Once in a while, I need a recipe or details of something I have made and the easiest place to find them are my old blog archives. And often, while I am gathering the information, I take a moment to cast an eye over the comments from way back then. Like old friends, they make me smile and think of the people who were regulars in my in box at the time and wonder how they are getting on.
This week, I found out (at least for one of them)! Karen and I had blogs of around the same vintage and were both at home with small children. She regularly popped up with a comment in my in-box and we exchanged the odd parcel of goodies. But life has a habit of getting in the way and when she began to blog less regularly, we lost touch. But I was so delighted to hear from her this week - and with amazing news of her crafty business success too. I'd like you to meet an old friend...
Welcome, Karen - go ahead and introduce yourself!
I am a stay at home mum of two little boys - 5 and 7. My youngest has just started school and I now find myself with the longest thinking time I have had in over 7 years - frightening! We live in the leafy surburbs of Belfast with our 2 chickens, 1 hamster and goldfish - and despite news stories it is actually pretty great. Sea within 10 mins, mountains and forests within 10 minutes and great friends and family all around. What more could a family want?
How did you begin making stuff?
When I had Noah (my eldest) I gave up a pretty manic job in design and marketing to stay at home. When Seth came along, 2 years later, I found myself in the position most mums of young children find themselves in: completely without identity, other than "Mummy". Don't get me wrong - I loved it and happily spent those first years in a playdough-brained fuzz of finger painting, sticking and playing trains, trains and more trains. However I actually could feel the right hand side of my brain screaming to become creative on another level again.
My dad bought me a sewing machine a few years before I got married and I can honestly say that it didn't made it out of it's box for about 3 years. When my wedding came along I used it to make straight edged things. And then, as I nested for Noah arriving, I made blinds for the nursery, nappy hanger - making it all up as I went along - I have an innate fear of patterns!
But I'm rambling. I basically starting making things about 5 years ago. I made some train bunting for Noah's bedroom, then an apron for a birthday gift - making presents to save money, if I'm honest. Well, my friends were extremely flattering and thought I could sell what I made. I had a go. My first craft fair was a major disaster - I sold one thing - to my mum! I regrouped, stopped trying to sell what I thought people would like and decided just to make the things that made me happy and made me smile.
At about the same time I started blogging, which of course was when we first met. Trying to iron while husband was out but actually spending the whole time online blogging. The blog was called Little Pink Toes and I, of course, documented not just family life but the things I was making. As I did more craft fairs the name Little Pink Toes stuck because I mostly made things for children. But as the years progressed I diversified and now make a full range for women, children and the home.
But to be honest I had never been completely comfortable with the name and when I was approached by the National Trust this year to supply, I decided it was a good time to address the name issue. I settled on the name Edie Sloane. Edie Sloane was my grandmother, who I'm told I am a lot like. My grandmother was real entrepreneur - which was virtually unheard off at the start of the 20th century. Also like me, she strongly relied on a very calm husband to carry out the 'dirty work' that needed to be done to realise her dreams.
Edie and I are definitely "ideas" people - but the actual reality of getting from A to B can be mind boggling without a very understanding husband. Edie loved to grow things, keep animals and of course make thing - in the kitchen and on the sewing machine. It's sad that she passed away when I was very young so we never got the chance to really enjoy each other. Naming my business after her seems an appropriate tribute to a strong women.
You slipped that 'supplying to the National Trust' thing in there - it sounds like a dream come true - how did it come about?
It is a dream - each year I do a spring craft fair at one of our local National Trust properties, Mount Stewart. The fair is always a lovely one and very good for me. This year I was approached by the NI Retail Manager who asked if I would be interested in supplying stuff. I tried to play it cool but almost bit his hand off. I could really think of no better brand match for me. National Trust are going through a process of changing their retail end.
In the past you could go into any NT shop and buy virtually the same thing anywhere. Now they want to sell local crafts in each area - something which visitors can take home and know that it has been handmade in that area. Thankfully they liked my stuff and last Sunday I delivered my first order into Mount Stewart.
You must have to be very organized - where do you work? Do you have any tips for organizing your sewing?
Oh my goodness! You're asking the wrong person that question! I work on our kitchen/dining room table. My sewing machine occupies a little space at the end of the table, the ironing board is permanently behind it and when it comes to meal times everything is swept away to make space for family time. I am probably the messiest person in the world - tidying just stresses my brain - I really struggle with it - luckily Richard is a tidier and sorter extraordinaire!
So when you ask if I have any ideas for organizing my sewing I absolutely have not - in fact if any one else has any ideas please pass them my way. I drool over blogland crafters who have these amazing and tidy craft rooms - I would love my own studio but the fear of not being able to keep if looking beautiful swamps me.
Your designs are very joyful. Where do you take your inspiration from?
I basically make things that I like - things that make me happy to look at them. I love, love, love colour - the right combination of colours at any particular time can lift a mood and make my heart skip a beat. I am basically quite a happy and optimistic person so I guess that combined with the fact that I hang out with under 7's pretty much all the time direct my work.
I think also the fact that I live in a male dominated household means that I search out the prettiness and pinkness in other areas.
Hope you enjoyed meeting Karen - she has very kindly offered one of you the chance to choose an item of hers for your very own. To enter, pop over to the Edie Sloane shop and leave a comment here about which item you'd like if your name gets selected.
And those of you who are dithering about selling your work (I'm talking to you, Val) be inspired!
Such a wonderful story. I think she is pleased that she kept her sewing machine her dad bought her :-) Well done to Karen.
