px;">
Quilting Needles</div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; padding-left: 60px;">
Denim Needles (use 50wt in the bobbin)</div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; padding-left: 60px;">
Longarm quilters will use 4.0 Longarm Needles (use 50wt in the bobbin).</div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; padding-left: 30px;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; padding-left: 30px;">
<strong>40 wt Cotton : </strong>This is another popular weight when it comes to Aurifil thread. It comes on a lovely green spool. It is available in all 270 colors on a small spool of 164 yards (150 meters), a large spool of 1094 yards (1,000 meters) and a cone of 5140 yards (5000 meters).</div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; padding-left: 30px;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; padding-left: 30px;">
<img alt="" height="335" src="https://auribuzz.files.wordpress.com/2017/09/aaa40wt1.jpg?w=676&h=412" width="550" /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; padding-left: 30px;">
<em>Photo credit : <a href="https://auribuzz.wordpress.com/2017/09/10/all-about-aurifil-part-2/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="all-about-thread-50wt-and-40wt-aurifil"> AuriBuzz</a> </em></div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; padding-left: 30px;">
<em></em></div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; padding-left: 30px;">
Recommended for - but not limited to -</div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; padding-left: 60px;">
Single, Double or Triple Strand Cross Stitch</div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; padding-left: 60px;">
Hand Piecing</div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; padding-left: 60px;">
Bobbin and Machine Lace</div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; padding-left: 60px;">
Machine Applique</div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; padding-left: 60px;">
Machine Embroidery</div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; padding-left: 60px;">
Edge-to-Edge</div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; padding-left: 60px;">
Pantographs and Custom Longarm Quilting</div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; padding-left: 60px;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; padding-left: 30px;">
Other recommendations :</div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; padding-left: 60px;">
80/12 Microtex/Sharp</div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; padding-left: 60px;">
Universal or Denim Needle 90/14 or 75/11</div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; padding-left: 60px;">
Quilting Needle (use 40wt or 50wt in the bobbin).</div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; padding-left: 60px;">
Longarm quilters will use a 3.5 or 4.0 Longarm Quilting Needle (50wt in the bobbin).</div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; padding-left: 60px;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; padding-left: 30px;">
<strong>28 wt Cotton : </strong>This thread comes on the grey spool and is the second heaviest thread that Aurifil offers. It comes in all 270 colors and four spool or skein sizes: small, large, cone, and skein. A small spool of this weight has 109 yards (100 meters), a large spool has 820 yards (750 meters), a cone has 3,609 yards (3300 meters) and a skein has 87 yards (80 meters). </div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; padding-left: 30px;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; padding-left: 30px;">
<img alt="" height="518" src="https://auribuzz.files.wordpress.com/2017/09/aaa-28wt2.jpg?w=676&h=637" width="550" /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; padding-left: 30px;">
<em>Photo credit : <a href="https://auribuzz.wordpress.com/2017/09/03/all-about-aurifil-part-1/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="all-about-thread-12-wt-and-28-wt-aurifil">Auribuzz</a></em></div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; padding-left: 30px;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; padding-left: 30px;">
Recommended for - but not limited to -</div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; padding-left: 60px;">
Double Strand Cross Stitch</div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; padding-left: 60px;">
Blanket Stitch</div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; padding-left: 60px;">
Hand Applique</div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; padding-left: 60px;">
Hand Piecing</div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; padding-left: 60px;">
Hand Quilting</div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; padding-left: 60px;">
Bobbin and Machine Lace</div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; padding-left: 60px;">
Machine Quilting</div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; padding-left: 60px;">
Longarm Quilting</div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; padding-left: 60px;">
Machine Embroidery</div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; padding-left: 60px;">
Lower Looper Serging</div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; padding-left: 30px;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; padding-left: 30px;">
Other recommendations :</div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; padding-left: 60px;">
90/14 Topstitch, Quilting or Denim needle</div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; padding-left: 60px;">
40wt or 50wt in the bobbin</div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; padding-left: 60px;">
Longarm quilters should use a size 4.0 needle and 40wt in the bobbin Go a little slower than normal-especially when creating curves</div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; padding-left: 30px;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; padding-left: 30px;">
<strong>12 wt Cotton : </strong>This is the heaviest weight thread that Aurifil offers and it comes on a red spool. It comes on three different sized spools: Large 356 yards (or 325 meters), Small 54 yards (or 50 meters) and the Cone 1,914 yards (or 1,750 meters).</div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; padding-left: 30px;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; padding-left: 30px;">
<img alt="" height="386" src="https://auribuzz.files.wordpress.com/2017/09/aaa-12wt3.jpg?w=676&h=474" width="550" /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; padding-left: 30px;">
<em>Photo credit : <a href="https://auribuzz.wordpress.com/2017/09/03/all-about-aurifil-part-1/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="all-about-thread-12-wt-and-28-wt-aurifil">Auribuzz</a></em></div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; padding-left: 30px;">
<em></em></div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; padding-left: 30px;">
<strong></strong>Recommended for - but not limited to -<em><br /></em></div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; padding-left: 60px;">
Hand Applique</div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; padding-left: 60px;">
Hand Embroidery</div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; padding-left: 60px;">
Hand Quilting</div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; padding-left: 60px;">
Cross Stitch</div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; padding-left: 60px;">
Embellishment</div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; padding-left: 60px;">
Handmade Lace</div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; padding-left: 60px;">
Machine Applique</div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; padding-left: 60px;">
Blanket Stitch</div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; padding-left: 60px;">
Machine Embroidery (designs that use a longer stitch length) Machine Art Quilting</div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; padding-left: 60px;">
Sashiko</div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; padding-left: 60px;">
Redwork</div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; padding-left: 60px;">
Lower Looper Serging</div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; padding-left: 60px;">
Longarm Quilting</div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; padding-left: 60px;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; padding-left: 30px;">
Other recommendations:</div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; padding-left: 60px;">
When using 12wt thread by machine use a thinner thread in the bobbin, like 40wt. </div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; padding-left: 60px;">
100/16 or 90/14 Topstitch needle</div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; padding-left: 60px;">
Longarmers will want to use a 4.5 needle and 28wt in the bobbin and should quilt slowly, using a longer stitch and silicone conditioner where necessary.</div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; padding-left: 60px;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; padding-left: 30px;">
<strong>Aurifloss :</strong> The 6-strand cotton floss thread is wound on a pretty little wooden spool similar to the 80wt thread. It has 18 yards (16 meters) per spool and is available in all 270 colors.</div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; padding-left: 30px;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; padding-left: 30px;">
<img alt="" height="370" src="https://auribuzz.files.wordpress.com/2017/09/aaa-floss.jpg?w=676&h=454" width="551" /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; padding-left: 60px;">
<div style="padding-left: 30px;">
<em>Photo credit : <a href="https://auribuzz.wordpress.com/2017/09/03/all-about-aurifil-part-1/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="all-about-thread-12-wt-and-28-wt-aurifil">Auribuzz</a></em></div>
<div style="padding-left: 30px;">
<em></em></div>
<div>
Recommended for - but not limited to - </div>
<div style="padding-left: 30px;">
Cross Stitch</div>
<div style="padding-left: 30px;">
Huck Embroidery</div>
<div style="padding-left: 30px;">
Miniature Punch-Needle Embroidery</div>
<div style="padding-left: 30px;">
Tatting</div>
<div style="padding-left: 30px;">
Needle Point</div>
<div style="padding-left: 30px;">
Crochet</div>
<div style="padding-left: 30px;">
Applique</div>
<div style="padding-left: 30px;">
Big Stitch Quilting</div>
<div style="padding-left: 30px;">
Accent stitching on garments and other items</div>
<div style="padding-left: 30px;">
Hand Embroidery</div>
<div style="padding-left: 30px;">
</div>
<div>
Other recommendations :</div>
<div style="padding-left: 30px;">
Aurifil recommends matching your hand-sewing needle to the intended project.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<strong>Wool : </strong>This is a 12wt thread in a lovely, soft blend of 50% acrylic and 50% wool. It is available in 192 colors on red spools in three sizes: a Small Spool with 54 yards (50 meters), a Large Spool with 383 yards (350 meters), and a Cone 1860 yards.<strong> </strong></div>
<div>
<strong></strong></div>
<div>
<strong><img alt="" height="177" src="https://auribuzz.files.wordpress.com/2017/09/aaa-wool2.jpg?w=676&h=217" width="551" /></strong></div>
<div style="padding-left: 30px;">
<div style="padding-left: 30px;">
<em>Photo credit : <a href="https://auribuzz.wordpress.com/2017/09/03/all-about-aurifil-part-1/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="all-about-thread-12-wt-and-28-wt-aurifil">Auribuzz</a></em></div>
<div style="padding-left: 30px;">
<em></em></div>
<div>
Recommended for - but not limited to -<em><br /></em></div>
<div style="padding-left: 30px;">
Single or Double Strand Cross Stitch</div>
<div style="padding-left: 30px;">
Hand Embroidery</div>
<div style="padding-left: 30px;">
Machine Applique</div>
<div style="padding-left: 30px;">
Machine Quilting</div>
<div style="padding-left: 30px;">
Lower Looper Serging</div>
<div style="padding-left: 30px;">
</div>
<div>
Other recommendations :</div>
<div>
Use a 90/14 Topstitch Needle with our 50wt in the bobbin.</div>
<div>
Longarm quilters should use the largest Longarm Needle possible (use 28wt in the bobbin) 100/16 Needle with 40wt in the bobbin.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<strong>Polyester :</strong> Aurifil offers 10 variegated colors of 40wt, high-sheen, premium, trilobal polyester thread. This thread gives absolutely no lint and no issue with thread breaking. Its perfect for Long-arm Quilters, bag makers and garment sewers. . This thread comes only in one size, a large cone, with 3280 yards (or 3000 meters.)</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<img alt="" src="https://auribuzz.files.wordpress.com/2017/09/aaa-polyester.jpg?w=676&h=373" /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<em>Photo credit : <a href="https://auribuzz.wordpress.com/2017/09/24/all-about-aurifil-part-4/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="all-about-thread-polyester-mono-filament-aurifil">Auribuzz</a></em></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Recommended for - but not limited to - </div>
<div style="padding-left: 30px;">
Machine Embroidery</div>
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Quilting</div>
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Thread Painting</div>
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Decorative Stitching</div>
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Satin Stitching and Decorative Applique</div>
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Other recommendations : </div>
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80/12 Microtex/Sharp, Universal, or Denim Needle (use 40wt or 50wt in the bobbin)</div>
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3.5 or 4.0 Longarm Quilting Needle (use 50wt in the bobbin)</div>
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<strong>Mono filament :</strong> Aurifil’s Monofilament Invisible Thread is produced in Italy. It is 100% nylon, available in two colors: smoke (for dark fabrics) and clear (for light fabrics), and in two sizes: a large spool with 1,094 yards (1000 meters) and a cone with 16,400 yards (15,000 meters).</div>
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<img alt="" height="243" src="https://auribuzz.files.wordpress.com/2017/09/aaa-monofilament.jpg?w=676&h=298" width="551" /></div>
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Recommended for - but not limited to -</div>
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Hand Needle Turn Applique</div>
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Attach Binding</div>
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Ladder Stitch</div>
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Machine Stitch in the Ditch</div>
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Invisible Seaming</div>
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Free Motion Quilting</div>
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Couching</div>
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Machine Applique</div>
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Outline Applique</div>
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Shape Applique</div>
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Echo Applique</div>
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Other recommendations :</div>
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50wt as a bobbin thread</div>
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Top tension lowered to at least 2.0 on a home sewing machine and as necessary on a long arm.</div>
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A slightly larger stitch length</div>
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When used in bobbin :Fill the bobbin at the slowest speed possible (or by hand) and do not fill all the way. </div>
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80/12 or 70/10 topstitching or Microtex Sharp Needle</div>
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3.0 or 4.0 Longarm Needle (use 40wt, 50wt, or hand-wound monofilament in the bobbin).</div>
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</div>
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For more information check out the series of "All about Aurifil" on their blog <a href="https://auribuzz.wordpress.com/2017/09/03/all-about-aurifil-part-1/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="All-about-aurifil-threads-education">Auribuzz</a></div>
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Shruti Dandekarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06534182271330207949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447945533474067766.post-80147615329667223142024-01-08T16:25:00.007+05:302024-01-08T16:25:25.308+05:30Should you turn your passion into a business?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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We all have been there. Maybe some of you are at that point. You are absolutely passionate about something that you do and you have even been selling it for a while and you are thinking, <em>Should I turn my passion into a business?</em></div>
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<em><img alt="should-you-turn-your-passion-into-a-business-article-by-shruti-dandekar" height="825" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2040/4679/files/12_1024x1024.jpg?v=1507032283" width="550" /></em></div>
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How will you know if you are ready to take the big leap into converting your passion into a business? I know everyone has a passion. And everyone does not need to convert it into a business <em>even when it is helping them make money!</em> What are the signs to look for when you want to take that big decision?</div>
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Here is a list of questions to ask yourself when you are faced with this dilemma. Your answers will help you make the decision.</div>
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<strong></strong><strong>Do you want to make money from your passion? </strong>You might be actually making money out of it right now, but do you want to make the stuff you love to make to earn more money? </div>
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<strong>Are you sure you can keep your interest in your passion when you <em>have to </em>make it rather than <em>want to </em>make it? </strong>It is very difficult to upkeep your passion when the thing you do becomes a mandate. Will you be able to enjoy it when you are working with deadlines?</div>
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<strong>Are you ready to put in more than just your passion?</strong> I am not just talking about money here. I am talking about doing things that you might not enjoy - marketing, accounting, sales and shipping. Will you manage not to get frustrated when you have to do more of these undesirable tasks than your actual passion?</div>
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<strong>Are you ready to take the risk? </strong>Finally the question that is a constant irrespective of whether you are starting a business based on you passion or not. Are you willing to take a risk. Things might not go where you want them to. You might not make as much money as you want to. You might not even enjoy what you are doing anymore. When your passion becomes work, you might not feel as passionate about it. Are you willing to take that risk?</div>
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Asking yourself these questions will help you take the decision whether you should convert your passion into a business or not. If you need more help you can always buy my <a href="https://13woodhouseroad.com/collections/passion-to-profit/products/business-mentoring-one-month" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="creative-business-mentoring-one-month-package-by-shruti-dandekar">ONE month mentoring package</a> to help you through the process. Or if you have already taken the decision, you can buy my <a href="https://13woodhouseroad.com/collections/passion-to-profit/products/goal-setting-work-sheets" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="pathway-to-success-goal-setting-workbook-by-shruti-dandekar">Pathway to Success : Goal setting workbook</a> to help you clarify your vision and set your goals.</div>
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Shruti Dandekarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06534182271330207949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447945533474067766.post-56115673257807576842024-01-08T16:25:00.006+05:302024-01-08T16:25:21.674+05:30What to say when someone asks you what do you do?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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You meet some stranger some day and they ask you, "What do you do?" Do you freeze when that happens? Or do you keep on talking till they just look put-off? Today's article will teach you what to say when someone inevitably asks you that question.</div>
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<img alt="what-to-say-when-someone-asks-you-what-do-you-do-article-by-shruti-dandekar" height="825" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2040/4679/files/19_043872e0-e2b1-4e60-8164-a395ee84f468_1024x1024.jpg?v=1507435391" width="550" /></div>
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You are in the middle of the airport. You have a few hours to kill. There is another woman sitting next to you. She smiles when you look at her and you get talking. After knowing each other's names, she asks, "What do you do?" </div>
