Sew Sweet

My Sunshine Girl 

We’re back from the hospital…but for how long is anyone’s guess.  Marielle was hospitalized due to high blood pressure which we’ve now gotten under control.  The Sunshine Girl is resting after getting a second hole in her ears pierced…teens, ugh!  Now does this look like a teen who’s desperately waiting for a kidney transplant?  Looks can be deceiving.

She received a surprise from Lady M™…a zebra (Marielle’s favorite) which Princess Aurora™ named Sunny (after Marielle, The Sunshine Girl).  And I got a DOTS snack container!  A big HUG to the Dixon Girls!

And the Winner is…

Linda of Ribbon Rock Star through a link from The Girl Indie Blog!  She wins the Diva BBQ Candy Stash!  Way to go!

More Swapping

Mary (aka 2*Sweet*Boys) received the LEAF SWAP I sent her last week.  Here’s what she posted:

Oh my goodness…I got the most wonderful, HEAVIEST box from Lisa!  Thank you thank you Lisa…you amaze me!

Everything was in this cheetah print box…which could not BE more perfect for me!!! I have many plans for this box

Instead of bubbles or peanuts for packaging…Lisa used CANDY! Yes…my kids are in HEAVEN!

Gavin picking out his first handful…

L is for Liquid Lunch…a yummy Merlot

E is for Extra Shoe…this is the cutest thing! Already have a place for it!

A is for All Kinds of Notepads…These are PERFECT! I LOVE them!!!

F is for Fabulous Frames…the most gorgeous red silk frame and Lisa remembered that I collect silver antique looking frames…LOVE them!

Lisa, my friend, thank you so much for everything! How you are able to do so much and stay so strong, I do not know. You truly amaze me!
Much love!

Mary

Did I mention Mary has a shoe fetish?  Yes, it’s true.  And yes, the glass slipper soap dispenser is tacky…that was the intent.  But for some reason, Mary loves it (that or she’s just being nice).

That’s Like Asking Michelangelo to Paint My Bedroom

Mr. Diva™ purchased 3 new pairs of jeans and had me pin up the hem last week.  Well, yesterday he found the jeans sitting in the front seat of my car (oh crap!).  Anyway, he asked why he’s spent over $20,000 on sewing equipment and his jeans are being sent out to the tailor.  So guess what I’m doing today and tomorrow?  Ugh!  Let’s hope I don’t screw them up!  Or worse…damage my precious sewing machines and/or sergers, KWIM?

HGTV Design Star and I Didn’t Know It

Months ago, I posted my daughter’s Pink Parisian Bathroom on HGTV’s Rate My Space web site.  Little did I know it was featured in April.  Guess that’s why I got over 28,000 hits!  LOL!  Thanks HGTV!  My Sewing Room only got 21,000 hits…oh well!

Sew Interrupted

Guess what?  My daugther is back in the hospital in Philadelphia since Tuesday in the wee hours of the morning.  She continues to have trouble with high blood pressure.  Now she’s having lots of pain in her kidneys, so they’re giving her pain medication to make it bearable.

In spite of this, I continue to move ahead with my Downtown Joey launch.  My pattern maker is adding a modication for me and I’ve just received word that I was approved show at the upcoming ENK Children’s Show.  Been in touch with my friend, Rita, at Earnshaw’s Children’s magazine and she’s putting together an ad package for me.  Photos are due by September 15 to make the printing deadline…looks like I might have to use last year’s pictures as my salesman’s samples probably won’t be ready by them.

Tried unsuccessfully today to order twill tape and extra cotton knit fabric…guess I’ll have to try again tomorrow.

In the morning, I plan to order the items I need for the upcoming tradeshow such as backdrops, accessories, etc.

Sorry, no pictures with this post.  I just wanted to give everyone a quick update.  Thanks for your continued prayers and support!

With friendship,

Lisa

Sew…How to Design a Clothing Line

While cruising the Internet, I came across a wonderful resource for those wanting to enter the apparel manufacturing industry:

Cornell’s Cutting Edge Apparel Business Guide

What a goldmine of information!  The guide has everything from Product Development and Marketing to Sourcing Fabrics and Production.

I overslept…had a LONG night with my daughter’s blood pressure going way too high (170/116).  It finally went down at midnight (after 3 additional medications) and we didn’t have to drive to Philly for another hospitalization in the middle of the night.  However, things are not much better this morning, so we’ll probably put her back in the hospital tonight.

