Farmstead Meadows - Fall 2013 Collection

Inspired by the fabrics to the right, Farmstead Meadows has a retro farm inspired feel with a modern touch. There is just something about the retro feel of the farm fabric that I just can't get enough off. And oh that floral! Those great big flowers and those amazing fall colors with touches of bright colors. It really is just plain fabulous. I am so thrilled with how each piece in this collection turn out, and I love they way they all compliment each other. I hope you guys fall in love as much as I did.

Introducing "For Moms"

As moms we tend to put our little ones before ourselves. Well if you are feeling the need for a little self indulgence, HCD now has you covered. Introducing HootyCutie "For Moms". You can now find bags, make-up bags, and card holders on the HootyCutie website. I have been making some of these for a while now, but I finally got around to adding them to the site.

"Pony Party"

You see that face in the picture?... That face is "Uh oh. I go pee pee." Yeap. Pee Pee! And that is not the worst of it. See that PURPLE punch. Guess what happen to it. Yeap, all over the WHITE tile floor. You bet ya! And of course all those cute little paper signs... yeap wet. Ugh.

But thanks to our amazing family, we cleaned up the disaster and got everything back together (even printed more paper signs) before the first guests arrived. So after setting up for the second time, we had a wonderful party. Jaycelyn was over the moon about her "Pony Party", and that made everything worth it.

Things had been so crazy between the Zulily order that I filled (over 100 pieces!) and our AMAZING two week vacation, that I was way behind on my party planning. I mean Martha Stewart would have been appalled by me facebook event invite! Yeap not even a real e-vite. But in the end I am so thrilled with how everything came out.

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Model Call - September 16, 2013 - CLOSED

Alright Tally mommas! We are in need of a few models for the upcoming fall line photo shoot. The shoot will be Monday, September 16th at Old Bainbridge Park. You will need to arrive between 6:00 and 6:30pm. You will need to be able to stay for the entire shoot which should be about 7:15pm. I know this is somewhat of an awkward time, but the lighting is just perfect for creating fall themed photos. I also hope it will allow more little ones to participate. Your child must wear 2T to 5T clothing. 

As a thank you, you will receive a free 5x7 print from Shana Beiro Photography in addition to some fantastic discounts on photo packages as well as 35% off your next order from HootyCutie Designs including exclusive pre-orders on the fall line.

Applications will be taken until Wednesday, Sept. 11th at noon. Please fill out this form to apply:

Behind the Seams 9/1-6

I have been a busy bee. You guys have been keeping on my toes with the game day requests. And I am loving it!

Bow Dress - Gameday Sweetheart - Round Yoke Dress

Beware of Boutique Bootlegs

I wanted to take a minute to make you all aware of something I recently discovered.

Can be found here

I am in no way affiliated with this site above. They have stolen my photograph and intellectual property (the design of the dress). It is so disheartening to see my hard work taken and used to deceive people. Worse yet they have left my watermark on the picture which may lead people to believe that I am responsible for the product they send out.

You may have heard of this being done already. I recently saw a news report about a girl who ordered a Jessica McClintock dress for prom from an online discount site and what she received did not even come close to the picture online (like not even the right color) and was literally falling apart. And now these websites are venturing into the world of boutique children's clothing. What they do is search the internet for pictures. Then they steal the pictures of items from the web and list them on their own site for a heavily discounted price. When people order from their site, they either receive a product that does not even compare to the picture, or nothing at all.

And these companies that make the knock offs are not only making them for websites like Diya Dania. They sell to boutique owners and Etsy sellers as well. So please remember, if it seems "to good to be true" it most likely is.

If you are willing, I would love for you to send this company an email telling them that you are aware the pictures is stolen. Maybe if enough people contact them they will remove it. You can send them an email here.

I need a Vacation from my Vacation!

My husbands handy camera work. Totally awesome right?! This is our cabin.

