Slow design: Done to Soon

It didn't take as long as I thought it would, but my second knitted lace project is complete. I obtained a great book from the San Antonio, TX Library titled, "Perfectly Feminine Knits: 25 Distinctive Designs" by Lene Holme Samsoe, just by choosing it for the enticing cover. The design suggested a lightweight yarn, and I choose a slightly heavier ply. The three ply yarn in a gentle baby blue has a silver novelty yarn strand intertwined, giving my scarf/stole a bit of sheen. I work on my slow project at end of workday, while the Mister is either watching a sporting event, or some other nondescript show on television.  This lace pattern gave me just the right amount of challenge, and I had to unwind and reknit several times. I really enjoyed working this pattern, the scarf is just what I need to work with my Signature Dresses, adding some unique panache. Next slow design will be a counted cross stitch kit purchased at the thrift store for $1.99. I intend to use the finished small canvas as a pillow center when complete. 

The highest reward for a person's toil is not what they get for it,but what they become by it.

                                                                                                   -John Ruskin

"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

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

"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

OOTD Ready to Praise

Mister is going to service without me today, because I had a little knock down by our pups. Woke up this morning with a very sore hip, and thought it best to relax at home for the day. Without me on his arm, he still looks pretty good.

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

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

New Dress, lots of Fun

This is what I did on Mother's Day----got some of my thrifted and given pieces and made a new dress. Love it!!!!

Thanks hubby for the impromptu photo.

"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

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

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

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

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