New Burlap Zipper Pouches!

I don't know where April has gone, but here we are on the 24th, and it is already Tuesday. This week is flying by, and I'm here to share a few updates with you on what has been going on around in my world and in the shop.

This past weekend I created five new burlap 4" x 6" zipper pouches using a mix of patterned and solid interior fabric. They are fun, colorful, and ready to ship! There are singles, sets of two, and sets of three available now. You can find these in our Burlap Zipper Pouch sections of the Lina and Vi Etsy shop. Great gift idea for a mom in your life who needs a little something for Mother's Day!

Speaking of Mother's Day, this one will be my official first. To be honest, May is a very busy month for our family. It is probably the craziest of all of the months, even December. We have multiple birthdays, Mother's Day, communion parties, holidays, doctor's appointments, conferences, and usually someone is traveling for work. It's pretty intense, so I'm not thinking that we will be doing much for Mother's Day but maybe I will get in a little sewing time!

Last week, I wrapped up a custom order for a local customer in AA looking for a small version of our flat bottom zipper cases. I shortened and slimmed the width of the large zipper cases to create something personal that this customer needed. I really liked this size, so I'm considering starting to offer a smaller, flat bottom burlap zipper case in the shop. What do you think? I think there is always a use for zipper cases, big and small. They keep things organized and neat so everything is in one place and easy to find.

I have been reading the book Daring Greatly for a little over a week now, and I'm pretty mesmerized by the research and discussion. The book examines vulnerability, and the premise is that if we learned to be more vulnerable, we would become more fulfilled, creative, authentic, and whole. I really enjoyed the discussion around gender differences with vulnerability, and right now I am in the middle of the section on the most common ways we react to avoid vulnerability. I enjoy self help type books. I always enjoyed school - I guess I learn the best in a traditional classroom setting and in independent study. So if I can read and feel like I'm learning something new that I can apply in life, it catches my attention.

That's all I have for tonight - thanks for dropping by!
Erica

Checking In: April

We are now into April, and I wanted to drop by to share a bit about what I am working on right now in my sewing room. This past week I focused on creating two new burlap pillows for our friends over at Birch Wood Boutique in downtown Plymouth, Michigan. I have known the owner, Jessica, for several years now starting when she was in her original location. By chance, she noticed my purse while I was shopping in her store, and we have been working with each other ever since. The boutique's new location on Forest is in a popular row of stores that are an easy afternoon stroll.  She has a variety of home goods and clothing, and what I love most is that she makes an effort to offer USA made clothing! You will find several of our handmade pillows in her shop ready for purchase!

I also worked on a new custom pillow order this weekend, but not for one the Lina and Vi shop. I spent some time sewing up two small burlap ring bearer pillows that I shared on our Facebook page today for a friend's upcoming wedding. I am honored that she asked me to make something for her wedding day. This is not my first go at a ring bearer's pillow, and they are so much fun to create because they are really more about the design than the practicality. I mean, who actually has the ring bearer carry their wedding rings down the aisle? Did you? Although our little nephews were cute in their mini-suits, they were not about to carry our rings. So, ring bearer pillows tend to be all about matching the theme and color palette of the wedding rather than making them totally functional for a little one to carry a very fragile, and very expensive, item.

Our Easter weekend was a good one. Our daughter loved opening up her little basket of goodies even if she didn't quite understand why she was doing so. I'm hoping for some warmer weather this upcoming week for southeast Michigan. I'm ready for the spring and summer, taking our stroller out and visiting the local outdoor craft fairs. I can't wait!

I hope you have a great weekend!
Erica