I just experienced the longest, shortest, craziest, busiest, most relaxing, month of my life. Between the Zulily event for HootyCutie, a visit from my nephews (and their parents... hehe), and an awesomely fun 2+ week family road-trip vacation (with a recently potty trained almost three year old!), I just don't know how to describe July 2013.

But I'm back and the outfits for Zulily made it out the door today and I am starting to feel like things might be starting to return to my normal form of crazy. I will be opening up my shop tomorrow, but I am going to be keeping it only ready to ship items for at least a few more days. I am making some decisions on what to work on next and I'm just not sure yet :) But on to the vacation!

Behind the Seams 6/17-21

I'm naming this past week Romper week. You guys are feeling the romper love. And now the little men are getting in on the action too!

I mean, look at all that cuteness! The two boy rompers were part of the sibling sets, which I love, love, love! There is just something about making little coordinating outfits that get me all giddy.

HCD is going on Break!

For the first time in the 2 1/2 years HCD has be open, I'm going on break. I have some really big (and I mean huge) things in the works over here. And we are also taking a much needed extended vacation in July. So as a result I need to take a small break from made to order and custom orders. Trust me, you are going to love what is coming.

I will still be on Facebook and will be sure to share pictures with you all along the way. I will even try to get in a few blog posts if I can. We are headed out to my family ranch in Wyoming and we are road tripping it out there! God help us. We are either super brave or insanely bonkers to be taking our just potty trained almost 3 year old for a 4 day road trip. I'm sure it will be interesting to say the least.

Our Family Ranch 

I will be taking all custom made items out of the shop Wednesday June 26th. Please make sure you get anything you would like ordered by then. I will leave all ready to ship items until we leave to go on vacation (around July 10th-ish) at which point all items will be removed from the shop for two or more weeks. That's right! We get to go on vacation for over two weeks. I cannot wait!

So make sure you remember these dates:

• Wednesday June 26th - no more custom/made to order items
• Wednesday July 10th - shop is closing

I will re-open sometime around the last week of July. Which also happens to be the week that this really huge thing will be happening. So stay tuned...

Behind the Seams Weekly

That's right! I am actually posting this weeks post this week! This has been a really fun week for me. I found some fabric that I have been dying to get my hands on for a responsible price. I ordered it last Friday and had it here on Monday! I was so excited about it, I started some new items right away. And I could not be more happy with how they came out! And from they looks of it, you guys dig them too :) Both are available in the shop.

Happy Sailing Days Dress

Behind the Seams Weekly - May Wrap-up

Well, I have at least been taking the pictures for the Behind the Seams Weekly. The posts... yeah... But I still wanted to share with you all, so here is a small wrap up from the last few weeks.

Week of May 6th - 10th:

This was the week I worked on some dress for J. Every time we go to the fabric store she picks out a fabric and walks around the store carrying the bolt. So I buy a yard for her and bring it home. I finally had a little time between orders, so I whipped up some play dress from the stack of fabric we have been accumulating (FYI... there is still a stack remaining even after all of these dresses!). 

I just love this photo!

All American Cutie Mini Collection

All American Cuties Preview

It is finally here! I cannot tell you how excited I am to release this mini collection. It all started with the retro inspired halter top that I have been dying to make for a while now. Then came the bubble romper to satisfy many requests. And when I saw the two of them together I couldn't stop there. I called Shana with Shana Beiro Photography and asked if she wanted to take the pictures and she said yes! So that was the birth of this mini collection. (I say mini, but it ended up having as many girl items as I normally do in a line anyways).

My New Sewing Room

Again! But I think this is the last one. I am so very happy with it! It is much more functional for me now. And we won't see anymore of this... (hopefully)

Hope for OK

Well according to my husband, we should not go to Disney for a while. The first time we went the Boston Marathon was bombed and this last time we went a tornado devastated Oklahoma. My heart breaks for the people affect by both of these terrible tragedies. I am reminded at how precious every day we have here on earth is. I thank the Lord for these wonderful times in our lives and I hope the people who were affected are able to once again feel that they are experiencing wonderful times soon. 

