Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Welcome Sponsor: Seedpod Craft Studio



We are happy to be welcoming sponsors at Bloom and so thankful for the interest we've received. Today, we're excited to introduce you to Jessica Croker, owner of Seedpod Craft Studios, and her sewing patterns for baby gear. First, the Seedpod story (which we think is awesome and fascinating):

Jessica is a homeschooling mother of five who always has to be making something. Typically that means she's sitting on the floor simultaneously knitting and playing legos, or sneaking in 5 minutes here and there to sew in her dining room turned sewing room while the kids read. That also means that she ignores copious amounts of laundry and wishes that her 3 year old could remind himself to go to the bathroom.

A year or so after graduating from art school she started Seedpod Craft Studio as a creative outlet where she sold handmade books. Over the years it morphed into a blog to document her crafty endeavors in quilting, learning to spin yarn, printmaking, sewing, and parenting.

Her most recent endeavor has been pattern designing. After her 5th baby was born she really wanted a cute, trendy, soft structured baby carrier and didn't want to pay an arm and a leg for it. She figured out how to make one and thought others would like to make one too, so she put together pattern pieces and fully illustrated instructions that she sells as a PDF from her Etsy shop. It's called the SweetPod. She recently released a second pattern called the SweetPod Saddle Bag which is a diaper bag that you can use on its own or attach to your baby carrier.



We love this kind of innovation! So do the people who have purchased the patterns:

"this pattern is amazing! Made the carrier a few weeks ago, we love it! Perfect for carrying baby, and I got to pick my fabrics. If all patterns were written this nice, I'd sew more. Thanks a bunch! :)"

If you'd like to see a sampling of the gorgeous baby carriers people have made with Jessica's pattern head on over to the SweetPod flickr group

We hope you'll check out her shop and the patterns she offers - these patterns would make such a thoughtful gift for a sewing mama on your Christmas list.

And a few of you might be lucky enough to receive a free pattern because Jessica is offering 4 patterns, winner's choice of either the Sweetpod Baby Carrier (can carry baby in front or back) or the Sweetpod Saddle Bag (can be attached to the carrier or used as a stand-alone diaper bag).

Leave a comment to enter.
Winner announced Monday morning.



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58 comments:

Erin said...

I love how personalized you could make these to give as a gift.

Katie said...

Ooh ooh! I'm due in May and would LOVE one of these, even though I may "outsource" it to a friend who's a better sewer than I am:).

james and bess said...

wow - these look amazing!

bess

Jessica said...

These are fabulous. I was looking for a pattern like this when I was pregnant with my last baby, but couldn't find one that I liked. Now I'm for sure going to add this to my wish list for when baby #3 comes along!

acandiedapple said...

That is so cool! I love both of them.

Sarah said...

I would love this!

Avalon said...

That would be great to win!

Alicia said...

Last year nothing could make me attempt something like this. Now that I can sew (at least a whole lot better) I feel like I can attempt it. So fun!

sarahandmatt said...

I'd love to win either of these! Of course, I'd give it to my Mom. She's a way better sewer than I am!

Jessica said...

Ooohh! Pick me! Baby boy will be arriving later this month and I would love to whip up one of these before he gets here.

Karissa Jade Ferguson said...

What a great giveaway! Thanks :) Those look wonderful :)

Alice H said...

Really interesting - thanks for introducing this to me and for the giveaway! alicedemskehansen at gmail.com

Katie said...

I have considered making one since Jessica first released the pattern--this would be great motivation to do it!

ellen said...

The pattern would make a great baby gift!

stacey said...

I love the idea of having a personalized carrier. Hooray for creative people!

Ricki said...

It always amazes me when people can create something they want and in the process they usually come up with something even better. I would love to try my hand at a baby carrier!

queenann said...

Wow. How lovely. I would really love to win the pattern for the carrier.

Thanks!

Anna said...

WOW! That is exactly the kind of carrier that I've been looking for. I would LOVE to win!f

Gina said...

I've had my eye on the Sweet Pea carrier for ages. I'd LOVE to make one.

becky said...

I would love to make one for my on-the-way baby. What a great idea to sell the pattern!

Vicky said...

I'd love to make one of those. I've never been very happy with the carrier I have.

Astyn said...

I'm in. I would love the pattern to the saddle bag.
Thanks!

