Well, I had a most productive weekend and I accomplished much sewing! I was excited about this!
Bright and early on Saturday morning, my sons and I went to my cousin Dimples' house. She loves to cook and bake and she is excellent at this. Well, Dimples does catering in her spare time and she had two baby showers to cater for on Saturday. We hit the road and did some shopping for the items to prepare then we came home and began with the menu. For the first baby shower, they ordered more finger type foods. They had conch fitters, cheese spread, tuna salad, cupcakes and sliced cake, vegetable platter and dip, chicken wings and meatballs. We only did two huge bowls of tri color pasta with veggies for the second shower.
After we got all cleaned up from the catering, we hit the road to visit my good friend Norma so we could decide the best type material for our dresses for the Red Ribbon Ball. The Ball is being held on Saturday, 20th November, 2010 in one of the Ballrooms of Atlantis. One of the committee members informed me that they have an exciting evening planned and it should be a night to remember. I have finally selected the style that I want and I will be going to the fabric store this coming weekend to purchase my material and notions.
My darling cousin Dimples has dubbed me "The Traveling Seamstress." The reason for this is due to the fact that when I go to her house if I have any sewing to do, I take my machine with me. Her children [all of whom are adults] are aware of this so whenever I come around, they always need something mended. Yesterday I made a fully lined straight skirt with back split for myself. Even though I took my measurements, I still cut it slightly bigger and now I have to alter it so it can fit me properly. All my cousins said that I did a wonderful job with it.
When I finished the skirt, I made a pair of shorts for my baby niece, Da'Shanti. They are mint green and it is out of the left over fabric from the sheath dress that I had made for myself. My lil cousin Tenneil is a student at the School of Tourism and Hospitality Studies at The College of the Bahamas doing her Associates Degree in Culinary Arts. Well she brought her chef pants to be hemmed. Next in line was her big brother, Raynaldo. He is a Defence Force Officer with the Royal Bahamas Defence Force. He also plays on their softball team. Well, he came with his pants for me to put a green stripe down the side of each leg. By this time, it was 10pm and I was very tired. I was only able to complete one side and I told him I will complete the other side before Friday as this is when his next game is. I felt proud knowing that I was able to help my family through something that I love doing...Sewing!
Monday, September 27, 2010
Friday, September 24, 2010
Floating in a whirlwind
Have your ever had the feeling that you were spinning in many directions and not getting anywhere? That is how I feel most days. I am new to the sewing world and I am very excited about it! I know that I must creep before I walk but sometimes, I want to just get up and run. Reading has always been a hobby of mine and over the years, I have read lots of novels and fashion magazines. I usually keep all of my magazines for reference purposes.
When I open a magazine and see all of the beautiful clothing [simple styles] and I look at the prices, I usually say to myself, "I can make that!" Then I would tell myself that it would cost a lot less to purchase the cloth and sew the garments. This fueled me to stack up so much more magazines and the thing is, fashion is revolving. Pieces that were worn 30 years ago are coming back now! I am getting better and I am paying close attention to details. I guess you can say that I am more confident in my sewing.
I have a co-worker, Ms. C. V. Mackey, she is an amazing seamstress! She choses the most beautiful fabrics and she makes excellent pieces. I always tell her that If I had half the talent that she has, I would make everything! I told her that it is a shame that she purchases clothing knowing that she can make them. Her work is phenomenal! I told her that my mom would have been impressed with her work as she finishes her work neatly. Here is a picture of Ms. Mackey in a suit that she made.
Ms. Mackey in the red suit she made.
Ms. Mackey did a wonderful job with the suit. The jacket is fully lined. The skirt is a simple straight skirt however, she did not line it as the material is a bit thick. It looks like something that came straight from the rack of a clothing store. It is my aspiration to one day [soon] be just as great!
Now I will go back to all these wonderful ideas floating around in my head. All the lovely designs I would love to see on my body! All the beautiful lush fabrics to choose from! I will now go back to torturing myself with thoughts of sewing items at a level I am not quite at as yet. Such is life!
When I open a magazine and see all of the beautiful clothing [simple styles] and I look at the prices, I usually say to myself, "I can make that!" Then I would tell myself that it would cost a lot less to purchase the cloth and sew the garments. This fueled me to stack up so much more magazines and the thing is, fashion is revolving. Pieces that were worn 30 years ago are coming back now! I am getting better and I am paying close attention to details. I guess you can say that I am more confident in my sewing.
