I've decided that there's a new definition of success as a designer. Every Christmas for years we've had the discussion here and in other blogs about how soul destroying it can be giving handmade gifts.
Many of us have talked about the fact that all too often friends and family act as though you've given them less by making their presents. As though taking the huge amount of time and effort that handmaking can take, is actually worth less than buying something from a shop.
Far too often people act as though knowing the person that makes the item causes it to be worth less than the item, that in reality is made in a sweatshop for pennies by a child that you've never met.
It's a subject that depresses many of us. We all have stories to tell - I was once told by a friend that I was lucky because rather than spending the £3 or £4 that she was going to spend on Bella's nursery teachers, I could make them something! I had to point out that it would cost me so much more in time, effort and materials to make their presents! And she admitted that it hadn't occured to her that I should be paid for my time!
Don't get me wrong, my family has always been very appreciative of my work. But I've still always felt a little guilty, as though they think I've taken the easy way out.
This year though is the first year that I've totally felt that I didn't need to feel any guilt at all. And the reason is hard to explain, but there just seems to have been a shift. I don't know if it's just in my psyche, but for the first time I didn't doubt that my gifts were as worthy as any store bought ones.
And as I said, that's my new definition of success.
I made the tote and the pouch in the first two pictures for my mum - she chose the fabric because she says its the closest she'll get to a real Orla Kiely bag! (it's a print by Prestigious Textiles and I bought it from Fabrics Galore, but it's available online from here ).
The cushion was made for my big bro. It's my favourite and best Paul Smith fabric. I quilted around some of the print to give it some definition and used a striped linen for the backing.
The linen and leather washbag was also a gift for my brother - although he'll use it to store his electrical leads etc whilst travelling (he's a theatrical composer who's on tour constantly).
I also made a new cushion for my nephew and one for my other brother and sister in law, as well as a snood set (none of which I managed to take photo's of ). And everyone else got washbags, with a little something extra thrown in.
Unfortunately I didn't manage to finish off a washbag for my other brother or a dress for my niece - this week I will though!
