A Summer State of Mind

Long days of sunshine and heat mean spring is over. Summer comes with muggy mornings, hot afternoons, and long evenings. I love it!!!

Summer fresh fruits drip juice down my chin. Grilled hamburgers and hotdogs come to my backyard. The smell permeates my neighborhood  The sides star with baked beans, potato salad, corn on the cob. What are your favorites for a backyard barbque?

Do you have special sights, sounds, tastes that mean summer to you?  What colors are summer? I always love yellows and pinks which remind me of sunny flowers. Lavendar is the shade of dusk.
Light and shadow.

Summer dreams in my workroom.

Projects I Would Love to Do

Recently I have several inquiries that sound like they would be fun.

First, a qestion about flower girls dresses. Wouldn't that be cute? Using colors of wedding. Lots of flowers in fabrics. Longish - mid calf to ankle lengrh. extra long ribbon sashes. I can picture them. Haven't heard back from inquirer. She can probably find cute alternatives closer to her home, but it's been a thought-provoking email question. Good creative dreeaming.

Second, working backward from a really cute headband to create a dress to complement. Reminds me of the very common adult process - finding a killer pair of shoes, usually on sale, and then searching for the perfect outfit to go with them, usually not on sale. Now tell me you've never done that! Dreaming up a yellow, blue, pink sundress!

Have a good Thursday. I am laboring at the sewing machine. I think I can complete my special order. I think I can. I think I can.

Mad about Madras

Does anybody out there remember the first time madras plaid was popular? This dates me, but I coveted all things mardras when I was growing up. It was so Ivy, League that is. So classic and smart. In the olden days it faded every time it was washed and became softer with each wearing. Skirts, dresses, Bermuda shorts, golf pants, and sports jacket. These were cool before cool was hip! Add weejuns on your feet, without socks, of course, and we went dancing, shopping, and school. Coooooool.

This week I've been working with madras patchwork fabric. It can be a real pain, but I'm carried on clouds of remeniscences through the picky work to a place of teen joys. I still love the look of madras. It is no longer made to fade with each washing. It is already soft. Now it is just heavenly colors and good looks.

Here's what is hanging on my door waiting to be photographed. -3 dresses, a romper and a skirt. All using some madras mixed in with other fabrics. Pink. green and blue - pastel smart!

Pretty Girls

Had a fun Sunday. Photographer, Sarah Havard, did some new promotional shots for Annarella Girl. The girls were beautiful and so good. This is a peek of them waiting for instructions. Despite the wind and slight chill there was not a complaint between them. Soon I'll have some of the shots to show you. In the meantime take a look at Sarah's website. She is very talented!!!! I'm so pleased to have photographing my clothes.

Good news for The Exchange, Angie and Carly are now accepting kids clothes. The children's section will open in 2 weeks. They've done so well with the adult clothing - keeping quality high and pricing low. So go through the closets for your kids outgrown clothes. As long as they are clean - no stains, in good repair - no rips or missing buttons, and good brands, bring them in Monday, Wednesday or Friday to consign them.

I will still have a small section of Annarella Girl in the atrium. Stop in anytime to see all my new things!

In Pursuit of Excellence

I find the Olympic Games to be a source of inspiration. Sometimes its the event itself. For instance the incredible skating of the Chinese pairs last night. (Gold to Shen and Zhao; silver to Pang and Tong) As they pushed to the edge of their physical ability, they also showed great musicality. Wonderful, wonderful! Can you imagine moving across the slippery ice at such incredible speeds while jumping, spinning, lifting in time to the music? They made it look easy and natural. Although I was alone I had the urge to give them a standing ovation!!

Sometimes it is the back story that inspires. Who couldn't root for the Canadian ski freestyler, Bilodeau? His performance was outstanding but that he shared it with his handicapped brother, in fact gave him the credit for pushing him to put in the hard work necessary to compete as a world class athlete. Notice many of the competitors have a family who has supported them through endless practices and injuries. Don't you like the P&G commercials that honor the moms? (Only could be improved if it also mentioned the dads.)

And sometimes it's the words of the athletes that inspire. An interview with Apollo Ohno, speed skater, contained this thought from him. This is his 3rd Olympics. How does he keep the momentum and focus he needs to make the sacrifices of time and social life. He said (and I paraphrase) that every night he asks himself if he has done his best that day, put forth his maximum effort. If only we all lived our lives with that mantra. So I'm trying harder to put forth my best effort to live my best life every day. Thank you, Apollo Ohno!!

