"So the Stand-Up Librarian sits down at a sewing machine and decides to sew something..."
I am writing from New York City, the fashion capital of the USA, and the place where I first developed my sense of style and love of fashion when I moved here in 2000. It only seems fitting that I launch my newest passion project in the place that started it all...seriously, I am sitting here in the middle of the Fashion District! My old office at Vivienne Tam is around the corner…(but that is a whole other story.)
For the past month, I have spent most of my time sitting in front of a sewing machine, reconnecting with my love of designing and assembling fabrics into wearable art. Sewing was one of the last things I ever expected to do once I moved back to Florida but I have learned numerous times over the years not to question where my journey sometimes takes me.
Should something bring you happiness…go with it.
I originally launched Meredith Myers Designs in 2004 after moving away from NYC and finding my grandmother's sewing machine collecting dust in the garage. She had passed away the weekend I moved to NYC, so it was odd that when I returned to Florida four years later, it was like she wanted me to know that things were going to be okay.
After years as a publicist, struggling comedian, and now a failed author with an unpublished manuscript sitting on my desk, sewing gave me something fun to do while I tried to figure out what I wanted to do with my life. Nothing seemed to be working but her sewing machine from the 1970’s. Since I'd always had an eye for fashion and fabric, it made sense that if I couldn't find what I wanted in stores, I might as well make it myself!
I got in some newspapers, and sold some purses through friends, but my heart wasn’t in being a fashion designer. A bag is a great accessory to looking good, but what truly makes an outfit fabulous was the knowledge on the inside of the person wearing it. I wanted to focus on that path. Which was unpaved at this point, so I went to the library for information and to conduct some research. Next thing I knew, I was in grad school studying to be a librarian, and then moving to Los Angeles. So the poor sewing machine that I loved so much went back to collecting dust in the garage.
However as you already know, after five long years in LA, I am back in Florida...and now sitting at that sewing machine again! I am once again unemployed, however, this time I know what I want to do with my life!
As the Stand-Up Librarian, my mission has always been about educating and entertaining people about the importance of libraries. I believe each and every one of us can be an advocate for libraries whether we work in them or not. So in addition to my literary comedy performances, videos, and witty commentary on StandUpLibrarian.com, I am now promoting literacy in my DESIGNS! An example that nothing we ever do in our lives is a waste of time.
I say the only thing cooler than reading a good book is WEARING IT, so please help me share with the world the importance and necessity of our libraries and books by carrying one of my literary designs! I am making cosmetic bags, wristlet purses, and the cutest fanny packs you will ever see since the awesome 80’s! Seriously, I live for these literary fanny packs because when I have my arms full of library books, I don’t want the annoyance of a heavy purse on my shoulder!
All bags are made to order and sewn by me (when I am not on stage or at the library.) The fabrics are also chosen by me depending on season, availability, and whether I enjoyed the book (sorry, no Jersey Shore or Paris Hilton books will be included here.) All bags are fully lined in coordinating fabrics and contain strong zippers so you won't lose that library card. I offer various price ranges so whether you are a library student or a library director, you can still own a Stand-Up Librarian original!
My Etsy shop is now officially open, so GET SHOPPING!!!! The link is here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/MeredithMyersDesigns
I hope you will enjoy my "book" bags as much as I loved making them.
Meredith,
The Stand-Up Librarian Designer
