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Multi-Needle Monday: The Craftsy Craze

You know the saying that there is never a perfect time to have a baby or get married or do whatever etc etc…It is so true and it’s called life! Our wonderful, loving yet elderly mother passed away in November 2014 while I was working on my Craftsy class. My proposal with Craftsy was accepted in October and I thought a December taping would work ok. Well, mom was definitely not herself when I went to visit in early November and we all noticed a sudden unenthusiastic demeanor. She was always interested in all six of her daughters’ and 12 grandchildren’s stories. She read three newspapers a day; completely a daily crossword puzzle and called us on the phone. All of these routines stopped. She lost interest. We knew her health was failing. Mom could not breathe from COPD and was on oxygen 24-7. It’s a horrible disease and a preventable one. She lost her fight and her “girls” were heartbroken.

I could not focus on work related tasks and to-do lists after her death. But I know my mom would have told me to push through with the commitments I made, stay busy and don’t dwell on sad or negative things. She was right, again. Craftsy gave me the choice to push our date back but my class chapters were 90% ready. So the push continued and I am so glad I did.

My class is bit different than most because it is instructional only. We do not create projects but I guide the student along the way to starting an embroidery business. So many people I meet around the country tell me they embroider for friends, co-workers and family members for free because they are not confident charging for their craft or hobby. Machine embroidery is the perfect business or profession to work in because it’s so flexible.

Eileen's Machine Embroidery Blog

The atmosphere at the Craftsy studios is young, fun energy and completely professional at the same time. That can be a hard balance to achieve but they have. The studios are housed in an old taxi cab call center; think of the TV show Taxi.

Eileen's Machine Embroidery BlogEileen's Machine Embroidery Blog

Each separate quiet studio has its own camera and sound equipment and staff. My crew worked with me for 3 full days of taping (now they are experts at hooping and tackling hats). The hardest part of the week is trying to smile for hours on end. They really treat you like a star.

Eileen's Machine Embroidery Blog

 

The producer is the captain of the ship for sure and the cameraman and editor are the indispensable crew members who all work side by side in the studio with endless wires and sound breaks.

Eileen's Machine Embroidery Blog

Eileen's Machine Embroidery Blog

Did I mention how loud it is when a workman goes up on the metal rooftop during our segment? The entire studio, which consists of 5 individual studios complete with their own crew, meets for lunch at the same time each day. I think it eliminates the noise and gives everyone time to chat and discuss the production. It also gives the instructors a chance to meet other instructors who are taping a variety of segments.

Eileen's Machine Embroidery Blog

I totally forgot to photograph the Keurig coffee station! Every flavor imaginable was offered.

The Craftsy headquarters are located in a high rise building in downtown Denver.

Eileen's Machine Embroidery Blog

The cubicles are carefully and artistically decorated with a variety of off-the-wall mementos; such as unicorns and dinosaurs.

Eileen's Machine Embroidery Blog

The quiet phone closet features record album covers.

Eileen's Machine Embroidery BlogEileen's Machine Embroidery Blog

 

During my quick visit they were installing new wiring which looked like it would be enough for the entire high rise building but was only for the offices on one floor.

Eileen's Machine Embroidery Blog

My experience was absolutely enjoyable and productive at the same time. I hope you have chance to view my class “How to Start an Embroidery Business” if you are interested in starting an embroidery business in the future. Click here and receive a discount on my class. See you over at Craftsy!

 

 

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