No finished outfit post today, I’m afraid- spending a weekend in Chicago means I didn’t exactly get any sewing done 😉 But what I DO have to share today is some REALLY FUCKING EXCITING NEWS. And before you ask – no preggers, no engagement. Just so that’s out of the way 😉
Actually, I have no idea how to bring this up so I’ll just go out and say it – I got a new job! Ok, that doesn’t sound terribly exciting, it’s what I’m doing that is exciting. Ladies (and… gentlemen?)- I will be working part-time for Muna Couture, a local dressmaker here in Nashville. Muna specializes in custom formal wear – wedding dresses and ball gowns and the like – but she also does beautiful made-to-order clothing on a less fancy scale, as well as bridal alterations. To say I’m grateful for this opportunity and excited to start a career that actually encompasses my passion is a complete understatement – I am OVER THE MOON. I have so so so much to learn, and I can’t wait to share all the dirty details with y’all!
But wait, there’s more – I will also be working for Papercut Patterns as the official blogger for The Papercut Collective! Obviously, y’all know how much I love sewing and blogging about it – so this is basically going to be the best of both worlds as far as I’m concerned. Katie and I have been emailing and Skyping back and forth for a hot minute, and we’ve been cooking up some fun plans. I can’t wait to start up some pattern hacks and sew-alongs!
My previous job was working for an advertising agency, sitting at the front desk and doing media-related stuff. It was a good gig- I loved the people I worked for and with, and enjoyed most of the work (lots of math and data entry, yay!), but I was bored for the most part as there was never enough work for me to do (meaning, I spent a lot of time on my blog. Dudes, you have no idea…). I’d been at that job for over 6 years, and a few months ago, I realized it was time for a change. I wanted to do something that I felt like I was actually good at, something I enjoyed doing – and not just passing time until the weekend came. I was bored, I was restless, and I started exploring my options. I had met with Muna through a mutual friend, and while I visited with her every week after work, I didn't think that working for her would be a viable option until very recently.
Obviously, it's been REALLY hard keeping this under wraps – I've been in cahoots about this for months! But, I finished my last day of work at the office on Wednesday, so I figure now is as good a time as any to get y'all in the loop 😉
You might be asking – what does this mean for the future of the LLADYBIRD blog? Well – hopefully, not too big of a change from a reader's perspective! I am not quitting my job to be a full-time blogger, or littering posts with sneaky affiliate links, or just giving up on the blog entirely. My relationship with Mood Fabrics still stands. There may actually be more sewing, since I'll have more time on my hands. You can always follow the Papercut Collective if you want an extra dose of Lauren 😉 (actually, PLEASE follow it! We can hang out with each other twice as much! :D)
Really, I just wanted to get this post out because I feel like it’s important to share this part of my life with y’all – and to thank you for reading/following/just being generally awesome. I never thought I would say that my stupid blog would get me a job… but it kind of did. I am so thankful to have this opportunity, and so excited to start this new chapter in my life! Sorry for all the gushing, I just love you guys ok.
**(In regards to the picture at the top of this post… hopefully that motto will remain only a sewing motto 😉 Sign painted by Kaelah btw!)
Further, what would a happy news post be without some PARTY GIFS?
EDIT lol just noticed the typo in the title of this post. DAMMIT. Fixed now!
Thank you thank you thank you for all your support – and for not pointing that out 😉 ha!
LLADYBIRD 
Congratulations!! I love hearing when people can follow their passions and I’m so glad that you got the opportunity 😀
Congrats! That is amazeballs news! Can’t wait to see all your creations…
Oh Lauren! I am so happy for you!…Life is too short to do things that do not fulfill… go ahead dive in….take the risks and chances… I am sooooo happy for you! I wish you the best of luck!
Aw that’s AMAZING! Congrats on a new phase!!!
You’re awesome! Congrats grrl!
So proud of you! And can’t wait for the future! xoxoxox!!!!
Congrats Lauren. Sweet gigs!
Congratulations!! You are literally living the dream!
awesome awesome awesome!! That is great news.
Congrats on the new gigs – that is awesome news.
