Good Omens

What a super sloooooow start to my day. So far I've managed to water the plants, and today they are looking especially gorgeous.

This guy is blooming!! Anyone know what it's called?

I love how intense this little bush looks.  Especially with coils of razor wire behind him. 

Sun, Soil, and Water = Veggies!

Alright, now I need to just finish the hem, and start on the next pattern. Please note: I did not alter this photo. It would appear that the heavens approve of Eve. I'm going to take that as a good sign.

The Lady Eve

The hardest part is deciding which sketch gets to be lucky number one. My days are spent making these kinds of life or death decisions, you better believe that. Which ever sketch I start with pretty much sets the tone for the rest of the collection and since I don't have some factory in China pumping out new samples for me everyday, I don't want to screw up and spend a large chunk of my time on something that is going to end up in the reject pile. False starts are not good for moral.

So here we go, this is where the collection is off to:

The pattern came together pretty quickly, but you know- I'm a pro now. By now I've also figured out that you don't start off with the most difficult mind-boggling 426 piece pattern. Cursing and tantrums on the first day are also not good for moral.  Save that one for when you've already invested all of your money and there is no turning back.

 Mark that down in your copy books. I'm giving away some real golden nuggets of advice here.

Since every piece needs a pretty, pretty princess name for the linesheet (style #517 just wont do), I've named this dress Eve. I was watching The Lady Eve as I was sewing it last night, AND it happens to be the first dress in the new collection. It it were pants it might've been Adam.

Also, a wee side note:  I LOVE Barbara Stanwyck. Isn't she fabulous?

Charles Pike: Now you, on the other hand, with a little coaching you could be terrific
[at playing cards] 
Jean Harrington: Do you really think so?
Charles Pike: Yes, you have a definite nose.
Jean Harrington: I'm glad you like it. Do you like any of the rest of me? 

Starting Over

Alright, I'm working on my line for next summer and I think I've narrowed down the color palette. Contrary to popular belief, redheads CAN wear pink:

our in house model approves the fabrics.

One Year Ago

Last year at this time I was busy working on this collection. By now you've all seen it. Yes, it's still very purpley. Thank you guys for the support, encouragement and for all the other nice things you said. I hope you meant it. BECAUSE: I quit my day job based on all the nice things you guys said. So if anyone was lying you have about 10 minutes to fess up [MAYBE-THERE-IS-STILL-TIME-TO-RETRACT-MY-RESIGNATION].

Wait.

Actually I quit a month ago and there is no way I'm going to let go of this new freedom so quickly;  even if it is 100 degrees right now in this little sweatshop. It's MY little sweatshop. The old corporate gig was a frigid 64 degrees 24/7.  Methinks hell hath nothing to do with warm temperatures. Am I right, Antarctica? What I'm trying to say is, if I end up living in a (very chic) tent one o these days, all you have to blame is yourselves.  You won't be so willy nilly with the positive reinforcement then, will you?

In all seriousness, being your own boss is not as easy as it sounds. In an effort to control my staffs 3 hour poolside lunch breaks I've come up with an ingenious plan. Consider this blog as my time card. There are new things to create and they will get done. I certainly can't promise 8 hrs a day, but there will be progress reports. Old habits die hard you know.

Look how corporate we're becoming all ready.

I'll even match my own 401K contributions. Shouldn't be too hard. 0+0=0

A Little Background

You know what is awesome? Black holes. You know what is like a black hole but is not awesome? Writing bio's.