Ryan & Keri said...

I LOVE it and I LOVE the name! I actually just had my last baby, but we found out yesterday that some really good friends of ours are not only expecting for the first time, but TWINS! Yes, imagine our shock and their's!!! Anyway, this would come in very handy for them, as their hands are going to be extremely full.

Malinda Crow said...

Dude, I want one sooooo much!!! These are so cute!

Heather said...

These are so beautiful! I am due in February and was planning on purchasing an Ergo. Perhaps I will just sew one of these up instead.

Jessica said...

Those are both so cute! It would be hard to decide which one! I'll have to do this as a project after my many Christmas projects are finished!

Barb said...

I'm amazed at the innovation and creativity of some people!

Unknown said...

these would make awesome baby showe gifts.. and could be personalized to fit the lucky family... i'd love to win a pattern!

anna jo said...

I love jessica's blog and I've been wanting to try out the sweatpod for a while now. so basically, this is the greatest givewaway ever. :)

Michelle said...

How fun! Thanks for the giveaway!

Rebecca @ Better Life Bags said...

I'd love the pattern for the carrier!!!

annie said...

How great are these? I love keeping my babies close and this would be a great way to do it!

Cherise said...

Just browsed through the pictues! These look wonderful!

Emily said...

Those are so cute!!

Dallas and Natalie Turley said...

So cute! I would love to try and make one for my little baby girl!!

frugalmom said...

I already bought both patterns but if I win it would be fabulous gift for some of my crafty baby wearing friends!
monique@thefrugalfarm.com

Lynn said...

Great opportunity to make a super pattern!

Nina said...

YES!!! I would LOVE the carrier pattern.
I just discovered this pattern yesterday. I was searching for instructions to make my own carrier after deciding $130 is much more than I can afford or want to spend (especially when I have mad sewing skills and can just make my own). I have my hands full homeschooling, homemaking and caring for my 8 & 5yr olds and 6 month old who LOVES to be carried (currently in the new native). This would be great to help alleviate some of the strain on my neck and hopefully make my busy days a lot easier :)

Thanks for the opportunity!

imlovingeveryday@gmail.com

pagesempire said...

Would love this!!! I'm expecting my third and would love to make one.

Megan said...

Oh man! That carrier pattern is delicious!

Darcy said...

These look amazing! An essintial for any new momma! Would love to win this!!!

Sally said...

What a great pattern. I love creative Moms. I would like to know how she can possibly home school five kids and creat patterns. I don't home school or do laundry and I can't seem to find time for anything creative lately.

april said...

Sadly, I don't have a baby to make one for, which is why I have not purchased the pattern for yet. I do know, however, many young mothers and mothers to be that I would happily make a carrier for. I may just have to break down and get one. hmmm.

Brooke said...

i would LOVE one of these patterns! i did purchase one of those carriers that cost an arm and a leg... love it, but would like to gift some too... or the saddlebag. that would be fantastic!

Majane said...

yes please! I would love to try this

Unknown said...

What a great giveaway!! I would love a carrier like that. Thanks.

Nicole said...

What a wonderful baby carrier! And to be able to choose your own fabric - even better!

Unknown said...

Love baby wearing, and love sewing!!!

Dasha said...

wow, i would love to win. My bff is expecting a little one in three weeks, pattern would be great so i can make the bag for her.

Sheridan said...

Wow, these are great! I need one!!! :)

Michelle Glauser said...

Sure, I'll add my name to the list. And if no one responds for the TomKat Studio giveaway, let me know. :)

Telsha Winger & fam said...

Fun! I want one!

Kara said...

Awwww.... I love it. I could sure use one for my 6 month old who prefers to be held ALL THE TIME! I never thought to try to sew one!

Anonymous said...

I work with a lot of women "of childbearing age" so am always looking for great, handmade gift ideas - LOVE these!

Joli L.
Tacoma

Mandy said...

I'm so excited to sew beautiful carriers for my partner and me to snuggle our babies in! Thank you for offering such a great giveaway.

Anonymous said...

I was just looking for a gift idea for a friend and discovered this pattern...wonderful.

Rachel and Jared said...

They look amazing!!

Rachel

Shannon said...

I'm using the cheapo freebie diaper bag from the hospital right now. I would love to have a cute new pattern to make one. Thanks for the chance!