2011 Resolutions

Peace People!


I have some resolutions for this blog…

The main one is to be more ‘bout it ‘bout it regarding posting. It’s going to get better.

I am not really all that great with pic posting. I know this. And since I’m always in elevation mode I need to get my intentions and actions in line with my philosophy.

I am going to just blog more of my work. There are things I have been working on that I just haven’t posted.

I’m going to post more “What I Wore Today”s. I want people to see that even when you have a personal philosophy of modesty, you can and SHOULD still be fly.

I have updated my profile Paternreview.com. I listed this address as my website so I gotta handle my business.

I am going to enter one of their (PR) contests.

I am going to do give aways as soon as I have a decent following.

I am going to represent better for my beloved Nation. Not in a ridiculously obvious fashion. But in a normal presentation. I don’t need to be the female poster-Earth. But I want to make knowledge born on my own level. This is what I do… 14:14!

I think that’s enough for now. I’m certain I will be adding and deleting later.


Happy Gregorian New Year



Peace

Not much going on outside my head.....

Peace

For some reason, I have been frantically planning my spring 2011 collection. I have no idea why. I’m not done with my fall 2010 stuff yet. I’m not going to look a gift mojo in the mouth.

As it stands now, I will craft a neutral collection featuring white and beige. I like that. I have no idea where and why such strong inspiration comes from, but I’m going with it. With such a neutral wardrobe, one can pop it here and there with colorful additions. Also, I have beige and white purses and shoes. So that leaves me needing accessories like… belts and maybe jewelry. That frees me up too. I can focus on the clothes and maybe start my acquisition of rose gold.

Damn! 2011 is GOING to be my year!

I have decided on the date of March 1st to begin spring/summer sewing. Here in Atlanta, it that’s when it will start to get warm. So that gives me time for find everything I need to be completely fabulous. One of my favorite fabric stores closed down. Phoey! But to be perfectly honest, I could never depend on them anyway. They were mostly upholstery fabrics and occasional cotton. It’s good they are gone. I can’t use them as a crutch anymore….. Time to branch out and look for another one. Maybe do the online thing. Maybe not.

I have been making crowns for the God. I want him to start wearing them on a regular basis. There is no reason why he shouldn’t. And I am going to make sure he has enough to match everything he could possibly wear. There is another reason for my newfound crown creating… I want to vend them. But not in an overt Nation way. I want to make them so that Gods feel comfortable wearing them daily. That’s my underlying determined idea. We shall see. Gods here don’t have direct access to crowns. They either have to wait until Show and Prove or order them online. Atlanta Gods can now have me custom make them crowns to match any ensemble. $15 a pop! Come and get them!

What is currently going on in my sewing room? I’m working on an EASY Vogue skirt. You can make this skirt in 1 maybe 2 hour sitting. But it’s taken me 2 weeks. The holidays have been busy for this Earth who doesn’t even celebrate. Oh well. I am still planning my denim shirt. And that’s really it.

What’s going on in my closet is I am getting more and more aggressive about moving towards my seasonless wardrobe. I have a lot of isht and it needs to go. I can’t stand looking at it. And I want to get a sofa and some mirrors in there. Things have to get tidier for that to happen. I find it ironic that I used to never have enough clothes and now I have too many. What a difference a decade can make.

TTFN!



Peace!!!!!

This Present History or Koran

Peace People,

I was building with this dude who came into the office today. He and I have history. Not romantic, but platonic. Last year he was a vegetarian for 3 months. You have to start somewhere. But he is a single man and it was hard for him to maintain, being a single and working all the time. Now he is back on his meat grind complete with the swine. He asked me how I managed to maintain so long and I had to laugh. If all I was a vegetarian then maybe I could see me having difficulty. I thought I should blog about it.

But then... Which blog to post it? The healthy blog? The righteous blog? The sewing blog? The socially responsible blog? All my blogs have different readers. So..... I'll hit y'all all up!

This is Serenity.... At this present history or Koran.

(1) I am a decade long vegetarian. I go in and out with veganism and raw food. I really don't think for me raw food is sustainable for long term consumption. I think it's better in the summer months than in the cooler ones. For one reason, I can't eat cold food in cold weather and vice versa. The way around that is in heated environments. I think I would like to be more raw and vegan, but cheese is a tricky dicky temptation. We shall see

(2) I don't wear pants. I stopped wearing pants 5 years ago. I felt like my feminine energy was being suppressed. I force myself to be more lady like by wearing skirts and dresses. And by George, it works. I am very lady like now. It has affected the way I walk and sit. That has in turn affected my mannerisms which in turn has affected my speech

(3) I rarely buy clothes new. I completed a year-long shopping fast, now I turn to the thrift store or better yet, my sewing machine for new clothes needs.

(4) I don't take medicine unless I see no other way, like I'd die without it. that extends to most vitamins. I rather get the nutrients through food or teas.

(5) I do most of my shopping for food at health food stores, farmers markets and specialty stores. Other stuff I need, I get from cheapo stores like Big lot or Maxway

(6) I recycle, re-use, and repurpose. So that means I don't buy plastic that I cannot reuse over and over and over and over.... I'm trying to do my part to save the planet. Not because I think the planet is incapable of saving herself, but people need to live in harmony with their surroundings and acknowledge that we have a responsibility to be good stewards of nature.

