Busy Sewing

Things are slowing way down in my etsy shop, but I have been busy sewing anyway :) I'm working on a few custom orders, and trying to create as much as I can for an upcoming craft show. This will be my first one, so any tips or ideas will be much appreciated! I'm glad I have a handy husband who can help me with the display! In fact, I saw something neat on a blog: http://www.blogmimigreen.com/blog/2008/05/craft-show-good.html. She doesn't sell the same stuff I do, but I liked the thingy made with PVC pipe. I could hang smaller dresses and skirts on something like that, and borrow a rolling hanger from someone to hang some other stuff, as well as placing things on the table. I also plan to make some hair accesories. (for girls and women!)

I am also finally getting some of the professional photos of some clothes I made awhile ago. The little girl is such an adorable model, and the photographer is great! The pictures above are some that she took along with a dress I just made for the craft show. In the meantime, I am praying for more online sales to come my way so I can buy the supplies I need! :D

Aaaand just so everyone knows, right now I am doing a summer special: spend $30 or more in the shop and recieve 15% off. So even if you only spend $30, you still get at least $4.50 off! This does not include shopping.

Meadowsweet Skirt

Odin had the camera :)

Yesterday I had 3 pairs of white pants to make for different customers. So I did that, then decided I wanted to make a skirt for Ally (once I get going, I really don't like to stop). Skirts don't take terribly long to make, so I was able to finish it pretty quickly (with interruptions, of course!) I made it with Sandi Henderson's new Meadowsweet line. The butterflies are so fun, and I love pink and orange! I had gotten a pair of ruffle leggings and a ruffle top at Target, and the skirt matched really well. Ally was a little over-ruffled though! The skirt is available in my shop, and Ally actually was a really good model for me today. I got some nice shots! The kids have really been great about playing outside. I don't know what I'll do when it's summer and it's too hot. We also had to go to the post office today. The line was really long, but both kids were good about it. Odin has been so sweet lately, with lots of "I love you's" and kisses, and I don't really want him to grow up. Gave him a cookie-pie for being a good boy (Oatmeal cream pie). I miss my family- less then 3 weeks until they are here! But don't tell my mom that; she likes to think of it as a month because she has so much to get done in that time. :) The shop is slowing down lately, but I am hoping for a few more sales before I take a much-needed break.

A new skirt :)

I made another apron skirt. I love these skirts, and I especially LOVE this fabric! It is by Patty Young. I made these for two special little girls, and I can't wait for them to get them! I also listed them in the shop, and have sold two already. Things have been busy, which is great, but a part of me keeps getting discouraged and thinking the sales will stop. I hope not- I hope things keep going steadily as they have been, as we can really use the extra income!

I have also enjoyed purchasing some gifts on etsy. So excited about these! A certain ebay commercial says "No one wants handmade for the holidays." I find that rude, insulting...and not true! I love handmade things (like last year's "bacon bowl" from my brother Andre) and I think the people I made or bought them for will love them, too.

Dresses for sale...

Well, I decided to do it. A lot of people have asked if I sell the clothes I make...at first I was just doing it for fun, but I enjoy it so much I thought I would try to sell some. "Try" being the operative word here. Sometimes I feel I am taking too much on- MOPS, playgroup, writing, my cards, and now sewing. Not to mention raising two kids, being a wife, spending time with God...you get the picture. So is it too much? Not sure. In fact, I might eventually stop doing the cards (except for friends and family who ask) and just focus on other things. To be honest, designing cards is not going well. I suppose I could put more effort into advertising- but who has time for that? This clothing venture might turn out the same way, and I'm ok with that. If God puts the breaks on it, I'll continue sewing just for fun. And all those clothes in my shop? Stuff for Ally and gifts for friends :). I'll stick to my writing though...that is something I feel I really SHOULD be doing, and maybe the other stuff is just for me. As far as playgroup and MOPS, those are important for my sanity and for my kids to make some friends until they begin school. They always have their cousins, of course, but it's good to make other friends too.

Anyway, thanks for listening to my honesty. This is where I am right now. Life is good, and I have learned recently that I don't need to do everything- not supposed to! I should be focusing on whatever God wants me to do. Now, here are some pics of clothes I am planning to sell- the skirt is a personal favorite and will probably remain in Ally's closet :D.