All Dolled Up!

Bee in my bonnet

Girls, there is a bee in my bonnet. Boy oh boy having your own business is rewarding and all but yow-za it can be frustrating! I've been interviewing a bevy of seamstresses; some good some where I'm like, "is this a joke? Where is candid camera?" But! I am determined! The economy is in the tank, I'm having a heck of a time coming up with a line that is true to my aesthetic and can still be produced locally and ethically while being viable for wholesale so I can grow beyond just doing shows. My wrist is throbbing from having cut out far to many aprons this week. But! Despite all of this...I am charging through! Darn it...I am going to make it...I have to! Gone too far to turn back now! Oy vay. I'm sitting here pondering my plan while waiting for my tea kettle to whistle for my belated morning tea.

Sorry my feathers are so ruffled today. But they are ruffled in a good way because it is spurring me into action!

Happy Monday everyone!

Phew!  I made it and it wasn't so bad after all!  I did back-to-back events this weekend.  Saturday I was at the Grand Lake Oakland Market and on Sunday I was at my usual Marin Civic Center Farmers Market. 

 

Poor girl in the middle is topless!  She's feeling quite bashful!  But not for long!  I am planning on making some of my favorite little summer tops.  Sweet little peasant blouses, so girly, comfy, and cool on a hot day. 

My little business pretty much exhausted the whole weekend so not much time to hang out with Sweet Hubby.  But at least last weekend we had lots of fun.  We went up to Sonoma in the wine country.  Sonoma is a darling town and it is such a picturesque drive from our little Benicia up to the wine country. 

As you drive into town, first you see the downtown square. 

We walked around holding hands, had the best vegetarian sandwiches we've ever had, and just generally relaxed and enjoyed each other's company. 

The ride home was so so picturesque and I kept squealing as we would drive by the prettiest meadows ever.  Finally Richard asked what all the squealing was about and I told him that I wished so much I could take photos of these perfect red barns, rolling hills, and little ponds with geese that we were passing by.  So, he said to give him as much notice as possible and he would try and pull over so I could take photos.  My poor patient hubby, I would squeal at a delightful view and he would try and pull over but the view had basically passed but I was so appreciative of his trying that I would get out and take a photo anyways.
So, here is a mediocre photo of an otherwise beautiful area which required my standing on the side of the road with my dress and hair whirling about in the wind while big trucks noisily rumbled by. 

And here are some little sheep.  These are the dirty and disgruntled cousins of the pristine white fluffy sheep we had already passed before Richard could pull over.  So, with Richard waiting in the car I stood there with my camera for what felt like forever trying to convince the girls to turn around and give me some nice profile and front views.  They were not listening as I was trying to explain to them that their rear view really is not their best angle.  Not wanting to just take a photo of sheep fannies and feeling quite determined I waited and finally a couple of them obliged and turned around for me.  Thank you girls!
After all that, this is a pitiful photo but I worked for it so darn it, I'm going to show it anyways.  ;)

Oh, and I almost forgot!  Chateau Sonoma!  Thank goodness I remembered, I can't have my last photo on my blog post be of sheep fannies...geez!  We drove past this delightful shop, Chateau Sonoma and I let out quite a gasp. 

Richard, knowing a gasp like that could only mean trouble, completely ignored the gasp and kept on driving.  But! then he realized he was driving the wrong way!  Oh, darn!  So, of course I said, "Oh, we will be driving by that delightful shop again.  Can I stop to take a quick peek?"  Poor sweet obliging hubby knew that yes was the only answer so he waited in the car as his delighted wife scampered into Francophile heaven. 

If you adore all things French as I do, you must, I insist! visit Chateau Sonoma.  Ooh la la!
Au revoir!      

I'm feeling kinda proud!

Hello!  I haven't blogged in almost a week and I'm surprised by just how much I miss it!  It has been super busy around here but I just thought I'd pop in for a quick "Hello!" 
So, I posted an ad on craigslist for a seamstress to help me out with my little business.  Wow, I have had so many responses it has been overwhelming.  It has helped to open my eyes to how many women in my immediate area could use a little supplementary income.  And then that gets me to thinking about all of the greedy manufacturers who go overseas for production just to save money while simultaneously taking advantage of a population that will work for sadly, so so little.  Right here in suburbia there are retired women, stay at home moms, caretakers, and even women with full-time jobs who would really benefit from a little extra money each month and an opportunity for creating an income while working from home.  I wish I could hire them all! 
I love my little business but I have moments where I ask myself why the heck am I doing this?  I even have moments where I would like to throw in the towel all together. 
The opportunity to create jobs, even just a little part time job, for a couple of local women has me feeling so honored and excited that I think it is giving me a much needed sense of purpose to continue on this little entrepreneurial journey. 
Perhaps I am gloating.  I am not usually a gloater at all, quite the opposite actually but this has put much needed wind in my sails and dare I say...I am feeling quite proud. 
Happy Friday everyone! 
I am going to be working back-to-back events this weekend, both Saturday and Sunday.  I'll be back with photos to share on Monday. 
Thank you for visiting!  Cece 

Another day at the market

Yesterday I worked at the Farmers Market again.  I hope weekly photos of my booth is not putting everyone to sleep.  I work so so hard on it that I guess you could say I'm a wee bit obsessed with it! 

