Fabric Attic Quilting Guild
and Referral Network

Describe the cooperative network and how it will work?.

My work in building the Telecom Trader web site www.telecomtrader.com  has shown that a close knit membership group WILL work together for the benefit of all.  Telecom Trader, members use the referral network when they need help completing projects, produce piece-work, or just need advise or an encouraging word. The Telecom Trader Cooperative has exceeded my wildest expectations.  My vision for the Fabric Attic Quilting Guild are exactly the same.

If I can get a bunch of telecom geeks to play nicely together, I am confident I can do the same with my other circle of friends, quilters and crafters.

I am also adding new features to this site.  A password protected member-only discussion page, question and answer forum, sponsored chat room and more are planned.

 How do you become ‘accepted into the cooperative network’?

First and foremost, you must demonstrate superior quality in your products.   You should send photographs of three finished products (front and back of each).   At some point, you will be assigned two or more sample projects to submit for quality inspection.  If you have references or nice notes from recipients of your quilts, include those as well.    

Can I really earn money doing this?

Absolutely!  Laptop photo memory quilts sell for an average of $300 each.  Personalized photo dolls sell for $35 - $50 each.  Canvas mounted oil painted photographs sell for $50 plus.  I limit myself to 3 or 4 quilt orders per month and would like to cut  back.  I receive 15-20 memory quilt sales inquiries per month from the web site. These inquiries/sales leads are sometimes sent out ‘round robin style’, based on availability of associates and product preferences.

I only fulfill orders others cannot accept or fit into their schedules.  I’m also the soft touch when it comes to accommodating last minute requests.

 New Frequently Answered Questions:June, 2003

1.  Should you quit your day job?

2.  Why do you have to submit samples of your work for my inspection?

3.  What increases my chances of receiving orders from Connie's Corner?

4.  What does Connie get out of all this?

5. Can you sell your other products (not photo transfer) on the web site. 

6.  How much do you get paid?

7.  How do you 'win' orders.

8. Do I ever reject your work?

9.  Do I give second chances?

10. Why do I constantly look for new guild members?

1.  Should you quit your day job?

Not on my recommendation you shouldn't.  Remember, you own your own business.  As such, you should never rely on income from anyone else, including ME!

2.  Why do you have to submit samples of your work for my inspection?

Because you do. 

There are more guild applicants than I can possibly accept.  Only the best make it, and in order to insure this, I have to hold your work in my hand and put it under the lighted magnifying glass.  Of even greater importance, Garry puts your work under it too!

3.  What increases my chances of receiving orders from Connie's Corner?

You have to better and faster than me.

This is easier than you might imagine.  I am the slowest worker in our group and I make more mistakes and have more 'do overs' than anyone else.  At least I am the only one who frequently admits it.

4.  What does Connie get out of all this?

Interesting question. 

So far, nothing.  I'm open to suggestions though.

I make one quilt per week and I fill in the 'last minute - must have now' requests.  So far this year, the orders are spread out so that I have a reasonably full schedule.  Customer inquiries are lower this first half of 2003.  I've seen more inquiries this last two weeks than in all of Feb - May.

5.  Can you sell your other products (not photo transfer) on the web site. 

Absolutely!  I'm the boss around here and I can do anything I want!

I'll look at anything you have.   I am going to add several new pages including: a 'vintage fabric arts' page, custom made traditional quilts,  quilt restoration, holiday novelties, and more as I get new submissions.

6.  How much do you get paid?

Pretty much whatever you want.

Although from this moment forward, I also have to make a profit.  If you expect $30, then figure I have to charge $50 (or whatever).  Also remember that we are competing with literally thousands of others scrambling for a share in the pie.

One advantage to our cooperative guild is that we can consolidate our efforts, offer a wider range of talents and styles, and serve as information, mentoring, and helpful resources for each other.

Our profits are often increased because I ask for customer budget instead of listing straight pricing.  I do have some pricing expectations listed.  The downside of this is that I am really a softie and I can't turn down some of the lower budget quilts. If someone really wants something but can't afford our higher prices, I do everything in my power to make it work for them.  So far, all of you have been really great at donating or reduced cost work for special causes that tug at our heartstrings.  The rewards will come back to us. Surely one day.  My mother says so.

7.  How do you 'win' orders.

I am cautiously optimistic that our holiday orders will be as good as last year.

When I get a customer inquiry, I follow up with customer communication until the order is sold. Each of you has different specialties, talents and time.

 Sometimes I will ask for custom design proposals.  Other times I will ask for your price to construct a quilt from materials and instructions I provide.   For each, you submit your price and then I make decisions about who gets the work.  These decisions aren't based on price alone.  Sometimes delivery time is a factor, other times I will choose you for work that I know is your specialty. 

8. Do I ever reject your work?

Sadly, yes I do.

It must be perfect.

9.  Do I give second chances?

Sometimes, but rarely.

There are too many people wanting to participate in this network.  Right now, I can manage 6 associates.  There are two fatal mistakes.  If your work is not perfect, or if you miss a due date.  There are no possible excuses.  If you commit to a due date and you miss it, you are done. If your work is not perfect, you may be given chance to do over.

10. Why do I constantly look for new guild members?

Quite simply, almost all of the good ones go out on their own and do very well.

This does not upset me.  Of the 6 qualified associates I work with at any one time, three have been with me since the beginning.   Someone of you is always moving off to do your own thing.

Would I like to have a permanent group?  Oh heavens yes!  I spend countless hours coaching and mentoring.  It would be beyond wonderful to have all of you with me longer.  These are not my choices.