Dun-na-na...dun-na-na...dun..dun..dun...dun-na-na....(arms in air doing the little Rocky dance up top of the stairs!) Whoo-wee! I did it! I don't know how (actually I do - it's called Carla, The Gardener, Barb and Kristin) but we did it and best of all, we lived to tell about it. I've got a lot to share and I'm doing it all in one post so get ready...it's a long one!
My debut at the International Quilt Market in Houston, TX. So the story goes like this...once upon a time, I got a crazy idea that I could actually design fabrics and write a book and create sewing patterns...and I was gonna start this little company called, Two Peas in a Pod Homegrown Designs. And how hard could it really be? Right?
Well, I've found out what it takes and I love it and I'm not going back. Our family is full on committed to seeing this dream all the way through and I gotta tell ya, right now...I am sitting on Cloud 9 (which coincidentally is a really awesome organic fabric line I saw at QM).
I had a great experience. The reception to my patterns and my designs and my brand were very well received. I think 2011 is going to be an exciting adventure for us and I can't wait to slowly share with you all the new things that our family will be involved in.
Let me start at the beginning...
I loved the outfits that Cyndi, one of my sample sewers, created for me. They fit beautifully! What? You thought I had time to make all those samples, write the patterns, plan the booth AND sew my own outfits. The secret is out...I have help!! The jacket I'm wearing here is made from a print from Amy Butler's LOVE home dec collection and her Liverpool shirt pattern. I added sparkly buttons to it and wore it as a jacket.
Anna is the former editor of Sew Hip magazine. Anna took a chance and invited me to write a series for the magazine early this year. I ended up and was published in Sew Hip 4 times this year - thanks to Anna. It was so exciting to meet her in person - she flew in all the way from the UK!
It was my first time meeting Marisa of Creative Thursday. You must go and check out her website because it is chock full of inspiration and beautiful images. I love her style!
Lizzy House is the talented designer behind Castle Peeps. Lizzy is a generous and giving person who shares her time and experience and talents. It was such a pleasure to meet her in person after sharing several conversations with her via email. Lizzy has a wonderful pattern line as well that you can find here.
Bari J. is the creative force behind beautiful fabrics, patterns and a new book coming out soon called Inspired to Sew. Her booth was so bright and warm...her wall hanging quilt is the cutest darn thing ever!! Bari has been so kind in offering me loads of advice and encouragement and I'm so grateful to count her as a friend.
Jan DiCintio has created a brand of fabrics by the name of Daisy Janie. Hands down, Jan is a pioneer. She has designed and self produced this line of fabric, insuring minimal waste in every facet of production to shipping. Green doesn't get much better than this. And Jan, my hats off - I don't know how you do it but you are amazing!
Patty, bless her soul, is so sweet I could kiss her! I honestly would not have been able to make some decisions and get where I am had it not been for Patty's wonderful mentoring. She is too kind and Patty, thank you so much for helping me. I promise, I will do the same for someone else someday. Patty has a mouth watering new fabric line from Michael Miller called Sanctuary and an amazing array of sewing patterns to match. You'll love them! She and her hubby John dressed up for Halloween and they were hilarious!!
I heart Anna Maria Horner. Her new line is called Innocent Crush and I have a serious girl crush on her. I adore her use of color and I think she is hugely talented. She has velveteens out this time and I'm anxious to get some sample yardage and sew something up for my Sprout. I've not previously met her before so this was a highlight for me.
I was exhausted beyond measure. Overwhelmed maybe a bit. But so excited for what the future will bring. Thank you so much for all of your support. My wonderful testers (and yes, I know...I have patterns coming to you very soon!), Sarah B for all of your help in editing, Barb for being my friend and coming along to help for the big weekend - that means SO much to me, love ya, Kristin - my super awesome girlfriend excel wiz who sews with me when I'm freaking out until 3 am - love ya, "Aunt Carla" - you are a super star and such a blessing to our family, and my husband and kids - we are in this together and I love this adventure we are on and love you to the moon and back. I'm very blessed with supportive friends and family who lift me up in prayer and cheer us on - thanks you guys. To God be the glory...
xoxo,
Trish