And I have a big anniversary coming up!  The two year anniversary of Cece Marie is just 2 weeks away!  That is very exciting to me!  I've always heard from business types that most start up businesses go caput by 2 years so I'm proud that my little business is going strong even in this icky economy.  Granted if I was single I would not be paying a mortgage with what I make but nonetheless I am gloating!  Geez it takes a lot of work though.  A LOT of work!  But, I wouldn't trade it for anything!  One of my biggest goals is to get to the size where I can have a positive impact on our community.  Like events where proceeds go to local charities and creating jobs for local people.  Speaking of which, it means so much to me to keep all of my production local for both ethical and environmental reasons.  I'm looking into hiring a local stay at home Mom as a seamstress.  I'm really excited about that!  Oh, dear...I'm rambling today.   Well, I just wanted to pop in and say "hi!" to anyone out there in blog land that may happen by.  I'm off to the nursery to buy flowers for our window boxes. 
Have a lovely day!  Thank you so much for visiting! 
Blog-hug!  (I'm feeling mushy today) :)
Cece

Happy Spring Everyone!

How was your Easter?  Lovely I hope!  Ours was.  I worked though...but that is a good thing because it went really well.  The Farmers Market that I have my booth at really went all out and made it a festive occasion with pony rides and an Easter egg hunt, lots of fun. Actually, I was tethered to my booth but I at least heard about all of the fun!

After my show DH and I went to my parents' house to hang out and eat hot cross buns, chocolate bunnies and lots of homemade goodies my Mom had made for the occasion. Sorry, no photos (oops) and I didn't get to taking photos of my cute Easter display in the dining room.  Oh well, it will be somewhat the same next year.

On Saturday Richard and I went on a little date.  Out to lunch and then a trip to our favorite nursery and one of my all together favorite places, Orchard Nursery in Lafayette, CA. If you live anywhere close at all I highly recommend a little day jaunt to Lafayette!  Lovely town!  This is my favorite all time shade of blue.  Actually, this was the color of our front door at our old house and I really miss it!  Isn't it a fabulous, sky in Provence shade?!

How gorgeous is that camellia! 
And these blossoms!  Isn't Mother Nature amazing!  (Granted these blooms have been tweaked by mankind I am sure but still...amazing!)  There is just such beauty in nature, it just feeds my soul! 

I hope everyone has been able to enjoy all that is spring, the birds, the blossoms, the breeze, the sun! 

My job is never done

One of the best parts about having my own business is being able to make my own schedule.  But definitely, the worst part about having my own business is making my own schedule. 
I'm finding it super challenging to budget my time.  Actually, most days I don't feel like I even am budgeting my time I feel like I am spinning my wheels doing this and than doing that.  Even though I am very productive I always feel like I am not getting enough done.  Likewise with managing my house.  You know how it is, maintaining and updating a house is a constant. 
I am not organized by nature and I seriously envy those who are. 
So, this is my little cry for help.  How do you gals do it?  Do you have set days for certain tasks?  Like, Monday is paperwork day for example?  Or Wednesday, Thursday and Friday are sewing days? 
I've looked into books on time management but ironically I don't have time to read one.  The ones I have found are generally a couple hundred pages long and full of rhetoric.  No thanks.  I just want to cut right to the chase and find out how other's make it all work. 
I'm quite tired of feeling like I am chasing my tail.  I seriously need to work on this. 
No matter how crazed life gets I really try and take some time for myself though.  Just a little each day for some exercise.  I think it keeps me sane while it is getting me more fit too. 
Here is the view from my morning walk. 
 

This is such a modest and sweet little lavender house that I pass on my morning walk.  I just adore it.  I wonder who lives in it.  I mean, what kind of people paint their home lavender?  (It looks much more lavender in person.)

Ok, well back to work for me.  As you know, I am trying to work on my time management! 

Spring Skirts

We just put three new skirt styles up on my website Cece Marie.  I've been wearing the Emma's Roses style the most so far.  Seems to go perfectly with my still winter-ish but almost spring wardrobe, namely a cream sweater and brown boots. 

 

Strawberry Patch is my favorite though. 

And I'm saving Delilah's Tulips for Easter Sunday. 

