I did it. I closed my etsy shop. I've been thinking about it for a while now. Something just clicked this week and I knew it was the right time. The reasons are varied and vague but mainly I need to simplify and focus on getting my head on straight. That's a full time job, ya know.
The actual sewing wasn't more than I could manage. Between consignment, etsy and orders to friends I was about as busy as I wanted to be. My need to close had more to do with the mental energy this endeavor required. With two kids I really need all the mental resources I have left.
In addition to the conservation of my remaining functional neurons, there are numerous craft projects that I want to try. I want to craft for my girls, my family and all the other lovely kiddos in my life. Soule Mama has some fabulous ideas for incorporating children's art work into quilts and pillows. Her flickr group has given me enough ideas for a year of crafting. I stumbled upon The Crafty Crow which posts nothing but the *coolest* arts and crafts projects for kids. Not Martha has tutorials on several non fabric related projects that I'd like to experiment with. I also want to get back to my quilting. I could go on and on . . .
I'm going to continue this blog. Gone will be the posts of shameless self promotion with the not so subtle message of "hey, buy my stuff." Guess it will be simply be a mommy, food, crafting and family update blog. Unapologetically self indulgent.
The crafting community is full of wonderfully supportive and kind people. It is these connections that kept me going as long as I did. Luckily we can still visit in blog land. Needless to say, my blog will always have room to plug the wonderful and talented peeps of etsyrain ~ Seattle's kick-ass street team.
Whew. Here's to straight heads and new projects!
13 comments:
Katy - you rock my world! I am proud of the work you did and do with Sycamore Baby and I will miss your store. And I love your blog - keep those crafts and posts coming please.
Love,
The man of your dreams who isn't Jim from The Office.
sounds like a very grounded and self-honoring decision. looking forward to checking out your new craft projies!
can't wait to see you.
love,
Em
Wow! What an amazingly brave thing to do. I am really admiring you! My store has just sat for quite some time now because my head hasn't quite been there either. Congratulations on being true to yourself and following your heart. Cheers!
I'm going to say Congrats to you for doing this! It's actually been an idea that I've been toying with. We'll see if I can take that step soon. There are so many important things in life(like these little ones running around), and Etsy really does just take that much more time from the fun stuff! YAY FOR YOU!!!
Awww! I will miss seeing your stuff on Etsy, but I understand the reasoning behind it. Etsy does really eat into your life!
Will you be doing shows at all, or is there any other way that I can someday get some of your headbands? My hair is getting to the stage where I might need one soon! :)
Glad you were able to make a decision that you are at peace with. Makes sense 100% and I am looking forward to your blog of lots of cool projects you are doing with the girls!! Take care!
Sad that you closed the store. But wish you the best of luck! Balance is a difficult thing when you have Etsy in your life.
As sad as I am that I missed my chance at a sock monkey onsie for my not-yet-niece-or-nephew, I'm very glad that you will still be here posting in your blog. I love to come and read and see what you have been up to.
Best wishes for new endeavors.
Wow, katy. this is big! but retreating to enjoy what you love is more impt. and in a few years your kids will wipe the icing off their mouths & what's cute about that? enjoy your time with them & with yourself. cherylz (etsyrain)
I just went looking for your etsy shop, sent you an email and the looked again to see the redirection here. I applaud you for taking this great step for you, and your girls, and for you (deliberate repeat). Be self-indulgent. You have time. It is all yours. Happy Crafting.
Oh no, I'm so sad! Where will I get my new baby gifts now??
But good for you to figure out your priorities and interests!!
Good for you for making the decision that is right for you. I totally understand about having all these personal projects that you want to try. Business has slowed for me just enough that I'm actually thinking of sewing somethey for (gasp) MYSELF!!!
Good luck in everything you do, I'll keep subbing to your blog!
Hi Katy,
I wandered onto your blog in search of a way to finally get some onesies for the kids I'm nannying for - and much to my dismay, I found that you're now on to other things! Good job, though, doing what you need for you! It would be great to connect - I know I keep saying that - let's find a good time.
Much Love,
cousin Tara
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