Monday, September 24, 2007

The big reveal, part two


You can almost always tell when a blogger is up to something behind the scenes, can't you? Her posting frequency drops a bit, she doesn't show many recent projects, and then eventually she announces that she's in the process of writing a book or creating some other project, right? Oh, I'm teasing. But it does seem to ring true to a large extent.

I'm not very good at keeping secrets, but for some strange reason I've managed to keep relatively quiet about this one (or at least I've kept quiet on the blog about it; real life is a completely different story). Granted, I have dropped an occasional hint here. But if there is one tell-tale sign that something is in the works, it's certainly the recent state of this blog. It's been in shambles lately. But I hope you'll forgive me for that when I tell you why.

You see, mostly I haven't told you my big secret because it's been such a long time in coming and there have been so many times when I've thought that either I'd have to be crazy to do this or it just hasn't looked like it would actually work. But it's finally time. I guess.

You may or may not know that, pre-Tsia, I designed clothing for a living. Mostly I designed men's clothing like complicated technical performance outerwear, and I developed a lot of textiles as well. Once I started staying home with the kiddo, I started looking for something to keep me occupied. A dear friend suggested that I start publishing patterns for children's clothing. I was already designing and sewing clothes for Miss S because I couldn't find any published patterns I liked. So I started researching and planning and researching some more, and then writing and revising a business plan, and this is what eventually fell out: a small sewing pattern company for children's clothing!

Oliver and S will be launching at the International Quilt Market in Houston this October with an initial collection (Spring 2008) of four outfit patterns in two size ranges, from birth to size 5. Both the sizes and the number of patterns available will expand over time. You'll be able to purchase patterns from your local quilt boutique as well as from our website, and I'm so excited about the patterns themselves. I can't wait to show them to you!

I sort of lied to you about our summer away; we really were away, but I was holed up for most of the time writing instructions, testing patterns, making decisions, and generally being stressed out about the many, many details of starting a small business. Fortunately, many wonderful people have been helping me, including Mr. Disdressed himself, as well as my parents-in-law, who toddler-watched for many, many hours this summer. And of course, Brooke, who has invested a tremendous amount of time and creative energy in the launch as well.

So now you know the real reason that you haven't been hearing or seeing much from me in the craft area lately. I may be a bit infrequent for the near future, but I'll still be around. And I hope you'll agree that all the hard work (and craft and blog silence) has been worth it when you see what we've done. Stay tuned!

49 comments:

  1. What a great adventure!!! Cant wait to see/buy the patterns!

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  2. How wonderful. I only just stumbled upon your blog and I always enjoy stumbling upon such a nice post. It's nice to hear when somebody has started something they have a passion for. Good luck!

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  3. Anonymous6:01 PM

    Congratulations, and all the best to you! What a delightful idea!

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  4. Anonymous6:11 PM

    This is great! I look forward to seeing you at Market! And I look forward to larger sizes--size 8 perhaps (being a household with a size 8). No pressure, of course! ;-) Congrats!

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  5. Anonymous6:38 PM

    Soooo cool! Good for you, and I second the consideration for bigger girls sizes as your line extension after you get off the ground.
    Cute, nice big girl clothes are hard to find these days.
    Two thumbs up to you for such a grand adventure! Crossing my fingers that you'll sell out of everything!

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  6. Hi-five for you! I know how you feel - I've been balancing writing up my patterns for printing, coming up with a small business plan, etc. - all in the midst of teaching full time! But it's been so gratifying, despite the (many) frustrating hitches. I just sent my files off to the printer. What a relief!

    Congratulations - I can't wait to see the patterns, and I am sure that I will purchase them as soon as a little person enters my life!

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  7. Anonymous6:54 PM

    Wow. You make me want to have a kid. I've been following your posts for about a year now and love having the opportunity to somehow see into the life of such a creative person. Congratulations. I am looking forward to seeing and purchasing the patterns even if the baby's a couple years down the road.

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  8. Wow! Congratulations. That's an amazing accomplishment and you should feel very proud. I can not wait to see what the patterns.
    Cheers

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  9. Woo-hoo! I can not wait to see the patterns and try them out! Congratulations on your fantastic adventure!

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  10. wonderful! congrats to you! starting your own biz is huge, stressful, and ultimately very rewarding!
    all the best to you!!!

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  11. Anonymous8:59 PM

    Yay Liesl!

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  12. Anonymous9:23 PM

    Yay! I can't wait to get them and start sewing!

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  13. Anonymous9:27 PM

    Hoorah for the big reveal! Congratulations! I can't wait to see them. Don't keep us in suspense much longer!

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  14. Anonymous9:35 PM

    Congratulations Liesl! What wonderful news. I already know your patterns are going to be beautiful!! Cannot wait to hear/see more about your new pattern business!

