Sewing is Making a Comeback! (notes from a Grand Opening)

Have I ever mentioned how my town has a serious lack of fabric options? Well, it's true. Apart from the ubiquitous craft mega-stores found in every strip mall across the land, with their aisles upon aisles of printed polyester, we had little else to choose from. Sure, there are a couple of lovely shops that carry rows of quilting cotton, but where is the silk? The knits? The taffeta and wool?

Needless to say, when my friend stumbled upon this new fabric store and learned that they were having a Grand Opening, I knew I had to be there.

Upon arriving, we were greeted at the door with the sign-in and given fabric wristbands. After admiring my newest bracelet, I looked up to discover that we should have gotten there earlier. Why? Because the place was packed!

Apparently I wasn't the only one eagerly anticipating a local fabric store! We all squished in like sardines and strained our necks to hear the opening announcements and then watch a fashion show. A show that included the nifty handmade garments of some very talented local designers.

After the fashion show, I did what any sewing enthusiast would do: I slowly and politely squeezed myself through the crowds to get at peek at the fabrics. It wasn't easy, but I managed to snap a few photos and file away some patterns and prints for future reference.

To see all of those people enthusiastically squeezed into the store confirmed a suspicion that I've had for awhile, which is that sewing is making a comeback. I'm not sure if it is the recession or a rising desire for unique fashion or the popularity of shows like Project Runway, but I like this new (old) trend! And I was happy to see my community embrace it!

I'm sure that last Friday was just the first of many times that I visit Mama Said Sew. And I hope that the store, and others like it around the country, grow in their popularity and success. And I hope sewing continues to make a comeback!

Are you a sew-er, or would like to be? What are you working on, or what would you like to learn how to make? Leave your comments below!

Promote Your Business: Charm DuJour's FREE GIVEAWAY

I am so excited to offer you all a special mid-week treat today! Brittney from the oh-so-charming jewelry store, Charm DuJour, is giving away this Gorgeous navy blue necklace to one lucky winner!

I love the design--don't you? It's simple and elegant. Also, I've noticed recently that I've been drawn toward gold accessories, and thus I am quite fond of these golden beads and the textured chain.

I also really like these navy-blue beads, which Brittney selected specifically for the approaching summer. I think they would look great with a nautical stripe or white linen. Or red sandals. Or a pink tank top. Or basically anything else you own.

To enter to win this lovely charm, please take a minute to visit Brittney's shop (click here!) and say hello on her blog (click here!), and then post a comment below!

The winner will be chosen randomly from the comments below and announced by 6:00 PM MST (that's 8:00 for you Easterners!).

Thank you to Charm DuJour!

note: click here to learn more about how you can Promote Your Business

***TODAY'S WINNER IS COMMENT #6: AMY B.! CONGRATULATIONS, AMY!***

Je Ne Sais Quoi: She Has the Golden Touch

You know, Cinderella had something that would seriously help us in our pursuit of je ne sais quoi. No, it’s not her glass slippers. Nor her ball gown. Nor her handsome prince.

It is her fairy godmother. You know--the one who could turn pumpkins into carriages and rags into silk with one wave of her sparkly wand. Oh how I wish I had a fairy godmother this morning who could magically turn my bagel into a delicious omelet, my ponytail into a french twist, and my silver ring into a diamond.
Well, what if I told you that I knew of a way to work some of that same fairy-godmother magic into your life? No--this isn’t a late-night infomercial promising that you’ll lose twenty pounds. by next week just by drinking a tasty berry-flavored beverage. Nor am I promising diamonds, omelets, carriages or prince charmings. But I do know a thing or two about having a golden touch.

Incidentally, this is a special month for this subject. It is, in fact, the one-year anniversary of when I first started dabbling in this little golden trick. I introduced it to you all as the New Midas Touch, and I’ve been tinkering with the idea ever since.
The concept--one that will definitely attract the attention of others in your life--is simple: take something that you have and multiply it. Got...say...a pumpkin in your garden that could be used for something else transportation related? (Well, maybe that isn’t the best example...) How about some old corks that could be transformed into a special housewarming gift for a friend? Or some boring shirts that could be spruced up for the new season? Or a handful of overlooked pantry items that could make a clever and inventive new entree?

But--you might be thinking--all you’re talking about is just recycling stuff. Where does the multiplication come in? Well, I’ll tell you! First, a penny saved is easier than a penny earned, so you’ve already increased your income by reusing something you have. But that’s only the first step. Because the next step is to apply a little ingenuity and take your new creations to the marketplace. This second part requires some practice, but the potential is magical!
Let me give you a real-life example from my own “golden touch” experiments:
First, the something that I had: a stretch camisole I bought several years ago for about seven dollars.

Step One: I recycled it by adding layers of pleated ruffles in a pink-champagne satin fabric (the satin for this project cost me less than a dollar!)

