Maggie Whitley Designs

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{my super great, very good week}

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I think it’s safe to say this week was a very unusual week.

First off, Monday morning came and I was literally so excited to work on Gussy allll day long that I got up @ 7 am and skipped all the way to the shower. {I think that was, like, 9 skips.} I got ready, woke up hubbs, and just talked, talked, talked to Z until my phone rang. It was Gina and she was calling to wish me a Happy 1st Day of Gussy. So sweet :]

Zack left for work and I, for the first time, I didn’t go with him and ride the bus to the job I’ve had since we moved to Minneapolis.

It was very weird.

{queue sappy music}

I felt like I was playing hooky.

But I wasn’t :] And, the rest of the week has gone by so fast. My assistant comes during the weekday now {instead of at night} so that is a great perk. But like I Tweeted throughout the week, I’ve found myself working late into the evening which is something I was really looking forward to ending… Part of this is because Zack has been working very late to finish up a commercial. Also, I’m obsessed with Gussy ruffles. A girl can’t lie.

So… I’ll just come out with it.

I’m exhausted and I love it.

Wednesday I made 17 new items and photographed them. Then I had a small panic attack as I thought my images were too wonky, turns out they were usable. Then yesterday I feel like I sat at my computer all day as the orders poured in. SO EXCITING! Picking out fabric can be hard — I like this print, but will other people like it?! But I think I did well… :]

Every night this week I’ve picked pieces of thread off my clothes before tossing them into the hamper. All day it’s just me, some coffee, music, my sewing machine and tons of fabric. The floor in the Sweat Shop has seen better days as it shows beautifully my efforts throughout the week.

Zipper snippets, thread, quilted batting — they decorate the floor.

Today is the last day for the 15% off discount code {CELEBRATE} as well as a discount on Custom Orders: 10% off on orders $40-$100; 15% off on orders $100+.

Let’s have a little Friday fun!

I’m giving away two $30 Gussy gift certificates — all you have to do is leave a comment.

The winners will be announced Monday morning!

xxoo.


Comments

  3. Krista says

    oh my! I can just picture all your excitement by reading this post. I think you did a great job picking out fabric!

  4. Sarah Mae says

    I am so ridiculously happy for you!!!!!!! Oh, and am completely vying for one of your laptop bags. {ahem}.

    Thanks for the fabulous giveaway!!!!!!!

  11. Mela Kamin says

    congrats – so happy you’ve found something that uses your gifts and moves you – that’s an awesome place to be – oh, and looks like I’ll see you at Cafe Latte Sat after all … YEAH! or is that YEOW?! :)

  13. Sandy a la Mode says

    congrats on your first week being your own boss!!! i wish my days could be filled with sewing and music as well (not a coffee drinker so i’ll replace that with tea)! and thanks for being soo generous and offering another giveaway, you are awesome! have a great weekend maggie!

  14. amber says

    this is my first time visiting your blog (saw the link on @sarahmaeblogs on twitter) and i love it!! i’m gonna have to spend some time looking at everything :-)

  15. Southern Gal says

    I’m so happy your first week has gone so well. I was thinking as I had to leave the house early this morning that I MISS having to be somewhere early sometimes. Only sometimes…

  17. Mindy says

    I think I forgot to comment on your post this week… I am so so happy for you and I wanted to say congrats on your first week!!!!! :o)

  21. Allison says

    Gussy, I am SO excited for you (a little jealous too). Gussy is going to be such a HUGE success!!!

    mom2chelnjustin (AT) gmail Dot com

  22. Ryley says

    Oh I Love Love Love this. Your happiness is contagious.. Love this.

    And know what else I’d LOVE? Some gussy’ness… Send me some love…

  24. Jenny says

    I am so in love with all of your pieces! I’m waiting to buy the *perfect* one. You’ve also inspired me to start learning how to sew! :) Thanks for being an inspiration!

  26. Megan Lane says

    dang maggie, even without the day job, i don’t understand how you can make SEVENTEEN things in one day. you are the queen of productivity. i dream of being my own boss one day — so sick of the day job!!

  28. Lori says

    Congratulations, on your successful first week as a full-time Gussy girl! Your sewing room sounds like mine. I am always working up the fabric lint as well. I use my lint roller on myself all the time! Sometimes I wear the threads to the fabric store – because it makes me look like a serious sew-er, right?

  29. Nikki says

    I just started reading your blog and am truly inspired by your story! Congratulations on transitioning to doing what you love full-time. It is so very scary…I know…I am trying to do it as well. I am also a twinge jealous that you live in Minneapolis…my husband and I just moved back to our hometown after spending six glorious years in the Twin Cities. Glorious except for October through May each year. Hee hee! Say hi to the things we loved, please — Mississippi Market, Birchwood Cafe, The Chatterbox, Minnehaha Falls, Lake Harriet, watching the boats on Lake Minnetonka in Wayzata, Taylor’s Falls, etc etc. :)

  32. hiyaluv says

    I am so happy that you had a brilliant week! I knew you would! Selfishly, I love that you have spoiled us with discounts and now a giveaway-you know how to keep us coming back that is for sure!! :)

    You also did a splendid job picking out fabrics! My Gussy wish list keeps growing and growing and growing….I think you are like pringles-you can’t just have one Gussy!

    smiles,
    gina

  34. Cathy says

    Congratulations on your first week of Gussy Greatness (full-time, that is…because it was ALWAYS great!). Since I found your blog, I’ve been so inspired by your attitude and your courage, and of course your creativity and craft genius. I personally ADORE my Gussy lovely lattice laptop bag (that was fun to type) with its sassy orange ruffle. Everyone who oohs and ahhs over it gets directed right to Gussy online! Keep up the awesome, work, honey!

