2009 New Patterns

Finally,the new January Vogue Patterns are out. Now to cerebral planning spring wardrobe. I have thoroughly enjoyed the ability to cultivate a look of my own. Slightly bohemian, middle aged chic. let's call it that.

Tracy Reese loves color and uses great fabrics. Reese is known for feminine dressing. She has the splash page on Vogue Pattern's web site this season. Her spring 2009 collection is colorful and fem.

Tracey Reese has two patterns. She is new to Vogue's American Designer collections. Loved to see that. I like Reese, but the cuts are not quite the middle age thing. I love to give her "props" for the inspiration. There are several other patterns among the new patterns, with her type of style that done in the right fabric would be wonderfully girlie. I on the other hand are a bit more bohemian practical. These items done in the right fabrics will give days of good wearing fun. There are a few new Marcy Tilton and Sandra Betzina patterns. Discussion for later.

Color Play

Lately I have been playing with Big Huge Labs Palette Generator. I am looking at color palettes for spring and summer. Fabric shopping locally can be such a dismal process, that I find it beneficial to have a plan. All good wardrobes should come from a plan.

One always thinks of pastels as a welcoming to spring. It is the big change one looks forward to as you transition into spring and summer. We all remember the Easter outfits in soft pastels, even though it may be cold as heck on Easter Sunday. it is just the way it is.

ABCD Design

Hot Palette, J.Crew

Cool Palette, J. Crew

RTW catalogs, interior design magazines and runway shows are all great sources of inspiration. Using Big Huge Labs, I was able to generate palettes from photos that appealed to me. This is now my inspiration board for fabric shopping for spring and summer There is a hot and cool version. The cool version, from J.Crew, contains colors I ordinarily do not wear. I think it may be a nice change. Something with which to launch an experiment. Chic Silk is also from the current J.Crew catalog. ABCD is generated from an interior design layout of a New York apartment found on Desire to Inspire. I loved the apartment and it's color palette

I have no stash to work with, since I went back to sewing in the fall. I am starting from a clean slate that will be organized based on these palettes How perfect. How divine... 09jan14

Words Swirling

Words swirling through my head lately...

Bespoke... Main Entry: be·spoke Pronunciation: \bi-spōk, bē-\ Variant(s): also be·spo·ken \-spō-kən\ Function: adjective Etymology: past participle of bespeak Date: 1607 1 a: custom-made <a bespoke suit> b: dealing in or producing custom-made articles 2dialect : engaged

ubiqutous.. Main Entry: ubiq·ui·tous Pronunciation: \yü-bi-kwə-təs\ Function: adjective Date: 1830 : existing or being everywhere at the same time : constantly encountered : widespread <a ubiquitous fashion> — ubiq·ui·tous·ly adverb — ubiq·ui·tous·ness noun

Couture... Pronunciation: \kü-tu̇r, -tuer\ Function: noun Etymology: French, from Old French cousture sewing, from Vulgar Latin *consutura, from Latin consutus, past participle of consuere to sew together, from com- + suere to sew — more at sew Date: 1908 1 : the business of designing, making, and selling fashionable custom-made women's clothing 2 : the designers and establishments engaged in couture 3 : the clothes created by couture...09jan5

In Lieu of Resolutions...

In lieu of resolutions, I want to make acknowledgements at the New Year. People say, "knowing is half the battle". It is very true. I acknowledge the fact that I gave up on some things this year. These were things that had become hurtful and disappointing to me. I commend myself for that. I am disappointed in the fact that I did not replace those things in my life. I simply gave up on that portion of life. It is not the relinquishing but the manner in which I did it. On the other other hands, there were wonderful changes that I applauded.

I made a quality of life change in my work. I look forward to continuing it for this year and many more. I can see it being nothing but good for me. I want to augment it! I need to parlay those changes into a better me.

During 2008, I returned to sewing as an expression of creativity and function. That has made me very happy. It has been frustrating at points. The learning curve has been more than in earlier parts of life, but, worth every moment. I acknowledge and celebrate it's power of transformation in my life.

2008 was a wonderful year, not only for myself but millions. I for the first time worked on a political campaign. I want to do it again. I want t continue to not only live as history is made but participate in it's formation. Got to be worthwhile.

