My Thoughts on 2012 {Reaching Goals and Building a Dream}

Source: prettystuff.tumblr.com via Melissa on Pinterest

I love what I do.

When I started SoChick! in 2010 I was sewing bags and accessories, all the while growing this passion for fabric, sewing and handmade loveliness.  I knew it then, but began to realize it more and more, that my passion wasn't in manufacturing bags, as much as it was in creating, designing and sharing my passion for fabric and sewing in general.  I get so excited to look at and share beautiful fabric, inspiration and... what was that? you have a question about sewing??... I'm all about encouraging and sharing my knowledge!  I love learning new techniques as much as I love sharing ones I know.

I have a growing love for ALL things sewing related: bag making, quilting, and yes, even garment sewing (although its a newer adventure that I'm learning more about).

My passion for pretty fabric may have come from the extreme lack thereof in my local area.  While there are a few shops, none carry the fabric that I ♥.  So, I learned about and developed my taste for fabric by ordering online.  By purchasing small quantities of fabric online, I became familiar with designers and colors.  Also, annual visits to the Original Sewing & Quilt Expo in Atlanta, Ga, allowed me to touch/feel all kinds of fabrics, and I'm like a sponge when it comes to learning techniques!

Lets not forget to mention how much I ♥ getting my fabric delivered by Mr. UPS, and Mr/Ms USPS.  I know they think I'm some crazy fabric-sewing chick... that's okay.

In the beginning of 2012 I knew I wanted big things for my little business, every year has been a year of growth and goal reaching... this year, many of the little dreams, on the path to my big dream, came true. 

I released a Sewing Pattern for sale and have had major success on a free Sewing Tutorial (in my humble opinion). I taught a few sewing lessons to friends, one of whom is getting her first sewing machine in the very near future (Success!!).  And, my little sewing studio is bursting with bolts of beautiful fabric from my favorite designers, as I am now selling fabric by the yard in my online Fabric Shoppe.  Sitting down with my fabric rep and looking through fabric samples was a big dream-come-true... Yay! 

In 2013 I hope to add more fabric to my shoppe, complete an Epic Quilt Project, release more PDF Patterns for sale, and build my Blog's Virtual Shoppe community.

I can not give enough thanks to each and every one of my customers, blog readers, twitter/facebook followers, online friends and real-life friends (and family) for the support you have shown me and my growing business.  While SoChick! is still very much a small business, it has come so, so far... and wouldn't be what it is today if it weren't for all of you!

I hope 2013 brings many awesome things to each of you, health, happiness, love, and perhaps some needle and thread... and of course, fabric!  

XxOo~ Melissa

Amy Butler's Blossom Magazine {And a Discount Code}

I'm 98% sure it's no secret that I heart Amy Butler Design.  I mean, when the opportunity arose for me to carry a small selection of fabric for sale in my shop, I did choose from Amy's Soul Blossom collection... that may have given it away, right?  Read more about that, here.

Another reason I heart Amy, and the other designers that I'm drawn to, is simply her desire and passion to see others creating.  She knows how to inspire... I'm inspired by her tremendously.

Needless to say I may have let out a little "Eeep!" of excitement when I opened my e-mail to see her announcement of Amy Butler's Blossom Magazine.  This digital magazine will published online twice a year... for FREE!  (I know you just did a happy dance, right?  Am I right???)


{Image Copyright Amy Butler Design}

" It will be full of fresh perspectives, inspirations, ideas, projects, sensuous color and more.  It will feature beautiful photography as well as musings from my heart. The content will have simple ideas for making your life beautiful, great resources for sharing not only my fabrics and patterns but other wonderful artists that I come across, and a focus on finding happiness in all the wonderful little pleasures that make up our creative lives." - Amy Butler

Have you signed up for it yet?  What are you waiting for?  Do it!

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You can find a selection of beautiful fabrics from Amy Butler's Soul Blossom Collection in my new SoChick! Fabric Shoppe on Etsy... use discount code ETSY15 to save 15% on your entire order! 

XxOo~ Melissa

Q & A with an Inspiring Chick [Shop Anniversary Celebration Week]

I hope you are enjoying the Party this week!  I am so glad you are following along while I celebrate my SoChick Shop's 1 Year Anniversary!

If you've missed anything so far, be sure to check here, here, and here, to get in the loop!

Today I'm sharing a sweet gal with a super inspiring blog.  She wears her heart on her sleeve and is beautiful all around... if you've not yet 'met' Casey Wiegand, you need to hop over to her space and check out what she's got going on at TheWiegand's.

I love her style, creativity and of course her adorable family; I applaud her and her husband for taking a risk and re-opening their Art Studio 'A Little Artsy'.  She is doing with Art what I dream of one day doing with fabric and sewing... teaching, and encouraging a younger generation, as well as her peers, to embrace their creativity.

After reading her Leap of Faith post, I took my own leap of faith and e-mailed Casey asking if she'd be interested in participating in my Celebration week... I was completely honored when she said "Yes" and was willing to do a quickie Q & A...

SoChick: Since starting your blog in January (2011), it has seen a lot of growth.  How has blogging helped you to also grow as an artist?
Casey Weigand: It has! I have met so many inspiring and encouraging people and it truly has helped my inspiration for paintings as well! The blogging community has been such a sweet blessing in my life!

SC: Your family business, A Little Artsy, helps children discover their creativity through art... What words of encouragement do you have for Everyday Chicks out there who want to explore their creative side, through art, sewing, crafting, etc., but don't really know where to start?
CW: I think people think that art needs to look a certain way sometimes. We are all artists though and all have something to offer the world! Don't be afraid to do so!

SC: What is a fun "Bet you didn't know" fact about yourself?
CW: Ohhh I love these! Um let's see I am terrified of roller coasters and love hershey bars :).

Thank you, Casey!  And thank you to all of you who are reading and following... I am working hard today, my Birthday, so that I may have new items to share at the Art Walk in Downtown New Bern, NC this Friday (from 5-8pm) and also so that I may re-stock my shop for you!  You are going to love the new fabrics I'm using for fall!

Come back tomorrow for Guest Post from another awesome chick who's going to give us her perspective on running a handmade business with kids... See you tomorrow!

XxOo~ Melissa