babyburrito blog

Interview with BESO TV

2010-11-04T18:55:00.004-04:00

I am super excited about tomorrow and my little interview with Beso Tv. They want to see my studio and ask me about my inspiration for babyburrito and what drives me. I am kinda giddy because I remember being a little girl and always wanting to be a fashion designer and would see designers on TV being questioned about "what inspired you?" And designers would pull these off the wall inspirations for their said collections. I thought yeah wow!
The truth is when I think of what inspires me I realize it's my sons, children books, art history, art, Asia- especially Japan- the internet, culturally diverse clothing, traveling and own my imagination, you do realize that one idea starts and forms another and another and before you know it you are 180 degrees from where you started but it is now your very own.
I love what I do, I want to do it more and more often. So I guess I just want to say thank you to all those people and stores out there who like what I do and have a little babyburrito in their lives. From one dreamer to another.

Christmas in October

2010-10-23T13:24:00.010-04:00

Here is a little lookie lookie at my Winter/Christmas snowperson snowglobe sleepsack now available, worn by my lil'guy Phoenix- he's entered the work force ;-) He looks so darn cute if I do say so myself, and I most certainly do! Call me biased.

In our household we have a tradition of getting the boys a Christmas pajama every year, so I decided to make sure I offered something festive at babyburrito for this coming snowy season. As it is also Phoenix's first Christmas.

What's great about our sleepers is the fabric is organic cotton and bamboo-giving it a soft touch similar to cashmere, also offering quick diaper change solutions as well as little mittens to keep them from scratching themselves. Great ease of movement within the sack- even those crawling or walking babies can still scoot around if you just rise the elastic from the hem to sit on their hips. Easy in and out with the kimono style opening for those messy changes- nothing needs to go over their head. Created right here in Quebec - trying to ease our carbon footprint - one step at a time.

The little snow globe is filled with a snow person hugging another baby snow person. Tis the season to show love and affection- so go and hug another snow person(well in a few months maybe)- or better yet a real person/baby- much warmer. Have yourself a merry day from babyburrito.

New Beginnings

2010-10-06T12:33:00.006-04:00

Wow- summer is officially over and long live Autumn!! I love the colours the smells and the temperature. We call it sweater weather in our household.

I have been procrastinating a lot- guilty as charged but now I can no longer ignore, it is that time again to start a new collection. I have enjoyed spending most of my time with my 8 month old Phoenix and his older brother Aidan- this summer was gorgeous and I played hooky!!

Sadly I was unaware that one of my fabric sources: SYKA Textiles out of British Columbia had closed its doors this past year. Very sad news, as not only were they progressive in offering a wide variety of organic fabrics but Susan Gagnon, one of the owners was such a pleasure to work with and offered wonderful customer service that was hard to beat. Wishing them both luck as I am sure our paths will cross again.

So now on to our new collection, I have decided to share where I buy my organic fabric with all of you out there as I find people are so tight-lipped about sources and hence you see what can happen to a great company. So if you are looking for amazing organic fabrics try Manoir Inc. Right here in Montreal and milled here as well- I could not be happier to help support a Canadian milling company, a rarity these days.

So be ready to see some new sleepers, summer hats and you'll have to wait to see what else.

Hint: meerkats, elephants and pirates oh my!!!

Summer Sling Sale!!!

2010-06-26T08:10:00.013-04:00

For all you bodacious babes and proud papas, we're offering our XL and XXL slings for an incredibly low price of $29.99. Head over to Etsy to purchase them. Enjoy summer hands free!

Yes the sale of all sales is finally here on our web store. We've slashed our sling prices from 74.99$ to 64.99$ for the summer months. So pick one up and see how easy it makes running errands with your little bundles as well as getting stuff done in your homes. I especially use mine when I am running in and out of my car as it can be a real upset for my son, once in the sling all the jostling is long forgotten as the cuddles replace a car seat.

One thing I have noticed that is hard to find in a carrier is one that allows you to sit down while your baby is in it. Well I am happy to say if you place your baby in the side kangaroo position you too can enjoy some rest off your feet (this position is used once baby can hold her head up to about 7 months-depending on baby size). I was even able to enjoy lunch out with the girls on a lovely terrace in Le Gardeur while munchkin slept with his head on my shoulder.

That's what babyburrito is all about: making life with your baby always enjoyable, uncomplicated and full of cuddles and 'kiss breaks!".

Our slings fit newborns to a toddler of 32 lbs (around 3 years of age)

Locally made vs Overseas

2010-06-16T15:20:00.008-04:00

I am encountering a conundrum about manufacturing here in Quebec. I love Quebec I support local as often as possible, have my organic food basket, I source my fabrics locally (cotton does not grow in Canada) whenever possible and listen to the CBC - ok well that is easy - they play darn good music and I won't be blind sided by some pop song that has been on heavy rotation. Don't get me wrong I like pop music too - but I don't need to hear the same song four times in one day.

