In this digital, digitized, next-new-gadgetized age, I’m a girl having a love affair with her geeky old sewing machine. I just love to sew! I’m passionate about designing and sewing pillows in particular, and am very proud of the quality of the work I'm creating.

I love bold and graphic modern designs, but I also get inspired by a retro 60’s / 70’s pop culture vibe too. (What girl doesn’t like a little disco now and then?)

In the world of crafting by hand, what sets me apart is the meticulous care I put into everything I sew. I add details that don’t necessarily translate into photographs, but when you hold one of my creations in your hands, you’ll see. (I’m a Virgo, and if you know what that means, you know who you are, and you know what I mean.)

All pillows I create and sell measure approximately 18” x 18”, and are generously filled with a faux down insert. There’s a zipper on one side for easy care and cleaning. I generally use a simple but sturdy cotton twill, or thin-wale corduroy, for the pillow backings, in basic colors such as white, black, or brown.

The pillows are edged with a simple cotton piping along all four sides, which adds an elegant (and expensive-looking) finish to the design. Also, the pillows are as meticulously finished on the inside as on the outside (for those who care about such details.)

I’m continually working to expand what I offer; other home décor and lifestyle items I'm exploring are fabric wall art, tablecloths, bags ... ideas I generate myself or are suggested by friends, colleagues, and others. I'm always up for a challenge!

My dream is to ultimately design my own fabrics, so that I can make creations which truly and completely represent my design aesthetic.

My first home decor project, a quilt I made
just messing around with fabric scraps, at age 8

You can purchase my pillows either in person at Home & Haven on Smith Street (for all you Brooklyn folks!), or visit my Etsy store online.

I’m Annabelle, aka, the Anna B. of Anna B. Designs. I'm a native New Yorker, not by birth, but by inclination. I live and work in Boerum Hill, Brooklyn.

Until recently, my career was centered in media work. I was (and still am) a television producer and director with 20 years of experience in the industry. I have experience managing individuals and teams, and have contributed to press, marketing, and online initiatives for television networks. Feel free to check out my resume on LinkedIn for more detail on that arena.

I've always been a creative person at heart, and strive to express this both in my work and personal life. A few years ago, a shift happened when I passed by a store on my way home from work, and fell in love with some fabric samples. I took them home, pulled out the sewing machine, and a new passion was born.

The fabric samples became throw pillows, and too many for one girl’s apartment. So, after being encouraged by the owner of a local home design store (who is also an amazing interior designer), I began selling my creations. Developing my craft began to take the front seat. I continue to maintain my media career independently, developing and implementing television and film projects as a freelancer, but now split my time between these two worlds.

Yes, I do custom work!

I work for interior designers; artists; my friends; and clients who find me through Etsy or my website... and then some projects arrive in the most serendipitous way, out of nowhere yet clearly delivered by the hands of fate.

There’s always someone who needs something sewn. Perhaps they have some fabric they love and want to incorporate into their home... and sometimes it’s up to me to design a unique and arresting new element for their home décor. They come to me and we discuss the options: pillows? Table runners? Wall hanging?

Each custom job presents its own challenges.... And you might be surprised to know that you can't just double-click on a seam to revise the lay of the fabric. No, friends, this requires true skill (and occasionally, a stitch ripper.)

Earlier this year, I made some fabulous pillows – or dare I say, works of art? - in a mod green & brown motif. This beautiful, graphic fabric – a raised-chenille/cotton blend – called out for construction that highlighted the diagonal lines, and had them dramatically radiate from the center. Only a Virgo could love a job where all the fun came in ensuring these lines matched up exactly and correctly...

I also made a ring-bearer’s pillow for a woman getting married at Halloween... black & white & red are her colors... and the branches fit right in!

She asked for black lace, and a custom pillow was born. It's a luscious little piece, and I’m glad she trusted me to make a part of her wedding wishes happen.

I’m continually working to expand what I offer... other home décor and lifestyle items I'm exploring are: fabric wall art, tablecloths, bags ... ideas I generate myself or are suggested by friends, colleagues, and others.

Drop me a line and let me know if you've got a favorite piece of fabric that you've been dying to use, but just can't quite figure out what to do with it. I'm always up for a challenge!

anna b. loves ...

… shopping for fabrics.
… her sewing machine.
… Home & Haven on Smith Street.
… www.deliriuminc.com, home of the best edit, design & animation work in TV & film EVER!!! (Brad & Sharon are responsible for all the Delirium, by the way...)
… www.birdthatwhistles.com
… www.moonridgespirit.com
… pets! Looking to adopt a small dog – any leads?
… Anna B. loves (& misses)... Domino Magazine.
… Project Runway & Mood Fabrics!
… her sister Corina for making this pretty website.
… BROOKLYN!
… bright colors & graphic prints (but not to wear! Such a New Yorker...)
… Friends of Firefighters (go Steph!)
… yoga with Lesley in her pretty new studio

what they're saying about anna b. ...

Etsy Finds: Look What I Found!