Do you know what? We have some big news. We have decided, after twenty five years in retail (five of those years as Mike's), to close our shop.
I know. It is sad, isn't it? I feel a bit sad too. Cam and the kids feel a bit sad. But do you know what else? I feel really relieved. The Recession has been kicking our butts for the last 18 months and the pressure has been quite horrible. The lack of security and consistency has been completely draining, bordering on heartbreaking at times. Ugh. But ONWARD, I say.
So, this means things will get BETTER and busier here! I really want to concentrate on my books and writing this blog. Those things are my super faves. It's hard to do those things well when you have a shop kicking you in the pants every day. I want to write more patterns, create my own yarn line, do some crafty teaching and do lots more writing. I want to facilitate more community projects. I want to write a novel. I want to spend more time with you guys. Yes. And I want to make more time for CRAFT!
I have realised that I want my mission to be The Encouragement of Creativity, Community and Positivity. (I think I need a plaque with that engraved on it.) So that is what I am going to do. I am going to show people that their lives can be happy and creative. And that they are capable of doing great things. That is what I REALLY want to do. I want to enable nice times. It's my mission. I am sure.
Do you know, I will get a bit more time with family, and our weekends will be ours for the first time ever. Imagine it! A weekend! Gads!
I know all this might make you sad. I truly do understand that. But believe me when I say it is the very right thing. Retail has never been for the faint hearted, and things are tougher than ever. The forecasts are not at all positive, so it's time to make our move and adapt to these changing times. My life is about craft and making things. I want to concentrate on the MAKE!
We're launching a MUCH NICER (if that is possible!) Meet Me at Mike's site soon, with all the usual things I do, plus even more great stuff. I will show you how to make stuff. I will feature more makers. More 'This Is My Life' tours. More profiles of interesting people. And I will be writing a lot more about food and life and feeling good and things that are important to us all. This blog is going to grow into something amazing.
We'll also have an ALL NEW online store. There are a few other exciting secret projects which I will let you know about soon too. They might or might not involve television. I'll still be writing for our beloved Frankie, of course!
Do you know what? This is GOOD! I get to devote more time to YOU GUYS now! I love you guys. Hanging out with you on this blog is the sunshine of my day!
Just so that you know, we're staying put on Brunswick Street for now. And we are going to lease our shop out to the right business. Once we have found the right tenant, we will shut the doors for the very last time. And THEN we're going to see what it's like to have a little bit of life again. And to have time to do the things which are really meaningful for us. And have some fun times. Yes.
I really feel like we have achieved some great stuff, with this dinky little shop. It's time to take all that stuff to the next level. The shop opened the door to all sorts of amazing opportunities, and I want to see where all those things can lead, and what great stuff we can do next. With the door shut.
I hope you are okay. Do you need a tissue? Sob.
xx Pip
If you'd like information about leasing our shop front, please email 63brunswickstreet(at)gmail(dot)com
I NEED to come visit and hug you!!!!!
ReplyDeleteYAY!!! big decision. H U G E.
congratulations on your bravery. it is never easy to make momentous change.
xxxx
Your little shop will be missed....
so happy we will still get lotsa Pip lovin' on the blog!!
Congratulations! I can imagine how hard the decision would have been to make. I find more and more that cliches are cliches for a reason. Here's to one door closing and lots more opening!
ReplyDeleteOh Pip ... BIG news indeed .. but like you say, it will open up your life in many ways. Congrats on making a hard but necessary decision and onward and upward you go! XX
ReplyDeleteCongrats on making a big decision Pip!! I visited your shop whilst in Melbourne with my mumma, I had to make her promise not to embarrass me when we got inside - and she was teasing me because I was so excited to meet you. You were not home - but I still loved our shop. I think that it sounds like a good decision and I can't wait to see your online world grow!! Much love. Bec x
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! Onwards. Upwards. Greater. Grander. Better. Best. X
ReplyDeleteI am really excited for you Pip! And I am glad that I got to visit Mike's once, a while ago.
ReplyDeleteOnwards and upwards!
The future holds crazy wonderful things for you! Even though you won't have a physical store, your positive sweet spirit and amazing zest will keep on going strong! I can't wait to see what the future has in store!
