Wednesday, July 29, 2009

the elusive number four

We are all the main character in our own life story, are we not?  Well.  Here's a bit of mine.  I know, I know...this blog is all about me.  But some subjects I have kept a little mum.  I was waiting for the moment of the big reveal.  The wow factor, you know  {Surprise!  Look what I've been doing!} and all that.  But then I wonder, if the story isn't more interesting than the end result.  Especially when the end result is taking so much longer than I thought. Aye, aye, aye.

Remember this? Of course you don't.  That was light years ago, right.  Well,  things didn't go as planned.  Not exactly.  But I did end up with a contract with Andover Fabrics!  That's right!  A signed contract.  It was in the process for so long that when it came in the mail it almost seemed normal.  Now that's weird.  But when the word was final on the phone, I did indeed celebrate.  I was by myself (except for a sleeping baby).  So there was a lot of silent jumping up and down.  
 
Here I am gripping my contract tightly in my best accidental Rosie the Riveter pose.  

That gets you pretty much up to date.  The word now is that my collection has gotten mixed reviews (I don't blame them, I'm before my time).  And it's being taken around to some of Andover's best clients to see what they say.  I wonder who their best clients are?  I wonder if their best clients would be my best clients?  I would describe my work as...girly/modern (so not traditional).  But I definitely adhere to traditional values of quilting when it comes to scale and contrast.  Although I do have larger prints and one huge print.  Oh, how I wish I could really show you.  It's so pretty you guys!  

And here is the stack of designs I sent them.

I'm told it's harder for me because I don't have a name out there yet.  No patterns, etc. Hmmm.  I keep thinking that all things are possible.  That's what my husband keeps telling me.  So it surprises me that things don't just happen perfectly.  But then again it still surprises me when they do.  I know one thing for sure.  I have absolutely no idea what I'm doing.  But it feels right so I'm just going to keep plugging along.  Wish me luck.  

As for my post title.  Have I mentioned this book before?  Finding Your Own North Star.  I love it.  She's so funny.  And I think she has a lot of wisdom.  So according to Martha Beck...our hero's saga consists of four steps.  

1. Protagonist sets out to achieve goal. Check
2. Protagonist runs into a mess of trouble.  Check
3. Protagonist struggles through adverse conditions.  Check, check, check.
4. Protagonist achieves the goal.  (the elusive number four!)

In the mean time I know I can do some things differently to help myself along.  I still have a lot to learn.  I just figured it's time to come clean.   Especially since I've been pulling out my portfolio for anyone to take a gander at who is nice enough to ask.  

I'm so thankful for this opportunity.  I'm so thankful for the team at Andover taking a chance on me.  I grateful for their enthusiasm for my designs and I can't wait for everyone to see them!  So next time you are talking with your rep from Andover Fabrics make sure to ask when Andrea Larsen's first line is going to come out!  Tell them you hear it's going to be fabulous!  They would be so confused. That makes me laugh just thinking of it.  That's a good happy laugh, not evil and sinister...FYI.

11 comments:

Unknown said...

Andrea. That sounds wonderful. Good luck with it all...I'll be following your progress.

I just read your earlier blog and saw this:

"Opportunity is missed by most people because it is often dressed in overalls and looks a lot like work." Thomas Edison

I think I've been ignoring my opportunity and need to embrace it with open arms.

Thanks for the timely blog x

Merrida said...

So excited for you! Keep at it!I love your triple check for 33..haha I would imagine one can go through steps 1-3 many times before arriving at 4...how many times did Edison get it wrong before he got it right....but look what happened when he got it right!!! You're going to be amazing!!! The favor of the Lord is upon you!

mindy said...

I wish I could see your stuff.... here's to hoping the stars align for all of us soon.

Amber said...

Drea,
I've been lately wondering about your fabric design. It is greatly anticipated, and I have been meaning to ask you about it. I can't wait to see it... and buy it... and create with it!!! Please keep me updated! Congrats!

cally said...

Don't worry about a thing. You're gonna be famous this time next year. Just watch.

I wish you could show us your portfolio, too.

Lori said...

Thanks for all the great details. Can't wait to see it (and buy it)!

Beth said...

I remember when you first read that book and how much you loved it :) I am so happy for you!! I can't wait to see and buy your fabric, and then brag to everyone I know that I know you!!! :)

Evaly said...

I would love to see your fabric! I'm sure it is stunning. Hope you are well and hang in there.

bari said...

Yay! I stopped by today to see what was up. So glad to see this happy news.

Jessica Levitt said...

Bari tweeted about your post, so I'm in the loop! Congrats on the great news. Does this mean you'll be in Houston again this year? No line to show though? I did the same shopping around thing in the spring and signed with Windham. If you're around hopefully we'll meet...it would be good to have another fabric designer friend...

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