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Do you have an answer for that question? For all you know, she might be writing for a leading magazine, a feature in which will take your business to greater heights like never before. If you get this right, it will be the most important step for your business. </div>
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When I started, I did not know how to answer this question. But now, I know <em>exactly</em> what to say. It did not happen overnight. It took me years to perfect it. And every time I got it right, my business just took a slight turn making my prepped speech obsolete. I had to start from scratch again. I am giving you my process to prepare yours. You can even <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/zoesbvzajcj2h2l/hello.pdf?dl=0" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="what-to-say-when-someone-asks-your-what-do-you-do-worksheet">download my printable worksheet</a> and work on it.</div>
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Some guidelines first :</div>
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<li><strong>Make it short.</strong> No one is going to be happy to sit with you listening to you ramble away about what you do <em>the first time </em>they meet you. When you become friends, its a different story. But strangers will find you creepy and stuffed if you keep on talking about yourself. Anything between 30 to 60 seconds is great!</li>
<li><strong></strong><strong>What do they get?</strong> When you talk, rather than talking about what <em>you</em> <em>do, </em>concentrate on highlighting what <em>solution you offer </em>to your clients. That way the person immediately thinks she (or someone she knows) needs you, even without you saying she should recommend you. What difference do you feel when you hear me say,<em> I help small business owners with social media marketing </em>against me saying,<em> I am a small business marketing coach?</em> In the first instance you will immediately think about all the small business owners that you know! While in the second instance you might just nod your head and say, <em>Nice!</em></li>
<li><strong>Get them interested.</strong> If you are doing something unique, do not forget ti highlight it. If you make low-cost fabric bags because you are passionate about an eco-friendly lifestyle - say it! It is what you are, and it is what will get the other person interested in knowing you more. </li>
<li><strong>Keep the line open. </strong>Don't forget to include a point of contact for them to get in touch with you if they want to. You never know what the other person might bring to you. So <em>always </em>keep the line open. You can just include a line like, <em>you can look at what I do on my blog - shrutidandekar.com. </em>(Another tip, if you have a website and your brand name is different from your name, get the URL to your name (if available) and redirect it to your website. In my case, if you type in www.shrutidandekar.com you will come to www.13woodhouseroad.com. That way people do not have to remember two different things about you!</li>
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Now on to actually preparing the speech.</div>
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<strong>Step 1 : Write what you do. <em></em></strong>Write <em>exactly </em>what you do in simple words. No funny titles. If you are a bag maker - write I make bags and not I use beautiful fabric to convert into totes that carry the load on every woman's shoulder! If you have difficulty ask a child. They will find the simplest words for you to use. In my case it will be - <em>I make and teach quilts and am a business coach.</em></div>
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<strong>Step 2 : What makes <em>you </em>different. <em></em></strong>What is it that makes you different from others who are doing (maybe) exactly what you are doing? If you are making bags from old clothes -say it! If you are designing Shopify stores for people who make handmade goods - say it! Read your statement above and rewrite it to include what makes you different. Now, in my case it will be - <em>I make and teach rule breaking quilts and am creative business coach.</em></div>
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<strong>Step 3 : Define your audience. </strong>Is there a specific demographic that you serve? Mention it. Do you make quilts for babies? Or you might write a blog about easy recipes for busy women - mention it. Help them connect. My speech will now be - <em>I make rule breaking modern art quilts and teach quilters surprisingly easy ways to make complicated quilts. I also train women entrepreneurs to start and grow their home based creative businesses.</em></div>
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<strong>Step 4 : Add something memorable. </strong>Now is the time when you add just a little bit to your speech to help the other person remember you. I love the look on thew person's face when I tell them I get up at 4 am! It is so much a part of me that now it is a part of my brand. I also use the name of my creative business coaching venture - Passion to Profit because the ringing of those words help people remember them. Now my speech says - <em>I make rule breaking modern art quilts and teach quilters surprisingly easy ways to make complicated quilts. I also train women entrepreneurs to convert their passion to profit by writing a blog post everyday at 4 am.</em><em><br /></em></div>
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<strong>Step 5 : Add a connection point.</strong> Add a way that people can find you. You can either include your website/blog or your email. Or if there is a place where you go regularly (like a weekly Rising Tide Society meeting) you can mention that. I normally say - <em>I make rule breaking modern art quilts and teach quilters surprisingly easy ways to make complicated quilts. I also train women entrepreneurs to convert their passion to profit by writing a blog post everyday at 4 am. If you just google Shruti & Quilting, my website is usually the first in the results! If not you can always find me as shrutinow on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook & Pinterest. </em></div>
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You're done!!! That is your speech! </div>
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Practice it in front of the mirror - aloud. When you hear it, you will know if anything is not right. </div>
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If you want my printable worksheet, you can download it <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/zoesbvzajcj2h2l/hello.pdf?dl=0" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="what-to-say-when-someone-asks-you-what-do-you-do-worksheet">here</a>. </div>
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Leave a comment with your version of the introduction speech and I will let you know what you could add to it to make it more interesting.</div>
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Shruti Dandekarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06534182271330207949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447945533474067766.post-44102329829726880192024-01-08T16:25:00.005+05:302024-01-08T16:25:18.427+05:30Finding the right name for your business<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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How important is the name of your brand? How do you actually go and find the right name for your brand?</div>
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<img alt="how-to-decide-the-perfect-name-for-your-brand" height="825" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2040/4679/files/17_1024x1024.jpg?v=1507254020" width="550" /></div>
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<br />What is the name of your brand? If there was to be a billboard with your products on it, what would the name be? Naming a brand is harder than starting the actual business. How do you find a name that represents everything about your brand?</div>
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When I started my blog in 2010, I was thinking for a name and the first one that came to me was 13 Woodhouse Road. If you google it, you will find Woodhouse Roads in a whole lot of places but not in Sangli - my twon. Then have you ever wondered why my brand is called that? Well, there is a story behind it.</div>
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When I got married, I moved into Sangli. I had a thriving business as an architect, but with a four month engagement, I had tied up most of the loose ends before I moved. Some, I was working remotely with some of my trusted friends helping out with the site visits. I had <em>a lot of</em> free time on hand! My Mother-in-law was teaching at a local college and so the house was set up to work without her. We had maids and cooks come in and take care of everything. She is a master at housekeeping - something I never got a hang of! I loved to read and so I was going through the house looking for something interesting to read. </div>
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I found an old telephone directory - it actually looked like a magazine and had numbers in 3 digits! It was that old. I looked up our family name in it and found it. The house phone (the last 3 digits of the current number are still the same) was listed under Mrs Vandana Dandekar (my MIL) - 13, Woodhouse Road. I was surprised and curious.</div>
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That evening, my Father-in-law told me the story behind it. The area that we live in was known as Woodhouse Extension in the pre-independence period. And ours was plot no 13 on the main road - aka Woodhouse Road. Later, the area was renamed Uttar (North) Shivaji Nagar and our address changed.</div>
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I had loved the story and it and stuck with me. Thats the reason when I thought about a name ofr my blog- 13 Woodhouse Road was the first one that came to my mind.</div>
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At that time, I was totally new to quilting. I had never used a sewing machine before. And I did not want to <em>stand out </em>in any way. Thats the reason I was not opting for a name that said <em>India.</em> I did not want people to come and look at my blog expecting to see some gorgeous Indian textiles and quilts, but see some amateur quilting efforts instead. My blog name helped me blend in. </div>
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In 2016, I bought my other domain name - www.shrutidandekar.com - because people had started knowing me by my name too. But 13 Woodhouse Road has stuck with me throughout and will be there. </div>
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Are you struggling with coming up with a name for your brand? Or are you not sure the one you are using is a good one? Here are a few questions to ask that will help you come up with a name or defend the one you currently have :<br /><br />Is it a <strong>broad</strong> and <strong>common</strong> word? (Eg. Apple) Or is it direct? (Eg. Funky Jewellry)</div>
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Is it a word that <strong>you have</strong> <strong>invented</strong>? (Eg. Shrulers – the name I have in mind for the brand of quilting rulers I plan on manufacturing “someday”!)<br /><br />Can it be <strong>pronounced easily</strong> in the markets that you plan on selling? If you are planning to sell your stuff or offer your services to international customers, is the name easy to be pronounced by them? (Eg. Pradyumna might be a difficult word to pronounce for people not living in Maharashtra. Similarly, Chrysanthemum would be a very difficult name to remember for a rural Indian customer!)<br /><br />If you are using multiple words, when combined (for website or hashtags) or made into an acronym, do they make a <strong>word with undesirable meaning</strong>? (Best example would be Therapist or the-rapist). If you are not sure, just ask your friends fluent in the language.<br /><br />The name might not have any of these criteria, but you might want to stick to it. It’s totally okay! It’s <em>your </em>brand! My blog name falls in this category. Make sure to <strong>share the story</strong> of it so that it helps people remember you!<br /><br />Sometimes the <strong>simplest names</strong> have the <strong>biggest impacts</strong>. When my husband started a multi-branded Laptop store, we pored over names for ages (I think it took longer to finalize the name than it took to set up the actual store). In the end what did we name it? “<strong>The Laptop Shop</strong>”. That way when people search (or ask for) a Laptop Shop – we are <strong>already recommended</strong>!</div>
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Today, it is not enough to just come up with a name for your brand. You need to consider if the <strong>URL</strong> is available for it and also <strong>social media handles</strong>. So I suggest you come up with at least 2-3 names and then look them up on <a href="https://namechk.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="check-brand-name-availability-url-and-social-media">Namechk</a>. You can not just check if the URL is available, but also what social media handles are available. Also, if the name is taken, you can <strong>make an offer</strong> (minimum 199 USD) to buy it from the current owner. </div>
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Did my tips help you find the perfect name for your brand? I know how important it is for you to find the perfect brand name. Leave a comment with your brand name and I will tell you what I feel about it.</div>
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Shruti Dandekarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06534182271330207949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447945533474067766.post-48288612864501719282024-01-08T16:25:00.004+05:302024-01-08T16:25:15.187+05:30Basics of Quilting : 02 Tools and Equipments<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Women have been quilting for generations using basic material. All you really need to make a quilt is fabric, needle & thread! But to make it easier for us, we use a lot of tools and equipment. Today I will introduce you to the basic gear that you will need to start.</div>
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<img alt="" height="825" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2040/4679/files/tools-and-equipments_1024x1024.jpg?v=1502351319" width="550" /></div>
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1. <strong>Sewing Machine. </strong>This is one of the most powerful tools that you will use when you make a quilt, and it will also be your biggest investment. There are a lot of brands in the market, and I, of course, am totally partial towards BERNINA. I highly recommend them because of their quality and user friendly interface. They also come with a variety of attachments for different purposes, and more recommendations about what should be used for what can be found on the <a href="http://blog.bernina.com/en/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">BERNINA Blog</a> along with a lot of tutorials by experts from all over the world.</div>
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But I know for some of you buying a BERNINA is out of your budget. I was you a few years back! In that case, I would just tell you - <em>Buy the best machine that your budget will let you.</em> But when you look at the features, don't look at all the bells and whistles. For quilting, you do not need one with a thousand decorative stitches. One with a larger throat space and a free walking foot would be a better option, even if it came with just the straight and the zig-zag. Research your market well, ask people who are already in the industry. People like me are just an email away!</div>
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2. <strong>Rotary cutting system. </strong>A rotary cutter, mat and a ruler combined form the rotary cutter system. It is not an essential tool - I did not have it for almost an year when I started quilting - but it will sure make your life easier and your quilting accurate. </div>
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Essentially a rotary cutter is like a pizza cutter - but sharper- and can cut through several layers of fabric. The ruler is used to guide the cutter and the mat is to protect the blade from dulling (you will want to protect them, they don't come cheap) and the surface from getting marks.</div>
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I use an Olfa Ergonomic Cutter, an Omnigrid 6" x 24" ruler and a Havels Sewing 36" x 24" cutting mat. I have recently started loving and using my Havels Fabric and Quilt Ruler cutter - it combines the ruler and the cutter and is perfect for cutting straight lines. You can <a href="https://13woodhouseroad.com/blogs/shruti-dandekar/havels-fabric-quilt-ruler-cutter-product-review-tutorial-and-a-giveaway" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="havels-sewing-fabric-and-quilt-ruler-cutter-product-review-tutorial-giveaway">read my review</a> to know more about it. </div>
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3. <strong>Scissors. </strong>I currently have more than 54 pairs of scissors in my studio. I never knew I should use a good pair before I got a Havels at QuiltCon 2015. Btu since then, I have discarded the ones that are not good and stocked up on the awesome ones. </div>
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My favorites are my Havels 8" shears, Havel's 5.5" curved end scissors and my Victorinox Embroidery scissors. Carry a fabric scrap with you and test it out before you buy.</div>
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4. <strong>Needles. </strong>I only use BERNINA needles on my machine. I have tried Organ needles which worked well with my Bernette, but I am not happy with using them on my Bernina. I also found that though they were cheaper they did not last as long as the BERNINA ones. I have also tried and loved - Scmedtz needles. </div>
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For hand sewing (which I do not do much of), I use whatever I have on hand. But I recently picked up an assorted pack by Prym from The Square Inch while I was teaching there and I love them. They are smoother and have a golden eye which somehow makes it easier to thread. </div>
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Needles are the reason the stitches are neat - be it hand quilting or machine quilting. Needles are the reason the thread works well without breaking all the time. Needles help keep the tension in control. So make sure that you are using a good sharp needle. </div>
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When storing needles - always use a pincusion filled with some steelwool. It will help keep the needle sharp. You can use a steelwool scrub (you can find it at your local general store) that is meant for dishwashing. </div>
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5. <strong>Other tools I love. </strong>Apart from the basic tools mentioned above, there are many more that you will need.</div>
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Seam ripper : I use a clover one which had a comfortable handle.</div>
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Purple Thang : I use it to mark crease lines and for poking corners when turning.</div>
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Thread sniper : Handy to cut threads when sewing and chain piecing</div>
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Clover Chalko Liner pen : To mark fabrics that will not be cut at the markings.</div>
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Pilot Frixion Pens : To mark fabrics that will be cut at the markings.</div>
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IDenti Pen : For permanently marking fabric.</div>
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John James easy threading needles : To bury quilting threads</div>
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Straight pins and Curved Safety Pins : for pinning and basting.</div>
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Clover Wonder Clips : For holding absolutely anything together</div>
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Lint Roller : To get rid of thread crumbs from clothes and quilts.</div>
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Tweezers : To help clean the sewing machine</div>
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Did you find this list of tools handy? If you have been quilting for a while, what are the tool that you love? Is there a must-have on your list that I have missed?</div>
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You can see the FIRST post in this series <a href="https://13woodhouseroad.com/blogs/shruti-dandekar/basics-of-quilting-01-what-is-a-quilt" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="basics-of-quilting-what-is-a-quilt">here</a>. </div>
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Next post : Basics of Quilting : Quilt Design (20th November 2017)</div>
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Shruti Dandekarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06534182271330207949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447945533474067766.post-43510153449535656532024-01-08T16:25:00.003+05:302024-01-08T16:25:12.125+05:30How we celebrate Diwali<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Diwali is the most important festival, or holiday as my friends in the US call it, in India and it is my favorite too! How does my family celebrate Diwali? It involves a lot of food, decoration and little firecrackers. Keep reading to get more details.</div>
