For many years I dreamed of sewing fun and beautiful items to sell. That dream came true when I worked at a gift shop that rented space to crafters and artists who wanted to sell their wares. I rented a space and filled it up and waited for my first sale. I was working the day it happened and could barely contain my excitement when a customer brought one of my burp cloths to the register. Once she paid for the purchase and was out the door, my co-worker and I did a happy dance. My dream had come true.
Shortly after that, I decided to open an Etsy shop. The fist sale was just as exciting as the one in the gift shop. It was just mind boggling to me that someone would want to buy something that I made.
It wasn't long before I realized I couldn't sew enough to keep both a booth and shop full. And it wasn't so much that I couldn't sew enough so much as I didn't like sewing that much. I found more and more excuses to stay out of the sewing room. I love to sew and this dilemma had me confounded. Eventually I gave up the booth to focus on Etsy since it was much cheaper to maintain.
It just turns out that I don't enjoy sewing when I have to do it. I really thought I wanted to have a business and make a name for myself. Well, actually, I still want that, but sewing isn't the way that it's going to happen. It's a relief to finally admit it to myself, but at the same time a little sad.
Taking the pressure off to fill up an online store will enable me to enjoy the recreational sewing I've always loved. I can create beautiful accessories for my home, gifts for family and friends, and make cute outfits for my sweet Shylee because I want to and not because I have to. I get excited just writing about it!
I opened my Etsy shop three years ago and I will never regret doing so. I will be closing it this week and take the guilt and pressure off to fill it. Thank you so much to those of you who have supported me through both encouragement and sales. If you would like something made in the future, I would be happy to make it for you. Just let me know.
I know exactly how you feel! Of course, me returning to full time work facilitated the demise of my shop, but the truth was, feeling like I HAD to make things killed the enjoyment for me too. My store has been closed for nearly two years now and I've found it SO much more enjoyable making things when I want just because I want to! Not that you won't be missed :)
ReplyDeleteBest of luck to you!
ReplyDeleteI can understand and support your decision. My Etsy shop has only been open a year and a half--and I still enjoying sewing for the shop (most of the time). But I am finding it difficult to schedule in time for "just for fun" sewing projects for my family, charity projects, and quilt guild. I've decided beginning in July, Sunday will be my "sew for fun" day.
I wish I things selling fast enough on my shop to require me having to make things! Mine is still mostly stuff I do for fun, and put it on there just to see if it will sell. But, I can totally understand where you are coming from. Good for you doing what you WANT!
ReplyDeletehttp://13plumconfessions.blogspot.com
I totally understand Annette. I have been in that dilemma from the day I opened all of my shops, LOL!!!
ReplyDeleteI work so hard on posting on Etsy and trying to promote my work that it takes a lot of the fun out of the actual sewing, painting and photography that I do get to do and then if nothing sells I feel guilty for spending time on any project and the amount of money that went into creating it. So, it is a frustrating way to do business.
I have said on multiple occasions that I was going to shut down my shops but then I think about all the work I have put into them and I reconsider ;(
More power to you for being brave enough to follow thru and knowing your own mind :)
(I think sometimes I've lost mine, LOL!!!
Take care and I hope to still see you around in bloggerville :)
I still cherish my lavender sachet I bought from you :)
Have a lovely evening, cheers, T. :)
I say bravo to you for finding your way! I absolutely understand. Years ago, when I was a stay home mom, I tole painted and worked the Christmas bazzaars with my husband. When we stopped after about 10 years I swore I would NEVER paint for money again. Making things because you have to can just drain away the joy and become a chore.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your new freedom and please post your creations because I know they will be wonderful!!
I understand, having an Etsy shop can be so time consuming, and take the fun out of creating. I am glad to here you will still be creating the things you love for the people you love. Enjoy your new adventures.
ReplyDeleteValerie
Everyday Inspired
I'm glad you've found what makes you happy :) You'll still get to enjoy your sewing, just at your own pace. Enjoy creating for yourself again :)
ReplyDeleteHopefully you find what you do want to create a business around. It's a tough decision but a smart one it sounds like. Best of luck to you in your future endeavors! :)
ReplyDeletehttp://mandycrandell.blogspot.com/
I understand! I love sewing, but when it's on a "have to" basis, it feels very different. My etsy shop is on hiatus at the moment, because it was almost empty and I just felt too pressured to fill it back up.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy sewing and creating what you love, when you want to. :-)
Oh Annette, how well I understand your feelings. When the joy of our passion to create becomes a chore then the pleasure is lost.
ReplyDeleteI've been struggling with the whole internet thing for several months now, placed my shops on vacation mode and have been debating exactly what I want to do and the direction I wish to take. So far the answers elude me.
You are so talented and you've put much love into each piece you create -- I know your shop will be truly missed. Wishing you tranquility and much happiness always.