Friends With Benefits

I am lucky to say that I benefit from a few friends who have the blessed talent of sewing/monogramming. Recently, I had a few things made my two of these friends and I wanted to share them with you. Some of these things would make great birthday gifts, Easter basket stuffers or just a nice gift for no reason at all!

First, we have an adorable poncho made by my friend, Nikki:

Nikki recently started making these and she sent one to Caroline last week. She wore it to church yesterday and loved it. I loved the ease of putting it on and off of Caroline in the car--so much easier than a bulky coat!! It is SO soft and so cute! Check out her store website for more information on these and the cute pillowcase dresses she makes that are now available. Some pillowcase dresses I've seen out there are just plain tacky, but not Nikki's. They are very clean and classy looking. The dresses would be perfect for Easter or for a nice beach picture, which Caroline will have taken when we go this summer.

Nikki also whipped these up for me:

These cute little monogrammed pillows/sachets contain some of the tree needles from my children's first Christmas trees! They are exactly what I wanted. Thanks, Nikki!!

Next up, is my friend Jessica. Jessica makes the cutest things, too. I bought a little seersucker dress the other day and she appliqued this on it:

Caroline calls it her "Sebastian" dress. Jessica can applique anything on anything! I had her do some other applique and personalized work for me and it is all so cute. I can't wait for summer time for Caroline to wear the goods! Jessica also makes these sippy cups, which would be a great Valentine's surprise or Easter basket stuffer for your little one:

These cups are so easy to clean and they are spill-proof. I love them. She also has recently started making monogrammed hair bows and they are adorable! Check out her website to see the other great things she makes.

And I wanted to pass along some news about a great new business that our fellow blogger, Joy Chafin, is starting. Monogram Matchers.com will be open to the public around April. Joy had the brilliant idea of starting a website (a little like Ebay) that only sells new or gently used monogrammed or personalized clothes, purses, household goods or anything that is monogrammed. How many times have you had one of your child's outfits monogrammed or personalized and then it just sits in the back of the closet or you put in the Goodwill pile? I know that I always put a "C" or an "R" on my kids' clothes because I know their monograms won't resell. Well, now I"m going to put a cGe and an rGa back on those clothes because I'll be able to sell them to someone out there with those same monograms!! This idea is so great, Joy. Congratulations on this new project. I can't wait to hear more about it and sell my stuff (and buy!).