Tornangel012

Hexagons

2012-03-09T11:05:00.000-05:00

After seeing my friend Mary (of Molly Flanders blog) at Sew to Speak work on her hexagons quilt I got an itching to try it out myself. I knew I always wanted to do hence the boxes of scraps that I keep from every project but I was letting myself get sidetracked because I couldn't find a solid small hexagon template. I was just being bogus, because when I finally went to do it I found I never needed it in the first place and it would of made me waste a lot more time an energy then I needed to work with a foundation template from plastic or wood. I said to myself I bet I can find a good hexagon size just from clip art on the internets. So I did just that and printed out my hexagon to the size I wanted then I folded the paper over several times so I could cut out more then one at a time. Then I had my tiny hexagon templates, easy peezy like. I continued to do the trace and fold trick using maker paper which is a bit more expensive but I like the weight of the paper and it is more durable then tracing paper.

My hexagon paper templates

Since this was my first go I picked the most boring scraps of fabric to try my hand at this. I pin the hexagon to the fabric and cut around it leaving 3/8 - 1/4 of fabric around the template.

After it is cut our all the way I begin the next step which is folding over the extra fabric around the paper template while baste stitching it down.

You sew through the fabric, paper and out through the fabric again.

You want to pay careful attention to the corner when doing this so that you go through both the fabric to keep the corners sharp and flat.

After you basting do not tie it off or too tightly where it curls inwards. You want to be able to pull the basting stitch out later without too much trouble. At this point if I am home I would take a pile of them and press them flat to keep everything nice and crisp.

After I assembled a small handful of them I started to piece them together by hand with a whip stitch and they fit together perfectly like a little puzzle.

Right now I have no idea what I am making, I just the lines to be at random and then I'll probably applique it onto something else. When I am done with stitching all my pieces together I will press it with the iron again and then snip the basting stitches to pull them out.

I am very excited for this new piecing technique to play with. I think it will add a good element of pattern to my designs and help me to further explore representing neurons into a fiber based art form.

TiLT - Random Smiles

2012-03-08T13:05:00.002-05:00

There is no rhyme or reason to this week's TiLT just things that make me feel good and smile.

1. Old Hotel Chandeliers - they just don't make them like they used to. Gorgeous twinkling crystal chandeliers in the hotel lobby is a like a step back in time. You just don't see such class in the new hotels these days.

2. Random Animals - This little one was found randomly. I think a friend sent it to me. I love animals and so anything cute always brightens my day. This little guy just looks like he is chuckling away. It reminds of what a scene in the Brian Jacques, Mossflower books might look like if he was at a table with a meadow cream pie in his paws.

3. Small Dinner Parties - Now that we have seating for our dining table we are finally able to have friends over for intimate dinner parties. We had our first one on Valentine's day. The meal was all from scratch of Beef Wellington, asparagus, mashed potatoes, cocktail shrimp and a box of chocolates.

4. Going to see the Symphony - One of my favorite things is being able to see a Symphony play. I used to play violin avidly as a kid and younger adult and I miss it. Watching a Symphony is such a treat to me. I like to pick out and watch the different performers playing and marvel at how difficult that stanza was.

<p>&amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;gt;L</p>5. Kitty love - Nothing is better then when your cat shows you love. Cats really make you work for their affection. I feel like there is a more true bond when a cat chooses more so then dogs (and I have had both). When my kitties come to me and show me affection I feel grateful that they trust and care about me enough to be vulnerable when I am around.

I hope you are having a fantastic Thursday and remembering the little things that make you smile everyday!

DIY- Sewing Kit

2012-03-07T10:54:00.000-05:00

I have a problem with collecting not only pens and pencils but also cases to hold them in. During my recent visit to Pittsburgh I went to Kawaii Gifts and picked up this super cute Alice in Wonderland pencil tin (because I must own everything cute and Alice related!). Knowingly I did not have a set of pens in particular to put in this nor did I really need it because I also picked up another tin of Sentimental Circus by San-x. Anywho I didn't need this but I had to justify it being necessary so I decided I would turn it into a small project sewing/embroidery tin.

The nice thing about this tin is that it is plain, most of the other pencil tins I pick up have separate levels so you can't stack pens on top of each other they have to lie flat in a row. This tin could easily hold about 12 pens/pencils in it because of the open format.

I gathered the things I wanted to put inside.

Small spools of thread
Compact scissors
Post it note tabs
Felt pincushion
Needle threader
Magnet for pins
Thread cutter ring.
Mechanical Pencil
Eraser
Seam ripper

I do a check to make sure everything fits inside and that the lid will close before I make some more permanent changes.

Now to make some changes on the inside. I planed to install my felt ball pincushion into one corner and the magnet into the other corner. I'm using double sided foam tape to secure the Felt ball.

For my magnet it was an extra from this quirky office magnet set a friend had sent me. I clipped the plastic open so I could have the raw magnet to put in the tin. I just felt that it would have a stronger grip without the plastic around it.

Placing my items once again. The magnet sticks on it's own since it is a metal tin.

After I take the protective seal on the double sided tape I push the felt ball into it. Using the foam instead of flat double sided tape also hold the round shape of the felt ball better. I like to use the Felt ball to hold my needles and the magnet to hold my pins. The nice thing about the magnet is that if any pins are just thrown inside I can shake it a little and they will be drawn to the magnet. I can also take the magnet off and sweep the area I was working to pick up any stray pins of needles I might of dropped.

Everything in place and in order I have a snazzy little sewing tin. I took off the backing of the post it note tabs and stuck it to the top of the tin. You never know when you need to take a note or mark a pattern you are working on so they are very useful. Wasn't that easy?

Tobi - Clothes Review

2012-03-06T10:08:00.002-05:00

I ordered from Tobi for the first time last week and was very happy when my package came in the mail. I am currently obsessed with Mint and Copper for my spring colors, and they had mint all over the place. One of the things I like the best that they do is everything new goes on sale for a week before they put it at their normal prices. It's not expensive or doesn't seem that way since it's on sale.

It came the same way most clothes does, in a plastic mailer bag pretty plain

Each piece was individually wrapped probably the stayed this from from the manufacturer to the warehouse and right to me. It makes me nostalgic of working in the stock room of a retail store how we unpacked all the clothing from their little baggies and then later shove them back in if there was a shipping order to fill.

I got this comfy mint hoodie/sweatshirt that has 3/4 sleeves

Nothing much to say on this except the fabric is thin enough to show if you were wearing a black bra and everything was cover stitched or serge sewn together. The draw strings are a really nice cotton when I expected them to be an icky nylon so that was a good surprise.

Long mint pleated skirt

The fabric on this was better then I had expected for the outer shell. The inner lining was super cheap and serge finished instead of a rolled hem or top stitch. Also you can tell it wasn't just factory but MASS produced because one of the side seams was really wonky where the pleats didn't match up and the seam is sewn diagonally through some of the pleats so it has that weird twist. I'm hoping that will settle out after hanging it for a while and the first time I wash it. There were also some loose threads that just made it look messy around the waistband which I had to promptly snip.

Polka Dot sleeveless Blouse

I was very surprised that this fabric was also much nicer then expected. It has had proper facing in the button holes and collar of the blouse. I expected the armholes to a nightmare of finishing but it was clean and so was the bottom of the fabric. The fit was just what I wanted also.

All in all I'm very happy with my purchases and I will definitely continue to browse and shop their online store with confidence in what I will be getting. Their price points aren't bad and the shipping was pretty standard in time. You just have to keep in mind if it looks slightly weird or makes the model look fat it will look completely weird or fattening on you also.

TiLT - Random Happiness

2012-03-01T12:17:00.000-05:00

This Thursday's edition comes to you from my congested and sickly mind. I needed to think about things that make me happy as I muddle through this cold.

1. Finishing a complex lace tatting project.
Nothing has been more satisfying lately then finishing some of these lace tatting patterns from Japan. Things can be hard to see and easily confused with where to join pieces. The pattern I worked on after this took me at least six tries to get everything lined up and connected to their proper places. Now that I've done it I feel much elated.

2. Animals that look like Muppets.
My friend Claire pointed out animals that look like muppets from petfinder and then I went to the Vet's and this little girl was there. She claims the vet office as her home. She just doesn't look real and she also reminds me of an Ewok.

3. Passed out kitties.
I love it when the cats are just passed out, not loafing but utterly passed out on their backs. They look so peaceful and innocent. They don't even understand how good they have it with loving owners, food and water always on paw and comfy couches, blankets, coats and beds to sleep on.

4. Vintage Fabrics.
I may not enjoy wearing or dealing with second hand clothes much, but fabric yardage is ok in my book. The pastel like colors in this are perfect for the spring trends and I like the geometric ambiguous shapes dancing across it. I'm determined to take this 2.75 yardage and make myself a a nice little circle skirt.

5. Taking pictures.
I just love to do this as a true hobby. I am by no means professional but I like to capture the moment and take pictures of things to inspire me in my fashion an art. In this picture I have my Nikon D3100 with a Diana plastic lens attachment.

Crochet Along

2012-02-27T12:12:00.001-05:00

I found this great pattern on Pinterest and I decided to give a it a whirl. They were not joking when they named it "The Wooleater" I am very behind since I just started this about a week ago but it is coming along nicely. I've decided instead of sticking to gradation of colors I am going to do contrasts to make each row pop.

Here is my progress from the past two weeks. My wrist starts to hurt when I try to do more than a row at a time.

Short & Sweet tip - Machine Embroidery

2012-02-21T16:29:00.000-05:00

This is a little tip if you are working on an embroidery sewing machine for a small project. Sometimes it is just too small to hoop it so you need to get inventive. I was working on a small coin purse kit I got from Mollie Makes Magazine (which I adore!) It came with two small pieces of vintage fabric that were just big enough to fit the coin purse pattern with very little left over.

The back fabric was a little too stark and plain for me. The example was to take a scrap from the flower fabric to hand stitch onto it so you could have a rose on it. The scrap was so small I could get nothing out of it. I decided that I would embroider a Monogram on my machine. Obviously it was too small to hoop the fabric so I used a cut away stabilizer (the tear away stabilizer is not the best option because it can tear it self away if not hooped all the way around with a fabric).

After hooping the stabilizer I used the temporary spray adhesive on both the fabric and the stabilizer to ensure that they are secure. When you spray just one side it can sometimes move around once the stitching starts which is exactly what you don't want. Make sure to get some thing that says it is temporary and that will wash out. The importance to that is so that you can
A. Get your fabric of
B. Not gunk up the needle on your
C. So that it will wash out and doesn't add bulk or stiffness where you may not want it.

After everything is hooped, sprayed and set into place you can go about with your embroidery.

For this particular coin purse it was suggested to line the vintage fabrics. I used a typical fusible interfacing instead of trying to deal with a second interior lining fabric since it was such a small piece. After my embroidery I clipped out all the excess stabilizer to keep as close to the monogram as possible. if you look closely you can see the contrasting hatch marks inside the "E".

Very simple coin purse and easy solution to fabric being too small to hoop for machine embroidery.

Clean House

2012-02-17T12:20:00.001-05:00

A few weeks ago I spent the entire weekend cleaning up my stashes and my upstairs craft room which is also our guest room. They were all disasters. Above is my stash after the clean up which I am also sharing with my shoe storage because I have just as many shoes as I do fat quarters.

I decided to try and organize my fabric by themes. So we shall see how that works out. In my head I do all my projects by themes so hopefully this will help keep it all together for me, otherwise I need to work up a new system which I am not keen on.

This is the guest bedroom/craft room. Total anarchy! I have this bad habit of stacking things on the bed and piling up stacks of magazines that I don't have time to flip through. when I am in a hurry I am also terrible about putting things back once I pulled them out and leaving it there for days (or weeks). I know that when I lose a cat in this mess then it is high time to clean it all up. One of the hard lessons I am still working on as an adult owning our own home is that there is no one else there to clean up after you and we certainly need to get that lesson learned before we add some human babies in our lives rather then furbabies that can fend for themselves mostly.

