First Friday

Tonight is October's First Friday in downtown Georgetown. This is a tradition that brings a large audience to our Square. Always energetic. Always fun!

I'm so excited for tonight because "Little Loft" (above The Exchange on 8th st) is hosting a trunk show for Matilda Jane. This children's clothing line is what inspired me to create Annarella Girl. It is funky, colorful and different. I try to channel that same vibe in my clothes while creating a different look. While we both combine colors and patterns in unexpected ways, I'm a bit more color crazy. And I'm still producing everything from my sewing room  by hand, stitch by stitch. My line is limited edition and often one of a kind.

Make sure you stop by tonight to see some Matilda Jane and some new Annarella Girl. You can have the best dressed daughter, granddaughter, cousin, niece, goddaughter around!!!

PS. I'm pairing leggings or leg warmers with most dresses and skirts. Some have a handmade crocheted flower and some are without. So cute!!!! I love the idea of flowers on legs.

For the Ages

A sister turned 70 this week. Doesn't that sound old? Gadzooks! (I always wanted an excuse to use this word.) Can my 70's be far behind?

Why doesn't my mental image of my age match the reality of my age? How is 70 suppose to feel? For that matter, how is 67 suppose to feel? For those of you on the outside looking at me, I probably look, act and talk every year of my life. But my interior just can't accept it. How old do I feel? That's a hard question to answer. I don't feel an exact age. I just know that I don't feel any older than I did at 40, 50, 60. For a long time I've been on hold. Yes, I've noticed that my joints aren't as well oiled as they were. My TV blares louder and louder as my hearing becomes less acute. Failing night vision makes driving after dark iffy. All symptoms of creeping old age. (sometimes galloping) But when in my dreams I'm an adult but young, and in those waking minutes I'm filled with the youthful enthusiasm of possibilities.

On my youthful side. I'm still striving to reach the same goals that I've had for all these decades. There are still so many things that I want to learn or achieve. Into my 3rd or 4th career (I've lost count.) my talents and skills are still evolving. I awoke this morning thinking about a new design for my dresses. Personally I'm still trying to be a better person. I need to work on being a more caring friend, being less judgemental, being more accepting of everyone's faults. Oh, there are many, many, many ways I need to improve. And in the spirit of youth, I think I still have the time and energy to become a better me.

And I want to learn. I want to meet new people. Experience new places, foods, and books. My horizons are vast. Is this how old age feels? This is the look and sense of the new old age. Another adventure. I have no idea where the rest of the 60s or the coming 70s will take me, but I'm ready for the journey.

By the way, happy 50th birthday, President O'Bama. You've got some fun, interesting and self-expanding decades coming!

PS. No wonder I feel alive when I get to work on creations like the red, black yellow dress above!!!

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.

Kindness

In the wake of Martin Luther King day, I've noticed a lot of chat about being kind to one another and helping each other. Hooray! I hope this mood lasts a long time. I heart kind people.

Here are some pics from my sewing room. The skirt is loaded with love. Perfect for Valentines Day and beyond.

This romper is inspired by the blue skies and new greens of spring. I know it is coming... sometime.

When you are out and about today, spread some kindness.

Inventory Countdown

(sundress, size 3 - dark material is a rich purple.)

10 garments done - 6 dresses, 2 rompers, 2 skirts. Lots more dresses than others. It takes longer to make them, but they are most popular.

I'm really, REALLY having fun working with the new fabrics. And mixing in pieces from last year and the year before. Most of what I'm making now can be replicated in other sizes, but occasionally I slip in a fabric that I'm almost out of.

At this point, as I experiment with different combinations, I work in the smaller sizes. A little faster and not so much material wasted if I don't like the way it turns out. If you see something you like, I'm always happy to make a larger size when requested.

10 down, 75 to go!

A New Year

After a grand Christmas with family, I'm back feeling refreshed and energetic. I have most of my spring and summer fabrics. Now I'm playing with various combinations. As I work my way through new pallettes, I'l be frequently giving you a snapshot of what I'm doing. You know I love to share. (See above, size 2 sundress in a mix of new and old.)

Business wise, my goals for the next 4 months have been made. Count down with me as I build inventory. Also I plan to start a newsletter for Mama D's and me. Want to receive it, send email address to annarellagirl@aol.com.

Personally, I continue on my quest to be healthy. Less food and more activity. (Dull, but effective.) My dog died in early Dec and since then I'm more sedentary. Not good. How about water aerobics? Push me, prod me to put some plan in effect!