Now for some accounting: I spent less than ten dollars on this project and got a fashionable new garment--a garment that would have cost me anywhere from $30-$50 at a store. So, computing the math, I “made” at least $20, if not more.

But now here comes the multiplication part:
Step Two: I drafted a pattern out of my garment creation and started listing that for a few dollar online. And since then I’ve sold seven of them.

Back to the math: for under ten dollars, I a) saved money by avoiding a new purchase, and b) made money by selling my pattern. I multiplied the value of that boring camisole by a factor of five! If that isn’t fairy-godmother worthy, I don’t know what is!
Of course this specific example of the golden touch wouldn’t work for everyone. You have to like to sew for one thing. But the possibilities of this principle are endless! Every woman has a special skill or talent that she could invest for a profit. You don’t even have to “make” something (services are highly valuable!). It just takes some practice and thinking outside of the box.

So, yes, Cinderella may have had her fairy, but you have your own special set of stored-up magic. And finding it is soooo je ne sais quoi.

Promote Your Business: Lily Leighs Vintage to Modern Jewelry

Hello everyone, and happy Wednesday! Today I want to introduce you to a new friend, Karter, from Lily Leighs handmade jewelry. Lily Leighs is part of my new "Promote Your Business" program (because y'all know how much I LOVE entrepreneurs!), and the jewelry maker would love to share a little bit about herself with you! Read below to learn more--
What are your favorite ways to notice and nurture beauty and inspiration around you?

Having grown up in Colorado, I am amazed by the beauty of the Rockies and gorgeous scenery. But, I am mostly inspired by the beauty in people. I am a people-loving person and find that I am inspired and stirred by people’s lives and the ability of God to work through their struggles and see them through to the other side. How do you express your creativity and personality through your daily work?

Jewelry is relatively new to me but I have always been into doing something or another with my hands. I had a card shop on Etsy for a few years and made handmade cards and tags etc… so I have actually spent more time in the scrapbooking/cardmaking end of things. It helps that my mom was doing the same thing so we would spend many a vacation and visit around cardmaking. She has had a successful card shop on Etsy for a few years (Cardmaven.etsy.com) and is sad to see me turn to jewelry! I love making jewelry and would like to eventually have more items in my shop that reflect my faith. I think my shop could eventually be a more accurate expression of what I am truly inspired by. What wisdom would you give to other women who are seeking to accomplish their goals and ambitions?

One simple word: PRAY. As a Christian I believe that we are fearfully and wonderfully made with special talents and with a purpose. My goals and ambitions were different prior to becoming a Christian. They changed because God had a different direction for my life. I have two children with special needs. I did not know that one of the ways God would use me would be to encourage other moms through the heartache and disappointment of finding out that your child or children were not going to be what YOU thought but that they were well-thought out by God. I was given this unique challenge because that is what God’s purpose was for me. Each woman and person for that matter was uniquely created for a specific purpose that only they can achieve. I really believe that true contentment and real joy come from walking in our life’s purpose~ it just feels right. What do you feel is your most important character trait and why?

My most important character trait is that I care about people and desire to see them grow and change. Christ is and was a lover of people and he causes us to love others. This is an important trait because life is not about us only but what we have to offer to others. Life is so much richer when we can give of what we have! I have a lot to give because of what has been given to me. To you, being a woman means…..?

Being me…accepting and being comfortable with how God has uniquely made me while consistently working towards becoming the wife and mother that I can be through God's strength and guidance. I am a work-in-progress and am maturing as a woman. I used to be such a tomboy growing up and still am in many ways. I have a hard time putting on anything but jeans and boots and wearing my hair other than in a pony tail, but that is o’kay and I am becoming more content with my unique qualities.

Thank you, Karter, for sharing about your business and about what inspires you!

To visit Lily Leighs, click here.
To find out how you can promote your business, click here--

Express Yourself: entrepreneurialism as an accessory

ahem...An analogy for entrepreneurial expression:

Picture, if you will, your different roles as a woman as the various pieces of your wardrobe. Marriage, motherhood and career are like your staples--the hard working items that provide the foundation for your look. They are your favorite jeans that go with everything, or the classic white dress shirt, or the pair of black heels. They define the most important work and relationships in your life.

Adding a Personal Touch
But a wardrobe isn’t usually great if we stop there. Though very stable and solid, it lacks a certain punch. Sure, we’ve probably expressed our own style to a certain extent in these roles, adding our personal touch as a wife or bringing our own character to mothering. Just like choosing a boot cut over a slim leg, or peep toes over square. But those choices still don’t adequately express the fullness of who we are, and what our style is.

Because in order to that, you need accessories. Handbags, fun shoes, skirts and scarves. Prints, stripes, colors and texture. For me, these final touches that we add on top of our roles as wives and moms and worker bees are where some of the best opportunities lay for personal expression.

