Feature Shop: MegOri Girls

This week, meet Lang of MegOri Girls. She's been active on our team since she joined more than a year ago, and she manages the tutorials posted to the blog each week. Read on to learn more about this busy mom of two! -Cori of Peace, Baby! Batiks


What is your name?
Lang

Where are you located?
Northwest region of the Chicago area

Tell us a little about yourself.
I am married and have two girls age 8 and 11. I originally came from Vietnam but married to an Irish husband who's U.S. born. Before becoming an SAHM, I worked as an staff accountant for various companies. Some of the things I most enjoy doing are sewing, reading, watching movies, gardening, baking, tasting new food, and spending time with my family.

What do you sell in your Etsy shop?
Mostly clothes and shoes for 18" dolls

Doll Boots, Off White, Cream with black trim

How long have you been sewing and designing doll clothing and accessories?
I started to sew at about nine years old and took some breaks in between kids but never truly stopped. My sewing background is largely related to women's and children's fashion. Sewing doll clothes and accessories is a passion that I picked up within recent years when my girls and I discovered the beautiful American Girl dolls!

What or who got you started in your craft?
My (late) mom was the first person who taught me how to sew. I took some sewing classes but mostly did a lot of self teaching over the years. My mom had an antique sewing machine that had the foot peddle, and that was what she used to teach me. I even managed to make a few things out of that peddling sewing machine!! Now every time I see them, I think of Mom.

Ruffle Top and Leggings & Bracelet Beige with Red Rose Trims

Tell us the story behind this item: Ruffle Top and Leggings & Bracelet. What inspired you?
I was inspired by the sunny cheerful weather that day and wanted to make something playful and girly, so I decided to make a ruffle outfit for the dolls.

How did your shop get its name?
“MegOri” is a combination of the names of my two daughters, Meglan and Orianna. I named the shop in their honor because I would not have turned to doll clothes and shoes if I didn’t have girls. So, they were the original inspiration that brought me to where I am today.

Pink Turtleneck with Mauve Leggings and Black Shawl Poncho

How do you balance mothering and running a small business?
It gets hard at times because no matter what I do, it’s never enough time in a day to do everything I want to do. I think in reality there’s no such “good balance” when you run a small business and have children at home. If you get something done, something else falls behind. I learn to set daily priorities and come up with smaller goals to reach, and I am much more “lenient” to myself than I was before I had the shop. Some days my plan is just “go with the flow” where not everything will get done but something will be done, and that’s okay. I also always try to put the kids first.

What is one piece of advice or a tip you'd give other stay-at-home moms?
Set your priorities straight, and stay focused on what’s most important to you. Plan your life the way you think works for you not on how other moms do.

Do you have a favorite quote or inspirational saying you'd like to share?
"The way you treat yourself sets the standard for others." -Sonya Friedman

Pink Damask Dress, Headband, Bracelet

What do you like to browse for on Etsy?
I enjoy looking at beautiful paintings, aroma candles, tiny crochet animals, and women's or girl's clothes.

What is your favorite Etsy shop currently?
Love this creation and can’t believe that it’s edible: www.etsy.com/listing/81883833/sugar-gumpaste-hot-pink-anemones-set-of

Where can we find you?
www.megorigirls.etsy.com
www.facebook.com/megorigirlsboutique
www.twitter.com/megorigirls
www.pinterest.com/megorigirls/

Feature Shop: Sapucha

After reading this interview with Erin of Sapucha, you're totally going to want to meet her in person! I know I do. Thanks for sharing your story, Erin! -Cori of Peace, Baby! Batiks

What is your name?
Hi, I'm Erin Evans! (a.k.a. Mom, Momma, Mother, Ma, Mommy, Noooooo Mommy - ok not the last one but I hear it so much sometimes I think that might possibly be my name!)

Where are you located?
Grand Rapids, MI (west side of Michigan, and yes I would whip out my hand and show you the little MI "hand map" to show you that Grand Rapids is located right on the back of my left hand ring finger knuckle!)

