... it is there for you. The problem is you have to ask. And, for me at least, that is not the easiest of tasks.
I'm an "I'll do it myself" kind of person... Usually afraid to ask for help for fear of looking weak. For fear of having to say that I "need" help.
I did not ask for very much help over the past six years in the creation of this business. I've held it together, struggling, for the large part, to do it all myself. Unfortunately, I'm not good at all of it. Nor is all of it something I'd want to do. I, for instance, hate selling. I also vehemently hate anything to do with numbers.
That said, when I started on the journey of creating sewing patterns, I knew deep down that whether I liked it or not, I did not know exactly what I needed to do to get it done. And I desperately needed it to be done right. So begrudgingly, and probably only because I absolutely had to, I gave in and asked for some much needed help. And no one, much to my surprise, judged me for asking. They were happy that I finally did.
Oddly, what I thought was going to be the feeling that I had somehow failed myself and failed others by simply asking for help, did not happen. What did come was relief. And the joy of knowing that there are people who will stand by me no matter what. And that even people I don't even know well are willing to share their expertise to help me along.
That was what I was thinking about this afternoon when my package of sewing pattern proofs arrived from the printer. I was thinking about just how silly that all is. And that from here on... when I need help, I'll ask.
Congrats Bari! So wonderful to be surprised by how many are willing to help!
Posted by: Dena Rooney (sugarshop) | Monday, February 22, 2010 at 05:31 PM
So much of our culture is based on youth, but one of the great gifts of getting older (I've always hated the phrase -- middle age -- it sounds like people who are as exciting as trees) is learning to ask for help. It's like shaking a loaded tree limb -- all of a sudden fruit is falling all around you.
I enjoy you so much and congratulate you on this step on your journey!!
All good wishes,
Jody
Posted by: jodyms | Monday, February 22, 2010 at 05:41 PM
Amen!
Posted by: Heather Roe | Monday, February 22, 2010 at 06:07 PM
Bari,
Those looks so beautiful and charming! You should be so proud of yourself! I know what you mean about asking for help. It's humbling but sure makes you appreciative of all the generous folks out there. I can't wait to see the finished product!
Posted by: Jona | Monday, February 22, 2010 at 07:01 PM
Wow, lookin great Bari. Still in awe of how quickly you did this even if you said you had the patterns basically done for a while. There's still a ton of details to see to.
I am SO asking you for help when/if I get into doing patterns...
Congrats!
Posted by: Jessica Levitt | Monday, February 22, 2010 at 07:25 PM
Hey - those little signature posti-its look familiar! :)
No turning back now! Everything looks good. Yay!
Posted by: Linda | Monday, February 22, 2010 at 09:54 PM
We are SO alike. It's just been recently that I've started to ask for help.
Your patterns look amazing! Congrats!!! Keep it up, you're amazing.
Posted by: Missy | Monday, February 22, 2010 at 10:29 PM
Wow! How exciting! The pattern proofs look so awesome and official! You should be so proud of yourself. Congrats on the pattern and the self realization! If I ever get to this point, I'm definitely coming to you for help! Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Lori Porten | Tuesday, February 23, 2010 at 06:17 AM
Bari, love your patterns! Your designs are just beautiful. See, asking for help isn't so hard, lol.
Posted by: Sally Bell, Maw-Bell Designs | Tuesday, February 23, 2010 at 08:20 AM
It takes a village...right? Asking for help is scary but I am so glad you did. I love the way the patterns turned out. They are Very Bari! Hehe! Best of luck!
Posted by: Jamie | Tuesday, February 23, 2010 at 01:54 PM
Hi Bari, I am so relieved to hear this from another fellow designer. I am Shirley Hudson of Hudson's Holidays. I have created over 140 patterns and I get really scared sometimes...I think of success. I do everything myself from creation, to photography, pattern writing, website, blog and all....I sometimes feel like I need help, but don't know where to turn. I feel like atleast I am not alone.
Shirley
http://Hudsonsholidays.blogspot.com
Posted by: Shirley | Tuesday, February 23, 2010 at 03:34 PM
I hate asking for help also but for a different reason. I always feel like I'm going to be a bother to the person I am asking. I am always proven wrong (whenever I finally force myself to do it) but the feeling still persists. =)
Posted by: Jennwith4 | Tuesday, February 23, 2010 at 08:46 PM
It's always hard to write the patterns. There are so many steps. Measuring, typing, design, proof reading, patterns covers, proof reading, proof reading & proof reading. I must proof read a dozen times all together & modify, reword, etc. Double check my cutting sizes over & over.
If you ever want to email me something for typo proof reading feel free. It is easier for someone else to find your typos, etc,.
Posted by: Account Deleted | Wednesday, February 24, 2010 at 09:53 PM
Congrats on finishing your patterns! They all look great and I love my new bag!
Posted by: Anita | Friday, February 26, 2010 at 08:07 PM