Friday, November 9, 2012

Taking a Leap



When I was in the 6th grade I remember walking home from school saying "I'm going to be a business woman who yells at people to get this done by 5pm and slams the door."  No idea why I not only wanted to go into business, but also wanted to be mean....clearly I've learned a thing or two over the years (although maybe some of my employees may disagree).  But obviously the idea of running a business and building something I own has run through my veins since birth. 

Source: via Abby on Pinterest


After having a family and realizing what really matters in life, my attitude towards work has changed a little.  Some days I long to be a stay at home mom and be able to focus on my kids and potty training, reading to them, playing with them.  But some days - I'm so grateful I get a few hours a day where I get a break and get to work my brain in a different way.  My job is stressful and busy.  It is also flexible and allows me to be home with my kids a couple days a week and allows me to come and go if needed.  Working at home with my kids isn't as great as one would think.  I sometimes feel like a witch of a mom who spends my days on calls and yelling at the kids to run out of the room.  I have longed for a job that I love and want to be doing.  A job that feeds my soul.  If I have to be taken away from my kids physically and emotionally drained each day, shouldn't it be doing something I love?


Source: google.com via Abby on Pinterest


But how do you get paid to buy fabric?  Or watch TV?  I've struggled trying to figure that out!  But I love to sew and I have enjoyed quilting.  I bought a Handi Quilter about 6 years ago.  It has been so nice to have so I can complete my projects.  I have loved being able to whip up a quilt for a gift and to be able to complete the whole project - in a night.  I have quilted for a few people.  I have struggled doing this.  I want to give people a good deal.  Before I had a quilting machine I always hated spending big bucks to get my quilts quilted.  I wanted to offer people an affordable price.  But doing that means I had to go with the easy patterns.  Loops, stippling etc that I feel comfortable doing.  I'm not sure what I was thinking buying this machine right as I started a family.  Having a baby and a full time job made it difficult to spend the time I needed to practice my quilting.  Whenever I have time I wanted to sew - or quilt a real quilt.  Not practice on scrap fabric.  I've been discouraged because I haven't been able to put the time and energy behind the quilting that I wanted to and need to, to be successful.

About a year ago I started looking into Gammill machines, and more importantly Statler Stitchers.  I think the guys at the Gammill store must think I'm crazy.  Coming in every few months wasting their time asking questions about the machine, going back and forth on prices etc.  Good news is I finally took the leap.  We bought us a Gammill Statler Stitcher this week.  I am so nervous and excited.  I have butterflies and feel energized.  Isn't it crazy how jumping into a project no matter how scary can feel so freeing if its something you're passionate about? In the next month I'll have my machine and be working away to get familiar with the ins and outs of it.

Stay tuned for announcements - I'm starting up a new business.  I will have Grand Opening specials and giveaways.  I am so excited for this leap we are taking and can't wait to share the details with you all!  Stay tuned!

6 comments:

whit said...

I love this post! I'm happy that you took this leap and really are doing something that you enjoy and love. I can't wait to see all of your projects! So happy for you!

Darlene said...

Love your post! You spoke right from your heart to my heart. I heard you and understood. :-)

Congratulations on taking a huge leap.

Polly said...

you are unstoppable! you will succeed at whatever you put your mind to. You are a great example to your kids!

Polly said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Brooke Iverson said...

Yay yay! Can't wait to see what's happening and all the beautiful things you'll be creating! So glad you're taking this leap!

Melia Mae Quilting said...

I so get what you are saying in this post!!!!! I am having the same issues since purchasing my machine and struggling with job etc etc etc. Thank you so much for writing this post. I totally understand it and I am glad that someone has felt the way that I do!!!!!!