Hire a Fashion Stylist?

I wish I could, seeing as I don't have the money its not gonna happen. I have been trying to create a wardrobe by researching and learning what are good choices for my figure and age. While running an errand today I stopped in B Dalton and noticed the book 'The One Hundred- A Guide to the Pieces Every Stylish Woman Should Own' by Nina Garcia. Being one of the millions of Fashion Runway fans I was compelled to pick it up. It looks to be a good read and the fashion advice is something I have been needing.

Worked on the Robe some last night. I have the back and fronts sewn together and one sleeve in. Its time consuming having to change thread colors, from black to white and back again but it looks very good so far. I am now seeing the concept/vision my son had for making it this way. Last night my son and I got started on his mask. For the past three years we have always made a mask for Halloween. Using Rigid Wrap, Evan covers his face with Vaseline and then I set to work covering his face with Rigid Wrap. After a little drying time we remove the mask and let it dry. Then in a few days Evan will paint and decorate it to go with his costume. I will post some pictures soon to show what craziness we have been up to.

I still have not decided what Halloween costume I will wear this year. I am not one to go for the sweet cute costumes. One year I dressed up as a hunter and no-one knew who I was for most the night. Anther time I was Martha Stewart in prison, with the orange jump suit, pearls and actual prison number.

Tibetan Sand Art Mandala

This Saturday while the son was at the Academic competition my husband and I went to the arts center at the college and watched the Tibetan Buddhist Monks create a sand mandala. The monks chanting was so strange and different, but it was so calming and meditative. The vivid colors of sand and the details were beautiful!

From all the artistic traditions of Tantric Buddhism, that of painting with colored sand ranks as one of the most unique and exquisite. Millions of grains of sand are painstakingly laid into place on a flat platform over a period of days or weeks to form the image of a mandala. To date the monks have created mandala sand paintings in more than 100 museums, art centers, and colleges and universities in the United States and Europe.

Mandala is a Sanskrit word meaning sacred cosmogram. These cosmograms can be created in various media, such as watercolor on canvas, wood carvings, and so forth. However, the most spectacular and enduringly popular are those made from colored sand.

In general all mandalas have outer, inner and secret meanings. On the outer level they represent the world in its divine form; on the inner level they represent a map by which the ordinary human mind is transformed into enlightened mind; and on the secret level they depict the primordially perfect balance of the subtle energies of the body and the clear light dimension of the mind. The creation of a sand painting is said to effect purification and healing on these three levels.

The mandala sand painting begins with an opening ceremony, during which the lamas consecrate the site and call forth the forces of goodness. This is done by means of chanting, music and mantra recitation.

The lamas begin the exhibit by drawing an outline of the mandala on the wooden platform. On the following days they lay the colored sands. Each monk holds a traditional metal funnel called a chakpur while running a metal rod on its grated surface. The vibration causes the sands to flow like liquid onto the platform.

Traditionally most sand mandalas are destroyed shortly after their completion. This is done as a metaphor for the impermanence of life. The sands are swept up and placed in an urn; to fulfill the function of healing, half is distributed to the audience at the closing ceremony, while the remainder is carried to a nearby body of water, where it is deposited. The waters then carry the healing blessing to the ocean, and from there it spreads throughout the world for planetary healing.

If you ever get the chance, do go and see!!

Lusting over Boots

Its sad here in Florida when its still 90 degrees out with 100% humidity in October and all the lovely fall fashions are out. I think everyone needs one pair of good boots in their wardrobe, and I am lusting over these by Born

I could see them with Simplicity 4487 view F (short puff sleeves no pockets) in a soft floral. Or view A in a solid color.

Pattern review has some reviews on this pretty little top.

I like the feminine look to this and it also reminds me of the blouses the Money Penny would wear in 007 movies.

Butterick 4686 skirt view A in a dark wash light weight denim, with lots of top stitching details. I have made this up in a muslin with inverted box pleats instead of knife pleats. The fit is good but there are still some tweaks to be made.

This pattern is highly recommended at Pattern Review.

Depending on the fabric this skirt can transition between summer and winter.

Now wouldn't this be a cute fall look? With lovely boots and a basic cardigan to chase off the chill. Perfect for the office or a day shopping with the girls!!

Boo-ginings

Halloween has to be my families most favorite of all holidays. For some reason it makes grown-ups want to dress up and try to scare each other. I am kinda partial to Christmas, but 'hey' Halloween is lots of fun!!

So all normal sewing is put on hold so that costumes and gifts can be made. First up I made trick or treat bags for two sweet little boys whom happen to be the son of my co-worker and the grandson of my boss.

The embroidery pattern is from Embroidery Library. All the fabrics are from Joann's, they are cotton quilting fabrics. I used fusible fleece to make the bags soft but still light weight.

Then on the list of 'HAVE TO DO ASAP" is

Butterick 4050. In half black and half white linen like fabric. I have it all cut out and let me tell you it is a small feat to accomplish in itself.

On Saturday I had the whole living room floor covered with fabric and pattern pieces. I am working on view 'B' which takes 10.5 yards of fabric. The pattern is good for this as there is a seam at the center back. We purchased 5 black and 5 white. The white fabric was the last on the bolt and was not a continuous 5 yard cut. Someone had cut it, so we purchased the white in 4 yards and then the last 1.5 at a discount. Lucky we had coupons for Joann's because this could have been a very pricey costume.

Its a good thing that Halloween only comes once a year.