Quilting

Ok, so I promised that I would announce "big news" today on a new venture. Before I do that I wanted to post about a little hobby of mine. Yes, that's right, I quilt. I have been sewing since I was in elementary school. I used to make my own clothes and strut around the playground in my very florescent creations (florescent colors were soooo cool when I was a kid). I loved it. Soon, however, sports, dance and my all consuming teenage years took over and I stopped sewing.

A few years ago a friend from law school asked if I wanted to take sewing lessons with her. She had received a brand new sewing machine from her mom and grandma for Christmas a few years prior. They were avid quilters and wanted her to take up the hobby. The problem was she had no idea how to sew or how to use her very expensive machine. It sat in her closet for a few years before she finally decided it was time to learn how to sew. She knew that I used to sew and had expressed an interest in taking it up again. So, we did some research (being the good lawyers we were) and found a beginning sewing class in St. Paul. It was a great! I was able to re-learn how to use a sewing machine and my friend finally learned how to use that almost forgotten Christmas gift. The class taught us how to buy fabric, read a pattern and sew a simple item (I made some pajama pants, my friend made a Christmas stocking).

After that first class my friend wanted to take a quilting class. She liked sewing, but she really wanted to start quilting like her mom and grandmother. So, again, we did some research and signed up for a class at Bear Patch Quilting in White Bear Lake. We were hooked! We took that first beginner class, then another class, then another, until we were taking at least 1-2 classes a season. We became friends with a woman in our first class, Jean, and began getting together at her house to quilt (it was much cheaper than taking a class). We still take at least three classes a year, but for the most part, we get together 1-2 times a month at Jean's house. Since taking up quilting over three years ago, I've made over 15+ quilts, some of them are pictured below.

And so, here is my big announcement. I've decided to turn this little hobby of mine into a semi-business. I've decided to sell my quilts on Etsy.com. I only have a few quilts posted so far, mostly baby quilts. I have a few more quilts that are almost finished and will be posted soon. I plan on expanding to baby swaddle wraps, stroller blankets, baby bandanas and burp clothes. Coming this spring my mom is going to contribute hand painted ceramic tiles for baby nurseries.

I have only been up and running for two weeks and although I haven't sold anything yet, I have had numerous people "favorite" my items and shop, which is promising. The way I see it, if I don't sell a single quilt, that's ok. I always know someone that is having a baby, so I will have baby gifts for years. I just wanted to keep doing a hobby that I love and maybe make some money from it. If you are looking for a unique baby gift, check out my shop here. Below are some examples of quilts in my shop. I am selling these quilts, but I can also do custom quilts beyond what I have posted. Facebook message or email me if you are looking for a custom quilt and we can chat. If you follow me on Instagram I am going to start posting pics of newly posted items as I finish them.

Today I completed my first baby swaddle wrap. I plan on testing it on my super cute nephew for size and functionality over Christmas before I make more.

So, please check out my shop an let me know what you think! I would love some feedback, both positive and negative. If you think anything needs improvement or change, let me know. I am really excited about this new venture in my life and would appreciate any advice! I wouldn't be a Homesteader if I didn't quilt, right?