Now I'm off to see more of the Olympics while I sew. I wonder what will especially inspire me today. (Maybe there are one or two of you who wish that I would be inspired to improve ny spelling and punctuation. Sorry for all the mistakes.)

Notes from the Workroom

Another rainy day in central Texas. A good day for organizing and catching up with cutting out both skirts and dresses to sew this coming week. I finally feel like I'm getting ahead of inventory. With an upcoming kiosk in The Exchange at Annarella, I have a deadline (and don't we all work more eficiently and faster with a deadline?) I'm focused and excited. The Exchange is a very good thing for central Texas. A great opportunity for Annarella Girl.

Because I will have a permanent home now, I've decided to only go to two shows for the upcoming holiday season. In Georgetown the FBC Christmas Spectacular is Nov 12, 13, 14. In Houston the Cougar Christmas Market Dec 12 & 13. I'm forgoing the outdoor shows this fall. I'm not up to battling the wind and rain. The above shows are under roof which means an easier setup for me!!!

These are 3 photos from my workroom. A little peek of some finished dresses and 2 different skirts in the early stages. You probably can't make out much in the pics, but I'm always available by email to chat about colors and fabrics and looks. Or see you November 2 at the grand opening of The Exchange at Annarella/

Cutie Patootie

Meet Miss Evelyn. She was helping her mom celebrate her birthday at First Friday. Coincidentally she had on her Annarella Girl skirt. Doesn't she look adorable? I love running into a cutie wearing my clothes!!!

Thank you Evelyn for being such a good model for the photos.

Variations on a Theme

As some of you know taking photos of my clothing is always a challenge for me. This AM while editing shots taken last night, I realized I'm going to have to get a professional photographer. I just can't do justice to the rich colors. Plus I'd like to show everyone how great the clothes look on girls.

Now with my whine out of the way, here are some phoros that show how I mix and remix or add and subtract the same group of fabrics.

Remember if you're around Georgetown this weekend, you can see these vivid colors and patterns in person (they really are special) at Annarella Design Studio, 800 S Austin Ave. Open until 8 tonight and all day Saturday.

Autumn Collection on Etsy

It's 98 degrees outside...can fall be almost here? While the rest of the country burns up or shivers or has moss growing between toes, we continue to endure the longest, hottest, driest summer on record. But signs that autumn is coming are here - days are shorter and mornings are cooler. Hurray!!!

I've begun listing my Autumn Collection on Etsy. The new (for me) design is an apron dress with a ribbon sash. The colors are deep jewel tones with several different pallettes. Shades of lavendar and purple; primary reds and blacks; turquoise, acid green and oranges; and variations of all. I'm continually fooling around with different combinations of fabrics for each palette in the skirts and dresses.

I just love some of these new fabrics. What little girl wouldn't love to have blue, purple and pink deer gamboling on her dress apron? Apron is not detachable; ribbon sash is sewn on the front and tied in back.

Back of jungle animal dress as shown above. Here you can see many of the different fabrics used. For seasonal wear layer over tee or blouse and leggings or skinny pants - white, black, green or red.

The apron is acid green background with birdcages. Love the mix of colors and punch of deep fuschia.

Turquoise, orange and green. Sounds bizaare on paper, but looks great. And imagine what wonderful colors you can pair with this in a ree and leggings!!

I have more to list on etsy. And don't forget the skirts. Visit my Annarella Girl site. The photos don't do the dresses justice. If you are in central Texas come see them in person Friday and Saturday at Annarella Design Studio, 800 S Austin Ave, Georgetown. I'm there from 11-5. Tomorrow is First Friday in downtown so I'll be there until 8 pm.

Etsy Kids Treasury

Etsy Kids is a group of artisans making items for babies, toddlers and kids. Every month they create a "treasury" of items that members have created around a general theme. Just for fun they urge everyone to vote for their favorite. these photos are just a sampling of what is posted. Follow this link to see all of the items and vote for your favorite.

Last day of SALE at my etsy shop. Later this week I'll begin listing my fall dresses and skirts.

