Sunday, July 11, 2010

How it Got Started

My mom-in-law, Cindy, and I often talked about opening our own Etsy shops and selling handmade items. It would be a nice creative outlet, flexible, and a little income wouldn't hurt. Problem was, I had no idea what to make.

I've made several bags and quilted totes as gifts and figured I could come up with my own pattern for something like that, but I was hoping for some variety so I wouldn't become bored.

This May I was invited to a baby shower for my friend Kristen and I decided to make her some boutique-style bibs. I had a pattern from the Spring 2010 issue of Quilts and More magazine. At one of my local quilt shops I found some cute, modern fabric and got started. I ended up making her 3 reversible bibs (with velcro closures - I have since moved on to snaps):

Sorry for the crappy, flash-washed photos!







Everyone at the baby shower really liked them and that got me to thinking...maybe I could sell bibs on Etsy? I did a little research and found that many of the bibs on Etsy appeared to be poorly made. I figured I could make a better product and offer it for the same price.

Flash forward to this weekend and I've finally stocked my shop. No sales yet, but I'm not freaking out. If I don't have any sales in a month or two, then I'll let myself worry.

Personally, I hope this thing kicks off because, so far, I am enjoying working with so many different fabrics and making these things. I'm also doing the quilted totes that I mentioned before and will probably branch out into other things as well (I must be a little ADD). I have the materials to make several baby quilts and will get to those soon, as time allows.

It's hard in the summer when the kiddo is home all day and needs attention. I have days where I focus most of my time on sewing and then I have days where I don't sew at all. Some days we sit and watch reruns of the Power Puff Girls and never get out of our pajamas! Pathetic, but enjoyable.

I have other personal projects that I am working on or have completed that I will be posting here soon.

Well, that's it for now. If you wish to check out my shop, you can click on the Mini Etsy on my left sidebar and it will take you there. I'll be back soon!

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