Using our size charts

While many times we try to list sizes that are as close to what you’d normally see in stores for our custom designs, please note we do try to provide sizing charts where we feel like some guidance may be needed in selecting the correct sizing. For instance, my granddaughter would wear a size 6 in a store brand, but some dresses that I make, she needs to have a size 7 due to the way the clothes are made, and because she is much taller with longer legs. To …

What is a Rose design?

In some of our product descriptions, you may see from time-to-time the phrase, “A Rose design,” and you may wonder what that means. Well, let me enlighten you. Meet Rose. She is currently six, and she is my little helper in my studio. She has a job and everything. Her job is to put the “Toadily Handmade” stamp on the round cards that attach to all things that are sewn. She takes her job seriously, insisting that her brother cannot help because it is her job. Not his. She also …

sewing classes

Finding my passion

Recently I had a conversation with a coworker about my sewing. I told her that I would sew us some shirts over the long weekend, and she replied, “Oh no! Don’t spend your rest time doing something for us! Enjoy your long weekend!” To her surprise, I said, “You don’t understand. Sewing is my therapy!” And it is, to some degree. Sewing is my happy place. I love to be able to let the sound of the machines just fade everything else into the background. It’s the one time that …

Keychains for functionality and expression

When I first started driving, I remember walking into some of my favorite shops and finding just the right keychain that represented how I was feeling or to represent me as a person. I became the extension of my personality. These days, I still want the fun expressiveness, but I also need functionality. I need a holder to hold my Chapstick® and my keys. I need a business card holder and a holder for my keys. I also want things that express my love of dogs, cats, grandchildren, or birds. …

New Products

We have added quite a few new products this week to our store. Our keychain section is growing. We have added new wristlet keychains as well as some scrunchy keychains to our store. Also, children’s clothing is starting to grow. We added a new stripwork dress that is red. It’s a sundress meant for summer, but add a turtleneck underneath or a long sleeve shirt, and it is a perfect fall dress paired with some lovely boots. Plus, Halloween is coming soon! Check out what is new in earrings for …

Trying out Whatnot

I kept seeing the advertisements for Whatnot and looked into it. It’s a combination of Ebay and TikTok with the ability to go live and have auctions that last a super short time. Think flash sales that are about a minute in length. The concept is that you introduce an item, show it off, and then have the bidding start. I think it would be a great way to reduce inventory (many of the ones I watched were quilters reducing fabric stashes). My goal is to use it to sell …

Caring for handmade garments

Most handmade garments can be cleaned like you would normal everyday clothing. The exceptions would be if the item was made from material that would need to be dry cleaned, such as: satin, silk, chiffon, or other high item evening wear/special occasion fabric. These items would be marked on the tag as such. Much of our handmade items are made from cotton or cotton knits and can be placed in a washing machine and tumbled dry with no damage being made to the item. In fact, some items, like our …

It’s a slow process

Looking back to June, I realized I had such big goals. I had planned to have everything up and running by July 4th, but that seems like such a pipe dream now as I forge ahead with adding products to my store. The process is long and tedious. I had forgotten how much work a website was at the beginning before you created templates and size choices to pull from again and again. You will notice things being added. Things should start to change. More products should appear. Plus, I …

Why choose handmade clothing?

Handmade clothing at one time received a bad rep due to clothing looking like they had been made from drapes. However, these days, there are lots of good quality fabrics to choose from to make clothes and home decor look separate from one another. Custom handmade clothing that is made with quality in mind can last for many years. Care can be taken to insure that the hems and seams are sturdy and secure. While our garments are handmade, we take great pride in producing a well-made, quality garment for …