So, off to 2009. I want to continue with my creativity. I will reinstate "Art Dates" and frequent "scratching". I will continue to document life in my illustrated journals. In those art dates, I will institute my own form of "Social Dates". They will take different forms in order to accomplish the things I want out of life. It is all for a better 2009.

2009, here I come...1 jan, 2009.

 

Barak Obama...Man of the Year

Time magazine, naming Mr Obama as its Person of the Year, yesterday published the long-lost pictures with the photographer, Lisa Jack, saying that they showed a “spirit of fun and thoughtfulness” in the President-elect. The film, she said, was kept locked in a safe during the election campaign so that it could not be used for political purposes. Some polls have suggested that his smoking habit was a bigger barrier to him getting elected than the color of his skin.

This week the editor of GQ magazine, Michael Haney, said without a doubt that he felt our president elect was "Cool". The latest issue of GQ magazine, in which Barack Obama was named one of the publication's Men of the Year: "As If being elected President isn't a high enough honor, Barack Obama is now the quintessential 'GQ' guy." GQ deputy editor Michael Haney said: "Is there -- is -- do you have this little bit of a sense, can there be -- can a guy who's cool be President of the United States?" Haney replied: "No. I think, I mean JFK was cool. I mean, you know...And I think, yeah, Reagan was cool. I mean it's that sense of how you define 'cool,' I think. And it's -- it's a real chemistry, that's what people are reacting to." ...It really is, I mean, he's young, he's vibrant, he's vital, like all those qualities of a 'GQ' guy."

We have a President Elect that is cool....dec 26, 2008.

Merry Christmas to All...

Have a happy and safe holiday season.

 

Let There be Light...

Now this people, this is a chandelier. I stopped to look at Daily Poetics. She has lovely quotes that accompany each design oriented entry in her site. I assume it is a she. One never knows the origin of things these days. Daily Poetics always has great design as well as literary morsels. Very entertaining. I thought I would post the Michael McHale piece simply for the memory and eye candy. I would love to have it one day, but would not want the amount of living space necessary to truly showcase a piece like this. It is truly art. They are by Michael McHale. His chandeliers are evidently done as indoor and outdoor installations.

The title quote for this entry: "Light, seeking light, doth light of light beguile; So ere you find where light in darkness lies, Your light grows dark by losing of your eyes" by Shakespeare. Stunning...dec 2,2008

My XM...

I have finally calmed enough to say..."How dare you, XMRadio, cancel my favorite radio station?" I adored my Modern Jazz station on XM. The choices of programming by Russ Davis and Michelle Sanmartimo were wonderful. I listened to the station 90% of the time in my car. I sometimes listened to it over the computer at home. Where else could hear all of the modern jazz of my youth as well as up to the minute new releases any time of day or night. I discovered so many new artists listening to XM Radio. There was also a built in enlightenment listening to Modern Jazz on XM. If I heard something new to me, I would be able to look further into that particular artist. Undoubtedly I would find another artist I liked just as well. My horizons became broader and broader.

I like cool jazz and straight ahead jazz. Overall, I much prefer modern jazz. Not every artist or song was a favorite, but where else would you find the satisfaction level. I would easily say it was 90% of the time, satisfaction.

I contacted XMRadio today. I tried t listen to the recommended stations to take the place of Beyond Jazz. They pale in comparison to the overall satisfaction my favorite. I understand from the representative that they are still getting complaints and requests for cancellation from customers who have lost their favorite stations. We are retaining our relationship, at their expense, until all of the requests and complaints have been filed. We will see what happens in the next two months.

I want my MOJA (Modern Jazz) back... dec 1,2008.

One Note...

I considered this as my new banner. I hate to be such the one note person. I have been totally immersed in sewing and stitchery lately. I am working on a vest using every decorative stitch appropriate on my new machine. This is the first time I thought about buying an embroidery machine. I am missing the opportunity to do monogramming. DW is living and sewing lately. I should just fess up to the fact.

I will go with a holiday motif instead...nov.29,2008.

Mail Forward:

Seldom do I read mail forwarded email messages by the dozen, sent to and from dozens of people. Occasionally I will take a peek. This one was priceless.

