THE DOMESTIC DIVA’S DISASTERS™

Yesterday Diana and I drove into the city to be audience members at The Martha Stewart Show.  Well, the things that can go wrong usually do whenever I make plans.  First, Mr. Diva wakes up sick with a bad sinus infection, then my daughter’s school calls to tell us she has another migraine headache and needs to be picked up and lastly, I can’t find Mr. Diva’s secretary to pick up my son after school…UGH!

Nothing was stopping me (and lucky I found Mr. Diva’s secretary and she took care of everything…yeah Carol!)  With traffic and potholes, it took us less than 30 minutes to get there from Staten Island (one of the 5 boroughs of NYC).

Martha’s studio is right around the corner from The Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT).  I’ve been meaning to sign-up for some Continuing Education classes this year, but keep forgetting!

Well, to say Martha Stewart is larger than life is an understatement!  She’s a brave woman to do a huge billboard of herself.

Anyway, after waiting outside the studio in the cold rain for more than an hour, we get our show tickets and are upgraded to VIP Seating as promised (notice the blue line?).

The staff put us in a Briefing Room where we are given questionnaires, releases and raffles. 

We were asked to come up with questions specific to the Mother’s Day theme they were filming.  There were bottled water and homemade cookies for us, but for some reason no one would dare touch them.  So, in typical New Yorker style, I got up and helped myself.  Soon the heard (other audience members) followed my lead.

My question was, “Martha, as this will be your first Mother’s Day without your Mom (her Mom passed away in November), how do you plan to keep her wonderful memory alive?”  Well, my question got me a “star.”  A star would mean that you were selected to ask Martha your question on camera.

Diana, not to be outdone by me, also got a star for her question:  “This will be the first Mother’s Day my Mom and I are living in different states.  How can we both celebrate Mother’s Day?” or something to that effect.

More entertaining than any of Martha’s guests, was Joe of Crowd Control.  He was simply a riot!

Martha’s Craft Studio was beautiful (but much smaller than my studio).  However, I noticed she copied my pink boxes (see below).  I spoke with one of her staff about this and they laughed as they knew it was probably true.  They admitted the pink boxes were most likely empty and just used for stage props.

First Martha and Melissa Errico made Meyer Lemon Coffee Cake (she gave us her new CD, Lullabies & Wildflowers…if you want it it for free, just post in the Comments section below and I’ll mail it to you).  She’s the wife of tennis star Patrick McEnroe (who also made a guest appearance).  Melissa was adorable…a definite disaster in the kitchen!

Jacques Torres then made an incredible chocolate purse filled with chocolate shaped lipsticks, makeup compacts, etc.  Pretty cool! (Jacques, feel free to send one to my Mom…she’d just love it!)

Diana and I never got to ask our questions (my question was completely forgotten about while Diana was prepped by the staff to ask her question) as Martha got a bit weepy when they showed a tribute to her Mom at the end of the show.

I must say that Martha Stewart is beautiful in person.  She looks years younger than her age.

Diana and I had a wonderful time.  But the best of all was every studio audience member was given a Flip Video Camera and some delicious Jacques Torres’ chocolate!  I’m already playing around with the video camera as it is so easy to use!  Soon I’ll be the You Tube Diva…haha!  And half of the chocolate is already gone!

oh, and I thought my fellow fabric hoarders would find this amusing:

Martha organizes her Fabric Stash

Hope everyone’s day is off to a great start!

(only kidding Martha!)

While at the LA International Fabric Show (TALA), I stopped in the Alexander Henry Fabric Suite and snapped some photos of their upcoming line:

I think I preordered these:

And here are some photos of the yarn dye bottom weight fabrics I was talking about.  They come as the lightest color in the photo and then I have to over dyed the fabrics to the various colors I’ll be using:

Guess what?  I located that cool skateboard print in both color ways:

It’s a print from last year by a company out in California.  My dear friend, Carol (aka JustKidd’n) called her friend at the company and they have 200 - 300 yards left of each.  It obviously will not be reprinted.  Not sure what to do.  When buying fabric for production (manufacturing), you are only supposed to buy what you have orders for.  You purchase your sample yardage (usually 5 to 10 yards), make your sales samples, take orders at the trade shows and then order fabric based on what you took orders for…get it?

So what do you do when you come across a discontinued print you MUST HAVE?  Do you take it all (200 - 300 yards of each color way) or perhaps 100 yards of one color way?  And do you buy BOTH color ways? Ugh!  Any thoughts?

I’ll post tomorrow about my AWESOME day as an audience member of the Martha Stewart Show…boy, it was a BLAST!

While perusing the Martha Stewart web site, I came across a video segment on how to make a little girl’s pettiskirt:

Pettiskirt Instruction Video

Here’s another helpful link:

Measuring for a Pettiskirt from e-How

Tomorrow Diana and I are finally going to see The Martha Stewart Show in NYC!  The show will be taping their annual Mother’s Day Special.  Several times we were asked to give up our tickets (we agreed once and were rewarded with VIP seating for this show).