Once everything is clean and organized it does feel fantastic! Sure there are still some small piles on the bed but these are different. These are things on the bed because I can not have a guest here till the prints are hung or things that need to be moved to the basement studio because they never belonged in this room in the first place. Keeping them on the bed is like a visual to do list instead of piled up catch all.

In addition to cleaning up I found the perfect solution of what to do with all my mini buttons I've been collecting and the fact that I have several inspiration cork boards with no pushpins. I simply bent the pin out and use them just like normal push pins. It makes for a double inspiration!

TiLT - Fashion inspring me

2012-02-16T11:57:00.000-05:00

I feel slightly obligated to post something more "fashion" oriented considering this is amidst New York Fashion Week and right before the Oscars. Let me tell you what you won't find here, trends. I don't really follow them the way the masses typically does. I do fashion to the beat of my own drummer and go for inspiring and original rather then that new hot color or shape to wear. Sure I follow the trends but I pick and choose what I like and what I think is really appropriate for me. Doesn't mean it is appropriate for you, just me unless otherwise stated. Having said that let's move on with my Things I Love Thursday for fashion inspirations!

1. Pastels and Peekaboo maxi skirts.
I love mint I always have and there is something about pastels that just screams for spring to start. I could never personally pull off the Pink but I think with a contrast of Electric blue or black I could rock it. That peekaboo maxi skirt I am in love with. It's not a leg baring slit, it's not a skort, simply a combination of long and short hems that give a little show as you walk or sit cross legged looking over all sophisticated when matched with the right fluid fabric.

2. Sheer Oversized Sleeves
If you know me and my design work you know I love an over sized sleeve. This one of course instantly struck me as amazing. It makes me wish I had endless yardage of silk organza to play with.

3. Givenchy Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2012
Firstly, yes! true Haute Couture not the pret a porter that most people assume is Haute Couture. You can read my rant here.
Moving on, the attention to all the details, the elegant draping, this has got it all. There wasn't a single piece in the collection I wasn't floored by. I am also reminded by a quote from Valentino "I have never made a dress where the hem shows the ankle as you walk that is disgusting". If you haven't done so already you should take a closer look at each individual piece here.

4. Making Lace
Although I am not so keen on this design it has sparked a wonderful DIY lace idea in my head. I want to use satin stitch and free form sew some of my own patterns to an OOAK (one of a kind) lace for applique on my own pieces in the collection I am forming around Neurons.

5. Sketch applique mixed with heavy beading
I am in love with this contrast. The very sketch like light embroidery and applique matched with super heavy beading in coordinating colors. It looks light and airy but the feel is weighted. It reminds me of the Japanese squiggle coloring books turned adult

6. Striking Ombre
Yes Ombre has been around the block more then a few times but what struck me about these pieces is how potent the color is and stark. Not to mention the careful selection of which part to dye. Both of these pieces would of been just find on their own plain because there is enough detail going on with them to make them unique. Adding in the ombre was a gamble, it could of been viewed as overworked and trend following but the above two pieces hit the perfect pitch in my book. The first shows how ombre doesn't have to be just from one side to the other. The bow was the basis for the garment and letting it bleed out organically into the rest of the jacket is poetic. The dress/skirt on the right is a prim example of how you don't have to let the ombre take over the entire garment. It is super saturated and then quickly disperses to the stark white of the rest of the garment. This is just another example of how editing embellishments to any garment is key.

All the photos in this post were taken from various sources which I unfortunately didn't keep a great track of when I plopped them into Pinterest and Evernote (sorry)
Style Bubble, Park and Cube, Givenchy Facebook, Style.com

My Father's Shirt

2012-02-15T14:04:00.000-05:00

Randomly my dad gave me this shirt the other day when I was visiting him. They don't live far just on the other side of town. I think he misses me a lot so I should try to visit them more, but that is besides the point of this post. Dad gave me a shirt because he knew I had another shirt with the same blue pinstripes so he was trying to be thoughtful by giving me his. It was a mans large of Old navy, I was swimming in it of course. I thought I would make the best out of it and turn it to a tunic shirt.

Here are some terrible pictures of me wearing the end result. I am showing these first so we can end with the better looking photos because it really turned out nicely.

I struggled for a long time with the front of this shirt. It needed some sort of shape and the darts every which way I did them were unsatisfactory. Finally I folded in some pintuck seaming and I was smitten with the faux bib (for lack of a better word since my brain isn't functioning today). I also rolled up the sleeves and stay stitched them down.

For the back I brought it into a box pleat in the middle so that it created an interesting drape and brought the shoulders and back up a fit so the front was more fit.

Amazing that I was able to do all this with a few selective stitches and not cut a single piece of fabric out of the shirt.

Tabio Socks

2012-02-14T14:30:00.000-05:00

I finally got my brown paper package from the UK.

My Tabio socks!

I like their postage it's very graphic and simple.

2 pairs of toe socks

2 pairs of half socks

1 pair of ruffled ankle footie sock

I love the way these look but it takes a little bit to get used to feeling of each toe being separated. It also weirds me out a little to see my feet and for a split second think they are my hands.

The half sock as an accessory over other socks is an idea to spice it up.

The half sock alone works well to protect heels in new pumps without giving you the weird toe bulk. They are also handy to wear for sandals to protect your heel or make it a little more of snug fit. I like to wear them with flip flops when I am working in the cold basement to give my feet a little warmth but allowing my toes to be free.

Lastly the ruffled ankle footie is fun to wear alone as a house sock or with some flat ballet slipper type shoes. It was a good sock to wear with my ankle boots because it protected the sole of my foot while allowing my tops to still breath in the boot and showing off the ruffles on top for a pop of color.

Overall I am very satisfied with my Tabio order. Yes the socks are more expensive but the quality of them is far superior to any other socks I've looked at or tried. I also live in a no shoes indoor household so it's nice to still see something pretty and fashionable on your feet when when you are relaxing. I was surprised thinking the sock might even be too big for me since they are mostly one size fits all. Instead they were a great fit and with the material they allow for a lot of stretch for larger feet as well. I would say if you are willing to drop some serious money the shipping is nothing. These socks were well worth it to me and I look forward to making future orders of their other lines.

Tie Dye gone Alright!

2012-02-13T13:29:00.000-05:00

This is me following along on a very simple DIY I saw on Pintrest of something a mother did with her kids. Well I don't have kids and why should they have all the fun? This is a super simple and elegant way to do a tie dye affect. I chose to stay with some basic colors to keep it classy and not kiddie and for sure far way from that ComFest feeling.

Tools are simple, rubbing alcohol, plastic or foam cup, rubber band, article or fabric you want to play on and sharpies! It would of been nice If I had the dropper like they did but I'll pick on up next time. I guess I could use a straw.

So you want to put the cup under whatever section you want to color and tie or put the rubber band tightly around the top. Wherever the rubber band is secured that will end the saturation of the rubbing alcohol when you drop it on. After it was secured I just drew a star burst in the colors I wanted when satisfied I dropped/poured the rubbing alcohol on it and watched the magic spread. The nice thing about the cup on the bottom is that it catches the excess liquid and if you want you can turn it over and reuse it. But be warned! Just like a fire can be used to stop another oncoming fire the saturation of rubbing alcohol from one point to another can cancel each other out instead of flowing into each other. When this happens you can get some strange circles or spread marking that you might or might not like.

I had a lot of fun with this but you also need to remember not to try and add colors once you started he saturation. It can kill your sharpie markers. So it will take some playing and planning out if you want perfection. The blue bled really well while my two different black pens barely budged at all. I'm not sure if it was because they were old or the pigments with black are really ridged.

I hung it up while it dried in between circles and since then I've added to the left side under the arm. it dries fairly quickly since it's rubbing alcohol but it doesn't hurt to have a fan or heater going while you are doing this to speed up the process if you are as impatient as I am.

Antique to Summer Classic

2012-02-10T11:45:00.000-05:00

I got this lace table runner a while ago at an antique store and thought I could cut it and use it for mini runners on my two side tables in the living room to protect cat claws ans spills. The I saw a little label on the inside with the date and captions that all the lace was handmade. I couldn't bear to cut into it so I left it folded quietly in my stack of fabrics.

I took it out last weekend determined to get some precious time in on my sewing machine. I laid it over my mannequin in a few different variations which ultimately gave me some ideas for other designs I'd like on on using my own tatted lace.

I settled on this simple drape of a peasant blouse with a deep drape in the back. The fun thing is from this rectangle I only needed to sew four parts to keep this shape. A connecting seam in the front, one tuck stitch under each arm to make arm holes and the fourth was in the back to keep it together a little more so it wouldn't slide off my shoulders.

I can't wait for the weather to warm up so I can wear this out over a vibrant tank dress or with some skinny jeans and tall wedges.

TILT- Useful Tools

2012-02-09T14:02:00.000-05:00

This Thursday I want to dedicate it to some useful tools for me on the internet that are also keeping me sane. They are inspiration boards, organizational tools and editing. I should also call this my shameless promotion TILT except that I'm not endorsed by any of them. These are my top 3 things I use almost daily.

1. Evernote - I can never gush too much about how useful this has been for me. I keep all my important documents such as my CCAD classroom handouts and knitting/sewing patterns on here. It can store word docs, pdfs, jpgs, some video, links, etc. It doesn't need admin rights to download it to a computer and best thing is that isn't limited to your computer either. I put this on my Kindle fire, Droid X-2 so I can always have access to it. On my phone I can easily take pictures of things and port them directly into my Evernote for later. It's free but I opt to use the paid version so I have more space and can use functions like text searching through out all my notes. Even things like receipts and written notes that you took a picture of can be searched with the paid version. Paying isn't even that bad it's only $5 a month out of pocket and it auto pays off of my Paypal.

You can see this sampling of my Evernote above. I like the style with the thumbnails and descriptions and being able to organize my notebooks however I like. When Delicious failed on me during their transition off of yahoo I felt panicked that I would lose all my links. Evernote was like the shining beacon of light that I needed to fill the gap. It does so much more for me then Delicious ever did.

2. Pinterest - This has been my back up for inspiration if I don't see something I want in my Evernote inspriation files. It has also allowed me to add new things to my Evernote files. I feel like it is blog reading on Crack. I see the most interesting pictures of a tutorial or something and then I click further to get to the real meat and bones blog or website that it originated from. It can be however another rabbit hole to fall into and a big time suck.

I love using it so much that I have 14 different boards. It's also a good way to keep inspiration at your fingertips since you can also access this anywhere and on anything that has internet access.

3. Delicious -Even though it quite on me before and made me angry, once they fixed it all up I'm happy to be back on it. As much as I love my Evernote it doesn't keep a slick profile of links the way that Delicious now does. It also allows me to put my links into different "stacks" of categories make it much more simple for me to do my weekly or monthly blog catch ups in certain areas.

For me it's like the pinterest of blogs and links of things I already had. For whatever reason I never got into using any of those blog readers out there and I just like to keep my links here on Delicious.

Craft and Simple

2012-02-07T16:50:00.000-05:00

Do you read Refinery 29? I do and I saw the above for sale in one of the mailers and I thought, "huh, that's pretty and super simple". Then I looked at the price was like what? $7.00 for a set of 4, pffft I know that it's just fold over lingerie elastic. So I did a little digging to my source and found that I could get 5 yards of this stuff for just $2.50 (not including shipping). From 5 yards I can get at least 20-30 of these bands.

I made my order for these three colors and now I am happily wearing them and giving them out to close friends to save them a pretty penny as well. It is part of my obsession with how things work to know materials also. I see every situation and craft as puzzle that needs to be solved. I even started a sketch book this weekend of pictures of outfits that I like and then drawing out the flat patterns for them. It is a sick curse but that also makes me more knowledgeable all around.

