This week's message:

I've started using the sewing slot system again. I hate to do it, but I simply can't keep up with the order volume that's been consistently high for months now. Please click the link for an explanation of how it works and why I need to use it.

At right, In-stock slots are for fabrics I have on hand (basic and organic fabrics) and will be sewing from scratch; WCRS slots are for things you're having sent to me like wrap pieces, custom fabric, or sling shoulder redos. Next refresh is the date and time I will be adding more sewing slots.

Here's what's going on in the next couple of weeks: I'm going to change from sewing a mix of WCRS and in-stock slings each week, to just doing WCRS one week and in-stocks the next. I think this will be more efficient and allow me to sew more slings, and may also may sewing slots easier to get. 

This coming week, I can't sew at all on Monday because we have to be out of the house for 24 hours for application of spray foam insulation. So starting on Tuesday, I'll be sewing all the WCRS orders I currently have, for the weeks of the 13th and the 20th (if you have a WCRS sewing slot for the 20th, please send your wrap as soon as you can to facilitate this). I likely won't be adding sewing slots for either type the week of the 13th, so that I can catch up on what's currently outstanding during the transition. If you are in dire need, of course please email me at info@sleepingbaby.net and I'll set up a reserved slot for you.

The next week (week of the 20th), I'll put up *in-stock* sewing slots on Monday morning and afternoon, and probably Weds. afternoon/evening, too. There will be about 70-75 slots in total; I think that's about the best I can do for the week, although Weds. may be fewer if I'm not able to get through the Mon-Weds. orders in time. (This is about 25-30 more than I have been adding, so it should be easier to order.) I will also put up slots on the 20th for WCRS sewn the week of the 27th, probably 80 or so (it would be more, but Monday's a holiday). This will mean I'll need people to send their wraps as soon as they can for sewing that week.

After that, I'll be doing every-other-week sewing slot refreshes for both in-stock and WCRS. As always, if you're unable to be online during the slot refreshes, please email me. I think this should work better for me and my customers, but it's a work in progress :)

wholesale inquiries:

Because I do all of the sewing myself in my home, I'm not really in a position to offer wholesale slings at this time. Generally speaking, I have enough time each day to sew 10-20 items per day, which doesn't leave me much time to sew large quantities without closing my shop to regular orders. In addition, my prices are based on the cost of the materials I use to sew them, plus a little more for my time. They do not factor in the additional costs associated with wholesale. I would have to essentially double the prices on my website in fairness to another retailer (since otherwise, people would be paying more at another site than they do on mine for a given fabric that was offered on both), and I would prefer not to do so, as many of my customers have emailed and said that mine were among a very few slings they could afford, and it's a niche I'm comfortable with.

There are many other WAHM sling sewers who do sell wholesale; I would suggest browsing the business forum at http://www.thebabywearer.com/ and posting a call for wholesalers. I apologize for the potential inconvenience -- after all, I, too, am convinced that my slings are a great fit for the WAHM marketplace! -- but given the size of my business, I am not able to wholesale at this time.

I am able to sew wrap conversion slings for retailers, if they provide the wraps. However, my turnaround time can be quite long (up to 2 months) if I am experiencing a heavy order volume (as has been the case over the last year or so). My retail customers come first, and I tend to do the wholesale orders only when I have the time. I am sorry about this inconvenience -- if I had more time, I would be happy to do more wholesale orders -- but since it's just me doing the sewing and will be for the foreseeable future, I have to organize my time in the way that works best for me and my customers.