Starting a New Quilt for the New Year

Well not actually 1 quilt but 2. I have promised my girls a matching set of quilts for their room. Its taken so long to find fabric that they both love. I on the other hand love love love this fabric I think it could be in my all time favourites. So after my last order for the year was complete yesterday I couldn't wait to get stuck in. Here's where I have got to so far. Its a great motivation for me at this time of year to have something so bright and cheery to work on and at the same time will keep my girls cozy.
I hope you all keep cozy this New year preferably under a handmade quilt there is just nothing to beat it unless its 2 handmade quilts.
All the best for 2012

Expanding, Need some Help Please !!!!

Hello everyone hope you are all still enjoying your time off. I am looking for some help and who did I think of but my trusty blog readers. I am planning on expanding the number of shops that I sell through in 2012 and am after some suggestions from you. Is there a shop in your area that you love that might be interested ? I like the idea of independent gift shops, tea rooms, or little quirky shops you know the kind. I have more than enough shops that sell my bibs for me so I am thinking more along the lines of my crayon wallets and pencil rolls. I appreciate any pointers you can offer.
Happy Tuesday.

Made by Mum Our New Addition

Hi everyone I hope you all had a wonderful day yesterday. We enjoyed some Puppy Fun. Let me introduce Sammy. He has stripped the lower branches of the Christmas tree, chewed through our light and made countless little puddles around the house. Complete bliss. Before anyone shouts out a dog is for life and not just for Christmas don't panic we are experienced dog owners and have been looking for a puppy for ages. We are so fortunate to have him with us can't wait until he is a bit older and can enjoy some long walks.
Oh and stop by the shop if you have a minute I have some fab Boxing day sales on.
Happy Boxing day

Made by Mum Christmas

Just wanted to pop in and say Happy Christmas to you all. Your continued support and loyalty has made 2011 a good year for Made by Mum. I have developed new products and worked my socks off. I have loved every minute and can't wait till 2012. My shop will stay open over the holidays and i will post as and when the post office is open. Once again best wishes for Christmas.

On the To Do List

Oh I was going to show you all some gorgeous handmade Christmas goodies as they were heading out the door to some special people in our life. But it has not been peaceful round here this week. I have been adjusting costumes and letting down hems, putting up hems, taxiing children here there and everywhere, attending concerts at school, answering emails and phone calls and emails and packing last minute orders and packing more last minute orders. So here I am what can I tell you we have made and given out this week so far. 6 loaf cakes of sticky dark gingerbread, 3 jars of orange and ginger marmalade, 36 mince pies and I have a tone of baking still to do. I thought that come this week things would have slowed down but the inevitable last minute dash has hit. The main products requests are for crayon wallets big and small along with bibs and pencil rolls. So Monday really is last and final the last absolute last day for posting in the UK. Please tell me today or tomorrow if you want something and I will do my very best for you. Now back to the oven the smell of fresh baked gingerbread is calling.
Happy weekend

Last Orders Please!!!!!!!

Hello everyone just wanted to give you a little reminder that Christmas is only a few days away and that the last day for first class post in the UK in Monday. Last year I had a mini rush at the last minute. Please please please get your orders in so that I can get them to you for the big day. I have some great bargains on some of my art wallets and quilts as well as blankets and washcloths.
Happy shopping

Handmade Christmas

Hi everyone. My weekend was a busy one and very festive. We put up our tree and decorated it. This year we opted for a real tree and the house smells wonderful. I have been getting some Christmas presents finished and thought I would share some with you not all sewing but all handmade. First up is a tree ornament. I wanted the design to be red and white only so that it would match in with the recipients decor. This little ornament is all of 3 inches square so you can guess how small the irish chain blocks are. My fingers are still a bit sore from the fiddleyness of it all. I hand quilted it and then added the back. I wanted a generous thickness to the square. Then I quilted a tiny feather wreath at the back. I was a little nervous about using red thread but I think it turned out fine. This tiny quilt is going to be given to a wonderful lady who is so generous with her time to my two dancing daughters that we always do a handmade gift, it's sort of giving back a little of our time. Oh I tried using wool wadding in this one I thought it very soft and lovely to hand quilt.
More to show you later in the week.
Happy Monday.

New Dribble Bibs

Hi everyone I wanted to share some new options for my bamboo dribble bibs. Remember I can custom make in larger sizes for special needs children and adults.

