May 11, 2009
Aug 11, 2008
"Setting Up AngelPack Production" the dominican way.
I can't believe what I wrote here last year. LMBO!
Setting this business up was the most time consuming and straining thing I've ever done. Last year was an interesting and I guess testing time. I went down to Dominican Republic with my two kids. Everything that could have gone wrong, did.
We went to D.R. at the end of June. To start my husband's passport didn't make it in time and so I took the trip with the kids by myself. We got home and it was all beautiful and fun, magical! right.
We get to "our home" this is my husband's place, his grandmother's place "our home" first it was too inconvenient and too dangerous for little Gabriel, too many tempting electric cables and such. I didn't want to dry the great-grandma crazier! we had plan all of this around the fact that she needed some one to stay with her, helping her get better, but we couldn't stay there because we would be too much trouble.
So I ended up at my mom's house (my aunt and adopted mom) we had quite an interested sleeping arrangement, but the kids seemed to be happier there and we felt more welcomed. So we stayed here.
In all this, our fabrics and materials are stocked in customs and we ended up paying extra for the time THEY held the materials because the inspector was "sick" Goodness this took about a month!!!
Then the sewing machines, weren't ready when we expected them to be ready, so another two weeks.
After this two weeks the fun begun, my so promised "seamstresses" couldn't sew a straight line! to save my day!
So here I am two months later and no job has been done. I started to do all the cutting work and sew as much as I could, which really wasn't much due to the big fact that in the Dominican Republic the electricity is almost always gone, so basically there is a black out every single day for most of the day. Hurray!
I searched high and low for a good seamstress, I went to the city, I tried teaching some home sewers, but I had no luck!
Finally one of my machines broke down "Again" and the guy who sold them to us came to fix them to our location, and I explained the situation to which he showed interest in the job. It was a big relief, he said he would be back on Monday to see how it's done. This guy used to own a factory in New York and moved it down to Dominican Republic before things went sour and had to close it down.
I was happy! I was relieved! until I hear from my friend the news, there was a family accident and he was involved in it. Oh no! it was tragic.
While this happened I tried finding some one else again, not knowing that he would be back in a week. No luck!
Finally! he came and explained what had happened, he looked at a finished AngelPack, told me exactly how I had sewn the outside of it just by the looks of it. Made an appointment for me to go to his house and show him how to make one from start to finish.
We did that! within an hour he was done with the First AngelPack LX, fallowing my instructions. It was beautiful!! I have never sewn that well.
I have to say, I'm very thankful for finding him. I actually knew his family our grandparents are related. I had also been a sitter for kids in their family and I even babysat two of his daughter when they were babies, his wife was always so nice, even when I got her lost in the City, lol!
Anyways, finally our carriers are being made in our home town, NOT China, by people we know and have known for ever.
This is the short version of what happened, but it absolutely did not go smooth or easy for me, for the kids, some days were scary for them, others were sad, others full of junk food that I don't even dare to bring into my house, but that was something that made them happy and not cry because they missed their home, their food, their DAD!
Through all this something that helped out a lot, was breastfeeding, breastfeeding seemed to calm them down at night and nap time. No matter where we were we had this breastfeeding section for the two of them on my arms and it was a blessing. It kept us close and less stress.
Now there was that! I still don't feel like going into too many details, but this is much more than I have ever talked about the trip to "Setting Up AngelPack Production" the dominican way.
Setting this business up was the most time consuming and straining thing I've ever done. Last year was an interesting and I guess testing time. I went down to Dominican Republic with my two kids. Everything that could have gone wrong, did.
We went to D.R. at the end of June. To start my husband's passport didn't make it in time and so I took the trip with the kids by myself. We got home and it was all beautiful and fun, magical! right.
We get to "our home" this is my husband's place, his grandmother's place "our home" first it was too inconvenient and too dangerous for little Gabriel, too many tempting electric cables and such. I didn't want to dry the great-grandma crazier! we had plan all of this around the fact that she needed some one to stay with her, helping her get better, but we couldn't stay there because we would be too much trouble.
So I ended up at my mom's house (my aunt and adopted mom) we had quite an interested sleeping arrangement, but the kids seemed to be happier there and we felt more welcomed. So we stayed here.
In all this, our fabrics and materials are stocked in customs and we ended up paying extra for the time THEY held the materials because the inspector was "sick" Goodness this took about a month!!!