Although I might goof on Martha occasionally, I absolutely think she is the BOMB!  You can say what you want, but she is the original Domestic Diva!  So even if she has a large staff and oodles of cash, she has put herself out there and made herself into a household name…KWIM?

After coming back from Fabric Nirvana last week, I am a bit overwhelmed by both the overload and lack of fabric choices.  While my NYC fabric district is full of silks and fancy fabrics, LA’s fabric district tends to cater more towards knits and cheesy fake fur.

I had planned to source printed (novelty) cotton knits for my boys’ line, but came up empty handed.  Lots of solids to be found.  And I met several knit suppliers at the LA Fabric Show.  Some yardage minimums were too high while other fabric converters would work with small clothing lines to divide up their orders into dyeable lots.  Not sure if I want to get into the whole knit dyeing process.

I did, however, order sample yardage of some cool cotton yarn dyes bottom weight fabrics which will need to be over dyed for my boys’ pants.  How fun…not!  I had originally visited this fabric converter in hopes of finding some neat denims, but got turned on by the cotton yarn dyes.  The good thing about using these fabrics is I can use the same fabric in a pants’ design and then dye it in several different colors.

Examples of over dyed pants:

Found these fabrics on the web and MUST HAVE THEM…LOL!  The retail web site doesn’t say who the manufacturer is, so I ordered 3 yards (keeping fingers crossed this info will be on the selvage edge).  Unfortunately, they only had the beige/khaki colorway…I prefer the blue.  Don’t you?

I was disappointed to find one of the fabric I was planning to use is made by Springs and is a licensed NASCAR print…DRATS!  It would have worked perfectly with my NYC theme:

So here’s what I have so far:

Collection 1:

Collection 2:

Collection 3:

Collection 4:

Still need to add another collection or two…more to come!

And if deciding on fabrics is not enough when designing a clothing line, there are all the “inputs” to consider such as snaps, rivets, trims, leather labels, zippers, etc.  I met a few supplier while in LA and then did hours and hours of Googling to find additional sources.

I was hoping to find metal jean snaps which resembled a NYC subway token, but unfortunately they are no longer produced and were purchased by a company who made them into cufflinks:

One of the gals on Fashion-Incubator came up with this idea for custom jean snaps (note:  DOWNTOWN is really one word, so this would have to be edited).  Perhaps instead of “dTj” I just put “NYC.”  Either way, it would cost more than buying a stocked snap design.  However, it may be worth it…KWIM?:

Then I had another idea for a custom jean snap (inspired by my recent NYC Manhole Rug purchase for my trade show display).  I’d probably take out the word “SEWER” (pronounced sue-er)…not to be confused with “SEWER” (pronounced so-er):

Continuing along with other business updates…Ingrid is hard at work putting together my Downtown Joey web site.  And guess what?  I found myself a terrific PATTERN MAKER…yippee!

A few AWESOME links around the sewing community:

Pamela’s Perfect Pockets Every Time

True Up by Kim Night of Dioramarama fame

Bonbonkakku - fabrics designed by YOU

Michael Miller Baby Booties Contest

Tanya posts about her new fabric release, Ava Rose (Barefoot Roses Collection for Free Spriit)

By the way Mr. Expensive Gardener, what’s up with my white tulips?  Ummm, weren’t they supposed to bloom with the bright pink tulips?

Off to watch Desperate Housewives…yeah!

Missed me?  I’m back from my trip to Los Angeles….what a great time I had!  Days were filled with fabric sourcing for my upcoming Spring / Summer 2009 Downtown Joey boys’ clothing line.

Lady M™ (aka Myrinda of Fabric Hound) and I had a blast!  We had lunch with more than a dozen friends from Fashion Incubator and dinner at The Palm Restaurant with Kim Owen of Moonfly Kids!

I found great yarn-dyes, twills and knits (unfortunately NO BOY PRINTS…ugh).  Most importantly, I did find a solution to a design problem–making my dangling key chains safe for children.

But first you need to know a little about the CPSC Guidelines when it comes to drawstrings on children’s clothing.  Note, I manufacture in New York and it’s the law here:  Informal Comparison Between Various U.S. Drawstring Standards

The CPSC urges that parents and caregivers immediately:

• Remove hood and neck drawstrings from children’s jackets, sweatshirt and similar types of clothing; or
• Sew a seam through the drawstring at the middle of the hood and neck so neither end can pull out and catch onto an object.
• Cut all string ends as short as needed to close the garment.

The CPSC has 23 reports of deaths and 48 non-fatal injuries from drawstrings on children’s clothing from 1985 to 1997.

