🎒 TREE 201: Muddling through

Years ago, I had a crazy idea of how a backpack could be designed better, and made in a better way. But I knew absolutely nothing about fashion, textiles, manufacturing, or, really, sewing at all.

I had a sewing machine from eBay, a full-time job and two young kids.

Every evening and weekend I worked on this crazy dream. I made my first sample using canvas from the high street, unpicking more stitches than I sewed down.

It took me 3 long months to complete.

I made two more samples. Again, each took three months as complexity grew in tandem with my skill-level.

Finally, I needed to seek outside help. My nerves were through the roof going into a professional factory with my amateur, homemade bags. Imposter syndrome megacity.

But do you know what? Somehow, I had earned my place at the table. Not in neatness of stitch, but because I knew where every last hidden stitch went, and why. We spoke as equals.

You can’t fake hard graft.

This week’s guest author is Lyndsay Lucero, founder of baxleygoods.com.

Lyndsay prefers total silence when she’s working, so:

The Memory of TREE playlist – every song from every email: