2.12.2011

My Forever 21 Inspiration

So, lately, I have been thinking a lot about talents and sharing talents.  I kind of wish I had more of them.  So, I have been making a mental note of things I would like to "explore".  I cannot guarantee that I will be proficient at all the things I try, but I am going to try anyways.  I just feel like I have so much more to give...  Here are a few things I want to learn about and (hopefully) become better at...

1) I would like to learn how to sew...  and by "sew", I mean, be able to sew, alter, upcycle, and design.  (I think it runs in my family....  My mom can sew, my Auntie Sandra can sew, and my grandma can sew.   I also "borrow" good sewing vibes from Aunt Tami and Aunt Rhonda.) 
2)  I would like to learn how to play the piano...  and then the violin.  I have always wanted to be able to share some sort of musical ability...  but I don't have any as of yet.  (Hence, this list).
3) I want to learn how to write children's literature.  I am taking an Intro to Children's Lit course this semester and it really fascinates me.  I would love to be creative and write children's stories based on challenges they face in the world today.
4) Photography.  I could never paint or sculpt, but I think I could do photography.  I would love to learn how to look at the world from a different angle.  :)
5) I want to learn the proper way to swim...  I made it to maroon when I was a kid and I could swim to save my life, but I have always wanted to learn all the proper techniques and swim strokes.  I would love to be able to go to the pool before school or an exam and swim lengths.  It would be a way to clear the mind and work the body...

Anyways, this is not really what this post is all about.  And, the list goes much longer, but I am getting off track.  

The other day, I went into Forever 21.  I don't really shop there very often because the store always seems such a mess....  but there are some real treasures to be found there if you are willing to look.  Anyways, I had to go to the mall to get a book for school (that cost 55 bucks, bleh) and I decided to look around.  I have been avoiding the malls lately in an attempt to stop the accumulation of STUFF.  No, this is not a spending strike that you hear about all over the blogosphere these days....  It is just an attempt to simplify my life.  It actually feels pretty good.  I even went through my closet and gave away a bunch of stuff that I love, but never wear.  (How tragic is that?  Having pretty things hang in your closet... and never wearing them).  Anways... we were talking about my trip to the mall... I stopped in a store to take a peek and I stumbled across these...

I fell in love with them...  And they were my inspiration for my first project on the road to accumulating more talents.  (ha!)  I love the silver and light blue together.  
So, I decided to make a dress for MYSELF that matched the idea/color scheme of these earrings!  (I have not sewn something for myself since the pj's in high school).  
I won't lie...  it took me a long time to sew this dress.  (Like 5 hours)  But I would like to just mention that, since I am trying to get better at sewing, I wouldn't cut any corners on the project.  I ironed, pinned, marked, re-ironed, pinned again, and ironed again.  And here is the finished product:

Front View:
(There are pleats on the front that are hard to see in the photo).



 From the Back:

 (As you can see, modelling is not currently one of my talents... but, I did figure out how to use the self-timer on my camera!  That's something to be proud of I think...)



It is definitely not the most flattering dress out there, but, man, is it comfy!  And I made it out of a lightweight wool fabric that was "like butter"!  

I think it will look really cute with a belt and cardigan.  Good thing I have both of those at home (since I am avoiding malls at the moment).

Do you want to know the best part?  Well, 2 "best parts" really.
1) It turned out exactly how it was supposed to... that has never happened to me before!
2) Total cost?  Including the earings, this outfit cost a total of $4.75.  Beat that Banana!





5 comments:

  1. Cute, cute, cute.... (check) one goal accomplished! You are a "sewer" now all those others are going to be looking to you to "borrow" ideas!

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  2. I am totally impressed, Natalie. Great job!!!When I grow up I want to have determination and a positive outlook just like you.
    Love,
    AR

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  3. You are a natural. Talents become great talents with continued use. You are doing very well. Of course, you could cut holes in a garbage bag and wear it and you would look FABULOUS in it. In anything! I love that you are sewing for yourself! Good girl!

    You are THE BEEEESSSSSTTTT!

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  4. Nice work, Natalie. It looks perfect!

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  5. Keep going with your sewing! It's such a great talent to have. I haven't attempted clothing, I've made blanket covers and pillows so I give you a lot of credit for trying something this tailored!

    Explore every section of life and creativity that you find interesting. It's all about confidence in knowing you can do anything you put you mind to. I decided I wanted to make jewelry, I put my mind to it and it happened!

    Contact me anytime for some advice, chit chat or words of inspiration! ( bethmaria.com )

    Good Luck! Best Regards!!

    Beth Maria

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