Between the personal upheaval of 2016 and the political uneasiness of 2017, it feels like an eternity since I lost myself in a novel. (The last one I devoured was Catacomb the third novel in a trilogy by Madeleine Roux.) Instead of fiction, I’ve been glued to breaking news updates on my phone and introspective … More Surrendering to a story
I grew up with the understanding that I would choose a major in college and that would be the career path I would follow for the rest of my life. Technology and the 2007 Great Recession changed that worldview. I’ve reinvented myself at least three times so far in my career. The reinventions that took … More Learning New Things & Teaching Myself
I frequently parroted this parable as a way to remind or convince (persuade?) myself that I was going the right direction. It served to counter my backwards glances, my fears that I had made the wrong choice somewhere along the line. This perspective assumed that there was a “one true path” for my career/life. I … More An Arrow Only Points One Way
Autumn causes animals to stock up on food. I’m trying to declutter my wardrobe in advance of sewing new pieces. … More Navigating the 2017 Closet Purge
We put our cat to sleep Saturday morning following her battle with lymphocytic leukemia. I’m still in a vague state of disbelief and denial. Every shadow out of the corner of my eye tricks my brain – it might be her. I grew up allergic to cats so Maya was the first cat I ever … More In Memoriam: Sewing with Maya
I made this blouse for the Sewcialists’ Tribute Month theme. You can read about it and the Sewcialist who inspired me over on the Sewcialist Blog.
Book 4: Balance was the final season of The Legend of Korra. Three years had passed since the end of Book 3 and Korra was an adult in her own right. She was still likely to make mistakes but she could do so without various parental figures constantly looking over her shoulder. In Book 4, I found a … More Legend of Korra, Season 4 – Costume Notes
To reCAP, (get it…cuz sleeve cap…eh?) I signed up for a series of draping classes this spring through the Seattle-based New York Fashion Academy. I have been sewing clothes and costumes for seven years, and all the while draping remained a mystery. Sure I could pin fabrics to my dress form and approximate a garment, … More Draping III – New Skills Up My Sleeves
You may have heard some news recently about a movie called “Wonder Woman”. I have seen it twice now and each time I leave the theater filled with a strong sense of self-worth, confidence, and strength. It was the most fun I have had at a movie since possibly Mad Max: Fury Road. I am more familiar with … More The Costumes and Sisterhood of Wonder Woman
We all experience creative blocks for different reasons. A couple years ago I was too exhausted from costumes to find motivation to sew for my everyday-self. Sometimes I drag my feet because I’m scared to make mistakes. Other times, the number of tasks that lead up to actually working seem insurmountable. Over time, I’ve learned … More 6 Ways to Overcome Your Creative Blocks