Then the sewing machines, weren't ready when we expected them to be ready, so another two weeks.
After this two weeks the fun begun, my so promised "seamstresses" couldn't sew a straight line! to save my day!
So here I am two months later and no job has been done. I started to do all the cutting work and sew as much as I could, which really wasn't much due to the big fact that in the Dominican Republic the electricity is almost always gone, so basically there is a black out every single day for most of the day. Hurray!
I searched high and low for a good seamstress, I went to the city, I tried teaching some home sewers, but I had no luck!
Finally one of my machines broke down "Again" and the guy who sold them to us came to fix them to our location, and I explained the situation to which he showed interest in the job. It was a big relief, he said he would be back on Monday to see how it's done. This guy used to own a factory in New York and moved it down to Dominican Republic before things went sour and had to close it down.
I was happy! I was relieved! until I hear from my friend the news, there was a family accident and he was involved in it. Oh no! it was tragic.
While this happened I tried finding some one else again, not knowing that he would be back in a week. No luck!
Finally! he came and explained what had happened, he looked at a finished AngelPack, told me exactly how I had sewn the outside of it just by the looks of it. Made an appointment for me to go to his house and show him how to make one from start to finish.
We did that! within an hour he was done with the First AngelPack LX, fallowing my instructions. It was beautiful!! I have never sewn that well.
I have to say, I'm very thankful for finding him. I actually knew his family our grandparents are related. I had also been a sitter for kids in their family and I even babysat two of his daughter when they were babies, his wife was always so nice, even when I got her lost in the City, lol!
Anyways, finally our carriers are being made in our home town, NOT China, by people we know and have known for ever.
This is the short version of what happened, but it absolutely did not go smooth or easy for me, for the kids, some days were scary for them, others were sad, others full of junk food that I don't even dare to bring into my house, but that was something that made them happy and not cry because they missed their home, their food, their DAD!
Through all this something that helped out a lot, was breastfeeding, breastfeeding seemed to calm them down at night and nap time. No matter where we were we had this breastfeeding section for the two of them on my arms and it was a blessing. It kept us close and less stress.
Now there was that! I still don't feel like going into too many details, but this is much more than I have ever talked about the trip to "Setting Up AngelPack Production" the dominican way.
Apr 13, 2008
Jun 9, 2007
AngelPack is moving to Dominican Republic
I'm so happy! this vacation-work away from home time is turning into my long time dream becoming true. As a little girl I remember designing and making dresses for my Barbie, always wishing and dreaming of having my own sewing machine, I remember I use to pet my -adoptive-dad's sewing machines, he is a custom tailor and I spent countless hours in his shop :lol: Going back and doing this means so much to me, spiritually it makes me feel that I'm accomplishing something, that I'm doing what feels right, my goal is to bring my community a source of work-income, normally people in "Sabana Iglesia" have to travel an hour to their work place, and the paying is very poor. My heart always keeps going back to them and thinking how I want to set up a sewing shop there, and now I'm working on this very thing, God is wonderful! my AngelPack baby is going to help me find my dream and help some families back home. I'm taking this slow, one step at the time, but with my faith in God that everything is going to blossom and we will grow into a successful sewing house-company-name brand. I will be updating in the forums as the project becomes true!
May 12, 2007
Long time no post.
Woha! it's been a long time, I'll leave a link to my new web shop just in case any one can see this lol!
WWW.PreggyAndBaby.COM
WWW.PreggyAndBaby.COM
Feb 5, 2007
My Test!
I can't believe it that I took 5 minutes to do this, but it looked interesting, I like some of the results he he! some things I don't like.
Posting here until I get some time to properly post about holidays and updates on work and with the kiddos :).
Posting here until I get some time to properly post about holidays and updates on work and with the kiddos :).
Link: The 32-Type Dating Test by OkCupid - Free Online Dating. My profile name: angelicmomcupid |
Nov 1, 2006
Lost in Mei Tai Land.
I'm totally lost in my sewing room, floating on Mei tais straps... Soon baby soon I'll be done and will be able to seat back, browse the forums and waist some precious time searching the web LOL!
That's Weird!!! (breasts without milk)
Last night as I was putting the kids to sleep, Angie decides that she has to get up and check on daddy one last time, so as she leaves the room a tell her "If you leave now you won't get any more mom moms"... She left anyways.
