Bags are on the way.

Here is a snap shot of some bags I have been working on.  I will post the finished products as soon as I have them done.  I must admit, I am getting to be a pro at zippers.  They can be so tough.
My favorite thing about making the bags is picking out the trim to go with it.  I have so much fun putting the fabric combinations together.  It must seem odd that I think it is fun, but I enjoy it so.  Ah, my creative side always has a way of shining through.

It's a bit BIG! Oops!

I just have the zipper left in the cute dress for little Miss Freja, and tried it on her.  HMMM, very big.  At least she is growing and not shrinking, lol.  I should have made a small instead of a medium.  I will try this pattern again in a small next time, just have to find some fun fabric.

It will be so cute when she can walk and stand on her own.  Thanks Mormor for the help modeling.

The bodice is done...progress!

I finished the bodice! Yeah! On to the skirt and finishing the whole garment.  I just had to try it on Freja, at this age she doesn't know it will be an Easter bunny present. Oh, I can't wait to see it on her finished.  It will be so cute I must admit.  

I think she likes it too!

She really likes it, and look at that tooth! Oh my.

Distracted

When it has been raining for days I am easily distracted by the big yellow thing in the sky that is shining.  I had the best intentions to make Freja's dress but all I accomplished was to cut the lining and sew the cap sleeves.

Not good I know, but the sun came out and I just had to go for a long walk.  I think the reason I have been making so many blue inspired bibs is I miss the ocean.  Strange, as I only live a five minute walk to it, but in the summer it seems so much more accessible. 

The sun is shining today so I must restrain myself and get a good chunk of the little ones dress done.  Time to play later.  Enjoy the sun if you can see it.

Before and After

One of my favorite things is before and after images.  I always love seeing the change and it fascinates me even if I know hoe it was done.  I wanted to share some working images (not the best) so you can see how the rattle ring begins and how it ends.  If any of you have process questions I will be more than happy to answer.

Before......

  After!

On another note, the sun is finally shining and I must get Miss Freja's dress done.  I will be posting pictures soon of the finished product.  Enjoy your day.

Busy, busy bee.

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I have finished twelve bibs so far with more to come.  What a busy, busy bee I have been.  It seems that I can only work when Freja is asleep, since she won't let me get anything done while she is awake.  That is not very often as she ha become very curios of this world.   I have some bags in the works as well and will post as I get them done.  I am also working on my etsy store. Wow.  Keep in touch to see the new goods.

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A close up of the stacked bibs.  It feels so good to see them stock piling, just hope they find good homes.

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Freja always wants to be a part of everything what a nosy little girl.

It's official.

After much debate I have decided to stick with Anna Hattendorf Designs, I know it is not the most original, but hey it's me, and the business cards just arrived in the mail.  I love them.  I ordered them from Moo, I decided on the mini cards as the will fit inside each bib pocket and bag nicely.  Also, it's something different.  They came really fast and were a reasonable price.  Great designs to choose from or you can always upload your own and a bonus of the whole thing is they surprisingly came from East Providence.  (I love being local if I can) Who knew a British company would have a base in little Rhody. Check them out, and enjoy.
I must keep on plugging and will post pictures of the finished products tomorrow.
Happy Spring (officially) to everyone.

15 Bibs and 5 Bags

I have been busy cutting out fabric for fifteen bibs and five bags.  I will begin sewing them together tonight after little Miss Freja goes to bed.  It has become really hard to sew while she is awake.  I am hoping it is just a phase, because sewing with a crying baby or while holding her has deemed challenging.

I will post the finished products soon.

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The pockets are lined up and ready to be put together.

A few more signs of Spring

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Officially spring begins on Saturday, but I believe it is here already.  I have been trying to keep motivated and making, but with such a long winter I can't help but spend some time outside.  It is also the first time Freja gets to explore the wold outdoors.  Back to work for me.  I will have new creations to post in the next few days.  I did a little fabric shopping / scavenging which is always fun and inspiring

Happy St. Patrick's Day.