I have a co-worker, Ms. C. V. Mackey, she is an amazing seamstress! She choses the most beautiful fabrics and she makes excellent pieces. I always tell her that If I had half the talent that she has, I would make everything! I told her that it is a shame that she purchases clothing knowing that she can make them. Her work is phenomenal! I told her that my mom would have been impressed with her work as she finishes her work neatly. Here is a picture of Ms. Mackey in a suit that she made.
Ms. Mackey did a wonderful job with the suit. The jacket is fully lined. The skirt is a simple straight skirt however, she did not line it as the material is a bit thick. It looks like something that came straight from the rack of a clothing store. It is my aspiration to one day [soon] be just as great!
Now I will go back to all these wonderful ideas floating around in my head. All the lovely designs I would love to see on my body! All the beautiful lush fabrics to choose from! I will now go back to torturing myself with thoughts of sewing items at a level I am not quite at as yet. Such is life!
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Whats been happening...
It has been about a week since I was here last and quite a bit has happened in my life.
Last week was rather difficult for me to function and I had trouble staying focused. I also had a terrible case of “writer’s block.” I took things easy and I am happy to say that I am much better today than I was last week.
It sure is amazing how time flies by rather quickly and for as much as we plan to do things, so many little things envelope our lives that we get side tracked from the things we intended to do. Since I bought my new sewing machine, I told myself that I would sew an item each week. This I have found has been rather difficult for me since school started. I usually get home from the Office around 6pm then I have to check/do homework with my sons then I have to fix dinner then I make sure they bathe and dress for bed then they have to read to me before they go to sleep. We are usually done with all of this around 9pm and I normally go to sleep when they do. I sometimes set out to get some sewing time in when they go to sleep but that doesn’t work for me.
I went on vacation just before school opened and I got a bit of sewing done. Last week, I wore two items that I made. I wore a mint green sheath dress that my dear friend Norma helped me with then I wore on Friday past, a purple pair of linen pants with a belt. I felt so excited to be dressed in something I created! Unfortunately, I was unable to take any pictures as the camera is still down and I haven’t had a chance to purchase another one as yet. I will however, take some pictures using the Nintendo DSi as soon as I charge it fully. I love to read stories but it helps to see pictures as this makes all the difference.
Also, I have had an opportunity to check out other people’s blogs. All that I have encountered so far have been fascinating and awe-inspiring. My creative juices are definitely flowing. I have another sheath dress that I started but I have to insert the zipper and hem it and it will be complete. I will definitely take a picture of myself in that. Also, I have another project that I am working on. I had this lovely pink blouse that I absolutely loved. One day, I got ink on it and I couldn’t get it out! That sucked! So I decided to deconstruct that blouse so that I can reconstruct another like it. I am almost done with that project and I am quite proud of the progress that I’m making.
As a budding seamstress, I think the highlight for me will come when I sew my first jacket. I haven’t done so as yet but I’m nearing that point. Stay tuned as there is lots more to come!
Last week was rather difficult for me to function and I had trouble staying focused. I also had a terrible case of “writer’s block.” I took things easy and I am happy to say that I am much better today than I was last week.
It sure is amazing how time flies by rather quickly and for as much as we plan to do things, so many little things envelope our lives that we get side tracked from the things we intended to do. Since I bought my new sewing machine, I told myself that I would sew an item each week. This I have found has been rather difficult for me since school started. I usually get home from the Office around 6pm then I have to check/do homework with my sons then I have to fix dinner then I make sure they bathe and dress for bed then they have to read to me before they go to sleep. We are usually done with all of this around 9pm and I normally go to sleep when they do. I sometimes set out to get some sewing time in when they go to sleep but that doesn’t work for me.
I went on vacation just before school opened and I got a bit of sewing done. Last week, I wore two items that I made. I wore a mint green sheath dress that my dear friend Norma helped me with then I wore on Friday past, a purple pair of linen pants with a belt. I felt so excited to be dressed in something I created! Unfortunately, I was unable to take any pictures as the camera is still down and I haven’t had a chance to purchase another one as yet. I will however, take some pictures using the Nintendo DSi as soon as I charge it fully. I love to read stories but it helps to see pictures as this makes all the difference.
