tickety bu

Hello New Bu!

2011-03-25T16:58:00.000-07:00

It's time. Actually it's past time. I've launched a new version of Tickety Bu online. It's a one stop location for shopping, Tickety Bu colorways, the Bu Blog and all things Bu.

I'll be sad to say goodbye to this blog, it's been such fun to develop and to share with everyone over the years, but rest assured the Bu Blog will live on at it's new home. I hope to see you there soon!

Reflecting Pool

2011-03-13T16:58:00.000-07:00

Water is mystical. Whether it be the bathtub, a sprinkler, a lake or the ocean, water has the magical power of engaging our imagination like nothing else.

My kids and I love to look into puddles and creeks when we take our walks and see how our reflection changes with the ripples of the water. We imagine what might be in the water, and talk about the possibilities. Mermaids, sprites, talking fish, and frogs that become princes are just some of the many things we've dreamed of. I love the water and am so glad that my kids share the wonder with me.

This colorway celebrates the things our imagination can dream up just by seeing a glimpse at our reflection.

Cayman

2011-03-07T19:36:00.000-08:00

As I mentioned a few weeks ago, I'm sick of winter. And right after my last post about the new Paradise Lost colorway, the whole family got sick. It was a stomach virus followed by the flu followed by a cold. I was the lucky soul that got them all. So, yeah, I'm sick of winter.

I guess that is one reason why I've been so attracted to vibrant, tropical colors lately. It's an escape from the white snow and the dreary gray that is this season.

These specific colors were also inspired by the fact that next month my husband and I will be celebrating our 13th year of marriage. I know that many people think 13 is unlucky, but I feel anything but. In fact, I feel very lucky. Not just for having the love of a great man, but for being content in my life as a whole. I truly feel very happy to simply be who I am and where I am right now in my life.

My husband and I were married in Cayman. So, in this 13th year, when I feel so lucky, I thought it would be nice to capture the colors of that beautiful place that are still, after all this time, so vivid in my mind.

Paradise Lost

2011-02-21T18:16:00.000-08:00

I love living in New York. I'm from the south originally, and most recently, Richmond, VA, the capital of the Confederacy and all things Southern. Having lived in Texas, Virginia, North Carolina and states of similar latitude, I was not at all prepared for winter in the north.

The first few years were not that bad though, the snow was a novelty and since it doesn't normally get very icy here, like it can in the south, I was quite pleased with my ability to adapt and embrace the cold.

That was until this year. This is just one shot of many in this theme. That's a table and chair on our deck. I just this week saw that table for the first time in over two months.

I know it seems like I'm exaggerating, but I'm not when I say that there were snow drifts taller than me on our front walk this year and ice dams over a foot deep on our roof.

Needless to say, I'm no longer a fan of winter. I yearn for warm weather. The ability to see the ground, heck anything green would be great. I yearn for warm weather, warm enough to wear a tank top, shorts and no shoes all day. Warm enough to open the windows to hear the birds chirping, and feel the breeze wafting through the house. Warm enough.

So, the next two colorways of the week speak to my current obsession with the end of the never ending winter of 2011. This week is Paradise Lost, a bold colorway with shades of the clearest blue oceans, the golds and pinks of tropical birds and flowers, and shades of the palm fronds I wish I was laying underneath.

Gift

2011-02-12T12:12:00.000-08:00

Lately everyone in my family has been suffering from a bit of the winter blues. The kids are cooped up and tired of it. It's cold, snowy and icy outside and they long to run and roll around on the grass, play in their sandbox and tree house, and just be in the warmth of the sun. This winter has been long and gray and it's wearing on us all.

We have spent a lot of time inside doing art, crafting, and dancing as a result. These are the activities that never get old, always inspire good moods and stretch the afternoons out in a pleasant way. Recent projects have been for my youngest son's birthday which is next week. Paintings and cards have been made and the colors that keep coming up are muted and soft. It's as if the kids have forgotten the bright intense colors of summer, the colors of warmth.

I did this colorway as an homage to this time with them. While I'm as guilty as they are of complaining about the weather and yearning for the long, lazy, warm days of summer, I'm all too aware of how these days spent in such close quarters for so long are a gift. Before too long, the birds will be chirping, the warm breezes will be wafting in through the open windows and the kids will go outside again. The snuggles under the blankets will be few and far between, the kids won't be right next to me from the time they wake til they sleep again, and I'll miss it. I'll wish for the cold of winter that will bring them to my arms again. So for today, I celebrate this gift. And when I look at this colorway I'll think of them.

Funny Valentine

2011-02-06T13:13:00.000-08:00

I remember cutting out Valentines when I was little, construction paper hearts, lace doilies, little cupid silhouettes, all in these colors. So, I guess this is a trip down memory lane for me and a little homage to Valentines past.

I wanted to do a colorway with red, but not a dark colorway. I tend to go dark when I use red and I wanted something more fun and carefree. More about love than anything else. This colorway has red, a bright cheery red, a smoky grey (I can't stay totally away from something moody) and cream. I love how hints of caramel come out when it's on velour and how the gray is so prominent in the interlock.

It is indeed a funny Valentine.

Batik

2011-01-30T21:40:00.000-08:00

I'm a fiber artist and have done a lot of dyeing in my time, but have never done batik. I adore it, it's right up my alley, but something has always held me back. Who knows what, or why, as I'm usually rather adventurous, especially when it comes to my craft. I guess I'll just have to continue to admire from afar, and appreciate the beauty that the wonderful Batik artists out there create.

This colorway was inspired by an unconventional quilt made from a myriad of batik fabrics. Deep blue green, coral, pink, blue, olive tones and almost black were mixed throughout, but the whole thing had a cohesive feel. It felt funky and fun and special. I took colors from the quilt that were the essence of that special blanket and made a colorway that hopefully speaks to it's origins.

