Prioritizing

I am the world's best prioritizer - at least, I used to be. Something about having a baby and now a toddler has spun my world out of control. I just cannot seem to keep up. Something is always dirty, messy, broken, missing, etc. I found all the animals to Aiden's Fisher Price Barn set up securely hidden in the hole of our stereo systems center speaker...along with the TV Remote and a harmonica.

I stayed up late last night to package orders to ship today, so at least that was done. It was so nice outside, I decided we'd walk to the post office. Don't be too impressed, we live in a small town so it's not that far. But then it started to sprinkle on us. Yes, I did see the clouds before I left, and went anyway. Thankfully, it never did rain. But because Aiden is on a first name basis with our local postal workers and crys every time we leave, I opted to use the mail shoot by the PO boxes and got the first package I put in stuck so I couldn't open the door for the rest. Nice.

The good news in my day is I've ordered tons of paper and it's all on it's way to me. When I first opened Tattered Tapestry, I also wanted to open an online fabric store. While my husband was game for the idea, we just couldn't make it work, logistically, in our 1100 sq ft house w/o renting space. And that sort of defeated the 'stay-at-home' part of mom. So I scrapped that idea. But once Owl Say started doing well, I thought about opening a paper store. Mainly because all the cute paper I liked was online - even though I live very close to a Metropolitan area, I could still get my favorite papers shipped to me cheaper than any local stores. So, after doing some research, I decided to do just that - open a paper store. Welcome to The Paper Hoarder.

Ok, if you just clicked the link, you are probably a little disappointed. I'm still working out the kinks. Basic stuff, like the banner, avatar, etc. And I don't actually have my paper to list yet. Which I guess, is the biggest kink since it's a paper store. I know, you're thinking I'm crazy. Three Etsy stores, is she out of her mind? Well, yes, maybe. But remember, I'm not really working Tattered right now. In fact, after the Oct 17th craft fair, I'm hoping the store will be void of all baby blankets, kitchen towels and purses. What I don't sell, I'll probably save as gifts. I've already deactivated the appliques. I'm only planning on selling key fobs. And if I sell out at the craft fair, then I'll basically be putting Tattered on vacation for a while. It's just a logistics thing. I don't have enough room to work 2 (let alone 3) businesses right now. Especially when I only have 1 table (the one we also eat at) to work. So, in my mind, it's my short term solution.

Plus, if I'm being honest, I had to put most of my fabric in big tupperware store containers to make room for all the paper. I need to be able to put the paper in the one cabinet I have and put a child lock on it so Aiden can't get to it. Especially now that he's been in to crafting and likes to cut (yes, w/safety scissors) and color.

Also, I think I made a critical mistake with Tattered that I've tried not to repeat in Owl Say...I had too many different product types. In my personal opinion, if someone can sew, then someone can sew. My mother-in-law can sew anything. I mean, anything. She has no limit. She's a better seamstress than I am. If she opened a store, (which she should) I'd know everything she made would be good quality. I think that way when I look at other sewing shops. But to someone, like my own mother, who doesn't sew, the cohesive appearance of a shop that only offers a few things or 'specializes' gives they buyer peace that what they are buying is well made. It's psychology, I guess. Perception is reality. All that to say, I will, eventually, reinvent Tattered Tapestry. How can I let go a name that catchy?

Owl Say

Ok, admittedly, I have neglected my blog. I have also neglected my Facebook fan page if it makes you feel any better. I haven't felt 100% (too long and boring to give details) and my father had a heart attack, so I have been understandably distracted. But, I'm feeling better, and so is my dad (thank you for asking), so it's time to get busy again!

I am sorry to say that I'm having to put Tattered Tapestry on the back burner for now. This is because my very strong-willed toddler has just about made it impossible to sit at a sewing machine! It's normal for a little boy to be fascinated with all things mechanical (right?). He's very intent on trying to help me guide the fabric, which does not make for very straight lines! And as his naps have gotten shorter and shorter, I just have to prioritize how to spend that time, and sewing keeps getting left off the list. I will still be offering new designs of wristlet key fobs, but all other items in my shop are on sale (if anyone is interested). I'm also destashing some of my fabric and unused patterns.

That being said, Owl Say Designs is doing quite well. I've had 255 sales since June, and it's just more than I could have possibly anticipated. It's been pretty slow this week, but I think I was getting a little spoiled. I'm happy with a sale a day, or every other day, or just whenever.... Any sale makes me happy. I'm also excited to announce that I'll be going to my first Craft Fair Oct 17th. So all recent sales have basically gone to fund this...which, as it turns out, can be very expensive when you've never done it before. But that's ok. My goal is to sell enough to pay for the booth - a mere $50. That's just 10 passport or checkbook covers. Surely I can sell 10...at least I hope. I keep telling myself I'll be ok if I don't. I'll be ok if it's a complete bust and I'm out all my recent sale money AND the booth fee. I haven't convinced myself of this yet! I think I'll just have to cross this bridge when I get there.

That's all for today. I promise more later as I do have more exciting news to share!!!