All Posts By

sarah norwood

Fitting it all in

Uncategorized March 12, 2013

Having my shop on vacation has been kind of nice, life feels slightly less hectic.  I might extend it one more week so I can breathe, then go back to craziness again.  The thing that I find most challenging about running a business is being pulled in several directions at once.  I feel like I am at my best when I can focus on one thing.  I guess it’s a matter of learning how to filter out the noise, and focus on what is important.  It’s really challenging  but I am getting there.  It’s hard to believe I’ve been going at this full time since November… maybe it’s hard to believe because I’ve still been going to “work” two days a week? 🙂

I am really excited at the thought of expanding my business.  My best friend, Abbey is coming up from Toronto for the day tomorrow to help me out.  I have a list of things for her to do, and it will give me a good idea of what kind of position I am in to hire an assistant.

Part of the struggle I have with hiring an assistant is financial.  While my prices aren’t as inexpensive as La Senza or Aerie, they aren’t La Perla ether! It has always been important for me to keep my line accessibly priced.  However, it is a lot of work per garment, and I’m not sure I’ve really priced accordingly.  I don’t want to raise my prices, but I don’t want to have a 10 week wait time on a pair of panties either.  But, if I hire someone to help reduce my wait time, I might have to raise prices.

Pricing is such a hard thing for me.  Its probably the thing I dislike the most about running a business, is anything to do with money. Having never really had much money myself, it can be hard justifying charging $50 for a pair of knickers.  Especially when it’s something I do myself… I always undervalue my work, I think a lot of artists/artisans/creators/seamstresses do.  At the same time, I want people to be able to enjoy my work so I don’t want it to be inaccessibly priced.  Annnnnd, at the same time, I want to make a decent living and have a good work / life balance, just like everyone else. So, it’s a challenge!

Though, maybe I’m over-analyzing everything.  I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but I do that.  I hardly get complaints from my customers about the wait time.  Most people are understanding, and I am clear about it in my shop policies, listings, and receipt.   What I do need to do is relax… and not rush, take my time, it will all get done… Eventually.

So, it’s a tough call.  I think once I get ahead again, I will feel more confident about whatever decision I make.  I am actively looking into garment producers in my area, and have found a few who sound promising.  I think as a long-term plan, it really makes sense.

In other news, I’ve heard that Google Reader is going to be no more.  You can continue to follow my blog and other blogs you love through Blog Lovin. Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Planning for Spring…

Uncategorized March 11, 2013

You may have noticed I have put my shop on “vacation.” Unfortunately for me,  I am not laying on a beach somewhere warm and sunny, I am just trying to catch up on a backlog of orders.  My goal has been to deliver under 8 weeks, but to be honest, it’s more like 10 right now, which is a long time!   I am an impatient person, so I understand how annoying that must be for my customers!  I’ll probably reopen next Monday, and I do plan on having a sample sale at that time as well. Finally!

Yesterday Dan & I started talking about doing more planning for some changes around the house, which has gotten me excited about something again!  We have a list of things that have to be done and a list of things that we would like to do.

Our “Have To” list consists of fixing our chimney, and at the same time, seeing about having a gas fireplace insert installed into our wood burning fireplace.  Our chimney is currently on a bit of a perilous angle.  I am really excited about a gas fireplace.

Our “garage”, and I use that term loosely, is desperately in need of a bulldozer.  I’ve been a little afraid of even thinking about this project because the whole thing needs to be rebuilt.  Last night we looked at some prefabricated garages, and they are totally realistically priced for us! I was so happy.  Our “garage” really looks like it’s ready to fall down at any minute, so getting it fixed would be really wonderful.  Depending on the cost of the chimney, we might try to do it this summer.

Scary, huh?

I’m not sure if this is a “have” or a “like,” but our main entry way, stairway, and upper hall are all finished in this bizarre, tiki-style wood paneling   I actually don’t hate it. When people come here for the first time, they always walk right up to a wall, touch it, and say “wow… I’ve never seen paneling quite like this before.” I don’t know if they are just trying to hide their horror, or what… The problem I have with the paneling is there is virtually no insulation behind it.  I guess folks back in the day weren’t so concerned about their heating bills.  So, I would like to take it down and drywall.  The thing I dread is it is lathe and plaster underneath, which makes a real mess when you take it down… We discovered that when we changed our side door.