My problem is this: I am a small led business who manufactures here in Quebec and I am starting to see why companies shift to overseas production. Here is something I sometimes hear from my retailers: "People love your line but they often say it is expensive- especially when compared to other things in the store made in China". Now I don't thumb my nose at all things made in China, I've been there and I LOVE China. Great food, friendly people and landscapes like no where else. Warning avoid monsoon season.

However, I can't compete with prices from China, nor do I want to. I know that the people I use (locally) are paid fair wages, my fabrics are designer cottons and organic bamboo and organic cotton's. Therefore those things cost a bit more but they do make a difference in the end product.

So my question is "should I stay or should I go?" All I can say is if I do go overseas I will do my research and make sure their business practices are one that I too can support, because the World is getting smaller everyday and I am very aware of the foot print I am leaving behind.

So let me put this question out there for you. How important is locally made and creating jobs here versus saving a buck or two and buying my favorite example "designed in Quebec/or Canada but on the flip of the tag "made in China" ? Something to think about and something I have been thinking a lot about.

Modeling can be a real pain

2010-06-16T15:09:00.009-04:00

Had our photo shoot for our babyburrito summer hats up in the Laurentians at my folks place this past May, and if you know the Laurentians you know this is not the most pleasant time of year up there.

View Larger Map

Why you ask? Well out here we have these little nasty bugs called black flies, not only do they bite but they also leave with a little piece of you. Not cottage goodness at its best.

I knew my mission for this photo shoot. "Go in, take as many photo's as I can and GET OUT!!!!!". Especially when you consider I was using my five month old Phoenix as my unassuming and innocent little model. I think we did remarkably well considering all these photo's were taken in ooooh about five minutes (thank you Nikon D90 - money well spent), if you look closely enough you can see those nasty black flies circling his little head. My mom was standing by to swipe them away so do not fear for my child's safety, I had his back covered and would never unnecessarily put him in harms way - bug related or other.

So when looking at our new hats think of little Phoenix and what a trooper he is. I promised him the next photo shoot will be indoors and on a fur rug. He smiled.

Ethical Ocean - Earthy Web Goodness

2010-06-16T15:02:00.009-04:00

Trying to do your part for the planet in some shape or form? Try visiting Ethical Ocean - this will be your one stop eco web shopping experience pretty soon. From shoes to beauty products to us, they carry an extensive inventory of eco friendly, socially conscious and/or organic goodness.

This is a new site so please let your environmentally aware and eco conscious friends about this site as well as letting other businesses out there that fit their environmentally friendly mission know about them. Based in Toronto, serving Worldwide. Realizing your purchasing power has a world wide effect is sometimes the first step to bigger and better things. Try window shopping at Ethical Ocean.

Baby on the Hip - our first Toronto store

2010-06-16T14:54:00.005-04:00

Just wanted to announce our first store in Toronto this month: "Baby on the Hip". So all you babyburrito Torontonian lovers out there stop by "Baby on the Hip" to find some of our yummyous- is that a word? Well it describes precisely what you will find at this awesome store. Looking for something original for your little originals.
"Baby on the Hip"

Spring Cleaning Summer Hats

2010-04-19T15:06:00.006-04:00

I was feeling inspired today, got my post pregnancy butt to the gym and did a little roller blade, sun is shining and I am feeling pretty darn good. Hmmm now with all these endorphins drumming through my body I thought I would take a gander at some of my to do list. I have a small selection of gimme shelter hats (bucket or cloche style) from my last collection that are XL (56cm and XXL 58cm) that I want to offer for 10$ of locally made goodness.

Don't let the sizes fool you as they fit 4 year old's to 7+ years old's sitting low on the forehead. Great shade makers!! So with all this sunshine I want to offer them at crazy low prices and start fresh with my new hats coming out next month at 24.99$ Grab one or some up and keep your cuties covered up.

Pictures here: from front to back is blue dot, acoustic, yellow dot and bunny. These fabrics are from the Denyse Schmidt and Michael Miller line no longer available, which is too bad as they are gorgeous fabrics.

Sale on babyburrito slings

2010-03-30T14:04:00.012-04:00

Jump into Spring with one of our babyburrito slings!

To celebrate the warmer weather and no more baby's in snowsuits (for those of us living out East) we are having our first SALE ever on our babyburrito slings with 10$ off at Le Nid de la Cigogne AND Dans ta Bulle for the month of April!!!

