With Apologies

I've been neglecting you, my followers. Somehow I keep running out of time. Do you have people in your life who are always productive? Who seem to have time to run up a quick skirt, bake a couple of loaves of bread, run 3 miles a day, clean their baseboards, have cookies and milk ready for the kids, and even more? Where do they find the time!!! Does their day have 28 hours?

Well, my day only has 24. Truthfully, the morning hours between 7 & 11 are the ones that really count. After lunch I begin to slow down. For me that means going from a saunter to a crawl. I guess I really only have 4 hours in my day. No wonder the rest of you are so far ahead.

Tomorrow is set up for the Red Poppy Festival then with just a little help from the weather man an exciting weekend connecting with old friends and making some new ones. Come on out to say hello!

This little reversible pillowcase dress should be ready and hanging in the booth for some smiling little 2 year old.

 

 

After the weekend, I have one day to pack car and set out for Wilmington, DE. For all of you on the East Coast Annarella Girl will be at the Wilmington Flower Market from May 9 -11. See you there.

www.wilmingtonflowermarket.org  has all the info about the event.

 

I'll try to stop in here once in a while to chat with you. If I'm neglectful it's because I've run out of hours, but I'll be thinking of you.



Saturday Countdown

The sun is shining through my sewing room window, but the temperature is unusually chilly. Who left the refrigerator door open last night?

sunny skirt, size M (5-6)

I'm into the final countdown before the Red Poppy Festival which kicks off next Saturday. So much left to do. That dreaded to-do list is soooo long. Most of the sewing is done, but I have a few "if I can get to it" dresses and onesies I'm dying to do. a lot of the tasks are now organizational and business details. Print off handouts; tag everything; iron, iron, iron all the goodies; make headbands; gather all display items; stamp receipts. Seems endless, doesn't it?

Why go through all of this work for a show? I love meeting all the customers. I look forward to talking to the girls. The feedback is invalauble. For months I work in the solitary confines of my sewing room. A show gives me a chance to see if I'm designing and creating clothes that a little girl wants. Every smile affirms that I'm on the right track. Each excited buyer gives me a shot of love.

Recently a reader left a comment saying that Annarella Girl clothes made her smile. That is the ultimate compliment for me! When someone walks into my booth and smiles as he/she looks, I feel it as a warm hug. Does anyone remember the Oscar acceptance speech of Sally Fields when she exclaimed, "You love me! You really love me!?" I want to shout those words with every smile and each purchase. Yep, these are my creation "babies," and you think they are cute!!! I am a proud mom.

I hope you will be able to put up with my obsessing about Red Poppy. And it doesn't end there. Two days after, April 30, husband and I start the long drive to take Annarella Girl to the Wilmington Flower Market. Hooray!! Another dose of love, I hope.

Hey, if you are close to either show, stop in and say hi. I'd love to see you!! Now, I'm off to make some headbands. Busy, busy , busy.

Good and Bad

Can the ugly be far behind? Hope not!

My good....my lovely second sister is going to be working with me on some sewing. I am so excited! She is talented and clever. (I can't believe it, but once while living in Turkey she made a dress for my niece entirely by hand! I am in awe.) So this weekend I'm busy, happily so, organizing a box to send to her. I'm writing lots of notes and including some pictures. Keep your fingers crossed that she will looove the process of creating with me. (I even have my toes crossed.) Beam us your good thoughts!!!

I can't express how wonderful it is to be working with both my sisters - Linda, the poet, and Marsha, the seamstress. If I could think of some way to involve my 2 brothers, I would. If for no other reason than to talk to them regularly. My admiration for the talent, intelligence and sense of humor that runs throughout my family, knows no bounds.

And the bad. I've written fairly recently about the joy that comes from successfully completing a project from the spark of an idea to the finished project. On the flip side this week has seen me struggling and temporarily putting aside a less than successful project. In my mind the design for a dress with sleeves was fresh, sassy and whimsical. In reality it is none of those things. It is tired and muddled. So I must set it aside while I decide if any of the ideas it incorporated are viable. I'm a little sad. And I hate that I've wasted 3 days on a failure. I have always told my children that failing is progress. "You know that you don't have to do that again. You can move forward to the next idea." But this morning failure feels just like itself - a bit like falling down.  Painful!!!

If I'm not posting as regularly as before, it is because I'm busy. Picking myself up, putting on bandaids, and moving on.

Sew Happy

 

The new combinations of fabrics I'm working with are making me so happy. They are a bit crazy like that upside down owl you can maybe make out. I'm feeling sassy, whimsical, and colorful. And that is how I hope my Annarella Girls feel when they wear these dresses.

I'm preparing for a photo shoot in February. That's when I'll begin posting these on facebook. My fall/winter jumpers are still on sale until the end of January. Check them out. Only the sizes shown are available. At $10 off they would make a great gift for now or, thinking ahead, next winter. Click here for my link or go to the sidebar and click.

