Lego wallets

Hello all let me introduce my all new lego wallet. I made this for my boys ( I will be adding it to their Easter baskets) they just love lego both the figures and the bricks and so to allow us to take some with us when we are out and about waiting for their sisters to finish dance class or when we are in the car. This is what I came up with. I have also added an extra pocket to store playing cards as my youngest loves snap. The older is into swap cards so these can be stored in there also. I am really pleased how it turned out and can't wait to see their reaction.
What have you been making for easter?
Happy Monday

Cat in the Hat Stockings

I know it's March and that spring is finally showing herself but guess what I am up to my eyes in? Cat in the Hat Christmas stockings. Crazy isn't it. I have a big order for these cuties to make for a Spanish shop that will open in the late summer early autumn. I posted a comment on my facebook page the other day and within no time at all I had several requests for more. So I might open things up a bit and make even more once I get on with these ones. I have also been busy with some little Easter gifts for my girls more on that nearer the time. I wouldn't want to spoil any surprise. I have to get back to finishing cutting, my floor looks well I can't actually see my floor under the sea of clippings I think it's going to be another late night.
Happy weekend.

My Week so Far

Hello all how are you? I have had another action packed week. The milder weather has been wonderful I have had my washing out on the line several times this week, it smells so lovely. My Daffs are out and Puppy walking is going great. Sammy is loving his exercise, the only draw back is that he is a car chaser I think it's inbuilt in a Border collie. Once we are in the park or out in the fields he is really relaxed. I am soo lucky where I live and Sammy has an abundance of routes.
Sewing wise this week has been super fun I have been working with some gorgeous shops since the New Year and I am already getting repeat orders from several. I can't quite believe that so many of them have sold out by the end of February but I am not complaining. I have also been working on some new product designs and trying to get a few hours in on a large quilt I am working on.

Allotment news now, I hope I am not jumping the gun but my early potatoes have been planted the soil was so warm I had put some fleece down a couple of weeks ago and it seems to have given them a little extra help. I have dug over 2 other small beds and have my plan sorted as to what I am going to try and grow and where I will plant it.
So all in all a really fast paced week. What have you been up to this week.?

Sammy wanted to help change the sheets on the bed.

Some of the new goodies that have been added to the shop this week.

Sticking to a Course

Good morning all how are you all? My week has been totally manic so far, no change there I hear you say. One major change is in my stress levels apart from one spell yesterday I have felt a lot more in control of things. What has brought about this almighty change is that I have learned a very useful word "no" so simple and very effective. Since I have been taking stock of my work commitments and have decided not to do craft fairs this year ( I might do 1 or 2) things have been great I have been a busy bee working away on orders all week. More orders than usual in fact and it has been fine because I know when I need to I can say no the sky will no fall.
Anyone else use the "N" word?

Cat in the Hat Pencil Case

I have been enjoying experimenting with linen this week, the texture is wonderful and the natural look is great for showcasing some of my favourite prints. I just finished this Cat in the Hat pencil case. I added some hand stitching to the feature patch again it just adds a bit of impact. The free space of linen is perfect for adding a name. I wonder what it will be.
What are you up to this weekend?

Growing Your Own

It's going to be my first full year of having an allotment and I am very excited about the prospect of growing lots of yummy fresh veg ( that is if I don't kill it all) that I thought I should keep a record of my seed choice, weather, harvest and so on. So here it is I just love love love it, the linen is so tactile and I found the applique fun and full of possibilities. I had to make another just in case anyone else would like one. It's listed in the shop. It would make a fab Mother's Day gift.

Happy Friday.

Big Decisions

I think this is the week I think I should come clean. I have been hanging onto this one for a while searching, looking for a solution I feel comfortable with. My life is one massive juggle and without going into too many details I have to drop a ball and I have to decide which it will be. Made by Mum as it stands is one of the balls I am considering dropping. Don't get me wrong I love love love my little business so it's not because It's not doing well but maybe because it's doing too well.

I am struggling to find the time to run my online shop, fill off line orders, shop orders, blog, facebook attend too many craft fairs and events. You know the routine, so I have been considering if I should scale back Made by Mum to an online business only and a few selected shops.
I think that the Uk is a mixed market place when it comes to handmade some people just get it and others see it as a jumble sale type venture. I am so grateful to my overseas customers and friends for giving me an oppertunity that I wouldn't have had if I had stuck with the UK only. So I think that the online presence is the way forward. I have tried to be super women on this but the costume just didn't suit me. So there you go tough decision but a big sigh of relief as well, employing people buying storage and workshop premises is just not the way I want to go. I love keeping my little venture personal and true to its name. Hope you all understand.
Happy Wednesday.