This is Me

This is a story about what goes on in my head. It may be interesting to somebody and probably really, really boring to the masses. Yesterday, Russ and I took a long walk and I voiced what was on my mind. Finally, making - what was for me - a tough decision. 

He told me that I should write it down as a "catharsis".  

Here goes: It all started in March when we went into "stay at home" mode. My regular visits to the beach were suddenly literally "illegal"! Traveling was impossible, or at best extremely restricted. So we hunkered down. That time was really weird for most everyone! I got busy sewing - some for charitable efforts, but also planning a collection for a Fall Fashion Show. 

The first Fall Fashion Fiesta was back in November, 2012.

(https://mexiconaomi.blogspot.com/p/fashion-shows.html). 

I sorted through my stash in what I call my "hoarder closet". This is basically an entire room filled with shelves and hanging racks of reclaimed pieces of clothing and fabric. I decided on a theme for a 2020 Fashion Show. It would be the Roaring 20's with bits of Art Nouveau and Art Deco design. I went online, purchasing a few specific pieces to supplement my stash.

Over the course of the hot summer months, I studied the styles, trends and patterns of the 1920's. The Gatsby era and the time of the "flappers" - described best as "young fashionable women known for their wild style, drinking and denial of social norms of the era."

In researching this fashion history, I learned some fun facts and trivia. Using a vintage pattern, I designed the typical 1920's style "one hour dress" (yes, it took me several hours!) 

I found directions for the iconic cloche hat and the quintessential 1920's Cocoon Coat designed by the French designer, Paul Poiret.

By early October, I had a collection that overwhelmed our spare bedroom (which has not had any occupants since January). I have made almost 30 outfits, at least a dozen hats, a load of small purses and bags and a selection of feathery headbands.

Now it was time to invite the support crew and models that I need. 

This is where my brain gets all bungled up. 

Two major character flaws I have are  1) I am stubborn and,  2) I am a "people-pleaser" in the sense that I am (probably, perhaps, just maybe) overly concerned with external input. My decisions often ebb and flow like the tide of the Sea! 

My brain debates with itself, reading and listening to every opinion and trying to see a way to please everyone while not going completely bonkers myself. Such an irksome way to operate.

In sending out requests, I received a dozen positives. "Yes, it sounds fun!" Yay! "Yes let's do this." I am getting totally excited at this point. I will have the best show yet! And, everywhere I am reading opinions that we MUST get back to real life. This living with a "virus-dread" hanging over our head is simply NOT right!

Then, I receive a few other responses.

"Not doing groups right now. I'm a little worried about flu season. 

I have to pass. Sorry."

"I'm not going out in public right now. 

This weekend I lost two people I knew."

"I’m sorry Naomi, I’ll have to pass on this one. 

We’re trying not to work if it’s going to be 

a big crowd, at least until things get a little better."

"This has been a rise and fall of emotions.

I don't want to just give up and just say 

'OK We can't do this' - but I think it's for the best for now. 

No social gatherings."

I complain about my uncertainties to my daughter who lives in California. She laughingly tells me, "Mom, you do realize we are still in the middle of this pandemic, right?"

Back to that other character flaw.... I am stubborn! 

I tell one of my close friends and collaborator that I want to show people my collection! I want people to SEE what I have been working on for the last 7 months. But, we agree that perhaps this may not be the right time. And, I knew it was time to cancel for 2020. 

I am already planning for 2021. 

Trying to embrace the idea of 'flexible'. 

Besides, the 1920's style was an entire DECADE of Fashion! 

I am sure that my brain will not let me believe I made the right decision. I will definitely find myself in that spare room browsing through the outfits, gazing at purses, hats and headbands. I will second-guess myself a hundred times. Because . . . This is me.

I know that almost everything is more important than this decision! However, Thank You to everyone who supports my crazy Fashion-Show Addiction. 

See you soon.

Maybe I will just replay the YouTube video of 2020 Virtual Fashion Show*  

*my summer project a collaboration featuring 38 models from near and far.  

  

My Flamenco Passion!