If you are a fan of babywearing or have never done it I highly recommend trying what is out there to see what meets your needs, comforts and tastes . There are many styles available: wraps, mai tai's, or commercial snap em in type styles, and then there are our babyburrito pouch style slings. I tried them all before I realized slings were what I liked best especially for the toddler phase learning to walk. Easy, comfortable and fashionable and fits easily into your purse so you can have it on you all the time. Accessorizing how you wear your baby has never been easier with our vast choice colours and prints. So plunge in!

Know someone who travels a lot? Slings are a great way to leave the stroller at home and make it a stress free voyage, especially if you are traveling alone. Shopping, running errands and or doing things around the house make it a tad easier when you have your hands free again yet maintain a closeness that your baby needs.

Sling Features:

Leg padding (so it does not cut the circulation in baby's legs
Handy pocket
Narrow shoulder (for less bulk)
Quadruple reinforced seams
Woven fabric (giving babies spinal cords the support they need as they grow)
Newborn to 32 pounds
6 positions to carry your growing baby with the same sling.

Sizing is key when buying a sling as you want it to fall between your belly button and hip bone so the weight is centered on your core. You can get this measurement by taking a soft measuring tape and placing it on one shoulder bone and moving diagonally across to your hipbone. A good rule of thumb is to go by your fitted t-shirt size.

Le Nid de la Cigogne (St Viateur) Owners Ingrid and Nahani have high standards

They also carry a wide range of organic fashions both local and imported. So have a gander and then right across the street is St Viateur bagels so treat yourself to a Montreal staple.

A great selection for babywearing- ours are pictured far right.

Dans ta Bulle (Mont Royal) fragrance lover Tvine is the hip soap shop owner

Phoenix- my new burrito- came to work with me

Right now check out the gorgeous window featuring Mayukori's new pillow collection.

So happy trails...

cheers,
Lianne

babyburrito hats now on SALE at AppleCheeks!!

2010-03-30T13:56:00.006-04:00

Now's your chance to walk away with our Gimme Shelter hats on sale at AppleCheeks

Well it has been a while, and I do have a good excuse. We welcomed our second son, Phoenix Hawthorne, this past January, and here he is in his comfy St Lucia Applecheeks cloth diapers on our black edo minkie blanket (double plug plug ;-):

We have listened to your comments about hats sizes- so this Spring in our new collection you will find newborn sizes as well. Now that I too have a newborn I want to make sure I find some hip choices for his noggin. I did peruse to see what was out there and I must say the choices are pretty dismal, even worse for the lil guys.

Match your babyburrito Gimme shelter hats with an Applecheek cloth diaper and spring into spring with some zing. Psst pass it on!!

Great December Shopping Events

2009-11-29T16:00:00.003-05:00

Hello all!

just a quick note to tell everyone that I'll be - for babyburrito - at two of Canada's best shows.

The first one is in Ottawa and is Saturday the 5th of December. It's the Tart's 'N Crafts show during the winter edition of Ladyfest.

The other show is Souk@SAT which is in Montreal between December 11th to the 13th. This is more of an event than a show, and it brings in great designers from the Montreal area.

So I'll be there for both shows and I'm hoping to see a lot of you there as well.

We'll have some great specials on site as well.

Lianne

PJ Design Contest!!!!

2009-09-15T17:52:00.003-04:00

Hello all,

I'm having a hard time coming up with a Christmas theme for my new line of X-Mas PJs (organic cotton/bamboo blend). The fabric is red (duh) and the sleepers look like the photo below:
So I figured I'd open a contest to all the great graphic designers out there; do a little bit of crowdsourcing :-). The winner will get a PJ with their design on it.

The contest ends October 5th 2009.

Send your submissions to info@babyburrito.ca.

Good luck to all

My son's jungle themed bedroom-phase I

2009-09-02T20:11:00.005-04:00

I hate white walls- or rather I like colour and after living in our new house for two years it was way past time to do my son's all white room. Being pregnant probably has something to do with it too. Why is it when we are pregnant we HAVE to do all these do or die projects before the birth. I am not alone- you know who you are. You should see my to do list of last minute projects I hope to accomplish before the birth of my next son.

Note to parents planning to paint their child's room- never ask them what they would like painted on their walls. Sadly I did not heed my own advice as I did ask my son and guess what I am painting? A jungle theme with a pirate captain in a ship-aka my son and to also include an island of friendly dinosaurs. So two weeks into it this is where i am at and I am in negotiations with my three year old to leave out the dinosaurs and put in the wild things from "Where the wild things are". I feel more confident in my ability to paint the wild things over the dinosaurs and a great book.

So here are the first peeks of the jungle room. Considering I have not painted in ohhhh four years I was pleasantly surprised.

