Close Out and Going Out of Business Sale

After much deliberation, I have decided to retire. This is bittersweet.

I have worked hard since my divorce in 1998 to start and build up my business of designing baby sewing patterns, catering to preemies and sourcing hard to find cotton knit fabric.
I was in the process of expanding to carry more notions and become a one-stop shop for making baby clothes.

I will be 60 next year and have been dealing with health problems that have limited my ability to sew. Sewing is something I have been doing since I was 5 and I have enjoyed it as a creative outlet. Another thing I love is fabric and I admit to being a "fabri-holic" and even a recovering fabric "hoarder".

It was really hard to sell that first yard of fabric, but then I realized I could feed my addiction and buy even more fabric if I sold it... and of course help others by providing a place to get cute juvenile knit prints.

Now... I have decided to fulfill another dream. The dream of moving to Hawaii. I live in Montana and we (my husband of 13 years) are tired. Tired of the daily struggles of running 2 businesses (his and mine) and tired of 6 months or more of winter. We spent 3 weeks on the islands for our honeymoon and have wanted to make it permanent ever since. We also love living in the mountains, in the forest as far from civilization as possible. The cold was the deciding factor and the realization we could actually have both living on Hawai'i Island. It doesn't bother me that the mountain is a volcano and the trees are Ohia instead of Pine because there are tons of ferns.

Back to the business at hand... everything must go. (I can't take it with me, nor do I want to.)
If you see something in my shop you would like... copy the info into a message to me and send it to my email lilbabythangs {at} gmail {dot} com. Bulk and Wholesale orders are welcome.
If you want to order directly through the shop checkout, you can choose between Etsy payments and PayPal to process your credit card. Please be sure to use coupon code GOINGGOINGGONE for a 25% discount off the prices shown. I will try to keep up with what is still available in the shop, but if you have any questions, contact me.

Thank you All, for your support and the friendships we have made along this 17 year journey that has been Lil' Baby Thangs. PS. I will keep designing and making my digital patterns available under the Lil' Baby Thangs TM name, but that is it.

Hugs and happy thoughts,
Carolyn

Use coupon code GOINGGOINGGONE for 25% off in my Etsy shop!

Update:

Here it is Nov. 2nd 2015 and our move has been put on hold.

Instead of retiring right now, we have taken on a huge project. We are starting a Non-Profit Organization to enrich the lives of people who are losing or have lost their vision. There aren't any comprehensive training centers in our State or region. There are programs, services and organizations available to help the visually impaired, but not all under one roof. We will be working with all of these organizations and expand on what they do to help individuals to live independently.

Cotton Knit Fabric Baby Booties Sewing Patterns

There is just something about making a pair of baby booties that excites the soul.

Baby Bootie Pattern 1

 It might be the excitement that there will be a new baby that carries over to thinking about baby booties, that baby booties are just so cute or a mixture of both.

Baby Bootie Pattern 2

Next comes picking out a pattern. You will want something cute, but also functional.

By functional, I mean, will they be comfortable and stay on the baby's feet without binding or marking the baby's ankle because they are too tight.

Baby Bootie Pattern 3

You will also need to check sizes. Pattern sizes are different between designers. So check the measurements. Also baby's foot sizes vary.

Baby Bootie Pattern 4

I have several baby bootie patterns, for sale. The links to the patterns are in the left-hand column of this blog, as are quick links to the pattern tutorials. The first 5 patterns include 5 sizes. They are sized for small preemies and newborn babies up to 12 months or until the baby's foot length reaches 4 inches. Some babies feet reach this length by the time they are 6 or 9 months.

Baby Bootie Pattern 5

Airplane Bootie - Includes 7 sizes,

Preemie up to a foot 6 1/2 inches long.

 I also have links to a couple baby bootie patterns that are FREE. They are listed under "Free, Baby Related & Charity Patterns". 

The big question now is... Where can I find the knit fabric to make these baby booties with? 

Well... I carry that too. 

I am on a constant search to find "Hard to find" Cotton Knit Fabric in Interlock, Jersey, Rib Knit and Ribbing.

You will find it HERE, along with Ribbon, Elastic and Cording.

If you use my patterns to make baby booties and you would like to share pictures of them... You may post them on Lil' Baby Thangs Flickr photo stream or on Lil' Baby Thangs Facebook page.