Our “High Gloss” Paneling

As for the likes, I want to give a go at painting our bathroom tile & harvest gold tub.  Anyone ever done this before? My parents have painted their tub, and it looks awesome, but I’m not sure about painting tile.  I’ve read a few blogs where people have done it. While it’s not the worst bathroom in the world, it’s still pretty ugly.  I also want to replace the vanity and re-tile the floor.

Harvest Gold Bathroom

My biggest “like” involves removing the wall between our kitchen & living room, adding a kitchen island for more counter and cupboard space, changing our counter tops (there are currently 2 styles of counter tops in our kitchen! oh the joys of purchasing a rental house…) and putting the dark wood flooring throughout the remainder of the main area of the house.

I’m still really happy with our house and I think out of all of the houses we looked at in our modest price range, we got the most value for this one.  It still has a some issues, but so far it hasn’t been anything we can’t handle!

Over the next few weeks Dan and I are also going to do some changing around on the main area of our house.  I currently have my sewing room set up on our dining room, which worked for a bit but now that I am working from home I really feel a need to have a space I can go into in the morning and leave in the evening.  So, we are going to make a combined sewing room / art studio that Dan and I can both use.  I hope to do that soon, because as hard as I try to keep my sewing area neat, it can be really challenging, and I find it really stressful staring at the mess.

So, I am very excited about the next few things we will be doing to the house.  It’s been really fun to see it go from a gross old house to something kind of cute, and it’s probably been one of the most fulfilling feelings, fixing it up ourselves.

Lumberjack

Uncategorized March 7, 2013

Quelle Surprise.  It’s snowing again   I really love Canada, such a beautiful, vast country.  But somewhere permanently warm sounds really appealing right now… My dog is loving the snow, I must say.  He has really become obsessed with digging in it.  I hope he doesn’t think he can continue to do that in my lawn come summer!

Summer will come… eventually. And then I’ll be complaining about how hot it is!  
Anyway, enough complaining about the weather! The other week, Anna (A Few Threads Loose / Mrs Depew) shared with me these amazing photos of her in my Lumberjack Knickers, taken by Desiree (Rivets & Roses / Desiree Photography)!  I just love them.  I love the couch, I love Anna’s make up, I love that she looks like she’s having such a great time! That is what lingerie is all about.  It’s about feeling great, being playful, having fun! I feel like these photos capture that perfectly!  A very big Thank You to Anna & Desiree for sharing these with me.

Via Rivets & Roses
Via Rivets & Roses

Via Rivets & Roses
Speaking of feeling great… I have not been feeling great about my hair lately.  It is in need of some desperate help. It’s almost down to my butt, and I am growing out bleach-blonde, so I inadvertently have that trendy ombre thing going on.  My hair is naturally dark blonde, but I found a pure white strand in there the other day!  I hate getting my hair cut, which I guess is why my hair is in the state it is in today… So, I’m not sure what to do.  I have to admit, I’m slightly afraid to go to a salon.  I feel like such a dummy when it comes to my hair.  Does anyone else feel this way?  I never know what to ask for.  I need someone to tell me what to do with it!!!

Growing Pains

Uncategorized March 5, 2013
As you may have noticed, the blog has gotten a face lift, and a new URL! I am pleased to announce you can now visit me at www.ohhhlulu.com! How exciting! Getting my own domain and a more professional looking website has been on my to-do list for some time now.  Another thing to check off the list!
I like this layout.  Things are easier to find.  Simpler.  Lets the posts stand out more.  
My business is growing really fast.  It’s incredibly exciting.  I’m at the point now where I am considering one of two things.  
Thing #1: Carrying on as I have been, but hiring someone to come in a day or two a week to help me sew.  Right now my turn around is not what I want it to be and it causes me major stress.  I have actually put a call out on my facebook page for seamstresses in the Orillia, Ontario area who may be willing to come in for a day a week on an occasional basis to help me get caught up.
Thing #2: Maintaining my made to order line, but also including a Ready Made line that can be purchased in stores and through my own website (not Etsy).
I am leaning towards Thing #2 but would love to hear your thoughts. 

