Baby Gee's

What do you want to learn?

2012-01-26T19:29:00.000-05:00

I am so grateful that I got students to sign up for classes at Whetstone Community Center! I have already begun to think about the projects for Spring session. I will be offering the following classes again:

Sewing for Kids
Beginner Sewing for Adults
Sewing 2 - the next step...

What are some techniques or projects you would like to learn? I would love to hear any feedback!

Thanks SEW much!
Michelle

What I did when Sam slept...

2012-01-15T19:54:00.000-05:00

Some new wallet samples for the Intro to Machine Sewing class at Sew to Speak. Made from Amy Butler's Lark line. Love these prints!

And here is Sam. I don't know if you will be able to see him with all the camouflage going on but look hard! He is so cute when he sleeps.

Busy, busy, busy...

2012-01-08T21:37:00.001-05:00

I have caught the sewing bug again. For many, many months I have not wanted to sew very much. I must have been burnt out or something. But I have made up for that this weekend.

Some softies for an upcoming kids class. This was a free pattern that found and tweaked:

A drawstring bag ...also for a class. Fabric donated by a kind friend! The kids will love to make this bag.

And my favorite thing...a stroller blanket/quilt made from that charm pack from Moda I was talking about. LOVE IT! It has a rustic feel to it because of the handstitching around the edge and the light brown minky makes it so super soft. I can't wait to give this to a new baby girl!

sigh.... it's good to make stuff. :)

xoxo,
Michelle

Charm Packs

2012-01-05T13:36:00.001-05:00

I think charm packs are fun...and so easy. They are already cut so you can plan a project around the squares or strips you have. I had 2 left over from a quilt I was planning on making and I thought I needed a new pin cushion. So viola...easy.

And how cute are those straight pins with buttons on the top? Love 'em....

Classes at Whetstone Community Center

2012-01-02T12:08:00.000-05:00

So I am trying some new stuff this year... one is teaching sewing classes at a new location: Whetstone Community Center right here in Clintonville! I am still teaching at Sew to Speak as well but thought I would branch out with some other options as well. The second thing I will be diving into is learning Adobe Illustrator but more on that later... now the deets on sewing classes:

Winter 2012 Schedule

Note: An update has been made to the dates of these classes to account for MLK day (Jan 16...class now Tues, Jan 17) and President's day (Feb 20...class now Tues, Feb 21).

Sewing for Kids: Ages 8+ $35 (Limit 6) This is a 3 week class (Jan 9, 17 and 23) from 6-7:30pm that will introduce your child to machine sewing. We will make 2 projects: A stuffed animal and a drawstring pouch. All materials are included. Class #9885

Beginning Sewing: Ages 18+ $35 (Limit 6) This is a 3 week class (Jan 30, Feb 6 and 13) from 6:30-8pm that will introduce you to machine sewing. You are encouraged to bring your own machine if you have one but if you do not there are some to share. We will make 2 projects: Envelope style pillow covers and a zipper pouch. Materials can be provided but if you would like to bring/choose your own fabrics please do so. Class #9887

Sewing 2: Ages 18+ $35 (Limit 6) This is a 3 week class (Feb 21, 27 and March 5) from 6:30-8pm that will teach you some techniques that will improve your skills beyond the beginner level. You must know how to thread and operate a sewing machine. We will go over zippers, gathering, sewing cording and sewing buttonholes. You will then design and make a project that incorporates one or more of these techniques. Class #9888

REGISTRATION BEGINS JAN 3, 2012.

Whetstone Community Center

3923 N. High St.

Columbus, OH 43214

614-645-3217

Napkins and Placemats

2011-10-09T09:45:00.000-04:00

Want to learn a new technique? Mitered corners...they are not as scary as you think. Come make some napkins and placemats with me for the holidays coming up.

and a close up....

And these are great hostess gifts if you want to bring a little something to someone this holiday season. A set of 4 napkins with a fun print would be a great present and economical too...only 1.25 yards of fabric for 4 generous napkins!! Everyone is going green so reuseable napkins are great to have around.

Here are the class times:

Saturday, October, 22 from 9-11am

Saturday, November 12 from 9-11am

Wednesday, December 7 from 6-8pm

Call 614-267-3011 to register. Cost is $30.

Is it October already?

2011-10-03T16:00:00.000-04:00

Time to make Halloween costumes. What should Sam be this year? Sean wants to be Darth Vader and Sarah is going to be a witch. Sam is too young to care what he is...now what do I want to make? Hmm.... I will have to think on it. But meanwhile, I found some great ideas for pumpkin carvings:
Click here!

I love Halloween!!

My new portfolio bag

2011-09-16T12:04:00.000-04:00

I needed a bigger bag to carry all the crap (ahem, excuse me)...stuff.... I need for classes and such. I had been bring 2 smaller totes and that just wasn't working. So I modified my regular tote and made this one bigger and gave it a curved bottom. But what I am most excited about is my WELTED pocket. They are easier than you think and are really finished looking.

I can see this being a good pool bag too.

Welted pocket

little bit of sweetness in scarlet and gray

2011-09-14T17:38:00.000-04:00

OMG...how I love this dress. The Jane dress from Patterns by Figgy of course. Come take a class with me and learn how too!

Sunday, Oct 2 & 9 from noon to 2pm at Sew to Speak.

This one is made with Amy Butler's fabric...I picked the scarlet and gray motif.

I must have adult ADD or something...

2011-09-09T10:01:00.000-04:00

I know I have a list of things that I need to sew and complete... I know! But then a new book came out this week and my attention was diverted. Sewing for Boys is co-authored by Shelly Figueroa and Karen LePage and it is chock full of cute boy stuff! I have always enjoyed the Patterns by Figgy so of course I needed to make Sam something. The Luka Hoodie!

I made size 2/3 and it is a bit big for Sam but he can grow into it. And to be fair, Sam is a pip squeak and still fits into some 18 mos stuff.

I love the lined hood the best...sock monkeys!

And a secret pocket...I bet he will like this best.

I used a knit fabric (pique) for the exterior and most of the liner because it is what I had on hand. When I make this again, I would choose a cotton quilting weight for the exterior and a softer knit for the interior (just like they suggest...cause they are good like that). Love it ladies...good job!!

half a checkmark

2011-09-04T21:31:00.000-04:00

It's better than nothing, right? So I have really under estimated how much time and energy goes into quiltmaking. And color selection is hard for me. I have tons of scraps but I am over thinking all my choices. But... I HAVE MY QUILT TOP DONE PEOPLE. Yes, I cheated a bit because it was supposed to be all stars and log cabins and then my 3 kid blocks. Not happening. I have substituted some gingham and a cute branches fabric to make up for some of my blocks. I was getting burnt out!

I am happy with it...so far. I have some cute spikey edging to add still.

And here are some of my favorite blocks up close

(the kid blocks are a given so I will show those later):

Now back to work...lots to do!

school starts tomorrow!!!!

2011-08-23T09:05:00.000-04:00

I know I shouldn't be THIS happy about school starting. But I am. It means I have more free time to sew and finish projects that have been on my to-do list for a LONG time. Here are some of them. And now that I have published this list, I MUST check them off.

1) finish the quilt I started in Mary's class
2) make napkins and placemats for new class
3) finish curtains for Sean's room
4) finish curtains for living room
5) make new tote bag for shoppe sample
6) make new pillow for shoppe sample
7) make new peasant skirt for shoppe sample

Whew...

Quilty goodness

2011-08-16T12:33:00.000-04:00

I have tried to quilt before. It didn't go well. I think my thoughts about quilting were more about precision and making all seams align...you know, that is what good quilters do, right? Not anymore.... I have been LIBERATED. I don't want to go burn my bra or anything but the principles are loosey goosey and that is a nice change. Don't get me wrong, I still like things to match up. It's hard to un-learn what has been ingrained for so long about sewing. I started Mary's class Design Your Own Modern Quilt at Sew to Speak and last night was the first class. I made this wonky star:

and this wonky log cabin block:

It was fun. Now I am going to plan my official quilt that we will make in class. I can't wait!

Baby Clutch Ball

2011-07-19T20:00:00.003-04:00

I have to use up scraps of fabric before I can justify buying MORE fabric. So here is what I made today. It's kinda big so I want to make one scaled down so it's easier for Sammy to throw...and with boy colors. It was a fun project. If you want to try one of your own....here is a tutorial link. I thought it was pretty easy to follow.

My Finds...

2011-07-17T13:15:00.000-04:00

I did a little event yesterday at Igloo Press in Worthington and sold off some of my stock...which was great! Thank you Igloo Press! I do miss vending. But not the preparation for vending so at least I know I made the right decision for now. But...enough of that... what did I find while there? Of course I had to peruse the other vendors and came across some sweet little things that made me happy.

This adorable needlefelted mushroom. I really want to learn how to do this.

Fat quarters from vintage pillow cases. I see a blanket with chenille being made out of these.

And this super cute notebook repurposed from a Japanese book. Love them all!!