Subject: Interrupted Service Restored

Dear World: The United States of America, your quality supplier of ideals of liberty and democracy, would like to apologize for its 2001-2008 service outage. The technical fault that led to this eight-year service interruption has been located, and the software responsible was replaced Tuesday night, November 4. Early tests of the newly-installed program indicate that we are now operating correctly, and we expect it to be fully functional by mid-January. We apologize for any inconvenience caused by the outage, and we look forward to resuming full service --- and hopefully even to improve it in years to come. Thank you for your patience and understanding, The USA ...nov. 27, 2008

Inspiration, Monday Mosaics

Color is a great source of inspiration. What catches your eye? What color sets off another color? what type of mood does a color invoke.

The other day I fell into the time sink of chasing favorites on Flickr. Big Hube Labs has a script that allows you to start with a user and see what photos that user favorites. You can go on and on from user to user's favorites until you run upon some person who for reasons I don't understand, has no favorites!

Taking this surf from favorite to favorite, user to user. I think that this method heightens the chances of seeing things that you adore.

These were my harvests from the surf. There are a few blank spaces from users that opted out of Big Huge Labs. Overall, it is an inspiration. Color...nov. 24, 2008.

1. Untitled, 2. Untitled, 3. IMG_9116, 4. DEEP IN THE HEART, 5. The end of the rainbow, 6. do you know what i love the most?, 7. radial, 8. U783, 9. U694, 10. packed (IF), 11. Untitled, 12. fall leaf fine art painting in my etsy shop, 13. Oleo - UNIVERSO PARALELO, 14. Budget Print, 15. Mad Tea Party, 16. Pollination 

On My Work Table..

Probably because foreign travel is an impossibility at present, I really would love to go to France. Since I cant go with my favorite travel partner, a trip with other like minded souls would be nice. Marcy Tilton organizes trips several times a year. the emphasis is on fabric, fashion and sales. What a combination! Since this is experience is off the table as a consideration, I decided to design the wardrobe I would wear if I took that trip.

It is inspired by a newsletter from Marcy Tilton. The capsule wardrobe is travel right, comfortable, artsy .There are knit separates, vests, coat and jacket. I have never tried double knit before this. The pieces remind me of Eileen Fisher as well as Tilton. I may manage to make it from one coast to another, but not to Paris, France. The capsule wardrobe will serve me well any week of my life. This wardrobe for Paris (the trip is merely in my mind) is "Traveling in my Dreams" (TMD).

 

Days of Amazement

November 4, 2008!

 

Wardrobe Turnover-Seasonal Change...

Coming up in the Midwest, my birthday was traditionally wardrobe turnover. At that point in mid October, I would turn over from summer/fall wardrobe to winter. All of the summer T-shirts and cottons were stored for the winter. As I have grown older, the weather has changed so dramatically. Warm Fall weather continues into November. I recall mowing grass on thanksgiving. There was a cold spell last week. We had our first frost in some areas. Yesterday it was in the 70's. You go from blankets and heat to no blankets and no heat!

I am sure this is all resulting of a bigger picture. This is what one calls Global Warming. This is what allows me to wear my blanket in the morning and scarf up. One can hope it isn't too warm by afternoon. It is the type of weather wrought with colds and sinusitis. We will amble through this period change with Mother Nature. We have treated her badly and I am sure the payback is yet to come. In the mean time I will enjoy the weather. Wardrobe change over has become a two part affair. Short sleeves t shirts are exchanged for long sleeve t-shirts and the wooly sweaters are not until second round. I am thinking nearly December...Nov 1, 2008.

THE FUTURE LOOKS GOOD:

Voting has never been more fashionable — especially if Zac Posen has his way. On Thursday morning, Posen filmed a 15-second video urging people to vote, to vote for Barack Obama, and to dress for the occasion. The video — featuring the designer wearing lots of Obama pins made by his studio — can now been seen on fashionthevote.org. Just remember, your state could be one that does not allow candidate paraphernalia in the voting place. Check it out ahead of time and govern yourself accordingly...nov 1, 2008

 

 

 

 

 

Some things to Know, Before You Go to Vote!