Monday Morning…

Uncategorized March 4, 2013
This weekend flew by.  Mostly, I sewed, trying to catch up! I have a few rush orders to work on this week, then next week I hope to get back to a more manageable pace.  This morning I have a belly ache… too much delicious pot roast last night…
I made this solid black Ginger Bodysuit for a customer yesterday.  I forgot how much I like this pattern. I can just imagine it with a pair of skinny jeans, a cardigan and chunky necklace.    I want one for myself!

Red

Uncategorized February 28, 2013
I thought I’d share this custom red & black colourway that I finished yesterday.  Normally I’m more of a fan of more subdued colours, but I really like how this turned out.  I hope my customer likes it as much as I do!

This morning is very snowy outside.  I’m starting to really get tired of the winter.  My parents and some extended family are vacationing in the Dominican this week.   It’s nice to see my parents finally take some time for themselves… though I am experiencing a twinge of jealousy today.  I walked the dog this morning, and though the snowy trees were beautiful, my feet got soaked, my hands are cold, my lips are chapped… I just want sun, warmth, flowers…

I feel like the winter is affecting me more this year than any other year.  My business has also been especially busy over the last few months, which is incredibly exciting, but I’m starting to feel like I’m losing my stamina. Whereas a month ago, I could easily finish an order or two a day, I’m struggling my way through one.  Running a business is a lot of work! So many things I never really thought of.  Filing, taxes, shipping, brokerage, customs, bills, sourcing, problem solving… I’m just at the point right now where I need to plow through and get on top of things so I can put my mind at ease!

Birthdays

Uncategorized February 24, 2013
Today is my wonderful husband’s birthday.  Last night, I surprised him with an indoor picnic, complete with ambient outdoor sounds!  We had hot dogs, strawberry shortcake & champagne (I had too much I and have been snoozing all day). 
It was a lot of fun, made me wish for summer.  But also let me make up for the fact that I spent this past summer working, and didn’t make much time for things that are really important… spending time doing the things we love together, like camping, hiking, just snuggling on the couch. 
Indoor Birthday Picnic
Dan and I have been together for Four Years now, a year and a half of those married, and the first year of that, long distance.  I met Dan for the first time over 10 years ago.  I was a nerdy 16 year old.  Dan was a super hunky older guy.  
Some things never change… Dan is still a total hunk and I am still a total dweeb.  I sometimes catch myself rattling on about some nerdy topic, and he just hangs on my every word.  It truly amazes me, still to this day.

a much younger Dan in his infinite Coolness
It’s kind of neat, marrying that guy that you had a total crush on in high school.  It’s even neater, learning as an adult that that guy who seemed so infinitely cool, is really just as big of a dork as you are.   Never would I have pictured Dan’s ideal night being spent on the couch, gaming-headset on, deep in battle with a notorious monster in Final Fantasy XI, defending Vana’diel.  Oh, I hope I made all the right references!

Me in a myriad of photo-props
I sometimes flip through old photos of us when we were younger, and even just a few years ago when we first started dating.  It’s funny how your life can end up, and how people and even the most minor of events can change the progression of your life.   It’s just impossible to predict.

Scrawny 19 year old me (Legal drinking age in Canada is 19!) with Hunky Dan. Who woulda thought we’d end up married.
I am really glad that Dan and I ran into each other again four years ago. I’m glad we were both at rough points in our lives.  I’m glad for our history, it’s made us both strong people.  I’m really glad we both stuck it through the rough points.
I had thought of Dan quite a bit throughout the years.  It was surprising to learn that he had thought about me too. It was funny, the night we “re-met.” I remember asking him if he remembered me, and he just smiled and said “of course.” 
I think this photo reflects Dan’s true character best

Something a little different

Uncategorized February 22, 2013
I just finished this set up… it is a little different, but in some ways similar, to what I’ve done before.
I guess the part that is the most different is this collar harness.  It’s a very simple style, but features something a little different from your average cage bra/harness that seems so popular right now: it’s got a thick satin collar with a large black satin bow! I actually am absolutely in love with how it turned out.  I think the bow really adds some femininity to the piece.
The harness is worn over a short black, bias cut slip that has coordinating bows on the shoulders.

