Silver lining

I've spent the majority of the last few days on the sofa with an awful throat infection. It's been one of those illnesses that kind of sneaks up on you and then knocks you sideways and has led to two visits to the doctors in as many days and mega, mega doses of antibiotics and painkillers. It's not been fun but it has been useful.
Because whilst I've been too ill to sit at the sewing machine (or look after my children for that matter), I have appreciated the distraction of the lap top and have not only learnt to Tweet (really like Twitter now that I get it) but have also had the time to make some headway into the huge pile of emails that have needed my attention. And as an added bonus I've actually managed to also fill the shop for the first time in months.
The new stock includes my new (to Etsy) Buggy Blankets as well some new cushions and Bunnies and playmats in the new summer colour ways.  The Buggy Blankets (listed as Stroller Blankets because it's still a predominantly US site) are one of my favourite items, because they evolved out of a personal need rather than a commercial one.

I made my first one of these back in January last year, before Lily was born, because I didn't have a small blanket that was warm and cuddly enough, and yet light weight, that wasn't a fleece. I wanted something that looked beautiful but was completely practical as well, so (inspired by the stocking that I made for Bella the year before - there's a connecting thread that runs through all of this) I came up with the Buggy Blanket.
It's just the right size for the baby car seat, the buggy or the crib and is both machine washable and can be tumble dried (a must if you ask me) so it can be thrown in a bag and can handle spit up or worse, with no worries at all. Lily's has been used constantly and has been commented on many times and is now being used to wrap dolls in!

I've also listed the new unisex colour way for my playmats. Which were actually the first thing that I ever designed as TreeFall, they were also the first thing that I ever sold, so hold a special place in my heart, as they allowed me to dare to think that maybe I could make a living at this sewing/designing lark.
That said, like the Princess and the Pea sets (oh my goodness, thank you for all your support of those!!) the Playmat has been needing a little update. So whilst I was preparing for BCTF I worked on a couple of new colour ways and came up with two more on top of the standard pinky/red mat and blue mat. One of them is a vintage inspired ultra girly one (but I haven't had time to photograph it, so that's not available yet) and the other is this orange and green colour way meant for boys and girls alike.

This colour way has been rearing it's head a lot around here lately, showing up as bibs and bunnys as well as cushions. And although it's not my normal range of colours I'm getting a real kick out of it. I'm also really pleased that I've designed a playmat that's a lot more unisex, without being boring. And that can (I think) easily be for a boy without being all about blue. It just gives people with boys in particular, a little bit more choice.
There are lots of other new bits and pieces still to come - bibs and cushions in particular - but I think it's going to be a few more days before they get added.

Oh and don't worry, the fabric give away is definitely coming next week, I'll let you know which day as soon as I can!

And I meant to say - did you see the lovely write up Ohdeedoh gave TreeFall and the Princess and the Pea Sets? Thanks so much for that Carrie!!

Comments

[raspberry]

The 'stroller' blankets are fab, but unfortunately I will never need such a thing again!!!

[Rachel]

Hi Manda,hope you're feeling better soon!.love all your new makes!
Rachel x

[Kate Dixon]

Hope you are feeling better. Your Buggy Rugs are gorgeous!

[Amy]

I love the buggy blankets--wish I could justify the purchase, but I, too, am out of the market for those. The pillows and bunnies are beautiful, too. It all looks so fresh and sweet!

[UK lass in US]

I hope that you're feeling better soon (hmm, maybe I should fake an illness so that I can catch up on my e-mail...).

I love the blankets and playmats. I wish I had known that this crafting world even existed when my kids were babies.

[Kristy]

I love the ribbon tags.
Glad you are on the mend. x

[LauraJ]

No matter what you make it's always beautiful. You are one of my most inspiring sewests.

[Al]

I think the new colourway on the blanket works very well. I like that it isn't either blue or pink - so much of what is around is and its hard to find things in alternative colours. Hope you and yours are all well. Have been very busy finishing up the latest project. Rufus is standing up on his own for seconds at a time - very exciting!
With love,
Al x

[Anna R]

Hope you are feeling better. Love all of your creations.

[Melanie O]

I think all of your creations are just beautiful, you have such a way with design and fabrics! I always look forward to your blog posts.

[Paula A]

These are beautiful and so practical too. Must remember next time I need a baby present.

Oh and get well soon :)

[Lisa]

De-lurking to say that your latest pieces are gorgeous! Love those orange and greens! I've been following your blog for quite a while - I am intrigued by the Leeds connection as I am originally from Hull - and love your honesty in everything you write.

[Kate]

The blanket is so beautiful! I love that it is unisex. I hope you feel better!

[Julie]

Hi there - I came across your blog recently after discovering a love for sewing (I think its been there all along but since stopping work a couple of years ago to be at home with my three kids plus my neice I needed some other outlet and me time). I've been so impressed with the fabris you use and today spotted your faqs section with info on buying fabric from USA - now I know why I haven't been able to find stuff I like here (I thought it was just being stuck up in Scotland with fewer shops)! I can't wait to get on line tonight and see what I can find....I'll need to watch the pennies tho'. Many thanks your info really has been a huge help.
Julie

[Katy]

That's it, I've had enough of this lurking like a weirdo...I'll say something for once!
The nasty infection is over here in our house too, although my husband keeps telling me it's swine flu (thanks, darling).

LOVE the new princess and the pea sets, and the unisex playmat is wonderful - that olive green is beautiful.

[hanna]

Oh my goodness, I love your things so much, they are so beautiful. I love the new orange/green colourway. Love the pram blanket idea, they're just gorgeous.
I hope you are feeling all better soon, I sympathize with you not feeling well and having to look after little ones - not easy.