Tea Party

2011-01-23T05:38:00.000-08:00

I was recently developing a colorway for an Asian themed stocking and thought it would be great to do one inspired by my love of tea.

I drink tea almost daily. I love the ritual of steeping the tea leaves in my traditional Chinese iron pot, waiting for it to cool to just the right temperature, the aroma of the brew that always seems to match my mood. (Maybe that's because I have a different blend for almost every day of the month. I know there is a Wool Hoarders site, perhaps I should look into a Tea Hoarders?).

As I was dyeing this though, my daughter came in to talk to me, asking what I was going to dye today. When I told her probably something about tea, she insisted that I do a Tea Party and proceeded to pick out all the colors. Of course, they are the epitome of a little girl's tea party with all her dolls and her imaginary friend, Jeanette.

Soft gold, princess blue and girly pink with hints of light purple throughout.

I just hope Jeanette likes it as much as my daughter does.

China Blue

2011-01-19T18:59:00.000-08:00

I don't play favorites with color, I love them all equally. But every once in awhile I show a bit of favoritism for one over the others. The love affair is usually short lived as I'm always lured away by the brilliance of another hue. This week's love, blue. No idea why really, maybe it's in stark rebellion of my recent romance with pink, but this day felt like a great time to dye something blue.

I hope the other colors aren't jealous.

Meet China Blue, it's bright and deep simultaneously. And oh. so. blue.

Things I Have Learned as a Dyer

2011-01-16T20:11:00.000-08:00

There are things I have learned over the years as a fiber artist. I never much cared for that term, I call myself a dyer first, but people tend to get confused by that one. The things I have learned are many, and they tend to be more universal than fabric specific. I find that doing this has taught me a lot about not only dye, but life.

1. I love color.—Duh, right? It's true though, my love of color is why I do what I do. And, I've learned that doing what you love is worth a lot more than any income you can earn. If you aren't doing what you love, get out now, change your path and find a new one.

2. Colors act differently depending on the fabric. One colorway can look remarkably different on velour than it does on interlock, terry or french terry. This has actually taught me a lot about my kids. Same family, same parents, but the kids all react differently to our parenting. We've had to learn that they each need something different from us, because they are themselves unique. And it's important to not only let them be unique, but to celebrate it.

3. Dye has a mind of its own. I get the best results when I let go of my expectations and allow the dye do it's thing. It does indeed have a mind of it's own. I get a daily reminder of the lack of control I have in life through my work and it's given me the ability to be more free with my kids, to let go of my preconceived notions and just let life happen. When you do this, you get to be a part of true magic.

4. Colors in the dye bath are often not what they appear. Some colorways that are hideous in the dye bath are the most stunning when all is said and done. Mandarin is one such colorway. It's one of the ugliest things I've ever seen while dyeing, heck, pictures don't even do it justice, but the end result is simply stunning in person, especially on terry. So, don't judge a book by its cover, you just might be pleasantly surprised by what's inside. This is probably the most important lesson of all.

5. Heat helps. Not sure how this applies to life in general, but a little heat goes a long way when pasting up and mixing even colors. Just sayin'.

Wood Floors

2011-01-11T17:13:00.000-08:00

I adore small towns. This area is full of them, which is one reason I love living here. There is a tiny town outside of Albany called Sharon Springs. Population around 520.

I told you it was tiny.

It's a quaint Victorian town with one main street, full of inns and local merchants and craftsmen. There are plenty of farms around too, and we had the chance to visit one this weekend. Friends of ours have a farm there where they raise goats, chickens, a couple of sheep and one very cute llama who is full of personality.

They have a garden that I can only dream of and rolling hills as their view. It's just about perfect if you ask me. The kids had a blast with the animals and climbing in the hay loft. The farm house was, "much more beautiful than our house" according to my daughter. She was right of course as kids often are in their unbridled, frank honesty. It was a great weekend getaway, with a fun drive up, a great visit with friends and the chance to explore a place we had never seen.

This colorway was done for our friend, made in a blanket for them as a thank you for a fun weekend and to keep them warm in the winter in their 200 year old house. The idea for it came from my favorite part of the farm house, the floors. Original to the house, wide plank wood stained so dark that it looks black at night and the darkest pecan I've ever seen during the light of day. Worn and gorgeous, I'd live there just to have those floors.

The colorway is contemporary, Think Restoration Hardware meets antique charm. It's rough and tumble in it's personality, but ultra soft and plush like all Tickety Bu items are. It's called Wood Floors.

Bitey Bu Galore

2011-01-09T18:57:00.000-08:00

I haven't posted anything for my local wholesale account in awhile, but I just finished an order of fun Bitey Bu for them. I loved seeing them all together and thought I'd share the fun with you all. The Bitey Bu is the ultimate teether, a blend of wood and fabric, natural and safe to sooth sore gums. Enjoy!

Stone Garden

2011-01-06T20:30:00.001-08:00

The first new colorway of 2011, Stone Garden, was inspired by a book I'm reading. There is a setting in the book where Mina, the heroine frequents. It's on a cliff, overlooking the ocean in winter and there is a cemetery there. She sits there often, watching the ships, the lighthouses and thinks and pines for her lost love. As I read it, I imagined the gray shades of the water, sky and head stones, the lichen growing on the tree trunks and the pale grasses on the ground and plucked the colors from my mind for this colorway. It's soft and cool, with wonderfully muted shades. Perfect for this time of year.

A Year of Colorways

2010-12-23T07:50:00.001-08:00

I tend to get tired of the same ole' thing. Maybe I secretly have ADD (those who know me well would laugh at that idea as I'm about as anal retentive and regimented as they come), or maybe I'm just inspired by the coming new year and a fresh start that it represents. Most assuredly I was influenced by friends in other professions doing similar things, but I've decided to dedicate this year to dyeing. New colorways, new techniques, favorite colorways with fresh new looks. I'm starting today with a new look to an old fave, Transform.

