Why You Haven't Been Hearing from Me

Busy days. There are 3 projects that are converging. I'm as busy as a one-armed paper hanger.

Two weeks until the Poppy Fest. Georgetown's Square welcomes 30,000 visitors to hear the music, see the cars, eat fair food, and visit all the arts and crafts vendors - that means me!!! Go to the website to see the stars and schedule for all events. www.poppy.georgetown.org.

I'm also helping the Georgetown Art Works create an outstanding  booth to spread the word about the new art center coming to Georgetown. Look for the big blue elephant at the Red Poppy Fest. There you can find out what the art center will be doing this year, how you can become a member and support this exciting project.

Then 2 weeks later, May 9th - 11th I'll be at the Wilmington Flower Market. I had to skip it last year, but I'm back!!! Great show which benefits lots of worthy children's charities. Come out buy a plant, famous flower market mustard and a colorful sundress!!!

All this has kept my fingers flying at the sewing machine and attending more meetings than I'd like. Here are a few new creations for my booth at Red Poppy and the Flower Market. Spread the word. Mark your calendar. Annarella Girl is coming.





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Personal Assistant Needed

I used to think I would like a wife. You know for all those picky detail chores that fill our lives. But I'm updating my attitude and daydreaming about a personal assistant. What has pushed this latest fantasy?

Last night talking with the poet sister who was outlining all the many steps ahead of her to self-publish a chap book, I was totally stricken by the load of work ahead for her. Having written her poems and chosen which ones to include, I thought she had maybe 3/4 of the work done. No! Her list of the remaining steps and decisions before the book is a hold-in-your-hand reality leaves me exhausted, so I can't even imagine how she feels.

She needs a personal assistant. Someone you can look at and say, "Macy, after you answer all the emails, research and present me with types of paper, find out pricing for cover - color versus black & white, take this to the printer. Oh, and pick up my dry cleaning on your way back." In my fantasy for my sister and then, of course, me, I see that perky, energetic, tireless assistant who can take care of the endless organizational tasks leaving us to create and make the creative decisions.

Don't all of you creative artists, writers, artisans who are trying to run a business need a Macy?

In my case, if I didn't have to be on the phone or email shepharding my business through shows, etsy and stores, I can be awash in fabrics, piecing together the dresses and watching them emerge, creating new designs. Ahhh, bliss! Instead I'm up to my neck in paper - email and  microsoft office. I need to create a time line for the Georgetown Art Center, email artists and artisans for the gift shop portion, talk budget for the art center booth at the Red Poppy Fest, plus a few more necessary and urgent tasks. Oh,  if only I could swivel my chair around and say, "Macy, take care of this." Then I could work on the next onesie.

Well, a girl (truth in advertising, an old lady) can dream.

Here are 2 dresses that are making their debut at the Red Poppy Fest in the Annarella Girl  booth. I'm in love with the vivid colors.

 



Notice one fabric is common to both, but the pallette of each is totally different. That's part of the fun in what I do. I hope you are smiling as you look at them. The joy I take in looking at their vivid colors and the pride I take in a job well done, give me a push forward to the to do list. I'm going to corral some of that paper work!!! 

Cool Monday

Central Texas is having Autumn. Eat your hearts out, my northern readers. This morning in the 50's to warm to 70's by afternoon. Yipee, I had to wear long sleeves this weekend for the first time.

I spent endless years in the North. While I endured some hot weather for short periods of time, my closet always had some sweaters and lightweight jackets to put on for cool evenings. Now living in the South my winter closet always has some shorts and short sleeve shirts as I never go too many days without needing light clothes. Folks, that is the big difference between us southerners and northeners!

I pause to listen. Ahhh, the sound of silence. Yep, the air conditioners are quiet. My pocketbook is enjoying this time between the electric bills for the hot, hot summer and the heating bills of the winter. Winter bills are much less but still an increase over the fall months of wonderful weather. It's nice to take a breather.