So you registered in time, and you’re excited to cast your vote on November 4. You’re all set—right? Well, maybe not. There are a number of last-minute pitfalls that can crop up on Election Day. The Election Assistance Commission—an independent, federal agency dedicated to election administration—is in full hustle mode, informing voters about steps to take now to guarantee that all goes smoothly at the polls.

ESSENCE.com quizzed EAC Commissioner Gracia Hillman about what every woman should know before she votes.

1. Make sure you are registered to vote. Confirm your voter registration by calling your local election office or checking online at www.eac.gov Depending on which state you live in, there may still be time to correct problems. “In some cases, it may be a clerical error that can be fixed,” says Hillman.

2. Get the exact location of your polling site. Polling locations change, so just showing up wherever you voted the last time might not work out. “People lose valuable time by showing up at the wrong polling place,” says Hillman. “You can find out where to vote through your local election office’s Web site.”

3. Ignore suspect fliers on your car windshield. Mysterious fliers and automated phone calls—saying that you can vote on Wednesday, for instance, or warning that you’ll get arrested at the polls for outstanding parking tickets—are already popping up around the country. Simply stated, they’re fake. “The only way to determine what’s real is to get the information from the elections office,” says Hillman. “They won’t leave things on your car windshield or make robo-calls.”

4. It may not be too late—there are ten states where you can still register to vote. For most of us, the last day for registration has already passed. But ten states—Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, North Dakota (does not have voter registration at all), Wisconsin, Wyoming and Connecticut (allows unregistered voters to cast a ballot for president only)—offer same-day registration, allowing you to register and vote right at your polling location.

5. Don’t leave without voting. If you registered, but poll workers say your name isn’t on the list, don’t leave. You have the right by law to request a provisional ballot. It’s used when there’s a question about whether a person is registered to vote. “Officials will take a few days after the election to research the problem; then people can follow up to find out if their vote was counted,” says Hillman.

6. It’s probably best to leave your campaign T-shirts and buttons at home. Laws on campaign paraphernalia vary, but in some states it is illegal to wear anything touting your candidate to the voting booth. Check with your local election office to learn the law in your state. “The polling place is viewed as a safe haven, free from campaigning, for the purpose of casting a vote. These laws mean that officials don’t want to take any chance that somebody coming in will start campaigning,” says Hillman.

7. Be prepared to show some ID. Some states require that voters show government-issued photo ID like a driver’s license or U.S. passport before they are allowed to vote. “Even though some may not like the identification requirement, this is not the time to challenge it,” says Hillman. If you don’t have the proper identification, request a provisional ballot; you can present the necessary ID to your election office after Election Day to ensure that your vote will count.

8. If you need help, you’re allowed to bring a friend. Voters who need assistance at the polls—like the elderly, someone whose first language isn’t English or those with a physical disability, for example— are allowed to bring somebody with them. “People can generally bring the person of their choice,” says Hillman. “If they don’t have anybody, they can ask for assistance from a poll worker. Nobody should ever feel, if they don’t understand how a machine works or how a ballot should be read, that they can’t ask for help.”

9. Sometimes, there can be a rational explanation behind a faulty voter machine. You’ve likely heard reports of machines “switching” votes to a different candidate during early voting, but the scenario may be less conspiring than it sounds. “The instances where that has happened, the touch screen was very sensitive,” says Hillman, who argues that if you hit the space between two names, the machine can misread your vote. When that happens, the touch screen lets you correct it. If there really is something wrong with the machine, request an emergency paper ballot, available specifically for cases of malfunctioning machines.

10. If you see something, say something. Speak out about anything fishy at the polls. “If you have any kind of complaint about the voting process, you are entitled to file an administrative complaint, which has to be handled by the election office,” says Hillman...oct 30, 2008

Happy Birthday!