Goals, not resolutions. Last year I did pretty well on accomplishing my goals. Some how using the g word is so much better for me. I moved along in my business. Focused on slow, steady growth. I don't think I can handle explosive growth and its challenges. I'm more a tortoise than a hare! I want to try some new shows this year, bigger and better suited to the handcrafter. But don't worry I'll be back at the Wilmington Flower Market in May and FBC Christmas Spectacular in Nov. As I firm up the rest of my show schedule, I'll let you know.

Enough rambling today. I'll be back more frequently in January. Meanwhile have a happy new year. I just know 2011 is going to be great!!!

Is Summer Over Yet?

In the workroom, summer is moving into fall. Can you believe it? Slowly (and I emphasis that word since I have many distractions) I'm developing the dresses and skirts for fall and winter.

Mrs. Cie of Fonda Photography and mother of this sweet Annarella Girl inquired this AM what fall dresses I was working on. So I decided you all needed an update. So I'm posting some pics of the samples I've got so far. A few, as noted, are in my etsy shop. and available now. Some are still experimental. Thanks, Mrs Cie for the interest. Check out her beautiful photography by clicking on link.



I love this yellow fabric with the black and red birds. Have you noticed how birds are everywhere in prints? I think it makes a great apron dress. I haven't decided how else I'll use it. And wait until you see a cool owl on black fabric I haven't used yet.


Pink is always popular all year long. Love it with brown. Another dress which spans the seasons well. I'll be posting this on my etsy shop shortly. Its a size 6-12 mos.

Black, green with splashes of pinks. (This is already posted in my etsy shop.) Gorgeous! I love mixing black into the smaller sizes. Its a sophisticated color which plays well with toddlers and is a welcome break from the pastels. You could use soooo many colors, pink, black, white, green, for shirts or leggings to wear with this come cool weather. (Yes, someday it will come.)

Last for today, just a teaser of this dress. Black, beige and red. Will look great for the holidays, but not so specific that your girl wouldn't love wearing it all year long. Shown in a size 7.

I hope you've enjoyed this preview. Seems like the fall/winter line is going slow, but I'm still working on summer to fill out the inventory which is selling. Plus my lovely assistants are learning and in next couple of weeks will be up to speed.

While you're looking at lovely photos, see what Sarah Havard is upto. Remember she took my publicity shots. Her logo is in my header and there is a link in the sidebar under favorite artists.

Have a great day. We're expecting rain. Good for the garden, but bad for the drivers. Be safe.

Beauty Reigns

I just completed a special order for 2 sisters who will be in a local beauty pageant tomorrow.(I know its very close to the wire but I made it!) The theme of the pageant is the red poppy. Georgetown is the red poppy capital of Texas. A native son brought back some seeds from Flanders Fields when he returned from WWI. Ever since we've been very proud of our red poppies. There aren't large fields of them, but many of the small parks and bungalows in our downtown have glorious stands of poppies.

The dresses pay homage to the red poppies and all the veterans who have served our country. Aren't they adorable. Picture them worn with a cowboy hat decorated with poppies and cowboy boots. I hope to get some pictures of the girls to post nevt week.

Seven Smiles

A pause today to remember some of the small thihgs or events that are sure to bring me a smile.

1. http://www.sevenof.com/ I'm stealing the idea of this blog today. Jane compiles lists of 7's about all kinds of topics. She is bright and a bit sassy. Her observations either produce an aha memory - for instance, the amusing difference between the ideals of raising children, I'll never use the TV as a babysitter, and the realism of, 5 pm kids crabby, dinner not started, house in an utter mess, Mom's temper is rising; whats the harm in SpongeBob Squarepants? (Been there, done that and rationalized that it was even healthy for the kids.) Or she links me to something I didn't know but find intensely interesting and, often, inspiring. She has an amazing mind and a good skill for writing. Try reading her and see if she makes you smile.

2. 6 grandchildren. All my grandkids are special. Just being in their presence is usually enough to make me smile. While they all share extreme smartness, great smiles, beauty or handsomeness and well-developed funny bones, they are as different in interests and temperament as possible. Luckily they seem to be drawing from the best of the gene pool.

3. Sunshine and fluffy clouds. I love blue skies with bits of random fluff. I was shocked when flying to discover that cumulus clouds are actually very bumpy and throw a plane around. But I love seeing them from the ground and imagining what their shapes are - ships, dogs, cars etc.

4. The music of Randy Newman. A piano player/composer who wrote "Short People." He is ironic and a little dark but I love him. For 30 years he has been with me through many moves and much work. He definitely makes me smile and often laugh out live. Of my many favorites I reccomend "Political Science."