ReplyDeleteGood on you for taking that leap of faith. I think we are about to see huge shake ups in the retail sector, some for the better, some not so good. I applaud you for going with your gut instinct and saying "enough, it's time to bow out on a high note!" Good luck in your future endeavours.
ReplyDeleteAw Pip that's such sad and yet happy news! Good on you for making such a big decision. I think you will very much enjoy having your weekends back :) And we'll all still love you, even without a shop ;)
ReplyDeleteI am SO EXCITED FOR YOU! You sound happy & relieved & bursting with possibilities - onwards & upwards Dear Pip, I can't wait to see what you have planned for US!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to point excitedly at the telly (perhaps!) or hold your new book or directs someone to something awesome on your new site...
Congrats. :)
That IS huge. And I'm sure it's been hard. And I was feeling sad for you. But then you listed all the things you are going to do and I thought Yes, Yes, Yes! I am so excited for you. Many blessing during your transition and new future plans!!
ReplyDeleteI am going to have to come and visit before you shut. That's a promise.
ReplyDeleteI am so proud of you Pip. You are a gem. I am excited about your future and I can't wait to see what you have in store. I will be reading and cheering you on from the hills of the ranges.
xx
Wow! I don't live close so I've never got to visit your shop, so that is sad. But I love your blog, your books, all the things that you are talking of doing. I understand, and brave you! Hugs! I have done markets and teach crochet classes. And, I'm not really going to do markets anymore for the similar reasons to you closing your shop. I've found there are more people who want to learn to create alongside me, and that is lovely :-D
ReplyDeleteWow Pip! good for you. Sounds like exciting times ahead. looking forward to seeing your growth and changes. So pleased for you to have weekends and more craft time.
ReplyDeletecheering you on,
Jodie
Such a tough decision Pip. So excited for you and your family and your creativity and sharing. You will blossom without the dark cloud of retail threatening overhead. I still miss being able to drop in with melways and pom poms but that is me being selfish.
ReplyDeleteIf you are recruiting an army of crafty enablers I'm up for it. love what you do and how you do it and will surely continue to be inspired on a nearly daily basis by your amazeballness.
All the best. Have stopped crying and am now smiling! ;) xg Miss G
Wow, this is sad news, as Mike's is one of my favourite stops whenever I visit Melbourne. But good on you for (once again) following your dreams, and pursuing the things most important to you. Wishing you best of luck in this new and pretty exciting phase.
ReplyDeleteNOOOOOOOO!!!!! But, but... was it something I did? I can change. I'll visit more, I promise. Please... don't...go. Visiting Melbourne will now feel empty and cold...(well, it's often cold, but now even colder...). I don't know what I'll do without you.
ReplyDeletePass me that tissue will you. *SOB*
I'm a teeny bit sad for Melbourne, Pip, but I'm so excited and happy for you. What a huge decision and a wonderful one! A whole new exciting adventure! Awesome. xxx
ReplyDeleteOh Pip!
ReplyDeleteSad.
Happy.
Sad.
Happy.
Sad.
HAPPY!!!!!!!
How fantastic you could come to such a brave decision, I am SO pleased for you and wish you every happiness in all things new and exciting!
I am looking forward to seeing more of your fabulous-ness here!!
xxxxx
'Tis a bit sad Pip, but good on you for making the bold move and doing something that you genuinely want to do! I know you will succeed and you will have many people supporting you not only in the Melbourne community, but globally too! Breathe in and take the next big step with courage and heart.
ReplyDeleteI'm sad that I never got to visit your shop. But I am very happy for you and your next adventure.xo
ReplyDeletei feel super excited for you pip! i very much admire your new mission - can i share it too?!?! :)
ReplyDeletePip wishing you a great & exciting adventure on this next part of your journey. x
ReplyDeleteohh wow Pip, that is massive news! you do sound so relieved and happier (but you always sound happy!)
ReplyDeletegoodluck with the new adventures, wow, your head must be spinning with all the possibilities.
enjoy the sun out there and keep on creating & smiling ♥
OOH Pip! that is bittersweet i suppose! I can imagine the relief you must be feeling! Onwards and Upwards to new and exciting adventures!