Two groups that I am a part of on Facebook are organizing ways to help out the survivors of the Oklahoma tornado. I will be participating in both and wanted to share them with you. 

First is an auction at Create Kids Couture. They will be auctioning off items donated by shops and individuals. 100% of the proceeds will be donated to the Red Cross. Bidding starts tomorrow. Please take a look at the many, many items up for auction and see if there is anything you like. Help and shopping at the same time... awesome! This is the link to the photo album. 

Model Call - May 24th - Closed

Alright Tally mommas! We are in need of a few models for an upcoming photo shoot. All models will receive 35% off their order to HCD that day and a gift from Shana Beiro Photography who will so graciously be photographing the mini models.

The shoot will be May 24th at 11:30am to about 12:45pm. You will need to be able to stay for the entire shoot. Your child must wear 12M to 4T clothing. Please fill out this form to apply:

Photo shoot Model Application - May 24th

Pattern Review - Lazy Susan by Brownie-Goose

I can not tell you how excited I am to release this post today. I was over the moon when I was selected by my favorite designer to pattern test her new pattern. I mean I was riding on a high for days telling everyone (I'm sure most of my friends thought I was crazy). And when I found this fabric, I just knew it was going to be amazing. So I introduce the Summer Bloom Set! Now available in the shop. 

KCW - Day 7 Recap

I did it! I completed the Kid's Clothes Week challenge AND my personal challenge to blog for seven days straight (technically 8 if you include my announcement post!). Yay me!

Day 7 was very productive. I complete quite a number of pieces for outstanding orders (I am beginning to see the end in sight with orders). I finished several of the final pieces for this amazing order for one (yes one!) very lucky little cutie. She is staring her HCD collection off with a bang.

And you may notice those matching pants I was telling you about in yesterday's post... aren't they adorable?

I'm hoping to finish my last few orders today and tomorrow and be on to summery items. I am planning on using up some of my fabric that I have on hand, so there will only be a few of each new style available and they will all be ready to ship. I also plan on create my 4th of July outfits this week as well. So make sure you are a Fan on Facebook, and make sure that you are receiving my post in your newsfeed by hovering over the like button and selecting show in newsfeed (oh complicated facebook!).

I hope you had a good time getting some sneak peeks "behind the seams" (hehe) this week. I have really enjoyed sharing with you all. I will not be able to continue everyday (it does take away from my much needed sewing time), but I think I may start doing a weekly "behind the seams" post. What do you guys think?

KCW - Day 6 Recap

Well I made the 1 hour minimum, but not much else for yesterday's Kid's Clothes Week challenge. The hubby was off on a fishing trip and J and I had a birthday party for one of J's little friend in the morning. So that didn't leave much time for sewing. But that is ok. The little munchkin and I had a good day.

I was able to finish this Violet Posey dress in top length. You may notice that this is the culprit of Day 5's sewing stand of. Well see the seamstress will always win. Take that culprit! And wait until you see the matching ruffle pants that is going to go with it! They are literally on the ironing board in a state of almost done... today's first project.

Well I am off to get what I hope to be a ton of sewing done. Talk to you guys tomorrow.

KCW - Day 5 Recap

Well Day 5 was not the greatest day. A tired, not feeling well little one clinging to my leg all day made it quite difficult to get things done. I did manage to get one item sewn, so at least I was able to erase something off my board. Oh the feeling of wiping something of that board... 

When I finally had time at night to work on sewing all the sewing gods were telling me to get out of the sewing room. I mean seriously! When you have to take apart the same piece 4 times for four different reasons it may be a sign that you need to get out of the sewing room. You will find a picture of the culprit bellow. Here she lies and here she will stay until she can decided to act right. Ugh!

The culprit! 

So I spent the rest of the evening sewing on some buttons and working on some hair pretties. I do not have time to snap photos as we are headed off to a birthday party. Hopefully Day 6 will go better :)

Enjoy your Saturday! 