Wish me luck.

Final Stockings of the Season

2010-11-28T21:00:00.000-08:00

I had a plan, then it all went awry when I got a migraine that lasted three days. So, plans change, and we adapt. I'm going to offer the same items, just on a bit of a different schedule. I pulled colorway ideas from the Facebook Fan page, everyone had some great ideas!

Tickety Bu 2010 Stockings:

November 29, The Fifth Monday, stocked
December 9, Fresh with Mezzo Bu in Mother Earth, Sugar Plum, Strata and Lagoon, Cuddle Throws in Almond Mocha and a brand new black and white colorway called Ink Blot.
December 13, Necessitae (previews will be up by Wednesday) with Cadara Bu, Bitty Bu and Cuddle Blankets in three colorways — Lucky, Dried Hydrangea and Earth Rainbow.

I also have more Cadara Bu just stocked on Etsy and will be adding some Bitty / Bitey Bu sets as well.

Happy Shopping and Happy Holidays!

Tickety Bu is on Etsy!

2010-11-21T05:49:00.000-08:00

If you haven't noticed, Tickety Bu has made it's way to Etsy! I have only been wanting to start up my shop there for about 2 years, but it kept getting pushed to the bottom of the to do list. Well, what better time than now? Keep an eye out though, stockings there will be unannounced and often surprises. I will not stock custom slots there for now, I'll keep those just for my Facebook fans and announce them there, so don't worry that you'll miss an opportunity to snag a custom order. Happy shopping!

Win a Cadara Bu™ on Beneath The Rowan Tree

2010-11-19T21:37:00.000-08:00

Lori from Beneath The Rowan Tree is one of my favorite people. A smart business woman, a good friend to me and many others, and a talented artist. I follow her blog and love her views on childhood and play. We have a mutual love fest as the kids and I are horders of all things BTRT, and she has her fair share of Bu. Can you feel the love?

Well, when she asked me to play in her holiday give-aways on her blog, of course I said yes. I'm honored that she would think of me in that caliber and it's always fun to talk shop with her. Check our her blog, with a chance to win a Cadara Bu™ in the Marvel colorway and keep reading each week for other fun goodies being given away.

Cool Cards

2010-11-15T19:08:00.000-08:00

I needed new business cards and needed a newer version of care cards to use with the Cadara Bu, so I shopped around for something fun. A friend turned me on to Boo and I'm so glad she did. My care cards have a different picture of gorgeous dyed bamboo on one side and all the info on the other. My biz cards have my favorite colorway on one side and contact info and a little thank you on the other. They are half size—small, cute and fun!

Bu, But Not Blanket

2010-11-15T19:02:00.000-08:00

A good friend and fellow wahm asked me to dye up a couple of shirts for her, one in jewel tones and one in whatever I wanted. Her favorite colors are cobalt and purple, so I took that and ran with it. I haven't shown them to her yet, so let this sneak peak be our little secret.

DKol Photography and Her 365 Days

2010-11-14T14:40:00.000-08:00

A local friend and photographer is blogging a photo a day in her 365 Day project. Check out her latest subject. Bu never looked so good!

A Special Custom Order

2010-11-13T18:06:00.000-08:00

This custom was close to my heart. I got a note from a customer who wanted to do something special for her friend. I don't usually take custom orders in this way, but I just had to help. My customer's friend recently lost her baby and she gave me her hospital blanket to dye and upcycle into Cadara Bu for her friend to use later when she conceives again. Having suffered a loss myself, I know all too well her pain. I wish them all the best of luck in their journey and hope that these blankets can bring comfort along the way.

Latest Customs and New Colorways!

2010-11-07T12:50:00.000-08:00

I just finished two very fall inspired colorways for two custom orders. One is more girly in nature than the other, but both are deep and rich, two different takes on the fall colors that abound outside now. The first is called Earthtone and the second is Quiltblock.

I also added new colorways to the latest Fresh stocking. I've found a renewed love for blue, inspired by finding some antique turquoise jewelry of my great aunt's. She loved the stone and had many beautiful pieces of it. Another recent inspiration has been our heirloom hydrangea. They have dried on the bush and have the most gorgeous combination of colors.

These new colorways are Aztec, Dried Hydrangea, Elation, and Starling

Recent Work

2010-10-14T19:09:00.000-07:00

I have been remiss in posting. Shame on me! I have been hard at work on customs, new product launches and a huge co-op. Here are some snap shots of just a bit of it. Enjoy!

Several new colorways!

Back From Vacation!

2010-07-24T18:14:00.001-07:00

We're back, well, we're home at least. I won't be back to work for another week technically, but for all intents and purposes, we're back. Vacation was a blast. It was a much needed break for the whole family and a wonderful time to reconnect.

Looking forward to the upcoming months at work with the new stocking at Necessitae, some new products that are in the works and a new website being built!

Collaboration with Bella Rose Inspiratios

2010-07-21T06:00:00.000-07:00

This is a sassy and sweet collaboration with Bella Rose Inpirations. A calypso skirt and Cuddle Blanket in a girly rainbow.

Strawberry Bottom Baby Collaboration

2010-06-28T18:04:00.000-07:00

Another great collaboration with Katie of Strawberry Bottom Baby. A brand new Bu colorway, called Katie, in a Cuddle Blanket, paired with an adorable pair of small longies. I loveKatie's knitting, it showcases the colors in the yarn perfectly. This collab is stocking on Club Thread this Wednesday at noon, so be sure to check it out!

Newborn Collaboration

2010-05-05T09:16:00.000-07:00

Tickety Bu is helping Amour Tricote celebrate their grand opening on May 8th with a newborn set in a brand new colorway, Amour. Shades of red, pink and gold are sure to delight the new baby girl, or the mom to be.

