A New Direction
The Short Version:
- All inventory (fabric, printed sewing patterns and notions) is being liquidated to create space for new things to grow.
- The Pink Chalk Fabrics web store will continue to sell printed and downloadable sewing patterns.
- Pink Chalk Studio moves full steam ahead with a focus on teaching and new pattern designs.
The Long Version:
March 2006 marked a turning point in my life. I wrote and published my first blog post. A seed. A manifestation of my passion for making things. The blog nurtured my creative side by encouraging me to follow my imagination wherever it led me. I had a lot to say. Both in words and in fabric.
The journey led me to designing and publishing my first sewing pattern. The Note Taker made its debut June 2007. I designed more, published more, pitched it all in every way I could think of and a small business was born. I wasn’t making much money and the spreadsheet tracking my income revealed it most likely would never be a viable long term source of income.
Pink Chalk Fabrics followed. With great enthusiasm I launched the web shop on May 14, 2008. Build it and they will come. Not exactly. The growth of the shop came slowly. I had a vision of what I wanted my business to be. What I wanted it to say about my views on sewing as an expression of self. On the sacredness of this thing we do when we allow ourselves to explore our own unique creative flow. How I could best share my passion for making things.
I wanted everything that was Pink Chalk to reflect and express how gosh darn important this thing we do with a needle and thread is to me!
When I interview people for jobs I attempt to explain my philosophy of why I do this and how I view it in the greater scheme of things. How I believe that our energy, love and passion for our work is packaged up along with the fabric. Transmitted with every image shared and word written. That our customers feel that love when opening a package from Pink Chalk Fabrics. That how we resolve a problem, talk on the phone, write a blog post, share an image, compose an e-mail, greet people coming into the shop, and set our policies all matter. A lot.
It’s about respect. Respect for that sacred safe haven where we create. A place located a step away from the chaos of our lives. A secret hideaway from caretaking for children, partners, parents and friends. A place just for us. A quiet spot where our voice isn’t judged or dismissed or criticized. A happy place that brings us peace and makes us smile.
This Place provides Comfort. Safety. Love. Beauty. It feeds our Soul. Nourishes our Spirit. Reminds us that despite everything going on around us we are OK.
Now, at this point in the interview one of two things happen. The person glazes over and looks at me like I’m a total whack job. Or they light up. They understand exactly what I’m saying. Those are the amazing women I get to work with each day.
OK, so where is all this going? I feel a need to convey what this journey is about for me and hopefully by sharing that it will illuminate more clearly why I’m embarking on this new twist in the adventure.
A new direction! Never before traveled avenues to explore my creativity. To express and share my gifts. Continue to wholeheartedly experience what my passion for sewing says about who I am, what I want and how I can best serve.
I have lots of ideas about where I’ll start. Online classes. Teaching locally and afar. Writing new patterns. Video tutorials. Sew alongs. Pushing the limits of my creative ideas.
I have absolutely no idea where it will lead. And lead it will. I know that from past experience. Sort of the fun part about the whole thing.
Am I scared? Hell yes. This is a HUGE leap of faith. To follow that little voice inside of me that won’t sit quietly and leave me alone. That tells me it’s time for a change. Time to act. Time to think big and do new things. To follow my muse and not be afraid.
I’ve decided to listen. Let Faith and Trust guide me. I just wish it didn’t require me to let go of something so BIG! My EGO is having a field day. Grow more. Bigger is better. Are you crazy? You can’t stop doing this. Who do you think you are?
The gift of making a decision to take this new course is this: I’m excited in a way I haven’t been in a very, very, very long time. It feels right. So in alignment with my purpose for being. I’m at peace.
I move forward with an understanding that it might not work the way I imagine. That I may look back with fear when things get rough. That the path may not be all that I thought I was signing up for. I’m OK with that.
I know deep in my Heart and Soul that honoring my passion will lead me exactly where I’m intended to go whatever that ends up looking like.
Thank you for continuing to share this journey with me. It’s going to be fun!
xoxo 🙂 Kathy
144 Comments
Your online fabric selection and wonderful customer service will certainly be missed, but I am so excited for you to follow your creative vision. The best of luck to you and your staff.
View CommentSeptember 25, 2014
Sad to hear. But great to hear! It will feel good to focus exclusively on creating things. I look forward to following your journey!
View CommentSeptember 25, 2014
Best of luck to you! Your online store will really be missed! I look forward to hearing about your future endeavors.
View Comment😉
September 25, 2014
Good for you!!!!! Please keep us posted on your journey!!
View CommentSeptember 25, 2014
I am going to miss your shop so much!! But I wish you lots of luck in the future.
View CommentSeptember 25, 2014
For what it’s worth, I think you accomplished your vision. A beautiful store, and always a kind word for people you meet in person. Good luck with the new adventure!
View CommentSeptember 25, 2014
I wish I could come work come work for you! I felt your passion AND ethics (VERY important part of MY soul)….
Good luck with your journey and I’ll follow from afar (and when I get some bucks coming in…I’ll be a regular customer, too!)
