CadenceCalliope

Check out the new room!

2012-02-02T17:17:00.000-06:00

Decked out the dorm room for the new semester, check it out!
It's DIY madness :)

Things I made: the curtains, the lofted bed skirt, the fabric "headboard," the tissue paper pom poms, the frame display above our microwave, the "Dream Big" decoration on our fridge, the clothespin photo display, all of the small posters on the wall...

Have a question on how I made any of these? Lemme know!

This was $1

2012-01-26T16:55:00.000-06:00

plus tax.

Will continue tailoring it over some break from school.

Possibly with another novice tutorial on tailoring vintage dresses?

Judy Jetson would be proud

2012-01-26T15:27:00.000-06:00

I did this over break. Galaxy nails are the bombdiggity. And mine smelled like blueberries because I used Revlon scented nail polish (did you know they had these?! Nobody told me they had these).

Failsauce.

2012-01-26T15:22:00.000-06:00

So, since I'm home for the month, I thought I'd break out my sewing projects that I'd started and never finished. So I took out my Butterick 5250 that I'd cut the basic pieces out of already and got started on it once again. Now I know why I never finished it.

It's a quick pattern to sew up--it'd prolly have only took part of the day to sew all the pieces together--but I'll never finish those pants. I gave up on them an hour ago. They win the award for most disgusting fit ever. Maybe it's my body that is so out of proportion, but that crotch is ungodly. The zipped fly went in easily for my first time taking a crack at it, and the waist portion might have actually fit quite well if I'd have finished the other side of the jeans, but there was nothing that could help that poor crotch. It was like down at my knees, and there's not a lot to help a saggy crotch because there's no fabric other than the seam allowance to lift it up! I know I'm rather petite and all, but no one would look good in those jeans.

EWEWEWEWEW

So I abandoned them. And I will not touch them again until I dismantle them and make them into a rag rug or something.

Note to self: make sure any chosen pant pattern has a crotch that will not make people confused about your gender.

Winter Break Bucket List

2011-12-28T12:06:00.000-06:00

So I have about 2 and a half weeks to do basically nothing, so here's how I'm going to spend my time:

Clean/organize my room

Finish 2 Nancy Drew CD games (my addiction)

Have an internship interview...tomorrow (!!)

Make these for our dorm room, and maybe these too, cuz they're awesome

Make a galaxy print t shirt for my mom

Possibly make a feather mobile for my roomy

Sew a crapload of stuff: tailoring my vintage dress, sewing jeans, sewing that amazing skirt, using up my fabric inventory

See my beau and my girlfriends

Goodwilling it up

Having a happy New Year

My word, how the time flies!

2011-12-04T11:56:00.001-06:00

I am less than two weeks away from being done with my first semester in college, and it couldn't come sooner enough. I should be working right now but I just needed a moment to not be stressing about the enormous amount of work I need to do today.

from the wall of one of the campus coffee shops

college.

**I'm planning on crafting a LOT over break, so be prepared!**

Advice and Things I Learned in College Vol. II

2011-09-20T14:26:00.000-05:00

Things I do in College I've Never Done Before

1. I walk a lot. Definitely didn't happen at home.

2. I read the newspaper. It's actually pretty interesting to know what's going on.

3. I use public transportation. It's so convenient--almost always.

4. I take group fitness classes. Dirt cheap.

5. I wanted to join a sorority. And I did.

6. I took an art class. I kind of hate it. But hey, I tried.

7. I hang out with nerds--wait, that's always been the case.

8. I dress nice as much as possible.

9. I'm going to my first concert!

10. I dropped a class. It was awesome.

Advice and Things I Learned in College Vol. I

2011-09-11T19:43:00.000-05:00

Even though I've only been here for a few weeks, so many things seem clear to me that I couldn't understand from months of preparation for college--you just have to get here and then you'll get it. I'm just really loving my school, and so if I ever need to give advice to people going to UIUC or any college in general, I'll have this.

1. Once you get here, you get it. No campus tour or overnight stay or any amount of research will truly make you feel like you live here until you actually live here! All of a sudden, things will just make way more sense, so there's no need to freak out. You will, of course, but that's normal!

2. Freedom is awesome. You don't have a bedtime or people telling you how to do anything, so it can be a good or a bad thing. For me, it's okay because I'm used to keeping myself on track. But it is awesome to go anywhere and do anything you want when you want to.

3. Do stuff. It can feel scary with a huge class schedule to do things, but DO something. If it's close to where you live, you're more likely to get involved, like I do Zumba at the rec center because it's next door to my dorm.

4. In my honest opinion, big school > small school. I don't have much experience with other big state schools, but I am SO glad I chose the University of Illinois over Northwestern or Washington University. I realized that even more today. There's nothing at this school that makes me feel like a number or insignificant purely because of the sheer size of it. I have classes from 300 to about 8 people. It's a good variety. And if you are a good student and go to office hours, then your teachers will know you. It's your own fault if they don't. Anyway, so today was our first career fair for engineers, and I have to tell you, the companies that recruit from this school are huge. Google, Facebook, Lockheed-Martin, John Deere, the CIA, Abercrombie & Fitch even! It was amazing. And this was the small career fair! You'd never get the chance at these opportunities at a small school. Never. I have an interview with John Deere on Tuesday. John freaking Deere! It feels like the best thing in the world to be an Illini.

5. For engineering, don't buy a Mac. Engineering software currently isn't made for Macs. Get the highest core processor available. And get that number pad on the keyboard. It helps. Go for Toshiba!

6. Find your quiet place. Mine is the Engineering library. The silent floors are so good for getting work done with lots of space and light. It's a bit of a trek from my dorm but it's worth it.

7. Eat. Drink. Sleep. I've already gotten in trouble for eating and drinking too little with a busy schedule, and eating the wrong stuff when I do. Make time to eat. Bring a water bottle everywhere. And sleep? Just try to fit it in somewhere.

8. People are nice here. I haven't met one person who isn't. Dumb and annoying, yes, but not mean.

9. Go with your gut. If you don't feel like something makes you excited or happy, don't do it. You'll find something else.

