Last week I had an assignment to complete. It involved sewing something I’d never sewn before using techniques I hadn’t learned yet with fabric I’d never used. Just the thought of trying something new made me really excited, reminding me of how I felt three years ago when I taught myself how to sew with a giant stack of borrowed library books. Three years. How has it been three years already?
In three years we moved from a house in Detroit to an apartment downtown in Minneapolis, then most recently to a house just a couple of miles away. In these three years my sewing hobby turned into a business that consists of a team of me + four others. We’ve set goals, accomplished most, had to re-direct a few that were lagging. Zack and I have spent a lot of time praying and doing our best to map out a plan.
I remember spending hours learning how to sew in a zipper, create a super durable tote bag, master the ruffle {oh, how it’s changed over the years}, designing business cards and a fun packaging design. Marketing, selling, learning, developing, growing ~ all because of a dream that started three years ago because I stumbled across Etsy and was in love with the idea of knowing how to sew.
So this assignment last week… while it very likely includes something entirely different than something of emotion, it more importantly reminded me of how it felt just a few years ago to spend hours working on something “just because”. It’s easy to become accustomed to the day-to-day — isn’t it? And I think that’s why this assignment has meant so much to me.
Re-sparking the passion. Feeling enlivened. Trying something new. Floating on the high that only a true love can take you on…
PS. Want to know more about the photo listed above? Click here to see my feature on BurdaStyle! :]
I started my photography business about a year ago (very slowly) and looking back to where I started to now, amazes me to think back on! It truly is so fun to watch your passions unfold into your dreams!
I gotta say, I really understand that! I have only been teaching myself to sew for a few weeks, and I am so in love with the whole process. Something from nothing and getting to wear something that you made and it’s pretty? Pretty much one of the best feelings ever. You are very inspiring to me! I am off to tackle a jersey project today! Woo! :D
You, girl, are inspiring! I’m learning to sew a zipper for Christmas presents. Any suggestions? Thank you so much for sharing!
I liked to you here, just FTR :) http://theefirewife.blogspot.com/2011/11/passion-shmashion.html
yes! i wrote a post here on sewing a zippered pouch ♥
http://www.gussysews.com/2011/01/tutorial-how-to-sew-a-zippered-pouch/
So inspiring!! Your passion shows in your beautiful products!
You’ve been such an inspiration to me. I’m just learning how to sew, and I find myself so encouraged by the fact that you (you!) didn’t know how to sew 3 years ago. Thank you for your encouraging posts, and for sharing your story.
go gina, go gina, GO GO! :D
It’s therapeutic isn’t it? Since we moved a few weeks ago, my sewing machine has been packed up, but last weekend I bought new fabric and was determined to make something for just me. I was so giddy! If I ever go full time again with oh, sweet joy “me sewing time” will have to be built into my schedule once a week!
it’s so important! so good for you :) even if i have to sneak away into my office and shut the door, i must find time to sew each week, too.
Ack this post is such a tease! I want to know what you’re working on.
How about a really zoomed in photo of some of your project scraps? :)
You rocked this bag!!!! It’s soooooooooooooo much cuter than the original. Please show more pics of the large opening. Will you be adding it to your line?????????
awww, Diane! you sure know how to make me blush. thank you so much for your sweet comment!!! i hope to add some purses to the shop soon {although it may be for our grand re-opening in January!}
xoxoxoxoxoxo
What an awesome feature! and your bag is super cute!!! It’s always fun seeing a different take on the same thing. I’m a self taught sewer of about 3 1/2 years so you are very inspiring : )
I would buy this bag in a minute!!!! Sooo cute!
Great job, girl! Such an awesome feeling, I know! Xo It’s great to be passionate about something and even more fun rediscovering that passion!
Ooh, love it! The fabric plus the few changes you did and it looks like he perfect bag.
I just found out about you this morning. Wow…self-taught and everything. I’ve been sewing about as long as you have and I hope someday to achieve 1/16 the success you have! Love your story and your encouragement to the rest of us. You are an inspiration!!
hi tiff! thank you so much for your sweet words!!! xoxo
Hey great blog, just looking aronud some blogs, appears a pretty nice platform you’re utilizing. I’m presently using WordPress for a few of my websites but looking to alter 1 of them above to a platform similar to yours as a trial run. Anything in specific you would recommend about it?