Tuesday, July 28, 2009

McCall M5618 in the making



So, I was suppose to make this dress for one of my little homie, it was for her Birthday. She turned 14 years old, how fun I really don't remember age 14 all that much. Anyway I was trying to have the dress done by her b-Day, buuuuuutt I didn't. So I will try to tackle it this weekend so we can at least have a fitting. She was so wonderful to shop with she picked out her own fabric and pattern. I must say this again, Jo ann's really be kicking out some pretty good repeats.

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Let him use you

Well I just recived this word from Ms. Joy and I think that is very relevent to somethings going on in my life. Thank you for allowing Jesus to speak through you.


Okay I am back on the computer in an attempt to recover from spending time with family and friends this past week in Detroit, Mi! I must say that I needed to be around my family and be reminded of how Love's gots to do with everything! ( sorry Tina Turner).
Giving honor to God who is enabling me to continue my public computer journals with you all. I pray you are blessed and receive a revelation just as I have.
This is a true story....without any exaggeration! About an hour ago I had prepared a timely Word inspired by my mother who is wise beyond her years. I was excited about the truth that God had me write and worried that it would be too much for many to want to read all the way through ( you know who you are- lol). Anyway an hour had passed and just as I was performing spell check after having reread what I had written...the phone rings and as I expected my best friends voice was on the other end. I was continuing the spell check as I began to speak nonsense with her- when all of a sudden the computer went blank! I didn't get worried at first because I knew this had happened in the past and I knew that a draft was probably saved so all that was lost could be recovered. To my dismay it was not there...ALL WAS LOST! Ya'll I really had a good word for you to read today too!
I then began to panic...I pleaded with my best friend to rescue me as she usually does and that was to no avail. She then spoke some words of wisdom that I really didn't want to hear at the moment. She said "well maybe God had another word for you to give instead....because after all of that energy you put into the last one its not by chance that you lost ALL of that which you had begun."
Then it hit me.... in the original email i had used numerous passages from the Word. That's when God shed some light on this dark situation as if i was the one on the road to Damascus with Saul/Pail( Acts 9). I was reminded that all may have been lost in my email but God's Word is hidden in my heart and all hope was not gone- i could still share the Word regardless of what i had originally lost! I may have lost the words in the email- but I can not and did not lose the original author of the word.
It's the same when you lose a job, a friend, the love of a spouse, or some money. The Word of God is quite clear when it says that He will never leave you; nor forsake you. In this day and time so many of us are experiencing devastating losses in our lives. But be confident in this one thing- that sometimes you will be subject to lose everything in order to know & see the one thing you can't ever lose! That one thing is the love of Jesus Christ.
I am not hear to say that its not hard to lose those things which are most valued in your life but I am hear to say that in His Word Christ is very clear when He lets us know in Corinthians 10:13 that, "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." This means when all seems hopeless and the walls are closing in on you because you have had to deal with the drama in your life for so long...ALL IS NOT LOST!
Even more we can rest assured that when the economy worsens that our faith and trust should not be focused on the symptoms or what the media is spitting out like poison but we must remember what Romans 8:31 says, "What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?" Just because you think hope has been deferred because you LOST your job does not mean that God is not on the throne.
The Bible says in Isaiah 26:3
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusted in thee. This means that you have got to learn to stop looking and thinking about the 99 things that you may have lost and thank God for the 1 thing that is going to carry you through to your victorious destiny!
You may have lost your parents to an addiction, bitterness or lies, you may have lost your job to gossip, jealousy or deceit but the one thing you will not lose or be separated from is found in Romans 8:35-39 which says,
"...Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. "
Yes it is a rocky road when all appears to be lost but God is the best filler of empty spaces. Allow him to reveal to you the same truth that ALL is NOT LOSS!
Side-note: guess what just happened again, I thought I lost this email again because the screen went blank again! UGHHH but in his word it says and I stand on, Isaiah 55:11 that says that "GOD WATCHES OVER HIS WORD TO PERFORM IT AN FULFILL IT."
I might need to collect and offering towards a new lap top after I hit send on this email..lol!
All in all people that I love please know that by faith that which is lost can be restored ( ! Samuel 30:1-6 & John 10:10). Satan comes to steal, kill and destroy but Christ encourages us as He comes to recover, bring to life and rebuild all that was lost in the fight.
Lost & Found,
Ms. Joy

