Woops

And then I disappeared for a few years.

Oops.

In my defense, this happened:

Families Red Tea Photography Photo

Baby James caused all sorts of upheaval in my world, prompting one long and a few short vacations from the shop and sewing.  He’s almost 2 now, and I’m slowly getting back into the shop.  I’m working on the weekends and evenings, and a full time stay at home mom the rest of the week.  I’m exhausted on a level I didn’t realize existed.  Some days I cry a lot.  I question my decisions. But every day is full of laughter (sometimes through the tears), and I’m ever so slowly finding a balance, finding my way back to myself and my work.

This new situation has prompted a change in how I run my business.  I made the decision to stop taking commissions, and to instead focus on creating full size runs (in limited quantities) of costumes and dresses.  It allows me to have a bit less stress, and to work at my own pace.

I’m currently working on a small Halloween release, and I’ll be sharing sneak pics soon!

I Know I Just Said I Wouldn’t Do This….

Didn’t I JUST say that I wanted to break the cycle of posting just photo shoots?

Ahhh, well–this is new!  And I wanted to share it before I forgot ALL ABOUT IT!  (which I’ll do over the weekend, most likely)

Just a little product shoot with the beautiful Yuri, who I’ve gotten to work with a few times now–you’ll recognize her from the Boa Shoot and the Mardi Gras Shoot.  She lives down the road–how lucky am I?

A few new pieces, a few new shots of older pieces.

Some new Swing Tanks, a new Crop Top, new Babydoll Tunics, new Sweetheart Neckline Bustiers….

shirts

And new shots of capelets and a cincher skirt.

capes

We had so much fun, even though I had hoped to have more to photograph–as I mentioned, orders have been rolling in, and that means less time to create new things.

laceup

What do you think?

New Babydoll Tunics

New Babydoll Tunics

Success!

Print Tank

Print Tank

The new shoot was a full success!

Oversize Crop Top

Oversize Crop Top

I mean, I know I’m the one saying it, so maybe take that with a grain of salt.

Kimono Jacket

Kimono Jacket

But, I think the new look really makes the items pop in the listings.

Oversize Crop Top

Oversize Crop Top

What do you think?

Babydoll Tunic

Babydoll Tunic

I already have the next shoot scheduled, and hope to have the majority of the shop switched over to the new style within the next few months.

Swing Tank

Swing Tank

I commented to G the other day that the only things I have to talk about–indeed, the only things I think about–are all work-related.

Oversize Crop Top

Oversize Crop Top

I must be a true bore.

Babydoll Tunic

Babydoll Tunic

I need to get out into the garden this weekend!

Go fishing! (we totally got our fishing licenses this past weekend–both of us love fishing, but have never fished down here!  G grew up fishing in the Bahamas, and I grew up fishing in MN.  So, it’s a new adventure)

Maybe then I’ll have more to discuss…and be a tad more interesting. 😉

Spring!

Vintage Handkerchief Skirt

Vintage Handkerchief Skirt

I’ve been working on new Spring and Summer things for the shop lately–neglecting the blog, neglecting the yard, neglecting the garden.  *sigh*

Linen Tunic Dress

Linen Tunic Dress

Just sewing, sewing, sewing, SEWING!

Chiffon Swing Tank

Chiffon Swing Tank

Also re-working (or attempting to re-work) the photography for my etsy shop.

Floral Tunic Dress

Floral Tunic Dress

While I love the editorial photography, the lighting, the mood, the setting…..it’s not as cohesive as I’d like it to be.

Gauze Gypsy Dress

Gauze Gypsy Dress

So, I decided to try a new style.

Giraffe Tunic Dress

Giraffe Tunic Dress

Went out with the lovely Nancy Jane a couple of weeks ago and snapped a bunch of new photos with new things, as well as old.

Kimono Jacket

Kimono Jacket

While I love them……they’re still not right.

Floral Babydoll Tunic

Floral Babydoll Tunic

And so, today, we’re trying this again.

Print Swing Tank

Print Swing Tank

But in the wee little photo studio I have set up this time.

Yellow Sundress

Yellow Sundress

Going for more simple.  Less distraction from the clothing.

Butterfly Tunic Dress

Butterfly Tunic Dress

But I think I’m going to miss the backgrounds.

Polka Dot Sundress

Polka Dot Sundress

Trying to get your business the way you want it is a never-ending process, it seems.

Pinstripe Babydoll Tunic

Pinstripe Babydoll Tunic

But worth it.

Linen Sundress

Linen Sundress

Happy Almost-Weekend to you!

Mardi Gras Shoot

After a long (looooooooong) and unintentional blog-hiatus, I’m back!

Really, that was a long time to be away.

Blame instagram–it’s so much easier to post a picture with a one-liner, and go about my merry way.

Also:  business has been pretty kick ass since before Halloween, and I’ve been busy sewing (and upgrading my studio).

I figured some images from a Mardi Gras themed shoot I did this week would be in order for my first post back in this cob-web-filled space.

These are just images that I took–I’m anxiously (yet patiently) waiting for the final edits from Underexposed Photography, whom you’ll recognize from past shoots.

Hair & Makeup by AHB Hair & Makeup

Models: Yuri Sisson & Nancy Jane

Clothing & Accessories:  Trapped In Time Designs

2421

2431

2440

2455

2460

2493

2504

2552

Lately

It’s been busy-busy-busy around here with orders.

The garden is still going–though a little heat-affected. 

Cucumbers and basil are thriving.

Pesto is in the near future.

I’ve been working on some really fun new projects, and can’t wait until I have some things to share!

Until then, I’ve added a few new items to the shop lately–trying to get things photographed and listed slowly–one a day.

