I went to The Chicago Museum of Contemporary Art last night to hear Scott Schuman of The Sartorialist speak and to get my book signed. 

I have never done something like that before. I was wholly not myself and when he tried to make small talk with me it fell flat. I am left today thinking about what I learned. What can I take and use to inspire me more. To push me more. I’ll let you know what I come up with. 

So far what has struck me the most is that he is just a regular person. Special, yes, because we all are. But all in all just a guy talking about what he loves then sitting behind a table writing his name on a bunch of books. 

This photo is of Mr. Schuman as it appears on his blog. It was taken by his partner Garance Dore.

A friend of mine asked me to contribute to her website “Seeds of Faith, Hope, and Love”.

I have been trying not to get too personal on this blog. Keeping it light seems easier especially since I can go way deep and I don’t want people to think I’m depressed or anything.

I’ve decided to share the post- mainly because she asked me to. So check it out if you want to know me a little better. She just posted it so it should be the first story to come up. If not it’s under the title “Overcoming Anxiety”.

One more thing, if you like the story and want to share your own-about yourself or someone who has inspired you-then think about submitting something yourself.

My current mental obsession (I call it a mental because I seem to be thinking about it all the time) for Fall is layering sheer fabrics in solids and prints over tops to add visual interest and cut down on bulk.

Here’s an example-

I made a top out of a sheer fabric with a scarf print and wore it over a simple chambray button down. It doesn’t add bulk like a sweater would so I can comfortably wear a blazer over it if I need to. Plus all the different colors introduced by the print give me a lot more room to play around with accessories.

It works the other way around too. Try adding a sheer top in a solid color over a printed one and let the collar and cuffs peek out. It’s a simple trick that helps take your outfit to the next level.

I have always said that the only celebrity I would ever find myself in awe of if ever I met them is this man-

I know it seems silly but the guy is a legend and he keeps it clean.

Well today, as I was on my way to pick up the boys from school, I caught Tim Gunn on The Afternoon Shift with Steve Edwards promoting his new book, “Tim Gunn’s Fashion Bible”-

I had such an emotional response. I didn’t know I was so fond of the man. Seriously. I was almost in tears thinking about the fact that he was in Chicago and that maybe I should ditch the back-to-school picnic tonight and drive to Naperville so I could meet him at his book signing.

I didn’t because I suddenly had visions of myself walking into the bookstore and crying right there in front of him and asking him to pass on some pearls of wisdom I felt I desperately needed to hear. What is it about Tim Gunn that makes me feel like I could pour out my fashion soul to him?

Weird right?

I’ll confess here that my outfit for Sew Weekly was far from The Great Gatsby. Instead of channeling this-

I channeled this-

You’ll see what I mean when the post goes up.

As I come into fall and look towards the end of the year I find myself winding down. Ready for my year long sewing commitment to myself to end so that I can move on to something new. I will not give up sewing but hope to be a little more thoughtful about it. My next few projects will be small and insignificant. I’ll try and muster up the energy for something more fun before the year is out.

I’ll try.

When I get a high like the one I got creating my Mad Hatter look I naturally want to keep riding the wave. I feel energized and ready to reach my next goal. I immediately began gathering the materials for my next project. By the time I was ready to start it was…let’s see…drive the kids to a million different places, host a couple of play dates, deal with drama from teenager (x5), keep home clean, make sure we eat…I remember-it was Friday. Friday? Yep, Friday.

Enough time to make a pair of pants and a) rest or b) make a jacket too. I chose a.

In my head my ideas are like this-

If I want to sleep, have harmony at home (yeah right-remember I have a teenager), and be good to myself as well as a good wife and mother then I have to be willing to cut it down to this-

Or even this-

Just kidding-more like this-

What’s the difference between the last two? One looks way better with skinnies, boots, and a motorcycle jacket and the other should only be seen doing yard work, laundry, or at the gym. I’ll let you figure that one out.

If I had the time I would build sets. For this week’s Sew Weekly photo shoot I wanted to create walls covered in nails like a bed of nails. Then I would find a chair with ornate woodwork and a high back and sit in it looking all badass while I held a cane.

I could have pushed myself into the wee hours of the morning trying to make that jacket but I chose to rest. I made the right decision for last week, but what about this week?