Congrats!!! That is so incredibly awesome 🙂
Congratulations, Lauren! There is nothing so important as following your passion. I hope it turns out to be everything you want it to be.
Hooraaaaaaaaaaaaaaaayyyyyyy!!! Living the dream, missy! xxxx
Congratulations, that’s fabulous!
That is awesome news Lauren. Congrats
How fucking fantastic is this!? Congrats to you on the new gigs!
Very excited for you and your new career. Can’t wait to see all your creations.
FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCCCKKKK YESSSSSSS GIRRRRRRRRRRRRL!!!!!!!!!!!
Congratulations Lauren! That’s amazing news. It’s going to be amazing to have a job doing what you love. Good luck and I’ll be following paper cut from now on 🙂
Congratulations! That sounds like an awesome job, the best of luck to you!
I’m SUPER DUPER proud of you!!! Well done, my friend!!
SUPER DUPER PROUD OF YOOOOOOOOOOOU
That is so exciting! Congrats, and best of luck to you! 🙂
Finally! Good for you. I can’t imagine more sewing to keep up on though with you! My only hope is that your ass gets just a tiny bit bigger from so much less bike riding, as then we’ll be the exact same size. Just kidding. Keep up the great work, can’t wait to see what you do next!
Congrats! It’s such exciting news! It’s great that you get do something that you already love! I’m sure you’ll kick ass at it! Double dose of Lauren, yay!
This is awesome news, HUGE congrats!! So very, very happy for you! Good luck in the new jobbyjob 🙂
Awesome! So happy for you 🙂
Great news!!
congrats – so happy for u!!!!
Congratulations! That’s amazing news 🙂
Thats so awesome!!! You know you are going to have to come to New Zealand now!
For sure!! 😀
Huge congrats Lauren! They are lucky to have you on board.
That is great news, congrats on both counts. You are going to be fabulous.
Congratulations! That’s so exciting!
Congratulations! Hope you find loads of inspiration and learning – can’t wait to hear all about the top tips you’ll learn couture sewing.
About time!!!!!!!! Excellent news, congratulations x
Go you! Seriously, that is so great that you are doing something you feel so passionate about. I am also in a job that doesn’t let me learn much, and as you put it so eloquently, just passes the time. Today I started a course with plans to make a new career for myself, so I am doubly pumped for you as I know how amazing it must feel.
So happy for you! You’ll be able to share your talents to an even wider audience!
Yay for you! Congratulations on getting work that so closely matches what you love to do!
Congratulations to you! All the best in your new position 🙂
What Oona said. Yay!
Congratulations! What an awesome next step. I can’t wait to read about all that you’re learning at your new job, see all the sewing you’ll be able to accomplish on the side, and keep up with this new development with Papercut Patterns. Awesome stuff, Lauren!
Oh wow that is amazing news Lauren you freakin lucky duck! Can we swap lives for a year or so? Please? Seriously though – you totally deserve to do something that you’re passionate about and that you’re absolutely brilliant at of course!
Congratulations Lauren! I will follow you anywhere you go!
Regards from Spain
Wow! That is amazing news! I am a little jealous…ok, I am a lot jealous! Congratulations!
This is amazing news, well done on your new job it sounds just perfect for you and I look forward to lots of papercut reviews.
You are following your passion, which is the right move. I feel extra special because I’ve known about some of this for a while… woohoo! Missing you!!! I need to see you sometime… I realized the reason I haven’t been sewing is that I gained weight and it made mad to think about sewing things and not fitting them later. So I need to get the hell over it and just SEW for pete’s sake. I’ll be coming over when I get to zippers.
Also, LOVE THE SIGN!!! I saw it on Kaelah’s Instagram and I was hoping it was for you. 🙂
Atta girl! Let’s get our sew on 😀 I’ll see you this Saturday, yes? 🙂 Miss you tooooo!
YAAAAAYY!!!! This is so exciting. Congratulations!!
Congratulations! HOORAY!!!
Congratulations! It can’t get better: sewing at home and work 🙂 Enjoy!
Congratulations, Lauren — these sound like great opportunities!
Lauren!! Ahh that’s so exciting, I’m so freaking happy for you! Man talk about a dream job, I can’t wait to hear more about how it goes. Be sure to update us on things! Also thank you for including those party gifs, because they made my day. haha yes.