Another Day at Jo anns


I was in Jo anns the other day buying fabric so I can make one of my little homies a dress for her B-Day.( But I will post that later) So I walk in and the whole store has been changed. They still don't have the zippers I need or feet attachments to singer sewing machine, but they look like they have scaled down there pattern selection. It use to be at least 8 cabinets of patterns now it's just on and I don't see Burda patterns no more. I have never used one but was planning on it. I so wish there was a Hancock Fabrics here. At least I would have options. But one thing I can say is that Jo anns prints have gotten a whole lot better and they are offering a wider selection of different types of fabrics. I am still going to get fabrics on line because they are cheaper and in my opinion seem better at times. Ok the really reason for this post was just to show some of the Buttricks patterns I bought , they were $0.99 how could I resist. There was only on Buttricks book there and the lady looking at it knew I was looking for it and didn't say anything like "oh I have that book". So I finally asked her and she is like " Yes,I do. It seems to be the only one and I have been waiting on it and it's a line that women over there is waiting for a while"
I was like OKAY. So I went rummaging through the drawer anyway and found some good stuff. ( Don't need the book Hah!) I can't wait to make these, but I really need to finish the other items first. I better crack the whip on myself. Oh if you want to check out more patterns and see the ones posted below click here.

I really like the style of the white dress.
I really like the red dress. I am going to make this one soon.
This skirt is bangin'. This would be a good fall skirt don't you think.
I have never made a coat before this should be interesting.

I want to make this for the gala that I might have to photograph in the fall.

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Final Cut




Here are some of the designs that did not make the cut. You know the first design are rarely your best so here are the first designs.

Monday, July 20, 2009

Teaching The Gospel

Here are some words from Ms. Joy preached by Marcus D King Ministries. Be Blessed. I surely was blessed in reading this message.

TODAYS MESSAGE IS BEING BROUGHT TO YOU ALL BY MARCUS D KING MINISTRIES....He is the Pastor of Johnson Community church in Dallas,TX. A highly blessed young Pastor with a gift to tell it like it is! be blessed as you read this word that will open your eyes and quench your thirst.
Love you all... Ms. Joy


Single or Married? (Part 1)
I Corinthians 7:32-34 "I want to free you from the concerns of this life. An unmarried
man can spend his time doing the Lord's work and thinking how to please him. But
a married man has to think about earthly responsibilities and how to please his
wife. His interests are divided."
There used to be a time not long ago where you would get an option of how you wanted
to leave the grocery store on your way home that evening. They would ring you up
and simply ask, "
Paper or Plastic?" The decision you made about which to choose
was mostly based on how much usage you could get out of the bag long or short term.
At the end of the day, both served their initial purpose of simply getting your
goods safely together to your vehicle and into your home. You would not be concerned
about your goods that were valuable to you falling on the ground and becoming ruined
right before your eyes because you felt what you chose would protect them and keep
them together. You thought they would be stable enough.
Remaining single or getting married are options God allows us to choose between
in life. There are consequences for either choice, but we need to make the decision
we believe God wants us to choose at that time. There are goods inside of us, and
if we choose to let the wrong person handle them they could utterly end up on the
ground right before our eyes broken and fragmented needing restoration and healing.
That's why it is very important for us to understand what God says through the
Apostle
Paul
about singleness and marriage.
1. "I want to free you from the concerns of this life."

Paul early on let's us know that both marriage and singleness are "gifts" not "curses"
from God. (I Corinthians 7:7) Maybe you haven't enjoyed your gift because you haven't
opened the box yet! However, many individuals are all tied up and worried about
trying to get married or get divorced. Marriage is only for the earth. There is
no marriage in heaven. That is only a concern for this life. God wants us not to
worry over things in this life. If it happens, it happens. Free yourself. Don't
make it happen if God didn't approve it for you. Worry doesn't make time, it wastes
time. It's a battle in your mind, but do battle.
2. "An unmarried man can spend his time doing the Lord's work and thinking how to
please him."
A single man has time to focus on growing in the Lord, utilizing his gifts, talents
and abilities to bring more souls to the kingdom. He is free to move and go about
as he pleases. However, if he is spending all of his time focusing on pleasing himself,
he is wasting his single life and will be hell to deal with when or if he gets married.
If he doesn't use single time for growth, giving, goals and God then he will be
more selfish, unfocused, stagnant, and an immature person spiritually. "DOING THE
LORD"S WORK must be included while you are making money as a single. Enjoy your
freedom, but make sure you aren't single in status but bound in spirit to the wrong
things. That can be dangerous.
3. "But a married man has to think about his earthly responsibilities and how to
please his wife."
If a single man gets married, he now must realize he is not just focused on himself.
He no longer is responsible just for himself. He now has "earthly responsibilities."
Part of the responsibility, a major part, is "how to please his wife." If he spent
no preparation time before marriage understanding what a husband is, what a wife
is, how to please her while he was dating her before marriage, he will struggle
greatly in this area. If he marries a woman who does not really know what it means
to be a wife, his job is intensified! If his wife is not spiritual and doesn't like
church or growing in Christ, it just became ten times harder. However, that is part
of his responsibility now. No need in belly aching. Get on your job. It's too late
now to want someone in Christ now that you recognize Cute wears off!
4. "His interests are divided."

