'The Boutique'

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2011-10-21T21:13:00.001-04:00

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2011-10-21T20:59:00.001-04:00

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It's been a long time -- going wheely neely!

2011-09-11T21:52:00.000-04:00

Where have I been? I can't believe my last blog was so long ago! I suppose you could say summer got in the way. I just couldn't let myself miss any of the sunshine and fun. Plus, I have been so immersed in yoga teacher training that I have had to devote much of my free time to my studies.

I'm finding that it's a bit difficult getting back into the groove of things. I have a few ideas looming around and have already decided to branch out to more projects (I can only sew dresses for so long considering my Ada won't step foot in one). So I decided to just do some 'warm-ups' on the sewing machine I like to call going 'wheely neely'. So much of our lives is dictated by daily schedules and routines. In my house we wake by the latest at 6:30 and dressed/out the door by 7:30. School, work, run (for me), and then it's back to home to reunite -- sometimes with evening meetings or appointments we juggle. Oh and I forgot to mention it's soccer season where Drew is the coach for BOTH teams! It is very confining to live a life like this with little room for creativity. It's a bit like sewing patterns, which I immensely dislike. You must follow the lines and if you deviate, your entire project will fall apart.

Sewing wheely neely just means without a pattern. Going with your intuition. Sometimes in life you have to step back and be wheely neely. The unbeaten path. The road less traveled. It's about finding yourself and exploring your options. It's about living freely and embracing all of your experiences. Don't get wrapped up in the routine and monotomy of your daily routine. EXPLORE and smell the roses along the way.

Butterflies and organization

2011-06-20T22:02:00.000-04:00

Butterflies and organization don't really have anything in common, but for my eclectic brain it definitely does :) It just so happens these are two huge parts of my life right now. I have really immersed myself in gardening and I have two butterly bushes that attract the most beautiful butterflies. It is so amazing to see how these plants can attract the most beautiful insects. That and a skirt I own that has a similar design inspired me to create this dress.

The second part of my life that I am fully immersed in is ORGANIZATION. After a year of a lot of new challenges: growing business, new addition to my full-time career, and just the ordinary 'we have too many THINGS' dilemma-----------I feel the dire need to downsize, simplify, and organize. The great thing is that better organization makes me more productive and creative. Here are a few pics of my fabric stash. I love color and so what makes me happy is to organize by colors. It really helps me envision the final product.

Some pinks and black/whites with a section for my unique fabric. The skirt is a one-of-a-kind from my grandmother who sewed this for me as a tennis skirt when I played tennis at the Naval Academy. I want to start making wrap skirts and so this inspires me. I like to hang it as a reminder to keep focused on that product.

And my 'to do list'. Watch out BJ's Blings and Things -- all new dresses soon (before my vaca!)

Reduce. Reuse. Recycle. -- For the little boys in your life!

2011-06-16T20:44:00.000-04:00

Every craft fair I get a common remark -- 'oh your clothes are soooo cute, but I only have little boys'. If only it were as much fun to sew for little boys. However, I have found a very fun and creative outlet with embellishing gently used overalls. It's all about finding the fun and quirky fabric!

Sorry for the orientation on this one. I'm not sure how to fix it.

But isn't that the cutest martian you have ever seen!

Anchors Aweigh!

2011-06-15T22:09:00.000-04:00

'Anchor aweigh' is a term used by sailors to let the Captain know that the anchor is no longer touching bottom and you are ready to set sail on your next adventure. So from me to you -- Anchor Aweigh for sure! Looking forward to hearing about all your adventures.

It is also one of the Naval Academy's fight songs that we sang very frequently in my days as a midshipman:

Anchors Aweigh, my boys

Anchors Aweigh

Farewell to college joys

We sail at break of day, 'ay 'ay 'ay

O'er our last night ashore

Drink to the foam

Until we meet once more

Here's wishing you a happy voyage home!

Bridge

Heave a ho there! sailor

Ev'rybody drink up while you may

Heave a ho there! sailor

For you're gonna sail at break of day

Drink a-way, Drink a-way,

For you sail at break of day, Hey!

