tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10832308995549019352024-02-06T21:51:11.945-08:00PipanyHello and welcome to a blogspot dedicated to my business, Pipany. I wanted a place to mull over new ideas and think through the problems inherent in starting up and running a small business, and this is it! I hope you enjoy sharing the ups (and the downs) with me and please feel free to leave a comment if so moved...though nice ones only please!
Pipany xPipanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04048984447721169350noreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1083230899554901935.post-19326655045106405122008-05-06T02:53:00.000-07:002008-05-06T02:57:14.025-07:00All merged together.Just a note to say that from now on I will be combining my business and family life blogs on <a href="http://pipany-poltiskofarm.blogspot.com">Pipany & the Poltisko Memoirs</a> to hopefully make my life a little easier, but also because they are so closely linked that it now feels wrong to seperate them - explained it all over there. <br /><br />Hopr to see you there! xxPipanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04048984447721169350noreply@blogger.com46tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1083230899554901935.post-60911618194183391732008-04-29T16:31:00.000-07:002008-04-30T02:08:53.031-07:00What a difference a day makes.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi1wPFOqNaHFLjVtU3FcmBqcxVOU6_3OoTwVE2XAhVDA1Wi442UxY7SzKuY9SAhkWYsxQzpUejfBQLR5OpE_xXizAH0tYhgvNqaaLpT837cAm_aa7CEuTBOmYvIvoUKM_uMHmLGNeljXtS/s1600-h/mon7+009.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi1wPFOqNaHFLjVtU3FcmBqcxVOU6_3OoTwVE2XAhVDA1Wi442UxY7SzKuY9SAhkWYsxQzpUejfBQLR5OpE_xXizAH0tYhgvNqaaLpT837cAm_aa7CEuTBOmYvIvoUKM_uMHmLGNeljXtS/s320/mon7+009.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194960659696076738" /></a><br /><br /><br />This post should make a pleasant change as I feel 'habby' and flowery, hence the photo of blossom which sort of reflects my mood (though thanks Blogger for NOT letting me move it further down the post!) For once, I refuse to moan which will be a blessed relief to those of you who regularly dip into either this blog about my business or my other blog about our family life (<a href="http://www.pipany-poltiskofarm.blogspot.com">Poltisko Memoirs</a>). Lately has been a rather turbulant time of broken cars and much expense and skin of teeth financially speaking - just filling in any newcomers - thus making my blogging space a place for off-loading and well, whingeing quite frankly. Not today however, not today; no, today I am 'Mrs Very Important and Far too Full of Herself for Her Own Good' of Cornwall. You see, one or two nice things have happened (about time too) and I wish to share them with you...<br /><br />First up for your consideration is the phone call I received on Monday afternoon, a call which I thought was from a friend who needed a lift with her children to collect her car from the garage - huh, cars...who needs them? (well, me actually) - anyway, I thought the ringing of said phone heralded said friend reminding me of my promise of help, yet the voice on the other end was unfamiliar:<br /><br /> "Hello, may I speak to Pipany please?"<br /> Vacant pause from yours truly<br /> "Hello, who's this?" says I.<br /> Unfamiliar voice asks uncertainly, " er, who am I speaking to please?"<br /> "Pipany," in tones of slight annoyance.<br /> "Oh, hello Pipany; this is Emma from Marie Claire Magazine. I've just seen your showroom on Not on the High Street and went to look at your website. I really like your stuff and think you would fit in really well with our advertising campaign here at Marie Claire."<br /><br />Well, I picked myself up off the floor and tried to sound professional as we discussed the ins and outs of media and marketing and international publication...as you do. Now, I am not stupid and am aware that this lady, my new best friend Emma, was trying to sell advertising space BUt - and for me it is a very big but - she liked my stuff enough to check out my website and 'phone me!!! Out of all those other people on the NOTHS site, she noticed my dear little products, my Babbits and mop caps and bags and sachets; let's just say something finally made Pipany beam a great big smile and for that alone I love Emma of Marie Claire Magazine.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDTCP-KXCoSNroBGZdmFhhuLCoD9vpIL6ts5WRmonnxE8Au81_TTDx_Cgs0xoHXSW6UG_3AYV8keOWKHePPUd_JBzYd6ZaRLoUybztEWNiElmdKs6QLpmx7HM-Rq7tgaA8EmthACUmkQDU/s1600-h/sachets+001.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDTCP-KXCoSNroBGZdmFhhuLCoD9vpIL6ts5WRmonnxE8Au81_TTDx_Cgs0xoHXSW6UG_3AYV8keOWKHePPUd_JBzYd6ZaRLoUybztEWNiElmdKs6QLpmx7HM-Rq7tgaA8EmthACUmkQDU/s320/sachets+001.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194947950887847842" /></a><br /><br /><br />So, there I am trying to inform Dave of this frankly small but lovely nonetheless saga when he interrupts to tell me he noticed I had two emails to open. Off I went to find one from a very lovely and happy customer who had received her parcel of goodies and had mailed to tell me how thrilled she is with her order; I love this side of the business - getting feedback is almost always a really positive thing and makes the whole thing worthwhile for me. The next email was from NOTHS to inform me that Wedding Magazine had requested my embroidered lavender sachets for a photo shoot for their Aug/Sept publication!!! I was almost on the ceiling! As was Dave! How many more !!!!!s can I use?<br /><br />So there you are; Pipany is smiling and cares not that Emma from Marie Claire (name dropping) magazine probably rang the entire NOTHS seller list trying to sell space or that my sachets may not end up actually in the magazine in Aug/Sept or may be just a blur in the background. No, all I care about is that I must be doing something right to have been noticed in the first place and for that alone I shall keep on going and trusting my instincts as I have up till now.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi_LYFQYagFp25swO_DA_WkrOzrCBs8xsI4MUsctnIoGXYJptMPdKsB4_xxzlkKUaAkM9LoiunK47m6PWoo9aWFG7q_C1CdRWij-o4xVG2nObDUz44r2lJBh8lRwzbI3-x82E-D4PhjoMf/s1600-h/ter+002.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi_LYFQYagFp25swO_DA_WkrOzrCBs8xsI4MUsctnIoGXYJptMPdKsB4_xxzlkKUaAkM9LoiunK47m6PWoo9aWFG7q_C1CdRWij-o4xVG2nObDUz44r2lJBh8lRwzbI3-x82E-D4PhjoMf/s320/ter+002.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194956983204071346" /></a><br /><br /><br />Now I really am Far Too Important to chat anymore today and have to bask in my own glory for a while longer before I bump back to Earth with a wallop. Sooo hope that being happy won't jump up and bite me with a bout of things going wrong just to spoil it all (lawks, I sound like my mother now!). Oh, and as a final thing to mention, I am thinking of merging both my blogs together as the business and famil life are so closely related that it seems hard to know which one to write what in sometimes - let me know what you think.<br /><br />Have a lovely, lovely day everyone <br /><br /> Pipany xxPipanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04048984447721169350noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1083230899554901935.post-31742343902468767952008-04-21T02:50:00.000-07:002008-04-21T03:46:28.746-07:00The trouble with hats...A quick post today as I have a weather chart to make with Isabella before she heads off for a nap - I realised that I have been allowing tthe work for the business to start encroaching on my time with Isabella and I am determined to re-address the situation. After all, the time with her will soon go and can't be replaced, and much as I love my little business and could happily spend every minute on it, I need to remember that it was supposed to work around her until she is at school; then I can give it every moment, but in the meantime sticking things onto paper and messing around with paints is what we are planning for this morning and the afternoon will see me glued to the sewing machine while she sleeps!<br /><br />Here are a few things which brightened my sewing room this weekend - cheery flags all waiting to be attached to tape to become reams of bright bunting for an order. I loved working on this as there was so much of it - 8metres in all - and the room almost glowed with colour; really lovely<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitUgyQpm21ifo8LFGovMwC8MVsGKH11dNWNfjgM8pYLITmeZBqpmPgxuBW9OXbtdeDstXMt-KLiwzWvE4Igl8tI9x0xOQEJf2eLuxTgg3XsiTYOqfTcxgCm_wV4fzfyKQFalf31ymBrhKE/s1600-h/monz+009.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitUgyQpm21ifo8LFGovMwC8MVsGKH11dNWNfjgM8pYLITmeZBqpmPgxuBW9OXbtdeDstXMt-KLiwzWvE4Igl8tI9x0xOQEJf2eLuxTgg3XsiTYOqfTcxgCm_wV4fzfyKQFalf31ymBrhKE/s400/monz+009.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5191635827039780946" /></a><br /><br />I have also been making lots of little mop caps for ages 0 - 3 years in such pretty fabrics - gorgeous cotton poplins in delicate pinks <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv0t0Dp1cBiFXAj7DeF6ajbMOzMf2At7R8vumhzHBlfUeuO3JN0Mys7oAiuc8h4qm5plvSFrEgy6jHahPnglmx7-uKkLJYZwW5FHzRYynBjr4HdzPqRHggAg7q5g9y6GpHJKh0vj97V08d/s1600-h/monw+006.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv0t0Dp1cBiFXAj7DeF6ajbMOzMf2At7R8vumhzHBlfUeuO3JN0Mys7oAiuc8h4qm5plvSFrEgy6jHahPnglmx7-uKkLJYZwW5FHzRYynBjr4HdzPqRHggAg7q5g9y6GpHJKh0vj97V08d/s320/monw+006.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5191642076217196658" /></a><br /><br />and lilacs <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAqoBWAhg-EQ0fEosv_h1Rm5upDOa1CPCr8tvAilwrnfwDDWOcuiAfPGfRrsfmzNiXGxV1qZqY772QJUN5JGM4ChZUaaf-xnNDeGQbfQtlOQtiU_dT7QcviAWuf-1WRE3P7pj6wb4Cvc8H/s1600-h/monw+010.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAqoBWAhg-EQ0fEosv_h1Rm5upDOa1CPCr8tvAilwrnfwDDWOcuiAfPGfRrsfmzNiXGxV1qZqY772QJUN5JGM4ChZUaaf-xnNDeGQbfQtlOQtiU_dT7QcviAWuf-1WRE3P7pj6wb4Cvc8H/s320/monw+010.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5191641500691578978" /></a><br /><br />and even a beautiful sprigged yellow, usually a colour I struggle with as it can tend towards harshness).<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCgFShhaNNTJe8KIvtW760ySVNPu63B4pOLZ8VP4omm-2B3I5WaY6qT9JXcvkPgegQYgdZFkFv3m1ollILNKGJJU0RcdaozH-19vMbYXtfDN6irogmLJA0lN1p0wvvlpH5Gh0DlhkmQJQB/s1600-h/monw+009.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCgFShhaNNTJe8KIvtW760ySVNPu63B4pOLZ8VP4omm-2B3I5WaY6qT9JXcvkPgegQYgdZFkFv3m1ollILNKGJJU0RcdaozH-19vMbYXtfDN6irogmLJA0lN1p0wvvlpH5Gh0DlhkmQJQB/s320/monw+009.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5191642973865361538" /></a><br /><br /> These are all lovely and make me think of Jane Austen!<br /><br /><br />I do have to admit to finding the hats difficult to photograph for the website; Isabella, my model for the 2-3 year range, is just not ready for her close-up! These were the best I could get...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ9la6NHQNE6hQyp9M_fikkAAWVOfK5r95lIEfTKwuXJoIMsx8QdVlXHpCEHQGohgukpbpwLkmTm1SWr8R88AGrD3dDn7dudf_wTcXtnXqxrNg5JL1bRxIYomkPaPNIal-pwj5UFR51x_p/s1600-h/monw+015.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ9la6NHQNE6hQyp9M_fikkAAWVOfK5r95lIEfTKwuXJoIMsx8QdVlXHpCEHQGohgukpbpwLkmTm1SWr8R88AGrD3dDn7dudf_wTcXtnXqxrNg5JL1bRxIYomkPaPNIal-pwj5UFR51x_p/s320/monw+015.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5191644073376989330" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhu4DJn1yzyNsDhTmHCK-dHa1AIZW6V7YC-e_wdh2pDmp1Rv8oMmy3spcCsmyMfgPLmlyxDF9Rn32HRkDuhLl_qpfkG_gE1HCwQg5Q9tbzqocwVR2cHjz_Q7PAllb5LddCc5C86vegLvds/s1600-h/monw+026.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhu4DJn1yzyNsDhTmHCK-dHa1AIZW6V7YC-e_wdh2pDmp1Rv8oMmy3spcCsmyMfgPLmlyxDF9Rn32HRkDuhLl_qpfkG_gE1HCwQg5Q9tbzqocwVR2cHjz_Q7PAllb5LddCc5C86vegLvds/s320/monw+026.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5191645224428224674" /></a><br /><br />Just look at the way her dear little curls spring out from underneath the cap (sorry, mummy moment there!)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgga_Iid3ARC6Pz3ULw1_5qRuWyFW_78Ah0lBWi3ICaqE7bASuwV6Yor7F0PkZV4babgJvY3-oP7B79S9FOHyXR-w40HgxsUiRRPGQj1CHysRB4SjMrIXNrNk1gHtXE3y6utAK2LkYMZlaf/s1600-h/monw+031.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgga_Iid3ARC6Pz3ULw1_5qRuWyFW_78Ah0lBWi3ICaqE7bASuwV6Yor7F0PkZV4babgJvY3-oP7B79S9FOHyXR-w40HgxsUiRRPGQj1CHysRB4SjMrIXNrNk1gHtXE3y6utAK2LkYMZlaf/s320/monw+031.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5191645787068940466" /></a><br /><br />I think I need to wait for a sunny day when she is playing in the garden; hopefully, she will continue to enjoy wearing hats just long enough and I have a baby in mind for the tiny ones, so fingers crossed! In the meantime I will just have to put them on with the pictures I have managed to get so far and hope for the best - sometimes those super-models can be so difficult!