Kiss a Farmer, Hug a Tree

Ok, not fashion related at the moment.

Whilst chillin' this evening, I was listening to good ole NPR via KCRW.

The usual news of Iraq, fires destroying Cali, an quick bit on canning produce (a no brainer to us farm raised kids), etc.

Then my ears perked up.

Michelle Obama has started a farmer's market just steps from the White House. Good for her. This particular market is one that honors WIC & various other goverment sponsered food programs (food stamps, EBT, etc). Great, really way to set an example.

Then the interviews came. First the secrectary of Agriculture; a farmer's friend from Iowa with many good things to say.

Then...Sallie James. "Can Walmart Sell Nutrition Better Then the US"

I was rather infuriated, listen for yourself. This is why I'm pissed off. Groups like Urban Farming are making waves in urban areas, such as Detroit & Los Angeles making self sustaining gardens a reality.

On another note, farmer's markets have been thriving for years. As a native to the Madison, WI area...I grew up selling & shopping around the Capitol at the Dane County Farmer's Market. The nations largest. While living in NYC, The Union Square farmer's market was always a treat. Living in L.A. provides endless farmer's market adventures. Personal favorites are in Silverlake on Saturday & Larchmont on Sunday. The Farmer's Market is great too for fresh fish & bread, anytime. I also love shopping at the Kosher markets in my neighborhood...tons of fresh, good produce for super cheep. Awesome.

ok. that's all - eat a damn salad. grow a tomato.

Iz It Blue?

So I LOVE sewing. There is nothing more satisfying then making a dress from start to finish & seeing your client's face light up. However, as with all creative persuits sewing is occasionally a labor of love. Disasters do happen, no mater how good you are! Let me share...

Monday.

I awoke relaxed and excited to visit Mood Fabrics with a friend to embark on a new sewing project. With glorious bright sky blue silk in hand, I was pumped to get this svelte shift underway. All gravy at this stage...with a good muslin & evening of pattern making ahead of me, I was all set, or so I thought...

Tuesday

...arrived in seconds, jumped out of bed & began the laborious chore of cutting & sewing the princess seamed garment. In layman's terms princess seams = sewing 7 seams instead of 3. Cutting 7 pattern pieces, patterning making 7 pieces...you get the gist. I knew what I was in for. However, I was not thwarted...despite running to the store for supplies 3 times! In the evening we did a fitting, the dress looked great, just needed a few minor adjustments & the lining attached. The lining...minor detail, right? WRONG.

Wednesday

I Completed the alterations & prepped the garment for the remainder of the construction. Hopped on my trusty bicycle and flew to work for an all night inventory & floor change extravaganza! At about 11 pm, we wrapped up. My sprained ankle was sore as hell, I denied a ride home in the Moods of Norway limo & jumped back on my trusty steed for a quick ride home (lights & helmet, of course!). Then I busted my shit & took a nice spill on 3rd & Robertson (complete with elderly gentleman bystander). Blood dripping from chin, stained clothes, bruised leg & road rash. I wheeled my battered bike back to work, asked for that ride home. The neighbors got a show when our baby blue limo stopped in the street and our adorable Sweedish intern dragged my old bike out! Hot bath and advil ended that night.

Thursday

A lovely morning: I made the mistake of relaxing for a couple hours...got called into work, backed my car into a cement wall, etc. Then the shit hit the fan. As I was installing the dress lining, I realized that I had made a crucial pattern making error. Called my friend, explained the dire need of another fitting and last minute change of plans. Sleep deprived & frantic, I fudged it all together & shuddered as I tried to catch some z's.

Friday.

Woke up at 6 am and cut the damn lining out. Problem solved...almost! I had to work all day, so beginning at 9 pm Friday evening I began to refinish the dress & construct the last minute add on piece, a lovely chiffon hombre scarf.

Saturady

2 am...done. 7:30 am...yoga. 10:00 am...paid $40.00 to send the dress to Emeryville (San Francisco) by Monday morning. 11:10 am...officially late for work, stroll in with a large cup of coffee & pumpernickel bagel. Delightful. I left work at 5 pm & have 3 days off.

That my friends is the joy of sewing.

Did I mention that this also helped pay my October rent?

Namaste.