Going My Way

I'm hitting the road to see the girls. Don't know what we'll do or what we'll see. I do know the experience will be fun. No guys are coming along, so I predict the trip could become full of silliness.

While I'm gone. all you Central Texans need to make the trip to Snickelbritches in Temple for the really good sale. Mama D's and Annarella Girl have everything in stock 25% off. This runs through June 13. Go forth and reap the rewards!!!

Snicklebritches
2010 SW HK Dodgen Lp #107
Temple Texas
254-778-9400

From My Porch

During these soft summer days I spend lots of time on my back porch watching Butler, admiring the flowers, listening to the birds and thinking. Here are some of my randomness.

If it makes me happy, is it  work? I spend 7 days a week sewing. It's not the only thing I do; but whenever I can grab an hour or 8, I am happily creating dresses, headbands, onesies etc. Outsiders call it work and wonder how I can spend so much time working. I call it joy and canspend endless hours doing what makes me happy.

Grammy camp opens this week. This year I'd like to keep my 3 grandchildren engaged in fun activities. No more endless computer games or other electronic exercises. I'm thinking cooking, photography, art, moviemaking and so on. Anyone have some suggestions? Kids range from 6-12.

Soon I'll be spending some time with girlfriends. Starting with about 6 days with college mates. We all lived together in dorms for about 3 years. Coming of age in the 60's. There were lots of good times. Can't wait to catch up with their life stories. Then 3 days with my beach buddies. We met as young mothers and supported each other through child-raising, marriage challenges, and now retirement. whew, what a ride!!! I'm looking forward to interesting conversations filled with laughter and love with both groups.

Finally, what do you think of fashion trucks? A pop-up boutique? Would an idea like this work for Annarella Girl and Mama D's? I have a dream. Anyone want to join a discussion about this?

A Good Show for All the Handcrafters

Poppy Fest was a great success, and not just for Mama D and Annarella Girl, but for all the handcrafters around us. That included a basket maker, stained glass maker, woodworker, and jam maker. Everyone was happy with the turnout. People were so supportive and appreciative of the handmade goods. Kudos to the organizers. It is such a huge job. Thanks to Mother Nature for being cooperative. I can't say enough for the experience.

Now on to the special orders. I will be busy in May. Hurrah!!!! The store in Georgetown called "Wonderful Things" on Austin Ave where we have a few things has just reordered. Thanks you very much!!!! So I'm working on that. If you are local, you probably know what a great gift store they are. Now that you can find Annarella Girl there, they are even better. Is that blatant self promotionn?

You can always find me on the internet if you are out of town or "Snickelbritches" in Temple, Texas.

 After a string of mediocre shows, it was certainly nice to feel loved again. Thanks again to all who stopped by, talked to us and bought. Feeling the love. Back at ya'.

Catching Up Monday

Good Monday Morning!! You never know what a Monday is going to bring your way, but so far this morning it's a good catch up day.

Temporarily, I hope, Mama D's and Annarella Girl are without a retail site in Georgetown.This weekend some return customers were searching us out and came to my sewing room where visitors are always welcome. Below is the pic of a beauty with one of the dresses she bought. Isn't she lovely!!! I wished she lived closer as she would make a lovely model.

I do love, love it when I can put a smile on such a cute face!!!!! And if you click on the highlighted names above, the links will take you to our etsy stores which are always open.

Last week I took a couple of pics of works in progress. Below is a short series to the final product.

There is happiness in the process especially when I can picture someone like my Saturday cutie wearing it with a big smile!!!

And I finish with a few random observations and apologies. After seeing what I posted last I realize it is time for a disclaimer/apology for my sloppy spelling/editing. Believe it or not I do read what I write, but often I see what is suppose to be there, not what is truly there, so lots of typos sneak through. Sorry!

As mentioned on facebook, allergies are wearing me down. Making me soooo tired! I wish I had a job on one of the morning shows. It seems like they are always taking lots of time off from a job that doesn't seem to take up much time to begin with. I am jealous. And it is enough to make me desert them and listen to the radio instead!

Certainly it is time to remind you that you can follow me on facebook. www.facebook.com/annarellagirl and or subsricbe to get my blog posts on you email, just gor to upper right of page where it says subscribe, enter your email address and follow instructions.

Happy Monday!!!

Confusion Rains

Why, oh why, does the internet world keep changing? Just when I'm getting comfortable with my facebook business page, www.facebook.com/annarellagirl the faceless facebook faces will change it by March 30. Doggone it! Now I have to learn and get comfortable with a new format. Wonder how long it will take me to learn this form? I still haven't faced the new "timeline." I guess I have some studying to do.

Is this part of my "forward" challenge for 2012?

Any local Central Texans out there come see Mama Ds and Annarella Girl this Saturday at Cedar Ridge High School, 2801 Gattis School Rd, Round Rock between 9 and 3. Tell me you saw the notice here on my blog or on my facebook and autimatically get 10% off any purchase.  Just a little gift for all of my fans!!!!

Onesies

newborn size

0-3 mos

6-9 mos

In the sewing room a row of onesies is growing. They make me smile with the bright colors, colorful prints and gathered skirts. Because I use name brand onesies whenever and whereever I can find them at a reasonable price, there are never a full a range of sizes. So if you ever see one in a size you want, grab it.

This Sat, March 3, Mama Ds and Annarella Girl are sharing booth space at a show in Round Rock at Cedar Ridge High School. (Love the inside shows because wind and rain don't interfere. We all stay dry and snuggy.) Show is put on by Theatre Boosters so all booth fees go to a good cause. Come out and support the talented students and a cause that contributes to their programs.

