So Far, So Great
It feels so good to be blogging again. I've missed the camaraderie and support that you all offer so selflessly and I've really needed as much of that as I can get since I've been away.
I will, no doubt, someday regale you with tales of the challenges I faced coaxing 106 to life but suffice to say that my carefully laid plans have gone awry and my original deadline is now very unlikely to happen. Having said that, I cannot tell you how immeasurably grateful I am to have been put through the wringer in the last few weeks. I am a totally different person to the one who wrote my last post and therefore more open to the possibility and excitement of failure in whatever form it chooses to manifest itself.
Back then, I was happy with the path I'd chosen to get to that point - I still am - but for me the pinnacle of it all was the moment when the finished garments would sit pristinely in my online shop. How wrong I was!
/Image: Flannery O'Kafka for 106/
I began working through The Artist's Way a couple of months ago (as recommended by Tina) and it has quite literally changed my life. I could not have got through the last few weeks without it and I believe very strongly that I am now becoming the person and the designer I was always meant to be because of it.
I am, of course, fiercely proud of my collection but I now see it for what it really is - the by-product of a truly life-changing journey.
P.S. I would like to thank the irrepressible Andrea (of the fabulously-named Flannery O'Kafka) who is probably still out in the Glaswegian elements shooting my lookbook as we speak. You have been a huge inspiration and so kind to me and I would give up cake for breakfast (if I absolutely had to) to work with you again.
106, Inspiration, News
Reader Comments (15)
So happy to see you here dear! I'm sorry it's been a rough slog, but those dark, dark days sometimes bring us into the brightest light, don't they? I've missed you and I simply can NOT wait to see what you have in store. xoxoxo
So thrilled to be back, darling! I've missed you, too!!!
Thanks again for checking in while I was gone.
" ............ those dark, dark days sometimes bring us into the brightest light, don't they?"
Ah, don't they just? :D xoxo
Welcome back, welcome back!! Oh, how I missed you. Your cheeriness, your sweetness, your kind words. Not that I begrudge you for taking much-needed time to regroup & launch 106. Do what you have to do! And it looks like it paid off because whoa, that photograph is stunning? Is that from your upcoming line? That child is so beautiful! I can't wait to hear the stories you must have from your blog break. And see the results, too! Let me know when the shop is stocked and I'll rush right over; I have 3 little nieces who would look great in whatever you create! xoxo
Oh, did I mention welcome back, lovely! xoxo
Hi Chi, lovely to see you back in blogland. Sounds like a tough few weeks :( That photo is gorgeous and I can already tell you you've got yourself a customer :) I'll have to check out Tina's recommendation ( she's truly an amazing resource and I do admire her for that). Hoping to finally meet you at Holly's in November :) x
@Erin: Awww, I missed the exact same things about you, duckie and thank you! :D
Yes, those are my clothes and, yes, Hugo is rather dashing, isn't he?
He also happens to be Andrea's 6-year-old son and muse.
@Geraldine: Thank you, Geraldine! :D
I don't think Tina realizes what a brilliant catalyst for change she is - someone really ought to let her know. ;)
I'm so looking forward to meeting you, too! x
Great to see you posting again Chi! What a wonderful looking shot-I can't wait to see the end result. Congratulations! :-) caroline x
Thank you, Caroline! See you on the 5th? :) x
Welcome back Chi! It sounds like you've been on a steep learning curve indeed and you sound so positive which is really inspiring in itself. I cannot wait to see all your wonderful designs, congratulations on all you've achieved so far and I wish you lots and lots of success in your venture.
BTW Hugo is very very cute and looking dapper :-)
See you on the 5th too, will be lovely to catch up x
Welcome back. Glad to hear you've been able to ride the waves and come out the other side, unblemished;))
Thanks for your kind words. I actually printed some cards a few years ago saying: Change catalyst;))
It'll all be worth it in the end, you'll see. Great photo x
@Sam: Thank you, Sam - I'm genuinely touched by your good wishes.
Enough about me, though - I can't wait to hear what you and Annie have been up to! :D x
@Tina: Thanks again, darling.
The more I say thank you, the more inadequate a term it seems - it simply does not begin to express my feelings of gratitude.
"I actually printed some cards a few years ago saying: Change catalyst;))"
Cool! Got any left? I'd love one! :D x
Welcome back!!! Im so excited for you and proud of your hard work. I also understand too well how plans can go awry and deadlines pushed back...is it possible you put too much pressure on yourself? Self imposed deadlines are harsh at times. I pushed my "original deadline" as well and at first it stung a bit, but looking back, realizing how much work needed to be done and how insanely I underestimated how long it would take, I realize that things have been happening just as they should....
I really do hope to hear the tales of the challenges because the story is so important and gives the product/outcome so much more meaning! I hope you're well...be kind to yourself!!!
...and, that photo is gorgeous!
Best Wishes!
Yo hello lovely Cheadle Dee! So nice to hear your voice again, we've all missed you!
Well does that mean your collection is going well? I'm a bit unsure! I hope so and judging by that beautiful photo it's going to be a sell out. We would also love to support you xxx
What's going on on the 5th? What am I missing out on? :(
I've had that book on my bedside for about three years but just can't face the getting up and writing reams thing, I feel like I write so much anyway everyday but maybe I should give it another go.
Good luck honey xx
@Kinga: Thank you so much for stopping by and for your sweet comments! :D
."..is it possible you put too much pressure on yourself?"
I did. In fact, it used to be my default setting but not any more. You're so insightful - you've mirrored my thought process so perfectly! :D
@Annie: Yo Annie Deedle Dee - I missed you too!!! :D
It IS going well. Everything is unfolding exactly as it should. ;)
So sweet of you to offer your support and good wishes - thank you, darling. x
"What's going on on the 5th? What am I missing out on? :("
We're going to Holly's book launch at Anthropologie, silly!
Aren't you coming? :/
Oh, Chi, how did I miss this welcome party?! I'm ashamed of myself. Well, welcome back. This post, and the corresponding comments, put a little lump in my throat. I'm sorry you were pulled through some darkness, but you're gracious acceptance and attitude is such a testament to your beauty (inside and out). The fact that you're here to tell the tale and share your lessons with us is amazing. Thank you!
Please keep us posted on how things are going. As you can see, you have a great loyal following in all of us. ((hugs))
PS~That photo (and sneak peek of your line) is stunning!
PPS~I need to get myself back into The Artist's Way. "Change Catalyst" - So true. I think Tina needs to start her own Webinar. ;)
Awww, thank you Theresa - what a lovely thing to say! :)
"As you can see, you have a great loyal following in all of us. ((hugs))"
Wow. What can I say? I'm a very lucky girl. xo
""Change Catalyst" - So true. I think Tina needs to start her own Webinar. ;)"
Hear! Hear!! :D