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  15. Wow! What exciting news--congrats on launching your own pattern business! I'm looking forward to seeing these; I know several couples who are expecting and I've been itching to make some baby clothes for them! Good luck with everything!

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  16. Can't wait to see it all at quilt market.

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  17. Congratulations. I'll have to go find some kids to make clothes for...

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  18. Anonymous11:16 PM

    Couldn't you make it birth to size 7? ;)

    Congratulations. I'm looking forward to seeing what you've been working on.

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  19. Congratulations! I'm really looking forward to seeing what you've created.

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  20. Excellent news for all of us and for you. Congratulations!

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  21. so excited for you !!

    congrats!!

    can't wait to see the patterns[and man you ARE good at keeping a secret]

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  22. Anonymous2:46 AM

    congratulations! can't wait!

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  23. Congrats! If I ever have a baby I know where I'll be shopping for my patterns. Still, I can't wait to see what you come up with. All your creations really have a beautiful style to them.

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  24. Anonymous6:52 AM

    Congratulations, how very exciting! I look forward to your patterns enormously because I can attest to your sheer genius at design. You are right about blog silences, unfortunately for mine, it's usually just laziness or obsession. Best of luck with your new adventure.

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  25. I cannot wait. I've got two toddlers who love wearng mommy-made clothes.

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  26. Anonymous7:39 AM

    Great.
    Congratulations, Liesl!

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  27. Anonymous8:57 AM

    Congrats on the pattern biz!! Hopefully you will have some "boy" patterns?? I have a wonderful 2 1/2 year old and can't find clothes I like for him, except the "standard". WORSE is that I can't find cool "boy" fabric that I like!!! CJould you please design some cool boy fabric too?!

    LOVE your blog, thanks for sharing!!

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  28. Anonymous9:07 AM

    Congrats Leisl! I look forward to buying your patterns for Lucie!

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  29. Anonymous9:14 AM

    This is very exciting. Although I don't have children, I make many items for OTHER people's children so your patterns may help diversify my portfolio. I can make only so many blankets.... Good luck!

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  30. Congratulations! I can't wait to see your patterns!!

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  31. Anonymous10:36 AM

    Congrats, Liesl! I admire that you came up with a way to find fulfillment and tap into your creativity amidst the other transitions in your life. You deserve every success.

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  32. Anonymous10:51 AM

    YAY! So exciting...I can't wait to see them...Congratulations!!!

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  33. Anonymous11:19 AM

    Love your blog.

    Please make some cute patterns for little boys! So hard to find them, and I'm so itching to make things for my seven-month-old. I have lots of fabric, lots of inspiration, now if only I had lots of free time...

    Best wishes in your new endeavor.

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  34. Anonymous11:45 AM

    You are a fancy lady! Congratulations and much success to you.

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  35. I am so excited! I cannot wait to see these patterns. I have struggle to find patterns I like for children's clothing as well. This is going to be fantastic!

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  36. Wow! A huge congratulations. Especially for taking a risk and following your creativity. I know this is going to be a big success.

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  37. congratulations! i am looking forward to seeing what you have been up to.

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  38. Anonymous12:07 AM

    what great news! many congratulations to you both.

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  39. Anonymous8:47 AM

    Execllent news! It's great to hear that you are using your many talents to do something unique and Liesl-ly.

    Hope it's a huge success.

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  40. Anonymous12:29 PM

    so very exciting! can't wait to see the patterns. i'm sure they'll be fantastic!

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  41. Anonymous12:34 PM

    so excited to hear about this! hopefully I'll see you in Houston!

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  42. Congratulations! Can't wait to see the pattern collection. I actually live in Houston so hopefully I'll be able to come by the booth.

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  43. Anonymous8:57 PM

    Oh Liesl! I am so happy for you! That is amazing and absolutely inspiring. Can't wait to pick them up and try to make some for Liv.

    I guess this means you are too busy to take a train out east? Maybe we'll have to come to you in NYC? Let's plan it!

    xo Keri

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  44. Anonymous10:57 PM

    that is such good news--I can't wait, i am so frustrated with the current offer of patterns for my kids!

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  45. Anonymous1:17 PM

    Congratulations on the reveal of your new pattern company! I will be attending the market and can't wait to see your new line. My shop specializes in fabrics and patterns for children, and we are always on the hunt for new ideas! As others have mentioned, larger sizes are especially in demand. Thank you for sharing your delightful news!

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  46. I can't wait to see your line. There is such a huge void in the children's pattern market. I know with your talent you're going to be a huge success. Have a fabulous time at market.

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  47. Just got back from my holidays and read this, so a very belated congratulations from me! Fantastic news.

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