10. Be with people that make you happy. It's the best thing you could possibly do.

2011-08-31T21:47:00.002-05:00

my evening consists of: opera, rape discussion group, drinking milk from the carton, and homework til the wee hours of the morning.

that's all for now.

Career Fair of Hell

2011-08-31T15:50:00.000-05:00

Today my engineering mentor talked about how to shake a recruiter's hand correctly for at least 5 minutes. True story.

That should describe in a nutshell how intensely people are pushing for me (a freshman) to get an interview/internship ASAP. I've only gone to college for less than 3 weeks? Um? Something's up. In any case, I need to go to a career fair in a week (!) and be shoulder to shoulder with much more experienced, older students actually looking for a job and act like I'm the awesomest person in in the world. It's bananas. Whatever.

In any case, my nerves are through the roof, but it does give me the opportunity to go shopping for professional attire for like the first time ever. Not really sure what I'll be wearing, but I hope I can get new shoes!

What I'm Wearing This Season

2011-08-14T23:16:00.000-05:00

Showing you how a mostly thrifted wardrobe can be really chic.

Home Sweet Home

2011-07-20T14:59:00.000-05:00

I'm home from Europe, so glad to be back in the States! But everything was a realy great experience, at least in retrospect. Some amazing pictures will be up soon, but this was my favorite. It's in a market in Athens, Greece.

Ciao, bella!

2011-07-05T15:58:00.000-05:00

I'll be in Europe for 2 weeks!

Arrivederci.

αντίο.

Güle güle.

Tootles.

2011-07-01T23:14:00.001-05:00

PS: you thought you'd die over my last mother of all dresses? This one may put it to shame.

ohmygosh.

Pure summer. Pure love.

2011-06-29T10:44:00.000-05:00

home is wherever i'm with you.

CTF: Miss Feeney

2011-06-29T10:04:00.000-05:00

The Limited crop top

Goodwill, $2.99

Hi. I love this top. It's a lil wrinkly in this picture, but oh, is it wonderful. I've always wanted a crop top--one that wasn't too hoochified--to wear with high waisted shorts (obviously you can see I have no high waisted shorts to wear with it yet...) and then out of the blue I found this one. It reminds me of the ones Shirley would wear in Laverne and Shirley... so it's got that vintage vibe, but it's obviously not vintage, hence my pigtails and winged eyeliner styling. It's so comfy and breezy and I want to wear it everywhere. Plus, it ties at just the right spot and fits like a charm. Love it.

PS: I just found the mother of all thrifted dresses. Friggin gorgeous.

Hey, I'm Indian! (Almost)

2011-06-26T10:35:00.001-05:00

My friend's graduation party was yesterday, and since it was a fancier party at a banquet hall, we got to dress in saris so we didn't stand out too much. It was a load of fun, and everyone was very pleasantly surprised how nice we tied our own saris. Good food, good dancing, good fun! Saris are prolly the most elegant yet comfiest things ever.

CTF: Mad Women

2011-06-24T23:01:00.000-05:00

Banana Republic satin top

Goodwill, $4.99

I love this top. This may be my favorite top I've ever owned. Ever. I look so thin and sexy and I feel thin and sexy. Oh yeah, it cost me less than 5 bucks. I found it on my first trip to my favorite local Goodwill, and I've been going there regularly ever since. My tip for you: find a thrift store near rich people. They give away stuff I can't regularly afford and barely ever (if ever) wear it. I don't think this top had been worn before I bought it. Plus this shoot gave me a reason to try my E.L.F. $1 liquid eyeliner. It works rather well! I needed some for my friend's grad party tomorrow. Traditional Indian garb--woohoo! Totally excited to wear a sari and everything.

One more thing: I took this picture today. It's unretouched, just cropped.

I thought it was cool.

CTF: WWJD?

2011-06-23T15:25:00.000-05:00

Faux Leather Sandals

Twice is Nice Thrift Store, $2.00

I call these my Jesus sandals. Actually, they are my second pair of Jesus sandals. I really love this style...kind of like gladiator sandals but not as obnoxious looking. It's really hard to find a basic brown sandal like these nowadays. In the last years they were more popular, so I got my F21 original Jesus sandals pretty easily. Now they're all weird colors and designs, and I finally came upon this pair by happenstance at my local thrift store. They're a little small and no support for your feet whatsoever but I do adore them, even more than my last pair. These ones don't cut off at the ankle, so I don't look as stumpy! I'm so proud of the sale that went down, it went something like this:

Me: "Are these sandals really four dollars? That's what I pay at a regular store for these shoes."

Cashier: "How about for $2.00?"

Me: "Done."

Bartering just isn't something you can do at Goodwill. But I need to practice for vacation! By the way, my mom and I just went on a Goodwill shopping spree, got some amazing stuff to share!

CTF: Out of Season

2011-06-16T21:03:00.000-05:00

I'll be launching a new series of posts--Cute Thrifted Finds--because I have no knowledge if I will be sewing again in the near future. With my new job and family stuff, I really enjoy just relaxing, because I don't get a lot of opportunities to do so!

But one thing I have become addicted to is thrifting. I have no idea why. Possibly because I found a few near really wealthy areas, so all their unworn crap is stuff I wouldn't be able to afford anyway! I've found a lot of gems so far, so I thought I'd share my favorites with you!

Pendleton plaid wool coat

Savers, $9.99

I don't like to brag about the prices I find these steals at, but I'll include them just so you know! Today was my first trip to a Savers before (we don't have one near us, but it just so happens my mom and I passed one on the way to her summer seminar, so I took the car during the break and found this lil number!), but it was nice to see some fresh pieces! Normally I shop at the Goodwill and local thrift stores, but Savers had better shoes and outerwear. Not so much on the tops and bottoms though. In any case, still brands I can't afford if I look hard enough.

I know it's not anywhere near winter, but I immediately loved this coat. It's so thick and heavy and bright when you wear it! It doesn't even look like it's been worn before. It's a bit long on my petite frame, so I may have the tailor chop it, but come on. It's Pendleton! It'll last forever! I'm so looking forward to wearing it on campus in those gloomy winter months! As for now, I just slipped it on really fast for the picture before I started sweating bullets...gross.

Graduated...now what?