I don't like feeling boastful but I do love them all. 
Slowly I am learning to toot my own horn. 
As this Tuesday is coming to a close, I hope everyone out there in blogland has had a nice day. 

Mine was uneventful but pleasant, just the way I like it best. 

 

A day at the market

Sunday was a lovely day spent at the Marin Farmers Market.  I got up before even the most enthusiastic of roosters would ever get up and drove along watching the sun rise up over the hills.  The market officially opens at 8am and by 7:45 all us early morning market vendors had set up our displays for the day and had hot coffee in hand. 

The cold dampness of early morning turned to a crisp cool but sunny day.  You could feel the promise of spring in the air. 

The bonnets were a hit with nostalgic Mommies excited to adorn their little ones in styles inspired by a storybook Easter. 

All in all a lovely day. 

Business 101: Part Deux (The Late Bloomer)

Happy March everyone!  I love the feeling of a new month.  It feels like a fresh start of sorts, a new beginning. 
I am constantly setting goals and milestones for myself.  I think it is important to do that and it is something that I naturally tend to do anyways.  But, I am tired of beating myself up when I don't reach my goals in a timely manner or change my mind about wanting to achieve said goal altogether.  Do men beat themselves up emotionally this way?  I wonder?  I have a feeling that it might be more of a burden we women put upon ourselves.   As I have blathered on about before, this is something I am trying to let go of both professionally and personally.
I planted an amaryllis back in November thinking it would bloom in time for Christmas.   Oh contraire!  It was going to grow and bloom at its own sweet pace and that was that.  I kept giving up on it.  I even wanted to throw it out.  But then finally, it started to grow, slowly but surely reaching up and up.  "My goodness, is this stalk ever going to stop growing?" I kept asking my husband.  And then finally, after months and months, voila!  A big lush, beautiful bloom!

Maybe I am a bit like that amaryllis?  I am slowly but surely growing but at my own slow pace.  I periodically give up on myself and want to throw in the towel on my little business but I always come back to it.  And when I do, it surges forward just a little bit each time.  I know of alumni from my design school that are so much further ahead than I am.  I wish I did not compare myself to others that way but alas I do.  I guess, where I am going with all of this is, if you have your own little business or if you want to, let yourself establish your own pace.  Don't give up on yourself.  Keep nurturing your business and it will grow and eventually you will be able to step back and savor the amazing bloom that you have been so patient about cultivating.  It will happen!  I keep telling myself that, in my heart I know it will.  When I look at old photos of how I started and then reflect on where I am at now I realize that it is happening, I am slowly growing but I am so close to it that I guess I don't see it unless I step back.  I guess I am just a late bloomer. 

Business 101; Advice and Thoughts on Having your own little business

Hi there.  The two year anniversary of my business is on April 18th.  This milestone just around the corner has got me thinking.  What have I learned in the past two years?  What mistakes have I made?  And where do I want to go from here?  I spent so much time preparing to start my own business that I have been surprised by just how unprepared I have been. 

How I prepared to start my own business:

I knew early on (really early on, like when I was 5) that I wanted to have my own business.  I wanted a dress shop.  So, I worked retail foreeeever to learn the ropes.  I managed various stores to prepare myself for having a store of my own.  But, by the time I had that experience under my belt, I decided that just having my own store would not be enough and that I wanted to design my own clothing line.  This is in fact something I had dreamed of for many years but it was always daunting.  I decided to go for it so I went to FIDM (The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in San Francisco.)  I have worked for various Bay area designers.  I was Bebe's first ever design intern, back before they went hoochietown.  And I worked for a bevy of other design places.  So, after all of this experience you'd think I'd be ready right?  Wrong.  I have learned that for me personally, I will never be "ready."  That I just need to go for it. 

How do you know if you are ready to start your own business?

Experience is great but sometimes I think I wasted my time working for other designers and managing stores for so long.  The marketplace is constantly evolving and changing and experience that was essential years ago can quickly become obsolete.  Plus, all of my experience has left me a bit jaded about the business yet I still have this insatiable desire to have my own business anyways, a perplexing combination.  Kind of like wanting a relationship despite already having your heart broken a few times.  So, a little experience is good yes, but I'd say, don't invest years as I did,

To have your own design based business I have concluded that previous design experience is not necessary but business experience and know how most certainly is.  I underestimated how much of my business would be business and how little of it would actually be design.  And, I don't use and don't foresee using half of what I learned in design school and I really wish I had that design school money to spend on my business.  On a side note though, if/when my business gets to the point where I need a business loan or something, having a degree and years of experience will help ensure that I can get a loan or line of credit (I keep reminding myself of this so I don't feel like it was a complete waste!)  Of the successful designers I have worked for, not one of them, had any previous design experience before starting there own business but they all had business experience. 

