Thursday, June 14, 2012

YOU WON’T BELIEVE IT!!!

WELL YOU WON’T!
I JUST CLOSED DOWN MY KM PRMITIVES WEBSITE.

Sales are good but I'm not getting rich with orders so why push myself right?
It’s just that it takes so much time to hand stitch an order and if there's more than 2-3 items per order it takes about 2 weeks and then another order comes in in the meantime and then it's a constant thing - I literally have NO DOWN TIME.
And you know I have shows in Lititz, PA in August and October and I just now today started sewing on some products.
I gave it all I had for 8 years and it was fun right to the end…also another reason to stop now – before I dreaded getting up to work on it.

I'M STILL SELLING PATTERNS THOUGH….
Go to the Two sites listed on the left sidebar (and below)…either site carries the same pattern designs.
These are E-patterns. If you want a mailed pattern just e-mail me with your choices.
And….if you saw a product you like from visiting my site…please e-mail me and I’d be happy to make it for you.  I’m not that totally out of it that I won’t sew at all.

THE PATTERN CUPBOARD
http://www.thepatterncupboard.com/shop/km-primitives/aff_144.html

THE PRIM PATTERN
http://www.theprimpattern.com/index.php?_a=viewAff&affId=75

I’m going to hopefully put some items on my Picturetrail – especially around holiday times.

For all of you that shopped on my site and for the great cheerleaders I had in all of you I THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART.
You all have me me proud of my work – even if you didn’t purchase you still praised me and that is an honor…bless you all.

Will I miss it…YES…will I miss the constantly sore fingers and hands…NO…but I will miss you my customers and friends.

BUT NO FEAR…I’M STILL BLOGGING…you can’t get rid of me totally.

Karen

Flags for header

38 comments:

  1. You have to do what's right for you. I stopped selling on etsy for a while because sales were slow. Have you thought about only selling what you have on hand already made? That would take the stress off of you a bit as you would only have to then pack and ship. :-)

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  2. Karen, I have loved the things that I have ordered from you....and I will miss you and your products but...I totally understand! Time for some "Karen" time and a little more peace. You have to do what you and Doug think is right. With that being said...have a delightful summer. Just getting ready for your shows will be enough!

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  3. Karen ~
    You need some "me" time and I hope you finally get it. Maybe you'll pick up your hook???
    Happy Flag Day :)
    Lauren

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  4. Karen
    Sounds like you made a wise decision. When the stress outweighs the fun, it's time to find some balance.
    Have a great weekend,
    Robyn

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  5. Karen, I can totally relate to why you chose to do this. If you end up missing it, I will tell you I've enjoyed being on Etsy. I list what I have done and in stock - you do not have to accept custom orders (of course you can if you chose to). ~Ann

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  6. that's too bad you had some beautiful stuff.but hey,a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do. good luck and enjoy yourself!!! denise

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  7. Blessings & joy in the choices you make. Hope the upcoming shows go well.

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  8. Hi Karen--I totally understand. I'm sure you will still get enough orders to keep busy, but COMFORTABLY busy. Al and I work all the time-but our boys are out of the house and we have no grandbabies yet. If we did, it would be different. Ya gotta have time for the grandbabies!!--Jan

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  9. Well my friend, sounds like you've thought this through and are ready for a break. I know how it is! I'm at the shop Wed-Sat, have some family time on Sun, and then create all day Mon and Tues. Doesn't give you much personal time, that's for sure. Congratulations for eight great years and I'm sure you'll still have great creations at your shows. Enjoy the weekend, Dawn

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  10. Hi Karen:
    I totally understand your decision to close your website.. I just did that and it wasn't easy but I am too old and tired to continue the rat-race.
    I know you will take advantage of the " down-time" so "good for you".
    You can't lose me.. I will hunt you down and bug you .
    I love you,
    Maurine

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  11. Karen,


    I know that must of been such a hard decision for you. BUT, we do this for the love, and sometimes when it becomes no fun, we need to change things up! Little more free time to do more fun things!!!! Good for you! OLM

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  12. Hi Karen
    Sometimes you just have to do what you feel is right. There are so many other avenues out there and you can do it at your own pace.
    Best Wishes to You!
    Prim Blessings
    Robin
    P.S. Don't forget to make an extra sheep cupboard hanger for me ~ when your working on your show stuff!

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  13. Hi Karen,
    I totally understand how you feel. When something becomes more of a chore than fun it's time to move on. I sometimes wonder how some of the gals do it... It's so time intensive and I don't think that it's possible to make much after materials, labor etc. Enjoy your summer and take it from there, you never know what might be around the corner.
    xoxo

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  14. I stopped selling on Etsy because I just wasn't making the money for the time I was putting into the work. I find it much more satisfying to make for my own family and friends and i also like the idea so swapping or trading for goods. I'm glad you are going to still continue blogging, you are so creative and I enjoy seeing and reading about your work.

