Jessiegirlclothing

It's here!!!!

2011-03-26T16:09:00.000-07:00

We are having a great week! Last night we were a vendor at the Trumbull Preschool's Big Night Out and it was so much fun. It was a night out for Moms and some Dads with great shopping and amazing food. the ladies who organized the event were so great to the vendors - I can't wait till next year! I got to spend the evening at a table next to Julia from Innerglow and she was handing out seaweed. Apparently it has antioxidant qualities and she is so fabulous people were munching away!

Today my crew (DH, DJ and Jessie) worked on prepping the catalogs and they are going to be mailed on Monday! We are so excited and I think you are going to love them. When we were putting on the mailing labels we were calling out the states that the catalogs were going. It is so amazing to me that we now have customers from all over the country from NYC to Oklahoma to Texas. I feel very, very lucky that moms and girls love Jessiegirlclothing and can't wait for the future!
If you are not on our mailing list but want to receive a catalog - follow this link and request one!

Good night Morristown!

2011-03-20T18:42:00.000-07:00

We are home! What a nice weekend at Morristown and we loved the armory! We have never done an indoor art fair before and learned alot about display. At Grand Central a kiosk is provided and your display is contained within that space. At this fair we had a lot more room which was nice but we really needed to bring more items to set up our back display. I did my best by hanging some dresses and skirts up on the rafters and trying to position our racks in an interesting configuration. But that gray fabric they use is hideous! I will definitely bring my own fabric to hang nest time. Maybe some Jennifer Paganelli - that would be cool!
The people in New Jersey were so kind - I loved meeting everyone and talking fabric and little girls! My new design did well - so I was really excited! I also brought some 12 month dresses along and sold those - so I may be adding those sizes!
By Sunday night I was ready to go home and my roadies (aka my family) came and helped me load out. I was so proud of my son - he got right in there and took apart racks and loaded up the car. He is ten and it is an age where I am starting to see glimpses of maturity and what he might be like as a young man. It is very bittersweet!
This is my hard working crew! DJ worked hard - I think Jessiegirl thought she was on her lunch break.These are my must haves at an artfair! Extra large Dunkin Donuts coffee - to get thru load in and those first few hours. AI am trying to cut down the amount of diet soda I drink and my friend Julia suggested to drink a bottle of water first and then the soda - so I am trying that.

Jersey Girls!!

2011-03-17T18:45:00.000-07:00

So it is the night before the first big show of the season and of course I am trying to get a million things done before collapsing in bed. I think I need to accept that little sleep before a show is the norm and embrace it!
We will be at Craft Morrison tomorrow night through Sunday and I am eager to kick this season off. It is an indoor show at the Morristown Armory so no need to worry about rain or tents blowing away. I am excited to see the response and meet everyone who comes out. The artfairs remind me a little of my theatre days as you prepare for the audience and you get the jitters but then it is so much fun when the curtain rises. Loading in to an artfair can be alot of work and despite my best efforts at making lists I always forget something - but it always works out well in the end.

If you haven't added your name to our list for a catalog on our website - do it now! We are getting them next week and they are fabulous!

We also are participating in the fortytoes giveaway. Amazing stores check it out!

Look how cute it came out...our new trapeze dress!!!

2011-03-11T18:08:00.000-08:00

This is the new Jessiegirlclothing design that we have been working on! I love it - Thanks to Kimberlyvphotography for the pics. It is based on the trapeze dresses little girls use to wear in the 1970's. The collar is given a more modern cut and I added two ruffles to the bottom. There is some definite twirliblity in this design as well. I think it is perfect for summer and super flattering! These are the two designs that we have available on the website - but I am working on having some limited edition ones at the craft shows this year - one in linen!
We are beginning to pack up for Craft Morristown next weekend. It is inside the armory in Morristown and I am trying to plan how to organize the booth space. I am relieved that we don't have to worry about the weather or the stability of the tent. So excited to be doing another fair!

Our first catalog just went to printers ...if you would like to receive one visit our website and request one!

We are almost there!

2011-03-03T19:14:00.001-08:00

DH and I are working furiously on our new website and getting all our spring designs loaded and we should be ready for launching this weekend! We have some really cute spring designs and I am lucky to be working with some fabulous photographers.
What I love about this online community is the wonderful Moms that I have been lucky enough to work with. Melanie Weyer Photography sent us the picture we are using in our header and some beautiful ones of her daughter Holland. Kimberly and her beautiful daughters are working on something special - can't wait! And we love StellaMarie - they will all be on the website in our new spring designs!

Here are some new pics to enjoy during the wait....

Change is coming...

2011-02-25T15:38:00.000-08:00

We are getting so close to showing everyone our spring and summer goodies!!!! Love this pic of Kimberly's daughter Claudia. I had this dress made at the end of our run at Grand Central and it sold out we so decided to produce it for spring and I am so glad - the colors are perfect and it just makes me smile! We have more great summer patterned pinafore dresses and fun twirl skirts coming to the website in a couple weeks. I have also designed a new dress I am so excited about...it is going off Kimberly to be photographed tomorrow but here is a little taste...

So cute and girls are going to love it for the summer! I want to name it - but haven't figured one out- will have to work on it.
I am getting ready for some great art fairs this summer - and working on dresses, skirts,cute shirred tops, aprons etc.
can't wait!

2011-02-02T21:56:00.000-08:00

My favorite college professor Tim Ward, was an old hippie with a long gray beard and Birkenstocks. At 19, I was struggling with whether or not I wanted to be in college or begin my theater career. Tim called me into his office and told me that education is like putting money into a bank account. That I should never stop learning and education is never wasted.

Last night I took my first college course in a long time - at the Parsons School of Design in NYC. It was scary, intimidating and wonderful. The class is filled with hip, young international students and a very elegant professor who worked as a fashion designer for years in NYC. In her very chic french accent she asked us to create a design using only triangles - not as easy as you think! I kept wanting to peek at what others in the room were doing - but then I felt like that would make it even more difficult if I got stuck on someones idea. Eventually I came up with image which I thought represented a spirit breaking free and the professor saw it as a xmas tree with snow - lol! I think when I was younger that would have really bothered me - but with age and experience I have become much less self conscious and judgmental of myself.

Next week we will be studying different silhouettes and sketching ideas that would work with them. I am very excited, but need to go out and get a sketchpad and soft pencils - apparently my pen and lined paper does not cut it. It is exciting and a bit unnerving to be a student again. Tim Ward would be proud!

Is it spring yet!

2011-01-18T15:15:00.000-08:00

We are dreaming of spring here at Jessiegirlclothing! In CT we are facing our fourth snow day of the year and looking at another one on Friday. Today was more ice then snow so kids were forced to stay inside and conditions look pretty bleak outside. It definitely not a snowday where you grab your sled and play outside all day with your friends and come in for hot chocolate.
There is absolutely no color outside - the trees are bare, snow covers the ground and the sky is gray. It is on days like this that I totally buy into the theory that the amount of sunlight you are exposed to can impact you mood. So...I will pop some extra vitamin D and get out my spring fabrics. My favorite for a day like this is SisBoom! These are the first photos from our spring line - - thanks so much Kimberlyvphotography for the photo! This dress is all SisBoom and it just screams joy!
I am so excited about spring - we are revamping our website to be more user friendly and we have some adorable new designs debuting!

Bora, Bora...

2011-01-16T12:35:00.000-08:00

We have a new member of the family! We have adopted a scruffy and sweet Maltese from the local animal shelter and she is quickly becoming one of the clan. Our children have been clamoring for a dog over the past year and we have put it off due to various reasons. But finally the stars have aligned and we feel that we are ready to expand our family.
Bora was the first dog we saw at the shelter and it was love at first sight. Bora is an old scruffy Maltese that we think may be going blind, though she is not bumping into anything yet. The SPCA had her spayed and said they would address her dental work before we took her home. Well the dental work turned into extracting most of Bora's teeth...so now she is toothless. That makes feeding her a little challenging but someone suggested baby food so we may try that. Despite it all we are so excited to have her here.
Having a dog was so important to DJ and he is turning ten this month. I can see instantly how much he loves the dog and how important it is for him to have one. He slept last night on the floor of his room with his head next to Bora's crate...so sweet. We try to provide so many material things and educational opportunities for our kids when in the end the simple act of caring for another living being is teaching him one of the most important lessons in life - to think outside himself!

