This giveaway is now closed. The winner is comment #120, Denise — YAY Denise! Please check your email :)
Seems like just yesterday we were celebrating one year of indie biz, and now two years have gone by? Amazing.
Really, this is a celebration of YOU! Because YOU support Gussy Sews we have something to celebrate today. Because YOU share, tweet, email, purchase, share some more, comment, and share once again, we have something to celebrate.
THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!
Oh, it means so much :)
HOW DID GUSSY SEWS START? Zack and I were married almost four years ago, and just a couple months later I found myself on Etsy’s website. It didn’t take long for me to find myself wishing I knew how to sew like all the other Etsy sellers I had found, and honestly that was sole my motivation for learning how to sew. I had never taken a sewing class prior so I relied heavily on the Public Library and YouTube videos for instruction. It only took a few months, but many fat quarters and late-nights. I started with zipped pouches because those seemed the simplest to learn, but also something I was interested in. When starting something new, I’ve always found it’s easier to learn it when you are genuinely intrigued. While learning how to sew I was also learning how to blog… And now that almost four years have passed I STILL feel like I’m learning something about blogging + sewing. I love learning and so it’s been a wonderful adventure :)
When I started sewing I was accepting custom orders ~ because of this I learned how to make a variety of items I wouldn’t have normally learned how to make. Since I’m self-taught at all of it — sewing, pattern-making, pairing fabrics, perfecting our signature ruffle, I had a lot to learn. But accepting custom orders did more than just broaden my inventory, it gave me a foundation of how I wanted to run my business long-term, in terms of product and behind-the-scenes. These unique orders also gave me fresh content to share on my blog, and they helped me to form an online community early-on ~ which includes friendships I still have today :) A constant mix of learning something new and then practicing applying it long-term is what helped my business to grow. It is almost like a snow-ball effect, the longer I did it the easier it was for Zack + I to see it was growing into something tangible + trustworthy.
After about 18 months passed {since first learning how to sew} and I had attended my first blog conference {Blissdom}, Zack + I started working towards the possibility of me leaving my day job to pursue Gussy Sews full-time. About three months later we had succeeded in saving three months of my salary as an emergency fund, and May 17, 2010 was my first say working full-time on my business exclusively.
And ever since we first celebrated this huge milestone we have both learned so much about working from home + indie biz life. I think having a constant need to learn has been really key to the growth of Gussy Sews. It’s not just that I want to learn, it’s that I need to learn.
And another thing — we don’t measure growth purely by the number of sales we’ve had or the number of states/countries we’ve shipped to, but more so what type of progress are we making in terms of encouraging others to follow their dreams, too.
It’s been a truly lovely adventure…
* * *
To celebrate these last two years of Gussy Sews-ness I’ve put together a super fun + inspiring gift package that ONE READER will win, including some of my favorite things —
1. Gussy Sews tote/diaper bag // 2. Gussy Sews camera strap slipcover // 3. Sarah Jane Studios $50 shop credit // 4. Red Letter Words custom 12″x12″ canvas // 5. Riley Blake Designs fat quarter bundle // 6. Gussy Sews 60-minute mentorship session // {over $450 in prizes!}
HERE’S HOW TO ENTER:
Required: leave one (1) comment below sharing something encouraging! It can something you saw, heard, read…
Optional: share this giveaway with your friends. Leave one (1) comment below letting us know how you did this, through social media, email, a link on your blog, etc.
This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only. The winner will be selected at random on Monday, May 21, 2012 and will be announced at the top of this post.
GOOD LUCK + thank you for all of your support! xo
Congratulations!!!
Sadly I live in Germany so will be unable to participate. But no worries I wanted to say “Great Work!” anyways.
Thanks for creating so much and being an inspiration to me.
Anna
Happy -quit your job and started an awesome, at home business-, Anniversary!
