The Insider Scoop On International Quilt Market in Pittsburgh

The Kona Bay troops and I spent the past weekend at the semi-annual International Quilt Market. Held in Pittsburgh this time, it was a fun time to be had by all! If you’ve never attended, Quilt Market is the big daddy trade show of the quilting industry.

We always look forward to seeing customers, colleagues and old friends. In addition to our US customers and Representatives, our distributors from around the globe make the trek to see what’s new. Thank you mates for making the trip and for your business.

Once again, the Kona Bay tradition continued. We distributed the famous and sought after chocolate covered macadamia nuts hand carried by yours truly from the tropical paradise known as Hawaii. If I didn’t know any better, I’d think people flocked to the booth for the chocolates instead of me! Hmmm, chocolates or Doug…I won’t ask.

Issue #16 of Asian Fabric Magazine had come out just before Market. We had a beautiful display of quilts by Georgie Gerl, our quilt designer, on display in the booth. Customers were snapping up the fabric used in her stunning designs. Be sure to pick up a copy at your local quilt store. Be sure, also, to fill out the questionnaire and send it in for a chance to win fabric from Kona Bay!

My heart was going pitter patter seeing all the Kona Bay fabric used in projects and new books as I cruised the aisles. We’ll introduce you to two of new books from Quiltwoman.com and FW Media in upcoming posts (make sure you subscribe—in the column to the right, so you don’t miss ‘em—it's free!)

Our group stayed at the Omni William Penn Hotel just a few blocks from the Convention Center and Market. Wow! The ultimate in luxury since 1916, the William Penn has been restored to its original grandeur and continues to live up to it’s long-standing reputation. It’s like stepping back in time to the gilded era.

I can hear all the foodies (and yes, I’m a member) singing in unison—Ah, yes, but what about the eats? First of all, we all took a vote and the room service pizza at the Omni was top rate. We also visited a Pittsburgh institution that had been featured on several TV shows we foodies dine vicariously on a regular basis. The Primanti Brothers serve up a whopping sandwich complete with French fries and coleslaw tucked between the bread walls. We visited the “original” restaurant. It was fun to indulge in more Pittsburgh history.

The Quilts, Inc folks always put on great show. They also orchestrate two very popular consumer shows—Chicago in the spring and Long Beach in the summer. They’re a must do for quilting enthusiasts and you can order tickets online for the Long Beach show, July 24-26.

Houston Quilt Market is early this year—October 10-12. That’s just around the corner in the fabric world. We’ll see you there!

The Story of Butterfly Symbolism in Asia

Issue #16 of Asian Fabric magazine is at the printer. As I promised in a previous post, I wanted to give you some information on the symbolic meanings of the butterfly in Asia.

You’ll find instructions for the Chocho Quilt (pictured here) beginning on page 24 of Issue #16. It's always more fun if you have a story to tell with your quilt.

In Japanese culture, butterflies carry a great number of meanings. Their most apparent symbolism is that of metamorphosis or transformation; they are specifically representative of those who have died as they are thought to carry the recently departed spirits.

Butterflies also symbolize spring, and both the Chinese and Japanese generally view them as symbols of happiness and joy. They are a very popular motif in Japan, and a great number of traditional family crests (Kamon) utilize the butterfly in their designs. They’re also one of the most popular motifs in Kona Bay fabric designs.

Often associated with traditional Shinto weddings, butterflies are seen adorning the sake flasks and containers that play such a prominent role in the ceremony and are thought to symbolize happiness within marriage as well as womanhood. There is even an old Japanese custom of sending two large paper butterflies as a wedding gift.

One Japanese superstition says that if a butterfly enters your guestroom and perches behind a bamboo screen, the person whom you most love is coming to see you. Butterflies are also often seen as messengers, and in following them one will be lead to a mystery’s end.

Watch for issue #16 of Asian Fabric at your local quilt shop. Be sure to fill out the survey on page 11 and 12, too! Send in your completed survey and you’ll be entered into a drawing to win several prizes of Kona Bay fabrics. And, remember, I love seeing photos when our readers have made projects out of the magazine, even when you prepare the recipes! It's a fun issue—don't miss it!

Kona Bay Appearing Daily On Etsy

Every day, I spend time on the internet—posting tweets to our fast growing league of Twitter followers and reviewing the many amazing products people have created with fabrics from Kona Bay. Along with enjoying photos of projects I’m emailed, Etsy has become one of my favorite places to linger.

