Welcoming a "Normal" Day

I still have car problems, but I'm taking a day off from worrying about that. I'm declaring this a "normal" day. A bit of washing and ironing, a quick swifter to the tile floors, and then time in the sewing room.

I'm working on a corduroy jumper with a fall vibe  pink, brown, cream and yellow zinnias on an orange background. Here it sits on my ironng board awaiting the bottom ruffle which is hot pink. So Annarella Girl!

Above the jumper style is beautifully modeled. She shows how cute it looks with a tee and leggings. Very comfortable! I'm working on some leggingts to go with the jumpers and dresses. Hope to have some soon to show you.

Here in central Texas, we are having flashes of autumn. Mornings are cooler; afternoons not quite so hot. It is inspiring me to work on pieces for the coming seasons. What do you like about fall?  I love plaid flannels and corduroy. I love curling up with a good book under a warm throw. I love colorful, funky knee socks. How about you?

Why I Make Clothes for Little Girls

I'm working on a colonial style dress for my daughter, the teacher. As her fifth grade classes study colonial times this fall, they will have a colonial day celebration. So I'm sewing her a dress. And it reminds me of all the sewing tasks that I avoid by working on my Annarella Girl clothes. At this stage of my life I can indulge my passion with AG without the tiresome, boring (for me) details.

Yeah, no inset sleeves. Thats right so far all my designs have ties or straps because I dislike the picky steps to doing set in sleeves. I am thinking of doing a dress with raglan sleeves which I find to be so much easier, but so far no design for one. It often takes me years of "thinking" before my light bulb goes off.

Loads of fabric. The tables in my sewing room are set up for short pieces of fabrics. The largest things I have to cut out are 18 inches long. Adult clothes take up so much more room. Just to cut out the pattern pieces for the skirt I had to move to the dining room and extend that table to its fullest. Not a huge deal for one project, but a pain if I was doing this constantly. And the amount of fabric in the skirt is astounding. Normally that much material would last me 2 years and 30 dresses. For this garment I'm running it through the machine all at one time.

Zippers. I avoid them when possible. I'm not sure why. It's just a step I don't want to do on a regular basis. Sounds like I'm lazy. You betcha!!!

Fittings. Now, I'm glad fo an excuse to visit my daughter, but I'm not a fan of fittings. When dealing with a commercial pattern, not something I usually use, I know that I need to do a fitting of the bodice before I attach skirt. Keep your fingers crossed as I strongly dislike taking apart and redoing. There are seamstresses out there who are terrific at alterations. Bless them! I'm not one of them. It's a nightmare for me. This is the biggest reason I don't create custom clothing for adults - fit is so crucial.

Designing and making clothes for little girls is definitely in my comfort zone. I can avoid a lot of the unpleasant details and enjoy the creative process. Bring on the colors. Revel in the soft cottons and corduroys. I'm a happy sewer.

Long Weekend

I'm taking a small break. You won't even know I'm gone. Here are some sunny looks for you to enjoy.

I'm hoping that all my friends and family on the East Coast have an event free weekend. From earthquake to hurricane, that's one rollercoaster I don't want any of you to be on!!! Stay safe.

Corduroy Colors

I thought I'd show you the lush corduroys I've been working with to make the new jumpers. I love them (both the corduroy and the jumper). Colors and patterns are meshing well. Spirited clothes for my Annarella Girls. Colorful clothes for toddlers to 3rd graders. Great for back to school. Can you tell I'm excited by this new design and the new fabrics?

Here is the latest jumper unsder construction. If you look close you can see the bright aqua bodice. The background of the corduroy is a rich purple. Love the play of shades of blues, greens, and reds in the leaves and flowers. Ruffle will be butterflies and flowers. Fun, fun.

Another garden of flowers - pinks, greens and blues on a chocolate brown background. I'm thinking I'll pick up the pinks in the fabrics for the bodice and ruffle.

A little bit quieter but with bright colors, I haven't decided what cotton prints I'll use for bodice and ruffle. Should I go bright or quiet?

For all the other coerduroy prints I chose bright colors or bold graphics. This one is more muted. I paired it with the softer aquas. I'll post a pic soon. I love it.

This black and white houndstooth corduroy was used in my first sample. Look two or 3 posts back to see it on Ava for its trial run. Next jumper will use this fabric and accent it with a deep pink. Little girls love pinks.

