Some essentials.

Hello!

I'm a bag fan. They're my thing (along with writing lists), I've always loved them and always will.

So it was with great excitement that I chose my first ever changing bag when I was pregnant with Wilf. It was selected for its style (obligatory Cath Kidston polka dot) not too girly, so Daddy would be happy with it on his a shoulder, and functionality - with pockets galore and a great big mat. I loved using it and filled it to overflowing with all the baby 'essentials'.

Sadly I've since bid farewell to the pretty polka dots in favour of a more practical backpack, which Daddy is much happier with. With baby number two I tried to kid myself that I could get away without carrying round a load of stuff. Turns out I can't. I've been caught out a number of times recently after packing in a rush or deciding I didn't need a particular item. Improvising with a muslin in place of a changing mat is fine though right?!

So with that in mind I've decided to add an 'essentials' range to the little maldod shop. Some staple items that I couldn't do without but with a little maldod style.

Aside from the usual nappies and wipes, here's my top three:

A changing mat:
This lovely roll up travel changing mat is so handy, it can be fitted into smaller bags and can be thrown in the wash when needed.

Travel changing mat, £11.95

Muslins:
You can never have enough! These personalised muslin squares remind me of the embroidery stitched hankies my Gran used to have with her initials on. These muslins are extra large so can double up as a sheet for swaddling as well as clearing up drips and dribbles!

Personalised muslin squares,  from £3.95

Available as a single or as a set of three and finished with ribbon.

Feeding Cover:
I didn't have one of these first time around and used to just drape a shawl over me to cover up when I was breast feeding out and about. But having made some as gifts I decided I would make myself one for baby number two and its been brilliant! I can just pop it over my head, pop baby under it and look down to see her feeding (or fidgeting depending on how hungry she is!)

Floral breastfeeding cover, £14.95

I've had lots of comments on it and had great feedback from friends who've used theirs. I'm feeling brave so here's a little snap of me modelling it...

A well used cover, hence the creases!

If you or a friend are choosing to breastfeed they're a great buy. The covers are currently available in a lovely peppermint green polka dot and a newly added floral print. However if you have a different colour scheme in mind I'm happy to take customs orders to suit.

An extra thing which I couldn't do without in my bag is pegs! Random I know but the number of times I've used them to peg up muslins to the buggy for wind/rain/sun shade is ridiculous! You never know, perhaps I'll add a pack of pegs to the shop soon too!

I'd love to know what you find essential in your changing bag and if there's anything you'd like to see added to this range do let me know, I'll add it to my list!

Before I go, on the topic of bags I'm going to be making up some lovely drawstring bags in the next week or two, perfect for little people and just in time for the new school term. So if you're looking for something a bit different for a nursery or school kit bag, keep your eyes peeled on Facebook and Instagram.

Thanks for reading,
Lowri x

Its good to be back

Morning all,

What a lovely week it's been, it feels great to have the shop doors back open again and I'm so grateful for the lovely comments and messages of support. I really enjoy everything that's involved in running little maldod and when I get feedback like the message below it puts an even bigger smile on my face!

Vest orders have been as popular as ever this week. So I'm very pleased to announce that some new designs are now available. These gorgeous designs are by the very talented Emily a Skull and Cross Buns and I can't wait to see them on some vests.

If you follow me on Facebook or Instagram you may have seen that I'm offering a one off sample price for each new design. So if you're looking for a bargain you can snap a personalised vest for just £5.95, saving you £2 with FREE delivery thrown in.  As a sample the vest will be photographed for the shop before its popped in the post.
But be quick, there's only one of each design available so if you dont want to miss out head over to the shop, QUICK!

Some lovely fabric has also landed on my doorstep this week, Im excited to show you what I've got planned for it. Hopefully I'll get some time on my sewing machine over the weekend....

Whatever you have planned over the weekend I hope you have a lovely time.

Thanks for reading.
Lowri x

Minor adjustments

Hello All!

Eeek, just one day to go.....

Before I open the doors again I wanted to update you on a small change that I'll be making to how the shop will be run.

With two children now running/ rolling around little maldod HQ life is pretty busy and time is even more precious than ever. As you'll probably have worked out by now little maldod is an independent handmade business that is run solely by me, not withstanding the amazing love and support that I have from my husband (AKA chief label printer in hours of need!)

Almost everything  I sell is made to order and everything is carefully printed or sewn, packaged and sent to you as if I were making a gift for a friend. Because I want the same care and attention to go into each order without it being rushed out the door and into the post box, I've decided to extend the dispatch time from 5 to 7 working days. Very often I can turn things around well within this time frame but at least this gives me breathing space when life gets busy.