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For me, Diwali is the most favorite time of the year! I have enjoyed it since I was a kid. My uncle owned a shop where he put out a stall every year to sell special Diwali stuff. We kids got an opportunity to go help him. And then we spent time at night help him count his earnings of the day. I always thought he was a very rich man. He had a lot of money! </div>
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My first venture as an entrepreneur was also around Diwali. I think I was 14 years old at that time. I decided I wanted to make Diwali lanterns and sell. I made them from Styrofoam (thermocol) boards. I sold well over 50 boards with the help of my brothers. We spent all the money we earned on crackers that year!</div>
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Diwali after marriage looks quite different. And especially now that Rohit has a shop that sells Laptops, it means that it is the busiest time of the year for him. So there is more work and little celebration for him (and it is more restful for me).</div>
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The advent of Diwali is obvious when I start cleaning around the house! Real deep cleaning. About 10-15 days before Diwali, I with my amazing maids get the house cleaned from top to bottom. This sets the backdrop for the celebrations. We are now ready to decorate.</div>
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Decoration involves a few strategically placed diyas or candles for me. I do not go overboard with decorations.</div>
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In the week before Diwali, Aadi's mid-term exams are over and we get busy with his most favorite part - building the fort. We use stones and mud to make a fort. It has roads, farms and sometimes even crudely constructed wells.</div>
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On the day of Diwali we place mud or plastic figures on it and complete it. For the farms we usually use Coriander seeds. </div>
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While Aadi is busy building his fort (now he needs little help from me). I am busy getting the food preparations under way. We prepare special delicacies for Diwali every year. </div>
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<em>Chakali</em> - spicy spirals, <em>Chivada</em> - another spicy mix prepared with flattened rice flakes, <em>Laddoos</em> - those lovely sweet bombs made from an assortment of material - our favorites - semolina, gram flour and <em>boondi</em>, <em>Karanji</em> - those boat like sweets stuffed with a sweet coconut filling that just explode in your mouth and <em>Anarase</em> - I dont know the ingredients, but I love them too much.</div>
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All of this stuff is made 2-3 days before Diwali and packed and ready to eat. We also usually gift packets of it to near and dear ones and also to household and shop staff.</div>
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For us, Diwali starts a day before Diwali. We go to our ancestral house (where the family business is run from) and perform a <em>Puja. </em>The entire family comes together for the Puja including Rohit's Uncle and his family. It is a fun night for the kids who have a blast. They light the crackers late into the night.</div>
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The entire house (and the shop) is decked up with lights. The lantern is hung. And it looks quite pretty!</div>
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The first day of Diwali is Narakachaturdashi. In our house, My in-laws and me get up early. I get up at my usual time - 4. But they get up at about 5. I then spend the time cleaning the stairs and drawing Rangoli designs on it. Before I end it, I light Diyas on all the steps. I love the glow that they give out. </div>
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Next comes the rangoli in front of the house. That is my favorite part. I spend a good amount of time in the morning drawing a bright colorful rangoli design in front of the house.</div>
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Then I join my in-laws for out morning cup of tea and we call all our near and dear ones to wish them a Happy Diwali. My school friend Madhura has been on my "call early morning to wish" list for years. sometimes those are the only days that we talk for years at stretch! But it is fun to catch up!</div>
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Day 2 of Diwali is Laxmi Pujan. This is a day which usually has a lazy morning for me. And it is slower in the shop too, so Rohit usually closes up early. It is a day when people worship Goddess Laxmi (Goddess of wealth) and so they avoid spending money. We perform a puja in our ancestral shop. It is an elaborate affair with all of us decked up in our best. You will usually find me in a saree on this day! I, Rohit and Aadi go for a drive in the evening because it is the only down time we get before the madness of the next day begins.</div>
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Padwa or Bali Pratipada. Traditionally, husbands give gifts to their wives who pray for their long and healthy life. But it being the busiest day of the year for Rohit, we rarely are able to make time for it. I spend time drawing a Rangoli in front of the Shop because it is the day people come to buy.</div>
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I usually spend time helping Rohit in the shop that day, depending on the need. We do not even realize when the day ends and its time to wind up!</div>
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The last day of Diwali is Bhau Bij. And it celebrated the bond between a brother and a sister. I go to my parent's home on this day. Since its is just a two hour drive, I and Aadi take the car and go. Rohit still has a busy time in the shop and cannot make it - even if it is a Sunday. The whole day is spent meeting up with the family catching up, lazing around, visiting Dad's factory and now, playing on the Nintendo.</div>
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I spend a few days there before I come back and Rohit, Aadi and I head on our annual holiday! Not too long - just 4 days spent in our favorite place - Goa!</div>
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Diwali, though the most tiring time of the year, somehow feels peaceful to me. All the lights and the atmosphere of festivities warms up my heart and fills me with inner contentment. I spend a lot of time thinking about my life and relationships. And I make plans for the coming years. It is my favorite time of the year and I'm looking forward to enjoying it in the next few days!</div>
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What is your favorite festival (or holiday if you call it that)? And how do you celebrate it? </div>
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Shruti Dandekarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06534182271330207949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447945533474067766.post-78188254558211036572024-01-08T16:25:00.002+05:302024-01-08T16:25:08.474+05:30Why does your business need an email list?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The first thing I did even before I launched my new website was to start building my email list. Why is it essential to build an email list for your business?</div>
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When I decided to rebrand my website I knew I needed to keep a list of all the people who could potentially benefit from it in one place. That, and listening to a lot of creative entrepreneur podcasts made me realize that I needed to start building my email list.</div>
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Why is this tool the most important tool in your toolbox when it comes to your business marketing? Lets start with some interesting facts :<br /><em>“91% of consumers check email at least once per day.” (ExactTarget)</em><br /><em>Email open rates average 18-30% depending on your Industry (MailChimp)</em><br /><em>Compare this to 5% of your Twitter followers viewing one of your tweets (on average) or 6% of your Facebook fans seeing one of your posts. (Andrew Bruce Smith & TechCrunch)</em><br /><em>“For every $1 spent on email marketing, the average return on investment is $44.25” (Experian Email Marketing Study)</em></div>
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Are you convinced now?<br />No? Let me explain in detail.</div>
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<strong>Do people actually read what you share? </strong>How many people actually READ a post when you post it to Facebook or Twitter or Instagram? Can you see the posts by everyone in your friends list on your wall? The answer is NO! Remember that I am not talking about Personal profiles here. I am talking about Business Pages. The algorithm of these posts is complex and it results in a feed that will show you posts from people you interact with regularly. What is interaction? 'Like' or "Comment' is an interaction. So if one of your post gains attraction and a lot of people read it, automatically it will start showing up in THEIR feed. But to go beyond that you will have to PAY. WHY? Because these are real companies out there to make profit. You don't think Mark Zukerberg is sitting in his office to run a huge empire like Facebook only to help people connect with each other, do you? He is there to earn profit. And that profit comes from YOU. The social media platforms want you to pay to promote your posts every time. Not everyone of us can afford to invest in running advertisements across social media.</div>
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<strong>Do you want to scream or whisper? </strong>What do you do when the probability of your posts and announcements do not reach your customer? Imagine standing in a crowded stadium and shouting "Hey! Look, I have got this _____ here. It can help you do ____." Now, imagine meeting each of your ideal client in person. Saying softly, "Hey! Are you struggling with _____. Here's what I can do for you." Which one would you choose? Would you still go out into the stadium hoping someone will hear you?</div>
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<strong>Your social media followers are not yours to keep. </strong>You don’t own your social media followers, and you never will. But <em>you</em> own your list, not your email service provider. Even if you use something like MailChimp or Convertkit. You can always download the .csv file from your email service provider, and those emails are yours. Nobody else can post ads to them, nobody can legally send them emails except for you. It is like having a huge billboard all to yourself!</div>
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<strong>Your emails will reach your each person in your audience. </strong>Most people check their emails daily (in particular, people working in companies). When you send an email out, you can immediately drive traffic to your website, landing page or sales page. This means that when you’ve something to sell, people will be there to listen and perhaps buy. However, when you post something on social media, there is no guarantee that your followers will see them. At any time, only a certain percentage of your followers will see your posts… (and a very small percentage at that!)</div>
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<strong>An email inbox is a personal space.</strong> When someone invites you to their inbox, it is a sacred, personal space! Unlike in social media, where everyone is shouting at the top of their lungs, someone’s inbox is more private. What does this mean for you? You get more air time for them to know, like and trust you. And build a relationship, of course.</div>
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<strong>You can send cutomaized and automated emails regularly. </strong>With a good email service provider like MailChimp or Convertkit, you’re able to send customized automated emails to people without you lifting a finger. For instance, you can send a particular email to people that’ve subscribed for 5 days, or you can send a particular email when someone clicks on a link in an email you send. This means that you can send different things to different people. Isn’t that amazing? As your subscribers are at different stage of the buying cycle, being able to customize what you send them according to their needs is a powerful tool indeed. For instance, I would recommend sending a welcome email to new subscribers. while during launch times I would recommend sending more real-time emails.</div>
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<strong>Your customers ahve already chosen <em>you. </em></strong>I could put a ton of reasons and go on and on and on… but the bottom line is this: When someone is a subscriber, they are more likely to end up buying from you. They have CHOSEN to hear more about what you have to offer. And it is easier to convert an interested person into a buyer than someone who is totally uninterested.</div>
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<strong>Your subscribers are more likely to convert into buyers. </strong>To put it real clearly, if you have more subscribers, you will have more people opening your emails and clicking on what you send them.When you write a blog post, you can drive more traffic to your blog post. When you have a webinar, you can drive people to sign up for your webinar (and pitch them something later). When you’re an affiliate, you can drive people to buy your product so that you can get more commissions. When you offer products, courses or services, you get more people going to your sales pages, and this results in more profits.</div>
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Page views aren’t as important.Social media shares aren’t as important.No. of followers aren’t as important. They are good to know, and of course having a greater number of followers and visitors is good. But at the end of the day, the metric that you really want to focus on (aside from profits) is your number of subscribers.</div>
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Have I convinced you to start building your email list yet? </div>
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Shruti Dandekarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06534182271330207949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447945533474067766.post-58332385148314998212024-01-08T16:25:00.001+05:302024-01-08T16:25:05.212+05:30Favorite holiday destination<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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What a wonderfully timed blog post is this! Today we are leaving for a four day holiday to our favorite destination. Ont that we visit every year. It calls out to us - the sun, the sand, the beaches... Goa!</div>
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All three of us love Goa. The place has a vibe that is just awesome. And we go there normally twice a year! Once in the summer and once after Diwali. Today is the day we are heading out on our 230-ish kilometer drive to Goa!</div>
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My first visit to Goa was when I was pregnant and we realized we will not be able to holiday alone for many years to come! I was not a fan of sea food then, and so was not very enthusiastic about the trip. But at the first meal I fell in love with the King Fish and Prawns!!!<br /><br />Every year after that, we have visited and enjoyed Goa together! Its a place that all three of us, Rohit, Aadi and me, love!!!</div>
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<img alt="" height="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk-w9LVuLNzbePVK0Jm4LDW4jDMZnLWvbioOLOiq59c7f5wWWHt-UOIRzGSjo7YRNV9H9X9Euwsnp1bT-KY16mJL7X1O-xI__3rM4_RufIYAhmoTjYUqqVlHr773B9kdQsmRCR2yUI1Kc/s640/IMG_1910.JPG" width="550" /></div>
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The trips are a lot of fun!!! When we go with Aadi, we do visit a few places where he can have fun. Like the Science Center or the Aeronautical Museum or the Butterfly Garden.<img alt="" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbVhb3X7r7Lf0s8VoiilB6AJqUiOeUagbbIaYNXKXtr5mfESGg32toipj4GtU7tRClpKMENf7CyQ2l-fNopLCN4MsBema_oGCUpK2JtCNW-K-PMkIfHYbOqF2WifCOAR5kuGT_b7CWyJ8/s640/IMG_1936.JPG" width="549" /></div>
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Normally we spend a lot of time in the day roaming around the northern part of Goa - Calangute and Baga are our favorites. Not to forget a trip to Panjim for some delicious lunch!!!</div>
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<img alt="" height="978" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr6Rr4uNd6SNs2OaSmjJKK-dl6ERlNoW622vZuqR79M17yu5gi0s5ExK-EC5EBGV8CbBKYzPdX8z2DV_xwApo9y9EmnTrlmx_IAIYyJsvV5brNOnrTUIfqCajYlOqg5_Gh7l7QRmATXCs/s640/IMG_1926.JPG" width="550" /></div>
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When we go without Aadi, the places we visit are usually different! Goa is the most fun place for a couple to spend time!!!</div>
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<img alt="" height="978" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_mvLS0bDPzRlwEJwEsJTelySz0npW4O26CPOPc4412uW_g2TlE5_RMMO7yjUCVW1iQ9EYuy2vRwh-3LdQa25SBXvlSO9DAk8W9hjgEuCUGM5h0OhzDSwtpunXXNkWIohHp1x8cpXLK80/s640/IMG_4267+%25282%2529.JPG" width="550" /></div>
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What makes Goa irresistible to us?</div>
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The beaches! All 3 of us love the beaches. Every evening that we are in Goa, we spend it idling at the beach. </div>
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We usually eat dinner at one of the shacks on the beach itself. We usually spend our time at the Calangute-Baga beach and love the restaurants there. If we are planning on dining out, we will usually have drinks at the beach and then go to some restaurant for dinner before heading back to the hotel!</div>
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Last year, since we went via Karnataka (for my visit to the Siddi Communities) we stayed at a wonderful hotel in southern Goa - Agonda- H2O. It was a beautiful place, right on the beach. </div>
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The cottages were right on the beach! It was so beautiful, we actually wanted to spend another day!</div>
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<img alt="hotel-h2o-agonda-goa" height="367" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2040/4679/files/IMG_0397_1024x1024.JPG?v=1507682553" width="550" /></div>
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If i say lets not go to Goa this year, I'm sure i'm going to be greeted with faces like this!!!</div>
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<img alt="" height="729" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaPJY2YiB5GD98Kt8Xv00QqXY9FzkJZOnuimONbudKzgDIQDMtK5Yd1MfI73utN0600aMuvYcnqIM9CSKYW_BvZj0T9KmZuEeqXZDVQHSXYTD024DrqA1y6gWF6liOWrygKIQFBq7UO4I/s640/IMG_1909.JPG" width="547" /></div>
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Keep following me on <a href="http://www.instagram.com/shrutinow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="shruti-instagram-account">Instagram</a> to see where we go to this year! I will be posting a lot of stories!</div>
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And, I have a webinar coming up while I am in Goa. So I will be connecting with all of you in my webinar from the most favorite place of mine (apart from home, of course)! Don't forget to<a href="https://cur.at/dg6pP8x?m=web" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="shruti-dandekar-quilts-of-india-webinar-modern-quilt-guild"> join in</a> if you are an MQG member. </div>
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Shruti Dandekarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06534182271330207949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447945533474067766.post-53397742967237978762024-01-08T16:25:00.000+05:302024-01-08T16:25:00.813+05:30How to identify and stay away from the comparison trap.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Have you ever been innocently scrolling your Instagram and come across someone you know posting about their BIG news and you felt yourself thinking, <em>damn, why </em><em>can't I have that? </em>Beware, my friend, you are falling into the comparison trap! </div>
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<img alt="how-to-identify-and-stay-away-from-the-comparison-trap-article-by-shruti-dandekar" height="825" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2040/4679/files/28_1024x1024.jpg?v=1507644826" width="550" /></div>
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There are moments when we all get there. And we do not want to. We do not want to be comparing ourselves with the other entrepreneurs around us and being miserable for not doing what they are doing. We all want to work on our own businesses and grow them. But all of it happens so noiselessly that you do not even realize that you have fallen into the comparison trap.</div>
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How can you identify the trap?</div>
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The sure sign you've fallen into the trap would be you looking at something someone did or achieved and say <em>Why haven't I done (or got) this? </em>instead of saying <em>She did (or got) this!</em> This is a very subtle difference. And you barely notice it. But when you do, step back and look at something else for a while. It is okay to feel like that sometimes, especially if what they achieved has been on your goals list for a while. But if they are doing something different and yet you find yourself saying it, you are crossing the line - the thin line (almost invisible) between being inspired by and being jealous of someone.</div>
