If you have been around here for any length of time, you’ll know about my little Made It store.  And if you clicked that link, you will have noticed that it is quite empty.  Let me make excuses explain.

This has been a busy year for us.  Our real, actual, money-making business (Axis Homes) kept me busy with paperwork (oh, how I despise accounting!)  I had a baby and ended up in hospital with him for two weeks.  I have three boys under six at home with me.  All that darned cleaning and washing needed to be done.  Sleep was a priority.  My sewing space is a tiny corner of the dining table and that meant the machine was put away most of the time.

I have so much admiration for people who run successful businesses from home while raising children.  It is hard work.

One of those people, is Dannii from Kipindi Photography, who just happens to be running a fabulous Twelve Days of Christmas giveaway on her blog.  And today she is giving away a little something I made (that I almost kept!)

So make sure you head on over to the Kipindi blog today, and enter the giveaway for the chance to win this cushion (a lovely Christmas present for yourself, or someone else!) plus a very generous gift from Kipindi Photography too!

So much generosity around lately! In fact, I have plans for another giveaway very soon, so keep checking back.

And as for Calico Lane, I have plans to revamp my little Made It store.  I spent 2010 madly sewing custom orders and it really burnt me out.  In 2012 expect some differences – more one of a kind items.  Most likely there will be less stock, but more of a variety.  I want to make it more fun and less business.  I’ve got enough business around here; I definitely need more fun!  Sound good?

Don’t forget to enter the giveaway, and also remember that the Ragged Blossom Beauty giveaway is still running!

Ok, so don’t faint, because I finally did some sewing. I have to admit, having three pre-school-aged boys at home has really kicked my butt. It tends to take all my time and energy to keep the house running smoothly and keep the boys amused, or at least injury-free! Sadly, my creative time has suffered a lot, something I need to change because, well, I NEED it.

Anyhow, back to important things! This, my friends, is the new season Picnic Dress for my sadly neglected Made It shop. Last season’s Picnic Dress was very popular and I was so disappointed when I couldn’t get any more of the same fabric.

This year’s fabric is delightful. The colours just shouted summer picnics to me, and the feel, well, I wish this blog had touch-o-vision, because it is luscious! It’s a Japanese satin cotton – 100% cotton, but so soft and light. It would be just perfect for a party on a steaming hot day, or you could layer it up with some leggings while the weather is still on the cooler side.

My favourite thing about this design is that it grows with your little girl. It is roomy around the waist but can be cinched in with the tie (tied at the front or back). It looks equally as good longer on littlies, then as a tunic length top as they (inevitably) grow.

I am aiming to make a few of these in sizes 1-4. I can’t take on custom orders right now, but if you want the Picnic Dress in a particular size, feel free to let me know via blog comment, Facebook or Made It message and I’ll do my best to add that size to my to-do list.

So, do you like it? Shall I start madly cutting and sewing?