Visit my shops...

Artfire

Zibbet

Etsy

Website

Carolyn

Fabric of the Day, Helena Montana

For Today's Featured Fabric, I have several "Hard to find" 100% Cotton Knit cuts, in various lengths. They are also at reduced prices.

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PURPLE PUPPY DOGS and Hot Pink Flowers, 100% Cotton Baby Rib Knit Fabric - 1.1/8 yards

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HOT PINK HIPPOS, 100% Cotton Interlock knit fabric, 1 yard 2 inches

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LIZARDS and FROGS Cotton Rib Knit Fabric, 1.1/2 yards

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All of these are great fabrics and will make really cute baby booties from any of my patterns.
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This link will take you to my Etsy Shop section for these fabrics and more.
Clicking on each picture above, will take you to the detail page of each one and show more pictures, including the size of print with a ruler.
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While you are in my Etsy Shop looking at this fabric, check out all my other goodies.
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For Free Shipping, write BLOG in the comments during check-out or "convo" me,

Don't Pay yet. I'll send you a revised invoice to pay me from.

♥

Come Celebrate My Etsy 1 Year Anniversary

My Etsy Anniversary is March 30th. I would like to hit it in style by getting 250 sales or more. I am at 221.

To help me achieve this goal, I am offering $1.00 off each item in my Etsy Shop from today through the 30th. I mean every item. So lets say you want 3 yards of fabric, you'd get $3.00 off.

In my Shop I have everything you would need to make my baby bootie patterns, or any other baby related pattern, such as;

My designer baby bootie patterns,
Hard to find Cotton knit fabric,
Woven cotton fabric,
Polyester knit fabric,
Ribbing,
Cording,
Ribbon,
Elastic.

I also do custom orders.

Now, the fine print...♥
To get this special sale discount, go to my Etsy Shop, pick out what you want by adding it to your cart. Then BEFORE you pay me, send me a convo (contact seller) and put "ANNIVERSARY COUPON" in the subject line. I'll then send you an updated invoice from PayPal or Revolution Money Exchange (let me know your preference). Pay me from the invoice and I'll send you your items the following day (M-F).

Thats it!
Come Shop!
♥

Baby Bootie Pattern 1 and The Featured Fabric of the Day

Today I am Featuring Baby Bootie Pattern 1 and Bunny A-Go-Go Fabric.

This bootie pattern is easy to make. It is self-lining and has only 3 pattern pieces. (This pair is 4 inches long)

Bunny A-Go-Go, is a 100% cotton interlock knit fabric in a baby print. Interlock is a very easy type of knit to cut out and sew.

Both items are available in my Etsy Shop.

F5M-Millionaires Club!

This has nothing to do with sewing baby booties at all. But it could help us to afford our fabric addiction....

Below is a letter I received and thought I would pass it along.
If you are looking for a way to make some extra money without investing a lot of money...you can start this program with $5.

Dear Carolyn,

Special Greetings from
John Kielec Founder/President of F5M-Millionaires Club!

As New Year is approaching, I would like to take this time to wish you and your loved ones much happiness, good health, and whatever dreams you set for the coming year 2009, I hope they will come true for you.

One of my dreams that I have set a year ago has become real and brought much happiness into my life. I made a wish and I just did not give up on it.

That wish and my dream was to earn money from home and set myself free from financial worries. This is what most people want but very few achieve. The secret to what you want is to make a plan and go for it without quitting.

I became successful with one of the most stable, reliable and very profitable wealth system ever created. A wealth system that has been paying out daily for over 15 years for members from well over 150 countries. Upon that success the F5M-Millionaires Club was created and today it is one of the TOP 5 opportunities on the Internet out of thousands of others.

You can start out with one time fee of only $5 and it is very possible to earn over $1,000,000 in profits. Many have started that way and today are getting paid on a daily basis.

If you are not a member of F5M-Millionaires Club yet, please visit:
http://www.f5m-millionaires-club.com/?id=dreamer

We have many things happening here and you can take advantage by joining now before thousands of others come in 2009. Next year we expect 50,000 to 100,000 new members to join our financial club.

As a President of F5M-Millionaires Club, I will be making everything possible to make sure we will move from TOP 5 position to become #1 on the Internet in 2009!