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxB09XQDsfF1eswpZLJ7W_8XYWSoOIRMfnpd15MjPiIvYPi4VxR0mZkXXf4dK4oqu__NBJi7oHOFdz3gd8z_Q_PDJdlwZFHILzMpklxV_ruGTG9uydQiK6xrSnXCr7WRIY7P1mv69QCJm9/s1600-h/monw+041.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxB09XQDsfF1eswpZLJ7W_8XYWSoOIRMfnpd15MjPiIvYPi4VxR0mZkXXf4dK4oqu__NBJi7oHOFdz3gd8z_Q_PDJdlwZFHILzMpklxV_ruGTG9uydQiK6xrSnXCr7WRIY7P1mv69QCJm9/s320/monw+041.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5191647393386709186" /></a><br /><br /><br />Bye for now<br /> Pipany xxPipanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04048984447721169350noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1083230899554901935.post-66387997990186898982008-04-09T01:06:00.000-07:002008-04-09T02:26:56.595-07:00Of Mice and MaterialARGHHHHH!!!!!! Yesterday was <em>such</em> a frustrating day. The computer was playing up - just peachy when I had new things to load onto my website and emails to reply to and..... well, let's just say that I was not a happy bunny. Today all is well thanks to a friend who sat quite happily staring at the screen, clicking away with a passion that completely bemuses me until he finally looked up to announce with that glee peculiar to the computer-literate, "yeah, your mouse is shot to sh*t! Oh. Right. Cheers then. So the fact that an entire day of screen jumping, page changing at inappropriate moments and lost uploaded photos was all because of a rodent? Mmm....<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsa3YeKl9GgQXdEpr38HI_TR3ZTdyznWDxyV0ELjli7-salH1MubnHLpCBVHM01prUz3LQa1cAztgJYVNVLFmIuENLfXwnwDR7-_iakkI2qo-P5UQ0_mVJMUahPE6hf3gMe1mvmRhhyJGU/s1600-h/wed+004.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsa3YeKl9GgQXdEpr38HI_TR3ZTdyznWDxyV0ELjli7-salH1MubnHLpCBVHM01prUz3LQa1cAztgJYVNVLFmIuENLfXwnwDR7-_iakkI2qo-P5UQ0_mVJMUahPE6hf3gMe1mvmRhhyJGU/s320/wed+004.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5187173664781844242" /></a><br /><br /><br />Now that's off my chest I will swiftly move on. Business continues to be good - a steady flow of orders which suits me fine and a lovely mix of goodies is filling the shelves. This pleases me most because it means that I must be offering something for everyone which was my aim when I started out. It also means I get to do a little of everything - embroidery, applique, etc - while handling the most gorgeous fabrics (I know all you fabricaholics out there will know exactly what I mean!). <br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIrWCbZ9QmsKq3Anxs-m1rmGCWH4fEQyd06zuZLJHyb0zK_Fz-mlTk3PDqPvSJe1SS3NBKlsYHavtuwLN349OcCYfGoh1TsgJ01Vu7OJ4NKykiTsYq8ed3WnD7V6HREc9R3pJYpm_62OK_/s1600-h/wed+006.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIrWCbZ9QmsKq3Anxs-m1rmGCWH4fEQyd06zuZLJHyb0zK_Fz-mlTk3PDqPvSJe1SS3NBKlsYHavtuwLN349OcCYfGoh1TsgJ01Vu7OJ4NKykiTsYq8ed3WnD7V6HREc9R3pJYpm_62OK_/s320/wed+006.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5187173127910932226" /></a><br /><br /><br />Talking of gorgeous fabrics, I found a bargain of giant proportions during the Easter holidays - actually it was Dave who found it, truth to tell; there I was, sprawling like a lazy thing on the bed, commenting that I really didn't feel like doing anything when he happened to mention that while strolling through Falmouth the day before, he had noticed a small sign stating the legend '£5 per roll' over a basket of what looked to be end of bolt Sanderson fabrics. Yes, that's right - £5 for Sanderson fabrics!!! I was out of that bed, dressed and demanding why there was a need to shave his face before leaving the house? Didn't he understand the urgency? I would have gone on my own but i needed to not waste time trying to park - no, I had better things to do with my time, like snarling if anyone went near the bolts I had placed to one side.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2YQB-AL__z9lyfuT86DbiQlZAubeEjinVl3LWE9cnxmrUWo3MeHWKXhP4r6cTxvxF63zSn2LhG03bmZjx0v3YNQE8OfQ7XOzr7hnKz6nqb1t2WVhMD7cEIMdAMn_iXImPM3CCoBjzE41N/s1600-h/wed+008.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2YQB-AL__z9lyfuT86DbiQlZAubeEjinVl3LWE9cnxmrUWo3MeHWKXhP4r6cTxvxF63zSn2LhG03bmZjx0v3YNQE8OfQ7XOzr7hnKz6nqb1t2WVhMD7cEIMdAMn_iXImPM3CCoBjzE41N/s320/wed+008.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5187172612514856690" /></a><br />(yes, some of this one became a Hawaiian shirt for Dave on his request)<br /><br />Each bolt was 3 metres long of the most gorgeous, sumptuous materials. I grabbed them all (though goodness only knows what I may have missed out on before Dave decided to inform me of this news; I really must get him to understand!), raced home and shook each one out to discover these beauties you can see dotted throughout my blog. Ahhh, aren't they wonderful? I hate to provoke envy (!) but I paid £35 for 21 metres of fabric which would normally have sold for £26 per metre! Wayhay!!!!<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp05xGQsGpr_8E2r8MX-USz8IZAjLlXMFnqasaq1wx9-ycRkhrvN7slyCdoymIhMt7HK1bv4QVx2s92Ms4z_iGDcDboP5NGIbq7B9uy092KITKA1tcJAuKV2rMBl4QwCZXn96hX4j_0rgX/s1600-h/wed+002.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp05xGQsGpr_8E2r8MX-USz8IZAjLlXMFnqasaq1wx9-ycRkhrvN7slyCdoymIhMt7HK1bv4QVx2s92Ms4z_iGDcDboP5NGIbq7B9uy092KITKA1tcJAuKV2rMBl4QwCZXn96hX4j_0rgX/s320/wed+002.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5187172354816818914" /></a><br /><br /><br />Now I am over my boasting session I will sign off for the day - I hear the sewing room calling...<br /><br /><br /> Pipany xxPipanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04048984447721169350noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1083230899554901935.post-2451035813545921752008-04-08T01:17:00.001-07:002008-04-08T03:16:55.902-07:00Sunshine and bunting.I went out in the sun, the snow and finally the dusk trying to get photographs of bunting. Anyone have some tips on the best way to get pictures that actually show the merry flags looking as lovely as they actually are and I will be one very grateful Pipany! <br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7zRsNTAMGqaxHcVKjsk7KVFOwI-JGAPiiz1PBoFOoFBXr4T2FJlC6oD-QDD9LFPa1lZAgjlny-5O7WIsk7nA-DfXf5uLrWi9Qd7knF5hLv6veFX4VNPfUpRKeFeACvzPnjbvb6iLlMvOk/s1600-h/sun+015.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7zRsNTAMGqaxHcVKjsk7KVFOwI-JGAPiiz1PBoFOoFBXr4T2FJlC6oD-QDD9LFPa1lZAgjlny-5O7WIsk7nA-DfXf5uLrWi9Qd7knF5hLv6veFX4VNPfUpRKeFeACvzPnjbvb6iLlMvOk/s400/sun+015.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186786791307689682" /></a><br /><br /><br />See my point? A very pretty picture which shows Dave's little writing room, the hens and, oh that's right, the bunting! The problem is there is no real detail. Still, it is pretty - I tried again...<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLagj52zMf5MgCwx06yoSWZuFK_gPw2VJXglN3KaaVUmjwsnihQIyqTk9JJGJ5WlUw5pGB_N0BTOtoJ7yedUA30qo2rO3n55B1_XbCh-xED60WHzodJhwhFzSNeCPaXyUowBsCfkpl7zWC/s1600-h/tues1+021.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLagj52zMf5MgCwx06yoSWZuFK_gPw2VJXglN3KaaVUmjwsnihQIyqTk9JJGJ5WlUw5pGB_N0BTOtoJ7yedUA30qo2rO3n55B1_XbCh-xED60WHzodJhwhFzSNeCPaXyUowBsCfkpl7zWC/s320/tues1+021.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186786387580763842" /></a><br /><br /><br />and again...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6SMfLcnm1cp_N1A5HCLqzRj6jKix9WXwE3-bp34j-A5SYMtRDu3bLtGDMDVKQEuvR7Ma35aKMHvDXggBAXXdYB88Ws-vuumgpIKOZVbs7z1Sc4jR49vNZaTJmPhVEr3g4CZ9YAA0UruTb/s1600-h/tues1+011.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6SMfLcnm1cp_N1A5HCLqzRj6jKix9WXwE3-bp34j-A5SYMtRDu3bLtGDMDVKQEuvR7Ma35aKMHvDXggBAXXdYB88Ws-vuumgpIKOZVbs7z1Sc4jR49vNZaTJmPhVEr3g4CZ9YAA0UruTb/s320/tues1+011.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186786254436777650" /></a><br /><br /><br />and again...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCWgrRU0czrczhScpOkVOpimQHDkNcac9bbENe9Kso66DQd9gFC5_4d24bwCbCb5lmFmvhc4D6rPqPoVQoeqF6nRABBOoYo_fTgqZddC0tmOLhRxXiAWlD_gaUxDwACPt7aEVYK6WDwzhG/s1600-h/tues1+009.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCWgrRU0czrczhScpOkVOpimQHDkNcac9bbENe9Kso66DQd9gFC5_4d24bwCbCb5lmFmvhc4D6rPqPoVQoeqF6nRABBOoYo_fTgqZddC0tmOLhRxXiAWlD_gaUxDwACPt7aEVYK6WDwzhG/s320/tues1+009.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186786069753183906" /></a><br /><br /><br />The bunting comes in lovely summery colours - a mix of bright spots, red gingham and a little leafy green to provide a calming note, and to finish it off I included some beachy ticking (I do love ticking) as a contrast. I think the whole brings a touch of the festive; sort of reminds me of birthdays and Maydays and seaside breezes. We hang bunting in the house for celebrations and Lucy has some in a different colourway hanging in her bedroom too, but for the moment it is this one which I have named 'Bright & Breezy' which will be available on my website. It comes in lengths of approximately 2 metres (including ties) with 11 flags, but extra lengths can be ordered too.<br /><br />Roll on summer!<br /><br /> Pipany xxPipanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04048984447721169350noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1083230899554901935.post-30458801338088779142008-04-06T23:39:00.001-07:002008-04-07T03:30:36.263-07:00New things.I can't believe that the Easter holiday is over here in Cornwall. I know that some places have only just started the holiday, but our children go back to school today. I was against the break being so early initially though now it feels as though we have truly said goodbye to the winter and hello to spring - apart from the light dusting of snow which is frosting the garden in the early morning sunshine today that is!<br /><br />The Easter proved a good time for the business: bags, bunnies and Babbits were all popular and as such provided me with a little confidence boost, proving to myself that I was judging both my products and the market correctly. Of course the challenge as always is to see whether this can be sustained when there isn't a major event such as Easter or Christmas to cater for. So what new things are emerging from the pipany sewing room? Let's have a little look...<br /><br />I said there would be a new addition to the family some time soon and now the stork has been - good grief, obviously I don't mean another <em>real</em> baby (what you don't think seven children between us is enough?!!) - may I introduce Baby Babbit to you...<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-DNnu_m4ezxw6Jsta2LmLjaE-CEF439tFtq79KZGIZCOM7HyLgVlSJD0t1WkvQSn1CUnX89IbjoxJqwbu72veBHTVu7MM_4zgso2L66jPbw8TPleUttDg5TIi8cvbdB6LN9IPxvkcHMxH/s1600-h/sun2+048.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-DNnu_m4ezxw6Jsta2LmLjaE-CEF439tFtq79KZGIZCOM7HyLgVlSJD0t1WkvQSn1CUnX89IbjoxJqwbu72veBHTVu7MM_4zgso2L66jPbw8TPleUttDg5TIi8cvbdB6LN9IPxvkcHMxH/s320/sun2+048.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186419605963619778" /></a><br /><br />Isn't he sweet? As ever, working with these little creatures is such fun and I played around far longer than I should have to get these photos of Baby with the classic Babbit. The children want me to write a story about them because they look so like they are having a conversation - wonder what they are talking about?<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLaGKaJhjG1ybMScYcDaS-XGU3_bnczQ6m4KVPbHC5v5CQaoXIXQHXpdMOmg8CQnOuetF1TiLe3nt3FwI5zX5S_4BEFTFMOpxJ8txaaVJAs0KS5TUfa6VKtEXnpV55Bj060GSHzazUkAeD/s1600-h/sun2+050.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLaGKaJhjG1ybMScYcDaS-XGU3_bnczQ6m4KVPbHC5v5CQaoXIXQHXpdMOmg8CQnOuetF1TiLe3nt3FwI5zX5S_4BEFTFMOpxJ8txaaVJAs0KS5TUfa6VKtEXnpV55Bj060GSHzazUkAeD/s320/sun2+050.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186419992510676434" /></a><br /><br /><br />Baby Babbit seems to enjoy a spot of gardening too, though I don't think he realises that sitting on the plants isn't the best way of planting them...<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIJ29-rXo0iFWJ3fpqZkeqLjcjlQTAVi75G5XzPSBI4kqmEWHMBgLF2URsZ33NGhvkhkWr6tydVBQeHgmyKLkGG7Sz1vRIDYSKs_jKLNtyG68lMNAeIYr-XBUlaZzSBUgx1Qep8r84ZJO-/s1600-h/sun2+034.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIJ29-rXo0iFWJ3fpqZkeqLjcjlQTAVi75G5XzPSBI4kqmEWHMBgLF2URsZ33NGhvkhkWr6tydVBQeHgmyKLkGG7Sz1vRIDYSKs_jKLNtyG68lMNAeIYr-XBUlaZzSBUgx1Qep8r84ZJO-/s320/sun2+034.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186420422007406050" /></a><br /><br /><br />Back to ask for some advice from One Who Knows...<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7EfoazxU0ZBp9aVR9PR0qtmcZpyo8fPklXpDYoQNVBxVJONZLv1YtQvd4UA1o2ojSzprgGIz5WEK9xjvWZlcvR8AEKMHr9vlkHgZMbLLc3xLfCtiv4hyphenhyphen5PDuieu6jQHws-rCuwbXd9urV/s1600-h/sun2+047.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7EfoazxU0ZBp9aVR9PR0qtmcZpyo8fPklXpDYoQNVBxVJONZLv1YtQvd4UA1o2ojSzprgGIz5WEK9xjvWZlcvR8AEKMHr9vlkHgZMbLLc3xLfCtiv4hyphenhyphen5PDuieu6jQHws-rCuwbXd9urV/s320/sun2+047.