WALKING IN MY DREAM...

...last week I posted insight about my job, my program and the young people that I teach in response to a fellow bloggers inquiry.  In my opinion, I am walking in my dream. This week I was surprised by being named Dual Enrollment Instructor of the Year (now get this...) of the State of Georgia (the whole State).  This award was made by the Technical College System of Georgia.  I've been in a daze every since I heard my name called as winner!

 I received the award on Wednesday in Atlanta.  That's my supervisor, principal, and high school coordinator in the picture with me.  I'm telling you, having such an amazing support system is a God Send.  I would not be able to do my job as well without the help of each one of them.  I received surprise visits from our College President and Vice-President this week; along with numerous emails, phone calls and flowers.  If their goal was to make me feel special - believe me they did succeed!

To God be the glory!  Now I ask His help in continuing to do the things that earned me this award...

SPRINGS BRIGHT HUES...

Every color of the rainbow is in, making planning for Spring sewing so exciting.  


Seems to me when making the more tapered or skinny legged pants using fabrics with just a bit of stretch would make good sense.


Does anyone have suggestions on what type of fabric would be a good choice for making pants like these; or what fabric source or vendor to use?

WALKING IN MY DREAM...

...

Gwen of http://allmyseams.blogspot.com  recently commented:

"Faye, I don't remember you ever saying on your blog exactly what you do for a living. But, by the photos you post, I assume you are a hair stylist teacher, or own a studio, or something akin to that."

My Answer: 

I am actually working in my dream.   I have  been a licensed master cosmetologist for 25 years; licensed instructor for 5 years.  Prior to becoming an instructor I worked part-time at two salons; and afterwards managed my own salon for 13 years. 

I've been employed by our local Technical College (fully accredited) for 11 years (6 years as adjunct and 5 years as full time instructor).   I taught on the adult level for 6 years, and am in my 5^th year as high school instructor, which is an all together entirely different mindset as you might guess.  I work in an actual high school.

My students are Dually Enrolled which mean they earn high school and college credit simultaneously.  The classes are college level with a number of the students transferring to full-time college enrollment to complete the program.  My two year program gives them a head start on diploma program.  After transferring they then go on to test for state licensure. A number of my students have even gone on to salon ownership.

It is a very rewarding program  - both for students and for me.  I follow-up on them after transfer.  I am so very proud that they can actually keep up with the adult students when they enter college full time.   Our diploma can also lead to  a Crossover Barber-Stylist Certificate, and/or a Technical Studies Degree - which is transferable.  

Working in this program is a privilege and a pleasure.  I had ALWAYS wanted to teach something, I just took the long way getting to it.  I call my job walking in my dream... 

WONDERING WHAT I'M UP TO...

...although I do have a project underway my week got in the way (numerous meetings, an evening pre-prom fashion show, and helping out at a job fair on Saturday); and altered my sewing mood.  I've just not been able to work on it.

I started a wearable muslin for Vogue 1250 (you know the one) as my project for the monthly sewalong with my friends last Sunday.  The dress just needs to be hemmed and then it's finished - but I've not been able to muster up the motivation to do it.  I promise myself that it will not become a UFO - matter of fact I might just go ahead in hem it this afternoon although I have tons of other things that need to be attended to.

I did complete on a "calm me down" project - not too thought provoking - a bit of mindless sewing if you may.  I did self draft a portion of the project,  it's my version of a Cupcake Apron.   I've been wanting one of these for my collection - a few frills and of course ruffles.  I have several people I'd like to make apron gifts for, but I keep falling in love with each one that I make, and therefore haven't gifted anyone so far...

Otherwise, it is New Project Sunday, got to go find something to work on.


Do you ever do mindless sewing??????????
 

PINTEREST ANYONE...

...didn't take me very long to become an avid pinner - it's addictive.  Such a nice way to catalog things I love, ideas I want to try, recipes, etc., etc., etc.

I really couldn't wait to adopt this idea...

I remembered to look for this over the door shoe bag on a  Walmart run this afternoon (and I do mean run - got to get in and out of that place before I get sucked into total marketing oblivion).  They had two types; one made of plastic, and this one made of canvas with net pockets that I thought would be more durable.

 I couldn't wait to put it up on the back of my laundry room door  (so very glad the door was able to close with no problem afterwards)!  I might consider getting another one for the bathroom linen closet - space saver.  What a great way to centralize all my cleaning supplies.  Now if only organizing the rest of my life was just this easy.


Have you incorporated an great Pinterest ideas yet???

IT'SSSSS THE WEEKEND - BABY...

...it's also my

BLOG YEAR ANNIVERSARY

Well, my anniversary was actually on February 10th; but I refused to even mention it until I reached my 400th post (which this is).  It's a big mile stone - sort of like a double celebration (5 years and 400 posts)!

But what's a celebration without PEOPLE???  The people who stop by to read, those who read and comment, those who answer my questions/make suggestions/help me over my sewing hurdles.  People who make blogging fun and and keep it interesting.  It's time to send out a message of thanks to all of you (people) who have made my blogging years so much fun!

WANNA BE SEWING SOMETHING...

...Wanna be starting something... why is that song stuck in my head this morning?  I need to change the words to "wanna be sewing something"!  While at home today recuperating from what was (hopefully) my last laser dental surgery, I found myself with the unction to be sewing something.  I've been wanting to sew up some things to keep me comfy and cozy in my private space; as well as to have something casually chic to wear while running errands.  Tunics seemed just the thing to fill the void...

Me wearing Vouge 8731 on Sunday.  One day I'll have a better camera and a tripod for pictures.

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Next up in the tunic category is ...

Kwik Sew 3463

This pattern has been hanging on my inspiration board for eons so I thought it was high time to get it stitched up.  I've also been wanting to stitch up a hoodie so I thought I'd take some creative license and add the hood from another pattern. Sort of like killing two birds with one stone, if you may.

McCall's 5538

Praise God for the ability to match stripes!!! Drives me looney when they don't match.  I use to be so scared of strips and plaids.

Not sure if I'll even wear the hood, just wanted the satisfaction of doing one.

I made View B of the Kwik Sew pattern, and even though I raised the neckline 1 1/2" (should have made View A)  it's still too low for my taste.  SOLUTION:  Make an extra long infinity scarf with the left over fabric.  That'll close up that gap.

How are you with matching plaids and/or stripes???