How are you doing?

[bobbinalong]

With the CPSIA and all that has come along with it, I think we have been down a very bumpy road. Some days we can do this, tomorrow we can't do the very same thing. Lots of fear, lots of rumors, lots of doubt.

Well, Spring is right around the corner. Warmer temps for most. Pretty colors. Anticipation.

What is inspiring you? Do you find that you are able to move on, at least for now, and either continue with your products or develop new ones? What is getting you through this period? Perhaps some ideas would inspire us all.

[bobbinalong]

My whole life I have sewn. Love it so much. But lately, it is getting more difficult to focus on it. Don't know if it is one of those down times we go through creatively, or if it is a result of the past few months. Ideas come to me but making them happen isn't.

Sure not going to let it get me down. Forging ahead. Been knitting booties. Then I received a convo from someone, not a shopowner, wanting my pattern so she could make a pair. The pattern is in my head. I have made so many, don't need a pattern.

I need someone's positive thoughts and ideas right now. Are you forging forward? Are you able to get beyond the Stay and making things happen?

[Former_Member]

I'm moving forward. I have looked up all I can about the act and have decided that my time would be better spent focusing on things I can do and change instead of things that, although I may be able to change them, frustrate me.

I've got a lot going on but I'm trying to make time to make toys (if only the weather would cooperate...) As far as inspiration I just think of toys I would want to play with. I know that the act could "put me out of business" but I also know I would stay in it because I would make them for people I know and sell them "on the side" as a form of rebellion. I've got way too many ideas and too few tools, but I am thinking about making some donation dolls. One of my goals this year was to donate more money to charities, and I think letting people take part in that would be a very fun thing.

When I don't understand something, it helps to remember this:

If we understand, then things are just as they are.
If we do not understand, then things are just as they are.

Yeah I'm a buddhist hippie, but it helps.
Good luck. I think it's great that someone asked for your pattern. I'm attempting to learn knitting myself (one of the many goals this year)

Kathy Ellen.

[Former_Member]

I have gotten lots of new inspiration! This shop is full of it! And I am working on some wall hangings to satisfy my quilting bug.:)

[raquelmasri]

I am trying to stay positive but just like bobbingalong I can't concentrate on my work.

The only thing that helps is cleaning?? I have been cleaning like a maniac, now I have the cleanest house in the neighborwood.
Maybe I should start a new business.

[Former_Member]

my girls are my inspiration! they have a lot of say in the colour schemes of my knitted animals! Here's to the warmer weather though

[bobbinalong]

Thank you, all, for your input.

Anyone else?

[Former_Member]

I was recently contacted by a magazine, asking for one of my blankets. (fingers crossed they will feature it)This certainly helped motivate me, and I just listed a couple new items.

bobbinalong- you might do well to try and get that pattern out of your head and onto paper!

[Former_Member]

Not doing so well here, and not much of it to do with CPSIA...the family isn't getting along very well, dd and I are going away for a few days next month and it can't come soon enough! Hopefully when we come back from that things will get a bit better, we've all been spending far too much time moping around and getting on each other's nerves lately.....

[bobbinalong]

Let's hope with the return of Spring that everything will seem better, more exciting, more hopeful. I am sure that the economy and all that it contains is not helping anyone one bit. I cannot imagine what President Obama is going through on a daily basis.

Well, for all of us, there are options. Changes we can make, diversions, new things to try. We just need to get going. We must stay positive.

DancingKat, I do have the original instructions that the old lady had sent to the editor of the magazine. I mention that in my description, but haven't referred back to them since I started making them. I have been making some out of a variegated yarn that is called Easter. Each one I make is different. I thought today how proud she would be. I am sure she would be as pleased as punch to think where her idea has traveled.

[Former_Member]

Diversions are definitely good bobbin! I just ordered a new shampoo to try, been using an Etsy soap for a while and decided to branch out into new handmade B & B products, and am also drooling over a certain Etsy shop's jewelry--I've favorited nearly a dozen pieces that I'd love to get, will be getting at least a couple of them for the trip. We've got a couple parties to go to and some new bling for the occasion would be nice. :-)

[bobbinalong]

It is Monday morning. A fresh new week. Are you going to try some new ideas this week? Or as RuthsCreations, how about some diversions. How are things in your corner of the world?

[TheMotherofJackals]

I decided to throw in the towel on my current shop. I can't possibly meet all the demands of the new law. My items are all one of a kind and as a result testing is impossible. I thought I'd be safe simply buying all safe and tested supplies but that seems to not be good enough for the law.

I'm going to start another shop that has absolutely nothing for children. I love making kids stuff but I cannot for the life of me figure a way to make it work unless I crack out dozens of the same item and jack my prices sky high.

[herflyinghorses]

Like bobbinalong, I'm having a hard time focusing. I started developing a new line of products but can't seem to find the steam to finish it. I'm taking a little break to do some Easter/birthday sewing for my daughter.

[rockythezombie]

I'll just keep making until I have to stop... and then I'll create something else :)


It sucks.. but there's not much you can really do if the higher power decides something. And no, they will not listen to you.

[Former_Member]

You guys are so talented.We all go thru periods where our creativity is low but when it kicks in look out.

[bobbinalong]

The thing of it is that every time an idea comes to mind, it feels like the CPSC is standing there with a magnifying glass ready to check it.

I started another thread this morning about writing some more letters. Take a look. I hope you will join me.

[Former_Member]

hey ms. bobbin, how you doin?

i closed my baby shop awhile ago, and frankly, don't understand why folks are still selling baby items, due to the law, so i guess i'm not a good one to ask. i figure it is what it is for the moment and i've moved on to something until it all gets straightened out

[bobbinalong]

Hi, JuJu. I wondered about your other shop. With the Stay, and unless we are selling things with a high percentage of lead and phtlates, we should be okay until February, 2010. Then we begin all over again. Unless, and hopefully, we can get some changes made to this law.

It is such a shame. Taking the individual's creativity away and handing it to companies that can mass produce.

[bobbinalong]

The sun is ready to come up. It is the slight brightness just before the sun pops its head. Supposed to be a nice Spring day with temps to match. Perhaps today I will find the inspiration to sew. It didn't used to be an effort. I was excited about making kids' items, my dolls especially.

I have other ideas. This might be a good day to try them. Who knows. Maybe that is where the excitement is tucked away.

Positive attitude. Goods things are waiting for us. We just have to seek them out.

[Former_Member]

I'm going for it! All I need now is time to take pics and LIST the stuff I've been dyeing!!!

[bobbinalong]

Good for you, Generations!!! Think positive!!!

I am hoping that some of your inspiration will push me to get going. Good job.

[Former_Member]

It's amazing what needing cash NOW can do for one's motivation. :P

But seriously, I'm having fun. Actually got some custom orders in the works too! :-)

[germandolls]

I am inspired by new pretty fabrics. Lately I am really into Japanese prints...REally expensive! But I am addicted. What can I say?

[bobbinalong]

A couple of weeks ago I was in Jo Ann's for the first time in a while. Such pretty fabric.