5. A rare hamburger and skinny fries. Here in Georgetown The Wildfire Restaurant has my favorite hamburger. They cook it properly to order using the best ground beef. Unfortunately they make steak fries. They're good but not as great as MacDonalds. McD's has some of the best skinny fries in America.

6. Wildflowers. This year should be spectacular for the bluebonnets. There's been lots of rain. Thank you Lady Bird Johnson for encouraging Texas and all those other states to let the wildflowers grow along our interstate highways. Their beauty helps the trips go faster.

7. Creating. Working with fabrics in many colors and patterns makes me smile. The process from planning to completion gives me a warm and fuzzy feeling. Spying them on a little girl is a thrill. I get so much pleasure from Annarella Girl, it feels like it should be illegal.

So there are seven things that make me smile. How about you? What are the small inspirations in your life?

Grace Has Nothing to Do with It

Are you familiar with the phrase, "growing old gracefully?" Well, I'm not. Growing old, yes! Gracefully, no. It's a long (well, it feels long anyway) slow decline that's been going on for a decade. That's right, until mid-fifties the boobs only sagged a bit, cheeks were plump and rosy, the brain still filled, and the psyche was optimistic. Then I began to fall apart.

The hearing is gone. (This leads to some pretty strange conversations with the hubs. He says the moon is bright. I hear the dog is white. I answer you are wrong, she has black spots. He hears let's sleep on cots tonight. Huh...?)

Balance has failed. Now I know why oldsters fall. Inside the mind you are still 27 with no aging concerns. Unless you catch a glimpse in a mirror or plate glass window of the white haired stranger you are, you are apt to do something stupid like climb on that rickety kitchen chair to change a light bulb. Oops...!

Skin sags. Pinch it and it stays folded for many minutes. Morning pilliow marks remain until afternoon. Don't cough, sneeze or laugh unless you know where the nearest toilet is. Hint, always wear dark pants. (If you have to ask, you're lucky. Wait a while longer and it will become evident.)

Supposedly we gain in wisdom through our various life experiences, but who remembers them. A precious few remain in our brains which we repeat ad nauseum. While the names of our children and grandchildren sometimes escape our memories. And don't get me started trying to relate what I ate yesterday!

Growing old is a dirty business. I've yet to find the grace in it. Last week I spied my hubs from the corner of my eye and thought it was my father-in-law. That shook me up. Although he was a fine man,I don't want to be married to him. My sister says she no longer sees Mother in her mirror but now sees our Nanoo. Oh no is that what I have to look forward to?

Take me away, Grace.

The Flying Tomato

Yesterday we got a "new-to-us" car. I'm sooo excited. Over the many years since I've been driving, I've owned several cars that I LOVED and many that were good for transportation but without that passionate connection. Well, now I have another one I love.

My first love was a blue convertible GTO 1965. What a headturner! At the time I was teaching 4th grade. and that car made me a heroine to my boy students. Unfortunately such a hot car didn't go unnoticed by car thieves. One night a group of carousers stole it, robbed a store and ran it into a ravine. Totalled! Goodbye coolness.

Then there were a stream of sedate, personality-less types. Finally almost 20 years later I got a small white BMW. This zippy little car was great for intown driving and parking, but also powerful enough to handle many trips into the Alps. It was the most reliable, most comfortable, best fit for our lifestyle at the moment. I loved tooling around in it all over central Europe with my tape deck blaring. No drama to its end; it just became time to trade it in.

Not many years later when we landed in Atlanta, hub and I bought a van for me - Chrysler Town and Country. Heated seats!! Now those are one of life's unsung luxuries!! This car took me all up and down the Eastern Seaboard. Finally to Texas. A great old workhorse. Lots of room to haul stuff but the comfort of a fine sedan. It was a sad day when we had to retire her.

Flash forward to yesterday. After a crash last week that took out hub's car. (Some one ran a red light. Good news, no personal injuries.) I now am the proud owner of a used, but shiny like new, Town and Country. Climbing into it was like putting on comfy slippers. My inner self sighed with that sprcial snuggle you experience wen you lay down in your own bed after a long absence. Ahhhh! It's in great shape, low mileage, so I hope it will be with me a long time.

The surprise is, it is orange. For years my least favorite color but living near Austin and UT I've become accustomed, almost fond of burnt orange. And as you can see it goes a bit beyond with more red in it. Reminds me of Shaun White's hair. For the unfamiliar, he is the Olympic snowboarder wno won a gold medal in 2006 and will be competing in this year's Olympics. His head of wild red hair has earned him the nickname of the "Flying Tomato." If he can embrace that moniker, so can my car. At least my new car will be easy to spot in the sea of silver and black in the HEB parking lot.

