THE BEST PLACE TO START...

 NOTE:  All  challenge participants can start posting on the STARTING AT THE TOP blog.  

Here's the link:  Starting At The Top 2012

THE BEST PLACE TO START...at the top - where else? 

Do you suddenly feel YOU HAVE NOTHING AT ALL TO WEAR?

If you too find yourself in this situation... then we need to get to work right away - and we might as well START AT THE TOP.
So if your wardrobe is lacking in the area of tops/blouses/tunics, or even tees, it's a great time to join this TOP CHALLENGE!

compliments of: leiko-mail.net

I've proclaimed the first 15 days of April as the official STARTING AT THE TOP Challenge.    It's a simple sew-a-long that will last only 15 days - leaving us lots of time for other sewing projects.

So ladies and/or gents:
•Choose your fabrics,
•Choose your top or blouse patterns,
    . add a new twist to a TNT pattern, 
    . refashion, 
    . or maybe even self draft a new design
•No quotas,  •No limits.

...and by April 15th we will have more wardrobe options.  So come one, come all it's so simple to join, just 2 things to do:

1. COMMENT your interest on this post by Saturday,  March 31st. 
2. PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS in the comment (ex: kathy at yahoo d0t com) so I will be able to add you in as a author on the STARTING AT THE TOP blog.

Only two more days to sign up.  I'm looking forward sharing, and seeing your STARTING AT THE TOP spring/summer creations. 

Remember to add you EMAIL ADDRESS.  


NOTE:  YOU WILL RECEIVE AN EMAIL INVITE THAT YOU WILL NEED TO RESPOND TO IN-ORDER TO BE ADDED TO THE CHALLENGE BLOG.

STARTING AT THE TOP...

...Spring seemed so far away, but all of a sudden the tables have turned, and Spring has sprung with mid 80 degree temperatures.
Or is it Summer? - I'm confused!  Well anyway, why - oh why does it suddenly seem that I HAVE NOTHING AT ALL TO WEAR?

...This happens to me every year; but how?  Did I not sew like a maniac last spring.   What happened to the garments I thought I had? Well, I can't spend too much time lamenting about it, I need clothes so I've got to get to work right away.

I need so many items, but where in the world do I start?
I guess I might as well "START AT THE TOP"! 

•  I am in desperate need

• I've got some beautiful knits stashed away

• Tops are so very quick to sew

• Tops would jump start some new spring looks.

Mmmmmm, sounds like good reasons to initiate a TOP CHALLENGE!

compliments of: leiko-mail.net

WOULD YOU LIKE TO JOIN ME???

If so,  I proclaim the first 15 days of April as the official STARTING AT THE TOP Challenge.    It'll be a simple sew-a-long that will last only 15 days - leaving us lots of time for other sewing projects.
 So ladies and/or gents:
•Choose your fabrics,
•Choose your top or blouse patterns,
    . add a new twist to a TNT pattern, 
    . refashion, 
    . or maybe even self draft a new design
•No quotas,  •No limits.

•and by April 15th we will have more wardrobe options.  So come one, come all it's so simple to join, just 2 things to do:

1. COMMENT your interest on this post by Saturday,  March 31st. 
2. PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS in the comment (ex: kathy at yahoo d0t com) so I will be able to add you in as a author on the STARTING AT THE TOP blog.

I'm looking forward sharing, and seeing your STARTING AT THE TOP spring/summer creations. 

Remember to add you EMAIL ADDRESS. 
It's going to be a  win, win situation.....  

NOTE:  YOU WILL RECEIVE AN EMAIL INVITE THAT YOU WILL NEED TO RESPOND TO IN-ORDER TO BE ADDED TO THE CHALLENGE BLOG.

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??????????