All these jumpers look great with a sleeved tee. Collar or not. And leggings! Love leggings for comfort, warmth and modesty.

Coloring Outside the Lines

A series of colorful clothes.

Not sure if all the mixes are succesful.

Probably will rework some of the combos.

Trying for a softer touch with some.

No apology for the bright romper.

Can you guess which one I christened "when little house on the prairie meets Rosanna Dana?"

Birth of a New Design

I've been working on a corduroy jumper. Today I was ready to talk about it, but I can't upload my pics. Very disappointed. Maybe I'll have better luck tomorrow when I'll have my first sample on a live model. Wish me luck!!!!

UPDATE. An hour later and the photos are available. Hooray and off I go.

I've been drooling over the new print corduroys that have been around for a couple of years. Yes, I'm slow. Wasn't sure how I wanted to use them. After my print explosion of last week, an idea began to nibble in my mind. I wanted a garment which had a bit less mix of color and print, but I didn't want to lose the funkiness and boldness completely. I think I am on the road to a new design. Let me know what you think.

Here is my first try. I love the white and black houndstooth patterned corduroy. I've used it in cotton 2-3 years ago. So I drew up an idea of a jumper, (I'm so bad as a sketcher!), with the corduroy used for the skirt. Made my notes for size of pattern pieces. Then it's onto accent fabric choices.

After I pull a bunch of cotton print fabrics from my stash, I arrange them around my base corduroy. In this case I begin to eliminate what does not give me the splash of color that I'm looking for against the black and white. Just two pops of brightness in bodice and ruffle. (I'm still thinking about a pocket.)

Here is the finished jumper. I have a shirt and leggings hanging with it all ready to take to Mama Ds house for her daughter,Ava, to try on. This is the final check to see if I have the proportions between straps, bodice, skirt and ruffle pleasing. Also feedback on the ease of putting on and wearing. Will it be comfortable to sit in, run in twirl in? Will Ava think it is fun but beautiful?

I'll be back tomorrow with more photos and some answers to my questions. I hope?

What's New

My regular readers know that I've had some changes this week - new dog and new retail presence. I hope to have some pics of Mama D's and Annarella Girl to show next week. For all you locals stop by tonight for First Friday from 6-8 at Goodwater Gallery in the Chupa Rosa building, 704 S Austin Ave - on the square, Georgetown. Sorry I won't be there but food and drink will. Jenny D has done a great job of setting up our displays. So go and have fun.

While I've had many distractions - and to add to the rest Hubs is immobilized with a very swollen knee, so I have to feed and water him - I am managing some work. The Red Poppy Fest is Sat, April 16-17. That leaves me with 2 weeks to add to my inventory. Here are a few of the new dresses and skirts.

This size 5 (the most popular size right now. I'm having trouble keeping up with demand.) is inspired by the purple shadows in the garden.

The palette for this size 12-18 mos apron dress is from the Caribbean - sun filled greens, sea blue and agua.

Texas has the most incredible sunsets. Here the rosy pinks and deep oranges mimic the end of our day. Size 6-12 mos.

A medium (size 5-6) is flower filled in pinks and green. These skirts look adorable over laeggings. Fulllength for cool days or cropped length for warm days.

I'll be adding these items to my etsy shop soon. I welcome your visit to it. Just click on my side bar.
Enjoy your friday. I hope your weekend will be filled with sunshine and flowers.

Deep Breaths

After 2 weeks of busy with sewing and grandkids, I'm caught up. The last special order went in the mail yesterday. House is quiet. So I'm taking this weekend to breathe deeply. Working, but at a leisurely rate. Catching up with my blog. Posting a few new items on etsy.

Surroundings are so quiet I find myself thinking dog. I miss the company of a dog. I miss the enthusiastic greeting when I walk in the door. I miss the warmth at my feet in bed. Am I crazy? Dogs are also messy. They require attention. When I'm on the road, they need someone to care for them. But despite trying to list all the difficulties with having a dog, I can't stop wanting one.

My requireents for a dog are many. No puppies, please. I need a mature dog - translate that into low-energy. Small or no larger than medium. Not so small it can trip me up in the kitchen. But not so large that I can, if necessary, pick it up. Lastly, little to no shedding.

