23 November 2007

Well, this is it!

























I have been mulling over the idea of setting up a blogspot dedicated to my new business for some time now as I feel I need to have a place to work through some of the ideas and issues that crop up on a daily basis, a place to air frustrations or blow my own trumpet when things go well. Today I actually did something about it! So, to kick off here's a little background.....

Having sewn, knitted, created in a variety of ways since I was very young, I decided this summer to put this need to make things to some (hopefully) good use by setting up a business. Now I am something of a realist and there is no way I was wearing rosy specs when I undertook this task; for a start, I am a mother of five children and two step-children ranging in age from 18 months to 25 years! Reality plays a very large part in my life. I have also thought about doing this for years and there comes a time when you have to say enough thought, time for action. And so, with much support from a wonderful partner who set up my website with endless demands on how it should be from me, I now have a business named 'pipany' after...well, me!

Most of my products are textile based as I have an enduring passion for fabric and can easily pass away the hours perusing shelves of multi-coloured cottons, comparing the textures and imagining what they will become. As the business is new I decided to keep the range quite simple intially with bags for both adults and children, padded hearts and lavender sachets, but gradually I shall increase it to include a wider variety of goods, many of which will feature hand embroidery as it is another passion.

This blog will be all about my struggles to work around our huge household - albeit in a diminutive house - while learning the ins and outs of running a business and trying to make it pay. I hope you enjoy coming along for the journey.

Pipany x

13 comments:

annakarenin said...

What a good idea Pipany and useful having the link set up on your other blog. It will be interesting to see how the business progresses especially seeing it right from the start.

Could turn out very inspirational for some

Norma Murray said...

Best of luck with the business. Your work looks very pretty and tempting. I hope it sells really well.

Faith said...

Well done, I wish I had your talent.

toady said...

Good idea Pip. I was thinking of doing similar in the New Year and getting a new website with a shop facility. Everything hinges on how things go next weekend at the craft fair. I think we all live far enough apart not to feel threatened by each others enterprises, and our biggest threat is China, not each other. Sadly Torridgeside is the poorest area in Devon and Cornwall so opportunities are a bit sparse round here. There are a couple of 'likely' shops and holiday parks that I may try in the New Year with some stuff. I'm stacked out with fabric at the moment but just can't resist a bargain! I'm getting a bit jittery about the craft fair. Luckily my L is coming with me to prop me up. Scarey eh.

Zoƫ said...

As you know , I am already a fan of your creations, I find it very hard not to keep popping back and just dropping something else in my shopping basket!

Good idea to blog about it, it helps get ideas straight, but also interesting to others who might be contempalting such a venture!

mountainear said...

Well done you - for taking the initiative. Hope your business booms!

Elizabeth Musgrave said...

Great idea and love your website too. I wondered if you had looked at sites like Sarah Raven and Cath Kidston for thoughts on extending the range? If I can be any help with my accountant hat on or is you have a specific problem on that front drop me a pm. very best of luck.

Elizabethd said...

Lovely idea Pipany. Well done!

Anonymous said...

This is a really lovely blog. A super idea, somewhere to air your views, get things off your chest and promote your fantastic business in the bargain. Good luck, Pipany. Not that you will need much of that, your designs are stunning.

Crystal xx

Kitty said...

Fab, all fab...

Exmoorjane said...

Well done Pip, another lovely set-up. And to anyone who finds this blog and doesn't know Pipany's sewing, please do have a look at her website and treat yourself to a bundle of her gorgeous things! They are beautifully made and very special....

Fennie said...

Excellent idea, Pipany. Look forward to hearing how it is going. As you know I run a little business too so I shall take an especial interest. You do make some lovely things.

CAMILLA said...

A wonderful idea Pipany, such beautiful things, I wish I had your talent for sewing.

Well done again Pipany, I love your blogs, everything so deliciously beautiful.

Camilla.xx