Citrus and Cream: Local Highlight + Giveaway: ComfyFeely {Handmade Children's Clothing & Blankets}

This week, we're featuring Debbie from ComfyFeely, a local shop that is all about comfort for little ones. Her lovely handmade items are made from top-quality 100% cotton fabrics that are bright and fun! What's more, she's found a great way to give back to the community through her shop, and we love that!

Tell us about yourself and your family.
It's just my husband Jerry and me these days. We raised two sons and now have a grandson! I like to think I live a cottagy lifestyle: I love homemaking in all the fun aspects, like flower arranging and baking, and I love my garden. I work as a homeschool consultant.

Tell us about your shop, ComfyFeely!
I make one of a kind baby clothes made from 100% cotton quilter fabrics. My kids always preferred smooth soft fabrics, as do I, so it really works for me.

Why and how did you get started selling?
Several young women influenced me as I saw the work they were doing and realized I missed creating things. I love color, so sewing baby clothes lets me have all of that I want, the most color for the time and effort. In November, my shop will be two years old.

What is unique about your items in your shop?
I make brightly colored easy wear, easy care items to help busy moms. My vision is baby in a onesie with a cute colorful pants or dress or jacket to slip on over. Many of them have vintage styling. I always think about comfort. I work with a few moms who help me get good sizing and fit and tell me what works and what needs tweaking.

What is your inspiration for creativity? For sewing, fabric mostly. When I look at fabric I see a completed item. Sometimes I buy fabric on great sales because I think it will work, and it does, but ideally I would love to only sew the items that create themselves in my mind. I look for lines. There are actually very few lines in clothing styles. I spend time looking at patterns to see what they do with the lines. I love whatever it is in me that causes me to love some looks and not others.

Something I couldn’t live without is...books! I usually read at least 2 books a week.

My top five faves this month are...Tazo chai tea, my van that just turned 16 years old, the last of the summer fruit (especially nectarines), helenium blooming in the garden, and the concept of fall. I can love fall in theory even with the heat.

We love that you've found a way to use ComfyFeely to give back! What are you doing, and how did this happen?
When I started I knew I wanted ComfyFeely to be a way to give back to the community. I thought Care Pregnancy Center of Tulare County was a good fit. It turned out they were praying for someone like me. Isn't that awesome? I make ComfyCovers, which is what I call my blankets, with a matching outfit for all the new parents who go through their parent education program. The proceeds from my shop go for fabric to make the Care Baby sets.

You can find ComfyFeely on Etsy and Facebook and can connect with Debbie at www.debbiefeely.com. See more of her sweet items on her ComfyFeely Pinterest board.

Have a custom order you'd like to request? Have a question? Email her at comfyfeely@gmail.com. (Be sure and ask about the local pick-up discount!)

Through the end of October, Debbie is giving all of our readers 20% off! Enter the code citrusandcream when checking out. And as if that isn't sweet enough, Debbie is giving away this adorable set of a handmade bonnet, bib, and booties! Enter the giveaway below!