Sunday, January 18, 2015

Introducing "Lighthearted"...finally!

Image courtesy of Kokka Fabric

Warning: This is a ridiculously lengthy post, so I suggest you just skim through the photos!

Thinking lightheartedly has always been a challenge throughout my life. I worry about everything like crazy. Whenever I take on a new endeavor, I can't help myself thinking about the worst possible case scenario and get cold feet eventually. This new journey was no exception... the journey to design fabric!

Image courtesy of Kokka Fabric
This line is called "Lighthearted"" by Kokka, a Japanese fabric manufacturer. When this amazing opportunity to design fabric came to me in fall 2013, I was so excited. I have always loved fabric, especially retro inspired, quirky, small prints - all sorts of fabrics I used for my projects in my book, Patchwork Please!. I thought this would give me a perfect opportunity to bring some fabric I-wish-existed to the real world!

Image courtesy of Kokka Fabric
I was really enjoying designing it in the beginning but spent just way too much time looking at my designs, editing, twisting, changing colors, etc to the point I started having second thoughts. 'Is this line really cute? Is this something people will want to play with? ....I thought so, but I am not sure anymore!!!'


After mulling it over, I felt I was in middle of nowhere and really didn't know where I was going. I felt ridiculous that I thought I had what it takes to be a fabric designer. After all I didn't know anything about designs/colors. I didn't know how difficult the whole process of designing fabric could be. Everything was so new to me. I was in the world I had absolutely no clue about.


Loving pretty fabric didn't necessarily mean I could create pretty fabric, which is the conclusion (at least I thought, at the time) I came to when it was too late. Also, I was scared of the thought about promoting my fabric. Promoting myself is the last thing I feel comfortable about doing in general. And I was afraid I would neglect my family by getting into it deeply.
Image courtesy of Kokka Fabric
My name was going to be on the selvage of this fabric line but I asked for a big favor to remove it. I got too intimidated and it helped me to think it was over. Yes it was very selfish of me and I felt extremely guilty about this. I shut down and needed a long break from social media. I was scared of people judging me who was still struggling to find the balance in life with a baby, have made very few things lately, and thought I had what it takes to call myself a fabric designer.  I didn't want people to think of me. I had to turn down many great offers/opportunities during the hard time.


Now I think about it..., it was solely myself who was the most critical of myself.


A few friends of mine and family I've shared my fabric with said great things about it, but because they are just being kind, I thought. Then I started seeing my fabric popping up on blogs, Instagram, and popular fabric shops. One of Lighthearted fabric, the mustard text print, was actually Kokka's best selling fabric last month! There were some people who bought it!? And believe it or not, they are the people I've admired for years!! Seriously? Reading through comments on IG about my fabric just made me cry so much. OK, so I guess this is fabric some people love and want to play with.


It made me feel so good and gave me enough courage to finally reveal that this fabric was truly designed by me. I've read lots of inspirational articles and self-help books ("Self-Compassion" by Kristin Neff is so inspirational) to deal with the difficult time, but what helped me most effectively and quickly was knowing that the sewing community does support my fabric much more than I had expected. That's just amazing finding. My fabric doesn't suck. It will be used in people's creations which will be loved by someone's hands for possibly decades. Sure the market is filled with beautiful fabric already and Lighthearted may not be everyone's favorite, but you can say that about anything, right? It's time I stopped beating myself up. Maybe it's time I admit I do like my fabric and say I am proud of it. *sobbing*

I even started making some paperbag blocks to put together a quilt. Maybe I can even make it into a pattern. Would anyone like to make some paperbag blocks?


Anyway I am very thankful of folks at Kokka for flying over to visit with me so many times and having a lot of patience to deal with this very difficult person during that time. Thank you for creating amazing things with my fabric for the quilt market! Thank you Alyce of Blossom Heart Quilts for making the beautiful quilt for it! I am very thankful of the chief editor of Patchwork Tsushin magazine who first encouraged me to get into fabric designing. And I am extremely thankful of all my friends and family who have supported me throughout. This community of my sewing friends is very good and important to me. I should never try to hide under a rock again. Thank you, thank you, thank you so much for all of you who have been supportive and encouraging.


If you are interested in playing with Lighthearted fabric (Yay!), here is a list of shops that carry Lighthearted as far as I know.

