The eleventh letter: a gap year

Dear community,

Today, I want to share with you a deep and personal reflection that has been occupying my thoughts lately.

As you know, Readytosew is my baby, my life project, and I constantly strive to offer you quality sewing patterns and unique experiences. Recently, an idea has come to me, an idea that both excites and terrifies me. I am seriously considering taking a gap year.

A gap year for me is much more than just a break. It's an opportunity to immerse myself in the world of sewing in a different way. I want to learn, to train in areas that deeply passionate me, such as visible mending, draping directly on the body, indigo dyeing, and perhaps even knitting. This year will be active, but in a different way. It will also be a time to update some of our beloved sewing patterns, to enhance them and make them even more accessible and enjoyable to sew. A year to recharge, to find inspiration in the details of everyday life, to create without constraints and limitations. A year to educate myself and in turn, educate you through workshops and creative retreats in Cantal (France).

But of course, there is also this fear that haunts me, the fear of financial consequences. With the rise in prices and the current economic situation, it's hard not to feel a certain stress. The online store will remain open, and I will be there to provide customer service as usual, but will it be enough to generate sufficient income for my little family? Will my community continue to follow and support me during this particular year? This gap year could also be followed by a period of personal and professional growth as well as uninhibited creativity. So many questions...

That's why I'm sharing these thoughts with you because you are an integral part of this adventure. I want you to know that every pattern you have purchased, every creation you have made with our designs, has contributed to the dream I pursue. I won't take this decision lightly; I will think seriously about the best way to implement it while ensuring the continuity of our beautiful community.

I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your continuous support, and I am looking forward to reconnecting with you very soon for new adventures.

Warm regards, 
Raphaëlle