Introducing: Sew Inspired By Baby Blog

I decided recently to take a break from sewing for my Etsy shop, so I can focus on my most important job - being a mom to my two sweet babies.  I also wanted to be able to use what little sewing time I have to sew things for my babies as well as gifts for family and friends.  I do have a few pre-made items in my Etsy shop that you can browse through and have a few more to add within the next week, but I will not be doing custom orders at this time. I will try to keep a few pre-made items in there on occasion and if you really want a specific item just mention it to me.  If I have time and materials I will sew it up and list it in my Etsy shop, but not as a custom item.

Here are some items available in my shop right now:

In the meantime, I wanted a place where I could share all my sewing projects, post some tutorials for those who want to try the projects I make, and link to all the great sewing blogs I've discovered without cluttering up my main blog.  So, I created a Sew Inspired By Baby blog.  I'm really excited about this, because it gives me another creative outlet and a way to share my love of sewing with others.  I'm also hoping to host sewing and Etsy related giveaways from time to time.  Check it out and follow along if you are interested.  You can even subscribe by email so you can receive any new posts right in your inbox.  I will make a note on my main blog whenever I write a new post on my Sew Inspired By Baby blog. 

Of course, what would the launch of a sewing blog be without a sewing related giveaway to kick it off, right?  Check out my new blog for information and enter for your chance to win a fun handmade item.

WeeEssentials Review & Giveaway

***Comments are now closed and winner will be announced Friday, March 26th.***

In case you didn't already know, I L.O.V.E. Etsy!  I love being able to buy unique, handmade things for my family and as gifts.  I am so excited to be able to share that love through a review and giveaway from one of my favorite Etsy shops.

I discovered WeeEssentials through Twitter and entered in Candice's giveaway for a free starter set of mama cloth.  I was so excited to find out I had won her giveaway and even more excited when I received my prize.  It was fun to work with her to design my own custom starter set and she was super sweet to include a custom wet bag I purchased along with my prize to save on shipping. 

Custom Wet Bag

Inside of Custom Wet Bag

Medium/Regular Flow Pads

Pantyliners

Heavy Flow/Overnight Pad

I have used these several times already (thanks to the fact that my cycles return just 5 weeks after having a baby) and I LOVE them!  I would never go back to disposable pads.  These are much more comfortable and I love that I can just throw them in the wash with my diaper laundry.  I hate buying things that I'm just going to end up throwing away. 

Cloth Nursing Pads

The next thing I ordered from Candice were some nursing pads.  I loved the fabric choices and had been searching for a good reusable nursing pad.  These were great for at home, but, depending on the shirt I was wearing, didn't always work for out and about.  They are very comfortable though, so a great option for day to day.

Soap Bits

My very favorite product of Wee Essentials are Soap Bits.  I received some samples with one of my orders and fell in love with them as an easy way to make cloth wipe solution.  I was making my own cloth wipe solution, but I was always running behind.  The Soap Bits make it super easy, because all I have to do is heat up some water and add one or two soap bits to the mix.  Sometimes I'll add a drop or two of tea tree oil or coconut oil when V's diaper rash is really bad.  Soap Bits have been a lifesaver for me and, when Candice ran a free shipping sale, I ordered a huge supply of Soap Bits.   Besides cloth wipe solution, you can use Soap Bits for pre washing cloth pads, one time use guest soap, foaming cleanser, travel wash, replacement for harsh public restroom soap, or kids' bath soap. I wish I'd had these when each of my kids were in the hospital, because my hands were so dry and raw after washing them so often each time we entered the NICU.

Natural Lip Balm

Candice was super sweet to send me some natural lip balm to review: Orange Chocolate Truffle and Sinus Relief Balm.  I haven't tried the Sinus Relief Balm since we've all been healthy for a while now, but I LOVE the Orange Chocolate Truffle.  There's just something about the smell of chocolate that instantly makes me happy!  I also love that these lip balms are made with a natural balm base and essential or flavor oils.  Candice says, "I've chosen many oils known for their healing properties and similarity to human oils, sweetened the deal with some beeswax as an emollient (to smooth and soften), and then added yummy scented essential or flavor oils!" 

Candice is also offering one of my readers a $15 gift certificate to Wee Essentials to stock up on some of her wonderful products for yourself.  (Thank you, Candice!)  To enter, simply leave a comment about what you would stock up on if you win.  

*For extra entries (which only count after the first entry is completed):

1. Follow Candice and me on Twitter.

2. Tweet about this giveaway once per day and leave a comment with the hyperlink of each tweet.

3. Follow my blog through Google Friend Connect or email (but make sure to verify your email subscription in order for this entry to count!).

4. Browse Wee Essentials shop and tell me something about one of Wee Essentials products that you love.

5. Become a fan of Wee Essentials on Facebook.

This giveaway will end on Thursday, March 25th at 10 pm CST. 

