Testing, testing...

Several years ago, when we were both new to the boutique sewing world (on eBay, back in those days...) I "met" Patty Young of modkid fame when we were both members of Adagio Bleu Studios. It has been amazing to watch her career take off since then- if you haven't seen her fabric lines or patterns, you are really missing out. They are amazing!

I was lucky enough to be chosen as a tester for her newest line of patterns, and just before Christmas I received a box full of fabric from her latest collection, Flora & Fauna, along with the rough draft pattern for the dolly-sized modkid dress bag! Her pattern books are so beautiful and easy to use- full of colorful pictures, helpful tips, and easy-to-follow steps. While this was a more complicated project (it involves zippers, grommets, and gussets, oh my!) the conversational tone of her clear instructions helped me create a gorgeous garment bag. Wanna see it? It's the turquoise hummingbird one on the inspiration gallery page.



What about you? Want to try it?

Like I said, this is not a pattern for beginners, but if you are an experienced seamstress you should give it a try. I am going to give away one copy of the modkid dress bags pattern which includes instructions for both the dolly size bag I made and the larger girly bag (shhh... I'm not a girly girl but I may have to make one of these for myself!) If you'd like to win a copy of this pattern, just leave me a comment telling me where you would like to travel with this garment bag. If you'd like to promote this giveaway on your social media of choice (twitter, facebook, etc.), feel free to do so! I'll be randomly choosing a winner on the night of my son's 10th birthday (this Thursday, January 28).

Call the cops...

'cause we're about to commit a felony!

Next week, over a hundred talented ladies (and possibly a few gentlemen!) who will be out of business as of February 10 due to the new CPSIA legislation are gathering for a final launch on eBay. We're hoping to draw even more attention to the cause of independent small-business crafters who will be impacted by this ill-advised legislation. So make sure you search boutique felony on both eBay and etsy next week- this could be your last chance to buy custom boutique for a long time... or ever!

Resells and a relist for Halloween and Christmas!

The holidays are upon us in boutique-land, which runs about 3 months ahead of the rest of the world's calendar! After taking a few months off from eBay, I am joining up with my friends at Avalon Boutique for their "A Caroling We Will Go" launch. This reversible Farbenmix Anna jumper with a snowman theme was part of my Holiday 2007 collection, but I liked it so much and it was such a prefect fit for the launch that I had to bring it back for one last hurrah. So, here is FROSTY, available in sizes 2-8, only on eBay this week!


We're cleaning out the Halloween bins here in Monkey Doodle land and have decided to list the costumes I made for the boys last year. All three are available: the leopard is size 7/8, the tiger is a 5/6, and the little lion is a 3T(all the details are in the listings). We only wore them for trick-or-treating last year, and they are in like-new condition. These are also great for everyday dress up and school plays! You can click here to see all of my eBay listings this week!

Mailing List CONTEST!

Starting on Sunday night, I will be listing a handful of Disney resells, and that will be my last hurrah on Ebay, I think. Things are going very well for me over on etsy, and I am happy in my new home over there.

In honor of my big move, I am sponsoring a mailing list contest! Go over there on the right and sign up if you haven't already, because one lucky winner will receive a FREE custom lounge set for a boy or a girl! The drawing will be September 1, so you have plenty of time! Tell all your friends, and cross your fingers... your kiddo could be sporting a FREE Monkey Doodle Designs lounge set as they head back to school this year!

2 more for etsy

I've decided to make etsy my headquarters from now on. Life on eBay just ain't as grand as it used to be :o( I'm enjoying learning all the ins & outs of etsy, and am adding new things to my store on a daily basis. My new obsession is reading the alchemy page where people request to have items made for them. I've already put in 3 bids for projects... wish me luck!

So, newly listed in my etsy shop are these ready-to-ship Halloween cuties. The first one is a sample skirt that I made 2 years ago. It's size 24 months/2T and priced to MOVE! No bidding & waiting... just go over & buy it!


This one is a 3 piece set full of yummy appliques, size 5

Excuse me, is there a monkey in the office?