Glow in the Dark

2012-02-06T10:03:00.000-05:00

If you are looking for something silly to do Glow Putt Putt would be it. I randomly found out about this place and had been eager to go check it out. It's in downtown Gahnna and sure a little bit cheesy but nonetheless fun stuff.

The decor around the place was hilarious a mix of tribal and then random animals that weren't even in glow in the dark.

The course looks pretty simple and static but there are actually hidden bumps obstacles that you can't see because of the darkness and they aren't lit by the black light.

I will for sure be going back again. It's a great rainy day activity when you still want to get out and only $7 for unlimited play. They had a total of 18 holes. The last hole you have a chance to win one of their many light up/glow in the dark prizes.

My next adventure is SKYZONE!

Jason Wu Target Haul

2012-02-05T14:05:00.002-05:00

I've been so out of it lately that I didn't even realize this was happening at first till some girlfriends told me. Then I was super excited when I saw the pictures online, then I lost enthusiasm because a lot of the designer for Target projects have been more miss then hit. Like Rodarte was weird sizing since it was meant for Tweens. Jean-Paul Gaultier just didn't have the fabrics I would of liked or structure in some of the pieces. Zac Posen was amazing but small in size all around.

Late last night I peeked at the site again and checked out the opening for my local Target and decided I would hit it up because at the least I wanted the Cat t-shirt and maybe the robin's egg blue cardigan. I set my alarm for 7:30am and set my mind to at least go check it out. I woke up brushed my teeth and threw on some clothes. I got there about 8:01am and the parking lot was already unusually filled. As I walked inside I saw the chaos that typically goes down. I took and deep breath and plunged into the shopping frenzy to grab my sizes. As I started to meander to the accessories with my arms full of things I didn't intend to buy but wanted to try on anyways I heard someone shouting my name. I looked up to see my friend Amie had also just come to get into the battle. She had some friends with her and we had a good time. She like me is an enabler when it comes to buying things. So we make a dangerous duo.

I picked up much more then I expected but I'm very happy with it.
Robin's Egg Blue Cardigan
Cat T-shirt
Bicycle Wheel Dress
Jersey Block Dress

This dress had too long of a waste for me but that is easily fixed with a large wide black belt. The angle in this is terrible but it was also about 9:30 am when I took this after having only about 5 hours of sleep.

Me and the Cardigan

I would never wear it this way with this dress but I wanted to show the cardigan buttoned up. It has the same snaps style that the yellow Rodarte cardigan has. I hope more cardigans turn to snaps because I prefer them over the button style.

This is the Jersey Block dress that I wasn't expecting to get but I really love it. The stripe between the Navy and red at the top is transparent the same way the finish around the collar and sleeves are. Very simple details making it a little higher class.

The Cat T-shirt. I love this. So happy I went out early in the morning to get it. I would of been happy if this was the only thing I could of gotten.

If you were curious this is what my closet looks like that I was taking pictures in front of. It's a huge mess stuffed with more clothes then I really need. Funny enough this is after two rounds of cleaning this year and I consider these necessities.

The top is dresses, shirts, cardigans, the bottom is all skirts and 3 bins of belts, hats, legwarmers. At the far back is sleepwear, specialty sweaters, Leggings, hosiery, and on the wall hangs inspirational pieces that don't fit me but I'll never part with. In the back corner there are two very large tuperwares. One is full of bags and purses the other is filled with summer clothes for the dresser. Yes there is another dresser full of clothes that I change our seasonally. Across the floor is overflow purses that I need to put away properly

Bookbinding at Igloo Letter Press

2012-02-03T12:04:00.000-05:00

I put together some friends to have a book binding class/party over at Igloo Letterpress. Above were the three books we set out to make! Two of them were hand sewn binding and the third was a bit more artsy with the fanning pages. The nice thing about the last one is when you open it up all the way it has a very dramatic affect (which I have a picture of at the bottom).

Allison as always was a great host showing us around the all the equipment she uses as well as answering a plethora of questions. I had been here several times and even had my Save the Dates made here with a party for my Bridesmaids.

You can clearly see we are having a really good time.

Something new to me that Allison got was a corner rounder which I used on every edge of my first book. You set the paper into the corner and use your foot to drop the blade which rounds the corners.

One of my more favorite prints hanging in the shop.

The first two projects done. Nicely rounded corners and a fancy sewn binding.

A very fancy version of the accordion style binding we were about to make.

It really is a great way to do something different with a bunch of friends. It's also nice to have it as a private party so you get more attention and can ask Allison as many questions as you like. For her time and the space it's basically $25 an hour per person unless you have more then 6 in your party then it drops to $20 an hour. This bookbinding class was 3 hours longs so with the 6 of us it was $60 each. They provided all the materials and then some. We did a few extra projects that Allison was excited about showing us. We also brought our own cookies, chips and drinks (BYOB).

Ohayocon 2012

2012-02-02T14:19:00.002-05:00

As usual I went to Ohayocon. I am now 30, dressing up seems little silly to me but I still want to do it because it's an excuse to be totally geeked out. This year however I had too many conflicting things going so I couldn't full dedicate myself to sucking in all the nerdiness. I also unfortunately erased majority of my photos thinking they were part of a set of Glow Putt Putt photos I took from another day (boo hiss). Either way it's always fun. This year was unusually huge as well. I normally have no problems getting parking in that garage next to North Market but that was full as well as the other closer ones such as the Hotel's own parking. I ended up parking in the Nationwide Garage which was better because it had an interior and skywalk that dumped me right into the heart of things.

The famously congested stairs before they started to clear people out.

Furries on the loose!

That is a Hammer brother in the middle!

It always warms my heart that handicapped people brave the crowds because of their dedication to having a an awesome time.

Oh Thor.........

Now the Dangerous part for me is the dealer's room. I was smart and waited till Sunday when the pass was only $10 to get into there. I'm lucky if I walk out with less then 5 plushies, they are my Achilles heel. I also really wanted to get a new H.naoto keychain similar to the one I got at Ohayocon 2011.

The Cute Hangry and Angry set up in the H.Naoto Booth.

I really wanted that bear bag but I have no place to wear it to, and as much as I like Lolita I never dress that way. I may dress a little Aristocrat from time to time but nothing blatant.

The spoils of my Ohayocon adventure, small Heen, mint rreen llama, Toki Doki Unicorno and the one thing I went to the dealer room to get, a Final Fantasy Moogle. I saw it in London at Picadilly circus but it cost 45 pounds! that is over $80 US. Thankfully he was much cheaper here only being $25.

If you've never gone it is seriously a treat just for people watching. It's free to wander all you need to pay for is if you want a pass for the dealer's room, viewing rooms, gaming rooms, Cosplay Masquerade and Rave (yes they still do raves). I hold out for the last day since I only care about the dealer's room to buy things and the pass is only $10 for that day as well. The other days range from $35-55 depending which pass you get and for how many days. Once gain well worth it!

Decision, Decisions

2012-01-31T16:41:00.000-05:00

Hello Friends!
I've been a bit absent for several reasons mostly aren't excusable but I thought I would tell you anyways. My older brother for some reason thought it was a smart idea to take my 4 years old netbook instead of his snazzy new macbook with him on a business trip to Korea so my photo uploads have been bunk. Usually I would upload photos as I watch dramafever and knit on the couch (it's still multitasking even if they are all fun things). My wonderful husband has also updated my computer which is amazing! More memory updated programs for my Macmini but it also put my scanner out of commission because it is so out of date it won't install the drivers so once again none of my snazzy fun fuiji instax (polaroids) have been scanned or uploaded (major fail). Lastly these video submissions I have been working on have been gobbling up more time then I had expected. It's tough to film something and then try to edit or even upload some 2 hours of footage.

The image at the beginning is a new piece part of my "delicacies" series that I photographed for my current portfolio.

Aside from giving you all this amusing excuses that isn't what I really wanted to talk about here. I've been working on another Graduate School Application and this time it was for CCAD where I teach Continuing Education. I had a long talk with the current President of Enrollment Johnathan Lindsay about the state of the school and it's goals and a lot about that fashion department which is my end game goal here. This application is slightly different then other MFA's. Instead of asking for a letter of intent they want a project proposal. This sounded like a fun idea until I read more into the details. They wanted examples cited and pictures, materials etc etc. It sounded just like making a proposal that you would make as a working artist for a grant or gallery submission. This got my wheels turning a bit faster then normal and then to a halt. As I began my outline of different projects I could possibly propose I thought to myself I don't really know what I am doing and this is kinda what I wanted to go back to school for, to learn how to write a proper proposal as an artist.

Taking a break for a few days I met up with a friend at a coffee shop who has been helpful in my grad school applications and just shooting the shit artist to artist. He formerly worked at CCAD which is how I knew him. We discussed the CCAD program which is very exciting and conceptual. Basically every semester you work on a project for which you proposed, it is an interdisciplinary program so you are free to take classes in any medium. This also allows you to choose a different mentor/professor to work with each semester as well. From what I've heard, a majority of these students are also teaching undergrad fine art classes, which I think is excellent. I agreed with my friend that I think this is a great MFA program for someone who is aspiring to be a fine Artist full time. For majority of artists if they are going straight from undergrad into a grad program this would be useful before they are flung into the real world as it seems they are always able to show their work at the end of the semester. As my friend pointed out it will enforce people to make their own schedule and deadlines, teach them how to source and network as well as gallery presentation. As useful as these things are I have been out of school for about 9 years, these are things I have already mostly learned and would rather not learn by trial and error at my stage in life. After this conversation I found more that it isn't the fit for me in terms of grad school. As fantastic and open and it is I feel like I would not be getting enough of out it for myself.

On the flipside is OSU who I am still praying that I get accepted. If not this year I will try again next year. I look through the coursebook online and I see the potential of things I could take to make my education a cut above other artist and fashion instructors I know. I see learning about practical business skills because let's be honest a fine artist is still a business, you have taxes to pay and deduct you advertise yourself and your work. You are a merchant for your art. There are possibilities in getting to critique and discuss with a wider audience of people as majority of the campus are not fine artists but their insight is still critical. I was discussing with another friend how silly it is sometimes when artists don't branch out to get critiqued by others. How can you compare yourself to yourself? I know how to write a proposal but still to take a class to help me make a more powerful or concise artist proposal and statement is what I need. Perhaps OSU won't have the same close mentorship program that CCAD does but my education does not just stop on what is available on campus.

Outside of Grad school there are also a plethora of opportunities that I can take advantage of. I am a committee member now of the Ohio Art League and they continual have Art Informal, which is a meeting of members and free talking/critiquing of the arts in our community. Through Ohio Art League I know that I could find someone willing to be a mentor for me in my work and it would be just as personal as someone assigned or chosen from school. There is also no harm is asking a fellow teacher at CCAD to look at my work as a friend and give me a little guidance here and there. My education is certainly not limited to going to a school but in the end for what I want it is necessary.

End game I want to be a fashion instructor/full time faculty as my JOB.

Back in the Day

2012-01-24T16:00:00.000-05:00

Once upon a time I was a sculpture student. This was my passion before fashion. I actually tricked myself into thinking of fashion as sculpture to make it less painful when I switched majors. Funny that I went into fashion thinking it a better future career choice when I didn't want to go into the full industry but ended up wanting to work for or as an independent. I could of just stuck to sculpture. I used to have these huge marvelous dreams about creating marble fountains for parks. Probably didn't help that I was at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago at the time they were building Millennium Park.

The above picture is from my first 3-D class. I think it was maybe the second or third project into the class. We had to make these miniature forms from wood scraps and then double them. I got excited and went a bit bigger I think I went 400% bigger. The finished sculpture from wood, chicken wire, burlap bags and plaster was 8x6x5'. It made it into the freshman gallery presentation but there was no way to move it.

These are polaroids from when I was doing visuals with Anthropologie in NYC after college. That was one of my favorite jobs ever. This was a project where my boss said "the theme is Alice in Wonderland, here are books, make me a jacket". What could of been better then combining the two things I was passionate about sculpture and fashion.