SALE on Etsy

Just finished listing 20 sale items on etsy. Above is one of my favorites with its colors like a Texas sunset. Stop over to my shop to see all the dresses and skirts on sale. Sale will run until next Monday, August 25. These are end of the season items so I can't take any special orders for them in different sizes.

Don't forget almost every dress and skirt on sale can also transition into fall and winter. Picture this dress with a long sleeve tee and long leggings or skinny pants. Soooo cute! Sooo versatile.

So hop on over to my shop. Sale is on for one week. Next week I begin to list all new clothes with vivid colors and slightly different design, but still as always, very comfortable for active girls and easy care for busy moms.

Imagine it?

This is the next dress. Can you imagine it? Seems like I've been in a pink haze lately if you look at my etsy shop, but in reality for the fall/winter series I've been awash in jewel tones of purple, blue, green and more. Not much pink. I'll try this combo above with a slight variation in design to see how it works out. See you all when next I surface.

(When I'm shuffling a fabric combination, I tune out everything around me. I try to remember to have my phones with me, but I look around now and realize neither my home or cell phone is where I can hear it ring. Oh well, sorry Pamela, I am trying to get better at staying in tune with the world.) Off to cut out dress and begin construction - as soon as I go get my phones.

Solitary in the workroom

Yesterday when I ventured out into the 100+. (Turn off the sound because here comes a whine. Another endless day of sun and sweat, but enough of that, can't change the weather we just must endure.) I ran into a friend who inquired how the change from retailer to crafter was going. My standard answer is... it is as expected. I knew there were going to be an adjustment period as I got used to working alone. And it is true. What I find most challenging is the lack of face to face contact with people.

I knew when I started this new venture that I was going to miss seeing people. But it's not only the conversation and energy of shoppers coming in off the street. It goes even deeper than that. I miss having people around who I can bounce ideas off. Even though I don't always play well with others, I need others. Often I need to talk an idea out with others to have it gel or evolve. Bouncing thoughts back and forth is part of my creative process. So now I struggle without having this. I struggle with self-doubt and worry. Do others see these as colorful and whimsical or are they too much, too busy?

When the store was open, I would take dresses in to get feedback. I could note which color combinations customers would remark on the most. If I altered a design was it noticeable? I got to see reactions and chitchat about what worked and what didn't. I would love it if I got some reactions on the blog, but that doesn't happen often. Plus I don't want to bore everyone with posting new dresses too often. Should I post every new dress or skirt to see what you all think or not?
The transition continues from working with the public 50 hours a week to 0 hours. I imagine that what I'm progressing through is common for most as they begin working at home. I have faith that I'll eventually find my balance. But the journey is not easy or comfortable. Does growth ever come easy or comfortable? So to answer the friend who asked. Although I love my dresses and skirts, although I love the process of sewing and creating, although I love the challenge of a new business - I'm finding it difficult to labor in solitary. (Interesting....as I write this I realize that the many pluses by far outweigh the single minus. Note to self, concentrate on the creative pluses!!!)

I'm in Love

Yes, I'm in love with a wonderful dress and the Annarella girl that will wear it. I've been working on a new design for fall and winter. A 3 tier dress. Why the tiers? So that it twirls. When a girl puts on a pretty dress, they invariably twirl. So I decided to make one that had more twirl. But the trick is that it not have too much fabric so it hangs heavily when not in motion. I think I've found the right proportion.

And the palette. Vibrant, saturated colors. Makes for a bold dress. I've made up several different combinations using the new fabrics. So far this is my favorite - blue, orange, green. It is a vivid dress for a vivacious girl.

So here is a sneak peek. What do you think? I've lots more fabric choices and palettes to experiment with.

front

back

Business Decisions from My Workroom

I'm now surrounded by stacks of new fabrics - fabrics for fall and winter. It's taken me awhile to accumulate them because along the way I had to make some decisions on how I wanted to focus. (All that procrastination led to plenty of time thinking about possible options for what I wanted to do about business. My wheels move slowly, but I am comfortable with my decisions.)

