Morning Smiles:)

I'm feeling super stressed lately, so now more than ever it's very important to keep things in perspective and work on beginning each day in a positive mind set. Since I've always had a really bad habit of being a "critic" and tend to get easily caught up in "negative thought trains" I've decided that "things that make you smile" posts every Tuesday are the way to go. So we'll start it off with the most obvious things that make people smile- "good morning" smiles!These guys are some of the very first morning faces that I see since they sit neatly on top of our kitchen window- right by the coffee maker:)

Speaking of coffee, it's pretty much one of the first "needs" that pops into my head every morning. So I made it a priority to get a happy mug (and yes, I bought myself a "Mom" mug- on the back it say's "you're the best!")
After my coffee ritual, it's time to tend to our pets: Bik Wu and Billy (our dogs) and BooBoo (the bunny) Of course, I love them all but Bik Wu always has the warmest and fuzziest morning smile

About an hour after I wake, Devon gets up. Her puffy eyed, sleepy morning face is the BEST!

Ragamuffin

Devon just got over a really weird 24 hour cold. She hardly ever gets sick, so I was sorta flippin' out a little during the night when she had a fever and super stuffy nose (mainly because she refused to drink ANYTHING and I was so worried about dehydration) Luckily, she was totally over it by morning (my tuff girl) I was even able to get her out of the house to shoot this batch of dresses (that I'm shipping off to Sweet William) next week. Finally, I'm using this vintage "Peter Rabbit" print (and in a way that the "slavery" scene is completely deleted, YAY!)

Custom Fabric

I had a customer convo me the other day about the possibility of making our Preschool Plaid Dress into a Holiday dress. Since I'm always back and forth to the fabric stores anyway, I have no problem sourcing goods for custom orders. She just gave me the general colors she was looking for, and I emailed her 5 different plaid options. In the end, she chose this Christmas flannel and I'm really happy with the outcome. The "Preschool Plaid" is no longer available in our shop, but I'm remaking the dress in a gorgeous chocolate wool plaid exclusively for Sweet William. Anyways, if your interested in something from the shop (but would like to see it in another fabrication or color) just convo me!

Sew what's new?

It's been tough to list new product since I've been balancing sewing production for my Etsy, as well as wholesale orders for Sweet William. Great news: Bronagh's opening a new store in Manhattan this October, YAY! Hopefully we can take a much needed vacation and visit the shop soon.
These dresses will only be available at Sweet William and shipped out end of last week. I'm working on a new batch for her now, sorta "Holly Hobbiesque" in brick red corduroy with vintage "Peter Rabbit" print bodices. I'll make sure to snap a pic of one on Devon (she's been itching to do some modeling lately) So, be assured that I will be setting aside some time this weekend to squeeze in a few new items for Fall.
Make sure to keep an eye on our Etsy this week...here's a sneak peek of one of my favorite new florals that I'll be making into dresses this weekend. Devon's very excited about this one (she's been all about flowers lately) Every morning she picks one piece to wear (and I still get to help her build around it, don't know how much longer that's going to last) So I'm savoring every moment.
She was in love with this floral smock top I made her last week. She wore it very "streetwear"(on her millionth run to the post office with Mom) then "girly" on an outing to the fabric store (again for the millionth time with Mom)

Our Cashmere Bonnet in Small Magazine!

It was such a happy surprise to find this adorable drawing of our Cashmere Bonnet in the new Autumn issue of Small Magazine! Thanks so much, Christine!

Always check your hearts

It pays to watch closely who "hearts" you on Etsy. That's how I found this awesome, baby and child's handmade screened tee shop, Tiny Whales. I snatched up this native American inspired tee for a mere $8.00...what a steal! UPDATE:

Tiny Whales is offering 15% off to my blog readers, YAY! Just contact Shaun prior to your order so that a custom listing can be posted for you:)

This girl kills me...

LOVE this top too, and you can get it on sale in another color combo here.

Original graphics, a great eye for color, beautiful photography and an adorable banner:)

Dream Outfit for Devon

I've been working on some dresses and pants that will be available only at Sweet William for Fall, so I've been keen to check out all of the store's newest offerings. Top on my wish list for Devon: Nico Nico's Navajo Print Tee and Sherpa Jacket. I would pair them with our dark teal Woodland Leggings and moccasin's...she would totally work it out EVERYWHERE!

New Cashmere Colors!

We just got in our new "brownie" cashmere colors for Fall! You can now choose between Sand (left) or Stone for our custom cashmere bonnet or cardigan:)

Better Late than Never

I was very bummed to find out that one of my favorite designers, Luella had ceased trading last November. This due to a loss of the brands global licensee as well as, the unexpected closure of the label’s major Italian manufacturer. Scary that this should happen to a designer that only last year had won the ‘Designer of the Year’ Oscar at the British Fashion Council’s annual awards gala. Her last collection (being Spring 2010) was my all time favorite and sadly was never produced. I had been wanting to do a memorial posting for her and for some reason kept putting it off...she's been on my mind lately, so I figured better late than never:) Here's hoping she returns with more beautiful offerings for her "girl" whom she describes as (and I LOVE it) "cute but always a little sick"

DevonRose Giveaway on Kenziepoo!