Personalised vests have been a best seller for little maldod and the original long sleeve vests will still be available when the shop reopens. However I'll also be stocking some shorter sleeve vests (like those below) with brand new designs which will be perfect for the summer. 

I've come up with, what I think, is rather a clever plan and will be offering a selection of each design and style at heavily discounted 'sample' prices. The only catch is that the vest or t-shirt will be photographed for the shop before winging its way to you. A win win situation don't you think? I'll post more details of this on facebook and Instagram in the next week or two so keep your eyes peeled.

Finally, the eagle eyed amongst you may notice that some products have been discontinued. This is so that I can keep things looking fresh and exciting. However if there's something that you spotted before that you'd like to order just drop me a line as I happily take commissions.  

I very much look forward to welcoming you back again tomorrow and hope you enjoy what’s to come over the next couple of weeks.

Thanks for reading.

Lowri x

It's been a while....

Hello!

So, one minute it was March and I was awaiting the arrival of our daughter, the next minute she's here smiling, giggling and rolling and its nearly August. It feels just like yesterday that we bought our little newborn back from hospital and started to settle into life as a four. Our chirpy (read chopsy), happy and contented little Anwen is an absolute joy and such a wonderful addition to our family. 

I thought I might have updated this blog a bit more than I have done since her arrival (i.e. at least once) but as it turns out I rather lost my blogging groove when life's pace stepped up a gear.

However I've found great enjoyment in documenting life's adventures through Instagram. Its a great form of social media and I've experienced a real sense of community from it. If you use it then do look up and follow @littlemaldod for more up to date happenings.

As well as welcoming Anwen into the world in March we've had a fun filled couple of months. We've celebrated mine and Wilf's birthdays, spent time visiting friends and family and had a lovely week in West Wales in a delightful farmhouse. We've also had lots of lovely home and garden time and have been making the most of the amazing sunshine. Here's a few photos of what we've been up to. 

 

A break from the shop while we adjusted to life as a four has been lovely (and much needed) but I knew I'd want to get back to little maldod over the summer, so here I am! Yes in case you've missed it the shop will be open for business again from this Friday 1^st August (gulp!)

I'm very exited to share some lovely new products that I have planned as well as making some little maldod versions of things I'm finding really useful with a little one again.

I'll share further details of these in future blog posts but this feeding cover is a small taster of what's to come. 

If I'm honest with you, as well as being excited I'm also slightly nervous about opening up the doors again. I'd got used to running things with one toddler who could be depended on to have epic afternoon naps and to go down well each night (SO lucky, I know.) Now there's another little person around and time is even more precious. I've therefore decided to make a small change to how the shop is run but I'll update you on that next time.

I'll also share some details of a special offer on samples that could be making their way to you very soon.

Thanks so much for stopping by and I look forward to welcoming you back to little maldod on Friday!

Much love,

Lowri x

Awaiting an arrival

Hello!

Sorry for the silence, I can't believe its over a month since I last posted. I have been pretty busy preparing for the arrival of baby number two and its safe to say a nesting frenzy has been taking place here at little maldod HQ. Its amazing the satisfaction that can be found in sorting out the Tupperware cupboard! 

We've had a lovely month and I've thoroughly enjoyed pottering and sorting. Wilf's newborn baby clothes have been washed, folded and put away ready to be worn again, new prints for the nursery have been framed and put in position and blankets used by my sister and I have been lovingly handed on to us to use after almost 30 years. We've also celebrated Sam's 30th birthday, spending part of it at my parents' beautiful home in Pembrokeshire and then having an obligatory curry at home with great friends.  

I love the Belle and Boo print in this picture.

 We've also been enjoying the spring sunshine and Wilf has a new found love for the garden and all things mud! Its been fun to watch. 

Wilf, Mr Turtle and a muddy hand

When I last posted I had plans for some crafting before our baby arrived and I'm pleased to report that I've manged to get round to making the patchwork blanket and breastfeeding cover that I had planned. 

Patchwork blanket on the top and a striped quilt last used by my sister and I in the 80's!

 They were delayed slightly as a certain little monkey had managed (who knows how) to shove a knitting needle into my sewing machine, jamming it up good and proper. Thankfully my mum helped me take it apart and pull it out so I was back up and running again. 

I also managed to get round to making up lots of cards for the next month or two. March is a busy month for celebrations in our family and I didn't want to miss out on sending cards to some special people. It was nice to freestyle on some designs and I think some of these will be added to the shop at some point, so watch this space. 

Its been lovely to make gifts for other people over the last few weeks and last minute orders have just made their way to me before our own due date. Baby H is due to arrive this Thursday so it could really be any day now. I've decided to shut up shop for a little while from today, just until life with a newborn (and toddler) settles down to some degree of 'normality'!

