What a rollar coaster ride............

The NY Pet Fashion show is one week away and Lacy (mostly sleeping) and I (hobbling about on a bum knee) are two sights to behold as we try to complete preparations.  Seems we're both simpatico with our arthritic joints and other age related ailments.  Funny though that neither of us act our age (well not all day, every day).  I pranced around the city to attend the textile shows last week (paid dearly for that one, I must add) then off again this week to attend the NY Gift show, accompanied by my shopaholic sister Maggie.   

The eye candy is intoxicating at these events, and inspiration abounds.  Thank goodness, because last minute me, needed some embellishments and a couple of leashes to coordinate with the new harness vests.  No time to have them made by Edwin, my very capable resource unfortunately, but I did find a great resource who had a low minimum and so I was able to place an order for 3 designs that will work with the Winter Mitten red plaid, Really Rosey and the new Spring Linen design.

I spent time reworking patterns and made a couple more "Queen's Jewels" since I ran out of them at last year's event, Jewels are slightly different, prettier in my opinion and I also made a one of a kind 20's 
(sort of) harness with silk dupioni and velveteen burnout, inspired by my 
own 1920's burnout dress which I'll be wearing for the occasion. 

The design process has really taken hold and I've become driven again. I'm only sorry I don't have more time because once I get rolling, idea begets idea, and on and on and my brain is about to explode (in a good way).  

 I had to put Lollypups on the back burner to complete two freelance textile design assignments in December, and at first, didn't think I'd even want to do the event.  But frankly, I have such a good time and am so happy to be ensconced in pet creativity once again.  The DG expo is on Tuesday, more eye candy and hopefully new and exciting resources for baubles, tchotchkis and fabrics to keep this creative ball rolling.  Peter at B&A has hinted at another assignment in my future I'm happy to say, but for now, (as usual) I'm loving what's going on in the studio.  And Lacy.... well, she might not be coming to the event this year, but she still inspires.   The diaper cover design is almost complete. However, I do need a more acceptable name for it ..... especially for you old gal!

Gala prep once again

It's that time again......the Westminster Dog show takes place at Madison Square Garden in NYC on February 9, 2013 and Lollypups Designer Petwear will once again participate in the pre-show gala, now called the New York Pet Fashion Show, formerly the Pre-Westminster Fashion show on the evening of Feb.8th.  This year's theme is Roaring 20's and  happily, JL has graciously offered to help me with the table since Erika is on mommy duty and 18 month old Logan would have WAAAAYYYY too much fun running around, picking up and kissing all the pooches, preceding each kiss with a tender "awwwww". 
I will have a new  " table mate", Sally Anderson from Healing Jewelry for Pets www.healingjewelryforpets.com but Lacy will be unable to attend (see last blog) as I don't feel it's fair to pull her out of retirement.  When she isn't napping, (maybe for an hour or two in the late afternoon), she still allows me to try on the new harness vest styles that I'll be introducing at the show. I like to think she's still hands (paws) on in making this business work, but it's more that she's just too tired to move away from me.  Poor sweet girl.

I, on the other hand, literally feel her pain.  Right knee acted up again after walking around the garment district buying trims for the new styles then schlepping to the Texworld Show at the Javitts on Monday. JL had to run out the next day and buy me a cane or I would have been bedridden, a state of being that I completely dismiss.  It was a fancy leopard print one, not so much to ease my embarrassment at the need for a cane, but to ease his I think.  I did send him out to CVS with explicit instructions "..........not one of those ugly, old person canes please".  MRI scheduled for next Wednesday, so we'll see what transpires.

On a more upbeat note,  quite a few items sold in the past 6 weeks, thanks to my finally opening an Etsy shop.  (Artsy Dog had one sale, then they closed shop mid December).   Seems Etsy is the go to place for online buying (that and Amazon).  Sweaters went to customers in  NY, northern Florida and Colorado,
the latter, experiencing sub-zero temperatures, receiving hers in the nick of time! Happy to oblige the shivvering pooches, for sure.

So on the agenda, more "Queen's Jewels" are being made since there were requests for other sizes last year at the show,  the same being true for "Really Rosey".  Introducing Rosey Dot and a work in progress printed linen with a lace collar, cute and so very chic.  Still sourcing the lace collars and will hopefully have an embellishment picked for the Rosey Dot before the show.  Ria, I neeeeeeeeddddd you!!!

Still having fun in spite of the aching knee.