Fallow.

First of all, thank you all for the sweet comments and emails you sent regarding my last post. Harmony’s comment really struck a nerve with me. Fallow, she said. Which is funny, because I often can’t get a Neko Case lyric out of my head that goes: “that’s a dirty fallow feeling.” I didn’t exactly know what fallow meant, just assumed it meant empty. I was sort of right. It’s a term used to describe a field that is left idle for a season or so, to restore the land. So basically it means inactive—but for the overall benefit of one’s health. I need to remember that last bit.

I won’t be rebranding Liesl Made. I’ve worked too hard at this label and have too much invested in it. Besides, it’s difficult to choose a great, all-encompassing name that hasn’t been snagged. However, I will indeed be taking Liesl Made is a new direction. Maybe not a bold U-turn direction, but more like a subtle, progressive direction towards more sustainability and one-of-a-kind or few-of-a-kind productions. At times I really enjoy the assembly line method of sewing—you know, pounding out a dozen make-up bags in a systematic manner. But I feel lately like it removes some of the handmade charm from my goods.

I have been spending more time in the studio so I do have a couple projects to share. A while back I told myself that I needed to finish some of the projects I have lying around half-done. (I’m notorious for starting more than I finish.) But I think that contributed to my slump. I wasn’t really inspired by the projects and it all felt so forced. So, I let go of my restrictions and rules and just worked on whatever I felt like. That freedom is keeping me going. I even felt inspired to complete some of those half-done projects. (Shop update post coming soon as well.)

In other news, I’m at good reads now. Want to add me as a friend?