My new japanese slings are in...finally

2009-07-05T20:12:00.009-04:00

The funny thing about this great new sling having center stage is that they are the slings on my packaging-that without my knowing became very, very, very back ordered. So this is the first time they are available and I must say they are my favorites.

This fabric reminds me of fabrics I saw in Japan on my many travels. I used to pick up a variety of handkerchiefs because the fabrics they use are so beautiful. The Japanese have a way of weaving that seems to be really a style of their own.
Well enough about Japan- you should go- my latest addition of fabric for my pouch style sling will keep even the chicest gal ahead of the curve. not only is carrying your baby easy, it really helps promote a bond with your child that helps nurture a confidence and interaction with the world around them.
If ever you have question regarding babywearing I am more than happy to answer any and all questions because I believe in it that much. Yadda yadda I know. If you want to try one of my slings out to see if it is right for you I am in two lending libraries in Montreal. One is through Calins et Popotin and the other is through emporte moi. It is important to try many different carriers to find the right one for you.
All I know is I wanted minimum fuss (no tying or buckles) and something that would be fashionable (reversible) and not too granola. Sizing goes with your t-shirt size. Easy,easy,easy.

So without further ado here is the latest and greatest babyburrito sling. We are also offering free shipping over all orders of $50 so enjoy. Please send me some photo's too of you and your baby- would love to start a babyburrito ablum.

Welcome Flo Urbain and Literie Tou Dou

2009-06-26T20:31:00.007-04:00

It has been a while, busy, busy, busy. Wanted to introduce you to two stores you may or may not know of who now carry some of the babyburrito collection. Flo Urbain, going into its first year, they offer cool duds and furniture for your hip offspring. A little known gem as it is off the beaten path. But holy, holy, finally a cool store on the south shore with a worldly appeal and willing to take some risks. Need a great gift that will be something you would never find at Toys R Us, or their own in house modern furniture designs might make you rethink your kiddie's room. The staff of fully bilingual folks are very enthusiastic and eager to help you find exactly what you are looking for. So don't waste your time with all those vanilla (one was mentioned earlier) stores go to this destination, well worth the trip to the south shore.

Another great boutique is Literie Tou Dou, run by Anne, the designer, shop owner, sewer, and go-to cheerful gal. This shop is found on Van Horne and once you enter this moderately sized shop you are first blown away by all the great and never before seen fabrics. I would know I research fabric incessantly and have no idea how she found all these amazing and mostly European fabric companies. Anne picks out other objects that catches her eye- here you will find some dolls from Raplapla- pillows by mayukori- eeshh so many things I have never seen elsewhere and her price point is from very affordable to the higher price point if you are looking for custom literie for your baby/child's bedroom. I highly recommend you visit this store before you buy some bedding for your child, because I can tell you from experience I bought something from one of those big box stores, paid a lot of $$$, and really it is nothing special: some crocodiles and monkey's...I was having a cutesy moment I guess. Go crazy creative and visit Anne she will work with you on designing something completely individual to fit your personal style.

More importantly both these two stores strive to bring locally made merchandise, be it made in Quebec or Canada- love that. So of course I want to tell you all to check out these two stores and see first hand how great they really are.

Calins et Popotin

2009-05-14T19:55:00.004-04:00

Had a great day today, partly in thanks to the lovely words Veronique and Amelie had to say about my little collection. It was my first time in their store Calins et Popotin on Beaubien in Montreal, go take a peek. I was impressed with their cool variety of baby goodies and accessories. Who knew they made skull soothers?

They also offer babywearing classes which I think is such a great idea and have a lending library of carriers. So people can find the right carrier for them, with less risk in getting one they wouldn't use. They also carry our slings, so feel free to try on different models to find the one that is right for you.

I wanted to welcome them to the babyburrito fold, so welcome Veronique and Amelie of Calins et Popotin.

cheers,
L.

Tiny Tot Company launch

2009-05-14T19:50:00.006-04:00

Just wanted to say break a leg to Sylvana who is launching her new company web site, tiny tot company this week. Love her logo. Go show some support for another great woman taking life by the horns! (I am so full of cliches-and I usually get them wrong too) You can also find my minkie blankets and changing pads on her great web site. Love the entrepreneurial spirit.

My Mom who always inspires me

2009-05-08T19:19:00.002-04:00

Well one cannot talk about other moms and forget her own. Mine is one whom you love at first sight and she will have you laughing within the first few minutes of meeting her. you can always place her laugh across a room and she makes a wicked cheesecake. She keeps me on my toes, I like to procrastinate, frequently, and always has an ear for me when I need that mom word of advice.

I never realized how good I had it till I was a mother too and saw just how together my mom had and has it. A career women, soccer mom and crafty all around person, she made it all look so easy. Still does.