So I'm sewing away in the cool of Monday morning. Outside my window the trees and grass are very green. My fall colors are in the fabrics I use. Some browns, greens, blues and rust. Enjoying life this Monday morning.

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?

Back to Work

Happily I'm able to spend more time in my sewing room. I'm finishing up a sundress, size 2, which will be in "Little Loft" unless someone snatches it up first. As you can see in pic, I'm trying to decide between blue ribbon or black. I'm letting my mind percolate on the choices for a bit.

Next I have an order for 2 dresses for sisters in Boston area. Mom wants them to be similar but not the same. I enjoy this challenge - any excuse to play with color and fabric. Happy me!!

Finally I have another design challenge. I've been talking to someone who wants a Halloween dress for her daughter. Although I've always thought I was a colorful designer, this mom wants BOLD and BRIGHT. I'm not sure I can do this project justice in her eyes. So I'm deciding how much to compromise my style. Sounds like a dilemma on Project Runway. I'm channeling Michael Kors when he counsels contestants to not desert totally their aesthetics for the wants of their clients. Sometimes the designer does know best. It is a matter of having a dress go out into the world with my name on it. I have to be proud of what I produce. I am limited by my eye and passion.  In my heart I feel that another maker would make this customer happier than I can. Stay tuned for solution. I'm taking the time to make the best decision for both customer and me.

Rehab for husband continues. There are some frustrations. Doctor missing in action, so our questions are piling up. My sister tells me that I'm talking about food in every post, but I must mention it again. For 2 nights in a row I've been delivering meals, and 2 mornings in a row coffee. I'm beginning to think we might be better off at home. Is this a sign that he is getting better that we are complaining more?

Have a great day!! I'm off to start cutting out for the 2 girls in Boston.

Back to School

A sample of this year's fall/winter jumper. The plaid is a soft brushed cotton. It feels so good to touch. The bodice and ruffle are cotton prints. Yes, it's a lot of pink - not for the fainthearted princess! Maybe for the tree climbing tomboy who's not afraid to show her feminine face. So what do you think? Put a tee and leggings with it, and your Fancy Nancy is ready for school.

Soon to be listed on etsy. This is a very limited edition. You can always email me to reserve any size between 2T-6. Any questions? Email me..

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.

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.

Confusion Rains

Why, oh why, does the internet world keep changing? Just when I'm getting comfortable with my facebook business page, www.facebook.com/annarellagirl the faceless facebook faces will change it by March 30. Doggone it! Now I have to learn and get comfortable with a new format. Wonder how long it will take me to learn this form? I still haven't faced the new "timeline." I guess I have some studying to do.

Is this part of my "forward" challenge for 2012?

Any local Central Texans out there come see Mama Ds and Annarella Girl this Saturday at Cedar Ridge High School, 2801 Gattis School Rd, Round Rock between 9 and 3. Tell me you saw the notice here on my blog or on my facebook and autimatically get 10% off any purchase.  Just a little gift for all of my fans!!!!

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!!!!

Price-less

Recently received a comment on face book that my dresses are too expensive. A fan responded that people often don't understand or value the time and work that goes into making my dresses. This is a long time discussion among crafters and consumers. In truth creative types most often undervalue their work. They tend to make sure they cover materials, but they don't  charge a working wage for the time spent creating.This is one reason it is so difficult to make a living from art and the handmade. This is why stores like Target, Walmart, JCP have almost all of their goods made abroad where an hourly wage is $1.50 or even less.

It's an ongoing problem. Do I make a shoddier product with less quality in materials and workmanship? That would take less money in materials and less time to produce. I could cover cost plus make more than $4 an hour. Whoo whoo! Sorry a bit sarcastic. But I really don't know sometimes. I love the process of creating. Into every garment I put some of my artistic voice. I hate the idea of not being proud of my workmanship. I want my pieces to be around for several hand me downs. I want them to be sturdy. So I try to walk the fine line between being affordable yet valuing my work and making a bit of money.

sundress $42

One of my long term dreams is to support a very simple lifestyle with Annarella Girl. I'm working hard this year to explore avenues in that direction.  I will continue to struggle with pricing. But I think I can't change my mind about quality; I have to be proud of what I'm doing.

