Good-bye Restyle and a Giveaway!

I have been going round in circles trying to decide whether to keep my Etsy shop open. On the one hand, I love, love, love to refashion things and a big part of that is showing off the finished product. Egotistical? Perhaps. Inspirational? More likely. On the other hand, I have so much going on in a day--and no I'm not trying to say "I'm so busy" to make myself sound important. I'm working on updating our 100+ year-old home, making time for friends, and of course spending time with my kids and husband. There are so many things that I want to make for myself and my family that I feel like Restyle gets in the way. Sorry if you're scratching your head by now thinking that I rarely add new items to my shop. I should say that, mentally, Restyle gets in the way. Too often, it's hanging over my head that I need to make more items for my shop so it really takes the fun away from it all. Of course, then I sell something and have so much fun wrapping it up (custom wrapping on all orders) and sending it out that I have a little drive to make another sale. Although, if I'm being completely honest, I could do the same thing with a craft show. Plus, it would be less time in a year and more money. Hmmm....

In the end, I think I would rather just walk away from Etsy. At this stage in my life, it's just not working out. If it starts to feel like a burden, it's time to move on. So, in a few days I plan to discount all of my items to make any "last minute" sales before I close up shop. I'm hoping you'll help me spread the word, and as a "thank-you" I will give away an item of your choosing to 2 lucky winners! Comment for a chance to win, if you share this on Facebook you can comment a second time to increase your chances of winning.

Good luck!

Giveaway closes on Tuesday, April 23. Once the winners have chosen their items, all remaining items will be marked down to 50%.

Official Rules:
Everyone automatically gets one entry. Please leave your email address so I can contact you if you win!
For a second entry, post this link on facebook and comment here to let me know you did.
If you mess up your comment (forget to put your name, etc) you can delete your comment and try again.
Winners will be announced on Wednesday the 24th.

Sorry, immediate family cannot enter. If you want me to make something for you, just say the word!

Too Small for the Big Boy

Yellow Striped Toddler Tee

I finally added a new item to the shop! Try as I might to branch out, I keep coming back to these baby and toddler t-shirts. I can't imagine ever running out of ideas.

I have another one ready to be photographed, hopefully we'll get a sunny day again soon so I can list it.

This yellow tee was actually meant for Adrian. I love it, but it ended up being too small. The pattern I've been using is a size too small for him in the biggest size so I made it a little bigger, but it still wasn't quite big enough. I have fabric cut out for another shirt that will be a little bigger than this yellow one, I hope it works!

Restyle and the Fam

I've been a bit absent from the internet this week. With Jeff home, we've had a few things planned, mostly appointments, and somehow the week is nearly over.

We met with our new chiropractor yesterday and had the most thorough initial exam I've ever had in my life. I have quite a few issues to work out and I was very happy to hear him say he has a few ideas to help me out. I thought he would. When we got around to talking about Adrian there wasn't much to tell. He's been a healthy, happy kid. We were just a little bit proud. Actually, the receptionist was looking after him while we were talking to the doctor and she was telling us afterwards that Adrian is very articulate and has a very good vocabulary. I guess I've always felt that way, but it's nice to know I'm not completely biased in that sense. Jeff goes back to work on Saturday so we aren't able to get in again until the end of next week to go over his assessments for all of us.

Finally, here is the latest Restyle item I was talking about. A sweet little 70's style sunsuit! Makes me wish I had a little girl to put it on, I really like how it turned out.

When I added this, I realized that I still only have 1 women's item. I should probably focus on that a little more. Kids and babies clothes are so much easier because the sizing doesn't have to be exact since they are growing so fast, but I really do want to add more women's clothing.

Jeff and I are thinking about doing a gluten-free, dairy-free challenge next month so...I'm off to drink some hot chocolate while I still can! ;)

Thrifty, Thrifty my Husband is Nifty!

Remember this vintage sheet? It's okay if you don't. ;) I finally finished a project with it. A little something for Restyle actually. I should have it listed next week. Aaaand, I still have so much fabric leftover. What to make next...

I've been meaning to get pictures of my thifty finds. Yesterday, in between appointments, we went to Salvation Army and I finally found a maxi skirt! I'm so excited except it's completely see-through so I still need to find something to line it with. All colors except yellow tags were half off and cheapskate that I am, I didn't want to pay full price for a long slip or nightgown. I also found 2 sweaters. One is a cardigan that I just love, I'm hoping it fits post baby. I'm basically over buying maternity clothes. With a month left, it's time to start working on my regular wardrobe.

