Woah where did that year go?! It is one year ago today that I launched my very first sewing pattern: the Willow dress. I was both excited and terrified (maybe more terrified than excited 😂). Putting something out into the world that I'd poured my heart and soul into for you all to scrutinise IS terrifying!
I almost didn't take the leap 😬 let's take a trip down memory lane...
Back in 2022, I sold my home to move areas and move in with a boy (what was I thinking?! I jest...ish). At the same time, I handed my notice in at a job I'd always wanted. I was a homewares designer for a fabric and interiors company, but I felt undervalued and held back. I didn't see a reason to stay and commute so I left everything I knew and moved to West Yorkshire.
I had a loose plan to take a few months to adjust and then I'd start my own business making sewing patterns. But the longer I left it, the more imposter syndrome kicked in. I remember having a conversation with an old friend, and I was talking myself out of it. Thankfully, she said some very encouraging words and in January 2023 I started to take it seriously ❤️
It took me 9 months to build a business from scratch along with my first ever sewing pattern, the Willow dress! It had been 15 years since I did any pattern cutting, and I was scared that I wouldn’t be able to do it but as soon as I got my old university textbooks out it all came swimming back. I spent a few days designing dresses before whittling it down and finally deciding on the Willow. I’m so glad I launched with this shape as it encompasses everything I stand for. Romantic and comfortable. When designing any new sewing pattern, I ask myself two questions: “Is it romantic?” and “Is it comfortable?”. I want to embrace my femininity whilst also having clothes that adapt to ever changing bodies.
I spent time deciding what I wanted my business to stand for, my values and what I wanted to achieve. I worked with an incredible design agency Somewhere Off Grid to create my branding (you can read about this here). They guided me on how to choose a business name, and after several rounds of coming up with names (most of which were already taken!) we decided to go for a more personal approach. Cinnamon is my favourite spice; it’s warming and homely and reminds me of Autumn (my favourite season). Daisies are my favourite flower; they symbolise new beginnings and joy and remind me of making daisy chains in childhood. Cinnamon Daisy was born!
My home studio underwent serious renovations! I took the brand colours and ran with it, making sure I was fully submerged in what I wanted to create. It’s such an amazing space to create in. There’s so much natural light (even with the cloudy Yorkshire weather!) and having the centre unit for fabric storage and cutting is a godsend.
My first year in business has been amazing! I’ve worked with some incredibly talented people and small businesses. Here’s a roundup of what I’ve achieved:
Altered a dress for Coleen Rooney for her to wear at the premier of her Disney+ documentary (that was such a random experience being at her house!)
Signed up to the GoodAPI, an environmental organisation who have partnered with Eden Reforestation Projects to plant trees. With every order placed on my website, a tree is planted. So far, we’ve planted 789 trees.
I worked with The Fruit Moth to pattern cut and grade Nicole’s new collection.
Digitised sewing patterns for other designers and brands such as Podgekins and Meg Lara Atelier.
Collaborated with Sew Confident on the launch of the Bridgerton x Liberty fabric collection.
I got my first affiliate link after successfully completing the Advanced Trouser Fitting Academy with Lottie at Wild Orchard Sewing. I was a little in the dark about trousers and this was such a helpful course on how to get the perfect fitting pair of trousers. I can't recommend this course enough!
Worked with some amazingly talented sewing influencers that helped put Cinnamon Daisy on the map
Launched 6 sewing patterns!
I’m so proud of everything I’ve achieved in my first year and I’m excited to keep building on this. Thank you for your support! With every like, share, comment and sale, every newsletter sign up and every review helps me to live out my dream. So Happy 1st Birthday to Cinnamon Daisy and the Willow sewing pattern. This design continues to be my best seller each month and I absolutely love seeing your makes. Thank you for taking the time to read this and I hope you stick around for future patterns ❤️
Em xx