Awesome for you Lauren! It is always so cool to read about others really living the life they envision for themselves instead of just wishing it were so!
Great news. Hope it all works out well for you!
Congratulations, that sounds so exciting! And the idea of having one’s job directly correspond to one’s passion sounds incredible!!!
Congratulations, that is super exciting for you.
i have only been following your blog for a little while, but am amazed by your talent and your intuition! big congratulations!!!
Exciting news! Congrats!
Whoa, awesome! Congrats!
Oddly, this is motivating me to make the Watson jacket pattern that I’ve had since January…
Congratulations! I hope these jobs are everything you’ve dreamed and more.
Work it, girrrrrrl! Congrats on the new gigs!
I love reading such happy news…just like Tilly and her amazing book deal, massive congrats to you Lauren! 🙂
Congrats😄LIKE A BOSS!
How brilliant, congratulations!!!
Fanfuckenstastic! Sew alongs, sew alongs and more sew alongs please!
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! What exciting news!!!!
I have to add that this post is really encouraging for me. I’m starting the process of looking for something new that will be more personally fulfilling, and it’s great to see that it really can work out if you follow your dreams. 🙂
Yay. I do what I love too. It’s a gooooooood payoff. Everything has some downsides, but everything also feels so damned much better.
Congrats lady!
SUCH exciting news…HUGE congratulations to you! It’s always so inspiring to hear people taking the next step towards working with their passion!
Congratulations on making a big change and I hope you are VERY happy in your new job(s)!!!
That is just fantastic – my favourite blog and my favourite indie label coming together!!! WOO HOO!!
Yay! I am so happy for you! I am a huge believer in following your passion rather than just working at a job. This is fantastic!
lucky you!!! way to go.
Congrats (last post got eaten so I’ll keep it short…)
Oh man, that’s so exciting! Even more so because I follow your blog AND I went to uni/lived with Janina, who does the textile lab. When they first started up my heart simply SWELLED with pride that our little country had SUCH cool stuff coming out of it. So much cool stuff that you’ll probably have to go to New Zealand and check it out (in which case I’ll be creepy and tell you that I love visitors and will be back in the country next year 😉 )
I totally want to! Just gotta get my passport situation figured out now that the US government has shut down… oh, and that money thing. Hahaha. But I’ve LOVE to visit NZ, for sure!
I am so thrilled that you are able to make a living doing this. You clearly inspire enough people to make it worthwhile for any indie company to employ you. Well deserved. Any time you want to sneak out to NYC for some Mood hoarding you are welcome to stay with me. (I’m the revelry friend/Vogue knitting/kollabora girl that you inspired.) So proud of you!!!
You know that I am totally going to take you up on that offer, so I hope you’re 1000% serious haha 🙂 I need another escape to NYC!
Congratulations, considering how much you make and sew now, I’m sure we’ll see even more amazing work.
Congrats on following your dreams! I hope this brings you even more wonderful opportunities!
Woohoo! Way to go Lauren! Congrats and have fun!
Wow, rad. I’m so jealous!!! You’re going to learn so much working at the shop, and Katie made a smart move by having you help with blogging — you obviously do a fine job at capturing an audience! Good luck and congrats.
Congratulations! This all sounds really exciting. Can’t wait to read more about all the amazing career adventures you’re going to have.
Congratulations Lauren! It is an amazing feeling to do what you love every day. Not only will your career grow, but so will your skills, contacts, and outlook on life. Days and weeks will fly by and before you know it, you’ll be an expert in the field (you already are, IMHO). If I didn’t have my job, I’d probably being doing the same thing as you – sewing for a wedding boutique. Color me jealous at your new role!
That is so cool!!! You will be awesome at your new job! And I cant’t wait to see what you do with the papercut collective 🙂
Congratulations, YOU HAVE EARNED IT! The work and passion you put into your sewing and blog really show; I am not surprised it has led to a better gig for you.
Congrats! Super exciting to make a living doing what you love!
Isn’t it wonderful how the stars aligned in the universe to bring these opportunities to you!! Wishing you all the best in these exciting new ventures!