Big Sale

2011-07-11T13:21:00.000-04:00

I technically have given up vending at shows for now...but what to do with all the stock I have left over and I am too lazy to photograph and list on Etsy? I am marking them down (ALOT) and selling this Saturday in Olde Worthington. This event is on the same day as the Old Worthington Business Association's Treasures on the Green, so the city will be full of great deals!
Come visit me at:

Igloo Letterpress Parking Lot

39 New England Ave

Worthington, Ohio 43085

9am-4pm

Suzy Ultman fabrics

2011-07-07T16:32:00.000-04:00

At the shoppe last night I was getting ready to teach and noticed the new Suzy Ultman fabrics sitting there in all their colorful glory. They were so sweet with the little acorns, owls, snails and birdies. The nature scenes are plentiful in fabrics lately but these are super cute and perfect for kids items.

So I have made some samples (thank you Anita)! Come into the shoppe and see them in person. This fabric will be for sale really soon.

A bib and a little girl's skirt

And here is the skirt by itself

A make-up bag or it could be used for anything really...diapers and wipes comes to mind. These type bags are great for all the things floating around the house or in your purse.

And the inside....

And my trademark pinked edge patch...I do love these :)

Yay for Suzy Ultman and new fabric coming soon!!

Score!

2011-07-05T09:32:00.000-04:00

I love finding vintage materials...like these wonderful chenille bedspreads. I was at a craft show one time and a lady was selling girls clothing made out of vintage chenille bedspreads. They were selling like hotcakes because they were SOOOO cute. I bought Sarah a jacket and since then I have been keeping an eye out so I could make one down the road when she outgrows the one she has. These might just do the trick. Although I really don't know if I can cut them up! They are too pretty. We will see...

Taa-Daa!

2011-06-20T16:36:00.000-04:00

I followed up on something in a timely manner...mark you calendars people, it rarely happens.

the real Sarah

So I love this pattern. Of course it would not be me if I followed the directions to a tee. I did modify how the sleeve was attached to the dress. The french seam was not working for the weight of fabric I chose. If you had a viole or a thinner fabric it would be fine most likely but I picked a cute (PINK) quilt weight cotton fabric from Oliver + S. I chose to just use a regular stitch and then serged the raw edge. I love how it turned out. And better still, Sarah loves it.

my next project...and maybe a new class

2011-06-16T10:54:00.000-04:00

New at Sew to Speak! I just opened the mail and got a nice surprise...the Jane Dress pattern. By the pictures...so cute!! This picture above does not do it justice...click the link for more detail. I can't wait to make one. I went to work last night to teach a pillow class and low and behold, they had the Jane Dress too! I feel a new class might be coming soon. And the Bubble skirt class is back! I asked specifically if the Figgy's Bubble Skirt could be stocked and they are in the shoppe now! I like this pattern for many reasons: EASY, REVERSIBLE, ELASTIC...all good.

I will be posting dates and times soon...stay tuned!!

Room refresher

2011-06-10T12:55:00.000-04:00

My daughter's room was blah. It needed some more stuff in it (not toys) to warm it up and give it some character. So we compromised....she wanted the walls painted pink, but I did not want to paint the whole room. She seems pretty happy with "pink-ness" of it.

BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER

The curtains were a cinch...straight line sewing baby. I am not done with the little touches here and there but we have made a good start. Voila! Happy new pinkish room Sarah!

being green...

2011-06-04T13:23:00.000-04:00

Sometimes it's hard to be green. I try but I still use a lot of paper towels. I have 3 kids and there are tons of hand washes and messes that need cleaned up. I saw an article about putting out a basket of towels and fabric napkins and see if you could reach for those before going for the paper towel. I am gonna try it... and of course I had to add some cute fabric to make a few of them pretty.

Simple and fun

2011-05-03T13:33:00.000-04:00

I have more scraps than I know what to do with. Here is one idea to use a few of them. Make some bird softies and hang them from a branch. My birch tree in the back shed a few nice branches in all the storms we have had. Why not put it to use, right? My kids were able to help me cut and stuff them too....family fun!

Free pattern

2011-05-02T15:26:00.000-04:00

Very similar to the ever popular pillowcase dress but with a fun twist... the yoke. I love finding free patterns. This one is from Oliver + S. I had the good fortune to meet Liesl at Quilt Market in Houston and she was as nice as she is talented. I am adding this to my "to make" list.

popover sundress

Scrappy Quilt

2011-05-01T12:15:00.000-04:00

I admire the time, precision, planning and skill required for quilting...I really do. I just don't have it though. I attempted a quilt for Sammy and then when I realized that I only had enough squares for about 1/3 of a top...I got impatient and I improvised. I had tons of scrap chenille leftover so why not incorporate it and make a column quilt.

And he needed his name on it too...

I had a bit of a bird theme going on here.

If you want to see some really cool quilts...check out Mary at Molly Flanders. She is amazing! Mary, you might be seeing me soon in one of your quilting classes. I feel a long term project is in my future. Happy Sewing!

Looking back... and forward

2011-04-29T14:56:00.000-04:00

I can't believe April almost got by me without a blog post. Time flies.
Recently my laptop crashed and I have yet to replace it so I have been using the dinosaur of a computer in our basement for now. All my old pictures are on there and I was looking back in the Baby Gee's folder to see some of my former projects and creations. I have come a long way baby!

Here is Sean with one of my first blankets.

And here is Sarah at 2 1/2 years old sporting a pillowcase dress. She is sooo little here!

And sadly all of Sam modeling for me are on the laptop (my hubby was smart to back it up so fingers crossed).

I can't wait to see what 6 more years brings... who will model for me when they are all grown up?

Machine Applique

2011-03-31T10:11:00.000-04:00

There are so many ways to change and enhance clothing. One that I love for kids clothes is a simple machine applique. You can use pinking shears for the raw edge to cut down on fraying. Or you can use regular scissors for a raw edge. I really like the effect the pinked edges give it. You can cut out a part of the printed design on the fabric or create your own design. I use some temporary spray adhesive to hold it in place (pins move so much...they could work but spray seems to work best for me). Sew around it with a straight stitch and viola! Cuteness.
So if you have a plain tee that needs something extra, try a machine applique.

Next... machine applique with a satin stitch. Stay tuned!

it's time again...pillowcase dress weather is coming

2011-03-20T11:16:00.000-04:00

With Spring finally arriving, it's time to start thinking about warmer weather clothing. Although this cute little dress could be paired with jeans or leggings and a tshirt in cooler weather, I love it best all by itself. A sundress known as the pillowcase dress. It is called this because ages ago people were "green" without even thinking about it. They upcycled their old pillowcases into cute dresses for little ones.

Classes April 15, 9am-Noon and April 27, 6-9pm

Call 267-3011 to register or stop by Sew to Speak

Pajama Pants

2011-03-14T10:48:00.000-04:00

I love pajama pants. I wish it was appropriate to wear them at all times. I am all about comfort. I made these for my daughter but I am thinking I need a pair too. These are made from adorable Amy Butler fabric so they are cute as well as comfy. Wide leg, elastic waist, cute ruffles at the bottom, what's not to like? I think I see a new class coming at Sew to Speak... what do you think?

I waited and waited and waited... it was worth it!

2011-02-15T22:05:00.000-05:00

I am a stalker. At least that is what my husband calls me. I loooove Amy Butler. For those who don't know she is a fabric designer, sewing pattern designer, an author and many more things I am sure. She resides and works in Granville, OH and she was at Sew to Speak tonight.

If any of you have been in the shoppe before you know it's smallish. I have never seen so many people fit into this space before.

I knew so many people. It was great. I talked to former students, friends, colleagues and Amy!!

Don't we look like stairs? Amy is the tall one. Esther (a friend and my CCAD teacher) is the short one. Sorry Esther...should I say the one in the blue top? You hung in with me till the end and it was so nice to chat with you :)

And here....the book Santa brought me is now SIGNED:

And she gave us a free pattern for the bed bug pillows. So cute. I have to say that she was approachable, sweet and even though she had spoken to a ton of people tonight and went over her scheduled time, she still was gracious and it made me respect her even more. Thanks Amy and I hope to see you again soon! xoxo

For the Birds...

2011-02-10T06:44:00.000-05:00

So it seems the bird theme continues in fabric design and I do not mind one bit. I was making up a baby blanket for a customer and she chose the most beautiful Alexander Henry fabric. I have been using this fabric for a couple of years now and it still is one of my favorites. It says something about a fabric design if it has been around since 2005! (I read it on the selvedge...really, 2005?) I think what I like most about it other than the cute birdies is that there is a pattern of black on white throughout it. I am a sucker for black and white. Love it. Alot.

Can't find a class?

2011-01-24T12:20:00.000-05:00

Even though I have several scheduled sewing classes at Sew to Speak, that is not all that is available! I do offer private sewing lessons as well. If you cannot make a class due to conflict of schedule or you want to start a project that you think might be complicated and need a little extra help...I can help. Email me with your ideas and I would be happy to quote you a price.

Happy Sewing!

Lots more classes

2011-01-13T09:34:00.000-05:00

I have been having some great Intro classes lately. My students are making some super cute wallets and/or little bags for coupons, makeup, ipods, glasses, pencils...you name it... these little clutches could be used for anything.

