Day One Down

So I have finished the first page of directions and started the second page (only 2 pages). The top is pretty much done with the exception of the draw string neck and of course, attaching it to the skirt. The skirt is still a ways off. I am not sure what is next because when I started reading the next step my brain turned off and so I just walked away. Made some tea for my husband and about to go to McDonald's to get a Dr. Pepper. If I get a second wind, I might do more, but it is unlikely.

Day One of Making My Costume

So I have started making my costume today. I cut out all of the fabric (which is always a time consuming task and very little fun). I also started sewing the bodice top. It is looking real promising. I just have to remember to take my time. I have learn at lot from my class that I have already put into good use and is making my garment look better than other things I have sewn. I will post a picture of the progress when I stop for the night.

First Steps

I signed up and just finished week 3 of a 5 week beginning sewing class in South Austin. No... I am not exactly a beginner, but without starting at the beginning, I can't be sure I am not missing so super valuable piece of information that I can use to my benefit, and therefore, my future students. I have actually learning quite a few neat little tips. Now, you should know, that I taught myself to sew, so there are bound to be some holes in my knowledge, and that is exactly what I am trying to fill. On top of rounding out my knowledge base, I am gaining a great foundation for my own future classes. I will in no way be mimicking the teacher at this school, but it is good to get a firm understanding of what others think are "the basics". I find that lately I wake up every day wanting more and more experience and knowledge for sewing. I have taken a basic pattern for a tunic (first pattern, main picture on the left) and have made it once exactly per the instructions. I then made it a second time, making some minor adjustments to the pattern. I want to do it again in the next week and make even more modifications and improvements. I am also really, really, excited about this other project I am starting. A Halloween costume. I am really excited because I have always want to make this costume and am just now confident enough to try it. It is a 17th century regency gown. I am going to make it out of pink faux silk dupioni fabric with a sage green sash (I will post pictures when I get starting). I bought the pattern (Second pattern, green dress on the right), fabric, and thread already. I have also transferred my tissue pattern onto commerical pattern paper, and tomorrow I will cut the dress and lining out. I might get further, but we will see how the day progresses. I am going to wear this gown to a "Fun Fall Party" that the Arboleda Cares Team (that is me) is hosting at the apartments. I will surely stand out among the dozen of kids and maybe a few adults in costumes, and that is exactly what I want to do. I want to start feeling people out about general need and desire for sewing instructions. If some one asks me about my costume and I have the opportunity to tell them I made it, it will most likely led to a conversation in which I can tell them I am thinking about starting a sewing school. I might even attempt to teach of few residents for free if anyone is interested. I would be good practice, and I always enjoy interacting with others when I sew. So, tonight, I just need to get to bed so today will be over and tomorrow will start so I can begin my dress. Oh... I am so excited.

The Beginning

Seamstress: A woman who sews, especially one who makes her living by sewing.

This is the definition of what I aspire to be. Well, sort of... I love to sew. I mean, I feel as if I have found a calling in sewing. I love to put two pieces of fabric together to make something. Whether it be a shirt, Halloween costume, or a quilt, I just can't get enough. I mean, my husband and I live in a two bedroom apartment and the guest bedroom is solely dedicated to my sewing. Granted, it needs some work, but it is a place I can go to escape to a world where anything is within my reach. I find inspiration just stepping foot into the room. I get excited when I sit down in front of a sewing machine with pieces of fabric and sew until it make something useful. This passion of mind has really, though, just begun to grow. I have been sewing now for two years seriously and a couple of years before that not so seriously. But now that I have left the all consuming world of corporate accounting behind and have time to really sit down and decide "what I want to be when I grow up" (even if I am already 26 and spent the last 7 years dedicating my life to being an accountant) it has finally stricken me. I was sitting at my BFF (Brittany, not my sister, even though she is my ultimate BFF) house teaching her how to make her first quilt and she said "you should teach this" and I had an epiphany: I want to teach women how to sew. I want to teach them how to sew clothing, for themselves and for their kids, to sew quilts, to alter those awesome pairs of jeans, darn it, that are just about 5 inches too long. I have always excelled at teaching. I taught my sorority sisters college algebra, my co-workers accounting software, and not just did I teach them, but I did it in such a way that they got it. I understand the different ways that people think and therefore can break things down simply enough and clearly enough for people to get it fairly easily. Not trying to be all like "I am sooo awesome" but when you have a real talent for something you should share it. I want to combine the two things that I really love, teaching and sewing. I have often heard that if you do what you love to do, the money will follow. Now I am in no way looking to become mega rich, but if I can support my habit of sewing by spending time teaching others, than great. So my plan is this. Get as much knowledge about sewing (from experts) as I can, spend hours honing my skills, and when the time is right, and I will just know when it is right, get a studio and start marketing for garment, and quilting classes. This is what I will be blogging about. My journal. My journal from a stay at home wife to a bona fide sewing teacher.