Go Fish Felt Fishing Game with Yellow Handle

Tell us a little about yourself.
I am follower of Jesus and married to a wonderful guy and we have three great kids, two girls ages 6 and 4 and one boy age 2. When we first started having kids I worked outside of the home and my husband stayed home. About three years ago we switched, and now I stay home and my hubby works outside the home. This year we decided to begin homeschooling our kids (1st Grade and Preschool/K). Totally LOVE it and hope to keep doing it!

What type of merchandise will shoppers find in your shop?
My shop offers sewn creations for babies and small children such as bibs, burp cloths, crayon tote bags, aprons, diaper clutchs, tooth fairy dolls, felt fishing games and car seat strap covers.

How/why did you get started?
Like most moms when you need something for your little one you need it now! So as those moments arose I just whipped them up on the ole sewing machine. After a while I started making "extra" and began giving them away as gifts to friends and familiy for baby shower gifts. As the "inventory" began to outgrow the gift giving my hubby finally asked, "What in the world are you going to do with all of this stuff?" That is when I decided to set up shop on Etsy and sell the items I created. Etsy also gave me an opportunity to be my own boss, work outside the home from inside the house and make/create anything I want to.

Reversible Bib in Orange and Brown Stripe with Fish Applique

How long have you been crafting? How did you get started sewing?
I've always loved to craft/create and have been doing so since I was little. I got serious about sewing when I was pregnant with my first kiddo and just couldn't ante up the $$ to buy more maternity pants to fit my growing belly so I decided to try to make my own. After creating my first pair of pants with two left legs I was hooked! I just kept sewing and sewing and I just loved it! (Maternity pants fit much better when they have one right leg and one left leg!) From here I started making baby items and really let the creative juices flow!

What is your favorite thing to make?
I have a short attention span and love to jump from one project to the next, so right now I really am having fun making the Go Fish Felt Fishing Game offered in my shop. My kids love to play with it, and it brings me joy seeing them enjoying it. My little girls are big time into the 18-inch dolls and love when I surprise them with new outfits, so I am having a lot of fun making doll clothes too.

Children's Crayon Bag in Pink and Black Houndstooth with Pink Crayon Pockets

What inspires you to create?
I draw a lot of inspiration from my kids - they have amazing imaginations! I also am a magazine-a-holic and love to browse just about any magazine for inspiration, which could be anything from colors to texture to how to make a new recipe.

What is one thing you need to have with you while you craft?
I don't have one tool that I have to have when crafting but I absolutely must be barefoot! And yes, in the cold MI winters my tootsies can get a little frostbit! I just can't seem to sew with shoes and socks on. Kind of weird, I know, but it works for me!

Children's Apron in Blue and Green Plaid

How do you balance mothering and running a small business?
Wow, this is challenging, but when I began this adventure I made sure my priorities were first on my family and kids and the crafting/store stuff came second. Every day is different so squeezing in a few minutes here or there is challenging especially since my two oldest do not nap. I've gotten the kids involved so they feel part of the process of creating something for mommy's shop. I even found this great little kid sewing machine at a garage sale, and they love cutting up my scrap fabric and making something by themselves. My little boy loves to sit on my lap and help me "feed" fabric into the sewing machine. He thinks mommy''s sewing machine is hungry!

What is your favorite thing to browse Etsy for?
Right now my favorite thing to browse Etsy for is earrings. I've gotten some great earrings from various shops on Etsy!

Diaper and Wipes Clutch in Upcycled Blue Denim

When you're not crafting, what are you doing?
Playing with my kids, sweeping the kitchen floor, cooking, sweeping kitchen floor, riding bikes, sweeping kitchen floor, cuddling my kids, sweeping the kitchen floor, hanging out with my hubby - the heck with the kitchen floor, it can wait until morning!

Where can we find you?
Etsy Shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/Sapucha
Blog: http://www.erinairout.blogspot.com/
Store: http://www.readingtreebooks.com/

What is your favorite shop (not yours) on Etsy currently?
http://www.etsy.com/shop/obrienobjects (check out those cool earrings!!)