Today I need to finalize my patterns and get them to the grader (I need 2 additional sizes for my models). I still need to find a sample maker here in NYC.  I have several sample makers I need to call to see who would be the best fit for me.

Worked making some minor corrections to my database so my assistant can continue fine tuning our Downtown Joey mailing list.

Waiting to hear if I made the cut to exhibit at ENK Children’s Club. Hopefully I’ll have my answer in the next few days. They actually called when my package got lost and then called again to confirm it had arrived safely.

Been working a bit on my graphic designs with my graphic artist. Need to do some more of that today.

Oh and I have a doctor’s appointment for myself at noon…lovely.

(My sister, Laurie, brother Joe and me)

Most importantly, one of my sisters is contacting the kidney transplant center today so she can start the living-donor kidney evaluation and see if she is a match for my daughter.  Wish us luck!

Hope your day is off to a great start!

J is for Just Sew Much Friendship

Another Saturday afternoon in Diva Land™ NYC.  Thank goodness, Beth supplied me with a tiara.  Otherwise, I wouldn’t know how to cope…

And Hot Fix Suzy™ gave me the perfect shirt for a dress down weekend.

 Kacey sent personalized stationery for Marielle to keep in touch with family and friends…

Erika made sure I have plenty of fabric to play with…

while Robin surprised with me DIVA foam letters,

Hobby Girl mints and

even made me an adorable craft apron to hold my new scissors and pins.

Mom sent me a painting I did 29 years ago…like when I was Sweet Sixteen!

Guess I had better get back to work…only 735 children’s boutiques to check for my new Downtown Joey database and mailing list…ugh!

Hope you’re having a relaxing Saturday!

With friendship,

Lisa

Sew…I is for Internet Sewing Web Sites

Back to the Encyclopedia of ME…we’re up to letter I…

 

Besides all the sewing blogs listed on my sidebar, thought I’d suggest a few others.  If you haven’t check out the new Sewing.org web site, I suggest you do!

After the Home Sewing Association (creators of sewing.org) closed their doors on December 31, 2007, we thought all was lost.  But guess what?  Sewing.org is now a part of the Sewing & Craft Alliance (SCA)! SCA provides education and creative resources to the sewing and craft enthusiast. You can visit their complete line-up of web sites at:

National Sewing Month

Trained Sewing Instructor

Sew Trendy

Sewing Events

Got Sewing

 

Be sure to sign-up for their monthly newsletter. (can’t get their link for the newsletter to work…sorry!)   Happy Sewing!

Oh and don’t forget to check out my FREE CANDY GIVEAWAY!

Sew…I Get By With a Little Help from My Friends

Heather aka little*e*designs managed to brighten my day big time!  We are both members of a Ladies’ Night In book club (we rarely read any books, cause swapping is so much more fun) and I was the lucky recipient of Heather’s goodies.  Yippee!!!

Heather thought of everything…look it’s me, Mr. Diva, The Sunshine Girl and my Little Jedi!  Except my family must have been hallucinating in this portrait, KWIM?  That or I was having a bad dream.

So, Heather spelled out the word LEAF using my favorite colors (for my sewing room)–pink and black.  She’s just so clever!

Pretty silk flowers and ribbon!

This is my absolute favorite.  I just love dress forms!

She even sent me a handmade polka dot apron.  I love me some polka dots!

Love my cool new luggage tag and even Diva tickets!

What a pretty pincushion!  It has a dress form charm hanging from it!  But check out my tiara pin!!!

Heather, you are the BOMB!!!  All these goodies have lifted my spirits more than you’ll ever know.  Thank you for being such a special friend.

Now everyone, if you need hair goodies, go check out her web site!

With friendship,

Lisa

My 300th Post Blog Giveaway, More Pattern Making and a Kidney Transplant Update

Free Candy

Wow!  This is my 300th post…I’m thinking I talk too much.  Anyway, in celebration of this milestone, I’m going to give away the last of the BBQ Candy Cart stash…

Ok…so why should you win the free candy?  Let’s see.  How about whoever links back to this post and gets the most pingbacks (hits coming back here) wins?  Yep…so go link me in a post on your blog!  Be sure to put your email address in the comments section of this post.  I’ll announce the winner on Monday.

More Pattern Making

I spent Monday editing all the photos (over 40 photos..ugh) I took of my Downtown Joey fit samples on my son (size 6) and two mannequins (size 4 and 5).  I then emailed them to my pattern maker, so we can finalize the sample patterns.