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Sometimes the bigger problem is that we are comparing our beginning to someone else's middle or even success. If you are a beginner quilter, you will find yourself looking at the work by veteran quilters and thinking - I'm no good! Realize that they weren't that good when they started out themselves. If possible, go back to their older posts (from the time they just started out) and see how they were. Chances are they will be somewhere near where you are now! </div>
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The comparison or jealousy itself is not as bad as the <em>I am no good</em> mindset that you find yourself getting into. That is the worst thing you can do to yourself. And that is the reason you should try to stay away from the comparison trap altogether.</div>
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How can you stay away from the comparison trap? </div>
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Well, you cannot avoid it altogether since you only realize you have fallen into it after you already are in! But we can work on getting ourselves out of it fast and staying out.</div>
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The most important thing you can do is to <strong>create your vision</strong>. <a href="https://13woodhouseroad.com/blogs/shruti-dandekar/define-your-own-version-of-success" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="make-your-definition-of-success">Define what success means to <em>you</em></a>. Knowing that your definition of success is different from the other person's will help you stop comparing.</div>
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You can also work harder to <strong>focus on your goals</strong>. Make a vision board that you can see everyday. That will keep your focus on your goals and you will have little time to concentrate on silly comparisons. You can also buy my <a href="https://13woodhouseroad.com/products?locale=en/goal-setting-work-sheets" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="pathway-to-success-goal-setting-workbook">Pathway to Success : Goal Setting Workbook </a>to help you focus on your goals and make a plan of action to achieve them</div>
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Be aware of what you have achieved. <strong>Celebrate past achievements</strong>. They will help you realize how far you have come since starting out.</div>
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Stop looking at other people's work for a while if that helps. <strong>Inspiration overload</strong> might also be the reason you are comparing yourself to others. <a href="https://13woodhouseroad.com/blogs/shruti-dandekar/inspiration-overload" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="how-to-deal-with-inspiration-overload">Deal with it</a>.</div>
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Lastly, realize that they have worked hard to achieve whatever they have achieved today. It is a good thing for them. <strong>Be a good friend</strong> and celebrate with them. Be happy for them. And invite them to celebrate when you achieve your own goals!</div>
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Have you ever found yourself stuck in the comparison trap? How did you get out of it? What do you do to stay clear of it now?</div>
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Shruti Dandekarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06534182271330207949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447945533474067766.post-42572629597214387842024-01-08T16:24:00.003+05:302024-01-08T16:24:57.822+05:30Define your own version of success<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Success means different things for different people. Heck, success means different things for the same person at different times! So how do you know what is <em>your </em>definition of success?</div>
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When I started out, being able to free motion quilt in a fluid pattern (no kinks) was success for me. When I got that, making a quilt that will be accepted in a show became my definition of success. Then it was making a quilt that actually will win a prize some day. My definition of success has been evolving for as long as I can remember. </div>
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When we are making plans for our future, how do we know if the goals we have set will be what success will mean to us? How can we be sure that all the efforts of attaining our goals are not going to waste just because we got our definition of success wrong? Believe me, that can happen.</div>
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Today, I am going to give you a small exercise. </div>
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To begin with, take a bunch of papers and a nice pen that you love. Find a well-lit place you are comfortable in and sit down. You can burn a candle that you love too. It helps in calming you down. Turn your phone on silent mode (better, turn it off altogether). You need to be in peace when you are working on this exercise.</div>
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Now, read the question and close your eyes to look for the answer. Answer as detailed as you can. Do not keep your answer limited to your business. Health, relationships, finances, spirituality are equally important. Think about your life as a whole as you look for the answer.</div>
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<em></em><em>If you have unlimited resources, what will your life look like?</em></div>
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Once you can see a clear picture, open your eyes and immediately write down what you saw. Add as many details as you can. What was your house like? What kind of car did you own? What did you wear? How did you look? What were you doing? What was your business like? Write <em>everything </em>you envisioned. </div>
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Take each aspect of your life and write what your successful self was like in that aspect.</div>
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<li>Health</li>
<li>Marriage</li>
<li>Kids</li>
<li>Family & Friends</li>
<li>Finances</li>
<li>Business</li>
<li>Spirituality</li>
</ul>
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Now, it is time to analyze <em>how </em>you felt when you imagined your future self. What were your exact feelings at that time?</div>
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Why did you feel like that? Why is it so important? What will happen if what you imagined doesn't come true? How will you feel then? How much will it matter?</div>
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Answering all these questions will give you a better vision about what you want. You will have a clearer picture with every answer that you write. </div>
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Now, go get yourself a glass of water. Or go for a walk. You can even take a day off before you work on the next exercise. I want you to give yourself time to let everything that you saw sink in. I want you to dwell over it. I want you to imagine that successful life again and again.</div>
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<em>Sit down again and write a letter from your future self to you. What would the successful you tell the younger, struggling you?</em></div>
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Offer guidance, words of encouragement, motivation, suggestions anything that you can. How can your future self help you go from where you are to where she is? </div>
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Have you ever looked out of your windows and not seen them get dirtier, but when you wash them you realize how much your vision was murkier. This exercise helps you clean the windows of your mind. </div>
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It is a spiritual experience. Enjoy it. If you are not good with words, just write the important stuff. Writing will only help you remember what you saw better. The magic is in the visualization.</div>
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When you try the exercise, do let me know how it went. Did it help you? Could you see your success better than before? I would love to know!</div>
</div>
Shruti Dandekarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06534182271330207949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447945533474067766.post-61497546586080890972024-01-08T16:24:00.002+05:302024-01-08T16:24:54.485+05:30Tutorial : Lipstick Quilt<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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This has been the most popular tutorial from my old blog : The Lipstick Quilt. At that time, I made it to go with the Fat Quarter Shop Nail Paint Quilt and they sure were an awesome pair. Just scroll down to learn how to make it. </div>
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<img alt="lipstick-quilt-tutorial-by-shruti-dandekar" height="825" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2040/4679/files/25_1024x1024.jpg?v=1507850530" width="550" /></div>
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Here's the <a href="http://static.fatquartershop.com/media/wysiwyg/pdf/Nail%20Polish-Pattern.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">pattern</a> for the Fat Quarter Shop Nail Polish Quilt and here is the <a href="https://youtu.be/-LYa84Youw4" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">video tutorial.</a> If you want, they even have <a href="http://www.fatquartershop.com/nail-polish-mini-quilt-kit" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">a kit for you</a> in the shop!<br />I just could not leave the Nail Polish Quilt alone. I had to have a Lipstick Quilt along with it!</div>
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<img alt="" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizItMksg2r5M5sbz1TZDs3tAU2L5GUzUx2Mv1yjHvJUYtpVIYHvK51Ag9aDo-JVn9gc6EEAnu9uGr_didAE3UaNd1pGijoQ9TwCvpqtcpi5ksHrzoWQsXueZPznojZx37OqmfaXTMx5MQ/s1600/IMG_0623.JPG" width="550" /></div>
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<strong>Fabric Requirements:</strong></div>
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From <a href="http://www.fatquartershop.com/bella-solids-caribbean-yardage" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Caribbean fabric (SKU#9900-86)</a> cut</div>
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A - 2 - 14.5" x 2.5"<br />B - 2 - 2.5" x 18.5"<br />C - 2 - 2" x 4.5"<br />D - 2- 1.5" x 2"<br />E - 2 - 3" x 6.5"<br />F - 2 - 4" x 6.5"<br />G - 1 - 4" x 3"</div>
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From<a href="http://www.fatquartershop.com/bella-solids-washed-black-yardage" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> the Black Fabric (SKU#9900-118)</a> cut</div>
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H - 1 - 4.5" x 5"<br />I - 1 - 3" x 5"</div>
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From the <a href="http://www.fatquartershop.com/bella-solids-zen-grey-yardage" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Grey Fabric (SKU#9900185)</a> cut</div>
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J - 1 - 1.5" x 5"<br />K - 1 - 5" x 2"<br />L - 1 - 3.5" x 2"<br />M - 1 - 3.5" x 6.5"<br />N - 1 - 2" x 6.5"</div>
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From the <a href="http://www.fatquartershop.com/bella-solids-white-bleached-yardage" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">White Fabric (SKU#9900-98)</a> cut</div>
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O - 1 - 1.5" x 2"<br />P - 1 - 1.5" x 6.5"</div>
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From the <a href="http://www.fatquartershop.com/bella-solids-cayenne-yardage" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Cayenne Fabric (SKU#9900-256)</a> cut</div>
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Q - 1 - 2.5" x 6.5"<br />R - 1 - 1" x 6.5"</div>
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From the <a href="http://www.fatquartershop.com/bella-solids-tea-rose-yardage" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Tea Rose Fabric (SKU#9900-89)</a> cut</div>
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S - 1 - 1.5" x 6.5"</div>
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<strong>Assembly</strong></div>
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Assemble fabric units Q/S/R in that sequence.</div>
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<img alt="" height="522" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7hyphenhyphenLpDkKpncZ3l75qVbbX-1hw_AXx1Rqb_whXvWyStXvgZ3-40GdHk0c-E8CJl9BgAD3hK98kKH861dqPEL_lEVqE_46BfcOgR95XVHBZ-XRLe2smoMAuA_BdpUayqrKbDGT3hyrKuEs/s1600/01.jpg" width="550" /></div>
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Draw a diagonal line on the wrong side of Unit G as shown</div>
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<img alt="" height="413" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5K6CMqxIC0LtI2ceArw_yECxcHv0x5NCAdY6414YSCOm-lPEMa2MxlyCVMA7ctyCmV0arudla5Vx_yFLugJGZpgdMO-u6HV_9QLzIzjsIROIbVW7vFVe_cH3tvxAQpFtGkcWUYuXWYCY/s1600/02.jpg" width="550" /></div>
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Cut it 1/4" away from the marked line. Place it on top of the assembled Q/S/R unit as shown<br />Stitch along the marked diagonal. Cut away corner and press open.</div>
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<img alt="" height="956" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHWxcGgf7OCyPXYBJ2Ixv8qpvmWIIzD15JCS8StUtkOL6F-H-28h4satQ98Db3Nh0gwAa0qK-kekb7MY98RQQSqOJW9mJ_ZNQroE3kupgLGcMfkvrjgxcREf5MMgpc54axTQNjzoufMfE/s1600/03.jpg" width="550" /></div>
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Now attach units F to both sides of this assembled unit.</div>
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<img alt="" height="321" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX4bDJeCatongnzcvSe-iIeIWBhKPVyoB8PMPx7h3Qe-6RaFlGd3FOv6pCd5YmBa_rr52d9gLALdGvNm7r2U3A5r5UwIazYoxW4DM0ddzYLFzdjCEya4l0Fq3clGOfisW2G3oiLk5X7Tk/s1600/04.jpg" width="549" /></div>
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Now, assemble the E/M/P/N/E unit in that sequence.</div>
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<img height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPEno6bKVPT7uyLYCypZsSFHJpJjBToS78pU7dzuDGsYNrsM1iY9dP7tO35O9Le7aDPAET1-LQFybXND5xgn7fcuNse1ovf4oZZNxLriNFO7uX45K5wbwZEdEOLNEZ10SSjKEoyvzCsFE/s1600/05.jpg" width="550" /></div>
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And the D/K/O/L/D unit</div>
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<img alt="" height="56" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKU5JzzrAMs9Zx3aayDxaUr3RCeOJsO0G55SqOyE8SVGKHvBkw5bNPcm7Uwx6t7D07OivaUUpLgNl2-rz_65LD7AVQtJP608J4fEfz6Hw5adpXwJb019vsKPIxA0EXNBzXazQtxgGdxYU/s1600/06.jpg" width="550" /></div>
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And the C/H/J/I/C unit</div>
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<img alt="" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVMAb8SYKGQF3bQtaU-pXj8XEEKOGayxUmrgTi1Nh5SI07_l1iBbjhw5CHWv3zIREdtQdYXK96mXv9lF8v-0KmzzYa3xIOOTrHZQPvz82ddo1N2KW8sa8NXRpds7KmlwhjPBPRwltJG04/s1600/07.jpg" width="550" /></div>
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Now put all these units together as shown</div>
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<img alt="" height="1173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj1o4lM032IcB-vb4hzFuW-qC2Eg5WOUlipi_GaCHKOHis5I8hgEqpSEr2O_tZt3P-B3NO22imR2oA4Ves6r2AVuOoF8qgmVFGFqjBxggfM9OffdPWZ0I2lcF-x6i__Oam9PRUaPKB2D0/s1600/08.jpg" width="550" /></div>
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Now attach the two B units to both the long sides</div>
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<img alt="" height="597" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcnuInKEfuvL2bEUrgO5EmowaKtaQ1OnNFQt5SzZggHOjQgC5NCr_u6OYU4AV5UfGc-OkHeCP8_9Xhv2GAsYv10eXwYACzMZnIEPen44M0zDeJtmilkrPG4QaL6KtfNHEdXOHhyP0zncE/s1600/09.jpg" width="550" /></div>
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</div>
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And then attach the A units to the top and bottom. </div>
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<img alt="" height="944" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWvjpw7TJvc5KFvr0SCYUgDi8jEcJAe-Z_mf72LMH0j0TbcmFCk2a46JmKHLTXXoBTlQB0b-4RaGJ0niFhUNiyV2aapthFa0MgadAVjgslrAJj8SeiMOQHxPiTOMZpQVStn9tQDsoze0w/s1600/10.jpg" width="550" /></div>
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Your mini quilt top is ready!</div>
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<img alt="" height="834" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAJqdmr35RDwIwa7EAzpqTwrNygfq7jI4O_lugn9DMRDVvkdMhM_RDZNmP87F6RnRdgaJq3i7_33LRRaQ4G-KYcXsugD9rSDN5jGth_RNbD_XtcANaTwRAL4BHV-s_QULvpN9O64eFmQU/s1600/11.jpg" width="550" /></div>
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If you do make one, please tag me @shrutinow on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. I would love to see your quilt.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Shruti Dandekarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06534182271330207949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447945533474067766.post-51125836510971329852024-01-08T16:24:00.001+05:302024-01-08T16:24:50.883+05:30How to make your brand stand out?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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You are all in a market with a lot of competition. How do you stand out of the crowd and make your brand seen by your ideal customer ? Today I will give you 7 strategies that will help you do that.</div>
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<img alt="seven-strategies-to-help-you-make-your-brand-stand-out-article-by-shruti" height="825" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2040/4679/files/24_1024x1024.jpg?v=1507629420" width="550" /></div>
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You make awesome stuff! Yes! You. The one who is reading this right now! You do make awesome stuff. I know you are passionate about your work too. So what is holding you back from making profits?</div>
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Your brand is not standing out! Do you know that there are hundreds of thousands of small online stores sell handmade goods on <a href="https://www.shopify.com/?ref=shruti-dandekar" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Open-your-own-shopify-store">Shopify </a>alone? How do you attract your ideal customer to <em>your </em>store? By making your brand stand out.</div>
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Earlier branding only meant having a logo and brand colors that reflected in everything from interior to packaging. Today, even though that is relevant that is not enough. You still should have a logo and brand colors, but that is not what is your brand.</div>
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Here are my 7 strategies to make your brand stand out :</div>
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<strong></strong><strong>Have a consistent look. </strong></div>
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It is a good idea to hire someone to do your brand graphics for you when you start out, if you are not very comfortable handling it yourself. If the budget is a constraint, you can always your ways around it by either finding a student ready to work for cheap or bartering your products for the amount. </div>
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A logo, your name in a specific font and brand colors are the least that you will require. Apart from that you will also need some photos that you will use on all platforms where you have presence - blog, social media, store etc.</div>
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Make sure you are consistent in your look everywhere. Even on social media, go to your page weekly and look at it. Can you see your brand colors without having to scroll? Is your profile picture the same across all platforms? </div>
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Branding is not about how you look, it is about how your customer feels. So make sure that every place that your customer finds you, he experiences the same feeling. </div>
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<strong>Pay attention to detail</strong></div>
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Make sure you are looking at every little detail when it comes to your brand. Always look for little things that people will notice. A hand written note sent with every order will guarantee a smile on the customer satisfaction. Can you include a simple free wallpaper design for the customer's laptop or phone with every digital order? Look at every little thing. From the moment the customer clicks on your store link to the moment they receive their product - pay attention to every small detail of every step. It will take your business miles further.</div>
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<strong>Be authentic</strong></div>
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While you are putting up this storefront on your business - your website and social media - don't forget to be authentic. Be yourself. Keep your own voice.</div>