Spring Collabs and Celebrations

2010-04-28T05:45:00.000-07:00

Spring is the time for new ideas, collaborations and celebrations. Why not? The weather is nice, the flowers are blooming, everyone is feeling happy and renewed. Tickety Bu was honored to collaborate with several great artisans this week, guest at several wonderful shops, and there are more to come!

Today at Wild Child Woolies, Angela has paired some Tickety Bu T's with her famous wool interlock. I'm in love with the scrappy sets she's done, such a fun way to wear wool.

Another great collaboration at a celebration for Becky's Paper Creations' birthday. This set is the perfect gift for an expecting mom, a journal, Cuddle Blanket™ and Bitty Bu™ set. Something luxurious for the baby and something for mom to put her thoughts and feelings.

Bu Bash 2010

2010-03-31T16:52:00.000-07:00

It's time again, April Fools and the 2 year anniversary of Tickety Bu on Hyena Cart. Lots of great dyers have joined us this year for a stocking to dye for! Get it? There are also two new Bu to love, the Silky Bu™, the third member of the Bitty Bu line, and a new swaddling blanket, the Tickety Tac™. Both of these are tactile delights and sure to please the little one in your life. These will not be available on a custom basis, so make sure to snag the one you love when it's in stock. I do plan on offering them regularly though, so keep an eye out for your favorite.

The Silky Bu combines the warm softeness of bamboo velour with the cool silkiness of silk satin. The contrast is amazing and so luxurious, it takes the comfort of the Bitty Bu to a whole new level. The silk is dyed by Beneath The Rowan Tree, the velour by Tickety Bu and the combination is stunning in each one.

The Tickety Tac is the ultimate swaddling blanket. Made from bamboo interlock, it hugs your little one in pure softness. Un-appliques have been added for a tactile treat that is sure to please for years to come.

You won't want to miss out on two incredible collaborations that are being offered. One with Zen Moon and one with The Indigo Onion. These talented dyers have given their own look to two Bu staples, the Cuddle Blanket™ and the Bitty Bu™. These are one of a kind items!

We'll see you at the Bu Bash, tomorrow, April 1st at 8pm!

Lola & Leo, what a great collaboration

2010-03-19T17:37:00.000-07:00

I meant to post this last weekend, but the days really do have a way of getting away from me. This is an awesome collaboration to celebrate a fun grand opening. Lola & Leo is a shop of great talent, just check out the beautiful doll too! My own daughter would love to get this set, thank goodness she is way beyond potty training and doesn't know about it!

A New Year Brings New Products, Introducing the Bitey Bu™

2010-01-08T12:53:00.000-08:00

My product ideas tend to come from our home and the things we use or need. We have tested and used every product that I've made long before it ever gets mass tested or sold. I believe strongly that if it's not something I would use, I shouldn't be offering it.

The Bitty Bu™ was something that my youngest son demanded soon after his birth. He loved to smush his face into his blankets and my fabric, and it was obvious he needed a lovey. Well, he was the imputus behind our latest product as well. He is a late teether, and he's really struggling with it. My other two children teethed early, quickly and almost painlessly, but not the X-man. As a result, he's taken to chewing on his Bitty Bu, but they don't offer him the comfort or satisfaction he desperately needs. I have a good friend whose daughter is 3 days older than my son and she and I commiserate about life with the babes and she came to me needing one too. They needed a little more bite to their Bu, and the Bitey Bu was born. I do want to give a special thanks to my good friend Diane, who named the Bitey Bu. I am always thankful for her humor and grace in my life.

Made in the same fashion as it's counterpart, the Bitey Bu has one noticeable difference, one of the loveys has a 3" wooden ring sewn in. Made of one solid piece of birch, the ring is 1/2" thick, sanded smooth, and finished with multiple layers of olive oil. It provides lots of chewing comfort to those in need, and tactile stimulation once teething is complete. All Bitty Bu sets will have the option of becoming Bitey Bu and I'll be offering Bitey Bu sets already complete as well. I hope they bring your little one as much relief as they have mine.

The Holidays Are Here!

2009-12-12T11:54:00.000-08:00

All but two of the customs for the year are done and shipped, just waiting on shipping for those remaining. YIPEE! Michael will be home next week, after over a month abroad. Needless to say, we are all more than ready for this holiday season to officially begin.

Of course, I can't sit still for long, so I decided to make Cuddle Blankets for the kids to keep in the car. Xander just got a lovely red chair, so I did his in Vamp to match. Magnus wanted his to be "blue". He never strays too far from the original "pink. and blue." colorway he requested of his first Cuddle. Lorelai dyed hers all by herself. She is unbelievably proud of her sunny, girly creation. In her words, "it's the best Cuddle Blanket EVER!" Ah, to be almost 6 and so happy. Well, I can't say I'm any less happy, just not 6.

Happy Halloween All!

2009-10-31T06:05:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone has a spooky, treat filled Halloween! The kids would tell you that they are going as Hannah Montana and the real Hannah Montana. Funny thing is that the one without the wig is the real one!

Customs From the Last Few Weeks

2009-09-04T20:08:00.000-07:00

I've been remiss. I haven't done a good job posting about custom orders, or updates on what's going on. I'm such a bad blogger! Well, here's the mother load of updates.

I'm stocking a ton this month. Venus Vanguard just finished the first of four movie stockings, the next will be Wild Rumpus on 9/10, then Freaky Friday on 9/18 and our pic on 9/24. I chose Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. These have been a ton of fun and I can't believe what the other ladies have done. So much creativity there!

Fresh celebrates it's first birthday this week with a reFresh themed stocking. I've refreshed a few popular colorways, taken a refreshing look at some tried and true colors and just experimented in general. I haven't been satisfied to do things too many times, I've been searching for an outlet to do new colorways in, and this stocking has proven to be just the right thing.

I've also started a Facebook fan page for Tickety Bu. It's the place for all sneak peeks of upcoming stockings. I'll post there first, sometimes days before the previews go live, so become a fan and get the inside track to what's coming next.

