Super Soft Burp Cloths

Hello! It's been quite awhile since I've blogged - mainly due to the exciting fact that I'm now 5 months pregnant with our second baby! Yay! I sent out these super cute DIY scratcher cards in the mail for our big gender reveal...

We're having another boy! Our 2 boys will be 2 years + 3 months apart which we are thrilled about.

I found the free download and tutorial for the scratcher cards on my friend Patty's blog, which you can find HERE! They were a big hit and I think it was a special way to include friends and family in our excitement.

My sewing and Etsy-ing slowed down quite a bit while I was being sick slash napping slash taking care of my toddler, but I'm happy to say I'm feeling much better and have been cooking up some fun things for the shop!

Which leads me to the main attraction of the day -- BURP CLOTHS!

Ok stay with me people. I know there are 10 million listings for burp cloths on Etsy, and I'm positive you'll already find something that works for you. Which is why I've never tried putting them up in my shop before.

I've been testing out different methods and materials for a long time and was never happy enough with the product to put it in my Etsy shop. Until last week when I found the most amazingly soft, plush, absorbent, premium terry cloth material I've ever felt! I was actually in search of chenille fabric (which is surprisingly nonexistent these days) when I stumbled across it in my favorite local fabric shop. It was so amazing I just had to test it out! And I LOVE the product so much!

I only use high quality quilter's cotton paired with the premium terry cloth so that they will endure the messiest spitters and be passed down to babies to come. You and your baby will love it!

Thanks for stopping by! You can visit my Etsy shop for burp cloths, bandana bibs, and more HERE!

I Started My Business for the Wrong Reason - Part 2

[Thanks for stopping by! To read Part One of this post, click here.]

Recap.

I started my business for the wrong reason. I have the great privilege of being able to stay at home with my son, which means my hubby was the only one working. I was afraid that we wouldn't be able to maintain the budget we made and started the sewing business as a way to "free" myself from the fear of not having enough.

What's wrong?

On the surface, earning extra money is not a bad motivation to start a business. In fact, I don't know of any businesses that weren't started in hopes of bringing in cash. 

What was wrong in my situation was where my heart was. And how this mindset affected the way I ran my business. 

Have you ever faced that sinking feeling when you realized your monthly expenses outweighed your monthly income? A lot of you know exactly what I'm talking about. That feeling has a purpose: it is meant to bring us to dependence on God. It is meant to open our eyes to the ways that he has already provided all our needs and that he will continue to do so in the future.

I don't think it was a mistake to start my business. In fact, I love doing it! I was wrong to think that I alone could be responsible for helping my family. I was wrong to think money was the answer to our struggles. I was definitely wrong to think my business would take off right away!

Let's continue my business story.

So what happened when I realized I made absolutely no profit last year?

I had to do some re-evaluating.

First, I decided to get organized and figure out where my business money was going! I spent some time reflecting on how I was running my business and made a plan for change. I bought some binders and took out the Sharpie pens mom got me for Christmas and put them to use! I made myself space to write down ideas, organize my patterns, write out measurements and materials for items I sell, file my important business documents, and organize receipts.

I realized that I spent a lot of money on buying materials because I wasn't sure exactly what I wanted to focus on. I decided to narrow my shop down to just a few items (bandana bibs, headbands, and zipper pouches). This really helped me to stay focused and only buy materials for these specific items.

But despite all of my organizing and planning, I was still left feeling discouraged. Since my purpose for starting the business was out of the fear of not having enough money, I was really focused on whether I was actually making money and I still had not earned a profit.

Blessing.

An older mentor in my life sat me down one evening and gave me the push I needed to keep going. He encouraged me to keep doing what I loved, because it was blessing others.

Blessing. Isn't this why I started sewing? Not only did I enjoy my creative outlet, but I really enjoyed making gifts for my friends and family. Sewing was a blessing to me. Sewing helped me to be a blessing to others.

I need to see my gift for sewing for what it is: a gift! Not something that pulls me back into the bondage of fear. I want to continue my business of sewing as a way to practice my gift, help others, and bring glory to God (who gave me such a fun gift).

I want to trust God with my business by not working out of fear, but out of a love for him, my family, and sewing itself! I want to be wise in how I invest in my business by not overspending. At the same time, I want to trust that he gave me these gifts and abilities and will help me be a blessing to my family and to others.

Sweet Freedom.

