Random screwery

So, the end of the year just arrived and is close to disappearing into twenty ten. I am still not completely setup and comfortable in this new studio, but I'm never gonna be all in because it's simply too small and I miss my Atlanta studio. I have, however, been able to get things done - even if it is at the most snail crawl pace ever. I am barely motivated, a little bored, and slightly anxious. I'll get over it.

And the party continued...

So, after the theme party and horseback riding, I went on my annual girl's trip. This year's destination was New York (recession vacation) and I couldn't wait for Garment District and Sak's window shopping. Well, long story short, best vacation ever!!! Love the city that never sleeps, fabric heaven, and never needing to go to the gym! So, I'm back, bored in CA, and ready for the next trip to the Big Apple. Keep an eye out for the latest garments born of this year's New York fabric run :-)

Samba Mambo

So, I just finished these vests for a Samba Drum Band and it was a bit of a revelation. I mean, during the course of production, a lot took place. I had a milestone birthday (OMG, I see "the hill"), made yet another cross-country transition just because (I can't seem to get enough, huh?), and am knocking on the door of yet another degree.

Well, somehow, right when I was crossing the finish line for the vests, all of these things came crashing down. I was on deadline with the vests, in my last week of class, it was my birthday, and labor day weekend. So, I had very little time to do anything - could barely celebrate my birthday. So much so that I didn't plan a single, fun thing. Well, to my pleasant surprise, somehow my weekend became jam packed: I did some horseback riding, went to an "80's Baby" theme party, and was thrown a surprise dinner. It turned out those around me had my 5-day weekend planned for me, and in the end I had an absolutely fabulous birthday!

It's been so long since I've been able to say that, I just wanted to share. So, today, I am genuinely happy. Ciao!

Thanks, Nikki!

"I love how they look like [you could] just throw them on and go, but still look put together and classy. That's so sick."

Um, why are we here again?

Okay, so this time, I'm not as excited about the ATL to CA trip. Normally, I dream about the beach, the perfect sky, and the fresh smell of San Francisco air. But, lately, I've been a little less enthused. Maybe it's because I absolutely DO NOT like how my studio looks this time around. It is just not as creative a space as I'm used to. Or, maybe it's just that I totally and completely LOVED my ATL studio. It's just perfect as it is. I wouldn't change a thing. This one...not so much.

Either way, I'm still booked through the end of the month and still have to perform. But, the space is draining me...it's taking away from what I love about all this. It's kind of sad, really. Wonder if I should start looking for a real, brick-n-mortar location...

Back in Cali...still twirling

Okay, okay, I give. I'm exhausted. But, of course, "just keep swimming."

I mean, business has picked up and I'm all but out of commission. Bad timing for great things. Nothing to unpack - your guess where everything is! Desperately want to partake in the recession handbag sales...gotta figure that in somewhere...quickly. Okay, it's late. Ciao!

Custom happiness

So, the majority of my work is custom. Random people find out about me from wherever, they contact me with a dream and a budget, and I make it happen. I think it's less about the money as it is about giving them something they will be really happy with, and maybe challenging myself. I mean, I was up until 3am absolutely determined to finish the first (of three) seersucker dress. I did not want to leave a thread uncut, a seam unpressed, or a fold "misfolded." So, I made it perfect, boxed it up, and sat back in satisfaction - eyes burning, stomach growling (simply canNOT eat at 3am then go straight to bed), and terrified of the alarm that would be going off in about 3.5 hours. I digress as usual.

The thing now is to learn when to say "no" to a project. I simply do not have time to do everything I want to do, and I have the sickness of wanting to help everyone, but I am only one woman.