| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| mikesgirl |
Posted - Aug 03 2007 : 10:37:26 PM
Well, I went to the "Artist Meet and Greet" tonight. It was definately not me. I had to wear a dress, yuck, tight uncomfortable shoes, yuck, and stand around and try to make small talk with snobbish- type people. This was at the gallery that started carrying my work about a month ago. Now, I appreciate that the owner wants my things in her gallery and it's flattering to be among all the wonderful artists, but give me a cow pasture, a tent, a pair of bibbed overalls, and an apron and I bet I can sell just as much stuff and have a good time doing it to real folks. I should have known that this was going to be an uncomfortable affair for me. They had one last year before the big YWCA benefit that I sold at. It was a great show, I made over $2000, but I really didn't fit in. I'm not being down on myself, I just know who I am and who I'm comfortable around. Wine tasting and piano music with the guy trying to sing Elton John's Rocket Man while we all stand around and nod at each other is not my style. I did sell some stuff, but no more than I would at a good old fashioned farm style craft show or farmer's market. Good to know who you are in this world, and best to try not to push yourself where you really don't want to go. I'm me - take me as I am or not at all. |
| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| queenofdreamsz4u |
Posted - Aug 08 2007 : 9:38:24 PM
Yes, Mary Jane has set her "brand" simply by being herself  She's a good example for any farmgirl to follow that is questioning their self image. Just be yourself, not a stereotype Others take notice and are drawn to you.
...til next time ~ queenofdreamsz
"hold close your inner child and always listen to the gentle whispers" ~queenofdreamsz
|
| Alee |
Posted - Aug 08 2007 : 10:19:43 AM
Sherri- The pictures of MaryJane are very true to life. I have met her several times and she always looks great, comfortable, and ready for anything! I suppose she would have to since she is so busy! :)
Alee
The amazing one handed typist! One hand for typing, one hand to hold Nora!
http://home.test-afl.tulix.com/aleeandnora/ |
| therealshari |
Posted - Aug 08 2007 : 09:39:07 AM
I remember many years ago, when I was doing "cooking demos" for our products. At that time the name of the company was "Triple R Ranch" and our product was rabbit meat.
One of the stores we went to said we weren't in compliance with their dress code... all their women clerks wore skirts. My mother and I were in our slacks and company polo shirts. My answer to them was that this was our company uniform, and that's what we were wearing for the demo... in other words, tough cookies.
I can also remember wearing a "tuxedo" to open a food show... that was one of those "fancy things" but by then the name of our company was "Classic Country Rabbit Company", so again, it was with the theme.
EVERYTHING you do is a part of your branding. As an artist... dress as you want, not how someone else thinks you should!
Shari Thomas
farmer, web copywriter, blogger
Shari's Gone Country
Vote for me at "Blog for a year" |
| queenofdreamsz4u |
Posted - Aug 08 2007 : 01:08:37 AM
Hey Lizabeth,
I actually have three books by this lady:
Her name is Shirley Cunningham. I learned of her through a sewing studio that I took some patternmaking classes at when I lived in Mobile, Alabama.
She also designed one of the first "flat pattern" computer design programs using your specific measurements. I know there are tons of these out on the market now but back in the 80's there weren't.
Anyway, here are the names of them:
1. For the Style Of It ~ Volume III ~ The Artistic Handbook for the At Home Fashion Designer
...this is the book that deals with all the different types of clothing designs and how they look according to your body type. It also has the body chart I mentioned to Sherri for calculating all the correct lengths for your different clothing pieces. This is the best book I've ever read about what your body should be wearing.
Here is an excerpt from the "Perfectly Proportioned" section:
The ideal of perfect proportion through the use of fashion is based on the relationship of the horizontal lines of the shoulder to the floor and the other intersecting horizontal of the bust, waist, hip and knees, to the body canvas. This chapter instructs you in the procedure of determining the right location for all horizontal elements. You will, at last be able to know exactly how to find the correct length of a skirt, jacket or dress that will allow you to achieve a perfect balance in your fashion look.
2. Dressing Room ~ A shopping guide to Successful Fashion Sewing
This book is all about how to recognize the different body types and is really a good companion to "For the Style of It"
3. Sew it Seams ~ A collection of Sewing Solutions
This one deals with specific solutions such as:
The Waistline
Working with Ease in your patterns
Working with Bias layout
Working with Pleats
Working with Darts
Working with Sleeves
I found one link that is selling as used "For the Style of It" ~ Volume 2 and 3. http://www.alibris.com/search/detail.cfm?S=R&bid=9086951827&cm_mmc=shopcompare-_-base-_-nonisbn-_-na
I can also call the lady in Mobile and see if she still sells them if anyone else is interested in them.
