The Girlie Proposition

Have you taken a peek at my Etsy store? No? Well, go gander. Have you noticed an abundance of cute shirts for boys, but not so much for girls? Well, there is. And there's a perfectly good reason for that. I have little boys. It's the plain and simple truth. I make a shirt as a model in a size that will fit one of my boys and they wear it proudly. My daughter is quite willing to help out, too, but the problem lies in the fact that she'll be 13 in a few short weeks and really isn't all that into sporting preschool patterns on her tees. I know, silly isn't it?

I really would like to add some super cute girl shirts to the store. Really. And I have some great ideas floating around in my head. A lot of them have even made it to the pen and paper stage. They're looking cuter all the time. I cannot wait to get them made. But I hesitate to do it. Why? Because I'll have to purchase a shirt, sew something onto it, photograph it, and then let it sit in my closet in hopes that someone will want that exact shirt in that exact size and that exact sleeve length. There are a lot of EXACT's going on there (they're like IF's). What if customers order shirts in every single size BUT that one? What will I do with that shirt?! I'm getting all worked up just thinking about it.

So here's my proposition. If you would love to have a little girl's shirt custom made from The Rocking Pony, I can help you get one on the cheap. If you'd be willing to commit to buying the thing once it's finished, I'll be glad to make the sample in a size and sleeve length that you want. I'll make it, photograph it, and list it in the store. And I'll send the sample on to someone for a mere $12 (shipping included). Considering my shirts are normally $22 PLUS shipping this is truly a deal.

If this is something you think you'd be interested in, let me know. I really want to make cute girls' shirts, but really hate the thought of spending money on a shirt that will collect dust and perhaps get eaten by moths. (Not really, but you know what I mean.) Seriously, I need someone to pass these things along to and I want to cover my costs while helping someone else out.

Yes? No?

26 comments:

Aimee said...

YES! I'm in!
I have 2 lovely ladies here who would look darling in a Rocking Pony original. Can you do something in a horse theme for my girls? ;)

Jennifer @ Fruit of My Hands said...

I think its a great idea, although I also think its fabulous that you are directing your boutique toward little boys. There is so much more on Etsy for girls than for boys. Your designs look great!

Unfortunately I can't commit to purchasing your prototypes, because my DD has more than enough at the moment. But possibly in the future.

I suppose you could always ebay it if it didn't sell quickly enough. ??

I've never sold anything on Etsy, so I'm not exactly sure how it works or if that would be feasible.

Blessings,
Jen

Pam said...

Uhm- heck yeah! I'm SO interested. I like to get Ashlyn's clothes a bit big so that she can wear it a little longer. So I would be looking for a size 5 (yes, I know, she is gigantic). I love that you are offering to do this- you are awesome!

by the way- you probably have some awesome ideas already, but one idea I have for a cute girls shirt would be a crown on it. You know, everyone should feel like a princess!

You rock Karen!!

OHmommy said...

Awwww... cute store. My BF is having a her 2nd baby this Saturday. I will stop by when i know what she has. She is 50% sure it is a girl. LOL

Karen said...

Aimee - I already have the horse done, just looking for a shirt to sew it onto. Great minds...

Pam - a crown is one of my ideas! Again with the great minds.

Burgh Baby said...

Dude, you know I'm in. A winged creature is in order, I do believe. A fairy, a ladybug, a dragonfly, a bumblebee, you get the idea. Send me a paypal invoice and I'll get right on it.

As for the lizard thing, if you decide to cave, check life expectancies on whatever he thinks he wants. Iguanas can live 17 years. Given that there is a good chance YOU could end up taking care of the thing, 17 years is a LONG time. Anoles are good starter lizards. Since they are real small, they don't need an elaborate set-up. Of course, they run wild in Florida, so I don't know how anybody thinks they are a "pet." Good luck with that, if you cave!

Debbie @ Three Weddings said...

I completely understand your problem except from the other side. I wanted to try to make some little boy items and went shopping for material and couldn't find anything. I found lots of cute girl stuff. There wasn't a big selection for little boys but I just didn't know what little boys like either. I had to ask my friend for advise since she has two little boys.

