"Just Looking at the Stars"

Today I was in thinking mode, as I contemplated my new acceptance for change.  Life goes so fast that events are over before we have a chance to truly experience them.  I couple that with the senses overload I get by what's constantly being streamed at me through various media channels.  I personally want to keep my life simple, so as to have opportunity to be a part of humankind's change for the better.

Knowing that each change we make as individuals does affect the whole of mankind. This strain of thoughts brings me to the knowledge, if asked the question, "If a tree falls in the woods and no one is there, is there still a noise?"  The answer of course is yes, there is a great sound.  So I'm changing me, and my husband will be affectd, followed by my children, then co-workers and anyone else I come in contact with.

Really Loving My Hair!!!!!!

I've been natural with my hair presentation for most of my adult life, beginning with a shaved head when I graduated from high school.  As I progressed into adulthood and took sole responsibility for my image, I moved from shaved head to TWA and then just unprocessed hair, from age thirty to fifty I sported hip length locs. Although my hair was in its natural state, my care was commercial abusive, without me really realizing how my care was fighting against true easy to manage hair care.  Check out  Water Washing Only for Manageable Hair ,its me talking about how simple it really is to have great hair. Here are a few pics of my true hair as I progress into water only washing hair care. Enjoy!

My hair with no manipulation, about 2 months into water washing only.

The Mister and I, hair is growing out of my initial TWA cut, so I'm patting it into a tight shape.

I've really picked my hair out with a hair pick and you can see the growth, still only water washing.

This is how I wear my hair to work, very full and dense "fro".

For our heart shall rejoice in him, because we have trusted in his holy name.

                                                                                 Psalm 33:21

"The Things I Find When I Look for Something Else"

Trying to get the house in a holiday mood, so I've been looking for the over the door hook for hanging our wreath. Have not found the door hanger, but I did locate some of my creative work from the past. The first photo is my creation quilt, probably the second or third quilt I made.  Quilt number two is my "African Queens" wall hanging. The two following pictures are close up photos. It is hand applique and machine quilted. Sure was nice finding these treasures, and they are now on display instead of hide away.

...behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you.  Proverbs 1:23

"The Mister Needs a New Hat"

My hubby' old white linen hat has definately seen better days, so I promised to make hime a new one, if he got the fabric. To solve the problem, he offered an old worn pair of khaki's that had also seen better days. So the project is begun by opening up the pants, laying out my custom-made pattern and enjoying the work. Enjoy!

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

                                                                                           2Chronicles 15:7

A Place for Everything

I’ve been meeting needs again, and this time its for my new phone. Just a little case to keep it clean and easy to grasp when in my handbag. Love it!

 

More than one Way to Wear the Jacket

Got a chance to see a different take on the Western Jacket, as my client put some color in his style. The classic style of this jacket is definitely going to be an exciting staple in his wardrobe. A great new look is achieved by wearing a blue-green shirt, black pants, custom cowboy boots, and of course a mean black Stetson. Totally awesome!

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

2 Chronicles 15:7

Off to Work

I by no meams, take good or great pictures---I just take pictures. So I took this picture on my way into work, just because it made me smile.  Have a great day, don't forget to smile!

... I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.

                                                                               John 16:22

Another Remix: XL Man's Shirt

Thrifting this XL man's shirt just because of its graphic print, and I knew there was a necklace in my jewely stash that would just match it. To create the dress, I upcycled a 100% cream colored silk pleated skirt I found some time ago at Texas Thrift, San Antonio for $4.90. The dress wears well, and its easy care because I machine washed and line dryed both pieces before construction. Not bad for $10 total in fabric and a days worth of pleasure sewing.

Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. 

                                                                                               Luke 12:32

"EASTER"

Easter Sunday dinner was set apart by this lovely reminder of God's love-----first flowers of the new year, fresh from the yard. Praise the Lord, for his goodness, mercy and grace. Hubby and first-born prepared a lovely meal of fresh vegetables, baked beans;  potatoe salad;  homemade roles;  bar-b-que ribs and chicken, finished with a delicious punch. Just lovely.

But godliness with contentment is great gain.                   I Timothy 6:6

Going Slow

I love hand stitching, it gives me great pleasure to hand stitch a hem on a skirt, or the binding on a neckline. My quilt projects of the past were mainly done in the traditional manner with plenty of hand piecing followed by lots of hand quilting, and of course a hand-stitched binding. But over time somewhere along the way, the act of hand sewing got to slow, my sewing machine became the quick facilitator of project finishing. Today I began a new project, because one of my favorite clothing items, a 10 year old hand-stitched slip could go no further as a wardrobe staple, a new one must be made. Just looking at the workmanship I put into the original slip made me nostalgic for that same quality in my new slip. I'm going slow, hand finishing my little project for beauty and utility.

Bias binding finishing on neckline

For our heart shall rejoice in him, because we have trusted in his holy name.     Psalm 33:21

When Being Creative goes Array!

It all started so innocently, a recent buy from the thrift store of a peasant style three tiered denim skirt. I just knew this soft denim skirt would be a awesome addition to my work wardrobe, but after trying it on at home, I decided the skirt just didin't compliment my figure at all. The question became what to do with such a great find, out came my sketchbook, and on came the light of creativity. This lovely bit of fabric could be a new purse, or part of some other project. I decided to create an infinity scarf with cut out t-shirt fabric embellishment and thread emproidery to start. To put it plainly, it didn't work---the finish project lacked something. I'm going to keep it around and see if it will grow, but for now the creative spark for this project is not shining to brightly.

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.     Hebrews 11:1

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

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

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