It's been a busy week over here. Lots of things going on and trying to juggle my family, the kids, the blog and the business is always a challenge.
This past week I finally decided it was time for me to bring in a little help so that I can prioritize some things in regards to my work-life balance. The only people that have ever watched our kids since our oldest Savannah was born are family members.....mainly my in-laws. But I decided to ask the high school girl from next door to come over two afternoons a week (for three hours each day) to play with the kids while I get some work done. So for right now I am home the entire time she is here working in my studio, but after Cass is done nursing in another 8 months or so, I might feel comfortable enough to leave for a little bit.
I have gone back and forth about this for months and now I'm wondering why I didn't do it sooner? Well, I know why I didn't do it sooner..........guilt. I think my business was ready for this about three months ago, but personally I wasn't. It's really hard being a work from home mom because as much as I want to grow my business, I want to be there for my kids during this precious time that is going by way too fast. But I need to create. It's just part of me. It makes me a better mama to do what I love and it is so very important to me that my children recognize that Mama has passions and dreams just like they do.
So I decided it was best for the kids to have a young person come play with them two days a week that is completely focused on them. They are getting used to someone new watching them (other than family) and are just in love with our new sitter. And for me, I get to devote six very focused hours of my week in my studio doing what I love and working on my business. I am really happy with my decision now and I think it's a win-win for all of us. But being as though I value the fact that I am able to stay home with my children, it's not a decision that came about lightly.
So what was going on this last week? Lots of stuff.........
Fabric is 'Circa 52' by Monaluna for Birch Fabrics
Well, I'm excited to say that I got my next three patterns sent out this week! One is for boys and two are for girls and I think they are so cute (of course, I'm a little biased). It will still be several months before they are available for sale, but they are officially now in production. It's amazing how long it takes to get a printed pattern fully ready for sale!
Above are the pictures of the lovely bundle that arrived this week from Riley Blake Designs. Being on the Project Design Team definitely has its perks and working with pretty fabrics is one of them. I am so in love with this line ~ Woodland Trails. It's fun, whimsical, girly and springy. I'm certainly feeling Easter with this line, what about you?
My next tutorial on the Riley Blake Designs blog will be done in this line as well as a pincushion I am designing. And those trims and buttons, you'll see those coming up soon too!
I also got a few things listed in my shop, The Cottage Mama:
(made from my Shortcake Reversible Romper and Dress Pattern)
Wide Leg Boys Pants - Size 4/5
These were a boys pant pattern that I drafted. It will not be one of the next patterns that are released as there are a few things I will probably tweak, but they were really fun to make. They are made from a thin blue and white striped stretch denim and are trimmed with a fun orange bike fabric from 'Children at Play' by Sarah Jane Studios.
And here are a couple other fun dresses that I created from my 'Shortcake Reversible Romper and Dress' pattern:
Fabric is 'Sweet on NYC' by Sugar Pixie for Timeless Treasures
This is the dress version of the 'Shortcake' pattern where I added a double ruffle down the front. Adding the ruffle makes it not able to be reversed, but it's still fully lined which is really nice.
Fabric is 'Sweet on NYC' by Sugar Pixie for Timeless Treasures
This is also the dress version of the 'Shortcake' pattern with the optional rick rack trim at the bottom. I think this fabric is so fun and funky and the lining is red with little pink flowers.
So this last week has been a little crazy, but I feel like I got so much accomplished. I'm feeling so much more centered having finally decided to add a little help around here. There are a few other projects in the works that I'm not quite ready to reveal (and no, none of them involve another baby).
I've got a lot of projects to work on coming up in the next couple weeks, but this week I will be focused on designing Miss Savannah's orange party dress for her orange birthday party! I can't believe my baby is going to be turning 4.
I hope you all have a wonderful week ahead and thanks so much for reading The Cottage Home!
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