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186397658680737202" /></a><br /><br /><br />Ok, ok, I'll stop now! The Baby Babbit is also available filled with lavender and chamomile as I thought this would make it a soothing present to sit on a shelf in a baby's nursery (how well I know those nights of pacing the room). On this note, I have also been working on lavender and chamomile cushions for a child or baby's room; here is the first with more to follow later this week...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNCwKPwPUNrhRNDjt8g_ime9zVSw6mWA6BZipr6NULv4cASXzwfcLYhyDdxRFsNVU3AI4q0oR0bnOQFHN9nMHYmCLV7TA_zMgyUujI0f-LjDzXIaATOGwqRLj422eQpiVzR59O0-so7S4_/s1600-h/mon2+007.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNCwKPwPUNrhRNDjt8g_ime9zVSw6mWA6BZipr6NULv4cASXzwfcLYhyDdxRFsNVU3AI4q0oR0bnOQFHN9nMHYmCLV7TA_zMgyUujI0f-LjDzXIaATOGwqRLj422eQpiVzR59O0-so7S4_/s320/mon2+007.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186446698617323058" /></a><br /><br /><br />photographing this cushion has been such a challenge as the light keeps turning dull with such a harshness in between that it bleaches the colour out altogether. Never mind, I did the best I could and tomorrow is another day! This shows the close up detail of the appliqued crib with a touch of course of embroidery just to keep me happy.<br /><br />I <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCQoYPzKuKSwFmDrvgqk8KkMri4GjfsKFO3PYvw4sKNqPXpyBhijcjx9vZo93dM36UcA1mpVfWnR8tA_vODTNSjytyHw0KrS7tQSIQe8BFElSuuSzobb5gm66nJoIzLSWGpY_hJbvNHGZ3/s1600-h/sun2+064.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCQoYPzKuKSwFmDrvgqk8KkMri4GjfsKFO3PYvw4sKNqPXpyBhijcjx9vZo93dM36UcA1mpVfWnR8tA_vODTNSjytyHw0KrS7tQSIQe8BFElSuuSzobb5gm66nJoIzLSWGpY_hJbvNHGZ3/s320/sun2+064.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186427671912201714" /></a><br /><br /><br />I have also been replenishing the Lauren tote bag stock during the holiday as they have been selling well - I think people are beginning to get in beach mode (ever-hopeful here!) and these bags do provide plenty of storage with both interior and exterior pockets; why is it then that I still manage to lose my mobile? The most popular options seem to be the Grape and Teal<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFXGaw1ordc-bCD4l-Winb-V_ryO93m7N7uBZtzyfw9k3YOS84OU6b8iWqUT189RvXMSY_TyN4MZowOrBu6Gr6iRVTIb-X2ki1O_wnMxhpuxpVVnryCWp8uKeHQbWsqC3ZEay1XO8e3njl/s1600-h/pipany+photos+046.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFXGaw1ordc-bCD4l-Winb-V_ryO93m7N7uBZtzyfw9k3YOS84OU6b8iWqUT189RvXMSY_TyN4MZowOrBu6Gr6iRVTIb-X2ki1O_wnMxhpuxpVVnryCWp8uKeHQbWsqC3ZEay1XO8e3njl/s320/pipany+photos+046.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186437284049010178" /></a><br /><br />Lavender and Rose <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhCkV4zQ1oZNlDKBWrVIpEFhX2ij_HePC0rnWNau1K42ZI0DPxtanJx4mc9NGMwX3Z40URmWJsfZNMfLYHun1Iq6dUWFIPqJ2ph26HP66X-f0i5gwQaE9oQN30Er2LVo0SHtz_YMtWGk0v/s1600-h/lavender+500.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhCkV4zQ1oZNlDKBWrVIpEFhX2ij_HePC0rnWNau1K42ZI0DPxtanJx4mc9NGMwX3Z40URmWJsfZNMfLYHun1Iq6dUWFIPqJ2ph26HP66X-f0i5gwQaE9oQN30Er2LVo0SHtz_YMtWGk0v/s320/lavender+500.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186445710774844962" /></a><br /><br /><br />and for those who like bright and zingy, Tropical Lime<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm_mdeKNsDkfQ35p2TNJCDxiV6e814CBe6QlA76qTbsrP5OFYeO37j9zM9bMhyphenhyphenw823JPzebIzxhoEg44bjtFM-1VgZWORYV2u1Lq3I9SpKK1jvtOkrQ_BUCjzzTof0mDYvjvqbowfmwZT1/s1600-h/pipany+photos+068.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm_mdeKNsDkfQ35p2TNJCDxiV6e814CBe6QlA76qTbsrP5OFYeO37j9zM9bMhyphenhyphenw823JPzebIzxhoEg44bjtFM-1VgZWORYV2u1Lq3I9SpKK1jvtOkrQ_BUCjzzTof0mDYvjvqbowfmwZT1/s320/pipany+photos+068.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186444675687726610" /></a><br /><br /><br />Right, that's me done for now; off to finish the lovely bunting I will be showing tomorrow which is full of gorgeous, summery fabrics. Suppose I had better load the new stock onto the website too!<br /><br />Bye from me - and Baby Babbit of course<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8vqEEMSksZpDPMERsj-Oh2d1GgUmHdzDJ5fFPaL11bo9OQANhZUY4zwlsuaM9t-QIiZ7lkM1pMiIgugDUTsz_qEkNdX6OenMByjUplTumEqMa2TG7sPAnO5C_UiwSB_PlsO8K_s0BLAud/s1600-h/sun2+036.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8vqEEMSksZpDPMERsj-Oh2d1GgUmHdzDJ5fFPaL11bo9OQANhZUY4zwlsuaM9t-QIiZ7lkM1pMiIgugDUTsz_qEkNdX6OenMByjUplTumEqMa2TG7sPAnO5C_UiwSB_PlsO8K_s0BLAud/s320/sun2+036.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186448442374045250" /></a><br /><br /><br /> Pipany xxPipanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04048984447721169350noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1083230899554901935.post-64646415885416019472008-03-07T03:54:00.001-08:002008-03-07T04:21:27.066-08:00Babbits once more.Goodness, who would have thought that something as simple as a soft toy called Babbit would be such a nightmare to photograph? I seem to have spent the last few days taking endless pictures of the little thing in a variety of poses and situations so that I can put it on the website; first there ws not enough sun, then there was too much (can there be such a thing?) and all the colour bleached out to leave it looking like a Babbit who had seen better days. Finally I managed to get the photos I was after - I think - and here is the finished version... you can click on the images to enlarge...<br /><br />First the original picture<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR6lOQf2ONLj7ggD0PwESlKITsPXHp8Ad2U_byb62il5-NJHpRmY5dtxkg2s9o5uv7ui98Ie2Y8J7k40Aya_o8sF09JjuknJUhUtl4LeXY2igNbdrKvkj4cn9Gf8iY07pDjZyteXB6J_36/s1600-h/babbit+019.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR6lOQf2ONLj7ggD0PwESlKITsPXHp8Ad2U_byb62il5-NJHpRmY5dtxkg2s9o5uv7ui98Ie2Y8J7k40Aya_o8sF09JjuknJUhUtl4LeXY2igNbdrKvkj4cn9Gf8iY07pDjZyteXB6J_36/s320/babbit+019.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174968419274253666" /></a><br /><br /><br />and this one which was also shown on my Poltisko Memoirs post<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNy4J9_kda_Wpx7MrTMSQ_fsMDQ-XE7JXT-UCzcHkbFNSGi0a16nNCyd5-4qH4LsFMcsqqvSps31A6GhQ94ZCRjvBuMUlRJ6DCSbP-b64ulFSbs-yVF5fxBsEj-uy2DZYQhECSEtmlvu-X/s1600-h/babbit+015.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNy4J9_kda_Wpx7MrTMSQ_fsMDQ-XE7JXT-UCzcHkbFNSGi0a16nNCyd5-4qH4LsFMcsqqvSps31A6GhQ94ZCRjvBuMUlRJ6DCSbP-b64ulFSbs-yVF5fxBsEj-uy2DZYQhECSEtmlvu-X/s320/babbit+015.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174969316922418562" /></a><br /><br />So far, so good but having initially said I would be making a little bag for Babbit containing a hat, shells, etc I was made to do a re-think based on the fact that so many people - both virtual and local - have expressed an interest in buying one for babies. As those of you who read my other post will know, I was making this for Lucy's tenth birthday and was showing it off online! The reaction was truly lovely and Babbit seems to have stolen a few hearts (I have to admit to being more than a little taken with it myself if that's not too big-headed to say!). However, babies and shells don't go, and so I decided to make Babbit a home of her own (may be a boy Babbit - not too sure) which looks like this...<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjfxar4nihOIHp1t2M2rKMRDHm69yZpiT35B3LEC89RE3Ysj5GhWCkckyBAL9P7WUZWekH17-LpEFQeH7EnpQpq4_mfuO2KxgspEnUegCdDNRFw4HE4lwOg9Os1aichdHTyAeie8b1uIgG/s1600-h/bag5+006.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjfxar4nihOIHp1t2M2rKMRDHm69yZpiT35B3LEC89RE3Ysj5GhWCkckyBAL9P7WUZWekH17-LpEFQeH7EnpQpq4_mfuO2KxgspEnUegCdDNRFw4HE4lwOg9Os1aichdHTyAeie8b1uIgG/s320/bag5+006.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174968144396346706" /></a><br /><br />It is made from calico with a calico lining and features an appliqued house. Of course, there was no chance that it wouldn't have a little embroidery on it somewhere - 'Babbit's House' is what I found myself sewing and then it just needed a few flowers either side of the door, some stitching to highlight the walls and the window frames - you know how it is, too much fun to be had!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNsmwGQGamNTFcsJT7zR_2sS-b-82hkfoj_Uc00c3edrYxDZbfuIBKrqKu8mmY2otnHHKiC0TIK9RHWp0e72D1GVLXu6QYwzne783qaeftDrlMrxkWtC9IZeX33INkInkApAkcyA3zJUMt/s1600-h/babbit+047.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNsmwGQGamNTFcsJT7zR_2sS-b-82hkfoj_Uc00c3edrYxDZbfuIBKrqKu8mmY2otnHHKiC0TIK9RHWp0e72D1GVLXu6QYwzne783qaeftDrlMrxkWtC9IZeX33INkInkApAkcyA3zJUMt/s320/babbit+047.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174968642612553074" /></a><br /><br /> So there is Babbit and her bag, now available from my website <a href="http://www.pipany.co.uk">www.pipany.co.uk</a> (blatant advertising but it <br /><em>is</em> my business blog after all). In fact, I so enjoyed making this one that I am planning a whole range - a little one called Baby Babbit perhaps; a boy one with a stripey top in the best Cornish tradition carrying a bucket and spade called Beach Babbit; hmm, the list seems endless...<br /><br />Hopping off now (groan!) <br /><br /> Pipany xxPipanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04048984447721169350noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1083230899554901935.post-85035232131294515722008-03-03T04:59:00.000-08:002008-03-03T05:28:50.330-08:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcssKeFSWlaNf4PgspSqoT0_rbBSPtj2vx79NxsbFMHIgdLxDIsC187UMDWl2HCeCMUzDb1ljPazgIv-piU4cRVa63EaGpT-u28VleHz_3_On6rIaNt6zmpigjY43YJ4roEny4lCXEw5s5/s1600-h/monday+051.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcssKeFSWlaNf4PgspSqoT0_rbBSPtj2vx79NxsbFMHIgdLxDIsC187UMDWl2HCeCMUzDb1ljPazgIv-piU4cRVa63EaGpT-u28VleHz_3_On6rIaNt6zmpigjY43YJ4roEny4lCXEw5s5/s320/monday+051.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173503587132586322" /></a><br /><br />Well, I don't appear to have written anything on my poor business blog for a while which could suggest that it has all gone down the pan! Thankfully that is definitely not the case, quite the reverse actually, and the reason I have not written for so long is that I have had too many things happening, things started and not able to be completed which makes it a little hard to write about them. I think I am beginning to win through now though and so here I am.<br /><br />The first task which seems to have taken me an age to sort has been the updating of my pipany<a href="http://www.pipany.co.uk"></a> website. Dave and I first put this site together throughout last August and I have continued to work on it ever since, uploading photographs, writing copy, etc. During the Christmas period I realised the layout would need changing to allow for an expanding stockline in the New Year. Finally I have managed to complete it - now we are into March! Why did it take so long? Partly because I tried to do it in the evenings when I would be too tired to sew, partly because I am a bit of a fussy so-and-so and spent a lifetime playing with different colours, fonts, layouts...the list is endless. No sooner would I sort on bit and the rest would look tired and off I would go again. Fortunately dear Sam has a great eye for things and would tell me to change things when I was clearly too tired to see the faults (mind you, he was really waiting for me to get off the computer!). Anyhow, it is done and has a much better layout which I am pleased with while still retaining the overall feel of the original including what seems to be a very popular photograph on the welcome page judging by all the comments.<br /><br />As well as all the work on the site I have been working on things for Easter including these little bags and bunny...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju-SYS2Nis8BciBZ_EJ0Rw97KUlD_oTlhBwoHd0u0q2hiuddhyyS2lKUM5JzAJS89bs1QU3CczHsc3w96gguw-iIzrX5RhAwqRaRLMyLbyVupxOcDo6z2cv1vijdtKtFn7h1pU0TO51gub/s1600-h/monday+048.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju-SYS2Nis8BciBZ_EJ0Rw97KUlD_oTlhBwoHd0u0q2hiuddhyyS2lKUM5JzAJS89bs1QU3CczHsc3w96gguw-iIzrX5RhAwqRaRLMyLbyVupxOcDo6z2cv1vijdtKtFn7h1pU0TO51gub/s320/monday+048.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173503136161020226" /></a><br /><br />In fact, the bunnies (I did consider calling them Easter Babbits to please Isabella!) are taking over the house - I think the children are taking them off when my back is turned which I suppose confirms I am on the right track in thinking that kids like little things such as this. Each bag has a flowered lining...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjix33eKWhGpU1YGAHV3nlyM2-qbAFY7VaY66VdsICT5uoPrRccAHvIzDajhxniASDtHc7aMNnDrm29dgQRIhE5hx8oVzL9aAZd3QqJCBSnt_2k6Fa5P8nR7RbkePC00B_3ZYuX-6kHZVt8/s1600-h/monday+110.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjix33eKWhGpU1YGAHV3nlyM2-qbAFY7VaY66VdsICT5uoPrRccAHvIzDajhxniASDtHc7aMNnDrm29dgQRIhE5hx8oVzL9aAZd3QqJCBSnt_2k6Fa5P8nR7RbkePC00B_3ZYuX-6kHZVt8/s320/monday+110.