” I can do all things through Christ who Strengthens me” Philippians 4:13
We have been encouraged lately through seeing God put us in a HIGHLY stressful situation (short story: my husband graduates medical school tomorrow, moves in a month to start residency, my 18-month old and I live alone for 2 weeks, move by ourselves to be with hubs. . .and then I have our 2nd baby a week and a half later) but being so, so faithful to us. He’s lined up a house for us to rent, people to help take care of us in a new and difficult situation, and I KNOW He is doing so much behind the scenes that I can’t see now. I am encouraged every day by how he keeps my level of stress down when it should be through the roof.
I have been encouraged very recently to do some type of different work. I just didn’t know what. I have always liked to create, and I was blessed with the opportunity to attend a weekend of crafting with some wonderful women whom I had never even met before. They taught me how to SEW. The abundance of inspiration I have had since I got back from that weekend has been overwhelming. I have had ideas I never had. I tried a sewing project I had never thought of, on my own, and succeeded in it. And now, God is putting all these fantastic sewing blogs in my path, which I never knew existed. I wonder what He has in store for me. I can’t wait to find out.
How’s that for encouraging?
Congratulations on your two years! It’s simply, but today (after days of rain) I’m encouraged by all the sunlight pouring in through my window right now. :-)
HI Gussy,
thank you for this opportunity! I just shared this wonderful giveaway with the girls I went crafting with via email.
CathyC
I love your blog! My favorite posts are the ones on indie biz because I have one too!!!
BTW!! I bought the Hire Blog Help ebook that is here on your site and highlighted half of it!!! I am hiring a VA because of it!
Maggie I am so excited to see how your business has evolved and how you have grown through the process!! One day I will have to come to the Cities (I am only 3.5 hrs away) and maybe we can connect! I am excited to see the new products with the Africa fabric too! :)
Hey are you planning on attending WOF again this year?? I am a group leader this year and have a few extra tickets…we have premium seats and from what I have heard this is the year to go…new stage design and everything! If you don’t have a ticket yet and are interested let me know!!
Have a wonderful Thursday!!
Kristin
Congratulations Gussy!! It just seems like we were celebrating your FIRST year doesn’t it!! :) xoxo
I shared a link to your blog post on Twitter (kasmith03) – sending you some blog love from the Twittersphere! :)
I have been so encouraged by your story!! My friend told me about your blog within the last week or so and I started reading in the middle of your posts from Africa. Seeing God move in your heart through the stories on your blog, reading about the moments when He spoke most clearly…it was a window in to your heart and God’s work in your life. :) Thanks so much for being so inspiring, both spiritually and creatively! Good for you! Happy anniversary!
I am encouraged by conversation with/advice from good friends. Congrats on 2 years!
Congrats Gussy! I am encouraged by the fact that in just over a week my hubby and I get to take a long over due vacation and just focus on the two of us :)
Happy 2 years!!! I am encouraged by all the fun plans we have for the summer– wedding celebrations, vacation, the beautiful weather!
Congrats on two years working for yourself!!
My one piece of encouragement to new small business owners is one that I heard from Megan (Brassy Apple): Sometimes it takes 5 years to become an overnight success. Keep at it. Keep trying. Don’t get discouraged and give up.
Shared via twitter and tagged you!
one of my very favorite quotes BE KIND FOR EVERYONE IS FIGHTING THEIR VERY OWN BATTLE – what a wonderful reminder that everyone (whether you know it or not) could be struggling with something so our little bit of kindness can have HUGE impact. BE KIND!! xoxo happy happy happy happy 2 years!!!
fb about your awesome celebration & keeping my fingers crossed that it will make it here to my cottage! :)
Happy biz-iversary!
I find encouragement in your story and how you took that leap of faith to follow your dream and your recent willingness to listen to “the call” and head out of your comfort zone to Tanzania and what that trip meant both for the people there and for your personal growth. Go, Gussy! :)
Maggie, congratulations!!! This encouraged me yesterday…
My friend’s 2 year old said, “Miss Kristin, do you have people?” Her sister translated saying she meant to ask if I have children. “No, I don’t.” A few minutes later to her mom she said, “I want to go home with Miss Kristin so she can have a kid.” What learned? Simple faith/innocence/logic.