These were just some old photos I found while going through stuff for another competition/audition what have you for yet another reality TV show type thing. I've already been through the Project Runway loop, this is for something different. I made it to round two the video submissions so we shall see if anything pans out. I'm not holding my breath too much though. I'm still intent on Grad school and getting two more applications out. Cheers!

Brown Paper Packages

2012-01-19T12:28:00.000-05:00

About two weeks ago I got in multiple packages from Amazon! I had used up the last of the Christmas money and my new Amazon Prime free trial from my Kindle Fire to get some much needed (coveted) items. To be practical I got a new USB drive to replace my originally lost one (which was found after I had already made this order), Screen protector with glare reduction for the Fire (which came with this free handy touch screen pen), tortoise shell tatting shuttles, the best Entrelac book I've ever read and my Fuiji Instax in piano black Mini camera. My brother in law also gave me the last of my Christmas presents which was this Japanese tatting book (which I already reviewed).

This camera is LOVE. I like how slick and small the body is compared to the older models and first generations. I thought it would annoy me with how small the mini's were but it is actually more convenient. I like the size because it can fit more easily in with cards, as a book mark and multiples in my wallet for little love reminders.

I also am in the like about how it has a little bit of adjustment to the shutter time. You can set it for normal, lighter or darker exposure which makes for some great tinkering. There is a timer function which I have yet to use but you can bet I will try it out. The camera is surprisingly lighter then I thought it would be as well.

Yesterday I got a few new things in the mail as well. Just some books to read but most excitingly were my Warby Parker Glasses from Milk Bar Boutique. No I don't wear glasses or have a prescription, no I didn't get them to be trendy or as an accessory. I got them because I have very sensitive o UV eyes and I wanted something to wear on these overcast days that didn't make them seem more dark and dreary then they already are. I also wanted something to help keep the computer glare down while I am work. Let me tell you they have been FANTASTIC, my eyes are less tired and irritated since I have been wearing them at the computer.

Super Quick Delivery

Beautiful and simple packaging

I got the Sibley in a matte tortoise shell frame. The gentlemen at Milk Bar were extraordinary per usual in helping me find frames and telling me the truth about what looked good and what just looked goofy. It is hard to find glasses of any sort for my face since I have a super small nose arch, usually they all just sit on my cheeks.

The best part if you aren't aware Warby Parker does a promotion similar to Tom's but instead of giving a pair of shoes for every one sold they are giving a pair of prescription glasses. It's a very hard deal to beat with the frames + presciptions costing $95 or $90 if you get them directly with Milk Bar. Milk Bar also has the entire collection of Frames on site so you can try them on to your hearts content as your browse their garments.

Tatting Lace Lesson Book - Book review

2012-01-10T16:54:00.001-05:00

Sorry about the wonky photos. I wanted to get something up today and realized I didn't have any photos previously taken so I used my phone which isn't such a bad job, just a wonky size. This Lace Tatting book is really great, it was one of my Christmas presents. It has beautiful and clear photos of the projects, unusual patterns that I haven't seen before in other tatting pattern books (but I must admit I haven't looked through a ton of books yet).

I'm itching to try this one out next. I think they will make really pretty appliques on clothing and on dish towels for presents. maybe if I get my hand on some glass coasters I will make some small lace designs to go inside of them.

I like how it showed photo lessons of how to do some of the projects and tatting but also having the below instructional guide for how to do things. I think this book would be decent for any level of Tatting experience. If you know the basic idea and how to start it then this book is a breeze to understand.

The charts are also clear and easy to understand telling you which direction you need to be working on with the arrows. They also don't get overwhelming by marking up every stitch, it only shows what is necessary and the stitch count.

Currently I am working on my second heart. I haven't decided if I'll make a chain of them or just keep them separate to put on V-day cards. Overall I'm very satisfied with this book.

Weekend Crafting

2012-01-09T12:43:00.002-05:00

Over the Weekend I was a big slug. I ate too much, played video games and crafted much. I started off going to Sew to Speak on Saturday with my friend Claire. What started off as innocently taking her to the fabulous fabric store for the first time ended up in me spending $35 I didn't need to on fabric to make an Amy Butler Gumdrop Ottoman. It was a quick and easy project took me just a few hours on Saturday night and about 8 bags of fiber fil stuffing.

It turned out much bigger then I anticipated (I hate to do the dimensions on pillows before I start them). You can see it is about half the size of our new couches. Granted the couches we got are smaller then conventional couches but still it is unwieldy. It is working out better as a spare chair and cat throne.

In other Craft news I continued to work on a second Sock to this one I had finished before Christmas and simply lost my interest in. Since my scaled crochet project is finished I felt the need to pick up and finish the sock. Wisely I am using the already complete sock as my yarn guard/holder whilst I make it's mate.

I also got into my Japanese Tatting books! Very excited for this because their charts are so easy to read and I completed several small flowers and a lace heart for valentine Cards. I'll post pictures tomorrow and perhaps a book review.

To end my wonderful weekend of relax and craft I started another Entrelac cowl out of this luscious silk/wool/cotton/nylon blend of Noro in sweet pastel colors. The colors just make my heart flutter and the silk makes my fingers sing in the softness being worked in my hands.

Amazing what amount of things I get into when I'm not stressed out with a grad school application.

DIY Wallet

2012-01-05T16:08:00.000-05:00

As a Christmas present for my friend Beth I remembered that she had been looking for a new wallet. I thought being the crafty person I am i would take a crack at it. So this is my step by step photos of my process.

First and most important was getting the basic size down, I used a combination of my current wallet and several cards to decide how many pockets it needed an the size. The tricky part is to take into account the bulk each layer would add. I decided it would be best to work larger and trim it down as needed. I made my paper templates for the sizes and started to get to work. I decided on 3 rows of pockets making 6 total then a full pocket for cash and putting in some thick interfacing to help it hold the rectangular shape. It was for a folding wallet.

After cutting my pieces with the rotary blade to ensure I had the most straight lines I sewed down the tops of the pockets to keep them neat. Using my teflon foot to glide easily over the sometimes sticky cloth laminate I chose. Ideally if I had my walking foot I would of used that instead since the teeth would of sandwiched and pulled the laminate cloth evenly despite the stick.

After all the pockets were stitched down I lined up all the pieces to check on the bulk against the wallet cover which would need to be the largest so I could sew over the edges to bind it all in.

All lined up before the interfacing and the middle line stitch where the wallet will fold.

Testing the size before I make the final middle seam stitch.

This is a place where I messed up. I sewed the middle seam stitch directly onto the entire wallet minus the outer portion which you see hanging here. I thought I was being brilliant then found I was not, since I also seamed up at the same time the open full pocket that is supposed to carry the unfolded cash. That was probably one of the most annoying seams I have had to rip out I had to do it carefully as to not rip or mess up the integrity of the laminate.

This is after it was all squared away, with the full pocket unhindered by a needless seam.

Final test with some cash money and cards before I make the last binding seam.

TA DA!

The project is done!

To help keep the fold/crease with the interfacing in I folded it and waited it down for a week. You could also carefully score the interfacing kind of like you did for your foam board science project presentations.

I did normal inside out seams for 3 sides and left the bottom open where i folded the excess fabric over and top stitched it down to enclose everything. That was one of the hardest parts with the laminate sticking and it being so narrow. I used a good amount of low residue painters tape to hold it in place because I didn't want excess punctures from pins. Small binder clips work well for this also just mind that they don't get caught on your sewing bed as you are doing it.

The inside of the full pocket I lined with fabric as a contrast and to help stiffen up the laminate fabric. When you have two facing sides of laminate that can be bad news because they will want to stick together and depending on the quality they might stick to the point where it tears the laminate off of one of the sides.

Cheers!

Post New Year's Eve OOTD

2012-01-05T12:58:00.000-05:00

Now that the graduate application has been officially submitted and off my plate I feel a huge weight lifted. I can now concentrate on my other endeavors and projects, such as this blog that I love. This year it didn't even cross my mind to make any sort of resolution, I'm just going to crack on being as active in my art and in the community as possible.

For New Year's Eve the hubby and I were bouncing around town spending time with old friends mostly. We started the night out at a friend's parents, as they were visiting from Atlanta and finally got to meet their sweet son Jackson. After that we hopped over to see my Ladies of the Columbus Crafty Cotillion for a party at Arcade Super Awesome.

Just before midnight we skipped to what we though was our final destination to a friend's house, then ended up walking to Barrel 44 to do the midnight toast with friend's we met up there and a girlfriend that was working the bar.

Ok, ok, now that I made you sit through my personal spiel here is the entire outfit that I wore that night, minus the rabbit fur. Thanks to the rabbit fur coat I was thoroughly pet the entire night everywhere I went, I'll leave that for you to decide if it was a good thing or bad thing (ha).

I didn't buy anything new this year. I happily scrounged it all up from my closet.

Earrings - Express

Dress - Plndr for $15

Side Triple Buckle Belt - Target year's ago

Herringbone footless tights - Express

Silver Heels - Michael Kors

Baby Blue Swatch Watch- Swatch

Stitch Necklace - Tragic Stitches

A close up of my makeup for the night, complete with false lashes. I am also hardcore rocking the reverse ombre hair and I don't mind it at all. Better then saying I am lazy or cheap right now, which are also true but come on I had a lot of going on this past month.

Close up of my "party" necklace that I LOVE because it has Stitch on it.

I curled my hair first and then swept it up to a chignon with the extra hair curling out of the top.

You can see the myriad of colors in my hair best in this photo.

Soon I will be dying again to it's bright blue/green glory now that I have time again.

This is just me playing with my wide angle lens Christmas present, this on top of my already wide angle setting on my lens gives it a semi fish eye effect which I am loving.

I hope you all had a wonderful and safe New Year's Eve as well.

My advice this year is to not get bogged down with unrealistic expectations or resolutions, live it day by day, take a deep breath and move forward but challenge yourself.

Art21

2012-01-04T14:56:00.000-05:00

Recently I started to watch this PBS series called Art21 that my friend Jessimi told me about. It is FANTASTIC! If you are into art and want to know more about 21st century artists and what makes them tick these mini documentaries are the ticket. I was especially moved by Ann Hamilton, she is a bit of local legend in art but I was never really motivated to learn more about her until I saw this. In the first five minutes of her presentation I was floored with how similar our artistic views on fabric and fibers were connected as well as our influences by word and thread. She basically put into words all my feelings for my artwork. I am the kind of person that avoids mass popularity and opinion in all things, I believe in experiencing it for myself and making my own judgement. This has been in all things from music, food, art and movies. That is the reason why I never explored the genius of Ann Hamilton previously. Now even if I don't get into grad school I still want to make it a goal of mine to meet with her and perhaps participate in one of her projects.

Her video work reminds me a lot of one of the directions I want to follow with my own work. Recently while doing my new portfolio I made this raw video of the creation of my Neuron time based piece. This was after all the stitches were sewn, where I am slowly pulling out the supporting threads and had no idea of the end result and if it would even stay together.

I am very excited for the possibilities in my future artwork.

DIY Photo Studio

2012-01-03T13:00:00.003-05:00

One of my favorite things I learned during this portfolio process was how to solve some of my own problems. With the deadline being shortly after the holidays I could not ask to impose on any of my photographer friends to help me with my portfolio images. I had to get inventive. I got some advice through e.mail from several of them and went through a lot of trial and error. The best looking thing would of been white foam board. The hard thing was finding it large enough to be useful as a background without awkward seams. Then I tried a fabric tarp but the wrinkles in it made it useless. Finally on a hunt for larger foam board I bought a roll of extra white background paper from Midwest Photo Exchange. I was a little wary to spend the $30 but I figured if that is the most I need to spend to make these photos amazing then it won't be that bad.