My mom is truly my best friend and the person I admire most on this planet. She always finds humor in everything she does. If I can be half the woman she is I'll be doing good. Laugh!!laugh!!laugh!!

Mom taught me well.

Love you mom,
xox

Mom entrepreneurs that inspire me part II

2009-05-08T18:57:00.006-04:00

Someone new to me - well rather I knew of her through several forms of six degrees of separation, is Ilana (mom of two) joint owner/creator of Apple Cheeks (cloth diapers) or perhaps you know her store Azure Wraps, part of Montreal's very successful "Maman, Bébé et Café".

I thought I was busy with my business and working but then I think of Ilana ,who shares Azure Wraps with her business partner Amy (mom too). These two gals do it all and I watch in wonder and take notes. I am sure we will see their company follow in the footsteps of the Robeez company, but for now I happily can ask them my newbie questions and they generously offer advice and ideas.

One cannot talk about Azure Wraps and not mention Maman, Bébé et Café, the innovative cafe for moms to gather, shop, eat, dance and mingle. Naomi's business has been emulated all over town and perhaps even further, but there can only be one original. Did I mention she has three kids.

One mom who was integral to helping me out when I moved back to Quebec from Vancouver was Josee St Amand, of Lily&colo. Trying to find all new sources is tough, and I was simply given her name one day, called her up and she hasn't stopped sharing and giving advice since then. Her business, of hip, practical bags for on the go, has really takien off. So if you want another fashionable yet Eco friendly option to carrying your groceries go check out her on line store.

So when I have one of those days when their is just not enough hours in the day, I take a deep breath and do what I can with passion and get inspiration from some of these local ladies, who yes work hard and are mothers, whether they know it or not they keep me on track and motivate me to think bigger and surpass the proverbial glass ceiling. Take a look at this great city - or wherever you may be. The knowledge and friends you can gather at your very fingertips is truly inspiring.

Happy Mother's day all

thanks ladies,

Mother entrepreneurs that inspire me

2009-05-08T18:35:00.004-04:00

Well I thought for this mother's day I would talk about some people who have happily entered my life some through my business and some through nature (my mom).

Two gals I admire for their chutzpah in business and ecological values, are Nahani and Ingrid of Le Nid de la Cigognne.

A store that carries organic products and/or local made products. They opened their store this past year and were the first store to take on the babyburrito fant-a-bulous line. Shameless plug. We have grown a lot together this past year and they continue to encourage me to not only maintain my made in Canada principles but always love my choices in fabrics. Did I mention they are also moms too. They do do it all. If you are looking for a great eco friendly or locally made baby gift this is the one stop shopping experience for you.

Here is another mom/entrepreneur/buyer/pregnant lady, Amy from Faon on St. Denis Street, is one of those people whom you meet and you feel like you have known forever.

Amy has this great store on a hip street in Montreal that not only has fashion forward clothes for little lassies but also has a great selection for the lads too. Someone who takes chances which is a refreshing change. Looking for something out of the ordinary that you won't want to pass on to your friends, try Faon on st Denis.

I always like happenstance meetings and I had one at the Salon Maternite this year when I happily met Isabelle of bébé d'abord.

A massage therapist who not only has a little one of her own but is expecting another one soon too. I find it fascinating women who do it all- an d with passion, and this woman has that in spades. So if you are looking for a massage, pregnant or not she is your gal.

Summer hats pandemonium

2009-05-03T20:11:00.005-04:00

Good news: we are almost sold out of our hats. Bad news: the fabric has been discontinued after only four months. Ugggh.

So I went back to my trusty fabric store (dangerous place for me) this week and pulled up some great finds. I even succumbed and picked up some pink print mixed with browns, for all those who have been asking for pink, I do listen. It would seem there is a trend in dressing girls in pink. Who knew?

So we'll have a nice assortment of browns, stripes mixed with blues and yellows, celadon blue dots and yes the perennial pink. I hope it will be as successful as the first launch of our summer hats. Mental note for next year, make more hats and buy more fabric for repeats. Learning fast.

Since being back from our trip to Barcelona things have been happily hectic. We welcomed a some new, great stores to the babyburrito fold and I am preparing to do Ottawa's Ladyfest this coming mother's day weekend. So if you are in the Ottawa area please come and say hello or take away some babyburrito limited editions summer hats. ;-)

I am also on Twitter too, which has become my newest obsession. I really love talking to people from all over and finding out we are all truly in this together. Ben Lee sang a song about that, and it is too true. Cheesy I know, but you should try it.

and the winner is....

2009-04-13T08:24:00.005-04:00

Well our Salon's contest was a great success 100s of people participated. Sadly only one can win!

As verified by our in-house accounting firm of Munchkin & Monkey Associates (proof below)

The winner is: Stefanie Gagne

Congrats!

