Sarah’s Silks baby blanket and pocket play silk giveaway

For years I have loved Sarah’s Silks, a family owned company that makes beautiful play silks, play silk dress-up, and imaginative play things.  We have a basket full of various size play silks and they are a favorite play item.  I can’t say enough positive about how wonderful play silks are for children of all ages and one of my favorite things to decorate with according to the seasons.  I’m so delighted that Sarah’s Silks has become a sponsor of TLB and that I can help connect my readers with a company I have loved and trusted for so many years in my own parenting journey.  It was a pleasure to get to interview Sarah for this giveaway, I hope you enjoy the interview and the giveaway opportunity.

Sarah with her family

TLB:  For years my children have played with your silks and they regularly provide the “grass” of our Easter baskets.  I’d love to know, how did Sarah’s Silks come about?

Sarah:  18 years ago I was a stay at home mom with two little boys who loved to dress up and play pretend. Our neighbors went to waldorf school and told me about the cloths the kids use in the kindergarten. I decided to try dying some on my own for my boys and the neighbors to play with. They loved them, I could see how kids use their imaginations to make capes, funny pants, head covers, and more. My friends asked me for some. Then I approached a local toy store who were very kind and decided to try them. They sold well for them. I decided to see if I could make it into a bigger business, called magic cabin. They were our first big account. It went well with them and soon my husband Mike bought us a computer and started helping me dye the silks in our washer!

 

TLB:  When I first heard of play silks I thought it was a strange idea, an expensive material, thought children would find it boring, and that any ol’ scarf would do.  Years and hours of play time later, silks are our favorite plaything.  Why silk?    What is the appeal?  How do play silks inspire children in play?

Sarah:  Silk is light and airy. Easy to tie. Takes the dye well. Feels great to kids. My oldest son was sensitive and they are a no-itch alternative.

I think any old scarf is also wonderful!

 

TLB:  When are silks age appropriate?  How can parents with babies and toddlers play with their child with silks?

Sarah:  We recommend that only kids over 3 play alone with playsilks. Our blankets are enjoyed by babies who love the soft feeling. It is also fun to play peek a boo with babies with our silks. Many moms hang pink and blue silks over the cradle to soften the world for little ones.

TLB:  You’ve shared with me that you breastfed your children, how many children do you have, how long did you breastfeed, and what was your favorite part of the breastfeeding journey?

Sarah:  We have three boys. They are all teenagers now and just love(!) when I tell people how long the nursed! Let’s just say over 3 years each.  The best part for me was how it forced me to relax as a mom. To lay down with them at naps and bedtime and really just BE with them. The connection is so intense and wonderful.

 

TLB:  Last but not least, what’s one of your favorite breastfeeding tips?

Sarah:  Cabbage leaves. Not sure if they are still in use for moms today, but I found with engorged breasts they actually DO help!

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I enjoy Sarah’s blog, she shares some creative ways to use play silks, neat information on silk, imaginative play ideas, and many more posts that cover interesting parenting topics all presented beautifully.  This post on making little bunnies out of mini play silks was fun this spring.

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Today’s giveaway features a silk and flannel baby blanket; 30″x40″ perfect for the newborn up to toddler in the winners choice of rainbow or stars.  Retail value = $59.95.  From their website:

“We have so many families who’s babies just can’t be without these special “lovey” blankets. The soft silk is comforting to little ones. Silk is light but very warm.”

A second winner will be selected to win a pocket silk, retail value of $19.95.  From their website:

“Our wonderful new imaginative play toy. Pockets are magical and exciting.”

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 Good luck to everyone!  Please use the widget below to be entered and have fun browsing Sarah’s Silks.  The giveaway is open from March 30, 2012 to April 6, 2012.  A big thanks to Sarah for her support of TLB and all breastfeeding women, please be sure to visit their Facebook page and thank them for their support of TLB and the giveaway opportunity.  You still have time to get an order in before Easter, you won’t regret giving your little one hours of imaginative play with a great silk item from Sarah’s Silks tucked into their Easter basket.

This giveaway is open to international entries.

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