 

 

Above is another teaser. You didn't think I was moving away from pink? It's going to be a grreat spring, I can just feel it in my bones.

Beauty Calls

It looks like a random jumble of fabrics at first glance, but to me I see 4 dresses calling. This is my playground. Yesterday, after finishing a special order, I started lining up different colors and prints to make some sample dresses for spring and summer. There is a mix of new and old materials. Definitely a blend of colors - bright but often slightly ivory rather than white. Flowers, paisleys and geometrics. My imagination runs wild.

 

With anticipation and excitement I'm ready to take up my shears and cut! Create!

 



New Dress

As I start this morning with sunshine and coffee, I celebrate a new sample dress. I love the way it came together. I found myself smiling at each step.

 

 Tiny changes. I've started putting my labels inside in stead of on the back. What do you think? Leave it inside or go back to outside?

Also, just for fun, different straps.A takeoff on the wearing different socks or wearing different earrings. I think it is a bit sassy and whimsical.

I'm always tweaking my patterns. I just can't help myself. That's the beauty of having my own business, I can do what I want. So far I've been lucky to have all my wonderful customers applaud my tweaks. Thanks, guys!!!

 

 

 

 



Blooms in My Garden

 

 

This Monday morning my eyes and fingers are dancing through my fabric gardens.

 



 

 

A bit of whimsey in Valentine's Day hearts for a couple of special orders. I love mixing them with flowers.

 



 

 

Then some new fabrics for spring dresses. I'm absolutely in love with the teal and orange. Designer calls it curry. Sounds so much more exotic.

 



 

 

And my garden must have some butterflies - soaring and swooping among the blossoms.

 



 

 

Although I don't dig in the dirt, plant seeds or design garden paths, I am happy, happy, happy among my sewing room blossoms this Monday morning.

 

Enjoy your day. Breathe deeply and smell the roses.

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.

Small Thoughts on a Summer Morning

This morning as I sat outside watching my dog, a cardinal came to visit. He conversed from a branch with a chip, chip before flying away to the next yard. Cardinals always remind me of my mother. Outside her kitchen window over the sink perched on the sill was a birdfeeder. As we washed dishes a variety of birds nibbled the grains and seeds. It was entertaining to watch them squabble and search out the choicest morsels as they practiced pinpoint landings. Often their behavior mirrored our actions inside. "Who's turn was it to wash the dishes? Why is she off tonight? Where is she, she's suppose to be drying?" I wonder what the birds were thinking on their side of the glass as  they observed our antics.

Speaking of morning moments, last week a hummingbird came to cavort in the sprinklers. A sight I've never seen before. I love these special happenings in nature. Although it was a one-time, probably, event, I hold it in my mind and revisit the memory often. Isn't nature wonderful? What joy and wonder is in our world.

Temperatures are hovering around the 100's here, so it is hard to think that autumn is close. In my sewing room I'm finished most of the summer special orders and turned toward fall and winter. Above is a wondeful, soft brushed plaid being made into a jumper. It makes me smile as I work - the pinks, the plaid, the touch. How lucky am I to be spending a Monday morning doing what I love!!

Busy Summer

Although I've been very quiet online, I've been sewing like crazy and working on business growth. As far as the blog goes, I felt like I had gotten very stale and needed a break. So I've concentrated on living my life rather than writing about it.

Annarella Girl has moved into a new space in on the square in Georgetown, "Little Loft." This children's boutique is upstairs in the new location of "The Exchange" which is now on 7th St opposite the courthouse. The boutique is an innovative combination of really. really gently used clothes (wait until you see the brands she has) and new handmade items. If you're in town, you must check this out. I think you'll make it a regular stop for kids clothing and gifts.

Last night my favorite photographer, Sarah Havard, stopped by "Little Loft" to take some pics of AG clothes. Here is a sneak peek of what she does so well.

 She really makes my clothes look good. Of course, Johanna, the model, also makes the dresses and headbands beautiful. She was a trooper with all the clothing changes and posing. What a joy to work with.

On another note, I've been one of the featured sellers on www.cheepboutique.com.

White onesies with attached skirt and a matching headband for $18. With free shipping for additional savings. There are 6 different fabric combinations from which to choose. Swing on by ane check out Cheep Boutique. I'll be there until July 31st.

Yes, I've been busy, but I'm balancing it with family and friend time this summer. I have a hard time keeping baklance between work and relaxation. Like so many others, I feed my self-worth with work and the recognition it brings to me. My goal this summer is to like myself even when I'm playing or doing nothing. Maybe I'll make some progress this season.

After the Break

Last week was a very weird week. Two Mondays, two Fridays and a short weekend in the middle. That's what it felt like. Good thing noone was giving me an orientation test. I never would have been able to tell the questioner what day of the week it was.