What areas of your life are you working out of the fear of not having enough? This is a struggle for me in so many areas! But now that I have been able to step back and see that my heart was in the wrong place, I feel much happier and more at peace when working at my business. I'm not caught up in the rat race. I can go at whatever pace I choose. My fellow Instagramers and Etsy sellers are not my competition, they're my inspiration!

I feel blessed to be able to keep doing what I love: helping my husband by working in the home, caring for my son, and working at my favorite hobby. I know that my hope is not in my success, but rather in God's faithful, everlasting love.

I Started My Business for the Wrong Reason, Part 1

I started my business for the wrong reason. We needed money, and I was afraid.

When I was pregnant, my husband and I decided that I would stay at home with my son rather than continuing to pursue a career as a teacher. This was something we both longed for, and something for which I am truly grateful. Being available to help my husband, to care for my son, and to manage our home does not hinder me from becoming the best version of myself. It is a gift that God has given me to humble me and to help me grow in my dependence on him. The joy that I receive from fulfilling his calling on me as a wife and mother is inexpressible.

It is also inexpressibly challenging. In more ways than one. But today, I'm talking finances.

My hard-working hubby works full time, but he is also going to school. This, combined with the fact that we live in Southern California, means that there isn't much wiggle room in our monthly budget (OK, none). I started dreaming up ways I could make money while still being able to stay home with my son and still being available for my family.

Since I had recently learned to sew, selling on Etsy seemed logical enough. I started up an Instagram, created an Etsy account, made several baby bandanas, took lots of pictures, and waited for the cash to flow. I was encouraged by a few initial sales, but I had no steady or predictable income (and in fact, still do not). This became increasingly draining and tiring as my hopes for the big sales were fading.

At the beginning of January, I set up an accounting system for my business and came to realize my profits for the past year was essentially zero. Really? Nothing? Ugh. 

If you're hoping for my Top 3 Ways to be Successful on Etsy tips, this isn't it.

I was deflated and weary, yet I still enjoyed sewing and knew that I should keep going. But things had to change.

...

Where am I in my business journey now? Stay tuned for next week's post for the rest of the story!

Quilted Skillet Holder Tutorial

I just got a new (HUGE) cast-iron skillet for Christmas and I can't wait to use it! I've been wanting something big so I can double my dinner recipes and freeze/save them for later.

(Before I move on to the tutorial, here is my heart-felt plea for any tips regarding seasoning a cast-iron and/or awesome freezer-friendly dinner recipes!!)

My other cast-iron skillet came with an awesome handle holder, which sadly got singed one day when it got too close to the fire (oops).

One lazy Sunday, I came up with this fun little project. It's a great way to use up your scraps! It's about a 45-60 minute project (or faster if you are more experienced!) and would make a great house-warming gift or hostess gift.

My #1 tip today would be to use fabric scraps you actually love. This is an item that will be used/seen every day, so make it out of something that will make you smile!

I used a double layer of batting for each side. You may also use insulated batting for extra protection. Remember to always be cautious with hot pans!!

Here's what you'll need:

- Sewing machine, thread, needle (I used size 75/11)

- a walking foot is recommended for sewing through thick layers

- 1 piece of paper/cardboard cut 3" x 6" and rounded at the top

- 2 scraps of fabric cut 3" x 6"

- 4 pieces of batting cut 4" x 7" OR 2 pieces of insulated batting cut 4" x 7"

- 1 piece of fabric (binding) cut 2.5" x 8"

Cut your fabric and batting up to the measurements specified above. Iron binding fabric in half lengthwise.

Use the paper pattern you created to guide you as you round off the tops of your 3" x 6" fabric rectangles.

Place fabric rectangles on top of 2 layers of batting (OR a layer of insulated batting) and baste (connect the layers together) using 3 safety pins for each side.

Quilt (sew through the layers) as desired. Trim batting.

Place right sides together and sew down one side using a 1/4" seam allowance. Press seams open.

Pin your binding fabric with the raw edges together and sew using a 1/4" seam allowance.

Next, flip the binding fabric so it is laying on the right side of the skillet holder and sew it down (try to sew as close to the edge as possible for a nice clean look).

Fold it in half (right sides together) and continue sewing around the edge with a 1/4" seam allowance.

Back-stitch (stitch backwards and forwards) a few times to secure it.

Trim the ends of your binding and flip it right side out!

This would make a lovely hostess or house-warming gift!

Enjoy! 

