Wednesday, May 29, 2013

It's Official!

I met with the attorney to set up the LLC and I signed my lease - it's official, folks, I'm opening a business!

The Stitchin' Post, a creative space for fiber artists to sell their products, teach their craft, share their resources and engage with a supportive and collaborative community of other fiber artists, will open at 117 S Main Street, Lexington, VA in late August.  Can you believe it???

Google Maps will show you the storefront, but the image is old.
View Larger Map There is a new striped awning where it now says Rockbridge Interiors - that will be me!  We took those "Envision Your Business Here" signs out of the window yesterday.  Aren't those display windows GREAT!  The owner is painting the exterior, and she consulted with me on colors.  We decided on two historic greens (the building was built in 1913 and has to conform with historic norms) with a lavender door for POP!
)

I'll be starting with 6 sewing machines for classes, and right now, I am debating between the Janome Magnolia 7330 and the Baby Lock Grace.  Does anyone have an opinion of either of those?  I'm looking for something simple enough for children to use, but sophisticated enough for an experienced sewist to appreciate, a hard working, reliable machine that won't give me trouble when multiple users operate it.  I'm limiting my machine search to those with dealers within 50 miles so I can have reliable service.  I'm also keeping costs in mind (sorry, Bernina and Viking - I just can't afford you!).  If anyone has any input about either of these machines or something else I should be considering, please comment!  I've also made an inquiry about Pfaff, but I haven't heard back from the dealer yet.  The dealers have been wonderful about working with me to get a volume discount on the machines.

Ack!  I can't believe it!  Big thanks to all of you for believing in me and encouraging me.  Please know that I'll be needing even more of that encouraging support in the months to come.

My husband called the other day and asked to speak with "my entrepreneurial wife."  Earlier this week he told me how proud he was of me, and last night he explained to my son how fearless I am, how brave you have to be to walk away from a perfectly good job to start something new on your own.  I love seeing myself through his eyes.  I couldn't have asked for a better husband and friend!

23 comments:

Piece by Piece said...

CONGRATULATIONS, You go girl.
Looking forward to seeing more pics of your business.
Patricia

Scrapatches said...

Congratulations and Best Wishes! ... :) Pat

Loris said...

Great start! I don't know anything about either of those machines but I'm sure someone will :-)
Congrats on a brave new adventure.
May God direct you!

Wacky Woman said...

Oh how exciting!!! You will never work harder or be happier in what you do.

Nancy said...

LOVE the colors, especially the poppin' purple door! So glad you got the section with the display windows - that will be great! Interesting combo of other shops there.

Can't help you with the choice of machines as the only one I still have is the Brother from Walmart, but getting them from somewhere "local" who will work on them is a good idea.

I am so excited for you in this new venture and admire you so much for being willing to take this big step.

Quilty Hugs,
Nancy

Vroomans' Quilts said...

Congratulations on your new venture!

Char said...

Congratulations Erin!!! I am so excited for you!
That's a great store front and I love the colors. Please don't forget to share pictures when you're done. I'm thinking my DH and I are going to have to make a trip down there once you open.

beth said...

So excited for you!

Moneik said...

Congrats Erin! You will do an amazing job. We've used the JN 7330 for a class machine and it is great. It's easy enough for kids, but user friendly for adults as well. Having a local dealer is a god send when using machines a lot. Best of luck on your new adventure and it's great that your hubby is behind you all the way.

Marlene said...

Congratulations Erin and good luck with your new venture. How exciting.

Shay said...

Way to go Erin. This is such exciting news. Your shop front is going to look wonderful.

I love hearing about all the details of what you're going to do. Keep it coming!

Cheryl Willis said...

best wishes with your new adventure! put me down for guest teacher sometime next spring. That will give me time to find a map and book a grey hound ticket-lol

Lisa Uotinen said...

Congratulations!!!! I am so excited for you. I have your blog in my rss feed now. I look forward to hearing more about this!!

Maureen in Portland said...

Congratulations, Erin! We will all enjoy hearing about your business as it develops. I have used the Janome Magnolia 7330 to teach several children (about 8-11 YO) how to sew, and it's been great. My husband loved it so much he bought one for himself. (He's a quilter, too.) I highly recommend them.

andsewon said...

How wonderful and exciting for you! Your DH is so very right! Wishing you nothing but good things in your new adventure!
Hugs!
Lola

Jacqueline Frances said...

JMHO, but I would really go with Pfaff. They are a great company and the machines sew like more expensive(read Bernina) ones. I am so proud of you and your spirit to go out and do it!
Love your blog, BTW!!!!
Sincerely,
Jacqueline VH of Pitt Meadows, BC

Julie Fukuda said...

By now, it has been said over and over but I just have to add my two bits worth, I wish you much happiness and great success. I only wish I were there to give you a hand.

ColorSlut said...

CONGRATS! So exciting!!!!!

oversewn (Raven) said...

Congrats Erin! I am so proud of your determination!! I would love to do something similar here in my town, but rent is just too cost prohibitive :(
So so so happy for you!! Way to go!
:)

Anonymous said...

Oh Erin! HOW WONDERFUL!!! Yes...you and your husband should be so proud of you and your dream coming true. I also thank the LORD for this blessing, and I pray it all runs smoothly...and you have many happy and prosperous years there! ♥♥♥

sophie said...

Congratulations, Erin, and best of luck with this new adventure!

Cheryl's Teapots2Quilting said...

I am SEW excited for you!!!! Congrats!

Auntie Em said...

Congratulations on your new venture! I wish I lived close enough to come by and see it in person when you get things going. With all the activity that you fit into one day, I know that you'll have things up and running smoothly in no time!