(7) I like to ball and have a balling cee on things. I can be that fabulous fly assed hippy Earth.

(8) No children. And I'm okay with that. If they come fine, if they don't that's fine too.

(9) I do yoga. Not as much as I'd like to because it's cold and I hate leaving the house when it's cold, but I'm going to get back there.

(10) I try not to wear anything but natural fibers. Everything else irritates my eczema. Unfortunately I have never seen a cotton bra. And I draw the line at making or thrifting lingerie. That gets store bought.

(11) I study all forms of spirituality. I really have a true affection for Hoodoo/Rootwork/Conjure. Since I'm righteous and don't fear retribution of a mystery god, I will do stuff just for fun. It's a hobby, I have been at if for years, months and days. You scared?

(12) My hair is loced. It took a minute for me to like it , but now I'm hooked and recommend it. Since I always wear a headwrap, I don't style it. I still love it though

(13) I really go all out with the 3/4ths thing. I rarely leave the house with out my head wrapped. If I do, it's by accident. Some chicks have asked to see my hair..... Why? Doesn't matter to me if your righteous or not, if your male or female.... I just don't show it. Eventually, my hair might be too long to keep from being wrapped fully. Wait on that day.

(14) I have a real bad temper. The dangerous part in that, is people think I'm a punk bitch. SMH. They usually try me and get more than they bargained for. I have no boundaries when fighting. I have been trying to reign it in since my father died. Daddy would never leave his baby girl to rot in jail. My mother, on the other hand, would.

(15) I used to smoke and drink. Not anymore. I stopped smoking because my father died from lung cancer. I stopped drinking because I didn't want to be drunk again. And I don't see the purpose of drinking if your not going to get your head smashed.

(16) I really get annoyed with people who say "I could be a vegetarian" or "I could be righteous." If you could be, and don't, clearly you can't. Stop claiming it.

(17) I'm a big girl and I'm not ashamed or apologetic. I'm big, Yes. But I bet I look better than the average thin chick on ANY given day.

(18) I suppose I'm conceited too. I don't care.

(19) I got this thing for vintage. Vintage clothes. Vintage recipes. Vintage activities. i have NO idea where this interest comes from and I'm just as shocked as folks around me.

(20) I won't buy a foreign car. New or old. I just can't bring myself to do it. I have had 4 cars in my adult life (1 in my adolescent life) and all of them were American made cars. It's just how I get down. And I have never had the drama folks put on American cars. Ain't like people who drive foreign cars never have problems with them. You have to car for them properly.

(21) I love my Nation so much! But I'm not a revolutionary. My cee on this Nation is it's a personal journey for each individual. I don't have to put myself out there and force folks to my side of the street. But I allow myself to be just visible enough for people to build with me if they choose. But I ain't running out to save the world.


I am a completely different person than I was 10 years ago. I expect to be a completely different person in 10 years so I'll be in the constant state of build and destroy. I'm actually looking forward to the new developments.



Peace

Not Every Day

Peace.

I have come to realize that a lot of pressure I put on myself when having to do with sewing comes from the flawed idea that I need to be sewing all the time. I don't. It's not paying any bills for me... yet.

While sharing Thanksgiving with my god sister, someone in attendance asked me if I had made my dress. I said yes. She then asked me if I made all of my own clothes. I thoughtfully replied, pretty much. And that's true. Before I move to purchase something, I seek to make it 1st. But even with that bit of truth on board, I don't see the need to be constantly sewing. I don't shop every day, consequently I don't sew every day. I don't need to.

When I read the blogs, these people seem tied to their sewing machines. They have excessive guilt if a day passes and they haven't sewn a stitch or bought a pattern or some fabric. And these folk aren't professional seamstresses. I don't sew like that. I didn't buy clothes like that. I bought what I needed when I needed it. Now I sew what I need when I need it. Seriously. The Thanksgiving dress got sewn the Wednesday before AFTER I got home from work. Apparently I do well under pressure. Because it's not like I could have run out and bought something to wear on the day if the dress didn't turn out well.

I do like to have something new to wear to the rallies each month. Simply because the 14:14 degree mentions sewing as a MGT function. That way I can show an prove in a public setting that I am living out this culture. But that's really it. That's 12 new outfits a year. Is that not enough? If I feel I need something that is when I get going. Otherwise, not so much.

So Now that the light is receding, I always focus on something new to learn in my down time. I'm thinking I'm going to only be posting projects like once a month. Since I'll only be sewing here and there. There is the skirt that I cut the pattern for last night, but that won't take long. It's only 2 pieces. There is the wrap jacket that I haven't figured out yet and there are still the denim dress that I haven't bought fabric for yet and the denim blouse. Those projects should hold me. I'm planning to wear the skirt to the December rally and the denim blouse to the January rally. Then my focus will be on spring. For some reason.... I have been contemplating my spring collection like I'm a designer. But that post will have to wait until then.

So ta ta for now.....



