Renegade Recap

I headed down to Chicago this past weekend to go to the Renegade Craft Fair. It's in a cute little neighborhood, Wicker Park with all sorts of cute boutiques lining the streets. The streets themselves were filled with vendors and crafters from all over. Definitely worth the trip. There were over 300 artists there! It was a little hard to maneuver through the stands with a stroller and there were quite a few people there-but I'll be making the trip again next year.

Here are a few of the Artists I wanted to highlight...

Holly Hue Clothing-I bought my husband an sweet sweater/hoodie type thing, planned on giving it to him for our anniversary, but just couldn't help it and already gave it to him yesterday.

Survive Design- I bought a bag from here last year and LOVE it

and last but most definitely not least....Dolan Geiman-he had the most amazing artwork-I only wish I could afford one of his pieces in my house-maybe in the somewhat near future

This Made My Day Today!

So I've been patiently waiting for the arrival of the custom necklace from Cinnamon Sticks that I won a little while ago. Guess what-it came today!!!!! I'd show you the cute little box it came in, but I ripped it apart as soon as I could get my hands on it. The necklace is perfect-i gave some direction, but wasn't exactly sure how it would turn out-but it is so so cute. I took a few pics, but my camera isn't the greatest to capture the detail of it. It has two square pendants, one with a bird and a branch and 10.15.05 and on the other side my husband and my names on it and then the other has our son's bday on one side and his name on the other side. I immediately changed what I was wearing so that I could proudly wear this necklace. Best part is that the designer has another square set aside for the date and name of our next little one due in late December.

So take a look at her shop and maybe get a holiday gift or two!

In the Spotlight-Kelley from Baby Jack Blankets

This weeks "In the Spotlight" is with Kelley from Baby Jack Blankets. I met Kelley last February and our sons are almost the same age so we have quite a lot in common and a lot to talk about. Kelley makes these great blankets, similar to taggies, but local and handmade-can't get any better than that! My son has an Eco-Friendly Fleece one that he absolutely loves. Kelley can customize the blankets according the patterns, backing and with or without taggies. You should take a look, she's celebrating her "1st Birthday tomorrow on her FB Page HERE, plus check out all of the great pics she has on her website www.babyjackblankets.com (my blogger is being crabby and didn't want to upload today!

Heres our little interview...

Tell us a little bit about yourself

My name is Kelley, I'm 28 years old and married to my amazing husband Brian of 3 years and live in Hales Corners, WI. We have a son name Jackson Wayne who is 18 months old and a 5 year old daushund/lab mix named Abbie.

I am the "President" of baby Jack blankets and my son Jackson is the "CEO". We sell fleece & ribbon baby blankets and other every day items that are accessorized with ribbons.

How long have you been sewing?

I have been sewing blankets for a little over a year now. My mother taught me how to "officially" use a sewing machine but I remember when I was little I always practiced hand sewing on my teddy bear.

When/why did you decide to start your own crafting business?

I was let go from my full-time job in April 2009 after returning from maternity leave and started sewing as a hobby to keep me busy. I would create baby blankets and sell them online and at craft fairs but it didn't quite take off until I started my fan page on Facebook.

What's your favorite blanket/creation you've ever made?

I have so many favorites, especially when there's an inspiring story behind it. My favorite blanket of all time is my son's first baby Jack blanket (ABCs) which he sleeps with every night. Seeing him snuggle with it and play with the ribbons validates that I need to keep creating.

I have been inspired by so many people. It's not about making blankets anymore, it's about paying it forward and giving back. For example, a little boy named Brady was just in the hospital getting his tonsils removed and asked for his baby Jack blankets. It's touching to know that we create comfort for kids. Just recently my own son was in the hospital and I thought of little Brady as I was running to the car; I couldnt forget to bring Jack's favorite baby Jack blanket too!

Do you sell your items anywhere?

I sell my items on my website, http://www.babyjackblankets.com and also have a fan page on Facebook. My fan page, to me, is more of a community of moms & a support system than a business page.