Prepping for the Endless Nights Vampire Ball as well as Halloween!  (and some fun bits here and there)

Striped Bustle

Striped Bustle

Velveteen Capelet

Velveteen Capelet

Floral Tunic

Floral Tunic

Velveteen Capelet

Velveteen Capelet

And, because I was a TOTAL slacker (blog-wise, at least) Friday, I have my Project Runway favorites today, too!

I was SHOCKED at the win for the week.  I like Amanda’s look–it’s in my top 3, actually–but I felt like it wasn’t polished enough for the win.

It was like Emilio’s hardware store challenge bikini and Wendy’s grocery store bikini had a Cyber-Punk-Goth baby….but done better than either.

That probably doesn’t make sense anywhere BUT my head.

On with my picks!

Amanda

Amanda

I really do love the IDEA of this dress.  The fact that she had to rely so heavily on the muslin under-lining should have taken it out of the running for the win, though.

Samantha

Samantha

Love the top–really cool technique.  I just wish the top had been extended into a dress. I really wasn’t diggin’ on the film strip usage.  Though, it is kind of jellyfish-y….and I do love me some “Princess Jellyfish”….

Kristine

Kristine

Kristine’s would have been my pick for the win.  I really like the usage of the letters.  The bust bothers me, but I love the letters SO MUCH.

Did you watch?  What did you think?  Are the judges totally smoking WAY MORE crack than usual this year?

These Are A Few…

I’m a little under the weather today, and fuzzy in the head from lack of sleep, so I thought I’d share some of my favorite things that I’ve found on Etsy lately.  I know Etsy has been flooded with mass-produced and overseas junk lately, and I’ve heard a lot of grumbling about it.  But, if you spend just a little extra time (and use “handmade” as a search term), you can still support artisans and artists like myself!  (and get a kick ass, unique product at the same time)

Enjoy!

Jinkx Monsoon as Little Edie a'la RuPaul's Drag Race Season 5

Jinkx Monsoon as Little Edie a’la RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 5–by ChadSellComics

Flower Garden Bee Ring--bu Kira Ferrer.  I have a pair of earrings from this shop that I wear at least 4 days a week--beautiful craftmanship, and a fabulous shop!

Flower Garden Bee Ring–by Kira Ferrer. I have a pair of earrings from this shop that I wear at least 4 days a week–beautiful craftsmanship, and a fabulous shop!

 

"Kimi" by CheeseBeforeBedtime.  I absolutely love the idea of embroidery on canvas.  One of those "Now, why didn't I think of THAT?" ideas.  Thank god for creative folk!

“Kimi” by CheeseBeforeBedtime. I absolutely love the idea of embroidery on canvas. One of those “Now, why didn’t I think of THAT?” ideas. Thank god for creative folk!

Colour it yourself screenprint art by Summersville.  I love to color--I always have.  This strikes both the kid and the adult in me!

Colour it yourself screenprint art by Summersville. I love to color–I always have. This strikes both the kid and the adult in me!

Fox Necklace by KapKaDesigns.  I just found this today, and had to share!

Fox Necklace by KapKaDesigns. I just found this today, and had to share!

Copper Magnifying Glass by Bayou Glass Arts.  I LOVE THESE!  These are made by a friend of mine, and I've used them in shows, as well as gifted a few of her items to family.  I have a number of her pieces and love each one--so much to love in her shop!

Copper Magnifying Glass by Bayou Glass Arts. I LOVE THESE! These are made by a friend of mine, and I’ve used them in shows, as well as gifted a few of her items to family. I have a number of her pieces and love each one–so much to love in her shop!

Bohemian Feathers by Joanna Jagoda.  I have this pair, actually--that's how much I love them!  Jagoda's shop is packed full of fabulous, and I have 5 of her pieces--love them all!

Bohemian Feathers by Joanna Jagoda. I have this pair, actually–that’s how much I love them! Jagoda’s shop is packed full of fabulous, and I have 5 of her pieces–love them all!

"Sarah" by tushtush.  I have a special love of portraits of women, and this one would be such a great addition to my collection.  Really, I'm not sure why I haven't ordered it already...

“Sarah” by tushtush. I have a special love of portraits of women, and this one would be such a great addition to my collection. Really, I’m not sure why I haven’t ordered it already…

 

 

Lately

At least it’s Friday.

I was up most of the night.  For no reason, other than I do that sometimes.  I wake up in the middle of the night, and proceed to worry and think and brainstorm and toss and turn and stay awake for hours.

I felt like someone poked me in the back twice, when no one was around, this morning.

And then an old, broken, and unplugged surge protector started making horrible, loud, long beeps.

So, it’s been…..interesting around the ol’ household this morning.

I’ve been sewing away over the week, and slowly editing images from Monday’s shoot.

I’ve made ruffle leggings (now on their way to Austin, TX), a couple of child’s capelets (headed to Alberta, Canada) and a bustier (on it’s way to IL) for customer orders.

I’ve sewed up dresses and bustles and bustiers for listing in the shop.

And, as mentioned, I’ve been editing images from Monday’s little shoot–and listing the new items in all THREE of my shops (Etsy, ArtFire, & RebelsMarket).

A little peek:

1810

1825

19411838

1854

Model:  Amberleighhh  (https://www.facebook.com/modelamberleighhh)

These are my absolute favorite tops right now.  I wear one almost every day, layered with a tank top.  So comfy, and easy to wear.  I hope I’m not the only person in the world who likes them….though then I’d have a LOT to choose from…..

I still have quite a few images to edit and more new items to get listed, but I’m only doing one per day.  To save my brain.

While all this sewing has been happening, I’ve been listening to:

christie_Moving-finger1_jpg_235x600_q95

The Dead Room

The_Secret_of_Chimneys_First_Edition_Cover_1925

Happy almost-weekend!