Just for the kids
Mother of five boys makes handmade children’s clothing under the banner Five Times Blue
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W“I’ve always loved crafting and being able to make something with my own two hands.” Barbie Rodriguez
hen you ask Barbie Rodriguez how long she’s been in business, she says two years. But if you ask her how long she’s been making clothes for herself and others, she says since 1996.
Rodriguez, who has lived all over Canada but now calls New Glasgow, N.S., home, is the proud owner of the business Five Times Blue Clothing, where she focuses mainly on making children’s clothing.
Over the years, Rodriguez has always had an entrepreneurial spirit and has tried various things, but sewing has always been the one thing she goes back to time and time again.
“I’ve always loved crafting and being able to make something with my own two hands.”
She recently found out she has ADHD and thinks that is probably a big factor in her love of crafts. She can make something completely different any time she picks up a tool. A paint brush can paint an infinite number of different paintings. A piece of wood can make an infinite number of items. A piece of fabric is the same way in the right hands.
HER START
As for sewing, she learned how to do it in high school.
“I started with a pair of shorts in Grade 8, and by the time I reached Grade 12 I had made a layered tulle wedding dress.”
This wedding dress was actually worn by her father’s wife in the Philippines when he got remarried in 2007.
After high school she also went to Toronto and earned a fashion degree which she says helped her hone her skills in modifying and creating patterns.
Today, Rodriguez employs her skills to create children’s clothing under the banner Five Times Blue, named for her five sons. Out of everything she makes, the Bummies, are her most popular items. These are toddler shorts that fit over disposable or cloth diapers and are so cute.
When it comes to deciding what to make next, Rodriguez says she usually gets inspired by fabric. Once she sees a print, she can get an idea of exactly what she wants to make with it. For example, she has a big pile of “to make someday” fabric.
She also loves custom orders, especially when it’s someone who doesn’t fit “off the rack” clothes and she can make something perfect for them. Some of her own boys are tall and very thin, so buying store bought pants never works.
She said they love the ones she makes just for them.
Rodriguez says it is so important to support small, local businesses like her own as they are the real ones putting money back into the economy.
“We’re supporting our families and trying to make ends meet just like everyone else,” she said. “We’re not hoarding wealth. As we grow, we can create more local jobs and working with small businesses are like working for family that you actually get along with.”
ULTIMATE GOAL
In the future, Rodriguez is continuing to work on building up an inventory. Up until recently, she had been making orders as they came in. But as she is just debuting at the New Glasgow Farmer’s Market and she is working on making lots of product to sell there. Her end goal, however, would be to have a brick-and-mortar store.
“I love to see my customers face to face.”
When not creating, Rodriguez is a full-time stay at home mom. Her youngest will be starting school in September, so she is hoping to devote more time to the business then. If not caring for her family or sewing, she can also be found doing all kinds of crafts and activities. Right now, her favourites, besides sewing, are gardening and woodworking.
Anyone interesting in viewing products or making a purchase from Five Times Blue can find them online at fivetimesblue.com or on Facebook and Instagram under the same name. She will also be found at the New Glasgow Farmers’ Market.