The area where I failed to prepare myself the most as far as self-employment is concerned is self management.  Being able to manage yourself is essential!  What I mean by self management is literally, treating yourself like an employee of your business.  For the first year and a half of my business, I would have fired myself if I was my employee.  My time management and organizational skills, although stellar when working for others, has been horrid now that I am self employed.  This is something I am presently working on.  And another aspect of "self management" would be motivation.  The ability to keep yourself motivated and focused. 

You want to start your own business?  Go for it!  As cliche as it sounds, Go for it!  I have been the biggest chicken when it comes to my own business and I regret that to an extent.  I have really surprised myself in that way.  I'm so assertive and such a "go getter" when it is for other people; I'm trying to learn to tap into that for myself now.  I think that starting your own business requires a certain level of selfishness and oddly enough I am working on being more selfish.  For the first year I would let other peoples needs/wants come ahead of my business.  I think as women we are taught to put other people first.  I am learning to say "No" to people and I think this is greatly helping my business.   Example, "No, I'm sorry, I can not go to lunch today because even though I am at home, I am working and I need to keep normal work hours just like a regular job."   

I would love to go on and on about what I have learned in regards to having my own little business, but for today, I am going to stop it here.  So, I have blathered on about how to know if you are ready to start your own business, next time I will talk about how to actually start your own business.  Or at least how I did it!  I hope this is of interest to someone (anyone? ;) because I do very much enjoy discussing it. 

And I'd love love love to hear what anyone else has to say about all this business talk! 

(A blog post without a photo just seems wrong so here is a photo of adorable Amber, modeling one of my aprons.)

Have a great day! 

Blue Gingham!

I adore gingham.  Always have.  It is so fresh and sweet and nostalgic.  So, after being told that the blue and white gingham I use for my strawberry skirts was discontinued I was quite bummed.  But, I just happened upon more!  Yippee!  So, I snatched up all that was left and now have enough fabric to make a few more of these!

And this time, I will be keeping one for myself, something I rarely do. 

Valentine's Day is tomorrow!  Happy  Valentine's Day everyone! 

Above is one of the many vintage postcards I have purchased at Hal Lutsky's Vintage Paper Fair. 
When I attend, it is usually prissy me, one of the only girls, in a room of old guys in plaid shirts looking for WWII memorabilia.  But, that is part of what makes it great because they have no interest in the vintage girly postcards so I've gotten some great prices on little works of art that I cherish. 

Oh, and I want to give a heartfelt Thank You to Jennie from Falling Down the Rabbit Hole who has given me a little award!  Thank you Jennie! 

Happy Valentine's Day! 

Delightful Weekend

Happy Monday!  I hope you had a delightful weekend!  We sure did!  Busy busy but in such a good way!

On Saturday we went to San Francisco.  I do love love love San Francisco.  I take great pride in being a third generation Bay Area girl!  Anyways, we started out our little day trip with a picnic. 

Nice view, ya? 

Than we went to the Legion of Honor and saw a beautiful Marie Antoinette exhibit.  Wow, what inspiration!  Take me back to France!  The exhibit focused primarily on the Petit Trianon. 

Petit Hameau is my favorite part of the Petit Trianon grounds.  It is one of the most magical places I have ever visited.  The exhibit touched on it briefly.  I was surprised that the exhibit did not feature it more, and when Richard and I were in France I really wanted to show it to him but we couldn't even find it.  I visited Petit Hameau back in college with some Parisian friends.  It was isolated without any tourists like a little French secret.  I'm further amazed that it was not featured in the Marie Antoinette movie.  Granted, a lot was missing from that film but nonetheless, I was surprised.  This has left me feeling as if it was my own little secret!  Has anyone else been?  It is a idealistic interpretation of a Normandy village as commissioned by Marie Antoinette herself for her to visit and play in with her children. It is so quaint and perfect I find it to be just beyond words!

I am quite good at getting sidetracked...so, back to the Legion of Honor and our San Francisco day.  After the museum, Richard had a little surprise for me.  He took me to Peapod Fabrics as an early Valentine's surprise. 
I purchased a small assortments of sweet fabrics that I need like a whole in my head. 

Somehow, I managed to squeeze in tidying up my very messy studio.  Generally, my studio is like being in a nest consisting of baskets overflowing with fabric, lace, and an assortment of ribbons and trim.  My sewing table is a jumble of jewelry boxes containing various sewing notions.  I call this my "creative mess."  But it does get to a point where it is just simply a "dis-functional mess!"

Than on Sunday we had a little apron photo shoot.  Pretty little doe eyed Amber was a delightful model!  Here is a sneak peak. 