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173506473350609250" /></a><br /><br />...and embroidered front panel and comes complete with one of the bunnies; so far so good as they are already selling well, but oh lor, it has taken an age to get a photograph of them what with bad weather, flat light, too much sun...arghh!!!!<br /><br />As an alternative to all this Easter activity I have been in touch with several shops who have shown interest in the Ship, ship sailing game and am waiting to hear back from them in regards to possibly placing wholesale orders. Weddings are on the horizon and one or two lovely projects have come up as a result involving dragonflies, lavender and lace, though not all together I might add!<br /><br />Yes, overall things are going well and I am thoroughly enjoying myself. Now off to take some more pictures and load up some more stock onto the website...I wish it would stop raining though!<br /><br /> Pipany xxPipanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04048984447721169350noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1083230899554901935.post-19952949459733024272008-02-05T03:01:00.000-08:002008-02-05T03:39:38.512-08:00Posing problems.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi33pVlTc7wEjDlQRAouXP4edVQXjOGyRjj5cdwIsrpVzoacihvEX_d3w-BQ8fkM4mwvBnjJzA0Y_mXUNaIpSf7XhSx7-RAv9t2ZA7Jp32K4HU0qhCHWmKI4-t0oJuhfqq-qXsadGhD6z4_/s1600-h/pipany+photos+022.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi33pVlTc7wEjDlQRAouXP4edVQXjOGyRjj5cdwIsrpVzoacihvEX_d3w-BQ8fkM4mwvBnjJzA0Y_mXUNaIpSf7XhSx7-RAv9t2ZA7Jp32K4HU0qhCHWmKI4-t0oJuhfqq-qXsadGhD6z4_/s320/pipany+photos+022.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5163457395976148162" /></a><br /> <strong>Lauren bag</strong> in Lavender and Rose<br /><br /><br />I am actually on my way to the sewing room; can't you tell? The trouble is I just briefly checked emails, blogs and er, blogs. Reading through one of my favourites by <a href="http://www.snapdragongarden.typepad.com">Jane of Snapdragon's Garden</a> I felt inspired to write my own. Jane talks today of the difficult problem of pricing handmade goods, something I personally find very difficult, and it made me think of the various things I have 'issues' with in getting this business off the ground. Time for a bit of honesty then I feel, so here are on or two of the things I grapple with:<br /><br />1. Pricing - needs to be a business not a charity and therefore needs to<br /> make a profit.<br /><br />2. Packaging - what is the best form of packaging? I use a variety of tissue<br /> papers and trimmings to make the whole experience what I would <br /> enjoy (of course!), but what boxes work best? Don't like <br /> envelopes, so where is the cheapest place for boxes of all sizes? I <br /> suspect ebay is the answer to that one.<br /><br />3. Postage - I had this one to think about for my wholesale order (still a bit <br /> proud of my first little order!). Ordinary orders have posed no <br /> problem, but suddenly I had a large box and couldn't work out the <br /> best way to post it - this meant I wasn't sure what to charge for <br /> postage on the quote I sent and as the order obviously wasn't made <br /> up - or even placed at this point - I couldn't really weigh it in <br /> anticipation....very tricky and I had the feeling I was missing <br /> something here. What does everybody else do?<br /><br /><br />Well, there are a few to be going on with. So far I have not come unstuck, quite the reverse in fact and I seem to have hit the mark with all I have done, but I get the feeling that it is guesswork - albeit an educated guess - and this goes against the grain. I like to know what I am doing and sometimes wish there was a handbook especially for me.<br /><br />It's all a learning curve I guess, but all suggestions from those dealing with the same issues will be gratefully received!<br /><br /> Pipany xx<strong></strong><strong></strong>Pipanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04048984447721169350noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1083230899554901935.post-65605181663821028252008-02-04T04:43:00.000-08:002008-02-04T05:35:09.159-08:00And it's gone....Hurrah! Hooray! It's all over for today! Hmm, poetry not my thing it seems. Why the cheers? My wholesale order has been posted and is winging its way to Dorset. Oh the relief and yet now the panic really sets in ... what if the order isn't what they thought it would be, after all it's hard to see much from a little photo on a website isn't it? What if my faith in my work is misplaced? What if..... Ah well, we shall see! In the meantime here are some pics of the little dears packaged off for their journey.<br /><br /><br />First the wallhangings nestled in tissue paper that was actually a very pretty shade of sea blue (flipping light is awful here today!) ...<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS2rfAUTji_fyOTghn81jdyPHB0r5yMKt6iaMjHhuAA7jhOaSxGbSW9vfq4R9t943eM8A-1q6pMLakGD92-r6chistWnf_9fPmAqdE1msWlrHN4RvQapAFbXW3OIV1lnKkavc5OI0QBOZH/s1600-h/wholesale+003.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS2rfAUTji_fyOTghn81jdyPHB0r5yMKt6iaMjHhuAA7jhOaSxGbSW9vfq4R9t943eM8A-1q6pMLakGD92-r6chistWnf_9fPmAqdE1msWlrHN4RvQapAFbXW3OIV1lnKkavc5OI0QBOZH/s320/wholesale+003.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5163114494377169954" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />Next came the Ship, ship sailing games with all the little pebbles and shells tucked safely inside....<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBlDmRSpIJNbSCHFwr4A4QEWTqD6W3E5HQPZ61XWCxd9yXDhRGNij4KEckm96kS4K4fwUolRqjeNGUzGEF0gmZaltUUtgiWYQ4GG_SwD8O4EKlLfkSl3vtBL79828AiNDd1XbSEmUkQt_k/s1600-h/wholesale+008.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBlDmRSpIJNbSCHFwr4A4QEWTqD6W3E5HQPZ61XWCxd9yXDhRGNij4KEckm96kS4K4fwUolRqjeNGUzGEF0gmZaltUUtgiWYQ4GG_SwD8O4EKlLfkSl3vtBL79828AiNDd1XbSEmUkQt_k/s320/wholesale+008.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5163115795752260658" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />And finally here's Fatty Arbuckle. No, we're not posting him off to Dorset - he's far too gorgeous for that - but he just wouldn't budge and so I thought he should be included in the photocall. Isn't he lovely?<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcO3R6LypSABoq6ihiGYgs6Go-haJ9_FdvaGxtD6FZZ34IOoE3WfiO5dEjjJMIZ9Ee7df2Dr5pQN2drEpP2r5dkmD84ZLO-7kVspUvghChkpYRtZ3PQPpgjnH1NxfASvngN00bwtjgcAgh/s1600-h/wholesale+014.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcO3R6LypSABoq6ihiGYgs6Go-haJ9_FdvaGxtD6FZZ34IOoE3WfiO5dEjjJMIZ9Ee7df2Dr5pQN2drEpP2r5dkmD84ZLO-7kVspUvghChkpYRtZ3PQPpgjnH1NxfASvngN00bwtjgcAgh/s320/wholesale+014.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5163116212364088386" /></a><br /><br /><br />Right oh, I'm off for a cuppa before I start the Easter bags - more about those later!<br /><br /><br /><br /> Pipany xxPipanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04048984447721169350noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1083230899554901935.post-31693049743689584852008-01-23T00:16:00.000-08:002008-01-23T01:02:52.882-08:00Progress....I think!Well, despite a very thorough search (HUH!) the camera cable is still missing in action and I am having to post the frankly poor pictures I had already uploaded before Dear Davey swiped the camera last week. I know the lighting is bad and I know the positioning of the bags is a bit odd, but I was only planning to take these intitial pics to see how they well they photographed. Ah well, best laid plans - it also means the other version of my snail bag which has less flowers and some script instead isn't shown here because I hadn't finished it at the time...oh, let's move on. Here they are for now and I will post better ones when I can:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgst513ZdX4yysMSugSKUnSHivWNgAS5uj_AlSKSj5CCXZfume1rJ1lATmwhJdEbw8RMFqRxs0C7XGkGan2hd-WAyq6Xo1C68t-BbQAkb3fw88HmRyQz0KmRdavR2Txkt02Px5fW1Fyy0mL/s1600-h/pip-spring+range+jan+08+014.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgst513ZdX4yysMSugSKUnSHivWNgAS5uj_AlSKSj5CCXZfume1rJ1lATmwhJdEbw8RMFqRxs0C7XGkGan2hd-WAyq6Xo1C68t-BbQAkb3fw88HmRyQz0KmRdavR2Txkt02Px5fW1Fyy0mL/s320/pip-spring+range+jan+08+014.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5158594047013835170" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCTnKArOeuduoo5KscyCVpW0ek1UqRNpgWVXVpeS5VTjfEDB-MIK-oxjNAryAYMYdrSnQCVEXgRpbCjbiw0mzWZL5CmaYQkTtzh4-_7z4VB_o7OdAeeyk0z1KppTF62zDuinQDLbT8AheO/s1600-h/pip-spring+range+jan+08+002.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCTnKArOeuduoo5KscyCVpW0ek1UqRNpgWVXVpeS5VTjfEDB-MIK-oxjNAryAYMYdrSnQCVEXgRpbCjbiw0mzWZL5CmaYQkTtzh4-_7z4VB_o7OdAeeyk0z1KppTF62zDuinQDLbT8AheO/s320/pip-spring+range+jan+08+002.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5158593793610764690" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdTYRNepGLR94anfkVeFYtOI2_AQE6vXyzI9bdoLAyM__4rejfMTqVIASI3zjyVt5vmJXs4RYxroNZLWdivNF6o2cMIg6sLaMGoZgnXhGy1HeDPrYrbuAhxhoeT3a2OG-mwvc1MX3BVZt8/s1600-h/pip-spring+range+jan+08+005.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdTYRNepGLR94anfkVeFYtOI2_AQE6vXyzI9bdoLAyM__4rejfMTqVIASI3zjyVt5vmJXs4RYxroNZLWdivNF6o2cMIg6sLaMGoZgnXhGy1HeDPrYrbuAhxhoeT3a2OG-mwvc1MX3BVZt8/s320/pip-spring+range+jan+08+005.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5158593072056258946" /></a><br /> <br />Lots has been happening over the last week or so: the shop in Dorset has been in regular communication and has confirmed the order - Hurrah! My First Wholesale Order!!! This has meant Many Hours in my sweatshop - sewing room - and much hand embroidery resulting in a slightly bruised thumb due to the fairly tough canvas used in the wallhangings, but I am so pleased with the mounting pile of goodies; I will pop a link on to the shop once they have received the order.<br /><br />On top of all this excitement I have been having loads of ideas for new products and paths for the business, and can't wait to start working on them. What are they? Well, let's just say for now that they involve rosemary, gardening (which was where I started out years ago), beaches and a collaboration with a friend who is a VERY talented ceramacist (sp?). Am I fired up (ho, ho excuse the pun)? You bet I am.<br /><br />Oh and the downside to the last few weeks? My poor websited are so neglected that I wake at night worrying about them; new ranges not on, new layouts and a spring clean needed, and generally somw love and care much required. If only each day had 48 hours instead of 24!<br /><br /><br /> Pipany xxPipanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04048984447721169350noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1083230899554901935.post-90564066177501306982008-01-15T23:43:00.000-08:002008-01-17T04:29:48.328-08:00Coming along nicely<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsjyRjBMaOaloa7zze_IqleQXwp1e7VuiTkbYXu1-6zRx4FkOAL1bJbAo1Rf0VZK4A_FcOj9QKt4smUw1yzh_AYZaOCVjF3-XDlx8Lbp_6E7q6JNGgg7tl62q8rF_GVRcWlxAwS0ECGAsO/s1600-h/021.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsjyRjBMaOaloa7zze_IqleQXwp1e7VuiTkbYXu1-6zRx4FkOAL1bJbAo1Rf0VZK4A_FcOj9QKt4smUw1yzh_AYZaOCVjF3-XDlx8Lbp_6E7q6JNGgg7tl62q8rF_GVRcWlxAwS0ECGAsO/s320/021.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5156420993026727490" /></a> Yes, I know you've seen it before but....<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />At last I am beginning to get back into the swing of things and slowly, slowly new arrivals are appearing on the shelves in my sewing room. I have been working on a range of bags which have a slightly old fashioned feel - my version of the 'vintage' word which doesn't really apply here - with little embroidered motifs and a simple shape to compliment this. The picture above is one of them but I have also made a different version which replaces some of the flowers with a little embroidered script. I'll post of picture of this when it's finished and you can let me know which you prefer. I have always loved to mix words and fabrics together and it seemed the time to go with this; I also love sewing and drawing simple insects - very simple! - and so have been working on combining the two together in a small range of textiles. It's such fun!<br /><br /><strong></strong>UPDATE!<br /><br />Ha!!! Well, that was yesterday and things have been a bit crazy since then - Dave has, ahem, 'misplaced' (LOST) the lead for the camera so for the mo I can't upload any pics onto the computer; he 'thinks' it's at school (along with ALL my lunch boxes - 20 at the last count!!!). Woe betide him if he doesn't bring it back tonight!!!<br /><br />On another front, I received an email from a lovely lady called Marina who had contacted me before Christmas about wholesale for her shop in Dorset; she was interested in my wallhangings. I heard no more and didn't really give it another thought - it was lovely that she had liked them in the first place. Anyway, yesterday she got back in touch - we negotiated terms, etc and she wants 10 wallhangings and 5 Ship, Ship Sailing Games as an initial order, hopefully with a view to a larger one in the Spring if they do well! How cool is that? I am almost wholesale!!!!