USA
Kiwi Fabric
Pink Castle Fabrics 
Sunny Day Fabric 
Westwood Acres
Stash Fabrics
Momen Plus (In store)
Cool Cottons
superbuzzy
Modern Quilter
Fabricworm

Australia
Amitie Textiles (In store)
Polka Dots Tea Fabrics 
Patchwork on Pittwater (Coming soon)

UK
The Village Haberdashery
The Eternal Maker (Coming soon)


Japan
Miss Matatabi 
My shop

If you know of other shops that carry Lighthearted, I'd love it you could let me know so I can update the list! If you are a shop owner and would like to have Lighthearted, here is a list of Kokka's international distributors.

Thank you so much for reading through such a lengthy post! *Big hug*

133 comments:

  1. well you kept that quiet!

    it's all fantastic, you've done a great job A.

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  2. You keep away from rocks- you are NOT to go hiding under them anymore! These fabrics are way too beautiful to shy away from! I am going to make my way to Amitie as soon as I can to get my hands on some of this! And those paper bag blocks are just adorable! Congratulations on this fabulous fabric range!! And I hope this is only the first of many!

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  3. It was lovely to read about your "design process" and a very heart warming story it was! I'm sure that most of your readers would have had exactly the same anxieties and doubts - that makes us human! Anyway - it has a happy ending because your fabrics are fabulous and next time there will be fewer tears and you can display your name on the selvedge with pride.

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  4. Dear Ayumi, be sure we love your Fabrics! I like long posts and don't like to visit a blog to see only one photo and no words. But ... i really love your designs! Prints and colours are beautiful! Also I like the General look. Often I feel that something doesn't fit or something is missing but these I really like all together! Be sure that the selvages will be a treasure with your name on it! And Paper bags - yes, of course we want to make them! What a fun pattern and great way to show Super Fabrics! Congratualtions Ayumi, I'm so happy for you and for us to see and get so beautiful Fabrics! x Teje

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  5. Dear Ayumi, Thank you for sharing what is in your heart. Rest assured that all of us - and there are oh so many - who love cute, quirky little prints will fall in love with your fabrics. They are adorable - and so are you. I hope you are gaining the confidence to allow yourself to accept the praise and admiration you truly deserve. Best wishes to you.

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  6. Oh, Ayumi... your fabrics are so wonderful that I'm shocked that you were so critical to it! You shoulnd't have ANY doubts about these fabrics! Congrats on successful fabric designing and I wish you many more collections in the future. But just don't be so critical to yourself anymore!

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  7. It is a beautiful range!!! And while I love all the quirky prints my favourite is the crosshatch with that little scribble line - SO useable and a little bit edgy. Looooove it!!

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  8. Ayumi, you've struck a chord that's so close to home with me also. I worry, worry, worry about thing's so much as well, and always convince myself out of great opportunities. Can I just say what a beautiful collection of fabrics you have designed. You have absolutely no need to feel shy and embarrassed about designing and creating such amazing fabrics. YOU DESERVE THIS. Don't feel ashamed. We're always our own worst critic, and that's tough to overcome, but I'm so pleased you wrote this very touching post. I can imagine it was a very emotional roller coaster to type out all those feelings deep inside, but it's good to talk and air these things than bury them. Keep up the fantastic work Ayumi. xx

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  9. Ayumi, you're fabric is wonderful. It is cute, pretty, and best of all colorful ad fresh. I'm so happy for you that you worked through your trepidation which is totally understandable. Please don't hesitate to design your second line of fabric! Life is full of challenges just take them as they come and meet them with great courage and confidence.

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  10. Huge hugs Ayumi! Having a baby is a huge life change and not everyone is so open about the fact that it can be a struggle, I was so overwhelmed when I had my first. Glad to hear you are feeling stronger and you should be so so proud of yourself! The line is utterly adorable and I will definitely be ordering some :) xxx

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  11. What a beautiful post. We all have worries and doubts. It is what makes us caring, compassionate and human.It is just very very difficult to see that when you are in the middle of something challenging. You are clearly so so talented and I wish you every success. Best wishes xx

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  12. I am sew glad you shared with us. The blocks are so sweet I would love the pattern.

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  13. I can't even believe the doubts you had when I see this beautiful fabric! But, we are always our own toughest critics. I can't wait to get my hands on this and start creating! Love your fabric, love how amazing you are too. Thanks for sharing!

