Sweet Dreams Designs

Pinterest is taking over my free time!

2011-08-18T15:42:00.003-05:00

Since I've found Pinterest, my weekends have been full of fun projects. Most of which include thrifting and repurposing things! I made this dress long before I found THIS tutorial on Pinterest, but my dress looked unfinished. I hadn't added the sash/belt yet. So, though the tutorial is great, I didn't actually use it. I used a much simpler version (just measured, gathered and attached the fabric to an old tee that had a stain on it). However, I'm glad I found the tutorial because it gave me the idea to add the belt which really finished off the look. I wish I had a picture of the back (and excuse my crappy iPhone pic). The belt IS actually attached at the sides to the dress so it doesn't move around and get all out of whack.

I had SO many compliments on this dress today. I liked it but didn't think it was THAT special until the compliments just kept coming from everyone from the Winn Dixie check out girl, to customers at Grandmother's Joy, to the jeweler that works next door. Anyway, needless to say I'll be making more. By the end of the day I felt like a million bucks!

Book Shelf Project for Charlie's Play Room

2011-08-18T15:25:00.003-05:00

Here's a little project I did for Charlie's playroom! It matches the curtains of course. I have lots more projects up my sleeve for this room as he gets a little bigger. Next on my list is turning the childsize table and chairs that were mine into an updated version with chalkboard paint on the top and seat cushions that match his book shelf and curtains! (The table project was inspired by Pinterest of course!)

I don't really have any good "how to" advice on how to make this. All I did was spray paint the base and use the swag shelving that came with the shelf to make a pattern. Basically it is a 44" wide bolt of fabric sewn right sides together, turned right side out and pressed. The ends were stitched closed. Then using the measurements from the original swag shelving I folded, pressed and stitched 4 sections so that the poles would slide through. It was VERY easy and I love the way it turned out! Even my husband saw it and said "WOW, that looks so good!" And, if you know him, you know this is a big deal! :-)

Charlie's Sock Monkey Birthday Pictures Part 1

2011-08-09T20:11:00.008-05:00

I'm pretty anxious to get these pictures up, so I'm going to post the pictures now and the story later! Enjoy!

In this heat? You're gonna need some ice water!

Cake pops were a hit!

Charlie's month by month photo display turned out so cute! I'll have to take a picture of the whole display so you can see all of the pictures together...

Our three sock monkeys....two got left at home...oops! Hey, we were lucky to have food at the party. My brain went missing in the chaos and LOTS of things got left behind! I think I'm the only one that noticed though!

I love these plates that I found at Hobby Lobby at the last minute! They fit my tiered stand perfectly and went with the polka dot and red theme. My banana pops were a disaster (should have relied on Diana's Bananas in the frozen food section, but I wanted to do it myself....) At least they tasted good!

The "Charlie Fans" were the hit of the party and they were my ONE completely original idea. Not that I copied the whole party, but it was definitely inspired by other great parties I've seen! The fans are the thing I was proudest of though....and they definitely got used!

"Charlie's 1st Birthday"....In hindsight I probably should have done a banner made from card stock because this one took me almost three weeks off and on to complete! Let's hope I can use it again next year and just change out the number! It did look pretty though.

It only took three helpers and staying up till 3 am to get everything done and without my dear friend Emily, who decorated all of the cupcakes, I'm not sure we would have had any! They turned out perfectly!

But, let's not forget the cake! Jeanette stayed up ALL night finishing it. No exaggeration....she did not sleep until Saturday at 5pm after all of the family guests left!

The birthday boy looks pretty pleased with it!

He didn't mind sharing a little with Niki either!

We only opened a few gifts and a few of our guests even thanked us for that! ha! I debated on whether or not to open any, but since we had a photographer there I wanted to document a few gifts being opened. It was just so hot and a one year old opening gifts is usually like watching paint dry. Let's be honest....

Here's Charlie giving out kisses to Niki...I can't believe we actually got this picture! (This is why you hire a photographer....ok...just ONE of the reasons!)

This is one of my favorite things from the party. This was also a "borrowed" idea (I'll post all of my sources in a separate post). Everyone at the party posed with a blank poster and I went back and filled in their names so Charlie would know who was at his first birthday party!

And, last but not least....our cookie favors. You wouldn't believe how long it took to make, shape, glaze and decorate 60 cookies. It was definitely a labor of love. But in the end, each person got to bring home their own monkey cookie and we were left with plenty to enjoy after the party!

Creeping up on one year!

2011-07-16T18:47:00.003-05:00

Charlie had his one year pictures today with Carmen of CBM Photo. It was looking like rain, but ended up being the perfect weather for a photo shoot! We met around 8am, it was 77 degrees with a cool breeze in the air. This is NOT normal for Alabama summers, so we were beyond thankful and so glad the rain held off! It is especially helpful to have that cool breeze when you are chasing an almost-one-year-old around trying to get him to get in the right spot for his picture! Here is my very first preview of the shoot today!

As you can see here, he's on the move! I loved the set up for this shot. We used a quilt made by my great grandmother and Carmen brought oranges (how creative!) and the old wooden ladder and wooden crates. We did a variety of set ups using family heirloom type props which hopefully I'll get to share in a few days!

What I've been working on....

2011-07-13T16:09:00.004-05:00

When I haven't been working on new things for Christmas Village or planning Charlie's birthday party, I've been just sewing up whatever I felt like at the moment! It's a nice change from the deadlines and stress of planning a line and all that goes with it.

Today, I finished up this little set in sizes 4 - 7. My plan (for now) is not to buy any new fabric until I use up what I already have on hand! It's kind of a challenge - especially since I LOVE buying new fabric so much - but it has made me use some different fabric pairings that I probably wouldn't have thought of before. If you like this set, I have enough fabric to make one or two more if the sizes I have ready won't work for you. Here is the link to order: http://sweet-dreams-designs.net/catalog.php?item=470&catid=10&ret=catalog.php%3Fcategory%3D10

This adorable little set has been finished for a while, but since we are still in the dead heat of Alabama summer, I decided to wait a little while before bringing it out! When I did put it out on the floor at the store and post it on Facebook, I sold three sets in about 3 minutes! I still have sizes 3, 4 & 6 ready to ship, but it can be made in sizes 12m - 10 years. I have plenty of this fabric to go around, so if your size isn't listed I can make it for ya! Here is the link to purchase the Peace Pumpkin Set : http://sweet-dreams-designs.net/catalog.php?item=470&catid=10&ret=catalog.php%3Fcategory%3D10

Hopefully lots more to come! I'm working on a new idea for the Christmas Village booth this year. It will be all boys again and I'm trying out something I've never done before! I hope it's as big a hit as the Cottontails booth was! I'll be bringing back mix and match tees/pants again so my machine is about to get really busy stitching out some appliqued tees! I've ordered bulk supply of red and green thread...gotta get past this birthday party first! :-)

Birthday Party Prep

2011-07-11T15:45:00.006-05:00

I tried my first round with the Babycakes Cake Pop Maker last night in preparation for Charlie's upcoming birthday party and it was a success! I used random sprinkle colors here and chocolate I already had on hand to coat them in since I didn't want to use up what I had bought for the party. So even though they are not "designer" cake pops, I got the technique down AND they tasted good! Oh, and everyone keeps asking where I got this....Kohl's has them for $26.99 and if you buy it in the store like I did, then no shipping! My advice: FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS and read the tips. They really did help! (And I'm a terrible direction follower!)

I have also been working on his birthday hat (not finished yet, but I'll post pictures when it is!) as well as a variation of this idea from Life Sweet Life blog.

Hint: Think about how HOT it is going to be outside at the end of July in Alabama!

Truth be told, this blog has been a constant resource for my party planning. It's also where I found out about the cake pop maker! Score!

I'm also really excited about having Carmen with CBM Photo photographing the party AND Charlie's one year portraits! I wanted to have every minute of the party documented and I'm so glad that Carmen was free that day and willing to photograph it all for me so I can enjoy the party and **try** not to stress out about it!

I'm going to wait just a bit longer to post the party invites (which are PERFECT!) but here is the picture that went on the invitations....

My invitations were designed by MemoriesToo.com/Southern Summer Party Designs and they were printed (real quick and in a hurry!) by my friend Susan who designs adorable stationery for children and adults!

Now, what am I going to do when all this party planning is done?

Free shipping on our discounted designer fabrics!

2011-06-09T14:19:00.002-05:00

FREE SHIPPING on all remaining designer fabrics!

For a limited time Sweet Dreams Designs is offering FREE SHIPPING on the beautiful designer fabrics used to create our designs! Fabrics are from Spring 2011 and prior. We are also offering some new Fall fabrics that we used to create the Fall 2011 line which hasn't been released yet!

All of our fabrics are priced to sell at or below wholesale cost! Nothing over $5.50 per yard!

USE COUPON CODE FREESHIP TO RECEIVE FREE SHIPPING ON ALL FABRIC ORDERS!

Copy & paste this link into your browers to view our fabrics!

http://sweet-dreams-designs.net/catalog.php?category=67

Charlie's Sock Monkey Birthday Party - The beginning stages!

2011-06-08T19:01:00.001-05:00

We are in full swing planning for Charlie's birthday party! If I haven't mentioned it already, we are having a SOCK MONKEY PARTY!! I've been researching all things sock monkey looking for just the right additions to his shin dig!

Today, I started working on his "Charlie's 1st Birthday" banner. Here is a sneak peek at the first two letters. I'm super pleased with the results!

While I was at work, Jeanette started practicing the sock monkey cookies. I love them! She is so super talented. These are just the first round so I'm sure the final product will be amazing!

Here is a sneak of his outfit. I've been trying my best to take his picture in it for his invitations with no luck. Been trying for 3 days!

So far I'm so happy with everything! Lots of details remain...I'm so excited!

- Posted from my iPhone

Location:Hwy 335,,United States

Seeing the light

2011-03-14T18:15:00.002-05:00

This is the longest I've ever gone without posting to this blog. There's good reason of course - trunk shows, fulfilling orders and getting ready for Cottontails Village again with very little notice. Tonight I finally just had to sit down and do a little writing after doing a lot of thinking.

In the 5 years that I've been in this business, I've changed directions a few times. My end goal was the same each time, but my method of sales has changed quite a bit. I've gone from online, to trunk shows, to wholesale, back to trunk shows to craft shows, back to trunk shows, then to buying a store and selling there while doing trunk shows and craft shows. Whoa.

After taking a break for fall 2010, I was ready to go with a fabulous spring line in January 2011. This was going to be the biggest yet! I was going to really blow it out of the water by hiring sales reps and pushing the line more than ever. Well, here we are three months in and I honestly can't sugar coat this anymore....I'm miserable.

I'm up to my eyeballs in orders which is fabulous! I'm so thankful for my wonderful customers - especially the loyal ones that have continued to order from me season after season. The part that makes me miserable is this:
"Pre-Charlie" I would have been as happy as a lark, sewing all night every night until my little heart was content. But now, when I come home from the store at the end of the day, I can't (and don't want to) go upstairs and sew all night long. I've already missed so much of the first 7 months of his life sewing up orders, preparing for shows and working my fingers to the bone. Simply put - I can't do it anymore. So, now I have an end goal in sight to finish all of my current orders and put this Spring 2011 season to rest as my final season.

There. I said it.

I hope this doesn't come across as ungrateful, because that is not the case at all. This has been a very successful season and for that I am very thankful. But, my priorities at this point in my life are my marriage and my child and I can't put them first with so many other things on my plate. (Please don't forget I have a brick and mortar store to run also.)

So, here are my plans for Sweet Dreams Designs.

We had a FABULOUS turnout at Cottontails Village this year. You may remember from my 2009 post, I had really decided that doing that type of thing was what I really loved and wanted to do. However, I didn't get back in for 2010 for their Christmas show or Easter. Well, this year they accepted me again only 5 weeks before the show. And while it was very stressful getting ready for it, we had a very successful show and were invited back for their Christmas Show (Christmas Village www.christmasvillagefestival.com) as well as Cottontails Village for 2012! I'm absolutely thrilled!

So, while I won't be doing trunk shows anymore, I will continue to design and make clothing for the store which I will occasionally put online and I will definitely be back with a TON of fabulous BOY clothing for Christmas Village (November 2-6) and Cottontails Village (March 2012). I also plan to continue making custom items as well as pageant clothing for my dear pageant girls! (You know who you are! (-:)

It feels good to get all of this out in the open. I sincerely do thank all of you who have attended and hosted trunk shows each season. I appreciate you more than you know and I hope you understand my decision to take things a little slower and focus on my family - the most important thing in my life.

Minnie Mouse T-Shirt

2011-01-03T09:37:00.003-06:00

I had a custom order recently for a local Minnie Mouse fan...a personalized tshirt for her Minnie Mouse birthday party! I just loved the way it turned out. These are not listed on the site, but if you are interested in ordering one, they are $25 and you may email me at anna@sweet-dreams-designs.net to place your custom order. This would be great for an upcoming Disney vacation too! Colors can be changed to match your party and matching pants or shorts can also be made. Thanks for the inspiration Ava Rose!

Sweet Dreams Designs Spring Collection Launch Party!

2010-12-06T23:44:00.000-06:00

You are cordially invited to our first trunk show of the season! Yes...that's right! It's just now getting cold, but spring shopping season is right around the corner! Get ready...

I'm really excited about our first ad in Village Living newspaper advertising our upcoming trunk show. I hope there is a huge turnout. Sweet Dreams Designs has grown to be a popular brand at Grandmother's Joy, so I hope our customers will come out for this event....I can hardly wait!

