Needed: Advice for my Spring/Summer line

So… moms/Grandmas/Aunties out there… I need some advice.

What are you looking to dress your little people in this coming spring and summer? What colors and styles? Casual, dressy? More boys clothes? Would you like extended sizing… so up to kids size 12 for example?

I am willing to take specific styles and suggestions… such as ‘pintucks on the hem of a skirt’ for example

And, I am also still accepting custom orders of any kind. Just let me know what you have dreamed up, and I will see what I can do to make it happen!!! :)

It is all as simple as leaving me a lovely kind note. Who knows, if you idea ends up in this new line… you could win something lovely!!! ;)

Feature Friday–Custom Order Maxi Skirts

Each week I feature something from the Etsy Shop. It might be something new, or something already in the shop.

This week we have:

Custom Order Maxi Skirts

Maxi skirts are the rage right now, and I am liking it!!! They are not only comfortable and cute, they are also modest (if not too tight) and can be dressed up or down. And there are so many options with these skirts!!!

That is why I am offering custom order maxi skirts. I personally believe that the custom fit it the most amazing thing about homemade, that is why I will never sell ready-made ladies clothing (other than scarves and other accessories).

Simply send me your measurements, and your fabric and style preference, and we can go from there.

**I can make ONE more with the striped fabric above, as long as your measurements are no longer than 40 inches (from the hip to the heal).**

Price: $30 – $40 (depending on your fabric and measurements)

 

Here is a fabric swatch of the skirt pictured above. I LOVE it!!! :)

Custom Order–Striped Maxi Skirt

A friend of mine that I know from way back when, but kind of re-met earlier this year, asked me to make a maxi skirt for her. I have made them before, for myself, but not for anyone else. She wanted something fun, and told me to have fun looking for the fabric. Well, I did. I went down to Ottawa Street in Hamilton after school the other week and found this beautiful striped grey and turquoise knit fabric!!! I fell in love with it, and didn’t really want to give the skirt away when it was finished. ;) Jess loves it as much as I do (YAY!!!). That is always the best part about doing custom orders, the excitement of the girls who order them. :)

And knowing you all, you will probably want one too. ;) Simply send me your measurements and fabric preferences and we can go from there. There are oodles of options with these skirts, I can even add ruffles. Also, I can make one more with this fabric (as long as your measurements from hip to heal are not more than 40 inches).

So, without further ado….. here it is!!!

Fabric Swatch:

Custom Order–Change Table Sheets

A very very nice lady that I know is in charge of the cleaning at her church. The mattress for the changing table is an odd size, and she needed some new sheets for it. The sheets that she has now are also homemade, so that says that someone else couldn’t find fitting sheets for the mattress either. :)

I wasn’t actually going to post this, because…. well…. the sheets don’t really fit. :S I thought I would post them anyways, just to let you know that not everything I make is perfect!!!!! :) They look beautiful, especially with the adorable flannel prints and surged edges, but they are too short. I thought I made them the same size as the original sheets, but alas! I didn’t!!! Next time I am have to take measurements of the mattress first. :) Now I have to make another two sheets, and these will either be re-purposed into something else or given to someone who has a mattress that is a bit smaller.

And that being said, I can make custom-fitting sheets for you as well!!! lol. (you are probably doubting me greatly right now, but I am willing to give it a try again, if you will give me another chance).

Custom crib sheets, bassinet sheets, change table sheets and more!!!! Send me the exact dimensions and fabric preferences, and we can go from there!!!

So here, they are: very pretty, but exactly not fitting. :)

My siblings have dubbed this fabric the ‘Wonder Bread Monkey’ fabric.

 

Custom Order–Baby Carrying Wrap

A while ago a friend of mine asked me to make a wrap like this for her friend, who is expecting her first little one this month. She had seen something on Etsy and asked me if I was up for the challenge. Well, I was!!! :)

*Yes, you are seeing this doll again. Who knew that “Big Doll” it would come in hand someday. lol.*

The struggle was finding fabric that was a decent price and didn’t cost us a fortune on shipping. I ended up finding the solid knit locally and the gorgeous chevron knit online [and shipped it to a friends house to save on shipping!! :)].

I had lots of fun making it, as well as figuring out how to tie it.

So Rachel, I hope your friend loves this wrap and is able to get oodles of use out of it!!!

So, if any of you want to get one of these too, let me know!!!! They are a great way to carry your baby, and your friends and family will love you for getting one for them as a gift!!! ;)

Here are some shots of the pretty surged edges and fabric swatches.

Custom Order–Portable Booster Seat

It has been a while since I posted a custom order….

A friend of mine had seen a portable booster seat online and asked me to make one for her brother and sister-in-law, who are having a baby. I was up for the challenge, and there is the end result:

(please excuse the doll… ;)}

The beauty of this seat is that you can take it anywhere, as it fits in your diaper bag. It also fits on pretty much any chair out there, and you can wash it (because little people never keep things clean).

It fastens at the front with an adjustable strip of Velcro, so it can be used for most any size child.

And, I can make one for you too!!! Once you have tried one, you will want one to gift for your friends as well!!! :)

Fabric Swatch:

Etsy Opening Giveaway!!!

*This giveaway is now CLOSED*

Yesterday was the unveiling of the shop, today is GIVEAWAY day!!!!

 

The winner of this giveaway receives 50% off either a Custom Order or something from the Shop.

 

Giveaway is closed at Midnight on Friday, January 11th.

To enter:

1. Leave a comment on this post. Let me know what option you would like to win. Leaving your e-mail address is recommended, but not necessary, so that I can contact you if you are the winner. :)

2. For an extra entry, 'like' Made 4U Handmade Designs on Facebook and leave a comment telling me you do so. :)

 

And while you are at it, check out the Etsy shop and tell me what your favourite item is

 

 

 

Sewing for Me -Mustard Yellow Infinity Skirt

So, I made something for myself... and actually took pictures of it!!!! :)

Here is the Mustard Yellow 'Infinity" Skirt {a.k.a. the 90 cent skirt}.