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  14. It's very pretty fabric! Congratulations!

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  15. Ayumi, the fabric is amazing! I'm so glad you didn't give up because I'm looking forward to getting some of it. The paper bag blocks are fabulous as well!

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  16. Your fabric is wonderful, and so you too. It is really really hard to put oneself out there in any kind of designing, so also remember to give yourself a break for having the reaction you did, you are not alone in that either. It is all a part of growing and learning, and I sure hope to see more fabric designs from you as you continue on your creative journey.

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  17. It's beautiful fabric, I want, I want, I want! And the blocks I want to make, make, make!

    Being a Mom and doing all the creative stuff, I'm sure is not the easiest to balance but it looks like you are rocking it!

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  18. Reading your story, I wonder if you are "too hard" to your self dear, this is absolutely a perfect beautiful fabrics design ... I am not put sugar on it, but its really beautiful .. and the selvage is pretty, I really loves to keep a beautiful selvage everytime I get a new fabrics. I hope your name still on it, please .. don't think about to remove it. Congratulations on your new line , I will love to have it soon...

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  19. Oh, Ayumi! It's beautiful! We all go through times of self-doubt, but I really hope you know now that we LOVE your work! I liked your fabric before, but I like it even more knowing it's yours! It's the only fabric I got at market!! You are so talented, and I hope to see your name on the selvedge next time!! Xoxo, tara

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  20. It's really beautiful fabric. Congratulations. I think we all go through times of self doubt, especially when it comes to our creations but you should be nothing but proud of your fabrics and next time I hope you'll put your name up on the selvage for all to see.

    Yes pelase to the paperbag block, it's a super cute design.

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  21. Your fabric is gorgeous, I want one of every color and print! You are so talented, I love everything you design :) I wish you had put your name on the selvage and sure hope you decide to the next time. Please keep designing!!!

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  22. Oh sweetie!! I'm going to send you a private message but I just wanted to be one of the many voices here publicly saying what a gorgeous line of fabric you have. And the paper bags are darling. I think we all want to do a paper bag quilt!! Your light is too bright to hide. And I wish I had known about the fabric so I could have seen it in person at market. Hugs darling!!!!

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  23. So thankful you continued on the path to design fabric prints! You have a eye we all love! Hoping you are working on your next
    Group of prints! ♥Continue that creative
    Journey you have a host of followers!

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  24. Oh Ayumi, congratulations!!! I had no idea that you were working on fabric designs:D (That's what I get for not being in Instagram...) The designs are just beautiful. I've been trying to use up my stash and not buy so much fabric, but I know I will have to get my hands on all of Lighthearted:)

    I really hate talking about my work too -- my sewing as well as the editing work that I do professionally. I'm so envious of people who can self-promote and make it look so easy, but I'm also starting to learn that that is how things work (at least in North America). I always hoped people would discover my work and my work would speak for itself, but it seems like you can't be completely silent about it and expect things to magically happen:s (I'm mostly saying this because I am looking for more freelance work and finding that it requires a lot of networking.)

    Anyway, all of that is to say that I completely understand where you're coming from! I constantly second-guess my own creative work too, and I find it hard to accept that I have finally finished something *and* (maybe) finished it well. So I'm so happy to read the end of your post, where you have announced your accomplishment to the world! The prints look so perfect and so you. I absolutely can't wait to see Lighthearted make its way into projects all around the internet.

    Take care, Ayumi, and congratulations again! I'm thrilled for you!

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  25. I have totally sworn off buying any new fabric and wondered if I would ever find myself tempted again.If I could I would order every color way "just because." Bouncy images and colors. This will be a sell out I am sure.

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  26. You rock, girl!
    It has been produced a lot of your fabric baskets here in the north of Europe since I introduced the tutorial to my sewing friends some years ago, I got your book, and this fabric line really rocks!
    What is next??

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  27. What cute fabric Ayumi!! I can''t wait to add it to my collection.Congratulations : )

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  28. Hello Ayumi, you should be really proud of what you have achieved. Sometimes we can be our worst enemy! For instance, I don't talk about my blog with many friends or participate in them due to fear of being judged but then you get surprised with the response when you're open about it. Many congratulations, you have produced a gorgeous line and it's on my shopping list now. Take care.