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The best way to do this is to ask someone to read it - someone who knows you well - a parent, sibling, friend, spouse anyone. If you do not have anyone who will be willing to do that, read it out aloud. If you find something that does not <em>feel </em>right, change it. Change it till it sounds like something you would say to a room full of strangers. </div>
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When posting on social media, do not pretend to be someone you are not. Curating your feed is excellent, but keep your character. If you are a formal and shy person, don't go all quirky over your feed just because some other successful business is doing it. </div>
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Remember, like every person out there, your brand has a character. It will be reflected everywhere - in words, pictures, emails, products. Make sure that the character is consistent.</div>
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<strong>Give your customer an experience</strong></div>
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Make your customer feel special. Have you ever walked into a store and tried on a piece of clothing which fits you as if it were made for you? I am sure you will buy it even when you do not have to! Because you <em>feel </em>like it was made for you! </div>
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Make your customer feel the same. Make working with you - be it buying or consulting you - an experience that is tailor made for them. Think of ways to do it. Using their name in conversations can be a good place to start. Adding little gifts to their orders that you know they will appreciate goes a long way too. Or just featuring them in your blog posts or tagging them in photographs. </div>
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<strong>Tell your story</strong></div>
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You are a part of your business as much as your business is a part of you. Do not hide behind the brand name. Let people see and meet the real you. Talk to them as you, not just as your brand. Interact with them. Let them see glimpses of the strong woman who owns this business. Let them see the Wonder Woman in you!</div>
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If you are using your Instagram to promote your products, make sure your face pops up on the screen without the person having to scroll through the feed. That just means that after every 8-10 photos that you share, include one of yourself. </div>
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You can also use the stories section to show your customers some behind the scene action. Show them when you are shipping something out, or even selecting fabrics for the new quilt!</div>
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Go ahead, share with them - as <em><strong>you!</strong></em></div>
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<strong>Be consistent</strong></div>
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Whatever strategy you decide to apply, be consistent with it. Nothing can be more confusing to a customer than a brand that changes its appearance or its theme all the time. Even if you are running multiple businesses, make sure they are highlighted differently. You can use separate titles and tags for them (like I do) or you can even color code them. Whatever you do, be consistent. </div>
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Show up. Every day. Same time. Same place.</div>
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If you want your current customers to come back to you, make it easy for them to find you and recognize you. </div>
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<strong>Review</strong></div>
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At least once a year, review your brand. Take a good hard look at your brand and ask yourself if you need to make any small or large changes. Confirm that all your posts, products and images are in line with your bigger picture. </div>
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If you need to make changes, either do them subtly (if they are small) one change at a time (eg. changing all blog images) or announce and launch a huge makeover (but make sure you have enough changes that warrant a makeover). </div>
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I am hoping that my strategies help you in making your brand stand out. Do you have any other suggestions that I might have missed? Do let me know in the comments below. Our other readers would love to know.</div>
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Shruti Dandekarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06534182271330207949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447945533474067766.post-25207893773175938352024-01-08T16:24:00.000+05:302024-01-08T16:24:44.090+05:30Top 5 podcasts for the creative entrepreneur<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I love listening to podcasts when I am working any kind of mindless task (like cleaning). I also love to listen to them when I am driving alone. Which are my top 5 picks which I feel every creative entrepreneur must listen to?</div>
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<strong><img alt="top-5-podcasts-for-creative-entrepreneurs" height="825" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2040/4679/files/21_1024x1024.jpg?v=1507592139" width="550" /></strong></div>
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I love listening to Podcasts that are inspiring and also educating. They help me develop new ideas for my business and also know the latest essential trends.</div>
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There are some that I might look up and listen an episode or two of, if I need something specific. But the five that I am listing here are the ones that I absolutely love. I have listened to EVERY one of their past episodes, sometimes bingeing on them for days on end. But I know I am a lifetime fan of these</div>
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<strong><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/strategy-hour-podcast-online-business-blogging-productivity/id1186889023?mt=2" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="the-strategy-hour-podcast">The Strategy Hour</a></strong></div>
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Description in iTunes : <em>Get actionable strategies and killer marketing tips to grow your creative business inside The Strategy Hour podcast. Say goodbye to the “side-hustle” mindset and hello to getting paid (and paid well) to do what you love. Your hosts Abagail Pumphrey and Emylee Williams from Think Creative Collective share all the ins and outs of their experience growing a successful 6-figure online business. You’ll hear from some pretty amazing entrepreneurs like David Siteman Garland of the Rise to the Top, Nathan Barry of ConvertKit, Natalie Franke of the Rising Tide Society, and Ankur Nagpal of Teachable. These in depth interviews go straight to the meat and potatoes (a.k.a. Actionable steps you can take away and use in your business today). Our episodes cover a wide range of topics, including growing an online audience, email automation, diversifying your products and offers, generating more sales online, social media, outsourcing, affiliate marketing, productivity, systems, and how to treat your passion like the real business it is. It’s time to become a total creative BOSS! Find show notes and resources at thestrategyhour.com.</em></div>
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I love this podcast because it offers clear and precise strategical solutions to a wide variety of issues concerning creative entrepreneurs. As I write this, they have 122 episodes of awesome content that is further supported by their website.</div>
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<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/pursuit-with-purpose/id1251824599?mt=2" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="pursuit-with-purpose-podcast"><strong>Pursuit with Purpose</strong></a><strong><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-femtrepreneur-show/id1145422276?mt=2" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="the-femtrepreneur-show-podcast"></a></strong></div>
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Description in iTunes : <em>I know first hand that it’s way too easy to slip into the rat race of competition and comparison. In 2016, I hit my first million-dollar year in my business...yet, I was totally miserable. At the time, I was focused on numbers and status, rather than what would actually bring me real happiness and create an impact in the world. That all changed. This podcast is about my journey to meaning and fulfillment and how you can bring it to your own life - today and every day.</em></div>
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I have been following Melyssa for a while now as a blogger. Her knowledge is immeasurable. I love her podcast because it not just gives me ideas to grow my business but helps me develop the right mindset for it too.</div>
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<strong><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/goal-digger-podcast-marketing-social-media-creative/id1178704872?mt=2" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="the-goal-digger-podcast">The Goal Digger Podcast</a></strong></div>
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Description in iTunes : <em>Jenna Kutcher hosts the live-workshop style business podcast for creative girl bosses, so you can train from the experts how to dig in, do the work, and tackle your biggest goals along the way.</em></div>
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Jenna is absolutely forthright about stuff and does not beat around the bush. Her ideas are inspiring and her clarity helped me build a strong business. A lot of credit for my success goes to her and her ideas.</div>
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<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/being-boss-mindset-habits-tactics-lifestyle-for-creative/id956310359?mt=2" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="being-boss-podcast"><strong>Being Boss</strong></a></div>
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Description in iTunes : <em>Being boss is owning who you are and making things happen. Emily Thompson and Kathleen Shannon believe in building a business you love, making bank, and being unapologetically who you are 100% of the time. They have a combined experience and expertise in branding and coaching small online businesses to be more boss in work and life by focusing on "boss" mindsets, habits & routines, tools, tactics & strategies, blended with a little bit of hustle. And they interview other bosses such as Brene Brown, Marie Forleo, Ramit Sethi, Danielle LaPorte, Tara Gentile, and more!</em></div>
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I love the banter and the guest interview on this podcast the most! This podcast it great with ideas and overall inspiration. It actually cheers me up!</div>
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<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/explore-your-enthusiasm-tara-swiger-craft-art-business/id865574105?mt=2" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="explore-your-enthusiasm-podcast"><strong>Explore your Enthusiasm</strong></a></div>
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Description in iTunes : <em>Let's explore what it takes to craft a sustainable, profitable, FUN business, while staying enthusiastic and motivated. Whether you just opened your first Etsy shop, or you've been selling your art, design or writing full-time for years - you struggle with doubt, loneliness, motivation and getting it all done. In this podcast we'll explore what you REALLY want from your small business so that you can follow your enthusiasm, make your art and make money. Each episode is a mini-lesson in exploring what you want out of your OWN business, so that you can craft a life and business that fills your life with enthusiasm. Find more lessons at http://taraswiger.com</em></div>
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This was the first 'business' podcast I listened to and I loved Tara from the first day. I even bought a few of her products and have participated in few of the challenges that she has hosted. I developed a vision for my business after listening to her podcast.</div>
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Those are my top 5 podcasts for creative entrepreneurs. Which are your favorite ones? </div>
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Shruti Dandekarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06534182271330207949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447945533474067766.post-7328286994344876042024-01-08T16:23:00.006+05:302024-01-08T16:23:55.547+05:30Why do I make portrait quilts?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I love making portrait quilts. I have made over 60 portraits - in various forms on over 25 quilts. Ever since I started making portrait quilts, I have enjoyed the process thoroughly! And I can see myself making lots of them in the future too.</div>
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<img alt="why-do-i-love-making-portrait-quilts-article-by-shruti-dandekar" height="825" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2040/4679/files/30_1024x1024.jpg?v=1507852242" width="550" /></div>
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I have made portrait quilts using eight different techniques so far. </div>
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<li>Raw edge applique</li>
<li>Reverse Applique</li>
<li>Thread Sketching</li>
<li>Cartoon (Carol - Mamacjt - style)</li>
<li>Cartoon (Carol Ann Vaugh style)</li>
<li>Pixelated Picture (a spin on Sandra Bruce Style)</li>
<li>Pixelated Picture (pattern made via YouPatch.com)</li>
<li>Abstract Expressions (based on the work of Canadian artist Martina Shapiro)</li>
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My first attempt at quilting was way back in 2012, when I made the portrait of Rohit's Great Grandfather. I wanted to make it as a gift to all the men in the house on the occasion of the family business completing 100 years! Short on cash because of leaving my job in 2009, I decided I will make a gift for them using my skills. It took a grueling 3 months of working 5-6 hours everyday to make this quilt using 3500+ pieces of fabric in over 30 shades of grey!</div>
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<img alt="" height="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAxBAbBIM-Qf6Hj8T1AbFG_zNlgu9cUesPy3GgO75dWP7IaVq8jwIL051fzNOKTPC8GVva0C7Foclh1GfGvGEes7XGC-DbBglO12fHmRjxKAUZqhEOZg8HuQQYeTR5DWm7C_hf1OlpI-48/s640/DSCF3761.JPG" width="551" /></div>
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I loved it but also knew that if it took that long to make a portrait quilt, I'd never make it again.</div>
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I raked my brain hard, and came up with an easier solution. But I wasn't sure it will work. I was a complete novice in quilting. There were masters around me who were making portrait quilts for ages. My architect's brain was telling me it will make the process so simple and fast, but my brand new quilter brain thought <em>someone must have thought about it right. Why haven't they done it before me?</em></div>
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By 2013, I had gathered enough courage to just try out my idea. If it did not work, I would just chuck it away and no one would be any wiser. I made a portrait of Steve Jobs. It came together absolutely fast. Just 7 days of working 1-2 hours every day! </div>
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<img alt="" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ4CZLp6Mce5qOFJKO5NWbpqt2eAKxyhCInk2_pWWnk4xb7-gDgfGd76Nxh-VI0EccuaEKghDsv7p4J_Hxlna5Y3KTYQz5sncCMDWnmlsDfA7cHu8tg2hKwi1u7KoOkzQ1rFa-jFLMUpA/s640/DSCF4261.JPG" width="549" /></div>
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I knew I had found something that I would definitely want to pursue. Now that the execution part had been made easier, I loved making portraits. I have made about 18 individual ones and one large quilt with 35 portraits on it using this technique. </div>
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In 2014, I wrote my eBook : <a href="https://13woodhouseroad.com/products/about-face" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="ebook-about-face-making-portrait-quilts-using-reverse-applique-technique">ABOUT face</a> and self published it. In it I share my process of making a portrait quilt, easy enough even for a confident beginner. I conduct classes based on this technique and my students successfully complete their 2 color portraits <em>including the quilting</em> in two days!</div>
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<img alt="" height="413" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoRSAfcIcFkdkPJ8Efo6OVRb0I_rTH6Wo0jqZCP3wBFxIctyPo-cnNCnEBRHrjUmoed4gaiOFVFpNIYhyjaCVdd9MGVYCYdMmbS0met7nkCLWHnlm4_S9yoqdnHFLxZiCppimHYTAeYu8/s640/IMG_0916.JPG" width="551" /></div>
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It feels amazing to take these women from - <em>I have never sketched before, will I be able to do this? </em>- to -<em> I cannot wait to make my next one!</em> </div>
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If you have every wanted to make a portrait quilt, I would highly recommend trying my technique. It is super fast, relatively easy and after the initial stitching part - actually a portable project! You can buy it by clicking the link <a href="https://13woodhouseroad.com/collections/learn-to-quilt" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="quilting-classes-ebooks-patterns-by-shruti-dandekar"><em>Learn to Quilt</em></a> at the top of this page.</div>
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<img alt="" height="712" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2040/4679/products/aboutface_aiid2192626_large.jpg?v=1500962551" width="550" /></div>
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Around the same time, I also experimented in making abstract portraits and loved it! It was like painting with fabric! I came across a painting by Martina Shapiro that I loved. I contacted her for the permission to make a quilt based on that and she gave it to me. I went ahead and instead of just copying her portrait and making a quilt based on it, I understood her process and made an original artwork based on that. It was total fun!</div>
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<img alt="" height="530" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2040/4679/products/Arizona_f_grande.jpg?v=1500172879" width="550" /></div>
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I continued experimenting with portraits making them in the various different techniques I mentioned above. Every time it was fun to see it take shape and get the character of the person who the quilt was made of.</div>
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Like the pixelated portrait of Pappa - the father of my mentor in architecture. This was a whooping 4095 2.5" squares put together in 8 x 8 blocks of 8 x 8 squares each!</div>
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<img alt="" height="413" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl0ayT8TQY45Mkp5fGZfQGiZxQR-YrQ6o2uDi4OxWM6997J3K3vrEsvPPkwFmMSJ-zKSv1jvjuLOKwXVpIl00TYLB0oJdCzA1lnFAFF3Oha_dJnXUx72zge4u_7noaJJbKoo5uiRkCkz4/s640/IMG_4839.JPG" width="551" /></div>
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Aadi's portrait was made based on Sandra Bruce's Material Matrix technique. I met her on my first trip to the USA and she very generously guided me to make it. </div>
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<img alt="" height="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTGs4MLD9WlTQESM2jGP7wWnJQRu4suWZFiws9y1UPrA4WYV3nHNnRIv7dgieNYNptHizDzeNsVWep0KqGvnw6HsPaRAuX9sgzoSwZ0rOLBUDQDorRDdEJamgUt4byKQ2zSwwHStTYZxA/s640/IMG_5826.JPG" width="550" /></div>
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Portrait of my friend Shradha was made for a swap and I actually wanted to order one from Carol (Mamacjt) when I visited her blog, I came to know that she had passed away. So I just decided to make one and dedicate it to her. </div>
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<img alt="" height="688" src="https://scontent.fbom1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/17264685_394683457569852_1628466605104020426_n.jpg?oh=94329f66946c996c83f9a8d85f86ab80&oe=5A712769" width="550" /></div>
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I made a couple of portrait using the technique I learnt in the Craftsy class with Carol Ann Vaugh. </div>
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<img alt="" height="733" src="https://scontent.fbom1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13346516_10154290175068707_3913249052635118587_n.jpg?oh=5e3bfa57108f7a8b4d52c02895606c38&oe=5A779E59" width="550" /></div>
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In my quest to find more ideas to teach portrait quilts, I made one which is easy enough to come along in about 3-4 hours.</div>
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<img alt="" height="550" src="https://scontent.fbom1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/17098295_389565181415013_3025376723749495206_n.jpg?oh=458a5f8242620447ff1e7653103517fb&oe=5A81B458" width="550" /></div>