<br /><br />More info hopefully tomorrow and those blooming bag pics too (or else Dear Dave!!!). Apologies in the meantime for the repitition of the above photo.<br /><br /><br /><br /> Pipany xxPipanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04048984447721169350noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1083230899554901935.post-68658707828821386522008-01-08T23:30:00.000-08:002008-01-09T01:25:03.121-08:00Material Thoughts.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg39B7EA0sNelk2daWAFpNhtI7fNCoalyNJM2NaqEb2oamcpXdOzC9y7iEAMJS6UNcbJdmA7cM1_24AYluxvFbIothqWSkUJsUmvS8f263U3JDRbOQnrNR4I-HqdCzT9TPmpwC3UB-DO3Gp/s1600-h/materials+012.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg39B7EA0sNelk2daWAFpNhtI7fNCoalyNJM2NaqEb2oamcpXdOzC9y7iEAMJS6UNcbJdmA7cM1_24AYluxvFbIothqWSkUJsUmvS8f263U3JDRbOQnrNR4I-HqdCzT9TPmpwC3UB-DO3Gp/s320/materials+012.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5153401592362933746" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK5xEYKkgexE5CvuFqW2SEn8O93-ps9Op7iArni7A_C6ndFGIurBMpkQUvbnLCw0H1zf2DNpotodcGsNxkH2F8WGWCdkiQZzeRrsAWM0_iTwd5WM4wNn3ySsRp2_6g56C4qXH-Qg5Z9n77/s1600-h/materials+015.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK5xEYKkgexE5CvuFqW2SEn8O93-ps9Op7iArni7A_C6ndFGIurBMpkQUvbnLCw0H1zf2DNpotodcGsNxkH2F8WGWCdkiQZzeRrsAWM0_iTwd5WM4wNn3ySsRp2_6g56C4qXH-Qg5Z9n77/s200/materials+015.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5153402056219401730" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />It took a few days but finally I am there - my sewing room is tidy! The shelves are stacked with neatly folded layers of fabrics, packaging materials are tidied away and put into order, and all is calm once more. Unfortunately the downside to this is that I find myself sitting in my comfy swivel chair (a pressie bought by my gorgeous kids when I was pregnant and did nothing but moan about being unable to sit comfortably....yes I know you cannot imagine me moaning!!!!) and seem to do little but twirl around enjoying the view! I am supposed to be working on my new range and ideas are certainly fighting for space in my ever-crowded head but, however hard I try, they are not transferring themselves to paper.<br /><br />I find this is a bit of an ongoing problem for me; I have no background whatsoever in pattern cutting / designing and make all my own patterns with no more than grit determination and a dollop of common sense to aid me. I love the process and over the years have taught myself plenty - most of the time I am able to get an idea down and it works - this week however has mostly consisted of me creating what can only be described as deformed creatures....rabbits with misshapen heads, a mouse with it's ears sewn on the inside (ok I was thinking about needing to paint the walls in the room rather than what I was doing) and a chick that has a pinhead problem. Hmm, back to the drawing board methinks.<br /><br />I suppose it is all about focus - I had none. My mind was drifting here and there contemplating the infinite possibilities for the garden in terms of the business (more of that another day) and floating over the newly arranged piles of fabrics all glowing with possibilities for spring - piles of lilacs and sweet pinks leaning against pretty sprigged cottons, a huge batch of materials in brighter jades and blues all shouting for attention. They pulled me away with promises of fresh spring air tantalising the senses with the scent of blossoms and daffodils and primroses. I could almost feel the later hot summer sun warming my back as I walked across a beach, the warm sand pushing through my toes and the salty tang of sea air filling my mind. Yes, I truly had little focus on the hear and now. Ah well, today is another day and I have given myself a good talking to; today will be the day I actually achieve something and this will spur me on once more....well that's the plan anyway<br /><br /><br /><br />In the meantime I will leave you with a pic or two of those gorgeous materials and see if you are distracted too (though of course I should have photographed them in better light, etc...it WAS early!!!)<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNdpn6fIewcFjkQdm9whqgNdBi35n7y9cuauYFmhQkMJBY6J9_sa89Vgs977Am3b_5mAz6Lw_xduM3OcVLujJD8IzsOGG9HLN6T-mZAujVySHkf1ZOjEbpR3ajVi6XnJaUExxGKtfrP7ka/s1600-h/materials+017.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNdpn6fIewcFjkQdm9whqgNdBi35n7y9cuauYFmhQkMJBY6J9_sa89Vgs977Am3b_5mAz6Lw_xduM3OcVLujJD8IzsOGG9HLN6T-mZAujVySHkf1ZOjEbpR3ajVi6XnJaUExxGKtfrP7ka/s320/materials+017.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5153403095601487378" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyTlbRsVAP2dCabdSQsRjY_JaQak0JmCSFJmFJzdBTlp4YW30MKcAP3-ZWq0KG1YXBLMgz1b_2323u7RoMiwG7-rNguHEJszSn09vfsRAr0-nNAfjrXzWn4sNSzr9umRqyQDraiXcrHE3T/s1600-h/materials+018.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyTlbRsVAP2dCabdSQsRjY_JaQak0JmCSFJmFJzdBTlp4YW30MKcAP3-ZWq0KG1YXBLMgz1b_2323u7RoMiwG7-rNguHEJszSn09vfsRAr0-nNAfjrXzWn4sNSzr9umRqyQDraiXcrHE3T/s200/materials+018.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5153403499328413218" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> Pipany xxPipanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04048984447721169350noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1083230899554901935.post-63967288578343223942008-01-04T03:01:00.001-08:002008-01-04T03:35:18.423-08:00Bedlam<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF6nYLG2hWxmCUhkPPT5zEbs7VDvY8K6Fk2k7zveBlpBpwiuO3EV3imBLIlVnhL_VxjbEZM4KP4XMn1yk-uJttPQUIZSb4gGeTauW4cwDL4BbC70KqaSCVfo2zaZE8rzfuLnRCPcV0_SfY/s1600-h/010.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF6nYLG2hWxmCUhkPPT5zEbs7VDvY8K6Fk2k7zveBlpBpwiuO3EV3imBLIlVnhL_VxjbEZM4KP4XMn1yk-uJttPQUIZSb4gGeTauW4cwDL4BbC70KqaSCVfo2zaZE8rzfuLnRCPcV0_SfY/s320/010.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5151581342273215954" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Happy New Year from Pipany and Matzen!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />So here it is, another new year all fresh and bright and bursting with possibilities. I love it, this chance to grasp life by the horns and make it into whatever I want it to be. I always start of with plans and resolutions, never worrying about the fact that maybe some of last year's were not achieved; what does it matter? It is about the idea of change and hope, inspiration and a clean sweep for me. I love the mulling over of things that have annoyed me or that have not come to fruition. How can I improve them or me for that matter? What could I have done differently? I look back at the positive things too - high on that particular list would be the huge leaps in self-confidence which this particular Pipany has made which has had a massive root in the meeting of like-minded people through the wonderful world of blogging. Sharing ideas, hopes, upsets and dreams has meant I finally began to understand that I do have something to offer the world....me! I'm not so bad after all!<br /><br />So what worked for me last year?<br />1. I joined an inspirational and wonderful blog site - Purplecoo - and through this met many wonderful people and links to other blogs outside of this site. These blogs inspire me daily and are something which made me start to realise my dreams to have my own business.<br /><br />2. I began to run said business, set up a website and gave it a shot. The response was immediate and has made me grow in confidence even more.<br /><br />3. I learnt how to set up and manage two completely different websites, learnt how to take decent photographs (and trust me the ones prior to this were truly awful!) and began to learn the ins and outs of deadlines/packaging/postage/materials not arriving!!!! In other words, I became a fledgling business woman.<br /><br />4. I re-learnt to trust my instincts and my heartfelt belief that if you want something enough there is ALWAYS a way, just think, think and think again.<br /><br /><br />And (honest to the last) what didn't work?<br /><br />1. Promising orders in too short a time - didn't allow for poorly children/ materials not arriving!/ postal strikes...<br /><br />2. Not allowing enough time for sourcing packaging materials/ trimmings, etc. I cannot believe how much time this eats into and yet it is so important to a small business. Profit margins disappear and the finish of an item can be compromised, something which disheartens me terribly. <br /><br />3. Planning! I should have set up a yearly planner from the start and followed it rigidly to keep me focussed. Too easy for panic to make me flip from one task to another which panics me more.<br /><br /><br />With hindsite I made it hard on myself as the site became active very close to Christmas and concentrating on designing and making stock just to get it up and running meant the time spent doing the same for a Christmas range was limited. It also meant this range was much later going onto the site than I had intended. Having said that, I am pleased with how it has gone so far. I sold a lot of Christmas stock, much more that I expected; It is all a learning curve and I am loving the ride.<br /><br />Now to this year....perhaps I'll just clear away the mess that is my sewing room before I venture my thoughts on that one!<br /><br />Happy New Year everyone<br /><br /> Pipany xxxPipanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04048984447721169350noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1083230899554901935.post-21809623634370411692007-12-14T02:55:00.000-08:002007-12-14T03:17:42.293-08:00Well, hang it all!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsqdaRvOyBc3waA9KnnuMk1ivopKxVMpyfxA0A2JkETUtk78Iw9HDKDg6cF9blHrmas8gFdwSKOt5-71zRevUeDPArLzwsapbAS0YybVG94402AWTvFaV9u0ypDNzR7QNCMmCYwRi-KZFv/s1600-h/030.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsqdaRvOyBc3waA9KnnuMk1ivopKxVMpyfxA0A2JkETUtk78Iw9HDKDg6cF9blHrmas8gFdwSKOt5-71zRevUeDPArLzwsapbAS0YybVG94402AWTvFaV9u0ypDNzR7QNCMmCYwRi-KZFv/s320/030.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5143781681663679762" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyfoW0iUO-CGYyVp9VcSnU6oms43qCwzmGKzuq8DllXN9PtF62C7BHeXIuT8cYrRGim9Irg7lrDq3LgTGjheK4stRdt24vwcuPxW-ti0U7_K0y4hU3j3LhqBEUnhtTsX8wTEOjjxJWDpty/s1600-h/033.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyfoW0iUO-CGYyVp9VcSnU6oms43qCwzmGKzuq8DllXN9PtF62C7BHeXIuT8cYrRGim9Irg7lrDq3LgTGjheK4stRdt24vwcuPxW-ti0U7_K0y4hU3j3LhqBEUnhtTsX8wTEOjjxJWDpty/s200/033.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5143782270074199330" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Just a quick blog today - had a query from a shop in Dorset saying they love my Let's Sail Away Wallhanging and did I do wholesale? Am chuffed to bits that they like it enough to ask! I know little about the ins and outs of wholesale apart from the fact that it can mean working to tight deadlines for little money BUT I have had some advice on what to watch out for from some dear people (you know who you are) and I thank them heartily for it.<br /><br />And so I shall wait to hear more and then make my decision. Who knows? <br /><br />But it's nice to be asked....<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkaMkfKybDrVogW7rbtu7GJ0PcVDLpqnbP6kVCofKUW_6Uc3fMHOZupN-CTic9Ui887JYUd0XIoC5cX5VzylohoiBb750RcNwWp4ihXihXhIBuEOJoS60eA21pHiTccsoDgmcXsbHIfITK/s1600-h/035.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkaMkfKybDrVogW7rbtu7GJ0PcVDLpqnbP6kVCofKUW_6Uc3fMHOZupN-CTic9Ui887JYUd0XIoC5cX5VzylohoiBb750RcNwWp4ihXihXhIBuEOJoS60eA21pHiTccsoDgmcXsbHIfITK/s320/035.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5143785242191568178" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDRSvmpBJ3B3i80XJnxahDEJsK9dnt0mh9xeOGuT0QTzf0PLKyZHa-6v6N4NxBCfe_e2NHZ7ji8p7GEcrDVhEJi2iFoDRiQN0LQ-UVLrSR-LtKPoFEkuJkGPJPQkZdJBRHIH1UGhxnvPuV/s1600-h/037butterfly500.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDRSvmpBJ3B3i80XJnxahDEJsK9dnt0mh9xeOGuT0QTzf0PLKyZHa-6v6N4NxBCfe_e2NHZ7ji8p7GEcrDVhEJi2iFoDRiQN0LQ-UVLrSR-LtKPoFEkuJkGPJPQkZdJBRHIH1UGhxnvPuV/s200/037butterfly500.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5143785783357447490" /></a>Pipanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04048984447721169350noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1083230899554901935.post-14761956179211028042007-12-11T23:06:00.000-08:002007-12-12T02:14:05.797-08:00The Quiet Time<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsIEW9GijpeA0EKWyvEYk2PUt54SK4Elsib4kdPXP_8wrffNZpDprGQaVLSKgvF7Y7YJqqx4xNCl99MLZ3vU20SDl_wDPh0hQtmXscwGAXYpilU89aOQfYldIwYbh2-VBUCWN36Cx7y9lw/s1600-h/011.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsIEW9GijpeA0EKWyvEYk2PUt54SK4Elsib4kdPXP_8wrffNZpDprGQaVLSKgvF7Y7YJqqx4xNCl99MLZ3vU20SDl_wDPh0hQtmXscwGAXYpilU89aOQfYldIwYbh2-VBUCWN36Cx7y9lw/s200/011.