Please Note: All images for my business, Cece Marie, are copyright protected!  My business is my baby that I am working sooo hard on!  You mess with my baby and I am one maaad mama!  Thank you! ;)

Sorry, I felt it necessary to include the above rant, but well, you know how it is.  We designers want to share our visions with the world but well, sometimes it can be a bit risky. 

So, after the photo shoot, we took my Mom out to dinner for her birthday to the Hill Top Cafe. 
The Hill Top Cafe is in a 100 year old converted "house of ill repute" (really!), on top of a hill (obviously.)  I will always have a soft spot for the Hill Top Cafe.  It was my first waitress job in college and where I met my first real boyfriend.  Oh, the memories.  Anyways, it is a quaint place and in our family, we like quaint.   

We hope you enjoyed your birthday Mom!

Isn't she a cute Mom!  63 years young and looking darn good I think! 

I hope I haven't put any visitors to sleep with my step by step recant of our weekend! 
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for stopping by! 
Merci!  Cece
 

Spring preview!

Spring is coming!  Cath Kidston (oh, how I adore Cath!) has just launched her spring collection for us all to covet! 

I love the fresh faced and natural look of her models.  And those colors!  I really can't wait to launch my little dress collection. 

My dresses and skirts aren't ready yet but my spring aprons are on the way.  Want a sneak peek? 

A belated but very sweet pink gingham Valentine hostess apron.  I only have a couple of these but seeing as Valentine's day is only 2 weeks away it really is just as well!

And my new Strawberry Picnic Le Flirt Apron; very cheerful and sweet!  I have a real penchant for strawberries.

Well, these aprons and a few other new spring styles are now up on cecemarie.com.

I know it is only February but I'm anxious to get back out in the garden.  Last year Richard surprised me and planted sunflower seeds.  I adore their big smiling faces!  They got so big and tall that they were peeking in our windows as if to say, "hello!" 

This year I really want to try planting hollyhocks too.  I wonder if they are very difficult?  If anyone has any hollyhock tips please do share!  Every cottage garden needs hollyhocks don't you think? 

I miss the rose garden that we had at our old house.  That was my Valentine's day present from Richard last year, a beautiful rose garden.  If the way to a man's heart is through his stomach then the way to my heart is definitely through flowers!  We will be planting roses in our new yard this spring for sure! 

I prefer big bountiful cottage style blooms, very English cottage in appearance.  Richard and I really are still novices when it comes to roses so please, if anyone has advice as to which ones we should go with, I'm all ears! 

Thank you for letting me share glimpses of my new spring creations and glimpses of last years garden! 

Oh, one more photo.  I almost forgot!  Who knew lettuce could be so beautiful!  Richard grew lettuce last summer along with a bevy of other veggies.  I look forward to that again too. 

Well, I'm off to bed.  Thank you for stopping by and sweet dreams! 

Why do we undervalue ourselves?

This is something that has been in the back of my mind for a really long time.  I would like to discuss it.  Are you game?  I value your opinions and as women and consumers I think it is important that we open up the dialogue on the following subject. (yeah, this is not a very light hearted post.) 

I was just poking around etsy despite having a million other things I should be doing. 
There are some really talented designers and artists on there selling their beautiful creations at such amazing prices! 

That has me wondering...WHY DO WE UNDERVALUE OURSELVES?  I am elated and relieved that (at least a portion of) our culture is turning back the clock a bit and reviving our appreciation of handmade and American made goods.  But, it should come at a price.  If you want goods that are limited editions or one of a kind, and made in the USA you are going to have to pay the price.  Or so I thought.  I see women with this amazing work that they are selling at prices that compete with mass market imports and it makes me a bit sad.  I want these women (and myself!) to have a chance at a viable business where we can make a living with our designs or at the very least a supplementary income while producing things ourselves or ethically stateside.

I talked to my Mom about this and she says that she remembers when she was a young woman that almost all her garments were made in the US and that everyone had way fewer garments in general but the garments they did have were considerably better quality, made to last and, were considerably more expensive (relative to wages back then.)  You know, I like that.  I want fewer "things" but I want the things I do have to be more special.  I'm so tired of this disposable culture that we have become. 
And when I look at the tags on many vintage garments they include a "Union Made" tag.  Hey, why are there not garment workers unions anymore?  Does anyone know about this?  I've attempted to research this and I even asked at my old design school (FIDM in SF) and they just shrugged.
I have many a reason as to why I think it is important that we support American made, ethically produced goods and I would LOVE to hear your opinions on this subject too. 
I, for a brief period of time, was a production manager for an international handbag company.  It was a truly eye opening experience that I will never forget.  I believe that it is reasonable that a portion of the goods we consume should come from other countries.  But there was a time when imported goods were imported to the US because of their cultural specialties and uniqueness not because it enabled us to get goods manufactured for dirt cheap while taking horrible advantage of the laborers while putting greater strain on the environment.
Ok, I will get off of my soap box now.  But, I really think this is an issue worth discussing! 

