Sunshine and Seashells

Today, I am taking a break. A well deserved break. School is out for summer, my 2 year reign as PTA President has ended, and Sister Sue Designs is off and running after it's first year! What better time to take a vacation? Before all of our summer commitments get underway, we took off for the sunshine and seashells of Sanibel Island, FL. If you've never been here, you must visit soon.

Our family loves this place. It has a wonderful "small town" feel. There is no McDonalds, you support the local economy dining at wonderful family owned eateries and shopping at lovely local shops. There are more seashells on the white sand beaches than I can begin to describe. Really, it's heaven.

When I return home, Sister Sue Designs will debut at a very unique shop. It is Emily's flowers in Leawood, KS. Not just any flower shop. Emily is so talented and her flower designs are truly a piece of art! She carries other gifts in her shop; all very unique and lots of small business owners. Some of our items will carry over next door to Trendz Market, also a unique shopping experience. So, if you are local; go shop there. But not 'til next week, when my stuff arrives! OK?

Please.

and thank you.

Last, but not least, the Shelbie Sundress and Modern Megan Frock will be listed in the shop. Finally. Just wanted to wait until I returned from vacation; as I have high hopes that I will be busy making lots of these dresses!! So, spread the word....

Perfect pair

Today, I had a nice overcast day to shoot some pictures of more Shelbie Sundresses. When I look at this picture, it's as if I almost see two little girls with their arms around each other. The perfect pair. They just look so happy together, hanging there in the late spring breeze.

More to sew. Can't wait to launch them in the shop.

The face behind the name....

Meet Shelbie, the face behind the Shelbie Sundress. Isn't she a doll?! She is wearing one of the sundresses that I have been BUSY sewing these days. This prototype happens to be a tad long on her, but I have seen her in it in person - she's yummy in it. In later edits of the dress, I have shortened it up to be a few inches below the knee. More of a "tea length" sundress.

For those of you who have inquired, the dress is coming soon! Keep checking back for more cute clothes in the works...

Sew much to do.

Ok, so I have had one of the best days ever. Really. It all started when I dropped my son off at preschool this morning, with test dress #2 for a classmate's little sister. It is the same design as the dress pictured here, but in glorious pink fabrics by Amy Butler and Anna Maria Horner. My friend Amie was so excited, she immediately dressed little Shelbie - and it was SO CUTE. I had 3 people ask to order dresses. I haven't even listed them in the shop yet! Can you feel me *smiling*?

The blue dress is being tested and modeled by Jamaya, my other friend (and amazing hairdresser) Amy's beautiful daughter. Wow. Look at that pout. She is destined for the runway! This dress is going to be great for spring and summer. It is elastic around the chest, with adjustable straps that tie in a bow in back. Complete with ruffle at the bottom for that added "girly" touch.

The other exciting pieces of news fit nicely together! Today, I met with a local retailer about selling Sister Sue Design items in her shop - and she loved my stuff! *Sigh* Sometimes I feel so lucky. Our goal is to have inventory in the store June 1. Anyway, the Kansas City Star Magazine had contacted me about featuring Sister Sue in an article once I had a local presence. SO, guess what?! We're going to be in the paper! Not sure when, but I'll keep you posted.

Ahhh....I'm *smiling* again.

Let me know what you think of the dress. I'm hoping to get a few more done this week and posted in my shop. I'm off to sew....

A place to lay your head

I feel as though I am always looking for a unique and different gift idea for my kids to give at birthday parties. One of our all time favorites is to give a pillowcase. Not your run of the mill, plain jane pillowcase - but a KIDcase PILLOWcase from Sister Sue Designs! Kids LOVE them because they are bright and fun; parents LOVE them because it is a practical gift with a twist! We generally give them paired with a book, so kids can kick back and relax. I LOVE to give books, as we are big readers at our house!

There are so many occasions you could gift a KIDcase PILLOWcase! Celebrate birthdays, accomplishments, vacations, sleepovers, transition to a "big bed" or make a hospital stay special and memorable. I am sure you can think of other great ways to give one! Boys and girls alike love to receive them. This weekend, I made 7 of them to fill local orders! Whew! Happy moms everywhere as kids want to chill out and read a book - maybe they will sneak in a nap too! Always good when the kids want to LAY DOWN and be quiet; or look forward to going to bed.

So, try one - your kids will LOVE them!

Hollywood, here we come...

I received this photo today from Style Cafe Moms that our Original Diaper Tote and Cloth Play Blocks have been packaged into the gift basket for Rebecca Romijn's twins! Can you spot the Sister Sue items? I feel like they got such a prominent place, smack in the middle of the picture! They also included a press release that will be sent out as well.
I am so excited, and can't wait to hear any feedback they receive from Rebecca and Jerry. Coming up next should be the photo and press release for Gwen Stefani's swag for her son Zuma. Oh, I am smiling! ....movie stars, swimming pools....

Sweet mother of mine...

Today is my mom's 61st birthday. Happy Birthday, mom! I am so grateful to my mom for more things than I could ever list here. But, without her, I would not have learned to sew; nor would I have started Sister Sue Designs. She is my best friend, my rock and support, and one of the most beautiful people I know - inside and out! I can only hope that I have enough of her genes, to age as gracefully as she has!

My daughter and I made this sweet pincushion for her birthday. Isn't it just yummy looking?! A very easy pattern by Cindy Taylor Oates. I highly recommend making these for anyone who loves to sew.

Happy Birthday, mom! Here's to many more cupcakes....