It worked flawlessly after I set it up with some ingenuity. I hung the paper across another longer tube on the inside so it would roll along easier and the cord wouldn't catch the edges of the paper to tear it (which I learned after attempt #2). On the far Wall I nailed in large headed main on each side giving about 3-4" of space from the end of the paper to allow it to have some drape. I also put folded pieces of paper between the string and background paper where it would rub and possibly tear. This helped to make it easier to move the paper over the line and keep it from tearing. Being able to have the white background on both the top, back and bottom essentially made a light box so my clamp lights had a much more dynamic effect. I used my too small foam boards as deflectors on either side to help direct the light onto the garments and items while I was taking pictures of them.

For light I just used two clamp lights with ultra bright white fluorescent bulbs which I clipped to various areas to get the lighting and to bounce them off the white foam boards. I also took all the photos with the flash off (I'm not a fan of using flash anyways).

In this photo you can see how I suspended the background paper. I used small screw hooks. Eventually I would like to replace the cord with Chain so that I won't have to worry about it all collapsing on me as it did one time. That way it would also be easily adjustable. The other main thing I did was used a tripod for taking all the photos and a shutter release controller. No matter how stead your hand is you don't wan to take chances and in the end it will save you more time having the most stable pictures as possible. Even triggering the release by pressing the button on your camera can cause it to be slightly out of focus of move it off center.

You can see my results in this photo. Not too shabby for a beginner photographer.

Curriculum Vitae

2011-12-30T15:56:00.004-05:00

With the new year just around the corner and my Grad app about 80% complete it has been a little bit amazing putting together my CV. I have never done one before and looking around the internet there doesn't seem to be any one standard format. I've gone through at least three different attempts and finally I think I nailed it with something I am happy with. Even more so it was hard to look back and see everything I had done and try to fill the gaps and dates. Once it was all accomplished it was a relief and a bit astonishing. I get through life mostly day by day, one goal at a time. They used to be big goals like graduating High School in time, getting into my dream Art School, getting through art school in 4 years. Now they are a lot shorter such as entering this contest or that one, getting certain pieces photographed, updating my etsy store. Doing this grad application has really pushed me to get a lot of professional things which I needed to do anyways done in a very short amount of time. It has been a good thing.

This is the most recent piece that I finished and probably the last for the portfolio before I submit it. you might remember it from THIS post when I started it. I just thought I would add this in here before it get's more wordy.

Now back to that CV....... Overall looking at it, I haven't been as inactive as I thought, there were a good number of years between college and now that I wasn't doing anything but once I got my head back on straight I was back into it. And now I present to you basically my life as an artist up till now.

The CV

Education

YonseiUniversity Korean Language Program 1999

The Schoolof the Art Institute of Chicago 1999-2003 – BFA focus in Fashion/Sculpture

Internshipwith Gary Graham Independent Fashion Designer, Tribeca NYC 2002

Teaching Experience

ColumbusCollege of Art and Design 2009 – present

ContinuingEducation Instructor in fashion

SaturdayMorning Art Class Instructor for fashion fundamentals

CollegePreview Elective Instructor in Fashion Fundamentals

Wholly CraftCrochet instructor – 2011 – present

Milk Bar –Sewing & tailoring instructor 2010 – present

StitchingPost, Husqvarna certified sewing machine instructor

BrotherInternational Sewing Machine Ambassador 2011

Shows/Exhibitions

2001 TheSchool of the Art Institute of Chicago Fashion Show - Chicago, IL

2002 TheSchool of the Art Institute of Chicago Fashion Show - Chicago, IL

2002 TheSchool of the Art Institute of Chicago Fashion Gala Showcase -Chicago, IL

2003 TheSchool of the Art Institute of Chicago Fashion Show - Chicago

2003International Styles Scotland Fashion Show - Chicago IL

2003International Styles Scotland Fashion Show - Glasgow, Scotland

2003 ArtInstitute of Chicago BFA Show - Chicago, IL

2008 KelliMartin Anti-Label Fashion Show - Knitwear Designs - Columbus, Ohio

2008 ShortNorth Halloween Highball Fashion Show - Columbus, Ohio

2008 TinyCanary Craft Show - Columbus, Ohio

2009 OhioArt League One Night in a Hundred

2009 OhioArt League Thumb box exhibition

2009 OhioArt League’s One Hundred Annual Spring Juried Exhibition

2009 ShortNorth Halloween Highball Fashion Show - Columbus, Ohio

2009 TinyCanary Art Show - Columbus, Ohio

2009 Craftin' Outlaws Craft Show - Columbus, Ohio

2010Independents Day - Columbus, Ohio

2010 TouchyFeely Exhibition at Ohio Art League

2010 OhioArt League Thumb Box Exhibition

2010 OhioArt League One Night

2010Craftin' Outlaws - Columbus, Ohio

2010Viewfinder Arts and Craft Show - Columbus, Ohio

2011Independents Day - Columbus, Ohio

2011 CraftinOutlaws - Columbus, Ohio

2011 CraftySupermarket - Cincinnati, Ohio

2011 OhioArt League One Night - Fiction - Columbus, Ohio

2011 OhioArt League Thumb Box Exhibition - Columbus, Ohio

2011Wonderland Shirt Show - Columbus, Ohio

Publications/Media

2008 TinyCanary Art Show - promotional card image

2009 Promocommercial on CW for Short North Halloween Highball

2009 JohnReuban, Jamboree Music Video - Fashion Design

2009 TinyCanary Art Show - promotional card image

2009 StylRussian Magazine - special on Military inspired fashion

2009 FavorMagazine - Enchanted Editorial - fashion designs

2009 Moo.com promotionfor minicards - artist business cards

2009 UniformProject - Daily feature March and December garment donations for Akanksha

2009Columbus Underground - Local Designer Article

2010 KnittingPattern in Knit and Wrap published by Lark Crafts

2010 TheDaily Book of Photography, Fashion Design Section

2010Columbus Alive! November 18- Viewfinder artist article

2010 CMH -Beauty Among Ruin Beauty Editorial - fashion designs

2011 Women’sDay Specials Budget Weddings Vol. 1 Number 1, Brother Internationaladvertisement

2011 BetterHomes and Gardens Do It Yourself Fall 2011, Brother International advertisement

2011 RockN’Roll Bride UK publication, Artist/Designer Bride

Awards

2002Recipient of the Emmanuel Ungaro Marshall Fields Scholarship

2003 GrandPrize Winner of the Styles Scotland International Fashion Show

2011 BrandAmbassador for Brother Sewing Machines International

Organizations

Ohio ArtLeague

ColumbusCrafty Cotillion

Volunteer work

IndependentsDay - Craft Alley Main Organizer 2010-present

Ohio ArtLeague Gallery and Events 2009-present

Bountiful Christmas

2011-12-27T12:53:00.002-05:00

I know I keep apologizing for the lack of content on my posts lately. I'm just very focused on this whole Grad School application business. I have been turning down parties and free time left and right to squeeze in some more "art time" for making new pieces for the portfolio and explore my own feelings about why and what I'll do with an MFA. It's like the Hobbit, where it was supposed to be a simple journey when started and then things expanded and changed around you (yes I am that big of a nerd to reference the Hobbit in comparison to my current life status). I'm in the home stretch where all my letters of recommendation are in, I have started to load my portfolio and my Letter of intent is at a comfortable state to be edited and finished for submission.

One thing I did do was take the time off to enjoy the Christmas Holiday. I put down all my projects and picked up something relaxing to work on while we were doing the holiday bustle between relatives. Taught myself how to do this Scaled Crochet Pattern and stared some wristlets for myself. I had a good amount of downtime at various relatives houses and events.

Now for the Booty!

(and there was much rejoicing *yah*)

The Classic Christmas Tree and the family dog enjoying her own little Christmas gift

This was the combined load of the Hubby and I for Christmas. Lot's of nuts, candy, coffee and then some luggage that was on our wedding registry that we never got, new light weight bike jacket for him, some his/her mugs.

Then there were the gifts from Andy and his Family just for me, mostly from Andy.

Two Japanese Tatting books from the brother in law

Japanese pattern book Drape Drape 3 from mother in law

The rest is from my darling hubby who knows me all too well.

Angry birds, macro/wide angle lens for my camera, electronic/game devices.

I can't wait to go through these books and give you all the reviews!

My electronics included the super snazzy Kindle Fire! (which I also look forward to reviewing for you), Wii-mote charger station, ridiculous Wii-mote sword and shield adapter while I am playing Zelda's Skyward Sword.

That's right........... it glows blue!

In addition to these fantastic Gifts I got a month free of Amazon Prime to use with my Kindle Fire so I ordered my self about 5 new presser feet and some accessories for my Kindle in a

"Treat yo self" fashion. I'm eyeing a few more Japanese craft books to spend the last of the Christmas cash too.

Getting in the Saddle again

2011-12-20T12:36:00.001-05:00

I've been on a hiatus from doing photo shoots for nearly a year. I had my wedding and lot of other big changes in my life, in fact I am still going through some of these changes. With the impending deadline of my portfolio I reached out to my friend Adam to set something up. With a test shoot in mind we unintentionally came up with a great looking story.

Before we get to the pretty pictures let me explain some etiquette on test shoots, that people may not be aware of. A test shoot typically no one is paid for this. It is exactly what it sounds like, a test. The group is testing to make sure everyone get's along, if they would want to continue to work together. This group usually includes, photographer, model, stylist (in my case designer), Hair/makeup (same or separate people). Each person has their role in working together to have some great photos. Per the test shoot open communication is a plus. Everyone participating should get a chance to do or get something out of the photos that they wanted or needed. I think a test shoot is harder because everyone needs to work together to give and receive where on a normal shoot there is one goal and it is usually the concept. For me coming in as the "designer" I want good straight on photos of my work so that it is showcased rather then hair or makeup of the model or extreme lighting/set of the photo. For me coming to a test shoot getting that great photo of the garment on the body is what I need. For photographers I work with it has usually been to try out new formats or lighting, also meeting new models for future potential projects. A lot of models come in needing new head shots or to get a look that isn't already in their look book, something more artistic. Make up Artist and Hair of course want to show off their skills so usually head shots are good them as well to get the details of their craft.

Well that is my spiel on test shoots.

Welcome to the pretty!

90% of the clothing are my garments

Photos by Adam Leigh-Manuell

Model is Leah Cultice

Hair and MUA is Lydia

Rock n Roll Bride

2011-12-19T12:02:00.000-05:00

Hello!In the bustle of this holiday season I forgot to mention that I am a Rock N Roll Bride. Last week our wedding hit the UK blog full force and it was a great little shine in the spotlight. I put on a few of my favorite photos but you can see our post here.

Here are some candid ones from different guests and friends

Having fireworks going off at the baseball game behind us was the perfect ending to an incredible day. Those are the kinds of magical things you just can't fake on a wedding day.

Tiny Works

2011-12-16T12:35:00.000-05:00

I don't know if it's because I am tiny that I have been working in super tiny and smaller in format pieces. It's very opposite from college when I was the smallest person working on the most gargantuan of sculptures. My first 3D piece as a freshman at SAIC was 8x4x6' it would of been entered into the freshman gallery show except that there was no way to transport it out of the room into the transport truck.

Currently I am working on a visual interpretation of neurons over periods of time. The longer more spread out ones are when I am more at rest while the clusters involve a lot more thoughtfulness and productivity. I'm about halfway done with it and it has been about 15 hours into it. I can't wait to finish this and then pull out the colored holding stitches. I plan to do this again depending how it turns out with a better log of the times and activities that were going on around me as I worked on this.

I have come to a little bit of a sense of peace as the Grad application for OSU quickly approaches. If I don't get in this year I'll try again next year and I will just continue to work on things as much as I can. I'm also opening myself up to applying to SCAD in Savannah and seeing what will happen there. Our lives are boundless so we shouldn't let ourselves be restricted by thoughts of can't but allow ourselves the possibilities and instead look for solutions to the things that we feel are holding us back.