Jessiegirlclothing sighting at PBK

2011-01-10T13:38:00.000-08:00

We are so excited for Bri - one of our models from last spring. Her mom from lizbrownphotographyspot.com let us know that Bri won PotteryBarnKids December Kid of the Month contest!
I was so excited to see her in the Jessiegirclothing dress she modeled for us last season!
Yay Bri!

Check out the link on http://www.facebook.com/potterybarnkids?v=app_125026127508055

We are loving the snow....

2011-01-09T12:07:00.002-08:00

Winter has definitely hit New England and we are loving it! The kids have started sledding and boarding down the neighborhood hill and building snow forts with their friends...not to mention the snowball fights. We were hit with the blizzard the day after Christmas and another 8" this week. There is nothing more beautiful then seeing the tree branches covered in snow lining our snow covered street. It feels almost too perfect...like a movie set. More snow this week?
Bring it on!

It's keeping me up at night...

2011-01-04T18:52:00.000-08:00

Here is a sneak peek at what I've been working on this week. I am creating my patterns for the spring line! It literally can keep me up at night. the cut of dress can make all the difference - if it is cut too wide it can look very boxy - almost like a potato sack. At the same time girls need to be comfortable in the dress. I am lucky enough to have a live-in fashion critic(my daughter Jessie) to let me know what works and doesn't work.
I am hoping to have at least one new style of dress that is a bit more structured and fitted - but still be able to incorporate my love of mixing color and patterns. And of course it will have plenty of twirl!

We made it!!!

2010-12-26T13:26:00.000-08:00

These are pictures of the gates that were used to secure the booths at Grand Central. They became very symbolic in our time there. At the end of a long day you would see them being rolled down the hall and it was our sign that the day was almost over. In the morning customers would wait outside the gates for the Holiday Fair to open - so they could come in and shop. They have closed for the last time this year...

Christmas eve was our last night at the Grand Central Fair! After sleeping for about 12 hours last night we went and cleaned out our booth this morning - just hours before the impending blizzard!

While this experience has been a tremendous amount of work - I can't wait to go back! I was so lucky to have immediate feedback from customers from all over the world and see the reaction of little girls as they turned the corner and saw our booth! I also feel so lucky to have spent this time with my Mom. She really came and supported me in this dream and it couldn't have happened without her. Thanks to everyone who said hello and even offered coffee. I think she is eager to return to her quiet life - but loved meeting all the customers! This is Murphy he will be returning to Texas as well - we will miss him!

I am now gearing up for spring! My head is spinning with ideas and I am sending out applications to art shows all over the east coast...might even make an appearance in Texas! Here is one of the spring designs that almost sold out at Grand Central -

Guess what I got for xmas? A new camera!!! This means better pics for the blog - yay! Here is a pic of Jessiegirl, I took this morning....

What an experience this holiday season has been. Thank you again to everyone who visited the booth. We are so appreciative of the support and positive feedback - and it is thrilling to think of all the Jessiegirlclothing packages that went out to fabulous girls everywhere!

We made it! We are at Grand Central!

2010-11-23T19:21:00.000-08:00

Oh my goodness - we are finally here! We set up our booth - which looks freakin gorgeous - Thanks so much Mom! That is her in the pic! If you visit our booth at Grand Central this season you will see her - she is visiting from TX and is cold!! But loves the winter fashions - and is a fabulous salesperson!
We love NYC the people have been wonderful and the response has been so great!
We are meeting people from all over the US and the world - we have the coolest customers. We are sending out a ton of size 2 and 3 dresses so we will be bringing more in after the weekend and our hats and scarves are flying out the door. The best moments are when we see little girls try on the dresses and love them...and sometimes come back for more! It has been a great week - can't wait to see what December in NYC brings...

One week away...

2010-11-06T19:54:00.000-07:00

We will be loading into Grand Central Terminal this time next week...boy are we busy! My mom is in from Texas and we are creating a warehouse in the basement. we have taped out the space on the floor and realized how small seven by nine feet really is. Thankfully my family has been in retail for years and know how to maximize space.
I have been very lucky to have people around me that balance me well. My DH is a number junkie and has taken over the finances, taxes, accounts and spreadsheets of every kind. My mother is an interior designer who understands how to set up a space. I have been fortunate to work with some talented photographers - especially Kimberlyvphotograpy.com. She was the first photographer I worked with and she just has such a beautiful creative vision. I also was lucky enough to find Nely who helps with the sewing and is amazing - I just feel very, very blessed!
This week my emotions range from excitement to terror to a strange calm - and then I start my next to-do list and move forward.

Just showing of some pics...

2010-10-31T20:56:00.000-07:00

Gorgeous pics by Jennifer of fortytoesphotography - she is always so creative!

Two weeks from today the Grand Central Holiday Fair begins! I have really poured my heart and soul into this event - it really represents my creative vision - clothing for girls who love life and want to conquer the world! I am very excited and nervous - part of me wants it to start now so I can see how we do and another part of me would like another month to create more. I am hoping that this event is not only a success but leads to even more opportunities...

Our finished basement is no longer a playroom it has become a warehouse for our growing inventory. Fortunately my kids are happy to have their toys in their bedrooms and don't seem to be at all upset - they are great kids - I am really blessed.

I have started to think about things like fireproofing. I have to admit when I started this venture I never realized how many details there are that have nothing to do with designing or sewing - it can be overwhelming. Apparently you have to fireproof everything that is not metal - this includes the wicker baskets, mannequins and wooden heads used in my display. We are taking it all to a company in Brooklyn next week where they will "treat" it and present us with a certificate.

The next two week will be intense as we finish our design plans for the booth and organize, tag, iron and prepare all the inventory...wish me luck!

Packages are arriving!!!

2010-10-23T19:07:00.001-07:00

Friday was a big day - it began with the arrival of boxes from a wonderful woman's collective in Thailand who are hand knitting gorgeous sweaters for our booth at Grand Central Terminal! I think they are a perfect compliment to Jessiegirlclothing skirts and ruffles in texture and color.

We are also including these stylish sweater dresses with coconut shell buttons - perfection! Are Kimberly's daughters not adorable -even the horse is charmed!

Our next delivery came not by our wonderful mailman or UPS truck but huge semi-trailer truck, down a ramp, on a dolly - we received our first pallet! My load in crew was at the ready...

...with the help of my DJ's skateboard (thanks Aunt Barbara!) we were able to move it inside - and these are the gift bags we are going to wrap those special items up in!

We are getting closer - as the larger pieces are in place skirt/dress production, deliveries, work schedules - there are other issues to focus on booth design/lighting/photos.
This last six months has been challenging but exciting and I am learning so much about myself! Alot of my presumptions about my life are being challenged and I can't wait to see where this takes us!

It is already October 12th?

2010-10-13T17:47:00.000-07:00

I am a bit of a procrastinator and my big event at Grand Central is the first time I have really made a concerted effort to break that habit...and it's a good thing too! I have found that time is moving so quickly and I go from feeling all is completely under control to considering the possiblity of not sleeping for six weeks.
I met with the merchandise coordinator for the fair this week to discuss booth design and merchandising. The meeting was great - the standards are high and my ideas are on the right track. I am very excited about the booth but it is equal to opening up a store - there are so many details to think about and tasks to complete. I am so lucky to be having help from my fabulous, interior designer mother who is coming from TX to design and run my booth.

Walking thru Grand Central I couldn't help but get caught up in the excitement and energy of the station. As a teenager living in CT I watched my Dad commute into the city. Grand Central was for rushing thru, grabbing a paper and getting to your train - not a place to hang out. It has changed dramatically in the last ten years! There are beautiful shops, markets and restaurants. Tourists come in just to take photos and have coffee. Vanderbilt Hall where the Holiday Fair will take place has been redone with marble floors and chandeliers - gorgeous! I have included some very blurry photos from my visit last week just to give you an idea! So excited! November 15 is not that far away....

Six weeks and counting...