Baby Gifts for Auburn University Babies - SEC Champs!

2010-12-04T23:32:00.005-06:00

You may or may not know by now that I am a huge Auburn fan. Having just won the SEC championship, I thought I'd share some of our Auburn University Baby Gifts!
These are super soft (made from bamboo). Two washcloths and a hooded towel $35

Charlie has one of these with his name embroidered in the corner! It is so cute and soft...a must have for a "little tiger". $35

These are snuggly soft too...bib and burp cloth set $28

Another New Photo

2010-11-27T21:21:00.001-06:00

Rachel Tank Dress Nosegay
Originally uploaded by SweetDreamsDesigns

Love sharing new photos! Here is another one from Heidi at Elite Event Images!
The Rachel Tank Dress in Nosegay colorway - $42

I love this one...such fun colors and in fabrics by one of my favorite designers, Paula Prass.

Latest Photo Shoot!

2010-11-25T06:56:00.001-06:00

Wallflower1
Originally uploaded by SweetDreamsDesigns

I always love seeing what Heidi (www.eliteeventimages.com) and her daughter Anneli come up with! Here's a little peek at one of the pics from her most recent photo shoot. This is the Halle Halter paired with the Bella Capris in Wallflower and Moon Dot fabrics.

Gift Certificate Sale! A perfect Christmas gift!

2010-11-17T14:58:00.001-06:00

Need a great Christmas gift at an awesome price?

I have been working very hard preparing for the Spring 2011 season and it is almost here! I know you are not going to want to miss out on this super cute line. For a limited time, purchase a $50 Sweet Dreams Designs gift certificate for only $30! A gift certificate will be mailed to you or directly to the recipient free of charge! (Purchasing as a gift? They will never know you got it at a discount!) I will only be selling a limited number of these discounted gift certificates, so you must act fast!

How to order:

*Click the "Gift Certificates" link on the left hand side of the homepage at www.sweet-dreams-designs.net.
*Choose the $30 Gift Certificate option and fill in the appropriate information.
*At checkout enter the code FREESHIP in the Discount Coupon box to receive FREE shipping!
*Check out using your credit card or Paypal and you're done! Your $50 gift certificate will be mailed to you or the recipient within a few days!

Now, how easy was that?

THE FINE PRINT:
Gift certificates are issued with code numbers redeemable online only at www.sweet-dreams-designs.net. Limit one per household. Not redeemable for cash and non returnable. Expires May 1st, 2011

Thanks to you all for your continued support and for making each season such a success! If you are interested in hosting a Spring show, be sure and book it early as the calendar is already filling up!

Personalized Smocked Infant Day Gowns

2010-09-17T16:29:00.003-05:00

Check out these precious new smocked personalized day gowns! These are available for pre-order now! Size 0-3 months available in pink smocking or blue smocking with a single initial for only $50! Pre-order now and we will ship for free! These will be ready for shipment in approximately 45 days.

I am Auburn

2010-09-15T20:57:00.003-05:00

I first saw this on my friend Stephanie's blog. There are a lot of you who read who this won't matter to, but my Auburn peeps know what I mean! I'm counting down the days to go back to Auburn this weekend for the AU/Clemson game! We didn't get to go last year so I'm especially excited about visiting The Plains again this weekend!

I am Auburn.

I am the 30-year old couple coming back to campus for the first time with both little ones in tow. One wears her first blue and orange cheerleader outfit; the other wears #34 even though he is too young to understand why.

I am the 50-year old man who hoped no one saw tears in his eyes when the eagle circled the field. I was too choked even to say 'War Eagle'. For a moment, I felt foolish and then I didn't care. God, I love this place.

I am the 60 year old woman meeting her freshman granddaughter who is now the 3rd generation of AU students in our family. Despite my age, I'd strap it on Saturday and hit someone if it weren't for my gender and this blasted arthritis.

I am Auburn and I have always believed I was different. You can see it when you look up into the stands. My orange is not the same as Tennessee’s and my blue is not that of Florida. But the differences go much deeper than my colors. Read my creed. What other school has one? I genuinely believe in these things. To be a real Auburn man or woman speaks of character, not of geography. All are welcome to walk though my gates, not just the wealthy or the elite.

Georgia and Alabama may have their nations, but we have always been family. Make no mistake, we loathe defeat, but even in defeat, we would rather be an Auburn Tiger than anything else. We are family and you are the sons of Heisman, the sons of Jordan and Dye. You come from a long line of brothers whose names include Burkett, Sidle, Owens, Sullivan, Beasley, Jackson and Rocker. It is a great heritage.

So this Saturday, when the warm ups are over and the prayers and amen spoken, when you hear my thunder growing in the stands above you, when you stand in the tunnel and the smoke begins to form, listen for my voice when you run onto my field. Behind the frenzy of the shakers and deafening roar, I will tell you something in a whisper you may miss. I will be telling you that you are my sons and I am proud of you for the way you wear the burnt orange and navy blue. I am telling you that you are my sons and I love you.

Auburn is so much more than a city or a school or a team or a degree. It is something that, once you have experienced it, will live inside of you forever and become a part of what makes up who you are...

It is driving into town on a game day. You may have come from hundreds of miles away and as you get closer and closer to the city limits, you feel it rising inside of you. Other cars on the highway proudly display their orange and blue flags, magnets or car tags, and you honk and wave at them, because, for that one day, you are all on the same team.

It is the smell in the air and the ritualistic act of tailgating...catching up with old friends, making new ones, and invitations from perfect strangers to try their ribs or watch their satellite TV showing all of the day's important match-ups...of course, all being secondary to the one that will occur in the great cathedral of Jordan-Hare later that day.

It is the Tiger Walk...where you might just see 300 pound men overcome with emotion and weeping with pride because you have come there to cheer them on. As they walk by, you might exchange a glance with one or two of them and you can see it in their eyes...it is going to be their day.

It is the students...dressed in their best, because going to an Auburn game is like going to church for Auburn people....you show the same respect as you would if you were in God's house. Those students remind you of the days when you were walking in their shoes and Auburn was your home...but then you realize, in many ways, it is still and always will be HOME.

It is that lump that rises in your throat when the band plays the Alma Mater as the eagle is soaring over your head during pregame.

It is walking around on a "foreign" and sometimes hostile campus. You are easily identified (Auburn people always are) and the enemy jeers and shouts things at you to mask their feelings of intimidation. But just then, you happen upon a friend you have never met before. You know they are your friend by the colors they wear or the shaker in their hand. You exchange a "War Eagle" and a confident grin because he/she knows what you know.

It is when your heart leaps with every touchdown, field goal, sack, and interception...because those are our boys. And win or lose, they will always have our undying support. After all, it is those boys that you are really there for, and not a coach or a logo or a trustee or a president.

It is the complete and utter exhilaration of walking away victorious over a worthy opponent...that feeling of pride and accomplishment as if it were your own feet that had crossed the goal line scoring the last points yourself...that feeling of wanting to scream War Eagle" at the top of your lungs and hug complete strangers...and then there is the ultimate high of defeating your most hated foes from across the state.

No words can describe what this feels like, but you know because you have experienced it.

It is the sheer agony of defeat as the last minutes tick off the clock and you realize that all hope of a victory is gone. You feel like crying and maybe you do...then you hear the faint sounds of a cheer that grows louder and louder...."ITS GREAT TO BE AN AUBURN TIGER."

It is knowing that year after year, no matter how things change in our hectic lives, you can always come back to "the Loveliest Village on the Plains"...the place where you came from...your home. It will probably look a little different and there will be new names on the backs of the jerseys, but deep down, no matter what, it is still the same.You still love it as much as you always have because Auburn is as much a part of you as your arms, legs and the orange and blue blood that runs through your veins.

And, finally, it is the feeling you have right now as you read these lines....the anticipation inside of you because you know it's almost time....It's about to start all over again...but then it really never goes away, does it?
--
Robert L. Gillette, DVM, MSE

Introducing Karen, Our Newest Sales Rep!

2010-09-15T20:32:00.002-05:00

I've known Karen for years and it is a real honor that she is excited about taking this next step with me by becoming a sales rep for Sweet Dreams Designs! Here is a little about Karen in her own words...

Hi, my name is Karen Harrison. During the day (and sometimes at night) I am an Emergency Room nurse as well as Quality, Utilization Review and Case Manager. At night I am mommy to my beautiful little girl, Maggi Beth, who will be 1 in October, and wife to my wonderful husband of almost 4 years, Marty. We live in my hometown of Clanton, Alabama and at the present have no intentions of moving elsewhere. We have 2 dogs, a westie and a cocker, and depending on what day you ask we may have two cats or only one. I have known Anna for at least 10 years, probably more like 15, and have always admired her work. I am incredibly excited about working with her as a rep especially since I know she is passionate about what she does and it shows in the quality of work she produces.

You can contact Karen by email at karen.harrison@sunlinkhealth.com to book your show in the Chilton County, Shelby County and surrounding areas!

Recruiting Hostesses in Your Area!

2010-09-10T12:12:00.005-05:00

Wow...the Spring 2011 line hasn't even been previewed yet and it has already been shown more interest than any other line I've done in the past! So exciting! As I welcome the new sales reps, prepare marketing material, and complete the sample clothing for the trunk, I can't help but be excited about what is to come this upcoming season! It is going to be crazy!

I love the new recruiting hostesses postcards that I designed for my reps. As I share this with you, check out a little sneak peek at one of the new outfits!

Alabama hostesses! Here are your contacts for the following areas:
Tara Serio (Hoover, Vestavia, Homewood, Mtn. Brook, Trussville, & surrounding)
Karen Harrison (Clanton, Thorsby, Jemison, Selma, Pelham, Alabaster, Calera & surrounding)
Brett Pierce (Montgomery, Tallassee, Prattville, Auburn and surrounding)

Meet Brett, our newest sales rep!

2010-09-10T11:46:00.005-05:00

I am super excited to welcome Brett Pierce as our newest Sweet Dreams Designs Sales Rep! Brett is going to be a wonderful asset to our customers...this isn't her first rodeo! She has been in the children's clothing business for quite some time, has represented other lines before as well as owned her own boutique! Brett has been married for 13 years and has two children, Logan age 10 and Amy Laurel age 6. In addition to her children's activities, volunteering and substitute teaching, Brett loves to read, monogram and applique in her spare time. She loves putting fabrics together and claims to be a fabric junkie! I bet she will have great fun helping her trunk show guests create adorable custom clothing!

Brett will be representing the Tallassee, Montgomery, Auburn and Prattville territories. You may contact her by email at loloandlolli@elmore.rr.com or by phone at 334-799-0422.

Welcome Tara! Our First Trunk Show Sales Rep!

2010-08-23T22:59:00.004-05:00

I'm so excited to welcome aboard our very first sales representative for Sweet Dreams Designs Spring 2011 line! Tara will be representing Hoover and its surrounding neighborhoods in Birmingham, AL!

A little about Tara in her own words....
I am a 48 year old woman who has three grandchildren. After leaving a career in medical sales a couple of years ago I have decided that I would much rather do something that feeds my passion for creative things. I have a love for all things handmade, hand painted and a GOOD price. I embroider at home for the grandchildren and have been teaching myself to sew, for the granddaughter, for the past year. I feel I am a creative person so I can appreciate all that goes into making Sweet Dreams Designs' wonderful clothing. I have been in the Birmingham area all my life and currently live in Hoover, AL.

Tara, I am so happy to have you on board and appreciate your willingness to join our very first team!

To contact Tara about hosting a show in the Hoover/Birmingham Metro area, please email taraserio@bellsouth.net

Chomping at the bit

2010-07-09T21:36:00.003-05:00

Here in the Garner household we are patiently(anxiously) awaiting the arrival of our new addition! However, in the meantime I've been more than a little bit busy getting as much progress done on the Spring 2011 line (SP11) as I can before I take my little maternity leave! (Not to mention last minute touches on things around our home including a new playroom for baby!)

I've had so much fun preparing this collection. It seems like it all has a different meaning now. Though each collection before it was special in its own way, this one is a little different in that I have my own little one to picture wearing these precious little outfits! Oh you boys out there are going to have so much more to choose from this Spring...it has been SUCH a joy creating all of this fun BOY stuff!

We started taking pictures last week. Nothing too fancy, just my own little camera, a few friends and the Birmingham Botanical Gardens! We had a fun time, and as always it's always a pleasure to see my little creations come to life on adorable little ones! As much as it kills me not to show off our pictures right now, I HAVE to at least wait a little while! But, in the meantime, here is a sneak peek of one of my most special friends' little girls in the new Madelyn Ruffle Top for SP11!

I will begin working on recruiting trunk show hostesses and sales reps very soon. I started on some marketing materials today using our new pictures and will share those details soon as well! Meanwhile, if you are interested in either hosting a SP11 show or representing the line as a sales rep, please contact me via email: anna@sweet-dreams-designs.net I'll be happy to fill you in on this rewarding opportunity!

Congrats to my Peaches!

2010-06-29T17:49:00.005-05:00

Here's a big CONGRATULATIONS to my little "Peach"! Halle won 1st alternate in Chilton County's Little Miss Peach pageant as well as Miss Photogenic! (And did both while wearing a Sweet Dreams Designs outfit, by the way!) Her sweet mama is a friend and one of my loyal hostesses and Halle has done a good bit of modeling for me as well. It is so fun to see one of "my girls" win...wish I could have been there in person! Who would've ever thought I'd love doing pageant wear so much! Lots of fun!

