Tuesday, August 4, 2009

bella jewel flower headband collection




















about SWL

After about a year or so of being a stay at home mom I was getting that "itch" to want to do something...something creative. I wasn't ready to send my boys off to preschool just to fill that void, so I got my sewing machine out and started playing around. I had put the "dreaded machine" (what I used to call it while earning my fashion degree) away and wasn't sure if it even had any juice left to run. Well, after a few tears, screams, hubby "pls fix this before I go insane" moments Terry (by better half) went and bought me a new one. Brand spankin' new...nothing fancy...just the Martha Stewart Singer you can buy at your local costco's for under $200!! But, it had every stitch needed to do what I like to call "fun sewing"!

I read through some blogs, became a frequent "fabric store" shopper, damaged a few shirts (trial and error is the best, right?!...whatever!) and FINALLY got the hang of what I was wanting to accomplish. Creating custom applique's for children's t's was my new "thing". So, I decided to start my own business to run outside of our home. The name? Well, I believe that "Love" is just the most wonderful thing in the world and each piece I had sewn for my boys was completely out of love for them, for designing, for finding "me" again. It's easy to get lost in the shuffle when you are a mom of 2, wife to 1, maid to 3, chef to 3, nurse to 3, taxi driver....etc! So, Stitched with Love was created.

In the beginning I was getting maybe 1 or 2 orders a week. Then a few "Sara, can you make this later?"...I was making other stuff and getting MORE orders. Goodness when the pillowcase dress became available I can't tell you how shocked I was on the response. I thought...I can do this! And, it's so much fun! So, I slowly offer new things. Mainly simple items. Simple because that is all I can do right now with my main job being a MOM and then I got crazy and started freelance photography on the side. Some ask...how in the world can you do all that you do? My answer is simple. This economy is tough. Whatever I have to do to help us out I will. My second answer is also very simple. I need something that I can say is "mine". Not in a negative way, but just that I have something for me. We only live once and I want to make sure that my kiddos know that NO MATTER WHAT you follow your dreams and you make them happen. No excuses. "Do what you LOVE. LOVE what you do." And, I do.

FAQ's

"Hey Sara, saw your fun stuff online how can I order?"
- just email me directly and we can work out all the details. my email is sara_elizabeth_rose@yahoo.com.

it will be helpful if you can supply this information when inquiring about an item:
~ item interested in
~ if a tee, what color shirt & size
~ if skirt or bella pant, what size & design (choose by name of item "i.e. The "bailey" Bella Pant)
~ if newborn gift item, need full name or initials you want on items.
~ requested date to receive item. that way I can see if I am able to accommodate based on current work load, etc.

"Hey Sara, if I place an order today how fast will it ship?"
- because each order is sewn after order is placed please allow up to 10 business days for the order to ship. most times it is earlier than that, but in a case where fabric has to be ordered it can take up to 10 days.

"Hey Sara, I need something by this weekend?!"
- If an order is needing to be "rushed" pls understand that a fee will be added to your order. because chances are I am having to rush out to the store to pick up a shirt, order fabrics, etc.

"Hey Sara, what are shipping rates?"
- shipping rates for Fall 2009 will be a flat rate of $4.95 for regular USPS shipping. **subject to change depending on amount ordered.

"Hey Sara, I have placed my order now how do I pay?"
- I will invoice you via paypal through your email when the order is complete. Once I receive payment your items will ship.

"Hey Sara, I love the initial applique's, but I don't see one with a color scheme I was wanting."
- go to the fabric choices and pick one of those. I can use any that are shown. If you still don't see one you are interested in email me with color scheme and chances are I have something from previous collections.

"Hey Sara, I love the skirts and pants! Can you make a shirt to match?"
- sure can!

"Hey Sara, what sizes do you make?"
- on the t's I can do any size. on the skirts I make up to 7/8. on the pants up to 7. on the pillowcase dresses up to size 9/10.

"Hey Sara, I have a tall 3 year old. Can you make the Bella Pant to her measurements?"
- sure can. Just send me the measurements and I will customize accordingly.

"Hey Sara, I am having a Thomas themed party. Can you incorporate the theme into a design?"
- sure can. custom orders will start @ $25 depending on difficulty. pls be specific in your request. If you are first time customer I may not be able to interpret your actual likes/dislikes when it comes to color schemes.

"Hey Sara, you had this great design from Summer that you aren't showing in your Fall collection. Is it still available?"
- depends. email me and we can discuss.

"Hey Sara, I have been looking everywhere for _____ can you make?"
- possibly. if I feel like I can't I will send you to someone who can.

"Hey Sara, what color tutu's can you make?"
- any color, any size.