Happy Anniversary!!! WOO HOO or should I say YEOW!!
I find repeating and seeing this helps me through my days:
The Lord will make perfect that which cocerns me. psalm138-8
I wish you continues success and growth.
hugs
-missy-
Its so wonderful to see someone using the gifts that the Lord has given them and also giving back to people around them through encouragement, like you do. It’s so important to remember that every person is made in a unique way with unique gifts and together we can all accomplish so much!
I have to say reading the posts both you and the nester wrote about your Tanzania trip were extremely inspiring! Thanks for sharing!
I shared your giveaway on my Facebook page.
I found your website through Andrea’s and am hooked!
You have encouraged me to contact the child I sponsor through CFCA (Christian Foundation for Children and the Aging). I need to write her notes and send her pictures along with the check! Thanks for the motivation.
on fb wall. Congrats on 2years!!
CONGRATULATIONS MAGGIE!!! I’m so excited for you! What an amazing accomplishment, your story is such an inspiration to so many! I enjoy reading your blog & stories so much, it gives me hope for the future of my small business too one day. I wanted to share this encouraging post from Jon Acuff that I’ve probably re-read over a dozen times in these last few months its SPOT ON when you feel like your flaws & mistakes are bearing down on you. http://www.jonacuff.com/stuffchristianslike/2012/05/going-on-a-mission-for-god/ :-)
Happy two years!!!
So something encouraging I heard recently,”It’s ok to be scared. If your not afraid you’re not really living.”
Shared this on twitter :)
Congrats on the 2 year mark! What an amazing accomplishment.
Whats inspiring me today?…
“Happiness depends upon ourselves.”
Aristotle
Congratulations on two years! I’ve not bought any of your goodies yet, but I always love all of things @amycornwell has. :)
I retweeted @amycornwell’s tweet about your giveaway. :) I’m @jaimeheacock.
I shared this on my Facebook fan page! Its called Stitch Sense Designs.
I love the quote, “She turned her can’ts into cans and her dreams into plans.” Congrats on your anniversary! Best wishes for many, many more years of ruffle-awesomeness! <3
I also shared on Twitter! @StitchSense :-)
My mom has been very encouraging of my sewing — everyone I know is having babies, so I’ve learned to make a lot of handmade gifts and she is my cheerleader! She was just telling me about the best Christmas gift she ever got, a hand-sewn dress from her own mom and said that my grandma was creative like I am. :)
My mom just constantly reminds me to be myself. Not to worry about what others want me to be, but what I AM.
Awesome giveaway!
Jeremiah 29:11 has long been a favorite verse of mine; so encouraging that God has a perfect plan just for me! It’s been on my mind because I keep hearing it at graduations & such. ;)
Congrats on 2 years!!
Congratulations on 2 years! I’m so excited for you! You and your blog are encouraging to me. I have no idea how I came upon your blog…but I found it this year and it’s been such a blessing to me. I loved your guest posts on living a creative life as well as your 5 tips on the same subject. I’m trying to find what exactly my calling is, as I know it is something in the creative field, and your posts have really given me some great insight on how I want it to look. Thank you for all that you do!!
My something encouraging/inspiring – every day I am in awe that I get to do this-run my business, stay home with my girls, and provide for us. God is so good!
Follow your dreams, ladies! The sky is the limit, sounds cliche, but it is true.
xo
I just discovered your sight! You make beautiful things! I am most often encouraged by the genuine emotions that my 2 year old can feel. Children have such passion and it is a beautiful thing!
I blogged about it too.
http://farmgirlinmd.blogspot.com/2012/05/2-awesome-giveaways.html
Also…tweeted about your giveaway…@NickiECampbell
I’m always encouraged by the support my friends give me. My ldb (long-distance bestie) is so unbelievably supportive and I find a lot of encouragement there to go off and do things I wouldn’t normally do!