Annapolis - Sailing Capital of the World

2011-06-14T21:56:00.001-04:00

I had my first glimpse of Annapolis when I was a freshman in high school and attended my uncle's wedding at the Naval Academy chapel. I suppose I fell in love. Known as the 'Sailing Capital of the World', Annapolis is a precious town with a unique combination of quaint small town charm and close enough to Baltimore and D.C. to enjoy the museums and night life.

My love for 'Naptown' stems from a love for the water. To me, there is nothing better than being out on the water in a boat, kayak, standup paddle board, OR just sitting on the seawall at the Academy and watching all the boats come and go. I hope this dress gives you a glimpse of the beauty Annapolis has to offer and why I love living here. Now come visit, why don't 'ya!!

Prelude to a craft fair

2011-06-03T23:58:00.000-04:00

Just a few images of what happens in my studio when I prepare for a craft fair. UTTER CHAOS-- and I LOVE it!!!!

Sewer's Block

2011-05-25T21:48:00.000-04:00

I have a lot of ideas going through my mind about different dresses and accessories I can make. The problem is my mess of a sewing space. It totally demotivates me! I keep most of all the scrap fabric I have leftover because I use it all for my applique designs. Recently it got a little out of hand....scraps everywhere and in no organized manner. I felt completely overwhelmed, which I found had an effect on sewing. I didn't want to!

Today I decided to take a few minutes and organize the scraps into colors. That will make it easier to find exactly what I'm looking for. It felt so good when I finished (only took about 1/2 an hour) that I was inspired to make a shirt for Ada's pup Rufus, a yoga mat carrier, finished an applique, and cut out the design for my next project. It's amazing what a little organization can do for productivity! And that's for all areas of your life:)

So.....I do like pink!

ahhh....nice and organized! I feel like I can breathe:)

My first fabric store -- Piece Goods in Ashland, KY (circa 1980s). Unfortunately, it is no longer there.

Rufus's new shirt that matches the shorts I made for Miss Ada last summer. I think I'll make myself a skirt to match. I love the groovy fabric!

Next project inspired by my day with Ada at The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore.

The start of the yoga mat carrier I'm making for my little sister's birthday --'Hydrangea Grace Flower'. It's finished now -- just didn't have time to take pictures. It turned out beautiful!

Little Dresses for Africa

2011-05-24T20:41:00.000-04:00

I am so excited to be a part of this wonderful organization, Little Dresses for Africa. As you know, my main motivation in creating my dresses and accessories is to spread a message of compassion and love. That being said, I decided to ship out two of my favorites: The Bluebird of Happiness and my Lotus Flower dresses. I hope they find their way safely to a precious little soul.

A few pictures of the cutie pies with their beautiful dresses:

To learn more about this organization and perhaps sew your own dress, please visit the website at http://www.littledressesforafrica.org/blog/

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle - Coffee Cozies

2011-05-23T20:54:00.000-04:00

How many times do you pick up a new coozie at your favorite coffee shop? Stick one of these in your purse and help cut down on paper products. And yes, I meant 'cozies' and not 'coozies'. Keep that yummy cup of coffee or tea nice and cozy. Treat yourself to a good book and curl up with a blanket and read.

Happiness

2011-05-19T20:20:00.000-04:00

This is my "Happy Dress" - a simple daisy. There is something about this flower that makes me happy every time I see it. Surround yourself with little things (or big) and people that make you happy. Life is way too short to feel down.

I like to think of my dresses as keepsakes you will have year after year. This little dress can also be a shirt when your little one gets older (as modeled by my sweet Ada - 5 years old).

Ada admiring her past modeling gigs

Her first lost tooth!

A neat little signature I like to do with my flowers to make it even more unique

Have a great weekend everyone! We are headed to Rocky Point State Park -- goin' RVing.

I'll be sure to post on Monday!

OX, Beth

Imagination - a must have!

2011-05-16T22:55:00.000-04:00

With all the ready-made toys and technology children have today, it's important that we all instill a sense of imagination and creativity. Here is a FUN little dress I made for the little girl who thinks she is a mermaid when she swims. Just in time for summer beach vacations!