So, I am invited to be participate in a Flamenco Fashion Show 

at the Festival de España held at the Phoenix Center for the Arts

In past years, I also was a part of a similar event in Tucson. 

Perhaps, you remember some of those pictures:

From several years ago, here is my "before" photos 

of one of my project dresses - followed by the "after" completed dress. 

 

So, here we go again!!

I thought I would post pictures of my "stash"

. . . .this is what I have to work with:

At first glance, pretty boring things...

Hopefully, they can become some great flamenco outfits.

Stay Tuned.

_________________________________

Some Inspirations:

I got a lotta work to do...
see you soon!! 

Summer in a hot, humid beach town... What's a girl to do?

Keeping busy . . .  with a bit of air conditioning and the hum of the fan!

Well, most of the time...

Searched online for a picture using the words "hot seamstress"
(Yep. That was a mistake...not exactly what I was thinking.) 
 

 Oops. 
That is NOT me sewing.

When I thought "hot" -  I was thinking more like this:

 Oh well.

My new motto is "I do what I want!"
(That is just a summer extravagance, I know.)

So, when I get the energy... here are some of my ReCreation Projects.

So, here on the left, I started laying out some of the different clothing pieces that 

I have collected, between donations and my thrift store finds. 

On the right, is the 

ReCreated Tunic. 

Then, I had this super small outfit. 

But, it had some great embroidery.

So, I added a man's hawaiian shirt another gauzy blouse and a long sleeve t-shirt to come up with a new dress that I absolutely am in love with.  This one is just waaaay to lovely. 

 

I also have been doing some painting on natural fiber clothing and it is turning out pretty fun. I have another batch since this photo, too.

And, all of these, also have the quote added,
"Live in the SunShine,
Swim the Sea, Drink the Wild Air."  

A few more t shirt skirts.
Next on the list, is a new style t-shirt dress.
I have 3 sizes of a pattern to try out for those.
And, about two dozen black t shirts to get busy
on after that.

Another fun special order project that just got finished are these t-shirts on the left... basically, there were about 7 or 8 of the square, basic no-shape-what-so-ever t shirts, and they are now transformed into scoop neck, cute style t shirts with a bit more shape and shirt tail hems.   

Oh yeah, did I mention the flowy Re-Created cruise dresses?
These just have to be favorites...

They are fun, summery dresses each Re-Created for a new life.
(And, I think the "new life" should definitely be on the dance floor.) 



The detail work on the purple one was a kinda
a long-term project... The flowers were hand-cut
and each hand-sewn before being attached along with 
the beadwork. But, oh!
My favorite colors....  

Here is another project in the "Idea" stage.
I have 4 pieces.
And, the plan for this to be a funky cowgirl dress.

I pinned it on the dress form just to see what would happen.... Well, like I said...
this one is still a bit of a mess.
By fall, it will be something pretty cute to wear with a pair of cowboy (girl) boots.

Added to the shop...

Shop my Etsy store.

I am trying to get things added...

But it is a slow process. 

www.etsy.com/shop/SeaDebris

 

Sweater Coat: A Re-Design in Progress

I decided to actually take the time to photograph the steps in a redesign project.

I often plan to do this . . . 

and somehow, I seem to always get carried away and forget.

Ok. So here goes.

THE "BEFORE" SWEATER

INSPIRATION FOUND ON THE INTERNET

 

GATHERING SOME  "Junque" THAT MAY COME IN  HANDY. . .   

MORE STUFF . . .FRINGE, BEADS, ETC.

CUT OUTS TO MAKE INTO ROSETTES.  PLUS MAS.

THE LAYOUT

THE CONSTRUCTION

THE DETAILS. . .

ASYMETRICAL SKIRT HEMLINE

THE "AFTER" SWEATER   

The final sweater can be worn as a tunic, coat or sweater.  

With one-of-a-kind detailing, there is not another to be found! 

Details include: 

Fabric Rosettes (hand-cut with burnt melted by flame, then constructed.)

Neckties, Fringes plus the hand Beadwork.

Take a look at your old, boring sweaters or other items.

Hmmm . . . What can we do with them? 

 

 ________________________________________

mexiconaomi@gmail.com