2010-10-02T20:01:00.000-07:00

My life is consumed with the Holiday Fair at Grand Central Terminal. I am thinking fabrics, logos, booth etc... about 90% of the time. I am excited to be returning to NYC where my love for sewing began.

I learned to sew at the New York Shakespeare Festival working in the costume shop when I first arrived in NYC. I was only 20 years old and had worked for two years at a dinner theater in CT as the wardrobe girl and was ready to make the move to NYC with my friend Nina. After one week working in the Macy's purse department at Herald Square, I got a call from Milo - the headmaster of the NYSF costume shop which made costumes for the Public Theater, Shakespeare in Central Park and Broadway Shows. Milo was very old school, well respected and a bit feared in the costume world of New York Theatre. He always looked meticulous and ran a very tight ship and expected excellence from all who worked there. Milo was known to have grand tantrums and arguments when things did not meet his standards. He could also be very generous to those who worked for him and gave me many great opportunities.
The memory of Milo standing at the cutting table inspecting each garment as it left the shop stays with me today. I was very fortunate to learn and work with top costume designers and watch as costumes went from sketches to muslin mock ups to the stage. I learned that all the details are important from color shades to the cut, to the finishing of a garment. Creating beautiful clothes is a process and there are no shortcuts if it is to be well made. As I work to prepare for this show at Grand Central - it is this training that pushes me forward.

I think about it all the time -

Planning, Working and Inspiration!

2010-09-21T19:31:00.000-07:00

I am 6-8 weeks away from load-in at the Grand Central Holiday Fair in NYC and obsess about it nonstop! I am past the planning stage of creating concepts, pieces and ideas. Currently I am in production or as I like to call it the gathering stage (of as DH likes to call it the going broke stage). Our home is slowly becoming a warehouse for all the beautiful items we are bringing with us to the fair. Every night I get to play with my fabric and put combinations together for skirts and dresses. I am adding a fall/winter touch with darker, deeper colors and some play with fabrics. Alot of the skirts and dresses include the same fabric so they can coordinate but not be too matchy-matchy!
I am almost finished with the production of my skirts and will be moving on to dresses in about a week. I started with skirts because they were my first inspiration. They embody the idea that Jessiegirlclothing can be worn dressed up for a party or dressed down for the playground. Clothing for the way real little girls live!
I was so excited last week when we were at the playground and a little girl came running over to the slide and she was wearing one of my Freida skirts! That is pure joy!

Grand Central Terminal ...here we come!!!!

2010-09-18T15:49:00.000-07:00

Finally it is official and I can announce the big news...We are so excited to announce that we will have a booth at the Grand Central Holiday Fair in NYC this year. Entering its 12th year, The Grand Central Holiday Fair is a unique New York City holiday shopping experience. Grand Central Terminal is a must see destination during the holiday season, and the Holiday Fair is the only holiday market in the city to operate indoors!

At Grand Central we will have tons of new Jessiegirl designs including skirts, dresses and ruffles both from the website and exclusive to Grand Central. We will also be debuting a line of gorgeous hand knit sweaters, hats, scarves and legwarmers all original to Jessiegirlclothing!

Come and visit us at Vanderbilt Hall in Grand Central Station Terminal from November 15th to December 24^th! Can’t wait!!!

Thanks to Gabi and KimberlyVphotography for the cute pics!!!

Sale! Sale! Sale!

2010-09-15T18:27:00.001-07:00

I feel a sale in the air... I am making room for all the fall/winter items we are receiving here. My dining room is packed with skirts and dresses. I have had my last artfair of the summer and will be offering the few items we have left at great prices on the website - Manyof these items were limited edition and only available at the art fairs!

www.jessiegirlclothing.com .

Come and check it out starting Saturday!

Trumbull Art Fair and more fall pics

2010-09-03T16:49:00.000-07:00

I can't believe a year has gone by since my first time at the Trumbull Arts Festival! I will be doing it once again with my neighbor of kikibonan.etsy.com! So much has happened in a year and I have big news for the holiday season! I am off to create patterns tonite but I will leave you with a few fall pics!

Fall Photos are arriving...

2010-08-22T18:07:00.000-07:00

These photos are by the amazing Kimberly of
http://www.kimberlyvphotography.com/

This photo by Jennifer Anderson - Wiggins http://www.momof40toes.blogspot.com

Iam working on fall-winter samples and sending them out to different photographers. Pics are coming back which I loovvee! I still have some items to finish but this is a first taste!

That's my baby....

2010-08-14T21:24:00.001-07:00

Check out the Sisboom blog....love Jennifer.....love the fabrics!
http://jenniferpaganelli.typepad.com/sis_boom_day_dreams/

SONO Arts Festival - WOW

2010-08-09T17:11:00.000-07:00

This weekend we were vendors at the SONO Arts Festival right here in CT. I wasn't sure how Jessiegirlclothing would do at this one, but we have always attended and it was close to home. We had so much fun! People were great and Jessiegirlclothing was so well received. I loved watching the little girls come into the booth and pick out their own skirts. The Moms were fabulous also! I told DH we have the coolest Moms and girls as customers. I don't mean to leave out the dads they were great too.

I need to remember a mirror next time - alot of girls tried on their beautiful clothes in the tent and I would love to have a full length mirror for them to see themselves. Alot of ladies asked about adult skirts and I may try that next spring on a small scale.

I am also in SisBoom country and use alot of her fabrics. A few creative ladies noticed and we had our Paganelli love moment - she does craft shows at her home in Wilton that are out of this world!

There was beautiful art at the festival, great music and a puppet parade to top it off! The only issue we had was the wind. We were near tall buildings and felt like we were in a wind tunnel - Thank goodness for the cinder blocks holding the tent down. I spent alot of the day trying to make sure papers, cards, tissue etc. didn't blow away!

One of the advantages of being close to home is seeing alot of old friends. Saturday was our 11th wedding anniversary and about half our wedding party stopped by very cool!

Off to continue working on Velvet Ribbon (my new fall/holiday) line! Preview pics will be coming this week...so stay tune!

Thinking of Velvet Ribbon in July...

2010-07-31T21:22:00.001-07:00

I have been behind in my blogging and I hate that! I am very busy on my fall/winter line and have been trying to stay away from the computer. For two reasons 1. The internet can suck up my time so fast. I get lost in a beautiful world of blogs, facebook, flickr etc.. By the time I look up two hours have passed. During the summer I love to spend time with my kids at the park, pool or even in the yard...so I have to use every free moment wisely!
The second is though I love to view other designer's creations it also can make me feel insecure. I start to reconsider certain design elements because I think they might be popular - lots of lace or a certain fabric line. But when ever I start to incorporate these elements it doesn't work - because it is not my aesthetic and I end up throwing the garment away half finished. So I turn the computer off, take a trip to NYC - people watch and visit tiny fabric and ribbon stores in the garment district - and rediscover my own vision. - That's what I have been up to!
Thought it's taken awhile - I think my fall and winter designs are really cool and a little different then everything else. I am finishing up this week and contacting photographers so I can start posting pics! Stay tune!Check out this great statue that was lining the street in the fashion district in NYC - there were a bunch of them all decked out in different outfits - Only in New York!

So many details....

2010-07-09T19:20:00.000-07:00

Lincoln Center was fantastic! I got the pleasure of selling my skirts and dresses to families not only in NYC but Israel, England and Argentina. The vendors in neighboring tents were so nice - I was unsure how that would go and they were so inspiring and helpful! The American Girl Doll dresses were such a hit! The highlight of the weekend was when a five year old girl insisted on wearing her jessiegirlclothing skirt that moment! We later saw her parents taking pics of her by the fountain in Lincoln Center -- pure heaven! Best feedback ever - is watching the girls run to the booth and choose the skirts and dresses THEY want to wear! That is when I know this might work!
The only downside was the heat! It was 90 degrees and HUMID. If you live on the east coast you know what I mean - ugh! I drank smoothies, diet coke and water all day. My Mom and best friend helped me in the tent and we had a blast. I hope to return next year. A great opportunity which I will post about later appeared and is keeping me very busy!

My next show will be a bit closer to home. the SONO Arts Festival in Norwalk - I will have alot of the same items and some new patterns!

OMG! Lincoln Center is less then two weeks away...

