[Image]
Today we would like to introduce you to Etsy shop BabywearbyBabs
BabywearbyBabs has been selling on Etsy since January 2011, she sells handmade trendy boutique baby clothes, hand knit sweaters, booties, socks, accessories all in bold beautiful colors and textures. Today she is sharing a little about her shop and selling handmade items.

[Image] [Image] [Image] [Image]
What motivated you to start your shop?
I have always loved to create and I have done macramé, needlepoint, crewel, and lots of sewing in the past. I decided to take up knitting again when the financial crash of 2008 kept me awake at night. Knitting was a way to keep my hands and brain occupied on other things while utilizing the creative side of me. I ended up with so many sweaters, socks, and booties and no grandchildren so I decided to see if other people might like what I created - and Babywear by Babs was born.

What is the story behind your shop name?
My shop name is pretty straight forward. I only knit for children sizes newborn to around 2 years. And Barbara is my given name but some people call me Babs - a nickname I rather like, hence: Babywear by Babs.

What surprised you most about having your own craft / online shop?
I was surprised at just how difficult it is to be noticed and appreciated by the wide world out there. I thought that "if you open it they will come" would apply to me and I soon found out that you have to work hard to be noticed and you have to provide quality, unique products. Since opening my shop I have learned Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, Wanelo, and several other social media sights. And I work it every day along with creating the inventory to keep my shop stocked.

What is your favourite creations from your shop?
My favorite creations are my fisherman knit sweaters. So much time, creative energy, and mathematics are involved in coming up with a new design that fits properly. Once completed there is a real sense of accomplishment and joy. I love the texture, pattern and beautiful wool colors I use to create these sweaters that I think once finished they are really works of wearable art.

What do you find most challenging about being an Etsy seller?
Knitting takes time and it is hard to keep my shop inventory at a level that I consider adequate. Others say you need 100 items in your shop to be noticed - well I have a hard time keeping more than 30 items in my shop at one time. Perhaps that is a blessing because it means that items are selling and not just sitting there looking pretty.

What's your personal philosophy behind your shop / products?
My personal philosophy is be different. Create something that will be a joy for someone else to own and wear that is high quality and cannot be purchased at Target or even Bloomingdales.

How would someone (other then you) describe you?
Probably as introspective and detail oriented.

What do you do when you aren't working?
Oh, I cook for my family, exercise, take yoga classes, and work in the family business. Knitting is actually a stress relief for me.

BabywearbyBabs is offering 10% discount to all our blog readers. To use the coupon visit her etsy store and enter code "BLOG10 at checkout. Valid until December 31st 2013.
[Image] [Image] [Image] [Image]