Want to listen to this post? Check out my free substack linked here
I’ve lived in New England my whole life, and I think it’s safe to say I crave the seasons changing. The shift from summer to fall always stirs something in me - the crisp mornings, the smell of woodsmoke, the first time you reach for a cozy sweater.
Now that fall is in full swing here in Massachusetts, it felt like the perfect time to pull out the fleece prints I purchased last year. Our fleece pixies were our bestsellers last winter, and I knew I wanted to bring them back in a big way for 2025.
I love offering these bonnets not just because they’re adorable and snuggly warm, but because they’re sustainable too. The fleece is made from recycled materials, which feels like the perfect fit for our brand - something that’s both practical and thoughtful.
If you’re looking for cotton fleece options, we have a beautiful selection of solid colors available. But as I write this, I’m actually working with our fabric printer to introduce something brand new to the shop.
For years, I’ve wanted to offer my own designs on a fleece bonnet - but I could never find the right fabric, the right printer, or any printed cotton fleece that felt meant for Sweet As April. The colors, the scale, the texture... it all matters. But now, the wait is finally over. Check out my new Organic Cotton Fleece Bonnets & Pixies, available in my most beloved prints — I can’t wait to show you more as my fabric arrives.
On Slow Growth and Staying True
This season of my business has been one of reflection - of really leaning into slow growth and learning what our customers need, what I dream of designing, and what makes Sweet As April feel like Sweet As April.
For years, I’ve told my audience to “do one thing and do it well.” And after ten years of making baby bonnets, I can confidently say - we do them well. That foundation has allowed me to expand into other creative passions with clarity and confidence.
Adding things like pattern design, painting, vlogs, blogging, print-on-demand merchandise, and soon, my podcast - they’re all extensions of the same creative spark that started this whole thing. When you master one craft, it gives you the rhythm and discipline to master others.
There’s a reason the saying “slow and steady wins the race” has lasted this long - because it’s true. I’ve never been in a hurry to scale beyond what feels right. I’ve just wanted to grow in a way that feels aligned - sustainable, joyful, and true to my purpose.
After 2020, I lost my footing a bit with this business. But these past few years have brought me full circle, back to the heart of what I love - creating, sharing, and connecting through art. Whether that’s with a needle and thread, a paintbrush, or a camera, it all comes back to the same love of making something meaningful.
Looking Ahead
Thank you, as always, for being here - for supporting my work, for watching it evolve, and for cheering me on through every season. I truly can’t wait to share a sneak peek of our new organic cotton fleece pixies next week. I think you’re going to fall in love with them just as much as I have.
With love and bonnets,
Carrie
