Cathy Hay

I should have a video for you by now. I set up the cameras and lights, got the backdrop looking perfect, set up the teleprompter, and… nothing.

My voice had relapsed, and after three days of trying to force it, I realised that no tea, anti-anxiety remedy, tears, or temper tantrum was going to force YouTube consistency to happen this time.

But when I let go and accepted this situation, the gift revealed itself. Do I really believe that I am “disrespecting my audience” (actual advice I’ve received) if I don’t upload something - anything! - like clockwork?

Long story short, I think consistency is a racket designed to keep platforms raking in the cash at the expense of both creators and consumers.

After this experience, I'm also seeing ableist undertones in there... do we really think that batch creation will save us when there's a health issue in the picture?

A conversation is developing within my mailing list, and if you'd like to connect there, the link is below.

I'm sorry that video can be challenging to produce... but whether my voice shows up or not, I can share a lot in writing.

cathy-hay-e49f.mykajabi.com/

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3 months ago (edited) | [YT] | 1,037

Cathy Hay

Hey you... new video coming tomorrow. It's been a while, and there's lots to catch you up on.

4 months ago | [YT] | 1,220

Cathy Hay

Hi, it's been a while, hasn't it!

In the last few months I've passed the Foundations Revealed business on to a new owner back in the UK, and I've successfully moved abroad.

Neither of those things was simple, so I especially appreciate your patience while I've been quiet.

As you can see, I'm currently languishing in a mostly empty apartment, working on my embroidery and enjoying the Colorado snow while I wait for my remaining stuff to arrive on a slow boat from Southampton.

I'm moving a lot of energy right now to fully dematerialise in one country and materialise in another, and I'm giving myself a lot of grace; it takes a little time and patience.

And yes, what timing to be moving to the US, I know. This process began a few years ago and concluded here and now. It is what it is, and I'm giving support to those who need it where I can.

In the meantime, I hope you'll join me as I begin publishing again, a little at a time. I've been taking a course on making meaningful, authentic short form video - you probably saw my homework, the Short about my voice, thank you so much for the overwhelmingly positive response! - and there's another one coming soon while I also build a new YT video.

Thank you for bearing with me while I pull this build-of-all-builds together.

Love and blessings, Cathy

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9 months ago (edited) | [YT] | 1,139

Cathy Hay

YOU GUYS I have massive news (and a new video, tomorrow)... my US visa application has been approved. I'm moving abroad. It's official. This is something I've wanted since dinosaurs roamed the Earth, and I'm delighted - especially since my application was based on my achievements over a 30+ year career as a historical dressmaker. It's a massive validation and I'm enormously grateful.

To celebrate, I'm releasing a short video that Sophie and I made last year.

Last summer I wanted to create a short piece explaining the velvet coat project - what it is, why I'd do something so nuts and why I'm taking so long over it. But I felt self conscious about the result - I felt like I looked horrible and didn't explain it very well. (Read: it was quite personal and I was scared.)

But I'm full of beans right now, so f*** it, let's do it. It'll be out at 1pm Eastern tomorrow (Friday). Thank you, once again, for being with me on this extraordinary journey.

1 year ago | [YT] | 2,708

Cathy Hay

What does it take to carve out space to sew regularly without guilt, and ensure more of your cherished project ideas turn into clothes you can actually wear and enjoy (even if that involves a gazillion tiny felt flowers?)

In a few hours a bunch of us are getting together to plan out a sustainable sewing practice that will give you PERMISSION to come home to the sewing you really love (because what else is life for, anyway?)

If you are someone who keeping finding your projects unfinished or on the back burner because life perpetually gets in the way, this is 100% for you, and if you're neurodivergent, you'll be right at home.

Join us by signing up now at foundationsrevealed.com/workshop whether you're joining us live, or whether you want the link to the recording afterwards. I'd love you to be part of this, so that we can empower each other to make space for what we truly love as a community. See you there. <3

1 year ago (edited) | [YT] | 465

Cathy Hay

I have a new video almost ready for you - it's going up on Sunday.

I've been listening to last month's feedback, and I think this video is much stronger.

You'll see more of the church where I stayed in August, we'll chat about calling yourself an artist, and you'll see me make as much progress on the coat embroidery in August as I did in the 3 previous months (here's a sneak peek!) 🥳

2 years ago | [YT] | 656

Cathy Hay

New video this week! Join me on SUNDAY to see my favourite place yet that I've worked on my 1890s Marshall & Snelgrove velvet coat. (Yep, I'm trying out a new upload time this month.) The travel is making consistency a little challenging, but we carry on regardless. See you soon!

2 years ago | [YT] | 444

Cathy Hay

The 2023 Foundations Revealed Competition concludes today with the Winners' announcement, about to be released on the FR Channel. I'm so excited to celebrate 15 outstanding winners and all 160 brave makers! https://youtu.be/BW6nC5VcIJY

Meanwhile I also just delivered all the footage for a NEW velvet coat video to Sophie, and we'll have that out for you on June 1st!

2 years ago (edited) | [YT] | 255

Cathy Hay

My friend gifted me a blanket she crocheted. I appreciate the work in it, the care in it, and the love in it.

But never more so than when my world was falling apart with COVID and anxiety a couple of days ago, and I was clinging to that blanket like it was my last scrap of proof that the world is a kind place. (I'm melodramatic when I'm ill.)

And somewhere in that anxiety I remembered - and felt - the REAL value in the things we make.

More: cathyhay.com/2023/05/a-blanket-statement-about-han…

2 years ago | [YT] | 1,156

Cathy Hay

It's been a very full month at work - not just the Skirt Workshop and our new Course, but the 2023 Competition Entries are LIVE!
members.foundationsrevealed.com/entries-2023/

I'm SO DARN PROUD of my team's dedication, and of the 159 makers who entered the Foundations Revealed Competition this year.

Our panel of Judges have selected the finalists, and everything is LIVE. Be wowed by the pretties and be inspired by the stories of struggle, creativity, and triumph. These are makers just like you. Let them pull you towards your own creative passions. :)
⁠
It is so hard to put your work out there on a big scale, and I trust that you will turn out en masse, as you always do, to support each other and create such a massive wave of POSITIVE judgement and appreciation that *everyone* wins.

Free and paid members who've been with Foundations Revealed since at least Feb 22nd 2023 have just over 2 weeks to VOTE for the winners, until Monday 8th May 2023, 5pm London. The prizewinners will be announced on Friday 19th May 2023, 6pm London.

Do help me celebrate all our entrants, and the incredible creative journey they've taken this year. And to those of you who entered - YOU DID IT! Good Luck!

That link again - members.foundationsrevealed.com/entries-2023/

Love, Cathy x

2 years ago (edited) | [YT] | 257