Plan
Each
Activity
Carefully
Everyone

Simplicity 2497

Peace Y'all!

Here is my thanksgiving frock. I cut it on Tuesday and sewed it up on Wednesday. A very easy dress to make and I love it. I Wore it on Thanksgiving and then I wore it again to the rally. I'm going to wash it and wear it again sometime this week.

Did it look like the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes!

Fabric: 100% cotton with a bold assed floral print

Lining:
None

Were the instructions easy to follow?Yes and no. Once I understood the directions they were easy, but I didn't understand what I was supposed to be doing for like the 1st hour. But after that things went quick.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I love this dress. the one thing I didn't like was, as a short, modest lady, the long version was too long and the shorter versions were too short. Easy to remedy though.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:I cut the biggest size (20) but it still wasn't big enough. So I added 2 inches everywhere. And by everywhere I mean 2 on each shoulder, and 4 on the skirt. I lengthened the midriff band too.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?Yes and yes.

Simplicity 2497

Peace.

this was supposed to be a Bornday frock. But.... I didn't end up going anywhere or doing anything. So I changed my plans a bit. Where I was going to do version D in aubergine for my Bornday, I am working version C for "Should have let them starve" day, more commonly known as Thanksgiving. Not sure where I'm spending the day but I also plan to where to the rally on Sunday. so it will get worn, and probably to work next week.

Sons of Anarchy was on and I didn't want to fall asleep before it finished or came on. So, your girl started cutting the pattern. I had already cut version D. The only thing that's consistent across all the versions was the skirt and belt. I had only expected to finish the pattern but I cut the fabric as well. so whats left is putting everything together. I did add 4 inches in total to everything. All the pattern reviews say that the bodice is big. We'll see. I also cut out pockets. I never add pockets. I'm growing.

Here is what the fabric looks like. I know it looks like a 70's sofa or a tablecloth but I love it. and it was dirt cheap. If I spend the holiday with my people, I'll be cute, though probably not happy.



Peace!

Frum

Peace.

When I 1st came back to this Nation, I came by myself (2:36). I had been exposed to it in the 80's but it took 20 years to accept. You would think that during that 20 years of consideration, I would have given thought to how I was gonna display my Understanding of the Culture (3/4) but I never gave it any thought. 2008 found me righteous but no clue with the whats and hows to cover my body.

The ironic part about the whole situation was, I knew how I DIDN'T want to rock 3/4ths. I didn't want to look too out there and I didn't want to look like a Mormon. So logic would have me observe Muslim women. And to some degree I liked how they displayed modesty. They were often very stylish in their dress, and it is frequently expensive, but it wasn't right for me. The head coverings are too much, they wear make up and pants. I don't. So it wasn't a perfect fit. What I took from them was the pride that they how they dressed and the desire to be chic. I want people to 1 and 3 that I do this because I want to, not because someone is forcing me.

Next I observed Rastafarian women. Their style was too ethnic for me. Not saying there is nothing wrong with ethnic. I am not self employed. I work in a business environment and I need to reflect that. Not that I don't do ethnic, just not at work. And face it, I'm either at work or I'm at home in bed. There is only the weekend for ethnic and clothes to relax in. The best part taken from Rastas is theres nothing wrong with comfort and ethnicity, but there is a time and a place for it.

But.... I never thought about Jewish women. Hmmmmm....

I am from northern NJ. A Jewish Mecca. There was a Hebrew school around the corner form where I grew up. I went to dental school (a very Jewish vocation) and have worked in the dental industry since I have been grown. I am familiar with their customs and observations. I can even speak a little Yiddish. I know Jews. Not to take anything away from Jewish culture. I'm just saying. I knew they had a dress code for their ladies. But some of it is very surprisingly familiar.

Tznius.... that is the name for the women's dress code. Literally it means "modest." Orthodox Jewish women cover themselves from collar to elbow to knee. After marriage they cover their heads. There are 3 ways I've seen this done.... (1) Scarf or snood, (2) hat or (3) wig. Sounds familiar does it not? The goal is to be attractive but not attracting. I can dig this. This had me reaching out to my FB friends from the old days asking them to explain some of the particulars. Sounds very close to our philosophy. A lot of Jewish women had been observant around me without me even knowing. Bingo!

The God... or should I say The G-D.... just kidding.... said that 2:14 and 4:14 says that Musa went to the devil and brought them laws in which to civilize and govern themselves accordingly. And since Musa was a 1/2 Original man, who was taught by Original people that their laws could be similar to ours. So it's not me imitating them but me reclaiming what's mine. I'm going to take the best part.

One funny thing is it is making me reach in the depth of my hind parts to recall all the Yiddish I used to know. Without it, it is hard to follow the sources of my information. I used to work with this one Jewish dentist who patient pool was nearly all Jewish and they spoke mainly Yiddish in the office. This was in Teaneck, NJ so of course they spoke English... for me. I was completely lost at first and they found this highly entertaining. But I'm a smart girl and picked it right on up. I just never used it quite right. So it was still entertaining. It's always good to learn the language and customs of the people around you. It lets you know when an ambush is being planned. That's all I have to say about them people.



Peace.