The responsibility of marriage is this for a man. The focus, attention, freedom
you had in Christ to give him your everything is tempered when you are not married
to someone who has your same desire for him. You have to please her and please Christ.
That means you can't please Christ without pleasing her because you are to love
her like
Christ loved the church. That also means, your first ministry now is at
home. If she is more focused on houses, cars, clothes, trips than serving, growing,
tithing, sacrificing and the like, she's still yours. And yes, the rule still applies
for loving her like Christ loves the church. Your interests are "divided." If she
is growing with you, life can be great. If she is not, it can be gruesome.
So my friend, stay single or get married? If you are married...stay single or get
married again? Either way, make sure you read the fine print and take responsibility
for who you choose. Choose responsibly.
Meditation Scriptures: I John 4:7-8, Ephesians 5:21-33, Matthew 6:33-34
Prayer: Dear Jesus,help us to appreciate the state you have allowed us to be in.
If married, thank you. If single, thank you. Help us see the gift in either situation
so we can celebrate the gift. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.

Friday, July 17, 2009

A mellow kind of Friday

Panera Love. I was just reading and eating what an excellent morning.

Isn't this just gorgious. It's silk chiffon


Who doesn't enjoy a nice relaxing day. I was off to day and hung out with my parents today just chilled out. I went to Panera Bread( I just love that place and visit there whenever I have money) You have to try there cob salad it is awesome.
I was there this morning, PAY DAY Yea! I recived this about a week ago. It was some fabric that I brought from Fashion fabic club. Thank you Krustallos! It is now on of my favorite online places to buy fabric besides Denver fabrics. I think fashion fabric club and denver fabrics are own by the same people. I found out about denver fabrics from the thatsewlive blog, which is no longer out there. I miss it. It was sooooooooooooo good, but I hope mother hood is treating here well and she returns to the blog world. Life is Good!!!!!!!!

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Tallahassee Fashion Week

Yeah I said it! Tiny Tallahassee, Fl is have a fashion week not really sure how many it's been but it's go to know some one wants to get it started. The dates are August 24-29thI am just having a hard time finding more info on it. I saw it by chance on craigslist and was elated. I guess the closer we get to the event we will get more information.The person over it is MeShun Vann a conceptual makeup artist. She is trying to be fashion awareness to Tallahassee and I like it. Check out her my space page here. I really hope it is a great success. Here are some images from the last show and from here page.
This is image can be found here. I think the make up is by Ms. Vann and the awesome photograph was done by Marcus Duval. Really really nice work. I love to find local photographers that do great work. If I can find a website with all his work he will be on my next local photographer post . I like the work I saw on his myspace page so go and check it out. I can't wait I think I was still in Savannah the first time they did it so now I am ready to see what our artist have to offer. I can not wait to see pics of the first one and to see the website. So excited!!!!
This is a pic from the first on I think. If anyone knows just let me know.Image located here. I think this is another fashion week that was held earlier this year.

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Express your self

Ok I was just on my of my schoolmates blog Haylie Bird and she and another school mate are in a show in New Hampshire. I think it is called Deep south check it out. So proud of them. GREAT JOB GIRLS!!!!!!!!!! Click here to find out more about the show. All the images are from this place.

Design Again



Sorry I have been on a hiatus. Life defiantly throws blows that will knock you down, but God will slowly help you back up and clean you up. So I am still getting help up so I am functioning better. So anyway while that stuff was happening I found time to work on these invites for a retirement party in August. It was fun. So now we are working of favors and other goodies. I will keep you posted. I haven't been sewing haven't felt like it so we will see about it tonight( of course I am just using a pattern that I have already sewn I just can't help myself. I promise I will move on to a new pattern.) Also I am suppose to be making two dress for two people for two different birthdays. I hope they like their gifts. I need to start!

