Trying Something New

.

When Anna said she wanted to try the sushi, I should have dropped everything right then and there and gone straight to Arigato or Sushi Sei. But, okay, sure: Try this factory-made California roll. And try the chopsticks. We all learn, ultimately, by doing. Her reward is the little set in the top photo: I don't know what they are called. They are little boxes with surprise things inside. Here, her surprise was a table setting with little chopsticks to remember this adventure.

I'm trying something new, too. Up until this time, I have been the Tantrum Factotum. I did it all: Design, sew, market, photograph, translate, make tutorials, print, pack, mail, account and other stuff I'm sure I've forgotten. Because that's what I would do: Forget stuff. Or worse, not forget, but just not do, because my day only has 24? 27? 30? hours. I forget. I looked over my goals for this year and, um, have not been pleased with my progress. But everybody's got problems and my problems are good problems to have. Too many sales? I like that problem.

It has been my experience, that when problems arise, those problems open your mind and your eyes and you can find solutions. As it so happens, the very woman who first sold Farbenmix and studioTANTRUM in the United States, who answered my feeble and apologetic invitation to sell these strange patterns with enthusiasm and encouragement and with whom I credit much of my success, has acquired the exclusive rights to wholesale the fabrics of a fabulous European manufacturer. As Nicole moves from retail to wholesale, it makes sense that she manage the logistics of these patterns. We have tested this out and I think Nicole is doing a better job than I have done so far. Nicole lives just a few hours away, allowing us to meet regularly. Plus, Nicole has online ordering and accounting systems in place, which will be a huge convenience and benefit to everyone.

Until further notice, orders can still come to me. They will be forwarded and processed. If I drop my chopsticks while making the transition, I want to apologize in advance.