Patches

Drapery samples Skirt

Red lining add some flair

This is a lovely pencil slim skirt I made from drapery sample squares. I guess I could call this upcycling, because this is the second generation use of the squares. If anyone remembers the days when you could ask for outdated sample books from paint/wallpaper stores to use as you wished, is how I ended up with my samples. My girls sewing class used the majority of squares for first project potholders, which all turned out lovely. Nothing gets wasted, so I have this unique patchwork skirt that is almost seasonless in its wearing potential.

“Be strong and courageous, be not afraid nor dismayed for the king of Assyria, nor for all the multitude that is with him: for there be more with us than with him:” 

II Chron. 32:7

Working with Yarn

The pass few weeks I’ve been frantically trying to finish a special gift for a special person. I have been working my small chrochet hook to create the lovely Chevron Lace Wrap I found on mooglyblog.com, using some gifted yarn. The mooglyblog.com included a great video, that helped me to get the pattern just right, after four failed attempts--thank you to Tamara Kelly for creating it.

“And said to the judge, Take heed what ye do: for ye judge not for man, but for the LORD, who is with you in the judgement.”

II Chron. 19:6 

Putting on the Bright's: Thrifting Refashion

Totally loving some of the great finds at my local thrift stores, such as an extra-large yellow “Tommy Bahamas” polo shirt. I’ve been wanting to add some vibrant green to my wardrobe, and this yellow polo gave me the best opportunity. Some color block applique, with machine stitching to mimic an argyle pattern, and a chartreuse green lower banding. 

"Be ye strong therefore, and let not your hands be weak: for your work shall be rewarded."

                                                               II Chron. 15:7

Wedding Ring

Today I got my redesigned wedding from the jewelers  (http://www.facetsoftoddmichael.com/ )  and it is lovely. Thank you, Todd Michael----Love my ring!!!!

"Be ye strong therefore, and let not your hands be weak: for your work shall be rewarded.
                                                                        II Chronicles 15:7

A Relaxed Look

I’ve had a two-piece fine knit pantsuit for about a month, I thrifted it on an impromptu shopping spree with my husband. Always one to keep a running list of colors and fabric textures in my ever present journal, the extra-large beige knit pantsuit was an okay buy.  Later I acquired a soft beige and green short sleeved man’s shirt (extra large) that matched quite nicely. Second generation styling is this lovely easy dress, that’s just my style.

"I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well."                      Psalm 139:14

1st Generation Thrifting becomes 2nd Generation Styles

Bought ten really nice skirts at the Texas Thrift Store. My husband and I, decided to just stop by and look, he bought nothing, I spent $55. The skirts range in price from $3.50 -$$9.98, which is a little pricey, but the high end skirts were silk, and three of them are nice quality leather. Each item was purchased with the idea to either  adjust the fit or do a total redesigning of their 1st generation look. Two of the skirts will become tops, (2nd generation look), the three leather skirts will be new purses, (2nd generation) which I desperately need. A russet paisley rayon blend skirt matches nicely with a vintage man’s sweater I brought earlier in the year. There is a brown linen with graphic circles in teal blue and neon green, that matches perfectly with a powder blue cotton jacquard weave shirt my husband purchased just to get the buttons.  Then there’s a 100% designer cotton knit skirt in large that will allow plenty of fabric for 2nd generation styling, while the paisley silk skirt that matches will become a new top (its 2nd generation look).

"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."                      II Cor. 5:17

My Yellow Skirt

This was a great remake of an extra large men’s IZOD(c) cotton sweater. When I saw this sweater my first thought was to use it for the back of a demin vest I was designing for my new son-in-law, but I decided to make a nice long knit skirt for myself.  Sorry no before cut picture.  I did have to unravel some of the yarn to use for filling in the deep v-neckline. Stitching the side seams with a stretch stitch and adding a sew on fabric casing for elastic at the waist, elimated added bulk.  I’ve worn it a few times, making sure to wear a long slip underneath, and it is very comfortable.

“The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious.”

Eccl. 10:12

I LOVE What I Do!