ReplyDeleteYour blog is already full of awesomeness, i can't imagine what else you could do to it!! Good luck for future xox
Well I haven't spoken to you for a long time, and when I do pop in for a hello I see this....and I'm actually pleased. You'll be unchained and free to explore other chapters in your life. That's like totally Rad. Totally.
ReplyDeleteHappy Days
Even though Im sad that the shop will be gone, I like that you will not have the stress of trying to make everything work...it must be hard to be in retail!
ReplyDeletelooking forward to bigger and better things :)
Congratulations to you! As a small business owner, I understand a little of your current stress levels.... and I must say - what an AWESOME Mission Statement. I will be wathing with interest and excitement. :)
ReplyDeleteI am sad because I never got to see it in person (I live all the way in Canada) but so excited to have more Pip on the internet! I know good things will happen from this! Good luck :)
ReplyDeleteboth sad and exciting news. I wish you the best of luck in your new direction.
ReplyDeleteI will certainly miss your creative window displays as I walk past - please ask whoever leases the shop to try and keep the windows interesting ;)
Also, you don't need an engraved plaque saying your new motto, you need to craft the sign yourself in the true spirit of the words!
I am so excited for you, all your plans sound amazing - but I am sad I didn't get to come and see the shop... next best thing though, my sister did a few months ago and said it was awesome, and you were awesome, and all the best for your new awesomeness :)
ReplyDeletecongrat's on 25 years!! The pics of the shop front tell such stories.
ReplyDeleteLove your philosphy you plant and all the gardens it springs up in.
Hurrah Pip
Sounds like a whole lotta awesomeness! I'm bummed that I won't get to visit your wee spot when I finally get my weekend away in Melbourne one day. But I still get to visit you here everyday, so ALL good;-)
ReplyDeleteHooray for making big decisions!
ReplyDeleteI'm sad that I never got to visit your shop, but I am glad because as I only know you online, that you get to do more amazing things here and spread the craft love much wider.
Onward and upward I say!
xx
Relief is a good feeling to have... means you've made the right decision. Was hoping to get down to melbourne one day and check it out in the flesh... but Im happy for you and looking forward to more books!
ReplyDeleteAll sounds wonderful to me. There's nothing like making a definitive decision - SO liberating. Looking forward to watching what happens. LOVE seeing photos of the old shop! You really are the vanguard, Pip, as far as styling goes.
ReplyDeleteWow Pip!! So sad and so exciting all at the same time!
ReplyDeleteWell done on such a brave move, I understand it will be sad for you and your family to say goodbye to something you have poured your hearts into and must not have been an easy decision.
But such exciting times lay ahead!! And I completely understand about the weekend thing, what a treat!
Really looking forward to the next chapter of Mikes, it all sounds so very exciting!
I think you need a stamp with your motto, so you can stamp it everywhere.
I'm so excited for you.
OH Pip what a big moment! so many different emotions must be going on for you ( and I admit me too)
ReplyDeleteBut I think it's the right decision and am excited to see the next chapter. I agree with Vic too, you sound relieved and happy.
xo
I can still remember visiting the shop on Bridge Road. I bought a little mixed bag of fabrics and zips and other goodies that I still use now.
ReplyDeleteBest of luck with the new phase! Can't wait to see what you do.
Sarah xx
A tumble of emotions, happy and sad, but at the end I want to give you a pom-pommy cheery HOORAY!
ReplyDeleteHooray to Living Life!
Horay to Following Your Heart!
Hooray to Wanting to Spend Time with the Important People!
Hooray for finding new avenues to Unleash your Beautiful Creativity!
We'll all be joining you in this fabulous New Adventure!
Pip! Pip! HOORAY!!!!!!
♥ Jess Whoa Mamma xxx
good on you, pip! that sounds like a great move. your shop looked divine and i'm a wee bit sad i never got to visit in person. on the other hand, now i'll be able to shop online- hooray! all the best with this new phase in your life. x
ReplyDeleteSorry to read about the big news! I hope you are OKay too Pip! Must be tough making that decision. Will look forward to attend the creative talk on 12th! May the force be with you xo
ReplyDelete"The Encouragement of Creativity, Community and Positivity."
