Where I've Been Lately & I'm Giving Away A TeePee!

Hi Friends!  It feels like I've been gone forever, but really it's just been a week.  Or two.  I have a big, long, picture-heavy post comin' atcha from our Montana trip and another post from our visit to the pumpkin patch.  Other than that, I have been up-to-my-ears busy with some MOPS fundraisers I'm planning, and my two boys and I have been s.i.c.k.  So sick.

Now that I've given you my totally abbreviated sob story, hopefully you'll understand when I tell you this little bit of information so very, very late and last-minute:

I am giving away the farm a children's play teepee over at my friend Amy's blog, A Good Life!  The part that I need to apologize for is that you only have until tonight at 11:59 to enter.  Head over there now to get all the details on how to enter and do it soon!

I'm always late to the party.

{ photo via A Good Life }

If you win, you'll get a limited edition "P-Ray" teepee just like Parker's.  You'll need to provide the polls (unless you're local to me in the Seattle area) which are less than $10 at Home Depot --and they'll even cut them to the right size if you ask nicely!

I do not offer teepees in my Etsy shop, so this is a very special treat for my readers and Amy's!  My teepees are made from new and upcycled cotton, are completely washable, and fun to use indoors or out.  They make the perfect reading nook for little ones and are even large enough to fit a child and one adult inside!

Hurry over to A Good Life NOW to enter!

Whaddya think, TIME grows on TREES?!

Today I worked on three different crib bedding sets and a custom-order Claire dress.  This translates into: I completely ignored my children and all housework for the entire day.  When it was time for a break this afternoon, I sat down in search of some new sewing patterns so I can stock the shop with a few fresh and exciting items.

A "few" turned into six.  Oy.  When in the world will I find time to make all of them, let alone one?!

I like to share my pattern sources with my readers who sew.  It makes me happy to let them in on where you can find the patterns I use to create my dresses, etc.  On my to-do list, marked "URGENT", is learning how to draft my own patterns.  There are so many ideas in my head just dying to get out!  I need to make that happen.

In the meantime, here's a sneak peek of the patterns I purchased today:

{ bolero jacket by dream spun kids & ruffle front cardigan by too sweets }

{ amelia top, acadia tee & somerset hoodie all by mama stellato }

{ summertime romper by sew sweet patterns }

Aren't they all adorable?!  I can't wait to find the time to make them all.  I took a poll on the LilyBaby facebook page today to see which style of the six the fans want to see in the shop first?  They overwhelmingly voted for the summertime romper.

Which style do you vote for?

Is it okay to squeeze the cheeks of someone else's child?

After you check out the photos in this post, the answer is sure to be an overwhelming "YES".  At least, I hope that's the case.  Spoiler alert: they're the cutest thing you'll ever lay eyes on...

I'll be offering at least three all-new styles in the Etsy shop this summer, and these pictures show off two of the styles.  The precious little model is the daughter of my wonderful product photographer, Andrea, from Andrea Turner Photography.  These styles are so new that they're not even listed in the shop yet. 

Here's your preview.  Enjoy.

See what I mean about the squeeze-able cheeks?!

Adorable.

But wait, there's more!

Can I please get these shoes in my size?

And for the Grand Finale...Are you ready for this??

Work it, Girl.

A New Skill

{photo from Google Images}



"Hi, I'm Jamie.  And I'm addicted to shirring."

I have three new styles coming atcha for the summer.  All three include a bit of shirring!  The new styles are en route to the photographer right now and I'll be revealing them before you can say "supercalifragilisticexpealadocious". 

New Photos! The Madison Reversible Wrap Dress

 The Madison reversible wrap dress was one of the first styles I introduced into the Etsy shop.  I love the straight lines and the simplicity of the piece. 

My favorite thing about this dress is that it is reversible.  Yes, that's like paying for one dress and getting two!

This dress is completely customizable, meaning you choose the main and trim fabric colors, as well as the color of ribbon that ties the dress closed on one side.  There is also a hidden ribbon tie on the inside flap.

The Madison reversible dress looks great with the sleeves rolled up to show off the coordinating fabric on the opposite side.  When the child grows, roll the sleeves down and wear it as a long tunic top. 

As with most of my dresses, this one is perfect paired with bare legs and dress shoes or bare feet in the spring and cooler summer days, or leggings and boots in the fall and winter months.  The possibilities are endless!

The Madison reversible wrap dress is available in toddler sizes: 12/18m, 2T, 3/4T, and 5/6T. 

You can find the Madison reversible wrap dress in the Etsy shop here for $30.00.