My customs list is LONG in case you hadn't noticed. I'm getting a little nervous about it considering how close we are to the holidays. Doesn't seem like it, I know, but in all honesty, I might not be able to open the list again before the holiday USPS shipping deadline. I'm working hard to get a handle on it so that some more people can do some holiday shopping with me. Be sure to sign up for my newsletter as I will open it to that group first.

And, last but not least some most recent customs. I have too many to post, but wanted to share some at least. Enjoy!

First, my latest wholesale order for Waddle N Swaddle. Always a treat to see your things in a store and Jenn is such fun to work with.

Some fun, girly Cuddle Blanket and Bitty Bu sets:

A Cuddle Blanket in one of my favorite girly coloways:

A Throw for mom and a Blanket for son:

And a fun diaper 6-pack:

A New Bit Of Love, the Bitty Bu™

2009-08-14T18:40:00.001-07:00

I have been told for a long time now stories of customers losing their Tickety Bu diapers when their little ones fell in love with them and wouldn't let them go. They were being stolen and turned into loveys. I always thought this little bit of thievery was adorable, but I really couldn't relate since both of my two older children never took a lovey.

Well, along came Xander. All of my products have been born out of a real need with my own children and this is no different. Xander has been in love with fabric since birth and has a habit of holding onto blankets, covering his face with them when he sleeps. I didn't want him getting tangled up in a blanket in his sleep, but wanted to give him the comfort he desired. And the Bitty Bu was born.

Sized 14" square, the Bitty Bu is small enough to hold and cherish, but big enough to comfort for years. Made of my luscious organic bamboo velour they have no picot edge, trim or binding to get in the way of all that love.

Vacation Customs Galore

2009-07-27T13:19:00.000-07:00

I recently got back from vacation and was busy before and ever since with customs. Here are some fun things for some really great clients.

First off are two Cuddle Throws™ for two of my good friends who recently celebrated birthdays. The first one is Jewel and the second is a new colorway called Sarah.

All of this was an anything goes custom order for a great, long-time client. She got two Cuddle Throws, a hooded towel and a set of pillow cases.

A recent trade with another WAHM gave me some incredible knit woolies and her a Cuddle Throw, a set of hooded towels for her kids and I sent her a bath sheet just for her as a pay it forward gift.

Last but not least, a sweet Cuddle Blanket™ for a sweet mama.

For Var and Nita

2009-06-09T06:06:00.000-07:00

When I think about all that Nita of Hot Salad has been going through lately it breaks my heart. Nita is an awesome WAHM and an awesome mom. When I found out that other WAHMs were getting together to help her travel to see Var, I had to help out too. I can't imagine the idea of being away from my kids and know how hard this must be on Nita and her family. I keep them in my thoughts everyday and hope for the best for them all. Join me and other great WAHMs at Fiber Chrysallis on the 11th as we try to give this great family a little bit of comfort.

Local Artisan Trunk Show Open House

2009-05-02T08:41:00.000-07:00

I'll be at a local artisan show in May, so come check me out if you are in the area! Waddle n Swaddle is a maternity boutique in the Poughkeepsie NY area specializing in made in the U.S.A. fashion forward design, transition and nursing clothes, all types of baby carriers and unique baby items and gifts and will be hosting a Local Artisan Trunk Show Open House on Saturday, May 16th from 12-4pm.

Meet local artisans that have products and services at Waddle n Swaddle everyday, and see their full line of products related to pregnancy, postpartum, children and family. Touch, feel and experience the products or services, meet the person behind the line and enjoy some light refreshments! The local artisans participating include:

HagRag
Jae Bird Studies
Lyla's Lovelies
my SIS designs
Prenatal Yoga and Tiny Yoga
Surprise Photography
Three Sisters Herbals
Tickety Bu
Yoga with Your Baby
WOW Baby

Tickety Bu, Now at Waddle n Swaddle

2009-04-26T20:44:00.000-07:00

You can now find Tickety Bu Cuddle Blankets™ and hooded towels at Waddle n Swaddle in Poughkeepsie, NY, a wonderful maternity boutique specializing in all things for the fashion forward pregnant mama, babywearing and cool baby gear, including cloth diapers and other natural parenting items. I'm excited to offer more things on a local level and to be given a great deal of creative freedom with the products they stock. Check out the Cuddle Blankets that went to the shop this week!

Easter Fun and Other Musings

2009-04-16T10:45:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted much from a personal perspective lately, so I thought I should. Today our little X-man is 2 months old. He's another big boy, 13.5 pounds and such a happy baby. Well....except when he's sitting with his big bro and sis on Easter and tired of being asked to smile. Brother M thought it was all hysterical.

Easter was a big hit. The bunny left the kids some great WAHM gifts--stuffed BV bunnies from Beneath The Rowan Tree and we also found some faerie items in the garden while on our egg hunt (also from BTRT). We all decided that a faerie must have been helping the bunny hide eggs. When she got tired, she took off her slippers, had a sip of water from her goblet and set her crown and wand down to take a rest. She left all of this and flew off in a hurry. We're holding it for her now just in case she returns looking for it.

Babymooning has been wonderful though. He's a good sleeper compared to the others, so I was really relieved about that. We're in a good groove with our schedules, school, work and such. If only I could figure out how to deal with the wild moods of a 5-year old girl, I'd be doing great! If it's like this at 5 I'm in real trouble when she turns 15.

We've had a few days of fantastic spring weather, spending as much time outside as possible. Too bad I can't take my sewing room out there. It's perfect--clear skies, 65° and just the tiniest hint of a breeze. The flowers are blooming, the trees are just starting to bud and the birds and other little critters are out playing. And, it's calling me now, so I better cut this off.