I'm so close to visiting my local shelter to see what's there. I'm trying to force myself to take deep breaths and take time to really think about this. To balance my need for companionship with the responsibility of pet care. Anyone out there have any perspective for me?

Above skirt is a crazy combination of 5 fabrics in spring colors. Somehow the multiple patterns and hues work. The girls love the skirts over leggings. Versatile and good for play.

Spring Break

Beginning of spring break here. I'm going to be hanging out with my grandkids. Grammy camp strikes again. Plus I get to hang out with my son. We have a couple of events planned but nothing big. We're just going to enjoy being. We do hope to see "Rango." All that ugliness intriques me.

I'm a little behind in my sewing room. Despite my best efforts to be ahead as I start into spring break, you, loving customers, are buying. Love ya!! Don't mind having to hustle a bit. But I'm taking a break for 4 days. Going to relish life. Going to have laughs with my beautiful, clever, funny, talented grands.

Give hugs to your family and friends!!!
Talk with you on the other side of the weekend.

Spring Report

It's another spring update. You'd think after all these years spring would no longer bring me such anticipation and joy, but it does. And I am once again delighted with noting the progressions and changes that occur. Most of the lawns are more green than brown. Dandelions wave their yellow heads in the breeze. Trees sport a haze of green as the leaf buds begin to unfurl. The Bradgord pear trees that line the entry to my development are filled with white flowers - reminds me of brides with full veils. I haven't spotted my first bluebonnet yet, but soon.

Georgetown, where I live, has red poppies. It's known as the red poppy capitol of Texas. There are many homes in our historic downtown that sport yards full of red poppies. It is quite a happy sight. In April the town has a festival which honors the flower. (In truth, it's a good title but it really celebrates all of Georgetown and its inhabitants.) This year it is April 16-17. There is always good music - local and national. Mark Chestnut is the headliner on Saturday night. Fair food favorites range from kettle corn to funnel cakes to sausage on a stick. Lots and lots of arts and crafts booths. Annarella Girl will be there sharing a space with Mama Ds. Put it on your calendar. For all the up-to-date information go to the Red Poppy Festival website.

Black and pink skirt with pink underskirt and black and bright pink flower sundress will be at the Red Poppy festival. They say come and see them in person. My poor photos do not do them justice.

A Man with a Plan

My grandkids continue to be fodder for my blog. Jack, a second grader, has come up with his life plan. (Not sure what precipitated this conversation with his parents.) First he is going to work at MacDonalds until he gets fired. (Don't know why (What do you suppose he has heard about working at Mickey D's? I wish I knew the back story to this comment.) Then he is going to be a doctor. Finally he will work at Lego Land. Not a bad plan.

Don't you love a man with a plan? Let's not squash his enthusiasm with what happens with the "best laid plans...etc." Seems to me he has allowed for mixing work and fun. First mindless, mind numbing work, then an interesting career followed by a job that incorporates something he loves with pay. Way to go, Jack.

I'm lucky enough to be in the stage where I am combining a passionate hobby with some money-making. Life is good. Unlike Jack, I didn't plan it. I just kind of stumbled on to it. Until 4 years ago I didn't know what I wanted to be when I grew up. (There have been a lot of different jobs in my life, teacher, mother, retailer, etc, most of which I have found challenging but satisfying.) Even though I'll be 67 next month, I'm not sure if I'm grown up, but for now I'm enjoying every day I get to create Annarella Girl clothes. The business end is a constant mind-stretching exercise. Mixing fabrics, colors and patterns is a soul satisfying occupation. I'll say it again, life is good.

In central Texas we are watching spring creep in. Lawns are greening, and trees are budding. I caught a glimpse of a flowering tree this week. Wildflowers are soon to show their glory. I've written about it before but indulge me again. Spring green - the tender, fresh, bright green - is my favorite color. I love mixing it in the clothes. Hello, spring!

Do It with Love

Today on the CBS Sunday Morning Show, clothing designer, Elie Tahari, gave this piece of advice for success. "do it with love." I daresay that most of the artists, artisans and crafters I know do exactly this. It is an intregal part of why they work in obscurity trying to earn enough money to support themselves.

I wish that everyone support these workers with love. Go to shows and exhibits. Buy handmade. Gift your friends and loved ones with the unique and original. "Do it with love." Pass the love along!!