Happy Friday

A Little Something for You

Hi all well we have had the first snow here and all around me looks so crisp and fresh. I have been leaving my car at home and walking as often as I can. I love to breath the cool air and look at all the twinkly leaves and branches as I pass by. Walking gives me the time to think and collect my thoughts. This year on reflection has been soo busy and full of work that it has passed by in a haze at times so these quite moments are very precious.
My sewing has taken over the last few weeks and I am grateful to all my customers this year for supporting my growing enterprise and so as a little thank you to you all and just in time for some last minute Christmas shopping I thought I would offer you a discount off everything in my shop - INCLUDING SALE ITEMS just enter the code MADEBYMUM10 so please take another look at whats on offer and maybe find something just right. Discount end on the 9th December.
Christmas here we come.
Happy Tuesday

I got Published and other News

Hello all how are you all? The weekend seems to have whizzed by in a blur. I have been sitting on some news for a few months now and am super excited about it. Made by Mum has been featured in the Country Lifestyle Scotland Magazine christmas shopping Guide. Can you believe it I was bursting to tell all for ages well now I can. I have been getting lots of enquiries and orders through the exposure so I am doubly excited. Hope you enjoy reading it. Its available from large newsagents.
Now onto other news my order book is bursting with orders that have to be complete before Christmas so I have decided not to take any further custom orders this year. Not to worry though as my online shop is full of gorgeous gifts and goodies all made and ready to post. Remember The early bird catches the worm December is only 2 days away and the post is already slowing up.

Happy Tuesday

Not My Custom but

Hi everyone being a Scot through and through I have taken a great interest in Thanks giving, I think it is a wonderful tradition and wanted to take the opportunity to tell you all what I am thankful for.
My wonderful children I love you all so so much.
My patient and caring husband you make me complete.
My frail old Collie Becky I am glad you are still with us.
My energy to enjoy you all and realise how lucky I am.

Happy Thanks Giving to you all.

What's My Name Again

Hi everyone I am sooooooooooooo tired I could fall asleep standing up. I have lots still to make for this weekend at the Green Gallery. I have shop orders to get out and online sales. How did Maggie Thatcher survive on 4 hours sleep? I can't even remember my name at the moment. So I will leave you with a not brilliant pic of my stall at the Cancer Research fair.
Happy water day it is.

I'm Back

I was suppose to post this in the week but lost my camera in amoung the millions of boxes I took with me to Dumfries . I found it is here you go.
Hello lovelies I am suffering from frazzled brain. I had a lovely time in Dumfries but now I am home with a massive amount of catching up to do. Orders are coming in thick and fast and I am working really hard to keep on top of things. My crayon wallets, pencil rolls and art wallets are super popular gifts for budding artists and my bamboo blankets and bibs are wonderful for first Christmas gifts. I have also had a lot of interest in my eco facial pads with many little bamboo squares heading for stockings up and down the country as well as over seas, remember they are great for taking make up off too so not just for little ones. I had better get back to it so will leave you with a couple of pics of my stand at Dumfries.

Christmas Spending

I have just been listening to a radio programme about Christmas spending. Even though the economic situation is not good people are still prioritising their children. The average spend this year is £350 per child. Deep breath I have 4 remember. I have always been a believer in a thoughtful gift rather than an expensive/pressurised buy. I put a lot of thought into each and every gift and I have to say I find it far more enjoyable and satisfying than hitting the High Street. I love to shop at Craft fairs and of course to make my own. Handmade really is a good buy for the price conscious shopper its original, excellent quality so will out last anything made in a factory and will show the recipient how much you care about them that you found them something so special.
Please support handmade this Christmas and give your bank balance a break.
Happy Friday

Green Gallery Christmas Fair

Hello everyone I wanted to show you all the fabulous flyer that has been made up for this years Christmas Fair. Becky works so hard putting this wonderful weekend together . This year the fair is being held a little earlier on the 25th - 27th November. Friday night is ladies night enjoy some Christmas shopping with some scrummy nibbles and a glass of bubbly couldn't get much better. Or bring the family on the saturday and Sunday and enjoy free cakes and teas and coffees. I will be there on the saturday and sunday this year and am really looking forward to it.
Hope you can come.
Happy Thursday

Christmas Shopping and Ordering

Hello all how are you? Did you enjoy the fireworks at the Weekend?
I am in the process of cranking up in anticipation of the next few weeks busy busy. I have a full line up of some fab events some new and some I have been to in the past so I have a few butterflies.
First up I am off to Dumfries next Monday and Tuesday for a lovely fair held at Easterbrook Hall its in aid of children with cancer. Then the following Monday and tuesday I am at Scone Palace for the Cancer research christmas shopping event. Then on the 26th and 27th November I will have a stall at the Green Gallery Christmas Fair in aid of Artlink Central another worthy cause and finally on the 3rd December I have 2 shows . In the Morning I will be at Madderty Christmas fair and in the Afternoon I will fly down the road to Morrison's Academy in Crieff for their Christmas fair. Quite an undertaking.
Because of all these fab shows, orders will be taking longer to get made up and my order book is very full. At the moment I am thinking the 5th December for last orders for Christmas not long at all.
Better get back to the sewing machine.

Happy Monday.

