Sweet Pea's Story

Sweet Pea's Heirlooms began 6 years ago although, at the time, we didn't know it. Many know that infants and toddlers toss and tumble so much that their sheets come loose from their cribs, pack-n-plays, and even their toddler beds causing them to become entangled. Well, our little granddaughter, Hannah (nicknamed 'Sweet Pea') got tangled up in her sheets many times. It's a very scary feeling. Since our granddaughter, Hannah, was always getting tangled up in her sheets, there was a great need for a sheet that provided safety while she slept. Our daughter and I searched and searched, but could not find any type of crib sheet other than the standard 'fitted' one. It was our daughter that suggested I design a 'safety' crib sheet for Hannah.

After many hours of planning, drawing, measuring, and sewing by trial and error, I finally designed a crib sheet that was easy to put on, yet difficult for Hannah to remove. Finally we could all rest assured that Hannah would now sleep safely.

A few years passed without me making any more safety sheets since our granddaughter continued to use the one sheet I had previously designed. Then Hannah came for a visit and had to sleep in our old crib which we converted into a toddler bed. Well, wouldn't you know...she looked like a mummy in the morning...completely wrapped up in the standard fitted crib sheet (we didn't have another safety sheet to use). What a dilemma! We needed to make another safety sheet, but I didn't quite remember how I had designed the first one. So back to the drawing board I went. More measuring, drawing, sewing, ripping out seams; more drawing and sewing, over and over. Then, finally, I designed another safety sheet and this one was better than the first one. This time I had sketches and measurements and directions which I kept for future use. Then our daughter came up with a wonderful idea. "Mom", she said, "why don't you make more of these and sell them. If Hannah needs them, then there must be others that need them too!" That was the beginning of our safety crib sheets, and also our safety pack-n-play sheets which are the same design, only a smaller version. Just recently I have designed a safety toddler bed top sheet which fits nicely over the safety crib sheet, also a toddler bed bottom sheet.

After finally developing the best design, obtaining my patent was my next challenge. Spending time with my attorney, supplying drawings and details, and of course, money, was just the beginning. There were many visits to my attorney and a lot more money. Then, I had to wait, and wait, and wait. All that waiting was very hard. Now, two years later, I finally have my patent, # 6,804,844 and realize it has all been worthwhile.

Our biggest goal has been providing safety for infants & toddlers during sleep or play. We opened Sweet Pea's Hierlooms in July of 2002, and can only hope that many will use our product to provide safety to their infants & toddlers.

If you have any comments or suggestions, just email us. Use the 'Contact Us' link or email us at cher@sweetpeasheirlooms.com.

Cher (Owner & Designer) with
granddaughter Hannah (Sweet Pea)