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  29. No doubt to me that your fabrics will be loved and used! Too bad the journey's been bumpy, but not that it's out in the world, I hope you are touched by the joy it gives!

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  30. When I first saw Lighthearted I caught my breath and quickly ordered some yardage from Miss Matatabi and have been anxiously waiting for the other prints to become available. Yesterday I discovered that you are the designer and "the dots connected" as to why I love the fabric. Your sense of design and color strike a chord in me and it is a rare gift. Thank you for sharing so authentically with us, it makes me treasure the fabric even more!

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  31. It's beautiful!! I've been trying to get my hands on the print fabric with no luck. :( Now I know I can go to Pink Castle and sign up to be notified! THank you! I can't imagine where you found the time to design the fabric with a little baby in your life but you did it. Yay!! ;p

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  32. The world needs strong women raised by confident mothers: you are being such a wonderful role model to your daughter. She is lucky indeed to have a mother growing in her talents, yet able to share her doubts. Well done you! That fabric, as all these comments show, is truly delightful. Hurrah for being afraid of something, and then still going ahead and doing it.

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  33. You are the most bonkers, sweet, talented person there is!!!
    Your fabric is beautiful; never ever doubt yourself again xxxx

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  34. what on earth were you worried about?! its totally cute, and super usable (if thats a word) x

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  35. I must echo all the other comments. Auymi you have nothing to worry about with your line of fabric it is absolutely fantastic!
    I would definitely love to make some paper bags so definitely do hope you make a pattern for these.
    Keep up the great work.

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  36. So sorry I misspelled your name Ayumi :)

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  37. Um wow, Ayumi, I hope your name goes back on the selvedge at some point! What a triumph. I knew I loved the fabric when I saw the first photograph up there. I think the way you've combined contrasting small designs and bigger elements in the different fabrics that makes it really interesting to put them together. Not too matchy matchy! Not too cutesy cutesy. It's wonderful and lighthearted is a great name for it. You chose my favorite colors too!

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  38. Ayumi your fabric is adorable! And now that you've revealed who designed it I'm sure it's going to sell even faster! I can't wait to get my hands on some more! Here's to many more collections and overcoming your fears!! xxx

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  39. Your fabric is beautiful. I just pre ordered some. You can relax and breathe because it is beautiful. I look forward to seeing something lovely with your designs.

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  40. This is wonderful fabric! I can't wait to get my hands on some!

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  41. Hiya Ayumi!!! Congratulations!!! The fabric is wonderful and I'd like to have some of it in all the colorways. JUST GORGEOUS!!! I'll have to check out the stores in the US. And yes, I'd love to see a pattern for the paper bag block. It is soooo cute. Thanks for sharing your talent with the world of fabric lovers. Blessed be, hugs!!! Pam
    pamspretties57 at gmail dot com

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  42. Hi Ayumi, your fabric is fantastic! I have ordered a half yard bundle and can't wait to use it along with your book! I know it is easier said than done but I wish for you the ability to be less hard on yourself...you are so loved by all!
    Lighthearted makes my heart sing!

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  43. Ayumi, I'm so happy you've decided to reveal yourself as the designer - the fabric is so lovely, whimsy and cute without being too sweet, and I just love the borders and the random flowers (I could go on :))
    I've seen it on Rita's blog (red pepper quilts) and fell in love and it's such a lovely surprise to learn that you designed it.

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  44. Your fabric is gorgeous A and adorably cute! I hope this process, as painful as it was at times, has taught you many good things about yourself and given you the confidence to continue producing more wonderful things! That's what life is about, using every experience that comes our way to grow! Jxo

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  45. Ayumi!!! I had no idea it was your's!!!!! No one ever told me!!! Omedetou!!! Oh my goodness... I guess I'm kinda glad I didn't know, otherwise I think I would've been even more freaked out trying to make design choices, haha! I really enjoyed working with the prints - there truly is a print for everyone in there! Well done, I'm just so excited for you!! And next time, put your name on the selvage!!

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  46. Congratulations. They are very pretty. Love the tone of colours. Hope they come to Ireland too:)

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  47. Ayumi, lots of things change after Christmas and before (and even after) New Year's Day. Hearing your fabulous Lighthearted news is a wonderful New Year's gift!

    I congratulate you on having this beautiful fabric for sale in many parts of the world. I think that you will have a huge success...and know that you so deserve all success that comes to you. You are a very talented lady...and quite modest about your talents.