What are your thoughts on the whole pricing issue? How do you artists and artisans out there handle the issues? Is it possible for most creative businesses to make money?

Princess Notes

I'm working in collaboration with a fellow crafter, Shannon, who makes girly, girl stuff - bows and tutus. Go to her facebook page to see. Well, she wanted a top to go with her tutus, so I've been working on a tube top with a corset tied back. Finally have the sizing and engineering done, so today I'm working on a final product. It will be frou-frou with a soft, feathery trim. It is unabashedly aimed at the princesses.

Love the princesses. They twirl with delight, dance instead of walk, and giggle frequently. Most girls have at least a little princess in them. Of course, they love pink, purple and black. They enjoy sparkle that reflects the glitter within. They are so happy when they make people smile. Who can't love these girls?

from www.pinterest.com

What happens when they grow up. Well, here in Texas they combine their princess side with their cowgirl side. Still lots of sparkly but love their boots, too. Tough, ambitious, complex. Many I know are full of good works and helping people. Creative - even if they don't dance as much as before, their imaginations are moving to their inner music. Love them, love them. And you know who you are. Writers, poets, bloggers, sewers, artists, artisans, jewelers, knitters, designers and teachers. All full of sparkle.

(I've lost the info of who posted picture above, but it is from pinterest. Go there for fun and inspiration.)

Nurture your princess today and tell me how. Put on your helmet and tutu. 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?

Photo Station Shots

Jumper is aflutter with butterflies.

Pink flowers with a paisley ruffle.

Pandering to the Barbie in little girls with pink and black.

Back view of sunny sundress.

I have so much to learn. It's not only the snap of the shutter but also the pinning to the board. I'm hoping my learning curve is steep as I practice, practice, practice. Coming soon to etsy.

Meeting with my partner, Jenny D of Mama Ds for a planning session for 2012. I think it is going to be an amazing year!

As I look this over, I'm very dissatisfied with first pic. Too far away.

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?"

The Birth of a New Design II

Here it is! The new corduroy jumper being tried by sweet Ava. I'm pleased with the way it fits. She normally wears a size 5, so this being a size 6 is a bit large. The proportions of bodice and ruffle fit the length of the skirt. Not too fussy or frilly so the wearer is overwhelmed, but not too tailored. After all a princess must be able to twirl. Over all I'm vey pleased.

Doesn't it look cute over a solid knit shirt? I found it at Target. It is a simple look. Ava said she was very pleased with it. The remaining question is - pocket or no pocket. I like the simplicity without, but what girl doesn't like a pocket?

Now I'm ready to construct the next one. I've got a few great pieces of corduroy I'm itching to sew up. Sizes will be 3-8. I'll suprise you with a pocket or not.

Hooray!!!

Monday Likes

Although I like my weekends, I have always liked Mondays. After all the relaxation and entertainment of Saturday and Sunday, I welcome the return to my work routine on Monday. Today is no exception as I happily sew a litle sundress featuring black, red and yellow. Sounds wild, but the colors play quite well together. A nice way to start my week.

A bit of good news this Monday. Tyson Skross sent out a link to a site that has accepted his work. White Columns. This is a site that features artists of note who are currently unrepresented by a New York gallery. He is in some very good company. He is also currently in a new exhibition at the Saratoga Art Center. So good things are happening to a good artist.

And speaking of good artists, Allyson Smith has updated her website with some new work. Check it out. www.allysonlsmith.com . She is slyly whimsical with a lightness of spirit which speaks to me. I love her new direction.

I hope you all are having a like Monday. Back to the sewing machine for me, but I'm smiling all the way.