  35. Sara K says

    I absolutely love the flat bottomed make up bag!
    You are my role model right now!

  36. Katie says

    Sounds like you are having a blast with your transition to full-time sewing. Congratulations! I love your bags…

  38. dawn says

    Glad you had a great first week! Love all your products…still haven’t decided which ONE to get right now :)

  39. Katie says

    I just ordered my first Gussy product yesterday, but if I was to happen to win, it would force me to order something else……and oh what a terrible thing THAT would be! ;)

  43. suzi says

    Oh, I might’ve waited to order the wristlet, but oh well–I really wanted it! Hope I can win it so I can get an netbook cover! ha :)

  44. Michelle C says

    It sounds like you are off to a roaring start! I’m so happy for you. :)
    Thanks for the chance to win!
    mrsmchappell at gmail dot com

  50. holly p says

    Congratulations on a successful first week! I’ve been reading your posts and living vicariously through you since I hope to someday be in the same spot you are in now! I’m glad you’re enjoying it so far!

  52. Amanda says

    Congrats on your first week at home with Gussy! I too am an aspiring stay at home business worker and you give me inspiration!!

  53. mrs lusher says

    Oooooooh me please! I need some Gussy in my life!

    Glad to hear that your first week went wonderfully! Hope the following ones rock as well!

  60. Chacoy says

    I am so happy for you Maggie! I wish I could have been a fly on the wall to see your perma-smile, your hands, sewing machine and mind just working away;}
    I hope nothing but good things for you & Gussy from now and into the futue!!
    Congratulations!

  68. Becca says

    Congrats on your first week at the best job ever! I am convinced there’s no better job than working for yourself.

    And I never win anything, but I would LOVE to get my Gussy collection started! ;)

  70. Teri says

    I am so glad you had a great first week as an Exclusive Gussy gal;) I hope you enjoy the weekend with Zach!

  72. Bobbi Jo says

    Amazing week…congratulations! Can’t wait to meet you & all the others in the AM!!

  73. Lisa says

    Congrats on such a successful first week! May you have many, many more to come!

  77. Marie says

    Hello sweet Maggie – I am so excited for you. Even though things have been hectic and “different” I’m so happy you get to do what you want to do full-time! All of your creations bring so much inspiration to those like me who can’t sew to save their life. But I do admire the things you make. I will one day own one of your sweet pouches. Or maybe a fabulous tote! Oh my. And I’m so glad you love ruffles too!

    Thank you for the chance to have fun in your shop.

    Blessings,
    Marie

  81. Shannon says

    I am so uber super duper happy for you Ms. Maggie! I really am. Your story is so very inspiring to me. One of these days before my kids graduate high school I will dust off my sewing maching and learn at least to do a little something. :)

  84. Angie H. says

    Congratulations! I thank you for the earlier post on how to make your dreams come true. Hard work and planning, planning, planning!

  85. Stac says

    I always hope random.org is on my side. Today is lucky #89 :) I’d love to have a gus to show off!

  89. Beth says

    Congrats on your first week as full-time Gussy! I might just single-handedly keep you in business! :)

  90. bailey touchton says

    i am SO happy for you!! i can’t wait to see all of the new Gussy stuff you come up with :) i think i’m due for a new one pretty soon…hehe

  94. Corrie says

    Congratulations Maggie!! I’m so glad that your first week was great! I want to see a picture of your floor with all the snippets so I don’t feel so bad about my floor

  96. Lisa G. says

    I bought my first Gussy, this week. You had my current favorite color combo–orange and blue and I snagged it up!

  101. Elizabeth Johnson (Toile) says

    How nice of you! I am so excited (and a tad bit jealous) for you and your new full time job! It must be sooo fun.. amongst all of the hard work that goes into it! 17 new items is a lot! Enjoy your weekend Maggie!

  102. tara says

    Sounds like an awesome week :) Congrats on all your success and I’m a major fan of gussy ruffles too :D

  106. Katy@KatyDidWhat says

    Glad you had such a great week. I just ordered my second Gussy in a month this morning, whohoo! I’m dying for it to arrive already! I’d love to win a gift certificate and make that THREE Gussy’s. Could a girl be so lucky???

  110. Julie L. says

    So glad you had a good first week. I still need to get my first Gussy item. I have had my eye on a few. Maybe it will be my lucky day!