I’m back to sewing and designing again, and I am estatic about each new day. My view of the present is almost overshadowed by the wonderful future I see ahead. Since I’ve been putting the word out that my services are available to the San Antonio community for alterarions, wardrobe editing, fashion re-use and image counseling, I’ve received a Texas size welcome. To that end I say, “Thank you.”

Today I’ve just a little time to adjust my small studio for better output.

Things are messy, and I haven’t been following my carnal rule of, “Everything in its place, and a place for everything.” So with a little time between work orders, things will be put right and business can then flow smoothly. Some things I found that I’ll keep on display.

One of my early cloth dolls, made so many as gifts for girlfriend's over the years.

Stumbled across this book in the library, and behold one of my quilts was featured in it, so of course I had to purchase me a copy.  

"For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.   Pro. 2:6

Sewing is FUN

There is a small group of young ladies at my church I teach sewing to once a week, and they are having a ball. Here are a few pictures of first projects.

First project a stuffed pincushion embellished with buttons

Hannah modeling the first skirt she made (she's made a second skirt on her own).


"Be consistent and do everything with love."

What's Old is New

Got an order on yesterday from a customer who had bought a haircare item I marketed over five years ago, while still living in Detroit. The item “Topaz” a new style shower cap,  its a great shower cap for those who wear their hair in locs or braided hairstyles and need secure coverage while showering.  She stated, she’s owned her shower cap for about 4 years and wanted a new one, even though the original is still perfectly good. Because my website was down, she tracked me through Facebook, my daughter’s webpage, and  “three other degrees of separation” techniques to get her order to me. Well I’m sewing and designing again and filling her order was a definite pleasure. “Topaz” my shower cap design was the sister design of “CASEY” formally known as, “L.B. Soc”....for locs/braids and more., titled the Original Locs/Braids Hair Snood. Momentum was lost on marketing my products after losing  a 5 year trademark battle with a retail giant (take a wild guess), who claimed my product name would make people think of them instead of African-American hair care products. It took awhile but I’m over it, and I’m BACK.  If you want a great shower cap or a hair snood, send me an email----I’m ready to supply.

“Live with intention. Play with abandon.”

-Mary Anne Radmacher-Hershey, American Poet

"My new Brown Knit Skirt from a Man's Sweater"

I've been wanting a nice long chocolate brown knit skirt for some time, and I just could not find one. Great brown skirts are hard to come by, so when I saw this extra large men's sweater in the finest knit and just the right deep shade of chocolate brown, I also saw a skirt.  There was not much waste, and I got a finished skirt for under $5 and a few hours of enjoyable sewing. Below are just a few of the outfits I've been able to create with my new skirt.

Sweater has been cleaned and is ready for cutting

Initial cuts made for skirt body, sleeves will become the yoke for added length

"She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple."   Pro. 30:22

"Tweeking" is a good thing.

By repostitioning the collar detail on this top, it went from something nice hanging in the closet to a great buy and a wardrobe staple. I’ve got six to change, so here’s a before look of the style.

Original style

The look after changing the collar detail

As I've said before some of the best clothing you need is already in your closet, so make friends with a professional tailor or seamstress and let them work their skills to make you look good and save you money.

"The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun."                 Eccl. 1:9

"The Three Faces of Me"

You just wake up one day and look around and wonder just who you are and what you are trying to do----well, that’s me today. I’m starting new with my sewing business in a new place (San Antonio, TX), somewhere I really don’t have a foundation of customers. Mind you, I’ve been in San Antonio for just over 2 years, and have been working (I mean really work’n) for a local retailer. The pay was good, advancement was quick and steady, but the PASSION was not there. So what do I do, I stop and look at myself for the real ME. I am a working lady, who doesn’t mind hustling, but I see it took me almost three years to see that what I WAS doing WAS my PASSION. I’m looking back to look forward, check out the photo’s.  I look at fashion and determine style focuses everyday, and have just noticed how my own interpretation of fashion, to project an original personal style has been so varied.

Just cut my "locs" of 30 years, so I would fit in on the job!

A transition look, just loving the natural texture of my hair.

Today, feeling at ease as I  embrace my TRUE self.

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give an expected end.      Jer. 29:11