There are several other classes that are coming up. If you are ready for something beyond Intro, these might be for you:

Beginners Tote Bag

Peasant Skirt

Baby Gift Set (plus a giraffe softie not pictured)

Pillows: envelope with cording and standard zipper styles

Wallets....you can make one too

2011-01-03T12:34:00.002-05:00

So does anyone have a New Year's resolution to learn to sew? Do you have a machine and it's still in the box? Are you intimidated by threading and all those instructions that look like they are in Greek? Never fear! Sewing really can be fun and easy. I promise. Once you learn your machine, the possibilities are endless.

I teach an introductory class that familiarizes you with your machine and you will leave with a super cute (and simple) wallet that YOU made. Really. Lots of class offerings are available so check out Sew to Speak for times/dates and to register.

Here are some samples of the wallets you can make after taking ONE class.

Come join me!

Bring on the new year...

2010-12-29T15:18:00.000-05:00

Christmas was lovely and not quite over for us yet (hello inlaws, Christmas part 2) and I am excited to embrace the new year. Welcome 2011!
I also have been perusing some new blogs and drooling over some new fabric lines coming out. I saw this one at Market and I cannot wait until April. Sherbet Pips by Aneela Hoey (Moda). I especially like her reds and grays together...good for us buckeye fans. Can't you just see a little girl's skirt made with some of these?

Come on school start already...so I can start some sewing :)

Stockings!

2010-12-08T10:24:00.000-05:00

So I was getting out Christmas decorations this weekend and realized I never embroidered one for Sam last year. He needs a stocking with his name. Then I was looking at the other stockings for everyone else and they don't match and Brant and I have our names on them instead of "Mom" and "Dad" (bought pre-kids). I came across my stocking I made with Mary at Sew to Speak last year and thought....I am going to make new stockings for everyone this year. After I get my orders done....I promise!

Merry, Merry Bubble Skirts

2010-12-07T14:16:00.000-05:00

I love versatility.... REVERSIBLE. Love it - 2 skirts in one!

This pattern is by Figgy's. Thank you Shelley! This skirt is still one of my favorites.

Crunch time...North Market this WEEKEND!

2010-11-30T15:32:00.000-05:00

My FAVORITE show of the year...and my last (for awhile at least).

This Saturday and Sunday: Dec 4, 8am-5pm and Dec. 5 from noon-5pm. North Market, downtown Columbus (upper level). Come see me and many other wonderful handmade vendors and buy local for Christmas.

I better get sewing...

Little hedgehog and a mushroom....

2010-11-18T10:13:00.000-05:00

I love this little hedgehog and mushroom embroidery design. Pine Mountain Designs was a booth I stopped by at Quilt Market and they had the cutest embroidery designs incorporated into quilts, pillows, wall hangings... they were adorable. This pattern is called Little Things. I loved this little hedgehog so much, I had to sew him up into my new pillow sample at Sew to Speak.

Classes, classes and more classes...

2010-11-12T12:18:00.000-05:00

I have been teaching a lot lately and there are many more classes coming up too! Check with Sew to Speak to register or call 614-267-3011.

This weekend... The Baby Gift Set: A bib, burp cloth and a giraffe softie. This class is full but another will be scheduled soon! You can make bibs and burpies like below from Baby Gee's patterns (individual use only):

Then I will be doing some Intro to Machine Sewing classes, a Tote Bag class, a Pillow class and a little girl's Peasant Skirt class. I will have a new sample of the peasant skirt soon...and in Christmas-ish fabrics!

To market, to market...

2010-11-01T10:11:00.000-04:00

At Melly & Me, I found playful....

At Tina Givens, I found adorable....

At Pine Mountain, more cuteness and whimsy....

Of course I visited Amy Butler, Anna Maria Horner, Enchino, Daiwabo, Moda, Oliver & S and countless others. It was an overload of beautiful fabrics, patterns and designs. I had a great time and came back with lots of inspiration and ideas for new classes. Stay tuned...

For the bigger kiddos... Go Bucks!

2010-10-20T13:34:00.000-04:00

Sizes 2, 3, 4, and 5/6...long sleeves!

Quilt Market.....here I come!

2010-10-18T11:01:00.002-04:00

I have an opportunity to go to the International Quilt Market show in Houston, TX that is coming up in 2 weeks and I can't wait! When I heard about this show for the first time a few years ago I thought, "Quilt Market, really?" Thoughts came to mind of granny type fabrics and old style quilts that just did not appeal to my creative side. Although, I admire these quilts and have a few of my own, I didn't think a weekend of viewing them would be any fun. Boy, was I wrong!

My pals at Sew to Speak asked if I wanted to tag along this year and having seen their pictures and wonderful fabrics and projects inspired by the Quilt Market, I jumped at the chance. I am looking forward to seeing some of the wonderful fabric designers and their new lines. Anna Maria Horner, Amy Butler, Kokka, Heather Ross just to name a few will be there with lovely booths full of handmade goodness. Yippee!

Buckeye Cuteness

2010-10-15T14:41:00.000-04:00

Onesies...love them!!

Fall Skirts

2010-10-10T17:25:00.000-04:00

Here are some fall offerings....

Get 'em while they last!

change is good, right?

2010-10-03T11:15:00.000-04:00

I love to sell my stuff. There I said it. I know that some people are purist and create just because they love to create. I love it too. But I also get kick out of seeing someone else loving something I have made. Seeing first hand someone pick it up and exclaim to the person next to them, "How cute is this?! I want this." I just love it. And this is what I will miss. I have decided that shows are so time consuming for me at this stage of my life. I will be scaling back on shows in 2011 (sniff). I have a few shows left that I have signed up for in 2010 which are:

Saturday, October 9, 2010: Worthington Fall Festival
Sunday, October 17, 2010: North Market Artisan Sundays; noon to 5pm
Saturday, November 6, 2010: Mark Twain - Westerville Craft Show
Saturday/Sunday, December 4-5, 2010: North Market Holiday Show (pending acceptance)

I have missed some family time on the weekends (and several soccer games) and I just feel the need to participate more with my family right now. I may miss the shows and comaraderie from fellow artisans but I think it's a good decision for now. So how else can I sell and feel that love from my Baby Gee's customers? I am going to devote more time to my site which is sadly neglected. I am going to attempt some more consignment and I plan on sharing my love of sewing by blogging about my patterns and designs. And now I can actually attend shows and SHOP! Yay for change!

So many ideas...so little time!

2010-09-14T14:18:00.000-04:00

Has it really been 4 months since I blogged last?! Yes.
Where did the summer go? I have to say I am really ready for fall and I am loving these cooler temperatures. So thinking about fall is making me excited for warmer clothes and some new designs for Baby Gee's. I ventured into a new sewing class...the Little Girls Peasant Skirt. It is so cute with 3 layers and I love that it has a raw seam exposed that will get a frayed worn look with each wash. Very bohemian. I can see Sarah wearing it with tights, a tee and maybe a denim jacket. I will try to get my little model to cooperate for a picture soon.

If you want to make one for your little twirler, stop in the shoppe or call to register for the class 614-267-3011. It is Sunday, Sept 26 from noon-2:30pm and the cost is $30.

Eco Chic Craftacular - May 22 &23

2010-05-10T11:11:00.000-04:00

I can't believe how fast time flies... It was just March the last time I posted and now it's MAY! I am in full swing of doing craft shows and it is so fun. I complain to my husband about being busy and there is no time....blah, blah, blah.... but he doesn't even listen anymore. He knows that I may complain but I THRIVE from doing this type of thing. Making stuff, selling stuff, chatting with other artisans - it's all good. Being a stay at home mom, it can be a bit exhausting to find balance and still meet your standard for quality time for kids and making sure they are clean and fed, a clean(ish) home, friends, family, etc... but the time I spend crafting and creating is rewarding and something I feel like I will always do even if I don't have a business.

So with that said I want to promote the heck out of a show that is upcoming and very near and dear to my heart - The Eco Chic Craftacular!!!

This show is May 22 & 23 and it is held at Whetstone Community Center on High Street in Clintonville. There will be vendors of all kinds with handmade items with a green twist. Being friendly to the enviroment and supporting local artisans is a wondering thing so come on down and have some food, listen to some live music and shop around! I will be outside on the front lawn so let's hope NO RAIN!

Thanks!

The line up...

2010-03-24T13:00:00.002-04:00

So here goes the shows. I am just putting up April and May right now because any more than that will give me a panic attack... :)

Saturday, April 10, 2010: Handmade Spring Fling. 10am-2pm at Premier at Sawmill Athletic Club
Sunday, April 25, 2010: JCC Preschool Spring Fling Boutique (pending acceptance)
Sunday, May 2, 2010: Powell Market Days 9am-5pm on the streets of downtown Powell (Route 750).
Sunday, May 16, 2010: North Market Artisan Sundays; noon to 5pm (pending acceptance)
Saturday & Sunday, May 22 & 23, 2010: Eco Chic Craftacular at Whetstone Community Center

So the Handmade Spring Fling is first and I am so excited to put together this event. It will be small and boutique-ish. The vendors are super talented friends of mine that will bring jewelry, designer bags made from the prettiest vintage fabric and hand painted items for the house and you!

Don't forget that Mother's Day is May 9th so this would be a great place to get a gift!

