It’s been a busy week over here. Lots of things going on and trying to juggle my family, the kids, the blog and the business is always a challenge.
This past week I finally decided it was time for me to bring in a little help so that I can prioritize some things in regards to my work-life balance. The only people that have ever watched our kids since our oldest Savannah was born are family members…..mainly my in-laws. But I decided to ask the high school girl from next door to come over two afternoons a week (for three hours each day) to play with the kids while I get some work done. So for right now I am home the entire time she is here working in my studio, but after Cass is done nursing in another 8 months or so, I might feel comfortable enough to leave for a little bit.
I have gone back and forth about this for months and now I’m wondering why I didn’t do it sooner? Well, I know why I didn’t do it sooner……….guilt. I think my business was ready for this about three months ago, but personally I wasn’t. It’s really hard being a work from home mom because as much as I want to grow my business, I want to be there for my kids during this precious time that is going by way too fast. But I need to create. It’s just part of me. It makes me a better mama to do what I love and it is so very important to me that my children recognize that Mama has passions and dreams just like they do.
So I decided it was best for the kids to have a young person come play with them two days a week that is completely focused on them. They are getting used to someone new watching them (other than family) and are just in love with our new sitter. And for me, I get to devote six very focused hours of my week in my studio doing what I love and working on my business. I am really happy with my decision now and I think it’s a win-win for all of us. But being as though I value the fact that I am able to stay home with my children, it’s not a decision that came about lightly.
So what was going on this last week? Lots of stuff………
Well, I’m excited to say that I got my next three patterns sent out this week! One is for boys and two are for girls and I think they are so cute (of course, I’m a little biased). It will still be several months before they are available for sale, but they are officially now in production. It’s amazing how long it takes to get a printed pattern fully ready for sale!
Above are the pictures of the lovely bundle that arrived this week from Riley Blake Designs. Being on the Project Design Team definitely has its perks and working with pretty fabrics is one of them. I am so in love with this line ~ Woodland Trails. It’s fun, whimsical, girly and springy. I’m certainly feeling Easter with this line, what about you?
My next tutorial on the Riley Blake Designs blog will be done in this line as well as a pincushion I am designing. And those trims and buttons, you’ll see those coming up soon too!
I also got a few things listed in my shop, The Cottage Mama:
Wide Leg Boys Pants – Size 4/5
Lindsay Wilkes is the owner and designer behind The Cottage Mama. She creates timeless, vintage inspired sewing patterns for children’s clothes. She is also a fabric designer for Riley Black Designers / Penny Rose Fabrics, author of the book ‘Sew Classic Clothes for Girls’ and can be seen teaching nationwide and online in her video series ‘Lessons with Lindsay’ sponsored by Baby Lock Sewing and Embroidery machines.
what a great choice lindsay. I’m glad that everyone is liking the new setup, that’s awesome to have 6 hours (during daylight! yay) to work. enjoy!
great words, lindsay! i feel the same way about balancing work and family and wanting to be sure my kids know they come before my work…but you are so right about it being important that they see mommy pursuing passions too! you’re always an inspiration!
Everything looks wonderful!! I can’t wait to see what you come up with for the Design Team!!!
Cute stuff! And good for you on getting some help. I’m with you on the ‘guilt’ issue – that’s the stage I’m currently at I’m afraid!
How funny, I made a blanket for my friend with the car and bus fabric that’s in those first pictures. I love the jumper you made =)
– Sarah
http://agirlintransit.blogspot.com
Oh….can I borrow your sitter? I need to do the same thing but cannot find anyone. Love the sewing goodies. So gorgeous!!!!!!!!!!!! I’m working with some new birch fabrics as well and LOVING them!
Everything is so cute! That’s great you have more time! It probably still flies by!
I’m loving the boy things you are coming up with!!!
Good on you for finding a wonderful balance for you all. Giving yourself time to create and BE YOU is so important. Wonderful news about yourr new patterns also : )
Congratulations on making such an important decision, both for you and your family! AND, you sure got a lot done!
I’m waiting on pins and needles to see your new patterns….
Those are so precious! Looking at fabrics and notions is like being a kid in the candy store for me! Love it.
Dolly
Wow, you’ve had a great week! I LOVE that Monaluna fabric, so cute as baby dungarees. THe other creations are cute too, but that circa 52 is my favourite lol
Loveeeeeeee these wee outfits…stunning fabrics,colors and stitching
Took a look at the “Janey Jumper” and couldn’t have been more surprised! My mom made me a dress like that (mine had little puff sleeves). It was a light pumpkin orange and the inset was a small check in brown/orange. I loved that dress. I think I was 4 or 5 y.o. Am 65 now. Thanks for the pleasant memories! Hugs, Doreen
I adore those buttons… Got a thing for buttons!
Why is everything you make just so cute? Seriously? Even your photography is perfect!
I”m excited to see what you make with the Woodland Tails…it’s such darling fabric and fits you so perfectly.
liZ
Is there someplace I can purchase the blue fabric with the lambs on it? I saw it on the Riley Blake website, but didn’t see if I could purchase it. I am in love with all the stuff you make. I hope to improve my sewing skills to make a one piece short romper for my son for the summer.
Hi Jenny,
I’m not sure if the fabric is available yet. If it is, check with one of my fabric store sponsors in the right side bar of the blog, I’m sure one of them will have it!
Everything is just cute! Is the little over-alls your pattern? If it is I hope you make it for print!!!