Strength in Pink

Soon after I became a part of the AAS Jugendgruppe in 2001 I began making new friends from other Donauschawben clubs from around the country, and one of them was Katie Buchert. She was always happy, energetic, and could not keep from dancing when the music was playing. The AAS Jugend made multiple trips to milwaukee and them to Chicago and since then everyone in the AAS Jugend became friends with Katie and the other members of the Danube Cultural Society of Southeastern Wisconsin. Her smile and enthusiasm was contagious! After her breast cancer diagnosis in 2006 we all kept her in our thoughts and prayers. After a long fight, multiple surgeries and many ups and downs, Katie lost her battle in October.

I was greatly inspired by her spirit and decided to design a small collection in her honor. A line based on the color pink, her incredible strength, and her motto... Live by the 4L's

After completing the pieces, Vanessa Buholzer, Maggie Zawislak, Katherine Rally, and Nikki Bappert all volunteered to help out with the photoshoot for free. We all met at the Balance Healing Center/Shanti Yoga Studio for the shoot and it was a great success.

All the proceeds from the collection will go to the Young Survival Coalition. Young Survival Coalition (YSC) is the premier global organization dedicated to the critical issues unique to young women who are diagnosed with breast cancer. YSC offers resources, connections and outreach so women feel supported, empowered and hopeful. We need to dispel the myth that breast cancer only occurs to women over the age of 40. KT’s first entry in her journal after learning she had breast cancer tells her story:

At US Cellular [her employer], they live by the 4 L’s: Love, Live, Learn & Leave a Legacy. When a traumatic event occurs, you really think about what type of legacy you could want to leave behind – especially if you get another opportunity. I’m using this opportunity to carry my voice - particularly to those who were diagnosed with breast cancer at a young age. Our stories are a little bit different. We just began our career – fresh right out of college, still looking to find Prince Charming, and as my friend Lauren described it, “22 is the time to spend partying – the time to be at the bars – not to be living with cancer.” ... But instead, I was fighting to have a mammogram...

When I graduated from college I was having a hard time trying to find a way to use my talents and passion to make the world a better place. Katie's spirit and story have helped me realize how I can do that. I hope that people enjoy this collection and help support the cause.

Pink Photo Shoot

A few weeks ago, I sent a message to my favorite photographer, model, hair stylist, and makeup artist, and asked them if they would be willing to do an impromptu photo shoot. I had designed a 4 piece mini collection in honor of my good friend from Milwaukee who recently lost her battle with breast cancer, Katie Buchert, and wanted to photograph them so I could put them on the website before the new year. This collection inspired by the color pink and Katie's unbelievable strength, was one that was near to my heart, yet not in the budget... but I knew I would make it work! (thanks Tim Gunn!!)

I had two pieces finished and was hoping we could do the shoot the first week in December... however finding a date that worked for everyone was proving to be quite difficult. After going back and forth for a week, it was decided that the only good date for everyone was Saturday, the 13th. I immediately went to work finishing the other pieces and working with Jana Seibt, from Jana Inspired Jewelry, on earrings, charms, and other jewelry for the shoot.


Before I knew it, the week was over and we were ready to shoot. My cousin, Aimee Duddles and her friend Anna Potts graciously allowed me to use the Shanti Yoga Studio and the Balance Healing Center for the shoot.

After meeting at my house for hair and makeup we all headed over to the site to start shooting. It worked out great! We met Vanessa there who was taking some photos of the Balance Healing Center's beautiful treatment rooms, and we began shooting asap... since we only had an hour and a half before the candlelight yoga began.

All those involved in the shoot were very inspired by Katie and her strength and were generous enough to do all the work free of charge. This would not have been possible without everyone who helped out and I am truly grateful. Thank you!


Photographer: Vanessa Buholzer of ControlV Photography
Jewelry: Jana Inspired Jewelry
Site: Balance Healing Center and Shanti Yoga Studio
Hair: Nikki Bappert
Makeup: Katherine Rally
Model: Maggie Zawislak

2nd Trunk Show

My second trunk show was a great success in terms of advertising and promotion! It was held at the DANK Haus on western and lawrence during their DANKtoberfest. I was able to reach an audience that is different from the usual Donauschwaben crowd. With the help of my sister, Monika, we set up a great display and were ready for the crowds at 7:00.

I displayed my couture piece as well as the Rainforest Collection and Summer Garden Collection.


In addition, I wore a piece from the 2011 Intergalactic Expedition Collection and displayed another piece.


I made sure not to leave out the very popular sports themed dirndln. I had Monika's Toews Blackhawks dirndl on display with a binder full of other team sketches that i have been working on.


Although I didn't have any dirndl orders from the show, I sold 3 headbands and 1 hair clip!


All in all, I'm happy with outcome of the show and am looking forward to the future.

Staying... organized?

I hope one day I can pay my parents back... because i'm more of a human tornado than a daughter lately. This week has been a rough one, full of stress, sketches, shopping, spending, and sewing. To be completely honest I think the clutter in my work space is also contributing to my insanity. I try to put things back in their place when i'm finished, but what happens when stuff doesn't have a place?


I think my mother has given up that I'll ever be a perfect housewife and be able to keep a nice clean house, but then again who wants to be a perfect housewife... not me. I really really wish I had a ton of money to have my own studio space, then my bolts of fabric would have a place, I might not need to use my ironing board as a desk and my parents would get their love seat back.

This week I want to clean up, for really, honest and truly... but at the same time, I do have orders to fill, which is more important to me because I don't get paid to clean... and this is why my work space looks like it does. AHHHH!

Blackhawks back in Philly!

Immediately after the Chicago Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup back in June, I got the idea to make a Blackhawks themed dirndl to celebrate the win! Coincidentally, the greatest weekend of the year, the Tag der Donauschwaben USA und Kanada was going to be held in Philadelphia. I made one for myself and my favorite sales women, and sister, Monika. And I thought there might be a few other people who would want one as well.



However, I didn't expect to bring the entire team! I was so excited when nearly every girl in the American Aid Society Jugendgruppe wanted one! It was a huge hit in Philly and even the Flyers fans like them! We danced in them and if the Blackhawks players were there, they would have been proud of our preformance. It was a great showing and we all can't wait to wear them again for the Oktoberfest season!

Meeting with GGP!

Back in July I was able to finally meet the founders of the Global Goods Partners. The GGP is the charity that i donate 10% of my sales to on a bi monthly basis. I could never image not being able to do what I love and giving to the GGP allow women around the world to create goods and make a living doing what they love!



During the Beckman’s Handcrafted Show at the Merchandise Mart here in Chicago, I was able to go and meet the founders, Joan Shifrin and Catherine Shimony. They were so nice and happy to see me! Once i started talking to them i realized how much my donations really help the organization and the people.

I was so happy to see their new products, especially this Alpaca Floral Hat, which i have to have for winter, its soooo cute!!!



I was so happy to finally meet Joan and Catherine and we began talking about perhaps working together for some Rare, Fair Trade products! I'm so excited about this new adventure and that it is something i believe so strongly in.

Mix and Match

You can wear the summer pieces with multiple aprons and multiple blouses... a great buy! Its like a 2 in one. E-mail to ask about multiple apron pricing and one-of-a-kind aprons.