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5142996899348073858" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG1DGriIpq5zJEc0S_PgPoTydGHWQ7t1wL8VjCRGkAfWDvs4rh8334WtFQXaI1dPFta6umHllhbHJhSNPa9qBxzWmoW3qldYxPDqk3-TIy8pLqNOBaYmFlNg9hzwlsjGj7Pay9gberp2od/s1600-h/009.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG1DGriIpq5zJEc0S_PgPoTydGHWQ7t1wL8VjCRGkAfWDvs4rh8334WtFQXaI1dPFta6umHllhbHJhSNPa9qBxzWmoW3qldYxPDqk3-TIy8pLqNOBaYmFlNg9hzwlsjGj7Pay9gberp2od/s320/009.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5142992960863063410" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />As those of you who read my blog yesterday will know, I spent most of the last few days sitting with the littlest one on my lap. Lovely on the one hand as I not only got those cuddles, but time to think as well. Unfortunately the other hand provided the downside; this time to think meant my mind dwelt on the problem of what seems to be referred to in small business land as 'The Quiet Time' - specifically January and February. Now I have worked hard to avoid thinking about this for now as it has taken all my energy to get this project off the ground and keep up with the unexpected (but lovely) early success of it. This is not how I usually work. I worry over a problem until I come up with a few possible things to try, decide on the one that appears to offer the most possibilities and then give it my all. This time I think it feels too big or maybe I am just a bit tired; either way, I have swerved around the problem of The Quiet Time and left it well alone for the moment...or so I thought. Yesterday the Quiet became a booming noise insistently crashing in my brain, refusing to be quelled and demanding to be dealt with.<br /><br />I wonder what other small businesses of a similar ilk do in these months when we all nurse our over-stretched purse strings? I guess established groups have long term custom that call for those gifts/birthday presents/treats that sell all year come what may, but when the business is as new as mine (still only 3 months) then this is unlikely to be the case. One avenue I hope may help a little is the NoTHs 'store' which I joined recently, but the bulk of their sales also come in the lead up to Christmas and so I expect a drop off there too. <br /><br />Of course, this could be a wonderful time for exploring new designs for the Spring, a time to play with fabrics and let the imagination become immersed in the warmer months without the pressure of fulfilling orders needed in a hurry....that's if you live in the land of Country Living (where I would sooo love to live!) and have a hubby who works in the City or is a property developer or...well, you get the gist. Many of these people we read about have another string to the financial bow in terms of a partner with fairly substantial earnings. Don't get me wrong, I am not trying to belittle what these people do just point out that the risk is not the same. For us, as with so many of you, the business is a huge risk as we need the income. Should I be doing this or should I be going back to a regular wage? With the instant orders that rolled in it has been easy to believe I am doing the right thing - that was until The Quiet Time shouted in my ear.<br /><br />I have a few things up my sleeve, one of which is going onto my website later today -my Heirloom Cloth (shown in yesterday's pics for some reason!). This has been something of a pet project of mine, tried and tested on a wide group of people in Cornwall and seems to have struck a cord in a way I hadn't quite expected. The notion was simple...a cotton cloth which I send out complete with indelible pen which your family/friends/whoever is around your table sign and which is then returned to me in the bag provided to have the names embroidered as a permanent reminder, as an heirloom to be passed down through the years. I sold some and was pleased with the reactions to the idea even from people who I admit I thought would not particularly want this kind of thing. Word spread a little and I sold a few more. Now I am beginning to think I am on to something as I have been asked by quite a few people for one of these cloths. Some want to know if the names can be embroidered in colours; others want to know if they can have messages. One lady wanted to know if I could scallop the edges and did I know how to do drawn threadwork (where you create decorative holes in the cloth). The answer to all these was yes and so the Heirloom Cloth was born and will bring in a tiny, but important nonetheless, income in The Quiet Months as these cloths return for their names to be stitched.<br /><br />Just need to think of a few dozen more of these Good Ideas!!!!<br /><br /><br /><br /> Pipany xx<br /><br />Ps. If you are after a gorgeous Christmas door wreath and can't make your own have a look at the ones made by <a href="http://www.snapdragongarden.typepad.com">Jane of Snapdragon</a>; they are truly beautiful - the best I've seen - and there's still time to order!Pipanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04048984447721169350noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1083230899554901935.post-66952019463790227082007-12-11T07:50:00.001-08:002007-12-11T08:30:11.638-08:00The Big Match<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJcgkeTUpLDYLEVfoMW-8TocVe9QjDGK8dV2kjKOrvvu8rHKqj4gCE1Gva1jvoOMN6AQljvXiOd8msBxmem6ngLIgCAq1Je-HgS6AV_HJymMYS0lSa40jiww9DZLbRz_ZSBfOefp1YB6Bv/s1600-h/pipany+xmas+photos+047.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJcgkeTUpLDYLEVfoMW-8TocVe9QjDGK8dV2kjKOrvvu8rHKqj4gCE1Gva1jvoOMN6AQljvXiOd8msBxmem6ngLIgCAq1Je-HgS6AV_HJymMYS0lSa40jiww9DZLbRz_ZSBfOefp1YB6Bv/s320/pipany+xmas+photos+047.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5142752640262983010" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwsQXON_8ImBL61Y02hn73JlZvWnbCzDFmpfBk9s-eQPytY4UAndKZIO-Q_WGgUraqAh0sbWzz-x0H1YYJsjnOQ-XwE1BSSp2ksyyg_bUgWXDAZG0aCVCYEWqiiQuGYhbl5cBK1Z3nTpmv/s1600-h/heirloom+cloth+close-up.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwsQXON_8ImBL61Y02hn73JlZvWnbCzDFmpfBk9s-eQPytY4UAndKZIO-Q_WGgUraqAh0sbWzz-x0H1YYJsjnOQ-XwE1BSSp2ksyyg_bUgWXDAZG0aCVCYEWqiiQuGYhbl5cBK1Z3nTpmv/s200/heirloom+cloth+close-up.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5142752275190762834" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM-oo7BJFz9hq4X2x6pJrecBstJ3l2YJMRuOFfjdha0_Wq_mn63qWIOjX1KUY9BNRFgSGwjJ9JAABEkyTD9LQ5lUB175LEMAm0lujluMgsnUmtKDr9W0jkkIXIx1KMZIjawbN17sK9DF3H/s1600-h/010heirloom+cloth+overview.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM-oo7BJFz9hq4X2x6pJrecBstJ3l2YJMRuOFfjdha0_Wq_mn63qWIOjX1KUY9BNRFgSGwjJ9JAABEkyTD9LQ5lUB175LEMAm0lujluMgsnUmtKDr9W0jkkIXIx1KMZIjawbN17sK9DF3H/s320/010heirloom+cloth+overview.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5142751566521158978" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />It's funny how things go. There you are one minute feeling as though you have things sorted, under control, and then it all changes. I was feeling a tad smug that's the problem. On top of orders, nay ahead of myself I'd go so far as to say, and even thinking about scribbling some ideas onto paper for next year - ways to move things on, new products, etc - but the gods were bored up there on their fluffy clouds and decided to bring some reality back into the world of Miss Pipany-too-high-on-her-pedestal. <br /><br />We had storms and on the Sunday a walloping great willow departed from the hedge to land crashing into two gardens which run down the length of ours. It took a fence or two on its merry way and telephone cables to boot; miraculously no-one was hurt and the neighbour's new, partly-finished garage build was left intact, but there it is lying like some vast creature across two previously neat gardens while our own lies untouched by its descent....which means the insurance won't touch us. Only if our own buildings, fences, etc had been touched would they have helped. Lovely.<br /><br />But this was not enough for the gods...no, Pipany had been just too cheery in her little sewing room so they made sure the 77mile an hour winds also drove the torrential rains into her precious sewing room and thus she ran with bucket to hand and almost wept at the potential devastation the night could bring. Peachy.<br /><br />Enough surely, I hear you cry. Er, that would be a no. Determination straightening her spine and manically shouting 'Ha, Bring it on!!' to the world at large, Pipany then found a further challenge to the running of her empire-ette (I kid myself)...Isabella got croup. Now, to the uninitiated let me tell you what this usually means; the nights have passed in a blur of wheezing, crying and coughing fit for a Dickensian novel. Bless her little socks. She has been poorly and wanting to sit on her Mummy's lap, while her Mummy has been sitting thinking about the orders needing to be completed in the erste-while dry sewing room and also nursing dark thoughts about insurance companies which may/may not involve dolls and pins!<br /><br />And sew (forgive me, but I am truly sleep-deprived!) to end this sorry tale on a brighter note.... did the gods win? Did they heck! This is me and I will not be flipping beaten quite yet! The tree will be turned into much firewood at vast expense, but ah well, at least no-one was hurt. The sewing room has been sealed up and nothing got wet so that could have been worse. And poor little Isabella being poorly means my tiny whirlwind actually sat snuggled up for extended periods rather than racing off to new adventures every two minutes which was pure bliss for a mummy who loves to cuddle (and sit come to think of it).<br /><br />And as for the empire? The orders are done and packaged ready for the off (what else are the midnight hours for?) and I have written down a few ideas for next year after all. I have finally worked out how to market my heirloom tablecloth as a kit and will be putting it onto my website tomorrow which I am quite excited about...or I would be if only I didn't have this need to curl up and snooze...just for a minute...honest...<br /><br /> The Final Result<br /><br /><br /> The gods - 0 Pipany - 1 <br /><br /><br /><br /> HAH!<br /><br /><br /><br /> Pipany xxPipanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04048984447721169350noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1083230899554901935.post-4598873595155224622007-12-04T13:57:00.000-08:002007-12-05T00:06:06.884-08:00Time.Ship, Ship Sailing Game<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSIrZ0-5HcjwFvygWFMXYmtxNa07hU_q4JvB3Y2ZMo4RhxSZUpVra4todhTnRKY_ZCa2QE6d-0Rn4ilibhxWvLCkpjOh9vdLl9TkvClP0ZqfEHtVhepGa-8FmxKhlxN2cV6MHyok_QH7-7/s1600-h/021.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSIrZ0-5HcjwFvygWFMXYmtxNa07hU_q4JvB3Y2ZMo4RhxSZUpVra4todhTnRKY_ZCa2QE6d-0Rn4ilibhxWvLCkpjOh9vdLl9TkvClP0ZqfEHtVhepGa-8FmxKhlxN2cV6MHyok_QH7-7/s320/021.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5140395222908521778" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The last week has flown in a flurry of adding yet more new skills to my repertoire. Having mastered the management of my own website I also had to set up shop within the <a href="http://www.notonthehighstreet.com">NOTHS</a> store and this of course involved a completely different system to my own. Reams of advice, rules, regulations and 'how to' appeared on the screen. Not very encouraging. I had orders calling me back to the sewing room, but knew that having invested my money I needed to get this new site up and running to maximise the selling potential for Christmas. I worked all through Sunday, most of Monday and a bit of Tuesday, and finally it was ready for me to click the activation button. The site was live by Monday evening and actually wasn't as bad as I thought it would be to do. I suppose I actually know what I am doing now rather than feeling the world of websites is beyond me.<br /><br />So, to todays lesson....don't let yourself be put off.<br /><br />A business needs a website in this computer savvy world and therefore it pays to learn the skills. Most of the sites, whether a package set up such as <a href="http://www.moonfruit.com">www.moonfruit.com</a> , the one I used for my own site, or a portal site such as NOTHS there is usually plenty of info to guide you through. It may seem off-putting but, trust me, it is just a case of sitting there and doing it. Anyone who has filled in endless forms for Child Benefit, Tax Credits, etc is more than capable of working through this kind of information. What you need to remember is that these companies want your business; it doesn't pay them to make it impossible for their customers to do, espeially as anything internet based is already part of a highly competitive market.<br /><br />And lesson no.2....TIME.