Some projects...

2010-03-07T21:11:00.001-05:00

It has been so long since I have blogged! I figured it was time to start making some of the projects I mentioned in 2009....(sigh). So finally I have a fun and functional craft apron to use at shows. Yea!

If you are reading this on facebook and can't see the pictures...click here.

More to come... the peasant skirt will be next!

DIY for the New Year

2009-12-29T17:19:00.000-05:00

I have always been the kind of person that has seen something in a store and thought to myself..."hmmmm...I could probably make that." This thought has turned out to be true only about half the time. Either I attempt to make it and just don't have the proper tools or skills or I make it and feel pretty pleased about myself. Then there are the times when I just buy the store version because it just looks really complicated. I have made a New Year's resolution to make more items for myself and my kids this year. Clothing, toys, decor, accessories...really there are so many great DIY projects out there that are FREE! My kinda price.

Here are a few I will attempt in 2010. If you are a do-it-yourself type, you should try them too!

A craft apron for me when I vend at shows - Click Here

A peasant skirt (maybe a kid version) - Click Here

Cool grocery bags...this might be used as totes instead of groceries. They are too pretty. - Click Here

This adorable Gigi Giraffe from BurdaStyle - Click Here

There are so many great free pattern resources online. I love the great tutorials that April at Sew to Speak put on their blog too. She is so talented!

If you want to learn to sew in 2010, come take a class at Sew to Speak. I am teaching Intro to Machine Sewing and Beginner Tote classes each month. Call or stop by and sign up.....You too can Do It Yourself!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Merry Christmas to all...

2009-12-13T19:22:00.000-05:00

...and thank you to those who have bought from Baby Gee's this year. I appreciate your business and look forward to hearing from you again in 2010.

I plan on finishing up my last few ordrs and taking it easy over the next few weeks. Plus I want to get my sewing machine maintenanced so I can try some new designs and items for spring. Look for my items online and in consignment stores around town. You can find me at Sprout Soup, Wholly Craft, and Sew to Speak - all in Clintonville, and Circa Circus in Powell.

Have a safe and happy holidays!
Michelle :)

What a season! Whew.....

2009-11-17T09:50:00.006-05:00

So coming into the home stretch now! I don't think I have done this many shows EVER in one year. I think you have to be a little bit crazy to put yourself through set up, tear down, creating stock, getting up early, staying up late, CRAFTING!!! Yes...that's me!

I am happy to say that I have been accepted into the North Market Holiday Show this year. It is 2 days this year! It will be Saturday, December 5 from 8am-5pm and Sunday, December 6 from noon to 5pm. I could not believe the turnout last year...it was great! So come early and get your baby gear for those little ones you have to buy for this Christmas.

I am also participating in a show that will be held at Sugar, Inc in Old Dublin at a cute little cupcake and tea shop located at 36 N. High Street. It is Saturday, December 12 from 11am to 5pm. There will be vendors there representing Etsy Team Columbus and it should be a good time. So come grab a cuppa tea, a cupcake and some great crafts for those last minute holiday gifts.

After this.... no more shows for me until 2010! Stay tuned :)

A Robot, a Princess and a Pumpkin! Oh my...

2009-10-21T09:42:00.009-04:00

Well Halloween is almost here. The costumes this year are thankfully easy ones to pull together.... Sean wants to be a robot and Sarah wants to be a princess, specifically Cinderella. Sam is going to be pumpkin since that is what I have to fit him right now. Poor kid... the third kid is always stuck with the hand-me-downs. But he doesn't know any better yet so a pumpkin it is!

November is approaching and it is a busy month for me both personally and professionally. There are tons of birthdays in November for our family. I can't believe my niece is going to have her first birthday! She is going to get a pretty little bubble skirt from her Aunt Michelle (act surprised if you are reading this Erin!). There are a couple of big shows for me in November too. Here's the info:

Saturday, November 7, 2009: Mark Twain Elementary Craft Bazaar at Westerville North High School, 950 County Line Rd. 10am-3pm

Saturday, November 14, 2009: HUGGS for the Holidays at Robert Frost Elementary School at 270 N. Spring Rd, Westerville, OH. 9am-3pm

Also I am doing consignment with Circa Circus in Powell and she will be selling at Tiny Canary on November 14 & 15. This is a huge indie show in Columbus and well attended. The event is from 10am to 6pm each day. I think I will have to hit that show on Sunday for sure. I might actually get some Christmas presents bought before Dec 20 this year!

Also, I was recently featured in a fellow Etsy members blog. She lives in Clintonville as well and makes really lovely paper items. Her stationery is just so pretty. Check out On A Limb Paper.

Happy Autumn and thanks for reading!

It's Fall....Yippee!

2009-09-26T16:08:00.003-04:00

I love Fall and all that comes with it...the leaves are turning, cooler temperatures, football, sweatshirts and jeans. I could go on. When I was much younger, I would get into the whole spirit of Fall when I saw the pumpkins appearing and Halloween decor popping up around the neighborhood. I hope I can bring that same feeling of excitement to my kids during this time of year. We plan to do some apple and pumpkin picking this year with the kids at Lynd's Fruit Farm and maybe spend a day at Leed's Farm in Ostrander. We are creating traditions that will hopefully carry on.

With Fall comes lots of events for me as well. Here is where I will be vending in October:
Saturday, October 3: St. Joan of Arc in Powell, OH
Sunday, October 4: North Market Artisan Sundays
Saturday, October 10: Worthington Fall Festival
Saturday, October 17: Star Bazaar, Slate Hill Elementary, Worthington, OH
Sunday, October 18: North Market Artisan Sundays
Saturday, October 24: Grandview Hop

Stop by the Worthington event, October 10 and just smell that Kettle Corn! It will put you into that fall state of mind :)

Thanks for reading!

Let the craziness begin - Sept Events

2009-08-26T14:25:00.003-04:00

Ok, I don't really know what I was thinking.... Sept is quite busy for Baby Gee's. Here goes... visit me if you can!

Sept 6 - Artisan Sunday at the North Market
Sept 2 & 9 - Sewing 101 at Sew to Speak
Sept 13 - Market Days in Downtown Powell
Sept 19 - Old Worthington Market Days
Sept 20 - Artisan Sunday at the North Market
Sept 23 & 30 - Sewing 101 at Sew to Speak
Sept 26 - Sewing 101 at the Market at Serendip

Note: The Market at Serendip has relocated to downtown Powell! It is located at:
36 N. Liberty Street, Powell, OH
This store is a collective of artisans extraordinaire!! You must go check it out if you are in the area.

Etsy Kids - Modern Handmade Child

2009-07-21T13:09:00.005-04:00

There are so many ways to promote your work nowadays online. You can blog, put stuff on facebook or myspace, you can join virtual teams...the list goes on and on. I joined an Etsy team that promotes kid related items, hence the name Etsy Kids. I have not been super involved yet but I plan to be. They recently put together a publication called Modern Handmade Child that I think has a ton of potential to promote Etsy and handmade living.

The plan is to have this online magazine published at Modernhandmadechild.com and Issuu.com. The goal is to promote the folks that are part of Etsy Kids and provide an outlet for those who love to create (and sell!) handmade items. Stop by and check out the mock magazine and bookmark it for the future. I think it will be a great resource for all things handmade and for kids!

Back to normal...what's that?!

2009-06-30T08:59:00.004-04:00

Ok so back to what is now the new normal I guess. Baby Sam is finally here! He joined our family on June 22 and we are so happy is here. What a good baby too. I expected more chaos but he has fit right into the madness that is our family. Easy-going... a good word to describe him. We are so lucky!

Sam is my new inspiration to create cute baby stuff. My website has been revamped by another mom-owned business called WebforU and now it's up to me to fill it with items. I am looking forward to getting new fabrics and making all kinds of bibs, burp cloths, towels and blankets. So check back soon to check out my site and to see the new items I will be adding daily.

Thanks for reading!

Upcoming Shows 2009

2009-05-27T07:38:00.005-04:00

So the time has come to start doing shows! I was part of the Etsy Team Columbus planning committee that put on the Eco Chic Craftacular at Whetstone and it was a great success. Who knew that event planning was so involved!? It took lots of time but in the end it was all worth it and I am actually looking forward to 2010! There is a chance we will be doing a Holiday Craftacular in December as well....woohoo!

I was happy to help in the planning but I was not up for vending for 2 days in a row. Baby 3 is due any day now so I have been slowed down considerably. But I am really looking forward to some shows that will taking place this summer.

If all goes well, I am going to participate in the North Market Artisan Sundays....my first one being June 7! Then not again until post-baby. They are changing things up a bit this year and allowing vendors on both the first and third Sundays of the month. This is a great opportunity for local artisans, and really who can beat the North Martket? I am already drooling thinking about Jeni's Ice Cream and Pam's Popcorn!

Click here for a listing of all shows I will be participating in!

New Class (for me) - Figgy's bubble skirt

2009-03-13T10:51:00.005-04:00

I am so pleased to be able to teach another class at Sew to Speak. I took a class several weeks ago and made my daughter the CUTEST bubble skirt by Figgy's. Figgy's is the label name for an independent designer and she used to be local, but sadly (for us) has moved to Oregon now. She has been so generous to allow Sew to Speak to continue with the class and I am too excited to teach it.