My original drawing for the set

The whole set is for a customer who was putting together a black cat themed outfit.  She provided me with half a dozen images of what she was looking for and I made an amalgamation of the items.  We changed the garters to something more simple from my original illustration, but the rest turned out pretty spot on!

It’s got mini bloomers (yes! I used that ’70’s PJ Pattern!),  and a set of ruffled lace & satin garters to go with it.  The slip is just long enough to let the bloomers peek out below.

This was a really fun set to sew. The harness was my favourite part.  Having never sewn one before, it was fun to figure out.  I made the collar close with a bra-closure so it is adjustable.  I am pretty happy with how it turned out!    

When your hobby becomes your job

Uncategorized February 22, 2013

Good Morning and Happy Friday.  You might have noticed I’ve been blogging a little more than I had been… It’s all in an effort to make time for the things I enjoy, like writing.

I’m discovering that making your hobby your job is a real challenge. Rewarding, but challenging!   It’s really hard to tell yourself to stop.  And when you do stop, what do you do to relax? I still enjoy sewing for fun, but at the end of a day of sewing orders, or if I give myself a Sunday off, I often feel at odds.  First, I feel guilty because my to-do list is a mile long and growing, and second… I’m not sure what to do with myself when I am not sewing. Sewing was the thing I did for fun… now I do it for hours upon hours every day, it’s not exactly the thing I want to do to unwind.  I find that even when I stop for the day, I get on pinterest and browse lingerie boards, I get on Etsy and mess around with my shop or the teams I participate in.  It is incredibly hard to turn everything off.   The workload of running your own business is challenging, and trying to figure out things like shipping brokerage, import numbers, accounting, etc. on top of your day to day duties can be hard, but the thing I am struggling most with the most is having time “off.”

I just have so many things I want to do! I really want to give my blog an overhaul, I need to get ontop of in my inventory… and tax time is upon us! I am quickly learning that one simply cannot do everything themselves.  My best friend, Abbey, has been helping me with editing my images which has been a major help, and Dan has been helping me when he can with shipping which is one of those things that, I don’t know why, feels like such a pain to do, so I am very grateful for the help.

Come Summer Time, I will feel better when I can get outdoors, play in the garden, go to the beach… This winter is really starting to drag me down.  We’ve gotten so much snow this year, it’s hard to get around.  It’s cold, it’s dark… I’m just absolutely craving warmth and sunshine. And a little vacation time…   I am turning 30 this summer and am planning a week-long camping getaway… I am eagerly anticipating it, July can’t come soon enough!

I’ve been working on lots of custom orders lately.  This is one for a customer who wanted something for daily wear that was pretty, yet subtle. I used a light weight ivory tencel overlaid with champagne lace.  The fabric is super soft, totally the type of thing I would like for myself!

Vintage Butterick 5744

Uncategorized February 21, 2013

I love Pajama’s… I have a nightly routine (well, nearly nightly) of having a relaxing bubble bath then slipping into some PJ’s and snoozing on the couch while watching some cheesy UFO documentary… Snoozing on the couch in my PJ’s is one of the best things in the world…

I bought this pattern on Ebay a month ago.  It reminded me of the Pajamas I used to wear as a kid, so light and comfy…

Yesterday was largely devoted to cutting out orders, so I snuck this in for myself.  It was so quick to sew! I’m totally addicted, I need to make more, and the bottoms are so, so, so comfy.  The fabric I used was this navy jersey I found in the clearance section of my local fabric store for $3 a meter.  It is light and silky soft.  I’m wearing my pajamas right now and I’m dreading getting out of them.

I don’t know what it is, I just love 1970’s styles.  They are so loose and flowing and flattering. The top turned out so cute, I’d almost wear it with a pair of jeans.

Because the pattern had a squared off neckline I had to face it with something to keep those sharp corners, so I lined the yoke in sheer white mesh so that you still get the lace effect, and the sharp corners.  I guess I could have bound it with bias, but that sounds like a lot of work…  I left the little flutter ruffles un-finished along the edge.  These are definitely the cutest pajamas I own…