<br /><br />These sites are your showcase. They are your way of reaching a potentially wider marketplace than any number of shops, fairs and occasional magazine articles can ever do, not that these aren't all worthwhile and necessary means of promoting a business too. The global market is huge and can be accessed by most, but for it to be effective you must be competitive - the layout, the copy used to sell your goods and the images all have to work together as the problem with such a massive market is that the competition is also massive. All this takes time and effort which will take you away from producing the stock you need. It's a dilemma and definitely suggests paying a website designer would be the way to go, but for most small businesses this is an impossible cost to justify.<br /><br />What's the answer? Determination and endless energy I suspect! Certainly scheduling in time for this important work is a definite must. Though not difficult once you are familiar with the format, it is not something to be considered an after-thought and, as with any good shop, there is a need to move things around and add/remove stock periodically to avoid a stale look which will stop people from returning. Again more time. Certainly in my own case where I am now effectively maintaining two sites, it is time for me to move away from lists on bits of paper and move to an organised yearly planner where all these things are given an allotted space and do not get pushed to the backburner (soory Zoe, bit slow but I got there in the end!).<br /><br />Time...don't underestimate it.<br /><br />Oh and before I go, a little update on NOTHS - my store went live on Monday evening and yesterday I received two quite substantial orders; the beating heart is stilled...just a little.<br /><br /><br /> Pipany xPipanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04048984447721169350noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1083230899554901935.post-89150700819401478602007-11-30T03:16:00.001-08:002007-11-30T04:17:47.349-08:00My decision.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWl6QuKQ3zCWJx7G27GHaU3Xun4XkxvY91408DdPlAE2CL2R_C3WJKfXOmqI2A_uSFcvUSD5zUeghK-abec5fUznWjVbCE6n2C3zu1W8hMlL6dT0gqExX9CsNvXtwFWEU34rJ_FCL0YzA5/s1600-r/pipany+photos+038.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlt5LerASDw1-sEP7vlfZmEX1__2hhkm-KEyycNJb253CMjMdgz3Fx-w2IWF_8m2lXXY-i7hnrYmU84f291arZw8dsH1_WV4xR_ifJ9V72rWyD29qNgH0nymAgDJY7f4fq-BKvEtwCHghi/s320/pipany+photos+038.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5138606148412382786" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The cowardly part of me wants to tell a wee, well a huge, fib and say I decided not to go ahead with the offer re: Notonthehighstreet.com (NOTHS) for fear of the resounding tut-tuts which may follow close behind; perhaps a part of me feels these tuts are completely justified? Whatever the reason, I am finding this a hard blog to start, so I'll just grit my teeth and go for it...<br /><br />After a day of umming and aahing, a day where I desperately sought and got advice, thoughts, etc from you wonderful people - Thank You all - I at last came to a decision. My head was pounding from the stress of it all, the endless projecting of imminent failure and loss of money over the possibility of increasing sales, if not immediately then for the future. I received many thoughts from others in a similar boat, some of whom have gone ahead with NOTHS and some who chose not to, and also was lucky enough to have some give me the benefit of their own facts and figures since joining this company - something I cannot thank you for enough. It was this insider-info which helped in my final analysis of things; not one of these people claimed to be making a killing and not one of them painted a picture so rosy the apple was impossible to resist. What worked for me was their unfailing honesty, something which has drawn me to their blogs in the past. They pointed out the pitfalls and they are things which I had already earmarked as possible concerns. For one, I will not be able to have a link to my own website. Also, the commission costs are high, meaning that any income will be lower than if people buy directly through my site. Ok, how do you get round these problems?<br /><br />Well, firstly although the lack of a direct link is annoying, I will have my own shop that showcases my products. Whenever I have browsed this site in the past I have usually noted the names of the companies which I particularly like and searched to see if they have a site of their own outside of NOTHs. I don't think I am unusual in this. Todays shoppers want to buy into a lifestyle; we want to know about the company we are buying from, particularly I think in the case of handmade goods. The background matters. There is a need to know that the person making the item you are putting money toward cares about what she/he does; surely that is why so many of us love magazines such as CL (I know, I know!). Also, this will be one of the ways I shall market the business. It may be my biggest outlay so far, but I hope it will reach a far larger audience than I am able to from Cornwall. Should I decide to do large fairs, etc then it is not just the cost of the stalls to take into account - fuel costs from the back-of-beyond are a high consideration as all fairs worth doing are a long way from South Cornwall. I am not saying this is a route I won't explore, merely that it is not the quick fix that it can sound. One fair alone could come close to the cost of the outlay for NOTHS and would need high sales to recoup.<br /><br />Sounds like I am talking myself into it doesn't it? Dave came home last night while I was still hovering, not sure what to do. I had contacted NOTHS and had some queries answered promptly and clearly. I put the whole case to Dave - opinions for and against, costs, bad points and good points. <br /><br />"What do you think?" he asked.<br /><br />"That I should go for it." The words were out of my mouth before I had even considered them!<br /> <br />He smiled. " So do I." He kissed me on the top of my head, brought in a couple of glasses of flat cider (typically out of champers!!!) and told me that he had felt it was the right thing to do from the start but knew I needed to work it through for myself. I am fairly sure I would have reached a different decision had the offer not been for a period of five years as opposed to the same amount for one which is the usual tariff, but it felt like it was a risk worth taking.<br /><br />And so, here I am a fully paid up member of this company who may/may not improve my business standing. I lay awake terrified about the money as it is a lot to take out of a rapidly diminishing family fund and could see me going back to teaching despite our every hope to the contrary but, as my dear Dave said, "at least you'll know you gave it your all." <br /><br /><br />Thank you all again; you are so very appreciated by me.<br /><br /> Pipany xxPipanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04048984447721169350noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1083230899554901935.post-42639011910982901672007-11-29T01:18:00.000-08:002007-11-29T02:53:45.656-08:00Spreading the word.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDOmQ-cVejeEzYyv7_aN4as0iONgAiWM5zx76jFi1HHMJJoaWCYHfxsVB6cmBWBnWBTmvzNmxsqpE52mwMQU2HExbrsXIKh6scGBLwa0LG-CYo7tVng3NlKHbi3RCvL7e4RCryYj2y024b/s1600-h/pipany+xmas+photos+044.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDOmQ-cVejeEzYyv7_aN4as0iONgAiWM5zx76jFi1HHMJJoaWCYHfxsVB6cmBWBnWBTmvzNmxsqpE52mwMQU2HExbrsXIKh6scGBLwa0LG-CYo7tVng3NlKHbi3RCvL7e4RCryYj2y024b/s320/pipany+xmas+photos+044.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5138213545451855410" /></a><br />I had intended to post a blog on building websites and website packages, but something more pressing is on my mind and so it will wait for another day. The topic constantly popping up in my head is that of marketing. <br /><br />Now, I said from the start that this would be an honest blog about the ups and downs, ins and outs of starting up and running a small business, and so honest I shall be. Money is an issue. There, I've said it. We all mostly feel the need to play down problems and never more so than when writing a blog that may be read by the world at large, but there are not many of us who do not have an issue with money at some time or another. Mine is that there is little of it due to the fact that we are on a single income while I am home with Isabella. It's fine. It could be worse. BUT there is not a whole lot to go putting into the advertising and marketing that ensures a business's future success.<br /><br />My business started officially on September 4th 2007, yet despite only running for under three months it has done amazingly well. Orders are frequent, both locally and via my website and feedback has been fantastic which is very encouraging. All feels exactly as it should be and as I hoped it would be at this stage, so where do I go from here? I know that for a business to progress it needs to widen its market; the question is 'How'? There seem to be a number of options:<br /><br /> 1. Fairs and trade exhibitions<br /> 2. Newspaper and magazine space<br /> 3. The internet<br /><br />Obviously, there are many more ways to increase visibility, but these are among the more high profile versions, and therein lies the rub...none of them are cheap. <br /><br />Recently I was working on updating my website and took a break to surf the net hoping to get some idea of what was out there. A name kept cropping up, one I already was aware of from endless references in magazines - notonthehighstreet.com<a href="http://www.notonthehighstreet.com"></a> This is an online marketplace for small businesses many of which sell hand-crafted goods and therefore seemed to be a perfect place for a business such as mine. I visited the site, not for the first time, and decided to find out more, clicking on the 'join us' link. A form appeared which asked me to describe my business and stated that businesses without a company name and good images should not apply as 95% of applicants are turned away. I have always felt the products sold through this site to be of a very high standard and somehow this felt reassuring. A message returned promptly thanking me for my request for information and I waited for what I thought would be info on pricing, etc. A further mail came requesting images of a range of my products and was duly despatched. yesterday a highly efficient and effective brochure arrived in the post informing me that I had been accepted - and I admit to feeling on something of a high; I was not one of the 95%! More to the point, I WAS one of the 5% accepted!!!! Call me shallow, but it felt good.<br /><br />I had only actually expected information on how to apply in full, yet the offer to join was here...and so were the costs. Not cheap, but around what I had thought: £450 per year. Yes, I can hear the sharp intakes. I did it too, but I knew that a company with such high media coverage would be costly. Comparing this option with fairs, etc is difficult as they vary so much. A high quality fair can cost upwards of £300 for a stall unless you trade at one of the more frequent markets; feedback received from friends with craft-based businesses is that such markets rarely bring much business as people don't expect to pay much for the goods. I do not want to work for peanuts. I know my products and finishing are of a high standard, and I am in this to earn a living; it is not a hobby but a business and I want to be paid a price that reflects that. The offer from notonthehighstreet.com came with the relevant charges - commission on items sold and transaction fee - both of which were similarly high. On the upside, there was the chance to join for 5 years at the price of one; i.e. £450 for 5 years. This seems an excellent offer and has made me wobble over what I should do. Is it too good an offer to miss? Is it better to invest money in other areas (fairs, etc) and not pay the commission and transaction fees, or is this money down the drain (my gut feeling)? It's a tricky one and I need to find out more before I decide, but it feels hard to 'use' that large sum of money and risk little short-term return, yet how can I expand the business profile without? <br /><br />all answers on a postcard please!!!<br /><br /> Pipany xPipanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04048984447721169350noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1083230899554901935.post-89922040718389857322007-11-26T01:58:00.000-08:002007-11-26T02:57:31.476-08:00A bit quakers?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6SDGC5EdHZZIOnFRNVLl6wDwtS9DCW-VDEyzs-2WKgtTyUPNMAWCkMT97GipSWw3ayyy_rpaSSeem6tWtlLqM2JpPWhkWEJreLT0FplGtj7BXet7UjBvJ7lwMf329d9aaRSpTSHs8PXKb/s1600-h/Picture+032.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6SDGC5EdHZZIOnFRNVLl6wDwtS9DCW-VDEyzs-2WKgtTyUPNMAWCkMT97GipSWw3ayyy_rpaSSeem6tWtlLqM2JpPWhkWEJreLT0FplGtj7BXet7UjBvJ7lwMf329d9aaRSpTSHs8PXKb/s320/Picture+032.