Off and running for the holidays...

The holidays are quickly approaching, and boy, do I have a lot to do. But, I have a lot done already. So much to post and so little time. I knitted and crocheted several scarves, which I love making.

I can't wait to post and to talk about the other items I have been sewing. Holler at ya later!

I'm a graduate, and I am off running...

Oh my goodness, graduation has come and gone, and I am still super busy.

Here is me ready to go to graduation. I loved how the altered dress came out. I felt so special that night. It was incredible to walk with my classmates and friends. It felt wonderful to have my family there to support me. What was the biggest surprise was having a video speech congratulations from Bill Cosby!

Now onto rhinestoning!
I rhinestoned this bridal gown that was originally her mother's dress. I love how the lace sparkled.

Today, I learned how to make a juliet cap. It is made on the bias with a stiffer buckram on the inside and a thinner buckram on the bias tape outside. I love learning to make new things, especially from an expert!!

my last week of school

One of my high school classmates said it best, it is a bitter sweet feeling. I am relieved and exhausted, so I want to graduate and reach my end goal. But on the other hand, I have so much more to learn and I don't feel I have had enough time with my friends. They inspire me and push me. I feel like the ride was way too short. But, then on the other hand, I think I have so much that lies ahead. I am excited for my future, wherever that takes me. I don't know where I am going to be next year or what I am going to be doing, but I know I can't go back now.

I love sewing. I have found my passion. You know, I use to be really into communications/marketing. But, it didn't last. I feel I was as successful as I allowed myself to be. It took me as far as it could. With sewing, I feel for once, in a very long time, that I have so many options. I feel my future and my potential is unlimited. It is hard to let go of the past and all the successes and failures I have experienced, but I know there is something new for me down the road. I really don't know what it is going to be, but the prospect of it is wonderful to dream about.

Before I went to college for journalism, all I wanted to do was dance. Quite honestly, I was a mediocre dancer. It's not to say that I didn't look great onstage, because I was all smiles. But, my technique was no where near what it could have been. Being a professional dancer at amusement parks and seeing other people's techniques and styles made me a much better performer/dancer. And, I was a wonderful dance teacher. It inspired me to see my students work toward something and achieve their goals. That was my satisfaction.

Then, I went onto college, and I thought, well, I will go full throttle, as I usually do, into my studies and then eventually my work. And, yes, I feel very proud of my career and what I accomplished. But, personally, I was not inspired nor satisfied at the end. It is not that I didn't work with incredibly gifted people or that the companies were not some of the most successful. I think I just saw something different for myself. I was the cog that needed to get off the wheel.

This year, I became myself again. Not just educationally, but personally, too. I laugh more. I tell jokes more. I don't fret about everything I say because of how it may look professionally. I am myself again, a better, more creative self. And, I have found that people like me more, and I like myself more. If nothing else ever happens out of this experience, I will always have that. But, I pray my future is bright and full of opportunities even I couldn't have dreamed of.

This little lady is graduating.

I am so stoked I am graduating Tuesday. I really feel like I have earned it. I have put my heart and soul into this year. It has been an incredible year. This year has been a gift that I was given. My hubby was so supportive. My teacher promoted a creative environment. My family made sure I was awake going from school to work, to school to work....My classmates inspired and pushed me. I wouldn't take this whole experience back for anything. I will always remember this year in a positive life.

Next, I hope I am onto something new that challenges me and continues to educate me...Onward.

Graduation dress complete

Okay, I have to agree with my classmates now, adding a little bling really completes a garment. I added on this rhinestone applique that my girlfriends/coworkers helped me pick out at work. I think it looks stunning. I am just so excited to graduate. I am so proud of myself.

As Tia would say, bedazzle it girl!

So I decided to listen to Tia today and get some finishing details for my graduation dress. I bought this beautiful rhinestone applique to put on the front. I have this placed on some red fabric to visualize it, but it is going on the front of my black silk dress where the velvet trim is located. Doesn't it just pop? I think my girlfriend is going to be proud.

Then, to add a nice elegant look to my hair, I bought this bow/clip on clearance. I have wanted this since it came into the store months ago. I love our bridal notions.

I am truly excited for graduation. I feel so daggone proud of myself and all of my accomplishments this year.

Graduation dress alterations

So, I think I mentioned that I bought my graduation dress at a thrift store for $3.93. It is 100% silk, and I love it. Well, I had to make a couple of darts in the back, take up the hems of the silk outer layer with a rolled hem and the polyester chiffon lining with a narrow hem. Since I had approximately 5+ inches of leftover width in silk and chiffon, I decided to use it to make a nice scarf accented with a velvet trim. I love not wasting beautiful fabric. Every alteration allows for scraps to be made into something new.

I love upcycling!