Feature Shop: MegOri Girls

The adorable doll dresses and fabulous shoes at MegOri Girls make me want to be a little girl again. Meet Lang, the artist behind this week's feature shop! (And don't miss the photo of her awesome workspace at the end of the interview!) -Cori of Peace, Baby! Batiks

What is your name?
My name is Lang

Where are you located?
I am located in Schaumburg, IL

Tell us a little about yourself.
I was born and raised in Vietnam. I am married to an Irish man, and we have two girls. I graduated from Roosevelt University in Chicago, class 1997, with a concentration in Accounting. I had worked many years in the corporate accounting field before becoming a full-time stay home mom in 2005. 

What type of merchandise will shoppers find in your shop?
I sell handmade clothes and shoes for 18" dolls like American Girl dolls.

How long have you been crafting?
My mom taught me how to sew since I was a young girl in elementary school. She also sent me to sewing school in my teens. In college, I tried some clothes designing classes but had no interest to be in the volatile world of fashion design. Most of my sewing background was on women's and children's clothes. I had also done a few bride maid dresses for weddings and my own wedding dress. Sewing 18" doll clothes is relatively a new interest for me. In fact, I did not know or hear about AG dolls until my oldest daughter turned 4.

American Girl Dolls 18" Dolls Sandals -Italic Gold

Why did you decide to make clothing for this size doll?
I love the sweet and innocent image of girls that the 18" dolls represent! Looking at them I can really relate to my own girls.

What is your favorite thing to make?
Right now, I am into making doll shoes. I love shoes in general, so it is a perfect place for me to be.

American Girl Doll 18 Inch Dolls Dress Handmade 3 PC Set

What inspires you to create?
Knowing that the things I make help brighten someone's day.

What is one thing you need to have with you while you craft?
My cup of coffee is a must, sometimes soft music, most of the time I prefer to work in quietness.

American Girl 18" Dolls Bow Sandals Handmade - Lemons and Limes

How do you balance mothering and running a small business?
I used to think that working from home is an easy thing but not anymore. It has been a challenge trying to keep up with everything when you have children at home. It has been tough to balance everything but deep in my heart I know that there is nothing else I would rather do.

What is your favorite thing to browse Etsy for?
I love looking at cute art works that have short funny sayings that make me giggle.

American Girl 18" Dolls Sandals Handmade - Bow Style

When you're not crafting, what are you doing?
House cleaning, time with girls, and gardening.

Where can we find you?
https://www.facebook.com/MegOriGirlsBoutique
https://twitter.com/megorigirls
http://www.etsy.com/shop/MegoriGirls

18" Doll Tank Tunic-Dress 3 pc Set

What is your favorite shop (not yours) on Etsy currently?
I came across this art shop the other day, http://www.etsy.com/people/hjmart and love it. I like the whimsical, cheerful color compositions.

Lang's craft space. Raise your hand if you're jealous!

Feature Shop: Little Owl's Nest

Happy June! You might remember Angie of Little Owl's Nest from our recent shop name contest. She shared the sweet story of how she named her shop and won! This week, meet Angie and find out more about her handmade business! -Cori of Peace, Baby! Batiks

What is your name?
Angie

Where are you located?
Suburbs of Kansas City

Tell us a little about yourself.
Married to my husband Sean and mom to Callie (2). I have a BFA in Interior Design from KU and worked as a Corporate Interior Designer for 12 years.

What type of merchandise will shoppers find in your shop?
Custom crib sets and changing pad covers and nursing pillow covers in every color

Changing Pad Cover in Lemon Yellow

How/why did you get started?
I was laid off in 2009 due to economy. Architectural projects are the first thing to get canceled in a bad economy and last to come back. I knew it was going to be awhile before the jobs came back and decided to try Etsy while on unemployment.

How long have you been crafting? What got you started sewing?
My grandmother was a quilter and knitter so I guess I have the genes for it. Intro to Sewing was a required class in middle school, and I loved it. My first job was in fabric store and I worked at various places all through high school and college, so sewing has always been part of my life.

What is your favorite thing to make?
Halloween costumes for my daughter. So far she has been a Wookie (part of a family costume) and Dorothy from Wizard of Oz.

