Sew machine, sew

Started sewing over the weekend but it didn't go too well: my machine needs yet another stitching adjustment...gggrrrr.

It has served me well, but I think I'm ready to find some help and maybe buy an industrial machine for myself. It's amazing how much time is needed for every little thing (websites, designing, shipping, buying, sourcing, etc) and since I do it all myself in addition to my day-job, having help with the actual construction would be beyond amazing. I'd love to focus more on design, creating more samples, and getting ANAMU into stores. All in good time, right? :)

Waste not, create more

Production scraps from a designer sample sale will soon adorn the next collection of ANAMU clutches. At the time of purchase I had no idea what I would do with a full bag of neon and pastel silk pieces, just that I had to have them!

What I did know was that the design inspiration would come as it's usually driven by the pieces themselves. Using existing materials is a different kind of challenge because they dictate what you will create (rather than dreaming something up and then going to the store to buy it). Challenges + inspiration = fun creative process :)

Fin de semana

On Saturday I met with a professional pattern maker and I'm so excited about all of the possibilities for taking ANAMU to the next level. She had some great recommendations for streamlining my processes and even making the bags themselves feel and look less DIY. What is most exciting is that I could potentially focus solely on design and the business side of things while contracting a local seamstress to take care of the sewing. Sewing takes up a serious amount of time and though I enjoy it, I'd be okay passing it off.

After my meeting I stopped by the Steven Alan Outpost in Los Feliz to celebrate their launch of carrying Les Morceaux jewelry. This hot new line is designed by a new friend and Downtown LA neighbor and I'm SO excited to see her getting such great buzz!

Spent the rest of the day cutting new scarves at home and thinking about what's next for ANAMU. I swear, I think I stood staring at all of my scarves, scraps, and fabrics for half an hour...literally just standing there and thinking.

Thankfully the boyfriend and I had planned a sunset dinner at our favorite Manhattan Beach sushi spot (otherwise I could work until the cows come home and forget to eat!). It was so relaxing and yummy... the perfect end to a busy day.

On Mother's Day I spent most of it playing with my niece Juliana. She was very fond of my bracelets so I'm taking that as a sign that she's going to be all about accessories as she gets older. Already a girl of her auntie mu's heart!

Unique LA Spring 2010 is in the bag

It just gets better and better. The folks at Unique LA (spearheaded by the amazing Sonja Rasula) pulled off an incredible two-day event filled with independent design, craft workshops, music, and good people.

ANAMU lucked out with a corner space that was perfect for creating a walk-through gallery feel. I learned a lot from the last show: each bag needs to be highlighted individually. With so many different prints and colors, they each need to shine!

The bags and display got incredible reactions. Lots of oohing and ahhing with some personal compliments that included gals saying that they loved my sense of design and overall aesthetic. So cool :)  Some women literally bolted into the booth from across the walkway to check out a bag that caught their eye!

Though it's always difficult to see my bags go, it's also gratifying and joyful to know that they are going to adoring new owners. Thank you to everyone that came out to support local talent. I had a blast sharing ANAMU with you!

View more booth photos here