Also a big congrats to Taylee who got in the Top Ten in the same pageant! You girls are too cute!

Monograms, oh my!

2010-06-23T18:06:00.007-05:00

I'm doing some "revamping" of the Sweet Dreams Designs website. I've taken off almost all of the products including the monogram and applique choices. So, in the meantime, reference the "Monogram Choices" page in the link above for monogramming choices! Some of these are new!

Arabesque

Cooper

Curlz

Curlz (Applique Initial)

Daisy Doodles

Dots & Daisies

Dotty Alpha Applique (upper & lowercase)

Empire (3 initials)

Entwined

Fun Dots Applique (single initial)

Girls are Weird Applique (lowercase only)

Hanna (names - with or without large initial)

Kids Alpha Applique (uppercase only)

Love Letters (names)

Circular Masculine (3 initials with or without circle)

Whimsy Alphabet (capitals only)

Old Fashioned (capitals only)

Storybook (upper & lowercase)

Tinkertoy (names, upper & lower)

Updates...

2010-06-18T21:10:00.006-05:00

No posts since April 19th? Wow.... I've still been blogging but the focus has been on the new addition to our little family on my other blog! However, even though the blog focus has changed a little (or a lot!) I've still been hard at work on Sweet Dreams Designs Spring 2011 line and the future of the business.

The spring line is coming along beautifully and I can't wait to share it! I am working on photos now with some of my favorite photographers. I've added some adorable swimsuits for girls as well as matching swim sets for boys. The boys line has been so much fun to create! The girls clothes are cuter than ever, don't get me wrong...but it is so rewarding to create a line and samples that my own little one can wear one day! Charlie's closet is currently pretty slim, but I have a feeling by next spring he'll have plenty to wear!

I've also expanded the fabric basics to include lots of new seersuckers and ginghams that both boys and girls will love! I'm making tons of samples so that my trunk show guests will have lots of ideas to help them create their own special outfits. That brings me to my next update....

I'm hoping to add a few trunk show representatives (a.k.a. "Trunk Keepers") for Spring 2011. For years I have been having out of state customers as well as in state customers contact me about representing the line or wanting to host a trunk show further away than I can drive. I've tried my best in the past to accommodate as many of these requests as I can, but it's hard to do. I can only imagine it is going to get harder with a new baby to think about.

I have lots of plans for this new addition (the trunk keepers as well as the baby!) I'll add more details later as well as send out emails recruiting those interested in becoming a part of this new adventure! Until then, let me know what you think and if you are interested. You can post here or send an email to anna@sweet-dreams-designs.net. Also, please know that I'll be recruiting hostesses soon also, so think about hosting your own Sweet Dreams Designs show this spring! Whether you host or rep, it's a great opportunity to get discounted and free boutique clothing for your kiddos!

Another 2011 Sneak Peek!

2010-04-19T19:32:00.003-05:00

Here is another sneak peek....because I can't keep any secrets! I love this line of fabrics that I almost made it out of Fall Quilt Market without seeing! Thanks to Melanie, I was able to discover this great line and have lots of their fabrics in my Spring 2011 lineup!

These are just three of the sweet fabrics I've chosen. These three also coordinate with another grouping featuring birds, flowers and trees....but I'll save that for another big reveal!

I was just telling my mother in law this morning that Spring 2011 was going to be pretty awesome because I had more time to plan for it. Her response was, Wow - that is so far away! But, not really....I need to have the line designed and samples made in time to photograph them by October/November. I'll need to have them on the site before the end of the year and then ready for trunk shows by the second week of January! If planning for this line flies by as quickly as planning for this baby, then I better get a move on!

In a coming post, I want to share my nursery pictures. I am so close to being finished (even though I'm sure this will be an ongoing project!) and so far everything except the curtain panels is handmade! I've been fortunate enough to be able to create the exact nursery that I had pictured and I've spent less than $200! Not including the crib of course, but I am letting that be a gift from my late granddad, Boopie. Pictures to come as well as a breakdown of everything that was handmade, where it came from, how I made it along with where I found the tutorials, etc. Until then, enjoy this sneak peek for Spring 2011!

Sneak peek at my next line!

2010-03-22T07:45:00.001-05:00

Yes, I did say I planned to take a break from creating a Fall 2010 line, and I still do! However, I never promised to stop planning, designing or obsessing over fabric for Spring 2011, did I? Bedsides, after my huge $5.00 fabric sale I had to reinvest that money in more new fabric, right? So, here is a little sneak peek at what I have coming for Spring 2011. These Amy Butler prints have been around for about 2 years, so they are nothing new, but there's nothing wrong with a classic! Plus, I've always wanted to use them for something and now's the time! In addition, I figure if I'm going to be ready for trunk shows by January 2011 AND have a baby and completely change my life - I might as well go ahead and get started!

As you may expect, with a little boy on the way I've already made plans to expand my boys collection as well. It is absolutely SHAMEFUL that there is so little to choose from for boys. Poor guys - I guess it really is a girls world! I've been to just about every store in Birmingham, plus craft shows, and it is the same everywhere I go....nothing for boys. I'm doing my best to change that! Something fabulous is on its way...

New inspiration

2010-03-21T22:14:00.002-05:00

It is so much fun to have a new inspiration these days! Baby Charlie is on his way and I'm doing the best I can to fill his closet before he comes. This little day gown and matching burp cloth set is one of the first things I made for him and I loved it so much that I decided to begin selling it at Grandmother's Joy and now on the Sweet Dreams Designs website.

I just love these and can't wait to see the new baby wearing them! I know other new moms will love them too. I think it makes such a pretty gift for boys or girls and you can get the set for only $38. I'm offering them pre-packaged and ready for gift giving to make things super easy on the gift giver! I hope that these will become your go-to gift for all of the baby showers coming up this spring and summer! I know that I'll be attending my fair share this summer and I plan on bringing one of these with me to each of them!

Coming soon, I will offer these gowns and burp cloths in Minkee Dot super soft fabric and possibly chenille. So many possibilities! For now, here are the fabrics available. You can also purchase just the personalized burp cloth for only $12 and that includes the monogram! It comes in a sheer white organza bag with a Sweet Dreams Designs tag. Another beautiful gift for those on a budget or just a sweet add on to a larger gift!

I can't wait to see what else I come up with now that I have some new inspiration!

Size 2T Girl Model Search!

2010-03-21T09:26:00.004-05:00

I am looking for a size 2T little girl local to the Birmingham area that would like to model for a print publication in the next 2 weeks! Here are the instructions and a few rules:

Instructions:

Email me at anna@sweet-dreams-designs.net
Include you/your child's contact information, and a sample photo (preferably from a professional shoot, however a snap shot may work also)

Rules:

This is not a contest, we are just trying to find the right person for the job!
Your child must be cooperative and outgoing...someone who loves the camera!
Do not email me if your child can almost fit in a 2T, sometimes wears a 2T, etc. It is extremely important that she is a standard 2T so we can see a proper fit. (this is for pattern testing reasons)
Only email me if you are sending info about YOUR child. No emails about people that I can look up or contact.

Extra info:

If you are a professional photographer that can send proof of your work, you MIGHT have an upper hand!
There is no monetery payment for modeling for this job! You will, however, get to keep the outfit you are modeling....and trust me, you'll want it! :-) In addition, your child's photo will be published in an internationally sold, full color pattern book.
Same goes for photography - this is not a paid gig for me, so I can't afford to pay you moneterily either. (sorry!) However, you will receive photography credit in the book, and if you do have a child, I will be happy to swap a Grandmother's Joy or Sweet Dreams Designs gift certificate.

Here are some sample photos from past pattern testing jobs I have done:

Photo by April Kuhlmann of Once in Every Life Photography

Photo by Heidi Baird of Elite Event Images / ESD Photography

Photo by April Kuhlmann of Once in Every Life Photography

Hope to hear from you soon!

More fabrics added to the $5 fabric sale!

2010-03-18T07:32:00.002-05:00

Here are just a few of the new fabrics that were added to the $5.00 fabric sale! Be sure and reserve your fabrics before they are gone! All of the ones shown on this page are ready to ship now! Just send a message to anna@sweet-dreams-designs.net with your request and be sure to become a fan on facebook!

$5 Fabric Sale Pre-Orders

2010-03-12T08:40:00.005-06:00

I'm wrapping up all of the Spring 2010 trunk show and clothing orders! I'll be done in just a few weeks and I've decided to have a HUGE FABRIC SALE! Visit our facebook page and click on the Spring 2010 Fabric album. There you will find a large majority of the fabrics that I will be selling for only $5.00 a yard! (Yep, that's wholesale, people!) There will be more added, but here is a look at what is currently available:

If you are interested in ordering, please send an email to anna@sweet-dreams-designs.net. Each fabric in the photo album on our Facebook page is numbered. Please send your request with the appropriate fabric number and how many yards of each that you would like. I will honor your request according to how much fabric of each I have left. First come first served!

Trunk show options!

2010-01-25T10:55:00.003-06:00

My mother in law is so talented...I know...I've said it before and I'll say it again! She drew off each of these garments for me so my trunk show guests could see their options for designing their own outfits! Check 'em out!

Almost time for Easter Heirlooms!

2010-01-17T09:06:00.002-06:00

GJOY 054
Originally uploaded by SweetDreamsDesigns

Take a look at these to die for heirloom dresses and suits that we got in at Grandmother's Joy this week!

These are also available for custom order in the size you need...just be sure to allow up to 6 weeks for delivery.

D.I.Y. time at Grandmother's Joy!

2010-01-01T09:37:00.003-06:00

Our monthly Design it Yourself custom clothing event is coming up at Grandmother's Joy! Join us Thursday, January 7th between 10am and 6pm to design your own outfit for your child!

For girls, I'm featuring an outfit that you may have seen before, but it's a good one! Available in sizes 2T - 7, this adorable dress is a great transitional outfit for our changing weather! It can be worn now with long sleeves, leggings and boots and will still be precious in the spring and summer worn alone with sandals!

Some of the fabrics shown will not be available as a design option, but there are MANY more to choose from in all colors!

For boys, we will have a cuffed pant and Valentine's themed appliqued tee. SOOOooooo cute! I don't have the sample made yet, but here are two of the applique choices that I'm totally in love with:

PUPPY LOVE!

CHICK MAGNET!

How can you not love those little appliques on a sweet little man! I'm thinking maybe some red corduroy pants or red gingham? Adorable!

The boys' pants set will be available in sizes 6months - 6 years for $48.

If you are interested in ordering either of these sets, you may call or email: anna@joychildrensboutique.com or 205-870-4027. If you are here in the Birmingham area, come by Grandmother's Joy on Thursday, January 7th between 10am and 6pm to design your own outfit!

The end of an era....and the beginning of a new one!

2009-12-20T13:43:00.007-06:00

If you are a fan on Facebook, then you may have been aware that there was a big announcement on the way! Drum roll please.....

It's true there have been lots of changes going on around here. The new store being one of them. When I purchased the store, I never had any intentions of stopping designing for Sweet Dreams Designs. However, I did know that there may come a time when I had to either put trunk shows on hold or stop doing them altogether. Well, it appears that time is upon us! When Fall 2010 Trunk Shows would typically start in July, Jason and I will be patiently (or not so patiently!) awaiting the arrival of our first child!

Yep, you read that right! As of Christmas Eve I was 9 weeks pregnant and so excited! I heard the heartbeat at 6 1/2 weeks and we will get to hear it (and see the baby) again at 10 weeks. SO, I hope you all understand why I will need to take a break during the Fall 2010 season! I also hope you understand why I have been encouraging anyone who has ever been interested in hosting a show to do so for our Spring 2010 season. (There are still a few dates left!)

I will continue to design and sew for Sweet Dreams Designs, however, producing an entire line and traveling for trunk shows will be a big challenge until things settle down around here after the baby comes! You will still be able to order online and pick up things in person at Grandmother's Joy ! I will keep you all posted on if/when trunk shows will pick back up. Most likely, the next full line will come out hopefully in Spring 2011....who knows - that may be wishful thinking! However, spring is my favorite time for clothes, so I'll keep my fingers crossed! In the meantime (between seasons) I will continue to list things on the website - some new things probably and also some past designs that I still have in stock.

SOooo....there you have it! I hope I didn't build up that big announcement too much! If you are interested in hosting a show this season just shoot me an email and we'll set it up! I have one Saturday date left (Feb. 6) but there are many weekday show dates left and sometimes those are the best ones!

As the title suggests - this is the end of an era in a sense, but we are very excited to be starting a new one! I'm more thrilled than you can even imagine to design and sew for my very own child after sewing for so many other precious children over the past 3 1/2 years!

Grandmother's Joy - Accepting Spring Preorders!

2009-12-06T12:06:00.002-06:00

I'm so excited to already have so many of the awesome spring clothes on the site! It is a lot of work and very time consuming so I decided to get a head start! After I got back from Market in October, I went ahead and started posting our orders from that trip on the site. (the ones I had pictures for at least!) I have decided to try something new and begin accepting preorders with a 60% downpayment. Read below for all of the details and be sure to take a sneak peek at the Spring 2010 Line-up at Grandmother's Joy!

Spring 2010 Preorders

After reading below, scroll to the bottom of this page and click the appropriate link (girls, boys or swimwear) to shop the preorder items!

Preorders are purchases for merchandise that will arrive the following season. By placing a preorder, you are guaranteed to receive the product--as long as the manufacturer is able to fulfill our production request.

