Made by Parents: Take Two

I started reviewing some items made by parents back in November. Since then, I've received a flood of products. Some have been amazing and some have been, well -- not so much. I had no idea so many parents were out there, designing, creating and promoting their own goods.

And it's a good thing. The days when you would be showered by quality quilts, blankets, booties and baby clothes, handmade by Grandma or Aunt Margaret are quickly slipping away. Nowadays, most of what you get at your baby shower is going to be made by Graco, Fisher-Price or another large company and it's the product of many conference room meetings and an assembly line. There's just a certain feeling knowing that the hats or booties you just put on your child were once an idea in some parent's head and that they followed that idea to fruition -- they lovingly took the time to craft that piece and bring it to you.

I've given this tirade before though, haven't I?

At any rate, after much torture testing, after answering the question, "What the heck is that thing and what on earth are you doing with it?" from anyone who has entered my home in the last few months, I am happy to say I'm here to share what has worked and what has not, what has fallen apart after three washings and what has stayed together through a hundred and I'll tell you why I'll never use another Maxi Pad again.

More on those topics throughout the next two weeks. I have a lot to share. Right now, let me tell you about Resa Troyer. She started off as an enterprising third grader, selling drawstring bags to the rest of her class at 25 cents a pop. Now she's a mom and she's harnessed the power of her sewing skills and her knack for designing hip baby stuff -- all for your benefit. (Well, and the benefit of her family if you buy some of her items.) I've reviewed her Four Square Blanket and Changing Pad, but explore her site, she has lots more to offer.