The class is this Saturday, March 14 from 9am-11:30am. The cost is $30 and you will learn so much. You will make your own pattern and the techniques to change up the pattern so you can remake the skirt with all kinds of variety. I love the versatility of this skirt and I made one that was reversible... very useful - 2 skirts in 1!

Check out my pictures and if you don't want to make one, check out Figgy's online store for all her great creations.

Happy Spring...thanks for reading!

Eco-Chic Craftacular, May 16 & 17

2009-02-23T10:20:00.005-05:00

So it's been a long while since I have posted on my blog.....I have wanted to, but I always struggle with something interesting and worthwhile to post. But today I am really excited about an arts and crafts show that I am actually helping to plan and bring to life! It is called the Eco-Chic Craftacular and it is put on by Etsy Team Columbus (ETC) and Whetstone Community Center.

If anyone knows me personally they know I live in the Clintonville area of Columbus, OH and I really like it here. I have pretty much lived here all my life. I have lots of family and friends that are close by, the neighborhoods are real neighborhoods with trees and the community feeling that you get here is just really cool. So that is why I was excited when ETC chose to hold this eco-friendly show right here where I live. The Whetstone Community Center is newly remodeled and in such a great location (High St) for folks in Clintonville to come out and check out this event. We are promoting this event as an eco-friendly show that will challenge vendors to come up with some "greener" options for customers to buy. Not all your items have to be completely "green" but we hope that it will get folks to start making eco-friendly choices when creating arts and crafts.

We hope to get 50-60 vendors, 5-6 food vendors and some educational booths to help educated folks on a greener way of life. I am excited to see the rain barrel demo myself. So save the dates... May 16 and 17 and come check out the Eco-Chic Craftacular!

If you are a vendor and want to participate in this event, please email columbuscraftacular@gmail.com .

Happy Holidays!!

2008-12-24T11:09:00.002-05:00

To all my friends, family and customers...I wish you a very happy holiday season. Thank you so much for supporting Baby Gee's in 2008. I am looking forward to seeing you in 2009! Check back after the first of the year for new items and an updated website. I hope to have new fabrics, new pictures and new listings.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

Michelle

My Best Seller - Hooded Towels

2008-11-14T08:59:00.004-05:00

Ok...so I love the Buckeyes and I actually look for OSU items when I go to craft shows. I like to see what other people come up with. There are some that are plain cheesy...but some that are darn cute...it really depends on the crafter/artist and their abilities.

It seems that my OSU hooded towels for kids are one of the favorites this year. They are super cute with a big block O on the back and the hood resembles the helmets with stripes and all. I love making them until recently. I have made 20 towels in the past few weeks and I still have 12 to go with orders to still fulfill. Yikes! I am not complaining mind you...just wanting to sew something new. I love the orders, just tired of red and black thread and finding enough gray towels. Note to self...stock up for next year and sew in advance!! We live and learn.

The hooded towels are so practical (any variety really) because they are made from a large sized bath towel (usually 30" by 54") and it will fit kids for a long time. I started using them with my son around 6 months because he was ginormous and his legs were hanging out the little thin towels that you get from the baby stores. Necessity is the mother of invention.... not that hooded towels were my invention (far from it). But I needed something bigger and wanted something cute so I made a frog towel first, which is still a favorite of mine. He still uses this towel and he is 4 1/2 now. So it has lasted for sure! So in my opinion, if you don't know what to buy and are looking for a baby gift... get a hooded towel. People get some serious usage out of them and they are really practical. Plus, I never got any for a shower gift...they are sometimes overlooked because all the other stuff is so much cuter.

I got in!!

2008-11-03T18:43:00.003-05:00

I got in the North Market Holiday Craft Extravaganza!! Woohoo! I am psyched... there were only 45 spots and supposedly 200 applicants. (Does this sound obnoxious! Oh well...I am excited!).

So it's been awhile since I posted... I have been a crazy woman doing a show every weekend for 5 weeks now. I have one more in November..... it is Saturday, November 8, 2008: Mark Twain Craft Bazaar at Westerville North High School. I hear it is a good one with lots of vendors. Get some Christmas shopping done and come visit my booth!

Then comes the North Market, Saturday, December 6 from 9-5. I think this one will be awesome! I remember my Dad talking about the North Market at Christmas time and how they would get oranges from there. That place just rocks...plus it has such a history. I was lucky enough to see what it was like pre-renovation in the late 80's, early 90's when it was nothing really like it is now. It was still cool back then...just not updated.

Ok....more later. Get out and vote tomorrow! It's a big one...your vote does count.

Knits, Jersey and Stretch....Oh My!

2008-10-22T16:43:00.003-04:00

I bought a serger. After years of coveting them at the fabric store, I finally broke down and bought one. I have had it for 6 weeks. It is still in the box.

I'm a little intimidated by it. It has 4 spools of thread for crying out loud! That's a lot of thread. So my first class is tonight and it will come out of the box and see the light of day, get threaded and hopefully be nice to me. I can't wait to make some cute things out of knits. They are so comfy and stretchy and impossible to work with on a regular machine. Thus, my love of the serger...new fabrics to horde.

My first project is going to be a little skirt for my daughter. Since the whole potty training regimen started, skirts and dresses are in high demand at this house....easy up and easy down! Then I want some new pajama pants...and a skirt for me...and a knit top with a boat neck that I cannot find anywhere in any store (believe me, I have looked).

Ah yes.... the unfinished project list will be growing soon.

Thanks for reading!

Motivation.... need some!

2008-10-15T16:01:00.003-04:00

I am starting to burn out.... too many shows, too little time.....

It's a complete vicious circle, love them, hate them thing. I want to make stuff and I want to sell stuff, but I think I enjoy the creative making it for the sake of making it rather than the custom order deal that needs to be completed by XX/XX date. But, alas...all part of the business side of things. After Christmas, I really want to focus on the crafty side... I need it.

On another note, I got so many compliments the other day when I took my daughter to school. I put her in a dress I made her with some cool Amy Butler fabric and about 5 people commented on it. I think I will have to make some and list them on Etsy. Pictures coming soon....

Aaaa-Ha!!! Yes...finally!

2008-10-09T14:45:00.003-04:00

Well today has been a good day. After pleading, bribing and all other forms of coercion....my daughter finally is on the road to potty-training. Yes, to some this topic is gross or mundane, but to us parents that struggle with kids that just don't have any interest in it, this is HUGE I tell you.

I think alot of it was that I needed to be invested in it.... keeping on her, reminding her, etc. Plus, she went commando in the house all morning. I never thought I would do it...but hey - it worked. She just didn't like going on the floor. I don't know how that is different from going in a diaper or pull-up, but to her it was a big deal. So whatever works, right!?

Aahh... freedom from diapers. Now of course there is a whole new set of issues that come along with going every 30 minutes, public restrooms (YUK!) and the unlimited supply of hand sanitizer that I will be buying. But who cares...that is much better than diapers I think.

I have also come up with an idea for my new self-created fabric. I am going to make my little girl (no longer a baby....sniff) a new big girl quilt for her bed. She has been using 2 smaller blankets but now I am going to make a big blanket with her name on it and add some other fabrics to make it all coordinate with her room. Ideas are starting... must go plan the quilt now.

Yippee for milestones in life!!

Thanks for reading.... :)

What to do?

2008-10-02T19:03:00.003-04:00

Several weeks...maybe months...ago, I was tipped off by a fellow Etsian about a new site that allows you to print your own fabric. It is called Spoonflower and it sounded really cool to try. So I puzzled about what to do. I am not a designer by any stretch of the imagination but the thought of creating my very own fabric that no one else in the world has was appealing. So I took a stab at VERY simple pattern...only 3 colors in a sunburst pattern. I ordered a yard and got it in the mail the other day. It was so exciting to open it up and see how it turned out. It is really cute! It is very simple but admittedly I tend to gravitate toward simpler patterns.

Now the dilemma....what should I do with it? Should I make a blanket? Bibs and burpies? Nah... Some throw pillows? I have no plans for it at all.... YET (operative word).

It was sort of expensive (as compared to real designer fabrics, i.e. Amy Butler, Michael Miller, etc...) so I want to keep it and make something for me or my family but ideas are sparse. It's only one yard...hmmm...what to do? I totally have caught the bug and want to create some more designs now! But before I do, I want to have a plan for it. I saw a good idea on the Angry Chicken blog about a quilt cheater cloth and I think that might be my next attempt. Yes, theiving ideas (but not designs) and I will put my own little spin on it.

Later peeps... thanks for reading and leave comments if you have any ideas! I need some... :)

Back in Business... I got the power!!

2008-09-22T15:03:00.003-04:00

Can't you just hear that music to that song now... "I got the power! Whoaaaa..." Ok, yes I am a 80'-90's girl. So yes, 7 days without power really tested me. The first few days it was not bad. We still had hot water. I could grill out. I even figured out that I could run boiled water through the coffee pot and make a cup of joe (a must have).