When you purchase a Preorder item, you pay 60% of the list price as a deposit. The remaining 40% is charged after January 1st, once we've confirmed with the manufacturer that the order will be fulfilled.

If you cancel your Preorder, you will receive a deposit refund--minus a 10% restocking fee.

If a manufacturer fails to ship an order to us, you will be refunded the full deposit.

Whenever possible, we will accommodate requests for size changes.

Season Specific Information for Spring 2010:

Items will ship between 2/15 and 3/30. This year, Easter is on April 4th - Easter outfits may not arrive at your residence before 3/20, so please plan photos/events accordingly.
Items not shipped by 4/30 will be canceled and your card immediately refunded.
Enter coupon code PREORDER in the discount voucher box during checkout to pay the correct deposit amount. If you fail to enter the coupon, the entire amount will be charged; no refunds (40%) will be processed if this happens.

By entering the code PREORDER, you are affirming that you've read and agreed to the terms on this page.

20% off Spring 2010 Preorders! Monday only!

2009-11-30T11:51:00.000-06:00

Wow - 2009 has been another crazy busy year for me and for Sweet Dreams Designs! With the addition of a brick and mortar store, continuing with the designing of the Spring 2010 line, taking our Boy's Line to the Atlanta Apparel Mart, and many more exciting things, each year just seems busier than the last!

All of these things have also kept me from sending a Sweet Dreams Designs newsletter in a while! So, in celebration of Cyber Monday, I invite you to take a look at our Boys and Girls Spring 2010 line! Place your preorder before midnight tonight and receive 20% off! Enter code CDN091130095215 at checkout.

Are you interested in hosting a show this season? Please contact me as soon as possible to be added to the calendar. Dates are limited this season and there are LOTS of you who have already mentioned being interested in hosting a show! Let's schedule it now!

I hope you all had a fabulous Thanksgiving and are looking forward to a beautiful holiday season! Thanks, as always, for your continued support!

Warmly,

Anna Garner

Our first "DIY" at Grandmother's Joy

2009-11-20T15:38:00.003-06:00

I'm getting really excited about our first Design It Yourself event at the store! On Thursday from 4pm - 7pm we'll be serving wine and some yummy snacks as well as having a little "mini trunk show"! (Plus 20% off all other purchases!)

For girls I am featuring this cute little bell sleeve tunic with optional leggings. The size range is huge! It is available from 6 months to 12 years! Here are Chloe and Halle modeling the sample for me again!

UPDATE...Well, this never got published before the event, so here is the followup!

We had a great turnout for the Open House! Of course there was too much food, as there always is, but I've been doing my best to polish it off today!

Here is a picture of Lela, the daughter of my store manager, sitting with our DIY display - ready to place her order!

I love our little hot pink and lime green tree! My mother in law, Jeanette, made my bows and streamers. I'm hoping she'll make some for my tree at home when I get it up too!

A closeup of our DIY samples. I LOVE the way the little puppy tee turned out! If you like it too, the sample is for sale in the store in a size 4T for $48.00.

And lastly, here's a picture of me (completely wiped out!) and my cousin Krysta who has been helping out at the store lately. We had a good time and I'm really looking forward to the next one in January!

Talented friends

2009-11-15T16:57:00.004-06:00

I'm so thankful that I have so many talented friends!

So, I totally stole this photo off of Facebook so that I could share it here....I haven't picked up my disk of images yet and I just couldn't wait another minute to share this awesome picture taken by a high school friend, Misty Haggard. Her daughter Chloe, on right, is so cute and probably sharing some fabulous secret with Halle, the daughter of another high school friend! I can only imagine what these two are giggling about, but it made for a fabulous picture! Not to mention, they both totally rock these two new outfits from Sweet Dreams Designs Spring 2010 collection!

On the left, Emma top with Bella capris and on the right is the shirred top and ruffled shorts shown in the Flights of Fancy fabric collection. The shirred top and the ruffled shorts don't have a cute name yet, any suggestions?

Southern Lady

2009-11-13T07:49:00.005-06:00

Do you love this as much as I do?

This is our ad for the Jan/Feb 2010 issue of Southern Lady magazine! To be perfectly honest, I had really never read the magazine until I was approached about purchasing an ad. But, it didn't take long for me to decide to subscribe. It is a magazine that I actually READ cover to cover. I think it helps that it is Birmingham based so the articles aren't too out of reach and neither are a lot of the advertisers. That part is pretty cool. It has some YUMMY sounding recipes, and darn it, it's just pretty!

So, after I fell in love with the magazine I decided to purchase a 1/4 page ad for three issues next year. This is our first ad! Rob Ingram did our photo shoot for it in his amazing studio. Let me just tell you, it's not easy to get three kids of varying ages, no matter how well behaved, to look at the camera and smile all at the same time! Though we were able to capture some of those moments, that's not what I was looking for for this ad and Rob knew this. I wanted different. Modern, but vintage. Rustic, but crisp and clean. I know that may not make sense to some, but he made it happen and I'm completely in love with the results. I can't wait to share some of the others from the shoot that I'll be using for my Birmingham Kids' Directory ads as well as hanging in the shop.

My 5 seconds of fame

2009-11-13T07:23:00.002-06:00

Spring 2010 Preorder Time! Girls Edition...

2009-10-29T11:28:00.004-05:00

I did this last fall and had LOTS of interest in placing preorders for Spring 2010 outfits. A few reasons to preorder:

Get your outfits EARLY in the season
Get your outfits at a slightly discounted price
If you order NOW you can use these outfits as Christmas gifts!
Get your outfits before anyone else!
FREE shipping!

I'll only be offering this through the blog, and only on select designs. The preorder option will only be available for two weeks, so order as soon as possible!

And now....for the designs:

"Emma" 2pc capri set in Flower Power (shown here as pants)

"Alice" Dress in Darla

A major change

2009-10-29T10:43:00.003-05:00

I realized that I have left out lots of details about the store, Sweet Dreams Designs, trunk shows, my trip to Quilt Market and lots of other things that some may be interested in reading. But it seems that everything is happening so fast and leaving little time to blog about it. So, I'm thinking it may just be best to skip ahead. Maybe...just maybe I'll have time to go back and fill in the blanks!

I have felt for the past few weeks, as I'm finishing up trunk show orders, that I'm kind of spinning in circles waiting for this big change. Like nothing else can happen until I "get this list done". The first thing on that list was moving my mother in law into our home. Not as scary as it sounds! The move went well, and Jeanette and "Miss Kitty" are living in our basement (aka The Mancave). However, the "cave" has been transformed and has turned into quite a cute little home for Jason's mom! The second thing on the list, of course, was finishing up trunk show orders. I had to finish the orders before I could do the big thing #3! The third thing was moving my entire sewing studio to the second floor of the shop!

I have been very anxious to get this done for several reasons. I'd like to be as "hands on" at the store as I possibly can as well as still keep up my sewing for Sweet Dreams Designs and Grandmother's Joy. I can't do that if I'm stuck behind a machine at home. Another positive thing about moving is that it is out of my house! I feel like if I can put myself on a schedule and sew at the store during work hours, then when I come home I can spend time with my husband and be a wife. It would also be nice for my rear end to see my couch cushions once a while! Granted, I'm not much of a couch sitter, since there is always SOMETHING to be done when running a household! But, on occasion it would be nice to sit alongside Jason and watch Thursday night TV!

So, now I am facing a major change in the way I do "business". In order to put myself on a schedule, that means getting up and getting ready and hitting the road every morning! I'm sitting here writing this in my PJ's at 11am, thinking "what have I done!?!?!?!" lol....

As soon as everything is arranged, I'll post pictures of the new studio. It's not super cute or anything, but I think it will be more functional than my home studio since it is much larger and has built in shelves, an attic, etc. It also has a bathroom, refrigerator and microwave, so I may never have to leave!

Busy October

2009-10-07T05:38:00.004-05:00

Thursday I leave for Houston for the International Quilt Market! I'm a little nervous about traveling all by my little ol' self, but I'm guessing I'll make it there alright! I'm meeting up with a bunch of crafty girls like myself that I have become friends with over the past year through.....TWITTER! Yes, my online friends will come to life this week!

I'm meeting up with Mary on Thursday evening, and then staying with Missy and Liz on Friday and Saturday. Then all along the way, I'll be meeting Patty (who you have all heard me talk about before...pattern testing, fab fabrics, etc), Paula (more fabulous fabrics and some upcoming clothing patterns I can't wait to get my hands on!), and many more great ladies and designers who I can't wait to meet! Oh, and there will be fabric there too! I'm hoping to find the very best to bring back to you guys for upcoming seasons! I'll be bringing my laptop too, so hopefully I'll find time for lots of pictures along the way and maybe a blog post or two! I've been waiting for this trip for months and can't believe it is finally here...making October officially the busiest month of the year.

Last weekend was Jason's sister, Erin's wedding in Rome, GA. Probably one of the prettiest weddings I've been to in a while. It's also possible that we worked harder on this wedding than we did on our own, but it all came together beautifully. It's called teamwork people! It's called family....

Here comes the bride!

Jason's Floral Expertise...one of the many arrangements he made for the wedding!

Speaking of family...we are gaining a family member in our household next week! With the marriage of Erin came the moving in of mom...Jason's mother will be moving in with us within the next week or so. After the wedding festivities, we loaded up a U-Haul and brought all of Jeanette's things back to Birmingham with us and packed them up in a storage unit. We will be transforming Jason's "man cave" into Jeanette's temporary new home. Hee hee....temporary...lol! Not sure exactly what that word means at this point, but time will tell! Until then, as Tim Gunn says...we'll "make it work"!

Follow up

2009-09-26T15:31:00.004-05:00

So, last night when I was writing my blog post about the new store, I had to wrap it up quickly because I was so exhausted. Last night we moved every. single. piece. of clothing from the store's showroom to the upstairs office/storage area. We took down everything on the wall right down the very last nail, and moved it as well. It only took about 3 hours and 5 of us working, but we were all worn out when the process was over.

Today, I have 4 painters doing a total makeover on this place of mine! The colors could not be any more perfect....Bathe and Liquid are the colors, and of course high gloss white as the trim. I debated over the expense of the high gloss, but boy is it worth it....the turn out is absolutely amazing! We are under construction at the moment, but it is already a major improvement over the drab beige flooring & boring cream trim and walls. It truly looks like something out of a magazine! Well, the colors anyway....the flooring still leaves a LOT to be desired. It is old carpet that has seen better days. Right now we have scheduled to install new hardwood flooring on November 1st. I have already purchased the laminate flooring....harvest oak. I can. not. WAIT to see this place after it is installed....talk about a major turnaround!

Next on the agenda? New ceiling tiles, and new lighting fixtures. Maybe can lights & maybe even a chandelier....a baby one or two just for fun! I have spent a bunch on this re-do, but if I'm going to do this, I want to do it right and make it a place people WANT to come shop. I don't want to shop in a drab store. I want to shop somewhere crisp and clean and bright! SO, that is what I'm making for my customers.

I will be posting pictures just as soon as I have something to share! I'll hold off on the "before's" so the "after" will pack a major punch!

Everything happens for a reason

2009-09-25T22:45:00.003-05:00

I'm here, I promise! But, just barely and only for a minute!

I've been trying to find the time for this long awaited post, but the "spare" moments have been few and far between these days. This particular moment should really be spent sleeping, but I'm in one of those moods where I'm completely exhausted, but too anxious to sleep.

Those of you that keep up with me on the various social networking sites know exactly what I've been up to lately, but those of you who don't have a big surprise in store! Speaking of stores.....

....this one is MINE! Yep, that's right....bought a children's store! It seems like such old news now that it feels silly writing about it. Here's the story anyway....

Ok, so I was looking for a retail location because I had an awesome idea for a children's custom clothing store/fabric sewing store. I won't share the details just in case! lol! I had been on a hot pursuit for this particular house built in the late 1800s...totally beautiful, perfect for what I was looking for. Long store short....it was expensive! So anyway...I had almost given up on this place and I get an email on my phone saying "JUST LISTED" 81 Church Street at an unbelievable price. I rushed down to my computer to see that it was a children's clothing store!

It was a little different situation than I was originally looking for since it was the business for sale and not the actual building. But, I called about it immediately and made an appointment to see it on Sunday (this was on a Thursday). Well, on Saturday I had a show at Ross Bridge and afterward I just decided to ride on over there and check it out. The owner (who usually only worked 3 or 4 days a month) was there. So, we chatted for a bit....I even talked to her husband who kept the books etc. It was a perfect meeting. When I left the parking lot, I called Jason and said I WANT IT! He said go back and make an offer! Wow....really? He was totally into it...which is huge because he is not the risk taking type. SO....Sunday rolls around and I meet with the selling agent and make an offer immediately. By the end of Sunday, we had a deal!

We closed TWO WEEKS LATER! All this and holding trunk shows at the same time. It has been an absolutely amazing journey so far. Something I can NOT believe that I have done. Like an absolute dream! (a crazy, busy, life changing dream, but a dream nonetheless!)

So, for the last month I have been learning lots, sewing not enough, visiting market as a BUYER!, and so much more. Add this to trunk shows, keeping my granddad on Mondays, and trying to be a wife and housekeeper at the same time! Am I excused from not blogging lately?

So, this is a REALLY quick peek into what has been going on "behind the scenes" lately. I'm going to try my best to keep you up to date....I pray to stay busy, but hope I have time for blogging at the same time!

I appreciate everyone's support over these last three years through the many changes that Sweet Dreams Designs has taken on. I feel like this is the best one yet, and very lucky to have my customers - both old and new!

