Shoe Money's "anniversary"

So I started Shoe Money last February (or end of February really) after a scrapbook retreat thinking I would make scrapbook covers out of fabric since I was bored with the leather bound books available. At the same time someone needed a baby gift or something, so I made a bib with a pattern I drew on a Gap paper bag. I showed my mommy friends and they loved them, and I loved creating again as sewing/design has always been my passion and a source of many gifts for my family and friends. I discovered my friend Danielle was making baby blankets and we figured if we bought fabric together we could split it, as there is always a minimum amount you have to buy on line at the yummy places. With the encouragement of my best friends, Adrienne and Stephanie (thanks girls for your constant support) and my mom (who bought a sewing machine for me since my hand-me-down Pfaff I had all through college and beyond died) I decided this may be a way to keep my "At Home mom" status and not have to return to teaching. I just need a little "shoe money" really, so that is how it all started.

I started small, mainly selling to family and friends, then did some "sell-your-stuff-on-the-side- of-the-road" type of craft shows, then better shows, then sold to two stores that are just fabulous to work with. Three web guys later, I have a website that is still being improved : http://www.shoemoneyonline.com/ and I am hoping to expand to various parts of Austin and Dallas (for now). I love making custom orders and can't wait to play with all of the fabrics we find. Sock monkeys are still favorites (they just make me giddy) and I love, love, love minky dot chenille as it is soft but lightweight. Since my site is being updated I am also at http://www.shoemoney.etsy.com/ I still use that same Gap bag as a pattern for my bibs.