New Serger, Yay!!!!

(Some pics of my new Kenmore Serger and the tools that came with it.)

I've been working with my new Kenmore serger from Sears. So far its been great and bad at the same time! lol It came with several tools, however, it did not have a serger threader which I believe it should have came with. Serging saves a whole lot of time on edging and seams, but I haven't figured out how to do everything yet. Learning the different techniques is difficult and a bit time consuming. Threading wasn't too bad after I got the hang of it, but the first time... whew! Here's a tip, make sure you thread the spools in the order that the DVD tells you because if you don't, you are going to want to smash the thing!! :-P

I've mostly been serging lighter weight fabrics, and it has worked wonderfully. Still need to try it on swim-wear knits. I hope that this will be easy and work beautifully.

Model, Store Grand Opening, & Sew Sew Sew

(Here is a one of the show garments in progress.)

This past weekend I went to a wedding an found another model, so that brings the count up to 6 out of 11. Whoo Hoo! In other news, lets see...there's been sewing, patterning, and more ummm sewing! Yay!! lol

Last Friday, was the Grand Opening/Re-opening of the store that sells my art and accessories. It is now under new ownership and a new name, Artesano Jewels. I sold some accessories! Whoo hoo!!

As far as the show is going, all three designers are madly working on completing their lines and we are planning to do a model practice and fittings the first week of April. Also we will be shooting look books of our lines sometime in April. I have to figure out what I want to have as the theme, style, look etc. Hmmm, what to do...

Patterning Pants & Sewing Bikinis

Here are a couple blurry pics: one of the pants' patterns I've been working on. The other is a pic of the pants' muslin. I made the muslin out of fabric similar to the weight and stretch of the fabric I will use for the actual pants. The muslin definitely did not fit as well as I hoped, as you can see, the crotch fit needs a lot of work. I've already made the adjustments to the pattern, and will make the second muslin tonight. Muslins are really annoying to make because you are basically making the garment twice when you do this, but it will save you a lot of stress in the end and give a better fit!!

On to swim-wear...this morning I did some research on how to sew on swimsuit fabrics-what thread type, stitch type, tips etc. Found several articles and posts on the subject, and of course there are various ways you can sew swim-wear. Hmm, makes things a little more complicated. Oh well, guess I'll just test a few until I find one that works best. One suggestion made by several people was to sew with Woolly nylon thread because it stretches with the fabric. So I'm going to do some searching for that this wk/wknd. Also suggested was serging all edges and using a double needle on the hems. Hopefully all this goes smoothly. Wish me luck!!

Needing Some Nap Time

(Pic: My current designer page on CreativeAmbitionsFashion.com . The site is still under some construction. Looking good so far guys!)

Since my last post several things have gone on...

I met with the current producers. I was a bit worried about how it would go, but everything went smoothly. Everything appears to be together, and they are very excited about the show. :-) Big ideas going on.

Five out of the eleven models needed for my line have been chosen. Yay!! I will post pictures of them later.

The producers, one of them being a photographer, did a photo-shoot of me. They wanted all the designers to have one done so that they could put designer profiles on the show's website, www.creativeambitionsfashion.com (still undergoing some construction). The shoot was only mildly embarrassing and nerve racking. lol The photographer, Okeye, was great, and my pictures turned out good. So I am happy, however, I would prefer that I not have to do another shoot anytime soon. Mostly because my arms never know what to do, annoying skinny things! :-P I think next time I'll just try to emulate Schwarzenegger in Mr. Universe. :-P

A preview party with Vie Magazine has been discussed. The party will "preview" a few looks from each of the three designers' lines. This will be for the benefit of the companies advertising with Vie Magazine and sponsors of the show. I have not yet decided on which garments will be shown at the party. Vie magazine's website is www.viezine.com .

Decisions... I believe that I have finally settled on the show line up for my garments. We'll see how long this decision lasts!

Next week I hope to do a few fittings so I can start deciding which models will wear what. Right now, I'm thinking the taller girls, 5'9" & up, will wear the longer dresses because I would like these dresses to be worn with flats. Pants and shorter dresses will be shown with heels and worn by the shorter models, 5'6"- 5-8". This set up will create more of a uniform flow on the catwalk.

I am currently decided on what hair and make up looks that will create the feel I want. I'm thinking defined eyes with a very natural, glowing look to the rest of the face. Hair will most likely be pulled away from the face into loose ponytails and buns.

Music still needs to be decided on, and I have yet to figure out what direction I'd like to go with. I want something strong but still soft. Any ideas?

Also working on a new website.

Other than that, I have given up anything resembling a social life and have spent everyday working on garments for the show and commissioned work for other clients. No more sleepy for Anna Maria...

First Vlog, New Producers, & Meetings

On with New Producers

Hey Everyone!

All attempts at convincing the original producer to continue with the show have failed. With that said, I will now entertain an overused cliche...THE SHOW MUST GO ON!!!

I have spoken once with the new producer in charge. He seems to have his stuff together, so I'm happy about that. However, with all the chaos going on, my work has suffered, and I am now about a week behind. Hopefully God will help me catch up!!

Also, with the new producer, the main benefactor has been changed to the Boys & Girls Club, with a smaller donation going to the American Cancer Society. I'm wondering how this will change our audience and sponsors. Different people will be interested in supporting the Boys & Girls Club, than were wanting to support the American Cancer Society. I don't know...

Working Hard on Dreams!