ReplyDeleteCross stitch it on a cushion. It's such a fabulous goal, objective, raison d'etre!
Congratulations to you all, Phase 2 here you come.
My verification word is "hugneati", which I think comes pretty close to what I want to say.
ReplyDeleteYou've brought great joy to so many people through your shopfront, and you're going to continue bringing joy to people with your new site and virtual shopfront.
Onward and upward!
Excelsior!
Oh noes! But at least you are doing it for the right reasons when it suits you all rather than being forced to do it later down the line. And yeah for more Pip time :)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for the chat on the phone this morning Pip, I feel better x 100. Thank you for showing me the bravery I need to make the tough decisions that I need to make, so much more clearly. It is never an easy thing to accept but hey, it's all about embracing change and making space in life for the things that really do inspire you.
ReplyDeleteCannot wait to see what you do next. I am sure it will be beautiful. Here's to kids, dinner parties and crafting!
Much love, Simone Patterson x
Thankyou for your daily emails, which are a highlight every morning (or evening, depending on when I get to read them!). I am sorely disappointed that I won't ever be able to visit your store (I'm in Perth) but wish you oodles of success and happiness with your new projects. Roll on the online store!!!
ReplyDeleteHi Pip!
ReplyDeleteHow freaking exciting?!
I'm so excited about the expanding Mikes site. It feels like my favourite place to hang out is being renovated into an even better place to hang out! And I'm also excited for you and your family having weekends together. All of that extra time - yey!
Too much excitement now. Need cuppa.
Love x
the end of an era... but certainly also the beginning of a very exciting new chapter! can't wait to see where things go from here. thanks for sharing pip! xx
ReplyDeletegood onya pip, owning and running a small unique retail biz aint a picnic, and you should be soo damn proud of all your shops and celebrate their time.... but also be super pumped for all your ace ideas and creativity for the future! dont look back, keep chugging ahead. bigger and greater things lie ahead.(viv westwood wasnt running Sex forever!)
ReplyDeleteOh no this is very sad. Visiting your shop was one of the highlights of my last trip to melbourne (visiting the penguins tied!).
ReplyDeleteBut this is also very happy! Sounds like you have great things on the horizon. I can't wait to see what is coming :D
Wow Pip this is big news! I can imagine how sad you all must feel, I guess the shop has been such a big part of your family life (especially as you live right above the thing!). What a big decision to make - I know that retail in Oz is mighty tough at the moment, I can hardly imagine how tricky it's been managing your gorgeous little shop.
ReplyDeleteBut...exciting times! I think you are so great at encouraging others and in getting us all excited and enthused and involved so I think it's SUPER and ACE that it's those kinds of things that you are going to focus on! Can't wait to see how it all unfolds!
I'm sad I never got to visit your little shop... oh well :(
ReplyDeleteBut I am SO happy for you... such a huge decision and the best thing for you guys.. Go forth and concur your dreams and enjoy your week ends... Woo hoo!
Good luck xxx
Congrats Pip on taking that big step!
ReplyDeleteCannot wait to see what you do next.
I'm glad you will keep this blog. It has been like visiting for me, who could never seem to get down to visit in real life!
Hooray for more family time. Enjoy. :)
No, not sad! Hooray, Pip! Hooray! Good on you! Good on you for being great and brave! The people I admire most are not the people who are great at telling me things, but the people who are great at showing me things. You show me things, Pip, and that is just great.
ReplyDeleteYou are an inspiration to so many people and your time will certainly be better spent focussing on what you love to do. And well family time... you can have the occasional pyjama day on a Saturday! Yay how lovely will that be.
ReplyDeleteBravo to you and yours! Your positivity is contagious and I have no doubt that whatever is in the future will be hugely successful. And fun. Lots of fun:)
ReplyDeleteOh I'm feeling a teensy bit sad BUT very excited for you! Will miss seeing the Mike's sign out front every time I drive down Brunswick St. You are one of the reasons that Fitzroy is so great! Look forward to hearing about your next adventures!