You have got to love the power of direct marketing. Look what was in my mailbox today! A happy birthday wish and a coupon from Borders! Happy Birthday to Me!...oct. 19, 2008

100, 000 Rally for Obama

U.S. Democratic presidential nominee Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) speaks at a campaign rally at The Gateway Arch in St. Louis, October 18, 2008. REUTERS/Jim Young (UNITED STATES) US PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION CAMPAIGN 2008 (USA)

"Obama drew 100,000 people to a rally at the iconic Gateway Arch in St. Louis, his biggest crowd yet, according to his campaign, which cited a local police official...But even Obama, who's used to attracting large audiences, appeared stunned and heartened by the hordes who packed the grounds of the Gateway Arch. The Secret Service estimated the crowd at more than 80,000, while the St. Louis police claimed it was close to 100,000. Obama's campaign said the rally was his largest to date. "What a spectacular sight! All I can say is wow," said Obama, before launching into his campaign pitch. The huge showing — followed by an evening event in Kansas City that his campaign said drew at least 75,000 — bolstered Democratic optimism about Obama's chances in Missouri, one of a handful of remaining battleground states and where the latest polls have shown him in a dead heat with Republican rival John McCain... " Adam Jadhav, Blythe Bernhard and Patrick O'Connell of the Post-Dispatch contributed to this report.

From Flickr, Roger Vaughn had a wonderful vantage point for the rally. 100,000 and he got some shots to remember! 1. DSC_0237, 2. DSC_0234, 3. DSC_0288, 4. DSC_0297, 5. DSC_0268, 6. DSC_0241, 7. DSC_0225, 8. DSC_0238, 9. DSC_0235 

Animal Prints

One of the wonderful things about sewing is I can have all of the animal prints I can find. I don't have to wait until I find one RTW. Animal prints are my signature. I try to do them with taste. I realize I can easily get carried away with them.

After getting over the fear of knits I made this quick little knit shirt. I love it. The most exciting part is it fits It is Vogue 8323. I will definitely make it again. There are several other views on the pattern that are winners. The princess seaming makes for a good fit and interesting lines. You can't see much of that in the photo. It's nice to be able to do a few things on your own terms...Oct 4, 2008

Cleo Ann and Gateway Groomers

I work in a technical high school. There are fabulous opportunities for students there. There are your run of the mill business classes as well as aeronautics and robotics. One department dear to my heart is the veterinary department. The area is outfitted just as a vet's office would be including a classroom. The department offers a program called Gateway Groomers. Students offer services such as baths, nail clippings and flea treatments for cats and dogs. I think most of the staff that brings pets in, do it just to have their pets nearby.

Knowing that Cleo,the cat can be very difficult, I took her to school with me for the Gateway Groomers. I should have known better. The students had plenty of experience with the lovely resident kitten, but, I don't think they had much to do with a 12 year old like Cleo Ann. Granted, she is petite, but she has a well developed mind of her own.Cleo objected to the flea treatment and scuffled with them. She cut her paw. Consider it her contribution to public school educations. Cleo came home with a large bandage. I don't think she enjoyed her stay, but the students got to see plenty of blood. I don't think they want Cleo to come back any time soon ...Sept. 29, 2008

Taking Flight

Taking Flight, by Kelly Rae Roberts is a new book by North Light Books. In Taking Flight, you’ll find inspiration from author and mixed-media artist Kelly Rae Roberts. You will be inspired by: Step-by-step techniques, learning mixed-media methods of the author and seven talented contributing artists. What is a lovely representation is broken down in steps. There are thought-provoking prompts and quotes—along with encouraging stories, insights. There are pages and pages of the author’s artwork, along with the varied works of the contributors. She's had several articles published in Cloth Paper Scissors magazine and has been featured in various mixed-media books.

I have not been doing much mixed media, but I found this book inspiring. I was able to incorporate a small piece of collage from a meeting with my Journal Salon. It will become part of the cover of my current journal. I have admired the style for sometime, being a reader of Cloth Paper Scissors magazine. Now I have the inspiration and opportunity to incorporate some of these techniques into my own works. Check it out, Taking flight, by Kelly rae Roberts...100108

Alice and Olivia and a Fit

I am getting close to that "fit" thing. I like one of thee Alice and Olivia pant. The yoke is perfect and it sits below the waist. The placket front is two piece. It gives a nice retail finish. the legs are a bit wide for the everyday pant that I desire. I need to draft a different leg with the same yoke. There is a pocketed version, I have yet to try. I will definitely be using this pattern again. It has such potential. I need to make a paper draft before I wear it out the tissue. It will become what bloggers refer to as a TNT (tried and true)....Sept. 20, 2008

 

 

 

 

 

Canvassing for Obama

Glad that I am able, I have taken to canvassing for Obama. My first Saturday morning out in my community was an eye opener. I visited door to door, on foot, streets I had passed many times. You see the world at such a different level on foot as opposed to driving. I figure, if you do nothing about the situation you forfeit your right to complain about the outcome. I want to be in celebratory mode on election day. I will work for it, thankful that I can.

