Selling!

As if having a baby and starting a business doesn't put enough on my plate, hubby and I have decided to sell our lovely home! Even though we love our place with all of our hearts, we know that it's time to move on. I know that actually moving out is a long way away, but yesterday I went for a walk with Little L, and found myself already lamenting our homely home :( For now, I'm sure that copywriters, photographers and auction preparation will keep me too busy to be sad, but in the meantime, I want my little house to know how many good times it has provided my little family with, and we will miss it dearly!

Welcome little chomper!

I first noticed the outlines of emerging chompers in Little L's swollen gums several weeks ago, but to my delight, yesterday one finally pushed through. After Little L decided to pull my finger into her mouth and suck on it, I felt that tell-tale sharpness and then went in for a look. There sitting gorgeously was a brand new shiny pearly white, and a second clearly on the way. How time does fly!!!

Spring is in the air!

There are few things that make you feel better than those gorgeous first few Spring days. It's as if everybody is coming out of hibernation. Beautiful colors start to appear, people seem to smile more, and that warm feeling that you get when the sun touches your skin is just delicious. A couple of days ago, I decided to embrace such a day by taking Little L to the park for a couple of hours. She absolutely fell in love with sitting on the warm green grass, playing with her doggies and having a turn on a swing set. Ahhhhhhhhhhh joy!

Little L bibs

I've been playing around with bibs lately and have made some limited edition pieces using characters Cosmo, Pete, Dolly and Lyly. So far, the bibs have gotten a great response, and I'm hoping to come up with more characters, shapes and styles to add to the range. Of course, no post is complete without Little L modeling her wares....

Sneak Peek

Here's a sneak peek of Little L sporting Little L. She is wearing two growsuits layered on top of one another, both made out of stunning organic cotton from the USA. The bottom layer is a long sleeved hooded growsuit, and the top layer is a short sleeved growsuit with a butterfly applique. In this way, Little L gets extra wear out of the short sleeved growsuit as she can wear it in the winter as a top layer, and in the summer on its own. All products are designed and made in Australia.

Bogged down

It's been a hellish past few weeks, this being the reason for my slackness in updating my blog. Firstly, I got the bad news from the trademarks office that my 'yaya' trademark was too close to some Japanese company's trademark - they sell quilts and blankets, not even baby products but there is the belief that consumers will be deceived into believing that our two companies are related. Instead of fighting this for the next 15 months, I have decided to change the name of my label to 'Little L'. I've checked google and even though there is a littlel.com, it's not a website that's in use and it's not a business that is trading in anything even closely related to baby products. I also conducted an ATMOSS search, and no such trademark exists. I feel like I'm ready to make the jump, and have already purchased the domain littlel.com.au - but my experience has left me a bit scarred. These little setbacks can be so disheartening, and on top of that the real Little L has been battling a disgusting virus, breaking my heart with her high fevers and runny nose. She's been wanting lots of cuddles and reassurance, and I have been more than happy to oblige. I can't wait for my little one to feel better, and getting her better is my main focus at this stage. Once that's done, it'll be all systems go in reprinting business cards, labels, swing tags and updating my blog, facebook and twitter accounts (yep, the name change will cost me a pretty penny and a whole lot of time!) Stay tuned... xo

Yaya no longer, Little L is here to stay!

Due to some trademark issues, I have decided to change the name of my baby range from Yaya to Little L. Obviously, there is no need to explain the meaning behind my new name - since Little L is my inspiration, it's only fair that the products be named in her honor! Now to change all the labels, swing tags, business cards, domain names, blogs, twitters, facebooks etc. I think it's only natural to experience these minor setbacks, right?

Blog it forward: Update

Several posts ago, I wrote about blogging it forward. After perusing the Thea & Sami blog (as I often do), I noticed that Thea too was participating in this awesome handmade gift giving activity. I rushed to be one of the first five people to leave a comment on Thea's blogpost, and lucky me, I scored myself this beautiful screen printed dishtowel. Check out Thea's blog as well as her website where you will find gorgeous eco fabrics and homewares!

First official sale!

I'm proud to announce that even before I have setup my website, and even before I have completed my sample range, I have already made a sale!!! Several people have asked to buy some of my current sample pieces, and I have sadly had to reject their offers, as these pieces need to be referenced for future use. However, when my beloved 'Roses' approached me and asked for one of my blankets, I couldn't refuse, especially since it was to be a gift for their precious niece. I'm very proud of my products and I hope that 'baby S' enjoys her new blanket, and one day passes it on to her own minis.