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Every portrait quilt that I make is special to me. I enjoy every moment of making it. It connects me to the person I am making it for. And I enjoy having that skill to convert a picture into a quilt that can be cherished by the families for generations!</div>
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Have you made a portrait quilt? Do you love making them?</div>
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Shruti Dandekarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06534182271330207949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447945533474067766.post-44940104901086077682024-01-08T16:23:00.005+05:302024-01-08T16:23:51.060+05:30How to deal with failure?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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We all fail. I have failed, numerous times, and at some point you will too. It is what you do <em>after </em>that matters. Today I will talk about how you can make your failures work for you.</div>
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You have worked hard on your business. And in spite of pouring in everything you had you failed. Be it a failure to sell your stuff in the craft fair, or not being able to achieve your goals. Here's what you can do to not just help you deal with failure, but learn from it and turn it around into your biggest success.</div>
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<strong>1. Accept it. </strong>The first thing you need to do after you have failed is accepting your failure. Accept that things did not go as you thought they would. Own it up. Do not blame anyone or anything else (we will analyse the failure later). Once you have accepted the failure you will be better prepared for your success. </div>
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<strong>2. Don't make it personal. </strong>Remember every moment that even though what <em>you </em>have done failed - your actions - its not <em>you </em>who failed. Separate yourself from your failure and then you will be able to look at it with a more critical approach.</div>
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<strong>3. Look at it from a bird's eye view. </strong><em></em>First, learn to look at it in a disconnected manner - like it is someone else's problem. Now analyze it to find the<em> why. </em>Make a list of all the reasons you come up with. </div>
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<strong>4. Look for solutions. </strong>Now look at your list and find multiple solutions for every situation. <em>Were your products too costly for the crowd at the craft fair?</em> What can you do to reduce the cost? <em>Were you not able to promote your webinar on social media? <strong></strong></em>Can you create a strategy to do that or maybe hire someone to do that? Find multiple solutions for each of the reasons.</div>
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<strong>5. Learn from it. </strong>Now make a list of changes that you can make <em>right now </em>based on your findings that will prevent the same kind of failures in the future. And then, implement them, <em>right now. </em></div>
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<strong>6. Do not dwell on it.</strong> Don't spend your time thinking about your failure. Look forward to implementing the changes and seeing yourself succeed. Do not let the negativity pull you down. Like you would do when you fall down while walking, get up, dust off the dirt, look at why you fell and keep walking ahead.</div>
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I am hoping my six-point plan will help you get over your recent failure and gear up for success in your business ahead. Is there anything else you might want to add?</div>
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Shruti Dandekarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06534182271330207949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447945533474067766.post-71605152693449151362024-01-08T16:23:00.004+05:302024-01-08T16:23:47.524+05:30Is your mindset business ready?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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When you start a business, you have so many things to worry about. Thinking about your mindset does not even touch your mind (forgive my lame attempt at a joke). You are more focused on launching your idea and seeing it reach the most number of people and hence earn more profits!</div>
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But do you know that by not having the right mindset while starting your business you are doing much more harm than you can imagine? I'll explain how in just a few minutes.</div>
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<img alt="is-your-mindset-business-ready-article-by-shruti-dandekar" height="825" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2040/4679/files/9_3e82e983-00a2-473b-9ca5-997f3238cdc4_1024x1024.jpg?v=1510019009" width="550" /></div>
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Starting a business makes you very much vulnerable. You feel exposed. You feel like every little thing you do - your products or services, your marketing, your ideas, skills, hell, even the way you dress is up for criticism. It is too easy to be overwhelmed by all of it. And even easier to loose your confidence.</div>
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The only thing that can help you not fall prey to it is changing your mindset. I know ow scary it is to start a business. And how even more scarier it is to tell everyone about it. Shifting your mindset will help you deal with your fears and anxieties better.</div>
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So how can you actually shift your mindset so that you are business ready?</div>
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<strong>Start your day well.</strong></div>
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Always start your day doing the things that you love to do. I wake up and meditate at least for 10 minutes before I do anything else. It recharges my mind and clears space for ideas. I have realized that ever since I started meditating, I have been better at distancing myself from negativity. Starting your day doing something that you love uplifts your mood instantly and gives you the tempo to go through the day at full speed!</div>
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<strong>Be ready for change.</strong></div>
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In business changes come everyday. In form of customers, products, processes or even currency (remember 8th Nov 2016, Indians?) or taxes. Be ready for changes at the most inconvenient times. If you are working honestly and to your best capacity, no change can harm your business. Any upheaval that might occur will only be temporary. Train your mind to change your approach from time to time. </div>
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<strong>Stay connected with the present.</strong></div>
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Living in the present might be the most simple idea that I am suggesting, but we all entrepreneurs are so fascinated by our goals and dreams that we tend to forget about the reality sometimes. We tend to focus on the goal itself. But, I urge you to focus on the efforts to achieve the goals instead. Sometimes we also keep on worrying about what the future might hold. More often than not, our worries are completely irrelevant. Train your mind to concentrate on the present. It will take you a long way in your business.</div>
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<strong>Find motivation.</strong></div>
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Look for motivation around you. Talk to yourself using positive sentences. Don't say "I don't want debt" Say "I want enough money to be debt-free". Throughout the day, congratulate yourself (and your staff) on things that you do right. </div>
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<strong>Listen to music that makes your blood rush.</strong></div>
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Music plays a huge role in my day! I love listening to songs that inspire me. "I am woman" by Helen Reddy is one of my favorite ones. The lyrics make me feel proud to be a woman and they inspire me to help other women achieve their dreams!</div>
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<strong>Conquer your fears.</strong></div>
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And its not just for taglines. (<em>Dar ke aagey jeet hai - Success comes just after crossing fear).</em> Learn to be scared to your bones and yet doing it. Just go ahead and do it. Do not say you cannot, till you have done it at least once - be it anything - public speaking, exhibiting your work or even investing in your business.</div>
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<strong>Own up.</strong></div>
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Stop blaming other things or people for your problems. Own them. Own your successes too! Be responsible. Train yourself to look for the <em>real</em> source of the problem and work pout ways to find a solution. </div>
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<strong>Stop comparing.</strong></div>
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Stop comparing yourself to others. Work out your own goals and your plan of action to attain them. Compare yourself <em>only </em>with your past self. If you want to know more about how to stop comparing yourself to others, check out my blog post <a href="https://13woodhouseroad.com/blogs/shruti-dandekar/how-to-identify-and-stay-away-from-the-comparison-trap" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="how-to-stop-comparing-yourself-to-others">here</a>. </div>
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I am hoping my tips will help you develop a business ready mindset. Do you have any more tips to add to my list?</div>
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Shruti Dandekarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06534182271330207949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447945533474067766.post-73992266817108487742024-01-08T16:23:00.003+05:302024-01-08T16:23:44.069+05:30Collaborations - your Why's and How's answered<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I'm sure you all know that collaborating will help you take your business to new heights. Today, I am going to answer the four major questions that come to your mind when I talk about collaborations. </div>
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What does Collaboration mean?</div>
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Why should I collaborate with other entrepreneurs?</div>
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How can I find someone to Collaborate with?</div>
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Who is my PERFECT Collaboration Partner?</div>
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I will also shed light on a few basics to keep in mind when collaborating to make this venture - be it for just one product or for a new business - run smoothly!!! Are you ready?</div>
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<strong>WHAT exactly does collaboration mean?</strong></div>
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The dictionary meaning of Collaboration is <em>"The action of working with someone to produce something".</em> When we look at it from an entrepreneurs point of view, I find it to be incomplete.</div>
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Collaboration can be better defined as a <em>purposeful relationship</em> in which <em>all </em>parties <em>strategically choose to</em> cooperate in order to achieve <em>shared </em>or o<em>verlapping </em>objectives.</div>
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It is a <em>purposeful relationship</em> : You have decided to come together with a goal of creating a product or a service. It is not like being friends. Friendships are born naturally. Here, you take a deliberate decision to work with someone with an end goal in sight - success.</div>
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Next, <em>all </em>parties : Everyone involved has to do their share of work honestly and to their optimum capacity to get the maximum benefit.</div>
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Then, <em>strategically choose to </em>: You have made a conscious decision to work with someone. You might have different views about other aspects of life, or even about the best way to do the task that you have to do together. But here, you will have to work together in spite of the differences. Working together is a strategic decision - one made with the benefit in mind - that you have chosen.</div>
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Lastly, <em>shared or overlapping </em>: The collaboration does not benefit just one person. The benefits are always either shared - separate defined benefits for all involved persons or overlapping - some benefits are distinct while some are common.</div>
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<strong>WHY should you collaborate with other entrepreneurs?</strong></div>
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There are a lot of benefits from collaboration.</div>
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1. You will get a whole new audience. When the person you are collaborating with is from your own field, there are loads of people who are unaware of your work. Your work reaches a whole new set of people and that in turn will benefit you much longer after the collaboration.</div>
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2. Collaboration gives you an opportunity of thinking with more than one brain! You can approach every problem with more solutions - coming from different viewpoints! It will help you learn a lot!</div>
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3. You cannot do everything yourself. And sometimes, you cannot afford to hire someone to do the things that you need to do to create a product that is better than the one you can create alone. In that case, collaboration comes to your rescue - you do not have to spend the money to create a better product. You do need to have those skills <em>right now </em>to create a better product.</div>
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4. You improve the value of your end product! Collaboration brings out the best in all of those involved and in the end, the customer is benefited from it because the product that comes out is the best that there can be! That reflects positively on your business! And keeps you getting more!</div>
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<strong>How can I find someone to Collaborate with?</strong></div>
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Before you start looking for someone to collaborate with, ask yourself these questions :</div>
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<em>What are you values and your principles?</em></div>
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<em>What are your strengths?</em></div>
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<em>What is you passion?</em></div>
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<em>What is your personal vision and mission?</em></div>
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Answering these questions will give you a clear idea of what you expect from your collaboration so do not skip these. If you start a collaboration with no clear idea as to what you expect from it, it is sure to go nowhere but downhill!</div>
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After answering the above questions, you have a better understanding of your own vision and goals. Now it is easier to express your expectations and make sure that who-ever you are collaborating with shares your values and goals. If you value customer satisfaction over money, you will always make sure your customer questions are answered correctly rather than focusing on how much profit is the sale going to make for you. If you collaborate with someone who is supposed to answer the customer queries, but does not value them over making money - you are going to have trouble!</div>
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Once you are collaborators, you cannot just withdraw! If there are irrevocable differences, yes, by all means, end the collaboration. But if things can be resolved, try your best to do that. Having an agreement with your collaborators is a good idea.</div>
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Remember that you have to keep mutual respect intact even in troubled times. Be aware of the strengths of your collaborator and the reason you went into this collaboration at all times. That will help you keep focus on the positive side and help you tide over misunderstandings and minor tiffs.</div>
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This is the <em>key </em>element of collaboration. You need to trust each other. If you have any doubts about your collaborator's ability to conduct her assigned tasks, you have been hasty. Talk to her about any doubts <em>before </em>you commence the collaboration; preferably before both of you sign the Collaboration Agreement. Don’t panic if she does not handle the situation like you normally would. Each person's approach is unique. Trust her and give her time.</div>
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Always remember when you collaborate you both are <em>equal</em>- irrespective of the way you split your profits (if it is a money making venture). You have collaborated because you fulfill each other's requirements and hence, both are equally crucial to the venture. If you feel one of you is superior to the other, it looks more like outsourcing or employment and you need to look at your agreement again.</div>
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Make clear distribution of roles and responsibilities. Understand each of your strengths and assign tasks accordingly. If one of you is good with words, make sure that the responsibility of writing product descriptions is given to her. Include these in your Collaboration Agreement.</div>
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Set up a schedule where you will be regularly updating each other with the status of your work. Decide the mode, frequency and duration of interaction - Eg. Weekly Skype Calls. Or daily Slack meetings. Again, include these in your Collaboration Agreement.</div>
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When it comes to foreseeing a venture, there are a thousand scenarios that can happen. You cannot be prepared for all of them. So be flexible. Also be prepared for some amount of ambiguity. Not all things can be clearly stated. Be prepared to discuss the ambiguous matter when the time arises to find an amicable solution.</div>
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Make sure that your communication is clear (100% understandable with no possibility for any misunderstandings), timely (no delays) and precise (all points are covered without much buffers). Make sure the person's understanding of your statement is <em>eactly</em>li ke you want it to be. If you need to meet in person instead of the daily text message - <em>do it</em>! Make sure your point reaches across - <em>loud & clear</em>.</div>
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Make sure you are prepared to resolve any conflicts that arise because - trust me - they will. You are two different people. And there will be issues, even after signing a Collaboration Agreement, that will need to be resolve. Having a pre-decided arbitrator is a good idea. That way, you will have a neutral person help you resolve the crisis. But for that you need to agree - even before crisis arises - that the decision of the arbitrator will be final.</div>
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<strong>Who is my PERFECT Collaboration Partner?</strong></div>
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More often than not, collaborators are actually competition. I am a better quilter than a bag maker, and my friend Kausalya is a better bag maker! We both make quilts as well as make bags. But we have collaborated to make a series of quilted bags. That is because we look at each other as collaborators rather than competition. I quilted the material and sent it to her. I am not going to helicopter manage the project now that the material is with her. I have complete trust in her capacity. I will only see the bag once it is made! If she has any questions or ideas that are radically different than what we envisioned, I trust her to run them by me before execution. And even if she doesn't, I trust her to have a solid reason for it!</div>
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One of the main reason our collaboration works well is because we both have similar values (not identical). This is one of the most important factors. Discuss this right at the onset. You can both answer the questions above in writing (paper or electronic) before you start and then exchange it so that you are aware of each others views.</div>
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I have prepared a worksheet for you and your collaborator to fill individually and then compare. This worksheet will have all the necessary information of your venture and you can glance at it anytime if you have any doubts. You can create a collaboration agreement based on your answers that will help you with the success of your collaboration.</div>
