Windows and doors.
pondering the timing of it all.
Hi friend
I know that I’ve been notably absent. I’ve had a lot of thinking to do.
In this current moment, I am here, avoiding cleaning the house for company, and starting burger buns and a cake for Ben’s birthday. Both of which are coming from the newish Zingerman’s cookbook for special occasions. While Ann Arbor was really challenging for me, Zingerman’s was always a joy. I love that they are generous with their recipes, and that I can make them from wherever in the world I find myself.
I have a new line of fabric coming out.
I’ve had two previous lines with Moda, Love Letter and Tiny Christmas (which hasn’t shipped yet). The sales of both have been poor. About a month or so after the line closes for presale, I get an email telling me how poorly its done. People don’t actually want Pearl Bracelet, shops aren’t buying pink Christmas anymore… etc. etc. This is not a great feeling. Actually, it’s a terrible feeling. It’s certainly not that my feelings are hurt that shops didn’t buy it. It’s that I have spent countless hours away from my family pouring myself into this work that isn’t connecting. It’s not selling in a way that makes sense financially to keep doing. And then, it isn’t widely available once it does ship. And I get to sit on the fact that it hasn’t done well for 6 months before the fabric ever sees the light of day.
None of this feels good.
Actually, it all feels really bad.
But I’ve got this new line coming out. I’m so excited about the work. It’s one of the sweetest, most fun collections I think I’ve ever made. The quilts are so great. Everything about it is great. Precious beyond belief.
And if it doesn’t sell, I will tap out.
It’s an interesting thing to think about. Thinking about the economy. Thinking about shops budgets. Think about volume of fabric available. Unless shops already know me, or seriously love the work, they’re just going to choose something safer, and you know what I mean. Which I don’t fault anyone for. I put myself in the shoes of shop owners all the time, and I get it. It’s a really precarious time.
I have no animosity towards anyone. I’m grateful to have worked on these collections, and I believe that Funny Valentine, my upcoming collection that will be shown in May, and who’s fate will be sealed by July, is more than worth supporting. Even if you aren’t crazy about Valentines. It’s that good.
All of this has really led me to think about the timing of this whole journey. I really felt a strong impression to do this. It was not something I had on my radar at all. The collaboration has been good. Moda is wonderful to work with, and it’s just not working. It’s not working for my family. It’s not working creatively, and it isn’t working financially.
SO what is the lesson? What can I learn from this?
When I really dig into my feelings, and the feelings and needs of my people, I just think I’m needed here most of all. And being so divided with this work (and it’s good work) has made it plain for me to see. I’m that hard headed. I need to be led down a path, and for it to not only not work, but actually go really wrong, before I really get that it might not be the right thing.
Magnolia really needs me right now. Ben needs me. And I need to take better care of myself. I also need to trust that the things that I love, and that are important to me aren’t going anywhere. That this time loving and serving my family, and being fully in it, will always be time well spent. Also, I’ve talked about it here, but I’ve got somethings really big in my heart that I need to really focus on, and I want to make new artwork. BIG BIG works. And illustrate some books that I’ve been putting off for a while now. These things require me to pivot. With my full heart, mind, and body.
If Funny Valentine does well, which for all the right reasons it should be a huge hit, we’ll leave the door open for future collections down the road, but if it doesn’t, I’m going to close that door.
I’ll keep writing and sharing my thoughts and my work, I will keep sharing bits of my life and creative pursuits with you. I can’t tell you how much it means to me for all the love and support you’ve shown me and Magnolia and Ben. I’ve gotten so many notes from people saying that they’re starting to sew again, because I have new fabric out. That they feel inspired again. You know how tender hearted I am, and these love notes you send me give me a good cry every time. Without fail.
If you find yourself saying: WHOA LIZZY, HOLD THE PHONE! what can I do?
To you, I would say, ask your local shop to order Funny Valentine. It will be in the May Moda catalog, and will ship in November. Also, break your fabric fast for me. I understand using up your stash. I also understand that things are tight. I REALLY get it, but if you ask a shop to carry a line, you’ve gotta buy it from them.
I would also like to give a huge hug and a hand squeeze to the shops who’ve carried my new collections. It means so much to me. Thank you.
I love you lots.
Next week I’ll have a quilt pattern for my paid subscribers, and an easter download.
Hope you have a great weekend. I’ll save a piece of cake for you.
xoxo
Lizzy
This makes me so sad. You have always been my favorite. You have been very missed. I was so excited you were releasing fabric again. I hoard your old lines and bought a ton of love letter. It does concern me that you are being judged where 2/3 of the lines are holiday. Some people don’t buy holiday prints like they do other things. I think it’s a hard time in general. Shops are closing, both local and big names, prices are going up, collections are bigger, people can’t buy like they used to. I know I chose Love Letter over other lines I might have otherwise bought. I hope no matter what you don’t close the door for good. These are volatile times and who knows what will be in a few years.
I always buy the complete line for every line of fabric you put out. I still have Castle Peeps even. You have always been my favorite designer in the 14 years I've been quilting. That definitely won't change as long as you are designing, I will keep buying it. Wishing all the best for your new line.