Friendship Friday MEME

Sep 7, 2007

FRIENDSHIP FRIDAY MEME

There seems to be so many “Friday” memes such as Five for Friday and Fill-In Friday.  However, I want to do something a bit different…

Friendship Fridays!

Here’s how it works…

1. Name 3 Friends.  They came be IRL (in real life) ones, long-lost friends or internet buddies.  Feel free to use a nickname or other code name to conceal their identity if you want.

2. What is your friend’s best asset (personality trait, talent or physical appearance)?

3.  What is your friend’s obsession, addiction or downfall?

4.  What advice would you give your friend?

5.  What do you wish for your friend (serious or funny)?

Your list doesn’t have to be in rank of favorites, just random so nobody’s feelings get hurt…LOL

Who’s joining me?

I’ll go first…

My Friends

My Irish Buddy

– She has an amazing talent with applique.

– Her downfall is selflessness.

– She’s just moved to NJ last week…leaving me behind…so my advice to her is to visit often.

– I wish her tranquility…hoping she finds the peace and quiet she so deserves.

With Love from Germany

– Her sensibility. Yes, she is beyond talented, but it is her common sense that centers me.

– This girl has a major fabric addiction (see above proof).

– My advice to her would be to downsize her fabric collection by sending some to ME!!!

– I wish her much success with her new ventures!

My Favorite Camera Chica

– Ummm….now you all think I’m going to say her photography skills are her greatest asset, but no…it’s Georgie Porgie™ who is quite handy with the mop and kiddos so she can pursue her dreams.  Only kidding!  Of course it’s her unbelievable talent.  I’ve watched her grow from the days of eBay custom children’s boutique model shots to owning a successful portrait studio and landing some nice professional gigs!  Way to go, girl!

– Her downfall is when she second guesses herself in business.

– Go with your gut more often–if it doesn’t feel right, it ain’t.

– I wish she’ll convince her sweet Emma to marry my Loverboy™ Joey someday…just think, I’ll do all the wedding planning and she can take the awesome wedding portraits!  Sounds like a plan!

Next Friday, I’ll do 3 more of my wonderful friends…I love my buddies…and should be able to keep at this for a year or more, but don’t hold me to it!

F is for…

Sep 7, 2007

Nope…it’s not about the bad four letter word.

Faggoting

Many computerized sewing machines have the ability to create a decorative Faggoting stitch, often used in heirloom embroidery. Usually used on sleeves, fronts of blouses and/or dresses. Attach two separate pieces of fabric together, leaving a little space in between.

If your sewing machine doesn’t have fagotting capabilities or you simply do not have the patience to do it, you can purchase faggoting trim and attach it between two pieces of fabric for a similar effect.

Fairies

   

Heidi (aka myprincesslexie) gave me the cutest Fairy Door…and yes, it’s PINK!!!  I was even able to find a miniature sewing machine, sewing basket, scissors, mannequin and ironing board…woo hoo!!!  Hopefully my Diva Fairy™ will help out with some of the sewing around here…LOL!

Flickr Pics of the Fairy Doors of Ann Arbor

Urban Fairies

Phenomenon of Fairy Doors

Friendship

My Friendship Friday Meme

Hope your weekend is off to a great start!

Added 9/8/07 from Sue Wizard:

HMMMMM the letter F

I could think of a LOVELY F post to write

Dear Diary ,

Lets Discuss a man I call FRANK FOOTER …………………I would have jumped on him at The Domestic Divas BBQ except for the fact well that …Im married …and yeah that might be a sin ….also my husband may not have wanted to watch the kids while I broke our vows ………..

But oh LORD the man can cook …and hes got feet the size small watermelons …and well YOU know what they say about men with big feet ……

F
F
F !!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sue

More Goodies for the Sewing Room

Sep 6, 2007

Two new things for the Sewing Room…

First up, a cute Japanese-inspired tape measure I picked up last week in The Village for a mere $5:

And this weekend at HomeGoods, I found this awesome Wood Lazy Susan desk holder.  It’s of substantial weight and measures 13″ in diameter and 9″ tall…perfect for my cutting implements and other things I use on my cutting table:

Have a great night!

 

Sewing Machine Needles for the Handicap???

Sep 6, 2007

Needles – 14/90 Handicap – Embroidery/Sewing

Huh?  I found several descriptions on-line:

A general purpose needle that can be used on knit or woven fabrics. A casual sewer who might repair a pair of jeans today, a child’s t-shirt tomorrow, and some lingerie next month will probably use this needle most often. It will do a number of tasks sufficiently. It has a long scarf that is great for zigzag stitching and it does not damage knits. It is sharp enough to go through a lot of fabrics but it does have a slight ball point which does not make it ideal for going through many layers or high thread count fabrics. This needle comes in a wide range of sizes from size 60 to size 120.