Talk to ya later,
Stephanie
www.dreamkingdomdesigns.com/apronpocketswap.html
www.dreamkingdomdesigns.com/artfulapronswap.html
|
| Lizabeth |
Posted - Aug 08 2007 : 12:33:50 AM
Stephanie, could you tell us what book that is? I have such a time with proportions. |
| queenofdreamsz4u |
Posted - Aug 08 2007 : 12:08:20 AM
Hey Sherri,
Yep, the clothes over at Barclays Studio are very pricey and also very inspiring for your own sewing adventures There is a page you can pull up for all their collections that is black line drawings of each piece in the collection...great inspiration for coming up with your own design.
www.barclaystudio.comGo to the collections page and then look for "click here for line drawings". It's great inspiration for new hemlines, pockets, accessories, etc.
Everything they have is oversized and layered and most any body type can pull it off with the pieces being the correct lengths for your body type.
I have a book that approaches sewing from a "holistic" point of view...I can plug in several different body measurements and give you the ideal lengths for vests, tops, skirts and dresses as well as the styles of these garments best suited for your particular body.
If you'll email me I'll send you a list of measurements that you can send to me and I'll calculate all of it for you..or I can send you the bodychart for you to do it for yourself..It really makes the difference between liking the garment and liking the way it looks on you.
If you are short like me you know how putting on ready to wear tops can actually cut your body in half...they are proportioned wrong to give any enhancement to the body..that alone can add to the bad "body image".
Talk to ya later,
Stephanie aka queenofdreamsz
www.dreamkingdomdesigns.com/apronpocketswap.html
www.dreamkingdomdesigns.com/artfulapronswap.html
"hold close your inner child and always listen to the gentle whispers" ~queenofdreamsz
|
| Lizabeth |
Posted - Aug 07 2007 : 10:43:48 PM
hooray sherri! I am delighted you'll be sewing for yourself :) I can't wait to see you at the fair... you'll have to let us know which booth.
http://www.handcraftsbyheather.com |
| Carol Sue |
Posted - Aug 07 2007 : 10:04:39 PM
Good for you Sherri, you go girl...
Enjoying life. |
| mikesgirl |
Posted - Aug 07 2007 : 9:54:06 PM
Judy - I would love to capture some of MaryJane's "look". She always looks wonderful, appropriate, and comfortable when I see pictures of her (mostly in her books). I would love to see her in person sometime.
You ladies have inspired me to make a couple of new outfits to wear at the Western WA fair, which I will be involved in next month. First, I think a long floral skirt to wear with a white T and my jean jacket. Then, maybe some drawstring pants and a tunic, I'm not sure. I haven't sewn for myself for years. I'm going to have to go get new patterns. |
| KYgurlsrbest |
Posted - Aug 07 2007 : 08:48:46 AM
There sure is. Lots of fun, too. It's about 10 minutes from our house and we go down alot for barn dances, belly dancing lessons (just me, not dh) art openings, hanging out on the porch with our pups. Lots of fun
Look here: http://www.maryjanesfarm.org/snitz/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=7907
"She was built like a watch, a study in balance ... with a neck and head so refined, like a drawing by DaVinci"...
NY Newsday sportswriter Bill Nack describing filly, Ruffian. |
| mikesgirl |
Posted - Aug 07 2007 : 08:38:34 AM
Is there really a town called Rabbit Hash? |
| KYgurlsrbest |
Posted - Aug 07 2007 : 07:26:51 AM
I could easily understand how you might not feel comfortable in that type of scenario. I'm not a fan of "faux chic" or talking to folks that I don't want to about things I don't want to--even if I'd like them to buy my stuff! As a dancer, I experienced this "phenomena" at Gala's, and my husband, a musician, experiences this from time to time at certain "cool" bars and venues. He's far more hip than I am, wearing vintage clothes and cool glasses, but has said, "wow, I wish someone would have told me to take my "extra cool" vitamins this morning! I can't wait to get back home to the doghair!".
There are many ways to feel comfortable in your own skin, and if overalls are it, throw a crisp white collared shirt on under them, some bright silver and turquoise jewelry (or whatever stones you dig) and go as you are--as who you are--I would think that someone who is really interested in buying something from you values who you are-- really, truly are, as well.
A friend of ours is an artist and she and couple of fellow artists get together 2 times a year and have a show in a somewhat renovated loft of a barn, in Rabbit Hash, Kentucky. Her stuff is cool, "found art", and the other artists have paintings, cut stone, etc...There are a couple of bottles of wine, some cheese, and LOTS of laughter. You can't take too much too seriously in Rabbit Hash, Kentucky, and she sold a LOT. All types show up, and yeah, there are some "coolies" and art snobs, and people who want to chat you up about your "technique" but she just rolls with it. At the last show, she had on black capris and a t shirt with one of her designs (some type of vintage image). That's what she wears to the grocery, and to Kohls, and to play music, and to hang out at home, too.
"She was built like a watch, a study in balance ... with a neck and head so refined, like a drawing by DaVinci"...
NY Newsday sportswriter Bill Nack describing filly, Ruffian. |
| jcbtxstars |
Posted - Aug 07 2007 : 06:49:00 AM
Oh, I love those things...all of it...very $$$$...I will need to see if my sister can help me perhaps...duplicate....