2010-06-13T21:56:00.000-07:00

Lincoln center is less then two weeks away! I am so excited and overwhelmed with to-do lists! The good news my Mom is coming in to help on Wed. But now I face the battle to keep working on the clothes for the show or clean the house for her visit. Right now I am trying to do both without much success.

I love these photos by Erin Schuler - check out her blog on my links - she is always having a giveaway! These photos are so much fun and her daughter is gorgeous! Told you - I'm totally addicted!

Ouch!

2010-06-10T18:12:00.000-07:00

Busy day was planned for Saturday - two soccer games, Jessie's dance recital, and the June Fair...maybe squeeze in a Costco trip? I figured on two hours to get some work done in the morning if I rushed. Not the brightest idea when cutting fabric with a rotary cutter - ouch - let's leave it at 45 minutes later I ended up in the emergency room getting my finger wrapped and receiving a tetanus shot. Ouch!

I will spare you the details - I will be fine - but a lesson was learned. I think ancient philosophy talks about living in the moment and attaining full consciousness in everything we do. I have always tried to accomplish that when spending time with my children but perhaps life is telling me that I need to slow down. The irony is I am back to cutting and sewing - it is truly a passion for me and Lincoln Center in the 26th! DH and I went to Joanns and apparently they sell "Klutz gloves" and suction ruler handles to prevent rotary accidents like mine.

The good news is thanks to some wonderful friends I did see Jessie in her dance recital and she was wonderful. Dance is such a joy for girls at that age - they are truly in the moment on that stage!

"There is no consciousness without pain"
Carl Gustav Jung

Trends come and go...but every girl loves a ruffle!

2010-06-02T15:38:00.000-07:00

We went to the Bruce Museum Craft Show last weekend in Greenwich, CT. The grounds of the museum are filled with statues and the craft tents were not in rows but instead scattered throughout the museum grounds. But one of the coolest things was that the museum was having an antique clothing exhibition. On display were dresses and other items from the late 1800's to the flappers of the 1920s. They were gorgeous - and so well done. What is so interesting is many of the techniques popular in boutique clothing such as ruffles, ruching, bows, petticoats, fabric flower embellishments can all be found on these century old garments. These embellishments make a dress look beautiful today - just as they did then.

I was waitlisted at this Craft show - but the letter the Museum sent was so kind - I had to read it twice to realize it was a rejection - now that's class. I will reapply next year and hopefully will be able to return with an exhibitor's perspective. It was a really nice day - DJ was off with a friend - and it was just DH, Jessie and myself. Jessie rarely gets a day alone with both of us so it was a nice treat! She loved the animal bronzes at the entrance of the museum.

Fortytoesphotography does Frida right!

2010-05-25T19:10:00.000-07:00

Gorgeous! These photos are by Jennifer and Stella-Marie of FortyToesPhotography! Jenn is a great Mom of four beautiful kids! She sweetly agreed to photograph my Frida skirt and she knocked it out of the park! Check out her blog - she has a giveaway right now - she sews too!

http://momof40toes.blogspot.com/ or click on the link in my blog list!

My secret obsession - photographers

2010-05-24T19:50:00.001-07:00

I tried to take some photos this weekend and did not have a lot of success - this is my best effort - which I may have overdone in the editing - but I think its cool! I love visiting the photographers blogs and looking at their gorgeous pictures- its amazing how a whole mood can be captured in a photo! And how good these talented ladies make the clothes look! I regret so much that we didn't do baby photos of the kids - How I would love photos of them all curled up with their chubby cheeks - so cute!
Whenever I know photos of my clothes are on their way - I get so excited. I check my email every hour - I'm like a kid the night before Christmas. If I won the lottery - I would probably design clothes all day and send them to photographers just to see how the pics turned out. Some dream of buying an Island - I dream about pictures of my clothing creations - go figure!

I guess I will be checking my email the next few days...

American Girl Doll Dresses - I might be addicted!

2010-05-22T17:36:00.000-07:00

I was asked by some buyers to make matching American Girl Doll dresses and skirts. At first I was hesitant - I didn't really think it was my thing. the sewing seemed to intricate and I work really hard on the fit and look of Jessiegirl clothes and wasn't sure that would transfer to miniature. Boy - was I wrong....it is so much fun! I may try out all my designs on miniature first! These three dresses are on their way to www.KimberlyVphotography.com but I am going to make a bunch more for Lincoln Center.

My 9 year old is on his way to Great Adventure tomorrow morning with a friend. He will be gone all day and is very excited about going. I have mixed feelings - I will miss him and worry a little bit that everything is ok - on the other hand it will be nice to have onlyJessie for the day. We are going to a craftshow in Greenwich which I was waitlisted for this year. I will reapply next year and I want to check out the artists and booths.

Check out the American Girl Dresses:
www.etsy.com/shop/jessiegirlclothing?section_id=6882923

We did it!!! Our first facebook giveaway!!!

2010-05-20T18:02:00.001-07:00

We not only reached twenty fans...but twenty one fans. Please check out our face-book page to see the winner of the new skirt!

Last night I realized that Lincoln center is coming upon me very quickly and I need to begin focusing again. I took a bit of a break after the Columbus Ave. Fair and time passed by way to fast. I am excited about Lincoln center but do not want to self sabotage myself - I think these fairs are like a marathon - you can't begin preparing a week before and be successful. Not that I have ever run a marathon - but I watch the NYC one every year on TV and think someday...maybe I will start walking again tomorrow! See this is how I get off track! Back to sewing!

5 more facebok fans til giveaway and more pics!

2010-05-16T07:21:00.000-07:00

Wow! Facebook is filling up...come join - I hope to reach 20 by Tuesday! Remember I am giving away a Jessiegirlclothing Skirt. Here are some new pics that came in from KimberlyVphotography - gorgeous!

Im starting to work with knits - got a great coverstitch machine - so I can do them properly. My daughter loves knits and I want to do some cute ruffles - mean time I have the linen and madras!

15 more till facebook giveaway - Come join!!!

2010-05-14T13:41:00.001-07:00

Come join - I am trying to reach the goal of 20 fans for a skirt giveaway!

Look - Jessiegirlclothing - made the frontpage of etsy!

So exciting!

Facebook Giveaway and Sisboom too!

2010-05-13T12:55:00.000-07:00

Oh my god! I have blogged how Fabric designer and woman extraordinaire Jennifer Paganelli of Sisboom and Freespirit fabric designer is one of my creative heroes! Today she has mentioned me on her blog! There are fab pics from Kimberlyvphotography as well check it out!

In honor of this - I AM HAVING MY FIRST FACEBOOK GIVEAWAY!!!!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jessiegirlclothing/108801965816103

I have started a facebook page for Jessiegirlclothing! I have added a link from the blog and would love to have people join. I love giveaways - so it's time I had one! I will have a drawing for a skirt when we get 25 fans for jessiegirlclothing of facebook. To enter all you have to do is become a fan - we will draw for a winner and post it on facebook when we hit 25. As a prize you can choose any skirt from my store size 2-8.
Come and join so you can receive updates of new items and sales! Yaah!

What a day!!!!

Lincoln Center Craft Festival - A dream come true!

2010-05-12T13:01:00.000-07:00

Almost a year ago my mother and I took a day trip to NYC and came upon the Lincoln Center American Crafts Festival. It was pouring rain but we decided to stop and take a look. By this point I had just opened my etsy store and was planning on participating in a local craft show that fall. My mother has always taught me that if you are going to do something - do it all the way! As we were walking around admiring the amazing crafts - I realized that I wanted to be here. Do you ever get the feeling that something is going to happen? That is how I felt! Fast forward to Jan. I worked on my inventory, tent, pics (Thanks KimberlyVPhotography) and applied.I started screaming and jumping up and down when I found out I had been accepted. I am bust preparing and will be there June 26th and 27th. I feel very lucky to have done Crafts on Columbus because I walked away with so much knowledge of what I can add to make it an even more successful show! I can't wait! Please come and visit. I also have started a facebook page Pleasssssssssssseeeeeeeeeee join!

I will announce a giveaway tomorrow for the first 20 fans - so stay tune!

