These last few weeks without my sewing machines has been a bit like being cast out to sea in a small boat without a rudder. I seem to be bobbing along but without any real direction. It is really plain to me how much of my days were spent behind one of the Berninas. I am still doing a bit of sewing (it would be like not breathing for me not to have some little project to be working on) on my lovely old Nellie. But what I make with her just seem to be little thoughts that pop into my mind.I am getting a bit panicky about how I am going to go about starting up my bag gig again. I have such a long wait list (well over 500 ladies) and I know it will be impossible to sew for everyone, but I kinda do want to sew for some of you again....I just DO NOT want to get swamped again like I have been over the past 3 years. I love making the bags I just am not totally sure how I am going to kick it off again. I want to dabble in it, not be drowned in it. I have to keep up the quality and beauty you have come to expect from me. But I also need to have heaps of time for my 3 little children and husband who need me so much. I adore being a mother, my children are my Magnum opus...my life's work as Charlotte of the Web quoted.
My Berninas should be here along with 2 crates (yes, that is right people, 2 massive wooden moving crates) filled with all my lovely fabric in the middle of September.
Part of me kinda wants to take the entire year off...grow as an artist and all that, or maybe just stock my Etsy shop with bags I create instead of the custom ordering like I have always done in the past. I am at a junction and there are so many different paths to take from where I am standing.
Should I take a deep breath and dive in, or just continue swimming around for the joy of the activity? Too bad there is not an easy answer.
9 comments:
I for one think you should take a breather! Sit back, relax, and when you are ready, hire a staff and start your company! You can be the creative juice and you could have worker bees doing everything else!
I think it's is really important for us to take some time off and reevaluate the path(s) that we wish to take, even if the old path has been very fruitful.
I can only imagine how hard it is to not have your Berninas with you, (the thought of being separated from mine make me feel all tight in the throat and a wee bit panicky!) But maybe this is a real blessing as it gives you a bit of a breather and a chance to look around and see what direction you want to go towards.
I am with Erica. Sounds like it may be the ideal time to take some breathing space and work out just where you want to head for the next bit of time. Change is good for the soul.
What a tough one. I agree the kids and husband need to be first. I put my kids first and now I have my time and I would not have missed a moment of being mom and all that it involves. Just weigh all your options. Good Luck.
By the way I love seeing your work it is wonderful.
My IBOL is being loaded up and I hope to mail it by the end of the week.
Great advice ladies! I knew you all would have some wisdom.
What an interesting junction to be at! You seem to be playing with the idea of playing around artistically and putting the end results for sale... that sounds like a worthwhile experiment to me!
What makes you happy? Does the thought of making bags again fill you with anticipation or dread? What about writing a book on the bags? Creative, but you wouldn't need to make 500.
Marci
Life is like a book with many chapters!! We have the priviledge of re-inventing ourselves often!! ;) Now is a great time to consider what the next chapter will be, just relax and enjoy the down time. Gail Thanks for the IBOL reminder.
My vote is for enjoying the place you are at right now. I'm a bit envious of your freedom that comes with moving and change.
Post a Comment