I have another big idea but I’m tempted to step back and maybe use some fabric from my stash so that I can save money and have time to make some simple tops and pants to carry me through fall. Here’s my confession though, it’s fun to be featured and nice to receive compliments. It’s human and OK but I try to ground myself daily to make sure I create for the right reasons.

Another confession-sometimes I feel like if I don’t stay true to my vision then I’m a slacker. Spending too much time reading and blogging when I should be out there doing. Not just doing-doing big-real big.

I know that’s not true but at the same time I feel like it is.

So what’s it going to be for this week? I honestly can’t say.

I like this photo. My husband likes to take photos while I’m trying to set the scene for him. The result can be very unflattering at times but those seem to be his favorites. I like this one because you can tell that I’m talking. I thought it might be fun to lead with this so that you can pretend that I am actually talking to you as you read my words. Just keep scrolling up and down so you don’t lose the image.

By now some of you may have seen my post for Sew Weekly. If not and you want the sewing details click here.

For this post I thought I’d talk a little about the hat.

I used 2 feet of wire fencing to make it. You can tell that I had Marc Jacob’s fabulous hats on the brain. It’s a similar silhouette only completely unsuitable for use in public. This hat will scratch you up. My husband fell victim to it  a couple of times and I went to bed with tiny little pricks and scratches. I am not joking when I tell you that my arms and hands felt like they were on fire. Nothing that a little lavender oil couldn’t fix. Looking at them now they make me feel proud as they are the result of passion and hard work.

I’m not going to tell you exactly how I did it unless you’re really interested. Which wouldn’t make sense unless you’re going to make one for yourself. if you are, may I recommend that you not hug anyone when you wear it and if you’re going to be in public make sure you sit at the table that’s farthest away from the crowd?

I found the flowers at a thrift store. They really are the perfect touch. I wove them through the screen layering here and there. It took me a while to get it right.

My Photoshopping skills are still not amazing but I think I’m getting better. There was actually a house behind me right behind the hat. The greenery fell on the sides so I played around and managed to make it look OK. It was tricky because you can see through the hat and I needed to preserve the look of the screen as best as I could. The effect is not consistent but I like it.

Is there anything else to say? I don’t think so. I will say that there is something so satisfying about making the stirrings of your imagination come to life. Life becomes richer and more interesting. Even if it’s just for that moment. It’s what pushes me to try and do it again and again. Yes, sometimes I fail and that’s no fun but somehow it’s still OK. Not crushing. That’s cool. Very cool.

See you later-I’m out!

This is the photo I would have liked to use for my Sew Weekly post. It shows off my personality a little better. To read it click here.

This week I made a collar necklace out of window screen, brads, and upholstery nails.

I would love to spend more time making a few different versions. One in an off white vinyl using only gold and silver brads in rows. Another with crystals. I plan on making a tutorial of some kind-hopefully by the end of the week (probably more like the beginning of next month) so maybe I’ll make two at a time.

Today I am off to the hardware store again for more supplies for next week’s challenge. Here’s a picture to give you an idea-

I’m being pretty ambitious and will probably not have time to use it but a girl can dream right? I may have time to make everything and then have zero time to shoot. We’ll be meeting friends for bowling Saturday so I may have to go along looking like a children’s book character (or maybe just like I’m insane) so that we can take pictures in between.

Oh the things we do in the name of art and fun!

Yesterday I wrote about Vogue’s September issue and how I can’t sit down for more than 15 minutes without needing to put it down. In the mail I received my new copy of W magazine and while doing my weekly grocery shopping I spotted InStyle’s September issue. I didn’t buy it but I will. I know I look like a magazine junky. I’m not but those may be the words of someone in denial. Who knows?

Fashion is. It’s what I do. It’s what I think about-for myself and for other people. If I had a lot of money I would not buy Vogue or W (I’d still buy InStyle and Teen Vogue though) I would buy Lecturas Moda

and L’Officiel

and all of the other magazines at The Magazine Rack that cost well over $50 an issue.

OK-now that I have said all of that let me try to get myself back to what I really wanted to say.

Right now there are too many ideas in my head and I have this much time.