And thank you all for participating

Salon de Maternite et Paternite

2009-04-06T09:42:00.002-04:00

Good Morning all, Bon Matin

Babyburrito's launch was a great success. People came out in hoards, regardless of what the economists are saying- there is a serious baby boom here in Quebec that is keeping the economy quite happy. Thank you for everyone who stopped by and said hello or took away a little babyburrito with them. The reaction to my company keeping products made here in Quebec was very welcoming and encouraging. It is impossible to compete with products made in China- not that I can or want to.

I will be posting the winner of the contest by weeks end and will also be sending out coupons towards an online purchase for all those participants who signed up as a thank you. No minimum purchase necessary. :-)

Once again my slings were a great success. I love that they are easy to use yet offer a stylish option for parents who want to keep their fashionable edge. The summer hats earned a honourable mention as did the organic sleep sacks and receiving blankets with silk screening.

I will post some pictures soon, but for now I am just catching up on some one on one with my son who did not see much of me over the last four days. We're doing matching tattoos as I write this.

Going The Extra Mile

2009-03-29T16:31:00.003-04:00

I have to share a really great experience I recently had of someone going over and beyond my expectations. It seems small but when you are developing a business and have time issues and are trying to get marketing, production, packaging, web sites and catalogs all done withing a short amount of time, it can sometimes feel daunting. So when someone helps you out and exceeds expectations I think praise is needed. I love to get compliments so I assume other people do too.

While I am revamping my packaging needs for my slings. Janice and Viola of Kwik Kopy were so great with giving me options in different price brackets and taking time to show me exactly how each sample would look. It seems small but I find so often people don't take the time anymore and when you are starting a business any mistakes that can be missed is huge for a small run business like my own.

So if you are in Montreal and need someone to help you out in printing I highly recommend this company for personal service that is so lacking in this day and age.

Early Easter Hunt Is On

2009-03-27T09:40:00.003-04:00

Good morning everyone. Typical spring day; gloomy, wet but warm. I like.

Well just wanted to let you all know we are having a contest to win one of our new organic cotton/bamboo swaddling blankets. Write us a sales pitch and whoever has the best one wins.

We will pick the winner April 11th 2009.

Good Luck.

May the best pitch win.

Cheers,
Lianne

Tanya Zaleski Photographer Extraordinaire

2009-03-24T14:06:00.013-04:00

Here are some of the shots from the photo shoot-let's just say working with toddlers and infants around nap time and snack time can been challenging. Kudos to Tanya who does this for a living. Hope you like our little tea party for Spring.Thanks to the two great moms for displacing themselves on this rainy day.

Above is Melissa and my sling muse and super awesome baby boy-name excluded for privacy- call him doe eyes. Here are the shots from the shoots-let me know what you all think. Need to make some posters this week.
A keeper for sure.

You may start seeing this cutie pie more and more on my site- he is my new muse and happy go lucky lil boy. Melissa you are a lucky girl to have such a sweetie.

Here are the other two little munchkins who had a great time, especially when the oatmeal cookies came out. Lost count at five cookies.

Here is the sleep sack on my little 15 month old model-let's call him speedie- the sleep sack is versatile as your child grows and can be rolled up onto the waist like an elastic waist band pant, allowing your child to motor around freely.

I can touch my toes mom!!!
Who you lookin at? Love our new sleep sacks- so roomy so no toes will pop out. Bamboo is such a great fabric, keeps you cooler in summer and warmer in cooler temperatures. auto regulating. It also wicks away moisture and offers UV protection.

Here is the original babyburrito- he is getting to be such a big boy. Time for another lil babyburrito.

Stay tuned as I update this crazy week before my next big show for Salon Maternite- should be fun.
cheers,
lianne head honcho

babyburrito Organics have arrived

2009-02-21T14:47:00.012-05:00

Before I talk about my new collection I need to share with you a new furniture designer who will be seen at a local shop near you in the future. I don't know about most of you, but I have recently started shopping for a new kitchen table, I did the whole IKEA thing when i moved out 16 years ago and now I want quality, cool design and something that will last. I have a list of things I am looking for, like reclaimed wood, local, no laminates or pressed wood and has to last longer than five years. Well I have come up empty until I saw this designer's latest work. All his designs are originals (with taste running from the 1930's to ultra modern) and he does try to use as much reclaimed wood as he can get his hands on (so if you know of any studios/ companies that just throw out their scraps let him know). He was recently featured in an American magazine's website called FineWoodworking; a furniture designers mecca for up and coming designers. So please check him out as he does mostly custom work.

Did I also mention he is my little brother, Jason Hogan.

