what a year

Jars to Go BagsWow.  One year ago, the Food in Jars post went live.  I had sold a handful of bags and patterns at that point, but I had no idea what was in store.  Suddenly my little mason jar bag idea was placed before the eyes of people who GOT IT.  Every bag I had in stock sold.  Every bag I could eke out for the next two months sold immediately.  I sewed, ate a little, slept a little, emailed patterns, then sewed some more, and that was life during that season.  It was the most joyfully stressful time I’ve ever experienced as a seller.  I was so afraid that customers would grow impatient with me – after all, it was just me and a sewing machine, and I can only make so many bags in a day.  But the response was overwhelmingly positive.  Most of them had been carrying mason jars all haphazard for years, so I guess they didn’t mind waiting just a little longer.

I was just looking back at the shop stats from that week.  The numbers are just unbelievable.  I owe dear Marisa a great debt.

Over the next few months, I’d get requests.  Some found their way into the shop and patterns – the 4-jar bag, the single bag, quarts, half-pints.  That’s my favorite part of all this, working with people to make exactly what they need.  There’s at least a couple more surprises on the way.  And thankfully, I don’t have to email patterns anymore – instant downloads!

It’s been a fantastic year, but I reckon that’s enough reminiscing.  Onward!