ReplyDeleteCongrats Pip! Much as I'll miss admiring your gorgy window displays as I roll past on the 112, your plans sound fabulous (and, if I may borrow a little from the Happiness Project, very much like a decision to Be Pip :)) I look forward to following all the excitement of your new adventures!
ReplyDeletewalking here with a smile.. have a nice day ~ =D
ReplyDeleteRegards,
http://www.lonelyreload.com (A Growing Teenager Diary) ..
Oh Pip, I remember coming by your shop and you were so lovely to me and I wanted to say something but I couldn't because I am such a fan of you and this blog, what you write and say and I have both your books and I got totally tongue tied!
ReplyDeleteGood luck in this next exciting stage, I am looking so forward, as always, to what you do next. You are such an inspiration. Truly.
YAY! for you and all the shiny new fun you are cooking up. as you say "hurrah" i am happy knowing you are happy. cheers gayle (fnq)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on the big decision! As a Faraway friend not much changes for me, but I hope the change for you and your family is for the better.
ReplyDeletePip, you are brave! You sound like you have a plan and I look forward to hearing/seeing/reading more of you. I'm not usually a fan of quoters but I'll be one for a second: Birdie Conrad in my favourite film 'You've Got Mail' when she says to Kathleen when she chooses to close the Shop Around the Corner..."closing is the brave thing to do. You are daring to imagine that you could have a different life." Congratulations on your decision and here's to free weekends. Although somehow I suspect you'll be filling them up very quickly.
ReplyDeleteWow for you..!!
ReplyDeleteYes retail is hard hard work and not to mention it totally ruins your weekends.
Friends of mine who have had their own retail spaces and moved on (bravo them for being smart to jump before it got really tough..!!)remind me of birds with their wings clipped.
Good on you for making change for you..!! and more importantly your family..!!
Life is too short to be stuck behind a counter..!!
ENJOY your freedom..
Honey
Aw! I am sad to hear this, but excited about all the big plans you have in store now that you will have more time. Good luck with it all, and I will be sure to pop in for one last time and say goodbye to mikes. Is the pom pom window up yet?? xox
ReplyDeleteGood on you Pip, massive decision indeed, but changes are good, and so are your future plans!
ReplyDeleteGotta say - sob - good for you for making a decision, hard as it was... sob - Your shop is on my life list of places to visit, like I will ever be able to cross the ocean !!! Now I will have to buy one of your books and visit you there instead!!! Keep on blogging I love your thoughts, your finds and your spirited spirit!!!
ReplyDeleteOh :(
ReplyDeleteBut yay on the more time here :D
Well done for being brave- I remember when wecame to the decision of shutting our little record shop, it felt like we were giving away a baby! But it turned out to be the best decision ever- like you say, weekends were a complete bonus, I actually saw my husband, we spent time as a family and were able to channel our creativity into new things. Independent retail is near on impossible to succeed in these days, sadly. Good luck with the new era xx
ReplyDeletePip, I always think of you as being such an enabler of creativity and niceness. A cheerleeder for crafters. So, big cheers and hugs for you for following what you really want to do. I admire your bravery and send huge hugs for all you've done for the creative community. I know whatever you do from this point forward you will do with passion and the moral support of a huge number of people. Me included. XX
ReplyDeleteYou are really very brave and I wish you the very best for your future plans and great spare time with your family.
ReplyDeleteYour blog is already lovely and I´m exited when you say it is going to be even nicer in future! Huh!!
Can´t wait to read about all the nice new things you are planning. Hugs from Austria
Wow! Huge news Pip. I have absolutely no doubt that you will continue on your path to absolutely amazing things. You have achieved some pretty incredible things already. Look forward to seeing what's next.
ReplyDeletenawh this IS BIG sad news. im sending you a virtual hug right now. there. feel it : )
ReplyDeletethe next chapter sounds pretty amazing! oh the possibilities. i really look forward to seeing where this takes you guys and wish you all the very best of wishes as you say goodbye to retail xx
It all sounds very yay! Yay, for weekends and more time! Good luck :)
ReplyDeleteI actually feel quite relieved for you Pip. You must have had a lot of sleepless nights over this one but I think running a shop these days (especially such a niche one) must be horrendously difficult not to mention time-sucking.
