J is for Joann Fabrics where everyone knows my cuts- #AZChallenge

Confession: I spend so much time at Joann fabrics that when I go for something other than fabric, people are shocked and confused.

Everyone also knows me by my fabric cuts too. I don't mean that they know I will be wanting either 1 1/2 yards or 2 yards of flannel or cotton prints, but that I like my fabric cut so it's 1 yard and then another 1/2 yard or 2 full yards. I am also, often, used as a training person in the store when new hires come to the cutting counter since they will see me often.


Before Black Friday, I had gone in several times to make lists of things that I knew I was going to want. After returning home from my scouting adventure, my favorite Joann's employee called me and asked if there was anything specific that I knew I was going to want full bolts of. They set them aside for me so that nobody would buy them since I'm such a frequent customer. That was insane and awesome at the same time. I spent nearly 3 hours at the cutting counter alone and I had 3 carts full of fabric. My receipt was so long it was almost as tall as I am (5' 2)

Seriously, there were THREE carts full!! I did it all in less than 20 minutes then spent forever cutting it.

I have to say, I really do love my Joann Fabrics. While they don't have everything I want, I've found most of it, and the sales, along with my VIP card that gives me 10% all the time makes it worth going.

E is for Embroidery Machines- #AZChallenge

So, I know this post is a day behind. I've been having a ton of things going on but so far I have them all which is what I was aiming for. I was really thrown for a loop with our pregnancy complications that I wasn't expecting. Not gonna lie, I'm a bit scared and freaked out and trying to keep myself as busy as possible. Like playing with my new embroidery machine.

It was totally a bribe from hubby and I really don't even care. I feel I got a pretty good deal on it, even though purchasing it, the warranty plan, and all the accessories that I need for it has wiped my credit card. Oops. We just paid it off with taxes and now it's maxed out again. He maxed out his credit card purchasing a new TV. One that we REALLY didn't need but he wanted anyway. I think I got the better end of the deal because mine can make me money.



Unfortunately, I really have no idea how to use it. Part of my warranty gives me free private lessons on how to use my machine and all of that fun stuff, but the soonest I was able to get a class was April 9-- this Saturday!! I've had this thing now for almost 2 weeks!

I've tried watching YouTube videos of how to do some of the basics but I wasn't able to come up with enough exact information that I could use. I did learn how to make an applique over embroidery design which was pretty cool. I love how you can make the same thing a million times and it always look different depending on the fabric you use.

I can't WAIT for this class. Not only is it a chance for me to go do something adult without having to take my children, but I will finally learn the basics of figuring out this thing so I can get started. I want to make some things to take with me to my spring bazaar to show that I can do them. I'm offering coupons for personalization for my items that I'm adding to some new parent gift boxes that I'm making. I'm excited for them although I have no idea what to price them as.

Anyway, Onward and Upward!

Who would have thought?!

When I first started my Monkey and Moose line, I never thought that it would be so popular. I had high hopes that it would boost my sales and help bring in some extra income. Which it has. Significantly. However, I never thought that it would take over like it has and become nearly the only thing that I sell in my shop. I make a few other sales hear and there but it's mostly my onesies and the decals that I've recently began to sell separately.  So far these two are my most popular.

I've sent these two designs all over the world. Most recently, this Hola onesie went to England. While I'm grateful for the extra income making these onesies and putting them in my shop has brought to me and my family, I would like to sell some of the other things I make as well. I have a large line of items from Baby wearing wraps and slings, baby blankets, bibs, stuffed animals, and I am working on getting into some other clothing items that will *gasp* force me to stretch my capabilities and learn zippers as well as perfecting sleeves. 

Locally, I have sold quite a few items that have been popular like Stockings at Christmas time, and Halloween trick or treat bags that can also double as library bags the rest of the year. However, I am finding that I'm now stuck between a rock and a hard spot because I want to keep sewing and make new things, however, I don't want to keep a huge stock of things that I'm not selling. It's a catch 22 for sure, and hopefully once I get moved and have my own space to work in instead of taking over my boys bedroom that they don't sleep in, things will be different because I can do more things, offer classes, and all kinds of other fun things that i can't do now. 

Here's to hoping!