But I can't leave the post without something work related included, so here's a shot of the X-man snuggled up in his hooded towel. ;)

Hip Hip Hoppity

2009-04-11T14:11:00.001-07:00

I did a fun custom for a great client of mine recently. She wanted something that would be a replacement for the tissue or grass in her kid's baskets. She was looking for them to all be in the same colorway, but to be identifiable from each other so the kids could tell one from the other. We all know how kids can be protective about their stuff! We came up with this colorway together and I made sure that the corner where the tag is on each blanket is a different color, so everyone could keep it straight. I really hope they all enjoy snuggling up on Easter morning with these!

Momtrepreneur Of The Month

2009-04-03T18:29:00.000-07:00

A local photographer and fellow working mom Melissa Surprise is featuring me and Tickety Bu on her blog this month. I love the photos she took of some of my work, my work space and of course, the kiddos. The timing is perfect as Tickety Bu celebrated birthday #1 on April Fool's Day. In honor of the day of practical jokes, we're playing one on ourselves and having the Bu Birthday Bash in May. Starting May 6th and on each Wednesday in May, I'll be offering totally free lottos for packs of wipes and FFS lottos for Cuddle Blankets(tm). Of course I'll have lots of diapers, wipes, hooded towels and other stuff stocked all month. All this fun leads up to a great stocking on May 27th with an auction for a custom Cuddle Throw(tm) and lots of fantastic guests. You won't want to miss it!

Babymooning Customs

2009-03-17T15:32:00.000-07:00

Well, I took a week off of sewing once the baby came, but not from dying! I've been hard at work on coustom orders. Just had to share a few that I fell in love with.

Boy Oh Boy

2009-02-18T07:04:00.000-08:00

After a long awaited arrival, our third baby has made his way into the world! Xander looks every bit like his older brother, and has the same laid back attitude so far (although what baby doesn't who is not even two days old!). Born Monday night after an intense, but wonderful natural VBAC delivery, we are home now and enjoying our babymoon.

I'll be doing some dying for custom orders over the next few weeks while relaxing with the new one, but I'll be back for the March Fresh stocking and for the upcoming Tickety Bu Birthday Bash in April. Keep an eye out for my newsletter with more info on the guests and birthday specials I'll be running.

Making Way for Baby

2009-02-09T08:53:00.000-08:00

Well, he's still not here yet, so I've been getting customs done to pass the time and so I won't get too impatient, lol! He'll be here soon enough and then I'll be wishing for work time, right? I guess I should take some time to make the little guy something as well too. I have been so focused on work that I haven't taken the time to make him a single thing other than some diapers. Poor little guy needs a Cuddle Blanket(tm)!

Oh, Baby!

2009-02-06T17:48:00.001-08:00

Happy due date to me, happy due date to me! I'm here, still pregnant, but loving every minute of it. This is our last, and it's been my easiest pregnancy by far, so I'm content to wait until the little guy is ready to make his way into the world. I've been enjoying these last few days of pregnancy, playing with the kids, doing crafts and a little bit of work here and there as I feel able. As usual, I have had some really fun customs of late.

My Last Stocking Before Baby

2009-01-26T06:47:00.000-08:00

I have little time left before our son is born, so today will be my last stocking for awhile. I hope to stock with Fresh on February 9th for Mischief (what a fun stocking!), but it will all depend on when this little guy decides to make his arrival. I'm going for a VBAC, so everyone keep their fingers crossed for me!

Today's stocking has several custom slots, diapers, wipes and a few Ooga Booga Cuddle Blankets(tm). The Ooga Booga blankets are one side of scrumptious Ooga Booga bamboo interlock with a coordinating side of bamboo velour in either brown or green. These will tame any little monster you have!

I also just finished a large round of customs that I couldn't be happier with. Some great mamas out there let me have a lot of creative freedom. I just hope they love them as much as I do!

Inspire Stocking with Fresh

2009-01-09T07:28:00.000-08:00

I am so bad, I fell asleep last night before I could post this! These last few weeks of pregnancy have me feeling very tired. But, there are some great things at Fresh today for our Inspire stocking, you have to check it all out! My stuff includes some Cuddle Blankets(tm), diapers and even some custom slots. All inspired by things in our lives, my daughter, my son, the nature around us and the history that we have experienced in the places we've lived. Something for everyone!

Holy Cannoli Customs

2009-01-01T09:09:00.000-08:00

I have been working on customs non stop for the past two months and have been able to do some really great things. I have been very lucky to have customers that allow me quite a bit of creative freedom and are willing to try new things. It makes my work fun and new all time--I'm so thankful for all of them!

Decadent Stocking at Fresh

2008-11-07T21:18:00.000-08:00

Fresh is stocking on the 9th and it's all about Decadence. This was a challenging stocking for me since I usually think of the negative connotations to the word decadence, so I opted to go for the idea of comfort and coziness, using all bamboo velour. I'm offering a Cuddle Blanket(tm), some prefolds, a custom slot for a pillow case set and a Cuddle Throw that is to die for! I won't be terribly sad if it doesn't sell as I adore it, lol!

Bath & Body Stocking

2008-10-26T20:16:00.000-07:00

Ack! I've been so busy that I forgot to post about the great bath and body stocking last week. Natalie from Earth Muffin was a special Tickety Bu guest offering great products like face wash and serum, shampoo and soap bars and we did a fabulous bath time collaboration too. There are still plenty of wipes and wash cloths to be had as well as some custom slots for hooded towels and pillow cases, not to mention a Cuddle Throw!

Crisp Stocking at Fresh

2008-10-09T12:04:00.001-07:00

Today we are stocking at Fresh, the theme is Crisp. I have bamboo velour dipes in Fall Foliage, MacIntosh and Carribean Sea colorways as well as some natural bamboo fleece diapers with a pick-your-serge-color option on all. I am also offering two Cuddle Blankets(tm), one in the Iceland colorway and one in MacIntosh. Everything is perfect to snuggle up in the crisp fall weather!