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5137101097382583826" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I love my life, but there are times when I think I must be slightly insane. Here is today's list of jobs relayed to you in no particular order:<br /><br /> 1. Put new things onto website, which entails....<br /> 2. Re-learning how to do this (Dave did the most of the previous work)<br /> 3. Feed ducks and hens and cats.<br /> 4. Finish an order for lavender hearts and package/post them off.<br /> 5. Complete Christmas Bunting for another lady and post off.<br /> 6. Contact some companies about cost of bulk buying boxes for packaging.<br /> 7. Email two people re-order enquiries.<br /> 8. Mend the tumble dryer ..again!<br /> 9. Embroider the names onto a cloth which I have been asked to do as<br /> a last minute present for a local lady who has ordered from me in the <br /> past.<br /> 10. Contact a company who has asked for some images of my products in <br /> regards to advertising.<br /><br /> Oh, and then there are the usual...cook dinner for the hungry masses; hear <br /> Lucy read; read bedtime story to Lucy; have chat with Sam to make sure all is <br /> right with his world; washing; hoovering; breathing....<br /><br />I am not for one moment suggesting I am any busier than anyone else; I'm not. It is more about how we try to fit more and more into our lives, often when they are already full. What is it that drives us on endlessly, I wonder? Speaking for myself, I know I have a personality that likes to be busy. I enjoy on some bizarre level the rush that achieving gives me, even when it sometimes feels the odds are stacked against me (broken tumble dryer? With a family this size? Come on!!!). I also am driven by the never-ending worry of money and the lack of, constantly trying to balance being the mother I want to be against the need to help Dave with the financial support of our family.<br /><br />Of course, I am also now driven by the need to make my little business work and although it is very new - only actually running since the 4th of September - it is already showing signs of doing well. Feedback has been good and I have many plans for the future, some of which will have to take their place when Isabella is a little older and time is not such an issue - if there ever is such a time! <br /><br />So, back to the issue of time and the fact that I think time-management plays a huge part in running a business. What can I do to improve my own management? Well, some of the above could be left out I suppose; does the washing matter or can we all wear grubby clothes for a bit? Would it hurt if the ducks waited for their food or could they just grub around for a day or two? Do the children really need me to spend time with them? Should I be on here blogging? And the answer to all these is that of course they all need doing. Dave already more than pulls his weight (how grateful I am for a man who doesn't believe the household/family chores belong only to me) and the children reluctantly do their chores. My own well-being relies on me spending precious time with the kids and therefore that will not change. And blogging helps me to organise my thoughts and clears my head ready for whatever is to come. No, I like the challenges inherent and if I should end up collapsing in a heap, at least I'll know I tried...<br /><br />anyway, I'm a Capricorn - and Capricorns Never Give Up!!! Now, to the ducks..<br /><br />Bye for now xxPipanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04048984447721169350noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1083230899554901935.post-11992395002733570772007-11-25T03:26:00.000-08:002007-11-25T05:05:49.559-08:00An improvement?From this....<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLdtkpS2gqUGaQ6Dk-PRFPpzsIgKTP1O4aHEZFJK6Mwlw_I3wdZ_bLjctVHvv8CsnlVCHkW-WJQkm51ddM5WdRsuUjabNtDOl4YQ8xLOLwYnWWuiDhoA5K3Aj6t7y53JEJKGnn9sNXOoQX/s1600-h/005%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLdtkpS2gqUGaQ6Dk-PRFPpzsIgKTP1O4aHEZFJK6Mwlw_I3wdZ_bLjctVHvv8CsnlVCHkW-WJQkm51ddM5WdRsuUjabNtDOl4YQ8xLOLwYnWWuiDhoA5K3Aj6t7y53JEJKGnn9sNXOoQX/s200/005%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5136751718972923362" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />To this...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg9XR5oLrtZshIbuYod1Dj9vDbkIyqbfUUVjsHyCK6yjKeGbxXC0tfP-MMym5kr7gTIjopLQ5-TB_cLOO3rHzIhTZQFnVTMseA_OtFDprQj5smBsJqe97Aq_zssQnWgxmj2jXD7P1IrQtk/s1600-h/pipany+xmas+photos+025.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg9XR5oLrtZshIbuYod1Dj9vDbkIyqbfUUVjsHyCK6yjKeGbxXC0tfP-MMym5kr7gTIjopLQ5-TB_cLOO3rHzIhTZQFnVTMseA_OtFDprQj5smBsJqe97Aq_zssQnWgxmj2jXD7P1IrQtk/s200/pipany+xmas+photos+025.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5136762675434495490" /></a><br /><br /><br />and these...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnJB-tdEM3e8Eb071oO2SU0qGtxO5X6e5QWl85UY7ytkmdLJfUaLJ24cFdwDgBLkkKsW3yBGUlVWWfpjTw_7zDXxlGxv4vFFbR1tIMoMPHv6LGqpTs1kc6RmBpJ3oimxWojf4DGIaL8K7B/s1600-h/pipany+xmas+photos+020.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnJB-tdEM3e8Eb071oO2SU0qGtxO5X6e5QWl85UY7ytkmdLJfUaLJ24cFdwDgBLkkKsW3yBGUlVWWfpjTw_7zDXxlGxv4vFFbR1tIMoMPHv6LGqpTs1kc6RmBpJ3oimxWojf4DGIaL8K7B/s200/pipany+xmas+photos+020.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5136739048819400082" /></a> <br /><br /> <br /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6xSa6h4tG5clFNvJ9jzlA4vzVHdjzPHNC60FtZ33058PUTaE8JpDtLA6wfO8nzsk7WdPX5LuUwXo5HVEv5uRNL1dff3QV-SAFcJ05X4ME5SdE1fhrmbQUDUqK6BKo7xTQJ1dzVlEw1bgp/s1600-h/pipany+xmas+photos+038.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6xSa6h4tG5clFNvJ9jzlA4vzVHdjzPHNC60FtZ33058PUTaE8JpDtLA6wfO8nzsk7WdPX5LuUwXo5HVEv5uRNL1dff3QV-SAFcJ05X4ME5SdE1fhrmbQUDUqK6BKo7xTQJ1dzVlEw1bgp/s200/pipany+xmas+photos+038.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5136749713223196082" /></a> <br /><br /> <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEDj2_bm-eEJe7KBaplRdt61JCFcI_93S4tAYNUMxsw5cyAc7iSbNU8kWZ6i707EUY009eKEROXZ1UKLJRmIwWWB2_6fjGBAu5lbS5omEeJS5ZwOHFA7qUAKTTUwdj8IiwBwGIQz6K_sBV/s1600-h/pipany+xmas+photos+055.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEDj2_bm-eEJe7KBaplRdt61JCFcI_93S4tAYNUMxsw5cyAc7iSbNU8kWZ6i707EUY009eKEROXZ1UKLJRmIwWWB2_6fjGBAu5lbS5omEeJS5ZwOHFA7qUAKTTUwdj8IiwBwGIQz6K_sBV/s200/pipany+xmas+photos+055.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5136750164194762178" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />And finally this...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyEgPMuHy_8Ssv1aYWOakbA-zG6V_IvhgozAQPxdbRbchCl5jOcD6wbN-U2-DzhZclH4fm93YCShv7SiMZTgQQP9Ad8knBD6GuNRHEbLfBGZL_evTsZN0OtDM1d_bRd58jusiKAXRdVMl1/s1600-h/pipany+xmas+photos+070.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyEgPMuHy_8Ssv1aYWOakbA-zG6V_IvhgozAQPxdbRbchCl5jOcD6wbN-U2-DzhZclH4fm93YCShv7SiMZTgQQP9Ad8knBD6GuNRHEbLfBGZL_evTsZN0OtDM1d_bRd58jusiKAXRdVMl1/s320/pipany+xmas+photos+070.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5136750524972015058" /></a><br /><br /><br />Yesterday's lesson in photography certainly made a difference and these will go onto the website later today; now I just need to work out how to set them out better on my blog!!! <br /><br />Enjoy the rest of today <br /> <br /> Pipany x<br /><br /><br /><br />(p.s. Please click on images to enlarge)Pipanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04048984447721169350noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1083230899554901935.post-37700149649089900872007-11-24T02:56:00.000-08:002007-11-24T03:57:53.976-08:00A crash course in photography..<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh85kbf9VVTQ1HEoreKiStWRpKWc6GET408sva17K1MIUqvoVKg481QXSy3xcGlKJmFa37ExAhfDueUXg3itV6rH2hjRrHbu_noXjRn5Wy2hQD6jY-favuAZSupqyRK-kq2w4p5n4-fm6Bb/s1600-h/pipany+photos+075.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh85kbf9VVTQ1HEoreKiStWRpKWc6GET408sva17K1MIUqvoVKg481QXSy3xcGlKJmFa37ExAhfDueUXg3itV6rH2hjRrHbu_noXjRn5Wy2hQD6jY-favuAZSupqyRK-kq2w4p5n4-fm6Bb/s200/pipany+photos+075.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5136370600754945346" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />A favourite of mine taken by Dave.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I have increasingly become aware how important good photography is to a business such as mine - in fact, I can't imagine a business that doesn't benefit from good images of their products. In this day of digital cameras it would seem anyone can take a wonderful photograph....not so. I can vouch for the lie in this claim, having a huge folder of somewhat dire images of my own stored away on the computer. It never used to be the way; back in the days of yore, when cameras were peered through and held to the eye, I was something of a nifty photographer though I say so myself. Now, I am the mistress of the 'quick snap', those endlessly uninteresting, badly lit shots of people, their presence vying for focus with a plethora of Things I Forgot To Move...yet again. This is a bit of a problem when it comes to taking photographs for the website. Funny how a beautifully embroidered bag doesn't quite seem the thing when a microwave is perched noticeably in the background; depressing when a picture of a delicately sewn cloth of finest cotton should reveal the soft, woven signatures of an heirloom cloth and yet actually reveals the junk piled high on the dresser behind the table.<br /><br />And so today I am having a crash course in photography with Mr Dave who knows about such things and took all the gorgeous pictures for the website (albeit with my endless demands for how they should look ringing in his ear). Already this morning I have discovered da Vinci's Rule of Thirds and applied it to a number of things; I have found the button to press for the grid with which to apply this rule, considered close ups and macros, waxed lyrical on lighting and where it should fall and, to my shame, found I already knew most of it as back in the even darker ages I trained as a florist and the same basic concepts apply. Ahem, well we'll gloss over that eh?<br /><br />Small businesses can rarely afford the high outlay required for a professional photographer and I am no different, yet the phenomenal time it takes to set shots, photograph, work on the images, etc means I feel unable to 'use' Dave for this side of the business even though he clearly is skilled at it. He holds a demanding job of his own and, highly supportive though he is, it feels wrong to use his entire weekend in such a way. I shall learn and apply what he has taught me and somehow fit this in to the myriad other tasks involved as so many other businesses have to do and if sometimes my blood runs cold at the idea of cramming anymore into this rather full life then I shall take a deep breath, hold the thought and focus; after all, I like a challenge - Click....<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVVaHecrztUK8oKh7ZguBEl-txGH-a0yXUs2mzYwMtyien1Inev7vg672q2qvz4V_A8mdIoBZouMiqZ2To_4acCzyWeiR_8Vk4MyMDPTXMN8D82N6AXCyfuUN1JSlTBen9dY5RXdlxJ1bm/s1600-h/005.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVVaHecrztUK8oKh7ZguBEl-txGH-a0yXUs2mzYwMtyien1Inev7vg672q2qvz4V_A8mdIoBZouMiqZ2To_4acCzyWeiR_8Vk4MyMDPTXMN8D82N6AXCyfuUN1JSlTBen9dY5RXdlxJ1bm/s200/005.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5136373310879309138" /></a><br /><br />And here's a not so good one by me - click to enlarge and it improves a bit, but still much to learn!!!Pipanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04048984447721169350noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1083230899554901935.post-40479552133187527632007-11-23T03:18:00.000-08:002007-11-23T04:31:18.400-08:00Well, this is it!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd4AATURnzhc5iMzcPa76uaGRGOPZmhSRzz-R1GCNa3vCGN7oP8TgiZf8Rnbe6lB0irvy6bs2wCGA3kW8KjcJULTYJSQyaSriBvQuRdrpGnEJKQG1bc2WsQQkFe64olbKp0VLRdKxqkNRX/s1600-h/pipany+photos+075.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd4AATURnzhc5iMzcPa76uaGRGOPZmhSRzz-R1GCNa3vCGN7oP8TgiZf8Rnbe6lB0irvy6bs2wCGA3kW8KjcJULTYJSQyaSriBvQuRdrpGnEJKQG1bc2WsQQkFe64olbKp0VLRdKxqkNRX/s320/pipany+photos+075.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5136010021070576946" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhurdaYqA_aSVjm9fz3Hg16YCt0zb2YJBFGEvhD1L_XGds2CTWLx6TOXuV2fRa4i7moDhgBARJw-sFcFtHVY_6Afz1wLCzu4ox8LeoinHJFLTWwqy_MFGrmonhgtR98fOzVR9UaFGY0dUs2/s1600-h/010.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhurdaYqA_aSVjm9fz3Hg16YCt0zb2YJBFGEvhD1L_XGds2CTWLx6TOXuV2fRa4i7moDhgBARJw-sFcFtHVY_6Afz1wLCzu4ox8LeoinHJFLTWwqy_MFGrmonhgtR98fOzVR9UaFGY0dUs2/s320/010.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5136007469860003106" /></a><br /><br />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.....<br /><br />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!<br /><br />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. <br /><br />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.<br /><br /> Pipany x<a href="http://www.pipany.co.uk"></a>Pipanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04048984447721169350noreply@blogger.com13