Consumer Reports’ Blog

Fashion Incubator - Drawstrings and Child Safety

Transportation Safety Tips for Children

The list of offenders:

Latest Recall

Another recent Recall

Girls’ Hooded Sweat Jackets by Rebelette

Karl Kani Sweat Jackets

Bonafide Jackets

GAP Boys’ Jacket

SCOPE Hooded Sweatshirts

Old Navy Boys’ Jacket Recall has instructions for consumers

Bon Ton Zippered Hoodies

More children’s clothing manufacturers who didn’t get the memo on drawstring safety…

Black Rabbit Clothing

Diesel Clothing

Gold Rush Skateboard Jersey Pants

Ed Hardy

O’Neill Clothing

Children’s Hooded Sweatshirts by Urgent Gear

Even after Urgent Gear’s recalled sweatshirt (above), they are still at it:

Urgent Gear’s Micro Pants

Deux Par Deux Park Ranger Bermuda Shorts

I noticed lots of boys’ swim shorts with drawstrings that are longer than the suggested maximum of 3 inches.  I wonder if they are not subject to the same guidelines:

Puma

Childish Tire Treads Swim Trunks

Small Paul

Charlie Rocket

Burberry

Here’s two great swim shorts which solved the drawstring problem through good design:

City Threads

Diesel Boys

Okay…so back to my dilemma.  I always use key chains in my boys’ clothing designs.  Key chains either hang from the pants or shirts with metal or plastic key rings.

I needed to find a solution to ensure a child would not get the key chain caught on something (similar to the drawstring problem).

At first. I considered using something like a Breakaway Key Chain used for Pepper Spray.  But you’d have to press the key chain to get it to release (separate):

So then I thought perhaps Safety Breakaway Lanyards might work.  But it was too small as I usually attach my key chains with 3/4″ - 1 inch twill tape or webbing.

When searching the Internet in hopes of finding a solution, I came across Tomy’s Pokeman Plush Key Chains which were recalled, because they may contain the tips of sewing needles broken during manufacturing.  WTH?!!!

I also found a Recall of H & M’s Compass Jacket, because the attached compass on these jackets can break, posing a choking hazard for young children. Additionally, the liquid mineral oil, inside the compass can be harmful if swallowed.  Guess I won’t be using compasses…LOL!

Just a side note:  Airport security deemed a handcuff key chain dangerous.  Guess my handcuff set would really cause a stir:

Funny thing…the above “Downtown Detention” set was the only set “lost” in the mail by the USPS en route to the customer.  Perhaps the USPS thought it was dangerous, too.

So anyway, I came across these little break-away clam shells that come in two sizes:

What’s great about them is there are three different types of clips I can use to attach my key chains.  Best of all, the price was right and the minimums were easy enough.  SCORE!

One attachment is a clip which really isn’t the best as it can pinch little fingers (unless of course, you don’t like your children…LOL):

However, the other two attachments would work great:

Swivel Hook

O-Ring

So, I’d say my trip to the LA International Textile Show was a success!

Right before I left for my trip, I hired a great pattern maker.  Now to find the right sewing production here in NYC…stay tuned!

I’ll be leaving for California this morning to go to the LA International Textile Show and meet up with several of my friends from Fashion Incubator!  In addition, I’ll be sourcing knit fabrics for my Spring/Summer 2009 boys’ clothing line, Downtown Joey, in the LA fashion district with Lady M™ (aka Myrinda of Fabric Hound).  Talk about Fabric Wonderland–not to mention 4 days with no kids!!!

On Friday my Mom and Step-Dad flew in from Florida to watch the kids while I’m gone.  Mr. Diva™ is finishing up his 27th tax season…so he’s quite busy this week.  It’s probably the worst week for me to leave, but heck, I NEED to source my fabrics in order to finish my design sketches.

The flight from NYC to Los Angeles is almost 6 hours.  Ugh.  I’m bringing Mr. Diva’s™ insanely heavy laptop (but heck, it does have a 17″ screen and I’ve got lots of movies…hope no kids are sitting next to me on the flight as everything is rated R).  I will be working on both my business plan and children’s clothing boutique database…but then again, I’m easily distracted and will probably end up chewing off the ear of the poor soul who sits next to me on the plane.

(Illustration by John Shakespeare)

I’m keeping my fingers crossed that the people in my row on the plane are friendly, don’t talk too much, aren’t wearing obnoxious perfume, don’t have bad breath and had a shower today.  Not much to ask, right?  LOL!  Also hoping there are no crying babies or even worse…a baby who needs a diaper change, but their mother is oblivious to it.  Every seat on the plane is sold out, so it’s going to be crowded.  Not only is it Passover, but with all the airline flight cancellations, it’s going to be jammed!  Mr. Diva™ had suggested I fly First Class when I was booking my flight, but I didn’t want to waste the extra money as it would cut into my fabric budget…KWIM?

