Michelle Carey, Designer; Crazy busy, having fun!

Sorry, I know its been forever.

2010-04-15T13:44:00.000-04:00

Its been a very long time since I posted anything in my blog. Lately all my energy seems to be spent dealing with the ongoing crisis that is my life. I alway have big plans but they never seem to be fully realised. So far this red dress (the really cute on in the picture) is the only piece of my spring "collection" I've managed to get into the store. What I need is someone to call me at 8pm everynight to say: "Stop worrying and thinking too much and just get to work."

I also need help getting my name out there. Does anyone in the wide cyber world have suggestions on craft/trade shows that aren't too pricy and/or funky store in Toronto that will sell my stuff on consignmenrt?

And just so everyone know all my fall fleece is on sale. The dresses are 70% off, the skirts are $29 and the armwarmers are only $10!!! All at Fresh Baked Goods, 274 Augusta Ave. Kensington Mareket, Toronto.

Whip It on DVD! Maybe this will motivate me.

2010-01-26T15:20:00.003-05:00

Back when Whip It first came out in the theater I become inspired to design a rollerderby themed collection for Spring. My motivation has been a little low lately. Money worries, moving apartments, and various other stresses are partly to blame. Also I've just been a bit lazy. Now that this super fun movie is on DVD I'll be able to get myself in gear.

I have fabric and a lot of ideas, but that's as far as its gone so far. There's no way I can sell something that I haven't made yet. That's what I need to keep telling myself. Fresh Baked Goods has already started selling Spring stuff and its only January. Huh, I seem to be writing as if I'm talking to my self. Mildly worrying...

One super happy thing is I now have an industrial sewing machine. I went for a used Juki, but with a band new high speed motor. I really, really love it!!!! I need to take all the excitement I feel for the new machine and channel it into my design work. Yes, that's what I'll do.

And if by some random occurrence Ellen Page ever reads this: I'll make you anything you want. Special discounts for people whose first name is my middle name :)

Time to get back to work.

2010-01-03T00:27:00.001-05:00

Well, I took a nice long break over the holidays. Now as we all start moving into January I find I need to start working again. I surround by wallets that need buttons, skirts that need zippers, pants that need pockets, and hopeful rolls of fabric. Despite all that I find myself catching up on my computer work. Designers never spend as much time designing as people think we do. I finally put some of my reversile totes up for sale on ETSY.

Kim Reversible Tote-

Green Shantung/Denim

Kathy Reversible Tote-

Denim/Polka Dot

Yes, that is me in the pictures.

I think one of the reasons I'm putting off my actual sewing work is I'm waiting for a piece of new equipment. My parents informed me over Christmas that they would pay for a a new sewing machine. They are even willing to spring for a band new Juki!! Now I know a brand new industrial machine would be fantastic but do I really want to see them spend that extra money? I'm picking out the machine on Monday so I only have one more day to figure it out.

All that thinking will give me something to do tomorrow. Now I'll give you just one more bag to look at.

Kathy Reversible Tote-

Candy Pink/Lime

Fresh Collective Holiday Sale

2009-12-12T13:04:00.000-05:00

Its time for another fantastic sale at Fresh Collective. I wish we could have one of these shindigs at Fresh Baked Goods but we don't have nearly as much space. It will be a great time and I'll definitely be there for refreshments at 6pm. If you are in Toronto you need to check it out!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Only a few weeks left to shop!

2009-12-02T17:21:00.000-05:00

With the holidays quickly approaching its time to get serious about shopping. If you're anything like me you like to give unique gifts. Here are some of my favorites. All of them are from Toronto designers who sell their work in either Fresh Baked Goods or Fresh Collective. As of today all the items are available on ETSY.

What woman doesn't love jewelry:

Birds of a Feather Earrings by Odd Bird

Layered Flower Pendant by Zippan Designs

She can never have too many bags:

Aurelia Bag: Special Edition by SewMo

And these items are perfect stocking stuffers:

Classy Pink/Black Paula Wallet by Michelle Carey
(Yes, this is one of mine.)

