Labor of Love

Happy Labor Day!! It's time to celebrate the winding down of summer. Although the thermometer is stuck at 100, the morning is slower to come and evening turns our lights on sooner. The seasons of the year march on. Fall approaches. Can Thanksgiving and Christmas be far behind? Oh my.

I'm busy sewing for fall and winter. My palettes become deeper in shades of magenta, golden yellow, and rich browns. I've worked on some plaid jumpers. When I was a schoolgirl, I always had a new dress for the first day of school and it was always plaid. So I associate cooler weather with plaids in greens, blues and reds. Having found some wonderful brushed cotton flannels, I'm happily channeling my inner girl into an updated plaid jumper. Fun,funky and comfortable. Ah..... It may not be a color of my youth but it satisfies my memories.

A labor of love from my sewing room.

New Palette

long skirt front

I love this new palette - dark and rich. Faux patchwork is a bit oriental in feel with its touches of metallic gold.

long skirt back

long sleeve onesie

Can't wait to hear feedbackat the FBC Christmas Spectaculr. Starts at 9:00 tomorrow. Mama D and Annarella Girl are ready!

Summer, Again

So soon - the 100's are back. Can't stand it. The mid 90's were feeling so good. I think we've had 85 days in the 100's this summer. And no rain. Lawns, bushes, trees are so sad. Fire is a real threat. Had friends who lost everything in the Bastrop fire which is still not entirely extimguished. Devastating.

Still working on the colonial dress. It's one of those projects filled with little glitches. Hope the next fitting goes better than last. Please, please, please.

Working on products for my fall shows. This is going well. (At last, something that is positive!) Of course, I'll never have as many dresses, jumpers or onesies that I would like. But I'm excited about showing new jumpers. Can you see the lovely embroidered black corduroy below. My camera doesn't like black. Any suggestions?

Labor Day Thoughts

Hello, autumn. Not usually my favorite season, but this year cool weather is welcome. For 2 mornings in a row, the dog and I have walked with a spring in our step because the humidity was so much lower. Loving it!!!

Labor Day marks the end of summer and beginning of school. All of my grandchildren are happy to return to see old friends, meet new teachers and enter into a new routine. For Drew going into 5th grade not all his teachers are new. He will have his mom for several subjects. Both Drew and mom are excited.

I'm so proud of my daughter, the teacher. Her school has a classical curriculum. All subjects are interconnected so that while the history lesson is about colonial times, the math word problems are framed in the same time period as is the music, reading etc. It makes sense. I've seen my 3 Houston grandkids blossom, love going to school and relish learning.

This year the 3 Georgetown grands are entering a new charter school which is an IB program. I can't wait to see how they like it. Two of my children were exposed to an IB (International Baccalaureate) program. We found that the studies encouraged real thought and creativity. And I loved that in the high school years they picked areas of interest in which they concentrated, dug deep and ended with a huge project. Yet they still took some regular classes, too.

So back to school for all. Long drop off and pick up lines. Uniforms. Homework. For me I'm working on a colonial dress for my daughter to wear to school. Maybe a bunch of mop caps for all her girls. Loving it!

Begin and finish with autumn's palette. Imagine dresses over a long sleeve shirt and leggings. Warm and comfy. Cute for playground or church.

Ta Dum

Here are the new corduroys that are in my etsy shop. In mid September they will be at Diva Chicks Artful Boutique in downtown Georgetown. I love them! Hope you do, too.

Lady Gaga eat your heart out - black and white houndstooth with pink.

In the garden with green lattice on chocolate brown.

Rich, lush deep purple background. The color of royalty which all the Annarella Girls are.

Devilishly hard to photograph this print. It is much softer, more subtle than this. Come see it in person.

You've seen it before. Now it is ready for sale.

Can't wait to see what response I get to this jumper design. For now I'm making size 2 - 6, but I'm happy to make larger sizes for girls. Just ask.

Back to School

Just a few things as my mind (and sewing room) moves into autumn. Girls love to layer leggings and tees with the skirts and dresses. What little student doesn't want to look smart as they return to school.

I have some of the short sleeve onesies available. Now I'm working on long sleeve for fall and winter.

Hot, Hot, Hot

What more can I say. Here it is by the numbers. July was hottest month on record EVER here in Austin. The average temp was 102. Do you know how hot our days were if that was the average? It would have been slightly worse except we actually had 2 days that were not in the triple digits....they were 99. What a break!!

Last weekend we broke the record for consecutive days in the 100s. And there is no end in sight. Our next record attempt.... the most days, not consecutive, in a summer for being in the 100s is 69. We are now at 53. Do you think we'll reach it? The weather people say that nothing short of a miracle or hurricane will keep Austin from breaking that record. (And when it comes to hurricanes we must be very careful what we wish for.)

So how am I coping? As few clothes as possible. Not a pretty picture. lol The dog and I walk about 7 in the morning when its about 80. The downside is that the humidity is brutal. I start out with straight hair and come back with a curly mop. Not my best look, but my fellow bikers, joggers and dog walkers are blinded by the sweat dripping into their eyes and don't seem to notice my locks. Butler, the dog, is just happy to be out sniffing and smelling, watering all the lamp posts that he doesn't care how my coif looks.