New York's 34th Annual
American Crafts Festival
at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts

June 19, 20 & June 26, 27, 2010
Saturday: Noon-9pm Sunday: 10am-9pm

FREE ADMISSION * TWO BIG WEEKENDS
This event is outdoors and will take place RAIN or SHINE!
(under tents)

at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts
64th St at Columbus Ave., Manhattan

400 Juried craft displays selected from every region of the United States. Continuous entertainment, craft demonstrations, exotic and natural foods.
Ample parking at indoor garage.

Park & Lock Garage located at 62nd St. and 65th St. between Columbus and Amsterdam

Happy Mother's Day!!!

2010-05-08T19:59:00.000-07:00

My babygirl had her sixth birthday yesterday and it was so bittersweet! I am so happy for her as she is surrounded by such sweet friends. It is so reassuring to see Jessie's great taste in friends. The room was filled with sixteen kindergarden girls and they laughed like crazy! I will miss this age of true joy!

Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers! What a blessing to be a Mom!

Columbus Arts Festival Report

2010-05-08T14:14:00.000-07:00

I apologize for my belated report on the Columbus Avenue Art Fair. The first day was fabulous - sun shining and such great people cam by our tent - Moms, kids, grandmas and even fabric lovers. Everything went well - our tent stayed up, everything fit in the car, credit card machine worked and our craft neighbors were wonderful. The best part was talking to everyone who visited the tent - they really seemed to like my skirts and DH even said to me "they get you here"! He's still a little unsure - but it was fun. I could sit in NYC and people watch all day - the fashion that people wore from funky to high end was a show in itself and so inpiring!

Unfortunately on Sunday it was thunderstorms all day. We drove into the city just in case but it was a downpour. We ended up at an upperwestside diner for breakfast and local indoor flea market - it was a nice morning, but I would have preferred to set up our tent. I have the video below of our tent, I thought I was taking a picture and the video was on. I will do better in June. Where in June...? Stay tune tomorrow....

We have gone viral....

2010-04-22T12:03:00.000-07:00

We finished our website jessiegirlclothing.com just in time for this weekend! Please check it out and let me know what you think! Back the sewing room...

One week to go!!!!

2010-04-18T11:05:00.000-07:00

AAHHHH!!!! Next week at this time I will be on Columbus Avenue selling my creations. I am busy all week getting ready and making lists. I am so nervous I will forget something. I have about two hundred skirts and ruffles and about forty dresses.(If I get them finished this week!) I will bring adorable flowers for the hair and some great pin flowers too. I have set up my racks and tables in the basement so I can get a feel for how it will work and that has made a huge difference! Kimberly v Photography who does the fabulous pics is blowing a few up for the booth which will give it a wow factor. In some ways I feel ready to go and others I worry that I don't have enough or I am missing something that I don't even know. DH is coming and is in charge on the money and we have a creditcard account almost set up - so that should simplify things. I would like to believe that we will have the car packed and I will be to bed early friday night but we will see...

Two weeks to go until Columbus Avenue...

2010-04-11T15:54:00.000-07:00

My stomach is starting to do flip-flops and I dream of sewing at night...the 24th will be here soon! I have clothes piled in my living room and empty bolts in my dining room so I'm heading in the right direction. The only problem is I have the skirts sewn up to the point of adding elastic with the thought that I could easily finish up at the end. I need to focus on those. I have over 200 pieces and have added some cure dresses. Today I worked on a light pillowcase top - still needs some tweaking but I'll post pics next week. KimberlyVPhotography took more gorgeous pics - check them out!

2010-04-04T16:36:00.000-07:00

We took some more fun pics today - amazing weather again! There is three weeks left to Craft on Columbus Ave. I found out that I will be in front of the Museum of Natural History between 78th and 79th street! So excited. I feel pretty confident but still have alot more to do! I have to sew more dresses and make some headscarves to match. I also want to get some pics blown up for the booth and other bookkeeping tasks done. So much...my head is spinning!

The skirt in the top is made with the Alexander Henry fabric dedicated to the artist Frida Kahlo. I love her - one of my favorite female artist and the fabric is so cool!

Perfection!

2010-04-03T15:46:00.000-07:00

Today was a perfect spring day! One of those times where you tell the kids to stay outside all day and then you join them! The winter was brutal this year and the rain endless this week so today was well deserved! Just perfect!

only a sec to post more pics...

2010-03-25T12:13:00.000-07:00

I am sewing like crazy - only have a second to post pics by the very talented kimberlyvphotography.com - Love them!

Busy sewing - just some new pics...

2010-03-20T15:40:00.001-07:00

Today is gorgeous - 75 degrees and it is the first day of spring! Had to go outside for a minute!

Dresses and Dolls...two of my favorite things!

2010-03-16T15:53:00.000-07:00

I am having so much fun with these dresses...this is the first out of six that I have designed for the spring. Jessie loves them and they are easy to wear over a shirt on cooler days. I have always like the easy going style of the knot dress - but I am personally not crazy about the look of the knots in front - I like things a bit more structured. I think this style works great! I am sending the other dresses out to be professionally photographed and will post those soon.

I also had a request from a customer for a matching fairy skirt for her daughter's American Girl Doll. I have never done doll clothes before - but I may become addicted - it is so cute! Check out my etsy store for both the dress and skirt! www.jessiegirlclothing.etsy.com

Organize, Organize,Organize!

2010-02-15T10:40:00.000-08:00

Well I finally think I have a plan for the Art fairs. I have pulled all my fabric down from my sewing room and completely taken over the dining room. Why I think I need to take over another room to focus is beyond me - but that is the way my brain works. I have sorted and sketched(I use that term loosely) at least nine dresses, nine skirts and over nine ruffles. There are some old favorites and some brand new designs! I am really happy with the way everything looks. I don't know if anyone in the world would consider my fabric covered dining room table a piece of organized art - but I know it is!

Did anyone spot the HTF fabric? - I am going to use it! I found this last yard and a half in a quilt store last summer and have been hoarding it. As I was working on my designs I realized that I love this fabric and if I use it for the front bodice of a dress - I could make about 6-8 dresses using it. I would rather see six to eight girls enjoying those dresses (one of which will be my Jessie) then having the fabric sit in a closet. If you haven't guessed the HTF fabric is the Heather Ross Bicycles in the last pic. I'm combining it with some ginger blossom and Darla fabric and maybe some ribbon - so it will be sweet and fun!

Well now that I have finished the creative part it is on to the more tedious task of finalizing my patterns. I like my clothes to have a certain fit so I have started creating my own patterns - I will give you a look soon ...only 9 weeks until Crafts on Columbus - aaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhh!

If you can make it there...

2010-02-10T17:45:00.000-08:00

I have never been one to apporach challenges cautiously and have applied to some big art fairs this summer. I would rather go big and fall on my face then play it safe and wonder what if? I believe a large part of success in life is just taking that first step - so here I go!

I have been accepted into four art fairs this summer. I was rejected by one and wait listed by another. As my confirmations come in I will post the info. The first one on the calendar is April 24 and 25 and is the 31st annual SPRING Crafts on Columbus! I am so excited it is held right on Columbus Avenue in NYC in front of the Museum of Natural History.

Right now I am in the middle of my planning stage. I have so many ideas and patterns reeling in my head and need to narrow my focus so I can get these garmets completed. When I was backstage at Westside story the Wardrobe Supervisor showed us the costume bible. They had sketches, descriptions and fabric swatches of each costume in the show. I realized this kind of organization would help me in keeping focused. I have always created Jessiegirl garmets with the fabric I have on hand and not really documented what I used. It's time to keep record!

The new Jessiegirl labels arrived today and they are woven! I think they will work better in the back of the skirt and give it a much more polished look.

Looking for my camera...

2010-02-09T14:01:00.000-08:00

As soon as I find my camera - I will let you know what I have been up to - should check under the fabric!

More cool photos...

2010-01-31T13:15:00.000-08:00

Here are some more fabulous photos from Kimberly V Photography and her beautiful daughters. It is so gratifying to see my skirts looking so cool! I love it! I will be listing some new items on my etsy site - so check it out.

Other news coming...I have been accepted into two big shows in NYC this summer - I will post details later - very exciting!

The lights of Broadway...

