Dewdrop Crafts by the Seashore

I've been a bit absent for a little while, and I want to tell you why.

I've spent the past week working away at my very first retail order... if you were spying on me from 7:00 pm-10:00 pm over the past several days, you would have seen some furious sewing going on over here!

When in Halifax, starting tomorrow, you will find some nautically themed Dewdrop treats at Twice Upon a Time's new store on the Halifax Waterfront. My friend Amanda Langley has created a lovely, hip baby boutique by the sea, and I'm thrilled and honoured to be a part of it. Check out the opening event on Saturday, June 2.

I delivered some blankets today and was blown away by how incredible the shop looks. There are so many images to share of the little container boutique... to see every beautiful detail, you'll have to check it out for yourself! For now, here are a few of my favourites.

Dewdrop Crafts burp pads

And last, but not least... the antique crib. Dewdrop Crafts Cuddle blankets and Quilts. Hurray!

A cloth diaper celebration

When Scarlett was a baby, I was obsessed with cloth diapering. Honestly.

I know you knew I was an exciting, live-on-the-edge kind of person after yesterday's post about clotheslines. Today I've confirmed it.

Now, back to cloth diapering.

I will admit, now that I have two little ladies instead of one, am running my own small business, and am washing all of my dishes in the bathtub, I have a lot less passion (and time) for cloth diapering. I use them when I can, and as often as I can, but I no longer consider myself a cloth diapering dictator. That said, I still think cloth dipes are awesome. I think they're adorable on my baby's bum. I am using the diapers I bought for Scarlett now for Heidi, which means big savings. But hands down, most importantly, cloth diapers = no garbage. Hurray for the environment!

I'm into my third year, cloth diapering my second child. I've tried many different brands. My all-time favourite diapers are AMP, made in Winnipeg. They are by far the best cloth diapers I've used. I've flirted with others, been drawn away by cute prints, but I always go back. I love my AMPs. They rock. Try them- you won't regret it. If you're in Halifax and want to purchase AMPs, they have a great selection at Nurtured.

With both of my babies, I've also frequently used cloth wipes instead of disposables. For a very long time, with Scarlett, I only used cloth wipes. It was so easy to throw my wipes in the wash with my diapers- even less garbage. Double hurray for the environment! It was then that I started making cloth wipes, and I haven't stopped. My wipes are now my biggest seller- to the point that I've had to contract out most of my wipes sewing to Babs. What would I do without her?

So, in honour of this cloth diapering celebratory post, I thought I'd share my own, tried and true wipes solution. Try it with a few Dewdrop Crafts flannel wipes and you'll never turn back, I promise!

2 cups water

1 tbsp fruit or vegetable-based oil (apricot, grapeseed, or olive)

1 tbsp gentle baby shampoo

2 drops of lavender or tea tree oil

Fill spray bottle and spritz cloth wipes before use. 

A clothesline rant

To me, the sight of something drying on a clothesline means that spring has finally settled in. Now, I know that this topic doesn't scream excitement, but I can't help myself. I find it deeply satisfying to see a line of linens flapping in the sun and the breeze. It's so basic- it soothes my soul.

This was my backyard the other morning. Makes me so happy.

 I love instagram, can you tell?

Which is why I'd like to go into a self righteous clothesline related rant. I've never understood why new neighbourhoods don't allow clotheslines. In a time when climate change is such a central issue, it baffles me that the most environmentally friendly clothes drying choice is not allowed because of aesthetics. It makes absolutely no sense. I understand that some people don't like the look of their neighbour's sox and boxers drying next door... but really. In the grand scheme of things, are your neighbour's undies actually a big deal?

Anyway, I digress.

In summary, I love clotheslines. I love cloth diapers on a clothesline in May. I love cloth diapering. More on that tomorrow... Suspenseful, I know!

Made with love

I'm pretty lucky. I really believe in what I make- I feel great about my product. Here's why.

I'm more than picky when choosing my fabrics. Everything is 100% cotton and organic whenever possible. I only use prints that I absolutely love, that I know you will love, too.

All fabrics are washed in gentle, baby and eco friendly detergent.