Especially useful for those who find it very difficult to thread a needle.  Designed with a slot (opening) on the right side of the needle next to the eye of the needle.  Simply run the thread down and along the right side of the needle until it slips into the eye.

I get the idea of the easy threading.  What I don’t get is how one needle is sufficient for both knits and woven.  And if that be the case, why would one continue to bother buying several different kinds of needles?  Isn’t this a bad business decision for Schmetz?  I mean, offer the handicap needle, however, have different handicap needles for different fabrics/applications like they have for all their other needles.  JMHO…

E is for…

Sep 5, 2007

Embroidery Thread Trick

I used to have problems with certain embroidery threads (usually Robinson Anston) feeding off my machine due to the shape of the thread cone until a Viking Sewing instructor suggested the following:

Place embroidery thread in front of machine.

Bring embroidery thread up and place between a large and small thread holder.

Put thread through thread guides as you normally do.

Thread needle and now you’re ready to embroider!

Electric Rotary

For a long time, I struggled with cutting multiple layers of fabric (mostly denim and twill) until my buddy, Carol  of Just Kidd’n, turned me onto electric cutters.

The cutters are not cheap.  They start at $149 and go up to $700!  I purchased a electric rotary minicutter for about $170 with extra blades from South Star Supply…and it’s been worth every penny! It saves me a lot of time when cutting and I no longer have trouble with aches in my hands!

Oh, and don’t buy one of those cheap Gemsy Minicutters…you’ll be very disappointed.

Minicutters

Round Cutters

Straight Blade Cutters

Ebay

How I just loved eBay!!!  It’s my 24-hour shopping adventure.  I can spend countless hours searching for Children’s Custom Boutique Clothing, fabric, and Textile and Apparel Equipment.

D is for…

Sep 4, 2007

Downtown Joey

I remember when I did my first sketch for my boys’ clothing line, Downtown Joey, and sewed up my first sample.  Since then I’ve done at least 20 other sets (most in multiples) for sale on both on eBay and privately.  Now I am gearing up to go into manufacturing this coming year.  It’s going to be an exciting time for me:  having professional patterns made, sourcing fabrics, going to market (tradeshows) and finally see my boys’ line in boutiques (hopefully nationwide).  I’ve spent the last 2 years learning as much as I can to prepare me for this upcoming adventure.

  

Most of my recent education is accredited to Kathleen Fassanella, the genius behind Fashion Incubator. If you are considering producing a clothing line, I strongly suggest you take a look at her book, The Entrepreneur’s Guide to Sewn Product Manufacturing.  This book has surely saved me from making costly and unnecessary mistakes such as not purchasing fabric prior to market (why buy fabric if you haven’t sold the line?) and having patterns graded and markers made based on only the styles and sizes sold.  I’ve learned the importance of having production-ready patterns–how it can make or break your line.  Oh, I could go on and on…but better you buy the book!

Ummm…that would be ME.  Check out this cool letter image generator: ://metaatem.net/words.php 

Design

  

These sketches above where done by my 13-year-old daughter after getting her this Fashion Sketchbook.  If you’re into fashion illustration, this is the book for you!  Great for both the beginner and seasoned artist.

Diaper Covers

I cringe anytime I have to make another embroidery diaper cover…it seems so long ago when I spent my days producing dozens of them.

Desperate Housewives

Season 4 starts Sunday, September 30th at 9pm EST on ABC TV…don’t miss it!  I hope Jesse Metcalfe makes some appearances again this year!

C is for…

Sep 3, 2007

Candy

  

DOTS…my very FAVORITE!  I have a serious DOTS addiction…I buy a case of them for my Candy Cart a week prior to a party, but always have to go buy another case as I eat them all!!!

 

Smarties make me BRIGHT…that’s my story and I’m sticking to it.

Fun-Dip is another candy on my favorites list.  I really need to stop…I could go on all day about the candies I love.

Candy Cart

My Candy Cart takes up half of my garage!  When we purchased a 5 story pizzeria in Manhattan several years ago, the previous owner had left behind an authentic candy cart…WOO HOO!  Since we had no use for it in the business, it became mine…long story short, we sold the business 2 years later and I had to get that candy cart from the 3rd floor to my Dad’s truck.  You should have seem this…it’s amazing we didn’t kill ourselves!  Oh but it was soooo worth it!

Caramel Apples

Simply Caramel Apple Recipe

Cotton Candy

I have this pathetic cotton candy marker.  Used it twice…cotton candy was all over my kitchen walls…never again.  $115? I paid only $39 for it from Lillian Vernon.

However, I was thinking maybe it’s time I purchase a REAL cotton candy machine as I’m dropping $200 each party to rent one.

I want THIS!

It’s bad enough I have the darn candy cart.  Do you think Mr. Diva™ would notice a Cotton Candy Machine?

Speaking of this, I think I need one of these for the next BBQ! 