I'd take a shirt to help you out, but it looks like you already have some takers. I'm excited to see what you've come up with, though.

Karen said...

Gee, Burgh. How did I know you'd be in? I have a grand butterfly design I can't wait to do, and a ladybug has been drawn out. The bee is in the planning stages, but the dragonfly is an inspired design. I'll have to think on that and get it done. I'm lovin' it.

Leanne said...

Ummm. I'd be in but I think my kids are all too big! I miss being the Mommy with all the little kids!

jayna said...

Ooh, I'm in! I've been coveting your shirts since Burgh Baby modeled one. I was holding out for a birthday shirt, but could definitely be tempted by just about anything else! :-)

Anonymous said...

And, how did I know Burgh would be in? Hmm. Are you taking suggestions? Cause I can think of some both ways.

And, I too love that you have lots of boy things. Being the mom of a boy, I see 88% of things directed at girls.

AutoSysGene said...

Sign me up. I'm always looking for cute shirts and I'm pretty sure I've looked at yours but they were never in Hope's size.

Let me know what I need to do and I will be happy to help!!

Mommy to those Special Ks said...

I'm definitely in! Kennedy loves cute shirts!!! :)

Madame Queen said...

Are you looking for design ideas for older girls? Cause I have a cute idea, at least I think it's cute...a paisley made out of paisley fabric. I heart anything paisley.

If you're looking for smaller girl ideas, I like BBM's ideas -- anything with wings. But also? A pink/pastel version of the guitar shirt, maybe with some sparkles, would totally make a Punkin happy. Girls want to be rock stars too!

Karen said...

AFF - I'm interested in ideas if you'd like to share. I'm always looking for new things!

Madame - I'd love to do a pink guitar and have a grand one in mind. Looks as though I've found someone to give it to!

Kari said...

My Chanelle is 8 going on 18. She wants to wear my clothes so I doubt I could talk her into wearing it. Can't wait to see what you come up with!

Unknown said...

Whatever you make is beautiful and I can't imagine it being eaten by moths! But I totally understand what you are saying!

Fannie said...

Can't say as I only have older girls. But I do need to send something to my very small nephews. Ideas?

Anonymous said...

looks like you're going to be busy! we loved the onesie with the handkerchief... and would love some girlie shirts. i would also give as gifts... email me!
my blog

Cecily R said...

MEMEMEMEME!

Gracie would love something special like one of your shirts! E-mail me some of your ideas and I'll talk to her about what she'd like (I like Burgh's ideas...) :)

Madame Queen said...

OMG, I haven't been to your Etsy site in a while b/c I haven't had any money to spend, but girl, you've got some CUTE stuff over there. I love the skull shirt. And the my own purse shirt. Punkin is definitely getting one of those as soon as we move!!

Maria said...

I actually like how you have more boy stuff because it seem like it's always harder to find the cute boy stuff!

caramama said...

Oh, I'm SO in! You need to make something in a 12-18 month, right? I mean, it only makes sense that you'd want to offer that size, right???

I love your stuff, and I'd love to see/have some new designs! I can't believe I still haven't placed my order, which I will do in addition to this if you send me one!

Wineplz said...

Oh! A cute Rocking Pony girlie shirt might work better as a gift for my friend's daughter. Maybe two or three little daisy-type flowers, each made from different, but coordinating, fabric? She will be 3, so I guess a short-sleeved 3T since we get Spring a little sooner than most.
Or maybe tulip-type flowers?
And please, if you've got more than your share of guinea pigs, I am more than happy to pay full price for one of your shirt...especially since I'm STILL trying to decide what else to get!!!! :D

Wineplz said...

Oh, and I, too, LOVE that you have so much cool boy stuff that is different than what I find in Babies R Us or Target. Everything all looks the same...so thanks for your wonderful creativity.

Andrea said...

What great ideas everyone has. I love the horse one, the pink guitar one, and the dragonfly one. I like the daisies one too. That leaves me with no ideas. My little one has a white onsie with a purple cowgirl hat on it and I love it. So that is it, my creative mind is just not up yet this morning!