The Kiss of Spring is a Wonderful Thing!

Editor's note:  This entry was originally posted on my old blog 29APR2009.  Life has changed, the blog has changed and the shop now has a new home.  But it's history and some of it's interesting ... and I hope you enjoy some of the background.  signed JG, 12AUG2010

Phew - I am so glad Spring has finally arrived ...

First thing you'll notice is that it's been ages since I've posted ... why? Well, there's been a lot going on and I hope you'll understand.

1. I wanted to move my blog - involves finding the right location and the actual move - accomplished yesterday.  We hope you like the new look.  It turns out that move wasn't right either.  I'm hoping this new start will be the right one.
2. In January I had to make the very difficult decision to close our showroom in Everett (Washington).  Decisions like this make me want to stick my head in the sand ... but made it needed to be and I think (eventually) it will feel as right as it should.  It was the right decision, I know that now and am loving having the shop here in Belgium.  But a visit to the NW would not go amiss, I am missing everyone sooo much!
3. I travelled to the US for 10 weeks - yes, 2-1/2 months - all in one go.  That's just too darn long to be away from home but there was a lot to do.  It turned out I bounced around staying with a bunch of friends which was a lot of fun but did cause (just a little bit) of disorganization.
4. Therefore ... many things fell by the wayside - the blog was just one.

Here's a picture of the container we shipped to Belgium - thank goodness to a number of friends who helped me pack it just two days before I flew out ...

I returned back from Seattle last Friday and am becoming reacquainted with my home and garden.  Ha - if I thought my "work" list was long ... you should so the household list of things to do.  That of course never ends.  We moved to a bigger home/shop in December '09 and I'm slowly (painfully slow) getting it re-decorated and looking more homey.

Regardless, I'm going to forge ahead.  You'll see many changes at PEACOCK & periwinkle - yes, we are still around - we still carry ribbons, silk and many other wonderful things that you have always enjoyed from us in the past.  Yes, indeed, P&P has gone through some changes.  The shop is now branded "Jovita's Patchwork Atelier" - to make it more European multi-language friendly.  But P&P will still be around more in it's original capacity as a "resource center."  I hope to tell you more about that soon.

So - rest assured I'm back and eager to show and share everything I've been up to ... stay tuned!  Well, it turns out I wasn't as rested as I hoped.  It took me nearly a year to build up the energy to re-open the shop and another summer to be ready to tackle blogging again.  Long may this new burst of energy last. Pin It Now!

Survey Results

Well, the results are in for P&P’s first customer base survey. It was a very interesting experience for us. So many of you answered and we’ve compiled the results for you below. Many of you added comments, personal messages and suggestions. Thank you so much!

We’ll aim for frequent surveys to reflect your interests so keep your ideas coming. Our next survey will also expand on these results to clarify and add to the results.

We received comments about why and how we have our machines serviced. Things we love and hate about our machines. So many thoughts and ideas - I will be expanding on them in upcoming blog updates, so be sure to check back soon and often.

How many Sewing Machines do you own?

38% of us own 4 or more sewing machines
24% of us own 3 machines
22% of us own 2 machines
16% of us own 1 machine

What Brand of sewing machine do you primarily use to piece your quilt tops?

Baby Lock	3%
Bernina	30%
Elna	3%
Husqvarna	4%
Janome	10%
Kenmore	2%
New Home	2%
Pfaff	24%
Singer	2%
- Featherweight	5%
Viking	11%

How old is your Sewing Machine?

4% of our machines are “New”

(less than one year old)

17% are 1-2 years old
28% are 3-4 years old
33% are 5-10 years old
35% are 10+ years old

How often do you clean and oil?

12% weekly
30% monthly
14% every three months
14% twice per year
22% once per year
8% answered “Am I supposed to?”

Do you service your machine regularly?

11% answered “No”
17% answered “Yes, I do it myself”
48% answered “I take it to the repair (wo)man annually”
24% answered “I take it to a repair (wo)man only if I have a problem”

Those surveyed were asked to choose 3 criteria which they deemed 'most important' when deciding where to take their machine for repair or service?

66% answered “Location / Convenience”
54% answered “Brand Affiliation”
53% answered “Turn-around Time”
47% answered “Accessibility” - ie, the ability to speak to your repair (wo)man directly
32% answered “Cost”

Are you happy with your current machine or would you like to buy a new one?

72% answered “I love my machine and don't want to change”
26% answered “I'd like to buy a new one but the current economy has me thinking twice.”
2% answered “I'd like to buy a new one and am on the lookout!”

In addition to piecing, what else do you use this machine for?

79% of us use the same machine for various Craft and Sewing Projects
77% of us also use the same sewing machine for Straight Line Quilting
57% of us use the same machine for Free Motion Machine Quilting
66% of us use the same machine for Garment Sewing
63% of us use the same machine for Machine Applique

Do you use a different machine for quilting?

64% answered “No, I primarily hand quilt or send my quilt tops to a Long Arm Quilter.”

36% answered “Yes”

Pin It Now!