Eco Coffee

I'm not one to preach, but I thought it would be useful to mention a product that I love, a product that can make a big change. After visiting the coffee waste calculator site I was shocked to realize how much wastage and pollution is caused by disposable coffee cups. At the same time, I had tried different re-usable cups and found that they were either too bulky, too dorky or would end up leaking coffee all over my outfits (especially when I was wearing white). Finally, I managed to find an eco-friendly re-usable coffee cup that is a solution to all of the above, the KeepCup. The KeepCup is the first barista standard re-usable coffee cup and not only is it spill proof, dishwasher/microwave safe and lightweight, it's also simply gorgeous!! But perhaps the best feature of the KeepCup is that it's designed and manufactured in Australia. You can get your own KeepCup online the KeepCup website or at Bluebag, and remember as the producers of KeepCup themselves say 'many small acts will make a phenomenal difference'.

Inspiring Bloggers

I stumbled upon a beautiful blog the other day. Do yourself a favor and visit Her Library Adventures where you will be transported to a world of creativity, imagination and whimsy. Sophie Isobel, the blog author, is an English teacher who loves reading and in her spare time, making beautiful brooches such as those pictured above (which she sells in her Etsy shop). It is also evident from her blog page that Sophie is a seriously talented photographer. I just love how her brooch spring collection is photographed using a tea party theme. You can win one of these delightful pieces by visiting Sophie's blog and leaving a comment on her 'Open for Business and a Giveaway' post. Good times!

Samples

I finally saw some samples from my manufacturer and I'm pretty damn happy. My vision is finally coming to fruition and it feels rather nice! At the same time, it's so nerve-racking, especially when I think about all the work that still needs to be done. HELLLLLPPP!

Once I have pressed and labelled all of my samples, I'll put up some pics - keep in touch xo

For women

I made this butterfly on the Amnesty International website in support of Japanese women who were forced into sexual slavery by Japanese soldiers during World War II. Here's an excerpt from the Amnesty website:

In the year 2009, you'd think governments would have well and truly faced the atrocities of World War II. Yet up to 200,000 women who were forced into sexual slavery by Japanese soldiers have still not received an adequate apology - let alone compensation - from the Japan Government.

Their chosen symbol of hope is the butterfly. We're going to cover the web in beautiful butterflies in the run up to August 15th - the anniversary of WWII's end - to highlight this hidden tragedy. Each butterfly will represent a message to the Australian PM to pass a motion urging the Japan Government to recognise and compensate survivors. In all this time, Australia is one of the few Allied countries that hasn't stood up and called the Japanese Government to account.

Show your support by creating your own butterfly and spreading the word via the web in honor of not just these women, but women all over the world who face any form of adverse circumstances.

Knitting Frenzy

Just recently, I went on a knitting frenzy using my latest obsession - NATURAL MATERIALS.  I made two blankets for Little L using hemp, soy, milk fiber, organic cotton and bamboo.  These blankets are so beautiful and soft, and combine several different textures. The cable knit blanket took about 3 weeks (bearing in mind, Little L and my life in general don't give me much time to knit!), and the purple and green blanket took about a week. I'm looking to do crocheted borders on both, but first I'll have to teach myself how.....    

Blog it forward

The blogging world provides another amazing opportunity to make new friends and find inspiration.  After recently reading a post on the Thea & Sami blog, I discovered a wonderful way to spread the love via a 'pay it forward' type arrangement.  I've taken the liberty to name it 'blog it forward'.  Basically, read the below information and remember that once you comment, you will be eligible to receive a gift from me as long as you make the commitment to do the same for others.....

I am entering into the following contract with the first 5 bloggers who comment on this post and then commit to do the same on their blog. Just read below and if you feel up for it, copy the following into your blog and leave me a comment. I am willing to post overseas (I am in Australia, but remember you must commit on your blog to do the same to others).

1.  I make no guarantees that you will like what I make. Whatcha get is whatcha get.
2.  What I create will be just for you, with love.
3.  It’ll be done this year (2009).
4.  I will not give you any clue what it’s going to be. It will be something made in the real world and not something cyber. It may be weird or beautiful. Or it may be monstrous and annoying. Heck, I might bake something for you and mail it to you. Who knows? Not you, that’s for sure!
5.  I reserve the right to do something strange.
6.  In return, all you need to do is post this text on your blog and make 5 things for the first 5 to respond to your blog post.
7.  Send your mailing address - after I contact you.

Welcome to everyone. I will however, make an effort to do something that you like based on what I see on your blog, BUT there are no guarantees.

NEW YORK Update:

Amazing news! Hubby will be joining Little L and I in New York.  After careful consideration, the opportunity arose and we grabbed it by the horns (excellent! - one extra suitcase to hold all the beautiful organic fabrics that I intend to buy there) God bless America!!!

It's all happening!

Right! All of my fabrics and design layouts have now been passed on to my manufacturer.  All I can do now is await (eagerly and anxiously) some sample products.  I will be needing some babies and willing mothers to give the products a test run, basically so that I can make sure that after washing and being handled by babies, they remain at the perfect standard that I would expect from products that I use for my own Little L.  I would never put out anything that I wouldn't use myself, and I think that if this remains my motto (which it will), I will continuously strive to only release top notch pieces.... Stay in touch!!!

