Thrift Store Haul equals Two Dresses

Sometimes you just make a great buy when visiting the local thrift store. My last visit yielded over 12 yards of stripe plisse’  cotton. I made two different looking dresses in my signature lagenlook style, simply by changing the direction of the stripe. FUN!

"5 Things My Natural Hair Does, Naturally"

My hair has been in its natural kinky state for over 30 years, but its only recently that it has truly been natural.  For just over a year, I’ve maintained my natural hair environment by using the “water only method for cleaning and maintenance. This hair care regimen, has also lead to not using any commercial hair products, such as shampoos, conditioners or gels.  My hair is now what I consider really natural, and here are five things my natural hair does naturally.

The first thing my hair now does naturally is it sheds water very quickly, and dries faster after “water washing” now that it is no longer striped of its natural coating of sebum, because I don’t use shampoo or conditioner.

The second thing that naturally happens with my hair is based on its  full sebum coverage, which keeps my hair strands moisturized and protected from dirt and grime, so now my hair is naturally stronger and has a nice natural sheen.

The third thing my natural hair does naturally, is it consistently maintains hair strands definition in concentric coils, that are following a known natural pattern that is indicative of my ethnic heritage, and its really easy to manage.

The fourth natural thing my natural hair now does is grow, now that I’m not smothering it with all kinds of supposedly beneficial products, or using blow dryers or perming products, my hair seems to be growing quite nicely.

The fifth thing my natural hair does naturally is complement  me, and makes me feel good. My hair is no longer an issue, its now an impressive asset, that I love flaunting daily.

Its truly a great time in history, where the natural expression and identity of ethnic variances can be boldly projected. I don’t have to hide, or alter my hair to suit the idea of “good hair” set by anyone else. My natural hair is naturally GOOD.

But godliness with contentment is great gain.                  1Timothy 6:6

"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.

Soap is the Last Thing on My Mind

Since January 2015, I've been using Baking Soda and water for personal hygiene.  It all started with my use of baking soda and water as an alternative hair shampoo.  The great results on my hair made the transition to body wash a simple one.  The reason I chose this absolutely common household staple, was I wanted to see if the results of using it on my skin would mimic the improved scalp and hair environment, I was experiencing.

Before beginning the use of baking soda as a body wash my skin was always dry, with "ashy" elbows and "flaky" heels. Now what I have is smooth and shiny skin, from head to toes. There is nolonger a feeling of soap residue on my skin, and my body dries off much quicker. Body odor is eliminated, as the baking soda acts a natural odor neutralizer, so my daily antiperspirant is enough to keep me fresh all day. Now its only been 10 months since I started this really simple and basic personal hygiene program, and I would love to hear from others who have tried using baking soda as a body wash. Let me know how your body has reacted to less man-made chemicals in your body wash.  Enjoy!



The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.  

                 Psalm 119:130

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

"It Is What It Is!"

Just finished this dress on this pass week, and it offers great possibilities for personality presentation. I don't care what fashion experts say, but wearing a more relaxed style of dressing requires very deft styling and image coordination. This is a casual styling, that I have worn to church on my teaching day. The pattern is my own adaption of the basic T shape body covering. Check out my youtube video of basic components of the one-piece pattern, "New Twist on Old Style Dress". My measurements put me in a ready to wear size 10, and I classify this dress as a small.

ELEMENTS: Faux Ivory Carved necklace (a gift from sister-in-law), black wingtip brogues by ABOUND (Nordstrom Rack), flower print anklets (Nordstrom Rack), Anna Beck silver ring.

"Be the type of person you want to meet"

"Find a Need and Fill It"

Great day, I'm back to producing and selling hair aids. I stopped production about four years ago when my husband, daughter and I moved to Texas. My dream at the time of our move was to reinvent myself as an online marketer, selling my creations, and living off the income----but things went array. I haven't put it all into thoughts or words I can currently express, things just went in another direction.  But I'm back!!!!!!  My easy order shop.

LARGE SLEEP BONNET, GRAPHIC HOUNDSTOOTH PRINT, will fit comfortably over big hairstyles, is fully lined with soft grey 100% polyester knit, that will not grab or pull hair. The smooth finish outer covering, is 100% polyester that will move freely on bedcoverings.

SMALL SLEEP BONNET, GRAPHIC HOUNDSTOOTH PRINT, this small sleep bonnet fits comfortably over my short TWA, and I just love it.




Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord.  Psalm 31:24

Creating Fabric from Ready-Made Clothing

This is what I really like to do, make fabric from ready to wear items. I am always buying clothing pieces more for the amount of fabric I can get out a item, then just to remake the item. This is one of my reclaimed fabric remakes from my Youtube channel.

"May your choices reflect your Hopes, not your Fears."

                                                     -Nelson Mandela

OOTD My Favorite Dress

Wore this to church today, its one of my favorite lagenlook styles. I'm not a true lagenlook wearer, because I really don't layer my outfit peices, but I do admire components of the style. Enjoy!!!

My dresses, always make me look bigger, they also make me feel wonderful and creative. So I wear them with joy, and look big.

 How do you feel about the way you wear your clothing, current fashion trend or indie style?

I am a artist.

OOTD Silk Upcycled Dress

I made this dress from a combination of recycled fabrics and purchased goods. The top yoke portion started out as a pair of deep greenish blue silk pants, whereas the lower dress section is a black and white print silk from my fabric stash. I love wearing this style of loose-fitting easy comfort dres, but usually make them in monochromatic tones, with very little distinct color-blocking. I set my camera up and took a dozen or more pictures of myself in this dress, because I want to know what I am visually presenting with this design combination. I feel lovely and decently alluring in the dress, totally self confident, unique and happy with just the way it wears on my body. My apprehension came from looking in the mirror at myself and seeing the color blocking balance---its not to flattering! I wore the dress adding a soft wrap in a tie dye ethnic print, that somewhat hid the bodice area, and felt quite comfortable. This dres is a keeper, but I have to definately tweek the visual presentation each time I wear it.

"I may not be there yet, but I'm closer than I was yesterday."

End of Summer White Ensemble

The j juxtaposition of two time worn pieces, that I just don't want to get rid of.

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!

 

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

"The Look Of Love"

A few days off work and I went fabric shopping, at a fabric store!  My normal method of acquiring fabric for projects is to purchase clothing from thrifting environments, anything thats 100% cotton. silk, linen or wool and do reclaimed clothing styling. This day was to be a treat, I would be purchasing the total yardage needed to make a new dress!  It is amazing how fabric selection has changed over the years, it was the hardest task to find at retail a quality piece of  dress goods, most fabrics are mixed blends. I found a lovely black and white large grid plaid, 100% cotton, and very soft to the touch. The purchase was just three yard, the amount needed to create a wonderfully soft and easy style dress.

So that a man shall say, Verily there is a reward for the righteous:...         Psalm 58:11

"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

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

"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