*Channeling my inner Jill Scott*More black. Initially I'd intended for this to be a knee length dress similar to this one. However, the fabric drapes so well, and I couldn't help but let it go all the way to the floor. Also, despite my short stature and the fact that they might make me appear even shorter, I'm a big fan of long dresses. One of my all time favorite creations was floor length.
Making the in-process decision to have this dress be long rather than short got me thinking about my style of designing, the way I run this clothing operation, and all fly tie related things in general. Like many of you out there in the world of crafting or sewing or single parent hood or just singleness in general, I'm the sole "doer" here. From the designer to the marketing person to the model to the accountant. All me all the time. For reasons relating to finances and convenience, that's just the way it's turned out, and I have no problem with it. And beyond having no problem with it, at this point I have a hard time envisioning it being any other way.
I've read interviews with other indie designers who say that in the future they look forward to being able to hire help for tasks like sewing, packaging, etc. so that they could focus more on designing. When it comes to packaging and shipping, I can definitely relate. Yet, when I try to think of others doing a task like sewing my pieces for me, it just doesn't register. I have a really hard time seeing that. My style of designing is so intrinsically connected to the cutting and sewing that it's difficult for me to separate the two. I don't sketch or draw garments. It's all in my head (many times influenced by outside factors, of course), and the "idea" that I started out with may transform 3-4 times before the final product. Therefore, it's important that I'm the one doing the sewing, since this ever changing design format is hardly transferable to anyone else. The dress you see here was not only supposed to be short, but it was also going to have some contrast piping between the bust and waist, and it was not initially going to have elastic or a belt. However, as I went along I felt that the idea for piping needed to be axed and the other two features should be added. That's just how it goes.Perhaps I'm speaking on or venting about this because I'm not sure how this need of mine to be so closely connected to the production of each piece will translate as this fly tie entity grows. If ever I do get to the point where help needs to be hired, how will I handle it? Will I handle it? Is it even possible?
Not sure. For now, though I'll just continue as I do.
Oh! Click the picture to get a closer look at the ring on my index finger which I made in a metalworking class 4 yrs. ago. Ok, you really can't see it that well even after clicking, but I'm still so proud of it. :-D
Have a beautiful day.
peace.
17 comments:
I really need to hit the lottery b/c you have three or four dresses that I covet. :O)
Oh and you've been tagged.
This dress is gorgeous!
u r such a darn lady!!! awesome work, Sis! }{
www.litefreedomariposas.blogspot.com
Love that one! I could totally wear that one out at a Spoken Word show or the Kindred Concert coming to town soon.
BTW- I had an organizer to call me today to ask if I knew any Fashion designers that might want to do a show in late OCT. or Nov. in Atlanta. If you are interested, send her a note here: http://www.myspace.com/rhythmoflifemovement
She's Carolyn.
Tell her Brooke referred you, she might not know me by Jewelryrockstar:)
Absolutely stunning! You are gorgeous!
Beautiful!
Delegating is not something I'm skilled at either. The science to my creativity is that there is no science at all. I agree the best part of that would be lost with the addition of anyone other than a distribution hand!
Absolutely BEAUTIFUL as always =). I think that length would look as great on any shorter person as it does on you. It reminds me of a maxi dress and for some reason, the longer lengths don't shorten us... maybe it has to do with the way the top of the dress is designed.
I feel you on what you're feeling about your craft. I don't think there is anything wrong with it and that you shouldn't stress yourself thinking about it now. When your business begins to grow, you will know in your heart what feels right to you. You know?
Oh yeah... I think the "i'm a lady babydoll dress" would look fabulous in a longer length too. Of course we could no longer call it a baby doll, but whatever, you know what I mean, lol.
Oh wow love the longer length!
I have been coming to your blog every now and then for the last few weeks and I must confess that of all you creations, this dress tops the bill. I think what I like about it is the way it falls down so blithely and carelessly and obviously I can imagine my other half wearing it. The colour finds favour chez A Cuban In London because when it comes to hues I am a monochromatic type of person. Please, understand that my monochromes escape the usual stereotype, in my case, it is blue, black and dark grey tones and on occasions I go back to the more platitudinous b/w. I just love this design and yes, I know that a lot of people reading your blog leave comments reading that indeed they would like to purchase the piece in question, but this... and the other... Well, if I lived near you I would definitely buy it as a post-wedding anniversary for my wife.
Greetings from London.
So beautiful!
And, for what it's worth, I don't think length ever makes a smaller woman look shorter. In that dress you look sophisticated and stunning. It's the cut and how it's proportioned to the body.
You have, and are, such a gift!
You better work...
thanks all for the kind words. :-)
jewelry rockstar...thanks for that info. it's right on time.
tameka--indeed. you word ideas and concepts so well.
ms. bar b---yep. i hear ya. thanks for those words. and i like that idea of making "i'm a lady longer". stay tuned....
a cuban in london--that's greatly appreciated. it's even better coming from a guy. :-D
juli---yeah, i don't buy into the standard fashion diatribe about who's supposed to or not supposed to wear something. i'm i'm feeling it, i roll with it.
soul pretty--ha ha! hey, i try.
That dress is great! Everytime I see a new dress I wish that your designs were available in plus size.
I understand what you mean. Some of my clothes I could never get sewn by someone else because of this. But most of them, i could, i would just retain the cutting part because it's fun, and the customizing part on the pieces of fabric because it's even more fun. the rest is just mechanical work.
But then, arrives a moment where I suppose you can't do everything by yourself anymore... I'm starting to struggle a bit. i'd like to sleep too. lol
awesome dress!!!!!!! oh my goodness, i will definitely need one of those. send of me some of your talent this way!
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