I promise more details to come soon!

More Pattern Testing: Ava

2009-09-05T19:40:00.007-05:00

LOVE the way this new pattern for Patty Young of ModKid Sewing Patterns turned out! This is the third test pattern I have sewn for Patty. I'm so sad that I'm giving up the opportunity to test two more for her before Quilt Market in October, but with everything going on right now there just isn't time! (More details on that later!)

I had never done pintucks before and Patty's directions made it super easy and what an awesome way to add detail! Heidi Baird and her beautiful daughter Anneli of Emma Saxton Studios did the amazing photography for this set...Thanks to Heidi and Anni and a special thanks to Patty for allowing me to test her patterns again! As usual, I'm in love!

A familiar face

2009-08-05T21:50:00.003-05:00

We've been seeing a lot of this little guy lately, and as the season progresses there will be even more to come! Preston had a photo session with Carmen from CBM Photography and she was sweet enough to share this photo of him wearing a Sweet Dreams Designs outfit from the Spring 2009 line! (Wow...seems so long ago since this outfit first debuted, so it is awesome to see it in action!)

Thanks Carmen, and thanks Preston's mommy for sharing this sweet moment with me!

Whatcha doin'?

2009-08-01T16:40:00.006-05:00

You may wonder why I haven't posted much lately...

Mainly, it's because I've been making this stuff! Getting ready for the fall shows which officially kicked off on Thursday July 30! The first show was great and many of the items that I thought would be a hit, actually were...which is a great feeling!

Once a week, I have been taking a break from sewing to stay with good ol' granddad (Boopie) and take care of him. It makes for a long day, but don't worry....he keeps me busy! We spend lots of time outside..............

.....checking on the barn, the tractor, the farm equipment, the oil cans, feeding the catfish, walking the garden with rows of corn (which we also pick, shuck, silk, cook & EAT!)

We also spend a good deal of time with this guy....Jack. One of the sweetest cats I've ever "known", which is a good thing since he'll be coming home with me someday when the time comes..................

..........but until then, he'll keep stalking the birdhouses in the country!

This is just a little "hello" and update on what has been keeping me from my precious blog lately! Now that shows have started, maybe things will get back to "normal"....whatever that is!

Preston

2009-07-25T08:33:00.003-05:00

This little guy is such a cutie and has been such a great little model for me! We have so much fun and he is just a little rag doll - you can dress him up in whatever you want and he never complains or even lets out a whimper!

In this photo, he is modeling my new "Knot Overalls". They come in several combos in Blue, Red & Brown. We also took pictures for the new Spring 2010 Boys Line that will be on display at the Stella Jane & Friends Showroom at the Atlanta Apparel Mart this August! His pictures will be on the wall at the Sweet Dreams Designs section of the showroom! Here's another pic in the new Blue Check Initial Tee & Cuffed Pants.

I have also added the A Line Collection for girls that will match all of the Knot Overalls and Appliqued Tees for boys! Those of you who like to match siblings are in for a treat! I'm still adding to this collection, but you know it's coming!

Only a few more pieces left to make before the first show begins on July 30th! It's been a long road on this fall line, but I'm almost there!

2 cute + 2 be = 4 gotten

2009-07-18T23:09:00.004-05:00

I could not let a second pass after seeing this photo on Facebook! These are the two daughters of my very best friend from high school! She posted these pictures today (that I believe her dad took....great photographer, by the way!) and I had to share!

The youngest, Aida, is around 5 months old I think and Madelyn is 4. (Am I a bad friend for not knowing exact ages?!?!?!?!) It is so hard to keep up with these days! Anyway, thank you Emily for sharing these!

More late additions to the Fall Line!

2009-07-16T20:24:00.002-05:00

More late additions, and even more to come! This fall has been a struggle for me - as I've mentioned before - having to remake the line AND add the boys line. That means I'm still working on photos for the boys line. It also means that since I'm still working on it, I keep wanting to add more things!

After doing the pattern testing, I had to add these two pieces to the line! The first is in our most recent fabric collection - Garden Collage. I'm still working on this collection, but I'm super thrilled with the photo shoot and the dress!

Here it is again - the Sydney Dress in Mod Blooms!

This set is available in Auburn AND Alabama....it was just released this week and has already had lots of sales! I think it has a lot to do with my cute little model!

And just a little peak at another boys set....I have LOTS of Appliqued Tees and Cuffed Pants in various prints and designs. There are many already on the site and several more to come that just haven't been photographed yet. Also, I'm working on some one piece sets for my younger customers!

Also, lots of holiday sets to come...I believe Halloween and Christmas has already been posted, but I'm also working on a Thanksgiving set! I have also added an "A Line Collection" to the site for girls. These will be coordinates for the boys sets for all of those who like to have matching brothers and sisters! There is only one posted at the moment...but more to come in the next week or so.

I'd also like to thank all of my wonderful Facebook Fans who have given great feedback on the fall line already! Through Sunday, I am offering FREE SHIPPING to my Facebook Fans (and now to my blog readers as well!) Use code NOSHIP0709 at checkout to receive your discount! Don't forget - copy the code just as it is or it won't work! No spaces!

As you can see, there is still much to be done before the shows start on Sunday July 26th, so I better get to work!

Fall Shows starting soon!

2009-07-09T18:20:00.001-05:00

postcard fall front
Originally uploaded by SweetDreamsDesigns

I'm expecting my invitation postcards to come in any day now...they are running late! Here's a preview of what the front looks like. I am also using these for Save the Date emails for my hostesses to send!

I still have just TWO dates left if you are interested in hosting a show this season! They are both on Sundays - one August 16th and one September 13th! Grab them up if you want them!

I, once again, apologize for being so absent on this blog lately! I'm still playing catch up working to get fall remade as well as working on a new project for the Spring 2010 Boy's Line! I will fill you in as soon as there's a moment to spare! Good things are happening!

Latest Addition to the Fall Line

2009-07-03T16:54:00.002-05:00

July 09 002
Originally uploaded by SweetDreamsDesigns

I have been adding lots to the fall line lately...1.) Because it was prepared so quickly to be taken to market and ended up rather small 2.) Because designing is the best part!

I added this fabric a few months back and since have been making up pieces out of it. Since I have already had my photoshoot for fall, I will be taking mannequin pics in the yard myself! Not as much fun, but serve the purpose I suppose.

What do you think?

Long Lost Blogger

2009-07-01T09:33:00.003-05:00

It's been SOOooo long since I've actually written anything here. Time has gotten sucked away from me with only a million different things going on. I think all the time – "I need to blog about this" – but the opportunity never presents itself! This morning, even though I need to be up sewing, I decided to take a little time and get started on this post. We'll see how long it takes to complete. Interestingly enough, I am starting this post as a word document and then publishing to the blog through Microsoft Word. This is pretty cool because if this works, this means I can blog when I don't have wireless internet access (as I haven't lately) and publish once access is restored! I guess there's always the copy paste option too, but this is much more high tech!

So, first off and most importantly, I have been spending a good part of the last 2 ½ weeks in Clanton helping out with my ailing grandfather (from here on, referred to as Boopie). No internet in the hospital! He went into the hospital on Tuesday, June 16^th with a blood sugar level of 1200. Before this incident I didn't know much about diabetes or sugar levels or any of that, but have since learned that 100 is about normal. That being said, you realize that 1200 is deadly. Sparing most of the details, he is still in the hospital today and will not get out until Friday July 3^rd. The sugar affected his brain and his dementia, which was very mild to start with, has become much more serious. Someone has had to stay with him around the clock which has been very tiring for my family. I have not stayed with him this week yet, but will be there on Thursday. The previous weeks I stayed two nights a week from about 9pm to 6am when the sitter arrived. Unfortunately, our family is very small so we have very little help in this department so everyone is wearing very thin.

We have been back and forth trying to decide whether he should come to live with his son (Neil and Lisa), go home with nurse care, or go to a nursing home. There is really no good option and all of the options are incredibly expensive. We are talking a minimum of around $6k a month. So needless to say, it's been very hard dealing with all of this lately. He has always been such a strong, active, independent man and has become opposite all of those things lately. Your prayers for our family are much appreciated!

Next order of business is remaking the entire Fall 2009 line before July 25^thwhen trunk shows start. I'm too exhausted by this whole topic to write too much about it, but all of my Fall 2009 and Spring 2009 samples were stolen by my sales rep in Dallas. I'm out about $3000 by this whole experience and would love to tell you more about it. For my protection, I will not share her name, but if you contact me, I will be happy to tell you who she is and give you fair warning to STAY AWAY from her and her "services". I just checked out her site the other day and noticed that she has all new vendors – most likely because she is a crook. Enough of that….my blood is boiling just thinking of it. But you get my point…I've been extremely busy getting ready for the fall shows to start, which is a total shame considering the entire line was ready back in January.

Another time consumer….uploading the line onto the website! NOT my favorite part of my job at all! Oh, and though I will have tons of boys things to choose from in the line, none of them have been photographed! A lot of them aren't even finished because I didn't send the boys line to market…thank GOD I didn't waste my time!

Onto more fun things – I have gotten a great headstart on the Spring 2010 line which is coming along VERY nicely if I do say so myself! I already have some awesome pics to show for it that I can't wait to share. I plan to start revealing some of the designs after Fall shows end…late September/early November. They will be available for preorder at that time.

SUPER fun news: I was contacted by Patty Young….the designer of the Mod Blooms fabric from the fall line (and many more fabric designs, and children's clothing patterns!) She has two new clothing patterns coming out in mid July which will be available for purchase in my Etsy shop. She needed testers for the patterns and was nice enough to contact me and ask me to test her patterns! Needless to say, I was thrilled to say yes! We were super rushed for time, so it made it a fun little challenge getting the fabrics and patterns in the mail whipping up the sets, adding any suggestions to the instructions, etc, and then shipping them off to be photographed! When the pattern is released, I will show off the back page where my photos are, and my credit is given! Very exciting!

I enjoyed making the clothing from these patterns so much that I decided to add them to the fall line! They are in the process of being photographed now and will be up on the site asap! Here's a little sneak!

There are so many more things I want to share, but I am pretty sure most of you have quit reading by now anyway, so I'll save the rest for later. I still haven't told you about Cottontails 2010, Christmas Village 2009, or any of the other shows I've applied to and the drama that goes along with it! I'm working on some Jr. League shows and I would love to share more about the Farmer's Markets at Ross Bridge that I'm doing every other Saturday! All that to come soon, I hope! Until then….

Design Challenge for June...and the winner is

2009-06-28T16:31:00.002-05:00

Would you believe it? My very first entry into an Etsy Kids Challenge and I won! I know that it is thanks to all my loyal blog readers & facebook fans, so I thank you all for your votes! Now I get to pick July's challenge theme!

Read more here:EtsyKids: Design Challenge for June...and the winner is

EtsyKids Challenge - anyone wanna cast a vote?

2009-06-22T15:19:00.002-05:00

I participated in my first EtsyKids Challenge this month and now it is time for a vote! You may recognize my entry - BellaParis is my username and the entry is the Camo Critters Tee & Camo Shorts!

Sorry I've been absent from the blog for so long - things have really been crazy around here. More updates on that later, I hope! For now, cast your vote and I'll be back to blogging soon!

two, 2, TWO booths in ONE!

2009-06-06T22:54:00.005-05:00

I'm almost too tired to even begin to write about today's adventures in craft fairs, but I thought I would at least get a post started so you can see what you missed today! Here's a rundown of my day:
4am - wake up. 5:30am - Leave for Calera. 6am - Arrive in Calera and set up tent #1. 6:30am - Leave for Ross Bridge. 7:15am - Arrive at Ross Bridge and set up tent #2! 12pm - Break down booth #2 1pm - Arrive back in Calera 3pm - Jason arrived at Calera to help break down tent and booth #1...then drive home. Arrived home and CRASHED at approximately 4pm!

That makes for a grand total of 12 hours non stop and 2 solid hours of driving! Wow....busy day!

I did take a brief nap which has at least allowed me to stay up until 11am, but I'm on my way to crashing again! Check back here tomorrow for more updates on today's craft fair adventures and a brief review of each fair!

Here, you can see my neighbors - immediately to my left Brenda Scott (BB's Bread) handing out her freshly made sourdough bread! yum! And, to her right, Heather Honeycutt-Hurt with Blue Eye Creations and her hand stamped flour sack towels! And, yes...I came home today with two personalized towels AND a loaf of bread! Sadly, the bread is already half eaten...Jason and I LOVE Mrs. BB's bread!

I ended up rearranging this table just a bit with the flip flops circling the bow tower and I think it looked better that way....but you get the general idea! The flip flops and bows were made by Joanna of Jo's Bows who also helps me sew. Also in this pic you can see my new banner that I'm super proud of! I'm working on a tutorial to show how to make these for yourself...OR if you are interested in having one made, please contact me regarding colors and fabrics. Banners will be approximately $6 per letter.

Here is a full view of my tent...I didn't realize until looking at these pics that it was a little lopsided! I'm sure no one else noticed either. Looks pretty good if I do say so myself. I'm excited about setting up on June 20th since I'll have my full inventory available!

Live music! Made for such a nice day...it was beautiful out and Ross Bridge is such a nice backdrop for any event and live music made it that much more enjoyable. I'm going to have to check and see what the artists name was...I can't remember off the top of my head.