{Photos Courtesy of Andrea Turner Photography}

Blog Love

Some kind words were said about LilyBaby's customer service over at the blog, "Breathe It All In".  I've been working closely with the blogger, Liz, for a few weeks creating a custom crib bedding set for the little bundle she's expecting soon.  You can read the post here and get a sneak peek at the fabric she's chosen.

Liz's fabric arrived today, and it is even more beautiful in person than online.  I couldn't wait to get my hands on it and have already finished her crib sheet and throw pillow!  She's been such a fun person to work with, it makes creating this set that much more exciting for me.  I've been so lucky the last year; always getting the best customers!

I'm sure Liz will be posting pictures once her custom crib bedding set is in her hands and I'm beyond excited to see them! 

Whoooo loves custom crib bedding?!

...LilyBaby loves custom crib bedding!  Here are a few pictures of a five-piece custom crib bedding set I finished for a customer this morning:

I'm adoring the owl/zigzag combination!  The perfect crib bedding is so hard to find.  In conversations with family, friends and customers, it seems like most of them "settled" when it came to picking out the bedding and decor for their baby's nursery.  Well, settle no longer!

It's no secret that my absolute favorite items to sew are the custom orders.  Pair a custom order with something as special as baby's crib bedding and I'm in love! 

This customer came to me knowing she wanted to use this fabric, and by working together she and I created this beautiful set.  Using a few different coordinating fabrics is totally the thing-to-do right now, and I'm so happy it is! 

LilyBaby's Complete Five-Piece Custom Crib Bedding Sets include:

a bumper with pockets on the inside,

one crib sheet,

a single-pleat crib skirt,

a crib-sized hand-tied quilt,

and

a matching throw pillow.

Extra crib sheets and pillows, even changing pad covers and panel curtains are available for an extra charge!

The current price for a complete set when I purchase the fabric is $350.

The current price for a complete set using fabric you've already purchased is $150.

**I will purchase all other necessary materials, and they are included in the price.** 

Here's where I get corny:

Having a crib bedding set no one else has? 

Priceless.

Ladies and Gentlemen...

...LilyBaby is now officially offering five-piece custom crib bedding sets!

What's almost better than welcoming a precious new baby into the world?  Decorating his or her nursery with crib bedding no one else has, that's what! 

..........

LilyBaby Custom Crib Bedding sets include:

Crib bumper with pockets,

Crib Skirt with a pleat in the front and back,

One fitted crib sheet,

Hand tied crib-sized quilt,

Matching throw pillow

..........

You may choose to have a set made out of your own fabric for just $150!  This includes construction of the bedding and all necessary materials other than the fabric.

Or, you may choose for me to purchase all fabric and materials needed to construct your bedding set for $350!  This is around the same price as the four-piece sets at the big box stores.

Custom orders are my specialty, and I'd love to work with you to create something extra special for you!

**All materials used in the crib bedding sets meet the strict safety standards required for childrens' bedding.  The pillow included in the set is meant to be used outside the crib, for example, displayed neatly on a rocking chair.  Full payment is due up front.  Additional pieces are available at an additional cost.

Etsy Treasuries featuring LilyBaby

Etsy.com is a wonderful online marketplace full of everything handmade or vintage.  Each artist or vendor has their own shop where they sell everything you can think of from toys, crafting supplies, jewelry, clothing, furniture, pottery, the list goes on and on.  For those of you who aren't familiar with Etsy, take a look around, it's free to do so.  You're sure to find something that absolutely thrills you.  I promise.  Since you're dealing directly with the artist on Etsy, you can have just about anything custom made, which is one of my favorite things about shopping and doing business there.

One neat {yes, I'm bringing back the word "neat"} feature of Etsy are the Treasuries.  Treasuries are a great way to promote the shops of fellow Etsians.  Every time you arrive at the front page of Etsy.com, you're viewing a single treasury that was chosen out of thousands by Etsy administrators.  Each treasury is a handpicked collection of 16 items currently for sale on the site, curated by members.  For example, if I'm feeling chilly in this December Seattle weather, I might be inspired to create a treasury of all sorts of items that remind me of warmth, like knit scarves, or a vintage tea cup.  Or if I come across a shop I admire, I might create my entire treasury around one item in that shop.  I think it's a bit of a goal of members' to have a treasury they create make it to the front page.  Or better yet, if an item of theirs makes it to the front page!  Either way, it brings traffic to the shop and is an opportunity to be seen by someone who may not have found your shop otherwise.

Lately, LilyBaby items have been featured in treasuries left and right!  It's quite an honor to be recognized by fellow Etsy members this way because they hand picked my item to include in their treasury.  You can view treasuries featuring the LilyBaby "Avery Hoodie" below:

and

and

and

Can you find the Avery hoodie in each of the four treasuries above? 

