A brand-new path
“Stepping onto a brand-new path is difficult, but not more difficult than remaining in a situation, which is not nurturing to the whole woman.”
Maya Angelou
Everything changes all the time, but we all know that the last year has been extraordinary. There’s been so much change for all of us in so many small ways – masks, social distancing, lockdowns, quarantines, vaccines – and some pretty big changes too, in the way we work, the people we see (or don’t!) and the families we love.
The last two years have had lots of change for me too. I lost my lovely mum two years ago this week, then my beloved baby boy, Mr Pippin – the first of the Two Bad Dogs – last September. I’ve been working exclusively from home as we’ve endured multiple lockdowns. Meanwhile, we’ve been navigating through clearing Mum’s stuff, some much-needed home renovations, and overdue garden clearing. Not to mention that whole global pandemic thing.
And, in another big change after almost nine years of gorgeous fabric, unending banter and shenanigans, it’s time for me to move on from Bramble Patch. It’s been an honour and a delight to work with such a strong, creative, female team and an enduring, market-leading business.
So, what now? Following many fraught discussions and countless sleepless nights, I’m delighted to announce that from now on, I’ll be pursuing my long-held dream of being an independent designer, maker and artist.
It’s exciting and terrifying and full of uncertainty, but if you’ve known me for long at all, you’ll know that this is something I’ve been working towards for a very long time.
I have lots of new things percolating – expect new quilt designs and patterns, new creations with fabric and thread, new explorations of traditional art materials, and even a digital product or two. I feel more energised and optimistic than I have for a long time!
I’ll be sharing/releasing/revealing as I go along, but meanwhile, feel free to have a rummage around in my newly updated Portfolio to see how I got to this point.
Oh, I almost forgot! I do have a favour to ask… if you’d like to hear more about what I’m doing, please sign up to my email list. I won’t email often, but it will mean you won’t miss anything.
And, if you’d like to support me as I start on this new journey, I’ve also set up a Patreon page. You can choose your own level of support, and I would so appreciate any small vote of confidence you feel able to provide. (I do still have to buy biscuits for Miss Molly, my remaining Bad Dog!)
Much love to everyone who’s always had my back – you know who you are, guys.
Comments
Fi Bowman, you were my inspiration when I joined your beginners patchwork class. I am now a dedicated patchworker having made an inordinate number of quilts, most of which being of your design. My love for quilt making is all down to you and your amazing teaching. I will follow your new venture with fascination and interest. Wishing you the very best of luck.