2010-01-24T19:26:00.001-08:00

This weekend we took our kids to see their first Broadway show! We saw Westside Story and it was amazing. The dancing and singing took my breath away. The dancers make the choreography seem effortless, as they literally fly through the air I am reminded why Broadway is the best. As I was thumbing through the playbill - I realized one of the backstage crew was a dear friend of mine from my theater days (years ago - I use to do costumes for the New York Shakespeare Festival). I emailed him on facebook and he met us at the stage door. We got a backstage tour and the kids were thrilled. They even got to walk on the stage and look out at the Palace theatre. Amazing!
It was the perect day!

New Pics are coming...

2010-01-24T17:08:00.001-08:00

Are the pics to die for or what? Kimberly and her gorgeous daughters at http://www.kimberlyvphotography.com/ have taken some beautiful photos for Jessiegirl!

They make these clothes look even better - and I love the background Kimberly chose for this last photo - she is so talented. There are more coming so stay tuned...

Giveaway! Check it out!

2010-01-22T14:40:00.000-08:00

There is a terrific blog called Weeshare written by the sweetest mom - named Desiree. She has reviewed one of my twirl skirts and is hosting a giveaway on her blog - go check it out!

http://weeshare.blogspot.com/2010/01/review-giveaway-jessie-girl.html

This is the Twirl skirt she is giving away - one of my new spring designs!

I have lots of news coming up: New pics and Summer shows! Stay tune...

Guess who got to make a treasury on etsy?

2009-11-18T19:22:00.000-08:00

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=94914 - except I spelled kids as kides - I'll type better next time!

Girls Night Out...

2009-11-17T18:55:00.001-08:00

Friday night was so much fun! Over fifty ladies came for shopping, chatting and wine. The atmosphere was really relaxed and everyone shopped and just hung out. I always feel a little uncomfortable with those Tupperware type parties, but this was different. Ladies didn't have to sit through a sales pitch and they were able to focus on the items that interested them. There was kikibonan.etsy.com , pampered chef, great handbags and gorgeous hand stamped necklaces.

I did learn some lessons - especially from watching the other sellers. The biggest was to have a mailing list available for people to sign (duh!). I tend to think so much about the designs and product, that the business side gets neglected. Something to think about! I also would bring more Jessiegirl inventory instead of taking individual orders. I look at the pictures and even though I had over 20 individual pieces, it looks a little sparse. Over all - it was a success and I can't wait for the next one!

Quick Post...

2009-11-08T12:01:00.000-08:00

We are getting ready for our neighborhood craft night. My neighbor is going to have about five vendors at her house ranging from pampered chef to handmade items like mine. Lots of neighbors and friends are coming for wine, cheese and shopping. I am looking forward to it and really busy getting ready. Tried to take some shots of Jessie in new skirt designs - I really need to contact the photographer but here are the salvageable shots! These skirts will be in my etsy shop after Friday. http://www.jessiegirlclothing.etsy.com/

The leaves are falling...

2009-11-01T13:18:00.000-08:00

I don't believe there is a more vibrant season then fall in New England. Last night was Halloween and I have to admit my kids wore store bought costumes. I have little interest in sewing up the costumes... I feel it's alot of effort for one night. This year Jessie was supergirl - I was just relieved she wasn't a princess again. At least Supergirl is out there saving the world! DJ was planning on going as Harry Potter, but when we were paying for the costume the sales lady commented that with his red hair he looked more like Ron Weasly! Perfect!

Here are some shots from today - My DH gave me the strangest look as I brought the chair outside...but he knows not to ask!

Vintage and Twirl Skirts - Pure Inspiration!

2009-10-24T17:08:00.000-07:00

Twice a year a local historical society holds a Tag and Textile sale and I always attend. It is held in a old saltbox colonial house and adjacent barn in a small town in CT. I went first thing this morning despite the rain and it was well worth it. The parking lot was filled with all the other fabric addicts who could not stay away. I found many vintage sewing patterns and ribbon - which I love. I find the shapes and colors interesting on the pattern covers - but I find the look and styling of the women irresistible.

I am working on my Christmas skirt and it is inspired by those vintage pattern covers. I need to get some modeled shots this weekend - so I can list it in my etsy store. I tried to take photos similar to those amazing Japanese craft books - but I really need to get them modeled!

Jessiegirl takes Manhattan!

2009-10-10T15:16:00.000-07:00

I woke up this morning and realized I needed ribbon. Not just any ribbon - but a certain ribbon I could only find in a small store on 38th st in NYC. I had forgotten the name of the store but figured I would find it. Since soccer was cancelled due to soggy fields and DH and son were scheduled for a scout adventure - I decided that Jessie and I should head to NYC for the ribbon. Not remebering the name of the ribbon store I tried M&J Trimmings first- this store is amazing! It is like the Willy Wonka Factory of ribbons and trim and it is stocked floor to ceiling.

We entered M&J with samples of our ribbon and surpisingly they didn't carry the same style. So Jessie and I started walking down 38th street in hopes of finding the ribbon store I had originally bought the ribbon. Just around the corner was Joyce Trims - a much smaller store but had exactly what I needed - and to be honest much better prices then M&J (which can get a little pricey).

After I bought up all the ribbon they had left - I knew a trip to NYC wouldn't be complete without a visit to Mood. Any watcher of Project Runway knows this is where the designers go in NYC to buy fabric for the challenges. We watch them race around pulling at the rolls of fabric frantically and then leaving with those really cool Mood bags. Guess what I got?

Jessie and I had so much fun. Mood is actually harder to find then you think. It's located in an office building that just has the number on the front and mood signs in the window which are difficult to see from the front. Once you enter the office building you have to ride to the third floor in one of those old elevators with an elevator operator who manually closes the elevator door. Jessie saw this and went "ooohhhh". Once the doors open on the third floor you are in Mood and it is packed with shelves of fabric and customers.

The fabric is divided by type cotton, denim, knit etc. I was surprised they didn't carry quilting fabric - but there are still some great finds. The rows and rows of fabric can be overwhelming but I found the people who work there very helpful and the line at the register moves super quick. It is also fun to see all the creative people choosing their own fabrics - definitely great people watching.

Here is Jessie checking the rolls of fabric out:

All in all a great day - some people take their kids to NYC for the museums or a Broadway show - I take my kid to Mood!

Make it work!

2009-10-01T18:50:00.001-07:00

Im getting back in the swing of things - my sewing things of course! After my great day at the craft show things began hopping! Im sure this would be small scale for some - but for me it's a big deal! I finished the customs that were ordered at the fair and had some etsy sales in my etsy store - Very exciting! http://www.jessiegirlclothing.etsy.com/

Next I am planning for a trunk show with a twist! Women in our town who sell handcrafts, pampered chef etc. are going to set up tables at my neighbor's house and invite everyone we know! There will be munchies , wine
and shopping - what more could a night out with the girls need? I think this is such a cool idea and really looking foward to seeing what everyone is selling.

Now I need to focus on a couple of new things for winter. I love the skirts and have chosen some new cool fabric to mix and match - look for that in future post. However living in CT the cold months are upon us. It was 50 degrees today with a cool breeze and the summer clothes are being put away and long sleeves are coming out - so I want to add some items that girls can wear in the cooler weather.

The first item I am working on is a jumper that can be worn under a long sleeve shirt. This was my first draft and I like it , but it still needs a little tweaking. The best part was Jessie loved it and insisted on wearing it to school today! I am going to work on it this weekend - I love the concept of the corduroy skirt and cool fabric bodice. I lined the bodice with the corduroy which gives it alot of structure. I think it may need some trim on the bottom and a button in the back to make it easier to take on and off.

But as Tim Gunn says "make it work"...speaking of which it's Project Runway time - I was hoping they would finally eliminate Nicholas - but he has immunity this week. How did Epperson not win with that so cool western outfit ...

It's Soccer Time!

2009-09-26T16:18:00.000-07:00

It's that time again - Early mornings spent searching frantically for the matching sock or pair of shin guards, grabbing breakfast and a water bottle and heading for the field. Must stop for coffee - of course! In our town all the soccer games are played on one massive field that contains over ten soccer fields. It's crazy on Saturday mornings as kids ranging in age from 4 to 12 descend on the field with parents, chairs, snacks etc. in tow Yet somehow it always works!