I love making treasuries.  I like to make them so they're beautiful to look at.  In the future, I'll post treasuries I've curated and more treasuries LilyBaby has been featured in.  Hopefully this will inspire you to check them out if you haven't yet, and maybe even create one of your own!

More Changes for LilyBaby

It's time.

In addition to the Etsy shop transition into being exclusively for custom orders, I'm getting rid of my beloved spiral silver hand-me-down clothes rack that I use for display at craft shows.  Why, you ask?  Because I'm officially tenatively retiring from the craft show bazaar scene!  Times are changin'.

Although I love getting out for the weekend, meeting new and exciting crafty people, and getting to know my customer base face-to-face, LilyBaby's online sales are sky rocketing!  Enough so that I'm contemplating hiring an intern to help out with packaging and shipping items.  Whew!  Who knew?!  Not me, that's for sure.  Not this soon, anyways. 

Over the last year, I've participated in some shows with a direct cause, such as the fundraiser for a local photographer whose studio was broken into.  I still plan on helping out where I can, but no more $80 table fees at the senior center holiday craft festival for this girl, if you get my drift! 

I owe much of LilyBaby's recent success to the Facebook fans.  Thank you, thank you for spreading the word to your friends and families.  The support I've received from the Facebook fans has truly made this first year of business a joy.  It makes my day to see a "Like" on my posts and pictures. 

Another group of awesome people I owe the success to are the bloggers.  You guys.  Seriously.  I never expected the kind words you write when you review my products.  You can read a couple of the LilyBaby blog reviews here, here, and here.

So thank you, again, to every person who has supported Lily Baby the last ten months and to everyone I've met along the way for your kind words, encouragement and inspiration.  (And if you know someone in my area who would be interested in learning about the handmade marketplace as an intern, send them my way!)

The Ultimate Cozy Cardigan

The Ultimate Cozy Cardigan.  I couldn't describe it better if I tried.

Available now for custom order!

I just love showing off my latest items via these new pictures from Andrea Turner Photography.

First of all, she has the most adorable little model on hand. 

I'm lacking in the little girl department around here.

Second of all, is that not the cutest, most stylish background you've ever seen? 

If I have my facts straight, she made it herself!

In these pictures, little model "A" is showing off the Ultimate Cozy Cardigan. 

It is made with thick, luxurious sweatshirt fleece.  Or a lightweight knit if you ask nicely.

For girls, it features slight bell sleeves and a tunic-length fit.  (As shown.)

For boys, the cardigan is made with straight sleeves and a more traditional sweatshirt length.

The Ultimate Cozy Cardigan is available in sizes 12m, 2T, 3T, and 4/5T. 

I'm always working on enlarging my patterns.

{My goal is to enlargen this one until it'll fit me!}

Find the Ultimate Cozy Cardigan in my Etsy shop!

Don't forget, I specialize in custom orders!

The Ava Ruffle Dress

One of my favorite things to sew is the Ava ruffle dress.  There are so many different ways to make it unique.  You can go for the optional sash that ties in a bow at the waist, in the front or the back.  You can choose to add a border at the hem, or a touch of lace for added femininity.  An applique design can be added for fun.  A little one can wear this with leggings, boots, and a cardigan in the Fall, or with just bare feet in the summer.  Super cute and girly, this Little Lizard King design is a favorite of mine!

I am thrilled with they way the new professional pictures show off the dress!  Thanks to Andrea Turner Photography.  I'm excited to transform all the photos in the Etsy shop into little beauties like these!  I couldn't choose a favorite if my life depended on it.

The Ava Ruffle Dress sells for $30.  You get to choose the size, colors, and add-ons!

Etsy Shop Transition and a Photography Partnership

Due to the wonderful support the Etsy shop has received the last ten months, I'm transitioning the shop into being exclusively custom orders!  Custom orders are my favorite items to work on, since I'm able to work one-on-one with the customer to create a one-of-a-kind piece that is special to them.  Another reason for the transition is that my inventory of dresses, hoodies and everything else is taking over the closet space in my boys' room!  Right now in the Etsy shop, nearly everything in my inventory is marked down as low as possible.  You can find the sale section on the left hand side when visiting my shop.

To go with the rest of the LilyBaby revamping project, I've also decided to use professional photos exclusively.  I subscribe to the Etsy sucess e-mails, and I read the blogs.  They're always stressing the importance of using quality pictures to show off the items you sell.  I may be able to sew, but I'm lacking in the photography skills department.  I've used Collet photography in the past, which is where those awesome pictures of my ties come from.  Love them!  And recently, I've partnered with Andrea Turner photography to get some great pictures of my clothing items on little models.  Here's a preview:

I just love her style, don't you?!  And an added bonus is that she conveniently has a little model of her very own on hand!  You'll be seeing lots more of the adorable model "A" in the future.  You can also find Andrea Turner Photography on Facebook.

