Why I choose to open up a shop.

I have been asked countless times in the past few months why I decided to open up my own mommy shop. I have never really had a great answer, but I think I have finally landed on it. Sure, I think a lot of people think it's for the extra money, but in all honesty, I would do it all for free if I was able to. 

I opened my shop because I love to sew. I am in no way the best. But over the past few months I have surprised myself with all that I have learned. I went from feeling in no way comfortable sewing anything without a pattern to making my own patterns and loving it. It has gotten to the point where if I see something I like my first thought is "How much would it cost if I made it?"

 I have loved learning so many new techniques like the correct way to use a seam ripper. I had no idea I have been using it wrong! But let me tell you I had. I have actually learned what all the dials and knobs on my machine mean. I have also learned that sewing machines are not easy to take apart (They are even harder to put back together)! I have learned to keep my fingers away from the foot and needle. Boy, does it hurt if you are not paying attention!

I have learned about fabric. Which blends work for which projects. I have learned how to price items for sale. I have learned the hard way that you can not please everyone. I have learned that sometimes you need to ask for help. I have learned that my husband does know a thing or two about sewing. Shout out to my awesome sister-in-laws and mother-in-law who helped him learn!

I have learned that you can seam rip, sew, feed elastic, cut fabric and pin while holding a fussy baby. I have learned that nursing while your little one is in a carrier is possible (necessary if you need to head to the fabric store). I have learned countless employees names. I have learned to put myself out there and do things that are out of my comfort zone. I have learned way too many employees' names at the fabric store. I have learned how to truly master using coupons to get the most bang for your buck. I have learned that sometimes less is more. I have learned that there can be hurt feelings when you open a shop. I have learned that not everyone has nice things to say, but that everyone is free to feel the way they feel. I have learned that every mom deserves to have a say in their baby items, to have a say in exactly which fabric and print is used. I have learned that helping another mama out is more payment then you will ever need. I have learned that there are moms out there who you may not know personally but who will become some of your biggest supporters. 

I have learned to ask the hard questions. I have learned that fabric will hide the tears you have shed on it. I have learned that the hum of the sewing machine will hide the sound of your sobs. I have learned that sometimes the best way to work through problems is to sit down and finish a project. 

So if you haven't guessed the real answer to that question I will tell you: The real reason I opened up a shop is to learn about myself. To grow. To become a better mother and a better person. I have already learned so many amazing lessons. I know that each experience I have had has taught me how to be a better person. I know that it has given me a reason to be excited. I know it has given me something that is all my own. I know it has helped me do the one thing that has always been my goal: Helping other moms. 

Be the best mommy you can be.