12/19/13

"I do it my own self," says Imogen (several times a day for the past 8 months or so).  I'm so proud of her independence!

Well, now I am doing it my own self, too.  I've been feeling quiet about the decision, but I'm ready to share that I have left my full-time position at Quince as Art Director to stay home and have more time with Imogen. Saying it was not an easy decision is an understatement. But I know that it was the right one. My little goose is only little once.

I'll still be working with Quince freelance; we remain best friends forever! But, I'll now have a little time (a little while Immie is at pre-school) to work on Madder and other various projects. So stay tuned!
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28 comments:

  1. NancyDecember 19, 2013 at 5:51 AM

    Oh that must have been a hard one for you Carrie. Bless you for following the mama's heart. I have made the same decision, for the very same reason. I love your work and know you will continue to thrive no madder (haha) the outlet you choose. And your spirit, it seems so pretty and bright.

    I am getting ready to embark on the Imogen cowl!

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  2. MiwakoDecember 19, 2013 at 6:16 AM

    Good for you (and your little one)! I think you are doing the right thing. And I am glad that you can still continue on what you love. : )

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  3. madderDecember 19, 2013 at 6:28 AM

    Thanks so much...I love that--following the mama's heart. That's exactly right.
    (Yay--Imogen cowl!!)

    And, yes I am so happy to continue to work on what I love...having a little more time in my studio is very exciting!

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  4. AnonymousDecember 19, 2013 at 11:41 AM

    I can imagine how difficult a decision it was for you to leave Q&C. I believe one knows it the right decision because it feels good - no regrets looking ahead to the future. And Q&C will always be there for you. I am happy for you and Imogen and look forward to seeing where this new path leads you.

    Best wishes to you and your family in the New Year.

    Bordergirl on Ravelry

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  5. madderDecember 19, 2013 at 3:12 PM

    Thanks. Truly, no regrets here. :)
    Happy New Year to you!

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  6. AnonymousDecember 19, 2013 at 8:13 PM

    Congratulations on a big decision! It's amazing how we look at everything so differently when we have little ones! The best gift we can give them is our time. Enjoy!
    SarahG
    RavID: violingirl76

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  7. PheasantDecember 20, 2013 at 2:51 AM

    Oh, excited for this new chapter! Good on you for doing what you and yours need! Merry Christmas to you, xx C

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  8. madderDecember 20, 2013 at 3:36 AM

    Thanks so much, ladies. :)

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  9. theslowcatwalkDecember 20, 2013 at 5:09 AM

    Congratulation for this big decision:)

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  10. knitterlydesignsDecember 20, 2013 at 8:57 AM

    I made that choice over five years ago when my first was born. Now with my five and three year old, I can't imagine not doing it. Enjoy!

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  11. madderDecember 20, 2013 at 12:46 PM

    It seems I'm not alone...other mama's making the same decision are every where!
    It's kind of crazy how long it took me to realize that this is what my heart was longing to do. But once it was clear, it was clear--and that was that. Being with my daughter is the best job ever! And, I'm lucky (I hope) to be able to get freelance work to make this all possible.

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  12. Jo WindmillDecember 20, 2013 at 6:01 PM

    I can imagine how torn you must have felt. We creatively driven mothers are often having to make these kinds of decisions, and searching for balance. I made a similar decision to retire from music many years ago to raise my children at home. It was a difficult decision, but no regrets at all, and doors are continually opening and closing. You are right, the early years are gone in a flash and are so precious. If you're in a position to make it work, good for you. And the online world is making flexible work a real possibility for mothers. And don't forget to nurture yourself!

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  13. madderDecember 20, 2013 at 8:45 PM

    Thanks, Jo. I think balance is a great word...I'm keeping that in mind!

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  14. sachaDecember 20, 2013 at 8:48 PM

    My little one said, "BY SELF!" with such ferocity-- that time is precious. So, I say, good for you- my five years at home were the best investment I could have ever made.

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  15. Lori annDecember 20, 2013 at 9:07 PM

    SO so happy for you. best decision ever, i am biased tho. i know you know this is the briefest of brief times (immies childhood). yay!

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  16. madderDecember 20, 2013 at 9:50 PM

    so thankful for all the support here.
    xo

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  17. CassieDecember 22, 2013 at 1:25 PM

    I fell in love with the 'look' of Quince&co before I have even tried their yarn! I think you are amazing.
    I'm struggling with the same decision right now and know how many opinions/option/possible scenarios run through your head every minute. Congratulations on your decision (and huge thanks for another 12 in 2013!!)

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  18. madderDecember 22, 2013 at 5:07 PM

    So nice, Cassie--thanks!

    I hope you find a scenario that works for you and your family.
    Our household is still adjusting to this change, but my husband and I are excited about the new year and having more time together. He has Mon and Tues off, so this past year we only had about a half dozen days together as a family. That's just not enough!
    So, we're really looking forward to 2014...

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  19. AnonymousDecember 23, 2013 at 7:36 AM

    how exciting :)
    it will be for us too, I can't wait to see madder grow !

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  20. madderDecember 23, 2013 at 7:48 AM

    :) thanks, emilie.

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  21. UnknownDecember 23, 2013 at 11:40 PM

    I visit regularly and do not want to miss the opportunity to wish you a very happy Christmas and thank you for the care with which you treat your blog, it's beautiful.
    A kiss from Spain

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  22. madderDecember 24, 2013 at 3:30 AM

    Hello to Spain from Maine!
    :)heehee.
    Merry Christmas to you, too.
    c
    xo

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  23. KarenJDecember 27, 2013 at 3:26 PM

    Brings tears of laughter to my eyes. Many, many year ago I heard the same thing! At the last minute my family decided to come for Thanksgiving. That year mu husband's birthday fell on Thanksgiving also. Wednesday morning I got up early and baked a birthday cake, got my little on up, fed her and then sat down in the living room to do a quickly revised menu and shopping list (our unconventional, 'Gee it's just us" steak went out the window to make way for more conventional items. I should have noticed the silence but I was too involved in my list making and time scheduling! My daughter threw herself into my lap and announced proudly out of a chocolate cake smeared mouth, "I did it all mize self, Mommy". She'd pulled over the vacuum cleaner, found a plastic spatula and hacked herself out a chunk of cooling cake. Birthday cake the next night was a very modern looking semi-circle!

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  24. madderDecember 28, 2013 at 5:39 AM

    ha! oh my goodness! what a story...i can picture a happy chocolate covered face.
    :)

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  25. katesmudgesJanuary 4, 2014 at 10:48 AM

    You will never regret your decision to spend more time with your family. You are such a talented designer and photographer and I am much looking forward to seeing where you fly.
    Happy New Year!

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  26. madderJanuary 4, 2014 at 11:41 AM

    Thank you, Kate! Happy New Year!

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  27. Gretchen RJanuary 9, 2014 at 6:57 AM

    This makes me smile! I'm glad for you. You had a job I would envy, and you quit to do what I do full time! So much of life is trying to choose between so many good things, and I know you will love spending more time with your little one. Blessings to you and your family.

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  28. madderJanuary 10, 2014 at 4:33 AM

    Thanks, Gretchen!

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