Here are a few photos of some of my recent etsy faves.  These are some of the goodies I would buy if I hadn't already exhausted my "play money" for the month.

Isn't this purse the sweetest!  It is so romantic and just so special!  All that hand embroidered silk, made in California, for $45.  In a department store, made in China, that would go for $100 easily.  monitageorge on etsy if you want to take a peek. 

One of a kind necklace from LuLu Sparkles, only $19! 

Lovely Candy from San Antonio has made 60 of these sweet yoyos and is selling them all for $10!  Aren't they cute enough to eat!  Love the colors.  Maybe I make them incorrectly, but I thought that yoyo making was pretty darn time consuming.  Wouldn't they be super cute sewn around the hem of a skirt? 

Well, that's my two cents for the day. Tata for now!  And as always, Best Wishes!   

Yippee!

I'm super excited! Richard just finished adding a shopping cart to my website! I feel so big time now! Well, maybe not "big time" but professional at least. He is completely self taught and I couldn't be more proud of him! When my Richard puts his mind to learning something he never disappoints! By day he is an engineer and at night while I am sewing away he has been teaching himself how to make websites.

We've also been taking some new photos lately. The website, although redone, still has many of the original photos. That is our next project, new more editorial style photos. And in a few weeks I am going to have my first real model for a little photo shoot! One new addition for now is an explanation of my various kitchen and hostess apron styles.

We're contemplating indoor versus outdoor photos. I'm torn, I think it pretty much depends on the circumstances, lighting, etc.

So, the above apron; blue and white gingham with a red heart has been my #1 seller at shows and now it is finally on my website! Whenever I do a show they always sell out before I get around to taking a photo. That is not a complaint as that is certainly a good problem to have! But now we finally have some good photos of it. I really want to make it in pink and white gingham with a red heart but that has yet to happen. With Valentine's day right around the corner wouldn't that be perfection! But then again, you can wear the blue one year round.

Slowly but surely, one step at a time, this little business is growing!

Hope you've all had a good weekend!

Phew!

The last order has shipped.
It's on it's way.
Now, I can have a Happy Holiday!

Aprons For Sale!

I am going to be selling my aprons at a event this upcoming weekend.  This is my last event before Christmas so I decided to put a few aprons on sale.  I thought perhaps some of my blog readers might be interested too.  I don't want to leave y'all out! 
So, I'm going to post a few photos of aprons that I am offering for $28 plus shipping.  These will be on a first come first served basis so please don't hesitate!  If you would like to purchase one please just leave me a comment stating which one and which state you live in and I will email you asap!  Oh, and I love to wrap presents so all aprons come thoughtfully wrapped with care!

Pink Daisy Ruffle Apron with Blue Gingham Trim (one available)

(Please note: Poppy the puppy does not come with the apron.) :)

(Please Note: As of 12/10 this apron has sold. Thank you!)

Burgundy Rose Garden (one available)

This one is a really nice and thick fabric.  And I like that the color does not show spots! 

(Please note that as of 12/10 this apron has sold.) Cream with Pink Flowers and Sage Gingham Trim (2 available)

(this one is my favorite)

Terracotta with Garden Flowers (1 available)

Terracotta with Garden Flowers is a nice heavy weight cotton.  Another great one for not showing spots and this fabric washes and wears really well. 

Last but not least; The Nantucket Apron, blue with yellow stripes and trim.  (2 available) Nice heavy weight fabric that washes and wears really well and doesn't seem to wrinkle much at all; especially for being 100% cotton.

Let's see...what else should I tell you about my aprons.  The ruffle apron is my original pattern that I made myself.  I've been selling them for a couple of years now and am proud to have received rave reviews from my customers!  Out of hundreds sold at fairs and shops and on-line too I have never had one return, only happy customers!  I am a professional seamstress so you will receive a excellent quality apron should you choose to purchase one.  All seams are surged and top stitched. 
Thank you as always for stopping by!  I hope you have enjoyed taking a peak at my aprons.  If you decide to purchase one or have any questions please just leave me a comment and I will get back to you asap. 
Have a lovely day!  Cece

Market this weekend!

I've decided last minute to attend the Marin Farmers Market this weekend! They emailed me to say that someone had cancelled if I wanted to attend. And I responded..."Count me in!"
Here are a few photos from last months market.

That apron with the heart pocket is my favorite! It always sells right away, before I get around to taking a photo of it for my website! I have more of the fabric though if anyone wants to order one. I really want to make one for myself too!