2011-06-05T19:05:00.001-05:00

1. Relearn Chemistry.
2. Sell something I make.
3. Work.
4. Work out.
5. Go to tons of grad parties.
6. Read several novels.
7. Go to Europe.
8. Not be pale.
9. Shop.
10. Watch Whale Wars every Saturday night.
11.See my friends for the last summer together.

This summer will be busier than I thought!

Holy. Fudgesicle.

2011-06-03T19:43:00.000-05:00

WHALE WARS PREMIERE TONIGHT.
OHMYGOD.

P.S. I Made This

2011-05-29T09:55:00.000-05:00

Crapcrapcrapcrap

2011-05-25T23:46:00.001-05:00

Prom is in two days. Dress is not finished yet. Last day of high school tomorrow. I got my nails done for the first time. My skin is breaking out. I will hardly see my boyfriend this summer. My best friend hasn't signed my yearbook. I'm in college next year. My room is a disaster zone. I haven't finished reading Tale of Two Cities. It's almost midnight.

CRAP.

A Sneak Peek:

2011-05-18T19:53:00.000-05:00

So my prom is one week from Friday.

I'm not done, but i can wear my dress now.

I thought the blogger world deserved a sneak peek at how it looks...quite frankly, I love it. I feel like a goddess when I wear it right now, so I'm probably going to forget about adding all those petals like i originally planned. This gown doesn't need them. The color comes out real dark and it's hard to see, but still--this is progress!

2011-05-15T09:38:00.000-05:00

AP testing is over. FOREVER.
One more scholarship to finish.

Working on the prom dress for the rest of the day.

T minus 12 days.

2011-04-19T21:59:00.000-05:00

Sometimes the best thing for the ones you love is to give them space.
And that's really hard when you worry about them and want to make them feel better.
So I'm trying to get my feelings out on here so I don't mess up my life out there.
Breathe. Breathe. Breathe.
It still hurts.

Draping: A Video Tutorial

2011-04-15T21:47:00.000-05:00

At last: Prom Dress Update No. 1

2011-04-05T20:03:00.001-05:00

AT LAST.

I finally started my prom dress over the break this week. I have no idea when I'll have time to work on it, but it has begun and I ~~have to~~ ~~will~~ must finish it. So far it's actually gone really well. So here's the gist of everything I've accomplished thus far:

First of all, I'm using everything from Joann Fabrics, because I'm trying to win $50 grand for college. University of Illinois ain't cheap. And I sew nice stuff. So I'm trying it. If not, hey, I made my prom dress anyway.

First off-- the dress is forest green. Like--deep green. It shows up really poorly on my camera right now, in the light, in the sun, with or without flash, but it's really truly forest green. I wanted emerald but there was no chiffon to my liking in that shade, so I went with the next best option.

Here's a progression of how far I got last weekend:

[NOTE: My dress form is probably the most awful dress form possible, it doesn't even stand straight, but I'd never be able to have done this without it]

Base layer of bodice, I'm so proud of the sweetheart neckline I drafted!

Beginning to drape the bodice: Now, I've never draped anything in my life. And I'll tell you something--it's HARD. It's like trying to capture the essence of gravity in a fabric. Which ironically takes a heck of a lot of pins to even attempt recreating. But after a few hours I got the hang of it. I wasn't really trying to match up gathers at the seams, I just sort of went with my gut. I'm really proud of how it turned out (keep scrolling to see it!).

Still draping (*sigh*)

Front bodice pre-sewing with the pins everywhere.

Front bodice completely sewn. I'm pretty awesome.

Front and back are now sewn!

A haggard display of the back. My shape is different than the form so I have to lump it all together funny on the form. It's actually really pretty. Kind of?

So now I start the skirt. It'll be a monster--nearly 7 yards of fabric, maybe more. It's got like a 140 inch circumference. Yeah. It's a big momma. It's a mother dress. But I want to feel like a princess. This may be my last chance to sew for a very long time, and I want it to look perfect.

I'll update more as soon as it happens, but I'll be in Washington DC so it won't be happening this weekend...All in good time.

May the force be with me.

What I'm thinking about now:

2011-03-30T14:30:00.002-05:00

Living in this real live version of the house from Up!

Being a dancer

This neckline

The love of my life

Vacation, all I ever wanted

2011-03-22T18:37:00.000-05:00

SPRING BREAK.
So close, yet so far.
SUMMER BREAK.
In four months I will be here.

and there. and there. and there. Rome, Greece, Crete, and Kusidasi.
I'm coming for you.

ONE DAY MORE

2011-03-17T23:45:00.000-05:00

my excitement level looks kinda like this:

Chez Joanna presents...

2011-02-21T20:06:00.000-06:00

your dinner. Be our guest? Roast chicken has become my specialty :)

In other news, my boyfriend sent me flowers two days after Valentine's Day. And it was awesome.

This my brother and our History teacher at India Night at our school. Yeah, I said India Night.

AND I took a yoga class for the first time!

I hope this update was acceptable, otherwise too bad.

Scholarships =

2011-02-12T14:25:00.000-06:00

as if working hard for 4 years weren't enough. you have to work hard to show that you worked hard for 4 years. jeez, people just gimme some money.

Terrifying. Slightly Awesome.

2011-02-05T20:57:00.000-06:00

We had two snow days this week, I did so much homework, and still I sit doing homework ok a Saturday night. Oh and writing this blog. NERD.

So recently I saw Black Swan with two of my friends...I have to say it's the second most disturbing movie I've ever seen, after The Shining that is. But it's just one of those movies you have to see. And I'm glad I did, even though I counted the minutes til it was over. Natalie Portman definitely deserves her Oscar nomination--the work she must have had to put through not only to get the feel for a bulemic, psychopathic chick, but her dancing is also incredible. She looked like a natural.

An Update of Sorts

2011-01-25T15:39:00.002-06:00

ONE: I once again failed at ginger ale. No bubbles.

I think my mom spit it out...

TWO: I just got home from seeing the Chicago Shakespeare Theater performance of "As You Like It." I laughed. I yelled. I almost cried. It was the funniest and raunchiest of Shakespeare's comedies that I know! It's a bit long but it just keeps you so into it when the actors are right friggin there in front of you. Orlando goes shirtless, for Pete's sake!