I spent some time looking for a glen plaid or houndstooth material like I used last year. Couldn't find what I needed with the fabric content or price point I wanted. But I did keep running into lush cotton prints which felt as soft as silk. So I decided to buy the 100% cotton in small lots and keep my line as limited editions. When I run out of these fabrics, it will be rather difficult to reorder. There will be no run of many duplicates in all sizes. Annarella Girl will remain handmade by me with limited inventory. I know it's difficult to see from these photos how it will all blend together. For me that is part of the creative challenge that I love. You're looking at hours of stacking and restacking to see what can be used and where. And it is the part of these dresses and skirts that make them unique - my play, my vision. So for this year I'm going to stay small, love working with my regular customers and slowly through etsy and regional fairs, build a larger customer base. I want to keep it personal and fulfilling. I don't want to cookie cutter my special Annarella Girls.I'll be doing some fairs this fall. (When I have the list complete, I'l post it here.) You can always visit me on etsy. And my next challenge is how to actively use my Facebook page. I'll always keep you all posted on what's going on in my workroom.

Now let me get to work.

Popsicle Stripes Beat the Heat

We are having a heat wave!! Days of 100+ are here and wearing everybody down. It got me to thinking about ways to beat the heat.

I just posted this dress on etsy. With its loose fit and soft white eyelet body it is cool and comfortable for a baby to wear. The colors in the ruffle and bodice remind me of the popsicles all kids love to eat in the hot summer. So I call this popsicle stripes. Sweet and cool. (This is one of a kind since it is the last of this white eyelet which is particularly soft.)

My favorites were grape and lime. And look what popsicle has become. They call this a Big Stick Lifesaver Pop. It incorporates all the popular flavors. They've developed slow melt sticks and bars. Although on days like today I bet they will still drip off our elbows.

Check out their website for their latest products and some fun ideas for games.

Beyond the Expected

Etsy is filled with artisans selling their handmade jewelry, crocheting, prints, clothing (don't forget my own children's dresses and skirts) and more. Look no further for the perfect tee shirt or baby quilt. But today I thought I'd take a walk through the unexpected. Here are some examples of the more unusual items to be found.

You can find all sorts of vintage stuff. This tall greeen vase is from the shop ImSoVintage. Based out of Charlotte NC she has accumulated all sorts of flea market finds. Looking for something different to accent a bookshelf or finish a kitchen, give this shop a look.

This is Banana Nut Loaf Butter from Bovine Bubbles. Don't you love the name? Out of Canada, Saskatchewan, they have a large line of bath and body wares. And then this side line of jams and spreads. check them out if only to read the names. You'll be drooling and chuckling. They have a great sense of humor.

Paper artist, Joe Bagley, uses the old art of paper cutting called scherenschnitte. Intricate images are cut from one piece of black paper which is then mounted on white. I love that he has set this in a woman's profile. Look at his site, papercutsbyjoe.

Would you believe you can get the seeds to grow yellow ruffled heirloom tomatoes from etsy? (This one is for you, Susan.) Swing over to mistiaggie. Out of Florida, she has a wonderful collection of seeds and plants.

An upholstered headboard is one example of what can be found at Vintage Renewal. Owner, reupholsterer, Jeanne Connolley, gives furniture a new lease on life at this green furniture boutique. Looking for an upholstered art piece to accent a dull corner or add pizazz to a bedroom, check her out.

It may be a little late for Father's Day but this combo of grilling spices would arrive in time for the 4th of July. From Montreal Purpose Design features spices, teas and salts. I love the look of the tins - simple and useful. This is a gift I wouldn't hesitate to give.

So I hope you've enjoyed this stroll through some of the more unexpected items found on etsy. Instead of catelogue shopping for the ho-hum, take time to see what's available and made by hand.

Newest Sundress

This is the latest dress to come out of my workroom. Lately I've been experimenting with a combination of fabric shoulder ties which have a matching band just above the ruffle and a ribbon sash. I think it's fun. What do you think?

First Friday dress

Just a quick noie this am for Velma. Here is a pic of the dress you liked. Yes I have all the fabrics needed to make this in size 12-18 mos. More details are in my email to you.

New Skirts

I'm in full production mode for First Friday trunk show on June 5th. Here are a couple of new skirts.

I love the pink and brown combination. A little bit girly; a little bit tomboy. Now that's the idea of the Annarella Girl. These skirts are Larges which is size 6-7. In my show this spring sizes medium and large sold out. So I'm replenishing the stock for those sizes.

I look forward to seeing some of you on Friday, 6-8pm at Annarella Home Design Studio in the atrium. If you can't make it but want to see more, go to www.annarellagirl.etsy.com where you can buy what's listed or order a custom dress or skirt.