Do you have a blog/why did you start it

I have a blog that I frequently update on blogspot called baby Jack blankets - a blog about a boy & his business.http://www.babyjackblankets.blogspot.com/

At first I wanted to keep this as professional as possible but as my Facebook fan page turned into less of a business page, I wanted to share my day to day life with my family, friends & fans too!

Writing is my therapy and a good excuse to neglect my non-existent scrapbook of Jack. Since sewing, I have not been able to get back to scrapping!

Do you find it hard to find time to craft/sew? Do you have a sewing studio?

We have a great basement with a recroom, bar area and dining table. I took over the bar & dining table when I started sewing. It's set up perfectly with baby gates so Jackson can run around and play while mommy works. We are a great team and he allows me to do my thing.

Do your children craft? /do you think it is/should be an important part

of their childhood

I try to color and create as much as possibly with Jack. Lately, it seems he is more into his cars & trains but I encourage it. I love expressing creativity and think it's very important. Next week is his first Art class and I am very excited!

Do you have other creative outlets besides sewing that you enjoy?

Besides sewing, I frequently scrapbook. I adore photography and love capturing memories. I am always the one with the camera and some day, I will find the time to catch up on my scrapbooking.

What are your fav craft/mommy blogs/websites

I frequent Parents.com, babycenter, Cora's Story, People Magazine (celeb babies) and get alot of my inspiration on the latest trends from Pottery Barn Kids online & magazine.

Why did you decide to focus on blankets-do you sew/create anything else as well?

My mother in law gave me a ribbon loop baby blanket when Jackson was born. I loved it so much and wanted other people to enjoy it too. What I decided to do was to create blankets that fit personalities and get creative with the wide variety of ribbons. Since creating the blankets, we have ventured into selling Ribbon Pillow Cases, Crayon Ribbon Roll Ups and Ribbon Celebration Banners. Can you tell we like ribbons?

Another Crib Quilt

I love making these smaller size quilts-I've found it to be a great way to test out some design ideas I have without getting overwhelmed with a large quilt. The last one I made HERE (the green and yellow one)worked out great in Ethan's pack and play when we went camping recently. I still have to finish the binding on this one-or maybe find someone I can pay to do the binding for me-even better idea! This quilt was created out of a Fandango charm pack, Pure Organics Hazelnut, a cream basic, Fandango Mustard, and a Blank Textiles Sparkling Paris on the back.

Labor Day SALE!!!!

SALE-SALE-SALE-SALE-SALE-SALE-SALE-SALE

Today until Monday September 6th at 11pm CST you can save 15% off all orders over $25 purchased online HERE. (refunds will be issued via Paypal)

Have a safe and happy holiday weekend-can't believe Fall is right around the corner-I'm so Excited!!!!!!

Two Ways to Win!

Since we are almost at our 50th Sale in our Etsy Shop-I'd like to do a couple of giveaways!

First way to enter-make a purchase in our Store HERE-sales 38-49 will be entered into a drawing

Second Way-WIN INSTANTLY-be our 50th Sale.

Ok now get shopping! I've added new fabrics to the shop and will be adding more tomorrow...

Too Cute!

So I'm not quite sure how many people look at the blogroll on the right side of my blog so if not I wanted to make sure I shared this cute little dress from the Moda Bake Shop. We carry Moda fabrics and they have come up with this blog that they relate to cooking and have sewing recipes on there daily. It's great, some projects are easier then others, but it's a great resource for ideas.

Anyways I digress...I clicked on their link to see what the latest project was and up popped this....

The leggings are a little much for me with the ruffles, but I LOVE the dress! (maybe minus the ric rac) I'm thinking about making it for a store display just for fun-I haven't decided yet if I would stick with the Origins fabric or maybe the new Fandango fabrics I got in earlier this week. Decisions, decisions.

Oh and I forgot to mention the best part of the Moda Bake Shop-all of the patterns are FREE!!!!

http://www.modabakeshop.com/2010/09/knotty-jumper-with-ruffled-leggings.html