I'd like to interrupt the total silence of this blog with an announcement.
Big changes are happening!

I'm up to my ears in my new project; a brand spanking new line called Amelia. The new line is all women's clothing designed by me. I'll be launching everything this spring, but you can get a sneak peek of the new website here.

This means that Hopeful Monsters is going to be winding down and eventually disappearing completely. I'll continue selling existing items but I won't be making anything new or restocking anything. So if you see something you like, snap it up! 

I hope that you'll stick around to see how the new line turns out! 

First Friday in Montavilla - June 4, 6-8:30

 at Union Rose:

10% off tees from Hopeful Monsters, Eclectikid, People's Republic of Portland and SheShe

That's right people! Next Friday I will be at Union Rose (7909 SE Stark in Montavilla, Portland, OR 97215) schlepping my goods and chatting with you! 

Drop by and say hello, there will lots of fun things happening in the area (Portland Garment Factory is having a new art opening and landscape themed dress party!) and you'll hate to miss it!

Hi there Blog-land!

Today, or tonight rather, I'd like to share with you some of my current favorite items. I'm not sure what you might call the theme here...

Spirit of the People Pendleton Wool Purse Clutch Wrist Bag

by TimberLine Ltd

Prep School Sweater 

from Grandma Marie Vintage 

Shoulders Dress 

by Jen Fashion

Adama Bag 

by Out of Afrika

Vinaigrette Perfume Necklace 

by Erica Weiner Jewelry

An Idle Afternoon Tank

by Minx Shop

Python Hoops 

by Alan Douvros

but it's definitely becoming a theme...

-A

Long time no see blog-land!

I know, I know, I constantly have excuses for why I am so often m.i.a. here. This time I have a good one!

We bought a house! And then we moved! Which I'm sure all of you know takes one million years longer than you expect it to. And then, when you're almost finished and think everything is unpacked - you will find 100 more things you still have to do.

But all griping aside, it has been great! We love it! Our dog loves it!

I've also been super busy taking classes three nights a week. Two for the improvement and advancement of the Hopeful Monsters empire, and one just for fun (ceramics!).
It keeps me pretty busy, but good things are in the works and it will all be worth it.

In other, non house related news, I had a blast this weekend at the Mercury's Open Season Fashion Show at the Bossanova Ballroom. I really loved it. I went with my good friend Leah (who is also one of the photographer's whose work you see on my site) and we had a grand ol' time watching, talking, and giggling right up front.
Naturally, I forgot to bring my camera, but The Examiner has some good photos up with their review of the event. I'm going to stick a couple in here, just for illustrative purposes, and to pique your interest to go and check out their review and the full slideshow. (And, obviously, the photos were not taken by me, you can see OH-SO-MANY photos by Roll 35 from the event HERE.)

 My favorite - Adam Arnold's final piece. This photo hardly does justice to the greedy, defensive-of-his-big-gulp, shifty eyed look this guy was giving. I may have even squealed with glee when he came down the runway.

My other favorite was the Heather Treadway performance, because it really was more of a hot performance than simply beautiful people strutting down the runway. I keep hoping someone will post a video of it, because it was magic.

I actually have a version of the dress pictured here - though in different fabric and without the capelet pictured here. Mine fits more like a mini, but I love it so!

And now, tomorrow, I'm off to Arizona for my sister's college graduation! See you back in Portland (or here on the interwebs) on Sunday!

Last night was the grand opening of Modern Domestic, the new sewing studio and machine store from Bolt Neighborhood Fabric Boutique. Bolt is hands down my favorite fabric store for gorgeous fabrics, patterns, and special notions. Once not too long ago I even got some adorable lemur buttons. Buttons shaped like lemurs!

The new shop is chock full of shiny new machines, bright and spacious work spaces, and all kinds of sewing accessories that you've always wanted.

You can check out the class list here, my favorites so far: make a cover for your machine, kimono dress and obi belt, and even a camisole and undies! How lucky are we to have such a great resource right here in Portland!

Spring has finally made it to Portland! I'm thrilled!

Sun dresses! Patios! Hooray!

I've also just set up a quick survey here: Click here to take survey

and I'd love it if you could give up 5 minutes and take it!

When you're finished, just email me or let me know somehow that you've finished and you'll be entered to win a $25 gift certificate for Hopeful Monsters!

It's seriously easy! 10 quick questions, and you can win!

(And since the sale is still going on in the Etsy store, you could get way more bang for your winning buck!)

The sale continues! But just a note, I'll be out of town (and obviously, the studio) from March 11 - March 15.

You can expect orders to ship just as soon as I return!