    ~Christina

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  15. I get stressed with painting commissions. Most of the time now I don't accept them any more. Except portraits of people or pets. Best to do your own thing, and hopefully someone will buy what you want to make. Good luck!

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  16. I am glad to read that you will be in Lititz, Pa! That is my hometown. I will have to find your stand! I would love to meet you and see your hand made goodies in person.
    Have a great day.
    ~laurie

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  17. Best of Luck to you in your future endevors. Hand crafted work is so time consuming, I know, I have many unfinished projects. I will be ordering patterns from you, and may ask you for your imput. All my sewing will be gifts from the heart, no amount of money could pay for my time.

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  18. Life is ever changing!! I am glad you made the decision to do what is right for you. Good luck in the future.
    -Steph-

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  19. Karen, I can certainly understand your decision. I know it had to be very time consuming. You always do such beautiful work. {{{hugs}}}

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  20. Karen, I can certainly understand your decision. I know it had to be very time consuming. You always do such beautiful work. {{{hugs}}}

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  21. Karen, you just have to make a decision and don't look back. It looks like you did that. Happy down time!

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  22. Sounds like you've made the right decision and I don't blame you a bit. I've been thinking the same thing.

    Hope you enjoy the time you'll now have to do what YOU want to do. Time is so precious :)

    Hugs
    Connie

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  23. Good for you Karen~you have to do what you NEED to do and 8 yrs. is a long time to commit to something!
    I hope you enjoy your time off the rest of the summer and find plenty of time to do what you love.

    Tanya

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  24. As everyone said...gotta keep yourself sane!! Hope it all works out for you!!! Love those flags! so wonderful
    Jen

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  25. Karen, enjoy your time and all the fun you can stuff into that time! Blessings...

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  26. Karen, enjoy your time and all the fun you can stuff into that time! Blessings...

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  27. Well Karen I understand and I didn't realize this before I send you the message! lol! It's important to balance your time with family/business! But you really are a talented gal and when I think of wool or penny rugs, my mind automatically goes to you!

    Hope you have a great weekend!
    Tammy

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  28. Wow....I'm not going to even pretend to know what to say here, as I can't even find the time for my "me-crafting" that I so need, so I have no comprehension of you "others" do it.....Sounds like it is right for you at this point in time, but with all decisions of this nature, I'm sure it comes with questions, uneasiness, and self-doubts....Wishing you confidence and peace in your decision - and the comfort of enjoying the additional "you" time it will provide. I'm sure you won't be at a loss for things to do - or for "special requests." Smiles & Extra Hugs ~ Robin

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  29. Wow, Karen! I didn't see that coming. I know you have a lot going on, getting ready for your shows. I will definitely be looking you up in Lititz! You have a busy family/personal life, too, which is wonderful. Time to really enjoy life...after the shows , especially. Life is too short. I will be looking forward to your blogging updates, as always.

    ~Judy~

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  30. Love everything you do!!! Best wishes! Dianntha

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  31. Hi Karen...Good for you!! We all need a little break from time to time, so enjoy it while you can, even if you will still be busy working for the shows. Enjoy your day, Tina

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  32. Well good for you. That had to be a really hard decision for you but I am sure that you are doing what feels right to you.

    Kendra

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  33. Wow, it seems like a lot of people are taking wise decisions lately. I can totally relate. I don't like 'the rat-race' and I'm always looking for solutions to find a good balance. Time is so precious! I'm glad we can't get rid of you completely ;-).

    Goedele

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  34. Karen
    I know that feeling of being at ease in your own skin you are feeling right now. All that really matters is that this was the right decision for you...and Doug, also.
    Please don't stop blogging, however,as then we have a REAL problem...LOL!
    Busy Hands...Happy Heart
    Patricia

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  35. Thank heavens we can't get rid of you that easy... lol. You know when it's time and now you can enjoy yourself more.
    Hugs~Carol

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  36. Karen, You can't get rid of that easy! I love your blog....

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  37. Karen~Way to go for saying give it a rest~ being women it is soooo sooo hard to do~ so I compliment you~ I hope this will give you more time to spend with family, friends, and of course blogging~ always enjoy visiting with you~
    smiles
    Teresa

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  38. Oh wow! I didn't realize you were closing down your website but I totally understand why. You had a great run and most people don't see that kind of success, good for you! I know you will always be around and I'm thankful for that! =]

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So glad you came to visit - feel free to leave a comment.
I will try and answer as many as I can - maybe not immediately but I will get to you!

Karen