The red and white gingham hostess apron is another one of my favorites! I just love the vintage repro blue fabric I used as an accent. Oh, why didn't I buy more of that blue fabric! That is the last one of its kind I will be selling. I'm keeping the last 3/4 yd. for myself to trim my own apron, trim 2 dishtowels, and to make tie backs for my kitchen curtains. Oh, and I'm going to use the red and white gingham to make my kitchen curtains. I have so many ideas for my kitchen, it is going to be soo cute! I will show you pictures as soon as I make some more progress!

My little booth. I like my little booth. It makes me so happy. I dream of it being like a little boutique with aprons of course but also with baby dresses, and ladies skirts, tops, and dresses. Some tote bags again and all sorts of giftie items. I never seem to venture far from making aprons though. I guess one girl can only sew so much!

I didn't put up my backdrop the day I took these photos so you can see my little tan wagon. It was my Grammy's car. When she passed away I got her car and although I didn't really need another car I couldn't bare to sell it and now I'm so glad I didn't because it is perfect for doing shows and markets! I think my Grammy would be happy knowing that.

I make ponytail bows, pony ties, and headbands too. I've contemplated putting up free downloadable patterns in my side bar. What do you think? The ponytail bows look super cute on little girls and they just love them! The pattern is not just a tube, they are shaped similar to the way a man's bow tie is shaped.
And I wear the pony ties and headbands all the time. Or, maybe I will sell them for a small fee with 100% of the profits going to the Red Cross for the California fire victims? I think that would be great! What do you think?

Well, back to my sewing machine! Have a great day!
Cece

Round and round,

and around she goes, where she will stop nobody knows!  hmmm...I don't recall where I have heard that saying but that is how I have been feeling lately.  So many changes!  So much going on! 

So, my last post I mentioned a big interview.  I am both proud and sheepish because first, I got the job and than second, I turned it down!  Although interviewing can be very nerve racking it was actually a fun experience for the most part because it gave me the opportunity to briefly be my old self again.  I have been married and living a suburban life for 2 1/2 years now and it has been a pleasure but a major change from how my life use to be.  I worked in San Francisco for many years and before that I went to college in San Francisco.  So, the interviewing process allowed me to be that chic city girl I once was, although very briefly.  I've been meaning to take a photo of my interview outfit since it was such a fun departure from my daily attire.  I wore a high-waisted fitted black pencil skirt, cream silk charmeuse blouse, and a black and cream boucle cropped jacket with very high black heels with ankle straps.  Oh, and sheer black hosiery with a seam up the back (very 1940's!) and my cream cashmere coat (which I never get to wear anymore.)   
The corporate headquarters of this cosmetic company where I was interviewing was impressive for a girl like me who has been living a quiet and quaint life for a few years!  Seriously, I felt like I was on the set of en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Devil_Wears_Prada_%28film%29   I stepped out of the elevator into an all white, glass, and crystal foyer!  My interview was with a Regional Manager in her sleek corner office with an amazing view of the San Francisco skyline.  I felt like I was sooo out of my element!  Rather over the top but so fun to visit.  Anyways, to make a long story short; the very next day I was offered the job.  Perhaps I should have taken it.  Perhaps if I was more confident I would have.  I know that I interview well and all but I was pretty shocked that they offered me the job!  I mean couldn't they see that despite my fancy get-up I really am just a small town girl with curly red hair who collect hankies and sewing boxes?  Couldn't they tell that most days I scoot around my house in ballet slippers not stilettos?  Ok, enough about that...I'm relieved I didn't take it I know I would have gone mad due to stress and would work insane hours.  Besides, I'm not enamored with prestige or fancy things the way I use to be.  I would not be a good fit for such a image based environment. 
I did however land a much less intimidating job that I am so so excited about!  I am going to be a assistant manager at a delightful garden shop!  I love to garden and I love window boxes and flower pots and outdoor furniture and pagodas and...and...and...I could go on and on.  Anyways, it will be nice stable full time employment yet I will still be able to pursue my crafty endeavors on the side.  I am very very happy about this.  Big sigh of relief! 
Thank you for enduring my job talk! 
So, last weekend my Mom did the sweetest thing!  She knows that Richard and I are on a really tight budget right now so she took us to my very favorite place for a fancy three course meal as a treat! Le Bistro

Le Bistro in Walnut Creek, CA is this darling tiny restaurant that is just so so charming!  The staff consists of the owners, Jean-Paul and his wife Kathleen, and about two French waiters on any given night. 

Wherever my Mom goes so does her pup, Carly.  She seriously refers to Carly as my sister that is how attached she is to her pup!  But can you blame her?  Look at this sweet ball of fuzzy wuzzy sweetness! 

That is our stairway which will be changing colors very soon thank goodness!  Nice colors for someone other than myself. 

I really like this photo, I think my Mom and Carly look a bit alike.

Thank you Mom!  We Love You!  And Carly too! 

sorry for the freak out...