A Good Accessory
And it won’t surprise you to learn that I think one of the best ways to accessorize our lives is through entrepreneurialism. Not the formal go-out-and-get-a-business-license kind, but the creative, interest-and-talent-driven type. Nurturing your hobbies and skills, and daring to bring them out from the closet and wear them in public, can be very rewarding. Like turning your love for reading into a book-review blog. Or sharing your passion for children’s development by organizing a weekly educational field trip for your daughter’s friends and neighbors. Or cultivating your fancy for beads by designing your own special jewelry line. These things, like headbands and purses, are what make us stand out in a crowd and sparkle. They are what make us us.

Some Days...
It is true that sometimes we don’t have the energy to accessorize. Some days it is enough to throw on our tried-and-true denim and black flats and head out the door. Some days, marriage and kids and career are all that we can juggle. But for a Recessionista, not every day should be like that. Some days--hopefully most days--are meant for more style. Days for marriage and kids and work, and also a little extra flare. A little creativity on the side.

My, don’t you look nice today in your polka dots and red shoes--
--Why, thank you. They’re my favorite. I try to wear them whenever I can.

Previous Related Posts:
Your Inner Entrepreneur
But I'm Not Crafty (and other misconceptions about being an entrepreneur)
Recessionista Resume

Market Your Creativity! (a book review)

We all need a little help from time to time. You know--an encouraging word, a different perspective, some timely advice. Truth be told, in my life as an entrepreneur, I am always looking for help. Someone who knows the ropes better than me. Someone who can share their hard-earned wisdom. Someone who writes books for business owners. Someone like Meg Mateo Ilasco.

Craft Inc.
I received Mateo Ilasco’s book, Craft inc., as a Christmas gift, and finally had a chance to read through the pages during my flight to Los Angeles earlier this month (one good thing about flying--no interruptions!). And like most business books written by females, I was impressed. I particularly liked the hobby-turned-business theme of Craft Inc., since obviously I have a few crafts that I’m peddling these days.

My favorite parts of the book?
1. The little vignettes about other female entrepreneurs. Reading their answers to questions like “how did you get started?” and “where did you come up with your creative, crafty idea?” was inspiring and motivating.

2. The section on production. A lightbulb went off in my head when I considered several of Mateo Ilasco's suggestions for producing items to sell. Since then, I’ve implemented a few of them, and have seen a Huge improvement in my efficiency! Needless to say, I appreciate the wisdom shared!

3. The ideas on public relations. Whether your business is small and informal, or large and fancy, public relations is important. It also happens to be an area that I don’t focus on nearly enough. So my goal for the next several months is to change that, and spend more time relating.

Market Your Creativity!
Why am I sharing this book review on entrepreneurialism? Because (if you haven’t figured it out already) I’m trying to persuade you all as Recessionistas to explore your inner businesswomen. Yes, I know, being an entrepreneur isn’t for everyone, but being creative and marketable certainly is! So even if you never plan to start your own business, it is still great to read about how other women are using their skills and creativity in fresh and rewarding ways. Consider letting their confidence rub off on you and grab a copy of Craft Inc. (or any other business how-to) this month.

Do you have a hobby you are trying to turn into a small business? Or maybe you are inspired by a business woman you know. Share about it here by posting your comment below! And come back later today to see a preview of this week's topics, announcements, and more!

More Recessionista Posts on entrepreneurialism:
But I'm not Crafty, and other misconceptions about being an entrepreneur
Marketplace Mavens: featuring Tamara Cramer of Nurtured Mother
Your Inner Entrepreneur

It's Relationships, Stupid!

Note:  New to Deviantly Domesticated?  Thanks for visiting!  We are right in the middle of a series on micro-business and why it could be a great fit for women.  Scroll below to read previous posts, or jump right in with today's discussion!

I posted last week about the "big-box-ification" of business these days, and how sometimes bigger really isn't better.  One of the negative side-effects of big business is that the larger it gets, the less personal it becomes.  You know what I'm talking about.  Take the automated answering service that spits out a menu when you call in for help with your new cell phone.  Or the glazed teenage clerk who doesn't even look you in the eye while you check out at a box store.  Or maybe you work for a large corporation, and know that you'll never meet the CEO, and that he/she wouldn't know your name if you did.  

The truth is that personalization is rare in our economy these days.  What we've reaped in profit we've lost in human contact.  But not every corner of commerce lacks the personal touch.  Personalization is in fact one of the primary characteristics of micro-business.  In fact, this relational quality is one of the main reasons I think micro-business could work so well for women.  After all, we tend to gravitate toward relationships, surrounding ourselves with friends and family naturally.  It makes sense, then, that we would flourish in an economic environment that nurtures relationships.  And this is the kind of environment micro-business flourishes in.