When possible, fabric dries on the line, just like this.

Fabric drying on a clothesline makes me happy!

Everything is carefully made by me, in my home sewing room while my kiddos are sleeping soundly nearby.

Told ya... made with love!

May two four

A quick post today before I sign off for the long weekend.

Yesterday was all about inspirational words. Today it's about images that light a spark.

For very good reason, I've got kitchens on the brain. I think I've almost nailed down how I want the new centre of our house to feel.

I'm in love with this

And this

And this, too

My kitchen stress is fading and my excitement is building. Right now, we have no choice but to bbq... and that's great. It's time to celebrate the official start of summer. Happy May two four!

It's going to be a good one. We've got plans for a morning at the Farmer's market, a cottage party, some golf for Daddy and a girl's night out for me. The weather is supposed to be perfect. 

See ya Tuesday.

Planes, trains and automobiles

The title of my last post was 'Bye Bye Florida'. Man, was I right! I am back to reality, full speed.

After a long day of driving, flying, connecting and flying again we're home. 12 hours + of travelling with two kids under the age of 3. The kids were amazing- they may have held up better than us. 

I spent yesterday unpacking, de-cluttering and trying to get my head around the fact that I returned home to a kitchen with no sink, stove or cabinets. We are well on our way to a beautiful new kitchen, but for now we're sort of camping around here. 

My work for Dewdrop is piling up, quite literally. I have stacks of gorgeous fabric that needs to be cut and pieced and stitched into something that will be loved by someone very small. My brain is cluttered with to-do lists. My home and my sewing room are in various states of chaos.

I need a little inspiration. I thought of this.

I stumbled across this lovely, so perfect-for-me-right-now quote here. I follow Oh My Handmade regularly and am always inspired.

After a few days of planes, trains, and automobiles, tired kids and washing dishes in the bathtub, this was just what I needed.

Tomorrow, I sew.

Bye Bye Florida

Today is the last day of my relocation vacation. We've been in Florida for 3 weeks and it has been delightful. Tomorrow is our travel day, so I won't be posting.

I thought I'd wrap up my Florida posts with some random thoughts about St. Augustine and travelling with kids.

1. The next time you're in St. Augustine, RUN to the The Tasting Room for Spanish tapas and a massive, delicious wine list. My husband and I had one of our first dates here since Heidi entered our world, and it was really amazing.

2. The next time you're in St. Augustine, DO NOT go to Pot Bellie's Cinema. It's straight out of a horror movie (haha, literally!). Walking down the aisles, I was waiting to trip over a dead body. On your visit here you may be served nachos with mouldy jalapeños. The adventure is not worth it.

3. I've been to many, many beaches all over the world, and the beach in St. Augustine is right up there. If you're looking for a beachy vacation, this is your destination.

4. I think I've developed an unhealthy addiction to Target.

5. When eating out with small kids, outdoor patios are excellent.

6. I always thought those weird cloth shopping cart inserts were overly germ-a-phobic and silly. Until I realized how great they were for awkward restaurant high chairs and babies that can't quite sit on their own. A must for travelling and eating out.

7. In order to do a proper beach day with a 7 month old and a 2 1/2 year old, it's worth it to take a playpen to set up under your tent.

8. When fabric is your main currency, order it while on vacation in the USA. Even if you're having it delivered to your hotel room. The money you save on shipping is huge. Trying to smuggle several bolts of fabric across the border will be a rush.

9. It turns out that St. Augustine is a consignment shopping mecca. When you arrive here, first hit the beach. Then, go to Target because it's awesome. Then, spend the rest of your trip checking out the amazing consignment shops. Then, go back to the beach.

10. I love vacation, but I'm always ready to go home. I love my home. I can't wait to get back into the swing of things and get some major Dewdrop sewing done. Even if it means that Scarlett may develop hypothermia by refusing to remove the sundress that she's been wearing for 3 weeks straight.

Here are a few pics that I couldn't resist sharing. Life is very good when these are your girls.

This is the sundress. It's been worn, washed and worn again for 3 weeks straight.
Courtesy of... you guessed it! TARGET!!

See you Wednesday!