A Very Etsy Christmas

I have been on the lookout this year for unique and handmade Christmas gifts.  I knew I wouldn't have enough time to make ALL the gifts on our list, so I turned to my new favorite place to shop online - ETSY!  I have found SO many wonderful little Etsy shops and thought I'd share some with you.

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 I discovered this Etsy shop during zealandsmom's Teething Week giveaways.  LocoMoMomma crochets teething toys that are made from organic cotton yarn.  They are a great eco-friendly option to all the plastic teething toys on the market right now.  They make great stocking stuffers or a unique handmade gift for any baby!

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I discovered Enchanted Dandelions through Twitter and ordered the cute pumpkin diaper cover our Little Pumpkin was showing off for Halloween.  Enchanted Dandelions also sells Flaxseed Headache Helper Owie Bags.  Basically, they "provide hot and cold therapy for all your first aid and comforting needs" and are made of "soft 100% cotton flannel and filled with organic flaxseed".   What a great gift idea for anybody on your list!

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I discovered this Etsy shop during a random search on Etsy and absolutely fell in love with all her cute products.  I've ordered from her shop several times and just LOVE how soft these washcloths are and how good her handmade soaps are.  Any item in her shop would make a great gift for anyone on your list too.

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How cute is this little bunny?  Her name is Mochi the Plush Bunny and she is handmade by a friend of my sister.  I would just LOVE to put this in my daughter's Christmas stocking...

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I don't quite remember how I came across this Etsy shop, but I just love that all the items for sale here can be personalized.  What a great keepsake item!

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And as a fun side note, I entered a giveaway for a personalized t-shirt last week...and I WON!  I picked out this Lucy style of t-shirt for our Sweet Pea and can't wait to show it off. 

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If you have a blog, it would be fun to hear what some of your favorite Etsy shops are too.  Copy the fun little button I made above and make sure to link it to this post.  Paste it into your own blog post and write your own "A Very Etsy Christmas" post.  Then, join in on the fun by adding the link to your blog post here.

New Items in My Etsy Shop

Believe it or not, I have found time for sewing with a toddler and newborn under foot.  I love sewing, so, really, I make time for it for my own sanity!  I've been busy sewing projects for Christmas gifts, our school's auction, and some fun things for my little ones.  I decided to make extras of some of my projects and list them in my Etsy shop.  They would all make great Christmas presents, so check it out!

Patchwork Blue Jeans - 18 Months

(TWO available here)
 

Black Wool Longies, Large

(ONE available here)

Blue Jean Jumper, 24 Months

(TWO available here)

Turkey Fleece Diaper Cover, Large

(ONE available here...but if you're interested in a different size, let me know ASAP)

I still have two Crayon Caddies available here and would be willing to do custom orders for more if anyone is interested.  I would also be willing to do custom orders for a Colored Pencil Caddy ($10) like the one below:

 

 

 

Custom Orders in My Etsy Shop

 Most of the orders I have done through my Etsy shop have been custom orders, which is great for me, because I don't have lots of inventory sitting around...and I love to make unique things just for my customers.  Here are a few custom orders I finished up this week:

Large Diaper Bag

Remember when I posted a picture of the diaper bag I made for myself?  Well, a sweet blogging friend of mine found out she's expecting her third and asked me if I could make her one and I was more than happy to.  The diaper bag is approximately 16" wide, 14" tall, and 5" deep.  It has outside pockets and inside pockets with plenty of room to store all the baby essentials needed for any outing.  With all the time and materials it takes to make one, I'm selling them for $50.  If anyone is interested in placing a custom order for one, please email me so I can set up a custom listing for you.  Also, if you're interested in a different size, let me know too. 

Peek-A-Boo Nursing Cover

I'm just LOVING polka dots lately and was more than happy to make this custom order for Veronica.  If you're interested in a custom nursing cover, you can check out JoAnn's website here to see some of the fabric choices I like to use and then email me with your choice so I can set up a custom listing.  The Peek-A-Boo Nursing Covers sell for $20/each. 

Swaddle Receiving Blanket

These blankets are my most popular custom item.  My customers love them, because they are larger (and therefore last longer) than the store bought ones and they are great for swaddling.  (They are approximately 40" x 40".)  Plus, they are made from a super soft and cute flannel fabric.  They sell for $10/each.  If you are interested in placing a custom order, you can check out the Snuggle Flannel fabric from JoAnn's and email me with your fabric choice(s) so I can set up a custom listing for you. 

Newborn Fleece Diaper Covers

Another blogging friend emailed me after I posted pictures of the diapers and diaper covers I've been sewing for our baby boy asking if I could make her some for her baby girl due in just a few weeks.  I was excited to make my own pattern and have her test it for me.  They are made with a double layer of fleece (a print pattern on the outside and plain color on the inside) and are sewn with 100% polyester thread so they won't leak.  I used Velcro closures and even made laundry tabs to make them easy to wash.  The newborn size will sell for $7.00/each.  If you are interested in the newborn size or a different size, please email me with your request so I can set up a custom listing.