Touchstone was my favorite :) Funniest actor onstage!

THREE: I have sought a pair of boots for so long and they just came today in the mail. Heaven!

I Make Weird Yet Thoughtful Things

2011-01-22T21:50:00.002-06:00

FIRST:

I failed at making ginger ale. It looks nothing like ginger ale. It tastes nasty. Nasty, I tell you. Actually I think it fermented so long that I was actually starting to make ginger hooch...that would explain the burning throat...

Arthur helped.

SECOND:

I'm attempting to make ginger ale again. This time I boiled the ginger in water first (It looked like chicken floating around in there!) and I achieved somewhat of a gingerish color. Good start. I'll give you updates as I let it ferment. If I ever use this for company, I'll prolly just use club soda! Yeast makes the color funny.

AND THIRD:

As everyone knows in the Midwest who does not live under a rock, the Bears vs. Packers game is tomorrow, and as a late Xmas present, I made my great aunt a housedress to wear tomorrow--she adored it! She loves that I sew :)

Isn't she adorable? Today she told me Vanna White looks like a hooker when she wears red. She's got sass for an 87-year-old with cancer!

Go Bears!

Gratitude

2011-01-17T10:25:00.001-06:00

I am so self absorbed that I am sure I make the best "thank you" gifts in the entire world.

It was definitely owed to my teachers who wrote my letters of recommendation, since I chose to not even wait for my acceptance letters to any of the schools that required it.

But without further ado, handmade, personalized ties for my English and History teachers--something they probably will never again receive in their teaching careers.

You can get the iron-on letters at Joann--how cute are they?!

I'm just glad to have finished a project. Now onto a housedress for my great aunt (sheesh, nothing for me?)

Christmas Creations

2010-12-28T17:31:00.000-06:00

Hope everyone's holiday went smoothly!
I was so busy I have several projects I made for everyone as presents, thought someone'd be interested...

This was actually from last month. I made a collage for my parents' 20th Anniversary. It turned out beautifully, but lemme tell you it took forever, and took me until the wee hours of the morning before to finish it. If you look closely, you can read the "Love is patient, love is kind..." quote from 1 Corinthians. Very fitting.

I made me mum a scarf for Christmas, since she always complains that my dad has one from me and not her. This is the first time I tried out the basketweave stitch (the original one was all purled and turned out as a disaster) and it came out really nice. I must admit knitting is much cheaper than sewing!

Ben got another tie from me...this one is a bit nicer than his first (I actually followed directions!) and is in Illini orange, for whenever he needs to look spirited. [By and by, I've decided that's where I'll be going to college as well!]

My friend drew this in math...adorable, no?

Merry Christmas to all

2010-12-23T14:41:00.000-06:00

and to all a good night.

2010-12-21T17:58:00.000-06:00

Today kind of sucked. Oh well.

From way up there...

2010-12-08T18:56:00.000-06:00

2010-11-30T20:05:00.002-06:00

Yoga makes me feel pretty.

And like a pretzel!

It's a lot of work but I'm pretty good at it naturally, especially this one:

I am quite proud! I can almost touch my own feet. Crazy, right?

I've made some things, will upload when I get around to it!

Give Thanks

2010-11-25T10:11:00.000-06:00

Happy Anniversary, Mom and Dad.

You two are absolutely amazing!

The Greatest Thing You'll Ever Learn

2010-11-18T20:31:00.003-06:00

Come home soon.

Stupid teenagers.

2010-11-17T22:12:00.000-06:00

Not to be completely hypocritical, but teenagers just don't get love. They just don't. If anyone thinks that a relationship isn't the hardest job he'll ever have, then he is stupid. They aren't fun. They don't just magically work out. They are not like the movies. Most are not worth the effort. And all of a sudden this dude broke up with the girl he just got together with to date his ex who dated his best friend who flirts with the other one...and so on and so on. Just recently oodles of these stupid "relationships" pop up. Few pass my standards. Absolutely appalling, in my opinion. But I may just seem completely condescending and on-my-high-horse. I don't really care, because this is my blog and my world; here, I'm always right!

In any case, I've almost gotten too used to the long-distance thing, and I'm not sure I'll be able to function as a true girlfriend next week. It's unheard of: seeing your significant other every day? Shocking! All of this will be so worth the effort next year. I'm so glad for that. After almost three years, I have seen so much "love" come and go, and quite frankly, I'm tired of it. It's not that I got lucky [even though I truly did!] but it's that the two of us have the common decency to make an effort every day. It's not that we're soul mates. I don't believe in soul mates. I believe that love grows from daily reminders that someone is always thinking of us: in love, in annoyance, in embarrassment, whatever. All I need to know is that he cares.

Stop trying to beat the best, because believe me, we are the best :)

come home soon, Ben!

Sewing--wait, what's that again?

2010-11-16T20:07:00.001-06:00

I'm starting my prom dress THIS weekend.
I am also making my parents a piece of art for their anniversary next Thursday.

Here's my inspiration:

I stand corrected.

2010-11-14T21:46:00.002-06:00

Do you feel the joy? I do.

I felt like Grace Kelly today.

2010-11-12T17:04:00.000-06:00

2010-11-11T18:33:00.001-06:00

A Real Man.

2010-11-09T22:33:00.000-06:00

A Real Man

Real men all smell the same.
They smell of leather and gasoline,
The sweat of an honest workday,
Then coming home to Campbell's.

They smell of flames and flesh
For the Sunday BBQ,
Their own skin smelted in the process
Like iron,

Strength fused through the pores.
Their boots smell of the lawn,
Freshly decapitated heads
That scream his name.

The same battle cry as their women
Who lie in the unwavering hell of summer
Waiting for him to fix the A/C.
The scent of real men hangs low over the sheets.

Joanna's Gastronomic Adventures

2010-11-08T19:45:00.001-06:00

I've been cooking so much more than sewing, and food is so wonderful to photograph!

Lasagna. Good lasagna.

This weekend I threw together my own brand of breakfast omlette, which was surprisingly good (I'm not much of an egg kind of gal). The more flavors that counteract the egg, the better!

I also made cherry pie today. No time for fresh filling, but the canned stuff brings back all the tastes of my childhood! I hope it's yummyyummy.

nomnomnom.

