Pressing Matters

We’re solidly into July, and my first in-person quilt show is 8 weeks away. I have bag samples to make, some other deadline-sensitive projects to finish, inventory to order, prepare and package, new ideas to bring to fruition, and my everyday work tasks to keep up with. I can handle all of that, no worries. What makes me feel the most pressure is keeping up with Bucklebee’s Instagram account. (follow us @bucklebee_patterns.)

Social media platforms have their problems, to be sure. But frankly, they’re the only kind of advertising that micro mom-and-pop shops like mine can afford. There’s constant pressure for content, content, content, and if a post falls flat, our standing in the algorithm ranking does, too, so fewer people see our next—but potentially brilliant—post. I try to post a nicely balanced mix of product photos, sewing tips, food shots, projects in progress, and a little humor now and again. For me, it’s a struggle to come up with at least one solid idea every day. You can help me out. Instead of just tapping that little heart and scrolling on, save my post by tapping the little ribbon on the right. (You can unsave me later.) Or share a post with a friend. Or leave a comment.

For the next couple of weeks, I’m going to work on new product photos for my catalog. Watch for those. And stop by the Toolshop page and the Apparel page for some great new merchandise, too!