I have lots of ideas for new ranges I'd like to add to the shop when I reopen, including some big brother/ sister t-shirts (which Wilf will most certainly be modelling in the near future) new gifts for older children and some mini Easter bunting that I can't wait to make for my own home. When I get round to some prototypes I'll pop some pics on the little maldod instagram feed (@littlemaldod).

So keep your eyes open for updates on our new arrival and for details of when the shop will be reopening. Thank you all so much for your support so far this year.

Right, I'm off to find some chocolate and then for a pedicure which I've been looking forward to for WEEKS! Stay put just a bit longer little lady........

With lots of love,
Lowri x

Patchwork, presents and pink

Hello,

I hope you're all staying safe and dry in all this stormy weather. I'm writing this from the comfort of the sofa during the peace and quiet of nap time and hoping the rain will stop before we have to take the dog out. 
But while my feet are up I thought I'd pop by and say hi. 

**UPDATE: Since writing this we've taken the dog. It did rain and very nearly got blown away! Roll on Spring!**

Yesterday was my last day at my part time office job before heading off into maternity leave and I can't tell you how glad I am to have got to this point. Although I only worked there 2 days a week I'm so ready for a bit more time in my week to rest (as much as you can with a 20 month old!)

With our current child care arrangements staying in place for a few more weeks I'm looking forward to a bit more me time and a chance to prepare for the little one's arrival.

I'll still be carrying on with all things little maldod but over the next few weeks I'm hoping to find time to make some things for baby number 2. I've been gathering scraps of fabric from the remnants that are in my collection and am planning to make a patchwork blanket (pram size, not a masterpiece!) Here are a selection of the fabrics I might use. 

I also want to make a breastfeeding cover which I know other friends have found really handy. I've made some for friends in the past and decided that this time round I'd have one myself. This lovely Cath Kidston fabric is nice and light so will do perfectly.  

Minus the creases of course! (Straight out of the fabric box)

We'll be making some changes to our guest room and hopefully turning it into one of the children's bedrooms. Before they take up residence in the summer (when the little one leaves our room) it'll serve as a nice place to play/feed. I've decided to put the build-your-own bunting sample in there to brighten things up, I quite unexpectedly liked the rainbow effect that the flags made. 

In the build up to finishing I've been spoilt with some lovely gifts from a special friend who has given me countdown presents to mark each day left in work! 

 

  And I returned from work yesterday to some beautiful roses, dafs and dahlias from my boys. I feel very blessed! 

If you haven't already guessed from the photos, we're expecting a little girl. We haven't kept it a secret from friends but neither have we announced it across all social media. However, I' guess this post doesn't exactly hide the fact that a little lady will be joining this household! 

There's no point denying it.....things are going to get very pink around here!

I look forward to sharing some photos of whatever I get round to making, that's if little miss doesn't decide to turn up early.......

Thanks for stopping by and reading.

Lots of love,
Lowri x

Snapshot of January

Hello!

Happy Saturday and 1st of February!

It seems like January was quite long and I'm quite glad to be heading into a new month, which brings slightly more light to the end of the day and lots more new shoots popping up in the garden. Now that its February we can also say that baby number 2 will be with us NEXT MONTH! This is both hugely exciting and slightly daunting at the same time..... we have a LOT to get ready.

Anyway, will think about that another time! For now I thought I'd share with you a quick round up of the last month, something I've decided I'll do each month throughout this year.

Little maldod making was quiet early in the new year so we enjoyed lots of cosy nights in with the fire and some amazing hot chocolates (I can highly recommend Twinings hot chocolate). We also blitzed the last series of Breaking Bad, a brilliant series which we've both really enjoyed.

We've enjoyed some nice walks out and about, some in the sunshine and plenty in the rain. Wilf discovered a love of "brellas" and i'm now on a mission to find one that is toddler size!

Signs of spring have been about and it was lovely to have some flowers in the house again.

We've finally got on top of toy storage issues so our lounge has been a bit of a haven this last month - no longer just Wilf's play room but a nice place to relax too.

We've had some fun times at the swings and a few crafty sessions at the kitchen table too.

 
Sam and I also had a lovely night away in Ross-on-Wye at the lovely Bridge House Bed & Breakfast. My mum babysat and although we were only gone 24 hours we felt so relaxed coming back. We both LOVE being parents but just a short break away and to have time that was just for us was so lovely.

The end of this month has seen lots more little maldod orders than I expected and for that i'm very grateful. I was also amazed at the response to the build-your-own bunting giveaway and have thoroughly enjoyed making up quite a few custom orders along with personalised bunting.

I'm looking forward to February when we'll be spending weekends with friends and family and hopefully getting ourselves organised for our new arrival.

Wishing you all a wonderful month ahead!

Thank you for stopping by.
Love,
Lowri x