I was thinking about my interview with Brandy Maslowski on Canadian Quilt Talk. We covered a wide range of topics and I am sure I lived up to the name of my company, Chatterbox Quilts. It was fun talking about how I began quilting and how things have changed at Chatterbox Quilts over the years. We discussed how much technology has changed the way we interact with each other.
I got the idea for this mixed media collage from browsing on-line.
What keeps me busy has certainly changed a lot over the past couple of years. I have a greater focus on creating videos, both on Youtube and Curious.com. I find that it can sometimes be more effective to show someone how to do a craft in a video rather than to write about it. It's like a one-on-one conversation with my viewer. I'm still writing my blog but I use it as another way to communicate with my subscribers.
One of my more popular Youtube videos about my latest (new) machine.
I also use Facebook (where I have a fan page and a group) and Instagram (although I'm still learning this app) to communicate small snippets of information about what I'm creating or the latest idea that's caught my eye with my followers, subscribers and friends. Both of these sites allow me to keep up with fellow quilters and see what the latest trends are.
I don't know how I'd conduct my business without technology. It allows me to blog, send out newsletters (subscribe in the sidebar for Chatterbox Times), chat with creatives in other countries and post videos to help others. I wouldn't be able to sell my downloadable patterns without today's technology!
While it can sometimes be distracting, I've found that technology has allowed me to connect with quilters all over the world and make new friends with similar interests. I use it to learn new techniques and find information about vintage sewing machines. Where else would I find a manual for a vintage Singer 15-91 sewing machine or learn about upcoming quilt shows and events? While my husband might say, "You don't need to know that", I think he's in the minority.
While it can sometimes be distracting, I've found technology to be more of a help than a hindrance. While I might get other things accomplished if I didn't spend so much time on Facebook, I would miss out on all those cute cat photos and videos.
Let me know if you find technology a help or a distraction. Just leave me a comment below. And let me know your favourite cat photo LOL