Discount day

Hi everyone I have had such a fab week lots of sewing and orders are pouring in. I wanted to share my happy feeling with you all. I am offering a 10% discount to all my friends and followers on all my shop goodies. just enter 10today when your at the checkout. It won't last for long.

www.madebymumshop.co.uk

Happy Friday and happy shopping

Is it Saturday already?

This week has been like a whirl wind each day merging into the next. I can honestly say business wise this has been my busiest week to date. I have been flat out completing orders and making replacement stock. Top this week is my creative Kids range. This is really exciting because I have been working hard on these products. I want to give children the oppertunity to be creative when ever and where ever. To take advantage of our busy schedual rather than being limited by it. And you guys are getting it. Thanks so much for making this week another step forward in where Made by Mum is going.

Winter Collection Part 3

Just a quickie tonight I have baths to organise. I have more new goodies in my shop to tempt you. Some more Creative Kids products.

I hope my pictures do my talking for me.
Happy Weekend

Winter Collection - Part 2

Hello all, time for me to share more brand new products. Little Foxes crayon wallets in blue and green colour ways. They are just so moreish. Campfires, canoes, deers, racoons and some of the cutest foxes ever. I sold 3 before I had them finished. They are available in my online shop and make great birthday and Christmas gifts.
I have got lots more to show you so keep checking back.
Happy Wednesday.

Winter Collection part 1

Hello all hope you are all wrapped up against the wind and rain. We have the log burning stove on its just so comforting working away with the gentle sound of the chimney and the occasional crackle, the smell is just wonderful.
I will be introducing some of my new winter lines over the next few days. First up 2 new crayon wallets both with funky retro elephants. These make terrific gifts for girls and boys think of the peace you will enjoy while they are busy colouring away. Take them with you while out and about. October break traveling or waiting at the doctors surgery.
As always I have limited numbers.
Happy Monday.

New Cat in the Hat

Hi everyone the fist week of the tattie holidays is going well the weather has been on and off but during the dry spells we have been enjoying the autumn colours and smells. Kids on scooters and me walking. I have noticed a sharp up turn in orders which is lovely you guys are getting organised ( only 10 weeks to go ) So there has been lots of cutting and piecing and sewing going on too.
I wanted to show you a new fabric option I have. I have been making up some crayon wallets with it but will be making lots of other goodies with it over the next week or so. Its so bright I love the movement in it. I am sure it will be a hit at the fairs I am attending this winter I will also be adding it to my shop selection.
Back to the sewing machine now as I have a stack of orders to work my way through.
Happy saturday.

Country Living Christmas Fair 2011

Hi everyone just a quick post I have had lots of people ask if I will be exhibiting at this years Christmas fairs. I have been invited back. But after a lot of thought I have decided not to. I had such a fab time last year that it was a tough decision but I am so caught up in orders at the moment and some secret stuff as well as some other wonderful events ( check out my side bar for details) that I just had to draw a line. I really really want to take a stand next year fingers crossed it will happen.
Happy Tuesday.

Made by Mum Sale

Hello all I am having a sale on some of my gorgeous goodies to make wake for some new gorgeous goodies. Please check out my store its a first come first serve basis. There are some beautiful baby bamboo gift baskets a cat in the hat quilt and lots of other reductions. Happy shopping.

12 Weeks till Christmas

Not to panic anyone. I can't believe its the 1st of October already where did the summer go? I am still waiting on it. Maybe next year ever hopeful. So this is what my plans are for the run up to Christmas. I have some lovely shows to look forward to in November and December I decided not to do any in October to allow me to be super organised. So far I have been keeping order turnaround 1-2 days however I am already starting to feel that will slip to 2-3 days soon say next week and 3-4days the week after and so on. I expect that when I hit November what with all the shows I am doing and my international customers I will be flat out and I want to make sure that I don't have to turn anyone away. ( it did happen last year I have to sleep at some point) If you want to place on order and you know what you want please do so as soon as possible my shop has some gorgeous items many are one of a kinds. I felt terrible having to say no last Christmas.
I am getting organised myself I have already bought a couple of gifts and have a list written out it's a good feeling not to rush but consider everyone individually. I am Quite excited already.

Happy weekend.

All New Pencil Rolls

Hello all I can't believe it's Thursday already. I have been getting down to some serious sewing in preparation for Christmas shopping. I have been getting requests and some ordered from all my organised customers. So here is my newest product it's a quilted pencil roll for all those a little too grown up for crayons. I think it would make a terrific give for Christmas. Hope you like it as much as I do. Oh and for all of you sharp eyed blog readers can you spot my brand new sew in label isn't it the cutest I will be sewing labels onto all my goodies from now on.
Happy Thursday.

Cute Owls

Today in between making some new art wallets I managed to find some time to make these ever so cute little owl hanging decorations. I designed them on several pieces of paper and had many try outs some did not reach completion I am so picky. I thought they would look great hanging on a christmas tree. I am so excited how they eventually turned out so that I think I may be making lots more.
Happy Monday