    It's up to the rest of us to do the bragging about your accomplishments!!!

    Before I sign off, I also wanted to say that I do like the paper pieced bag design.

    Could this be the year that I actually find time to begin my own exploration of paper piecing? Hope so.

    xo to you and your beautiful family.

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  48. It really is lovely and you should be proud! I am looking forward to making something real cute with it! Congratulations!

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  49. Love all the colors and different fabrics!

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  50. You're fabric is Gorgeous and totally hoard worthy, Ayumi! Thanks so much for sharing your feelings through the process of designing it. You are admired by so many in this lovely community. Always inspiring! xo Erin

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  51. Bravo, bravo, bravo, Ayumi! I understand your initial trepidation, but your fabric is an incredible reflection of all your wonderfulness and amazing aesthetic. It is happy and new and different and so full of joy. Congratulations and please, please provide us with the bag pattern. I can't wait to make something lovely with it. Thank you for sharing so much of you through your blog, your beautifully sewn items, and, now your fabric!

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  52. Oh, Ayumi, I cried when I read your post. I'm so sorry you felt such concern over the acceptance of your fabric line. It is wonderful and I would love to have some of it, even just to look at it! Your talent and taste are beloved by thousands, and thousands of people, as are you. You did a magnificent job designing this fabric. And the paper bag pattern is delightful! You inspire and bring joy to us all.

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  53. Rosemary B here:
    Ayumi!
    I always get your blog updates late :-(
    I adore this fabric. And I want it.
    I think about you, I know you are busy.
    You are having a wonderful time making things and spending happy days getting inspired.
    This is wonderful. I love your collection!

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  54. oh Ayumi congratulations! You are such a talent, and I'm so sorry you've had such a rough time lately. Thank you for sharing your beautiful fabric designs - I can't wait to buy some! - and thank you for sharing your very personal story. You make such wonderful things, and it's so awesome that you are now designing the fabric you-wish-existed, because now it exists! Cat

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  55. Ayumi, the fabric is gorgeous! I am partial to the orange colorway, but it is all lovely. It may have taken a while, but it was worth the wait. Congratulations.

    xo Linda

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  56. I loved this fabric when I first saw it and didnt realise it was yours! It is such a wonderful collection, Congratulations, you should be so proud!! x

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  57. Well done. Lovely fabric I have to buy some.

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  58. oh Ayumi sorry you have had a troubled time. your fabrics are lovely. when i saw them on red peppers blog i thought wow this fabric is great. iwhen i discovered thru instagram you had designed it it was not such a surprise really...because they are very much what i would imagine you would design. you are definitely a fabric designer now. congratulations!!

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  59. Congratulations on your great collection!! I wish it won't be long anymore before you're going to really feel as lighthearted as I do when I look at your fabrics! If you read all the wonderful comments before mine I hope it will sink in and convince you that you have a wonderful talent that's far too precious to be hidden under some "rock".

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  60. No, your fabric "doesn't suck" 😊 I think it is lovely and I'll try to order some online as I do not expect german shop to carry them (at least not the ones in my region)! I know how you feel about promoting oneself - and look how everything turned out great! Congrats for your first (and great) collection, I do hope it is not the last one!

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  61. Dear sweet Ayumi, never doubt your talents, which are many! I have had a F8 bundle of your fabric for over a month now and I love it!! And to be truthful, until today I did not know my friend was the creator of it :) I would love a paper bag pattern a and will be saving my precious bundle for when you share the pattern. Love and hugs!

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  62. I am so in love with your fabric line, Ayumi. Fell in love before I knew it was your design. You are so talented, and kind, and honest. Please be kind to yourself, too! Looking forward to sew something pretty...
    ; )

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  63. Ayumi, it is an adorable fabric collection and I look forward to buying some. Do be kind to yourself! We all love you.

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  64. I love it. I will be buying it. But I totally understand how hard it is to do something new, fear being judged, and feel like it is impossible to climb out of that hole of self doubt. Good for you for making it through that difficult time. Stay strong and be very proud of your accomplishment xo

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  65. Ayumi, it is amazing and so very YOU! I love Patchwork Please, and I will most certainly be buying all of these fabrics! I cannot wait! Congratulations on your first fabric line!