I am having one problem with my boys’ pants design:  ZIPPERS.  I can get standard zippers 3 1/2″ and 5″ inch long.  But I’m trying to avoid having to have the zippers custom cut as it adds an additional $1 onto my costs.  And that’s not ok.  Especially since it looks like I need a 4″ zipper on several of the sizes.  Any suggestions or wholesale zipper leads from the peanut gallery?  I’ll be your best friend.  Did I mention I’d prefer burnt orange or rust colored zippers?

I’m Cool…I have a Beeper

On Tuesday, my daughter and I went to Philly for another doctor’s appointment.  I had a HORRIBLE day.  Seriously.  I’ve cried all night–it all seems so grim.  All the options SUCK.  Really.  I felt like I was being bullied into their way of thinking.  The whole kidney transplant protocol has me very uneasy.  Basically they tell me it’s dialysis or death–take your pick.  Like I said, all my options SUCK.  But I think what got me most upset was they said this while my daughter was in the room.  DIE is one word that I don’t allow to be spoken in my home or anywhere else.  And especially in front of my child.  KWIM?

I can’t begin to explain my feelings of helplessness not being able to be my own daughter’s kidney donor (I have Lupus, so they won’t consider me).  And Mr. Diva™ has chronic kidney stones (for which he’s hospitalized at least twice a year).  This is so not fair.

Two of my sisters, my brother and my nephew have all come forward to donate their kidneys.  But unfortunately, it’s just not that easy.  Not sure if we are going to go the living donor route.  There’s so much to consider.  We need to weigh the pros and cons with each donor.  This is so hard.

Since my daughter is now officially listed for a kidney transplant, the social worker finally gave me a beeper.  It brings back memories of when my daughter was waiting for her liver transplant 15 years ago.  When my beeper would beep, it was usually the beeper company calling to remind me to pay the $12 monthly bill.

On the Eve of St. Patrick’s Day 1994, my beeper buzzed.  I didn’t pay it much mind, because I figured it was the bill reminder once again.  But just to make sure, I checked the incoming number.  OMG!  It was the liver transplant center and they had a cadaveric liver for my daughter.  The rest is history.  She received her new liver the next morning.  It was the greatest day of my life (and hers).  I’m hoping we’ll be this lucky again. 

 

It’s very hard to deal with life these days.  However, it’s amazing what some Hostess Zingers (and everyone’s support) will do for the spirit.

I is for Insanely Busy

I’ve been busy preparing my past season samples to send to the ENK Children’s Club Selection Committee.  ENK requests designers/manufacturers send them 4 to 6 clothing samples to determine if you’re a good fit for their show.  I’d imagine not everyone gets into the show.  However, I’m confident that I’ll be accepted to show my line (or be devastated if I didn’t make the cut).  It’s been 2 years in the making.  But it’s done (after an hour trying to figure out DHL online using Mr. Diva’s account as his secretary was out sick).

My fit samples (based on my first patterns) arrived this week and I am jumping up and down like I hit the lottery!  Seriously.  This whole clothing line is finally feeling real REAL.  I’ve heard many times that your fit samples are never right the first time, but honestly they are “on the money.”  The only thing that needs to be changed is a pocket one of the woven shirts and add an inch to the hemline of my raglan t-shirt.  Once these changes are made, they’ll be ready to sent to the  pattern grader/marker.

Here’s a link which might be helpful to those needed a pattern maker:

How to Select and Work with a Patternmaker

Now normally, you wouldn’t have your patterns graded until after sales.  You’d grade your patterns based on the sizes sold just prior to production (in my case, that would be AFTER the trade show).  However, my sample size is 4T and yet my models are size 6.  So in order to ensure a great fit for photos, I’ll have them graded one size up (I’m not doing a size 5).

I’ve also been working with my graphic designer to come up with at least 16 different t-shirt graphics.  Hours and hours have been spent preparing my preliminary line sheets and merchandising documents.  I’ve had to come up with ideas for 16 different t-shirts and now Ingrid will design them as she rocks when it comes to graphics.  Most of them with have text (funny sayings such as “It seemed like a good idea at the time”).  I can’t wait to see what she comes up with.  Some will be vinyl while others will be applique and embroidery.

My Downtown Joey jeans snaps arrived from China/Hong Kong on Saturday morning.  They are perfect!  I can’t wait to attach them to my samples!