It seems like it's been a long time since I wrote on my blog, but it's bene a really long & busy week for me.

On Friday, I went to work. Huh? Yep, work. For the first time in over 8 years! DH pointed me toward a position at our alma mater, Elon University, for a part time, summer-only job in the same department where I had worked as a student! I am coordinating the Challenge Course (also called a ropes course) and having a blast when I'm not feeling totally overwhelmed. I have to get ready for several groups coming in the next 2 weeks, and the people I need to talk to always seem to be out of the office! I've been working all week long, and learning how to juggle my schedule as a working mom so I'll have more time for my family and my sewing, too.

The big production of In His Steps was last weekend, and the costumes were just to die for. I'll put a few pictures up when I get them off my camera. Have you ever had that feeling of emptiness when something is over? I totally felt like that on Sunday. No last minute costume details to take care of, no running downtown to check on things at the theater...

Sis Boom, part 1

I've been so busy with costumes and life in general this past week, that I'm running a little bit behind with my Sis Boom listings. Here are the first two:


Ready to ship, size 18/24m/2T


Ready to ship, size 5/6

As with all of my creations, I welcome custom orders in different sizes or fabric combinations!

Patriotic Pride!

Here's what I've been working on in my little monkey studio this past week:


Ready to ship, size 2/3/4 (it's quite roomy on my barely size 2 model!) Bow & bracelet are included in the auction!


Ready to ship 4 piece set, size 3/4


Ready to ship, size 5/6


I loved this one so much that I decided to offer it as a custom for the boys! Sizes 2-8

The boys' sets are for Planet Boy's Patriotic Parade Launch (search PTBYRWB on eBay)

Now it's back to the costumes for the play... it's less than a month away now! As soon as I'm done with Jordan's coat, I can dig in to my gorgeous new Bell Bottoms fabric for Adagio Bleu's Sis Boom Celebration. Okay, I've had enough early morning fun with the linky button this morning. Off to find some caffiene!

Monday... Wednesday... what's the difference?

I really did plan to list these on Monday, but it was so windy over the weekend that I couldn't take pictures! Then the editing process took f-o-r-e-v-e-r on my slow computer, but alas! Here they are! The much anticipated sister sets to Enchantment, which I listed last week. The yellow eyelet set is size 18/24 months-2T, and the squirrel set (skirt made from those TDF Full Moon Forest fabrics!) is 5T. Click on the names to visit the auctions on eBay.

Enchantment

I was given some smaller pieces of this mosaic print fabric by a dear older lady and I have been mesmerized by it ever since! There are so many amazing colors and patterns in it! I finally found a use for it as the focal point for my latest Vida dress, which is one of a kind & ready to ship, size 3T. I have it listed here on eBay for the Summer Soiree launch sponsored by my design group, Adagio Bleu Studios. On Monday, I'll have 2 coordinating sets listed, including one with fabrics from my most favorite fabric line ever, Full Moon Forest by Tula Pink. I can't believe how well it coordinates with my mosaic fabric!

Sis Boom Celebration

If you are a serious sewer, you are probably familiar with the amazing fabrics of Jennifer Paganelli, designer for Sis Boom. The designers of Adagio Bleu Studios are helping her kick off her new fabric line, Bell Bottom, with a HUGE guest launch on eBay at the end of the month. Jennifer herself will be donating a few items made from her fabrics, which will be auctioned off for charity. We are so honored to have her participate with us, and so excited about this launch. Leave me a comment if you would like more information, or are interested in participating!

Catwalk Cuties!

It's been a while since I listed anything new on eBay! I am so excited about my latest duo, a brother/sister set for the Catwalk Cuties launch! I was lucky to be paired with Jonah and Tessa, and their mom Erin. Aren't they adorable?!?!? Erin's pictures are just fabulous, too. My sets never looked so good! I will be remaking each set only once, in sizes 18mo-6/7. These are perfect for Disney vacations... can't you imagine your little one wearing this at the 100 acre woods character meals at the Crystal Palace?


click here to see this auction!



click here to see this auction!