Day 2 - Recyclable bags - Cannonsburg Tigers

2011-05-11T23:18:00.000-04:00

A few months ago my daughter's class decided to have an initiative in which each child was to bring a lunch packed with all recyclable lunch items. So, being the ubercrafter that I am, I decided to sew her very own sandwich bags and VOILA! Here 'ya go. Only to be displayed at my craft fairs. Next one -- June 4 in Annapolis. Be there or be squre.

Sassafrass Overalls - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

2011-05-10T21:10:00.000-04:00

I love, love, love searching through thrift stores and finding treasures! I decided a few years ago to take advantage of all the gently used denim overalls and embellish them with my own design. Here is the 'Grace' dress in a refurbished Osh-Kosh-B-Kosh denim overall dress.

Why? Because I think there is too much emphasis placed on materialism in the world -- especially when it comes to things we don't really need. Why not take something that is in perfectly good condition and make it beautiful. I also want others to learn what grace really means to me:

Grace - 'Grace replaces evil with love. You cannot do this when you feel afraid, angry, or victimized. However, as you are working through your negativity, keep in mind that what lies on the other side is a gift.' -Deepak Chopra, The Third Jesus
Take a moment to transform your negative feeling to that of compassion and love. Open your heart to the world.

Namaste,
ox,
Beth

Oh! and a preview of my next Grace dress:

Summer starts today! -- and so does the 365 Craft a Day Project

2011-05-10T16:15:00.000-04:00

Wahoo!! My students completed their final exam last night and I am ready for summer to commence! Not without a list of 'plans of course:) Last summer was spent finishing the studio. Which, of course, lead to more projects in the fall/winter. That's what you get when you are your own contractor. Of course I still have a couple of things -- hang curtains, buy a futon couch (if anyone has a wooden futon couch to sell -- I'm in the market), paint the door, and clean the paint smatter off the floor. All small projects that can be done on a rainy day. Or maybe I'll put it on the Honey-Do List.

So this summer is wide open to new possibilities! As you know, I have decided to focus on thematic items that each deliver a unique message. I genuinely feel most comfortable with unique and artistic items rather than mass producing and being the authentic person that I am, want to continue in this direction. I see my clothing and accessories as works of art. How many authentic Mona Lisas are out there?-- one. So, I will stick with my intention and hopefully it will brighten somebody's day. If not, there is a baby gap or Old Navy most likely 10 miles from where you live. Enjoy.

So.......drum role, please......... my crafting summer project is going to be like the 365 photo contest you might see floating around facebook. Photographers are posting a picture a day and blogging about it. MINE is going to be the 365 Craft a Day Project. I will be creating and blogging about each item, which of course will have a story behind it. Then I will post it on Etsy for purchase. Please email me if you have any ideas about quotes or a theme. I'm always looking for new and creative ideas!

Oh and just so you know I'm not crazy and manic -- there is no way I will be able to do this EVERY day. I like to set my goals high, but am realistic. I won't be crafting when RV'ing, on the boat, or traveling to various vacation destinations. The rest of the time --and when not gardening, going to the pool, and meeting with Health Coaching clients -- I will be in the studio creating with my assistants. Aaahhhh.....I love the summer!

I'll post the first one later this evening. I'm off for a beautiful run in The Park (Severna Park, that is)!

ox,
beth

Princess and the Pea -- What's your pea?

2010-12-02T10:19:00.000-05:00

Everyone knows the story of the princess and how she couldn't sleep because of a tiny pea burrowed beneath the stack of mattresses. I believe this story has a deeper meaning. We all have a 'tiny pea' in our lives that keep us from accomplishing our goals, make us upset, drain us of energy.....the list goes on. We dwell on the pea and we feel sorry for ourselves so much that the pea becomes this monstrous boulder that we can't seem to break down.

So how do we learn to live with the pea?

We embrace the pea.

What does that mean?

It means that you think about whatever it is that is bothering you and you talk with someone about it (or write in your journal). Get to the main reason why you are so upset. Realize that this pea might not ever leave you and then convince yourself that there is a reason why you are forced to endure the pain. That which does not kill you makes you stronger---right? And finally, come up with some sort of strategy to alleviate the pain and suffering. Take a walk. Go for a run. Plant a flower. Sew a dress.

What's my pea?