ReplyDeleteYou're such a passionate writer, communicator, community warrior and crafty muse and I think it's a wise woman who plays to her strengths! It sounds like you have so many irons in so many fires I'm sure you'll never look back (except nostalgically of course)!
I'm excited!
Oh Pip! That's huge news. I'm glad I got to drop by your store and have a look. I will miss the quirky little store on Brunswick Street. But, I guess I'll get to "see" more of you online. A bitter sweet ending to a beautiful new start. xx
ReplyDeleteWhat an exciting adventure! And your own yarn! Oooh, I am now extra excited.
ReplyDeleteUm, yes. I need a tissue.
ReplyDeleteMikes is a really special place.
But you know, it is more special because I feel that I know you through the pages of your blog.
And the idea of getting more of the online is really good news. Isn't it? Yes it is.
Hugs, Pippy. (PS See how familiar I am with you although we've never met? It's because you have such a wonderfully welcoming online presence. I'm so glad I'm still going to see you around.)
Good for you Pip, and family. I bet you all feel lighter.
ReplyDeleteIt's a hard decision to make and I bet you struggled with it a lot but I think it's a good idea.
I will always have happy memories of visiting your little shop.
Take care
You know I really do believe that things happen for a reason. Retail is sooo slow, we have needed to look at all aspects of what we do and how we do it too. For now we continue.
ReplyDeleteYou are obviously a positiive person who looks towards the next challenge. I really look forward to keeping up with the new chapters.
Happy 25! And congratulations on your big decision! I'm so happy for you Pip, and so very excited that you and the fam will finally get weekends!
ReplyDeleteAs a Canberra reader, I never got to the store, but love hanging out on your page, so the fact that the online Mike's is getting bigger, is SO FREAKING amazing!
You are the just right person to tackle this new direction, Pip. I so look forward to seeing the New Mike!
With luv and luck!
Shann
Oh good luck with the post-shop adventures Pip! Thank you for speaking honestly about the challenges of selling stuff in this economic climate. Especially trying to sell quality, locally-made crafty stuff. I'm sure that whatever is around the corner for you it will be FAB!!
ReplyDeleteWow! Congratulations to you Pip - it's hard to make a big decision like that, but it sounds as though you've thought long and hard and have planned for a wonderful future. It's not the end of Mike's but a new beginning. Best wishes as things change.
ReplyDeleteI actually think this is really good, it's sad about the shop, and the end of an era but having more time with your family and having your weekends is more important! Weekends rule! And you've created a community that lives on.
ReplyDeleteI think blogger might have swallowed my earlier comment...
ReplyDeleteBUT I didn't want this post to pass without a comment from me.
THANK YOU Pip & Cam & the whole Mikes crew for everything!!!
& what Stacey said & hooray for you all. xxx
I'm a bit sad because a) Unless I can make a trip to Melbourne before you close I wont ever get to shop at Meet Me at Mikes and thats probably not possible at the moment and b) the aspiring shop owner in me (in the far far far future) thinks if someone as awesome as Pip wants to close shop in these times than how could I make it work?
ReplyDeleteBUT all that aside glad for more Pip goodness online. It is exciting to hear the changes & projects that you have up your sleeve & so great for you that you get to spend more time with your family & craft & bloggers! YAY!
25 years is a long time in retail so that's such a great effort.
Wishing you all the best in your new phase & looking forward to seeing the changes online!
xo Katie
Best wishes Pip.
ReplyDeleteLook forward to more exciting posts.
Congrats on your clarity and priorities.
Wow, that is BIG news! Everyone will be sad to see the shop front grow but you sound very positive and I am sure things will grown bigger and brighter! Best of luck!!!
ReplyDeleteOh no! thats is so sad to hear. i am visiting Melbourne in March and was going to make a point of visitng Mike's but alas, i wont be able too! But i will still read you blog and visit your website. Good luck with everything!
ReplyDeleteI was looking forward to having you as a neighbour when we finally open. I would have loved to have rented your shop front but I need to have a home attached. What you have decided to do makes sense though as you seem to have your fingers in many tasty pies.
