Remnants of the Past, June 1-2, 2013

So I recently had the opportunity to sign up for the next Remnants of the Past show.

Tuxedo pillows in lots of colors

 For about 10 years now I've been working on my business, Cottage by Design. I've been able to stay at a comfortable workload with customers who either know me locally or who have come to know me through either the blog or Etsy. I like staying small potatoes as my goal is do the sewing, designing, & consulting myself rather than become a manager of the people who would do those things for me. Happiness for me is working on a project in my cottage, Chloe in her basket to keep my company, breeze blowing through the windows, with a view of the birds splashing in the fountain.

White linen with vintage crochet

 However, in the back of my mind, I've dreamed of an opportunity to make an impression on a larger audience. Signing on to do the Remnants of the Past show is that push.

Red toile pillow cases

Since signing on, every morning I've been out in the cottage, sketching ideas and making samples. I hear Tim Gunn in my mind rooting me on with, "Make it work!" and challenging me to be cohesive as the time ticks down on my deadline. I'm throwing all I've got at this show. No holds barred. Sink or swim. Big truck, hotel room, staging before hand... All to make that 10 x 20 foot space as fantastic as possible.

White and pale gray linen Euro sham with custom monogram

I hope you can join me at the next show in San Luis Obispo, CA this June 1-2, 2013. Please come say hello. I'll have lemon heads there too. : )

Wish me luck!

Double Ruffle Linen Pillow

The past couple of days have been amazing for me. My dream of sitting in my cottage sewing away, filling orders for people who live across the country has been coming true.

On Friday, I had the pleasure of meeting two ladies who needed a thank you gift. It was a for the hostess who had opened her home so that they could attend the LA Gift Show. The hostess (daughter of one of the ladies) had recently moved into the home and was newly decorating. Mom had a picture of the master bedroom so we were able to collaborate on style and color that would complement the room. They decided on a ruched linen pillow with ruffles that featured a monogram of husband and wife. I was able to hurry home and fill the order, custom monogram and all, within a few hours of meeting them.

The very next day, Saturday, I was sipping my coffee when I noticed an email alert from Etsy. I was asked to make a double ruffle linen pillow in off white linen. LOVE it! Off to my cottage to get started. Within two hours I was wrapping it up with a bow to be shipped to my customer.

I really LOVE what I do!

: )

Feeling Inspired : )

The weather here in Southern California has been absolutely gorgeous lately. It's been inspiring me to get back to sewing for fun, with no other purpose than to see what happens. The days are flying by. Before I know it, hours have passed and it's time to get the girls from school.

This linen is a beautiful light gray that I just started using...

This is "the cottage" where I work.

The perfectionist in me says before I should share, I should have a full photo shoot, product shots, copy written, etc. all uploaded to Etsy. Knowing me, too much time will pass before that would happen. So here are some pictures...

Let me know if you are interested in anything. As always, samples can be sent or come and see me in Fullerton.

All the best to you on this beautiful day!
 
trish