I hope you join us and be part of the best of the best. For as little as $5 to join (one time fee), you can earn money without any monthly fees for life.
http://www.f5m-millionaires-club.com/?id=dreamer

Let your 2009 be the best year for earning money from home!

Sincerely,
John Kielec
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How to Make Fabric Pinwheels

These instructions are for a pair of Pinwheels 

Updated Version 12-28-2010 and Download Printable PDF Version 

The finished Pinwheels will be the same size as the square of fabric you use.

1. Cut out 4 squares, of the size you need.

You can use all the same fabric or different fabrics for the front and the back. You will also need to cut 2 of fusible web (fusing). The squares need to be perfectly square.

2. Line them up so you have 1 fabric piece face down. Add the layer of fusing. Now put the other fabric piece face up. Iron them together.

3. There are a couple of options for this step. I mark the cutting lines and center. Then I use Fray Check and apply it to the raw edges and on the drawn lines on both sides. I let it dry, then cut the lines.

The other way is to satin stitch all the raw edges.

4. Thread a needle and knot the thread. Insert the needle through the center dot from the back to front. Take a corner with a dot and bring it down over the needle and push the needle through the dot. You want to catch enough fabric that it won't pull out. Repeat for each of the four corners. An embellishment could be added here. (ie. a button, bead, etc.)

5. Sew the points together with a few stitches then securely sew the "propeller" to the toe of the bootie. (or attach it to whatever you have in mind)

These pinwheels can be made any size and used for a variety of things. Hung from a mobile in different fabrics for eye candy for your baby. Double them up in different sizes for a double pinwheel. Use them to replace the bow on gifts. Decorate your Christmas tree. Use a big one for a wall hanging.

These are additively easy to make and you are only limited by your imagination and your fabric stash.

Have fun...till next time,

Carolyn

Updated Version 12-28-2010 and

Download Printable PDF Version

New Baby Bootie Design Naming Contest

I had an idea for a new baby bootie a few days ago.

It came in the form of looking at other peoples booties on the web (checking out the competition). There was a pair I couldn't quite make out the picture on and I got as close as I could. I finally figured out that one bootie was vertical and the other one was right on top of it only horizontal, like a t. But in the process of trying to figure out what kind of booties they were, I got an idea, kind of from the blurred picture.

I drew out my idea so I wouldn't forget and went to bed. I couldn't sleep, as my mind kept going over every detail on how to make it.

Here is the result of all that brain power...Lol

Presenting......drum roll.....Please......

Prop Plane / Pilot Booties / Your guess is a good as mine.

These lil' airplanes must have been kept in an old barn. They are just covered in spiderwebs. You can't even see through the cockpit windshield. They seem to be brand new and even have a soft flannel lining so little feet feel cozy in them. The pinwheel propeller is sewn on and the wings are securely sewn in. The elastic in the back is sewn in-between the layers of fabric so the bootie will stay on and be comfy. The fabrics are cotton.

Oops, one crashed...










Post your name ideas in comments so everyone can see,and I don't get duplicates of your fabulous ideas. Then send me an email with your name and email address (that way I have a time stamp too).
The person who comes up with the name I choose for the Bootie, will win a free pair of booties and the first printed pattern, signed by me (when I get it drawn and typed up).

To just go ahead a purchase a pair (several to choose from), go to www.lilbabythangs.etsy.net

The finished Bootie lengths are:

2X-Sm Preemie- 2 inches to 2 2/3 inches
X-Sm Preemie- up to 3 inches
Small - up to 3 1/3 inches
Medium- up to 3 2/3 inches
Large- 4 inches

On your mark, - get set, - GO....
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Baby Bootie Pattern 5 (Sweetgrass Meadow) Pictorial Tutorial

The following are Pictorial Directions for Baby Bootie Pattern 5 (Sweetgrass Meadow).
The Pattern is available in a PDF Download for $8.99. 
Pattern fits small Preemies up to Babies with a 4-inch foot.

***Please wait after completing your purchase through PayPal, to be redirected by PayPal to your pattern.
You may then save it to your computer and print it.
You will no longer be sent an email with a link or attached pattern... unless for some reason the redirect doesn't work, which has been happening. If you aren't redirected, please email me and I will email the pattern to you as soon as I can.