I promised my new collection for February and I am happy to give you all a little peek at what will soon be appearing on my web site. I am over the moon happy with how everything turned out.

It was my first time working with a local company of seamstresses and I can be a "little picky" when it comes to quality, so when I first saw the items coming out of the boxes I was:

A) very happy
B) very, very happy.

Wish my son was still small enough to wear my organic cotton bamboo sleep sacques. The fabric I chose - bamboo-cotton blend - will become more like cashmere the more you wash and dry it, not to mention bamboo's natural wicking abilities which will help babies regulate their temperature and humidity. I chose to do sacques as I found that with my little guy I was constantly buying pyjamas (every week for the first two months) because his feet were huge and did not match the size of the pyjama for his age group. So this design eliminates that problem and the sizing actually allows the baby to wear it longer.

Here are some shots I took of some of my new collection of change pads, sleep sacques with matching receiving blankets and my new line of baby lounge wear of kimonos. Sizes run from 6 months to 4 years for the kimonos, but I will be adding the sizes to 6 years so I can selfishly have my son wear them for a few more years. I want my son to be a big burrito in the school yard.

I have so much to say in this blog that I will be cramming several blogs into this one, so stay with me I promise it will be worth it.

Many thanks go out to the organizer of girl geek dinners last tuesday night. I had the pleasure of meeting Tanya who organizes these really engaging cool soirees for local entrepreneurs. Hosted at maman bébé et café, I finally had the chance to meet Naomi Goldapple (I say finally because our husbands work together - small world), the owner of this innovative mom/dad destination (her business is geared for parents that want to connect with other parents in a setting that is both fun and relaxing). Whether you go for the food, the shopping, the spa or some of the fun classes offered for parents and babies, there is something there for everyone. For a little retail therapy check out Azure Wraps located in her store. They carry these awesome cloth diapers called apple cheeks, offered in almost every colour under the rainbow.

Met Kim Vallée who is one of Montreal's most successful bloggers about lifestyle and trends. Her site is soo great that you'll have to prepare yourself to want to redecorate your house to mimic what she finds for you all over North America. Martha Stewart with an edge and way more appeal. She generously just blogged about my line babyburrito which in turn created a spike in traffic for my site. So big thank you for that. babyburrito can now stamp Italy into its passport (we had a sale to Venice).

Had the chance to reacquaint with old friends too, Josée St-Amand who created a great line of stylish eco friendly bags called Lily&colo. She's has also been instrumental in helping me find many sources when I moved back here from Vancouver. Forget those bags the stores try to sell you, these ones you'll actually want to bring with you to shop.

New Batch of Slings

2009-01-25T19:56:00.003-05:00

It has been a little while since I last posted so here is what I have been working on in my little sweatshop. This is my third batch of slings that I have sent out in the last two weeks (which can be found at Bure et Linon), and the first chance I have had to take some shots of them. It has been a crazy few weeks, emails ( as well as laundry and snow) have piled up and sewing has taken priority. Which is fine by me, I like the view from my machine. Maybe I will get a chance to tackle both those other piles this week.

Stay tuned as I will be posting in a few weeks, my new babyburrito spring collection 2009. To which will include my new organic line of sleepwear and receiving blankets with silk screening, as well as my perennial blankets, change pads and slings. I hope you will like my new choices in fabrics. Took some risks, so we'll see...

Happening this weekend The Rusty Plum

2008-12-19T22:34:00.003-05:00

Go check out my friend Sandra's beautiful jewelery Tatsuko at The Rusty Plum craft fair at:

Saturday, December 20 from 10 AM to 7 PM
Sunday, December 21 from 10 AM to 5 PM

The Ukrainian Centre
405 Fairmount West (corner of Hutchison)

Tell me what you thought of her great stuff!

Cheers,

L.

Post Souk@Sat

2008-12-18T19:34:00.009-05:00

Posting this a little late, but I needed more time to recover than I thought I would. It is amazing what happens when you slow down- your body catches up and says it needs some serious couch time.
So onward... here are some of the lines that I shared space with in the baby room. All our lines were so completely different that it really offered a great amount of choice for the baby booming customers.

A nice alternative to using plastic and wondering what is seeping into our kids food when used at a high heat.

This bed set for cribs is by Poids Plume, Catherine offers great aesthetics for the modern parent.

Karine of La puce a L'agonie, offered some truly cute animal ears for the girly girls out there.
For some reason I don't have photo of BIBU bibs. Sorry Andrea, I must have become distracted. Well if you are on the look out for a vintage fabric bibs of smurfs, star wars or other equally rare vintage fabric creations. Contact her for a walk down your memory lane.
And last but not least was Lyne's hand made baby sock ( you can see a photo in a past post) called petit peton.