...A Good Life.

All last week the wonderful Amy from the blog, "A Good Life" hosted a LilyBaby review and giveaway!  You can read the post here. 

Amy blogs about life as a new mother and wife, and so much more.  I think she's totally relatable, and nod knowingly while reading her posts about motherhood.  I also think she's my sense-of-humor twin, and I find myself giggling to myself as while reading her posts.  Amy has a fun style of writing that keeps this wandering mind wanting to read more!  Not usually one to get emotional, I cried like a baby when I read her post about looking back on the first six months of motherhood.  People always say to not take for granted the precious moments when raising children, because before you know it they'll be grown.  This post brought back all those wonderful memories that seem so long ago, even though my boys are still pratically babies themselves.

Out of all the Mom Blogs out there, "A Good Life" is currently ranked in the top ten!  How cool is that?!  I try to do my part and vote daily when I can because I appreciate a good read from time to time.  And you know what else is cool?  LilyBaby is a proud sponsor of "A Good Life", and I have claimed a small spot in the righthand column along with the other sponsors.  That's right, the cute little button with a yellow Lily dress, that's me!

Here's Amy's little man, affectionatley known as "P-Ray" on her blog.  He's looking like quite the stud muffin in his Avery hoodie, don't you think?!

Amy hosts regular giveaways and takes part in fun bloggy actvities that everyone is invited to join.  So check out "A Good Life" if you haven't already, and tell her LilyBaby sent you!

The Lily Dress

The Lily Dress is the first item I had ever successfully sewn.  It is incredibly cute, and very easy to make.  Once someone has the sewing basics down and is interested in sewing clothing, I recommend trying this style of dress.  The style is most widely known as the pillowcase dress.  I enjoy creating these dresses because I have the opportunity to make each one unique. 

Border at the hem, or no border.

A fabric bow at the neckline, or ribbon.

Touches of lace at the hem, or not.

An applique of a flower on the dress, or an initial.

Cheery, girly fabric, or a sports team.

The options are endless with this style of dress. 

My favorite thing about the Lily dress is, for example, you can purchase a 12 month size for a first birthday gift.  It will fit long, about mid to lower calf.  Then, as she grows, just loosen the tie at the neckline to widen the dress and give her more room.  She can now wear it with leggings as a tunic-length top, and eventually as a summer tank top! 

I sew these dresses using French seams, which means there are no unfinished seam edges on the underside of the dress.  The seams are tucked in, then sewn over so they are hidden.  I find that this type of seam adds durability and a lot of life to a garment, which is ideal when you are purchasing a dress meant to grow with a child!

This style of dress is available in size newborn through womens' sizes, and prices start at just $20 for some styles. 

Hi there, and welcome!

We're coming up on the one year anniversary of the debut of my business and the grand opening of my Etsy shop, both named, "LilyBaby Creations".  There's no better time than now to begin a LilyBaby blog!

The last ten months have been a wonderful, exciting ride for me.  Not only has becoming an official "business owner"  been a learning experience, I feel as if I've grown as a person.  I've always been the employee, and not until opening my business did I fully appreciate the concept of customer service.  Nor did I see the true importance of offering a high quality product. 

LilyBaby came to be after I acquired a sewing machine years ago from my uncle who owns a sewing and vacuum shop in a nearby town.  I began sewing simple patterns, such as my Lily dress, which is known in many circles as the "pillowcase dress".  I gave the Lily dresses to friends as gifts for baby showers and first birthdays.  The dresses were a hit, and I was asked to make them custom on occasion. 

I had heard of Etsy.com in the past on many occasions and after some research, decided to set up shop.  For those of you who don't know, Etsy.com is a wonderful online marketplace for anything and everything handmade.  Vintage, too!  After following Etsy's simple instructions on how to get my shop in working order, I was up and running in no time.

Since then, I have been absolutely thrilled and honored to have people from all over the country and Canada order from me.  I love being able to tell my friends and family that I "just got an order from a lady in South Carolina!" or "Nashville!"  For Pete's sake, I even get excited when I am shipping something to the next town. 

Knowing firsthand the love, sweat, and happy tears that go into running my very own Etsy shop, I'm buying more quality, handmade goods instead of running to my nearest department store.  There's something so special about purchasing directly from the artist, to be able to have anything I can think of custom made. 

On occasion, I'll be featuring Etsy shops I admire on this blog so I can share their creations with you.  I'll be sure to post reviews and photos of everything handmade that enters my home, in hopes of sparking interest in those of you who haven't yet discovered the wonders of a handmade gift.

Again, welcome.  And happy reading!