Candles

Trapp’s Fresh Cut Tuberose…heavenly!  My buddy, Rachel (aka Deep Blue Grotto™) turned me onto these.  I’ve been purchasing them from the Scents and Sprays Website …sign up for their email sales alerts!

 Have a Happy Labor Day…now I must get to work…I know, I shouldn’t be working, but too many things need to get done…KWIM?

Sunday Dinner in NYC…

Sep 2, 2007

If you’re expecting clever recipes, you’ve come to the wrong place.  Although I actually can cook, I rarely do as the food pickings here in NYC are to die for.

I stopped by V & J Hillside Market in Staten Island, NY and Mr. Diva™ went to Faicco’s Pork Store in Brooklyn, NY.

We (well, Mr. Diva™) prepared a delicious Sunday Dinner…

Prosciutto di Palma

When choosing Prosciutto, insist on Imported Prosciutto di Palma

Fresh Salted Mozzarella Cheese

Potato Croquettes

Fresh Italian Roasted Peppers, Kalamata Olives and Sicilian Cracked Green Olives with Garlic

 

Italian Hot and Sweet Sausage

 

Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail

Filet Mignon

Fresh Fruit

Nothing like a little food on a Sunday afternoon!

B is for…

Sep 2, 2007

Bassinette

Every so often, some girl somewhere gets knocked up pregnant and the need to make a bassinette arises.  Two years ago, I made this for a homeless girl who didn’t have anything to put her new baby in other than a dresser drawer.  She recently got knocked up the wonderful news again. Hopefully she knows who her Baby Daddy is this time has another girl.  And no, I’m not making her another bassinette if it’s a boy.  She can use my tax dollars to buy a new one.

My mom made this seafoam green bassinette for my daughter 14 years ago.  Beautiful job Mom…but couldn’t you have swayed me away from such a hideous color choice?

Bows

 

Unlike all my Bow Ho™ buddies, I do not hand tie my bows…I use my handy dandy BowDabra.  I usually make them to adorn my gift boxes.  However, I’ve sold a few on eBay years back.  Everytime I see that blue bow, I laugh.  A freak guy bought it for $30 and left me feedback stating it was the most beautiful bow he’s ever purchased.  Ummm…huh?  It’s a bow…and what in the world does a MAN want with a bow?  Probably could have sold him adult sissy panties, too…LOL.  It takes all types.

Bibs

 

I’ve probably made more than 100 baby bibs in the last few years, both as gifts and for sale on eBay.  I made this one for my friend, Evil Twin™, who realized the morning of her daughter’s Christening that she didn’t have a bib…and I thought I was a scatter brain.  Anyway, I whipped this up to go with her daughter’s white silk dupioni dress, because I’ll use any excuse to dig into my tatting collection I’m such a good friend.

BBQ

 

The Diva’s 4th Annual NYC BBQ is scheduled for Saturday, August 2nd.  Be there or be square!

Bratz Doll Dresses

 

OK…so some of you refuse to let your daughters play with trashy Bratz dolls.  I’m not in your club…I LOVE the Bratz dolls’ passion for fashion™.  Just admit it…they have much cooler clothes than Boutique Barbie™.

I first got hooked on eBay while searching for handmade Bratz doll clothes.  When I saw some of the junk dresses being sold, I decided I’d give it a shot.  Smart move…my Bratz doll dresses sold for an average of $33 a piece and the highest one going for $46!  Somehow (don’t ask me) I was able to gather a yard of fabric down to 3 inches to fit the doll’s waist.  I included a simple tulle pettiskirt and a garter made from foldover elastic.  It wasn’t long before other eBayers noticed and soon the Handmade Bratz doll dress market was swamped.

Bridal Gown

Yes, that’s me…notice the obnoxious airbrushed nails?  Give me a little slack…it’s a NY thing…LOL

A is for…

Sep 1, 2007

Ok…it’s September 1st and in an effort to blog daily, I’m joining in on the fun with an Encyclopedia of ME based on The Encyclopedia of an Ordinary Life…

Applique Scraps – I must admit, I stink at applique.  I keep all my fabric scraps in a big pink vintage breadbox and when full, give them to my Irish Buddy™ so she can create awesome appliques!

Alencon Lace – oh, how I LOVE this stuff.  I’ve managed to acquire a lovely stash of it and use it when embellishing infant and bridal items.  To learn more:
Alencon Lace Info by the Lace Fairy

Alterations – I’d rather slice my finger with a rotary cutter than do alterations.  Whenever anyone gives me something to alter against my will, I put it in a big plastic box (aka black hole)and there it stays forever.  I just don’t alter other designers’ creations…I prefer to make my own!

Artist – I painted my way through High School doing t-shirts and denim jackets…mostly Rock n Roll themes.  Now that I’m grown up, I paint faux-finishes on my walls and create ceramic pieces for my holiday displays.