Do I miss living in the North? Well, noone has had a cool summer. As much as I might complain about our summer, I'm grateful not to have to battle sub-zero temps, dirty snow, icy steps and sidewalks. Give me the heat. And forgive me for the touch of pride as we survive this record breaking season.

PS Have you noticed that there are not many jokes about global warming right now? It doesn't seem as comical an idea when the temps are 100+.
Enjoy the new apron dress and romper I finished last week. (I promise no sweat stains are on them. lol)

Lunchables

Friday I got to share lunch with a favorite friend. This friend always makes me think - to ponder the possibilities. We grappled with mid-life choices. Didn't solve anything but at the end I had lots to think about.

I spent almost 10 years living in Geneva, Switzerland. (Yes, it was marvelous!!!) One of the many things I took away from that experience was an appreciation for the American "can do" spirit of innovation. Give us a problem, and we can solve it. (A digression. That was why I was so frustrated by the debacle in congress. They wanted to whine, preach and dissect the problem, but without a real effort at solving the problem.) Americans believe in personal growth and opportunities. We feel there are many different roads we can follow; it is up to us to choose. And in our lifetime we can and will experience much. We are not afraid of change.

Unlike the Europeans who seem to have a path chosen for them at an early age which will lead them on a predictable life through adulthood without too many suprises. I prefer our way. I love that I can change direction at different times in my life. I love that the schools here encourage late bloomers and embrace those who march to a different drummer. I love that 2 mid-life women can sit at lunch and discuss what they might become when they grow up.

The hard part is that we have so many choices it can be overwhelming. How do you find your new direction? Are you lucky enough to have a dormant passion just waiting to be awakened? I was. I think that one just keeps listening, experimenting, giving until you find your new fulfilling way. You need to be patient. And so to speak, you might have to kiss some frogs along the way. Down the road you'll look back and see how far you've come in this wonderful life. When someone asks you how you got so far, you'll be stuck for a good quick answer as you realize that it was small steps taken when you weren't afraid to explore the possibilities.

Good luck all of you out there who are venturing into the unknown, dipping your toes into the waters of possibilities!!!

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.

Where I've Been

Been in hot, hot, hot Central Texas. These are truly the dog days of summer. Butler says, "Please, can't we spend all our time in the air conditioned house." He likes keeping me company in my sewing room where I've been making, making, making.

Blue skies and sunshine.

One of the most popular color and fabric combinations. What girl doesn't like pink and black?

Black skirt on top with pink underskirt.

An apron dress in blacks and white. Apron has beautiful butterflies on a field of pink.

Pinks and yellows make me smile. I think the colors look great on blondes, brunettes and redheads.

Shades of purple.

More pinks.

Another rift on blue and yellow.

Ryann and her family visited. She did some modelling for me. Isn't she cute in this apron dress which combines the warm Fall colors - greens, rusts, and golds?

Green flowers on a onesie show off a faux patchwork with blues.

More pink but with green this time. Edging into Fall. Although I call these sundresses, they can be worn in every season by adding a shirt and leggings.

So that's where I've been and what I've been doing. How have you been coping with the heat?

Sew, what cha been doin"

Fanciful

Here in central Texas, we are suffering through a heat wave. Next week sees the official start of summer, but we've already had 12 days in the 100s with a promise of a couple of more before the next cold front. (That means a drop into the mid to high 90's. Brrrr!!!) It's a bit scary to think what the summer will hold.

Hot pink comfort for baby. Feminine gathered skirt with a wide waistband are sewn on to the US Polo Association onesie.

Already lawns are browning. The high heat is compounded by no rain. Here in Georgetown we are already on water rationing. Lakes and rivers are shrinking. The weathermen are predicting a record breaking drought. It will be a real challenge to keep my cool this summer. lol

Butterflies in the fall garden.

Despite the sweat factor I've been keeping my sewing machine humming. (If you don't hear from me for a week or two, check for a pool of sweat under my machine.) I've got so many exciting fabrics to choose from that I've been bouncing around working on summery onesies, earth tone dresses for fall and catching up on lots of headbands. Hope you like this peek of my labors.

Perfect for babies and toddlers who won't wear a hard headband, here is a stretchy band with a handmade flower of cotton and tulle with a "jewel" center. Fun, fun, fun.

Like a basket of flowers, here is a brand new bunch of hard headbands with a handmade flower with a "jewel" center. You might recognize a lot of my favorite fabrics. Plus I use only headbands that are comfortable for me to wear all day. Believe me I have a very sensitive head and am very picky!

Sew Much to Do; Sew Little Time

The title sums up my life right now. The Red Poppy Festival takes place this weekend. Make plans to come. Great entertainment starting Friday night as some of the arts and crafts vendors ar setting up. Check out the official site http://www.redpoppyfestival.com/ for times, events and entertainment line-up. A great party put on by the city of Georgetown., and all free. MamaDs and Annarella Girl are on 7th St across just east of Main.