Newborn All-In-One (AIO) Diapers

My blogging friend who ordered the newborn diaper covers also asked me to make some All-In-One diapers for her to try.  I used the same pattern as the diaper covers, but added a layer of terrycloth for absorbency in the middle and flannel on the inside so it is soft against baby's bottom.  The newborn size will sell for $10/each.  If you are interested in the newborn size or a different size, please email me your request so I can set up a custom listing. 

For all custom order requests, please let me know within the next two weeks.  I'm going to be slightly preoccupied with a certain little baby boy in just five short weeks...can you believe it?  

14 Months Old

Our Sweet Pea is officially 14 months old today...and I can hardly believe how much she has grown in the past year. She is definitely well into the toddler stage now. She walks EVERYwhere and has even started to run. She also loves to explore and has kept me on my feet making sure she doesn't get into trouble. We have to be sure to close the bathroom door, because she will splash around in the toilet every chance she gets. She has also tried to climb the bookshelves if there is something placed in front of it for her to use as a step. I'm thankful our house is on one level, because climbing stairs is one of her favorite things to do.

She is still a peanut, but is now wearing 18 month clothes and has outgrown all her medium size cloth diapers. I've been frantically sewing more pocket diapers for her in a large size and have to make some more diaper covers too. Thankfully, the prefold diapers she has will still fit for quite a while. Now that she's walking all the time, she has also been wearing shoes. At first, she wasn't too sure about them, but now she will bring me her shoes before we leave the house. She has tiny feet too - she is just starting to fit into a size 3.

I've also begun to introduce the potty to her. Full blown potty training is definitely months away, especially with a newborn on the way, but I'm trying to get her slowly used to the idea of the toilet. My mom found a little potty seat at a rummage sail that sits right on the toilet. For bath time, I always let Valerie watch me fill the tub, because she loves it. I noticed a few weeks ago that she would start to pee all over the bathroom floor while she watched me fill the tub. So, I decided to sit her on the potty seat while I fill the tub and see what happens. For the most part, she just thinks it's funny and giggles about it. She's very good about not climbing down though. Monday morning when I put her on the potty to fill the tub, I noticed her face getting red and she began to make grunting noises. Sure enough, she went poopy in the potty! I'm not sure if she fully understood, but she did try to look down into the potty afterwards and clapped when I clapped for her. It was pretty exciting - a small step that will hopefully make potty training in the future much easier. Here are two cute videos from the past few weeks of our Sweet Pea for you to enjoy:

She LOVES bath-time...can you tell?

She LOVES music too and has started to twirl in a circle whenever music is playing.

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By the way, I just thought I'd share two new Etsy shops I discovered after winning some fun giveaways:

First, I was super excited to find out I was the winner of WeeEssentials Cloth Pad Starter Set giveaway. Some of you are probably thinking "cloth pads...ew!" which is exactly what I thought when I first heard it. But, after a good friend started using them and told me how much she loved them, I decided I would try them after our baby boy arrives. My friend offered to make me several different styles and when I discovered WeeEssentials' blog I thought it couldn't hurt to enter her giveaway...and I'm really glad I did! The owner of this cute Etsy shop is Candice and she is super sweet. We've been in contact for the past week and I can't wait to see what she comes up with. I'm also planning to order one of her medium wet bags and some cloth nursing pads. She has the CUTEST fabric...now I just have to decide which ones to order!

Second, I won one of several $5 gift certificates by following Monkey Snuggles on Twitter...and I've just fallen in love with her wool longies and leg warmers. I used my $5 gift certificate to purchase these cute leg warmers for our Sweet Pea:

Now I just have to make a cute fleece diaper cover to match these.  They will be perfect for keeping her warm around the house and showing off a handmade diaper cover.  Check out the Wool section - the wool longies and soakers are too cute for words!  It makes me wish I could knit...

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And, while we're on the topic of giveaways...I just found out I won ANOTHER giveaway!  MamaJoss, the super mom of Irish Twins whom she calls Pinkie & MyBuddy, hosted a giveaway for (3) eebee's adventures DVD's.  Here's what eebee's website says about their DVD series:

eebee's adventures are designed to engage you and your baby with rich play experiences that provide powerful lessons that memorizing letters, numbers, colors and shapes simply can and do not.
Watching and, importantly, “doing” eebee's adventures will allow you and your baby to see and learn first-hand what happens when you explore a crinkly, crunchy, smooth and bumpy paper mountain or roll, bounce, bop, bang, slide and toss your way around a world of balls and ramps.

It looks super cute and will be fun to share with our Sweet Pea...and, eventually, our baby boy.  I'm thinking I might save them as a Christmas gift for Valerie, so it will be one less gift I have to purchase.  Now, if only I could win giveaways for ALL my Christmas gifts...