View CommentSeptember 25, 2014
Your post moved me to tears. Yes, our creative space away from judgment and away from my role as caregiver to four children. A respite, a place to recharge. Occasionally my children come in to my sewing space, which is ok, but there is no fighting or whining allowed. Thank you for so eloquently stating it and my best wishes to you in your future endeavors.
View CommentSeptember 25, 2014
Good-luck Kathy! I’m sure that I am not alone in saying that I cannot wait to see/hear about all of your adventures ahead of you. You’ve done some great things and even better things lie ahead.
Always follow your heart!
View CommentSeptember 25, 2014
Pink Chalk Fabrics is my absolute favorite place online. I have always thought you all so very lucky to work with each other. I am excited to see where your adventure leads! Thank you for always being so very kind.
View CommentSeptember 25, 2014
Wow! I did not see that one coming! But it makes sense. I will miss Pink Chalk Fabrics!! Kathy, you have set the bar for selling fabric online!! Such care goes into every package and every e-mail. So, I have absolutely no doubt that you will carry that track record with you on the next step of your journey! Best wishes and I cannot wait to see what comes next! <3
View CommentSeptember 25, 2014
As much as I will miss Pink Chalk as it is currently, I couldn’t be more happy and excited for you, Kathy! I totally understand your philosophy, and your trust and faith in that little voice!! Wishing you all the best on your new adventure!?
View CommentSeptember 25, 2014
You are an inspiration! Thank you for teaching us all to listen to our inner voices/desires/dreams, to take the leap, to have faith, and for sharing it with us all so that we may learn to do the same. Best of luck to you in your new adventure! With love + admiration…Joan xo
View CommentSeptember 25, 2014
I wholeheartedly support you in this. I’ve recently taken the exact same journey and it’s working out so far so good. Yours will, too. Best of luck in your new adventures!!
View CommentSeptember 25, 2014
Wow, this part of your journey has been an amazing ride. On the one hand I’m sad that you’re closing out your inventory but on the other, boy am I excited to see what you have up your sleeve. Congratulations!
View CommentSeptember 25, 2014
Your shop has always inspired me, and I learned to sew from your blog. I can’t tell you the influence you have had on helping me find my creative side. Every feeling you expressed, I have felt in every package I have opened from you. I started following you when you first opened your shop, and I can’t wait to see what you do next. I will surely miss it, but I am sure you will be incredibly successful in your next venture. I hope you will keep writing. Thank you!!!!
View CommentSeptember 25, 2014
Kathy, your post touches me deeply. I have already re-read your it three times. Your words speak to where I am in my life, and I love that you are trusting the process and forging a new way for yourself. Thank you. I wish you all good things in your new endeavors.
View CommentSeptember 25, 2014
I’m so proud of you stepping out again. You are an amazing young woman. Peace.
View CommentSeptember 25, 2014
I will miss my favorite on-line fabric store – particularly the “what goes with what” feature which I often bookmark for future reference. It gives me more confidence when selecting fabrics via the computer screen. I admire you for following your heart. Best of wishes to you!
View CommentSeptember 25, 2014
WOW, how brave you are. All of us harboring that same secret desire deep inside will be watching and cheering you on.
View CommentSeptember 25, 2014
Good luck in your new direction! It will be exciting to see what you do next. — Michele
View CommentSeptember 25, 2014
Wow. I think my heart stopped for a minute when I started reading your post. Pink Chalk Fabrics has been my favorite ‘local online quilt shop’ for ages, and boy have I appreciated your partnership on more projects than I can count. Despite my deep disappointment that my #1 shop is changing, above all I wish the very best for you. And I agree 100% – if you follow your passion, you can’t help but end up in the right place. Blessings as you follow the journey there…
View CommentSeptember 25, 2014
You are awesome!
View CommentGood luck on your journey, I’ll be along for the ride!
I love purchasing things at your store and now even more so. You have a great philosophy on building relationships with staff, customers and I’m sure your lived ones as well.
September 25, 2014
Very best of wishes for your upcoming adventures. I too believe we end up heading the way we are supposed to go. I have always thoroughly enjoyed your shop and the fantastic customer service. Thank You!
View CommentSeptember 25, 2014
Will miss your on line store. You have amazing service which I will miss. Good luck with your new direction you deserve to be successful. Xo
View CommentSeptember 25, 2014
Wow! I wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors. I am certain you are going to rock this next chapter in your life. I will miss my favorite on line shop. But hopefully you will have new things for me to check out the next time I am on Bainbridge Island. I also completely understand why you are doing this and I am proud you are taking this step. I can hardly wait until my youngest is out of school and I will also be taking the road less traveled for myself.
Thank you for the wonderful customer service.
View CommentSeptember 25, 2014
Best wishes to you! I have enjoyed Pink Chalk Studio and look forward to seeing what you come up with next.
View CommentSeptember 25, 2014
Respect!
View CommentSeptember 25, 2014
Hello,
I recently found your website. I fell in love with it. I loved the care with which you packaged my orders.
View CommentI don’t know if this means you are closing your online shop, or changing it. However, the spirit in your words resonates with me and I understand, in as much as I can, the importance of this change for you. It sounds like you are following your spirit, your inner voice, your true north.