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  66. Oh it is just so adorable just like you! Congratulations! I feel like this is the natural progression of your great style. I love all the little details that are perfect for tiny fussy cutting. Your paper bag blocks are so cute. Honestly, it's just super darling, just like you! xo

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  67. I love your new fabric line! I'm glad you're feeling better about it, and I'm super glad you posted about it because I hadn't heard about it and now I'm looking forward to getting some! :)

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  68. Congratulations, Ayumi!! Your new fabric line is adorable! :)
    J.

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  69. I have already made projects with your Swedish Kitchen fabric, fell in love with it, wanted more and couldn't find it. I am thrilled that it's coming back. You are very talented and I know you are meant for bigger things. You have an eye and a gift for designing. I'm going to order loads of this fabric! I'm so excited! Thank you for such beautiful fabric and keep designing Ayumi! I'm rooting for you!

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  70. Hi, Ayumi, I used to read your blog when I still had my "old" blog which I had to delete because it was hacked. I'm back online with a new one and now trying to visit those I once kept in touch with. Your blog looks great as usual and I'll be back again to visit.

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  72. I was super excited to receive a bonus scrap of your Lighthearted fabric in a package you sent me last week. Now I am even more excited to know that I can buy more of it! I absolutely love the little baking pictures and the text fabrics. I have been struggling to find fabrics in the UK similar to the ones you used in your Patchwork Please book but these are perfect. Well done on designing a great line and I for one hope you will design more in the future.

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  73. OMG you should be SO proud of your accomplishment! I think your line is beautiful and all of the prints would be welcome in my stash any time. I can understand that such stress can make you second guess yourself but that's a good thing as long as you let it push you forward instead of pulling you down. Thank you so much for sharing your whole story, the good the bad and the beautiful!

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  74. Ayumi, CONGRATULATIONS your fabric is so beautiful. Funny how we are usually our worst critic and worst enemy. I hope I will be able to get my hand on your very very gorgeous creation. Now rest on your laurel and if you feel like it, continue to create so much cuteness.

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  75. Ayumi, I totally understand how you feel but your work is lovely and your fabric is too! I saw it either on a blog or in a magazine yesterday & immediately that lovely text fabric jumped out and grabbed me. And that was BEFORE I realized it was designed by you! I am also my worst critic despite sewing since I was a little girl & having my own custom clothing company. I expect perfection of myself. I expect all of my projects to be able to hold up to super-close scrutiny despite not even posting photos. I can't imagine how nerve wracking it would be if I were in your shoes. This need for perfection stifles creativity and slows me down. It can also be depressing, like a millstone around my neck when I would love to be carefree and LIGHTHEARTED ;-D about sewing. The blogging world is a great way to share but it can also make some of us feel like we have a standard of perfection to live up to. I compare my work to the giants of the quilting world because now the internet makes that possible. I plan to start blogging soon and this is why I named my blog "My Sew Imperfect Life." I make mistakes on every project I do, yet it always ends up being a positive thing because the project evolves into something better. I want to show warts and all which I think will be a cathartic therapy for me and hopefully for others too. Your post has inspired me to get off my duff and finally write my 1st post! One of my goals for 2015 is to create simply for myself and not judge my work harshly. Maybe you could join me and making 2015 the year to have faith in our art? And when I make something with your lovely delicious fabric I will actually take the step of posting it for you to see! Hugs & congrats you talented wonder woman you!
    Noelle Lena

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  76. Dear Ayumi!!
    First thank you soooooo much for sharing your gorgeous talent with the quilter's world!! Your fabric is just adorable! So darling, so sweetie! I think that when I receive the package of your fabrics (I will be waiting anxiously until it arrive to Brazil) and touch them, cut and piece them, I will feel like if I was giving you a hug!!
    Congratulations! You are a super talented quilter and now also hyper talented fabric designer! And please, put your name on the selvages, I wanna collect them too!!!
    A large and huge from your brazilian flickr-friend!!!!!
    Sil

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    1. Awww thank you so much Sil!! You are just so kind!!!

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  77. You are so talented. This line of fabric is bright and colorful and makes me feel "lighthearted". Please continue to allow your creativity to flow...without rocks or other obstacles. Thanks for sharing your feelings...been there, done that. :)

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  78. i love this fabric! especially the tones in the first photo. i want i want i want!!