Hello. How is everyone today? I say that as if "everyone" happens upon my humble blog; not the case for sure but nonetheless I do hope everyone out there in blogland is having a nice day! So, as some of y'all know, I had been blogging for over a month and I was finding my voice and bumbling along, enjoying myself as I bobbled around blogland and than POOF! all gone. You see, I had a minor freak out and erased it all. I'm so bummed. I'm just such a nut sometimes. A real life acquaintance happened upon my blog and was asking me about some embarrassing stuff I dribbled on about on my blog and well...I just couldn't take it! So, I came home and erased it all. Ya...big bummer. I actually was really liking my little blog too. Well, I won't do that again...promise. Instead, you all are just going to be my little secret :) until I am ready to reveal this wonderful world with well, the real world.
When I was a little girl growing up kind of out in the country as a very shy only child, I came up with a imaginary world and in that world was my best friend, Lasa. Lasa liked everything I liked! And she always wanted to play house when I wanted to play house and she didn't even mind playing the part of the Daddy because I of course ALWAYS played the Mommy. I digress...my point is...blogland is this happy place for me where suddenly I feel understood and validated and so much more open than I am in real life. You all are my Lasa!
I am usually quite shy you see. I mean, I am very friendly but I am shy about revealing my true self to other real life people. Fear of being judged and misunderstood I guess. So, I am back for good this time and I am really sure of that this time. :)

So, I am going to retrace my steps a little bit...this is me, Cece.

That photo was taken on my birthday. My dear hubby knows how much I love pink and that I love polka dots!

And this is Richard, the aforementioned dear hubby, looking dapper in his suit and tie.

Occassions that require a suit and tie are far and few between in our life but he just looks so cute in this photo it is one of my faves.

And this little ball of furry love is Poppy Flower. She is our baby and we love her so much! We rescued her from the Humane Society. When I say rescue, I mean literally, we got her just in time and I am so so thankful!

She does have a drinking problem though.

Doesn't she look a bit drunk in that photo!

And this is Ginger. Our snuggle bug, house mouse, and mischief maker.

Her resume includes; excellent tummy rub recipient, bug catcher, and floor licker. She is always by my side as I sew, and well, always by my side generally.

Pardon the disgruntled look on her face. She is the sweetest girl but as soon as she sees a camera she freezes. Camera shy I guess.

So, that's me and our little family so far. We do hope to add some babies to the bunch soon, hopefully very soon! My father has expressed his sincere concern over my referring to my pups as my babies. I asure you I have not gone off the deep end yet but we do hope to start a family soon.

How about a few random facts about moi? A fabulous excuse to avoid house cleaning and errand running don't you think?

Ok, here we go...

* I have a funny little voice. Really...truly...I do. I use to hate it and it made me very shy. I'm not so phased by it anymore. My voice is very little girl like and frequently catches people off guard. I like to think of when I'm a little old lady with this tiny little girl voice it will be hilarious!
* I'm a lefty. I'm not sure why but I really like being a lefty, it makes me feel special. :)
* I'm a vegetarian and I LOVE animals! My love for animals started very young. I was given a pony when I was 5 years old. To my Grandma's dismay I would not kick it to make it go. I absolutely refused! I did love however to lay on her like a big hug and to sit and talk to her for hours. I'd put little braids in her mane with little wild flowers from the field behind our house. I don't usually talk about it unless asked but animal rights really is as important to me as religion is to many people. I just can't bare the thought of killing and torturing animals when we don't have too. I just don't understand to be honest. I avoid leather too. Ok, I could go on and on about this, but enough said.
* I'm a total Francophile! I have such a romantic vision of France and I thought after going to France I might get over that a bit but it is worse actually! I LOVE France! Such a beautiful culture and such an amazing heritage!
* We got married in the woods in a grove of redwood trees. We feel most spiritual when in nature and I couldn't think of a more enchanting or beautiful place than the woods to exchange our wedding vows!
* Forever and ever I have wanted to have my own little line of clothing and accessories but now I am contemplating if that is in fact what I am meant to do. I now see mass production as just clogging up our world with more stuff we don't need. If I could figure out a way to use vintage and recycled materials and create a line that is environmnentally and socially responsible than perhaps I will still do it but as of now I am on the fence and think I just may try and find a alternative creative outlet and different way to use my business background.
* We just moved and I am making it my mission to decorate the whole house in as much vintage and antique items possible. I love the look of vintage and one of a kind items anyways but it just seems so much more environmentally responsible too. Plus, refinishing and repainting furniture is so so rewarding!

Well, thank you for letting me introduce myself and my family to you! And I have enjoyed sharing random tidbits of information as well!

I hope you have a lovely day wherever you may be!

Sincerely, Cece