I might actually be kind of good at this!

Pictures of My Family Vol. 1

2010-11-05T14:30:00.003-05:00

I'm obsessed with the new blog pictures of my mother, a site that each day has a single picture to tell a story of how wonderful and strong our mommas are. Mine is the strongest of them all. In fact, my family is so beautiful and wonderful, I thought I'd share my own favorite pictures of them.

They are my everything.

It doesn't matter how long or how short I knew my grandparents. I am the person I am because of their love.

I'm such a daddy's girl.

My mother is my hero. She is as beautiful as she is strong. Our likeness is almost uncanny.

My parents are perfect for each other. End of story.

California Dreamin. Already.

2010-11-04T18:38:00.001-05:00

I'm already thinking of summer, even though today's dosage of Christmas music was wonderful.
And I was thinking:

"Hey. You don't really want a summer job. Where's the fun in that? Start your own business for the summer, dork. Make cute things and sell them on Etsy. You could do it."

And so I think I will.
Or perhaps, I'll write that book.

Or both.

2010-11-03T23:35:00.002-05:00

sometimes i realize that we would have made the best of friends.

she and i live the same life.

gross.

2010-11-02T22:03:00.000-05:00

well aren't you a friggin ray of sunshine?

gosh.

Happiness in [MY] Pictures

2010-10-31T22:18:00.001-05:00

God Bless Mary Kay

2010-10-31T12:21:00.001-05:00

I know I'm not sewing. But I have amazing makeup from Mary Kay, so who cares? My hands feel like a baby's bottom, no joke. I felt like a goddess.

C'est une vie merveilleuse

2010-10-29T23:05:00.001-05:00

this is my life. i will miss it dearly.

Boys In a Nutshell

2010-10-29T15:24:00.000-05:00

i want to punch someone.
i did.
what a mean left hook, young lady.
why yes,
i'm engaged.
but girls look awful good
when you want to punch boys
how little they know
how little they care to know.
tomorrow i'll be straight again
because i love a man.

2010-10-27T15:24:00.000-05:00

it all ends today.

yes, it all ends today.

back on track

2010-10-25T19:36:00.001-05:00

need reassurance i'm still working?
here's a taste of my current project:

yeahh.

SUDDENLY!

2010-10-24T14:06:00.000-05:00

She is happy.
And she knows that she can heal this pain she causes.
That she is good.

and now it's all gonna be okay.

i'm sorry.

2010-10-23T14:56:00.000-05:00

forgive me.

I still make things.

2010-10-22T00:06:00.000-05:00

For bonding as a flute section, we made tie dye shirts. I have three new ones now!

Ladies and Gents, I am Terribly Sorry.

2010-10-20T18:13:00.000-05:00

College applications control my mind.

I'm almost done though. Then, it's time to sew my prom dress.

Yippee?

for the one person reading

2010-10-17T13:41:00.000-05:00

thank you.

for everything.

Will Sew for Sandwiches

2010-09-25T15:44:00.001-05:00

Despite the fact that I have to write six essays this weekend, I still fit in time to resize my two guy friends' tee shirts for our homecoming pep rally. I couldn't let them run around in XLs and look like fools if I could help it. And so, in exchange for a fluffernutter, I totally revamped them.

This involved shortening them, making them thinner, changing the armhole, shortening the shoulder and sleeves...it was a pretty in depth process. I used this super helpful tutorial to get the basics, and it actually turned out really well. The outside still looks very professional, so I'm pleased. I had enough fabric to make a matching headband to go along with it! They'll be the best looking dudes in the dance group, for sure.

And now, back to those essays.

Chicago Architecture

2010-09-22T18:23:00.000-05:00

One might think that if you live so close to the city you know it like the back of your hand. Well that is t he biggest misconception ever about people from the suburbs. But I think our excursion to the city for Humanities actually made me appreciate the beauty of the buildings. Check it out.

The Fisher Building

The Old Colony Building

The Board of Trade. I think I died in there.

The Rookery. I died in here, too.

Bank One Building

are you there, God?

2010-09-14T17:35:00.000-05:00

what the hell do i do now?

seriously.

2010-09-12T19:28:00.000-05:00

i need to stop feeling like this.

Huzzah for Septemberfest!

2010-09-04T15:20:00.000-05:00

Ah, the first crisp, cool day of the fall has arrived, and my mom and I decided to go to the craft show at Schaumburg's Septemberfest to celebrate. I love craft shows. Absolutely love them. It's one thing my mom and I really bond over, and she always spoils me a little bit. This was the first outdoor craft show I've been to, but it was the perfect day for it. I got to wear the scarf I made with my bright yellow jacket and oxfords, how chic!

This show had everything: pillow with beer bottle holder? Got it. Wood sculpture of Obama? Done.

It was a huge show, but was a lot of artsy fartsy decoration stuff, normal craft show fodder, but I did find a few diamonds in the rough. One thing I did like but didn't buy is the new trend of utensil jewelry. Spoons bent into rings--who'da thunk it?

There was a pianist playing in the center and I bought two of his solo piano CDs. They are incredibly relaxing and I think they're available on iTunes, but you can check out Michael Strening's website HERE. He's incredibly talented.

I also got a bracelet from MakeShift Accessories. Devin Johnson makes amazing pieces of jewelry from reclaimed parts from cars, fire extinguishers, serving platters, gears, just about anywhere. They are truly a sight to behold. I think it took me literally 20 minutes to decide which one to buy. Each of his pieces tells a story. I was tempted to buy his bangle made from an art deco keyhole with a 1920s coin on it, but I picked this one instead.

The base comes from a 1960s anniversairy platter, there's a 1 kurus coin from Turkey, and the tag is from a car factory in [what else?] Kalamazoo for checking out tools. I absolutely love the history behind each piece.

I love craft shows.

Always and forever.

Cheap Nail Polish Is Definitely My Fix.

2010-08-29T18:50:00.000-05:00

I have a problem. I admit it.

Sinful Colors in Mint Apple, Art Deco in Black.