Today, my pea is the laundry (sometimes the pea can be rather superficial). This pea will unfortunately be with me for the rest of my life. What's the big deal about laundry, you ask? I'm upset because the laundry machine is downstairs and sometimes I am too lazy. Plain and simple truth. Alas, there is no avoiding it. So, I must devise a strategy. I will do one load every other day and that way I don't let it overwhelm me on the weekend. And after I start a load I will slip into the studio to scope out what my next dress will look like---I'm naming it 'Grace'. I can't wait to share it with you!

ox,
Beth

Patience

2010-11-03T10:47:00.001-04:00

I found it quite ironic that as I was putting the finishing touches on my 'Slow and steady wins the race' dress, I should encounter a true test of my patience. I was done with the applique and began the hem (my least favorite part) when I began to notice the bobbin thread was acting strange and my stiches were not communicating as they were supposed to. I rethread, turned the machine on/off (doesn't that fix EVERYTHING), rethread again, rethread one more time, on/off........alas, nothing worked.

At that moment I found myself wanting to take the machine and throw it off the tallest building. Instead, I shut my eyes and listened to my breath--my thoughts---my NEGATIVE thoughts. I began to think of it as a situation that was beyond my control and that it was a test of how I could deal with being patient. Since I could not sew temporarily, I decided to cut out the applique pieces for two new dresses. My daughter, Ada, was with me and we talked about the story behind it. It was so cute to hear her tell me her own version of Goldilocks and the 3 Bears. And when I asked her what the lesson of the story was she said, 'don't go into stranger's houses without their permission'. I love her so much!

It's so easy to get caught up in frustration and completely lose control of your thoughts. Take time to meditate and think about turning negative thoughts to something more positive. Change your perspective. Change your direction. Change your intention. Just don't sit there and dwell on the negativity. You will miss out on something happy.

The next day I took my sewing machine to the 'hospital' and found that I had simply been using the wrong thread. We cleaned it out a bit and I was sent home without any major service. And I was finally able to finish my dress. It is true...........Slow and steady wins the race!

My little helper :)

and a few items on the cutting board: Goldilocks and the 3 Bears/Princess and the Pea

Beth's Baby Boutique meet Holistic Health Rx

2010-10-14T15:00:00.000-04:00

My sewing had hit a rut. I would think of a cool idea only to find that someone else had thought of the same idea or worse yet, someone stole my own idea. The crafting world can actually be quite cut-throat. Who would have known?! In the meantime, I had started my own Health Coaching practice, which was going quite well. But I wasn't quite ready to give up my Baby Boutique. It has given me me such a great artistic outlet over the past few years.

So...........I decided to merge my two businesses. How? Remember my post about when I got out of the navy and had visions of quilts with a story....well this was very similar. I just needed a revamped and higher purpose for sewing. In other words, what was I doing to help mankind? That was when it hit me. I could create one-of-a-kind dresses that had a message to spread love, kindness, and compassion. Cheers to the new future and to the inspiration and compassion it will inspire in others!

Fall 2010 Favorites

I could definitely use Angel Kidwell Photography. But, I hope you can see the love I put into making these dresses. More to come!

ox,
beth

Oh the places you will go....and the people you will see, part IV (the future)

2010-10-11T22:10:00.005-04:00

For my birthday 2005 Drew got me the best present ever......my own domain! http://www.mommashop.com/
It was the sweetest gift and it showed me that he was very supportive of my new adventure. And so it makes me a bit sad to say that I am no longer going to call my business 'Beth's Baby Boutique and Momma Shop' and am looking to shut down my domain mommashop.com (depending on how much it costs to secure the domain without necessarily using the website).

Why am I doing this? As I have mentioned in previous posts, I love the art of sewing. Patching together colors and designs. Originality. Creativity. Fun. Happiness. However, I began noticing that I was dreading sewing. I had done enough craft fairs to see some negative signs of the other vendors. Set up time early in the morning included other crafters circling my table, checking out my goods, asking nonspecific question so they could spend some time analyzing the competition. Clean up time meant being asked 'how I did' and then when it was a slow day having to hear the others complain about what a bad craft fair it was (it wasn't) and how they would never come back. It was emotionally draining and the more time I spent with these people I realized I did not want to be like them. My love came from creating and sewing and then seeing people smile at my fun and quirky designs. No, it wasn't quite lucrative.....but it brought me much happiness.

