Tag: Summer

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AQR Summer Camp: Learn more!

Summer Camp

The 4th of July is just around the corner! Before you take vacation, check out AQR Summer Camp on July 1st from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. CST.

Camp Details

The theme of AQR Summer Camp is “Show Off Your Shop” plus “Let’s Talk Batiks.” Scott Fortunoff of Jaftex Corp will kick off the event with his challenge for quilt shop owners. The challenge will be a great opportunity to develop your video skills while also showing off your store. Who knows, maybe you’ll get some new customers along the way? Winners of the challenge will get a visit from Scott to your store!

Following Scott, Karen Gibbs for the Love of Batiks will teach you how to make your batiks shine. During Karen’s session she’ll cover the whole nine yards, including batik education, purchasing, selling through your current stock, and developing an action plan. Make sure your batiks are selling at the best of their ability and hear how Karen has tackled the post-pandemic batik landscape.

Pricing

Pricing for this camp is $65 for non-subscribers and $35 for subscribers.

If you’re looking for more information to guide you in owning a retail business, subscribe to American Quilt Retailer today. Already a subscriber? No worries—join our Facebook group for insights and dialogue from industry specialists like you.

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Summer 2021 Quilting Trends

Summer trends

Summer is officially here. To celebrate, we’ll be covering some of the hottest trends to keep your new quilters inspired. Did your business see a boom of new quilters this past year? You’re not alone, and you won’t be surprised to discover they aren’t going anywhere!

Picnic blankets – perfect for summer

People are making their own quilt staple these days—the picnic blanket. Try to keep fabrics around that encourage a summer theme (think fruits, the beach, and even astrology are hot topics right now). New quilters love to brag about their DIY projects. Now they can show off their skills over an outdoor lunch.

Framed quilts

Another way new quilters like to show their skills off are with framed quilts or wall hangings. These are more design oriented, with a focus on colors and shapes that bring rooms together. Color contrasts are hot right now (yes, even blacks) and hexagons are a popular modern shape.

Table placement

Functionality is important to new quilters too (hasn’t it always?). Think any sort of table decor including placemats, potato cookers, hot pads, push pins, table runners, etc. They’re great beginner and easy projects that keep quilters coming back for more.

Patchwork

Nothing screams quilter like patchwork patterns. You’ve likely noticed the trend already. Patchwork is appearing on all articles of clothing including jackets, purses, hats, and even socks.

Be sure to make yourself available as a resource to new quilters. Think about your preferred machines, tools, fabrics, and more. As they expand their horizons, they’ll be looking to someone with experience to guide them in the right direction.

If you’re looking for more information to guide you in owning a retail business, subscribe to American Quilt Retailer today. Already a subscriber? No worries—join our Facebook group for insights and dialogue from industry specialists like you.

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Fourth of July Crafts

Even though it seems like summer has just started, the Fourth of July is already here! Check out these five craft ideas you can add to your window display to celebrate the holiday of the summer.

  1. American Flag Backdrop. Cut up strips of red, white, and combined red and white material you have in stock at your store and tie them to burlap string. Find some blue material with stars and pin to the top left corner—and there you have it, a homemade flag that doubles as a backdrop!
  2. Handkerchief quilt. Make the quickest quilt ever with red, white, and blue handkerchiefs. You’ll need three of each color, and after a little sewing with quarter-inch seams, you’ll have a patriotic quilt hanging in your window in no time.
  3. Cardstock wreath. Wreaths are every crafters favorite project because they’re known for being quick, easy, and cute. You’ll need red, white, and blue cardstock, and cardboard a little smaller than what you want your wreath to be. Roll the cardstock into cones, and glue them to the cardboard, stacking them on top of each other in a circle. Cover the center with a fanned piece of cardstock in the color of your choice.
  4. Clothespin flags. Probably the most self explanatory craft, paint clothespins and glue them together so they make a miniature version of our nation’s flag.
  5. Patriotic string lights. You’ll need red, white, and blue yarn, 5-inch balloons, petroleum jelly, and string lights. Inflate the balloons. Soak the yarn in two parts petroleum jelly to one part water. Tie the yarn to the tied end of the balloon, and wrap. Wait 48 hours. Pop the balloons and remove them from the yarn. Place balls of string over lights and voilà! Your own DIY string lights.

Don’t fret if time is short, these crafts will transform your window display so you’re ready to celebrate.

If you’re looking for more information to guide you in owning a retail business, subscribe to American Quilt Retailer today. Already a subscriber? No worries—join our Facebook group for insights and dialogue from industry specialists like you.