Update....

Hello everyone,

As usual.... I have been M.I.A. No worries though I am working on a pattern that is not so easy to work with. It's Vogue 1239...it's an unnecessary nightmare. But I can't complain too much I have a wonderful sewing instructor to guide me through this dizzy process. You know it's like me to pick out the most challenging dresses to only find myself having a nervous breakdown over it. I think I have a deep seeding urge to want to torture myself....but that's another story for another time.

Now what the hell is wrong with Vogue and there instructions... seriously it's almost like learning a freaking whole new language and on top of that they have the nerve to put in ridiculously stupid freaking, dumb ass extremely unnecessary steps to constructing a garment. Who needs that f@#ing pressure. I want a dress, I am not suppose to feel like I am doing statistics. I looked at the pattern instructions and I was so confused I turned the pattern upside down hoping it would make more sense. I looked like an ape trying to read a book. I hate when a pattern instruction makes me feel inadequate, I got a mother who do that already..lol. (that was a joke mom)

Now this is the fabric I am working with....so far it's been a real pleasure. I bought this from a textile fabric store for 6 dollars a yard...and I have to say this has been one of the sweetest deals I had the pleasure of taking advantage of. She is silky on one side but have a canvas type of material on the other, so it's absolutely easy to manipulate and work with. It drapes beautifully and I can't wait to see how it looks on me when it's done. The lining is a biotch though....but since I have 7 yards of it left I am using it until it's done.

Okay, as always I shift from one obsession to another....I am a new fanatic for Alexander Henry fabrics. There is one called "Lady Yang" that got me going nuts. When I first saw it I new I had to have it... I was so absolutely in love with the fabric print pattern I couldn't deny myself. I am not going to tell you the embarrassing details of my search for the fabric...let's just say I got it from JoAnn's and my eyes started welling with tears. It was a moment....I wonder if I bought a whole bulk would that be pushing it.

I know it's weird to love a fabric the way I love this one....but I do love her. And the awesome thing is that she is all cotton. It's just to good to be true and being the person I am I hide her in my room so if something would happen to me...then at least my spirit will be at rest knowing my Lady Yang is okay. Yeah this love is deep.

Just dealing....(work not sewing related)

I have to state first and foremost...I am not perfect. I have flaws like everyone else and one of them is my temper. I am not a person who enjoys confrontation but if need be I will engage. At work I realize the hard way I can't let people in.... because at the end of the day work is work, and outside of it is my "real" life. Work is only there to support my lifestyle not be a part of it. I state this because I need to know whether I am in the right or wrong.
I have a particular supervisor who sometimes have a tendency to be moody....and being a moody person myself we don't always get along. I especially despise how she sometimes treat a particular individual at my job and since I don't want her to treat me with such disrespect.... I decided awhile back that I will only interact with her, when it comes to the job itself and not go beyond that. Now she is upset that I no longer engage in conversations outside of what we have to do? Now am I wrong for taking such precaution or is she being immature?

Finally B5353 done....

I am not sure what's going on with my blog but it wouldn't let me post my last update. So of course I have to re post it.

The dress is basically done all that is left to do is the hem. The dress was a challenge and still is because even when I have adjusted it to my size the bust side front still sticks up and out. That means I have to take it in about an inch for it to fit me properly. But it was a great experience it required allot of patience but making a dress with lining is always going to take more time regardless. I hope to were this to a formal occasion but looking at my fabric choice it seems to be more appropriate for a funeral than any festivity. Don't get me wrong I love the dress it just needs to be a little more cheerful. So if I ever decided to do this pattern again it definitely needs to be in a brighter color.

Well that's it for now.... I hope everyone enjoy the holidays. Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Towards the end....

Well tomorrow I will be finishing my dress. I should have pics ready by Sunday, but even if I am not done I will post pics of her. So far it's been a great journey with the dress, it was very involved and allot of adjustments had to be made. But all in all it's been a very pleasant experience.
My next dress will be Vogue pattern 1239. The fabric is very beautiful, I will post that as well. It's a very interesting fabric with a bold design, words fail me when I try to describe it. I have to admit I am a little intimadated by the design and construction this one looks like it's going to be extemely involved. But, when I think about it all the dresses I have made so far have always been intricate.
Well hope all is well and I will definately have pics by this weekend. Until then enjoy yours.
A.S.

My ignorance lurk in weird places.....