Congrats on everything! You’re awesome!
Congrats Gussy!
Hi, Gussy! You are something that inspires me! I love reading about your journey and I read your blog every day. As someone who’s thinking about taking the leap into a handmade business, I get so much encouragement from you! Thank you!
Hey Gussy! Thanks for this awesome giveaway! I am encouraged by my husband starting his own business and the Lord providing through that. Blessings!
Congratulations! I absolutely LOVE your story! You are such an inspiration! Blessings to you as you continue to learn new things and build your business. I’ll be cheering for you! Here’s my favorite quote, “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you’ve imagined.” ~ Henry David Thoreau
You have inspired me to gain the confidence i needed to start my very own etsy shop which is doing so well! I love your tips and tidbits of knowledge!
Congrats on 2 years!!
Since my husband graduated Seminary in December I have been SO eager to leave Texas, he then took a Clinical Pastoral Education Class at the Local hospital…the 1st few months he was in the program I got so discouraged that he kept hearing NO from every hospital and VA he applied to…now that it is down to decision time on do we pack up and simply go and then look for a job or stay and hopes that the hospital he is already at will hire him? I am strangely at peace…as much as I would love to leave my current job for something new and exciting, I am at total peace at what He has for us…this has been the most inspiring feeling I have had in a long time.
something inspiring – well, you inspired ME Gussy! In January, I signed up for a handful of sewing classes through a local fabric shop. although i don’t plan to make a business of it, it has been so much fun to learn to sew. i’ve made a few small things for friends/family as gifts and everyone is really enjoying their handmade stuff :)
Hi Gussy – your blog is fabulous and your sewn creations are amazing – so happy and unique. When I learned how to sew, I did take a sewing class but the lady who taught it was such a perfectionist that I almost gave up before I started! Anyway, after that class, I started doing things my own way – visually teaching myself. I started out making mostly skirts and real simple clothes. Now, I like making accessories and handbags (not to sell, just for fun). I also like coming up with my own patterns and things – I absolutely DESPISE cutting out pattern pieces and reading directions – such a HUGE waste of time LOL! THanks again for your sweet encouragement – I hope your business continues to explode with rich goodness! Have a FABULOUS day! Heidi
Never stop dreaming!
Set aside your fear and trust your faith.
Go after your dreams!
p.s. i shared your post w/ a great friend of mine who is pregnant w/ baby #3 via email! She loves all things girly, so she is loving your stuff!
I shared your giveaway on Facebook!
I also shared this on my Facebook page! http://www.facebook.com/shelbylynclarke
God’s dreams for you are bigger than all you could ever ask, dream or imagine! Keep Dreaming Big!
I think it is so inspiring that you are able to do what you love!! What an amazing accomplishment that you are able to have a home based business – who wouldn’t love that!!
One of my favorite quotes at the moment is: “Life is to be ENJOYED, not just endured” (Gordon B. Hinckley).
Great advice for all and definitely inspiring for me!!
Don’t give up on your dreams, You can do anything you want to in life when you put your mind to it!
God’s word is always inspiring and encouraging to me, and this verse from Jeremiah 1 (verses 4-7) has spoken especially to me lately:
4 The word of the Lord came to me, saying,
5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,
before you were born I set you apart;
I appointed you as a prophet to the nations. ”
6 “Alas, Sovereign Lord,” I said, “I do not know how to speak; I am too young.”
7 But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. 8 Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord.
I teach high school, and I always want my students to know that just because they are young doesn’t mean that they cannot make a huge difference in their community and the world.
The people of the Special Olympics inspire me. I just ran my first ever 5k to benefit the Special Olympics. It was an amazing experience. Just to see what some people have to overcome on a daily basis makes me thankful for what I have and makes me realize that I can do anything
Hi Gussy! I found you through my friend Erin. What an inspiration you are to have planned to quit your day job and now you are thriving in your real job! Something encouraging~ well, today is the last day of the first year of me teaching kindergarten! I have had a wonderful year, and ENJOYED my job through the whole year. What a difference after teaching 4th grade and promptly quitting. I love to play around with my sewing machine. Thanks for being so straightforward and matter-of-fact about the details such as “When starting something new, it always goes better if you’re genuinely intrigued.” Good stuff right there! Happy two year anniversary!! May your business keep on growing, developing, and bring you joy as you bring the beauty of what you’ve created to others!
