
Welcome! We are multi-faceted. We began as a research podcast by Dr. Townsend Gard at Tulane University.
We've grown into a community about quilting, crafting, entrepreneurship and intellectual property.
-
We have books!
-
We are an authorized Grace Longarm dealer
-
We experiment in all kinds of fun.
-
We are undefinable.
Our research is based at Tulane University, and our products are sold through Quilting Army Krewe, LLC.
Shelly Ast of Havel's Sewing
Interviewed by Elizabeth Townsend Gard
Date March 2018
Shelly Ast is from Havel's Sewing, a connection we made through Stephanie at Modern Sewciety. Shelly is going to talk to us about all things sharp! Scissors is what they specialize in. She sent a research sample. We are going to talk to her about the different kinds of scissors, the cutting board they sent and so much more?
Starting with Season 2, Havel's Sewing is now one of our Sponsors. We are really excited about this. They have sent a box of wonderfully sharp things to supply our Quilt Workshop.
Things they sent and we fell in love:
-

Topics
Hal and Elsa Schmithurst
The development of the company
Patents and other means of protection
What makes their scissors the "best"
Where they are carried
All about scissors
- double angles
- extra fine tip
- blunt tip
- dual shears
- serrated- different sizes
- "fabric scissors"
- Embroidery versus quilting versus applique scissors
The amazing ripper (that Lauren Anderson now has)
The cutting/board system (that Edith and Beecher now has)
Importance of social media
News and Events: where Havel has appeared
- Sew.tv (now closed)
The importance of being a sponsor
Quilt shows
Other ways they get their product out
Manufacturing
New designs/old favorites
Jamie Fingal, Terry White, and Liz Kettle, and free e-books of quilt designs
Relationship with Hoffman?
Role of the Blog: projects (strategy here; they are really cute projects)
Subscriber/mailing list
Direct sales v. shop sales
What to do when rotary cutter stops working -- and how long should a blad last?