It seems like so long ago that I was writing my last blog post, which coincidentally was of the same subject matter! But here I am, only just over a year later writing it again - WHAT!?!?
As you may know from social media posts, newsletters and visiting the studio, our little family has had a turbulent 12 months. It was both the best year and the worst year. We welcomed our beautiful baby boy Ollie who brings all the happy feels and playfulness to our lives every day, no matter how tired we are! Unfortunately a few months after he was born, Jim was diagnosed with Stage 4 Cancer. We've been navigating through the chemo, the surgeries and taking each day at a time the best we possibly can. We're so incredibly lucky to have so much support from our family, friends and our beautiful tribe of people.
Family and health are always the first priority though, and this has meant that some days Amy Kallissa as a business has taken a back seat. Less time and room in my heart and brain to think about creating and designing. Less time in the studio to be inspired by beautiful fabrics and whimsical ideas. There's still been designs whizzing around in my head and I've been sure to jot them down or sketch them on scraps of paper between appointments and nappy changes though - so don't stress too much!
With only a short amount of time between Jim's diagnosis and starting chemo and so many doubts and fears about an unsure future, we decided not to prevent what life had in store for us... and a short while later we found out that we were expecting a baby girl - a little Mabel!
This pregnancy has come with a few complications, and while I still have 8-10 weeks to go, I'm getting the feeling that Mabel is keen to come into this world sooner rather than later! Together with looking after a 12 month old and everything else that's going on, I'm getting tired a lot quicker this time round and prioritising and juggling life harder than I ever have before!
That being said.... Amy Kallissa will continue to run ONLINE ONLY from the end of June 2025 until I'm confident enough to juggle everything and recommence Open Studios, Sit & Sews & Classes. Like last year, new products will also continue to be added to the website and if I’m lucky enough to have a spare half hour or so, we might even be able to get back to some Sunday Sewcial’s and maybe even a End of Bolt Sale over on the Amy Kallissa Sew-ciety Facebook Group. So if you haven't already joined the group, head over and do it now!
I'm so thankful for everyone's ongoing support and encouragement and would be lost without you, so from the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU!
Happy stitching,
Amy xx
