quality not quantity

I've come to realise that this is my thing. Everyone has a thing right? Mine is quality not quantity. Quality is a family trait. Dad epitomises it. He used to work as a plaster tradesman on building sites and was nicknamed "Mr Sheen" as he was always so pressed & clean. His work was also a reflection of his image. You've never seen a wardrobe like my Dad's......the socks are colour sorted!

We've (siblings) all managed to tailor this need for quality in different ways. My brother is a do-er. He's always got projects on the go around the house & they are always finished to the highest, highest standard. He also works in quality control (not kidding). My sister is the studious one...high distinctions...she's just started lecturing at RMIT (Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology) in addition to working and doing her Honours and starting a Not For Profit organisation called Designers With Soul. Yep she's busy. My Mum is very clever with her hands. She knits, sews & bakes and of course expects only the best from herself. She is her own worst enemy and is never satisfied with the finished product.

Here is an example. This photo is us modelling our new winter hats that arrived in the post this week from Mum (woo hoo I do love parcels). Anyway, as I attempted to thank Mum she managed to pick each one of them to pieces & justify why they were not perfect. Ruby's hat is the second version as the first one was rejected (by Mum, not me). I think they're fab & can't wait for the cold weather.

It was the events of yesterday that got me thinking about this philosophy. We had our first open house to find potential tenants after only 4 days of advertising. In true family style I cleaned & polished the house so it was sparkling. While doing this my mind is thinking "I'm only doing this once & I'll do it so well that every person that walks through the door will fall in love & just have to live here" It worked! We only had 2 parties through the house but both completed applications & we now have a bidding war on between them. Not bad hey? Shouldn't get too excited as it could all fall through tomorrow...must get them to sign the dotted line before we start celebrating.

I also realised that this is how I operate fede. I would rather spend more time making a beautifully crafted item that is unique & special, than making reproductions of best sellers. Having said this I understand that this is not very smart from a business perspective so I will need to find a middle ground that satisfies me artistically & also supports the brand financially. I find this a difficult balance when one is so passionate about design & individuality.

On a final note before I sign off I have one further example of Quality not Quantity. My darling husband, Deano. Lets just say he's not a bad catch...oh yeah...and I've only had one & I've had him for a long time. He came home from work this week with these cheerful tulips (just because.......no occasion). What a gem!

So there you go, that's my thing.