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!