Somethig inspiring…Just do it….like you did..sometimes that little leap of faith really makes a big difference in your life…
Congratulations!!! You are a fabulous inspiration! This is one of my new favorites..I read it the other day and have never heard before…..by Martin Luther King Jr. “If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward” AMEN to that!
Great job creating and doing so well with your own business! Keep up the lovely work!
Your blog has inspired me over the last few years. I’ve loved hearing you open up more about your faith in God and even go on a missions trip. It’s definitely encouraged me to think about my role in the world and how I can share my faith on a daily basis. Thank you!
I shared your giveaway on FB.
Thanks!
Life gets so busy that we forget to take time to be creative and express ourself. Gussy, you have kept me focused to sew and make gifts to use for ‘random acts of kindness’. The smiles on the recipients faces make my day :)
I sahed your giveaway on FB
Congrats on doing what you love.
This has been a hell year with so many things that went wrong. BUT so many things went right! Hubby and I celebrated our first anniversary after re-marrying (married before, divorced, then reconciled), my car died but we still have Hubby’s that we can share, Hubby lost his job and made a career switch, we lost our house but are blessed to be able to stay with family till we get on our feet, we had our daughter right in the middle of all of that chaos but were fortunate to be able to have a vbac rather than another c-section, and with the need to be more frugal I have discovered I am a really talented craftswoman! Things went wrong but we are all ok and things will get better!
This post inspired me! I have been working towards quitting my day job to pursue my business full time. Its nice to know that you can do it. I would love to win the 60 minute mentorship with you to learn more and get me to take that next scary step.
‘For in him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’ (Acts 17:28 NIV)
Shared on my twitter page. See permalink below:
https://twitter.com/#!/glowkouture/status/203122446658830336
I shared this on my facebook page http://www.facebook.com/tutuland
Every day I am encouraged by the strength of my friends, family, and faith. They are what keeps me going. I’m lucky to have an excellent support network that keeps me reminded of who I am. When my best friend and I decided to start our own shop (Crafty Girl Squared [etsy.com/shop/craftygirlsquared]) we knew it would be great because we are so great together and our styles are just enough alike that we compliment each other and just enough different that we make really cool things.
Something encouraging? Let’s see.
‘Go big or go home.’
Obviously you have that down! Every week I find a new reason to chalk you up as an inspiring and positive role model. You’re always so courageous and brave. And one day I really hope I can live that kind of life and inspire someone too.
Hi Gussy! I found such encouragement in reading your blog about your trip to Africa! What a leap of faith your life has been and it gives me hope that there are still compassionate and loving people in this world. Also to see how happy they are in Africa with sooo little. I have to remind myself of that each day!
Thanks for sharing your talent and your life with us! When I received my first Gussy Sews tote I HUGGED it…it was so soft and smelled good and handmade! Love you!
I’m learning that I don’t have to try to be like someone I am not. I have the freedom to say no to busyness, and enjoy the life that God has given me. So I am encouraged to see you following your dream and being successful at doing what you love!
We went to a funeral last weekend, for a man my husband worked with. I had never met him, but I left feeling challenged in so many ways. This man had 7 children all of whom got up to speak about their father and the impact he had on their lives. If my kids have half the nice things to say about me when I pass, I’ll feel very blessed!
I was reminded to live in the present, to always BE there with my family. To walk out my faith. To live a life completely devoted to Christ. To make sure that He gets all the Glory.
P.S. I shared on Facebook with my friends!