ReplyDeleteOh wow! that is big news. But when one door closes, another one opens. I'm sure your writing will take off even more with your renewed focus. I even wrote about your books in a lip mag article that got published today:
ReplyDeletehttp://lipmag.com/arts/books-arts/lip-lit-where-to-find-strong-females-in-literature/
And you know what, I don't feel so bad about closing my own shop last Christmas now. I think better to walk away before you lose everything, so you still have the energy and financial security to do something with a better chance of success.
Oh Pip! I live in Canberra and I wish that I had been able to visit your shop...but like what everyone else said, you have to make the right decision for you. And that is always hard. So be nice to yourself Pip!
ReplyDeleteThose shopfronts will be missed by those in Melbourne - but for the rest of us folk, we will full on benefit from your new website and all the fun it will bring. You don't need luck, so I'll say congratulations for all those years in retail, and also for deciding your new adventure. xx
ReplyDeleteSounds like a very wise choice. We shut our studio shop because it was turning to something which was a drain rather than a creative space. And I think all the comments so far show what a massive audience you reach, but that most of us can't actualy physically visit your shop, so it makes perfect sense. Sad but wise. x
ReplyDeleteWe missed you at Melb city Brown Owls tonight but so so excited for you Pip. It sounds like you are completely happy and at peace with your decision and the possibilities it will open up. Watching this space in anticipation!
ReplyDeleteSo sad for the street scape ...i am so glad I got to pop in last October and visit and I have a souvenir...hey life will be so exciting for you all and can't wait to see where it all goes from here.
ReplyDeleteIt really sounds like you're excited about what the closure will open up for you. I am sure your customers will be very sad, though. All the best of luck!
ReplyDeleteoh pip, I remember buying the best cardie ever from Mikes when it was still on Bridge Rd.
ReplyDeleteAnd I have been so honoured to have my artwork stocked in your shop.
I will shed a tear for Mikes!!
But looking forward to the awesomeness I'm sure you have in store. Good luck! x
Wow what a huge decision that must have been but it sounds like the right one for you all. I am sure whatever crafty pursuits you undertake will be fabulous and I look forward to watching them unfold :)
ReplyDeletePs. Did you decide to offer your next book signed online? I would love that! :) xx
congratulations from over here in Brighton, UK! I love the look of your shop, if I were able to visit I would have loved it!
ReplyDeleteBut I get to see more of you online, you say?
Yay!
All the very best - to new endeavours!
Oh!! :( I always thougt would be so great to visit. At the same time wondered how on earth you can manage so many things at the same time! Congratulations to you and to us, bloglovin readers :)
ReplyDeleteAll the best for your new beginning Pip. I admire you very much for how you spread positivity in the world and, in making this decision, for your clarity and realigning your priorities in life. It's inspiring stuff!! x
ReplyDeleteIts a bit mad, but I feel so sorry I'll never get to visit your shop, but I live in London so I should be very happy you can spend more time on the books and blog I love. And I am, But Im still a bit sad. Silly me.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you're doing the right thing, and glad we get to join in more too. So good luck!
from confused of London
Wowee what an end to an era! Onwards and Upwards Pip and I look forward to your next 25 years of trailblazing. x
ReplyDelete~ Fortune and love favour the brave. ~
The end of an era but without a doubt the start of something awesome and fabulous. Congratulations on your big decision. I am SO EXCITED to see where all the opening doors will take you. Yippeeeeee. xx
ReplyDeleteWow - such a big step for you all, but it sounds like a wonderful new direction. Bestest wishes to you!
ReplyDeleteSo sad to see the end of a crafting institution but so excited about your new chapter and all the goodness it will bring to the crafting community xoxo
ReplyDeleteWow Pip, that is not the news I was expecting to hear but you sound so excited about the future so I am very happy for you, though I am sad that I will never get to see your dinky little shop I sent my envelope of things to last year.
ReplyDeleteYou already "show people that their lives can be happy and creative". You do it every day with your positive, exhuberant personality and your absolute LOVE of craft.