I put a penny up against it for a perspective of how small this work really is. I need to think about that in terms of photographing it for my portfolio.

You can see I have nearly made the halfway mark in the fabric.

Silly Writer's Block

2011-12-08T16:48:00.001-05:00

I've developed some hardcore writer's block for my last paragraph on my letter of intent. I have tried several different exercises to get past this, such a bullet pointing the main themes of it and expanding on each of those individually, writing a defensive essay regarding some of my recent fine art work and last re-writing the lyrics to a song about why I want to be in Graduate school. The last method I present to you for my full embarrassment and your pleasure.

The Song I chose was "I want to be a Billionaire"

These are my new Lyrics

I wanna go to Graduate school so fucking bad.

show them all the talent that I have

I wanna be on the cover of the MFA book

promoting educational artwork

Oh, every time I close my eyes

I see my name in shining lights

Yeah, a different gallery every time

Oh I swear the world had better prepare

For when I'm in Graduate school

RAP

Yeah, I would do some 4D make it big like Bill Viola

Everyday make something and defend it in critiques

I'd never pull a Chihuly, treat everyone respectfully

Adopt a bunch of new talents that I never knew shit about

Give away some awesome lectures, Like how garment can be sculpture

and last but not least be able to teach college kids

It's been a rough year but I think that I can do this

So you can start to call me Professor

Get it I'd probably hit some Italy

then Korea, to do some research for my artwork

Yeah, I'll make an impact, you won't forget me

Everywhere I'll promote my program like theme music

Oh, every time I close my eyes

I see my name in shining lights

Yeah, a different gallery every time

Oh I swear the world had better prepare

For when I'm in Graduate school

oh, oh oh oh For when I'm at OSU

oh oh oh oh for Graduate school

I'll be learning new technology,

playing with the lasers

learning how to turn it up on my thesis

Toss a couple hundred hours in studio time

working on soft sculpture to define it

And yah, I'll be at a whole new level

Not in limbo, but progressing

I'll take everything I learned and split it up into classes

so everyone can get a touch of education

And every student that got a taste would crave

another examination

I know we all have a similar Dream

Pull out your sketchbooks/portfolios so you can follow after me

I wanna go to Graduate school so fucking bad.

show them all the talent that I have

I wanna be on the cover of the MFA book

promoting educational artwork

Oh, every time I close my eyes

I see my name in shining lights

Yeah, a different gallery every time

Oh I swear the world had better prepare

For when I'm in Graduate school

Silence and Thoughtfulness

2011-12-07T13:36:00.001-05:00

Sorry for the silence the past week or so. Things have been less then pleasant at my day job and then I've been working hard on Christmas presents that I wish I could post here but I don't want to ruin the surprise. Not to mention still working on portfolio pieces and my Grad School letter of intent. I am doing my best to stick to my guns in one thing in my life which is to keep a positive position and not to get all fire and brimstone about ethics and the bad turn of fate I am having.

In other news here are some small quip updates for you!
My husband and I enjoyed the "Grand Illumination" this past Friday. It might not be as spectacular as some other cities but it's home. I also got a chance to finally check out the wonderful OSU Urban Arts Space downtown.

All the elegant scroll work on this piece was well worth the trip just to view. It also had this disco ball in the middle that was refracting the shadows like crazy. It was a good reminder of things I have to look forward to doing when I am in Grad school.

Lastly in this small update I am getting back into working on a photo shoot with my friend Adam Leigh-Manuell. Trying to get some newer work photographed for the portfolio while also getting back into the groove of being the professional artist that lives deep inside of me. These are some snapshots of one of the dresses that I am taking for the photo shoot. This dress was made from remnants of another garment and I like what came of the scraps much better. She is a juxtapose between evening and casual, looking unfinished but polished at the same time. Using a sport wear knit fabric instead of a high end silk or wool.

If you have gotten this far I'll tell you a secret.
I don't feel fully comfortable being called a Fashion Designer. I would prefer to be known as a soft sculpture artist. I feel like my work really shines more when they are stand alone OOAK (One Of A Kind) pieces. There is a certain connection that they all have and can be considered a collection but I never set out to follow this collection. I think it only looks and feels like a collection because of the way I manipulate the fabrics, just like how you can tell if a painting is a Picasso no matter the subject matter that is how I feel about my work. I make pieces that invoke a feeling of awe when looked at then curiosity when investigated. I like to break the conventional rules for fashion and garment making ways to obscure shapes and lines. Things that transform the body and vision of the body through a garment. So that is how I really feel about my work. It's nothing new just new to saying it out loud as I prepare to defend my soft sculpture in my Grad School application.

One Night Fiction

2011-11-23T13:36:00.001-05:00

This year's One Night Fiction for the Ohio Art League was in a space at the back of the Library I work at. Usually I can volunteer for this event one night of set up/decorating and then the night of the event I do ticket sales and other errands. Since this year was so close to me I got to see the entire set up from start to finish. I found it pretty amazing how they took such an obscure space and turned it into a great event. I'll start at the beginning when they were taking in the art work before the space was touched and end with the Video of the Live Auction!

The wide empty space we call "The Cave" was selected for the Event and it is exactly that, large open and dark. Which is perfect in terms of a gallery since it makes for some dramatic lighting on the artwork and plenty of walking room without being crowded.

You enter a doorway then through a hallway that opens up into the space.

I am instantly reminded of a Monty Python Quote, "She has LARGE.... Tracks of Land!"

Hanging and Decoration Set up

This was during the initial placing and hanging of the art work

Some of my Favorite pieces

Alissa Head

Morris Jackson

My pieces in the Event
Bubble Scraf Grand (eight feet long)
Tucked Leather - Crystal Embellished Skirt

During the Event

In the end it looked fantastic and it was another great event. A lot of successive auctions and happy patrons to the arts. Having a live auctioneer was a great addition that I hope they continue to have.

The Live Auction of my skirt

Worthwhile

2011-11-22T12:11:00.001-05:00

Photo from Dr. Elena

I have quite a few updates to make but I've been a bit flabbergasted by my fantastic meeting yesterday down at Ohio State University with the Department of Art Graduate Head. In short all my questions were answered and I'm not behind or in a bad place at all with my application process. They were very excited to meet me and it was good feelings all around. I don't want to delve too deeply into it but I made a good impression and they are very supportive of me coming into their program. The funny thing that I had been pondering, was where I fit in and oddly enough with where my work as an artist is heading I'm going to be more aligned with the ideas of the Art and Tech department rather then the Sculpture department. Not that I will be giving up any of my fiber and fashion but my approaches to them and new materials and methods make more sense in Art and Tech.

In other news this weekend was Fantastic! I sold both my pieces at the OAL One Night Fiction Event which includes the above eight foot long bubble scarf and my Tucked Leather skirt with Swarovski embellishments. The Live auction was great! I had never seen a live auction and to have one of my pieces selected was a real treat. I got some footage of my piece but I have yet to load it. hopefully tomorrow I can get her on there with some more details of the event. I took pictures over the week to document the changes in the space and set up. It is always interesting to me to see the transformation on spaces by other objects.

From just these two things I am feeling very uplifted as more then just a fashion designer but as an artist where my heart truly lies. A lot of people don't know this but I feel more comfortable calling myself a sculptor/artist then I do a fashion designer. I love garments and I love the way they transform the body but not as much as I enjoy the response to those transformations and the ideas and feelings it sets into motion. I feel like cloth, fiber and pattern were just the materials I have been working with and I am very happy to set out into a brave new world of technology and new materials.

Just from these two events I am feeling pretty worthwhile. I've been so long outside of artistic conversations and critique I'd felt lost if what I was going was good work or forced art. Most people at least in Undergrad hate Critique but I enjoy it if nothing else but for some validity on my work and input from an open standpoint.

There was so much more to this weekend but I haven't loaded the photos yet so I'll continue tomorrow!

Progress on all fronts

2011-11-18T11:56:00.001-05:00

I've been working on a lot more fine art type sculpture pieces which could also be strangely argued as drawing. After a nice chat with currently OSU MFA Grad Student Melissa Vogley Woods I learned that the term Drawing in the art word is being more loosely interpreted. The meeting was funny because as soon as I saw her I realized I already knew her. We'd been introduced to each other several times over the years and run in some of the same circles of friends. Spontaneity was my friend yesterday in that I finally got a chance to talk to Melissa about the Grad Program at OSU as well as her helping me to stalk the head of the Graduate Department in order to get a appointment. Granted I looked about the same as I felt yesterday but it was worth it to drag my sorry sick butt to the campus on a whim. I can check of two of my three things that I needed to get done before I feel comfortable with this whole application process

Let's get back to the Art now. I am currently working on a series that deals with the interpretations of Neurons in a tangible form. I want to represent them using different "craft" methods The above piece was made by tatting (a form of lace making) my own design. The box is not perfect but for now I can live with it. It's been a long time since I have worked exclusively in a sculpture type format with no apparel inclinations at all or body work. I feel like I am coming back to it strongly, remembering all those tricks and tools of the non-cloth variety. I'm enjoying the expansion of my pattern skills in things that do not involve garments.

I am working on the framework for a second piece. I started to use scrap fabric and then it was progressing so well I continued with the embroidery. The fabric was at such an odd shape there was no satisfying way to put it onto a regular frame unless I lost some of the work. So I traced it's shape and planned out how to make a frame of it's own.

I did the initial cut with the jigsaw then fine tuned the corners with a small handsaw for better precision. Thankfully the blade did not break on me like I was used to in my metal working class.

Framed together nicely I just need to finish the sanding and nail them together.

This is the piece that I am working on the frame for. You can see against the grid that it isn't very large at all. I want to come up with some sort of dramatic lighting for it also that is inclusive but that is doubtful to happen right now. I need to put in an order for Silver Conductive thread and some LED's and battery attachments. Oh the fun I'll be having!

Confines of the Body & Mind

2011-11-17T12:56:00.001-05:00

This wordy post is brought to you by my stomach.
It is really amazing how your physical body can confine your mind or vice versa. There are a million in one things to psych yourself out about. I think my sickness today is a combination of them both. Not only is my stomach being extremely non-agreeable (to the point where I fear to go in public too far from the WC) but I am having nightmares and bouts of uncertainty for my upcoming Grad school application process. I may seem to be cool on the exterior when I discuss this prospect with people but on the inside I am a giddy teen waiting for my first portfolio review with watery eyes ready to burst in disappointment.

In actuality I am not doing bad at all. I have all paper work filled out I just need to send out for my transcripts. I have 2 of my 3 recommendations nailed down. I have made 3 new pieces to show in my portfolio of the non-garment sort. I have huge support from a lot of friends all around town. They all seem to think I am a no brainer to get in.

My hang ups however are what keep me up at night. I have e.mailed several times with no response to make an appointment to see the facilities and talk about my concerns with the application process and most importantly what they expect from the portfolio. My third potential recommendation has been very hard to nail down and I am at the point to being stalking him for a meeting. I have had numerous failed attempts to meet up with another current Grad student to try and get the inside scoop on the program. Finally my letter of intent that I felt I was finally finished with needs a whole new re-edit because after scouring through the website again I find I did not address some things that were required of the program.

I know I can do this but it is all still terrifying to me and I just needed to put that out there.

100 Dresses Book Review

2011-11-15T11:25:00.001-05:00

I was pleasantly surprised by this book. At first when I saw it on the almighty Amazon from suggested books I thought, "Oh man another useless coffee table book with just pretty pictures" But then I noticed it was published by the Costume Insitute for the Metropolitan Museum of Art, then I knew there was something special there. I instantly ordered it from my Library and was spellbound when I received it. It is a small book for what you would think it's content being but just right. Because it is small it can easily go about with you for instant inspiration and a touch of history.