These onsies are a few of the new ones that I'll be offering at my spring shows. They are made with love.

And just to remind you how cute they look on. Here's Payson in her yellow one.

She says she is comfortable and pretty.

Love.

Tuesday and Thursday @ Mama Ds

Every Tues. and Thurs. finds me at Mama Ds retail and work space. Tucked into a tiny kitchen in a red historic bungalow, I'm there to greet people who come to shop or pick up special orders. To be frank I'm not very busy with walk-in customers. We're a bit off the beaten track. But this is not wasted time because I am busy sewing. For instance today I'm finishing up a sundress in size 5. Then starting a romper in size 12-18 months. So it is productive time there.

If you're around Georgetown, stop in and see me. Take a peek at what I'm working on. Look at all the handbags, bibs, burp cloths, dresses, skirts, headbands. Or pick out fabrics for your custom order. Mama Ds and Annarella Girl love working on special orders. We take great pride in the quality of our workmanship. Everything is made to be used and loved. Since parenthood is enough of a challenging gig, we want you to be able to relax with the easy care of what we make, but at the same time be proud of how beautiful everything is.

You don't need to be buying to stop in and see me. Just say hello. Mama Ds is at 407 West University Ave, Geogetown, Texas. Although I'm there only on Tues and Thurs 11-4, the store is open from Tues. through Sat 11-4. If you're making a special trip to see our space, call 512-845-4042 to make sure someone is there. Jennifer D has 3 children and is sometimes called away from her time at the store to care for sick kids. Such is the nature of small creative businesses. Sometimes families take precedent.

Off to sew. See you at Mama Ds.

The Power of Hugs

This morning on the Today Show a relationship expert said a husband should hug his wife for 30 seconds a day. This will get her endorphines going. If she feels better, the relationship will be better.

Great thought. Parents should make sure they hug their kids daily for 30 seconds. Kids should hug their parents for 30 seconds. Hug a friend. Hug a spouse. We'll all feel better. And relationships are bound to be good.

Yesterday I stopped by J Bryant Boyd Architect, (a creative, honorable archiect with many beautiful homes to his credit.) to see my son, the draftsman and office manager. He's been sick this week but was back at work. I felt he needed a hug. In reality I needed a hug. Not for any good reason but just because. I also have a very good friend who works parttime there. So I got to get a hug from her. Didn't think too much about these hugs but went on my merry way with a smile. Feeling good! Then when the expert mentioned the power of hugs, I immediately thought back to yesterday and how good those hugs made me feel. I had powerful endorphins for several hours. So simple! So pwerful!

So give hugs today - friends, partners, children, spouses. You will feeeeel so good!!!

inspired by a Texas sunset....romper, size 18-24 months...doesn't make you smile?
(top) inspired by a Carribean island....skirt size medium...makes me feel warm and sunny.

Wrap-up

It's been a good week here in my sewing room. As I continue to work with my new fabrics (last ones are seen above), I am feeling productive. Always a feel good thing.

Jennifer of Mama D's and I have picked the spring shows we will be applying to. As we get accepted, we'll let you know. In light of positive thinking I'm using the possibilities to set my production goals. So far that's working for me. Do you all need deadlines to motivate yourselves?

skirt, size large (7-8) One of a kind - last of the bird fabric.

As I work blissfully away, I watch TV. This week has been a sad one. Lots of coverage about the shootings in Tucson. Everyone asking why? I'm glad to see the gun control debate opening again since it is an area where we need some reform. But I'm not to hopeful. Ever since I saw in the assasination attempt of President Reagan the gunning down of James Brady which led his wife and he to unsuccessfully lobby for limited gun control, I lost hope for some common sense legislation for the sales and ownership of weapons meant to kill and maim many in a mere matter of seconds. On a brighter note there were many heroes that day. People who did everything they could to comfort and care for the victims. There were many in the chaos who demonstrated the good side of humanity. Thanks!

Enough ranting. On this rainy Saturday I'm cutting out dresses, skirts and rompers to work on next week. Looking forward to snacking on a pot of vegetable soup made by my husband. (Isn't he a dear!) And watching an old movie or two. Along that line I finally watched "Julie and Julia" after the holidays. Now I've finished the book. Really, really enjoyed it. Sometimes it made me very hungry, but more often left me in horrified awe over the lengths Julie had to go to in order to make the recipes. Really hack sawing bone to get the marrow. Or the killing of the lobsters. Left me being very thankful for supermarkets and fine restaurants!!! And that pot of soup. Yum.