Cant wait to see what Phase 2 looks like. I know it will be awesomesauce! xxx
Phase 2 - sounds exicting and full of promise! I wish you nothiing but sunchine and may your yarn never knot x
ReplyDelete:(
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your new adventurE, Pip! Love your hair! C u t e xo
Good on ya! :)
ReplyDeletewow... I do feel a bit sad (and can imagine this must have been a hard decision), but am so excited to see what happens next! Congratulations, and thank you xo
ReplyDeleteHoly cow, love, that's BIG news. But very exciting news, too. I like it! And I look forward to getting back into blogging very soon, too! Yay for us! xxx
ReplyDeleteYa know. I like it. Good luck. Let that little light shine.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Pip! Good luck with the next step in your awesome life adventure, I look forward to reading all about it. :)
ReplyDeletewow. this is big news. Im sad to see your shop close, it was where my blogging initiation happened. but I know what it is like to be juggling so many things and that at some point you have to decide which way to do. I know you will do great things post shop. I look forward to seeing the new website and reading about your new ventures.
ReplyDeleteYou can do anything Pip you are so inspiring and creative, you and your books are the reason I can now sew. Although I have never been in your shop I have loved your blog and books. I can't believe it could get better, sharks you might even get me crocheting. I look forward to all your possibilities.
ReplyDeleteNICE, Nice one.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to add my I'm-sad-that-I'll-never-get-to-visit comment to the pile, BUT I'm happy for you and your family - your own weekends and time to work on books and other exciting projects, well that sounds like something most anyone can get behind. Life is full of endings and beginnings. Can't remember where or what movie/book I've nicked that from, but here's to a fantastic run (that much is clear from the amazing window displays) and since it's no longer Dry July, I raise a glass of something intoxicating, to new beginnings.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on making such a big decision...I read lately:""We know what happens to people who stay in the middle of the road. They get run over." Aneurin Bevan"So true!
ReplyDeleteHope the future will bring you much JOY and looking forward to reading your inspiring adventure!
All the very best xx
OH SHITBALLS!
ReplyDeleteI am so late to this. I am sorry!
WOW. This is big, ground-breaking and sad news. It's the end of an era. But the start of an era too.
A mixture of excitement and sad.
I remember coming into MMAM many years ago - and it was a trip I will never forget.
Ah Pippy, I can't wait to see what's next. All great, I know it. xxx
Congratulations to you and your family, Pip, on embarking on a great new adventure! I'll be here, vicariously following along.
ReplyDeletexoxo
It's Sunday morning and I have just read this...as I write I am looking at a little boy playing the flute necklace, placed on a little bit of old sheet music in a reindeer box(It sits on the old wooden ironing board I have my computer on,cos it looks nice there!)
ReplyDeleteMy daughters lovely boyfriend went into Mikes 2 christmas's ago and bought me this necklace and it's very special to me..I love wearing it and I'll always treasure it:)
I wish you well in your new adventures Pip....and I really hope it involves 'The Adventures of Pip' in book form!! xxxx
As a former retailer, I empathise. But I love your vision for the future. Perhaps you might like to encourage the rest of us to establish a Guild for The Encouragement of Creativity, Community and Positivity.
ReplyDeleteyou are such an inspiration :)
ReplyDelete:( I hope you're still there when I come to Melbourne early September!
ReplyDeleteI love all those shop windows!!!
ReplyDeleteBest regards from Buenos Aires :)
All the best with your future ventures Pip! I love your blog. xo
ReplyDeleteAll the very best with your ventures.
ReplyDeleteSo glad we got to visit the shop on one of our Melbourne sojourns.
I'm so sad to hear this!
ReplyDeleteI only just made it to your shop for the first time this April (I'm not from Melbourne) and I loved it as much as I thought I would, I'm glad I got the chance to see it!
I look forward to seeing what you do next, your an inspirational women, all the best of luck!
All the best Pip. I know it is hard to let something go that you have worked so hard on, but also exciting to have more time for other creative and business adventures.
ReplyDeleteAll the best Pip. I know it is hard to let something go that you have worked so hard on, but also exciting to have more time for creative and business adventures.
ReplyDeleteGood for you... as uncomfortable as change is it's so inspiring to see you chasing the thing that makes your heart sing... can't wait to see what you get up to..
ReplyDelete