Amazing. Congratulations. What a great step or series of steps you’ve already taken and are about to go through Lauren. Party hard and make the most of this time. I wish you all the best for this next stage in your life.
OMG YOU’RE AMAZING!!!! Congratulations, Lady. You totally deserve all of this awesomeness 🙂 ❤
So excited for you and proud of your accomplishments! Will be following you on papercut patterns also!
I AM SO HAPPY FOR YOU!!!!!! And, I’m not surprised. You’re a great sewist and an even greater writer (equally great, how’s that)! I can’t wait to follow along!
Hurray! Hurray! Hurray! Congratulations! You definitely deserve this and I am SO happy for you! 🙂
Congratulations! Sounds like pure awesomeness 🙂
SUPER!!!!! Congratulations! What a fantastic movement in your career, in your life. Very excited for you. Looking forward to seeing and hearing from more of you here and there and everywhere.
Hi Lauren!!
Well done and congratulations on those two awesome, awesome jobs!
Massive congratulations Lauren! I’m whooping all over for you- what a dream job and being Papercut blogger too! Nice one !
How exciting for you. I think everybody’s dream must be to get paid for doing something they love.
Wow! Thats great! Im always so happy for people who get to do something they love and call it work! I’m still working on my dream of self employment! 🙂
This is awesome! I just can’t write down how happy I feel for you. That’s such a great chance and by now I came to the conclusion it’s important to do what makes you really happy, so congratulation!
yaaaaaayyyyy
Huge congratulations Lauren! That’s such exciting news, I’m so happy for you 🙂
Whoohoo! Congratulations! Your new plans sound amazing!
Congratulations, darling! I’m very very happy for you. You fought for your dreams and they came true! I’ll be following The Papercut Collective too 🙂
I’m so happy for you!! 😀
Congratulations! Just great that you can start making a living doing what you love best!
Well congratulations! What an opportunity!
Hell to the motherfucking yeah! Woot Woot! So pleased for you treacle tart this is blinking ace news 🙂 xxx
Congratulations! How exciting!
Wow, that is so amazing, I can imagine that you are thrilled. I’m a bit of jalous, but in the good way. Sounds like a fairy tail to me 😉 Veel succes!
Good to you 🙂 Good to me 🙂
Aww massive-est of congrats lady!!!! I’m so pleased for you! I bet that dressmaking/alteration job will teach you soooo much useful stuff. Please make sure you share your adventures with us! xxx
Congratulations on your career change! It’s great news, I’m really happy for you and wish you the best! And I do hope it doesn’t mean less blogging from you here, I really enjoy reading your posts. 😉 Will you blog about your work with Muna Couture?
I plan on it! So excited to share what I learn!
Radness, lady! Here’s to exciting new adventures!
Huge congratulations, so pleased for you! And please for them, they’re lucky to have you 🙂
Yay! I do what I love too, and I have to say . . . it all works out in the end. Makes life better . . . and just think, since you don’t necessarily have to be work appropriate now you work on mastering a pair of jeans. I recommend the Sew U book’s pattern. 😉
Congrats Chickie.
Congratulations! That is so exciting and inspiring. I’m excited to see the new projects you’ll be sharing with us!
Couture your heart out girl. I hope the new job brings you everything you dream of. Hope we see lots more of you on this blog.
Congratulations! What great news 🙂
living the dream! congrats and best of luck!
Oh fantastic – congratulations!!! I wish you all the best and I can’t wait to follow along…
Congratulations!!! That is such awesome news. I’m so happy for you!!!! 😀
Congratulations!
No preggers or engagement yet, but maybe sooner rather than later?! 🙂
Congrats on your new opportunity! When work and passion coincide, the synergy is amazing. I am happy for you!
Congratulations! I’ve bought quite a few Papercut patterns after seeing clothes you’ve made from them 🙂
I knew what you were going to say (kinda) before you said it – your sewing has gotten so wonderful I just knew you were ready to go whole hog. Kudos and adding Papercut Collective to my reader N.O.W.!
Oh Lauren!!! Congratulations!! I am SO happy for you! What an exciting transition – and there is just NOTHING better than turning your passion into a source of income! I am so excited to follow you into this new career chapter! YAYYYY!!
