New Design

Its been a good week here. First we who live in Central Texas have been treated to sunny, warm - in the 70's weather. Hooray! Lots of time spent outdoors revelling in the caress of warm sun on my face. Today is suppose to be the last day of warmth. Then we will be plunged back into frigid temps. Of course, nothing like you all in the NorthEast or MidWest, but for us the 30's are brrrrrr.

With a little bit of spring fever brewing last week, I went shopping. I stumbled over a special supply of onsies. They sparked an idea. For babies I love the ease of onsies. Easy to put on, stretchy and comfortable, and easy to wash. But I don't want to make them - really dislike working with lightweight knits. My light bulb moment saw an adorable baby onsie with an attached skirt. Rather like a tutu,but in the soft, colorful cottons I love working with. After several days of research I was ready to try my hand at creating something, cute, comfortable and Annarella Girl-ish. Take a peek at two.

Let me know what you think. First is size 0-3 months. Next is 6 months. This week I hope to borrow a baby to try them out for comfort. And to make sure I got the proportions right. I'll post a picture if this step is successful.

Don't you love it when a creative idea actually developes into a finished product?

Have a snuggy week. Be kind to all you meet. I heart kind people.

Tuesday and Thursday @ Mama Ds

Every Tues. and Thurs. finds me at Mama Ds retail and work space. Tucked into a tiny kitchen in a red historic bungalow, I'm there to greet people who come to shop or pick up special orders. To be frank I'm not very busy with walk-in customers. We're a bit off the beaten track. But this is not wasted time because I am busy sewing. For instance today I'm finishing up a sundress in size 5. Then starting a romper in size 12-18 months. So it is productive time there.

If you're around Georgetown, stop in and see me. Take a peek at what I'm working on. Look at all the handbags, bibs, burp cloths, dresses, skirts, headbands. Or pick out fabrics for your custom order. Mama Ds and Annarella Girl love working on special orders. We take great pride in the quality of our workmanship. Everything is made to be used and loved. Since parenthood is enough of a challenging gig, we want you to be able to relax with the easy care of what we make, but at the same time be proud of how beautiful everything is.

You don't need to be buying to stop in and see me. Just say hello. Mama Ds is at 407 West University Ave, Geogetown, Texas. Although I'm there only on Tues and Thurs 11-4, the store is open from Tues. through Sat 11-4. If you're making a special trip to see our space, call 512-845-4042 to make sure someone is there. Jennifer D has 3 children and is sometimes called away from her time at the store to care for sick kids. Such is the nature of small creative businesses. Sometimes families take precedent.

Off to sew. See you at Mama Ds.

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!

The Power of Hugs

This morning on the Today Show a relationship expert said a husband should hug his wife for 30 seconds a day. This will get her endorphines going. If she feels better, the relationship will be better.

Great thought. Parents should make sure they hug their kids daily for 30 seconds. Kids should hug their parents for 30 seconds. Hug a friend. Hug a spouse. We'll all feel better. And relationships are bound to be good.

Yesterday I stopped by J Bryant Boyd Architect, (a creative, honorable archiect with many beautiful homes to his credit.) to see my son, the draftsman and office manager. He's been sick this week but was back at work. I felt he needed a hug. In reality I needed a hug. Not for any good reason but just because. I also have a very good friend who works parttime there. So I got to get a hug from her. Didn't think too much about these hugs but went on my merry way with a smile. Feeling good! Then when the expert mentioned the power of hugs, I immediately thought back to yesterday and how good those hugs made me feel. I had powerful endorphins for several hours. So simple! So pwerful!

So give hugs today - friends, partners, children, spouses. You will feeeeel so good!!!

inspired by a Texas sunset....romper, size 18-24 months...doesn't make you smile?
(top) inspired by a Carribean island....skirt size medium...makes me feel warm and sunny.

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.

Wrap-up

It's been a good week here in my sewing room. As I continue to work with my new fabrics (last ones are seen above), I am feeling productive. Always a feel good thing.

Jennifer of Mama D's and I have picked the spring shows we will be applying to. As we get accepted, we'll let you know. In light of positive thinking I'm using the possibilities to set my production goals. So far that's working for me. Do you all need deadlines to motivate yourselves?

skirt, size large (7-8) One of a kind - last of the bird fabric.

As I work blissfully away, I watch TV. This week has been a sad one. Lots of coverage about the shootings in Tucson. Everyone asking why? I'm glad to see the gun control debate opening again since it is an area where we need some reform. But I'm not to hopeful. Ever since I saw in the assasination attempt of President Reagan the gunning down of James Brady which led his wife and he to unsuccessfully lobby for limited gun control, I lost hope for some common sense legislation for the sales and ownership of weapons meant to kill and maim many in a mere matter of seconds. On a brighter note there were many heroes that day. People who did everything they could to comfort and care for the victims. There were many in the chaos who demonstrated the good side of humanity. Thanks!

Enough ranting. On this rainy Saturday I'm cutting out dresses, skirts and rompers to work on next week. Looking forward to snacking on a pot of vegetable soup made by my husband. (Isn't he a dear!) And watching an old movie or two. Along that line I finally watched "Julie and Julia" after the holidays. Now I've finished the book. Really, really enjoyed it. Sometimes it made me very hungry, but more often left me in horrified awe over the lengths Julie had to go to in order to make the recipes. Really hack sawing bone to get the marrow. Or the killing of the lobsters. Left me being very thankful for supermarkets and fine restaurants!!! And that pot of soup. Yum.

Leaving you with a Texas sunset inspired dress. For real these colors are not uncommon at the end of my day. Loving peach and blues. Have a good weekend. Be kind to one another even that driver that cuts you off, shopper who jumps in checkout line and the mother of the screaming kid. I heart kindness.

Etsy Sale

Making room for new spring designs. (You've been getting a sneak peek of some.) I have just posted 4 samples for sale in my etsy shop. Check it out. These are one of a kind, no special orders or additional sizes available. Hope these samples find their way to some lovely girl!!!