This afternoon I attended my buddy, Diana’s, Bridal Shower at the Staten Island Hilton .  She’s my friend who owns the Bagel Store…you know the one who made the Caramel Apples for the BBQ?  Being that I have several embroidery machines, I always try to give a gift I can monogram or embellish.  So anyway, I sat down in my sewing room last night and was about to start designing her monogram until I realized I had a little problem.  See, her fiance’s name is Anthony, her name starts with a “D” and their married name starts with a “D.”  See the problem?  A.D.D.  I just couldn’t bring myself to do it.  No matter how I do it, it still spells A.D.D.  So I reluctantly gave her the gift without embroidery.  I’ll ask her what she thinks.

Diana is crazy about pasta.  So for her Wishing Well, I gave her some pastel colored bow-tie pasta and of course, one of my magic wands.  You never know when you’ll need a magic wand especially when you get married.

My E-bay friends (The Social Graces and friends of the Boutique Designers’ Board) surprised me with a box full of handmade sugar cookies!  There were Diva, Mr. Diva, Marielle, Joey, NYC and E-Bay cookies!  How sweet!  My friends are the best!

Off to get a big glass of milk to go with my cookies!

Sew…Back to Business…Sort Of

People often think I live among chaos when I tell them I live in NYC.  Actually, I’m in one of the five boroughs, Staten Island.  It’s total suburbia on my side of the water.  No tall buildings, every house has a lawn and kids ride bikes up and down the street.  But just across the water is Manhattan.

I usually drive my car into the city, but Lady M™ and I decided to act like tourists this past week…LOL!  In less than 20 minutes, we were in the city.  It’s definitely much faster than driving (and sitting in traffic for an hour).

On Monday and Tuesday, we went to the ENK Children’s Club trade show.  We visited old friends and made new ones.  We hung out with boys’ clothing designer friends, Kim of Moonfly Kids and Bethany of George World.  Both shared great trade show and sales tips.  Thanks girls!

Next, we made friends with fellow NYers, Ann and Jennifer of Ooh! La La Couture.  I’d seen them on my local television news about a NYC boutique trying to scam them out of merchandise and not paying.  Well, I had to smile when they had the news reporter put pressure on the retailer and get them their merchandise back.  Way to go, girls!  Not to mention, they make some of the cutest tutu dresses on the market.  Check them out.

I met Danielle, the co-owner of Myself Belts and am going to carry two of their leather boys’ belts, but have “NYC” or a graphic embroidered on them for my Downtown Joey line.  It just makes no sense to reinvent the wheel when they’ve nailed it so well, KWIM?

I finally got to meet Mary Jane of Christie Helene.  Mary Jane is the only clothing manufacturer on Staten Island–her factory is a mere 3 blocks from my home.  She’s been in the business for more than 20 years.  Mary Jane manufactures some of the most beautiful girls’ special occasion dresses on the market.  She is truly an inspiration!  She’s invited me down to the factory–I’m so looking forward to getting to know her!  What I liked about her is she is a serious business woman…not a “fashion designer” per se.  Fashion design will only get you so far in this business.  If your books don’t add up at the end of the day, it’s all in vain.

Since Lady M™ helped me complete my embroidered totes order on Wednesday and Thursday, I made two for her girls.  Speaking of embroidery, a friend who attended the BBQ (and joined up with us at ENK) owns a digitizing, embroidery and transfer business.  Another problem solved.  She’ll be doing all the embroidery and transfers for my new clothing line.  And the best thing is she lives less than 40 minutes from me, so sampling will be quick!  No shipping necessary.  But best of all, she’s a trusted friend and I have full confidence that she’ll be a major asset to the success of my line.

On Friday, Lady M™ and I met with my patternmaker who in Manhattan for a few days.  Let me just start by saying, my patternmaker ROCKS!  Not only is she cute (actually stunning), but she came up with several suggestions to improve my patterns and cut costs.  When designing a clothing line, your patterns are probably one of the most important elements of your business.  Whatever you do, don’t skimp on patterns.

I remember the days when I used to go to Joann’s Fabrics for a few yards of elastic.  Soon I was buying 50 yard rolls in the NYC Garment District.  But now, I’ve upgraded to boxes of elastic.  The other day I had 1,500 yards of rust buttonhole elastic shipped to me…that’s 4,500 feet…WOW!  Wonder how many pair of pants I’ll have to sell to use it all up.

Now you’re probably thinking I’m nuts to order this much elastic…but I can explain.  The prices I was getting from US wholesalers were high, so I actually found one of the major manufacturers.  And boy, what a cost-savings!  The downside is you need to meet their minimums (in this case, it was 1,500 – 1,800 yards depending on color).  Well, even if I only use 400 yards, I’m still ahead.  The extra 1,100 yards came out to the same price from the wholesalers.  What I mean is 1,500 yards from the manufacturer costs the same as 400 yards from the wholesaler.  SCORE!  Sometimes it just pays to do your homework!