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<a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/aw3ampn7egpzwt4/Collaboration.pdf?dl=0" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Collaboration-worksheet-shruti-dandekar">Click here to download the free worksheet. </a></div>
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Shruti Dandekarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06534182271330207949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447945533474067766.post-66410893699890550952024-01-08T16:23:00.002+05:302024-01-08T16:23:40.239+05:30Career opportunities in Quilting<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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So you are a quilter who wants it to be more that your hobby? Welcome to the gang! But you are wondering what your options are. Today I will exploit all the different directions that you can grow your career in if you are a quilter.</div>
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I have been quilting since 2010, and have met thousands of quilters - each one pursuing their passion in a different direction than the other! So it is not an easy task to put together this list, but I have chosen the 12 most promising fields that you can be in to make a living from doing a version of what you love - quilting. </div>
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<strong>Quilter : </strong>Oh yes! That is a career! You can be a quilter - like make and sell quilts - any kind any size any pattern! It might not be a very lucrative career, but it will surely help you fund your passion.</div>
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<br /><strong>Art Quilter : </strong>If you have that artistic flair, you can try your hand at making art quilts. You can use your strength - piecing, applique , embellishment - to make the most. This will usually involve a lot of investment in terms of time, but will yield wonderful results if you have originality and talent.</div>
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<br /><strong>Quilt Manufacturer : </strong>You can also manufacture quilts in bulk and supply to stores. This will usually involve employing people to make quilts and training them. But it will be worth the efforts. You can collaborate with famous quilters so that they design the quilts and you make them and you two can sell them together.</div>
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<br /><strong>Quilted Bag Maker : </strong>Quilted bags of all sizes and shapes are really <em>in. </em>And I'm not talking about just tote bags. Everything from coin pouches to quilted luggage in included in this category. You could manufacture them on a large scale or make them to order as per your convenience.</div>
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<br /><strong>Long Arm Quilter : </strong>If you are willing to invest in a Long Arm Machine, you can quilt for other people too. You can take quilt tops made by others and use your talents as a Free Motion Quilter to finish their quilts for them.</div>
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<br /><strong>Quilting Instructor : <em></em></strong>If you can teach quilting, there is a huge market waiting for you! There is always a need for teachers - from beginners to advanced quilting techniques. Whatever you choose to teach make sure that you are willing to part with complete knowledge and not hold back anything if you want to make a career as a teacher.</div>
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<strong>Pattern Writer : </strong>If you are good at designing original quilts, you can write patterns from them and publish them to make money. Just make sure your designs are original and instructions clear.</div>
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<br /><strong>Book Author : <em></em></strong>If you have more than one pattern to share at a time or a story to share, you can always write a book. It need not be a quilting pattern book, you can write about your research or even fiction based around quilting.</div>
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<br /><strong>Fabric Designer : </strong>This is an awesome field if you are an artist. You can approach fabric manufacturers with your designs to have your own fabric line!</div>
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<br /><strong>Quilt Show Judge : </strong>You can apply to be a certified quilt judge from one of the various National Association of Quilt Judges. They usually have a program that you enroll in and upon completion are certified to be a quilt judge.</div>
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<br /><strong>Product Designer : </strong>If you have ideas for products that you think will help other quilters lives easier, you can become a product designer. From rulers to furniture - the possibilities are endless.</div>
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<br /><strong>Quilt Journalist : </strong>If you are good at reporting, you can become a Quilt Journalist. You can cover the events as a <em>press representative </em>and write for magazines or even start your own e-zine.</div>
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Want to know more about how you can explore each of these fields? As you all know, I am a BERNINA Brand Ambassador and also a contributor to the <a href="http://blog.bernina.com/en/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bernina-international-blog">BERNINA International Blog</a>. I am doing a series of posts on the BERNINA blog about <strong>The Business of Quilting. </strong>In this series, starting in December, every month, I will be taking up one of the options and giving you more details about it. Follow the BERNINA International Blog to get updates when I post a new post. </div>
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Shruti Dandekarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06534182271330207949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447945533474067766.post-13148871860191951502024-01-08T16:23:00.001+05:302024-01-08T16:23:32.640+05:30Siddi Quilts of Karnataka<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Those of you who are members of the Modern Quilt Guild and had signed up for my webinar will have had a chance to see the quilts I encountered on my journey into North Karnataka last year. Preparing for that webinar reminded me about this post from my old blog. </div>
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<img alt="siddi-quilts-of-karnataka-article-by-shruti-dandekar" height="825" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2040/4679/files/1_1024x1024.jpg?v=1509067416" width="550" /><br /><br />Last year, as we headed to Goa for our annual holiday, we decided to take an extra day to visit the humble settlements of the Siddi Community in the Ghats of North West Karnataka. My journey took me to places I would have never even thought of going to! They were not even on the Google map!!!<br /><br />After spending a lot of time searching for these settlements, we finally spotted some Siddi kids walking on the street. They gave us the names of the places and then we proceeded to look for them.<br /><br />The first village we visited was Uginkeri... A small town with little houses. The verandah was usually open and the floor smoothened with a mixture of cowdung, mud and water!<br /><br />We met Meera here. She is a school teacher at the local primary school. She did not make quilts hersefl, but promptly took us to her neighbor - Dhumri, who did.</div>
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We were greeted by this little chicken tied to a hook in the wall with a string! We were later told that he kept getting in trouble with the street dogs and had to kept tied up for is own safety.</div>
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<br style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">The sight and the story of the chicken sure made this guy very happy!</span><br style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><br style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQI8A2wEGSNsnCyZSxsfUxwFvFTjNT9TSoWM4BXlmjmoQAnZB_wEN6co7F7ml83C9gGXtQKfXpK4bQgbJBbUN-yUkR0OS1yZQt4Cb_1KbH_qxeIHRMDvCrchFFkXg6oCYPsJduiA5V8HM/s1600/IMG_0192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><img border="0" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQI8A2wEGSNsnCyZSxsfUxwFvFTjNT9TSoWM4BXlmjmoQAnZB_wEN6co7F7ml83C9gGXtQKfXpK4bQgbJBbUN-yUkR0OS1yZQt4Cb_1KbH_qxeIHRMDvCrchFFkXg6oCYPsJduiA5V8HM/s640/IMG_0192.JPG" width="550" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">Meet Dhumri - the first Siddi Quilt Maker I met. She was a lovely warm woman who was totally at ease not only showing me her quilts, but also talking about her life. The best part??? I had been dreading going to the place because I had heard that people had difficulty getting to understand their language. I had been looking for someone who spoke Kannada (the state language) to come with me. But these people spoke Marathi (my mother tongue)!!!</span><br style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">That came as a pleasant surprise. And then the conversations started flowing more freely!</span><br style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><br />
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Dhumri not only showed me her quilt, Kawandi - as they call it, but also showed me how to make it. This was her reaction when she saw pictures of some of the quilts that I made!</div>
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<br style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">Next up, we visited Clara, Meera's grandmother. She had visitors from the other quilting town of Mainalli. So we chatted with them while Clara brought her quilts to us.</span><br style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOl5gJdANqOQYw5suPU1sgtwrnG8UPkAKl7_gTdSkJ4AerXo56P99WgxUubURClhWrEr6AnpKefPHBjoXI0JC20x-mTfqJLje2Hmy9guTUW4Qo7O0dnfCTOSBIb3yBGGUc11JnDomDIQ8/s1600/IMG_0202.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOl5gJdANqOQYw5suPU1sgtwrnG8UPkAKl7_gTdSkJ4AerXo56P99WgxUubURClhWrEr6AnpKefPHBjoXI0JC20x-mTfqJLje2Hmy9guTUW4Qo7O0dnfCTOSBIb3yBGGUc11JnDomDIQ8/s640/IMG_0202.JPG" width="550" /></a></div>
<br style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">I loved Clara's house as well as her super impressive and rich detailed quilt!</span><br style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQEYb80nnX4o7A673Wuvn9XpY0krtnV95whh7g11pXPU0voDq-gOV39LGqE_bqLN5-dF0wgFi2RGMFfdhqg7xUFSNWsUofX9IR6zcUKOmYL7pq-xz_kdbVGmaz_ELqqV-dZMAweagp0x8/s1600/IMG_0212.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQEYb80nnX4o7A673Wuvn9XpY0krtnV95whh7g11pXPU0voDq-gOV39LGqE_bqLN5-dF0wgFi2RGMFfdhqg7xUFSNWsUofX9IR6zcUKOmYL7pq-xz_kdbVGmaz_ELqqV-dZMAweagp0x8/s640/IMG_0212.JPG" width="550" /></a></div>
<br style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">That's the lovely ,albeit shy Clara and her super gorgeous quilt.</span><br style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhulH3M-9fjMMUfj2Xa_31DB3pAQq0ISHG-X-UzmlgKDuPf1LnPAb__CoI7Xxn0yuyrUtW-p2jTnHiZsw1d_QoWRBWdNvrrLWD3wbJcod4JceowCvVJC08EPqNfmU0RYzvnAFGl97dn4rA/s1600/IMG_0224.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhulH3M-9fjMMUfj2Xa_31DB3pAQq0ISHG-X-UzmlgKDuPf1LnPAb__CoI7Xxn0yuyrUtW-p2jTnHiZsw1d_QoWRBWdNvrrLWD3wbJcod4JceowCvVJC08EPqNfmU0RYzvnAFGl97dn4rA/s640/IMG_0224.JPG" width="550" /></a></div>
<br style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">After spending some time here, we went off to Mainalli. This town is more popular, because the local church and the missionaries have organized the sales of quilts made by these people. I found the quilts here to be lighter in weight and better finished than Uginkeri.</span><br style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><br style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">The people were also more open when it came to showing their quilts (not how to make them) and putting a price on them.</span><br style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><br style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">Here is Paskin with her wonderful quilt.</span><br style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJaZA_EMu2pZGX33NScaPVykM5yebs_Yqb2UYOxIH7YgGX2Pc29kd49HmfqK0ZuUq8b4jaEgR3qI82fHd0648eeDxn2QQb-0SCYHhyPTYAGn_3v0dLpuMHMhBwMAdgh53nLHYzH9d8obw/s1600/IMG_0229.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJaZA_EMu2pZGX33NScaPVykM5yebs_Yqb2UYOxIH7YgGX2Pc29kd49HmfqK0ZuUq8b4jaEgR3qI82fHd0648eeDxn2QQb-0SCYHhyPTYAGn_3v0dLpuMHMhBwMAdgh53nLHYzH9d8obw/s640/IMG_0229.JPG" width="550" /></a></div>
<br style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">Our next stop was at Marianne's house. Once again, the verandah, made with brick and concrete this time, was our favorite spot.</span><br style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">Her husband was very vocal about the fact that it takes ages to complete a single quilt - about 3 months - and they manage to make only Rs 3000 (about US$ 45) for it. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbWrEAsVmLh6phr-OlyqzgCnmMRvbYWQlGY7EEP1U9lFIRh-FifUbQWfU7PYizuIPdpOctZEKGkM579SKf8tySmNrkRpuRlv-Li_5ZuoWuO5Q1NNb5pWru95mx_oFxlR__HU3eqQR9DK8/s1600/IMG_0264.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="826" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbWrEAsVmLh6phr-OlyqzgCnmMRvbYWQlGY7EEP1U9lFIRh-FifUbQWfU7PYizuIPdpOctZEKGkM579SKf8tySmNrkRpuRlv-Li_5ZuoWuO5Q1NNb5pWru95mx_oFxlR__HU3eqQR9DK8/s640/IMG_0264.JPG" width="550" /></a></div>
<br style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">Marianne showed us a quilt in progress. I once again got a chance to try my hand at making it.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnHYQyY0Ig-RW4A9upacL3LudOnOIVC826kvwBbqsdIHqW5_0Z5jD73WTvozYNa5LKtd01osYjhwhBFVbjPLA6ggVy6FfRJWaEu8KSjS5hUlyKelyZuXRV9OzGmBH7XHshE5Vq8QiBI84/s1600/IMG_0260.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnHYQyY0Ig-RW4A9upacL3LudOnOIVC826kvwBbqsdIHqW5_0Z5jD73WTvozYNa5LKtd01osYjhwhBFVbjPLA6ggVy6FfRJWaEu8KSjS5hUlyKelyZuXRV9OzGmBH7XHshE5Vq8QiBI84/s640/IMG_0260.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">After I came home about a week later, (we went on to Goa for our annual holiday!) I was totally inspired to make a quilt using the same technique.</span><br style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><br style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">So here's my first version of a Siddi Quilt - Indian Terrain #1</span><br style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><br style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">A small 19" x 23" version, I used the same process that the Siddis use to make theirs, except that I used a sewing machine instead of hand stitching the layers together.</span><br style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM6Z83teir0NkqMq1NzqOyHXUmvotSkeXnNq0RQDYDa8veUWhLUXiuulQTEYhqrh-99hPmsg_8kUrRkWoX-fdlzgsKnuBA8nbF5QxrgXsEq_4gyBqgkxh3l61WdRIwe9PYlcBBwUU-mvM/s1600/IndianTerrainOne.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="618" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM6Z83teir0NkqMq1NzqOyHXUmvotSkeXnNq0RQDYDa8veUWhLUXiuulQTEYhqrh-99hPmsg_8kUrRkWoX-fdlzgsKnuBA8nbF5QxrgXsEq_4gyBqgkxh3l61WdRIwe9PYlcBBwUU-mvM/s640/IndianTerrainOne.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
<br style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">I even added the small corner bits! I used scraps from 7 years of quilting along with some lovely Khann fabric borders! My next attempt is definitely going to be using some lovely Aurifil floss and hand sewing!</span><br style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibacmkfFxzdCnDt5VhYH10nYir9RfQTPxNT4XJkO0AjUh06HPgXC9vH-bKnMYOinPeaAh5kIBQtEGOcK7LkV33L2GqVvly-AHHHv3ByAQlVxSaq4apaBfv1vv73Mbsb2O7X3Ml_FtbiUk/s1600/IndianTerrainOneDetail.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibacmkfFxzdCnDt5VhYH10nYir9RfQTPxNT4XJkO0AjUh06HPgXC9vH-bKnMYOinPeaAh5kIBQtEGOcK7LkV33L2GqVvly-AHHHv3ByAQlVxSaq4apaBfv1vv73Mbsb2O7X3Ml_FtbiUk/s640/IndianTerrainOneDetail.jpg" width="550" /></a><div class="pinit-wrapper" data-mce-onmouseover="this.style.opacity=1;this.style.visibility='visible'">
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Quilt stats :</div>
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<br style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">Name : Indian Terrain # 1</span><br style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">Size : 19" x 23"</span><br style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">Materials used : Cotton fabric scraps, Khann borders, Batting, Aurifil Thread</span><br style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">Experience : Priceless, inspiring!</span><br style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /></div>
Shruti Dandekarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06534182271330207949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447945533474067766.post-70862390941879795862024-01-08T16:23:00.000+05:302024-01-08T16:23:28.988+05:30Outsourcing : How to use it to grow your business<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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If you have been running a business for a while, you must be familiar with the I-am-working-all-the-time-but-nothing-really-gets-done feeling. You're not alone. We are all struggling to find that perfect balance between running a successful business and being super women!</div>
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<img alt="collaboration" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2040/4679/files/aziz-acharki-549137-unsplash_grande.jpg?v=1535462665" /></div>
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In India, we usually have household helps to do the daily chores. Actually you can do everything that your maid does. You do not hire her because you cannot do something. You hire her because you would rather use your time doing something else which is more productive to you. That, my friends, is exactly what outsourcing is.</div>
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Keep reading to know what exactly is outsourcing, what tasks can you outsource, how it will help your business and how you can find the perfect person for the job!</div>
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<img alt="collaboration" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2040/4679/files/rawpixel-593602-unsplash_grande.jpg?v=1535462838" /></div>
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<strong>What is outsourcing when it comes to small businesses?</strong></div>
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In business, outsourcing involves the contracting out of a business process and operational, and/or non-core functions to another party. That means, that you can pay someone to do some of your work without actually having them on your payroll. This is a very effective option when you do not have enough tasks, to be done by someone else, to justify paying a monthly salary to one person working full time for you. This is different from collaboration or partnership - where both parties are equal. Here it is more-or-less a employee-employer kind of situation.</div>
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<strong> What tasks can you outsource?</strong></div>
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It basically depends on your requirement. What are the tasks in your business that you cannot keep up with? Is it answering emails? Shipping out orders? Or is it book keeping? You can easily outsource these and many more tasks to the right person. When you outsource management related tasks it is usually to a VA (Virtual Assistant).They could be in your city or even on the other side of the world! Here's a list of tasks that you can outsource to a Remote Virtual Assistant:</div>
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<li>Email and Inbox Management</li>
<li>Social Media Management & Scheduling, Comment Monitoring & Community Moderation</li>
<li>Website : Administration & Management, Analytics Monitoring & SEO </li>
<li>Brand outreach, Advertising Campaign Design etc</li>
<li>Newsletter Writing and Scheduling</li>
<li>Market Research </li>
<li>Copy-writing</li>
<li>Graphics Creation</li>
<li>Appointment Scheduling</li>
<li>Customer Support</li>
</ol>
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Here is a list of tasks, if you need to outcource you will need someone more local for:</div>
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<li>Shipping Orders</li>
<li>Bookkeeping & Accounting</li>
<li>Taxes</li>
<li>Product Photography</li>
</ol>
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You can also outsource partial or complete manufacturing process, advertising & even sales.</div>
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What you decide to outsource, depends on what you need to be done without you having to do it yourself! You could even be like UBER who run the largest car rental service and not own a single vehicle! Or AirBnB who also do not own a single hotel.</div>
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<strong>How will outsourcing help you and your business?</strong></div>
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Outsourcing will benefit you and your business in many direct and indirect ways.</div>
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<li><strong>Monetary</strong> - You will save money by outsourcing. Directly, because you will not have to employ a full time person. And also because you can be more focused in your revenue-driven activities. You will also not need to invest money expanding your office.</li>
<li><strong>Flexibility</strong> - You can outsource tasks as and when you need to. It willbe like you have your own flexible staff to work for you as per your requirement. A tailor-made business service for you!</li>