Each page has a small biography of the dress, it's time period and facts significant to the dress itself. I love how it does not pour knowledge all over you in a scholarly boring manner but keeps it sweet and concise. It gives you enough information for you to explore on your own or you can be satisfied with you tidbit of trivia knowledge. The photos of the dress are also not all face on and they are all on mannequins so you get to see the best side of the dress which is not necessarily the front of her and there is not styling distractions from a live model.

They were extremely selective in this book and it is amazing that they were able to narrow it down to just 100 dresses in my opinion. Whenever there was a dress that had an accompany photo or painting similar they would include that also.

Another fantastic thing from this book is that they took pictures that I cared about such as the detail shots of the embroidery, bead work or lace. These are the kinds of things that get my heart pumping to see the details and how those are constructed because without all the frills a lot of these dresses would be less then impressive.

The dresses that had photos accompanying them were some of my favorites. It is completely different seeing the dress in it's time setting. It just gives a different perspective and life to the dress seeing them so casual.

This is a book that will move from my just reading pile to must own. Even reading through it once I find there are more details to ponder over again and again. The historical facts have made me curious for sure and I have delved deeper into the history then I have in a long time. All these things make it a must have for any fashion/garment enthusiast. The holidays are coming you know ~wink~

Beard Team Ohio & Lady Jane

2011-11-14T11:31:00.001-05:00

This weekend was filled once again with events, sickness and Highjinx.
Friday I went to an art show at Capital University and was pleasantly surprised to find that they have a really nice gallery with gorgeous collection. It is called Schumacher Gallery and it is on the 4th floor of their library. My friend Nicki was the highlighted as the postcard for the event and of course her work was present as well. Unfortunately I was not in a high photo mood so the only picture I took were of these worm eaten looking close ups of this one sculpture.

After that we headed to What the Rock?! for their 5th anniversary of the store. I got some amazing Edward Gorey Tarot cards and won a raffle! (Which I still need to pick up).

We drove around town and trying to kill sometime before my friends Show for My Kid Sister. This when we came up the name for my unmoving backseat passenger. Lady Jane. Because I already have so many mannequins in the house I was told she was not allowed inside that house. So Lady Jane sits in my back seat as a silent companion until I can figure out what to do with her. The night ended at Jury room sharing some fried Gnocchi and Meatballs.

Saturday However was an evening of volunteering for Beard Team Ohio for their event "Ohio's Second Charity Beard and Mustache Competition and Festival, "Beards of Science"" On the down side I wasn't feeling totally ship shape so once again not so many photos. I was being the most lazy photographer ever. I waved people down to come to me and I stood on my car instead of going out into the crowd. It was appropriately held at COSI.

Completely Packed Room

A variation on facial hair and cultures

Horseplaying around

Lady Beards

My Friend Jill With an American Chainmail Beard

This was one of my Favorites

After Looking at the pictures afterwards I noticed that this one Spelled Ohio in his beard!

This Lion Mask was my favorite thing at the event

After several hours of doing ticket sales and not enough food or proper food I wasn't feeling so hot. So home I went to relax with some home cooked Korean food and Ponyo.

Sunday I laid low of the most part uber stressing on my letter of Intent for Grad school application and made some new colors of bubble scarves for the upcoming Crafty Supermarket!

TiLT

2011-11-10T12:56:00.000-05:00

Superstitions - Most people would think they are bad or waste of time. I think they are necessary. They make us wonder and remember to be cautious for those things unseen. A little bit of paranoia never hurt anybody. It also shows a cultural awareness and nod to traditions. I picked up this evil eye from Karavan on High Street this past weekend at Gallery hop. I'm hoping it will help to alleviate some of the stress in my work life and it's just nice to look up from my bland cubicle to see something so artful.

American Horror Story - This is my current favorite show on TV right now. I'm a sucker for anything horror, gore and suspense. It's only about 4 episodes into the series but it's got a great feeling, just the right amount of story with reality, paranoia, scandals and of course ghosts both friendly and violent. I really enjoy the way each episode is also laid out. It starts with a former murder in that same house and then slowly through the episode it unfolds with how a member of the family finds out about the heinous past. It's a very mixed bag of emotions with a sullen teenager, Psychiatrist dad who had an affair, and a Distressed Mother with a painful stillbirth (who also plays a mean melancholy cello).

Image from Flickr DesaBoneka

Double Dates - I've had two this week with my Husband and different couples. It's always fun to see how another couple interacts and to talk about couple things together. I think being a double date with another couple is much more intimate then just hanging with friends who happen to be dating. There is a lot of consideration on both parts to make it a nice evening all around. You can also feel free to be happy and not worry about that single friend of yours or if it's a blind date because the other couple is already established. It's good to share conversations of the same intimacy levels because they also understand how you feel being in a solid relationship as well.

Sunbeams - Just the simple things like lying in a little sunlight to take a nap. They are small fleeting and warm. They also gather cats to them like moths to a flame. I love how no matter how small they might be my chubby little Sophie tried to relish in their warmth.

New Projects - It always feel great to start something new. I spent yesterday finishing up some old projects and little things that needed to be done to clear off my pattern table. Now I can get a fresh start on some new projects such as that Coat for my friend Nicki. Above is the socks I just started to knit for myself for winter. Nothing special just a pretty self striping yarn to pop a little color outside of my new grey booties.

Dots and Dashes - OOTD

2011-11-09T12:33:00.000-05:00

Just a quick one from this week. I love the changing of season and going through the closet to change out summer to winter clothes. My friends tell me they don't know anyone else who has such a huge wardrobe that they need to do an entire change out. It's true, I have this amazing walk in closet and 6 drawer dresser but still I need to keep my summer/spring clothes in storage and switch out with my winter/fall clothes. Maybe I will try to take some photos of my closet now that it is in order and organized. Anyways I forgot I owned this polka dot skirt so I thought I would bring her out for a whirl again before it got too cold.

Little boys Tuxedo shirt - Present from Brook

Polka Dot Skirt - Present from Injung from Korea

Grey booties - DSW

Earrings - Anne Holman

I haven't had my hair touched up in awhile because I simply can't afford it at this time. I have other things I need to spend my money on such as materials for new art and fabrics for sewing. I don't mind it, I think I'll let it keep going as long as I can. When it starts to look too funky I'll decide then.

Close up of the Booties that I just got. I took a lot of time deciding and searching out these shoes. I think it was three visits to DSW, two visits to Nordstorms and 3 visits to different Macy's later that I found these and fell in love. I hope they are ready for the long winter and all the abuse I will be putting them through.

Just for fun I found this super old picture of me from at least 5 years ago in my old basement studio at the first Apartment Andy and I shared together. No that is not a wig, I really had that intense pink hair with blunt cut bangs and I loved it. I don't know why I was standing to "Super Hero" like either.

Pleater Machine

2011-11-08T12:59:00.001-05:00

Image from Marie Grace Designs

Ever wondered how in the world people who do hand smocking on children's clothes make those perfect little pleats without wanting to blow their brains out? It's very simple, they use a pleater machine. Also called a smocking machine (because you use it to make the pleats for smocking). I have the pleasure right now of borrowing one of these fantastically simple but effective machines. it kind of looks like a pasta press of death. I spent all day Sunday learning it and some sample stitching while "slaying" to approx 8 hours of Buffy the Vampire Slayer with the hubby and kitties.

This is the set up.

Fabric rolled evenly on a dowl rod inserted into the back holder of the Pleater machine

Pleater Rollers filled with fabric

Special Curved Pleater Needles

Thread for each needle

Fabric already worked

Bin of threads

The hot mess that keeps the rest of the fabric and machine in order. There really isn't a better way that I can think of then putting them in a basket and paying that they stay reasonably untagled as they are slowly threading out.

As the Fabric is pleated it is also forced onto the pleater needles to keep their shape. you use bright and different colored threads so that you can easily see and place the different stitches. When the fabric starts to get clustered you have to pull it down through the needles and thread to keep moving the fabric through. It's a little unnerving to rely all these perfect tiny pleats on some needles and thread that seem so delicate in comparison to the rest of the machine.

This was about one yard of fabric densely condensed into about a foot of yardage after the pleats.

Once you have your machine set up you do NOT want to cut the threads until you think you have done all the fabric you need for that time. Also make sure you pull out enough space between all the fabric so you can cut the thread and tie them off as you like for security so the pleats don't become unraveled. I did a sample of Muslin to start, Silk Organza and then this green cotton that I have ideas for. I'm not looking to put any of these into clothing but I do want to get the maximum potential in manipulation and surface textures.

This was my sampler on the muslin of some traditional smocking patterns and stitches before I decide on what I am going to do with my other lovelies! As I make the stitches I pull a little bit of the pleat open so that I can see the colored threads and it helps to keep this straight as well as pattern out the design. I'm really looking forward to pushing the extent of what I can do with this. Especially with the Silk Organza where it has transparency.

Movember

2011-11-07T13:36:00.000-05:00

This is the month of Mustaches (well facial hair in general) and raising money for Prostate Cancer. It is going on nationwide. The first of this months events that I went to was at Junctionview Studios (yes I go there a lot, it's a favorite). The theme was of course mustaches in art.

My friend Daric was there representing his work (Toehead's) and having a little bit of horseplay with us. It was a fun and intimate show.

The next Bearded event I will be attending is this weekend for Beard Team Ohio. It is Ohio's Second Beard & Moustache Competition and Festival. I'll be there as a volunteer helping out where ever they need me. It's not so much that I have a love for the Facial hair as my friend Beth does. I just like to pay with fake mustaches whenever there is an opportunity.

Sorry there still isn't a lot on the fashion/craft front for this blog but it's hard when you are in the moment to remember to take some photos to document everything. I did a fitting this weekend for a friend on a coat I am soon making for her using her own wool that she felted herself. I also taught myself some smocking stitches and how to use a pleater machine while watching approx 8-10 hours of Buffy the Vampire Slayer yesterday, or as my husband and I like to call it "We spent the day Slaying".

Round 2 FIGHT!

2011-11-04T12:38:00.000-04:00

I haven't been doing as well as I had hoped with my watercolor/sketch 365 but I plan to catch up. I can give you all the excuses I want but it is harder then I thought it would be. Also a lot of days that I don't sketch or water color it's not that I'm not doing anything artistically at all. Usually on those days I have put in a good hour or two on hand stitching or knitting something for a larger project. I am creating everyday just not necessarily in the form that I set out to.

Here is what I accomplished since last time.

This one still needs more work on it but this is what I got done in one day.

Loose sketch of something I am knitting in a pile

Yep I suck at Drawing

Trying to work the skin tones or flushed but I ran out of time and hated the way the eyes came out doe, instead of angry

Neurons

Some Bone Shading off of a Science Magazine

ey?

Playing with Lashes

Bubbles and Foam

Network of Veins

TiLT

2011-11-03T14:19:00.001-04:00

1. Crayons - The artists first tool is how I always like to think of them. I just got a fresh box the other day to go with my Scribbles coloring book that I wanted to keep out on the dining table when we have guests. Sort of a feel free to color in my book coffee table experience. Not that I have all that may guests lately. Also the amount of colors and how they have expanded themselves at Crayola is ridiculous. I got a box of 96 crayons! I love to just pick out the pretty colors read the color sniff the wax and put them back ( I might be weird for doing that). It just brings back nostalgia.

2. Tokyolife - This book is pretty amazing. I had it saved on my Amazon and then I was able to get it through my library. It was this huge and thick tome that I wasn't expecting but pleasantly filled with oodles of knowledge and eye candy. Each designer or artist that is features comes with a bio and essay written by someone else. It's almost like an entire Pecha Kucha in a book form about Current Japanese Pop Culture and Art. I still haven't finished it yet because there is so much content to read through.

3. Treat Yo Self - yup a movement I am well familiar with and I did treat myself last week. I got this luxurious $160 leopard fleece blanket (on sale for $70 at Macys'). Two new pairs of shoes and a cute Harajuku Lovers purse. Sometimes you need to just enjoy the material things in life without consequences. I wasn't totally heedless, mind you I had a budget and some items were bought as parts of my completing a wedding registry. Still it felt good.