KCW - Day 4 Recap

Did you think I forgot to post? Ugh. What a day today has been already. The little one is sick again! And guess when she woke up today? 6AM! Needless to say I was not able to get much done this morning.

Yesterday was a pretty good day though. I was able to make a dress in the morning (which of course I did not take pictures of before I sent it off). And then we were off to our little photo shoot. J pitched a fit when I got her dress in her new adorable little outfit and I thought great... this is going to to go swimmingly  But when we got to the park she was all smiles and hamming it up for mommy. What a little professional (hahaha). I'm not quite ready to show you her new amazingly adorable outfit, but here is a little teaser. I am so in love with this photo that I can't not share it!

We also took pictures of my new character dress. If you were hanging out with me on Facebook yesterday you already saw the new Velma Dress. It came out even more adorable than I thought it would. I just love it. It is available in my Etsy shop.

I also finished up this little outfit for a handsome birthday man. Sorry for the terrible picture, I took it at night in my oh so awful lighting quickly before it whet out the door.

It was made to match this amazing invitation/party set for the talented Magic by Marcy. Isn't it just too much on the cuteness scale?! I am loving it!

 

Ok. I am off to try and get some sewing done before the little one wakes up. Talk to you guys tomorrow. 

KCW - Day 3 Recap

What a day. Ugh. The day started with me working on the new Velma dress to compliment the Daphne dress. I have been planing on doing this dress for quite sometime, but just never got around to it. But then I had a wonderful customer order one. So it was time to bring my vision to life.

Oh the trials and tribulations of making this dress. My seam ripper was my best friend. I attached pieces to the the wrong side (all the way to serging... if you sew you know how much of a pain in the you know what that is to take out!). I dropped the iron and it landed on a plastic bag... yeap had to clean the iron. I means seriously! The easiest part of the whole outfit was the box pleat which is the most technical/detailed part. So what should have only taken a little over an hour ended up taking me 2 hours. Geesh! At least the end result is exactly what I hoped for. I am going to get this dress photographed today, so look for it to hit the HCD shop sometime today or tomorrow.

The rest of the day was spend working on a pattern test for Brownie-Goose (my most favorite pattern designer). I was over the moon to be selected and can not wait to show you the adorableness. I am going to get it photographed today! I will also be putting out a pattern review when the pattern is released for all you ladies who sew. But in the meantime, here is a little teaser for you :)

I ended the day by working on the dreaded hair bows. Oh how I dislike that process. But oh how cute the outcomes are.

Today's plan is to finish up my Etsy orders and get them mailed out and take J to a local garden to get yesterday's outfits photographed. So I am off to sew. Talk to you guys tomorrow.

KCW - Day 2 Recap

Back again. And as much as I hate to say it, I think this new scheduled is working out. I hate waking up early, but the several hours of uninteruptedness (yes I made up that word) is kinda AWESOME!

Yesterday was rather productive. I completed 4 dresses (well one is a top, but just as time consuming) and made a trip to JoAnn. Not bad for a days work.

1 - I couldn't resist a little something sweet waiting to checkout at JoAnn
2 - My favorite part of the Dainty Mint Dress
3 - My accomplishments for the day - the mint dresses still need buttons

And I just had to share these pictures of J hamming it up a JoAnn! 

Mustard Seed Dress

Today I will be working on a pattern that I am test for my fav designer! I finally found the perfect fabric, and I can not wait to have it finished and show it to you all. But not yet... I will be doing a pattern review for you all when the pattern is released. Although I may not be able to resist a few sneak peaks here and there (hehe). I am also hoping to finish up some Daphne dresses that I have orders for. So I am off to sew.

KCW - Day 1 Recap

Day one of Kid's Clothes Week Spring 2013 in is in the books. Now I know this is a sewing challenge, but I was just not able to get to any sewing today. I spent the entire day cutting, tracing, taping, cutting and and some more cutting. I would have done this the day before the challenge, but since I only found out about the challenge on day one I had to get prepped.

