From Idea to Reality

Kidderbug Kreations was born June 2014 because I wanted to create beautiful, useful gifts for people to give their loved ones. I was going to be an empty nester soon and had some life-changing events happen that required me to change directions in my career. Since my grandmother had taught me to sew and I enjoyed being crafty, it seemed a logical choice to explore this side of me more fully. Having learned how to embroider several years ago, I decided to combine the two arts into one. Since I get bored easily, I have a multitude of creations, many of which are one-of-a-kind items.

I thought you might be interested in learning how items are designed and created. First comes the pattern. Scouring multiple websites for embroidery designs takes time but shopping is so much fun. I’m like a kid in a candy store. I look for designs I like and that I think you will like as well. If a design requires personalization or modification, that work must be done on my computer as well as making sure it will stitch correctly before transferring it to my embroidery machine. Once the prep work for the design is ready, then I can begin the fun – however, first I need to use the correct stabilizer for the project, properly hoop the item, then set up the machine for the correct threads to sew at the correct time and be sure everything is lined up correctly. If the design is an applique, an initial stitch is done, then material is placed on top of that stitching. The next set of stitching is done and then the material is trimmed around that stitching. This continues until all the items have had material placed and then the final stitching is done. Depending on the number of stitches, a design can take up to 90 minutes or more to stitch. After the stitching is done, the item needs to be trimmed and cleaned up. Depending on the item, it may need to be sewn together, cut out, or have finishing touches added. After that, a picture must be taken to be able to put on the website. Describing how items are listed on the website is a story in and of itself. When thinking about what my favorite part of the process is, I had a hard time deciding. Although picking out designs, fabrics, and colors is great fun and seeing the finished product is enjoyable, the best part is seeing someone’s face light up when they find the perfect gift and appreciate the work that went into creating that special gift.

More about me:

What is my favorite item in the shop? That’s a tough one. I think each new item I make becomes my new favorite.

What is the biggest seller? Embroidered toilet paper!

What type of music do I listen to while working? It’s difficult to hear music above the machines but I enjoy listening to country, K-love, and Adele.

What other things do I enjoy when not working? I enjoy scrapbooking, traveling, and spending time with my family, however that’s harder now with my kids off to college.

I thought you might like to see a short video of how one of my reading pillows is created.