Vintage 'Beth's Baby Boutique' logo, circa 2003

I have to mention that while I do love sewing, it is not the only passion in my life. Helping others is the other....specifically, teaching and coaching. My 'day job' is a college chemistry professor at the United States Naval Academy and I also teach college algebra online with the University of Phoenix (not to mention various kids' science courses at the local community college).

Although I do love helping students understand these difficult subjects, I knew I wanted to do more to help. I decided that since I love helping people and people also find it easy to talk to me about their problems, I could do coaching as a job. So, I started studying 'life coaching'. I didn't actually know what life coaching was about until I saw a weird and perverted episode of Nip Tuck and thought I should know more about this occupation. Disclaimer: that is NOT what life coaching is about. It is SO much more than what they portray and I amazed daily at how many people need someone to help them find direction in their life. I love helping them get inspired, find a direction in their life and a path to make it happen. In the meantime, I also got my certification in personal training and have become a certified Health Coach and board certfied with the American Association of Drugless Practitioners.

Photos courtesy of Angel Kidwell Photography

http://www.angelkidwellphotography.com/

Eureka! I have found my true calling as a Health Coach and subsequenttly launched a simultaneous business: http://www.holistichealthrx.com/. But how do I tie it all together so that I don't seem like a TOTAL crazy person when they ask me what I do for a living? Not that it matters what people think of me. But from a business perspective, it is quite important. My previous response:

"I teach at the Naval Academy. What do I teach? Chemistry. Yeah, I know....most people don't like it. I also teach college algebra to adults who are returning to school after many years of taking a break. Where do I teach? Well, I teach online. Yes, you can teach algebra online ( among many, many other subjects...get over it...it's here to stay and our future). Technology has come a LONG way. Oh and I also have my own business as a Health Coach. What is a Health Coach? I help my clients reach their nutrtional, physcial, and life goals through one on one sessions, groups session, or workshops. Oh and one more thing........I design and sew little girl dresses and accessories for women."

Do I sound a bit neurotic? You bet!

Phot courtesy of Andrew Mutch

via his DSi

Stay tuned for the next episode....how I combine all my passions to one objective: helping the world be a happier and healthier place!

Oh the places you will go....and the people you will see, part III (the explosion)

2010-10-03T20:32:00.000-04:00

In June 2002 I was a new Mom and the light at the end of the tunnel was approaching....I had made the decision to resign from the Navy. I had met my obligation (I owed five years for having the Navy pay for my education) and the thought of being away from my son, Andrew, was incomprehensible.

Gordon Andrew Nathaniel Mutch, born June 12, 2002

I should probably also mention that shortly after I left the Academy, I was sent to spend a year at the Naval Academy Prep School where I taught various subjects. That year of independence was one of the best times of my life. I lived in the cutest townhouse right up the street from Thames Street. I had such fun that year. It was the first time in many years that I felt like I could truly be myself.

I reported to my first ship, USS Thorn (DD 988), in July 1999. The first day I met Drew Mutch, who immediately came up to me and asked if I needed a place to live because he needed a roommate. I thought it was a bit odd that he would ask without really knowing me and politely declined the offer. Needless to say, we soon became good friends and within 6 months we were living together. And now, a decade + later, we are still going strong.

Beth and Drew Mutch wedding, November 4, 2000

Epping Forest Chapel

Annapolis, MD

OK, back to post baby. Although I must admit that boys are not quite as fun to dress up, it was still fun looking through all the cute catalogs: Hanna Andersson was by far my favorite! (still got some wooden clogs to prove it-- can't believe Drew stayed with me after wearing them-- which reminds me that I need to put them on ebay). The catalogs came pouring in and so did my inspiration. I couldn't sleep at night thinking of all the fun things I could make for newborns. Such an important time in all of our lives to feel loved and cherished. I really wanted to add to that feeling. I still remember drawing sketches of baby quilts I would make that had 'themes'.....from Aesop's fables or possibly other fairy tales. Keep that in mind when I post part IV to this very long story which I'm sure only my family will read.