Father, I Have Sinned

2010-08-28T11:49:00.000-05:00

I'm addicted.
Absoluetly Hooked!
What the heck am I raving about? Sinful Colors nail polish, only at Walgreens. The color quality is insane, it's incredibly long lasting, and the names of the colors make me smile? Would you like some Mint Apple or Big Daddy, ma'am? I have bought at least 10 bottles in the past month. Everything else is out the window.
But wait! You get all of this wonderful product for $1.99!! It's an incredible value and I cannot speak enough about it.

By the way, I am wearing Sinful Colors on my nails here, in Blackest Black and All About You. Black with gold glitter for last night's football game! Go Panthers!

Check Me Out!

2010-08-26T23:05:00.000-05:00

I was in the local newspaper for sewing.

Here it is!

What a wonderful day.

2010-08-26T22:56:00.001-05:00

I loved my presents.

I loved my friends.

I loved math.

I loved seeing my boyfriend's face.

I even loved marching band.

My birthday was awesome.

Look, Ma, Mini Bloomers!

2010-08-23T13:08:00.001-05:00

I made mini bloomers from the free pattern at Colette Patterns. Every pattern they sell is adorable. I'm wearing these everywhere!

Happy Birthday to Me :)

2010-08-20T16:53:00.001-05:00

Apparently, more people are born in August than any other month. Seems pretty accurate, seeing as my brother's, my mom's, and my birthday are all this week. I just finished my mommy's present, and I thought maybe someone would be inspired by it:

She's a science teacher, and she's also amazing at decorating her room each year, so with the new schoolyear beginning, I made her a science collage. This is my first experience with Mod Podge, and it worked incredibly well for the first time. Of course, the cheap brushes kept shedding, and I'm sure there's hair sealed onto the canvas, but I don't really mind. It turned out way cooler than expected! I printed out on the laser printer all the black and white images and hunted for the letters in the morning paper. Job well done, I'd say. It's personal, it's a pretty cheap present, and she'll love it. DUH.

In other news, I went painballing for the first time for my friend's birthday party....

Needless to say, I didn't do so hot. My boyfriend shot me in the shoulder when he was supposed to surrender and left a nasty bruise. Thanks a lot, babe!!

PS: I'll be in my town's newspaper soon! Huzzah!

White Girl Fro, Yo.

2010-08-17T21:41:00.000-05:00

Hey all. This week is absolutely insane, I'm at school for NHS and marching band basically all day, and I needed something to relax after I got home...

I have my chamomile tea, a hot shower, and this:

Organic Root Stimulator Hair Mayonnaise.

I've heard rave reviews about how soft it makes your hair (always my problem) and it seemed like a nice way to chill. Off to Walgreens I went, bought some and some of my new favorite nail polish (I'll post a ton about this brand. It's absolutely amazing) and went home.

I don't exactly fit with the normal clientele of this brand, i.e. I ain't black, but my mom always jokes that I have black girl hair. If I'm swimming or it's windy, I'll get all the hairs shooting straight up; that's the white girl fro. And it needs all the moisture it can find, and it is really curly. So, that leads me to the reason for purchasing it.

Now it's up in my hair right this second, and the kinda minty smell is a great alternative to actual mayo. Real mayonnaise makes your hair silky smooth, but the smell is volatile. We'll see. White girl say what?

Chi Town for Suburbanites

2010-08-13T09:27:00.000-05:00

I live about an hour west of Chicago. It's really not that far, and super easy if you take the train. But people out here really don't go into the city a lot, which perplexes me. My family never goes downtown, but I got the chance a few days ago to go for lunch with my boyfriend's uncle. Millenium Park has been there for years, but I've never visited it, and so after we ate a hearty meal, we traipsed through it and the new wing of the Art Institute. It's all incredibly beautiful and well-kept...it's a place that you can really appreciate all of the architecture of the city, because nothing is blocking your view.

Everyone needs a picture in front of the Bean!

But I think I have THE coolest picture from the underside of the Bean. You can count the number of reflections because Ben conveniently wore orange:

I hadn't been to the new wing of the Art Institute, and some parts were...eh...but there was this room dedicated to awesome furniture! Now that is art I'll appreciate. Everything in this picture I would have in my house. For sure. My favorite is the lamp with the hologram of a light bulb in the center:

Ben's not much of an art guy, but he was so sweet about going anyway.

It was awesome to be back in the city.

She Made Something! (Finally)

2010-08-13T09:01:00.001-05:00

I got the book Alabama Chanin as a prize in a random drawing on BurdaStyle earlier this year, and it came with the kit to make one of handkerchief that they make. Never got around to doing it until last week, but it turned out to be fast, easy, and really enjoyable! Here's the final product:

Then Arthur came by to visit!

Worn with my new favorite jewelry:

I'm kinda into the whole naturals, imperfections phase. The ring and bracelet are vintage from my brother's godmother's aunt. Confusing right? She had awesome jewelry, and I got to pick my favorites. The necklace is by Wax Insignia Jewelry that I got at the wedding I went to last week in Georgia. St. Simon's Island is chock full of all those adorable lil tourist shops! They had a henna tattoo shop, and I got, what else, an octopus on my foot. His name is Eugene, pronounced EU-gene.

Be Happy with Florence + the Machine

2010-08-04T14:50:00.000-05:00

Not to be posting a ton of music videos, but this one is so amazing.
This song will make you smile and want to dance, too.

Since You Were Wondering...

2010-08-02T20:16:00.000-05:00

Enjoy a little of Regina Spektor's album, "Far." I've been a fan of hers for years, but don't own this album yet. I really need it.

This song is called "Eet." You'll love her in about 3 minutes. I promise.

Red Like Regina

2010-08-02T20:09:00.002-05:00

So basically, my orthodontist is a jerk. He never stands behind his work.

So I stopped at CVS on the way home to calm down, and I bought two of these:

These are Revlon Just Bitten lip stains. Mine are in "Flame" and "Twilight"...they're totally playing up the vampire mania, but hey, that seems to be working. I had a Covergirl lip stain in some pinkish shade...It was awesome how non goopey it was, but it wasn't that great of a shade and it does dry out your lips. These do too, but come with a lip balm on the other end. They're quite useful.

When this says stain, it means stain. The colors are incredibly pigmented, very dark, but if they're anything like my other one, the colors will be a little more subdued after a few uses. I really like them though. I think this one was "Flame." It's bright red, almost pink.