For those people who asked about the guitar print being made into slings and change pads. Good news-I managed to find 60 meters of it this week and will either be putting into sling/ kimono production or change pad/blanket production. Any suggestions? What does everyone envision them turning into? You can see the guitar print in a past post. I'm partial to a sling and kimono, for all those musician/ rock n roll dads out there. It seems a lot of the men coming to my table wanted a cool sling to carry their baby so stay tuned I picked up some fabric with them in mind and shall do some new models in XL and XXL,as my large size just does not do for the guys out there. I do listen.
These wooden robots were my heavy favorite from the show. A line called TARU. Alexandre, the designer does not have a web site as of yet but you can contact him directly through email. Lucky me his wife, Elsa, is taking one of my slings and trading three of his robots for one.

Here are a few other designers that really caught my eye:

Norwegian wood- designed by Angie, who makes these eye catching owls and pillows that look like logs.
Raplapla- does these amazing dolls that have their own individualities.
Pollen- by Julie, who does these broaches which are like antique lace with appliques on it. Don't quite know how she does it. But her gold fish broaches were cool.
Madara does these stuffed fish with japanese fabrics that would make a gorgeous mobile in a childs room.
Honeyflower was the place to go if wanted something sweet smelling and good for your skin. Picked something up for my son's dry skin. Angela also has a store you should go check out at

54 Duluth ave E. (between St. Laurent and St. Denis)

Montreal, Quebec

Mouvement has a collection of clothes that uses bias tape in satins and natural weaves and turns them into scarves , skirts and coming possibly soon hats...

cheers,
L.

Day 3 Souk@sat

2008-12-13T22:29:00.010-05:00

One word. CRAZY!!! This show is a must if you want to buy amazing local designer goods or if you are a designer and want to show and sell your products. Not to mention great people watching. I did not get too much time to mingle and take some shots of some of the great designers as such, I had to stay pretty close to my own enclave, but here is some of what I managed to capture from my neck of the woods.

Kudos goes out to Azamit who has organized this event six years in a row now.

I've also included a little photo of my own table, which is diminishing rather faster than I thought. A good problem to have I know. So everyone who is interested stay tuned for February when I shall launch my new line, also to include kimonos and an organic line.

A great way to end my year. Thanks to everyone who came out to say hello and take away a little babyburrito with them.

And thanks to Nahani and Ingrid who let me take all of my slings out of their store to help my dwindling inventory. Please go check out their great new store at 268 rue St-Viateur ouest. Le Nid de la Cigogne.

Cheers,
L.

Day 1 Souk@Sat

2008-12-11T22:44:00.004-05:00

Well kids- there be talent in there streets of Montreal. I am blown away by what I am seeing at the Souk@Sat, and seriously can't figure out why people still buy mass produced stuff. Seriously people there is so much great stuff out there. Don't you want to pass things on to your grand kids so they too can be on the "Antique Roadshow" and come home rich!!!
Ok I shall post some photo's or video tomorrow of some of the very fine things I saw and will see then. Was a bit overwhelmed with how great everyone's stuff was. Especially this guy who I shall take some photo's of his wooden robots. Gotta have one.... for my kid- yeah it's for my kid. A special thank you goes out to Julia for manning my table as I drooled over all the great stuff I could not buy. Arrghhh
night all.

Fabric nirvana

2008-11-19T22:00:00.005-05:00

Well, sometimes happenstance does bring us to where we need to be. Like in front of a wholesale fabric store that happens to carry some of my favorite fabrics (aka Michael Miller) at insanely cheap prices. I get a little excited around fabric stores- I know I am not alone. Onward...so I found these two Michael Miller fabrics that were hiding in the clearance section and grabbed them. Sadly, they only had five meters of each so I shall be doing a small run of my baby blankets to be sold exclusively at some of the Craft shows I will be doing this November and December.

Speaking of, I had some good news about being accepted for Souk@Sat today. My first time doing this show, but looking at the line up I can't wait see what the other designers will be selling.

Lil' intro

2008-11-16T20:11:00.004-05:00

Last week was a great week. Met up with another local designer, Agathe, to give her my scrap fabrics (check out the fabric) and mutually try to motivate each other and share ideas on starting our newly formed businesses. Always nice to chat with other creative souls. I first met her while doing Puces Pop and had to buy one of her head warmers made from recycled sweaters and buttons. I was also truly torn between her broaches, made from recycled fabrics, the hat won out. However, I did walk away with one of her broaches this past week, an early Christmas present to myself. Here are some of her broaches:
She will be doing the Green Christmas at the Biosphere this November 27-30 so go and check out her line if you can. She does clothing too!

P.S. Here is her email as she does not have a web store as of yet. To find out what stores you can buy her goods at, just drop her a note.