October Design Challenge- Honoring Our Veterans

Hi all! It's been a busy first month at the Collective with shops getting geared up for the busy holiday season! Cant wait to showcase all the fabulous new items coming your way! 

This months design Challenge was chosen by last month's winner, Theresa from Grammie's Dolls. She chose "Honoring Our Veterans" so our boutique owners put the best and most patriotic looks forward! Vote Below. The entries are:

 Curly Girly Boutique

Curly Girly Boutique

Girlie Pearlie Boutique

Girlie Pearlie Boutique

Sew Stinkin' Cute

Sew Stinkin' Cute

Glimmered Creations

 

Lizzie Raines

 Dream Tierra

 

 Cotton Belle Boutique

Add caption

Voting ends in one week on October 25th at midnight.

Which is your favorite design???

September Design Challenge Winner--Grammies

Theresa Altland Taylor, owner of “Grammie’s Lil’ Dolls” was our winner in our September design challenge.  It was such an honor interviewing Theresa about her shop. 

1.     When did you learn to sew? 

I learned to sew when I was in my early teens.  My Grandmother taught me to sew on her Mom’s treadle machine.

2.     What made you want to share your boutique with others?

My Granddaughter is the reason I share my sewing with others.  I was not happy with the clothes available in the ready to wear market when my daughters were little, and I made them the majority of their clothes.  Then when my granddaughter was born my daughter faced the same thing and asked me to make some things for my granddaughter.  When her friends started asking for clothes like hers I opened my boutique. 

3.       How did you decide on your shop’s name?

“Grammie’s  Lil’ Dolls”  is named for my grandchildren because they are Grammie’s little dolls, though none of them are little anymore. 

       4.     What are some of your favorite Items?

    I don’t have anything in my boutique that my Granddaughter does not have a copy of.  If I don’t love it, I don’t think others will either. 

5.     What do you like to do when you are not sewing for your boutique?

When I am not sewing, I am probably at a baseball game with the children, or working in the baseball leagues concession stand, or doing something with our church family.  I also heavily support both the boy and girl scouts. 

6.     Do you have anything you would like to add?

 Grammies Lil’ Dolls is focused on modest, modern clothing which allows our children to remain children as long as possible. Any items you see in the shop can be made in other fabrics (colors or prints), or sizes.   I am offering a coupon code for 20% off all ready to shop items. Use coupon code “CHILDRENBOUTIQUE20”.  This coupon code expires on the 24^th of this month.   

Design Challege--Silly Goose Sew Shop

Abby Anglum, Owner of Silly Goose Sew Shop, is our 1^st runner up in our September Back to School design Competition.   I had the honor of interviewing Abby about her shop.

 

1.     When did you learn to sew?   

I learned to sew about 3 years ago when I kept seeing cute baby burp cloths that I wanted to make and decided to buy my first sewing machine. One thing led to another and I found out that I loved to sew and have been sewing ever since!

2.      What made you want to share your boutique with others? 

 I had a few good friends see the some of the girls' dresses I had made and they suggested I should sell my dresses. After a few months of convincing, I finally decided to open my shop in the spring of 2013. I feel incredibly blessed to have the opportunity to have this shop!

3.      How did you decide on your shop’s name? 

Silly Goose was a childhood nickname and I wanted to make sure customers knew what I was selling... thus Silly Goose Sew Shop :)

4.     What are some of your favorite items?    

It seems every item I add is a new favorite! I love the Purple Floral Peasant Dress and my twirly skirts. I really like things that can be worn year-round and layer well. I have a few new favorites that will be added to the shop in the next several weeks.... that's my favorite part of this business!

5.      What do you like to do when you are not sewing for your boutique? 

I love spending time with my family and friends and being active in my church. I work part-time in healthcare and love having sewing as my creative outlet! Whenever I catch a spare moment, I try to squeeze in some reading but I'm usually too tired by the end of the day!

6.     6.  Do you have anything you would like to add?

I have a coupon code “OCTOBER10” for my Etsy shop or include on a FB message to order... good through the weekend.

Etsy: www.sillygoosesewshop.etsy.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/sillygoosesewshop

September Design Challenge 1st Runner-Up: The Sassy Pumpkin

This is the second in our series of interviews of participants in the September, Back to School design Competition.   I had the honor to interview Natalie Long Roseman form “The Sassy Pumpkin” about her shop. 

1.     When did you learn to sew? 

My mom sewed all her life and made everything I wore as a child. She and my grandmother taught me the basics of sewing when I was about 10. I was interested in it for maybe a year. But about 3 years ago I became obsessed with sewing and re-taught myself with You tube, conference calls with my mom or grandma, and I took a few refresher classes with a local quilt shop.

2.      What made you want to share your boutique with others? 

About 4 years ago all of my friends started getting married and having babies. I know that I always love handmade items so I thought I would dust off the 'ole sewing machine and start making shower gifts. That turned into making birthday outfits for family and eventually my kids, then on to natural beauty pageant wear for my best friends little girl. A little over a year ago my best friend talked me in to "trying" out this boutique thing and that is how The Sassy Pumpkin started!

3.       How did you decide on your shop’s name? 

I knew I wanted to name my business after my kids somehow. So after a lot of deliberating I just decided to use the nickname their grandparents gave them. They are both called Punkin. (that is southern for pumpkin, lol) That morphed into The Sassy Pumpkin, I didn't think I could find a more perfect fit for what I wanted to do. I truly enjoy sewing and getting the opportunity to pour out my passion and creativity into a special outfit.

4.      What are some of your favorite Items? 

I really like the new fall items I have designed this year.  Some of my favorites in this collection are my Autumn Chevron Jacket, The Susan Chevron, Herrington dress, and my Corduroy Girls dress (see the collage).   

5.      What do you like to do when you are not sewing for your boutique?

When I am not sewing, the thing that I most enjoy, that is just for me, is finding a nice quiet spot and reading a good book. I don't have just one type I like, I just LOVE to read. I think last year I read right at 26 books. I need one of those bumper stickers that say "I'd rather be reading", loll! And I also love to hop on the back of my husband's motorcycle (b/c I don't know how to drive one yet) and taking a nice long ride through the mountains or countryside. Nothing quite matches the roar of the motorcycle and the wind at your back, plus I don't mind the extra closeness and squeeze time I get in with my hunny! 

6.      Do you have anything you would like to add? 

I actually have a coupon code going on my Etsy shop. It is only good until Tuesday, but I will extend it until Friday so I don't have to create a new one. It is FEELINGFALL10, 10% off of your etsy order of $20 more.