If I were to win I would choose the lovely bird cushion. I could of choosed something for a child, but as I have 4 grandchildren not fair ,, so would have to be for me and my spare room that they use.
btw.. I went into Oxford the other day and found the little sewing shop .. I never knew it was there.. always walk past that street to catch my bus.
Posted by: anne | 12 November 2010 at 16:29
OK, OK, I hear you. I am still slightly intimidated, but I hear you.
What a lovely shop Karen has! If I were lucky enough to be selected, I'd adore a bird bag ...
Posted by: dottycookie | 12 November 2010 at 17:52
What a dream come true but not without alot of hard work I'm sure...Congratulations Karen!
Posted by: Jennifer | 12 November 2010 at 18:25
wow, so many lovely things, if i was pushed to choose just one i would have to say the bee cushion!
Kellyx
Posted by: kelly | 12 November 2010 at 18:55
oh my I remember her!!
isn't it funny how life goes in a circle?
she's making gorgeous things.... sigh... I'll fight Val for a bird bag!!!
Posted by: Monica | 12 November 2010 at 19:12
I love those Irish linen cushions.
Posted by: m | 12 November 2010 at 19:49
What an inspiring story! And I love the story behind the business name. Am totally struggling to choose between the many many beautiful items in her shop though! To be selfish and go for the love, peace and joy bunting, or be selfless and go for the gingerbread man christmas stocking for my nephew?! I can't decide - if I win I'll let you choose!
Posted by: domestikate | 12 November 2010 at 20:01
First: I love your blog and it makes me so happy to read your posts (almost) every day.
Everything Karen makes is lovely. I especially love the Xmas stockings!
Posted by: Jane | 12 November 2010 at 20:14
What a good blog friend you are!
Posted by: lina | 12 November 2010 at 20:29
Seriously? Decide from amongst all that fun stuff?? I think I love the red striped Christmas stocking. And that little house door stop.
Posted by: Bethany | 12 November 2010 at 20:33
With a blog name like mine... how could i go past the frog?
Posted by: Frogdancer | 12 November 2010 at 22:35
What lovely things she makes! They would make anyone smile. My choice would have to be the digger bunting.
Posted by: Amanda | 12 November 2010 at 23:17
First of all, it's a darn good thing I didn't have anything in my mouth when I read the note-to-Val bit, as it would have been spat all over the keyboard.
(Go, Dotty C! Go!)
Second of all, this was great fun. Thank you!
(Go, Edie Karen, go!)
(Apologies for leaving a comment when So Very Caffeinated.)
Posted by: Lynn | 13 November 2010 at 02:01
what a lovely post x
I love the bird cushion x
Posted by: driftwood | 13 November 2010 at 08:46
What a lovely story - very uplifting to hear of someone who manages to build up something wonderful like this! (Especially after a week that seemed to evolve around children, mostly..). Love the denim journals!
Posted by: Jannette | 13 November 2010 at 09:07
What a wonderfully inspirational tale. I'd love to have my own craft business but somehow never seem to get off the starting blocks with it.
Anyhoo, fabulous items and if I was lucky enough to win I'd adore one of the Irish linen bird cushion covers.
Posted by: Elizabeth | 13 November 2010 at 11:05
great story. i admire people who are so creative and actually get things done! love the tea cosy. keep up the good work.
Posted by: Kirsi | 13 November 2010 at 11:53
Bird bag or Mackerel bone bag! Lovely stuff--it does make one smile!
Posted by: Rebecca | 13 November 2010 at 13:54
I too love colour and am inspired by the many beautiful pieces here. I would choose the Gingerbread House stocking: it is the stuff of fairytales.
Posted by: Nichola | 13 November 2010 at 15:09
A lovely story - a thoroughly enjoyable read, thank you. The comment about making items you like rather than those that would sell really resonates. Your grandmother would be so very proud.
As for your lovely items, I should have to choose the rag dog - I can so imagine that dear little face peeking out of a stocking! :-)
Heather x
Posted by: Heather | 14 November 2010 at 09:25
How lovely to meet Karen this way and how inspiring too. I love the style of her online shop. If I were lucky enough to be selected I would choose her buzzy bee cushion. Perfect for a little girl's bedroom.
Don't get me started about Val. Her stall is a treasure trove I'm telling you.
Posted by: Emma | 14 November 2010 at 16:45
What a lovely, inspiring story. I am on the verge of setting up my own online shop and stories like this are truly motivating. And what a lovely shop :-)
I adore the happy bunting draught excluder...and have the perfect draughty door for it :-)
Posted by: Katie | 15 November 2010 at 02:23
Karen's creations re so lovely! Does she still have a blog as the blog link on her site didin't work for me!
Posted by: Bev | 15 November 2010 at 19:00
Hi Bev,
the blog element will be revived again - must try harder is the report on my blog!
Karen (Edie Sloane)
Posted by: Karen | 16 November 2010 at 10:33
What a great and inspiring story - thank you both, Ali and Karen, for sharing :o)
I really needed to read this today as I'm currently reassessing my options with the end of my contract looming.
xxx
Posted by: lesley | 17 November 2010 at 11:50
Oh that's just what I want to do when my life is my own for a small part of each day. Very inspiring and what an amazing shop.
Posted by: French Knots | 17 November 2010 at 19:40
Thank you, Karen and Ali. As the lucky winner of the giveaway, Christmas came early for me. I love the quality of the fabric and the vibrant colours. The beautiful Gingerbread House stocking will be cherished in our family for years to come.
Posted by: Nichola | 12 December 2010 at 21:21