What is your favorite kind of fabric to work with?
Good quality quilting cottons -- the colors are bright and the patterns are usually pretty true to grain. I'm a ripper.

Nursing Pillow Cover - Citrus Orange

What inspires you to create?
All the fun fabrics available. New stuff is always coming out. I love putting together patterns for crib set ideas. True up is a favorite blog to read.

What is one thing you need to have with you while you craft?
My scissors. No matter how many pairs I have they always seem to be on the other side of the room.

How do you balance mothering and running a small business?
I try to involve my daughter while I work and let her "help" if I'm trying to get something done during the day like package or cut stuff out. Mostly I work during nap time and after she goes to bed. I have her in preschool one day a week, and Saturday morning is a work day for mommy. Friday evenings are a no-work zone so I can spend time with my husband.

Dino Baby Bedding 5 piece Crib Set

What is your favorite thing to browse Etsy for?
My husband and I decided instead of getting each other gifts for our wedding anniversary, we would buy art. We both wanted to buy original good quality pieces but that can be tricky to fit into a budget. Once a year we get to splurge. Etsy is a great source for artwork that's not out of reach for us.

When you're not crafting, what are you doing?
Planning a garden or re-doing the house. Both are fixer-uppers. I'm weird, I enjoy yardwork and painting.

Sock Monkey Baby Bedding - Bumper, Skirt, Sheet

Where can we find you?
Etsy: www.etsy.com/shop/littleowlsnest
Facebook: www.facebook.com/LittleOwlsNest

What is your favorite shop (not yours) on Etsy currently?
www.etsy.com/shop/Twinwoodcarving -- He hand carves wood bowls -- and he's a stay at home dad!

Feature Shop: Nate's Mommy Made It!

Good morning! Makisha, of Nates Mommy Made It!, is a busy mom of two and an active member of our team. Keep reading to meet her and then check out her lovely shop of handmade children's items! -Cori of Peace, Baby! Batiks

What is your name?
Makisha

Where are you located?
Issaquah, WA. About 20 minutes east of Seattle

Tell us a little about yourself.
I'm a SAHM of two little ones under the age of four, Nate and Sierra. I have been married to my wonderful husband Marc for five years. Before having children, we loved to travel and see the world. Now that they are getting bigger, we are excited to show the world to our kids! I love coffee, the sun on my face, the sound of the ocean, frogs croaking, children laughing, favorite music playing, and lazy Saturday mornings. One of my favorite things to do is read and sing to my kids!

Mix And Match - Set of 3 Reusable Snack Bags

What type of merchandise will shoppers find in your shop?
I have a wide variety of baby and children's items in my shop. From baby blankets, ribbon sensory blankets, reusable cloth wipes, plush animals, and reusable snack bags. A little bit of everything for little ones!

How/why did you get started?
I started my little shop almost a year ago. I started thinking about opening it two years before that, but a move to a different state, and the birth of our daughter delayed it for a while. I had always felt it was important to be able to stay at home with my children, so I needed to find a way to supplement our income while doing so. I absolutely LOVED the flannel blankets that my mom had made for my children when they were born, so I thought I'd start with that. Now, I can't stop finding new items to make!

Ribbon Mini Minky Baby Lovey Blanket - Mod Dots

How long have you been sewing? How did you get started?
I have been sewing since I was about 10. I received my first sewing machine at 12, although I never quite got into it much until recently. Having six children, my mom has always been a huge sewer and crafter, mostly out of necessity. Really, my entire family is very crafty. To be honest, I never thought I had it in me, but I quickly realized I did!

What is your favorite thing to make?
I love making my little plush elephants! Nate's favorite animal is an elephant, and I recently made one for him using his favorite outgrown PJ'S. It turned out really cute.

What inspires you to create?
My kids, for sure! A lot of the things I make, I also use in my home. We get a lot of enjoyment out of these things, and I would love for someone else to also.

Pink and Cream Flower Blossoms Chenille Blanket - Baby Shower Gift Set

What is one thing you need to have with you while you craft?
Usually coffee! Quiet, and kid free helps!

