My first sewing class
So impressed with the Lillstreet Art Center. I got there, paid, began the class with a rock star sewing teacher. It’s not home economics, mind you. She was very knowledgeable and actually funny. Music playing in the background was sweet while we worked wasn’t bad at all. So I knew the basics of the sewing machine. My machine at home is a bit older but these machines are so easy and the textile department (actually the whole second floor) has expanded and I’m already excited about the second class.
After cutting our materials into perfect 4X6″ samples, we began sewing seams and hems. I feel so excited about this class and I haven’t even met the actual teacher. The sub was great and I think this journey of a thousand miles began with a great step toward fun.
I’ve decided! I am going to start making my own clothes and home accessories. Now that I have my new sewing machine (got it for $50 bucks) I was very motivated to begin or rather continue my journey creating my new line of eco-clothing. I thought, great, I can do anything! That’s the optimist in me. Then, I thought for a moment, okay, let’s read the singer sewing machine manuel. Duh, learn to wind the bobbin, etc. What else? Buy the fabric, oh and buy more books. Step by step, I was creating practical things.
I started with simple things. I made napkins, done. I made linen coasters, done. Easy enough. Then, I wanted to create my first skirt. I was ready. I bought the fabric (still need to do more research for organic cotton) and now it was time to throw yourself into the work, right? Wrong. Reading directions from some books may be easy and other are just plain confusing…the good part? I got the right books which got me into making a pencil skirt. (One of these books was given to me for free…I feel so lucky!)
So, here I am with my ambitious self, trying to make a small sized pencil skirt, for me of course. Finished the front and the back parts, even put lining on the inside. Now, just have to figure out the zipper. I didn’t mind reconstructing it a few times. Then, I thought, there’s got to be a technique.
Even better news? I am taking a sewing class at Lilistreet Art Center. Yay, so excited, and now I will finish that pencil skirt and wear it. Photos coming very soon. Next project? My little black (green) dress. Deadline summer 2011.
Bloom design t-shirt for women
Just thinking about going vegan sounds like a challenge because I love dairy. But who doesn’t love a challenge? I must love it because I launched my business in the middle of a recession. Challenge? It’s more of a waiting game for me. Just give it time says the optimist in me. Time. Hum.
So back to the dairy queen in me. Okay that doesn’t even sound very healthy. I think I’ve had that about twice in my life. Excuse me if I love the fat. It’s a natural part of our food, fat. So, let’s stop avoiding it especially the women. Deprivation is good for only so long. I know, it’s fattening and who wants to be overweight, right? High cholesterol, heart attacks, obesity looms over this country’s health reports and let’s not even mention child obesity. How did we get so far? My theory involves portion sizes. There is no excuse for the big glup or large than life sizes, but that’s consumerism for you. No wonder the European women are so skinny. It’s all those bit sizes and walking!!
For me it’s not about quantity but quality, says the foodie in me. But maybe I’m looking with rose colored glasses. Vegan for a week? Maybe one of these weeks, perhaps with other vegans. Who am I joking? This is a personal decision. I’m on my own. Right now? Back to selling those beautiful Blissful Seed t-shirts where all t-shirts are on SALE!!! Order now and support Chicago artists, the American economy, and the environment. Otherwise, you may see blank long sleeved tee for the fall…peace.
Blissful Seed photo shoot: (May 2009)
