Looking Back
2012 has been the most profoundly life changing year of my whole life. It is the year I got a grip on what matters to me, and jumped in. Starting on 29 December 2011 when I went to buy 5 zips, and bought the whole shop. Well, it was at least the beginning of the process which on 1 April had us take over the keys.
Our first artwork, starring Oobop's scissors!
So, what has this meant? It means working in partnership with David, MrC, which we love to do and which works really well. He is SO happy now, and that makes me happy too.
It means that every day magic happens. Yesterday, a young lady came in asking for a safety pin to stop her blouse gaping. We were not too busy so I offered her a kimono and a chair, and fixed it for her instead. While I reinforced her buttonhole, she told Madame O (who was visiting) and me about herself - she is an opera singer! We had a wonderful 20 minutes of sharing dreams and laughter, and made a new friend. This kind of thing happens every day, and I never tire of it :)
It means that I have only one day off, a Tuesday, and so I miss out on all kinds of social activities on the weekend. My friends have been amazingly supportive of this and have incorporated the shop into their regular visiting routines but it isn't the same and getting some time back for the people I care about is on my 2013 resolutions list.
It is the year I got invited to do a TV segment. This was a huge extra workload on top of a very busy Christmas rush, but so worth it. It was lots of fun too, and has inspired me on all kinds of creative levels.
And what have I made? Well, mostly crafty stuff for shop samples. However, lately I've been getting in some wardrobe makes - nothing like having to appear on national television to speed up the wardrobe replenishment process! :) (in fact, just now I put the netbook down and finished a top. Score one to FO ing UFOs!) I shall blog about these soon, promise!
Another big thing that happened was the Craft and Textile Lovers' Guide to Wellington. This was a major project and I have never blogged about it, sorry! I had the idea that maybe all of the groovy independent shops in Wellington could get together a map - and a quick ring around confirmed that there were takers. In three weeks, we went from an idea to 20,000 copies, just in time for the World of Wearable Arts show that brings thousands of textile fans into the area. It was great because now we all have a closer relationship than ever, and there is a healthy and happy attitude of co-opposition. And customers love it too. :)
Looking Forward
So far, I am finding 2013 really creative. We are overhauling the shop - new fittings, paint etc, while still trading which is great actually as people enjoy seeing it happen and pitch in ideas. This means we are finally putting our own stamp on it - and this I find inspiring.
I am making new products and working on patterns, so finally some of our own product. Mostly this involves needle cases, pin cushions, knitting needle rolls and cases - that kind of thing. People want to buy them but noone supplies really nice ones so why not.
I am looking into other lines as well - it was always our intention to create our own products, but 2012 was too focussed on Keeping Calm and Carrying On. Now I have some headspace, and it feels wonderful.
I may have more TV to make, and now I have tasted it, I have a few ideas in that direction. More as this unfolds. It also broke the vlog ice for me and I want to look into more of that.
E-commerce is also on the cards. Oooh!
This all sounds like it's shop related, but we two are inseparable. It is an expression of myself and so it is the lynch pin for most of what I am doing in life. I hope that's OK!
Writing this reminds me how stingy I've been about sharing my makes and breakthroughs. Of course the paradox of blogging is that when there is plenty to blog about, there is less time to do so!
So, my resolutions for 2013 include:
- Make more stuff for me. Clothes, quilts - things I want to make for myself and others, including MrC, for whom I have ordered two delicious shirt lengths of fabric!
- Post about these makes. Catch up on the 2012 ones and keep up in 2013.
- Learn more about my camera. Its complexity defeat me so far. And/or, buy a simpler one. And use it to capture more moments.
Shirt fabrics for MrC
If you've kept reading this far, thank you for indulging me! And Happy New Year!
What amazing journey darling. I wish you get all your dreams for this year too c
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DeleteDaft machine..mutter! I was trying to say, thank you so much - it's a big year for us both - you with your MBA under your belt looking for just the right job! I am sure our stars will rise - one over each hemisphere :) x
DeleteYou have had a spectacular year! Wow - what a change. It has all been very exciting - even for us - your stalkers!
ReplyDeleteIt's great to be doing what you love and you are a natural on camera... enjoyed watching the segments via your blog.
Here's to a great 2013.
Aww thanks BeaJay :) I am so relieved I 'work' on camera - it would be gutting after all these years of thinking about it to be rubbish at it hehehe
DeleteSounds like a brilliant year! I hope 2013 builds on that and gets even better!
ReplyDeleteThanks Heather :)
DeleteWow, what an awesome year! Sounds really full on and fun! :)
ReplyDeleteAnd...knitting needle rolls you say? I've been wanting one of those.. :)
Would you like to be a pattern tester, Jo? :)
DeleteSuch an awesome year!! I'll have to come visit in the store soon, and see what you've been busy doing there. :-)
ReplyDeleteWonderful, I'd love to see you!
DeleteLooking forward to seeing my, I mean your, dreams come true - how simply wonderful for you! What a wonderful thing to watch happen and I am so excited for you. Also, LUSTING after MrC's fabrics. If he hates them, you know where to find me!
ReplyDeleteThank you dear one. You will not like these fabrics in the flesh however - the peacock one is brown and olive green, after all! It's gorgeous though, arrived today and is in teh washing machine as I type :)
DeleteGosh, you've made all this happen in just a year, look at you two. What a huge achievement and that you are still sounding sane shows that it's clearly so right for you. I'm thrilled its been so fantastic and exciting, and your plans for 2013 sound equally fabulous. You star!
ReplyDeleteAw shucks! xo
DeleteWhat an amazing 2012 you and Mr C have had and guess what 2013 is just going to be so much better :D You are both an inspiration, from zips to shop purchasing - living the dream! Hugs to you both keep creating the magic that you do. Hugs Jxox
ReplyDeleteWhat a whirlwind of a year! Congratulations all around.
ReplyDeleteThanks Stacy, it has been a bit like that :) mind you so has yours!
DeleteDear Mrs. C.,
ReplyDeleteI have a great big smile writing this: you have had an amazing, terrific, fascinating year and your joy in the entire journey comes through so clearly in your writing...and in those neat TV segments.
Congratulations!
Very best,
Natalie
Aw thank you Natalie, joy is great word to describe it too! xoxo
DeleteHow exciting! I've just found your blog via a comment on another, international one. Imagine my excitement when I saw that you are in NZ AND have a fabric shop. Are you selling fabrics for making clothes, e.g. knit fabrics?
ReplyDeleteBest of luck with your venture in 2013.
Hi Sandra, LOVELY to 'meet' you - from one of my favourite bits of NZ I see :) We don't sell fabric as such, we sell haberdashery and needlework and other craft supplies (plaster of paris, candlemaking, yarn, papercraft - the works!)I'd love to sell FAbric too but we are so well served in welly already it's not really sensible. Our shop's website is www.mademarioncraft.co.nz if you want to go have a nosy :)
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