Here are two of my cute little customers who were sweet enough (AND well behaved enough!) to let me take a picture of them wearing their new digs! It is always such an honor when a customer wants to let their child wear their outfit RIGHT THEN! Of course mom was concerned about the bows not matching, but when you're cute, you're cute, right? Matching bow or not! And yes, believe it or not they are twins! Double the cute-ness!

Fall 2009 Fabric Selections

2009-06-04T09:03:00.003-05:00

Well, this compilation will probably turn into a jumbled mess on the screen, but I was having so many issues making a collage with them that I kind of gave up. I'll attempt that again when I don't have the threat of two shows in one day lurking over me, but for now this will have to do!

I just wanted to give everyone a sneak peek at what is to come for Fall 09. I took a poll to find out what moms of boys wanted to see more of in the way of fabrics this fall. The result was as I expected...more checks & plaids and more solid corduroys. So, I have oodles of ginghams to choose from, as well as some AWESOME embroidered corduroy and cord solids. I also added two beautiful brushed twill plaids. One, you may recognize from Fall 2008, but the pale blue one is new! I of course, had to bring back the Auburn & Alabama plaids as well! The Woodland Camo is our only whimsical print for boys this fall, but there are lots to come for Spring 2010! I think with the options given, the possiblities are endless!

My favorite for boys - embroidered kelly green corduroy!

Think about pairing this with the Auburn plaid!

This chocolate cord will look awesome with many of the girls prints as well as the boys!

You can never go wrong with basic pink or blue gingham!

This is the Woodland Camo - I have the perfect applique to match!

Bring on the holidays!

LOVE the Mod Blooms fabric by Patty Young....expect to see a return of the bloom print in a different colorway for Spring 2010!

I had to add something just a little bit "loud" and "funky" for the girls....a good way to get you out of the winter blues!

I expect this to be a customer favorite - Mother & Daughter Toile...pairs perfectly with the chocolate gingham or corduroy.

Customer love

2009-06-04T07:56:00.016-05:00

I love getting these pictures in my email! Especially when this is the first thing I see in the morning...helps put a little smile on my face!

You may recognize this little face from our Spring 2009 photo shoot (plus those ruffled legs at the top of the blog belong to her!) Sarah Kate modeled for SDD back in January when we did our photoshoot. Then, her mom held a trunk show in her home and earned several free & half priced outfits! (like that little plug for hosting a show?! ha!) This was one of them and she looks so pretty in it! I especially like the color on her and that smile is to die for!

Thanks Rhonda, for sharing pictures of your precious daughter!

I'm hosting a Stella & Dot Party!

2009-05-29T19:14:00.004-05:00

Erica Hurley is the first person who encouraged me to start doing trunk shows for Sweet Dreams Designs. She hosted one of my first shows and has continued to host one for me every season since! She has been a loyal, supportive customer and in turn has become a dear friend!

It's now time for me to support her! Erica has recently become a Stella & Dot stylist and is coming to Birmingham to host a show in my home! If you are able to attend, we look forward to seeing you! However, if you cannot attend and would like to shop online please do! Clicking this link will take you to shop online through my party!

As you know, hostesses receive rewards for hosting a show...I'M SHARING MY HOSTESS REWARDS WITH YOU! Each person that makes a purchase will be entered to win a HALF PRICED item! There is no minimum purchase and you will also be entered if you purchase online through my show! I will be giving away UP TO 4 half priced items, but the amount of 1/2 priced giveaways will depend on the amount sold at the party!

I'll be serving wine & snacks, so come have a girl's night with us & shop! Hope you can make it!

Date: June 13th, 2009
Location: My Home (inquire for details if you are local!)
Time: 6pm - 8pm

Cuties wearing cuties

2009-05-26T13:45:00.005-05:00

I've received some cute pictures lately of your little ones wearing Sweet Dreams Designs! It's been a while since I've posted any here to the blog, so here they are!

These pictures make me smile! It is so cool to see most of these that I've been making outfits for since they were little bitty! If you have pictures of your child wearing Sweet Dreams Designs, send them in! They'll be featured here on the blog as well as on our Facebook page under Customer Photos!
Send them to: anna@sweet-dreams-designs.net

Summer fun!

2009-05-18T11:03:00.003-05:00

Been neglecting the blog a bit lately...just got back from a fun vacay with the hubby in Ft. Walton Beach! We visited his sister and her husband who live there. We had two full days at the beach and on day one I was already crispy from the sun! Luckily, I was able to make it out for day two! Last night, after returning home, I slept for 12 hours! Here are a few pics of our fun weekend... .

Now that I'm back, it's time to get busy! We have a bunch of shows coming up this summer. I'm taking part in the Ross Bridge Fresh Market on the Green which takes place every third Saturday at Ross Bridge resort from 8am - 12pm. Joining me will be my friends from Mtn. Marketplace - Brenda Scott with her yummy sourdough bread and Heather from Blue Eye Creations with her hand stamped towels and onesies. I expect it to be a lot of fun and hope that you will come see me there! Here is the schedule:
June 6th & 20th
July 18th
August 1st & 15th
September 5th & 19th

Also coming up is the first ever Arts & Crafts Show at the Calera National Guard Armory put on by Birmingham Etsy Artists and Crafters. It will be held on June 6th from 8am - 4pm at 1320 8th Ave., Calera, AL 35040 and will feature all handmade, hand crafted items. There are still a few booths available if you'd like to showcase your handmade items! Just contact Becky for info!

I'm also hoping to take part in the Mt. Laurel farmers market some Saturdays this summer. Gotta stay busy!

Right now, I'm working on the Spring 2010 line and finishing up the rest of the Fall 2009 line. Yes, it WAS finished but since all of my show samples were stolen by my Dallas rep I have to start over! Long story - I'll attempt to write about that at a later date!

Now Booking Fall 2009 Shows!

2009-05-10T18:26:00.005-05:00

The first dates available for our Fall Shows are the following:

Saturday, July 25 *** BOOKED ***
Sunday, July 26 ***BOOKED***
Sunday, August 2
Saturday, August 8 *** BOOKED ***
Sunday, August 9
Saturday, August 29
Sunday, August 30
Sunday, Sept 6 *** BOOKED ***
Sunday, Sept 13
Sunday, Sept 20
Sunday, Sept 27

NOTICE: ONLY ONE SATURDAY LEFT ON AUG 29! IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN HAVING A SATURDAY EVENING SHOW OR A FRIDAY EVENING SHOW, CONTACT ME! I HAVE MORE DATES AVAILABLE!

These are the only weekend dates that are available at this time - First come first served! However, if you are available for a week day show, please contact me to find the date that suites you best! We have also expanded to shipping trunks to hostesses out of the AL/GA area. If you, or someone you know is interested in having a SDD trunk show and lived outside of our area, please let them know we will ship the trunk to them so they can host a show and earn hostess rewards!

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions and be sure to go ahead and book your date before they fill up!

I got featured!

2009-05-06T17:47:00.004-05:00

So, I was just about to log into my etsy store, when I noticed something cute at the top left of my screen! I was JUST ABOUT to click on it, when I realized it was my VERY OWN Monogrammed Jon Jon! How crazy is that?

Second from the left BellaParis Monogrammed Jon Jon

The craziest part is, that the gift guides rotate, so when you sign on each time there is a different guide up. It's possible I may have never even known I was featured! Gosh Etsy is so freaking cool. Second from the Right - Monogrammed Jon Jon

Networking on the Mountain

2009-05-03T22:36:00.004-05:00

I had such a great day at Mountain Marketplace on Saturday! We had quite a rush before noon that slowed slightly after lunch....there were a TON of activities going on around town on Saturday fighting for our attendance. But, I did meet my sales goal plus $16! That's not the best part though. The best part is I met some wonderful people and learned of some great new outlets for sales.

During the summer, starting in June, there is Fresh Market on the Green at Ross Bridge resort. I'm calling tomorrow to check in about reserving a tent for the market. It is every other Saturday from 8am - 12pm and sounds like fun! Mt. Laurel also has a Farmer's Market every Saturday that I may try to participate in sometimes this summer.

My two sweet friends Molisa and Traci along with her daughter Ella came to visit me! Look what Miss Ella took home!
Every child that has ever passed by my booth has walked through the racks! Of course I don't mind....I captured Ella looking adorable and a little sneaky underneath all those clothes!

I met Brenda Scott, who makes delicious sourdough bread and was kind enough to send me home with a loaf! That was yesterday and it is already almost gone! Jason and I LOVE bread and hers was especially delicious and only $5 a loaf. I expect to run into her again this summer at Ross Bridge and Mt. Laurel. I also met Heather Honeycutt-Hurt who is the owner/creator of Blue Eye Creations. She makes beautiful hand stamped flour sack towels.

All in all, it was a great day and I'm looking forward to exhibiting at as many events as I can this summer! I'll have a list soon!

Mountain Marketplace this Saturday!

2009-04-30T12:26:00.004-05:00

Don't forget about Mountain Marketplace this Saturday! And, if you are planning to come, please print the coupon below to save 8%! That means you get to shop at Sweet Dreams Designs' booth TAX FREE!
SDD's booth will feature all of the samples from our Spring 2009 line at a discount of at least 40% off! In addition, we will have overstocks from past shows on sale AND a super duper clearance rack! Come see me!

Visit their site for all of the details!

Just a little daydream

2009-04-30T08:50:00.004-05:00

When the scare of the CPSIA set in, I began thinking of plan B....a back up plan to children's clothing. The only other thing in the world that I can imagine that I would LOVE to do is own a quilt/sewing shop with beautiful fabrics. Jason thinks it's a terrible idea, but he also doesn't realize the demand for that type of thing. Especially here in the South and especially here in my corner of the world...there just isn't much to choose from in the way of crafting/fabric stores. Chelsea could really use one. I have fabulous ideas for it that I just can't share in case someone decides to snatch them away before I have a chance to use them! haha...

Anyway, if I were to own a quilt shop, I would want it to look a little like this:

Isn't that beautiful!? This is the new shop of Karen Gray Design in Winston-Salem , North Carolina. Now you know my little secret!

Beauty-full

2009-04-29T21:59:00.003-05:00

Just had to share this picture with you guys....

This is Miss Halle, the daughter of a friend of mine from the days at good old Chilton County High! Halle is 5 and makes just the perfect model for my designs!

If any of you have pictures of your children wearing Sweet Dreams Designs - send them in and I'll feature them here! I love seeing my designs come to life on your little ones!

Bella and Paris learn to model

2009-04-25T11:01:00.000-05:00

Well, at least we tried to model a little today! Bella did pretty well, but Paris just wanted to sleep!

The girls are modeling their new Martingale Collars from The Mod Dog on Etsy. What a great find! You may recognize Paris' collar which is done in the same Mod Blooms pattern that I am using for the Fall 2009 line! Both collars are made from ribbons from Patty Young's Andalucia collection.

Everything's on sale!

2009-04-20T12:57:00.002-05:00

Sweet Dreams Designs Children's Boutique

If you've been waiting for a sale, now is the time to shop! We are winding down the Spring 2009 season and getting ready for a new line of fabulous new designs!

EVERY SINGLE ITEM in the online boutique is on sale! Many things are completely out of stock or only available in limited sizes, so go shop now while your favorites are still available!

A little of this and that...

2009-04-18T10:34:00.008-05:00

Funny...the other day a friend emailed me out of the blue and asked if I was ok. I responded with yes, why? Her answer? You haven't posted any blogs lately! I couldn't help but laugh. So, Emily....here is your blog post!

I guess lately I've been pretty caught up in getting out the remainder of the season's trunk show orders. I hate getting behind, but that's where I've been lately. I'm finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel and making my way through the piles of orders that are almost ready to be shipped! So, if you've been waiting, your wait is almost up! Judy, Joanna and I have been hard at work getting the last of spring cranked out and we are gearing up for Fall 2009 and making Spring 2010 samples for photography! (yes, that's right....spring 2010 is on it's way into production!)

You've seen many of the samples from Fall 09 already...if you haven't, check out the album on our Facebook page. While you're there, become a fan! 4 more days to reach 300 fans and I'm giving out three $25 gift certificates to the fan who recruits the most new fans! I've added one more fabric combo to the Fall 09 line that hasn't been photographed yet....

We are also bringing back some fun camo for the boys! The spring Camo Critters was so popular!

As well as some oldies but goodies....

And of course your basic ginghams in an array of colors.....Pink, blue, black, chocolate, red, and orange!

And last but not least....bring on the team spirit!

And while I'm sitting here looking at my collage of Spring 2010 fabric selections, I'm dying to show them to you....but it is WAY too soon!

On a side note, if you are into fabric I am in the process of loading the Spring 2009 fabrics into my Etsy shop to sell along with some FAB patterns from Patty Young, Lila Tueller and Pink Fig.

Ok, off to have a happy Saturday! Last show of the season is tomorrow and I'll be selling off my samples, so if you are interested in any of the ones I've posted here in the past or any of the ones in my Etsy shop, you better go get them!

Become a Facebook Fan & Win! | Sweet Dreams Designs

2009-04-15T10:59:00.001-05:00

Facebook | Sweet Dreams Designs

We all know that social networking is a wonderful new form of advertising. What I'd like to do is see how many fans we can recruit for Sweet Dreams Designs in a week! Here's how it will work:

As a fan of SDD, you will have the opportunity to recruit more fans for a chance to win a $25 gift certificate to use on the site! Send your friends a link to the page:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Sweet-Dreams-Designs/55607667627?ref=mf

Once the person you recruited joins the page, they will leave a comment stating who recruited them. The TWO people that recruit the most fans in a week will win the certificate!