"Hey Sara, do you still monogram?"
- yes, I monogram burpcloths, dresses & fabrics. I don't like to monogram T's. My machine doesn't like the light weight material.

"Hey Sara, why have your prices increased?"
- when I first started SWL orders were coming in maybe 1 or 2 a week. The demand is much higher now and it's requiring me to invest more in fabrics and blanks on the front end. Understand you get what you pay for. I stand by my work and the quality of my products.

"Hey Sara, what is your return policy?"
- because most items are customized specifically for an individual I will not accept returns unless the product is damaged when it is received. but, know that I quality check each item before I ship.

How to Order

Right now the best way to place an order is to email me directly @ sara_elizabeth_rose@yahoo.com.

Supply this information:
~ item interested in
~ if a tee, what color shirt & size
~ if skirt or bella pant, what size & design (choose by name of item "i.e. The "bailey" Bella Pant)
~ if newborn gift item, need full name or initials you want on items.
~ requested date to receive item. that way I can see if I am able to accommodate based on current work load, etc.

Meet Sara




















My boys Tyler Drake & Colton James

















































Terry (my Superman) & I married since 6.11.5


I grew up in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Locals like to call it the 'boro. It was a small town while I lived there...not so much anymore. I graduated in '98 from Riverdale...GO WARRIORS! And, shortly after moved to Nashville to live with my dad. Smartest decision I made while a young pup trying to find herself. Got accepted into O'More and that is where most of my story begins.....
Back in 2001 I graduated with a BA in Fashion Design & Merchandising from O'More College of Design in Franklin, Tennessee. Was planning on taking over the fashion industry, but my Southern roots kept me grounded in Nashville working for Vanity Fair Corp. Started as an intern, went into product development, busy times while a merchandiser, a very stressful time as a technical designer....and then made my move into account management on into sales!! And, that was just in a short 5 years!

While working for VFC I met a wonderful man who is now my husband of more than 4 years and the rest is history! We moved to Dallas for a few years right after saying "I do". I mean ...right after. Sold a house, got married, moved to a new state & both started new jobs all in 6 short weeks. Talk about taking chances...whew! But, it was the best decision we made. Moving away from everyone and depending only on one another was hard, but made us appreciate "US" in a way I can't explain. Made us so strong...made us who we are today. Terry is hands down the best husband, dad & friend out there. I don't know what I would do without his constant support, encouragement, strength & honesty. I ask God everyday how in the WORLD I got so lucky....he doesn't answer me, but I am reminded everyday when I wake up to my husband the gift God gave me. He is the man I will spend the rest of my life with no doubt about it.
I have been a stay at home mom since Dec of 2006. The day our first son Tyler Drake was born was one of the most amazing days of our life! It's true & cliche' what they say "you don't know real love until you see your first child for the very first time". He was amazing....must have been because 6 months later we got pregnant (yes, on purpose) with our second blessing, Colton James! Yes, 2 boys 14.5 months apart is insane and absolutely wonderful all the same. We have so much fun. I love being the only "Princess" in the household, but I do often dream of having a daughter. I would love to design cute dresses, tops, skirts & pants for her! Will probably have to give up SWL at that time, because I won't have any fabric left for anyone else...but, that is not for a long time and chances are....we will have another boy. I am okay with that. As long as he is healthy..I am good to go! I still have all my cute nieces to design for. :)
Over the past few years or so I have realized the true importance of having friends. Girlfriends. What it means to have someone lift you up when you need it most, calm you down when you have gone over the top and tell you the truth no matter what. Two of my very best girlfriends I met while living in Dallas. I miss those two like crazy everyday. Both of whom are wonderful moms, go above and beyond wives and would do absolutely anything for you type friends. Since being back in Tennessee I have been blessed to meet that same type of friend in my own neighborhood...and not just 1! I have so many other couragious, strong women who surround me that I love with all of my heart and make this world a better place just by being who they are. (you know who you are!!!)
My most favorite subject is my family. I am a true "family gal". I love being able to spend the day with my boys and watch them learn and grow from day to day. Gosh, they change so fast. The best part of the day is when my husband comes walking in the door and both boys go running after 'daddy'. Sweetest moments that I will cherish forever for sure. I love when we are all laying on the bed talking about the day. No, my youngest doesn't really talk much...but, you moms know what I am saying! When we are a family of 4...no matter what we are doing...life is wonderful!
Oh, and if you haven't heard...I have taken my other love of photography to the next level! I am now a freelance photographer..just trying to capture that special moment and there are alot of them. Check out my site with the link listed on the right!
So, that's about it! Any other questions just ask.

Hope "Life is Good"
Sara