Taking the Cat Out of the Bag

Truly, was the cat ever in the bag? In March after the Country Living Women Entrepreneurs event, I told you that I was interested in designing a fabric line. I even asked you to hold me to it. I'd been thinking about it for a while, but until then I was too scared to say it out loud. 

But I've learned a lesson... saying it out loud is what makes it real.

Since then, I've been on a tear. Obsessively designing fabric. (LOL. First I had to figure out HOW to design fabric) After several rounds and versions and toss away lines, eventually, I came up with something I loved and knew I could present. For display purposes I had it printed up by Spoonflower (they rock), and off to market I went last week. Finished quilt and goodies in hand. Shaking and quivering in my boots. I presented to a lot of companies, and to my amazement, I ended up with a lot of interest.

A couple days later, and I now know that my designs will be available this spring at the Pittsburgh quilt market. I can hardly believe it. I have an actual real contract in my hands.

So, what do I take away from this part of the adventure? I am sure that the decision to say it aloud, to state what I wanted, that made me go for it in the way I have. Uh, somewhat relentlessly. There's probably some people who are a little sick of me. You know who you are. Sorry ya'll. (That's my new Houston-speak. I like it)

Next up on my list of to dos... paper. Hold me to it. Right after I get this fabric line out. 

Note: If you read this post earlier, you may notice I went back in and edited it. Sometimes it just doesn't seem like any of the wording in these blog posts are right. And I worry that things will be misconstrued. This post was super hard to write for whatever reason. I felt like the wording was too contrite, the story not completely told... which is bad, because I think that people reading this should know the details. It wasn't super easy to do, but it was all well worth it. So, you are now reading the edited version of the first post. I hope that whoever you are and whatever you are trying to do, that this post will inspire you to do it and know that there have been those who have inspired me as well. Thanks for understanding, and for your very kind support.

Comments

[Jackie]

1.

So exciting Bari!! You rock - great news - can't wait to see the fabric in person!!

[Barbara]

2.

Congratulations! Thanks for sharing your story too, you've really inspired me! Good luck, I know you will do well, I love everything you've done so far!

Barbara

[jenclair]

3.

Way to go! How thrilling for you to actually have contract in hand. Can't wait for the final product to get on the market!

[Woody]

4.

How could you think you wouldn't get a contract? - your style is unique, gorgeous, stylish and I am sure it will be successful. Well Done!!

[Jeanette]

5.

Fantastic news! I only found your blog recently after seeing your fabrics in the spoonflower flickr pool, and you deserve to have your own fabric line. Your work is great.
KWYM about saying it outloud, I'm still too afraid for that.

[Teemie]

6.

As my brother says... 'I'm SO Proud For YOU!'

You fabrics are absolutely ...lovely, bright.. lively... beautiful!

This is sew big, sew huge, from one stitcher to another... Congratulations

[Loral]

7.

Yay!! Happy clapping for you :) Can't wait until it hits the market- your designs look fab!!

Big congrats, I'm so glad you said it aloud :-D

Loral

[Paula]

8.

It was so fun for Jennifer and I to hang with you and share in your excitement. Hey, were you hiding that Cat in my (Magazine) Bag?
I want details!

[DivaDeb]

9.

Congratulations, Bari! You SO deserve this, and after what has happened in our life over the past five months, I will whole-heartedly agree with you that saying it out loud DOES make a difference and sets things in motion!

((I always have to wonder: When you share a dream, some people say 'Don't get your hopes up' - what are they talking about? Why on Earth NOT get your hopes up about something you want?! If you can't get excited about it, you'll never GET it!!))

YAY you!!!!!!

[Carrie S.]

10.

I'm so happy for you - I can't wait to hear about the journey you are about to embark on. And I understand about putting it out there, and making it real. Go you!

[Missy]

11.

Bari I am so so SO excited and happy for this adventure you're taking on! You are amazing. Maybe some day I'll follow in your footsteps. For now I'll live vicariously through you!

[andrea]

12.

Congrats Bari!
May I ask how does one begin figuring out how to begin designing fabric?!
It looks like it's gonna be great!

[Kirie]

13.

Do you know why you are successful? Three good reasons: determination, talent, (both of which you have in spades!) and the secret ingredient: good karma! You are so supportive and kind to those around you, and that just shines through everything you touch. Congrats on your latest success!
Kirie

[jamie]

14.

Bari, Big Huge Congratulations. Wow.. You Go Girl! How Exciting, You Deserve it all. Have a Happy Halloween, Jamie

[Tara Frey]

15.

Congrats Bari!! WOW!! I so excited for you:))~xo

[Liz]

16.

Happy Halloween!
Hugs,
Liz & Mabel

[Jodi]

17.

Bari you are an inspiration! Thanks again for sharing your journey and your process!

[june]

18.

You go girl!!! I am SO proud of you....can't wait to see all of the finished designs. I know they will be awesome!!!!

Fabric Sparkles to you Bari!!!!

June

[nicole]

19.

Yay for you! Thanks for the inspiration!

[Jan]

20.

Congrats on the fabric! By the way, in Texas-speak, it's y'all (contraction for you-all)! Thought you'd want to know!!! Jan

[Lisa from celebrate CREATIVITY]

21.

Congrats. How exciting.

Also, I loved seeing all the great photos from Quilt Market from your earlier post. I've never been to that event but of course I've heard all about it and I never get tired of seeing all the great booths that are posted everywhere.

Enjoy your new venture!

[Caroline]

22.

This is fabulous news! Congrats!

[Mellissa - Wondermommy]

23.

That is wonderful! I haven't checked in with your blog in awhile, and I was excited reading this post. You have definitely inspired me, thanks!

[Marissa]

24.

I just found your blog today! Congrats on the new fabric line that is exciting. I hope some day to do something along the same lines. I'm new to the whole blog world, it would be great if you would visit my blog. whiteplumsews.blogspot.com
You inspire me thanks!

[tina]

25.

I am still woo-hooin'!

[wendylynne]

26.

Just wanted to let you know that this is my new favorite blog. That is so cool that you have a fabric line coming out. I'll be back to visit and see what other fun things you are doing.

[Jenean]

27.

Congratulations!! I'm so happy for you! I hope to see you this spring in Pittsburgh!

[Lisa]

28.

Your new fabric line is just gorgeous, how exciting! I can't wait to get some!

PS> If you need some things sewn up for quilt market, I am offering my services, I work for fabric!

[sf indie fashion]

29.

awesome news about your new line! many congrats....

[sf indie fashion]

30.

awesome news about your new line! many congrats....

[Penny]

31.

Congratulations Bari! Very exciting news indeed!

[Missy Severson]

32.

Wooooo hooooo! A contract! Hot diggity! That is outstanding!
Congratulations!!
Missy

[Bethany]

33.

Congrats and congrats to you dear lady!!! Absolutely great news....fabric and paper goods!! Go for it all....keep your head held high and remember you are and have a wonderful talent!!!!