Little Grown Up Things

Every now and again I get the urge to sew something for myself. Okay, that's only a half-truth. I get that urge quite often, but typically have to let it pass because I'm focused on bring out new items for the shop. Last week was different. In my other life, I'm a paramedic that needs the a tiny little wallet big enough to hold my assorted licenses, bank card, and a little cash. Something that will fit in my front pocket and isn't to bulky. Something washable. So I went though my fabric shelf that contains the bits that are too big to be scraps yet too small to make clothes, and picked out a few to make a fabric wallet.

Fabric wallets have been around forever, and they can range from fairly complex to cute and simple. I opted for cute and simple. I made myself one and like it so much I made one for my Mom, who also benefits from this type of wallet at her job as a nurse. They are just adorable, and as soon as I posted them on the facebook fan page, I got instant interest.

So, I have these little wallets. They come in any fabric combination I have in stock (and I have a lot of fabric in stock) and close with a plastic resin snap making them durable and cute. They are small enough to put your necessary Mom cards in and chuck into your diaper bag. They can be gift that holds a gift card. These little wallets have so many uses, I can't even think of all of them.

Next week I will be introducing another set of simple wallets that have a clear vinyl pocket for your ID to show that can be worn on a lanyard for work or school. I will also be introducing some other items once I complete the special orders I have pending. I hope to have a special announcement next week as well, I'm just waiting on a phone call before I reveal all the details.

New Model Photographs Have Arrived

A few weeks ago, I sent off two new dresses from my Garden Cottage Collection to be modeled by girls with professional photographers (their talented Moms). It's not typical for me to be terribly descriptive about what I want for a modeling shoot. I'm generally pretty happy with what the photographers choose for a set. These dresses were different. I knew exactly what I wanted and I described it to the best of my ability. Today I received the first set back from the agency. I can only say WOW! They are gorgeous and so much better then I had envisioned the set in my mind. I am simply beyond happy with how these photos turned out. Although the dress is a tiny bit big on Gracelyn, she still showed her stuff and made that dress sing.

This collection is very important to me for a few reasons. First, the fabric is unique. Trust me when I say, I spend a lot of time fabric shopping and looking at the fabrics other designers are choosing. My goal is to be different from other designers, and the best way to accomplish that is to research what they are putting out. I have never seen anything made from this fabric. Secondly, this fabric is super-soft combed cotton that was grown right here in the United States. This is a big selling point for me not only because these dresses are so soft on a child's skin, but because it supports the country our children are growing up in.

The dresses are light like a summer breeze, soft and comfortable for even the most delicate skin, and presently come in four different designs. They are limited, and once the fabric is gone it's gone for good. I love this fabric so much, I have considered buying a large quantity of it so I can continue the line into next year.

On a different note, I have fabric for two more boys rompers that will be debuting (fingers crossed) next week. They are both fireman themed, one with ladders and the other with everything fireman printed on it.

I have to say, I'm nearly proud of myself. I've managed to blog two days in a row, which is, sadly, a record for this blog. I'm really working on updating it whenever something new happens, but honestly, that's nearly every day!

I still have my shop on Etsy.com at MYH Boutique but I do more business and offer much better deals via facebook since Etsy has some weird constraints on sales and such. As always, you can email me for a prompt response on any questions, ordering information, or custom requests.

New Fabric, New Dresses

I am simply in love with Joel Dewberry's fabrics. I bought some of the Aviary 2 collection from his Lilac Palette and used it to create one of the nicest dresses I think I've ever made. I was so thrilled with the result, I ordered more in his Saffron Palette this morning.

Joel Dewberry has a new line of fabrics that will be introduced in the upcoming months called Heirloom. You can sneak a peak of this fabric on his blogspot at Joel Dewberry. Vibrant colors in oranges, blues, yellows, greens, purples, and everything in between. Once again, he has truly outdone himself! While you're checkout out his blog, you'll be able to see some of the wonderful creations made by his wife, Laurie. She has made the new Aviary 2 collection even more beautiful with her work.

I currently have two sales going on in my shop right now. The HUGE inventory sale is still going on with deeply discounted prices on sample size items in my studio. I need to find these items some good homes so I can make room for new items. The second sale is a Summer 2011 Collection Sale. All the summer halters and rompers (reversible and sun) are on sale for $27 shipped. That includes the gorgeous Sparrows in Lilac pictured above.

I have a few words about the halter dresses I introduced in this summer's collection. These dresses are fabulous. There are currently three separate collections available, the Garden Cottage Collection, the Bright and Bold Collection, and the Sparrows Collection. This year, you'll have a dress for your daughter. If she grows several inches over the winter, next year you'll have a shirt for her. This design was created to allow for at least two years (possibly more) of use. It's not just a summer dress either. You can easily throw a little shirt on under it giving you more seasons of wear. In addition to growing with your little one, the dresses are easy care 100% cotton wash and wear. I only use quality fabric that I personally choose by hand. These dresses are currently available in sizes 6m to girls 8. Custom sizes can also be made for an additional cost.

So to summarize this super long blog:

~ Joel Dewberry fabrics, check them out! Joel Dewberry
~ Two big sales, check them out! MeltonYourHeart Boutique
~ Halter dresses are wonderful, check them out!

Until next time, soft, happy fabrics make super happy kids!

Facebook 100 Fan Promotion

You know MeltonYourHeart is on Facebook. We are, honestly, we're there and we have hit the 100 fan marker. This stepping stone is also marking the first promotion for the shop. It's detailed in under the notes tab, and I wanted to post it here.

It's time! We now have 100 fans, so it's time to start the promotion that was previewed a few days ago.