<li><strong>Productivity</strong> - The person you outsource to, will be an expert in their feild. So the job will be done much better than it would have been done by someone who is already burdened with a lot of varied tasks. You will have improved quality and efficiency.</li>
<li><strong>Less headache</strong> - You will not be burdened with extra paperwork that hiring an employee brings.</li>
<li><strong>Future prospects</strong> - More often than not, people who outsource work, end up working together in the future either as collaborators or even business partners! Outsourcing is a very good way to test the waters if you are thinking of collaborating with someone. It will give you the idea of what it is like to work together without the fear of loss if things do not work out.</li>
<li><strong>Peace of mind</strong> - This is the most important benefit. Outsourcing will take off the anxiety from your mind. You will be able to concentrate on tasks that are important to you and you enjoy!</li>
</ol>
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<strong><img alt="outsourcing" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2040/4679/files/rawpixel-659493-unsplash_grande.jpg?v=1535463150" /></strong></div>
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<strong>How to find the perfect person?</strong></div>
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It is not easy, and you have to trust your gut a lot. But I can give you some signs to look out for.</div>
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First signs that you should <em>NOT</em> outsource to this person if</div>
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<li>This may sound trivial, but do not outsource to a person who has a casual email address like minty123@yahoo.com. If they are not even serious about their email address, which is their first impression on you, there is a possibility that they will not treat your work with seriousness.</li>
<li>They are too cheap! If the price they are quoting is way below the market rate or they are giving you a special discount (for no reason) DONT outsource!</li>
<li>Their answers are vague. If they always answer you in vague or un-understandable words, it is better to not hire them.</li>
<li>They do not sign a contract, especially if you are making a payment (full or part) upfront. A contract will not just protect them, but will also protect you if you are paying upfront. Their reluctance is definitely a red flag.</li>
<li>They do not give you a detailed invoice. You will need the invoice for your accounts. So if they are not ready to provide you with an invoice, DO NOT work with them.</li>
</ol>
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Now that we know what to look out for to avoid, let us see who you should work with?</div>
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<li>You are familiar with their work and absolutely love it! Go right ahead and outsource!</li>
<li>They are an industry leader. They share their work on all different media and platforms and are easily reachable (answer your emails or comments)</li>
<li>You are already getting value out of what they are sharing. If their tutorials are helping you improve your work they are definitely going to help you take your work to the next level.</li>
<li>Their prices might seem steep, but you dont find it over priced. They might quote a sum that is quite high (compared to the market rate) but you believe in the quality of their work and you know you will be getting value for your money. Go right ahead!</li>
<li>When the thought of working with them excites you! If you are looking forward to working with them, cannot wait to send that first email, DO IT! Its sure to be a positive outcome!</li>
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At the end of the day, it all comes down to trust. Do you trust this person to do exactly what you are paying them to do, based on what you have seen, read, heard, and learned about them? Or are you slightly uneasy about the whole thing, but think you're getting an incredible deal? Follow your gut.</div>
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<strong>How to make outsourcing run smoothly.</strong></div>
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While, outsourcing can help you with a lot of benefits, if not done properly, it can cause a lot of headache.</div>
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The basic issue starts with you having to relinquish control over (at least a part of) the task. Here are a few things that you can do to make things smoother for both of you.</div>
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<li><strong>Make a list.</strong> I suggest you make a list of ALL the tasks you do in your business. Then mark those which you do not like to do or you think are a 'waste of your time'. Then you can look at them and decide which tasks to outsource.</li>
<li><strong>Create processes.</strong> You know what goes into the task you are planning to outsource well than anyone else. Make a list of the process as you do it. Make sure to include every little important detail. If you include a hand written note in the package you want shipped, make sure you write it down!</li>
<li><strong>Communicate.</strong> Make sure you communicate your requirement AND your process details to the person who will be doing the task. They need to know what EXACTLY is expected from them. The more information you give, the easier working together will be.</li>
<li><strong>Follow up.</strong> Do not wait till the entire period of outsourcing is over to follow up. Have pre-decided intermediate conversations so both of you are aware where the collaboration is heading. It will be easier to make tweaks as you go rather than after everything is already done.</li>
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Trello is a wonderful platform to use for working with other people. It is similar to Pinterest, but a lot more easier to use when you are workign with multiple people on multiple projects; plus it has a lot of flexibility.</div>
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I am hoping my post will help you gain insight about the process of out-sourcing and you develop a fantastic partnership ahead! </div>
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Shruti Dandekarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06534182271330207949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447945533474067766.post-63619690537369249802024-01-08T16:22:00.006+05:302024-01-08T16:22:59.470+05:30Quilting Math : Where do you need it and why should you not be scared of it<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Quilting does require quite a bit of math. Right from composing your quilt to finding out how much binding you will need, there is a lot of Math involved at every step. Some quilters find it quite easy while some find it downright overwhelming. If you fall into the later category, this post is for you. Today we are going to take a quick look at some quilting math - mainly where do we need to use it and why we should not be terrified of it.</div>
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Are you ready to start your Quilting Math Class 01?</div>
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Grab a notebook and a pen, a calculator and cup of coffee or tea. Staying away from wine would be better for now. But you can always keep a bottle chilling in the fridge to celebrate later.</div>
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First up : Where do you need to use Math in Quilting?</div>
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Honestly, in a lot of places. But let us take them one by one and just list them. In later posts we will get to them one by one or in a bunch and I will tell you secrets that I use. Here are 5 places that I use quilting math in. </div>
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<li><strong>Designing your quilt. </strong>The first place you will need to know some math is designing your quilt.</li>
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<li>How big do you want the quilt to be?</li>
<li>Do you want it to be made of blocks?</li>
<li>How many blocks in all will you need?</li>
<li>What size?</li>
<li>What will be the size of sashing and borders?</li>
<li><strong>How much fabric will you need? </strong>You will need to calculate how much fabric of each colour/print you will need to make your quilt. This, again, will require some quilting math.</li>
<li><strong>Cutting fabric with little to no waste. </strong>If you can work out quilting math, you will be able to cut your fabric with little to no waste! We all agree that every little piece of fabric is precious, right?</li>
<li><strong>Calculating length of the binding required. </strong>You will need to ensure that you will not fall short of binding when you are finishing your quilt on a deadline.</li>
<li>And finally, <strong>pricing your quilt. </strong>Even if you're not selling your quilt, it is always helpful to know the value of your work!</li>
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<em><img alt="" height="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAgbwA6I4oGPaldnDSh3dUGW5QoIenuQQMTa-2K-He8L-lun0n7gmskmbS7nKiCimpbgZpphmRhcNSU4OqtCOWyBk22eibNlP_BRz-xXdAWvAQq_jCfq9hnZR-3zQBsxUOdIdzYfLMvh8/s1600/DSCF4014.JPG" width="600" /></em></div>
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<strong>Why should you understand quilting math and stop being afraid of it?</strong></div>
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The first main reason that insist that you try to understand quilting math is because "Quilting Math is hard" is a myth! An urban legend. I'm sure it has been propagated by someone who either writes or sells quilt patterns. That way, quilters will not even try their hand at designing their own quilts, but go ahead and buy patterns instead. </div>
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Quilting math is not at all hard. Yes, its not super easy. But it is something that I have been able to teach my 12 year old son and I'm sure you will be able to 'get' it. It might not come to you naturally, but I'm sure, given enough time, you can train your mind to understand and apply it.</div>
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What will happen when you learn how to work out the math in quilting?</div>
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<li>You will begin to design your own original quilts. Or even modifying a pattern to your own requirement will not be that hard. You might even want to start writing and selling your own quilt patterns.</li>
<li>You will be able to calculate the amount of fabric you will need for a quilt easily, with minimum errors. That will save you a lot of money and all the stress that you-might-just-run-out-of-fabric feeling causes!</li>
<li>You will be able to cut fabrics very efficiently and actually save fabric by preventing wastage.</li>
<li>You will always have enough binding!!!</li>
<li>You will know exactly how much your work is worth (so that you do not accidentally gift a not-so-close person a 2000$ quilt!) and can make profits when you sell your quilts. You will also be able to provide near-accurate quotes for when people come to you with an inquiry for a quilt.</li>
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Does that make you want to learn how to do your quilt math yourself? Stay tuned. We will start with "Designing your own quilt" on the 2nd of October and go through all the quilting math one at a time.</div>
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Shruti Dandekarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06534182271330207949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447945533474067766.post-20012120857521190832024-01-08T16:22:00.005+05:302024-01-08T16:22:55.089+05:30Hiring your first employee<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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You have thought it out well and finally, your business has reached a stage where you have enough work for a person to work for you full/part time! Congratulations! You know that you will need to hire soon but are not sure how you will go through the process! Keep reading while I take you through the process of hiring an employee.</div>
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Your main concerns might be: </div>
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<li>What to do before hiring?</li>
<li>How to hire?</li>
<li>How to help your new employee settle in?</li>
<li>How to fire an employee?</li>
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<strong>What should YOU do before you hire an employee?</strong></div>
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The first thing to do is to determine what you actually need. Which areas do you need help in? This process is almost halfway done by the time you realize you need to hire someone. But now, you need to think whether there will be enough work for the person you hire to keep them busy in their working hours.Before you consider hiring someone make sure that the work is not something you can outsource or collaborate for. These options are easier if you need help for a shorter period of time. When you hire an employee, you will not only need enough work, but also regular work. Think about all these aspects before you decide to even start looking for someone.</div>
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<strong>How to hire?</strong></div>
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You can look for people you know to hire them, or you can start looking for new-to-you candidates by publishing an advertisement or a call to apply. Here are a few things you need to keep in mind when you write your Call for Candidate (advertisement or listing or even messaging acquaintances).</div>
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<li>Your listing must have information about your company and your work culture.</li>
<li>It should have a clear description of the Job title, expectations and responsibilities.</li>
<li>If there is a certain skill set that you require the candidate to have (a software that they need to be well versed with) mention it.</li>
<li>Compensation, perks (if any) and benefits clear.</li>
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Before you start the interview procedure, make a list of EVERYTHING you expect the person to do for you. Time yourself doing the stuff and multiply it by 1.5 (you have been doing it for a while so you're obviously faster). That will be the time required for them to finish the tasks. Then multiply by the current hourly rate that is popular in your industry in your region. Check with a few friends who do what you do or similar work. That should be the compensation you should be willing to pay the person. Be ready to negotiate a little. When I employed my first assistant, I told her, "You work on the salary that I say for a month. After that if you do the work like the way I want, I will pay you the salary that you want!" It worked remarkably! I got to know how efficient she was and she got to know how much work there was actually to be done here.</div>
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How do you know who is right for you?</div>
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My best suggestion when it comes to hiring employees is to let them do the talking at the interview. Ask them enough questions to get them talking. Do not waste your time on rhetoric questions. Ask open ended questions that will get them speaking. Their manner of speaking, the words they choose as well as their knowledge will all tell you if they are the right person for you. If you are hiring for a skilled job, you can ask them to bring along something that shows off their skills. Even better, you can ask them to demonstrate their skills. Make sure you explain all the responsibilities to them. There should be no surprises later.</div>
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Like you expect to get the best person to do your job, you should also be the best employer for your new recruit. How can you do this? Pay well. You want the best work, they want the best pay. A little generosity will get a lot done. But do not overdo it, or your employee will expect the same.</div>
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<strong>How to help your new employee settle in?</strong></div>
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It is essential for both you and your new hire that you help them settle into their new role in your team. Here are a few ideas to help you do that.</div>
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<li>Show them around. Show them where they will be working. Where the coffee machine (or the pantry) is. Where the toilet is. Show them everything they will be using.</li>
<li>Introduce them to your team. Introduce them to everyone else who works for you. As you do this make their designation and role clear so that those who will be working directly with them are aware of their position.</li>
<li>Give them a few days to get the hang of how things work. Assign them a work-buddy if you can.</li>
<li>Be friendly. Check in with them regularly to ask if they have any concerns. </li>
<li>Define their responsibilities clearly. Do not have any ambiguous </li>
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There are a few ways you can make their experience better and also by </div>
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I suggest a rewards system. I use this even for my maids at home. If they complete all of their allotted work in the month and do not take a single holiday, I give them a 10% Bonus! That way they are motivated to not take a holiday.</div>
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You can also tie in some non-monetary rewards. Every year, in Navaratri, I send all my domestic staff to Kolhapur to visit the Mahalaxmi temple. It means a lot to the women in Maharashtra and they really appreciate it. I also invite them to lunch on one of the days. They totally enjoy it! Be innovative with your ideas! Do small things everyday that will help you connect to them.</div>
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Remember their birthdays. Remember their children's names. Inquire about their health when they seem a little off. Ask them how they feel about their work. If you find them excelling in their work, ask them if they would be willing to take on more duties.</div>
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<strong>How to fire an employee?</strong></div>
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Sometimes everyone does everything right yet things dont work out and you have to tell your employee to leave. I personally find this to be the most difficult task. I have pushed through with an unfavorable employee for over 8 months because I did not know how to tell her that she was not the right fit for my studio!</div>
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Here are a few things that can help you. The first would be to give regular performance feedback. Even if you have only one employee, get into the habit of having a monthly performance meeting. It does not have to be formal. Just sit down over a cup of coffee and talk about how they are performing. Are they working up to your expectations? Are there any changes that they need to do? Keep the conversation light and friendly and you will avoid a lot of uncomfortable situations. Firmly, but gracefully, show them areas where they need to work on. And at the next meeting give them an evaluation. If the offence is repeated over and over - warn them in no uncertain words that it might result in their termination.</div>
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Once you have decided to terminate someone, be very clear when you talk to them. Tell them that they have been terminated and their duties are no longer required. Tell them when they are expected to leave the premises and make sure that they do. If possible, previously pack their things into a box or a bag and keep them ready for them to take when they leave. That way you can be assured that they are not leaving with any of your important tools or documents.</div>
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Firing will be stressful for them as well as for you. So keep yourself calm and avoid raising your voice. There is no point in arguing with someone when you know they will not be working for you again. Assure them (if they have not committed any offence like theft or damage to property) that you will give them a letter (or word) of recommendation if they require it.</div>
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I'm hoping that my article will be useful to you. How many employees do you have in your business? Who was your first hire? Have you ever fired anyone of them?</div>
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Shruti Dandekarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06534182271330207949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447945533474067766.post-49739217761763505272024-01-08T16:22:00.004+05:302024-01-08T16:22:42.498+05:30Quilting Math 01 : Designing your quilt<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Last week, we discussed about Why you will need math in quilting and why you should embrace it rather than be scared of it. In today's post we will talk about the math you will encounter while designing your quilt. I will give you basic guidelines that you can then apply to a variety of quilt designs.</div>
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Shruti Dandekarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06534182271330207949noreply@blogger.com0