Where personal changes and artistry meet

by Katy of muchacha K handmade

This past year and a half has been insane for me. Oh I know it's been insane for a lot of people, thanks to world changes and economic frustrations...but let me give you the short version so you know just what I'm talking about personally:

I completed an internship and all of my remaining coursework for grad school.
I ended a significant relationship.
I began a new relationship and got married (and had a HUGE 300-guest wedding!)
I acquired three very young step-children.
I moved.
I got a dog.
I coordinate a weekly outdoor event.
I am active in many local "committees" to better my community.
I have two jobs.
I was diagnosed as an adult with ADHD.
I endured several rounds of medication trials to see if they would help me to manage some of my ADHD symptoms and some of those trials went very badly.
I was temporarily disabled (mentally and physically) for two months because of an atypical migraine-related disorder.


This is the short list, but you get the idea...and all of these things happening at once has been one wild ride.

One important item to add to the list: I have my sewing business...and it's been sadly neglected. I simply could not keep producing at the rate I was, and keep the rest of my life on a even keel. I had to completely stop for a bit, and now...am rebuilding.

But after so many changes...the question I have been wrestling with is not whether or not I want to sew, but...what do I want to make? Prior to my break I was running a brisk little business of bridal custom orders and handbag sales. It was great, but I feel like I'm ready for something new. Lately, I wake up dreaming about making clothing. I see fabric and I see dresses...and shirts...and skirts...

All of these life changes have apparently brought about an artistic revolution in my imagination...but it's hard to put aside financial concerns. I was making money doing what I WAS doing. But will I make money doing what I want do to now?

Here's what it comes down to, for me: did I begin what I was doing before, with the purpose of making money? No, I did not. I know this is not conventional business planning, but for me, the answer to this question is important because I know from experience that money alone is not a good motivator for me. I need to be in it for the love.

So...I will start with a sewing machine and a dress form and go from there. And after building up some inventory, perhaps some business planning will be in order. But for now...after all of the changes this crazy year has brought, I just want to reconnect with the love. I need it. I need the love.

This is one of the first bags I ever made...in my basement apartment, 3,000 miles from where I live now. Everything in my life has changed since then...everything except the fact that I love to sew.