I’ve never been in a shop, or a department store, with as many beautiful, tiny children’s garments as I found at the new Sew Precious Children’s Clothing and Gift Boutique in Chelsea.

Among them are numerous dainty, white dresses, many with delicate smocking. There are colorful, party or church outfits and accessories, other clothing, bags and unique gift items.

I noticed that the colorful, stand-out skirts, like those worn over leotards for dancing, are a real eye-catcher for girls, as are the piles of incredibly soft, plush stuffed animals –– like the green frog I bought for a granddaughter’s birthday.

“We have a shop in Hoover, too,” said owner Amy Calvin, “And there are people in and out of those doors all the time. I help up there a lot, so it’s really nice, and restful, and I can get some other things done, when I’m down here.”

But she expects that ––- and is hopeful that –– traffic in and out of the Chelsea shop will be heavy, too, as more people learn about it.

“We decided to open a boutique in Chelsea because my husband has a auto sales business here,” Calvin said.

Their first Sew Precious Boutique in Chelsea was located on old U.S. 280. It moved to the new Omega Office Center across from Sonic on newer U.S. 280 about three months ago. Now both businesses are located in the same business complex.

Calvin grew up in China and came to America to attend graduate school, she said. She intended to go back home to China after she’d earned her masters, but all that changed after she met her husband. Amy and Dale Calvin have five children.

The day I talked with Calvin, her mother –– who, along with her husband, is visiting from China –– was at the shop, while Calvin’s father was babysitting.

Calvin said she returns to China two or three times a year. Meanwhile, she is enjoying having her parents in America, taking care of her family and enjoying her delightful boutiques.

Sew Precious can be reached at 678-6633 or by e–mail at sewpreciousboutique@gmail.com.