All but three outfits I need to get done this week. Most likely will not happen, but I like to set higher goals. 

This is a pretty typical Monday for me anyways. I positively HATE cutting. It is really the only thing in the sewing room that I wish I did not have to do. So if I have several orders to fill I normally spend an entire day cutting to get it out of the way.

I didn't get to do much sewing due to a little girl who is recovering from being sick. But it is hard to do anything else when something this cute walks in the room :)

Playing dress-up with "Mommy's beads"

I am excited to get to some actual sewing today. So I must head off to get some done before little one wakes up. We are trying a new scheduled where I go to bed a decent hour and get up early. If you know me at all you know what a contraindication that is. We will see how it goes...

Kid's Clothes Week - Spring 2013

So I was procrastinating on Facebook (as I do all to often) and came across this really fun idea. It is called Kid's Clothes Week. What it is is a challenge to sew for kiddos at least one hour a day for a week (7 days). Well since I do that already I jumped on board! But to make it a challenge for me, I am going to blog about what I do in the sewing room each day. Yeap... I'm going to blog for seven days straight. You don't believe me do you? Hahaha.

I will most likely post about each day on the following day. So Day 1 is today, but I will post about it tomorrow. So make sure you check back every day to see what I am up to. I hope you guys enjoy a sneek peak into the craziness over here!

Head on over to the Kid's Clothes Week Blog and check out all the details. And if you sew, join me! I'd love to hear about your adventures as well.

Pattern Review - Colorblock by Heidi&Finn

I had the amazing opportunity to test a new pattern for Heidi&Finn. And I decided that rather than just share the photos of the final project with you, I would also share my thoughts on the pattern for you mommas out there that sew as well. And then the thought occurred to me that I could share my thoughts on some of the other patterns that I use as well. So be on the look out for some fun pattern reviews to come. If there is one that you would like to know about, just let me know and I will review it for you.

Let me start by saying how honored I was to be chosen as a pattern reviewer. And I was so very excited because I am in love with this modern yet retro little dress. I know I will be making many, many more of these beauties (yes, for you non-sewing mommas it will be coming up in the shop). I could not decided if I wanted to stick with the plain fabric, or try some patterned fabric... so I just made two!

My Detials:
Fabic used - I used all cotton for both dresses.

Time - It took be about 3 hours to make both dresses. That included reading the pattern (very thoroughly for testing), printing, cutting and taping (which took FOREVER because the pages got mixed up and they are not numbered... thank God for the diagram they provide), tracing the sizes I needed, cutting the fabic, and sewing two dresses. Not bad really.

J was being such a ham at our mini photo shoot... and shockingly cooperative!

Pattern Maker:
In general, Heidi&Finn patterns are very professional and exceptional well put together. The are excellently written and chalk full of great detailed photos. I really love patterns that have lots and lots of photos. They are great patterns for beginning sewers.

This Pattern:

I would rate this specific pattern an experienced beginner. If you have never sewn a garment before, I might not choose this as my first one. But if you have a few pillowcase dresses under your belt you will be just fine. It went together easily and relatively quickly. And the finished product is gorgeous. The dress is fully lined making it very sturdy and excellent for year round wear. 

Some of the other features I love about this pattern are the finished garment measurements chart allowing you to know just what size to make your little one, the color coded pattern pieces, and the fact that there is extra space around the pattern pieces so you can overlap when taping. One feature that I wish it had is numbered pattern piece pages. Overall I highly suggest giving this pattern a try. You can purchase it at their Etsy shop. There are two sizes ranges to choose from, 12M to 5T and 6 to 12 years. 

I was not paid nor asked to write this review. Just lucky enough to be selected as a tester. 

HootyCutie is TWO!

Well poor little HootyCutie has been a little neglected and I totally missed it's birthday! We have been crazy busy around here and doing quite a bit of traveling. We have attended four weddings this month! But we survived and have had an absolutely wonderful time this month. I would like to think that things are going to slow down a little bit, but with Springtime Tallahassee in less than two weeks, I can think again. But I wanted to take a minute to tell HCD...

