Here I am again and I want to write about the results of part of my experiment. One of my ‘rants’ here was about a student who had to tell me about how disappointed she was with me. She didn’t get the fabric that I offered in class because of a mess up on my part. I didn’t have enough for the entire class since that would not be a wise business move on my part. Then we over sold what we actually had by mistake. She was upset with me because of the mistake. I make mistakes.

I am now going to tell you what I have done about all this.

This month I am teaching in 4 different venues. In each of them I will be offering, to sold out classes, my Let Me Surprise You kits. This is the same class (different kits) that had the “add on” problem with the student I mentioned above. This month I am not offering any extras. I am going to show students different things that they can do to finish off the quilt but there will not be any extra fabric. They are going to have to find some. Go on a search, shopping the shelves of real stores as well as online. Finding what they want to do with the blocks that come in the kits. This is simply because the student who didn’t get her ‘add on’ told me she couldn’t finish the quilt. I know that she can. Just because she didn’t get the extras she still has the main part…the blocks.
I have a feeling that this won’t be very popular to those who, in the past, had enjoyed getting the extras. The ‘add on’ part is not for everyone, but when one person gets upset enough to make me stop and think about it I wanted to make a point or two.

1. One person can make others miserable. They can change the whole ball of wax. Watch what you say to people. Your words are hurtful. Try to be kind whenever possible.

2. Be creative. Even though you have never been a creative soul, you have it in you to be one. This will be the time to try it. Go out and make this a creative challenge.

3. Think of this as an opportunity to stretch. You have been within the lines too long and now you get to color beyond those lines. If the quilt is all lights, try to add a medium or dark value to the piece for contrast. Piece a border if you have never tried it. Come up with something that makes this kit your quilt.

After this month all will go back to normal and I will offer the ‘add on’ feature. If you want it, great, if you don’t, great. Being creative might be how I loose alot of students buying extras from me. I can handle that if the benefit is seeing a student grow creatively.
All that I want is that you make more quilts that reflect your personality, that make you happy and that you can be proud of in the end.

And to all a good quilt!

PS I just got an order in the mail from an online shop. They have the fabric that I ran out of and was cut to the core for doing so. It is out there. If you need any let me know and I will share a source.