About

High school chemistry/biology teacher turned stay-at-home mom, life is very different these days. I truly loved teaching my students, but when my amazing little girl, Jaycelyn Exie, was born in August 2010 the one thing I never thought I would be became was the one thing I desired to be more than anything... a stay-at-home mom. So when I lost my teaching job due to budget cuts, we took it as a sign for me to do what I really wanted and stay home with my daughter. I went from grading papers to grading fevers, and I couldn’t be happier. My beautiful daughter has been the inspiration for so many things in my life including HootyCutie.

We are now expecting a new little peanut to arrive at the end of June. We are over the moon to be welcoming a new little girl into our lives. And this momma is so very excited to make tiny new things for her. Can you just wait to see all of the coordinating outfits?!
I learned to sew with my Grandmother when I was young, but I didn't do much sewing until after my daughter was born. Since then I have fallen head over heals in love with all things sewing. From fabrics, trims, and buttons (you will find I have a true obsession with buttons) to the amazing new world of PDF patterns. I use this blog to share my sewing adventures with you all. 

 In addition to sewing, I am what most people would call a "crunchy mom". I'm a breastfeeding, co-sleeping, cloth diapering, baby wearing, baby-led weaning, eco conscious mom. So you will occasionally find me talking about these topics in addition to sharing my sewing creations.
I took this photo the first day I ever took
photos of items for my Etsy shop.
I opened my online shop, HootyCutie Designs, in March 2011 selling my owl pillows and a few crochet items. But HootyCutie had a mind of its own and the one pillowcase dress I made for my daughter turned into a shop full of children clothing. I absolutely love the process of picking out fabrics and putting them together to create unique, trendy, custom outfits for little ladies and gents. 
I hope you enjoy a peek into my amazing little family and crazy life. Please share your adventures with me by commenting. 


To keep up to date with the happenings at HCD:
Instagram: http://instagram.com/hootycutie or @hootycutie
Twitter: www.twitter.com/hootycutie or @hootycutie
Pintrest: http://www.pinterest.com/nblavin/
Flicker: https://www.flickr.com/photos/96651655@N02
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