I made this top out of a 2-way stretch fabric. It's quite light-weight. Something to note is that this garment hangs properly when there's a lining in at least the peplum/skirt. When it didn't have the mesh lining, the waist looked wider and the bodice puffed out a bit. Add in a quick matching peplum of mesh and "voila!"it hangs beautifully! I serged all the edges rather than top stitching.
A couple weeks ago, I gave a 3 paragraph talk to my class on 2 miniature sculptures I created out of polymer clay. I was tickled to learn some of the words for styrofoam, hardening (the clay) and baking. Technical terms can vary and words also hold unique meanings depending upon context. Not only did I get to learn the new vocabulary and share with the class my figurines, but they too got to learn the vocab and we used it in a few successive classes thanks to the teacher at La Unica.
I love, love, love to learn. I fully intend to spend my entire life learning and accomplishing as many things as I feel inspired to do, which is usually 10 x more than most people I encounter and I'm fine with that. :) That means my life will be filled with growth and adventure.
Shown here both above and left are Patterns for Pirates Favorite Tee (affiliate link) Sewing Cake Espresso Leggings (with heavy modifications) |
I remember watching some powerful dancers at Century Ballroom a year ago and others at the 2015 Seattle Salsa Congress thinking, "I can do that." I could see myself on stage. I knew I could do those moves just as well as the current performers. None of this was ego based, yet that can easily shift into a space of jealousy, if we begin to judge the thought or allow others to tell us how to live. If however, we can acknowledge that neutral, yet excited feeling which arises when the desire is born, we will come to realize that this though is divine inspiration gifting us with a new goal and showing us that we can achieve it. A little more than a year later, I was performing at Century Ballroom and at a Salsa Congress on a team of talented dancers.
I accomplished my dream. It was a TON of work, there are always interesting challenges to being part of a team where you must look and move identically, yet each looks different and everyone is doing it for fun. I was definitely hard on myself along the way, but I persevered and am so grateful. These women are so talented and I was lucky not only to dance alongside them, but also to learn and watch Julia, our team leader, choreograph and adjust the team frequently to ensure we always looked amazing.
I also got to meet Michelle, who was sharing many of her fun projects and was just about to leave to teach a class at expo. Also a very lovely person.
Over the years, I've learned how t to truly follow, which as a trailblazer and a woman in engineering, was challenging. Why? Because I am an explorer and a pioneer by nature and I've learned to be successful by leading in my own way. So coming to dance and learning to follow has been such a fantastic journey for me. I am always willing to dance with people of all experience levels even though I've been a performing dancer for years and years. What's fascinating is that I've come to learn who is taking lessons at which studio based on the way they dance. And, sometimes, it's a beginner, doing a move the wrong or right way that can help me really solidify the way a move was taught, but I haven't quite understood yet. So give everyone a chance, you might learn just as much as they are!
Plus, the service from Annette is bar none. She's a doll (see the photo of her and I above). She has helped me decide on what notions, needles, fabrics, etc. for many a garment and she knows what works and what doesn't. Plus, she's made lots of the same patterns I am about to tackle. Thank goodness she found a great home in another long time Portland fabric shop. Of course I made a trip to Rose City in the weeks before they closed and stocked up on many fabrics - breathables, fleeces, knits, and more. Many from major brands that were purchased on close-out so that hobby seamstresses or even those folks working for shows like Leverage and Grimm could make unique garments for the cast.
Farewell Rose City. You will be missed.
What have you been up to this year? What has been the most pivotal garment you've made? Or what has been your greatest accomplishment. We are in harvest season, so now is an excellent time to take stock of where you are at and what you've created in your life (or even released).