Has it really been a year since I’ve posted on here? And what a year, am I right?! I last wrote something in this online journal in September of 2019 and I think its safe to say, all of our lives have changed since then. I just wanted to pop in to let all my Yellow Bird friends know that I’m still here and to fill you in on what I’ve been up to since I last posted.
The end of 2019 was exciting to say the least. I participated in my first holiday market and spent much of October and November weaving my heart out and sewing up as many pillow covers as I could make. It was an amazing weekend up in Mount Vernon, Washington at the Valley Made Holiday Market. It was my first experience vending and it could not have gone better. I was born into a retail family and engaging with customers was part of my life from a very young age so getting to meet people in real life (even some who already followed me on Instagram!) was so much fun. I wrapped up the weekend with my confidence boosted and feeling energized and excited for what 2020 was to bring. I could feel that 2020 was going to be a big year for my handmade business and I couldn’t wait to start dreaming up new designs and color combos.
This year started out strong. There is a huge art festival in the city I live in and I’d always thought it would be fun to take part but never felt like I was quite ready. After such a great experience at the holiday market and with some encouragement from a fellow vendor I met there, I decided to take the plunge. I applied to the Edmonds Art Festival and by early March I found out that I had been accepted. By the time the vendors were announced though, the news of the pandemic started to circulate. The show, like many others, was cancelled for the safety of the artists and patrons. A bummer for sure, but necessary.
The year continued to take a nose dive. If you follow along with me over on Instagram, you know that back in May, my dad and grandmother both passed away within the same weekend. I was able to fly back to be with my dad to say goodbye and was able to see my grandmother one last time as well. To say this past Spring and Summer have been difficult would be an understatement. I’ve definitely started to feel the clouds lift though and am anxious to start creating again. I dipped my toes into the makers’ world and was part of the Urban Craft Uprising Virtual Summer Show in June. It was such a fun experience and also a nice distraction from life. However, with everything I’d just been through only a few weeks before, it left me feeling even more drained and exhausted. I took the rest of the summer off to just try to fully grasp the loss I’d experienced.
I’m still slowly dreaming up colors and new techniques I want to try with my pillows but I’m taking my time and letting all of it simmer. I finished a few custom pillow covers this year but I’m not sure if I’ll release a collection before the year is over. If there is one thing I’ve learned in 2020, its that I shouldn’t plan anything right now. It has taught me to be nimble and just flow with whatever I’m given. I’ve learned that it is exhausting trying to fight the current- its easier to just float down this winding river and adjust as needed.
This fall, you will find me with our soon-to-be six year old at our dining table or outside as soon as the wildfire smoke clears, working through a year of homeschooling. I’ll also be teaching myself how to play the ukulele (my current pandemic hobby) and hopefully working on some new weavings. I’m still here to answer any questions, discuss possible custom projects, and will gladly ship out anything listed in my shop.
Thanks for being patient as I navigate this year.
Sending all of you my love,
Savannah
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