 

Seems lots of “indie” designers are against traditional manufacturing.  See, manufacturing has gotten a bad rap over the last few years.  Truth is manufacturing is consistent–something that is hard to achieve at home on your sewing machine.  In manufacturing, you have industrial machines that do one specific job and do it well.  Check out this one that does flaps, collars and cuffs.  Drool!

On another note, I finally listed a job opening on Craigslist.  I need someone to put together a database and mailing list of children’s boutiques that might be interested in carrying Downtown Joey.  After reviewing more than 50 applicants’ resumes, I think I’ve found the perfect candidate.  I’ll be meeting her tomorrow.  Keep your fingers crossed!

Sadly, my daughter’s health continues to decline.  Doctors are having a hard time controlling her blood pressure and her kidneys have less than 10% function at this point.  She is getting weaker everyday.  It’s heartbreaking to watch her struggle to do simple things–things most of us take for granted.  Please continue to keep her in your prayers.  Let’s hope a kidney is found soon.

Back to work…because launching a children’s clothing line takes some serious multi-tasking!

With friendship,

SEW Busy and Then Some

Another successful Diva BBQ is behind us.  But oh my–the clean-up is overwhelming.

It will literally take me WEEKS!

DIVA’S NYC CARAMEL APPLES

Lots of people have asked about my delicious caramel apples at the BBQ…so I’ll spill:

First, hop on over to Instawares and get yourself some Midway’s Finest Caramel Apple Dip.  I purchased apple bubble trays (buy the bigger size) and candy apple sticks from Sugarcraft.

Next, tip your local produce guy a $20 bill at the supermarket and instruct him to hand select 100 big red delicious apples which MUST fit inside the provided apple bubble trays and stand straight (no lop-sided apples) or else…LOL.

Then go your friend’s Bagel Store (Diana has the BEST bagels in town).  Tell her you are swamped with BBQ preparations.  She’ll then ask you what she can do to help and it’s at that moment you hand over all the apples and supplies.

Next, have her employees wash and dry the apples.  Then put the sticks in.  Use their huge metal trays and line each tray with wax paper.

Since we didn’t have a electric candy apple stove or an awesome gas apple cooker, Diana (not to be confused with Diana from Louisiana) used a huge stock pot (much bigger than I have at home) filled with water.  She then set the opened can of Midway’s Finest Caramel Apple Dip in the water to boil.  Something tells me we should have used the Quick Serve Apple Dip.  It took no less than 3 hours to melt each huge can of caramel..ugh!  Lesson learned.  There’s always next year.

Anyway, just dip the apple, swirl and set it on the wax paper.  When the caramel apples firm up, just put them in the bubble trays.  Let’s hope Diana is still my friend!  Seriously, a HUGE thank you to my buddy!

FABRIC SCORE

Yesterday I was able to order a particular of a fabric I’m dying to use in my upcoming boys’ clothing line.  I’d seen a preview of the fabric at TALA (LA Fabric Show), but didn’t think the first printing would be ready in time for my salesman’s samples.  I wasn’t going to show you, but I just can’t help myself:

Not sure if I’ll incorporate this colorway, but I ordered it anyway:

Last month the fabric manufacturer showed it to me in these colorways, too.  But they aren’t sure if they are going to get enough orders to go into production.  Keep your fingers crossed:

MACHINE EMBROIDERY

Got lots done yesterday in the sewing room (Lady M™ and I are some team…LOL). Spend most of yesterday finishing up an order for 15 personalized tote bags for Kacey’s new students.

G.O.A.T.S.

In the world of garment manufacturing, G.O.A.T.S. (graphics on a t-shirt manufacturers) are at the bottom of the fashion feeding pool.  Lots of people say they are “fashion designers” when all they are really doing is slapping some graphics or wording on a pre-made t-shirt.

When I set out to design my first season of boys’ clothing, it was important to me not to take any shortcuts on t-shirts.  I hate cheap t-shirts prefer a medium-weight cotton interlock over jersey knit.  I feel interlock is more substantial and holds up nicely to repeated washings.  Another reason I decided to create my t-shirts from scratch is fit.  I wanted a comfortable fit and a rib knit neckline which laid around the neck nicely…not all wonky.

My patternmaker is in town, so we’re going to meet up in Manhattan tomorrow morning.  It will be nice to put a name to a face.

Ok…I had better get back to work!  Have a great day!

With friendship,