Uh hu, NINETY CENTS. There is a story behind that...

So there was this gorgeous material at work {I work at a fabric store at the moment}... It was 40% off, but still too much. And I didn't really need it {always the story}. It was going to be shipped out to another store, so this was my last chance... I didn't take it.

A couple of weeks ago I was going through the remnants bin. Everything in that bin is really small and 50% off the listed price. And there I found a mustard yello peice of material.... the exact material that I had be admiring at the beginning of November!!!! WHAT?!?!?!? It was too short for a modest skirt, but there was lots of width and I had an idea in my head inspired by a friend's skirt. It was also $1.80 -half of that is $0.90.

 

I was trying to sew it up on Monday morning so I could wear it on Tuesday... but things were NOT working out. I talked to some ladies from work... their advice helped immensly!!! I also had a serger from a friend sitting downstairs that a friend is letting me borrow. I hadn't used it yet, and this was the perfect time. Without it this skirt would never have been made. That thing works like a dream!!!! :)

 

My pretty serged seams!!! ;)

So, this is what came out of it. It is four peices sewn into one long peice and sewn in a spiral, hence the infinity part. I thought it was a good name. :) The waistband is double and really comfortable.



This picture shows the color the best



Front view



Side View

Ps. - It is awkward taking pictures of oneself. ;)





The whole outfit. The rest of it is bought.
Shirt and socks - Smart Set
Scarve - A gift from someone



Another Update:

Just thought I would update you all on what is going on again.

Name - The name is CHANGED!!! :) Made 4U Handmade Designs is the new official name. :) This will be the name attached to everything from now on. Etsy, Facebook, the blog... The blog URL is staying the same though {made4ubyemily.blogspot.com}. That is what everyone knows, so I am keeping that the same.

Etsy - Still in the works. I am waiting for ONE thing, and it still hasn't come in the mail!!!! *Grrrrrr* Anyways, hopefully it will be waiting for me when I come home sometime this week.

Facebook - The page is UP!!! Check out my profile, or just search 'Made 4u Handmade Designs'

Sewing - Well, I have lots and lots of fabric, does that count??? ;) I am approaching exams so things are getting busier. I also got a new job {working at a fabric store, go figure ;)}. I haven't had to time to get anything started, but in two or so weeks, when exams are done, I have almost a month to fill up the shop. There are lots of ideas sitting here though.

In the mean time, keep reading....

Custom Orders - YES, YES, YES!!!! :) Wanting something for Christmas??? I can totally do that. I have two orders almost done now, and can take on more. I can make gifts you want for others, Christmas outfits you want for you or your kiddos... give me ideas, I will see what I can do!!! :)

 

Now, I just have to be patient and wait for the Etsy things to be ironed out....

Women's Clothing

I have been asked a bunch of questions by people about making women's clothing.

 

The answer is:

YES!!! I DO make women's clothing.

I do not think I will ever sell ready-made women's clothing simply because I find it easier to make something custom-fit for someone. If I use a commercial pattern for my sisters or I; I never stick to it {I can't remember the last time I used a commercial pattern though... I usually just make them myself}. Commercial patterns just do not seem to fit properly. The beauty of hand-made clothing is the custom fit.

 

SO, I won't be selling ready-made, BUT I am willing to take custom orders.

Send me your ideas. Pictures, sketches, colors, etc. Send me your measurements {or I can take them for you}. We can design it specifically for you!!! :)

 

Price: It completely depends on what you want, how you want it and how much the fabric is. :)

 

And, last of all, spread the word!!! ;)

Thanks everyone. -Emily.

 

And I would post a picture, except that I always forget to take pictures of the things I make for myself. :S

Are you Interested??? A pre-Etsy Special

Are any of you interested in these two items before someone snatches them up from the Etsy Shop???

Message me or comment if you are!!! :) I will let you know the prices if you message me.

 

Flowered Onesie:

Size: 6-9 Months

Material - printed, comfortable knit.

You can pair this with any pair of pants or dress, including our Ruffled Jean Dress. :)

 

 

Green and Pink Sleeping Bag:

Any size from 6 Months up.

 Outside - light green waffle. Lining - Green and pink checked Flannel.

This Sleeping Bag will keep your little one warm throughout the winter!!! Fully lined with flannel makes it even more comfortable and warmer.

If you would like something like this for boys, with sleeves, in a smaller size or in different material let me know! I can make one especially custom-designed for you!!! :)

 

 

Custom Design #1

A little while ago a friend of mine asked me to make a church outfit for her thre-year-old daughter. We went all out, with a jacket, skirt and co-ordinating shirt.

 

Jacket - A 'crop styled' jacket. Sturdy black cotton. Lined with a lighter, pink cotton.

 

Skirt - A bubble skirt [that didn't end up being poufy]. Light grey skirting material; part cotton. Lined with light pink cotton. Adjustable waist. Applique - two flowers, two buttons [that co-ordinate with the button on the jacket] and a bright pink ribbon bow.

 

 

Shirt - bright/hot pink. Store bought.

 

I also made a couple of hair bows to go with the outfit:

[The pink in each picture is a deep hot/bright pink. Thanks to aweful lighting, the color didn't come out right. :( The color is more like the picture below.]





 This outfit was not only a lot of fun to make, it was satisfying. I knew my customer, and exactly what she wanted. It also helped that I could measure the person it was meant for. That way I was able to present something that was made to fit just for them.

 

NOTE- Please do not use these photos for anything. They are not to be copied or saved in anyway. And please DO NOT pin them. Thanks.