Have I mentioned that I love thrifting?

We had a busy day yesterday. I already had 2 appointments planned so why not throw in another one? The chiropractor was able to squeeze me in last minute, something was out of place so I wanted to get that taken care of right away. We had a little time before my OB appointment, which was the fastest time ever BTW. It was at 11 and we were walking back out the door by 11:15. That has never happened to me before, I was quite happy with that. The only problem was, Adrian stayed and played with the toys in the waiting room with Jeff while I was with the doctor and he wasn't quite ready to go when we left. The mention of Border Grill got him out the door. Geez, we've eaten there way too many times in the past month.

After my lucky finds at Salvation Army we went to a workshop by one the newest Chiropractors in the Marquette area. I'm so glad we went. I met him a few months ago during 'ladies night' (an open house of sorts for the local businesses) and I told Jeff that I want to switch chiropractors as soon as we can afford to. The one we had gone to before (that I just saw yesterday) is a sports chiropractor and basically only does adjustments. After hearing so much about the chiropractor my sisters see out in Minnesota, I have been waiting for someone similar in our area. This guy is one of a small number of Certified Chiropractic Wellness and Lifestyle Practioners in Michigan. He was offering a special rate for his initial exam to everyone who came to the workshop. So, so glad we were there or we probably wouldn't have switched for a looong time. (The initial exam is really expensive which is why I hadn't switched before.) We all have appointments next week. (Did I mention that Jeff has his second week of vacation right now?) I can't wait to see what's wrong with us. ;) In all seriousness though, I'm excited to see how he can help us become the healthiest that we can be.

Today was a pretty slow day at home. I went through some baby clothes to see what I still need, I can't believe I'll be taking them out for real in the next couple weeks! Jeff is finishing up his P90X workout right now and Adrian is looking at library books. Tonight, we are going to check out the dogsled races. They have a ceremonial start in Marquette and for some reason, we've never been. Adrian sounds excited to see the 'doggies.'

BTW, I was holding off mentioning this, but it looks like today's the day; Jeff started P90X again and this time, he's documenting it in blog form. I'm pretty proud of him for really putting himself out there. What better way to motivate someone else to do the same than to show such vulnerability? He is so committed, I think it's his nature to become practically obsessed with something once he decides to do it. He has officially lost 12 lbs in under 5 weeks! Be sure to check out his blog and cheer him on! (He usually posts on Monday nights.)

a year of sewing

I saw this idea elsewhere in blogland and I thought I'd give it a whirl. I wanted to see how many sewing projects I actually completed in the last year, so I made a collage.

Hm, as it happens, not very many. That's 1.16 completed projects per month, folks. It feels like I did a lot more than that. I mean, I suppose I did make a few shirts for Restyle that I didn't add to the list and let's not forget about all the projects I started and never finished...
Here's hoping I'll have a lot more finished projects in the coming year!

I did just finish another shirt for Restyle this morning, I need to wait for a sunny day to get pictures. I also have a thrift shop find in the dryer that I'm hoping to restyle for myself this afternoon or evening. If these first few weeks are any indication, I should definitely have more completed projects this year!

Restyle {by Heidi}

Oh BTW, I have an Etsy shop. It actually has something in it. Please disregard the fact that it's been open for nearly a year...

If you recall, one of my goals for the year was to open my shop. I guess that should have said, list something in my shop and actually tell you what it's called.

 I had made a few toddler t-shirts and then s-l-o-w-e-d down around Christmas. Then, as I begin preparing for this "new baby in da house," I started s-l-o-w-l-y organizing my sewing space which happens to be in my bedroom. I was digging through my fabric/clothing stash and found a couple more items that I started, but never actually finished. I finished them up and voila! I can open my shop!

There isn't much, yet, but there will be! I took so long to get this far, so I finally told myself that once I have 5 items, it's time to announce the 'grand opening.' Right now, all of my items ship for free!

As you should already know if you've read my blog for any amount of time, all of my items will be upcycled. So far, everything in the shop is made from adult tops. I'm so excited to work on more items and get them listed!

If you missed all the links above, here you go again: Check out Restyle {by Heidi} on Etsy!