Julia |
| mikesgirl |
Posted - Aug 07 2007 : 06:30:38 AM
I couldn't believe the sizing was only 0,1, and 2, so I clicked on the sizing button and it explains their different sizing method. The two goes all the way up to a 22, so it's not what it seems. Really pretty comfortable looking clothes. Thanks Stephanie. |
| nashbabe |
Posted - Aug 07 2007 : 06:18:19 AM
Oh well, it's all in sizes 0, 1, and 2. *sigh*
Crunchy crafty goodness and psychoses...;-)http://nashbabe.blogspot.com |
| mikesgirl |
Posted - Aug 07 2007 : 06:13:14 AM
Very cool! I think you'd have to be taller than me to carry something like that off, but I love it. |
| queenofdreamsz4u |
Posted - Aug 06 2007 : 10:23:53 PM
Hey Sherri,
Here's a comfort outfit I could live in while rubbing shoulders with those at the gallery This is from one of my favorite designer studios. http://www.barclaystudio.com/
Loose, Layered and comfortable...no hose, no high heels..slip on the Birkenstocks and be on my way
"hold close your inner child and always listen to the gentle whispers" ~queenofdreamsz
|
| mikesgirl |
Posted - Aug 06 2007 : 9:32:00 PM
I gave an example of what my idea outfit for going out would be. What's yours? |
| mikesgirl |
Posted - Aug 06 2007 : 12:31:16 PM
You guys are the best! Very inspirational words. I'll try to fake it til I make it! |
| queenofdreamsz4u |
Posted - Aug 06 2007 : 12:14:46 PM
Sherri,
You design and sew and I thought it would be fun to throw out there the definitions of who we really are:
This definition of "Artist" is the one that applies to those of us that are using fabrics as our canvas It can apply to other areas of design but since we sew I wanted to emphasize that area.
Artist - art·ist(ärtst)
2. A person whose work shows exceptional creative ability or skill.
Most folks tend to leave us out of the that "artist" arena because they think of "fine arts" or "performing arts" and that doesn't encompass what we do with the design and sewing.
And we are also a:
Designer - de·sign·er(d-znr)
One that produces designs: a book designer; a dress designer,etc.
1. Bearing the name, signature, or identifying pattern of a specific designer: designer clothing, designer purses, etc.
2. Conceived or created by a designer.
Ok, that was fun, wasn't it?  LOL
Anyway, you and anyone else that seriously approaches their creative work and they intend for it to go places, so to speak, should stand up and give yourselves "credit" where it is due
Sherri, I know that your clothing size is bothering you but honey you know who you are on the inside. The outside will take care itself along the journey. So don't be too hard on yourself. We can strive for that perfect "everything" but in this present moment "be happy with who you are". It' a simple choice we can make everyday when we wake up 
Now...go make something beautiful!!
...til next time - queenofdreamsz aka Stephanie
"hold close your inner child and always listen to the gentle whispers" ~queenofdreamsz
|
| Hideaway Farmgirl |
Posted - Aug 06 2007 : 11:59:11 AM
Sherri, I love that outfit, and I just love the clothes sold by Coldwater Creek! Are you sure you can't duplicate the look anyway, in your current size? Might as well look great today, even if you are struggling with a temporary sizing situation.
Jo
"Wish I had time to work with herbs all day!" |
| Luzy |
Posted - Aug 06 2007 : 10:10:12 AM
I just hopped over to the stitching room and saw your beautiful creations! They are just wonderful! I wish you much success and thanks for showing me where to find them. Hugs, Lu
--
May I always be the kind of person my dog thinks I am.
http://luzy.etsy.com- My etsy store! |
| mikesgirl |
Posted - Aug 06 2007 : 09:47:23 AM
Here's a perfect example of an outfit that is totally me (the me that's inside). I would wear this in a hearbeat if I hadn't gained so much weight.
This is from the new Coldwater Creek catalog. That would be so cute with cowboy boots - unfortunately, not so cute in my new size. |
| Firemama |
Posted - Aug 06 2007 : 09:34:35 AM
Sherri good for you girl. Just be yourself, it isnt always the easiest thing to do. But you sound like you handled yuor own and you definatley know who you are! BigHugs!!
Mommy to 2
Your FreckleFaced Farm Girl!!
Help when you can, Pray when you can't. |
| mikesgirl |
Posted - Aug 06 2007 : 09:28:06 AM
Stephanie - I loved your response - I am still having a bit of a problem seeing myself as an "artist". I think I am a seamstress who likes to fiddle with design. But, when I figure out how to adjust that self image, I believe I will enjoy dressing as I please, which is exactly in the style you farmgirls have described. I would love to wear long skirts, denim skirts, cowboy boots and cute artsy tops. I just am not comfortable in anything anymore with this weight gain, so I just stick to the safe stuff. I need to upgrade my self image. |
|
|