I am looking forward to debate season. I am interested in seeing Barack Obama handle the competition. Oh the excitement....092008

Getting into the Swing

Getting back into sewing has entailed some re-learning. Still working on that swing. Back in the day, it was a matter of cut if out, sew it and wear it. Now, the sheer reason for sewing has made relearning a necessity. fit is the overwhelming motivator. Learning to fit patterns to the 208 body versus the 197? form is an undertaking.

There are new skills and preparations to making a garment. I have learned to tissue fit, measure and sometimes resort to a muslin. Ergo the 1.2.3. pant scenario mentioned earlier. The fear of "too small" still exists. I bought a dress form. It was huge. A lesson learned...This is a time when you can pad it but you can only take it in so far. It can be taken in only so far. Not far enough.

I am still enjoying this adventure.

What's in Your CD Player?

Miles from India- Miles alumni and Indian musicians playing Miles electric.

Daniel Bernard Roumain- DBR is a haunting sound. I pulled it out for old times sake.

quietly Disturbed- Avishai Cohen. Enough said.

Bennie Maupin Quartet- Still cannot let go of Escondido

AfroPeans- Jazz Warriors, featuring Courtney Pine. Still loving it.

John Coltrane -compilation highlighted with A Love Supreme and Afro Blue

Perfect Descriptions

Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Day, idée fixe \ee-day-FEEKS\ noun Meaning : an idea that dominates one's mind especially for a prolonged period : obsession " idee fixe ". I have these, all of the time. They shift and change, but while in place, definately an idee fixe.Presently, i am into sewing. I have no idea how long it will last. Sewing has some definate benefits. It is a skill that is a positive towards survival. One should always be able to clothe themselves. It is creative survival...august 22, 2008.

1, 2, 3

 

 

One of my major reasons for sewing is to get clothes to fit. Wow, I didn't know it would be so hard. the pattern was too small. I worked on changing that. I diced and sliced on the pattern and went for number two. It was too large. It reminded of the three little pigs. Now I hope the third one is just right. Once I have it down to a science I can whip them up at will. The next project is a easy win, such as a top. Less fitting involved. Ha. I need that easy win.The jacket debut,earlier was a win. I need another...august 16, 2008.

Magazine Monday, of sorts...

Magazine Monday is a little different. Instead of using published magazines, I am sharing a project of mine. I have started sewing again. As a result I am looking a details of clothing. These are capsules of Fall 2008 collections from Armani, Prozena Schuler, Tracy Reese, Pecorino, Valentino, Bagley Mishka and Donna Karan.

Armani, Valentino and Donna Karan are designers whose names go far in my mind. The Armani suits are classic and the Valentino pieces are riddled with interesting details. The Donna Karan is very different from the DK I remember from the 80's. The color combinations and presentation of Armani and Karan are palettes I can see.

Tracey Reese did not appear as evidently wearable as some other collections, although I love the fabric choices. Prozena Schuler has a waistline treatment that is intriguing. It is a wrap but not a wrap. Pecorino has great embellished coats. Inspiring.

This is my little look at fall in my very own take on fall. These will be by inspiration ...colors, silhouettes, fabric choices and embellishments. Style.com is the source. My magazine Monday ...august 4,2008

Some of my favorite things

 

I always carry a notebook and a camera. My preference for notebooks change but there is always one there. Presently my favorite is a set of Cavallini notebooks. I bought them at Anthropologie. The colors of the covers are antiqued and muted. The hand of the paper is wonderful. My favorite pen for these books is a Pitt. I is the sort of combination that makes your handwriting look good. You can't beat it...July 20, 2008