In My Haven: October 13
This week in my haven I have been thinking a lot about which parts of running Haven Handmade are my favorite, and which feel more like a chore. The designing and sewing are definitely at the top, while marketing and financial stuff are towards the bottom. When it comes to interacting with customers, I much prefer teaching about what I sew over trying to describe what makes my products unique or worthy of their price tag. Being a vendor at craft markets falls somewhere in the middle. I like sharing photos or videos of what I make on social media, but I dislike feeling obligated to post on a schedule or post certain kinds of content.
Any job is bound to have a spectrum of enjoyable to less enjoyable tasks that might differ from person to person. But since this is my business and I'm the one doing all the tasks, I want to put the limited hours I have towards the aspects I enjoy the most. So, what exactly does that mean in practice? Well, I hope to spend more time on designing appliqué patterns and creating tutorial videos for sewing appliqué projects. I want Haven Handmade to be a resource for others more than just a place to shop. Haven Handmade, from the beginning, was created to fit around my priorities and not the other way around. As life in my haven changes, Haven Handmade is bound to change too. I, for one, am very excited to see what direction it goes next.
Coming Soon
Vintage Rose Appliqué
This week I worked on designing and testing this Vintage Rose appliqué pattern. You've probably seen roses illustrated in this stylized form before. What you may not know is who the original artist was. Charles Rennie Mackintosh, a Scottish architect and artist, is the designer behind this iconic representation of a rose. You can learn more about his art and influence in this article. I have had an affinity for art deco and art nouveau styles for a long time and was excited to explore how this aesthetic would look as an appliqué. I should have the pattern ready next week after I make a few tweaks.
Everything I sewed this week:
In addition to this new appliqué, I've had time to work on a few personal sewing projects. Take a look!
Golden yellow knit t-shirt: Pattern is self-drafted. Fabric was from Fancy Tiger Crafts, but I can't remember the fiber content. It might be a linen blend?
Green Bag: A simple new lunch bag for Peter.
Blue Sweatshirt with Appliqué: This is one of a set of appliquéd sweatshirts I'm making as Christmas gifts, which is why I can't show the whole thing. On Instagram Stories this week I asked if there was interest in a tutorial and I got lots of “yeses”, so I will be working on that soon.
Links & Things
I am about halfway through reading American Mermaid (Julia Langbein). So far it's been a very intriguing read, although the middle is moving a little slower than the beginning. Hopefully it will end strong.
I enjoyed making this chocolate oat milk pudding recipe this week, and enjoyed eating it even more.
This episode of the Stitch Please podcast, featuring Bisa Butler, is on my to-listen list.
I've been in need of some sort of project I can work on while I sit and watch tv in the evenings. I considered several different needle arts including cross stitch, embroidery, hand stitched appliqué, sashiko embroidery, and kogin embroidery. After a trip to the craft supplies store, I decided to get some yarn and start knitting a scarf. Are you working on any creative projects?
What's happening in your haven this week?
Warmly,
Beth
Disclosure: The links in this post are not affiliate links. I do not receive any compensation for the recommendations I make in my journal. It's just a place where I can write about what I like and think you might too.
