Monday To Do List

Sew a little. I'm working on a dress in a new (to me) fabric and color mix. By next week I'll get it listed in my etsy shop.

Read a little. I so enjoy some light reading in the summer. I like to take a mid day break with a book or magazine. A few of my favorite authors this summer are Michael Connolley, Ann River Siddons and Carson McCuller.

Dream a little. I have fingers crossed for a new retail outlet to give me a home. News soon, I hope.

I think it will be a productive day as I tick off my list. Work, learn rest!!

enjoy another variation of the pastel pallette I love so much

By the Numberss

Forcast - temperatures in the 100's. Predicting a lot of sweating.

Post 504 on my blog. Lots of ranting observations.

17 items in my etsy shop. 4 more to go in this series.

Hours to make a dress, 6-7.

These numbers are the parenthesis of my sewing life.
Counting the days in my summer.
Working towards fall shows
While enjoying my favorite season.

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!!!

Etsy Day

Today I have several things I need to post to etsy. I neglect my etsy store much too much. Those in the know, successful etsy shop owners, advise anyone who wants to be successful through this tool to post often. It keeps your name in the first few pages. I know this is good advice, why don't I follow? Ahh, one of the mysteries of my business!! One of the mysteries of my psyche!

Posting today.

The Latest

The latest in my pastel palette and probably the last arrangement of the fabrics. I'm getting ready to post this on etsy if you want to see more pics.

Now onto some onesies as I am woefully low in short sleeves, and in the main, especially here, that is what people want.

Forward sew!!!

Checking Off the TO-Do List

I'm happy to report a much more productive Monday than last week. I ve a full to-do list, but I am checking it off at a good rate.

Here is latest offering on etsy, www.annarellagirl.etsy.com . It is another mix in the softer, pastel palette I've been playing with. Hope you all like it.

Off to mark off one more thing. Forward!!!!

Cheap Thrills

morning walk enveloped in fog
meeting a deer in the mist
first sip of hot coffee
Butler's exuberance when I take the leash off the door
feeling of accomplishment when walk is over
a successful finished project

bright sundress

pastel sundress

Just posted these 2 in my etsy store. www.annarellagirl.etsy.com What do you think?

What are your cheap thrills?

More Photo Practice

Lucky you, my readers, You get to critique my latest pic tries. Now that I have better lighting and a better background, I'm working on contrast and brightness. (Some of you must be chuckling. How easy is this. What baby steps she has to take. Just do it. But I am swimming in strange waters here. Not too long ago I couldn't center a picture to save my life.) so here are some of my latest product shots contrasted and brightened. Are they any better?

I'm trying to get product shots that will jump off the page on etsy and really show the fabrics, differnt prints, and the specialness of what I'm making. More practice needed?

Baby Beauty

On to the last test for the new onsies. Look at this little beauty trying on two to check out comfort and fit. As you can see from the smile she loved them.

Thanks Jennifer and Josh for lending me your cutie.

The new onsie design has now been washed and worn. It passed all tests with top results. Now I'll get busy with getting them ready to be at Mama Ds, in my etsy shop and at my spring shows.
It's so exciting to have a new design!

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.

Gifts Large and Small

Last night I had dinner with a friend who always reminds me of how blessed I am with the gifts in my life. She would never preach about the gifts; it is just her positive outlook is catching and I find myself counting my blessings. Let me share my many gifts.

First and foremost, my wonderful family - the one in which I was born and the one my husband and I created. Both families are filled with diverse people who respect and love one another. How secure I feel. When I fall or am filled with fears and doubts, they pick me up. Wow!!

Friends - like the one mentioned above. She brings out the best in me. Thanks.

My business - I've been many things. Now I'm living the creative dream. It's been a real gift to have the opportunity to try my talents and entreprenurial dreams. Recently this dream has brought a new support into my life, Mama D's. Jenny and Joan are generous in their technical and emotional support. And they are endlessly optimistic. We are dreaming big and working hard.

Here is a "bird" dress in size 3 posted this morning in my etsy store.

My workroom - a family affair in the making. I love walking into it in the morning. With its hanging fabrics, 2 work stations, computer and all, it is an organized area for work. I smile when I remember the help my daughter and husband have provided to give me my space.

The recent family reunion - I'm still basking in the warm afterglow as I remember the morning coffee and conversations while overlooking the river.

Second hand books - a brother-in-law is a member of a Lion's Club in Avondale, PA. They have second hand book store run as a fund raiser. Its wonderful. I return with a bag full to keep me occupied for a while. And know that I've contributed, albeit in a small way, to the many worthy causes they support. If you're in their neck of the woods, I hope you'll search the book barn out.

Every dawn and every sunset - here is another one from the reunion. Enjoy

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.

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.

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.

Outstanding Kids Gifts

I've found two etsy sites that have the cutest and most unique gifts for babies and kids.

MyBellaBows makes the most stylish "Beau Ties" a line of neckties and bow ties for little boys. If you've ever thought that there were no cute clothes for boys, here is the answer.

Aren't these just too much? I think they would make a great gift for a newborn. Something to grow into. (And he probably won't get many duplicates.) Or a great dress-up for a ring bearer or wedding guest. You buy a pack of 3 which can grace one little boy or be used as three different gifts. I just love them!!

And while your on her website, MyBellaBows, check out her beautiful hair bows and clips.

Next is Little Alouette. Based in Ohio they create organic wooden teethers, rattles and toys. So cute! And babies love to chew on wood. You can save the edge of your coffee table or table leg with these. Simple shapes with easy-hold-on-to holes or necks.

I love the animals, especially Ellie the Elephant and GiGi the Giraffe. What a great gift for a new baby. They will love it to chew and later to play. Check out their etsy page, littlealouette or website http://www.littlealouette.com/.

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.

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.