Forgive me my laziness! I'm working hard with the dresses and skirts. Somehow I feel that makes me a very boring person when it comes to the blog. Random thoughts about daily life, political climate, World Series and books run a continuous loop through my mind, but all those also seem boring. I need a kick in the pants. Any volunteers?

Welcome November. I will be at the First Baptist Christmas Spectacular Nov. 12-14. See you all there!

Dresses for Judy

I'm posting a bunch of pictures of what I have in stock in size 12-18 mos. I've included notes on the ones in pinks. This is for Judy who wanted to know; but anyone with questions and requests, chime in.

I'm almost out of this black windowpane fabric. So I can't duplicate this dress exactly.What I'm describing is the one I have left in 12-18 mos. Also, to further confuse all of you, the bottom ruffle has been changed. Current dress ues same false patchwork fabric as seen on top is repeated in bottom ruffle with the flowery fabric used to line ruffle.

Front and back of an apron dress. Pink and green circles on a black background make up the attached apron. The bodice and body are a combination of pink and black fabrics. The shoulder straps are ties. The ribbon sash is sewed on in front but ties in back for size adjustment. This dress is made of a combination of pinks with brown accents. It also has fabric shoulder ties and a ribbon sash sewn in front but adjustable in back.

Below a quick glimpse of others which are other color combinations.

Judy, let me know if you want more pics or info.

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/

The Exchange at Annarella

File this under "you can't keep a good woman down."

For 9 years Pamela and I birthed, raised and then released Annarella. It was a great ride but it had to be closed. Now Pamela and 2 partners, Angie and Carly, are embarking on a new adventure. Meet The Exchange at Annarella - a design and consign boutique.

This is so exciting! An upscale consignment store for women's clothing, jewelry, personal accessories, home accessories and furniture. An opportunity to recycle and renew your closet and your home.

Along with the consignment component Pamela will continue to offer her design expertise in Annarella Home Studio. Currently she has several small continuing projects and is finishing up a project for the NARI tour. Go to website and click on image for tour. Her house is the one in downtown Georgetown.

So when you need design services Pamela will still be around and keeping everyone in style and comfort.

Lastly Annarella Girl will have a home at the Exchange. I'm excited to be part of this new concept and space which will be a totally unique mix of new and gently used items displayed and cared for in the Annarella way. I'm the first independent handmade business to be invited to have a presence ay the Exchange. Yhanks Pamela, Amgie and Carly.

Special Apron Dresses

Another rainy day! A slow, soft rain which makes the bushes outside my window smile. Inside my workroom all the fabrics are happy rainbow colors. I'm feeling good.

I'm working on limited edition dresses for girls 5-8. Many of the aprons are from small pieces of fabric. I can only make two or three garments from these materials. But I love the designs on the fabrics, so I'm having a whole lot of fun.

Monday Whine or Business Woes

Well, Monday late afternoon is here. Most of my to do list is done - ta da - but since it's Monday it hasn't been smooth. And I haven't touched my sewing machine yet - boo hoo. Maybe by tonight before I go to bed, I'll have a new dress cut out. Goal is SEWING tomorrow!

While I've been drowning in the boring chores of my business, I've been making a business wish list. I love the designing, purchasing and sewing parts of Annarella Girl BUT there are bits I hate and would love to outsource.

Wish List - a BOOK KEEPER. Not just someone to do the quarterly taxes, but someone to enter in all my sales, all my purchases and price of materials for each size and style. This would be heaven. I have sleepless nights dreading how much has to be done, how to do it, etc. Help!!!

- a PATTERN MAKER. If you only knew how much time I spend creating and adjusting each variation. I wish I could tell someone what I want and VOILA! there it would be. There are some very skilled people out there but, rightfully so, they are expensive. I suspect that if I had inherited my father's love of engineering and construction I would be better at this but I didn't and I'm not. Help!!

- a CUTTER. This isn't a difficult task but is time consuming and a bit mindless. What a luxury it would be to have someone cut out the fabric pieces! I am listing these in order of importance to me. So after I get the first two, then comes this.

So that's my wish list. Here is the latest dress. It has an elastized shoulder strap rather than tie on.

Has a longer apron and skirt. Specially designed for sizes 5 - 8. Although I love the shorter dress I've been working with (looks so cute with skinny pants or leggings), I wanted to give a longer version for the leggy pre-adolescent. This is shown in size 7. I think it is adorable! Soon to come to my etsy page.

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.