Make sure to stop by and enter our giveaway on Kenziepoo for your chance to win a pair of our thermal leggings! You can also customize your prize! Choose between our new Fall colors: olive, dark teal, or dusty lavender with your choice of mother of pearl or wooden buttons. *Available in sizes 0-3m all the way up to 6Y*

Happy Birthday Devon!

I'm still having a hard time dealing with the fact that my baby isn't a baby anymore. She's now a three year old little girl that continues to amaze me everyday with something new (whether it's absolutely adorable or drives me completely insane) I find myself already going back to the beginning of this blog and getting all sappy and teary eyed looking at her baby pictures. This year, her birthday was more like a birth-month. We had a big family swim party (at the beginning of August with Heidi and the twins) to celebrate the month since we all have August birthdays.
Last week, Devon had her first sleep over with the twins to celebrate their birthday's. She was super excited to do a little photo shoot before hand and show off her party outfit (as you can tell by her little pole dance...although I'm not quite sure if Isaac and I should be afraid of this talent or not)
They also had a whole day at the petting zoo planned (where she had her first horseback ride!) so she made sure to pack all the important things (gameboy) in her favorite bear bag that her Uncle Mike and Auntie Cat (whom she affectionately calls "Meow-Meow") gave her.

On her actual birthday, we spent the whole day outside playing. In the morning, I let her do something that she had been asking me to do lately (but until now I had been telling her she was too little to do) climb the tree in the front yard...and I scored BIG smiles for that one:)
Then we headed out to Yorba Park with Uncle Mike and Auntie Meow-Meow. She had a blast just running around, feeding the ducks, hitting up all the slides at the playgrounds... ...splashing Uncle Mike:) Ahhh, simple pleasures! Don't grow up too fast, Devon. I love you!

Desert Pieces and Sunny Smiles

I spent last week working on some pieces for my sister in law to wear for Burning Man (50,000 people are expected to be there this year) I made a dress out of this lightweight jersey slub, perfect for that climate. I love the texture, great "oatmeal" coloration, and beautiful drape of this fabrication. I was able to use the last of my drilled river rocks ands some leather straps (which I handed to my husband to work on while we traded off on our "babysitting Devon" duties) to create a very rustic and organic neck piece for this desert dress.

I kept the design very simple (so no need to focus on that) since it's all about this beautiful necklace that Isaac created. I love how he wrapped each stone in a different way, stacking some in little clusters here and there. He's really very crafty isn't he?

I also made her some "desert nomad" pants out of lovely silk noil. These wrap around the waist and are left open along the side of each leg (vents for those hot desert days) and have extra long straps at the hem for wrapping around the calves.

I also wanted to share with everyone these beautiful shots of Sunny wearing the skirt that I made her from our last blog posting. How cute is this little top (and those shoes) that she's wearing with it, not to mention that smile! Lisa, thanks so much for the pictures of Sunny, it totally made my day to see them and she looks absolutely adorable!

Sunny's Skirt

Sunny's Skirt The beautiful Sunny wearing our Polar Pink Pullover henley!
...and wearing our Country Chick Halter, isn't she the cutest?

Awhile back I had traded some dresses for fabrics with a favorite customer of mine, Lisa and her little girl Sunny. I had been wanting to make Sunny something special using some of those fabrics and finally I made her this little patchwork pull up that we dubbed "Sunny's Skirt" At a size 4T, it's a little large on Devon (who now wears a 3T!) We hope Lisa and Sunny love it! sorry it's so late:P

Sweatery Season

We've been working on new Fall items for the shop, lots of sweatery things. I had a stash of cut cashmere sweaters in grey that I re-purposed into two different cardigans and a bonnet. They're all gone now, but I'm waiting on a new shipment in camel colors. I have the Cream Dream Cardigan and the Petal Pullover in shop now:)

Flying

I haven't been myself lately, mornings are usually the worst. I try to take my mind off of things by sewing, sewing, sewing...but sometimes even making something pretty doesn't help. So we take walks (lots of walks) and look for beautiful flowers and butterflies (and sometimes snails) Watching her discover new things always makes me smile.

When we get to the big field by our house, Devon always spreads out her arms and screams "FLY!" then takes off running. She'll want me to "fly" with her, and I go through the motions...it's truly amazing to see her so happy and so free. More than anything, I'd love to really be able to share that moment with her...to spread my wings and fly.

I'd like to see someone try...

...to outdo this kids outfit!

*facehunter*