Since 100% cotton fabrics are the norm for quilts, it’s often the first use people think of when they think of Kona Bay. Although there are, no doubt, thousands of quilts created every year by quilters around the globe, perhaps just as many other creative projects are made. I have found hundreds of examples on Etsy.

Of course, you recently saw our nations’ first lady wearing a stylish designer dress made completely with Kona Bay Fabric. Did I mention how excited we were to see that photo pop up in national papers? The thought still makes me smile!

In case you have never heard of Etsy—it’s an online marketplace where you can buy and sell handmade items. There may be no other place online that exhibits such a phenomenal display of talent all at one site. Launched in 2005 and not even five years old, Etsy is a runaway success story.

The Etsy community boasts nearly 2 million members and growth doesn’t seem to be slowing. Each seller has their own shop where you can buy their products and learn more about them. It’s boutique shopper’s paradise! I’ve also heard that it’s a source of inspiration for many.
I wanted to share a few fun products I found today.

KOALACaddie has developed a unique craft apron for knitters and chrocheters. I think these clever aprons could be appreciated by handywomen (and men!) of all kinds.

Pink Sweetie offers pendants, magnets and hair adornments using fabric covered buttons. These delightful little gems are the perfect option the next time you need an affordable gift (it’s ok to give yourself a gift).

Sandra's Creations’ stylish bags will take you from the beach to the office and grocery shopping in between.

These are just a few examples of the creative ways folks are using Kona Bay. Visit Kona Bay to see what’s new and Etsy for inspiring ideas on how to use your stash so you can make room for new designs.

Quilting Their Way To A Better Tommorrow

These are challenging times for families from every corner of the country. Almost all of us know people who have been impacted by the downturn in our nations economy and the strife of war. And for many, the reality is hitting close to home.

Yet, every day, I see heartfelt examples of quilters stepping up to help to help their neighbors, communities and countries.
Oregon now has the 2nd highest unemployment ranking in the country but the Quilts from Caring Hands group, in Corvallis, Oregon, continues their important effort in the midst of it. Each year, the volunteer group sews about 400 quilts that are donated to local public service agencies. Up to 50 women participate.

A recent effort will benefit the Center Against Rape and Domestic Violence. Women from the group worked with an elementary class at Franklin School. Students, ages 5 and 6 stitched colorful blocks and were able to experience first hand the satisfaction of helping another.

Across the country in Mascoutah, Illinois, Lillian Heberer (pictured here), age 99, was the star of the 30th Annual Quilt Show held at the St. John United Church of Christ in Muscoutah this past weekend. Mrs. Heberer quilts with her group, which she was very instrumental in keeping together, once a week.

Lillian has plenty fans since everybody that gets married in her circle of friends, gets one of her quilts. She generously shares her knowledge and the experience gained from a century of staying busy and having something to look forward to—the secrets to a long life, according to Mrs. Heberer.

The Quilt of Valor Foundation, headed up by Catherine Roberts, is moving towards comforting 22,000 service members and veterans from the War on Terror with a tactile reminder of a caring community. Their Mission is to cover all war wounded and injured (physically and/or psychologically) with Quilts of Valor (QOV).

The QOV Foundation is a well-organized national effort that directly supports the men and women who are keeping our country safe. They rely on people like you and I to continue their work.

As our country works to move past an unfortunate recession, I am proud to work in an industry that supports quilters. In my nearly twenty years in this business, I am constantly touched by the generosity and kindness I have seen and experienced from quilters across the country. Should you need a new pattern to work with, remember, you can always visit the Kona Bay Fabrics site to download a lovely free pattern. Thank you for all you do!

Kona Bay Makes International News!

Kona Bay Fabrics and our nations’ first lady, Michelle Obama, have made the news again. When I made my earlier post, The First Lady Wears Kona Bay, a couple months ago, we were so excited to see Ms. Obama in photos all over the internet and I many publications wearing a lovely and oh so stylish designer dress made with a Kona Bay Fabric design.

Apparently, they caught wind of it in Japan, too. Earlier this month I received an email from one of our artists. As the proud creator of the featured fabric, EMPE-23 Black, from our Emperor’s Collection, he was anxious to share news of Kona Bay’s recognition in Japan.

The artists who worked on this design are trained in the kyo-yuzen method. EMPE-23 features pines and wisteria, two very common kyo-yuzen motifs. The herons were added as an accent. Rich colors are used in kyo-yuzen designs that typically feature picturesque scenes akin to life in Japan.

