I’m a bit a nervous. Four years ago I closed down my cottage business, Whimsical Wears. In August of 2004 a huge pine tree fell through the middle of my house causing extensive damage to our home. In fact, we were the only house in our neighborhood to get damaged during Hurricane Ivan. For two weeks after the hurricane had come through I could not work. At that time I had $12000 in outstanding orders. $12000. During that two week period of time I realized something. I was working way too much. In fact I was working seven days a week and about 80 hours a week. Keep in mind I had three children at this time. I decided I would cut back and take some time off once I got back to work again.

However, going back to work after the tree fell through my house was difficult. Many of my suppliers were in Florida and they had been hit by multiple hurricanes and things were difficult to get. My grandfather also became very ill at this time and died a few weeks after Hurricane Ivan passed through. I was being stretched thin and there were not enough hours in the day. Luckily I did have three great women who worked for me. I could not have done it without them. I was humbled by my circumstances and realized that my business and not my family had become first in my life.

Then I found out I was pregnant and that was like the nail in the coffin to my working. I decided to close up shop. I refunded 60% of my current orders. I lost a lot of money because of my investment into fabrics and notions. I pissed off a lot of people. I had been talking with an agent, and with a baby magazine to feature my products. I wrote them all telling them I was through. It was the best decision I ever made, but I will not lie, I missed it. I missed the creative side of it, and I missed the customers.

I have bins and bins of fabric. Some from those orders never completed and some I’ve bought since then because I am such a fabric whore. For the past four years I have sewn only for family and friends until this week. I decided a couple of weeks ago that I needed to bring in some extra money. I am tired of living pay check to pay check. Things are always cropping up with five kids, like medications, doctor visits, new shoes, or braces. It is always something and with the current state of the economy every little bit will help. Working outside the home is just not feasible so I have decided to once again use the talents the good Lord gave me.

Please go check out my new Etsy store, Southern Monkey Designs. Yes, the monkey, Chelsea, is my marketing tool. I’m limiting how much I work per day. I really do not have a choice since there are now five children, three that are currently homeschooled and two little ones that keep me on my toes. I would appreciate any feedback, good or bad, because I haven’t done this in awhile and I have never sold on Etsy before. Need a baby gift or something beautiful for your own little monkeys? I’ll be listing stuff on a regular basis and your support is greatly appreciated.

Here are a few things that are available:

Monkey and Child are not for sell, but those cute Amy Butler Temple Flower baby blocks are!

And so is this banner that matches the blocks.

Bib, burpcloth and block set!