How do you balance mothering and running a small business?
It's definitely hard to do. I try to work on small things while my littlest is napping, and Nate is happy to help do "crafts" with me. I am also fortunate to have a great husband who is willing to help out and give me some free time in the evenings to get some sewing time in.

Corduroy Plush Kitty Cat

What is your favorite thing to browse Etsy for?
Anything and everything!

When you're not crafting, what are you doing?
When I'm not doing the usual daily grind..... I like to go on nature walks and hikes with my kids, listen to music, go camping, work in my garden, anything outdoors really!

Where can we find you?
www.etsy.com/shop/NatesMommyMadeit
www.facebook.com/NatesMommyMadeIt1

What is your favorite shop on Etsy currently?
Without a doubt........www.etsy.com/shop/thewheatfield. I love her work, just beautiful!

Green and Brown Damask Minky Stroller Blanket

Feature Shop: My Love Bug Baby

Good morning! We have some wonderful active members on our team. Today, I'd like to introduce you to Monika of My Love Bug Baby. She helps out with Facebook and the blog, and helps keep our team discussions active. Thanks for all you do, Monika! -Cori of Peace, Baby! Batiks

What is your name?
Monika

Where are you located?
Orange County, CA

Tell us a little about yourself.
I grew up in a big family with five sisters; we are all very close. My husband is from Michigan; we met nine years ago. We have two children - daughter Ryan (3 1/2 years old) and son Parker (9 months old). My husband owns a flooring business and I stay home with the kids.

Sensory Blanket - Jungle Animal Print

What type of merchandise will shoppers find in your shop?
Useful items from moms, babies & kids made with colorful prints

How/why did you get started?
I have always loved crafting but have had more time to do it after becoming a SAHM when my son was born last year.

Flannel Baby Blanket - Lots of Hearts print

How long have you been sewing? When did you first learn?
I first learned to sew when I was about 10 years old. I stated by hand sewing clothing for my dolls from scrap fabric my mom gave me.

What is your favorite thing to make?
I'm working on pretend play items for baby dolls right now, I love making miniatures!

Pink & Green Layered Flower Clip or Pin

What inspires you to create?
My kids!

What is one thing you need to have with you while you craft?
Embroidery scissors to cut threads

How do you balance mothering and running a small business?
I only sew/create when the kids are asleep or with their dad. I try to keep the two separate so that I can give both total attention.

Diaper and Wipes Clutch with Pop-up Wipes Case

What is your favorite thing to browse Etsy for?
I love looking at soaps, but wish that I could smell them!

When you're not crafting, what are you doing?
Spending time with my family, hopefully outdoors. We all love to spend time outside. Or baking -- we love to eat too!

Bib & Burp Cloth Set - Dog and Dots print

Where can we find you?
Etsy shop: www.mylovebugbaby.etsy.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/mylovebugbaby
Twitter: @MyLovebugBaby
Blog: www.mylovebugbaby.blogspot.com

What is your favorite shop (not yours) on Etsy currently?
ApplesNAmos, she has the cutest wooden toys!

Tutorial Tuesday: Eli Elephant by Little Birdie Baby Shop

Happy Tuesday! Or Happy Tutorial-ing... uh? Not sure if that one works, but in any case I'm happy to have you here this Tuesday. I'm really excited about today's tutorial because it's the first one I've done start to finish without an outside pattern or anything. And he's just so stinkin' cute!

Meet "Eli"

He's an elephant, just waiting to meet your little one. 

{even if your "little one" is a dog, it's still a fun project!}

OK, here's what you need:

12"x12" fabric of your choice

needle & thread or sewing machine {I used to be a needle & thread-er, I feel ya guys!}

coordinating piece of felt, or felt scraps

polyfill

Start by pressing out your fabric so it's nice and smooth...

Then, fold your fabric in half with the right sides facing each other.

Draw your elephant shape. He doesn't have to be perfect, he's plush!

Next, sew all around your outline. 

I used the wonky looking zig zag, but I like to see the thread on the outside all "rustic style."

I would suggest pinning your fabric together so everything stays straight.

 {I didn't pin but I used flannel, and it sticks to itself pretty well.}

Be sure to leave an opening to turn inside out. {see pin}

I like to use the space at the bottom because it's less noticeable when you have to sew it back up.

