Lets find out more about Lil Stuff

The second Etsy shop involved in this months giveaway is Lil Stuff. We interviewed owner Kelly Quinn.

Tell us about the name of your shop.

As I was making some of my first items and thinking about starting an Etsy shop, the name Lil Stuff just kept coming to me.  I basically make Little things for your little one... even though my best seller now is my Extra Large Laundry bag which is not so little...the name just seemed to fit.

Is it big business or a hobby? 

 

It is a hobby turned business, I am very fortunate in that I have a popular shop on Etsy, and it keeps me sewing pretty much full time.

 

Why do you like selling on Etsy?

 

 I love convos!  I love the fact that customers can contact me easily if they have a question, want a custom size, or just need advice on which product to order. There is really not any other marketplace where you can shop, buy an item that is hand made, or  request a custom made item that is exactly what you want.  I do a lot of custom work, and it is what keeps the job interesting.

 

How long have you been sewing, knitting, crocheting, etc.?

 

I really don't remember, but probably I learned to knit when I was 10 or so, and to sew when I was 12 or 13....so that's a long time.....

 

What is your favorite thing to make at the moment?

 

I made the discovery that the PUL I use is pretty eco friendly and healthy, as in no BPA, Phthalates or lead, so it is very food safe, I decided to make a few snack bags for this reason, and I have really been enjoying putting snack bag sets together.  I am getting ready to list some sets, they are so cute, like tiny little wet bags and they are fun to make.

 

What are you passionate about?

 

Living a healthy lifestyle.  I think it is important to avoid exposure to harmful chemicals and things in our environment when we can.  This is up there in the reasons to cloth diaper, as just think how long your baby is exposed to dioxin and the other chemicals that are in disposable diapers...24/7 for 2+ years they have that plastic in contact with their skin, to me that is not as healthy as using cloth.  There are many other areas of life and eating where chemicals and unhealthy things can be avoided, I like learning about these things and also offering products for sale that help people trying to live a healthier lifestyle.

 

What is your favorite thing in your shop at the moment? Why?  

I really like my small size wet bag.  It has a snapping strap and you can snap it over your stroller, or any strap.  It is small enough to take anywhere to contain a diaper or two, an accident, or just messy clothes from one of those car trips where your baby eats in the car and decides to wear it instead of eat it....been there.  Wet bags made with PUL are great because they have a moisture barrier, and a smell barrier, yet they are breathable, which helps your soiled diaper not get super stinky.

Who/What is your inspiration?  

I always say my Granddaughter is my inspiration, even though she has about outgrown diapers, she is still what keeps me going.  She loves to play in my fabric scraps and generally get into mischief in my sewing room!

Why is cloth diapering important to you?

 

Basically for the reason I mentioned above, it is a learning experience, but I think it is important to do the best we can to help our kids and ourselves have less chemical exposure and live as healthy as possible.

 

What is your favorite or least favorite cloth diapering memory?

 

Probably with my own kids and my Granddaughter, my least favorite memory is that moment when they learn to take their diaper off, and you don't realize it!.....been there too!

Be sure to check out Lil Stuff!