They make my green eyes pop with just a little bit of mascara, and it makes me look more like Regina Spektor. My cousin says I look like her anyway...what do you think?

Next Up: Pants!

2010-07-27T18:39:00.002-05:00

I've wanted to sew pants for a long time... How very foreign to a teenager brought up amidst the exposed midriffs and "ultra low rise." Mind you, I like higher waisted pants. I'm a size 4 petite. My legs are made for a person three inches shorter than me. So with a high waist that's not granny styled, I look pretty long and lean. I've seen some nice high waisted pants done by stitchywitchy on BurdaStyle with the Vogue 8604...really nice color and shape...but that darn front fly makes all the difference to me! I cannot imagine walking around my high school in jeans with a zipper in the back. Fashion suicide. But then, I found its counterpart [with front fly!] that was on sale at Joann for 99 cents. I give you, the Butterick 5250. It's just perfect...I think. I saw one version of it that looked real nice somewhere online. I am really hoping denim wil work for this, too, because I don't have anywhere to wear a work pant. (By the way, I don't think I have a summer job anymore, due to some implosion of problems for the company. Nobody tells me anything, I just want my paycheck!) This really could be a disaster, but I have to try this one out. I kind of like the two pleats version...no belt, no buttons, very simple. I dunno about the whole "no waistband" thing either, but similar creations have turned out quite nicely. This will be my first attempt at a pant, and I'm quite excited about it once I have time for it....are you?

Adios, amigos.

2010-07-22T22:29:00.000-05:00

I'm in a cleaning frenzy. Kinda.

Anyway, I've decided to get rid of my few early pieces that I've sewn.

Fall plaid flannel is back at Joann, and it makes me so sad to think that my famous plaid coat is going to be gone tomorrow. It's not wearable...the lining is too short so the hem bubbles up, and I sewed in one arm lining wrong so the frayed edges are not hidden...I didn't care. I was so proud of that thing. Maybe I'll make it again and see how nice it comes out...

Au revoir, cherie. You've meant a lot to me.

In other news, I made a skirt today. With only one seam you'd think it'd be a snap.

WRONG.

goodnight.

ShoeLovin'

2010-07-19T15:59:00.000-05:00

I've been having a shoe obsession lately. And good shoes are expensive, so I take my time on these decisions. My new shipment from Endless came today (and we ordered them Friday...with free shipping! how speedy are they?!) and they're perfect.

BC "Limousine" black leather flats: You would never believe how l ong it takes to find a high quality black flat that's not too expensive that has absolutely nothing on them. Okay, that sounds more believeable than it was supposed to...

GH Bass & Co. "Chrissie" brown leather oxfords: I adore them, even more in person. The greatest pared down oxford ever. My family thinks I'm nutso, but they're amazing. They feel like they'd scuff easily, so I'll have to protect them.

They go well with some of my other favorites in my shoe collection:

Franco Sarto platform leather heels: I drooled over them in TJ Maxx so many times that I finally bought them. I wear them everywhere.

Minnetonka deerskin moccasins: THE best shoes I've ever owned. EVER. I literally wear them all the time, and after over a year, they still look good. I get so many complements and they go with everything. I will forever own a pair of moccasins from this day on.

Keep Up or Catch Up

2010-07-16T15:42:00.001-05:00

I've been gone for so long. School and blogging and sewing do not mix well.
Here's some photos of life up to now.

Prom. We were adorable. And I loved my Calla Lilies.

My First lacrosse game. Where I met Abraham... the dog that weighs as twice as much as me.

Went downtown for school for no particular reason, but that's why it was fun.

Now that it's summer, I'm planning some big stuff.
Be prepared.

I'm BACK.

2010-07-16T14:47:00.000-05:00

Here's what I made today out of woven magazine pages. But never Lucky. They make the BEST magazines ever.

Adieu.

2010-05-02T22:54:00.002-05:00

I thought a blog might be nice.
And it is.
But it's a disease.
It's an epidemic.
It's not good for me.
So this is adieu.
Goodbye,
To the zero readers I may have,
Au revoir.

I'm BACK.

2010-04-27T20:09:00.000-05:00

So basically...

I have an octopus ring.

And you don't.

Hey, guys! Meet my pet that made it all the way from Hong Kong today! It only took almost 6 weeks to arrive, but he's here now! My octopus doesn't have a name yet but I'm liking Emilio (after Emilio Aguinaldo of course.) My parents think it is the ugliest thing ever but I've always been a sucker for ugly things I guess. I adore it. It's fat and chunky and stares at your nemeses across the room.

He loves me, too!

We've bonded so much in the past three hours that we even played dress up together with my new 60s style jacket and obnoxiously round glasses from Target, both of things I've also recently aquired and adored. Especially the glasses.

As for sewing, it's going to be impossible to do anything until after mid May. I have AP history and language tests to prepare for, and I have to make a math video, and I have to blablablabla...It's just hectic. I have a jacket I'm working on now, but it's just not happening right now. It's army green [my seriously favorite color right now!] and really cool, but the forest green zipper is just clashing and I'm too lazy to rip it out. Ah, well. It just can't ruin my super happy mood. Ben is going to the University of Illinois and NOT Hawaii so he'll be close and getting super smart and I might go there too so I'm so excited for him! And I got some liquid eyeliner for the first time, too, which is why I look so fiercee. Meow.

Gosh I'm lazy.

An Truly Awesome Recipe

2010-04-15T22:55:00.000-05:00

Sorry for the lack of sewing...I'm not feeling this zipper right now on this jacket. It's just two weird shades of green that do NOT match. So that's comin' out this weekend (!). In any news, I will entertain you with this recipe for greatness to brighten someone's day.

So...first take one part Original Star Trek Spock [doing the Vulcan mind meld no less]...

Add one part Marilyn Monroe's ooey gooey goodness...

And what do you get?? This masterpiece:

I can't help I'm pretty and like Star Trek. It happens :)

more sewing SOON.

SUPERbummed.

2010-04-14T21:52:00.000-05:00

basically how i feel right now.

just done with trying so hard.

i with the world were sewn together with cotton covered polyester thread.

