Meet Em & Em

I finally did it. I don't know what in the world possessed me to think that I, all by my little lonesome self, could handle putting out a new line of sewing patterns 4 times a year, designing a new fabric collection 2 times a year, writing a book and several magazine articles plus traveling around the country several times a year for trade shows, exhibits and lectures. All of that, in addition to all the mommy/wife duties that on their own could easily fill up a day, would eventually drive anyone into the looney bin. Well, I started seeing the signs all too clearly. You know, like when you say something and the other person looks at you strangely because you just said the same thing like 2 minutes ago? Or like when you tear the house apart looking for your glasses... yes, the ones that were on your head the entire time!? Or like when you keep missing appointments or forgetting to pick up groceries, etc. because you just didn't write it down visibly enough and... out of sight, out of mind!? I could go on and on, but you know what I mean.

So, I finally took the wise advice from my mom (and from everyone who gazed upon my crazy-eyed, sleep-deprived, over-caffeinated face in the past several months) and got some help. No, not a shrink, although that's not a bad idea either. Help came in the form of Em & Em.

The original idea was to hire one assistant. Someone who could come in for a few hours a week and help with various studio tasks, like sewing samples for the book... and for the new patterns... and for Quilt Market. Like helping me organize said studio, since lately it was looking more like this than like this. Like helping me with photography and photo staging for the book. Like assembling test patterns and fabric bundles for my testers, then helping me with pattern edits. And... and... and...

The list of roles and responsibilities just kept growing. As we conducted interviews and looked at everyone's schedule it was painfully obvious to us that we needed more than one assistant. Enter Emily and Emalee (both pronounced the same way). No, we didn't hire them because it was fun to say Em & Em. Believe me, it gets quite confusing at times.

Emalee and her cute, cute hairbow:

Emalee1

Emily and her new trusty sidekick:

Emily1

Emily and Emalee are both Seniors at Illinois State University in the Apparel, Merchandising and Design Department. They both presented us with portfolios that blew our minds and resumes that went on for miles... geez, I don't remember working that hard when I was in college! But best of all, they both showed a positive attitude, a willingness to work hard and an inherent desire to learn new skills. Sold!

Both Ems jumped right in and started working on their first day...

Emily2

Emalee2

Little did I know that I would gain more than a little help around the studio when I hired Em & Em. I also got a sounding board and fresh set of eyes for all my crazy ideas, a new babysitter that the kids adore (we desperately needed that!) and some gorgeous models! Yes, folks, you heard it here first! You will be seeing a lot more of Em & Em in the covers of my new women's patterns, out next month!

Now... it's back to work! Or maybe I'll take that much overdue nap now.

17 comments:

  1. lucky Em and Em! You probably made their year hiring them!

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  2. LOVE it! They are gorgeous girls w/ what sounds like a fantastic background and surely scored to be working alongside with you...can't wait to hear updates. Glad you finally got some help!

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  3. Annie1:17 PM

    WOW! What I would give to come work along side you for just a day. The things I would learn! But alas, my name is not Em. :(

    Annie

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  4. Hey Patty! Great step! I wish you all good luck! And please, please, keep designing such beautiful patterns & fabrics!
    Flávia

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  5. Yippee for you Patty! Looking forward to seeing what they come up with! Lucky for all of you!

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  6. Hurray! Very lucky girls Em & Em are, and lucky you to have some help!

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  7. So wonderful Patti! You are going to be going at Mach 4 now!(or is it 5?? I don't know!)OH and to have a babysitter!!

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  8. WOW!! The dream job every girl wants and the two em's got!! Take advantage of the help, fresh ideas, and occasional babysitter!! ;)

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  9. Thank you all for visiting and for the great comments. It truly is wonderful having them around and I finally feel like I can get it all done without going insane! LOL! :)

    patty

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  10. woo hoo!!! I had been stalking your blog waiting for news lol and thinking that you must be insanely busy. Its so nice to hear that you have some new awesome helpers and that even the kids love them. Can't wait to see the new patterns!

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  11. Yes, the full pattern reveal is coming soon... give me a week... or two! ;)

    patty

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  12. What a wonderful opportunity for Em & Em to be able to work alongside you :) one that everyone would love including me LOL

    So glad that you managed to find not 1 but 2 assistants to help you. This is surely a great step and looking forward to your beautiful creations Patty.

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  13. It is so great that you have found these two helpers. It looks like they have wasted no time in joining the family :o)

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  14. Anonymous9:33 PM

    Oh, Patty, I Love your girls patterns and fabrics. I have a 1 1/2 year old grand-daughter and have bought yards of your fabric and several patterns for her already. I am looking for the knits as I love to sew knits also. Thanks for your use of great colors!!!
    Grandma Mary

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  15. WOW, thank you all for the great comments. We are getting so much done, it's amazing!

    Grandma Mary, how nice of you to write. So glad to hear you are enjoying my fabrics & patterns. A new reveal is in the works... see it here next week! :)

    patty

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  16. I just hired my first employees this summer and it's the best thing I have ever done for my business. It takes a load of pressure off. I hope you can get a break soon,
    Jennifer Jangles

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  17. really unique, the design were attractive, the pose of the models, the kids wear the attire that's very cute...great If I can also see some of Contemporary Upscale Women's Clothing & Accessories, so woman like me will enjoy watching this too...

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