Still, I’m beyond excited!  I haven’t been on vacation in 10 friggin’ years!  With the health problems my daughter has had, I’ve been afraid to go anywhere.  So understand, this is a big deal for me.

I promise to take lots of pics to share upon my return!  Try to behave yourselves while I’m gone.

I incorporated Downtown Joey Inc. back in November 2005, but for some reason I didn’t file for my resale certificate (tax-exempt status) until last week.  Shame on me–my husband is a CPA and has done a hundred of these for his clients.  I asked him how to do it and he said I could file the resale certificate application online.  I received my approval last week in the mail…YIPPEE!!!

Just in case you thought I was slacking off, I’ve been hard at work.  I’ve been spending endless hours trying to find a great pattern maker and sewing factory in the NYC area.  I can’t tell you how many phone calls I’ve made…ugh!  In addition, I’ve been searching for the right textile manufacturers on the Internet…Google is a wonderful thing…LOL!

So far, I’m on track for my launch.  Here’s my updated list of what I need to do this year (not necessarily in this order) to launch my boys’ clothing line to the wholesale market this Summer:

Incorporate Business

Tax ID

Contact Ingrid to build http://downtownjoey.com web site

Resale Certificate

Apply for Made in NYC listing

Sign up for Liza D’s Fashion School workshop by January 11^th

Attend Liza D’s Fashion School workshop on January 19^th

Sign up for Liza D’s Fashion School workshop by May 1^st

Attend Liza D’s Fashion School workshop on May 17^th and 18^th

Write Business Plan (4/1 purchased Business Plan Template from Toronto Fashion Incubator)

Open Business Bank Account

Attend (walk) at least 2 Trade Shows

Figure out the Answers to the following from Fashion Incubator:

 A brief description of my boys’ line (uptown style with a downtown twist)

 My customer profile (mother who wants her son to look neatly dressed, but clothing that won’t get him beat up at the lunch table)

 My anticipated price points (wholesale $13 - $29, retail $29 - $6

 The types of stores I’d like to sell to (Z-Baby, Sprout, Lester’s, Cantaloup)

 Who I aspire to hang with on the rack (Jackson Clay, Jean Bourget, IKKS, Mayoral)

(contacted 3/20) Utilize the Garment Industry Development Corp (assists NYC sewn product manufacturers in an effort to keep business here in NYC) to find:

• Pattern Maker (I think I’m going to use one I was referred to)
• Cutting Service
• Sewing Contractor (4/3 - waiting call back from Brooklyn factory) 
• Screen Printer (3/31 - awaiting pricing)
• Embroider (3/31 - need to visit in Manhattan, 4/7 rec’d estimates)
• Fabric and Trim Manufacturers (swatches received-I found the perfect denims and twills!  Will find knits when I visit LA 4/13 – 4/16)

Keychain Sourcing (3/29 - possible source)

Design 5 complete boys’ sets:  pants, snap down shirts and t-shirts plus 1 hat)

Order Sample Fabric, Trims and Keychains

Fabric Testing 

Have Graphic Designer do artwork for screen prints

Assign Style Numbers

Figure out Sizing for line I want to keep this as simple as possible so I’m going with 1T, 2T, 3T, 4T, 6, 8.

Have First Patterns made

Sew Samples

 Select and Sign up for ENK Children’s Club and send 6 samples to be juried.

Create database of children’s boutiques nationwide and web sites (4/4 have already collected more than 250 pages of listings to be used for marketing).

Prepare for Trade Show:

• Figure out Wholesale Pricing
• Purchase Footwear for Models
• Have Line Photographed by EMA Photography
• Order Posters of Line
• Order Sign for Booth
• Design Booth Display
• Create 10′ x 10′ Mock-Up Booth Display
• Design and print Business Cards 
• Design and mail postcards
• Design and Print Line Sheets
• Design and Print Look Book
• Design and Print Press Sheets
• Send out Press Sheets to media sources 
• Open American Express and Mastercard/Visa Accounts via PayPal
• Design and Order Hang Tags
• Order Garment Name Tags
• Order Size/Fiber Content Tags
• Ship Samples
• Hire Assistant (or beg one of my friends to help…LOL)

Do my 1st Trade Show

Take Orders from Wholesale Customers at Trade Show

Order Fabric based on Wholesale Sales

Have Final Patterns Graded based on Orders

Have Markers made

Make Cutter’s Must

Have Cutting done

Make Sewing Spec Sheets

Hire Sewing Contractor based on orders 

Ship Fabric and Trims to Sewing Contractor

Fulfill Orders to Wholesale Customers

Hire a Sales Rep for future Trade Shows

Continue learning from Kathleen, Amber and Debbie

Rinse, Repeat…LOL

Whew!  Back to work!