3 for 1 Coffee Sleeve Grab Bag by Cipolla

Fresh Baked Goods
Kensington Market
274 Augusta Ave.
Toronto, Canada
416-966-0123

Fresh Collective
692 Queen St. West
Toronto, Canada
416-594-1313

2009-11-13T18:55:00.000-05:00

This whole blogging thing is still really new to me. I've never been very good with words, speaking or writing. They never seem to do justice to my thoughts. What I'd like to accomplish with this blog is to tell people what its really like trying to make a living as a fashion designer. The long hours, having to do everything yourself, being constantly covered in fluff and bits of thread, and all the other things that the average person may not think of.

For example, I went to the grocery store today. For the first time in about 3 weeks. I get so caught up in my work sometimes that I just don't think to do normal things like that. I should be alright for a while though. Frozen pizza and canned chili was on sale :)

Then there is my sewing machine. His name is Kenny. He's a Kenmore I bought at Sears about 8 years ago. I spend more time with him then anyone else so it didn't seem right for him not to have a name. Don't worry; I know he's not really alive, despite my pronoun choice. Even with the strong affection I have for Kenny, he's starting to wear out. I need to sew so much that I really should have an industrial machine. The problem is that all the money that could go towards a new (or well maintained used) machine needs to be spent on fabric and supplies, or I wont have anything to sew and the pretty machine will just sit there. Woe is me. If there is anyone out there that wants to send a donation I'm not above accepting pity money.

Well, those are all the nuggets of truth I can expel at the moment. I actually feel a bit better now. That's pretty cool...

I'm Dancing Again!!!

2009-11-03T18:50:00.000-05:00

Wow! I had so much fun this weekend. Well, Friday's dance was all West Coast swing and too laidback for my tastes. I did meet some cool people and ended up drinking a lot of gin. (Thanks Alanna.) Saturday I went to the Dovercourt House and did some Lindy Hop for the first time in 6 years. There was a lot of East Coast as well. I'm going to make myself some cool dancing clothes and try to dig up some business that way. I really have a lot more to say about this, but I've just spent 8 hours at a not-too-busy retail location and my brain has turned off.

More later, I promise.

A few random happenings.

2009-10-26T17:18:00.001-04:00

I spent this morning drafting a new pattern. I'm determined to have a few fancier items for fall/winter. I have this loose weave wool blend fabric that was a bit too colourful to use before. When I started making my fleece dresses I noticed the four colours of fleece were all in this rainbow wool. Now I can make some cool dresses that work with the rest of my line without needing to buy more fabric. Score!!

Then this afternoon as I walked home from Tim Hortons I was Tyler Stewart of the Barenaked Ladies on his bike, just standing by the curb. He was setting a very positive example by wearing a helmet. We just nodded to each other and I kept walking. Still cool though.

And less then an hour ago I was carrying my sewing for the week into my apartment when I slipped on the stairs and did a header into the banister. I can still move my jaw, so no permanent damage done. Although, I have been typing this whole blog with my left hand as my right is holding ice to my face. The lesson I learned: Don't carry 2 large bags full of heavy wool fabric down smooth, wooden stairs in sock feet.

First Post

2009-10-21T18:17:00.001-04:00

I was happy to see that I was the first "Michelle Carey" that started a blog here. At least I'm the first one that wanted to use her real name as the blog address. I want to make it as easy as possible for people to find me.

Well, I'm a fashion designer Toronto. I sell my work on Etsy (http://www.michellecarey.etsy.com/) and at Fresh Baked Goods in Kensignton Market. I do everything myself. It can be overwhelming at times, but I love what I do.

Its been a bit hard lately. All the summer tourists have left and no one seems to want to shop for Christmas yet. Retail can be silly.

Here is a picture of my favorite fall item, my sweatshirt fleece hoodie dress. I hope you like it.