Minimalist Bandana Bibs

My Etsy shop took a looong nap from December through mid-January -- much longer than I had anticipated! But with making Christmas presents, business licensing, taxes, and reseting my shop's image and goals, I am happy to say things are back up and running!

(New goal: start Christmas gifts early this year.)

I've fallen for Cotton and Steel's line of everything XOXO basics. I just love the colors and minimalist look of the design. 

I'm so excited to share with you my new bandana bibs! 

All 8 colors are (currently) available in my Etsy shop! Have fun looking through some previews, and let me know which one is your favorite in the comments!

By the way, these make great gifts for baby showers and first birthdays! I definitely recommend them for ages 6 months through 2 years. My son is 18 months and still drools like no baby I've ever seen!

They each have 2 sets of snaps for an adjustable length!

The backing is made of a double layer of brushed cotton. It is super soft, extra sturdy, and more absorbent (without being too bulky). I love it!

Which one is your favorite??

Did you know you can also find zipper pouches in the same colors in my Etsy shop? They are so fun! I told you I can't get enough of that print!

Thank you all for your wonderful support!

"The Anything Zipper Pouch" Tutorial

You can never have too many zipper pouches!

The possibilities are literally endless when it comes to filling up a zipper pouch. Let's brainstorm some fun uses:

- makeup bag for your purse

- eco-friendly reusable (washable!) snack bag

- crayon, pencil, marker holder

- travel bag for game pieces or card games

- diaper/wipes case

- cord keeper for traveling

- so much more!!

I bet you could name at least five more ways you would use one! You can take anything with you!

These make great gifts! You can give as is or stick some candies inside for a sweet surprise.

Zipper pouches are one of my favorite things to sew! There are several great tutorials out there, but I first learned from Dana from MADE Everyday. You can find her tutorial by clicking here, or you can read on!

You may use any zipper you'd like, but if you think you're going to make several of them, I would look into buying in bulk instead of individually (wayyy cheaper). I found a great seller on Etsy who sells wholesale YKK zippers at a good price HERE. There are so many different kinds and colors, so pick what works for you!

Here's what you'll need (for my tutorial, I'll give the measurements I used):

- An 8" zipper (Hint: The hanging tag things at the end will make it 1.5" inches longer total.)

- Two pieces of fabric for the lining, cut 9.5" by 6.5" (See how I added 1.5"? Of course you did, smarty)

- Two pieces of fabric for the outside, cut 9.5" by 6.5"

Here's how to make it:

Open zipper a few inches and line it up with the top of one of the lining pieces (right side facing up if there is a pattern)

Place your outside fabric face down on top and make a zipper sandwich.

Pin the three layers together.

Bring it to the machine and sew as close to the zipper as you'd like. Make sure you use a zipper foot! I also like to engage the needle down position while sewing, but it isn't necessary.

When you get to the zipper head, stop sewing. Lift presser foot and close zipper. (You may also need to bring the needle up to get the zipper to close.) Continue sewing to the edge.

Next, fold back the outer & inner layers to expose zipper. Lay the zipper on top of the other inside lining piece of fabric (just like you did with the first one -- only this time the zipper is facing the other direction and you don't need to open it).

Lay the other outer piece on top to make another zipper sandwich!

Pin the three layers together.

Sew the three layers together just like you did for the other side. 

When you get close to the zipper head, don't forget to stop sewing, lift the presser foot (and possibly the needle), open the zipper, then lower presser foot and continue sewing to the end.

Now your zipper pouch will look like this:

Next, you will need to iron it out to make it crisp and ready for topstitching. Be extra careful if you are using a metal zipper! It will get hot!

Ready to topstitch? You will be sewing through all three layers again.

I like to keep it about 1/8" from the edge.

Once again, you'll have to stop to lift the presser foot and open the zipper to get around it.

After you topstitch both sides, it should look like this:

It will look nice and neat on the inside, too!

Don't miss this step: OPEN your zipper about half way before pinning the lining and the outside pieces together!

Now pin the inside & outside pieces together.

When you get to the zipper (this is where I like to start pinning), make sure the zipper folds in towards the lining.

Now sew 1/4" seam allowance around the edges. Go slow at the zippers.

Leave at least 3-4" open in the lining so you can flip it right side out!

Now flip it right side out! Poke out all the corners.

Fold in the edges in the lining, place a pin to hold it together, and bring it to the machine to stitch the hole closed.

Now stick the lining back inside, smooth it out, and you're done!

What would YOU use it for? I would love to hear about it in the comments!