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  79. Ayumi,
    Congratulations on a beautiful fabric line! I am so glad that you did not give up, as challenging as it must have been. You are very brave and you are showing your beautiful baby girl how strong you are. You have amazing talent and I hope that you will continue sharing your work!

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  80. I am so thrilled for you!
    Your fabric is delightful, just like everything you have brought to the world.
    Though I doubt I will ever see your fabric in my part of the world, it makes me happy to know it is in the world.
    You have brought us so many wonderful things. Keep on believing in yourself, because we all believe in you!

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  81. Ayumi, I'm so proud of you! What a huge accomplishment!!! I have been lax on keeping up with fabric lately so this was my first time seeing it, but I must say it is lovely. You did such a terrific job. I'm only sad that when I get my hands on some your shining name won't be there on the selvage! Thank you for sharing your gifts and talents with us all. What a blessing you are. <3

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  82. Congratulations Ayumi! What a super fabric line, looking forward to use it soon.
    Myrto

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  83. I wondered where you were! Your fabric is lovely, such a nicely balanced range, so be very proud and enjoy this very exciting journey that you are on.x

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  84. Thank you for sharing your journey - sometimes we feel so alone with our self-doubts. Your fabric is amazing and I love the colors and designs. I also love your humbleness - that is a real treasure nowadays!

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  85. Congratulations to you! It is so difficult to put your art out there. Bravo for your courage and talent. It is beautiful!

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  86. Love all the little elements in this line, congrats!

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  87. Congratulations on your new fabric line. It has so many possibilities for play! Thank you for taking this risk and providing pleasure to so many people. Your paper bag block is adorable, too.

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  88. I love the fabric line! You are being way too hard on yourself. And, yes, I would love a pattern for the paper bag block! Thanks and I can't wait for your next line. :-)

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  89. Ayumi, I can't tell you how much I love this fabric! It is so you...but it is so me too! I reslly hope you will be designing more fabric lines for Kokka! When I saw this line at quilt market I knew we needed it for our new little shop, Sunny Day. I didn't know it was your line of course, but when I found out it was even more special to me! Congrats Ayumi! I am sooooo happy for you!

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  90. Ayumi...You are SO incredibly humble and kind...The very SECOND I saw this fabric, I preordered the ENTIRE line from Kiwi fabrics! I cant wait to see it in person!!!! I showed it to all of my sewing friends...and they all LOVED it! We oooohhhed...and ahhheeddd...over it at work yesterday!!! I LOVE your work, your patterns..and you are just one of the SWEETEST people ever! Congratulations...You are SO talented and wonderful! and....that baby girl! WOW!!!! So ADORABLE:)

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    1. Aww what a sweet thing to say!! Thank you so much Michaelanne!!

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  91. Ayumi, your fabrics are so lovely! And adorable! There are so many things I would love to make with them, playing with them would be a joy. Please don't ever doubt yourself and your talents. Make what you love, and we will love it, too!

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  92. Hi! I was just searching Bloglovin' for some new crafty blogs to follow. The image of your fabrics popped up in my search and I loved them. Now I'm here, reading your blog, following on Bloglovin', and making a note on where to buy the fabric. We're always our own worst critics. Go easy on yourself.

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  93. Congratulations Ayumi! I was selling your fabric to shops at the Australian Quilt Market in November (I was working for Kokka's Aussie rep) - I hadn't made the connection that this was YOU!! I love it and will be tracking some down very soon.

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  94. So thrilled for you Ayumi! Just love your fabric. All the best to you.

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  95. Love your fabric and the paperbag blocks.

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  96. Well done, and congratulations on overcoming your fears. Your fabric is gorgeous!

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  97. Beautiful fabrics! Thanks for sharing how hard this has been for you. I admire you for your bravery -- in designing the fabric and then talking about the process.

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  98. i love the teal, but the crosshatched with the doodle line in it is my new favorite-ist of ever! I must have this!

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    1. Aww thank you!! I hope you love playing with the crosshatched one if you end up getting it and playing with it!

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  99. I am trying my hardest to not buy fabric but use what I have (I have stacks and stacks everywhere) but I love love love what I call the plaid (others call it a crosshatch) - must be a generation thing. Cannot wait to see it in person.

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  100. We are all so proud of you, Ayumi. This collection is absolutely darling, and I've had so much fun working with it already!

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  101. I LOVE your fabric and I'm sorry that creating it caused you so much distress! Please don't be discouraged and continue designing and creating!