  113. letter {A} studio says

    Congrats on all of your success!!! I’m stopping by from the Freckled Nest blog for the giveaway. Even if I don’t win, I’ll definitely be back for more of your crafty goodness :)

  114. Teresa says

    I’m glad you had a great first week of full-time Gussy! Don’t forget to schedule in some breaks every now and then. You should get outside at least once a day (don’t I sound like a mom? OK, I am and I work at home a couple of days a week and know it’s important to GET OUTSIDE).

  119. meg says

    oh how i love your gussy stuff!! and i love the ones i have and now of course need something new!!! xoxoox

  120. kelly stieben says

    I’m so super duper excited about my {gussy} laptop bag to come that everyday I go to the mail box with little butterflies in my stomach. Is today the day?! Not yet…but soon! YAY! :)))

  128. Beth Stone says

    Congratulations on a productive “first week.” Best wishes for your new venture! Thanks for the giveaway – I’d love to win!

  130. Karen says

    Thanks so much for the helpful biz information posts 1, 2, and 3! I appreciate you taking the time to share your experiences with others starting up or gearing up their own businesses. Congrats on your first week! Are your ruffles like ruffles potato chips which they say you can’t stop with just one?!

  131. Angela Markey says

    Cute!
    Not only is your shop adorable, you are a great writer! This post was very fun to read :) I feel like I can sort of relate as I’m in an awkward post-graduation/not-currently-working/waiting-for-summer-to-start kind of mode. I can stay at home all by myself and do whatever I wish! I am enjoying it :)
    I hope you enjoy your weekend!

  132. Sara @ Happy Brown House says

    So glad it was a great week! I’m impressed that you got 17 things made and photographed in one day! Maybe if it was just me, my music, and coffee I’d be more productive, but there’s that whole mommy/child thing. Ha! Here’s to lots of business and the family goal!

  134. Cindy A. says

    Aw, yay! It sounds like you had a great first week. Congratulations on finally realizing your dream… you definitely deserve it! :)

  137. Nicole says

    Happy successful first week at Gussy! Love the ruffles and the verse on your blog header! Would love to help out with the Family Goal. Thank you for the opportunity!

    Blessings,
    Nicole

  142. Kristen says

    Congrats on working so hard! I totally understand how easy it is to work late into the night when you’re home based. Great shop by the way! (visiting from Freckled Nest)

  146. jlyn says

    congrats on “graduating” to full time gussy-ness :) your products are beautiful…i can’t wait to see what all! this! free! time! will produce!

  149. Mellisa says

    Sounds like you had a fantastic first week! :) It’s must be so rewarding to do what you love for a living! :) Have a great 2nd week of the rest of your life!

  150. Kathy says

    i love your description of your days! picking threads off of your clothes . . . i always forget to do that before i leave to go to the store ;) congrats again. here’s to orders continuing to pour in!

  153. Pamela says

    I think you have to be thankful for such a wonderful week. I guess that’s what the GC’s are about, though. God is sooooooooooooo good.

    I have prayed for your adventure and will continue to. I am thinking of my favorite Psalm – 139. “You are beautifully and wonderfully made.” And it seems like your creations capture so much of that sentiment.

    Wishing and praying for all the best for you. Excited for week 2!

    beehope3 at gmail (dot) com

  155. Kirsten says

    I’m loving all these giveaways, and winning one made me feel even luckier! :-) <3

  158. Abbey@Practically Perfect says

    I love your stuff and your blog! I’m waiting for my clutch to wear out so I can buy a new one–one of yours!–but in the meantime if I win a gift certificate I’ll just donate my un-worn out one and trade up early!

  159. Julia says

    wow! love your stuff. we’re trying to move so I can’t really afford anything right now (saving just like you guys did!) but this $30 could totally come in handy for a laptop bag (you DON”T want to see the one i’m currently using.)

  161. Stacey says

    wow! could this post have been any more uplifting? you made my mood brighter just hearing you talk about the excitement that goes along with doing what you love ALL DAY LONG. congrats!

  163. Kait says

    Congratulations indeed!
    It’s great that you are so enthusiastic right from the start. Wonderful energy!

    Also, sending some Minnesota love! I live in Stillwater (just east of the cities). I’m in school in Georgia right now and I miss it terribly!

  166. Amanda Plett says

    way to go for having to courage to “quit your day job!” that takes strength and faith that god will continue to provide. he’s given you talent…way to run with it! congrats! by the way, your ruffles are the cutest!

  168. Pam Keener says

    I also placed an order for a wristlet which is going with me on a cruise the end of June.
    Congrats.
    Love & Hugs,
    Pam
    pk4290(at)comcast(dot)net

  171. Shelley says

    Congrats on your first week at Gussy! Love the stuff in your shop- its all so cute! :)

  172. Jessica Dye says

    I love your products! They are amazing. Congrats on your first week at Gussy!

  180. Lisa Thomas says

    I love that you are stepping out to do Gussy full-time. When God leads and directs us, we can’t go wrong! Love your work.

  182. Amie says

    So glad your first week went so well! When I read your entries, I feel like I can see you skipping all the way to the shower and such. Thank you for sharing. ;)

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  1. […] few fun giveaways end tonight: – Gussy giveaway: 2 – $30 shop credits are up for grabs – May sponsor group giveaway: 1 winner will win wares […]