True Colors

2008-09-20T07:01:00.000-07:00

The True Colors dyer's charity challenge is on and items are being posted every day. It's a great cause no matter what you end up bidding on. I did a Cuddle Blanket(tm) for the cure. The Susan G. Komen foundation (now known as For The Cure) is a great organization that has raised almost $1 billion dollars for finding a cure for breast cancer. My family has been touched by this disease so it's an effort that is close to my heart. Be sure to check out all the fiber artists who are participating, there are gorgeous things to be had!

The Labels are Here!

2008-09-14T12:58:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm officially official! My current clients know that I have hesitated to include labels on my products to date. Why? you might ask. Well, I did a lot of testing of various diaper designs in order to find the perfect diaper for my family. My goal was something that performed better than other prefolds but that was also very easy to use. Part of that ease of use for me is the ability to throw them in the wash, into the dryer, and then pull them out of the dryer and just fold them in half and stuff them into the changing table drawer. When I change my son, I simply reach into the drawer and put a diaper on him. There is no front, back, up and down to any of them. They are the same fabric on both sides, no side seams or serging. I think this makes for a better diaper, especially for those looking to save time and effort in their diapering routine. The moment I put a label on my diaper, there is automatically a front, back, up and down to worry about. After all, you don't want a label scratching your poor little one's back or tummy!

After lots of requests and a long time deliberating, I will be providing the option for labels on all custom diaper orders. The labeling will also include a s, m and l label for easy size identification, which will help those with two or more in diapers. I will also be adding labels to my Cuddle Blankets(tm), towels and clothing, but not to my wipes (lol!).

So, for those who have been waiting, the labels are here! I will not be adding labels to the diapers that I stock on Tickety Bu, this way, everyone gets what they want. ;)

Fresh Stuff Going On

2008-09-10T19:01:00.000-07:00

Well, it's been one crazy summer. I was so looking forward to fall, but now I'm sad to see the summer go. My daughter is going to school full time which has been very bittersweet. My son is growing like a weed and it's too fast for my taste. And work just keeps growing too.

I joined Fresh and we just had our grand opening. It's been great working with such amazing WAHMs, not to mention the support and laughs they provide. Custom orders have filled my plate for the last month, and will for part of this month. But, I'm adding some products to my line and the first, hooded towels, will be offered in a Bath stocking later this month. I'll be focusing on my Cuddle Blankets(tm) more with the coming of cooler weather and of course doing tons of fun diapers. I am loving a new dying technique that I recently did and call them Double Dipsicles.

Some more fresh news, my cart and blog are getting updated. Andrea of Wanted Web Design has helped me out, tying all of my online worlds together and giving Tickety Bu a much needed polish. I hope you'll enjoy it as much as I do!

Summer is Here

2008-06-29T14:00:00.000-07:00

I've been remiss and have neglected my poor little blog. So sorry! I took a bit of a break, well not a break, just cut back a bit in June and now I'm working hard again for a big July! I just finished some collab sets with Say Sumthing that I love.

I also took some time to get things done at home. We totally redid our living room into a playroom for the kids. I hate the idea of unused space and given that we have a family room that we use for TV watching and a basement for playing pool, crafts and such, the living room was just sitting there looking pretty. The light is fantastic in there and the kids love it. They've already gotten a ton of use out of it and I just know it was the right thing to do.

Yards and yards, and yards and yards

2008-05-16T10:03:00.000-07:00

It's been one crazy week! Lots of running around and activities with the kids and sewing all the spare minutes I have. I'm a gal who likes a routine, so this has been a good experience for me to practice rolling with the punches. Probably not the best time to start weaning my son hard core, huh? He's doing better than I thought he would and I'm hoping that after 5 days of just nursing first thing in the am and right before bed has him over the hump. I'd like to get him sleeping through the night, then I'll cut another nursing session out, then we'll stop altogether. It's a bittersweet process, but the lack of sleep is really wearing on me and I'm more than ready to have my body back. It's time, for us both.

I'm looking forward to the arrival of almost 400 yards of fabric. I've really missed the loop terry and am excited about the fleece and interlock that's coming soon. I'm also developing some fun collaborations and dyed sets for the summer, it should be lots of fun!

When it Pours, it POURS

2008-05-02T19:03:00.000-07:00

Well, I know I told everyone about my hard drive crashing and me losing EVERYTHING. It unfortunately didn't stop there. We recently got over a week long bought of the stomach virus that's been going around and the entire family had it. Then, Magnus cut my hand open when I was taking a piece of broken glass from his hand. Thank goodness he wasn't hurt. And to top it all off, one of our dogs ate almost two pounds of chocolate covered raisins and we were worried she might not make it.

The good news is that we seem to be on the mend, whew! I'm almost done with a big round of custom orders and will be open for more soon. And, I'm anxiously awaiting a big shipment of super soft loop terry and fleece. I can't wait to get my hands on it. I'm thinking of stocking a 6-pack and 12-pack every other week so people know when they can get them. I'll probably stock natural dipes in every size and serge color every week in one of my fabrics and rotate a new fabric in each week. That way everyone will have some options of fabrics as well.

I'm also working on an email newsletter, I'm just deciding which program to use. It will be much easier to fill everyone in on the stocking stuff that way.

Oh! And I'm getting ready to stock some gift sets that will be so much fun, woo-hoo!

Holy Velour Batman!

2008-04-20T21:05:00.000-07:00

What a crazy day! I had a simple stocking, one of every size in natural velour with all colors of serging. I thought there would be mild interest, but I didn't expect to get 15 orders today! I was all settled in for a relaxing Sunday, lol. I'm NOT complaining though, in fact I'm thrilled that everyone is liking the diapers. I got a lot of fun dying done this weekend and that has been great. Lot's of 6-packs and 12-packs to work on this week as well as some Singing the Blues velour diapers, dyed low immersion style in shades of slate, blueberry and black plum. They are yummy. I'm trying to decide if I want to start a regular stocking date and time so people know what to expect. We'll see how it goes till the end of the month and then decide. Off to sleep now, whew! I'm beat!