Actually-even less. I still want to make pants but now I also want to make a flowy blouse out of sheer fabric and a button down to go with it. I want to knit that Marc Jacobs inspired shawl and make a hat-several hats actually. I want to go to the store and exchange the bright red lipstick I bought for the black cherry and dye another wig.

To accomplish all of this I will need a maid, a nanny, and a cook.

I have so many ideas that I’m beginning to feel a bit paralyzed. I need a plan. I need to get organized or I’m screwed. I was talking to an acquaintance at a show and she told me that her husband always has so many ideas and when she hears him talking she knows immediately which ones will never happen. That made me feel so sad. The thought of having so much inside that will never come out makes me sad. Is this just part of being human? Is this something any of you struggle with? Do I have to accept it or is it worth fighting?

OK-now I’m making myself sad. Overwhelmed, mentally paralyzed, and sad don’t sound very good. Right now, as I write this I am taking some deep breaths. I am thinking of pretty flowers and birds.

Believe it or not I actually feel better and if I want to get one fun thing started today then I’d better go. See you soon friends-

While in line to check out at the grocery store on Friday the woman in front of me picked up Vogue’s September issue and asked her mother why a magazine needed to be so big. This woman wasn’t dressed like she cared a bit about fashion so I understand. It’s huge! If you cut out all the editorials and such it would be one of those magazines you could roll up and put in your back pocket while you boarded the train. It’s not only full of ads but it’s also an anniversary issue.

I don’t subscribe to Vogue. I’m not interested in reading about the latest plastic surgery nor do I want to sit in my little apartment and look at pictures of fancy homes but the September issue is another story. I’m inspired by the spreads and the ads. There is much inspiration in there I can only look at it for about 15 minutes at a time before I have to put it down again. It takes me forever to get through and I’ll go back to it many times over the next 12 months to stir my imagination again and again.

So far the ad I am most disappointed with is the Ralph Lauren fragrance ad.

This is the same ad he used last year. Maybe he got busy. I haven’t really been impressed with any of his ads so far. They feel so dated. His ready to wear line for the last couple of seasons has been a a bit of a mystery to me too. I haven’t really loved the prints he’s used.

I didn’t mean this to be a Ralph Lauren bashing. I don’t know him and he must be doing something right to be able to keep going all these years. And if he’s reading right now (yeah right) I just want you to know that my son loves your polo shirts.

The ads I’m most excited about so far are the ones for Marc Jacobs.

I want one of these hats for winter. I hate the winters here and a hat like this would make it more bearable. I may have to make one. It’s not just the hats though, it’s the clothes and the make-up. I think I’m going to learn to crochet so I can make myself a wrap like this. I’ve already got the large safety pin for the closure. I’m serious about this and will post pictures either of my progress or when I’m done.

I hear the kids stirring so that’s my sign to go.

For this week’s Sew Weekly Challenge I decided to go off the grid a little and make something inspired by the trio Kitty, Daisy, and Lewis. If you want to read my SW post click here.

I really like their music but to be completely honest I’m not super fond of all of the outfits I’ve seen Kitty and Daisy in. I get the look but sometimes the proportions are off or the fit and quality leave something to be desired. It’s hard to ignore when getting people dressed is what you do for a living. It’s like a musician with a trained ear not noticing if something is off key.

On the other hand, if someone were to go and polish them up then I think they would lose some of what makes them so appealing to me. I always like things better when they’re a little rough around the edges. Too much polish and you’re Justin Bieber. You know what I mean? What’s the girl equivalent? Selena Gomez?

I got the bright idea to go to a public restaurant to take the pictures. I was pretty nervous. It’s hard not to call attention to yourself when you walk into a restaurant dressed like this. I thought there would be a jukebox there. There wasn’t. The waitress and my husband gave me a little pep talk so I was able to keep it together.

I’m still learning Photoshop so the pictures I submitted to Mena were….lacking? I was trying to make them look like old photographs. I found a tutorial that was pretty easy but I was still stumped on a few steps so the above picture is the best I could do. I’d give it B-.

Well that’s it. Now I will leave you with a sneak peak for a project I am working on for next week-

There are a few things my mother taught me growing up.

1. It’s important to look put together-even if you’re not feeling well. I’ve re-worded that slightly. Her version goes more like: It’s important to look clean and put together.