Any orders for knot dresses or sundresses will receive a complementary coordinating tunic. That’s an 18 dollar gift! Perfect for spring when it might be just a little too chilly to go without an undershirt. These tunics are also versatile and can be worn with jeans or shorts.

How do you take advantage of this promotion? It’s easy! First, you have to have “liked” our facebook page. Then head over to www.meltonyourheart.etsy.com and start shopping! Once you select the dress(es) you want, put the code Promo100 in the notes when you check out and you will get a matching top for the dress. If you order more than one dress, note which dress you would like to get the matching tunic.

If you have any questions or problems, send me an email at kmelton@meltonyourheart.com and I’ll be happy to help you.

This promotion is for fans only to show my appreciation and will run for 24 hours when MeltonYourHeart Boutique’s Facebook fan page hits 100 fans! Don't worry, I'll announce the starting and ending time for the event!

I've changed my mind! I found out that I hit 100 fans in the middle of the night last night, so I have extended the promotion. It will now end on Friday the 25th at 5pm, the same time as the raffle ends.

In addition to this promotion, I will be giving away the winners choice of a knot dress or sun romper. Post a comment on the fan page if you want to enter this give-away. On Friday the 25th, I'm going to toss all the names in a bag and draw out a winner which I will post. This contest will end on the 25th at 5pm EST. Good Luck!

I want to blog more, but sewing is "sew" much fun!

Today I vow to blog at least twice a week about the "goings on" in my shop. This has been a SUPER exciting few weeks for MeltonYourHeart.

New items these past weeks include several gorgeous knot dresses, girls tops, ruffle pants, and my current favorite, my Sun Romper's. Thanks to the work already done with measurements and pattern pieces by WhimsyCouture at www.whimsycouture.etsy.com, I was able to spend my time tweeking these rompers to my style, and you'll find they are nearly identical to my Sundresses except they're shorts, or pants, or capris depending on preference.

I love my Sundresses because the straps have a secured elastic middle and are constructed from four layers of cotton fabric that matches the dress or romper. What does that mean? Well, for both the romper and the sundress it means the straps are heavy-duty, and they are going to hold up to repeated wear and repeated tying and untying. The elastic in the rompers means your child will easily be able to get this romper on and off by themselves when the straps are tied. For kids still in diapers, the rompers have a snap crotch making changes a cinch!

I have a little boy, and I can tell you, that kiddo is hard on clothing. Through trial and error after years of making clothing for him, I've come to understand how much easier life can be when your little one's clothing is easy to wear, comfortable, and most of all durable.

It's hard to imagine, especially after the snow fall last night, that summer is just around the corner!

Oh I Love a Sunny Treasury!

Tonight I got another wonderful surprise. I was featured in a treasury on Etsy.com. I think this is my second or third feature in a treasury, and I am ever so grateful for the publicity. Even more, I am grateful that people notice what I'm working on and like it well enough to choose it to display over thousands of other items. It warms the heart a bit.

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4d1d3e97efbc6d91601fff6f/the-color-of-happiness

Speaking of warming the heart... I am tossing around the idea of creating some clothing specifically geared towards Valentine's and St. Patrick's Days. I have several ideas in mind, and I just have to sort them out, draw them up, sew them up, and post them!

Spring will be here before you know it. It's time to start looking for some wonderful hand crafted clothing for your tots. Hand crafted items keep YOUR money in YOUR economy. They also make a beautiful kid shine and are perfect for special occasions, pictures, or everyday play. Hand crafted clothing is better constructed meaning you can pass these clothes down through several kids and they will continue to wear beautifully. In addition, many of my items are created to allow for multiple seasons of wear as well as the ability to grow with your child from a dress to a tunic. That's like purchasing one crib that becomes a toddler bed that becomes a twin bed! This means they are highly economical. Who wouldn't want to save money, look great, and get fantastic quality?

I invite you to come check out Artfire.com or Etsy.com for handmade, vintage, and supplies. Both sites are fantastic and bursting at the seams with unique and wonderful items. Of course, I have my shop MeltonYourHeart on both sites!

Do You Have a Diaper that Needs Covered?

I haven't had a baby in my house in nearly a decade, but nothing is cuter than an awesome diaper cover on a baby's bum. Diapers are just not attractive. It really doesn't matter what you do to them, they are white, unsightly, and just plain "blah." Baby clothing, including dresses are cut a little on the short side, presumably to show off some cute little bloomers anyway, so why not pick some bloomers that make a real statement?

My diaper covers come in many different colors and patterns, and are not your typical homemade cover seen online. Most diaper covers are created with one continuous piece of fabric and they look like panties, they gather right up at the crease of the legs. Even though they are really adorable with their cute little ruffles, they just don't offer the coverage I was looking for. My solution? A cross between your typical diaper cover and bloomers. My diaper covers are created in a way that allow some coverage of the very top of the legs. They can also be altered to provide even more coverage, in typical bloomers fashion. Because they are more like shorts with gathered legs than a diaper cover, they can be easily worn with just a t-shirt, onesie, or under a complementing dress. They are also roomy, giving your baby plenty of room to move, crawl, and walk.

I can add ruffles to any of my diaper covers as well for an additional charge, but my covers are so cute on their own, I haven't had the urge to decorate them up with a lot of fluffiness. I invite you to browse my shop and look at the many different diaper covers I offer. Keep in mind, that I will discount multiple diaper covers in the same purchase. You pick your size and your fabrics, send me a message, and I'll get you a better price than my retail price.

My diaper covers are not absorbent and are designed to be worn over disposable type diapers.

Do you want quality? Do you love keeping your money out of child-labor lead infested factories? Me too, that's why I often buy handmade, and support home-based artisans in their beloved craft. Support handmade on Etsy.com.