I experimented here and there with bibs and changing cloths, but nothing really INSPIRED me to do more. And then I got pregnant.....this time with a little girl. OH MY GOODNESS!!!!! The colors. The styles. The outlandish outfits. I had finally found my outlet! But what was I in store for? The craft circuit and 'crafties' ( my own term for those very agressive crafters who make their living on craft markets and stealing ideas from other people), the preppy capital of America, ebay/etsy/my own website, 'bad' fabric, 'good' fabric, working, parenting, and wifery. Stay tuned to what I discovered and the future of Beth's Baby Boutique.

Montine Ada Kathleen Mutch and brother Andrew.

She is wearing Great Aunt Ada's christening gown

that she wore 100 years earlier.

December 2005

Bryn Mawr, PA

Oh the places you will go....and the people you will see, Part II: Genetics and divorce

2010-09-29T11:57:00.001-04:00

This blog will be mostly a photo blog, but I feel the need to fill you in on what Beth's Baby Boutique means to me. I hope you enjoy the story of my journey.....it's quite a long one and broken into parts, mostly to save you from boredome, but also because there are so many details and detours which all seem to fit together to put me in the place I am today.

I am the daughter of artists. Unfortunately, my Dad never spent a lot of time drawing. He was always so busy with his medical practice that it was difficult for him to find time to delve into his artistic outlet. However, I still have his pencil drawings of cartoon characters he would make on special occaisions. They are amazing! My Mom is basically the reincarnation of Beatrix Potter. She loves to draw, paint, and garden. Therefore much of her work is a nature theme and is extended to her intricately designed prayer garden at her home in Kentucky. I think I inherited a double dose of both their creativity.

Ada Mutch in her Granny's Prayer Garden - Ashland, KY (2007)

I used to spend the summers with my grandparents who were also very 'unique' and creative. My grandfather, Joe Black, was an Engineer by trade---but he also was quite a woodworker. I still have the cradle, doll cradles, and children's table set he made for us. My grandmother, Helen 'Sis' Black, loved to sew. It was mainly to save money, but I know she really loved the act of taking different jagged pieces together and making something beautiful. I remember going into my grandmother's sewing room and going through all of her scrap fabric. She gave me the leftover fabric recently and it still smells the same. Like happiness.

Joe and 'Sis' Black - Cape Hatteras, NC (sometime in the '80s)

I'm not sure what happened those years from age 14 - 18, but there was a lot of frustration and as a result, rebellion. When it was time to start applying for schools I wasn't sure what I would do. My parents had recently divorced, I was one of four children, and again--- the frustration/rebellion got in the way. For me, it wasn't so much a matter of picking the school that would best meet my educational goals---it was a matter of getting out of my small town. Ironically, while sitting on my friend's toilet, I noticed a brochure for the United States Naval Academy in her trash. I picked it up because I recognized it as the school I had visited the previous year while attending my Uncle's (USNA '68 grad) wedding. My Mom was ecstatic when I asked her about it. Her excitement and enthusiasm convinced me to go see the place. The following summer I visited Annapolis and got a private tour from my Uncle. If you have never been to Annapolis or the Naval Academy, you should know that it is one of the most beautiful places on Earth. I was sold.

My brother and two sisters - USNA Graduation 1998

I'm not a quitter and so when I raised my right hand, took the oath of office to defend our country, and serve in the military I saw it through to the end. Of course that meant about 10 years of backlogged inspiration and creativity. Stay tuned for Part II in which I share how the Beth's Baby Boutique the backlogged inspiration finally exploded!

Oh the places you will go....and the people you will see!

2010-09-18T21:51:00.000-04:00

Welcome to my fun blog about my artistic passion......textile art. I have no formal training, although I hear there are actual degrees that would make it official. No degree for me-- just an insomnia-fueled vision of how I might piece different colors and fabrics to design fun, quirky little girl's dresses. Be patient as I post several notes of how I started, what worked/didn't work, and the future of my clothing business. The good news is that I will continue with many more sleepless nights in my future!

In the meantime, please be sure to check out my new business launching:
http://www.holistichealthrx.com/
Click on 'The Boutique' for more details.

Cheers to sewing and crafting!
ox,
Beth

Photo courtesy of Angel Kidwell Photography

http://www.angelkidwellphotography.com/