I’ve always had a thing about dreadlocks,

boys with greasy looking pompadours,

tattoos,

and have been known to go at least a month without a shower and even longer without clean clothes. I’m better about those last 2 but still wish I had dreads. Damn this beautiful silky Korean/Mexican hair!

2. Mascara and lipstick-absolutely!

3. Blazers-the completer. A blazer is essential. She bought me my first one and it was lovely. OK-I bought plenty of over sized mens blazers at the thrift store but she bought me my first beautifully tailored womens blazer. It was black wool with leather panels and a zip closure. I wore the hell out of that thing.

So it should be no surprise to hear that I have always wanted to learn how to make my own with all the bells and whistles. I’ve finally started one and it has already proven to be a very long process. On top of the usual pattern adjustments I have cut the pieces for the shell, the lining, the underlining, and the pieces from hair canvas for the front. After that I marked with chalk all the places that need a running stitch. Here’s a sample of where I am so far-

I know the fabric isn’t very exciting. I always go with something simple when I’m learning something new like this. I have thought about using this as practice and buying something more fun to use as the shell. We’ll see.

It do not believe I will ever be as good as Alexandre Plokhov

who makes clothing so beautifully it literally brings tears to my eyes.

Or like David Neville and Marcis Wainwright of Rag and Bone.

I was lucky enough to find a Rag and Bone trench coat like the one below at the thrift store for $15.

Mine has a subtle plaid print with no sheen. When I wear it I feel strong, elegant, and very put together.

A perfectly tailored piece not only feels right when you put it on it also feels right in your hands. You know what I mean? Do you have something like that in your closet?

I’ll keep you updated on my progress. Making a blazer is my #1 goal for 2012. Maybe I’ll have enough time to throw in a pair of matching pants with pleats and tapered legs with cuffs and a button down and bow tie.

I can see it now!

As promised-here is a picture of the cheongsam.

I couldn’t get it on a mannequin. I didn’t even ask. She was about to meet with a client so she let me use one of the rooms to hang it. The back is nothing special so there’s no picture of that. I asked her to send me pictures from the wedding so I may post one more with an actual person in it. What do you think?

Update number 1: I finished the Cheongsam! 99% of it anyway-I still have to sew on the hooks and eyes and the frog closure-which I need to buy. This leaves me very tired this morning because I stayed up all night stressing about whether or not it’s going to fit. I honestly do not want to have to alter it. The silk brocade frays very easily and I’m afraid if I overwork it I’ll have nothing left! I know what you’re thinking-“buy some Fray Check already and stop your whining.” No-I will not buy Fray Check. This dress needs to go home. It’s lived here long enough. I’ll post pictures later today. I’m dropping it off at Macy’s and I’m going to try and talk my way into getting it on a mannequin. It probably won’t happen but it never hurts to ask.

Now that that’s behind me (for now) I have a bit of a dilemma. The Sew Weekly challenge for this week is collars.

I’ve made a few pieces with collars and I have a nice little vintage pattern I’m considering for the challenge (I can’t show you that-it’s more fun if it’s a surprise-though I may not use it). The dilemma is that I want to make pants right now.

So what’s the problem? Make the piece for Sew Weekly and move on right? No. The thing is, it takes me a long time to sew. More time than I think it will. Somehow I forget that I am a woman who is married, has a part time job, is raising 2 kids and running a home. Did I mention I have friends who like to see me from time to time? And young women to mentor and…

At this point I will not skip a challenge. I’ve been in it since day 1 and skipping now would just be sad. It would make me sad anyway. I don’t even have the fabric yet.

Wow. What is wrong with me. Suck it up! Seriously! There are much bigger problems out there. I can’t believe I am wasting your time like this. “I have too many beautiful things to create! Why is life so hard?” Please-I need you to send me a slap somehow or maybe throw some water on my face. That cup of coffee you have in your hand will do just fine.

OK-that’s better. Let’s get on with update number 2.

Update number 2: I went online to order those beautiful shoes in blue and they were all out. They only have them in taupe. That’s what I get for overthinking it. Lesson learned. I will order them in taupe and love them anyway. They’re pretty cool in any color.

I feel like I’ve tortured you this morning and I’m sorry. As a present I will leave you with this trailer-

http://mubi.com/films/being-bazaar