The yuzen dyeing method was introduced to Japan in the 8th century in Kyoto. Kyo-yuzen dyeing is traditionally used for kimonos and haori (short coats). The method is still practiced in the Kyoto region of Japan and was officially designated as a traditional craft in 1976. Kona Bay is fortunate to work with some of the finest artists who still practice the art.

We appreciate the good taste of our lovely First Lady and want to again thank her for choosing a Kona Bay fabric. Kona Bay Fabrics EMPE-23 is still available. Be sure to visit the Kona Bay Fabric website to see what’s new and many designs created in the kyo-yuzen method!

We’re In Our New Offices!

We’re nearing the end of the first week settling in to our newly consolidated office and warehouse in Redmond, Washington.

It’s been a busy week. Fifteen pallets arrived from Honolulu this week. Can you picture it!? Additional phone lines are in and the light bulbs have been changed in the offices that have sat empty for years waiting for our arrival. It’s good to have all the staff in one location—Kona Bay Fabrics is humming!

I’ve always traveled back and forth between Honolulu and Redmond and love the cool weather of the Pacific Northwest. The staff, though, is facing a little bit of an adjustment. It’s been a rainy and cool this week and I’m seeing warm boots and coats I’ve never laid eyes on before. Kristina’s little dog, Tiffany, even got a stylin’ new sweater for her Northwest outings.

I’m excited about all the new ideas and events we’ll be able to craft now that we’re here. We’ve been celebrating the move by making over 100 different six yard bolts available to quilt shops. This translates into more variety. It’s also translates into a quick sale through so quilters should get into their local shops and strike while the iron is hot! Visit our website and take a look at the four pages of six yard bolts available.

Don’t forget to make the change in your address books:

Kona Bay Fabrics, 15036 NE 95th Street Suite A, Redmond, WA 98052

We also have a new fax number: 1-425-867-3054. The phone 1-800-531-7913 remains the same.

I’ll tell you one thing…my coffee sure tastes good while I watch it rain outside. I’d love your comments about the “must do’s “ for the Pacific Northwest. We're all looking forward to exploring more.

Partner With Technology And Increase Your Fabric Sales

Where do quilt shop customers come from? If you own one and you’re not asking yourself that question on a regular basis, you might be missing out.

The internet has changed the way business and customers play the retail game. Once upon a time, it might have been enough to have a shop newsletter printed up once month or quarter. Your customers would sign up for your mailing list or maybe just pick it up when they came in to buy fabric.

The shop newsletter was a good way, and still is, to communicate with your customer. Today, though, many of your customers spend hours online. Are they spending some of that time with you?

Let’s look at a few of the key tools successful shops are using:

Websites Many people have abandoned their phone books in lieu of the internet. If they need a service, they use their favorite search engine to find it. Will they find you? No longer is your customers’ first impression always when they walk through the door. It might be online!

Kona Bay Fabrics has worked hard to build a useful site for our customers and quilters around the globe.

Ecommerce Quilters today are busy with families, jobs, activities and the home. More and more, they’re turning to internet stores to save time. If you have a brick and mortar store, you’re halfways there. If you’re not selling your goods online, it’s a good time to start. Kona Bay, aware of how busy shop owners are, was the first to offer online ordering for our wholesale customers.

Blogs Some folks still think of the early personal journals that made up many of the blogs found online. Today, businesses are using the blog format to communicate with their customers and build an interactive community. A blog allows you a way to stay in touch with your customers on a regular basis using a very cost effective format. The Kona Bay blog you’re reading prompts a lot of feedback.

Twitter This hot, relatively new, social networking and micro-blogging tool is taking the web by storm. Each 140 character post reaches out to your followers. This fun new tool can be a quick and easy way to promote your store and it’s specials. Follow me on Twitter and let me show you the way grasshopper!

Email Exceptional customer service has always been our goal at Kona Bay Fabrics. Making sure you can be reached via email is a simple step in the right direction. Some people are simply more comfortable with email than phone calls. Make it easy for them by providing easy access to a frequently checked email. A little secret…It’ll save you time, too! You can always reach Kona Bay by email and expect a quick response—konabay@konabay.com.

The flipside of this is to make sure you are always building your email list. There is no easier way to communicate with your customer. Send out your newsletter (there are many easy to use templates and services to help) or notifications of upcoming classes. Maybe you have a big sale coming up—remind them, I guarantee your customers want to know about it!

There are more online tools! But master these and you’ll be well on your way to selling fabric with technology on your side. Let me know some of the tools you’re company is using. I always love hearing from you—douglas@konabay.com!