Later she comes back and wants to nurse to sleep again, so I remind her that she doesn't get to nurse anymore because she left the room and now I'm too tire. She asks "please mommy", I remind her "No, you are done", "Please mommy, I need teta" I tell "Angie you can do it" "You can go to sleep without it" and she responds "No Mommy I'm not Strong Enough", "I need it". I just cracked up and hugged her and kissed her and let her nurse again. Now she is alone so she has two boobies to choose from; she nurses from one, then switches to the other, and realized that the milk is gone, so in disbelieve she goes back and forth before checking them with her hands and exclaimed "Umm that's weird!" Once again I had to crack up! And ask, what's weird Angie? And she responds, "That's weird the mom moms have no milk"
I just love my little girl. She is growing up right before our eyes.
Oct 20, 2006
Carrier Fairy II
I got this totally cool package the other day, it was from my carrier fairy (baby carrier secret gift exchange sort of) my fairy made a mei tai hand made specially for me and one for Angie, we love our carriers! It's so nice to have some one make something for you for a change :)
I'm posting pictures for the fairies from carrier fairy group, you all rock mamas!
I'm posting pictures for the fairies from carrier fairy group, you all rock mamas!
Oct 4, 2006
BabyTalk Sing Along (breastfeeding) Cute!
From babytalk magazine: Sing to the beauty and the beast song. Go ahead, sing it outloud, it makes it better!
See our breasts, see our breasts -
Everywhere, half-naked chests.
While we nurse,
The prudish curse
And wish we'd button up our vests.
Sorry, folks, look away
If we're too decollete,
But this is what boobs are made for,
Not those Wonderbras you've paid for.
We refuse to go feed
Hunched in bathroom stalls - indeed,
We're appalled that you would make such rude requests.
Would you agree to eat
Upon a toilet seat?
See our breasts, see our breasts, free our breasts!
See our breasts, see our breasts -
Everywhere, half-naked chests.
While we nurse,
The prudish curse
And wish we'd button up our vests.
Sorry, folks, look away
If we're too decollete,
But this is what boobs are made for,
Not those Wonderbras you've paid for.
We refuse to go feed
Hunched in bathroom stalls - indeed,
We're appalled that you would make such rude requests.
Would you agree to eat
Upon a toilet seat?
See our breasts, see our breasts, free our breasts!
Oct 3, 2006
Sep 12, 2006
Let's talk Toys.
We are searching for a couple of good educational, durable toys to keep the kiddos busy while using their imagination and interacting with each other. I have two on the list that are now a must... And a couple of other I'm thinking we may get too.
I like this one a lot, it's the Wonderworld Wooden City Beads available at Target.com I wish they had it in stores :(. This should were the super saucer is.
Tent-Tunnel
I think this one could help me keep Gabriel from crawling up the side table up to the sofa and falling down the sofa, well at least now he makes some noises to ask me to come take him down so he can go again, yeah he it's quite the Little Boy at just 9 months, what can be next, lol! I'm not sure how good these things are but I'm hoping it's durable they are on sale at Toys R us for $49
Angie's Kitchen.
This is what she has been asking for lately, "I want a kitchen and a car", she says. This is the kitchen I picked out for her they have it at Toys R us and Target.com. I think we will get it at Toys R us if they have in store, Target doesn't have them in store :(
(update) we actually bought the kitchen on eBay, it's very sturdy and we weren't expecting it to be so good! Angie and even Gabriel love to play with it cooking and washing dishes or just opening and closing the doors (Gabriel). I paid $159 with free shipping, which I thought was very good because of the high shipping in other places.
For the car, it's not just any car her car has to have doors and she is picky about the colors and oh yeah two seats one for her and one for "Gordo" that Gabriel :). This will be my husband's choice together with Angie.
I'm not into spoiling my child buying lots of toys and such, but this is the reason while we agreed to buy those things and a couple of other good educational/entertaining toys. Up until now they have mostly what people give them as gift, and we buy a couple here and there, but I'm ready to throw out all the small toys!
I like this one a lot, it's the Wonderworld Wooden City Beads available at Target.com I wish they had it in stores :(. This should were the super saucer is.
Tent-Tunnel
I think this one could help me keep Gabriel from crawling up the side table up to the sofa and falling down the sofa, well at least now he makes some noises to ask me to come take him down so he can go again, yeah he it's quite the Little Boy at just 9 months, what can be next, lol! I'm not sure how good these things are but I'm hoping it's durable they are on sale at Toys R us for $49
Angie's Kitchen.