Now cut out your shape! 

I use pinking shears to keep things from fraying {just in case}, 

aaaaand I like the way the little zig-zaggy edges look. Never said I wasn't a dork!

Now get to turning!

{I find that it helps to start by pushing the trunk out first, since it's furthest from the hole.}

Now it's time to stuff him! 

I got this little chopstick-y thing in a bag of polyfil, I'm pretty sure they all come with one, but you can use a chopstick or even a pencil to help get the stuffing in all the little corners and crannies.

Ta DA! All stuffed and ready to sew. I don't usually stuff them too full, just because little baby hands can grab on and chew on it a little better when it's not sooooo full.

I don't know if this stitch has a name, but I stitch in kind of an X pattern. 

It's easy, sturdy, keeps the fabric flat when I'm finished, and goes along with my other rustic edges.

Now for the ears...

Cut ears from your scrap of coordinating felt. 

Mine are about 2 inches long, and just kind of floppy looking and oval shaped.

You can sew these on and they'll turn out great. 

However, I do something a little different...I use embroidery floss 

{because it's heavier duty and you won't run the risk of those sweet little baby hands pulling an ear off} Loop it all the way through the elephant to the other side so his ears are "tufted" to his head like a pillow.

Just pin both ears down to it's head, and it will be easy-peasy.

And here you are! A little Eli the Elephant of your very own. 

{Of course, you can always make him girly and name her Ellie. I don't mind. :) }

OH wait!! 

And if you partner him up with a matching burpie, bib, and jingle block, 

you've got yourself a rockin' baby shower gift set in no time flat! ;)

I hope you all enjoyed this week's tutorial! If anyone makes their own Eli/Ellie, be sure to show me! I love seeing what everyone's adaptations are. :)

Come link up your projects for the week below, I can't wait to see what you've been working on!! Feel free to grab a button if you're linking up!

XOXO

Snack and Sandwich Bags Tutorial

In the interest of reducing our Ziploc bag consumption around here, especially with a kindergartener who takes a snack to school every day, reusable (read: washable) snack bags are fantastic ways to help the environment.  They're super-easy to make, and they can be popped into the top rack of the dishwasher (or the washing machine) and air dried. 

The materials you'll need:

template (either Ziploc bags or cardboard)
cotton material
ripstop nylon (I buy mine at JoAnns off the bolt)
Velcro strips
thread

A few notes before we begin.  PUL (or shower curtain liner) is not food safe.  Ripstop nylon, generally speaking, is food safe, but to be extra careful, you can flip the nylon to the shiny side facing your fabric, so it's not facing your food. 

My cardboard templates measure as follows:

Snack bags: 5 inches tall by 7 inches long
Sandwich bags: 7.25 inches tall by 8 inches long

My finished bags measure as follows:

Snack bags: 4.25 inches tall by 6 inches long
Sandwich bags:  6.5 inches tall by 6.5 inches long

(Obviously, these measurements can be adjusted for your personal use.  These sizes happen to work well for our family's needs.)

First, cut your fabric and waterproof lining double the length of the template . . .

This is so you don't have to sew any more than necessary . . .

Once you've cut out the materials, serge (or sew with a regular or zig zag stitch) the fabric and the nylon together on all 4 edges . . .

These are serged together, but again, a regular stitch would work fine . . .

Then, press 1/4 inch of the two edges with an iron . . .

Then hem . . .

Measure out and cut two lengths of the Velcro, and place one side along the edge of your fabric . . .

Before sewing, make sure each side of the Velcro matches up perfectly . . .

Then sew around the edges of each strip of Velcro . . .

Then, once the Velcro has been attached to each side, bring the rectangle of fabric together, right sides together, and sew along each edge, with a 1/4 inch seam  . . .

Then, turn right side out, and press with an iron . . .

 You're done!  These are very quick (mine took about 30 minutes for 3, start to finish), and they are super-sturdy.  Plus, the possibilities are endless with all of the adorable fabrics out there.  Enjoy!

Lora- Butternut Boutique