Uuuuuh...I don't know....

I've been outta commission blog-wise, but here I am. I've had numerous ideas for new posts since I last updated, but for whatever reason it just didn't happen.

Some random info. I was in Baton Rouge today and had a realization. Numerous Indian ladies were in my atmosphere while I was out there, and I realized that it was their long flowy tunics that are a basic part of their dress that also strongly influenced my love of the tunic that I enjoy making (for now, anyway) as mentioned below. Ya know how sometimes you you know something, but you can't quite determine what it is? It's like, "I know I didn't invent this style, but I can't remember where I saw it first that made me love it." Yep. It was among the Indian women I see here or while traveling.

So anyway. My male companion's b-day was recently. Naturally, I wanted to do or get something for him. Somethin' special, ya know? *Although, looking back over the past 4 bearthdays he's had while we've been together I can't recall what I did other than make a vegan chocolate cake one year....with strawberries and chocolate sauce on top. It was good, too. I'm sure there were other things, but my memory is just off like that sometimes.*

He's really into photography and takes pictures of various scenes. I thought it would be neat to create a collage of some of his pics, frame it, and give it.



Theme: Nature.

And you know the cool thing about it? One day he was over here looking through his massive collection of photos (which are stored on my computer) and was commenting on the ones he really liked. So he unknowingly helped me choose the ones that would be included in the collage. (Even though that last one is one of my absolute favorites and woulda been included regardless).

I'm pleased with how it turned out, and he seemed really moved by it. Oh and there was also a book he's been wanting and a Patrice Lumumba tee included in the gift box. It's cool when you know a person well enough to just...know 'em like that. :-)

Time To Let Go

Woooooooooooooooo!!! Lately I've been having all sorts of ideas concerning a new approach I've been spiritually prompted to take in regards to my work. So, so, so much going on inside my head! When it first came to me, I went through a few days of confusion and anxiety. The other day I lollygagged around this apartment aaaaaalllll day doing absolutely nothing. It's like I was afraid to touch my sewing machine, any fabric, thread, scissors, anything cause I just was so..........uncertain! I have this feeling every once and a while, but find it hard to explain. I thought my head was gonna explode yesterday. Seriously.

I also have spells of, "O.k. some of this has to go." Currently I find myself in this mood. Last week I got the urge to through away my huge bin of fabric scraps. For me that's big, cause I keep that thing filled with random fabric pieces that I use for various projects such as this and this
I love my scraps, mayne! Some of 'em date back to '02 and bring back memories. But. Gotta listen to "the voice". Make room for the new. In addition, I've been moved to just get rid of stuff. It's not like I have a lot of 'stuff', but some of the items in my living space are just buggin' me.

So anyway, earlier today I marked a lot of items in my shop down by 50%. I just love 'em to life, but they're so ready to be released into the world.

Like what, you ask? Well there's this top:


Dating back to November '06. This one really makes me smile. I was very pleased with the entire 3-piece collection that it's a part of. The dress now belongs to someone in Switzerland (and I hope she's enjoying it :-). What's left is this blouse and the skirt. That green material is just perfect.

What else?

Oh, there's the Rafeeka Pencil Skirt:


Now, brown is my color. It makes up the majority of my personal wardrobe..in one shade or another. I think I'm gonna start wearing more high waisted skirts. I really like 'em. I felt great in this one. Oh, then there's the sold skirt and currently available dress that matches. Fall with a nice touch of summer :-).

Speakin' of summer....the weatherbug on my desktop is dinging giving me notice of a heat advisory. A red '100' is blinking down in the task bar. Yes, weatherbug, I know it's HOT. I appreciate cha lookin' out for me though. ;-)

peace

My New Obsession

I barely know what to do with myself now that I've got a faster internet connection. Pictures upload in seconds as opposed to the 30 minutes to an hour that it took with dial-up. Yep. It was a pitiful situation...especially for someone who spends a good portion of her time uploading photos to various places online. I'm so thrilled right now. :-)

But anyway, you may have noticed a style of tunic that has shown up a few times in the shop. This is one of my new favorite garments to create. Just so simple and...cool!







The idea for these came back in January of 2005. I was preparing to go to Houston, Tx to see Lizz Wright in concert (simply beautiful). Well, I couldn't think of what I was gonna pack to wear to the concert. Then it came to me. I'm forever throwing something together to wear at the last minute by cutting up, painting on, revamping something in my closet. Well, Someone had given me a tan, stretchy polyester skirt with long slits up the sides. I knew I'd never wear it...as a skirt anyway. So, of course, I turned it into a top. There wasn't really any sewing. I simply painted an ankh on it, found a piece of material to tie around, and a new concept was born:



(Sorry for the blurry photo...this was taken at my old place before the green walls and before my improved automatic photo taking skills)


It wasn't until this year that I decided to expand on the idea. I personally am in love, so expect to see more. I'm (mentally) working on new styles for colder weather. We'll see what I come up with. ;-)