I am so so excited for your new job and blogginess! I think it’s an awesome step for you. 😀 CONGRATS again!!!
Congratulations! It sounds very exciting, and I know you’ll do an amazing job with both of the new gigs.
Very, very cool – congratulations!! Super excited for you!! 🙂
Congratulations on your new adventure! There’s something special about getting into something you have a passion for and getting paid for it as well. You’ll have a ton of fun.
Congratulations! That’s so exciting. It’s awesome that your job is now something you love to do for fun.
Congratulations, that is a really exciting career move!
Congrats! Effing awesome to follow your passion! Can’t wait to keep reading about the journey and seeing your inspiring makes.
That’s AMAZING news!!!! CONGRATULATIONS!! I love when sewers get outta the office and into a sewing room for a living!!!! BEST OF LUCK TO YA!!!
http://www.seamstressfromvenus.wordpress.com
Wow so thrilled for you, enjoy your new job. On a selfish note I’m so happy you are going to keep on blogging as you are an INSPIRATION girl. And I love reading your write ups.
This is amazing (is it wrong I sighed a huge sigh of relief that you weren’t preggers?! Pregnancy/baby sewing, yawn. I’m a terrible human being). BUT THEN SO EXCITED FOR YOU! Both gigs sound super fun, and Papercut is lucky to have sassy, potty mouthed you.. Just started following their blog so no I can double down on my Lauren time.
Hahaha, naw girl, I feel the same way. No babies for this lady!
This comment made me laugh because I felt exactly the same way when I saw that disclaimer! 😉
Congratulations! Follow your dreams, it is totally worth it!
Congrats! I LOVE your blog….AND I live in Chicago! If you’re in town, you simply must head north to Windy Knitty in the Andersonville neighborhood. Best yarn store in town, and a favorite of mine! Mandy has a wonderful eye for gorgeousness and it shows in her collection. It’s also the Ravenswood Art Walk on Saturday and Lorna’s Laces will be opening up their studio to the masses who want to see what dying yarn is all about. Congrats!
I know this sounds like a really cliche thing to say, but you’ve really inspired me! I’m so glad to hear that there ARE actually opportunities out there to have a job dressmaking. What an achievement. And as they say, if your job is doing something you love then you’ll never have to work a day of your life. Good on you Lauren!
Congrats!! Can’t wait to see the fruits of all of your labor! I’m ready for a Lauren led sew along. As long as it is beginner friendly. Ha!
Great news — good on you for taking a leap. 🙂 Can’t wait to hear more.
Hahahha congrats! I love you!!
Holy Wow Girl, congratulations!!!! That’s terrific and very exciting news. Can’t wait to see what things you sew and design for your new jobs.
Read this the other day on my phone, which won’t let me comment! (stupid phone!) so I had to come back to say Congratulations :o) glad you have the chance to follow your dreams, am hoping to do the same myself this year, looking forward to the Papercut Collective too x
Congratulations!
That’s fantastic news. Congratulations on your dream jobs.
Awesome! Congratulations! [doing a happy dance for you]
OMG, this is so amazing! Congratulations! I always love it when I find out someone can make their living from sewing!
OMG! The dream job – I’m so jealous. Congratulations, I hope it’s everything you dream it will be 🙂
Congrats! I’m so excited for you!
I am so inspired but what you are doing, Lauren! I love your blog, and look forward to hearing more about your latest adventure!
Congrats! That’s really awesome 😀
Congrats! A perfect fit- you’ll never work a day in your life if you truly enjoy what you are doing! Best of luck!
WOW! You sooooo deserve this! You were the first blog I ever followed! CONGRATS!
Congratulations! You deserve this.
Congratulations! Look at you living your dream and stuff. That’s freaking awesome. I’m so pleased for you! Envious too of course. And you ever make it to NZ, you’re going to need to make it a good long trip!
Awesome! I’m glad you get to do this!
I know I’m late to this particular party, but my congratulation are no less heartfelt. So pleased for you. Great news!
Congratulations! I’m really happy for you that you get the chance to do something you really love! Best of luck!
Congratulations!! That’s awesome news. 🙂