Also, I have had an opportunity to check out other people’s blogs. All that I have encountered so far have been fascinating and awe-inspiring. My creative juices are definitely flowing. I have another sheath dress that I started but I have to insert the zipper and hem it and it will be complete. I will definitely take a picture of myself in that. Also, I have another project that I am working on. I had this lovely pink blouse that I absolutely loved. One day, I got ink on it and I couldn’t get it out! That sucked! So I decided to deconstruct that blouse so that I can reconstruct another like it. I am almost done with that project and I am quite proud of the progress that I’m making.
As a budding seamstress, I think the highlight for me will come when I sew my first jacket. I haven’t done so as yet but I’m nearing that point. Stay tuned as there is lots more to come!
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
September 14
Today is the 8th anniversary since my mother's passing. She died as a result of ovarian cancer. She was a wonderful woman, extraordinary and most definately, one of a kind. She loved life and she lived life to the fullest. She was one to care for the sick, the hungry, the needy and the broken hearted. She sacrificed her all so that her family could have. She is irreplacable in every way. I miss her dearly and I love her and I know she is in a better place.
It feels like yesterday that mommy left us. Sometimes I hear her laughter, I see her smile in the sunshine, I feel her embrace on the wind and I know that it is well. My heart gets heavy but God knew best and I know that He would not put more on me that I was able to bear. She never got the opportunity to see my baby as she died before he was born. He is 7 years of age and I am only able to tell him about her and the wonderful memories we shared. My eldest son who is almost 10 had an opportunity to spend time with her and she loved him dearly. He was her pride and joy. He kept her company during the day while everyone was out to work or school. I still have the sweater that she crocheted for him. It is just as beautiful today as it was 10 years ago when she first made it. All the love, time and attention that went into making it for him, she was so proud!
This past Sunday, my sons found a pincushion on my brother's desk. As they are inquisitive children, they wanted to know where it came from. I had an idea but I didnt say anything, I decided to ask my brother. He said it was mommy's own and he was passing it on to me now as I had earned it. To me, this means a great deal as I have now moved to the next level. I know mommy is watching over me and she is guiding me in my new craft. Whenever I make any mistakes in my sewing, I hear her voice in my mind and in my heart telling me to make the corrections. I appreciated her in live and i do the same in death. Mommy, I will always love you, continue to take your rest, we love you but Jesus loves you best!
In loving memory of Teresita Elizabeth Johnson 20 June, 1934 - 14 September, 2002.
May your memory live on in our hearts forever!
It feels like yesterday that mommy left us. Sometimes I hear her laughter, I see her smile in the sunshine, I feel her embrace on the wind and I know that it is well. My heart gets heavy but God knew best and I know that He would not put more on me that I was able to bear. She never got the opportunity to see my baby as she died before he was born. He is 7 years of age and I am only able to tell him about her and the wonderful memories we shared. My eldest son who is almost 10 had an opportunity to spend time with her and she loved him dearly. He was her pride and joy. He kept her company during the day while everyone was out to work or school. I still have the sweater that she crocheted for him. It is just as beautiful today as it was 10 years ago when she first made it. All the love, time and attention that went into making it for him, she was so proud!
This past Sunday, my sons found a pincushion on my brother's desk. As they are inquisitive children, they wanted to know where it came from. I had an idea but I didnt say anything, I decided to ask my brother. He said it was mommy's own and he was passing it on to me now as I had earned it. To me, this means a great deal as I have now moved to the next level. I know mommy is watching over me and she is guiding me in my new craft. Whenever I make any mistakes in my sewing, I hear her voice in my mind and in my heart telling me to make the corrections. I appreciated her in live and i do the same in death. Mommy, I will always love you, continue to take your rest, we love you but Jesus loves you best!
In loving memory of Teresita Elizabeth Johnson 20 June, 1934 - 14 September, 2002.
May your memory live on in our hearts forever!
Friday, September 10, 2010
New projects
Well, since I have been on vacation these past few days, I have been working on a few projects. I am on a quest to become an amazing seamstress. I have the passion and the drive for it and a friend commented that I have "Mother's Wits" about sewing. She said it comes naturally to me as I got it from my mom and my grandma.
Here is a picture of a top I made with Norma's help. I also made a circle skirt and a sheath dress. Unfortunately, I do not have any pictures of the dress and the skirt however, when I take them, I will post them online!