Last night I wrote a post...and I admit while writing, I noticed allot of things I stated was out of pure ignorance. But at times, I think you need to be ignorant in order to learn to be and do better. I specifically remember statement #9, Until I read a wonderful post. Introduced by a favorite blogger....adrienneslittleworld.typepad.com.
http://rightthevision.com/2011/10/11/angry-with-the-potter-embrace-the-woman-in-you/

Personally, I have allot of issues being a woman because... I wasn't taught to respect women. I wasn't taught to embrace being feminine because allot of times as I have witnessed in my life if you were caught vulnerable, kind, loving, soft or affectionate....then you will be screwed over. You were forced to be harsh, cruel and manipulative in order to survive.

I was raised by my grandmother who was as strong as a bull and sharper than any machete. She was wise, cunning, and a very proud woman. My mother in the other hand wasn't as strong willed as her mother and at times fell under her shadow. Don't get me wrong my mother wasn't a weak woman she could never afford to be....but she wasn't as vibrant.

What struck me is that people have a tendency to define what feminine is. I don't let people define who I am...only one being has the right to do so. I can be every bit feminine and be strong, combatant, and militant. It doesn't take anything away from me as a woman.
But I do agree with the idea that women do find themselves competing with men by imitating them. Is that wrong? Not really but it does take away from you being you. I can never really be ashamed of what and who I am. God made me in his image and made me to be who I am. Being a woman isn't a curse, but we are not limited by the roles that others try to force on us. That's why feminism is important to me. It should support the right to be a strong woman...as a woman. Not a weird twisted version of a man. That means if we choose to be corporate leaders or housewives...feminism should support both points of view especially now these days. We should have room for all kinds of women, with all kinds of lifestyle, traditions, and culture. The right to be women should not be excluded from anyone. Right or wrong? (I'm going on a tangent here, please forgive me.)

Now as an adult I still have allot of growing up to do. The older I get the more accepting I become and the more patient I am with myself. Also the more comfortable I am in my skin. I think in allot of ways we all have mimicked individuals and situations to have a basis of what we want and as we grow older, wiser and better we start creating our own version of what we truly want.

Am I making any sense here?

I’m going to sound crazy here but this reminds me of what Jada Pinket-Smith told Oprah on her final show. "You’re not a mother but you have mothered millions." Being a woman gives you the privilege and right to mentor, guide, love and nurture in ways that no one can. And even when you don't fulfill a traditional role....God makes a way to do your duty diligently without even noticing. That's why he will always have a final say....Amen.

Thinking thoughts....

As of late I have been thinking allot....and since this seems to be a perfect place to start. I thought placing a few random thoughts... just because.
1) I learned that patience is a virtue.
2) Kindness can take you a millions mile further than being nasty.
3) That I hate ignorant and opinionated individuals who can't take in other people's point of view.
4) That although I have a job and should be extremely grateful and at times I am especially when paying bills....( wishing my life away isn't a good thing....can't stand the fact it's not Friday yet.)
5) I wish I was healthier...but by now I know it's a choice and not a lifetime sentence to being fat. I don't have to be fat I choose to stay fat.
6) I hate people who hate kids, I hate people who look at them as burdens and I really hate backwards people who think abuse is necessary to raise them. Not saying discipline isn't necessary evil, but belting children, pushing them, laughing at them when you insult them, beating them with objects are a little on the extreme side of things. (Teenagers are the exceptions to the rules...jk)
7) I want to start a group with women who have issues with their mothers. It will be called I HATE MY MOTHER!....I'm not kidding. I don't know if it's me or am I surrounded by women who seems to like to complain about their mothers. Complain is a nice word...how about fixated.
8) Maybe during the meetings I can shout....GROW THE HELL UP AND GET OVER IT!!! Maybe that's what I should call the group.
9) At times I hate being a women....but I truly feel sorry for men. I wouldn't take their place even if they pay me.
10) I love sewing, I hate sewing. It's a wonderful craft that I get lost in, but damn do I hate the technicality. I AM SO SLOOOOOWWWWWW!!!!! I am still working on the dress I started over the summer! AAAUUUGGGHHHHH!
Well that's it for now I will definately have more b.s. to spill here while I finish my garment. Until then I look forward in seeing what you guys have been up too.

Changing views....

After the next project...I was thinking of doing simpler designs. Like shirts, totes, handbag and simple slacks. I think in allot of ways I am missing the basics, doing complicated dresses and gowns are great learning experiences but they are extremely frustrating and at times even intimidating. If I do the simpler stuff more projects will get done and the more satisfied I will be.
What do you think? Have you ever considered starting over again to have a better perspective on sewing?