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  102. Love the line and would love to make some paper bags!

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    1. Thank you Lori! I hope to put together a pattern once I am ready!

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  103. I love all of these fabrics and especially the small plaid! And thank you for including links to where it is available. I will be buying some of these for sure.

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  104. The favric is just lovely and yummy! I saw your first name on another's blog and thought, "Is that Ayumi from Pink Penquin?" Yes! So exciting for you.

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  105. Self doubt can be very hard to deal with! You are brave to share with us all how much you struggled, you might help someone else by sharing it, so that's great. I think it's normal to have doubts about things, I know I do! But often we are far more critical of ourselves than anyone else would ever be! Your fabric looks amazing, I love the vintage/retro feel.

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    1. It sure makes me feel good to hear it is normal to have self doubt! Thank you for your kind words!!

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  106. Wow.....what an amazing accomplishment! You're work is stunning and I need to get my hands on this fabric line!! Thank you for sharing your heart and so glad the sewing community helped salve some of your fears....look forward to seeing more of your creations....in whatever form that means!!!
    Blessings!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️

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    1. Thank you so much for your sweet words, Karen!!

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  107. I love this fabric line! And I love those paper bag blocks, too. Yes, I'd like to play with our fabric and make some paper bag blocks. I'm happy to hear you have to enjoy and acknowledge your creative design work.

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  108. I love your fabrics, congratulations. I would really love to make your paper bag blocks--they look really fun.
    janicelashley@gmail.com

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  109. I love your fabrics, congratulations. I would really love to make your paper bag blocks--they look really fun.
    janicelashley@gmail.com

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  110. Just got mine in the mail today and I'm thrilled to already be cutting it up for a pincushion swap!

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  111. I adore your fabric!! It's been on my wishlist for so long!! I just ordered the florals from your shop as I couldn't resist them any longer - even though I can't afford fabric right now. I will be back tor the rest :) xox

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  112. I have only just noticed this fabric today and immediately typed the details into Google for two reasons. 1. To find a picture of it to send to a good friend who lives fabric as much as me, and 2. To see where I could purchase some ASAP. I'm so pleased its at Amitie in Australia. I was only in there on Friday and must admit I didn't see it but will have to make a special trip back there this Friday. Thank you for being so talented.

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  113. I am so glad you worked through your doubts and got this fabric line completed. I just saw someone's Instagram post featuring your fabric and knew instantly it was the right fabric for a quilt I am starting, so thank you so, so much

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    1. Oh I am so glad to hear this! Thank you, Susan! I really hope you will enjoy playing with Lighthearted!

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  114. I love your works. Colours, prints are wonderful. I've already have my needles and threads in hands ;) I'm so happy I could get some of fabrics via etsy store!

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    1. Thank you for your kind words! I really hope you will enjoy playing with it if you get a chance :)

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  115. Beautiful! I am sorry the process was so hard. Please don't throw in the towel. We need more fabric like this! Please!!!

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  116. I got finally some of your prints! I'm so excited! They just look so gorgeous: https://www.flickr.com/photos/jednoiglec/16597493106/

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  117. ME ENCANTAN LOS ESTAMPADOS DE LAS TELAS...
    SALUDITOS

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  118. Oh Ayumi!! I love all of these! That little pot and lid and spoon are so from your hand for sure! I adore the color palette, including that fabulous mustard, and I love the way you used Swedish (and Danish? couldn't tell...) text in such a cool way. I'm so sorry you had a crappy time getting through it, but I am SO Glad you did! Was just reading about "self compassion" recently. I had to make myself read it, as it struck so close to home. Anyway-- We all love you!! And your fabric! And your sweet creations, all of them.

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  119. This is the reason we love you so much, you are so humble! Lighthearted is lovely and I can hardly wait to see what you come up with next!

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  120. You are amazing! Thanks for all you do. You are so inspiring.....you have such a kind spirit too. Many congratulations, and keep at it. You are a real jewel. And you are unique.

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  121. Your fabric and designs are so amazing! I just love them. It always amazes me that people who are so talented are so humble about their work, as you are. But you deserve all the accolades you are receiving. I am curious...is the paper bag pattern found anywhere now? I'm in a bee and would love to have my bee mates help me make a quilt from paper bag blocks. Thank you! stephiepeterson at yahoo dot com

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