Working frantically to get ready. Sewing, of course, but there is a lot of odds and ends to do to get displays and handouts ready. Just trying to keep focused and mark items off my to do list.

Ten days after Red Poppy I start my journey east for the Wilmington Flower Market. Leaving a bit early so husband and I can stop in New York City to visit my son, Tyson Skross, and wife, Allyson Smith, who are now living in Brooklyn chasing their dream to be established artists. (I'm so proud of them for taking on this challenge!) They are so good and deserve more regonition. I can't wait to see where they are living and what they are doing. As a mom I need to know their surroundings so when I'm thinking of them I have a framework for visualization.

While I'll be on the road I will still have some things at the Good Water Gallery, 704 S Austin Ave, on the square in Georgertown. Here are some pictures of our, Mama D and me, space there. I think Jenny D has done a wonderful job of creating a warm, casual look.

Sew, a busy time, and I'm loving it. Hope to see a lot of you soon.

Busy Signal

" pretty in pink" Barbie, eat your heart out.

Having a bit of a flurry of activity. Must be spring. Are you all thinking of warm weather, light clothes and pretty girls? Yeah!

Sewing room is busy as I try to keep on top of everything. Love when I have lots of projects. As well as completing special orders I'm still trying to build inventory for my spring shows. (More about those tomorrow.) Never enough time to accomplish all I want, but I'm keeping my sewing machine humming.

More spring green. Can you see the butterflies? I am inspired by spring gardens. They are coming soon.

Clean Thoughts

Good Friday morning. I'm just hanging out in my sewing room taking a break from house chores. I hate house cleaning. I love a clean house. Today I'm breaking down and cleaning a few rooms. You know when not one of the spaces where you spend time is neat, dustfree and clean, you can't put it off any longer, the time has come to roll up your sleeves, scrub, mop and other dastarly tasks. Well today is the day!!

Given my druthers I'd have staff running after me to prepare meals, serve them and clean up. More staff to make my bed. Someone dedicated to vacumning and mopping. How about you? Are you the type who doesn't mind picking up and cleaning? Or are you like me. You can stand an incredible amount of clutter and mess before tou get to it.

This week I've been working on special orders. One sundress will be heading off to Disney World. Mom, Fonda, promises me I'll get some pics. A romper will be visiting in the Carribean. Lovely. Thinking warm sun and light breeze for both outfits. These families will be getting a break from the endless winter in the mid-west and north. Have fun!

This romper and sundress above are not the special orders, but they "say" they would love to be seen in some exotic locales. lol

Happy Friday!

Warm Weekend Thoughts

I banished whiney Ellie into the corner. Today sunny Ellie is back. Yes, we're expecting a marvelous weekend and week to come. Maybe Pauxetawny Phil was right. Here comes spring. Loving it!

So disappointed about rejection from Renegade Craft Fair last week Frustrated by not knowing why. I shot off an email to ask and, lo and behold, someone replied. What great people they are. They really do care about providing a successful marketplace for the artisan. They are concened with keeping handmade alive and self suficient. So back to what they said. They suggested that I was not a mature artist - in craft not years. My clothes are too busy and unfocused. I need to learn to edit my point of view. While I'm not sure I agree - after all my idea is to create a profusion of colors and designs, but it sounds like that is not what is seen. Perhaps it is bad photography. Do I need to show the clothes on girls? Show how they translate into fun. Or maybe I do need to tone it down. For now I'm going to think about their advice. I know I'm not a good editor of my own work. (Just read my blog!) I can't thank them enough for answering my email. That alone is a validation of my efforts. I need to explore my voice. Should I change what I'm doing? Or do they just not get it? The answer is probably a bit of both.

Here's another look at the madras collection. Its a great reminder that warm weather is coming. Of course, all these dresses look adorable over a tee and leggings during the winter. I've started uploading some new stuff on my etsy store. Look at the etsy sidebar on this blog. I'll be adding more all next week.

Enjoy a loving weekend. Be kind to one another.

Cold Comforts

How do you keep warm on these frigid days? Here are some of the things that keep me warm.

Soup - today it is chicken noodle. Can't beat mother's comfort. Lots of chicken, medium noodles, carrots, onion, and celery. Having a cup for lunch. Yummy!

Book - snuggled under a throw or blanket with a good book. I'm enjoying a reread of Edna Ferber's "Giant." Being a Texan now, I find more depth and color in her characters and descriptions of landscapes than I ever did when I read it in college.

I miss my dog. If she were still here on a day like today, she would be curled up at my feet. For all who have a furry pet who is willing to share body heat, enjoy!

Sweat shirt and pants - furry socks and soft sweats. Not glamorous but very comfortable. I will not be going out today. In the past when working, I couldn't wait to put on this outfit at the end of the day. Ahhhh.

And, of course, I'm busy in my little sewing room. Wrapped in a coverlet, with machine humming, I am warm. The creative fires toast my toes and hands. Working with sunshine colors remind me that spring will be here soon, or so Puaxetawny Phil says.

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.