The contest will start today (April 15th) and end on Wednesday, April 22nd. My goal is 100 fans! Annnnnnnnnnd GO!

Lots of samples for sale in my Etsy shop!

2009-04-08T16:26:00.000-05:00

Check out my Etsy shop for many samples on sale!

I have also begun selling some of the fabrics that I use in my designs as well as some awesome new sewing patterns from Indie Designers like Patty Young & Lila Tueller.

Patty's patterns are actually a pre-order so you can get them before anyone else! AND I'm offering FREE SHIPPING on all patterns!

Monogrammed dresses - sizes available!

2009-04-03T09:32:00.002-05:00

Just for good measure, I ordered extra Linen Dresses for the monogramming special! The sizes I have left are as follows:

12 month (pink)
18 month (pink)
2T (pink)
3T (pink)
4T (pink)

They are still $29.99 through Easter Sunday, but if you want them to wear for Easter, order NOW....like, right this very minute!

New from the Fall 2009 Photo Shoot!

2009-04-03T08:55:00.002-05:00

I thought this was another cutie from our Fall 2009 photoshoot with Once in Every Life. Bailey has been modeling for me for three seasons now! One of my favorite pictures is on the right hand bar of the blog from our Fall 2008 session....that's Bailey! Check out those pink clogs - perfect, right?

This is Taylor's second season with us. I thought this pic was cute - she was caught mid twirl! This little Holiday Set was the first outfit I made for the Fall 2009 line and I was thrilled when it was completed. My favorite thing about the line is that everything is mix and match. For example - you could also wear these pants with this top if you prefer a different look. And as always - it looks great with jeans too! Oh - and the turtleneck is also from SDD check out the matching ruffle around the collar!

Well, tonight we are having Jason's birthday dinner with a few of his work buddies here at our house. That means I have a ton to do before 6pm. One of those items on my list is pick out a coordinating paint color for our home's exterior. We are having our house painted over the weekend. With that being said - I'll write more when I can. I have some news to share....and no it's not good news, and no I'm not pregnant! (It seems every time someone my age "has news" everyone immediately assumes they are pregnant....or maybe it's just me!)

It's Harsh & Long - Read at Your Own Risk

2009-03-31T07:50:00.008-05:00

It's been a while, it seems like, since I wrote about anything business related that wasn't a sale or talk about an upcoming show. I have a lot going on right now and a lot to figure out, which makes it hard to know exactly what I should share and what I shouldn't. So, I'm just going to jump in. Those who know me personally know that I leave very little unsaid and I guess this blog is only a little different....so here it goes.

How it all started

As you may know from my posts in January, my line was picked up by sales reps from the Dallas and Atlanta markets. Wow...exciting right? Glamorous, right? No, in reality it is expensive, a lot of hard work, time consuming, and up to this point completely free of any reward of any kind. Yes, that includes monetary reward. Turns out I made a mistake. A big one. One that has cost me a lot of money and a lot of time. This is basically how it went down:

For two months at the end of 2008, I contacted every sales rep in the southeast that I could find contact information on. I received rejection after rejection, stating that they were already carrying too many lines or were not accepting new lines at this time. So, you can imagine my excitement when I got a YES! I was thrilled. I really thought back then - a whole six months ago - that getting a rep was a major accomplishment...that it meant you had "made it". Boy, was I wrong. From my experience hiring a rep is basically the same as hiring a gardener or a housekeeper. If they have time for you, they'll work for you. But you'll pay. Oh, you'll pay.

After being with my first rep for almost a month, she referred me to my Atlanta rep who accepted me as a new line on the spot. It was January....what a way to start off the year! If you go back and read my post you will understand my excitement. I really thought this was a great sign of great things to come for 2009.

Also, way back then, I thought that paying $100 a month and 12% commission wasn't a shabby deal. I mean, I understand that they have to pay for their showroom and travel time, etc. Fast forward to January 15 - due date for each rep to be paid their seasonal fee of $600. Multiply that by two. Factor in a decline in sales in December and January. Ok, not off to such a great start, huh? I owe $1200 and am banking on the hopes that these two are going to sell, sell, sell! Add to that the cost of shipping, print materials, new hangers, purchasing fabric to create the Fall 2009 line which debuted in February, etc, etc, etc. You get my point.

Fall 2009 Collection

Where it got me

Here we are present day. Beginning April 2009 and my 3rd & 4th month being "at market". One rep has made one sale at a whopping $488. Keep in mind that is wholesale, any other time I would be thrilled with this sale! Also, I was notified that this account rarely pays and to be sure and get a check and wait for it to clear before I ship. How do I feel now? Like I have wasted a LOT of money. Money that I can't afford to waste right now. (Not that ANYONE can EVER afford to waste money.) You understand what I mean though - things are tight.

My Mistakes - I made them

Before you begin to think I'm completely bashing my reps, let me tell you this: I have made mistakes - big ones - that also effected my experience at market. My goal was to be there by Spring 2010 (which means January). I made my goal a year early, which I thought was fabulous until now. It was too soon. My reps tell me my price points are too high and that I need to lower my prices so I can get INTO the stores and then raise them when I actually start making sales. THAT, my friends, I cannot afford to do. I'm already barely breaking even on a wholesale sale after paying 12% commission. My line is too expensive to make to wholesale at rock bottom prices. It works for so many companies - even small ones like mine. I'm just not set up to work this way, apparently. I thought by now I'd be looking further into manufacturing, but I just can't find any companies (IN THE USA) that will manufacture on a small scale that I can afford. My sales just aren't high enough to justify making even 250 of a single design. Someday....maybe.

Another Sign

Another sign it was too soon was when I found out that I had to have my Fall 2009 line designed, created, produced, photographed & shipped with line sheets, price lists, etc - all in 4 weeks! I hate to admit this, but while we are being honest - Fall 2009 is not my favorite to date. I didn't have enough time. Not to mention - I haven't even added a boy's line to the Fall lineup yet! It is hard to "crank things out" or force yourself to be creative when you are not feeling it. Generally, I use the 6 months between seasons to create the next line.

Questioning Myself

This makes a million questions run through my head. Do I start making a less detailed, less expensive line that retailers can afford to buy? (BORING!) Ok, boring but it might work. But is that really what I want to do? I can't imagine myself making a hundred a-line dresses and enjoying it - if you'll notice I don't even offer basic alines. I'm leaving that up to someone else - there are only a million other companies that offer them. No offense, of course, it's just not my thing. Next questions: Should I leave the markets and sell on my own? I have established one account with a local boutique, I suppose I could do more. Do I even WANT to continue to wholesale? Do I have time to factor in selling as well as designing, sewing, paperwork, etc? I don't think so unless I change my line. Ok, so this brings me to my last idea.

Revelation

Lisa working my booth @ Cottontails

I really TRULY enjoyed Cottontails Village. It was a lot of work, but had the potential to be a great money maker if I had gone into it know what I know now. (Lots of lessons learned there too) Part of me thinks I really want to continue to do these large vendor shows and just carry a lot of inventory and sell online. No, I'm not talking about getting rich. I'm talking about making a living. I never went into this thinking I would get rich, because Lord knows - from what I've seen so far the profit margins are small! Trust me - I just finished my taxes.

So, there you have it. I kind of think I know what I want to do. I think going this route would allow me to be more creative instead of cranking out the same thing over and over (which I do not enjoy) I'd love your input - but not your hate mail of course. I'd also love to hear of any vendor shows you think I may like to participate in. anna (at) sweet-dreams-designs.net Email me!

Mayme Peasant Dress - SAMPLE SALE! Fresh as a Daisy

2009-03-30T15:45:00.004-05:00

This was a hot one this season so I'm guessing it may not last long!
Size: 3T
Mayme Peasant Dress - Fresh as a Daisy
Regular Price: $58.00
Sample Sale Price: $30.00
Shipping: $5.00

New Sample Sale Set - Madeline

2009-03-29T08:48:00.000-05:00

How cute!
Jennifer Paganelli's Bell Bottom prints were super popular for my Spring 09 line. This little set is available in a 3T for $35. That's HALF price!

Skill Assessment: Is this the best you can do?

2009-03-27T09:13:00.000-05:00

I don't do this much, but if you are in the industry, read this blog. Found the post on Twitter and it is exactly what everyone needs to read right now....a little kick in the booty!

roadrageblog - Skill Assessment: Is this the best you can do?

Last Day to Order Linen Monogrammed Dresses!

2009-03-25T20:40:00.000-05:00

Friday March 27th will be the last day to order these adorable classic linen dresses with FREE monograms for only $29.99! See details below from previous blog post!
Welcome Spring! Sweet Dreams Designs is now offering these simple sundresses with free monogramming! These dresses will not be offered on the website, only for my blog readers for $29.99 each. They are available in pink only in sizes 12 months - 6 Years. Monogramming is available in three initial format - firstLASTmiddleTo order your dress, simply click the Buy Now button below. Shipping will be added to your purchase at checkout through paypal. Be sure and specify your monogram instructions, thread color and size!

60% Ramie/40% Cotton

Buttons in the back

Pretty drawnwork detailing on the hem.

Sizes available:

12M, 18M, 2T, 3T, 4T, 5, 6

These dresses are designed to be on the long side--below the knee, almost mid-calf. If in doubt, order the smaller size you are considering.

NOTICE: These dresses will become available March 25! Pre order yours now!

Feelin' Froggy - Matching Sister Dress

2009-03-25T16:20:00.001-05:00

This one was a hit at Cottontails! It looks so cute with the matching jon jon that was listed yesterday here.

I have just a few of these left at discounted prices! They were sold at the show for $44.99 and I am selling them here on the blog for $39.99. On the site, these are $58, so you are getting it at almost half price!

Sizes available:
2T
4T
8Y

Let's hear it for the boys! Frog Chow Jon Jons on sale!

2009-03-25T12:07:00.005-05:00

I have a few of these left from Cottontails and coming tomorrow will be matching sister dresses!
Sizes available:
3 months
12 months
2T ***SOLD***
3T

These were sold at a discounted price of $34.99 at Cottontails, but for blog readers only they are $29.99! These are also listed on Etsy (for $34.99) so if you want one you better get it fast!

Planting Time & a New Office

2009-03-24T10:04:00.000-05:00

Now that it is pouring down rain, it is hard to believe that when I originally started working on this post it was such a beautiful day for yard work!

Last week, Home Depot had a sale on 4" annuals = 3 for $1! A dream come true for Jason and me. He has wanted to fill our backyard with annuals every season, but we haven't been able to afford it - our back yard is pretty big! Pictured below are the 90...yes ninety... plants that we bought last week and planted over the weekend. 90 plants doesn't go as far as you think! We were able to get 3 beds done and I think they turned out beautifully.

Lilac Petunias

Orange and Yellow Marigolds - my design - Jason finally admitted he really liked it!
Multicolored Zinnias - kind of small right now, but they will be gorgeous!

It was such a great feeling working in the yard and getting things done around the house all day! We finally after 6 months, got my serger out of the basement and into my sewing room! Wow...that has cut down production time! We also moved my antique desk into my new office, which is fab!

Originally, as you may remember, my new office was supposed to be in the sitting nook in our master bedroom. Well, much to Jason's relief the desk was too large to fit through the door to our room! This also meant that Jason didn't have to bring it upstairs, which was great because that sucker is heavy! So, I panicked a little when I first found out that I was going to have to find a new home for my home office, but we got it all sorted out. We have a room that I have blogged about before. I have never really known what to call it, because it is supposed to be our dining room, but we are using our formal living for our dining. So, I guess this mystery room was supposed to be our formal living. Well, instead it is really a room where all of our extra furniture collects....we like to call it the music room since that is where the piano landed!
Now, the room has a new title - OFFICE.

I got my new old desk put in its place. It's not perfect - needs a lot of work, but it is perfect for me! This desk was my dad's and he had bought it to fix up. That never happened and it landed in a basement for the past 17 years. No big surprise that it is not in perfect condition. Turns out it is a banker's desk from (I'm guessing) the 1940's. It has all of these awesome little nooks and crannies and extra desk space that pulls out of both sides!

Fourth Sample Item for Sale! Skye - Garden Party

2009-03-20T09:41:00.002-05:00

If you've been reading, then by now you know the drill! Regular price - $56. Sample Sale price: $35 (tax & shipping added upon check out!) No returns or exchanges on samples.

This pink and green number is in a size 3T. Click buy now to order and it will be on it's way!

More from the Sample Sale!

2009-03-19T09:30:00.001-05:00

This is a Taylor - A Line Top that buttons down the back with sweet bows at the front. It is paired with a pair of ruffled shorts and is available in a size 8 in our Caribbean Floral fabric combo for only $30 plus shipping!

Monogrammed Linen Dresses - Special Introductory Price!

2009-03-18T21:59:00.008-05:00

Welcome Spring! Sweet Dreams Designs is now offering these simple sundresses with free monogramming! These dresses will not be offered on the website, only for my blog readers for $29.99 each. They are available in pink only in sizes 12 months - 6 Years. Monogramming is available in three initial format - firstLASTmiddleTo order your dress, simply click the Buy Now button below. Shipping will be added to your purchase at checkout through paypal. Be sure and specify your monogram instructions, thread color and size!

60% Ramie/40% Cotton

Buttons in the back

Pretty drawnwork detailing on the hem.

Sizes available:

12M, 18M, 2T, 3T, 4T, 5, 6

These dresses are designed to be on the long side--below the knee, almost mid-calf. If in doubt, order the smaller size you are considering.

NOTICE: These dresses will become available March 25! Pre order yours now!

