For some time, I’ve considered developing my quilting heritage surrounding the Trails End Quilters, into a series of books, patterns and recipes. 
 I’ve even started a blog to this effect, Tales of the Trails End Quilters and work at it off and on as I research more information. 
Here is the description of my blog as it relates to my quilting heritage.
My quilting heritage began at Trails End Farm in Milan, New York. There I often sat beside my grandmother cutting squares and sewing them by hand. Eventually I realized that my mother and her sister, their grandmother, and others made quilts here, …read more

Mention the words, Elm Creek or Elm Creek Quilts, and most anyone familiar with the quilting world immediately thinks of the series of books written by Jennifer Chiaverini.  Whether Jennifer thought she’d be writing a series, as well as brancing out into fabric design, quilt patterns and recipes when she started, I don’t know.  However, she has branded herself and Elm Creek (the location of most of the stories in this series), so that quilters and others who are captivated by her books immediately pick them up.
I knew Jennifer at a online writers’ group when she sold her first book.  I was excited …read more

I saw mention somewhere about a business whereby an enterpreneur prints your children’s art onto fabric.  Then she will make it into a quilt or hanging for you.  Or you can.
This is an interesting idea to expand upon for a home business, especially if you’re familiar with printing on fabric using your computer and printer.   There are many types of family photos and art you can print on fabric.  Either the business owner or the family member can use the fabric creatively for:

Quilts
Wall hangings
Tote bags
Placemats
Tablecloths
Dresser scarves
Clothing, such as skirts and vests
Pillows

What ideas do you have for creating this type of …read more

As you’ve read in Home Businesses I’ve Pursued, I’ve been involved in a number of ventures over the years.  Would I have been better to have stayed with one or was I right in becoming involved in a number of them, some of which I operated simultaneously? 
Some people might say I’ve jumped around a lot and didn’t stick with one thing.  Others would realize that times change, the economy changes, our lives change, regulations change and markets change.
Changes in Technology
I can’t think of any that I could pursue just as I did when I started, especially any home business I …read more

“Can you help me make these lined drapes for my room?”
a friend of my daughter’s asked.  “I thought I’d save money by making them myself.”
They calculated yardages and Deb arrived with fabric in hand.  They spent the afternoon making and lining the drapes.
A reader, who works at a fabric store, mentioned,  “We have seen a great increase in business due to more people choosing to make, rather than buy, their gifts, home decor, etc.”
We often don’t think of fabric stores as home businesses, but in our small town, there were two very successful ones located in the owners’ homes.  One …read more

What kinds of home business opportunities are there for creative individuals?  What is the outlook for creative work in the economy?  There are lots of home businesses you can start now to fill a need in your community and give vent to your creative talents. Here are just a few examples:
Catering. Creative cooking is an art (if you don’t believe me, watch the cooking contests on the Food Channel), and businesses still need caterers to prepare meals for groups and events.  If you can convince local companies that you offer a quality service at a competitive price, you will have …read more

HomeBizNotes.com 

Quilters often add interest to their talks and workshops with “Trunk Shows.”  They carry their ”show and tell” items in an antique trunk.  When on stage, before a group, or at a booth, they drape some of the items over the trunk and display in the trunk (or trunks).
However, this idea could carry over to almost any type of talk or workshop.  Find an old trunk, a unique trunk, or any type of carry-all that will add interest to your talk…or simply when you’re transporting your show items.
Have you used a trunk for any of your talks?  Did you decorate it to go along …read more

HomeBizNotes.com
What’s the future of self-publishing?
 Many authors and small press are wondering now that Amazon appears to have altered its rules.  (See Anne Wyman’s Amazon, BookSurge and the Future of POD  and Yvonne Russell’s Is The Future of Self-Publishing In Doubt?)
I think self-published authors will need to become even more creative and not depend simply on one outlet…or think one outlet is the only way to go. I’ve only sold one of my books through Amazon and that was produced by a small publisher who handled the distribution. I also discovered one of my self-published titles on Amazon’s used book list.
My others are …read more

HomeBizNotes.com
If you grew up in an era that I did, you might feel self-conscious about “tooting your own horn.” My mother called that bragging and felt it was for others to tell about. She was proud of us when we received recognition, but the general feeling was to downplay it.
However, when we’re in business, our customers and clients like to know they’re dealing with someone who is successful or recognized for their achievements. You can learn to do this in a way that’s informative and humble, not with braggadocio. You also give others the incentive for achieving themselves when they …read more

I’ve mentioned previously that you never know when you may be interviewed as a result of  your home business.  Gayla McCord, the Channel Editor at the Lifestyles Channel  (where I write the Quilting and Patchwork blog) interviewed me for At Home for the Holidays with b5media Lifestyles Channel. 
There you can learn more about me and my enjoyment of quilting and blogging . (I write three blogs for b5media.)  You’ll even view a photo of one of my daughter’s fabric postcards, which ties in with fabric art work I do. 
Sometimes home business interviews will result because you seek them out; other times they will …read more