Wednesday, April 21, 2010

New Fabrics


I am very excited about the 2 bolts of fabric I just got in! I have a bolt of white and of light blue batiste; it's lightweight but not too delicate. Many people like crisper dresses rather than true heirloom weight fabrics--and they are more affordable for smocked dresses as well which is why they are more sought out.


I made this dress for Lee's Aunt to give as a gift at a baby shower; the fabric was great to work with! It looks very nice when finished, as well!

Monday, April 12, 2010




This is the next dress I have designed for the "Blue and Crabby" Sumer Clothes!
It has an overlarged pocket for 'crabbin' and smiling crabs smocked on the front. It also is trimmed on the neck with the crab fabrick, as well as along the bottom and edge of the pocket with a ruffle. The back has large black buttons on a placket made from the crab fabric. I think it is so fun! Every kid needs pockets to put treasure in at the beach!
Once my other fabric comes in I will be able to begin on boys' clothing! I also am going to make some simpler little girl dresses--everyone loves a classic. I will be making some matching accessories, and gift items, too such as headbands, aprons, maybe some tote bags.

Saturday, April 10, 2010

A Blue and Crabby Summer


This is the first dress I have designed for the summer pieces of Marley's closet Kid's Clothing.
In the heat of summer, babies can get crabby and make everyone a little blue in the face, SO I have decided to make a blue and crabby summer collection.
Also, my new sewing machine came in so I will not be able to begin machine embroidery, meaning I can make more casual outfits with embroidery by machine, and save hand embroidery for heirloom and smocked items.

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Risks worth taking!


Today I took a huge business risk and ordered 4 entire bolts of fabric. I plan to create a summer 'collection' of kid's clothing with these fabrics--and only these fabrics, unless special orders come about.

My sewing machine also shipped out today--which is so exciting!

I have been looking up 'successful small business' tips and techniques, and hopefully will keep finding ways to network and spread the word about my work--because I really am quite passionate about it!

The best advice I have read so far is never even think of failure--so I'm not! Things will pick up nicely with time--I believe that!

I spent the day designing the summer clothes and cutting out the patterns in multiple sizes I plan to make. I also cut out 3 little dresses and 2 skirts; I plan to list them on my etsy site until Friday. If none of them sell by then I will possibly leave the listings as a 'I can make this for you' advertisement, BUT I am taking them to the gallery on Tybee. I want to get more out there ASAP!

Off to sew some more!

Sunday, April 4, 2010

First Items for Sale online

These are the first few things I have listed for sale on www.marleyscloset.etsy.com





Items for Sale on Tybee Island at the Atlantic Beacon Gallery

These are the items currently for sale at the Atlantic Beacon Gallery on Tybee Island.



























Easter Sunday

I finally have taken advice from family, friends, peers, etc. to start selling my handmade children's clothes and other crafts. Beginning will surely take time, but I enjoy creating so it should be a fun experiance.

I currently have items in the Atlantic Beacon Gallery on Tybee Island, Georgia. This is a wonderful shop with over 100 artists featured! The owner, Debbie, is quite an artist herself! Her store has everything from fine paintings to jewelry, small trinkets to stained glass, and now--smocked and heirloom children's clothing! Eventually I plan to have other things in there as well such as wedding accessories (garters, ring bearer pillows), keychains, tote bags...Her store has everything 'American Made the Island Way', and there is something for every price range if someone is looking for a souveneir or gift. It's quite a unique little shop!

I listed my first 2 items on my etsy store last night: a lacey, smocked heirloom dress and a toile pillowcase dress that ties over one shoulder. Two very fun items, one fancy enough for Sunday, one fun enough to play in! Etsy is quite an awesome online shopping place, I just need to find ways now to showcase my items more!

Well--off to spending Easter with my hubby and sewing some more!

MROC