This is what she has been asking for lately, "I want a kitchen and a car", she says. This is the kitchen I picked out for her they have it at Toys R us and Target.com. I think we will get it at Toys R us if they have in store, Target doesn't have them in store :(
(update) we actually bought the kitchen on eBay, it's very sturdy and we weren't expecting it to be so good! Angie and even Gabriel love to play with it cooking and washing dishes or just opening and closing the doors (Gabriel). I paid $159 with free shipping, which I thought was very good because of the high shipping in other places.For the car, it's not just any car her car has to have doors and she is picky about the colors and oh yeah two seats one for her and one for "Gordo" that Gabriel :). This will be my husband's choice together with Angie.
I'm not into spoiling my child buying lots of toys and such, but this is the reason while we agreed to buy those things and a couple of other good educational/entertaining toys. Up until now they have mostly what people give them as gift, and we buy a couple here and there, but I'm ready to throw out all the small toys!
Not a toy but this is for mommy!
I got it put it here so I don't forget when my husband ask what I want for anniversary gift, I always, always forget when my birthday or holidays or anniversary, I can't think of something I want until is too late, duh!
Mia Bossi Caryn Diaper Bag, in snow patch.
Sep 9, 2006
AngelPack LX (Testing 2 )
I was inspired by many carriers that I like. I picked out the feaures I liked best and put them all together to design the AngelPack LX.
The arm cut out "holes" are inspired by the Baby Bjorn. The head rest-support was inspired by The First years baby carrier. The waist belt it's one of the most compact belts in the soft structure carriers market, it's aproximately 4" wide and its divided into 3 sections so that it shapes around the waist.
There is a sleeping hood for taller babies and toddlers, it supports their heads while sleeping.
The body is tall to provide some head support even when the hood it not in use.
The selection of fabric is gorgeous and very diverse.
You can find the newest version at www.PreggyandBaby.com
The arm cut out "holes" are inspired by the Baby Bjorn. The head rest-support was inspired by The First years baby carrier. The waist belt it's one of the most compact belts in the soft structure carriers market, it's aproximately 4" wide and its divided into 3 sections so that it shapes around the waist.
There is a sleeping hood for taller babies and toddlers, it supports their heads while sleeping.
The body is tall to provide some head support even when the hood it not in use.
The selection of fabric is gorgeous and very diverse.
You can find the newest version at www.PreggyandBaby.com
Sep 8, 2006
Sep 7, 2006
He is Walking!!!!!!
Gabriel is walking!!! He just turned 9 months. I knew he would do this early but didn't expected to be so soon, he is already doing 3-4 steps and trying to chase his big sister. Angie goes nuts when he walks, she cheers him up! Just as I do :)
I think he feels the need to catch up to his big sister and that is going to make him learn things faster. I just enjoy so much their beautiful relationship, they can't get enough of each other and make each other laugh even when they aren't in a good mood. I love my kiddos!
Sep 4, 2006
AngelPack LX!
At last I'm "almost" finish with this one, the LX AngelPack. This one is #13 of all the designs and testing I've done over the past two plus years. I have added a couple of things to make it a bit different and added some other that seem to be essential and comfortable.
For the past two year I had been working on a carrier with buckles. first I worked on the body shape, however there has been so many changes and some new products that were launched in that time that are similar to what I had designed, for that reason I felt the need to redesign the body shape, I'm so glad! I love the shape of the LX, it seems to work well with little ones and older ones.
We are getting ready to start production on this one! I can't wait to start playing with different fabrics and textures. I love the design!
Last Saturday I even got to test it with my cousin's baby "Christian" he is 3 months old and 13 pounds... We took some pictures and they
look precious.
Sep 1, 2006
Cool Bibs!
This is another little project that I've been working on.
The Bibs are very cool + yummy. I love how the came out.
I'm using designer's fabrics paired with a soft minkee back and a hiden layer of (secret) for absorbensy. I began making on these after much thinking and waiting to work on the design. Making the pattern was super easy! with a sheet of paper and a pair of seasors.
They are available for sale in Canada now at www.elephant-shoe.ca this is a boutique full of cool things for mommy and baby.
Aug 31, 2006
Girls Wrap Skirt.
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