Friday, February 16, 2018

~ Kindness & Customer Appreciation ~

Kind hearts are the gardens,
Kind thoughts are the roots,
Kind words are the blossoms,
Kind deeds are the fruits.
~19th century rhyme used in primary schools


Hello Friends & Folk ~
Please take a moment to read my story below...

...I began designing needlework as a profession back in 2000,
at the gentle nudging of my hubby.

After years of giving my finished needlework as gifts to friends & family,
Peter suggested that I try and see if anyone would be interested
 in purchasing a pattern of one of my designs...

so I purchased a vendors' spot at a local farmers market in Guilford, CT
and brought along some finished models and some very crudely packaged paper patterns
that went with them.

~ there I sat among tables of fresh veggies, flowers and handmade crochet items,
artisan jewelry and local potters & soapmakers ~ feeling rather out of place.
{{ ... but hey, the sun was shining, people were happy and I made new friends! }}

I smiled at everyone and shy-ly waited for someone {anyone} to come take a look at my table.
Two very sweet & kind older ladies came over to my table and one picked up
one of my finished models...  since they were not for sale, they were not priced ~
but the other lady asked if it was for sale and I politely said no, it was a model for a pattern
that they could purchase, to make one for themselves...

They were thrilled to purchase some patterns, and I asked them if they would like me to contact them when I made more ~ {I had no business cards, just a small notebook and pencil...I didn't even have bags for my 'customers' to put their things in...I have learned a lot since then}

Happily {and thankfully} they gave me their info,
I thanked them a thousand times over,
 and they left me beaming at my small table.

About five minutes later, they were back...but this time they brought friends!
My little table was now surrounded by a group of lovely, kind women
who actually seemed to be interested in what I was offering.

Little did I know, these women were members of the local Historical Society ~
with a very voracious appetite for needlework!

Due to the gentle persuasion of my sweet husband,
and because of these ever-encouraging women,
I was asked to teach Rug Hooking, Embroidery & Cross Stitch
at the Guilford Handcrafts Center in Guilford, CT.,
the Dudley Farm {also in Guilford and was where the little farmers market was},
and numerous other locales on the East Coast/New England.

 At one of my classes, a student asked me if I sold my patterns on the Internet.
{I had NO clue what that even was at the time} So my dear hubby stepped in again,
purchased our first computer and I sat for hours upon hours learning everything I could,
finding venues to sell my things.

Ebay was just a baby then, and with trepidation, gave it a try.
I offered finished items like dolls, bears & the like...
then took the plunge and listed some cross stitch patterns.

To my surprise, I was contacted by a sweet woman who suggested I contact a distributor
 to help me sell my cross stitch patterns...that woman was none other than Kathy Barrick!

Opening doors of opportunity to me beyond my wildest dreams,
I went about designing more & more for my distributor...
then saw my first pattern in a needlework shop in CT and almost fainted.
 
This Internet, Etsy, and this blog has been nothing but a blessing for us, too.
Allowing us connect with and make friends worldwide,
~ friends who have encouraged us, supported us and help us earn a living.

This year, 2018 ~
marks my 10th year as a seller on Etsy, with 19,000 sales as-to-date.
~ this year also marks my 12th year being partnered with a dear friend,
Kris Miller of
www.Spruceridgestudios.com
with whom and thankfully,
I have branched out more into the crazy and fun rug hooking world.

and the rest they say....
〰〰〰〰〰〰〰〰〰〰〰〰〰〰〰

In appreciation for your continued Friendship
an support of what Peter & I do ~

... we extend this token of gratitude to you:


If I could give you all a big hug for your kindness I would!

Blessings from the Farm
 ~ Lori

15 comments:

Tina McFadden said...

Lori, I purchased a finished hooked rug from you on ebay in appx. 2003 .
Tina

Lori from Notforgotten Farm said...

Reply: Thank you SO much Tina my friend!!

gracie said...

You are a very creative lady and of course let's not leave Peter out! A wonderful story of your beginning. Cheers to many more creative years for you and Peter. I only wished I lived close by so I could take your classes.

Lori from Notforgotten Farm said...

Reply: Thank YOU Gracie!!!

Marilee said...

What a wonderful story about a well-deserved success. And kudos to your hubby for his support.

Cheryl R said...

Congrats to 2 very creative people on your success and blessings always.

Kathy B. said...

Thank you for sharing your story of success. Now - my next wish is that you offer online courses for those of us who won't get the chance to take one in person. I adore every thing you create, but that sweet bird you shared recently using embroidery stitches won my heart - as does anything related to birds. Looking forward to some more shopping at your Etsy shop.

Anonymous said...

I loved reading your story of hard work and ultimate success, Lori! And how much influence you have had on all of us through your artwork! Thank you, my friend. Thank you!

NMK said...

What a great post today ! I love hearing your "story" ....isn't it amazing to think back to your very first show & the first thing you sold ....it is fun to see how we have grown from those humble beginnings. We are lucky to be able to stay in our nice comfy homes and create . You inspire so many of us to keep our hands busy & try different mediums. Thank you for sharing and teaching us . After such a sad week , it feels good to make something that makes us smile and mends the heart.

Kathy Barrick said...

I love that I had a small part in your very large success! You are one of the most talented and creative people I know and your love of fabric and fiber knows no bounds! Wishing you many, many more years of continued success and tons of happiness! Love you!

My Colonial Home said...

A very inspiring story!!!
It is amazing how most of us got started.
Your work is always so beautiful!
Karen

elaine allerton said...

What a wonderful story, lori!!
You and peter have come along way,,,, good for u both,,,,
Visited ur etsy shop,,,, of course!!
Hope ur back better,,,, yuccy,,,,

Linda said...

A beautiful story, not at all surprising with your beautiful designs. Perhaps you would consider including that sweet rhyme in a future projects.

Unknown said...

I so enjoyed meeting you when you were here in Connecticut visiting family and dropped off the lap frame that I had purchased from you. I knew you from your blog but now I see you everywhere and from Flosstubers all over the internet. Congratulations on your success and best of luck in all your future creative endeavors!

Halland House Gifts said...

Wow, Lori, your story is incredible. Thank you for sharing. Judy