Take, for instance, my sister who just agreed to watch her friend's child during the week for some extra money.  Although it doesn't seem like a "formal" business, they are exchanging a service for money.  And both of them benefit from it.  This little micro-business evolved out of a relationship, and will nurture the relationship going into the future.  Therefore, one of the side effects of relational micro-business is that it connects us with others in our community.  This is in stark contrast to big business, which often isolates us by turning us into nameless, individual consumers.  

Of course, the economy at-large tends to frown upon small, personal connections.  They are too cumbersome, and slow down growth.  Eventually the business has to start sacrificing names for profit.  And though there is some truth to this, I want to encourage all of us who are looking for a better balance in our economy to consider the personalization of micro-business as a viable option.  Whether you decide to start a business of your own, or decide to support them through the income from more traditional work, investing in micro-business is an investment in relationships, and often an investment in female leadership in the economy.  Sounds like a good thing to me!

Nuts and Bolts

Hopefully you had an opportunity yesterday to read some stories about men and women who have successfully started their own micro-businesses.  If not, scroll down to read Wednesday's post.

I thought that now would be a good time to put some nuts and bolts to some of those personal stories by answering the questions, "what is micro-business" and "why is it necessary?"  Tomorrow we'll dig into why it could be a great fit for women in today's economic times.

So, what exactly is micro-business?  Well, it's smaller than small business.  Micro-businesses are tiny--usually employing 1-5 people.  They commonly operate out of the home, and they often provide goods and services for the local community (although they don't have to).  Because they are so small, they tend to be flexible, require little start-up capital, and generally fly under the radar.

If they fly under the radar, you might ask, why are micro-businesses important?  Well, I'm sure you are all familiar with the growing "big-box-ification" trend in our local towns.  You know--where goods and services are increasing provided to us by giant chain stores and franchises.  This trend has provided us with great one-stop-shops, low prices, and convenience.  But it has also created some negative consequences in our local economies, like loss of competition, lower quality goods, and impersonal service.  

Not to oversimplify, but it kind of reminds me of high school.  The big-box businesses are glamorous, like the prom king and queen.  They can throw their weight around, influencing the entire culture.  And they are so popular--city governments throw money at them to woe them into town (aka development incentives).  In contrast, smaller businesses (most of them locally owned) are left in the wake of the popular kids.  Though they may have great creativity, ingenuity, and high quality, they just aren't as cool.  And eventually they get crowded out.

What happens?  Well, many of the things we are witnessing today.  Our jobs are not as stable because global economic forces can put the squeeze on large corporations, sometimes squeezing us out of work (think outsourcing).  Small-time entrepreneurs have a challenging time competing, and often go out of business trying.  And the popular "kids" call all the shots--No money for local healthcare?  Too bad.  Don't want to commute an hour there and back?  Oh well--they'll find someone else who will.  All the decisions are made in far-away, fancy boardrooms, and we have little say in them.

This is not to say that big-box businesses are all bad.  They aren't.  In fact, in a lot of cases, they provide an inspiring example of the American Dream.  But, they need some competition, and we need an alternative.  You know the old adage, "don't put your eggs all in one basket"?  Well, we shouldn't put all of our dollars into big-box businesses.  As it is in the stock market, a little diversity can go a long way.

So, what does this have to do with stay-at-home moms, housewives, and young working women?  Well, we'll get more into that tomorrow, but let's just say that we might be the exact population to balance the scales a bit.  Tune in Friday for more!

Utopia aside...

Undoubtedly the most challenging issue that I have encountered since leaving my job in corporate America is the green stuff.  That's right--money.  It seems that even if you decide to exit the traditional workforce, you still find yourself under the gun to prove your value in the marketplace.

Now, a part of me genuinely wishes that this weren't so.  I'd prefer for us to all live in a lovely utopia where what we earn and how we earn it has absolutely nothing to do with who we are as people.  And yes, money does grow on trees in this utopia.  Unfortunately, we do not live in such a place.  

Of course, another (more practical) part of me thinks that being successful in the marketplace isn't something to run from.  I mean, I know that no one expects housewives to earn an income, but why not?  We are living in modern times, where practically anyone can operate a micro-business from their own home.  And women are awfully creative and resourceful.

So, putting my utopian dreams aside (momentarily), I've decided to explore this area of micro-business a little more thoroughly.  (I know what you're thinking--here she goes with more research again.  I can't help myself.  I'm addicted.)  Why?  Because I think that maybe, just maybe, micro-business might be a boon for women like myself who want to earn some money, but in a less traditional way.  And maybe there are a lot of women who currently work in small, tight cubbies and would prefer to do something different, but just need some encouragement.  And maybe there are also women (like me) who are currently staying at home and would feel a whole lot better if they could put a little of their energy every day into something that might bear some financial fruit.

If you are one or many of the above, stay tuned this week as I dig a little deeper into the world of money and business.  

So,