4. Night Watch - The book not the movie. It is a much better book then I had expected. The world and how they describe is all just eerie and dark enough to give you the chills. The way the story flips between point of views is something I also enjoyed and how it isn't just one continuous story line but several stories all surrounding one character who is not a big hero, not the best in his agency but he does his job. I don't find it as scary as I've heard but I do have a larger tolerance for gore, fright and things that go bump in the night then most people (or so I'm told).

5. Graduate School Application. Why is this something I love? It seems a bit strange but forcing myself to go through this process and investigate has been a real joy. It has been like peering into the looking glass to evaluate myself as an artist and my happiness with current life. There has been some ugliness I have found and this process but with the Graduate Application and my hopes of acceptance that will change the ugliness. Personal life couldn't be better and this has also made me look through and appreciate the goodness and my budding married life. My Husband has been nothing to supportive of this endeavor and I know it will be difficult but it also makes me happy to move forward in my life.

Por Vida

2011-11-02T16:12:00.000-04:00

I wish you could of seen how Glitzed out this sign was in person

This was one artist studio. I can only imagine how unnerving it would look to the intoxicated person. I was totally sober (per usual since I'm allergic to the spirits) and it made me feel like I was Alice tumbling down that rabbit hole.

There was also a wall of logs that my Hubby kept photobombing me when I was trying to take this.

My friend the Log Lady enjoying herself with one of the many strangers that we met that night. I'm not even sure if it was a man or women in this costume but they were happy to give out Free hugs!

Paintings by Lisa Mclymont

Painting by Adam Brouillette

Painting/Drawings by Cat Sheridan

This Sculpture was by one of the Organizers Kat Marie Moya

Picture by Laine Bachman

This was also one of my favorites. I always have an affinity towards playing card and tarot card type of works. Maybe it stems slightly from my love of fortune telling and Alice in Wonderland.

Sculpture/Doll by Sharon Dorsey

It was my first time attending the event and I was pleasantly surprised with the quality of the artwork and the turn out. I know Columbus has a lot of fantastic artists but I haven't been to an art show event in a while due to the wedding and going to weddings this entire summer into fall. I was very happy that this was my first show to witness because it puts lot's of good vibes into my artists heart.

Unlike my friend Claire who's log is apparently very very sad.

She was a rockstar that night!

Halloweekend

2011-10-31T16:51:00.001-04:00

This year Halloween fell on a Monday leaving the entire weekend open to costumed high jinx from all over. It kept my weekend fully social. Friday night was the Highball Halloween party which I normally would of boycotted but hubby really wanted to see the costumes. I admit that going as just a spectator and not giving 2 cents about their ill promoted fashion show (which I can't even use the real title without wanting to vomit for misuse for vocabulary). Anyways..... I had a very last minute costume. I just wasn't feeling the vibe to get ultra creative or to embark on some huge project with everything else on my plate. I settled for what I thought was simple cheap way out and I was a Facehugger Victim from Aliens.

As the victim is in the movie

This was probably the largest crowd I have seen at the event to date. The line when I left was still a block long and that was before the festivities had really begun.

A lot of originals out there I found amusing such as these guys from Sesame Street.

YIP YIP YIP YIP UH HUH UH HUH

Columbus Idea Foundry Representing

Angry Bird and Ritchie and Margo Tenanbaum

From another party we went to which was Saturday Night I saw the coolest way to decorate apple cider/punch for a party. They were apples carved to look like Faces with Cloves for the eyes!

It very much reminds of that scene from Lord of the Rings where Frodo gets sucked into the Dead Marshes or the Inferius from Harry Potter and the Seaside Cave.

The Log Lady from Twin Peaks and a Lumbar Jack

Very appropriate together

Cheetara and Cleopartra

The Doctor #11 & 10

And a super ghetto Sonic Screwdriver

I also went to Por Vida Saturday but that really needs it's own post to give people credit for their amazing artwork. I had a lot of good friends put up some amazing things in the show.

Young and Professional -OOTD

2011-10-28T12:04:00.001-04:00

This week I've been a little more inspired to dress up. I think it has to do with the fact that I have been closet cleaning to switch out my summer to fall/winter clothes. I dug up some treasures that I forgot I had. Such as corduroy blazers with elbow patches that once belonged to my brother's when they were in middleschool (yes I am that tiny). This outfit it what I wore to this Young Professionals of Columbus Conference that I attended the social gathering. Mostly I was there because my friend Claire wanted the company but the free eats were decent. I also ran into two of my favorite people around town Kareem (Milk Bar) and Timothy Wolf Starr (The SBB) who were speakers and panelists for the event.

Grey Vintage Corduroy Jacket with suede elbow batches

Vintage Mink Collar

Banana Republic Dark Brown cap sleeve Mock turtle neck

H&M Paris long skirt

Gold Sam Edelman ballet flats.

Timepiece necklace from Spitalfields Market in London

Earrings from F21

This was just another look from this week that was kind of lonely and single in photo so I plopped her in here. I wore this for the day I was supposed to have a meeting with some fellow fashion forward ladies Melanie McIntyre and Erika Dellatorre.

Anthropologie Sweater

Mossimo Tank Top from Target in Oatmeal

Rodarte for Targe Mustard Skirt

Missoni for Target slippers

DKNY fishnet tights

Anne Holman Perch Earrings from Blue Jade

This weekend is Halloween. I'm going to do my best to be a Shutterbug around town and maybe even bring out a video camera. My costume is going to be non-epic this year as I have been channeling all my energy into the grad school application and portfolio.

Hope you all have a good and safe weekend!

Penpals and Packages

2011-10-27T11:56:00.001-04:00

When I came home from our last wedding to attend to this year I found some packages!
I had jokingly agreed to be penpals with my friend's brother from what little I know of him, he is just as awesome as Beth is. I wasn't really expecting much but it was very enjoyable and now I need to rack my brain with things to fill his package with (I'm really not trying to be dirty here just literal).

I opened it up to find an assortment of comic books. He probably didn't know this but I spent about 6 years working at a comic books store part time in high school and college. A lot of these titles I knew and some of them I had actually owned at one point, such as Ninja High School.

This is something I hadn't seen before and I look forward to reading it just from this little title.

I also got in my long waited Nfu-Oh No.51 nail polish that my friend Grace Dobush told me about. I haven't even had a chance to try it yet but the bottle is so beautiful and the colors inside are like a mystic ball. I'm working on getting this glittered Miss America OPI off of my nails so I can relish in this dark beauty for the halloween weekend. I love how the bottle design is that of a women's corseted dress spread over both the bottle and the applicator top. That kind of continuity in design makes me smile.

I haven't been sewing as much lately but more brainstorming still. I've been having long discussions with friends regarding my Graduate school application as well as new portfolio work. I mentioned before my current obsession with neurons. I am finally putting some of those ideas into physical work and I'm happy with the direction I'm going. This is a work in progress of silk natural thread embroidery on silk organza. I'm feeling good about my direction lately and am very thankful for the awesome and supportive friends that I have cheering me on!

FIGHTING!

Sick Wreck - OOTD

2011-10-25T10:43:00.000-04:00

This outfit was a mistake. I have no qualms posting it because I think it's natural to show a bad side also. I basically thought when I woke up what do I feel like wearing? What is clean? let's just pile it on. It also exemplifies what bad decisions we can make while we are sick. This was almost two weeks ago. I am still sick. I am going to my doctor today with hopes that it is not strep, but I have been so heavily medicated on nasal spray, mucinex and dayquil I'm not even sure what symptoms exist except for this cough, and gross nuclear looking waste coming from my nose. Pleasant I know.

I don't think I can even begin to describe what this man repelling mess is that I was wearing.

At least my makeup wasn't a total mess

I am also determined to bring back high buns and scrunchies this winter albeit my previous TiLT . Let's hope this sickness can be resolved quickly before Halloween so I can enjoy the weekend. Work at the day job has been an angst ridden situation lately. Not the work itself but personalities, but thus is the truth isn't it? Nothing can be perfect we just need to move along and keep out focus.

TiLT

2011-10-20T16:02:00.000-04:00

Today is brought to you by randomness which was set on by this gloomy weather we are experiencing here in Columbus. I have been begrudgingly working on non-sewing projects to get my 2D skills brushed up for working on my portfolio. It is really painful to not be making something 3D with my hands. I am still knitting but currently it's just for me and I love it! Tomorrow I will be journeying to our last wedding of the year to attend! It'll be a long road trip to Upstate New York and probably won't even get a chance to admire anything around us. We go where we will for friends because we love them and want to celebrate in all their important events. I hope you all have a great weekend ahead.

Now's let's get down to Business!

1. PhotoBooths, who doesn't love them? Spontaneous photos full of fun and great memories. Totally unplanned me and the ladies from the Crafty Cotillion came to the event completely matching!

2. Scrunchies, yes I said it Scrunchies. I like them, if they are more then just holding your hair up. I have a plethora of ideas from some Japanese hair Accessory books and I plan to be rocking my long hair all winter in a bun adorned with colorful scrunchies.

3. Ballet Day Wear style - I have been very interested in wearing layers for winter like you see off practice ballerina's wearing when they are going to or from practice. Leggings with flimsy skirts and multi layered crop tops over thermals sounds so comfy and fun to me. It will also strengthen my want to wear my hair in a bun with Scrunchies all the time. Not to mention legwarmers!

4. Sansa Stark in Game of Thrones. I've read the book and then I watched the series. I completely hated this girl but then through the series and the book you see her quickly grow up and start to plot deaths. You gotta give the girl props. The actress Sophie Turner who plays her in the series does a very convincing job of portraying the character. From all the annoying whining and preening that she does to proper womanly behavior in the court and observing laws and rules.

5.Neurons - Currently I am super fascinated with Neurons and their networking. I love these microscopic interpretations of them like you see here. This is my current inspiration for my portfolio pieces. I'm interested in how to perceive the brain activity and synapses when an artist makes their art vs. when a patron looks at the art and their reactions.

What are the top 5 things that you are loving this week?

OOTD - Wisconsin Wedding

2011-10-19T16:07:00.001-04:00

Doing a little backtrackingon my Brother's Wedding in Wisconsin. It was back on October first and their colors were Creme, Orange and Grey.

Anthropologie creme cotton dress that has slate blue/grey geometric shapes

Navy Anthropologie Drape cardigan

Coach Black and Grey Flats

Peach silk flower hair clip from AGACI in Chicago

Swatch baby blue watch

Emerald and gold Necklace from my Mother as a Birthday present

The shoes and pattern design of the dress up close. The shoes had these coach logo silk rosettes for decoration that I hadn't seen on any of their typical store items. I think It was a runway item since I got them from Filene's Basement.
Speaking of which for those readers living in Columbus the Filene's Basment on Sawmill road is closing it's doors this Sunday (boo). You can read the Article here.

My Dad and Me

A somewhat rare picture of us together and dressed decently. Usually when I see him one of us is wearing sweats and hanging out at the house sick or being a couch potato so we hardly have a good reason to dress up together.

All the Men together Dressed up.

From Left to right my oldest brother Ed, my Husband Andy, my Dad and my middle Brother David who was getting ready to marry.

My Mom and Dad waiting for their turn at pictures with the couple and family. I love that my mom wore her Hanbok for all three of our weddings. It just seemed appropriate. It's so pretty also how could you not want to be in the swathes of that pale green organza with delicate flower embroideries.

My Nephew got to wear the male version Hanbok as the ring bearer. You can see it was a quite stressful for him.

Lastly I just had to throw in this picture of me and Niece. She's really growing up quickly and such a pretty little girl. I'll have great fun with her when she's a teen and we can go shopping together.

I know when I go to Weddings I always pay special attention to what other people are wearing do you? If not maybe it's something fun to think about next time you are at one.
Cheers!