Here we go...the last one in the 5 Pattern series!

1. Cut out 2 tops and 2 soles of Main fabric and 2 of lining fabric. Cut 2 ankle bands out of ribbing.





2. With right sides together, sew heel seams together on all 4 top pieces.


3. Fold ankle bands in half length-wise and sew seams. Press all seams open, unless you serged them. If serged...when you put the seams together in the next steps, fold seam allowances in opposite directions so the seams will have less bulk. In the ribbing below the seam will twist at the fold.


4. Place 1 main top and 1 lining top with wrong sides together, with the lining on the top.



5. Fold the ribbing in half with wrong sides together.


6. Place the the ankle band (cuff) inside the bootie. Pin in place so the ribbing seams and the back seams are lined up together.
Top view.


7. Stretch and sew ribbing to bootie top. You may zigzag around the seam allowance to finish if you like.
*Tip (Hack)... Tip the bootie on its side so that the pinned edges are next to your presser foot and place your presser foot in the middle on the ribbing and stretch the ribbing while sewing it to the bootie, keeping the bootie's toe out of the way as you sew the seam, it will work a lot easier than if you try to sew it from the outside.



8. Pull the cuff up so it is sticking out of the top.



9. Place soles and lining wrong sides together.
10. Pin soles to bootie with right sides of main fabric together matching toe and heel notches.


11. Sew them together.

12. You may finish the seam with a zigzag if you wish.



13. Turn right-side out.




14. You may fold the cuff down, or not!


15. OK, finish up the other bootie.



Wow! Look at that! You have completed a pair of booties. They look Fabulous!
Now, go take pictures and post them on our Flickr group to share and inspire others http://www.flickr.com/groups/lbtbabybootieart/

Baby Bootie Pattern 4 (Terra Verde "TV") Pictorial Tutorial

The following are Pictorial Directions for Baby Bootie Pattern 4 (Terra Verde "TV" Baby Bootie Pattern and Terra Verde Children's Bootie Pattern).
The Baby Pattern is available in a PDF Download for $8.99. 
The pattern fits small Preemies up to Babies with a 4-inch foot.

Terra Verde Children's Pattern in 7 larger sizes- up to children's size 7
is available in a PDF Download for $9.99

***Please wait after completing your purchase through PayPal, to be redirected by PayPal to your pattern.
You may then save it to your computer and print it.
You will no longer be sent an email with a link or attached pattern... unless for some reason the redirect doesn't work, which has been happening. If you aren't redirected, please email me and I will email the pattern to you as soon as I can.

Alright, here we go with Baby Bootie 4. This tutorial is for the basic pattern. I'll do one with the pinwheel design another time.

1. Cut out 2 Tops, 2 Backs, and 2 Soles from your main fabric. Repeat with your lining fabric.

2. Place 1 main fabric top and 1 lining top right sides together. Do the same with the backs. Sew 1/4" seam across the top of both. (You can do the other bootie too)



3. Turn right-side out and press.

The other side.

4. Sandwich 1/8" wide elastic between the layers of the Back and tacking one end at the notch.

5. Stretch elastic to the other end and pin. Sew across the elastic and tack at the other notch.



The other side.



6. Attach the shoelaces, cording, or ribbon at notches on the right side. Tack inside seam allowance as shown.



7. Fold tops over backs with the right sides of the main fabric and the right sides of the lining fabric together. Pin in Place.


8. Sew the seam.



9. Pin the other side together, the same as above.



10. Sew the seam. I usually back tack the seams at the notches where the ties and elastic meet.


11. Turn the lining side out and pull the laces out through the top.


12. Put the soles together, one main fabric and one lining fabric wrong sides together. Pin sole to bootie with right sides of main fabric together, as shown. Pin at notches first (toe to toe, heel to heel). Work from the side seam and around the heel, then ease in the toe area.


13. Sew the top to the sole starting at the side seam and working around the heel, just like you pinned it together.




14. If desired, zigzag the seam allowance.






15. Turn right side out. Tie the laces and you're done...with one.





Looks good from the bottom too!






OK! Now you can repeat the steps, and finish the other bootie.




There now you have a pair. Cute, aren't they? You're so smart!
Now, go take pictures and post them on our Flickr group to share and inspire others http://www.flickr.com/groups/lbtbabybootieart/

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