I wish yo nothing less than tremendous success and fulfillment in your new endeavors. If you are true to yourself, it is bond to take you to a higher level of self realization.
Best wishes to you now and always,
Michael
September 25, 2014
That’s beautiful Michael, thank you!
View CommentOctober 7, 2014
As a former quilt shop owner, I understand perfectly.
View CommentI am visiting France and yesterday saw the Bayeux Tapestry, which is actually embroidered, and has lasted over 1000 years.
What we do is meaningful.
Marsha
September 25, 2014
Wow! What a wonderful adventure you have ahead of you 🙂 I wish you all the best in your future endeavors. I am going to miss my very favorite online store!
View CommentSeptember 26, 2014
I have been cheering for you since your first blog posting and will continue to do so. You have inspired me to take leaps of faith in my life without seeing the net. Remember there are no endings, just new beginnings.
View CommentSeptember 26, 2014
Congratulations and good luck on your journey!
View CommentSeptember 26, 2014
Wishing you all the best!
View CommentSeptember 26, 2014
Kathy your shop always stood out from the rest your online store was so different from anybody else’s and its hard to explain your packages were sent with the care and love and your energy and spirit could always be felt. I will eagerly wait to travel the new journey with you.
View CommentSeptember 26, 2014
i too am curious about the subscriptions, did we get our last one already? does it go until the fabric runs out?
i am very happy for the new direction you are going-best of luck to you
View CommentSeptember 26, 2014
I love your brave declaration and expression of intent in this post. Thank you for my many fabulous transactions with your shop and all the best to you! I hope we will meet one day – maybe at QuiltCon?
View CommentSeptember 26, 2014
I will be there!
View CommentOctober 7, 2014
I am very sad my favorite store will be gone. I believe strongly one must do what makes you happy and fulfilled. Its very difficult running a business. I really enjoyed your store and I will miss it. I wish you luck on your new journey.
View CommentSeptember 26, 2014
Girl!! You go, do, BE!! We’ll SO miss you and your online shop, but are supportive of Leaps and Bounds that take you into your Next Phase. As Dr. Michael in the comments, I also appreciate your careful packaging of whatever we bought from you. I buy fabric totally online, and Pink Chalk is 1 of only 2 shops who take great pains with presentation and protection of the product. Thank you! And the Best of Everything to you, can’t wait to see what’s coming next!!
View CommentSeptember 26, 2014
kudos to you and your team for the bravery to take a new path!
View CommentSeptember 26, 2014
I’m sad to hear because your store was my favorite place to buy fabric online, but I’m happy to hear of your new adventures! Thank you for featuring fabric so beautifully.
View CommentSeptember 26, 2014
sounds exciting. wishing you all the best on your new adventure.
View CommentSeptember 26, 2014
So very (selfishly :P) sad to see your fabric shop go, but excited for you and your new direction!
View CommentSeptember 26, 2014
:(…. I’m happy that you are taking the leap you dream about – but very sad that the only shop I buy fabric from in the States will be closing down. (I’m in Europe) Such lovely fabrics for making clothes – such an amazing selection of notions and patterns – such great customer service, and packing – everything! I have no idea where I am going to shop from now:(
Best of luck:)
View CommentSeptember 26, 2014
Kathy, I am so honored to know you. What you wrote up about your journey to create Pink Chalk Studio is so inspiring. You are moving forward and manifesting at such a fast rate, I am so proud to know you and witness you. What a gift this is. Love, Barb
View CommentSeptember 26, 2014
I admire how you are embracing a new direction for your desires and dreams, even if it means leaving behind something so successful. Your courage and faith are inspiring. I wish you all the best in your new journey and have no doubt that you will find great rewards on this next path!
View CommentSeptember 26, 2014
Hi Kathy,
You have my most heartfelt best wishes as you embark on this next phase of your journey. Thank you for sharing your soulful reasoning. While I eagerly await what comes next, I will surely miss Pink Chalk and inspiring newsletters.
Kindest regards to you!
View CommentSeptember 26, 2014
wow. what an inspiration. i love that you are just going after and doing this. i know it will be fulfilling to you personally and it will do well.
how i would’ve loved to work with you. sounds like my kind of place. 🙂 i have to admit, while i’m thrilled for you, i am going to miss pink chalk fabrics. it truly is my favorite online shop. love the selection, love your service, love everything.
best wishes to you!!! much love and light to you as well.
View CommentSeptember 26, 2014
Kathy, what a wonderful surprise. I know everyone who has done business with you has turned into a lifetime friend. I have watched you grow from the beginning and have faith that you will continue to succeed at whatever you choose to do. Follow your inner voice and keep smiling. Hugs, from your old friend.
View CommentSeptember 26, 2014
I am happy for you! Yes, I did experience your energy, love, and passion in the packages of fabric that I received from you. I especially LOVE my pink tape measure that you sent separately after my purchase had been shipped. Wishing the best of luck to you and your staff. I look forwrd to hearing more about your new creative endeavors.
View CommentSeptember 26, 2014