A very close and dear friend of mine, Norma Ash has been helping me with my sewing. I reached out to her some time ago and she told me whenever I'm ready she will help me. Since I didn't have a sewing machine back then, I didnt bother but now that I do have one, I made the journey to her house for an invasion. She was thrilled to have me and her family were delighted about my excitement. I spent the past two days working with her and as it turns out, I am a visual person so once she explained things to me and with her assistance, I was able to interpret it on the fabric. Under Norma's guidance, I am now able to cut freehand. To me, this is a great accomplishment as many people are unable to do this! Many thanks go out to Norma for her patience and time to assist me. I am eternally grateful to her.
Here is a picture of a top I made with Norma's help. I also made a circle skirt and a sheath dress. Unfortunately, I do not have any pictures of the dress and the skirt however, when I take them, I will post them online!
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Latest updates
Well, since my last post, things have happened so fast in my life.
First of all, i put in time to sew a few items. I have sewn shorts for my sons, pants for my nieces and myself. I have definately been on a roll. I love http://www.burdastyle.com/ as they have so many helpful hints and tips for the budding seamstress out there in the world. So any of you our there in sewing land that needs new ideas, patterns or want to view new techniques, this is the site for you. It is helping me a great deal!
Secondly, school opened yesterday for my sons. Yay!! I was so happy as I am presently on vacation and now that they are in school, I get to have some alone time. I spent some time with them last week. We went to the beach and we had lunch. It is great spending time with the little ones you love. They make life so much more meaningful!
During the summer, I had purchased pencil cases for my sons however, in their excitement, they were misplaced. I love doing things different and tapping into my creative side. A few weeks ago, my niece cut a pair of jeans and i turned them into capri pants for her. I kept the scraps as I figured, I could use them for something. Well, the opportunity arose yesterday. In stead of buying more pencil cases, I decided to make them for my sons and they turned out wonderful! I was excited and they were too. I just loving sewing.
Last week, a co-worker of mine sent for me a bag of beautiful fabrics. I have so many wonderful ideas in my head of what I can and will do with them. I was so excited I could not contain myself! She made my day when she blessed me with this gift. So as practice, I went to a local fabric store and bought some inexpensive fabric to practice with. You see, I am still a novice so i dont invest in the expensive fabrics as I would be most upset if I messed up the garment for some reason or the other. So, I buy my fabric on sale and go from there. I just want to make sure I have this thing down to a science!
I will make a special effort to post pictures of the pencil cases and of the fabric. I may have to borrow my cousins' camera as mine has mal-functioned recently. I will keep you updated as I wonder further into this amazing cycle of sewing!
First of all, i put in time to sew a few items. I have sewn shorts for my sons, pants for my nieces and myself. I have definately been on a roll. I love http://www.burdastyle.com/ as they have so many helpful hints and tips for the budding seamstress out there in the world. So any of you our there in sewing land that needs new ideas, patterns or want to view new techniques, this is the site for you. It is helping me a great deal!
Secondly, school opened yesterday for my sons. Yay!! I was so happy as I am presently on vacation and now that they are in school, I get to have some alone time. I spent some time with them last week. We went to the beach and we had lunch. It is great spending time with the little ones you love. They make life so much more meaningful!
During the summer, I had purchased pencil cases for my sons however, in their excitement, they were misplaced. I love doing things different and tapping into my creative side. A few weeks ago, my niece cut a pair of jeans and i turned them into capri pants for her. I kept the scraps as I figured, I could use them for something. Well, the opportunity arose yesterday. In stead of buying more pencil cases, I decided to make them for my sons and they turned out wonderful! I was excited and they were too. I just loving sewing.
Last week, a co-worker of mine sent for me a bag of beautiful fabrics. I have so many wonderful ideas in my head of what I can and will do with them. I was so excited I could not contain myself! She made my day when she blessed me with this gift. So as practice, I went to a local fabric store and bought some inexpensive fabric to practice with. You see, I am still a novice so i dont invest in the expensive fabrics as I would be most upset if I messed up the garment for some reason or the other. So, I buy my fabric on sale and go from there. I just want to make sure I have this thing down to a science!
I will make a special effort to post pictures of the pencil cases and of the fabric. I may have to borrow my cousins' camera as mine has mal-functioned recently. I will keep you updated as I wonder further into this amazing cycle of sewing!
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