WTF? I'm hooked.

2010-04-08T22:38:00.001-05:00

As disturbing as Lady GaGa's music video for her song "Telephone," I have to say it's quite addictive. Her songs are like, the definition of pop--super catchy and utterly attractive in the multi-media format. I haven't seen a music video this...immense...since Britney Spears, probably. And before that, may I dare to compare her videos to Michael Jackson. Maybe you don't agree, but let's face it--nobody can do what Lady GaGa dares to do. It creates ~~conclict~~ revolution, forcing tension to create something different. Michael and Britney weren't always depicted as wonderful 100% of the time, were they? That's what made them interesting. I have this odd form of respect for her.

As for the video itself, yes it gets a little vulgar. A LOT vulgar. She went super over the line. It was a risk. Is that good to run around in undies? No. But I always try to find a reason something was done, what te story behind it was. The behind the scenes video helped. But I have to say, the clothing and makeup choice [when there was clothing] was pretty outstanding. The cigarette glasses? They left me dumbstruck. No one else could have done that. And I loved the group dancework. It was tight like a pair of skinny jeans, my friends. The song is pretty normal for her genre, catchy as always.

But you get addicted real fast.
I have a feeling Lady Gaga's fame isn't over yet.
God, she looks like Madonna something awful.

Vintage Fashion: A Slap in the Face to Feminism?

2010-04-07T20:08:00.000-05:00

In US History, we've almost finished the 1950s era, and discussed whether it was an era of conformity or the opposite. We looked at some ads and I realize that there is much debate in modern sewing communities about this very topic--kind of. Just think about how many people adore to sew vintage patterns, the 1950s all-dolled-up-with-nowhere-to-go appeal, and the beautiful, timeless clothing that came out of those years. But some people think that this represents women reverting back to the "fairer sex" image that was stamped onto women after 1945. Take a look at this inspiration:

This doesn't exactly say "Miss Independent," does it?

Let me muse a little on why this sort of stereotype was put back into American life; I don't often get to share this sort of information! So during the war, and even before it up to the end of WWI, women were granted more and more equality: voting in 1920, a huge percentage were working in war industries [think Rosie the Riveter] and though they weren't equally paid, women were getting somewhere. Then hit the Commies and the Cold War--all these formerly independent ladies had to find some security, and they believed the only safe place could be their house, their family, their husbands. Makes sense, I suppose. So that's why this whole era came to be. Ever wonder why gals of the 1950s are SO gorgeous? That's the only thing they worried about: looks, cleanliness, family, hubby. There is, of course, scads of info opposing this theory, but whatever. It is what it is.

Anyway, so where's the controversy? Some people of today feel like recreating these styles symbolizes a return to the 50s "bondage" of women in the home.

Discuss?

Personally, there was some dang good clothing made in the 50s. Sorry feminism, if I look good, I don't really mind stamping out all the gains of females in the past half a century. Okay, maybe that's the extremist way of saying it, but that's what the 60s are for--they start to swing things back in a modern way. Living in a cookie cutter town with cookie cutter people and a man who expexts me to put his slippers on his feet and kids who can go anywhere they please--that stuff I don't want to include in my vintage persona. Let's update it a little, y'all. Change it to make the 50s silhouettes the idea of the strongest women to ever walk this earth. How did they put up with all that?! But in modern times, I am still going to be able to kick the butt of zillions of men in college and get a better job than them, by sewing a wiggle dress or not. That's all I have to say about that.

Of course, I wouldn't mind that colored toilet paper above (why don't they make that any more?!) and not to mention I wouldn't mind my husband measuring me for my own personalized iron either. I think ironing has a different connotation when not sewing...sigh...

What I'm Loving: Peter Pan Collars

2010-04-04T10:01:00.001-05:00

How can a collar be so versatile? It's school girl, vintage, modern, sweet, playful, and just about a zillion other things that cannot be found in any of my wardrobe pieces. You know what that means--it means I've been mildly obsessing over this little scrap of fabric around one's neck that I must have/draft/buy so I can make millions of peter pan collared-goodness. Here's some inspiration for my compulsions:

I watched Gertie's vlog on how to draft such a pattern...I think this was the reason we've become smitten, that darn collar and I. But now you, too can draft your very own sewing ambrosia [I'm really liking that word] and be as adorable (well, maybe close) as me! I'm definitely gonna be doing the sailorish colors--possibly a removable bow? Velvet, I'd guess. Mmm. My mouth is watering.

Happy Easter!

2010-04-04T08:37:00.000-05:00

I hope it's filled with merriment--and lots of chocolate.

Illinois has class...just not where I live.

2010-04-01T20:58:00.001-05:00

College visit season! Today we visited Champaign-Urbana for the University of Illinois...I'm so sick of college information overload, but I took some pictures.

It was gorgeous out, so the Quad was overflowing with people!

My dad and I always make a stop to my favorite ice cream shop EVER, recently renamed Kernel Sweetooth in Frankfort, Illinois. If youre ever heading towards the city from central IL check it out! They are completely adorable--I worship their Amaretto Cherry Amour ice cream, the only thing I ever get there.

Etsy lovin'.

2010-03-31T19:24:00.002-05:00

As I may or may not have mentioned: if you want something awesome no one else will have, go to Etsy. The site is a place where crafters worldwide sell their stuff, and it even has a good selection of vintage items, if you find the right seller.You will find everything there beautiful, unique, and even a little strange. Even the ones that sell more macabre items have gems that anyone could love. Here are some of my favorite sellers right now...obviously I didn't show you my favorite items, then someone would steal my finds!

From top to bottom, left to right: 1. Sun Shower necklace by OrdinaryMommy 2. ID case by Sweetheart Sinner 3. Vintage Italian boating hat from Capricious Traveler 4. Flying Guy necklace by Mama's Little Babies

Each seller is different...these are some of the most consistently favorite people I've found. Numbers 2 and 4 are a little on the creepy side in some of their works, but someone looking for one-of-a-kind pieces should look no farther. Personally, I adore the Happy Nuns ID case, but that's just me.

Pattern WTF?

2010-03-31T18:54:00.001-05:00

For your amusement:

Because everyone wants a furry chest, right?