BabyEtte Etsy Shop Review and Giveaway Part One :: CLOSED

Thursday, November 12, 2009

I'm beyond thrilled to be introducing another Etsy shop owner to my readers. Beth’s work has been featured on Etsy many times;  in baby gift guides, accessory gift guides, and various treasuries. I admire her work, creativity, and spirit not just as a reviewer but also as her sister! Yes, I am reviewing items from my sister's Etsy shop – does that pose as a conflict of interest? Perhaps. Do I care? No. I've always been honest in my reviews and never compromised integrity when doing so. This will be no different, I assure you. Plus, the items she makes are amazing. She quite honestly makes me want to spit.

I'll be hosting a 3-part feature of BabyEtte. Each week I will shine a spotlight one of BabyEtte’s items and I'll weave in interview questions as well so you can get to know the woman behind the sewing machine a bit better. Oh, and there will be giveaways too – gotta love that! So let's start with a portion of the interview, shall we?

Apart from creating, what do you do?

I’m a SAHM of 4 girls and home educate the 2 “olders”. I love taking care of my family, reading great books, and getting together with friends. I have an unholy relationship with awesome fabric, and support my addiction through my shop.

How did you come up with your Etsy shop name? What made you decide to open Babyette and how long has it been open? 
My 4^th daughter’s name is Vignette, and her older sisters have always called her Baby’Ette (like baby-yet) I love the nickname and felt sad at the thought that it would disappear once she was no longer a baby.  So when I opened my shop in July, I had to name it after her! 
My friends and family have long been hinting that I should open a shop for all the crafty things I’ve created over the years. It was just a matter of time. 
Please describe your creative process: how, when, materials, etc. 
I’ve been a fan of babywearing for 10 years, since I was expecting my first baby. My first sling was like wearing a pastel comforter around my shoulders… not snazzy at all. 
So when I wore it out, I decided to sew my own. I leave the tails open and long, for a pretty drape and to use when nursing or once your baby falls asleep. I pleat the shoulders and secure the rings with several decorative seams. But the biggest thing that sets BabyEtte slings apart is the fabric. I find eye catching, lovely fabrics that you will not find on any other babycarrier. These are fabrics that you would wear anyway, because they are your style. 

Other things I offer in the shop evolved from my likes and needs, such as the BabyWearing Poncho. I don’t know how I got through the last 9 winters without one! 

NeckScapes happened when I found a tutorial for recycling old t-shirts. I did a couple, but was frustrated at the color selection and fabric quality of used shirts. Then I found a wonderful jersey knit at my supplier that had just the right feel, and felted up properly. BabyEtte NeckScapes were born!

When Beth told me she was working on a scarf of sorts, I could tell she had something brewing...and couldn't wait to see what she came up with! The scarf arrived with a hand stamped, beautifully stitched paper band wrapped around it. I squealed as I unwrapped the scarf and immediately pulled it over my head. It was soft and felt familiar - like a trusted favorite tee. The EverGreen color she chose is a gorgeous shade of green. And as you know, I do love green! I looped it around again, noting that I could wear it long and lean or as a cowl. You can even go a step further like Beth does and pin it together with a brooch and wear it a bit more like a choker. I like options!

The Luxe NeckScapes are multi-stranded scarves knotted together beautifully. Made with soft and silky jersey - each are cut by hand, tied, and felted. I've been bundling up with my NeckScape since it came. Its weight was surprising to me, considering how soft it is - it definitely keeps me warm when I wear it double wrapped. Prices range from $24-$36 and  with different color options available these would make for a wonderful gift for men and women!!

Beth has generously offered one of my readers their very own Luxe NeckScape Scarf from BabyEtte!

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This review was written strictly based on my opinion, take it or leave it. I merely received product to review, no other compensation. You can read more about my reviews in my Acknowledgment Policy.