Leaving you with a Texas sunset inspired dress. For real these colors are not uncommon at the end of my day. Loving peach and blues. Have a good weekend. Be kind to one another even that driver that cuts you off, shopper who jumps in checkout line and the mother of the screaming kid. I heart kindness.

A Little Bit More of Fall

I'm taking off again. Going to the soggy East to see my mother-in-law who is ill. I probably won't be blogging. But I leave you wth some colorful pics Carrie Ellen has posted on her site. They are beautiful!

For another view of autumn stop by Susan's blog for a pic of nature's fall bounty. Pumpkins make me smile.

Finally go to Brene Brown' s blog for inspiration on imperfection. She talks about how much time nd energy we waste on being perfect or trying to show only our perfect side to the world. I, for one, am very guilty of that. Instead we need to embrace each other's imperfections, move on and use that energy for good. This takes some courage - to acknowledge my flaws - but can be so worth it. And what a gift for my daughter or granddaughter to show I'm not afraid of or governed by my flaws. While I always strive to be better than my flaws, I want them to know that my fear will not stop me from living, starting a newbusiness or being me. I AM IMPERFECT!!

PS. New romper aize 18-24 months.

Guilty Pleasures

As we ease into Autumn here - low 90's - I fight falling into depression. Fall and winter are my least favorite times of the year. I dislike the shorter days and longer nights. As trees shed leaves I prepare for the winter palette of grays, whites and blacks. Although it is better here with a few trees staying green through the winter, I miss the greens of leaves, bushes and grass. Since I can't hibernate, I indulge in some of my guilty pleasures as a means to uplifting my spirits.

Chocolate, candy corn and black licorice - not just any chocolate but milk chocolate. Hershey's, thy name is sweet. I enjoy the whole process of unwrapping the silver foil, removing paper name strip and then popping it in my mouth. I don't want dark chocolate. I don't crave dark chocolate. For me the indulgence is in the original humble chocolate kiss! Seasonally I love candy corn. I know, I know pure sugar with no redeeming feature, but isn't that part of the guilty pleasure. Finally black licorice jelly belly buttons - ahhhhh! What candies or sweets are your favs?

Continuing summer reading. Curl up in a spot of sun with a good book. Under a soft throw during a rain storm with a good, but easy read. Loving a good thriller or shopgirl romance. My local library is my brain's candy store. Nothing too serious. I read to escape not to think. (Wow, that's hard to admit!) Got any suggestions for this autumn's reading?

Reality TV - Survivor is back, Project Runway is in full swing, certainly Amazing Race can not be far behind. Indulge me in The Apprentice as long as it doesn't get too nasty. I'm not into mean spirited Real Wives no matter were they are from. I will not watch Jersey Shore. Dancing with the Stars bores me. So you can see I have my standards. LOL. I like goal oriented trash.

What are your guilty pleasues? How do you chase away the blues? Come on 'fess up!

Pic is latest etsy listing. I like the jungle animal center panel for a bit of a difference. Very similar to dress with bird panel. Still having fun with dresses. Don't miss waiter's apron listing.

New on Etsy

I'm on a mission to post new items in my etsy store every day for the month of September. So check it out. New dresses, new aprons, new rompers and new headbands. You can get there through this link or through link on side of page. Enjoy.

Work in Progress

I'm taking a break for some family time. I won't be on my computer for a while, but don't fear I will be back. Here's a glimpse at what I'm leaving on my iron board. Makes me think of you, Mrs Cie.
Have a happy Labor Day!

A Quick Update

I've been showing Annarella Girl every Friday and Saturday at the Annarella Home studio in the atrium at 800 S Austin Ave in downtown Georgetown, but I will not be there this weekend. I apologize for any inconvenience.

My grandchildren's activities are not always compatible with mine, and this time I'm going to Houston to see my dear Sophie get recognition for a two year project she has worked on. The primary advantage to closing the retail store is to be able to share my grandchildren's activities and triumphs. So I'm off this weekend.

I'll be back next Friday and Saturday. I've been working on skirts in the autumn palettes. See you then.