Then by day 3, I was restless. I wanted my tv back! I wanted to sew!! For crying out loud, I wanted my kids to take a break for a minute. I can only push them on the swings and clean up play-doh so many times. One thing that I did notice too was that they were so tired from PLAYING! Wow...what a concept. So nap time was nice - for them. Not so much for me. I tried reading. That was good for awhile. What I really wanted was access to the computer. Did I have orders I needed to fulfill? It turns out YES! Thank you nice customers for ordering from me... and thanks for your patience because now I will be sewing like a madwoman this week (happily I might add).

So the power outage was a mixed blessing for me. I actually got to know my neighbors much more in this week. I went to bed early too.. that never happens. I enjoyed my kids and played A LOT! But now, I am grateful to have a blow dryer that works and a vacuum that can clean up all the dog hair that I couldn't see before because there were no lights. And of course my trusty sewing machine is now operable...AMEN!

Change in Baby Gee's Website and other stuff...

2008-09-10T14:34:00.007-04:00

So with all the goings on with Baby Gee's and my classes, etc... I had to make a change to my website. I no longer can offer the "build a blanket" functionality that I once was able to do. I used to have a large selection of cotton top fabrics and then about 6 different minky options that customers could choose from and build a blanket to their specifications. As much as I loved this option, it was becoming to cumbersome for me to maintain as well as costly. I still have tons and tons of fabric that I can offer for blankets, bibs, burp cloths, etc... but for now, I have to stick with the old "here is what I have made" option and post those items that are already to go. I know some may not like this change so I apologize for that...but to keep my sanity and life a little easier, I have to do it.

My specialty blankets like the Baptismal, OSU and Wee Irish blanket will all still be custom made - Never fear! I will always have the necessary materials on hand for these blankets. And towels are still available in a variety of colors as well. It's really just the regular blankets, bibs and burpies that will no longer be "made to order".

I will be creating lots more items over the next few weeks so I can be geared up for my SALE Sept 26-28 and for the coming holiday season. So please check out my site soon for updated offerings.

I also am really excited about the Amy Butler fabrics that came out. I haven't bought any yet, but plan to really soon. The line is called Daisy Chain and they are inspired by what else...flowers. The color combinations are some of my favorites so far. If anyone knows me, they know I like greens and blues together. I have posted some samples here so you can see how beautiful they are. Hmmm... I see a new tote bag in my future.

Thanks for reading!

Upcoming Shows and Classes

2008-09-01T09:00:00.005-04:00

Fall always is busy for craft shows and this season is no different. Here are some events that I will be participating in. I hope to see you at some!

Friday-Sunday, September 5, 6 and 7: Hot Times Community Arts and Music Festival
240 Parsons Ave (Main and Parsons). This is the first year I will be participating in this event. I will be there on Friday evening with the Etsy Columbus Street Team. This festival is all weekend and the Etsy booth will be there selling all weekend long.

Sunday, September 7, 2008: North Market Artisan Sunday
This is always a great event. You can't beat the North Market!

Saturday, September 13, 2008: Old Worthington Market Days
This is a great outdoor event that brings over 300 vendors. Stop by and see all the great hand crafted items.

Saturday, September 20, 2008: Crafternoon on High
This event is a new one and will be held at United Methodist Children's Home Cafeteria, 1033 High Street, Worthington, OH 43085. It will be an upscale handmade arts and crafts show that benefits a cause!

Sunday, October 5, 2008 from noon-5pm: Artisan Sundays at the North Market
Last one of the season! Come on down and visit.

Saturday, October 11, 2008: The Worthington Fall Fair
Held on the Village Green in Olde Worthington from 9am-4pm. Worthington holds some great events and I expect this one to be a good one. Please stop by!

Saturday, October 18, 2008: Reynoldsburg United Methodist Bazaar
This event is indoors and it was a good show last year. Lots of variety in items and vendors. Stop by and pick up some Christmas gifts!

I am also teaching sewing classes at Sew To Speak in Clintonville/Columbus. If you have been wanting to learn to sew, now is the time! Classes fill up fast so call or stop in soon to Sew To Speak. Phone 614-267-3011 located at 4610 N High St.

Class dates are:

Thursdays, September 11 and 18 from 6-8pm. Sewing 101 - Make a tote bag!

Tuesdays, September 23 and 30 from 6-8pm. Sewing 101 - Make a tote bag!
if we finish the totes and time permits, we will make a matching wallet too.

Thursday, October 2 from 6-8pm. UFO's - Unfinished Objects. If you need that extra push or help in completing a project, register now for UFO and get it done!

Thursdays, October 16 and 23 from 6-8pm. Sewing 101 - Tote bags are so useful. Learn to make one!

Thanks so much to customers that have supported Baby Gee's business! I appreciate it. Christmas shopping is starting so think ahead and place your orders early. I have more items than are posted on my website and etsy shop (taking pictures takes so much time!) so if you are looking for something and you don't see it, please email or call! michelle@babygees.com or 614-507-5849

Thanks for reading!

Yippee for school starting!

2008-08-18T18:32:00.003-04:00

Summer has been great but I am ready for the school year to start. I am the kind of person that likes structure to my day and I am not THAT disciplined in the summer to create it for myself. So....school is right around the corner and with it brings schedules and structure (happy sigh).

The cooler weather will allow me to wear sweatshirts and jeans again (yay!). This is my wardrobe most days and I am ok with that.

Bye to the pool until next year! Bye to endless applications of sunscreen. Bye to the darn flies that have been circling on my porch all summer long - yuck!!

Welcome to a renewed interest in creating fall and winter items with browns and tans and great fall colors. I plan on creating some new bags and totes and get those posted to my site. I always like to get a new bag when the season changes...especially Fall because it's like I am back in school and get to pick out a new backpack or book bag. So check back in a few weeks to see some great new bags I have in the works!

Thanks for reading!

What inspires you?

2008-07-30T15:00:00.004-04:00

Inspiration comes from a variety of places. A certain fabric, a great store or boutique that has a style all of it's own, your kids and family, other artisans....all of these things are great sources for me.

I really enjoyed participating in the Powell Street Fair this past weekend. Not only did I do well selling my handmade baby items, I got to browse, drool and covet all the great items in a shop called Bloomsbury Loft. I encountered this store last year when I attended the same fair and was lucky enough to have a spot right out front. The shabby chic style and the mix of new and old items really make this store something special. People flocked there because it just has a panache that draws you in.

I came home and wrote down about a dozen ideas that floated around in my head that day just from the inspiration of that street fair and specifically Bloomsbury Loft. If you are ever in Powell, OH you should check it out.

THIS SUNDAY... Aug 3: Artisan Sundays at The North Market. I will be there again with more hooded towels this time. It seems I never make enough OSU towels. I hope to have more this time around.

Thanks for reading!

Baby gifts... what would you buy?

2008-07-20T12:32:00.003-04:00

I put a pool up on my blog to get a sense of what people want to give when a new baby arrives. Since I make an assortment of items, I wanted to see what might be a "best seller". There are blankets, bibs, burp cloths, hooded towels, clothing.... just to name a few. So if you want to contribute your 2 cents... please vote!

Also... I met Amy Butler. She was super nice and autographed her new book for me. She is very impressive if you look at her body of work. Fabric designer, pattern maker, author... to see her website click here.

The new book is chock full of ideas, inspiration and patterns. I cannot wait to dig in and start making.

Also... this coming Sunday,July 27 is the Powell Antique and Street Market. Come down and see all the great boutiques and vendors selling. I have a big new vinyl sign now so you should be able to find me!

Thanks for reading!

Not your Grandma's hobby anymore..... And Amy Butler is coming!!

2008-07-16T14:28:00.008-04:00

I have been teaching sewing classes now for only 3 months. It has been so much fun. I cannot get over how many people want to learn to sew. In my mind, I sort of thought of sewing as a grandma thing to do. I liked it but I never really bragged I could do it or wore anything I made. It's kind of like that high school mentality of not having the right brand of jeans or whatnot.... but it is not like that now!

With Project Runway now on tv, I think there is a whole new bright light on sewing and making things yourself. I just had one of the best classes with some up and coming seamstresses that have a real fashion sense. I taught a pillowcase dress pattern and we modified it to fit them as a top (teens) and they choose some really cool fabrics and really made the pieces their own.

My classes continue to fill up and I love it! I get giddy seeing people enthusiastic about making clothing, bags, curtains.... the list is really endless.

And on to another thing that I am really giddy over: Amy Butler
For those who do not know, she is a fabric designer (among other things) and she has such unique fabrics. She is coming to town for a book signing and I will definitely be in line. I believe she will be at Polaris Mall at Paper and Thread from 6-8pm on Friday. Woohoo!!

Thanks for reading and sign up early for classes at Sew to Speak at 4610 N. High St. See ya!

Aaaahhhh - Home!

2008-07-07T15:55:00.005-04:00

Okay so vacation is nice...but it makes you appreciate home even more. I missed my bed most of all...and my dog. Take a look at some of the pictures we took. Hatteras is such a beautiful place.

Well, I am back and ready to get into sewing mode again. Despite the fact that I brought my sewing machine on vacation, it never left the car. I had good intentions...just no time.