I can not believe it has been two years already. My how time flies (pun intended!). And I want to tell each and everyone of you how much I appreciate you. HCD would not be where it is today without our amazing mommas and there adorable cuties. So to celebrate lets have a sale. Starting today and lasting to the end of the month you can save 22% on all items in the Etsy shop. No coupon code required. All items are already marked down.

But I'm not letting the fun stop there! I will also be including a fun surprise in all packages of orders placed during the sale. And to make even more fun, two lucky orders will receive store credit coupon. So get to shoppin' mommas!

**Remember, if you are a local momma (Tallahassee), you can message me for a custom listing without shipping.

Garden Party - Spring 2013

Why hello there blog... it has been a while! Man have I been busy. And I am loving it. One of the things that has been keeping me so busy is the spring line. I sure most of you have seen the pictures on Facebook, and have checked out the listings at the shop by now. But I still wanted to share with the blogosphere. So here it is...

Dainty Mint Dress

Sizes: 6-12M, 18M, 2/3, 4/5, 6/7,8

What is not to love about this sweet dress. Pleated front, button tab shoulders and a fun pop of color at the hem. Oh and did I mention POCKETS! You little one will love to wear this dress. 

Emerald Tulip Dress

Sizes: 2T, 3T, 4T, 5, 6, 7/8

 Oh how I love this fabric. I bought it just because I had to have it. Didn't even know it would become part of this line. But I am so happy that it did. The sweetness of the one shoulder and ruffle are the perfect compliment to this fun take on a traditional fabric. The top is made of linen for that add touch of luxury. 

Mustard Seed Dress and Gardener Pants

Dress Sizes: 6-12M, 18M, 2/3, 4/5, 6/7
Pant Sizes: 6-12M, 18M, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8

Oh how I love this mustard polka dot! The mustard seed dress is such a fun mix of color. Isn't that navy ric-rack just yummy?! I loved this dress, but felt like something was missing. And it was. The final touch... a flower pin (locking pin, please remove before washing) at the waist to tie it all together.

And did you check out those suspenders on that handsome little guy?! So stinking cute. They are fastened with knots at the waist, so they are completely adjustable. 

Pink Poppy Top and Ziggy Rufflers

TopSizes: 12-18M, 2/3, 4/5, 6/7

 Bottom Sizes: 6-12M, 18M, 2T, 3T, 4T, 5T

Yummy, Yummy, Chevron! This zig-zag print is so much fun. Some many shades of pink and yellow. The back of this top is open for a fun take on a traditional top. The pants are capri length  and packed full of ruffles.  

Violet Posey Dress

Sizes: 12-18M, 2/3, 4/5, 6/7

What is not to love here? Buttons, ric-rack, round yoke, purple, pink... this dress has it all. One of my all time favorite patterns (by the amazingly talented Amy at Brownie-Goose) this dress is the perfect combination of modern and sweet. 

Crystal Blues

Sizes: 3M, 6M, 12M, 18M, 2T, 3T, 4T, 5, 6, 7, 8

 And last up are these darling blue check shorts. Complete with pockets, faux fly, and the perfect mustard button your little guy will be stylin'. These are the perfect multi-purpose shorts. You can dress them up with a button down and bow tie, or paired with a tee for every day. 


I want to give a huge Thank You to all of the people that helped make this line a reality. Thank you to the amazing Long's Photography for taking the beautiful photos. Thank you to Terri Smith Details for providing the amazing props. Thank you to Magic by Marcy for the adorable graphics (and my number one supporter from day one). Thank you to Daizy Bugz Designs for the perfect finishing touch (those beautiful necklaces).  And last but certainly not least, my incredible hubby for spending countless hours tracing out patterns, cutting out fabric, and ruffling ruffles. I would never have finished on time without all of his help.