Cedar Ridge High School, 2801 Gattis School Rd, Round Rock. 9:00 - 3:00.

New onesies will be there!!!!

Rain, Rain...

It's been raining with some regularity here in Central Texas. Drought has gone from classified as extraordinary to extreme to severe. So we are making some progress, but everyone is still holding collective breaths that conditions continue to improve. Disclaimer, my dog, Butler, is not in favor of more rain. Although not particularly dainty, he does like to get his feet wet. Since the bark park has some low lying areas, he doesn't get to go until it has had a day or two to dry out which means probably not at all this weekend since it really poured last night. I try and try to explain to him the common sense of waiting, but he just doesn't get it. His eyes get so sad each time I climb in the car without him.

But I'm able to make good use of my time. This morning got this dress, 6-12mos, ready for the bottom ruffle which is unruffled behind it on the ironing board. I know it's difficult to see since it must battle bad candid photography and a garish striped ironing board cover. So maybe you just have to trust me that it is going to be adorable.

I have 2 special orders waiting to be finished. And, TA DA, Mama D's and Annarella Girl have found another store who is welcoming us. Snickelbritches in Temple, Texas. They carry a variety of handmade goods of extrememly good quality. We're proud to be a part of their family of artisans. More info in the next few days as we ready ourselves to move in.

Meanwhile you all have a good weekend. Next time you see me the dress above will be done.

The End of the Show Season

This Saturday is the Christmas Stroll in downtown Georgetown this Saturday. Mama Ds and Annarella Girl will be sharing a booth with Diva Chicks outside the store on 7th st.. We will have a smattering of items outside and the store will be fully stocked. This is it the last show of the Fall. Come see us. Wait until you see the baby cowboots from Mama Ds. They are adorable. What else could a Texas baby need? Diva Chicks has lots of stylish clothes. I love the flowy tops which are so comfortable. And outstanding accessories!

The sluggish economy is still impacting us. People are cautious with their purchases. They are sticking to their budgets. I understand since I am doing the same. So I really appreciate everyone who likes Annarella Girl enough to buy.  You've embraced the new corduroy jumpers and long sleeved onesies. Each purchase is an "ooh, you like me, you really like me." Thanks for the hugs and love.

I'm taking those warm hugs and indulging in a girls week in Florida. A very relaxing way to end my business season and mentally gear up for Christmas when my family gathers here. Somehow the house gets decorated, gifts get bought or made, and fudge appears in the kitchen. (Thanks to my husband who shares most of the work.) This is my favorite time of the year.

How is your holiday season progressing? Are you getting lots of warm hugs? Throwing you one from me.
See you.

New Palette

long skirt front

I love this new palette - dark and rich. Faux patchwork is a bit oriental in feel with its touches of metallic gold.

long skirt back

long sleeve onesie

Can't wait to hear feedbackat the FBC Christmas Spectaculr. Starts at 9:00 tomorrow. Mama D and Annarella Girl are ready!

Rambling 10: Deer Thoughts

On this morning's walk Butler and I met 5 deers. (B was a gentleman and let them pass without a lot of hulabaloo.) So graceful. I wish I could glide like that when I walked. They were very watchful, but they didn't bolt. I think they were enjoying the aftermath of the rain.

The deer travel in families, looking after each other. Seems like they have a lookout. One who is always ready to shout out the alarm. Then there are the young ones usually looking to follow the mom. If she startles, the babes move fast. It's fascinating to watch them move in concert - slow and stately.

Speaking of someone looking out for others. I want to send a huge thank you to Jenny D of Mama Ds. She does all the physical setting up and breaking down for me at shows. Without her I would have to give up exhibiting at craft shows. And next to the joy of creating, getting to share the fruits of my labor with customers, other crafters and the community, is so important to keeping my creative spirit healthy. Jenny D, I love you for supplying the muscle for my soul.

Next show is Saturday, Oct. 15. Leander High Craft Market. Check out their facebook page. Put on by the high school baseball boosters, a very well run show with an impressive roster of vendors. It will be fun.

Monday by the Numbers

365 - days since central Texas has had a significant rain
127 - days of temperatures in the 90s and above
87 - days 100 or over
12 - days until downtown Georgetown's October Market Days. You can find Mama D and me there. (Hoping it will not be 100 or over!!!)
5 - onesies I hope to get made this week
3 - jumpers I hope to make this week
1 - colonial dress finished!!!! (My project which went wrong every way it could is now over.)

What does your week look like?

Annarella Girl Moves

I'm so happy to let all my fans know that Annarella Girl can now be found in a new shop in downtown Georgetown - Diva Chicks Artful Boutique at 109 7th Street, one door from the corner of Main and 7th. Check out the facebook page and like it.

The back story - the coop gallery. Good Water - lost its space and will close at end of August. The manager, Kay Briggs, took this opportunity to follw a dream and open her own retail space. So Diva Chicks Artful Boutique was born. She and partner, Edda, have gathered together clothes, shoes, bags and jewelry into a bright, welcoming space. And she has invited Mama Ds to have some space. Yeah!

When you are in Georgetown visit us there. You'll love the women's clothes - so sophisticated yet comfortable. Perfect for Texas weather! The jewelry makes a fun statement as a great accessorie. And of course, Mama D has colorful handbags and diaper bags. Last but not least, Annarella Girl will have lovely handmade skirts, dresses and onesies for all ages from babies to 8 year olds.

Diva Chicks Artful Boutique is open now and full of goodies so stop in. There will be a grand opening August 5 which is First Friday in downtown if you want some food and drink to go along with your purchases!

PS Mama Ds and Annarella Girl will have products at Good Water Gallery until they close. Support the artists there.