(no subject)
I always yearn to find my way back "home" again. And I'm realizing part of that quest means re-connecting with that part of me that was left behind when I became an adult. After college and work, and once family took priority over self, I stopped doing things that seemed unimportant and whimsical. Reality demanded every ounce of my time and energy. But ironically, I didn't realize that those very things are a big part of what drives us and gives us those proverbial wings to fly.
In high school and college I loved to sew. I would stay up until all hours of the night, working on a project that I just HAD to finish. I had learned to sew partly from watching my mother over the years, but also from simple trial and error. My friends were always so impressed and just knew I was destined to be a famous designer. (If only!) I remember one year sewing bandanas under the ripped holes in the guys' jeans to make a cool, peek-through look. (LOL) Formal gowns and jackets were my specialty, though. Ahh...the sweet feel of poly taffeta! *snicker*
Sadly, I thought that I should toss aside my talent and dream for something more profound and stable. So the sewing kit went into the closet and the pre-med text books went in the backpack. Well, I never went to medical school, but did get that masters' degree in human biology. Yes, it is a fabulous education. But did it lead to a fruitful and thrilling career? No. You see, to me success now means loving what you do. When you love what you do, you can't wait to get up every morning and continue your work. Hell, it's not really even work if you love it. And when you put all your heart in it, success will surely follow. (And no, making millions of dollars shouldn't be the only indicator of success.)
Herein lies one important life lesson I plan on teaching my children. I will encourage them to do whatever it is they truly love, and I will do everything I can to help them realize that dream. The first step is being true to yourself. Follow your dreams.
Anyway....
I have finally dusted off the old Bernina and found the motivation to get back to my true love of sewing and designing.
We have at least three black tie events coming up in the next two months, and I figured it's high time I put my skills back to work!
Currently, I'm working on the muslin, which is a mock-up using cheap fabric and is used for fitting purposes. This saves time and fabric when the good stuff gets here.
I found some wonderful, nay INCREDIBLE fabric on one of my favorite online haunts. (Let me tell you, good fabric is near impossible to come by these days. NOBODY sews any more, unless they are either 1. quilting, 2. making scrubs, or 3. making costumes.) It is a black lace that is hand painted with antique silver. It screams "runway"!
My design inspiration is a body conscious dress ala Dolce & Gabbana. They are known for those body-loving dresses, and I thought some topstitching along the panel seams would be delicious and kind of break up the monotonous pattern of the lace. I'm imagining as I go, and I still need to sketch it out. The bodice I have done so far is missing the flounce at the bottom, which will hang just below the knees and make a flirty little kick when I walk! He heh!
I must have music to sew by. Don't laugh at how I wear my ipod buds. I know...I'm a dork!