DJ is in the older group now and the games can get quite competitive. He plays defense which is a good fit for his temperament. However, it is excruciating to watch him play goalie. It is the worst! There is so much pressure riding on the goalie and it is heartbreaking when he misses it. And let's face it that's my baby!

Jessie on the other hand sees soccer as one big social event. She could use a little more pressure as she sashays across the field waving and chatting with friends on the other team! I have to admit this year is better as she actually seems to understand the need to follow the ball and try to kick it once in awhile, rather then sit back and direct the rest of the team. I'm not sure there is a soccer scholarship in her future - but you never know!!!!

I survived!

2009-09-14T17:38:00.001-07:00

The fair has finally come and gone! The day went better then I had dared to hope! We got to the town green bright and early to check in. Set up went off without a hitch and the whole tent came together in about an hour! I was up to 3am the night before (need to work on better prep planning) but the adrenaline kept me going till I collapsed at home around 5pm.

Within the first five minutes we had our first sale and my beautiful lantern bloom skirt went to a new home! It was so exciting to finally get my work out there. People were so positive and I was thrilled! At this point though the money was definitely nice - the feedback and excitement were even better! I learned that I need more of the bigger sizes. Fours and fives were popular and I think I could have sold 6 and 7 as well.
I work so hard on the pattern and designs of these skirts. However - I do this all on my own in my head! To put it out there was a real challenge for me. But it paid off and I can't wait for the next one! I was so happy to be sharing a tent with my neighbor, part of (kikibonan@etsy.com) - She is so great with customers and makes it look so easy. Her appliqued shirts are adorable and were selling very well also. All in all it was a great day - but I am still exhausted and going to bed - Good Night!

2009-09-12T17:21:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is the big day! I am filled with so many different emotions:

Excitement - I love craft fairs and have always wanted to participate - so I can't wait to see what that is like.

Fear - What if the tent falls down? What if everyone walks by my tent and averts their eyes?

Frustration - I still have 1,000,000 ideas of skirts, ruffles and headbands that I could still create if I had an extra week/day/hour

Calm - the time is here - what's done is done and ready to go!

Pride - I have to admit - there are some darn cute items and I feel they really represent my sense of design

Exhausted - I have been sewing for about two days straight - God bless my DH and kids for their patience and independence!

So I sign off - will definitely post pictures and details tomorrow night!

Two days left!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-09-10T17:26:00.000-07:00

I am only staying for a quick note! I have two days until the craft fair and sooooo much to do! I can't decide if I work well under pressure or if I am a habitual procrastinator. I always seem to get most of the work done right under the deadline. We practiced putting up the tent and it went well...until my DH remarked that I should really make more skirts and ruffles. Easier said then done. So I have been sewing up a storm! In fact I need to get back the machines right now...however Project Runway is tonite and that in my never miss show! I love it! The show reminds me of my days in a NYC costume shop - the hours sewing, gossiping and rushing to get it all done and "make it work". Speaking of which - here are my latest! (The sisboom is from that fabulous sale last weekend)

so what do you think?

2009-09-06T20:46:00.000-07:00

Here is a pair of the capris with boots - they still look a little springy! i love the freshcut line! Tomorrow we practice putting up the tent - I hope it goes well. I am starting to get butterflies and all my insecurities are popping u[. It is really difficult to put yourself out there! Remember to breathe!

The march of the ruffles....

2009-09-05T19:34:00.000-07:00

I am working on my ruffles for the craft fair. I can't believe it's a week from tomorrow! I am trying a pattern out for denim and corduroy ruffles. I thought I was being very efficient by cutting up some beautiful cotton ruffles, only to discover I cut them out in capri length. Now the question... do I sew them up or wait till spring? I sewed a couple because I thought they would look cute with boots...we'll see.

Today was bittersweet. A local quilt store closed its doors today. They had some beautiful fabrics and a great selection of sisboom basics(which we know ...are my favorites). A week and a half ago everything was 50% off and I picked out my favorites. Then on Wed everything went to 75% off and I made sure to pick up the black and brown zebra. Today all fabric was 90% off. That is about 92 cents a yard. And if you finished the bolt another 10%. Needless to say, I pulled all the sisboom of the shelves, I felt like I was rescuing the fabric (lol).

While the deals were amazing and I spent about $70 on $700 worth of fabric, it felt bittersweet. The owner was there and it was sad to watch the store disassemble around her. We are living in such tough times economically and it is disheartening when a small local business closes. It is a deep hidden dream of mine to one day own a fabric store and I imagine it must be heartbreaking. However I did "rescue" quite a bit of fabric and I can't wait to play with it!

Sisboom Chillin!

2009-08-28T18:12:00.000-07:00

The skirts keep coming and coming! This skirt has three sisboom fabrics - I m not sure which of the lines they are from - all the sisboom lines coordinate so well together that I lose track. I loved this skirt so much I made it twice. The fabric on the top tier is gorgeous! The blue is very vibrant and this pic does not do it justice. I end up trimming alot of skirts with the black or brown zebra - they give everything a bit of pizazz. Jessie was a good sport, it was so hot when we took these pics - at this point she was done. She definitely saw an ice pop in her future! Quick note - I have opened up an etsy store. I am adding things slowly but surely! So please check it out!

My DH is taking a website class this semester and I am hoping he will help me with this blog. I still can't figure out the spacing of pics and texts and it gets frustrating. I just noticed the leaves on the ground in the picture - fall is coming! My baby girl starts Kindergarten this week and I still have to make the fairy dress - I promised! Better get to work...

17 days and counting....

2009-08-25T13:45:00.000-07:00

AAAHHH! The art/craft fair(not sure what to call it)is getting closer. I keep wondering if I have enough creations for the fair? Is it better to have a variety or less variety but more sizes of each item? I think the answer is probably both!

This is my Lantern Bloom skirt - I love this fabric! It is truly like a work of art. The fabric appears to have texture and the colors have so much depth! The birdcages are adorable too. I made this skirt in a size three and five - Im not sure this is typical little girl fabric, but that makes this skirt unique and I hope a little sophisticated. I think the blue on the bottom brightens in up and it is perfect for fall! Jessie loved it!

From this to that...19 days and counting to the art fair

2009-08-22T17:37:00.000-07:00

Nineteen days left! I am starting to get very nervous! I have so many ideas and time is running out. I posted a calender in my sewing room to help keep me focused. My problem is I get distracted with new ideas and fabrics and fabric combinations. It all goes back to editing. Obviously the answer is to stay out of the fabric stores - but for some reason they are all having fabulous sales this month.I think my skirts are almost complete - though I may do some more Halloween twirls if I have time at the end.

Remember how I "organized" all the fabrics on my dining room table (picture above) well here is a first peek at the results.

First look at the green, pink and zebra fabric with the ribbon on the table...well it became this:

I love this skirt - I call it the perfume twirl. The top fabric is an Alexander Henry pink fabric with cute old fashioned perfume bottles on it. The main fabric is sisboom casey scroll - this fabric goes with anything and the trim is obviously sisboom's zebra. I found the ribbon in NYC while exploring the garment district and should have bought more. The green and zebra is kind of my homage to the Gymboree Mod Zebra line, which I loved.

This is where I find the joy in sewing these clothes....to see a pile of fabric and ribbon become a skirt that will be worn by a girl as she conquers the world!

A stormy summer...

2009-08-22T07:54:00.000-07:00

It has been an odd summer in New England weather wise. We started June and July without a day over 90 degrees. August has been a hot and stormy month. Last night around five thirty the clouds came rolling in. I love thunder and lightening storms! I'm sure this makes me odd, but I love the drama of it. The colors are amazing as the sky turns from blue to gray and the relief the wind brings as the temperature begins to break and you feel the anticipation of the heavy rain. last night was not a disappointment - it reminds me that we are really not the one's in charge!

It's finally hot!

2009-08-16T16:38:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we went to the local oyster festival...so much fun, but very hot. We went on the rides, painted shells and drank lots of water to keep cool.