It's here.......

2008-04-16T05:28:00.000-07:00

The velour is finally here, woot! I have already washed up 10 yards and have started cutting. It's so luxurious, I'd almost forgotten just how much. I'm looking forward to doing some dying on it, but probably won't get to it till next week or weekend. I just finished another custom order and am about to start two more, so I'd like to get those done and out before I do any more dying.

I've got tons of ideas for sets--t's, diapers and blanket combos, dyed and appliqued, so I'm very excited about that. Too many ideas!

April Fools on Me

2008-04-08T19:08:00.000-07:00

I had my Grand Opening on April 1st, which turned out to be the beginning of a wild and wacky week. The launch of the site and business went really well. Several mamas from DS started some buzz for me and I've gotten at least one order a day, including several customs and a lot of 6 packs. I'm swamped!

But, then there is the rest of the week....Magnus got sick with the croup and was sick for 5 days. He's the kind of kid that clings to me non-stop when he isn't well. Needless to say, every day was all about him. Then, my hard drive failed. I back up regularly, but hadn't backed up in about a month so I lost all of our Disney pictures, pictures of Magnus' first steps, not to mention ALL of my business files. I can't imagine the hours and days of work it is going to take me to replace it all. And of course I can't replace the pictures. I'd happily redo all of it to get those back. Heavy, heavy sigh.

So, I'm focusing on the positive. I have been dying tons of fabric and will be sewing up several dozen dipes this week for a Friday stocking. I'm hoping to get my dyed 6-packs stocked by the end of the weekend at the latest. And, I'm anxiously awaiting the delivery of a ton of fabric. Woo-hoo! I can't wait to get sewing on some fleece and velour. I've been out of velour for too long.

A No Foolin' Grand Opening

2008-03-23T18:12:00.001-07:00

What a week it has been, or weekend I should say. I was able to get cut 20 diapers, 30 doublers, 21 wipes and made 6 wool blankets. I'm in love with the serger yarn I'm using on the blanket trim and might just have to save one of those for us. It is orange, my favorite color, and oh so soft. Hmmm......

The site is up, running and has the blankets on it. I'll do more descriptions tonight and once the photos are done, the products will all be loaded. I am going to offer two colors of diapers in addition to natural this stocking, a wedgewood blue and spring green. Both lovely colors and great for the new season. I'm also tempted to make some yoga pants in the blue color for me. I really must get this fabric sewn into diapers immediately or else I'll have a new wardrobe and nothing to stock!

Testing, testing, 1, 2...

2008-03-17T18:25:00.000-07:00

We're back from vaca and it's time to get busy on more testers. A big bulk of loop terry arrived on my door today so it will be in the wash tomorrow being dyed. I am excited to test more serger threads and get the loop terry in the tester mix. I also got my url registered and started the process of setting up my site. It will be a very busy month!

Taxes, serger thread and fabric galore!

2008-02-28T19:17:00.000-08:00

I got my first bit of fabric this week, yay! I'm researching direct suppliers now. I want to develop a relationship with a source buyer, I think it will be better off for me in the end. Today was a big day, I got my sister's serger in the mail. My serger just isn't workhorse enough to keep up with the demands I'll be putting on it so my sis graciously offered to loan me hers while I get things up and running. I also got in some thread cards from Superior and think that's the thread I'm ultimately going to use. Bottom line is that I'm going to use the best of the best I can so my products can stand the test of time. After all, one of the benefits of cloth is using the diapers for multiple kids, these dipes have to last. I washed some bamboo today and will start dying and sewing tomorrow, making some testers. Since I already have a construction design I'm happy with, and I know that absorbancy is fine, I'm really just testing serger thread and dyes at this point. I'll be a bit ahead of the game though, so when I get back from vacation in mid March all I need to do is start working.

why tickety bu?

2008-02-21T18:42:00.000-08:00

I thought it would be a good idea to have a blog and start putting all my thoughts down while opening my new business. I started out in advertising and after 12 years of working in marketing, I had my daughter. I didn't start out wanting to stay home, but had the opportunity to when we moved from Richmond, VA to New York. It was quite an adjustment going from working 60-80 hour weeks to taking care of an 18 month old full time. I was having a blast! Lorelai is a wonderful girl and I started taking one day at a time for the first time in my life. Living each day to it's fullest and slowing my life down dramatically. It was just what I needed.

Part of slowing down meant taking stock in our lives as a whole. My husband and I began making changes for our family. We starting "going green." We started small, recycling more, eating organic, changing to florescent light bulbs. The normal stuff. Then, I got pregnant with our son Magnus, and the changes to our lives really started to happen. We composted, did away with paper towels and all chemical cleansers. When my son was born, we started to use cloth diapers.

When I started using cloth I did what many do, I rejected the idea of prefolds and decided that we had to use pockets and AIOs. After trying a bit of this and a bit of that for 6 months, I found the prefold love. And with that of course, came my love of wool. I love how easy they are to use. I love using natural fibers on my son. The next logical step for me was to make my own. I have always enjoyed sewing and this was an opportunity for me to make exactly the diapers and covers that I wanted. I started using bamboo velour and wool exclusively on Magnus. The simplicity of the system, the softness, the superior absorbency and the renewable nature of the fabrics really appealed to me and made sense with our lives. And I had a lot of fun making them!

After being out of the rat race for a few years, and given that our daughter is in school now, I had been thinking of doing something that would bring some money into the house, but that would fit with my desire to be home with the kids. Making cloth diapers seemed to be a natural fit for me. It's really the culmination of what we've been doing with our lives over the last few years. So, tickey bu was born!