What We're Not

So have you ever noticed how sometimes it's easier to describe yourself based on what you're NOT?
 
Here's some examples....

Question- "I'm a sewing newbie, so which one of your patterns would you recommend for me as a good starter bag?"
Answer-  "Our patterns are really NOT for beginners."

Question- I'm looking for a quick and easy project for a Saturday afternoon. Which one of your patterns would you recommend?"
Answer- "Our patterns are really NOT quick and easy projects."

Question- "I'm looking for a basic tote bag with a lot of storage options. Why don't you have a basic tote bag in your line?"
Answer- "The patterns in our line can just NOT be described as basic."

Why would I limit myself this way? It's really pretty simple.

You see, prior to starting my pattern line, I did my due diligence, researching the pattern market as it was in 2004. I wanted to see what already was on the market, but just as important, I wanted to see what was NOT on the market. And what I saw back then, (and now for that matter), was a LOT of bag patterns that were described as quick and easy projects, with silhouettes that for the most part, are all very similar, differentiated mostly by various adornments or embellishing techniques.

So I made the very conscious decision to aim my pattern line at the intermediate sewer, the gal who was ready for a more complicated project that might allow her to stretch her abilities a bit. I decided right from the outset, that my goal would be to create bag designs with unique, fashion-forward silhouettes, loaded with interesting storage options. And we have tried our best to stay true to that end.


But still I get those phone calls... with questions like, "When are you going to add a diaper bag to your line? We'd love to see you give the 'StudioKat treatment' to a diaper bag!"

And the truth is, a while back I buckled and actually did try to do a diaper bag. My grandson had just been born and I guess I thought those grandmotherly juices would be flowing and with my daughter as my muse, the result would be the diaper bag of women's dreams... but it was a total disaster. Because here's the deal...A diaper bag was not my vision, and I felt absolutely no inspiration for the project. And as it turned out, Erica wanted no part of a diaper bag anyway, labeling them as too traditional. She just adapted an old book bag to meet her needs and let it go at that. Guess the apple doesn't fall far from the tree...

Now don't get me wrong- I love getting suggestions from customers and we've actually used SEVERAL, but this episode just served to confirm my point. I'm just really crummy at trying to do something I'm not committed to or inspired by.

So... if you're looking for a great diaper bag pattern, that's not what we do, but I can probably point you to a few amazing ones. And if a quick and easy weekend project is what you're after, I'll need to refer you to some awesome designers I know who specialize in just such projects!

And as for that perfect tote bag pattern, here's the deal...until the time comes that we feel that we can bring something to a tote bag that just hasn't been imagined or done yet, then tote bag patterns will just not be what we do.

Any thoughts?  I'd love for you to leave them in the space below!