Isn't it cool how small the world can be sometimes? It continues to amaze me how many wonderful people I meet in cyber space. Last year, I had a shop on papernstitch around the holidays. When I was poking through the other exhibiting shops, I ran across 2 that I kept going back to, Helen Rawlinson (her fabric is a klt:staple now) and Mee a Bee, founded by Jacqui Miyabayashi.
I quickly purchased a really cute robot satchel from Jacqui, for Sayer. When I bought the bag, I mentioned that we both had shops together on papernstitch and we exchanged contact info. It wasn't too long before Jacqui bought an owl tee for her son Tyler. What was sort of interesting is that Jacqui and I were both interviewed by Brittni for home tours on Bloesem Kids and our interviews ended up being posted back to back! I enjoyed learning more about Jacqui and remember that she had left a very sweet comment on my post. From then on, we continuously ran into each other cyberly and quickly developed a wonderfully supportive friendship. I guess I should thank Brittni for introducing us!
I am always open to collaborations and when an opportunity presents itself to work with someone that I enjoy and who makes things that I appreciate, then I jump on it. Both Jacqui and I make things for our shops with our muses (our boys) heavily in our thoughts and a collaboration just seemed like a perfect fit. One of the things unique to Jacqui's bags, is that she uses Japanese fabrics. So we started a series of emails to choose a Japanese linen that works for both of our design aesthetics. The slug was one of Jacqui's favorite plush that I make so that became my part of the collaboration. I think the bag she made with the same fabric is just gorgeous! And now, I think I am hooked on using Japanese linen.
We started this project quite a long time ago but given that we are both trying to figure out the balance between being a mom and time at the sewing machine, it took a little while before we were ready to present our idea to the world. When we chatted about how we wanted to unveil our collaboration, both of us immediately thought a giveaway would be perfect - and Rachelle at Kenziepoo was who we wanted to host it. Rachelle met Jacqui through the home tours on Bloesem Kids as well. I discovered Rachelle's blog through Jacqui, so how cool to have Rachelle a part of our project? Rachelle has been such a huge support to both of us and our businesses in the time that we have known her. She is one of those people that just goes above and beyond when it comes to kindness. Not to mention, her blog is great and her daughter, Kenzie, is an adorable fashionista. I can't wait to see what cool outfit she will be wearing next and what room will be turned into an outfit! Needless to say, I feel pretty darn lucky to be friends with these talented ladies.
So, let me tell you about the giveaway. All you have to do is stop by Kenziepoo and enter here to win a satchel and matching slug! (Please don't enter here.) It's open world wide- Rachelle will announce the winner on Friday the 27th in a post. Oh, I just love fun things like this. Good luck! One more thing, Jacqui & I both just added this combination to our individual Etsy shops as well here & here. Hope you enjoy our Mee a Bee + klt:works brainstorm!