Sample Sale! Skye Round Neck Dress - Damask

2009-03-18T09:38:00.000-05:00

Our second sample sale item is the Skye round neck dress in the pretty Diamonds and Damask fabric combo. This sample is in a 3T. Original price was $56. New price: $35

Tax and shipping will be added upon checking out! Sorry, no returns or exchanges on sample sale items.

Time for a sample Sale!!! Bell Bottoms Peasant Dress

2009-03-17T09:19:00.004-05:00

It's almost that time again! To make this more interesting, I'm going to post a new sample sale outfit every day ( or almost every day - as time allows!)

The first sample is a Mayme Peasant Dress in a size 7 and in our popular Bell Bottoms fabric combo.

Just click the buy now button to purchase and it will be on its way! Tax and shipping will be added upon checking out! Regular price was $68! Sample sale price:
$38.00

Did you order from me at Cottontails Village?

2009-03-09T21:21:00.001-05:00

If you ordered something from me at Cottontails Village, please contact me asap at anna@sweet-dreams-designs.net ! It is very important that you contact me immediately to insure a timely delivery of your order!

Thanks so much!

Cottontails Booth Photos

2009-03-09T16:50:00.003-05:00

I thought I was going to feel like writing more about my experience at Cottontails Village today, but I think my body is trying to tell me something. I have been sick and horizontal just about all day today. I think my body has shut down and wants me to slow down for a bit and rest. Even when I was sitting up trying to do some work on the computer I just fell asleep! So, instead of writing more today, I'm just going to share with you my pictures from the booth - from set up to break down. I learned a lot about booth set up too - I love the way mine turned out, but it was not as efficient as it should have been and changes will definitely be made to future shows. Russ and Jason putting together my easel - don't they look thrilled?

Collage was used both on the easel and off - had to move it after a few crashes.

Sale!

2009-03-09T11:21:00.002-05:00

Time for a sale! Only a few items left, so shop early for your size! Click here to visit our site and see what is on sale!

We also have some cute Tea Jackets from Robins Egg Pink boutique available in sizes 2T, 3T and 4T. Each comes with matching butter yellow jumbo ruffle capris! These sets are on sale for $49.99.
Button closure.
Gorgeous 100% Cotton Joel Dewberry fabric. Unlined.
Mashine wash cold, tumble dry and remove promptly.

The gorgeous photography is from Tracy Adams Photography. Please look at her site and book her if you live in her area.
http://www.tracyadamsphotography.com

Hopping down the bunny trail....

2009-03-08T08:33:00.008-05:00

Well, today is the last day of Cottontails Village and OH, what an experience it has been! I have learned so much this weekend about running a booth, setting up a booth, booth design, what to sell at a show like this, and the list goes on!

I definitely noticed a hit by the economy on this type of show - at least I think it was the economy - it may have been that this was the first beautiful weekend of the year and there were a lot of other things going on. The Davis Cup was at the Civic Center as well, making parking a nightmare. I can't help but wonder if that scared visitors off. However, I talked to a LOT of other vendors and most said they were significantly down in sales from last year.

Another surprise - my Friday sales were AWESOME! So, I expected Saturday traffic to be crazy. However, my Saturday sales were right at HALF of my Friday sales! Shocking! I was also shocked at the items people were interested in. My most popular outfits from trunk shows didn't sell at all at this show. It was really strange. Example: This outfit I made 16 of thinking it would be a huge hit at the show! Didn't sell a single one!

Later:

Ok, so now I'm sitting here on Sunday at the booth and it looks like traffic is picking up a little. Been here 2 hours and had one sale. Still not discouraged....On to lessons learned.....

Most of the customers have been more interested in the knit sets that I have done and have loved the Easter themed items. The Friday work crowd was more interested in the boutique styles, but the Saturday crowd didn't want to spend much more than $20-$25. These are simply observations - of course there are exceptions! OK....off to talk to customers! More to come later.....

Hopping down the bunny trail!

2009-03-03T08:53:00.002-06:00

For those of you interested in attending the Cottontails Village Festival, please come see me at booth 1510 on Daffodil row.

You can also see maps and parking at http://www.bjcc.org/exhibitor.php?page=parking
I usually park in the gravel lot at 11th ave.

We are in the North Exhibition Hall. Directions here:
http://www.bjcc.org/exhibitor.php?page=maps#Directions

New Collage Design by Craftylilmomma

2009-03-03T08:07:00.003-06:00

Collaborative efforts between Jen Harris of Craftylilmomma and April Kuhlmann of Once in Every Life Photography produced this gorgeous collage for me! It will be displayed on an easel at my booth at Cottontails this weekend and I think it will do wonders for my booth and definitely cause some traffic! I mean, I would stop - wouldn't you?

Take a look -
Thanks Jen & April - I can't wait to see it in person!

Booth decor - Cottontails less than a week away!

2009-02-28T14:07:00.003-06:00

Today I put the sewing away for a while since I had Jason here to help me some. We worked on covering my display boards with fabric and then I got started on this little project:

Each of these photo hangings will be on either side of my logo sign hanging from the black backdrop curtain provided by the Civic Center. They are hung from wreath hangers. I thought a staple gun would be my best bet for these, but the cardboard on the back of the frames was too flimsy so I used a glue gun. I think they'll hold up fine. They ought to....I used a ton of glue! Anyway, I'm pretty pleased with the way these turned out! The lighting and photography is bad, but you get the general idea...
The whole theme for the booth is lavender, apple green and brown - the colors of my logo. I have a lavender tablecloth as well as a chocolate brown topper that I made last week to use on my table. My racks that I bought from Goody's store closing are painted apple green. I have three display boards that will be hinged together to form a sort of screen. The center one is brown with an apple green crown on top (which I made from super thick foam board and painted) The ones on either side are lavender. Each board will have peg/racks screwed into it that will hold 4 different outfit styles. So, add that to the two Goody's racks that hold 4 styles each and I'll have room for 20 different styles! Not quite sure I have that many though, so I may end up nixing one of the Goody's racks.

I'm actually surprised that Judy, Joanna, and I have gotten as much done as we have. Hanging on my racks now are over 100 outfits and more are on the way. I have many upstairs that are lacking buttons and then a few that still need appliques. Next week will be busy.

I had thought that next week would be committed solely to running errands and picking up things for the booth, but it looks like there will be a little sewing here and there too! I'm not sure of my total inventory cost yet, but it will be interesting to add that up in the coming days. The thing about a show like this is, you determine how much money you make by how much you MAKE. So, if I had been working on this since July when I originally applied, then obviously I would make much more money from the show. But oh well....you do what you can, and I'm pleased with our progress.

Now, I have to run - hosting a couples shower this evening and need to get in a few errands before I head over there!

A break from show time

2009-02-21T19:51:00.002-06:00

Today was my last trunk show for a few weeks so I will have a little time off to continue to prepare for Cottontails which is only 12 days away! I have been lucky enough to have some very sweet friends volunteer to help me manage my booth during those three days. I was worried for a while that I was going to be running the booth on my own, so this was quite a relief!

I am taking tonight off because I am exhausted. I went to Atlanta yesterday and stayed with Jessica and then had Erica's trunk show today from 10:30 - 4. Then I hit the road and got home a little after 6. It was a whirlwind visit and I wish I could have stayed a little longer, but Jason is out of town so I had to get back home to Bella and Paris. (needless to say they were happy to see me after being in the house alone since 5am!) From the sounds of their snores, you would think they hadn't been sleeping all day!

Last week was barely productive at all. I was busy ALL week long, but in hind sight I got very little completed. I have tons of outfits started, but very few on hangers ready to sell or ship. This is only minorly disturbing seeing that I have 12 days left to get my display and enough outfits ready to sell. (plus tagged, hung, sized and priced) It's amazing what all goes into one of these shows. I have really enjoyed it though and will probably do it again as long as the show goes well. I had a minor melt down last week and Jason and I decided maybe I was trying too hard. It's not that I have a lot riding on this show, it is just a great opportunity. I just wish I had found out in July that I was participating, not the end of January. Many of the vendors I have spoken with that have participated in Cottontails in the past say that they bring around $30k worth of inventory to the show and ALWAYS sell out before the end of the last day. That is quite a load to bear considering I have had 5 weeks to prepare for this. I just want to make the most of it that I can and I guess that's all I can really do. Judy has really helped out tremendously and her daughter Joanna has come on board with us as well (which is a huge help!)

Tomorrow, Jason is coming home and we are going to finish up my display. This means we will be painting and covering display board with fabric, etc. It shouldn't take too long if our design works well....it is likely that the display board with be too top heavy and come crashing down - nightmare! But, if all goes well I should be able to cross that chore off my list and put my focus back on making clothing to sell and finishing up trunk show orders.

Off to relax before another week of madness! Goodnight!

Just a little update

2009-02-13T07:47:00.004-06:00

It's been a little while since I blogged so I figured I had a few minutes this morning. Not really time to spare, but sometimes you just need a break. Here's a little taste of what has been going on around here....

My sweet Mother in Law came over from Rome, GA on Monday, Feb. 2 to help me get started on sewing things for Cottontails. She was able to stay all the way through Thursday and we got a TON done in that short amount of time. I warned her before she came that we'd be working really hard, and I didn't lie! We worked from about 7:30 am until midnight every day. When she left on Thursday I went to bed a 9pm (exhausted!) and got up at 4am and got back to work. It is amazing how much you can get done before the sun comes up! Surprisingly, I didn't crash at 8am like I usually do when I get up that early....probably thanks to the two Diet Mtn. Dews I had. (Thank GOD for those....at least until I have kidney failure....)

I did take one little break during the week while she was here to go see baby Aida - my dear friend Emily's new little one! She was absolutely beautiful!

Now, this week has been a different story. I had a show in Thorsby on Saturday and stayed in Clanton till around 5. Got home then off to grill out at a friend's house. Sunday - I truly don't know where that day went. Laundry and household chores maybe? Who knows....got very little work done that day. Tuesday, I had a trunk show in Alex City with Leanne and Wednesday, I delivered a wholesale order to Sassafras Boutique in Homewood! Sassafras is the first store in Alabama to carry my line, so I am very excited to see how it does here. I'm hoping to go over there next week to see if some of my items are in the window display so I can take a picture! Fun fun! Anyway, Thursday I was able to get back to work, not leaving the house even once - finally! And today - Friday the 13th - will hopefully be just as productive as yesterday - if not more so.

So, to sum up - my progress for Cottontails is a little grim. I'm meeting Judy on Saturday to pick up and drop off more things to be made for the show plus things from my trunk shows. I barely have enough to fill my display racks right now. Poor little booth....if nothing else at least maybe I can get my name out to some local folks. Wish me luck - only 2 weeks to go.

Freeze frame

2009-01-31T18:24:00.004-06:00

Well, today was an interesting "learning" experience. Turns out, maybe studio shoots aren't so fun after all! I think the kiddos got a little bored with our white backdrop and had a hard time staying "in focus"....pun intended! However, April was able to get some great shots as she always does! We ran out of models & time before we ran out of clothes, so my mannequin/dress form got quite the work out today!

Afterwards I was feeling a little artsy fartsy, so since I don't have any little models of my own I took the doggies out on this beautiful day for their own little photoshoot!

My Beautiful Bella:

Bella's Mug Shot
Up close and personal

My Sweet Paris:

As about as enthused as a typical 2 year old...

This one really cracks me up....love the foamy drool at the corner of her mouth. Gotta love those jowls!

If you were to accuse me of wasting time right now, it would be rightfully so. Have you ever had so much to do that you actually freeze? Sometimes I work better under pressure....well most of the time actually. But today and the past couple of days I have been frozen. I'm hoping that tomorrow I will "thaw out" and get lots accomplished.

My schedule that I made for myself has still been working pretty well to some extent. Monday, I had to forgo bill/paperwork day because I had too much to do to get ready for the shoot. I did laundry every day instead of two days. Things are still getting done, however I can see my housework slipping and have seriously considered calling up my old housecleaner who hasn't been here since Christmas 2007 to do some deep cleaning. I think this would keep me on track for at least a while until I am able to get caught up.

Oh, and I'm still accepting volunteers for my booth at Cottontails on March 6 & 7. Come on friends! Help a sistah out! Ok, enough gabby from me....I gotta get something done around here.

Everybody, let's VOGUE!

2009-01-30T20:18:00.007-06:00

April from Once in Every Life came over this afternoon and set up her mini studio in my garage. It is so cool to have it here! Please excuse my storage in the background, but it was so neat to have all of this here in my home, that I had to share some pics. I help her set up a little and we did some test pics....took a few shots on the dress form too. Tomorrow is going to be awesome! We are trying to shoot 30 mix and match pieces with 4 little girls (ages 3 & 4) in 2 hours. I think we can do it, but it will be a fun sort of chaos I believe!

I played around a little myself - of course I didn't turn any of her lights on....hence the shadows and bad lighting/coloring....but it sure does look better than those awful pics I used to take in the beginning with my poor mannequin sitting in some oddball place in my house with even worse lighting. Here's a peek at the one I took....

In the past, I have made you wait to see the upcoming season's line, but I probably won't be able to hold out too long for this one. I mean, the website release isn't until July! However, I figure if it is already in showrooms in Dallas and Atlanta, then you - my loyal readers - should be able to get a peek too!

I am hoping to be able to take some more pictures of the photoshoot in action tomorrow, but we'll see how that goes. One thing at a time, right? For now, I need to put some finishing touches on several pieces for the shoot. G'Night!