The newest little leprechaun would like to wish you all a happy St. Patrick's Day.
I found this outfit as a surprise for Frank knowing that it would make his day.  He is so proud of her.  May you all have a beautiful green day.  I know I will with my Irish hubby and half Irish babe.  The sun is shining what more can you ask for.

 Start the bagpipes and find a shamrock, I'm off to find me pot of gold.

Recycled materials

One day my mom came down with a skirt in her hand and said would you like this.  I thought to myself, what beautiful fabric.  I wouldn't wear it as it was sewn like a potato sack (not flattering at all) and asked if she minded if I cut up.  She bought the fabric in Tubac, Arizona back in the eighties.  It is hand printed and dyed, absolutely fabulous.  The lining is form a trip to Mood Fabrics in NYC.  Wow, what an adventure that was.  I want to go back and with a millionaire.  The trim is just simply quilters tape and inside are a few felt applique flowers for a small surprise when you open it.  I love little things like that.  It always puts a smile on my face.  In all, my goal is to combine vintage, re-purposed and new in a funky fun way.

Bags, Clutches or Diaper cases maybe even a makeup bag

Here are a few zippered bags I have been making.  These particular ones have been ordered.  I used a blue / green theme for three and orange and pink (my new favorite color combination) for the last.  They are very versatile, all are lined.

Thinking blue.

These are lined with oil cloth which makes them spill proof on the inside, perfect as a makeup bag.

 

Perhaps a diaper case.  You can fit a bunch, and it looks inconspicuous.  Now all I need to come up with is the wipe case and pad.  I'm on a roll.

Good finds

My Mom and I have been looking for various trims and fabrics around her house.  These are few that I have scored.  All from Sweden, and they used to belong to my Grandmother.  I am so excited to use them in some new creations.

Putting in the snaps

The last step after sewing the bibs is to put the snaps in.  A chance to make a loud noise is always fun.

A dress for little Miss Freja

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 I decided to make Freja a dress in honor of spring and her five month birthday today.  Wow, I can't believe it has been five months.  It has gone so fast.  I never believed people when they said they grow so fast, but she really has.  The label said easy, but I am already putting a lining in.  I will keep you updated on the process.  It is so much work to make a dress, but it will be so gratifying to see her in it.

Yesterday

Yesterday was a productive day.  I made 6 bibs in total.  Five are inspired by spring, although it is cold and rainy today.  Wishful thinking right!

New Old Labels

It is funny what you can find.  After fretting the name change, I am still not convinced if I should stick with Anna Hattendorf Designs, my mom came across these labels.  She used to put them in my clothes as a kid.  They work well for the bibs and bags I have been working on.  I have an order in the mail with 100 labels for the other name, boo.  That will be sad and frustrating to open that package when it arrives.

Hmmmm, should I keep the name? It is my name, but seems boring to me for a company name.  Some other ideas have been Freesia Doily, (Freja's alter ego) and Hattendesigns.  Any thoughts?

Inspired by spring.

I am so happy that spring is on its way.  It i sgreat to go for long walks and feel the sun on your cheeks.  AHHHHHHH! I love it.  Freja is experiencing it for the first time, oh how exciting to see buds and flowers peeping out.  I love the colors of spring and intend to use them as inspiration.

I just wanted to share a few crocuses for those who have not seen any yet. Enjoy and happy almost spring!!!!  I think the groundhog had it wrong.

working away

Laying out a bib design.

Rattle Ring

This little ring was  inspired by the classic silver rattle.  It works nicely to distract a little one or as a conversation starter at a party.

Mommy Bracelet.

 

This is an example of the mommy bracelet, a simple bangle either oval or round shaped with the name stamped on it.  Simple, but oh so nice to have or give.

Name Change

Due to unfortunate events I have had to change my blog name, grrrrrrr.
It was too similar to another company.  In my opinion there was a difference but I am just beginning and don't have the funds or means to fight.  So, temporarily my blog and line will be called anna hattendorf designs till I can think of something more fun.

MORE BIBS...

Freja can't sit up on her own for too long just yet.  So my model was not really cooperating she also insisted on eating the merchandise.  She will put anything in her mouth since she is teething.  I just thought this picture was adorable.

BIBS BIBS BIBS.