We visited the crafts that were on sale and I am really getting excited and nervous for my own craft fair debut. In some ways I feel very confident about what I m creating, there was nothing similiar at the craft show yesterday. There was a variety of things including handbags, three or four booths of tye dye clothing and lots of jewelry. Im starting to look for a tent - apparently I need a 10x10 canopy tent - I hope someone knows how to put that up (LOL)

Im on a roll...

2009-08-11T17:31:00.000-07:00

Im on a roll...my Dh gave me a new camera for my birthday and I am having so much fun playing with it! This is one of the skirts ready for the craft fair! I spent the day fabric shopping yesterday - it was heaven. I looked up all the quilt stores in my area and visited four of them! One was very disappointing - I left without a yard of fabric, which is not like me, but I was totally uninspired. However I did discover a new quilt shop that had beautiful fabrics from sisboom, Heather Ross, Heather Bailey and Anna Maria Horner. I decided to grab a fatquarter pack of the the Good Folks to get a better feel for how the patterns went together. I really like how the skirt came out! I added the moda blue and brown polka dot - hoping to tie it together.
I am using the rest of the fq pack to make a size 3. I am hoping to spend the next few days on getting the skirts done.

It's funny as I work on this craft fair project - I feel myself begining to define my style more. I'll talk more about it tomorrow...more pics...

Stay out of her way!

2009-08-06T20:52:00.000-07:00

As life gets busy, I try hard to get everything done and keep organized. Activities, playdates, laundry, dinner etc. My hope for my children is their childhood is enriching and provides opportunities for them to reach their full potential (I overloaded on Maslow in college).
For my son this is great it's the way he rolls. He wakes up at 7am dressed, packed and ready to go for the day. He's like the energizer rabbit and loves a schedule! Many times in the rush of getting it all checked off - I don't always take the time to see what both my children really need ...
Jessie follows the beat of her own drummer and it rushes nowhere! She is naturally drawn to beautiful things and perceives the world in a real visual way. At her age she has the patience to work on a project and make decisions with much care and thought. I have bought her dolls, tricycles, blocks, videos enrolled her in dance, soccer and gymnastics - when I get out of her way, what she really wants to do is color, paint and water the plants. Perhaps I need to stay out of her way a little more. Lesson being learned!
Today Jessie and I began painting our tag sale hat rack. We had extra paint in the garage and I think it is turning our well. We all agreed it looks like a flower in the garden and we will add glitter at the end!

I have completed two more skirts for the craft shows and I will try to take pics this week and post them!

The Planning....and the editing!!

2009-08-05T18:23:00.000-07:00

So I have been playing with my fabrics to come up with possible designs for the craft show. I am going to focus on ruffles, twirl skirts and head scarfs. My friend does beautiful appliques shirts and I think it will be a good combo! You would think the planning from that point would be easy...however...the biggest challenge for me is the editing of ideas. I want to use every fabric in my stash and then some.

So I made some rules: it has to be a fall design and color. It will be Sept. and we are all ready for a beautiful fall in New England by then. Again you would think this would make it easier but then I have too choose between cotton, denim, cord etc.

Anyway I decided to put the fabrics with my "sketches" (I hesitate to call them that - they are a little pathetic) on the dining room table to get a big picture of what I am doing. I hope that makes sense. If anyone has any ideas on editing - please let me know - My head is spinning!

Oh look what I found at a tag sale for 5 dollars (excuse the messy garage) - I am going to paint it - maybe some glitter of course. The hat stand not the garage - though that might be fun too. Then I can use it to display clothes at the craft show - Cute!

A plan starting to take form...

2009-08-03T16:58:00.000-07:00

It has been a goal of mine to do a craft show for awhile now. I think I miss being part of a creative community like I was when I was younger and working in theatre in NYC. have been attending many craft shows this summer and have become very inspired. Since I over research everything - I started viewing applications and requirements of shows in my area. I quickly realized I would need a picture of a booth set up. This leads to my visit to the local mall where JJill (one of my favorite stores) was going out of business. They were having a great sale on their clothes - but also were selling their fixtures. Look what I got!

I actually snagged three of them...at a great price - $20 each!

I also found these fabulous girls - but I think they need some cute eyes, noses and lips...I'll work on it. I was able to bring home four of them...Love It!

And the best part is a week later my neighbor and I decided to do the local craft show in Sept. AAAHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Lemons to lemonade!

2009-08-02T20:06:00.000-07:00

When my DH and I bought our current house - it had so much we wanted. It was at the end of a culdesac, great schools and a large family room. The one thing missing was a large flat backyard for a swingset and the kids to play in. The back yard is a large hill that descends to a creek. A couple of summers we tried the small pools - but they never worked because one side would overflow and the other would never fill. We tried fancy nemo and elmo sprinklers but they always fell over and tumbled down the hill.

Then one summer we discovered the slip and slide. Since them it has grown into three slip and slides with a tarp at the bottom. It has become our own personal water ride. I will say it can get muddy but the kids don't seem to care! They love it!

We now have the perfect backyard for the summer and sledding in the winter is a blast! The kids love their backyard and don't seem to miss the swingset...yet.

I have a son too ...he is so cool!

2009-06-16T18:31:00.000-07:00

I have a son - though when you look at my flicker or etsy you wouldn't know it. He is the coolest! He is eight years old and so much fun to be around. He has an enthusiam for so many things and always keeps us busy. When I first began sewing again he waited patiently for his project. This fall I made him a fleece hoodie of his favorite baseball team and he was psyched. I won't say Mets or Yankees or Red Sox because in this part of New England those loyalties are taken very seriously!

I am looking forward to a great summer hanging out - but it was 62 degrees here today - so hopefully it will come soon!

I love his expression in this picture ...Come on Mom...

Sis Boom and a pony too!

2009-06-14T13:23:00.000-07:00

I am lucky enough to live in Connecticut and within driving distance of many wonderful things - including Jennifer Paganelli and Sis Boom Fabrics. This weekend she opened up her home and shop to the public and it is truly a magical experience for anyone who adores her fabrics. They had pony rides for the children and of course Jessiegirl was right there for that! The ladies were so sweet and even let her wear the cowboy hat - Problem is - now she wants a pony!

Once inside her beautiful home she has all her goodies out and you are completely surrounded by creativity and gorgeous fabric. there were clothes, purses, aprons etc. We picked out some ribbon, fat quarters and a cute pink purse. It was so hard to choose!

Jennifer Paganelli held a workshop in March where she inspired us to make creative scrapbooks. I attended and it was a wonderful experience. http://jenniferpaganelli.typepad.com/sis_boom_day_dreams/2009/03/index.html

She is so open and enthusiastic about not only what she does, but helping other women tap into their creativity. I left that workshop feeling that I had a valid and original creative point of view. I hope that makes sense. On Saturday - Jennifer told me they will be having another workshop in September - can't wait!

As we left Jessie insisted on smelling the flowers and if you don't stop and smell the flowers at this gorgeous home - I don't know where you would...

The Midnight Finish Ottobre Top 3/06

2009-06-10T17:23:00.000-07:00

I am so proud of this Ottobre 3/06 top. It is made out of the most beautiful Michael Miller organic swiss dot and the ruffles are so much fun! I made jessiegirl come outside early on a Saturday morning so I could take a picture. Of course I had been up till midnight finishing it. You know when you are so determined to finish a project that you lose track of time. My DH had to stop me from waking my daughter up and having her try it on...(LOL).
I had started it in my sewing class at quilter's alley and the teacher there was so helpful.
They even asked if they could post it on their blog - so cool! Next I want to see if I can lengthen it to become a dress.
I have started a flicker account and if I can figure out how to post a link on the side I will. Off to trace a pattern for the ruffle pants -

The begining of the journey...

2009-06-09T18:22:00.000-07:00

This is the start of my blogging journey. I kept diaries as a child listing the trials and tribulations of a nine year old. They are filled with hearts and flowers and the listing of who likes who and where I fit in. When I was in my early twenties and living in NYC I use to write in a journal each night as I took the subway home fromthe theatre and my job as a wardrobe supervisor . It's funny how the concerns between these two girls are not that different. As a mother I m finally comfortable in my own skin and ready for a new perspective - but i can't promise there won't be some hearts and flowers - it's unavoidable with a five year old daughter!