It’s been a joy to see the Lord blessing a fashion indie biz like He has yours. You have a fabulous product and an eye for beautiful fabric! So glad to see a faithful girl like you have 2 years of success is the handmade world! Here’s to many, many, many more!
I shared the giveaway on Facebook!!
well something encouraging to me has always been Psalm 37:4 “Delight yourself in the Lord and HE will give you the desires of your heart”
I see that to be so very true not only in my own life but in so many others like yourself. If we seek God first he blesses the heck out of us and not just with anything but with things we desire such as starting your own indie biz. He is so good and seeing life altering true stories such as yours is just another reminder of God’s truths and promises!
Thanks for hosting this rad giveaway btw. And CONGRATULATIONS!
You’re very inspirational to me…I love how you have the courage to take the leap and do what you LOVE in life…not just suffer through a job because it’s secure. Thank you for inspiring all of us to understand that a “paycheck” isn’t worth giving up our dreams for.
If your dreams don’t scare you, they’re not big enough.
Not sure who said it, but it’s SO ACCURATE! I am getting ready to launch my website and blog… Taking the big leap is scary, but FUN!
Congrats on a wonderful 2 year shop-iversary!!! A quote that I am loving lately is: “Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for.” It’s helping me to live more in the moment and be so thankful for what I have!!
I found your blog & have been inspired to begin sewing again and have taken inspiration from all of your great work, please keep it up!
thank you so much!
Wow! Congrats on your milestone and thanks for the amazing giveaway!
Encouraging….just saw this quote this morning, “Overcome the notion that you must be regular. It robs you of the chance to be extraordinary!” :) I like that!!!
I feel like we all receive a strong calling to do what we are meant to do. And if it’s really for you, you will be able to stick with it & see out your dream. It looks like you’ve been able to do so! Congrats!
Excited about this giveaway!
A favorite quote of mine is one my brother shared with me and I find encouragement reading it! – ”The greater danger for most of us lies not in setting our aim too high and falling short; but in setting our aim too low, and achieving our mark.” Michelangelo
I tweeted about the giveaway!
shared this on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Take-the-Cannoli/277249258994979?ref=tn_tnmn
Shared your site and giveaway on my Facebook wall : ) Congrats on your two years!
Here’s some encouragement for you… you inspired me to learn how to sew! I’ve owned a sewing machine (given to me by my mom) for 5 years but it sat in a closet untouched. I thought it would be fun to learn but I had no idea where to start and was overwhelmed by the thought, so I just avoided it. But after reading your blog for quite some time and seeing all of the amazing things you were making and how you just went for it, I decided to follow in your footsteps. I got a bunch of books from the library (loved your suggestion of Bend the Rules Sewing… by far the most helpful) and watched tons of youtube videos. I studied for at least a month before I sewed my first stitches. I was so nervous! That was in February. It’s been about 3 months now and I’m making clothes for my two little girls and loving every minute of it. I can’t wait to learn more, but for now skirts and dresses and baby headbands are fine projects for me. (I have yet to tackle anything like zippers… wowza. i’m impressed that you started with that!)
Thank you for sharing your love of sewing with others. Also, I think I cried at every single one of your Compassion posts. We’ve sponsored a child for quite some time now but I admit I’m not the best at keeping up correspondence with her. Your posts reminded me that there is a face and a name behind the money that gets automatically deducted from our account each month. I’m motivated to get in touch with her asap! You are doing great things!
Shared on Facebook! I will also log on to my B&V fb and share it there! Thank you for being so transparent, and allowing us all to learn from your successes AND shortfalls :)
Shared about giveaway on FB!
Congrats on your 2 year full time Gussy-versary :) You are a big inspiration to me.
I guess for my inspiring comment I will use two quotes I read recently… First from Joyce Meyer — “Whatever you’re lacking, God makes up the difference.” and second is a quote from Henry Van Dyke: “Use what talents you possess. The woods would be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang best.” :) Thanks a bunch for the chance to win those fantastic items!
P.s. I shared your post about this giveaway on facebook in case u need to know :)