It's a New Year, New Changes

A little on the personal side today.  I thought I would share since it has been on my mind the last couple of days.

I am sitting here just thinking how grateful I am to all of my customers, to my children and my children's therapists along with my husband.

I am thankful for my husband who without his support I could not be where I am today!  Thank you, honey!

I am thankful to my children's therapists who with constant urging got me to start making blankets for other people.  They were constantly nagging me and telling me how talented I was.  More importantly, they told me there was a need for what I could do and how I could bless the lives of others.  Well, that got me.  ;)

I am super thankful to my children because they are each unique and beautiful!  I love them to pieces.  Let's be honest though.  If it wasn't for their needs I wouldn't be doing what I am doing.

I am incredibly thankful to all of my past customers that have entrusted me of all people to make such an important blanket, lap pad or whatever for them.  If it wasn't for you then I would have quit long ago.  I keep plugging along because of you!  Hearing all of your stories just proves to me that what I am doing is important and I will keep doing it as long as there is need and I am able.

Last fall, I gave up a home business with Stampin Up.  I had been a demonstrator for 12 years!  It pained my heart to do so, but I knew it was time.  I just don't have the ability to push people into buying stuff (no matter how fabulous it is).  ;)  I was really getting busy with my sewing business and I came to a crossroads.  My husband pointed out the good that I was doing.  He was very tactful because we had this discussion before.  In my heart of hearts, I knew that giving it up was the right choice even if it crushed me a bit.  I have to say....  I miss it, but I am so glad I did.  It has given me more time to do what I really want to do.  Help people like my sons.

Ciao Ciao Brown Cow has grown.  Not only do I make blankets for kiddos with special needs, but now regular blankets thanks to my daughter.  I make baby blankets and baby bibs and all kind of baby stuff thanks to my newborn niece.  I have made curtains thanks to my son's teacher.

Ciao Ciao Brown Cow is becoming more than I ever thought possible and it's all because of YOU!

Many, many thanks and I love you all to pieces!
Ciao Ciao Brown Cow

Fabric Inventory

Hi All!

I hope that you had an amazing Christmas and New Years!  I open up my shop tomorrow.  Can't believe it.  Well, in anticipation, I decided to do some fabric inventory.  I have posted pics on my Facebook page of the fabric that I have on hand to make something wonderful for you immediately.  Please come and check it out at www.facebook.com/ciaociaobrowncow.

I have started venturing out making burp cloths, bibs and wet pads along with my usual baby blankets, weighted lap pads and weighted blankets.

Also of recent news, Ciao Ciao Brown Cow is now on Instagram!!!!  Please come look me up @ciaociaobrowncow .

Happy New Years!

Ciao Ciao Brown Cow

Christmas Timeline Workshop Hours

Just a little update. I will be closing my workshop for the holidays starting Thursday, December 18th. It will stay closed until January 2nd. I will still take orders, but they will be wait listed until I return from vacation. The last day to submit orders to have them done before the holidays is the end of this week- Friday, December 12th. Merry Christmas!!!!

How Are Ciao Ciao Brown Cow's Weighted Lap Pads and Weighted Blankets Different?

The other day when "N's" occupational therapist was over I had mentioned of switching things up a bit.  He told me to keep doing things as I was doing them.  Don't change a thing was how he put it.  He said that my service was different and that I was needed.  That made me feel terrific since... it was my birthday!

So how exactly are my lap pads and blankets "different" from the majority or retailers?  Well, this is how.

1.  I UNDERSTAND:   I have 2 children with Autism and each have sensory processing disorders.  They vary on the Spectrum.  I have one that before would have been diagnosed as Aspergers and now he is just considered high functioning.  I have one that has been diagnosed as Classic Autism.  He is the middle of the road PDD-NOS.  He has excelled since his diagnosis and receiving therapies from different companies.  Lots of work, lap pads and blankets.

2.  I CARE ABOUT THAT SPECIAL KID:  When you contact me, I go over everything with you.  I want to know his physical characteristics.  I want to know which colors he is attracted to and what things draw him or her.  I want that child to fall in love with what I make for them.  I go above and beyond looking for whatever piques their interest... or "obsession".

3.  I LOVE QUALITY:  And so should you!  That is why I make products that can be washed and hopefully last for quite awhile.  I understand that your child may use this product to wipe her face on.  I understand that your child may love to play with his spit.  I understand that your child might be in the long term progress of potty training.  I understand that their weighted items probably may need to be washed on an everyday basis.

4.  I AM BUDGET-MINDED:  Money is tight!  I know I am not the only one.  I think it's a crying shame that these products are so expensive.  It has made me mad even because I see how they have benefitted my child and I want other children to feel that sense of comfort and relief from the weight. I try to make my lap pads and blankets as affordable as possible.  The basic blanket and lap pad are priced to compete.  I offer extras, but I want everyone to be able to afford the basic.  I search to find bargains and pass them onto my customers.  I'm not in this business to get rich.  This is a heart and soul project.

THIS is how Ciao Ciao Brown Cow is different.

THIS is why Ciao Ciao Brown Cow is so thankful when parents, grandparents, care providers, SPED teachers put their trust in me to make that special something for their someone special.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Ciao Ciao Brown Cow

A little something for the Bigger Kid in your Life!

I'm laughing when I wrote the title.  I have a 22 year old daughter, "B".  When I first made "N's" weighted blanket, she fell in love with it and BEGGED me for a blanket of her own.  I told her that I wasn't going to make her a weighted blanket because I wouldn't even be strong enough to lift a near 20 pound blanket to sew!  Imagine trying to push THAT through a little sewing machine!

Anyway, that was early this Spring.  This summer she got the whim that she was going to move across the country.  A Boy thing, a school thing and a job thing, I assure you.  Before she left, she tried one more time.

Playing on my emotion of her moving, it worked.  Of course.....