Vintage inspiration

It's times like these that I'm grateful that my grandmother is a hoarder! That's right! The past few times that I have visited my beloved Bubba K, she has whipped out some classic vintage jumpers, coats and bags that are so hot right now, I can't grab them out of her hands fast enough.  But it was a few days ago that I really hit the jackpot, when Bubbs pulled out one of my old baby dresses from one of her many drawers.  This dress is so beautifully designed and put together, and it has that magical vintage look whilst at the same time, possessing an extremely modern flair.  The little dress has inspired me to do a range focusing on modernizing vintage styles.  I've already started, and it's coming along quite nicely.  Meeting with the manufacturer later today to discuss.......  

Bubba K with her beloved Little L: 

Solids Solids Solids!

Yesterday I gave Little L her first taste of solids, rice cereal to be specific.  True to form, Little L munched it down like a pro and was ready for more (definitely has my genetics!).  The wonderful experience of feeding your baby solids for the first time is definitely something that is special and memorable.  I have been inspired to create a special range dedicated to this event, using wonderful foods as my character inspiration.  This range will have to be released further down the track since right now I really have to focus on getting the sample range out and about.  Stay tuned because one day when you see my 'Tasty Treats' range, you will remember this post and it will hopefully put a smile on your face :)

   

Can anyone say YAYA?

Today, my mum offered to look after Little L in the morning so that I could have some time to work on my sample range (God bless her!).  It was actually quite a productive hour and a bit.  I was able to make some templates for my main characters, as well as to make picture outlines of my designs with fabric swatches and notes.  I can't wait until the rest of my fabrics arrive from New York so that I can finalize my designs and move onto the production phase! 

Here's a picture of my messy table, covered in fabrics, doodles and templates - just one of the parts of my house that has been taken over by YAYA....

I HEART New York

It's official, Little L and I are off to New York in October.  We will be searching for beautiful fabrics and of course, fun fun fun!  I just can't wait to be pushing L in a pram through Central Park! 

Truth is, I've been dying to go to the Big Apple since I last ventured there in 2005, and since sis will be there too I just had to take the plunge and book my ticket! I'm going to miss my husband so much, the thought of it already hurts, but it will be great to catch up with my little sis, and I'm sure that good old Manhattan will easily find a way to cheer me up :)

What a melting pot of inspiration it will be, and no doubt the sights will be featured somehow in my baby range.  It just so happens that the US is way ahead of Australia when it comes to organic textiles, but especially printed cottons.  With the exception of a couple of Australian suppliers (see link below), it's just so hard to find funky printed fabrics at a reasonable price.  

For now though, I have to stay focused on getting this sample range complete.  The beautiful white organic cotton jersey arrived today from Thea & Sami and it will be used to make some growsuits and onesies as well as gorgeous stretch wraps and dolls.  I'm so excited to see the finished products!

Stay tuned and hopefully I will have something fun to show you sooner rather than later.....

Delightful Dollies and Cosmic Creatures

It's decided! The girl products in my introductory range will be featuring dolls, dolls and more dolls.  Needless to say, this line is inspired by 'Little L', my own baby doll.  The boys products will feature cosmic creatures because our 'Little L' is the queen of cutie-pie creature land!  Stay tuned for pics of the YAYA sample range - COMING SOON!

 

Mummypreneur!

People question why I don't just kick back and enjoy my maternity leave, why am I stressing now about starting a new business?

Truth is that the 'mummypreneur' phenomenon is on the rise.  It seems that so many women these days, like me, are using their maternity leave to turn their entrepreneurial dreams into a reality.  It also seems that most of them, like me, end up in the baby products/fashion/accessories business.  Perhaps pregnancy and nesting brings out the creative bee in all of us?

All I know is that my beautiful daughter is my inspiration.  I have always wanted to have my own line of baby products, but when 'Little L' was born she triggered a kind of love that I never thought possible.  That love is now being expressed in each of my products, and each piece in the YAYA range is somehow based on my daughter's story (even the boys range)....

The quest for natural and sustainable materials

There is no doubt that the latest trend in baby and children's products is organics and natural products.  Not only are these materials better for our environment, but they are also proven to be better for children's skin, since they are produced without the use of chemicals, pesticides and other uglies.  

Whilst there is no problem finding an abundance of plain cotton, bamboo, hemp and soy fabrics, the shortage is in printed fabrics of this kind.  My products include blankets and toys, and its a real struggle to source natural materials that are as beautiful and abundant as their less wholesome friends.

So, to all you manufacturers out there, GET YOUR ACT TOGETHER and make us some beautiful patterned organics!

Yaya Designs

Children are beautiful and deserve to be adorned with gorgeous products to highlight their specialness! Every YAYA product is made with love and the intention of highlighting the sweetness and innocence of its wearer.