I have the North Market Food and Ohio Wine Festival this Sunday, July 13 from noon to 6pm. I have heard that it is a great event. I am selling on Sunday but the event is for the whole weekend. So come down and see what is going on!

Then I am looking forward to some upcoming sewing classes I will be teaching. A cute pillowcase top/tunic and another tote bag class. You just cannot have enough bags in my opinion. Stop by Sew to Speak in Columbus/Clintonville to check out the class schedule.

Enjoy the summer and visit back for new events and classes!

Thanks for reading :)

Vacation - at last!!!

2008-06-26T18:41:00.003-04:00

Well, it's been 3 years. Three years since we have taken a family vacation. We opted to forgo vacations for a few years...for many reasons like the kids were too little to travel long distances or we had other projects on the house that took priority, etc...

So this year we threw caution to the wind and decided to do it. We are going to Hatteras in the Outer Banks... North Carolina coastline. This place is one of my favorite places in the whole world. Now granted, I am not a world traveler by any means...but I keep wanting to go back to OBX.

I am a little anxious about the car trip with two kids ages 4 and 2. But I think it will be all worth it when they see the ocean, the sand, the lighthouses and all the other great things that makes this place so great to visit. I can't wait get into vacation mode, watch a sunset, have a drink and kick back... although I am taking my sewing machine with me... Yes, I am sad!! But I promise not to use it everyday. Maybe just once or twice so I don't feel completely behind when I get back.

So everyone have a great July 4th and take some time with your families to relax like we will be doing!

Take care and thanks for reading!!

Happy Father's Day

2008-06-15T13:55:00.003-04:00

Wishing all those Dad's out there a great day!

I found some really fun Dad items on Etsy. Check them out:

For the Dads-to-be, a special t-shirt:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=11801914

Steampunk cufflinks...a real conversation piece:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_list_3&listing_id=12464226

Aaaahhh... the beer soap:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_list_4&listing_id=12566859

A gorgeous print of Ireland. This one would be my Dad's fav:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_list_1&listing_id=12349568

Have fun looking! Have a great day and thanks for reading.

:)

Pillow Case Dress - Simple and Sweet

2008-05-31T13:20:00.006-04:00

I have been wanting to try out this cute little dress for my 2 1/2 year old daughter. I have seen it online but not in person, so I thought I would take a stab at making one. It is a simple pattern that I found in a variety of places on the internet. I took those directions and did a little improvising of my own and came up with the sweetest little slip-dress. It can be modified for a variety of ages and sizes - it is so versatile.

It's called a pillow case dress because people would make them out of old or vintage pillow cases. I used regular fabric because I did not have any pillow cases in good enough shape to use! The top shoulder area has ribbon so you can adjust the dress to your needs. I think it turned out so cute! Sarah had it on last night and she did not want to take it off. A true fashionista in the making...

It was very simple to make and even a beginner could do it. I will be teaching a class at Sew to Speak here in the Columbus (Clintonville) so if you are interested in taking it, please call or stop by the shop. 4610 N High St or 614-267-3011.

Here are some of the websites that I used to gather info on making it:
http://www.everythingsewing.net/pillowcase_dress_how_to.htm
http://www.andersonsplace.net/sewing/pillow_case_dress.htm
http://www.jenleheny.com/pillowcase-dress-instructions

There are so many talented people out there!!

Visit the North Market this Sunday June 1 for Artisan Sundays. Stop by and say hi... I will be selling!

Thanks for reading!

Classes...a success!!

2008-05-21T15:31:00.004-04:00

So I have taught my first sewing class! It turned out really well I think. I hope that my students felt the same way. We made some great tote bags...a simple first project. I always love to see the different fabrics that people choose and these ladies did well. One was a great shabby chic looking tote and the other was a super cool Joel Dewberry print in orange. Take a look at the results for my first time seamstresses!! I think they did superb despite all the mishaps with our machines.

I will be teaching another Sewing 101 at Sew To Speak on High Street in Clintonville. June 17 and 24 from 6-8pm. If anyone is interested in taking the class stop in the shop at 4610 N High St or call 267-3011.

My last outside event (Westerville Think Pink) was so-so. The weather was not cooperating very well and my taggie blankets were flying everywhere. It was probably pretty comical to watch I bet. Uptown Westerville is very quaint and a great location for vending ... in good weather. Maybe next year....

Well, I will be back at the North Market on June 1 - come one and all! You never know who might show up!

Thanks for reading!!

It's Elvis at The North Market Artisan Sundays

2008-05-05T14:54:00.003-04:00

I had such a great day yesterday. The first Artisan Sundays took place at the North Market and it was a great success. There was a great variety of vendors... the weather was fabulous... and I saw Elvis Costello! It was so bizarre. I was talking with a customer and then someone said, "Look behind you, Elvis Costello is sitting behind you!" And sure enough he was. He was having a coffee (I think) and just hanging out at the North Market. He opened for Sting and was in town for the concert that night. A little brush with celebrity... always cool.

Anywhoo... the event was great and I am excited to do more shows. The next one I have planned is in Westerville, May 18. Come and visit...

Thanks for reading!

Tis the Season....

2008-04-20T15:45:00.003-04:00

Well, it's upon us.... craft fairs, art shows and all kinds of events for selling. I am really excited about the first one that I have this season. It is at the North Market - uber cool locale anyway - and it is called Artisan Sundays. It happens the first Sunday of the month from May thru October. I am participating May 4 and would love to see you - stop by and say hi! I was reluctant to sign up for the whole season... but I am excited for the May 4 date. I am sure it will be a huge hit!
Check out the North Market website for details.

There is an event in Westerville associated with Gallery 202 and it is Think Pink ...The Pink Flamingo Festival. It is May 18 and is held in downtown Westerville. I have not done this event before but have heard positive feedback...and downtown Westerville so quaint, it's worth the stop. It should be a great event - come on down!

July 27 - the Powell Antique and Street Fair. This is a great event and is held on the streets of downtown Powell. This area is so cute... lots of antique shops, restaurants and great boutiques to browse. Vendors bring tents and sell right there along the main strip. Very fun and a great crowd. Let's hope for a sunny day!!

I am busy sewing away so I have plenty of stock available for all of these great events. Lots of hooded towels...it is pool and beach time! I look forward to showing off my new OSU gear I have created too. I hope to see some familiar faces so please stop by and check out Baby Gee's!

Thanks for reading!

Sewing Classes - come one, come all... well, mostly beginners

2008-04-05T13:47:00.003-04:00

Hi...it's been awhile since I blogged - I have been busy! My business has picked up as it usually does this time of year. It just seems that people are going to showers and having babies in the spring time....so yea for Baby Gee's!

I am so pleased to announce that I will be teaching a beginners sewing class at Sew To Speak on High St. I have never considered myself an "expert" seamstress but I guess since I have been sewing since I was about 12, have a website that sells my sewn items and people keep coming back to actually buy them .... I must be qualified. :) I just love this shoppe that I will be teaching at and I hope to get to know other folks in the area that share the same hobby and interests that I do: Sewing!

The class will be held on Tuesday evenings, May 6 & 13 from 6pm to 8pm. We will be making a tote bag. So not only will you learn about your machine, some sewing lingo and skills, you will get to leave with a finished item! And you made it.... there is such satisfaction in creating something utilitarian AND beautiful. So please stop in Sew To Speak located at 4610 N. High St in Clintonville to sign up for this class. I promise it will be fun and useful!

Crafts for Kids

2008-03-14T10:13:00.003-04:00

I was talking to a fellow crafter/seamstress the other day and she gave me a great idea. She saves her fabric scraps, stuff too small you can't really use, and when her kids need something to do.... viola! Here's a glue stick and some paper and go to town. I tried it the other day and they loved it. I actually really got into it and had a good time too. We glued and I cut making shapes and such and we came up with some pretty cool artwork. Now this could be done with paper, felt, or whatever you like, but I had fabric and it turned out to be really fun and they are so proud of their art!

I also found that when you make stuff with your kids, they are more invested in the finally product. I just made my son a new big boy blanket and I had him help me with it. He sat by me when I was cutting it and then he watched it embroider his name SEAN on it. "Mom...it's S-E-A-N for me!!" Then I sewed it all up and he was so happy that he immediately demoted his "blankie 1" (we number our blankets since we have so many) for this new "Blankie Sean". Too funny... :)

Some other crafts I found:
Lots of good ideas here...
http://www.craftsforkids.com/projects.htm
Leprechaun traps and how to catch a leprechaun... too fun!
http://familycrafts.about.com/cs/leprechauns/a/030501a_2.htm

I am always looking for new ideas for crafts for kids so if you have any, please feel free to email me!

Thanks for reading!

Feeling Green!!!

2008-03-06T15:18:00.003-05:00

So St. Patrick's Day is right around the corner and it's a pretty big day in my family. I was one of those lucky kids that didn't have to go to school that day. I got to go to the parade downtown and even marched along with my Dad and family members some years. We all meet for breakfast in the morning, don our green carnations (thanks to Favorite Aunt B) and generally have a good time all day long. Since I have little ones, I haven't been able to partake in the festivities as much in the past few years (naps and all), but I know in time I will be able to incoporate some of the traditions that I had growing up and include my kids in these festivities.