Despite my confusion  the business took some foward steps. I firmed up a presentation for Cheep Boutique, a new trend in internet shopping. They give the smaller businesses a forum to present a product for less than retail in an effort to increase the customer base. I'm trying out my onesies with a matching headband. It will run in a couple of weeks. I'll let you know when.

I've been freestyling some new clor combinations with an autumn vibe. Tell me what you think.

longer skirt with thin waistband and bottom ruffle

dress in greens and pink great for back to school

See you all tomorrow.

Excellence!

I've been enjoying watching all the trials for forming the various Olympic teams. Such inspiring young people. It takes not only talent, but, also, incredible drive. Working for years to improve a skill! We can learn much from the passion of the contenders who practice, practice and practice some more. Despite physical injuries, losses. mistakes these athletes persevere. I am in awe of their talent and persistence. I can't wait for the Games to begin.

Bad segway coming.

Speaking of excellence....I recently posted a new apron dress on my facebook page. I haven't made many of those this year. Well, I had a good response. Many people seemed to enjoy seeing one again. Yes, I'm still sewing apron dresses. Now I think I'll make some more, especially for fall and winter. Is there any other design you haven't seen in a while?

Neither heat or dry will keep me from moving forward!

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

The Bees Knees

Where did this expression come from? We humans have cute knees but they give out after a certain amount of use. Bees have spindly knees but I've never heard of a bee knee replacement. Maybee we need to learn from them. Fly instead of walk. Does that lead to shoulder surgery? Just asking.

Tomorrow and Sunday I'll be at the Red Poppy Fest along with thousands (I hope!) Should be lots of sunshine. Please come and enjoy all the music, food, family activities. It's been a buzzy week leading up to it. Special orders coming in. Looks like I'll be buzzy as a bee in the month of May!

I am skipping the Wilmington Flower Market. I'll miss all my fans there. Always a good show for me with lots of returning girls. Fun to see them grow. Maybe next year. In the meantime if you are used to finding me there, try my etsy or facebook pages.

Bee good and enjoy whatever your buzzy weekend brings!! Remember you can find me on 7th street in downtown Georgetown on the street outside The Exchange's new location. Parade starts at 10. Come early and stay late.

Earth Love

Annarella Girl is dedicated toward making our garments earth friendly. How,? you ask. I am weary of living in a disposable world. Torn, shoddily made with cheap materials became the norm as fueled by discount stores and big box, low priced warehouse stores. By wielding huge buying power, they demanded impossible standards for manufacturers. Quality was lost in the process. When I started Annarella Girl I wanted to make garments that lasted through many washings, much playing. Ocasiionally, I question my dedication to sturdiness, it does take longer to make a dress with all seams finished and more fabric for self-faced ruffles and bodices. After a show where I hear one too many times - "I (or my mom) can do this for a lot less," I think maybe I'm the only one who cares. Just churn it out, cut corners, who cares? But I can't bring myself to do this. I want the garment to have a long history, to be passed down to younger girls, to end up being sent to a resale store where it can make another little girl happy. It's an heirloom dress with a long life for several happy girls. That's  my dream. Ending up in many closets and out of landfill.

Happy earth day!!!!!

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.

Spring Break

Pastel jumper, shown in size 2

You all take your break at the beach. You all take your break at one of the mega amusement parks. Me, I look forward to a break right here. My  daughter along with her 3 kids will visit me for a few days, and I love this break. They get along famously with my Georgetown grandkids so it will be a full house.

It will be short, much too short, but for a couple of days we'll be able to share slow cups of coffee, lumber jack breakfasts, short day trips and pizza. For me this is a bit of bliss. I love hearing the laughter of my grandchildren. What a pleasure to carry on conversations with them. There is such joy in watching them interact and play.

And my adult kids. Lots of laughter, good talks and catching up on dreams, events, exasperations and triumphs. Now this is my idea of a perfect spring break!

Last day for one of a kind onesie over on facebook. www.facebook.com/annarellagirl  Just comment on post or message me over there.

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!!!

Afternoon in the Sun

It is an unbelievable day - warm, sunny, soft breeze. I don't want to be inside. Give me a good book and let me soak up the warmth. Butler agrees. At every opportunity we find ourelves edging toward the door. Despite having a meeting tonight, I don't want to organize or clean. No, no, no, I want more sun. Well, it will be dusk by the time people arrive. Dust doesn't show in the dark, right?

Here's the latest dress. I showed it under construction on my ironing board. Looks cute all finished, doesn't it? I've said it before, but I'll repeat it, I really enjoy the combination of soft colors with fabric patterns that have an old-fashioned vibe.

Next I have to get some onesies done. Short sleeve weather is here, and I'm not prepared. Gotta stay away from that door to the porch even though I can feel it pulling me even now.

Like a plant I need water and sun to grow strong and sturdy. Sun, here I come! Tomorrow morning I'll post it on etsy.