To celebrate the wearing of the green... I have several great Irish items:
A patchwork shabby chic shamrock quilt
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9902760

a Wee Irish minky blanket:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7825821

Erin Go Braugh!

Also - a new store has opened up in my neighborhood that I am so excited about. It is called Sew To Speak and is located at 4610 N. High St. I am always looking for new fabric shops (fabric-addict) and this one is so fun. If you are a seamstress or crafter that uses fabric....you must stop in. The proprietress is so nice and helpful. I am even taking a class that is being offered so I can brush up on some techniques. Stop in and support local businesses if you can!!

;)

Crafts - yippee!

2008-02-23T15:29:00.004-05:00

I love making new and creative stuff. I have recently been making lots of baby items and I needed to refuel my creative side with something different. I have lots of scraps and old fabrics that are set aside for potential projects so I decided to put some of them to use. I needed a business card holder that I can throw in my purse or diaper bag and that was reflective of my business and style. People always ask me "did you make that?" and I love to say "Yes!". So I made the cutest little pouch with a velcro closure. Check it out and let me know if you like. I think I will make up some more and try to sell them on my etsy shop!

New Spring Fabrics!!

2008-02-04T21:47:00.000-05:00

I love fabric. Simple as that. I am a fabric-aholic. I will buy fabric for no reason at all and/or with all of the good intentions of making something with it. Often times it gets lost in the shuffle and I find it 6 months to a year later and think - oh yeah... I remember that idea I had. So needless to say, my sewing room is stacked with lots of fabric and too little time to create. But I have made a vow recently that I was not going to buy any more fabric until I used up my stock reserves.... Right!!!

Then I visited Lady Button Fabrics and saw all the beautiful Michael Miller prints..... (mouth watering)... wow! I just love Michael Miller... and Amy Butler and Robert Kaufman and Moda and all the other great fabric designers out there.

So I have come to understand that I cannot help myself and that if I like a fabric, chances are my customers might like it too. So I have added several new fabrics to my site and with the help from a very nice lady (Leslie) at Lady Button Fabrics, I was able to offer a plethora of new fabric choices for blankets, bibs and burps. So please browse all of my new fabrics and if you can't find something you like there, take a look at Lady Button Fabrics - I can order it special for you! And if you can't find something even after that ....you are plain nuts because there are so many awesome fabrics to choose from!

Take care and happy shopping!

Visit Baby Gee's for all your baby accessories and gifts!
Embroidery/Personalization available.

The Holidays are over (finally)!

2008-01-06T18:24:00.001-05:00

Ok.... I am one of those people that really stress out at Christmas time. My favorite holiday is Halloween. No pressure of gifts, there's candy, it's all about dressing up and having fun. Christmas gift giving has been an ongoing dilemma for me for years now. I never can think of something useful or ingenious for people. I wait and wait and wait and think and think and think, then it's Dec 18 and I have nothing. Yikes!

So this year I used the internet - Alot! I think I ordered 75% of my items from the internet. What joy! Although I did have to venture out to the mall (yes on Dec 23 and 24!) - it was not as painful as it had been in the past. I got a game plan together and stuck to it. I found this sweet little website that makes handmade items and I found the CUTEST purses and wristlets ever. Yes, I make purses too, but I admit - I am new to purses and was a little nervous of giving my own items as gifts. Plus, these designs and fabrics were something I had not seen before. I love buying handmade when I can and this was the perfect avenue to do it. The store is found on etsy.com and it is called xsbaggage.
bagladiesinpa.etsy.com
Check it out....great items. I would buy from here again for sure!

On Sale - Handmade Purses!

2007-11-18T18:27:00.000-05:00

Many of my handmade purses are on sale now! Get them while they are hot...

Click here to see my sale items. Click here to see all of the bags I offer.

I need to make room for more fabrics and designs so I need to clear out my current inventory. My bags are one of a kind and make great gifts. Start thinking about the holidays... they are right around the corner. What a perfect gift for a friend, sister, daughter, teacher.... anyone!!

I have another great business to tell you all about too. Cart Along Baby is a local home business run by Michelle Smith in Dublin, Ohio. She makes the cutest and most durable shopping cart covers. I own two of them and love them! Her attention to detail is great and there is a wide selection of fabrics to choose from, which is so nice. I would highly recommend ordering from her. What a great baby shower gift. Visit the website today: Cart Along Baby

I have to admit when I first starting putting my son into shopping carts at around 6-7 months (once he was too big for the carrier) I was so reluctant to just plop him in the cart without something there. Plus, then he started to chew on the bar of the cart which was totally gross. I bought my first cart cover from Target and it was one of the non-elastic type that slid around and didn't cover the entire seat area. I used it twice, got frustrated and decided that I would just have to bring my stroller into the stores. Well that didn't last long because my stroller was not that big and when you have to go "big" shopping - it's not working.

I then found Michelle Smith and Cart Along Baby. I bought a cover from her and it was WONDERFUL! My son couldn't chew on the bars now.. there was a soft padded cushion between him and all the germs! Yippee! I bought a blue one the first time so of course when my daugther was born, I had to get pink too. So I own two of them now and I still use it with my daughter who is now 2 years old. They are worth every penny!

Support local small businesses and think about doing your holiday shopping with them!

Thanks!

If you love handmade items, check out Etsy.com

2007-11-09T21:35:00.000-05:00

I have heard about Etsy before and I generally knew that it was for handmade items. I did not spend much time browsing it or even invest much time into adding my items there. I am so glad that I met a woman at a local craft show (a show that was a complete bust BTW) that talked to me more about it. The low-down is that it allows crafters and artists to sell items with low fees and you are in a forum with all handmade crafters. So your audience is looking for your type of items specifically. I love it! I love the appreciation that you get automatically from people who "get" the concept of handmade item. I sometimes overhear people say with a tone...it's "homemade" or "she just made that- I could do that".... But then other times, I hear the opposite from someone who truly appreciates the time, skill and effort it takes to handmake items. No, I am not painting the Sistine Chapel here, but sewing is a skill that not everyone has and it's a pretty great feeling when that is appreciated.

I need to give a big Kudos to Jen from Pink Polka Dots Bows http://www.pinkpolkadotsbows.etsy.com for pointing me in the direction of Etsy. I have added some items already and even sold a few! Also a kudos for some great bows that I got from Jen - they are sassy and sweet just like her card says - and they hold up against my 2 year old. Please visit her website to see her great selection - very affordable.

Support your local businesses in your community!

Home Shows now for Baby Gee's

2007-11-03T14:48:00.000-04:00

Baby Gee's is now doing home shows! I think this is a new avenue for me (other than craft shows) to get out there and have my products seen. I am looking forward to booking some shows come January and even hosting some of my own. I would love to pair with other women who also have their own businesses that may want to ramp up business in a new way. So if anyone is interested and wants to send me an email or call to discuss, I would love to hear from you to see if we would be a good fit.

Also, if anyone is interested in hosting a show in January - you will receive $25 worth of product just for booking and earn $10 for each $100 in sales. Great incentive to have a show! And remember - it's not all baby items. I have purses and bags and totes ....you can have a purse party!

I love the idea of supporting other small business owners and by giving a shout out whenever possible. I just had the most fabulous photo session for my kids with Tennille King of Tennille King Photography. (http://www.tennilleking.com) She came over to the house and we went out in the backyard and then we came in a jumped on the beds. It was so casual and the kids loved it and the pictures turned out terrific! So if anyone in central Ohio is looking for a great photographer, I highly recommend her. Tell her I referred you too - she has a great referral program!

Another local shop that I just love is Sparrowfish on High Street in Clintonville. Yes, I am a little bias because my items are sold here, but there are so many other talented artists and crafters that sell there. Check them out for great gift ideas. I especially love the onesies with appliques on them - too cute!

Stop back soon to read what other new things are going on with Baby Gee's and Punky Pie Designs! Thanks for reading!

Baby Gee's - First Blog

2007-10-20T21:35:00.000-04:00

Ok - here goes... My first blog.

So many craft shows, so little time! I have attended quite a few shows as of late...some good, some bad - but one thing that is constant at these shows is the camaraderie of many of the vendors. We all are there early, setting up our booths, chatting, buying (or trading - which I love) from each other, discusing what shows are coming up and which are the best to be in, complaining about "where are the customers?" when it's slow. It's a true feeling of community amongst us.

It is great to meet all the other talented crafters out there and get re-energized about your own business at the same time. There are so many fall & holiday craft shows that are in and around the Columbus, OH area. I think it's great that churches, schools and communities embrace small business owners and organize events such as these. It's a great outlet for people to display some of their creativity and make some money to boot.

My upcoming events that I am really looking forward to participating in are:

Saturday, October 27, 2007 Slate Hill Elementary Star Bazaar - 7625 Alta View Blvd, Worthington, OH 43085

Saturday, December 1, 2007 Huber Ridge Elementary - 5757 Buenos Aires Blvd., Westerville, Ohio 43081

I am still looking for some good November events so if anyone knows of any, I would love to hear about them. Email me at michelle@babygees.com

Thank you to all the people who attend these type of events and support your local communities!

Happy Shopping!

Baby Gee's
Handmade items for all occasions!