Monday, July 6, 2009

God Inspired Words from Ms. Joy

"Today's Breakfast Special: Psalm 34:8 " Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him."
The Lord dropped in my spirit this morning an unusual reminder. He said Joy, "give me a minute I am cooking up something good for you and those around you. So take a seat at the table I have prepared and wait I will bring it to you."
Oftentimes we forget that what He is mixing up in the back is going to be well worth the wait. We fail to trust his know how in the kitchen of our lives.We somehow think that we or someone close to us can do a better job. You know how you are when it comes to eating other peoples food. The first thing we think when we take a bite out of that sweet potato pie that our coworker brought to the office potluck is..." I don't eat just anyones food, no-one can do it like my momma or I don't even know if she washed her hands." Its hard to trust everyones culinary skills isn't it? Yet if our Father in heaven says that He is in the kitchen we should be able to walk out with ease, sit down at the table and wait. Even more, is the fact that He is willing to serve it to us. How often do you find yourself being served other than in a restaurant. Christ wants you to know that He is willing to take that position of humility because you are worth it.
Unfortunately, once we are seated we take it back to the days of our youth when we try and see if we got the most on our plate or the larger portion than the person sitting next to us. Christ wants you to focus on the special order made just for you and no one else. You may not have as much as Mrs. Jones does on her plate but He wants you to trust that it will be fulfilling enough for you! Sometimes our faith and trust is tested while we wait at the table for what God is cooking up for us. You know how you get when the waiter comes to the table with everyone elses food and turns to you to say that your food is still cooking and it will be a little while longer. Immediately you have a choice to either get upset and lose your cool or to be patient and rejoice as those around you are served.
The same thing applies with what God has for you and only you. Don't lose hope in that unseen victory because someone else gets their blessing before you. The Bible says to praise Him in the good times and the bad times....or better yet continue to praise Him in the "waiting room". It is there where Christ acknowledges your faithfulness. Some victories take a little longer to cook completely. Be patient and don't grow weary in well doing. God is not the one to watch His children suffer or go without.
As each of us wait for our breakthrough to be brought to the table lets remember the words of our momma's when sitting at the dinner table as a child.."dinner is almost ready-keep your eyes and your hands on your own plate."
Then you will be able to taste and see that what the Lord cooked up for you is GOOD and A SPECIAL ORDER MADE JUST FOR YOU!
Trusting the Master Chef,
Ms. Joy "

Talented Young Artist




4th of July was very relaxing. I didn't do really do anything. My mom made jerked pork and Fried Fish. Later on in the evening I went over to visit my boyfriends family. It' was his dad's birthday. I always have a good time when I am over there. They had plenty of fish and Ribs. One of the great things of the evening were these wonderful cards his niece and nephew made. I was blown away. They had texture and the use of the fabric was marvolous. Also the inside of the card didn't lack any design either. These kids are wonderful Artist.

Saturday, July 4, 2009

Liberian Fun!!



My mother's side of the family( her dad, my granddad) is from Monrovia, Liberia. My aunt goes back their ever maybe 6 months. I myself have never been there, but would like to go there someday. My Aunt is awesome. She always brings back cool stuff like jewlery and clothes. This time I begged her to bring me back some fabric and she did( OH JOY!!!!!!!!!!!) So here are some pics of some of the fabric. I think they are just beautiful. I am trying to figure out what I want to make with them.

Friday, July 3, 2009

Handmade Products



Lingerie Bags


I was working on selling some of the products that I produce, but only on a custom order because of the items but I was thinking of making some more and selling them to a boutique or something I am not sure. But when I told them the price they said it was too much so I didn't end up selling them but I do have some lovey products to show.

Thursday, July 2, 2009

God Inspired Words from Ms. Joy

I really enjoy reading these and I love how she pulls scripture to back up what she is saying.

Words From Ms. Joy

"I must admit and for those of you who really know me you will agree when I say that I love the limelight. I love the attention from doing something so grand and beneficial to and for others. I came upon this revelation as I began to receive so much positive feedback from people who appreciated the daily words that I try and send on occasion. Every time I got a "WOW, I needed that or a I am going to use that" I think i felt my head elevate a bit more than it already is...lol. Of course there is nothing wrong with having a confident spirit. However, I feel like the Holy Spirit wanted to put me in check and He wanted me to help spread the word concerning it.
We should never allow the gifts that God strategically rest on us to sit under a dim light. He gave it to us for a reason. Yet though our individual gifts may be great and do great things for others...we must never forget how priceless it is that God loved us enough to instill it in us.
I would like to encourage each of you with the gifts that you do possess even if they have yet to develop fully. I feel that what you were designed to be known for is your gift not the amount in your bank account or the person you marry. Many don't realize their gifts or have not accepted them as gifts yet. Many walk around disgusted with the direction their careers are headed and even confused as to why they hate waking up each morning to go to class or work. Well maybe its because you have NOT sought out, accepted and put to use your gift. You feel claustrophobic in a room of fear that tells you that its too late for your gift or your dark past makes it impossible for you to have a particular gift.
Proverbs 18:16 is a powerful statement that reveals a needed truth: "A man's gift makes room for him" (NKJV). Myles Munroe says it best:
"It is interesting to note that the Bible does not say that a man's education makes room for him, but that his gift does.
Somehow we have swallowed the idea that education is the key to success. Our families and societies have reinforced this idea to us, but we will have to change our perspective if we are to be truly successful.
Education is not the key to success. Education, in itself, doesn't guarantee anything.
It is your gift that is the key to your success. "
If education was the only way for you to be placed in the spotlight of financial success then everyone that attended college would be rich! The second part of Proverbs 18:16 says, "A man's gift…brings him before great men" (NKJV). You don't realize that the gift you're sitting on is loaded. Loaded with great purpose and much potential.
Receive it, use it and expose it. Don't be afraid of it, ashamed of it or deny it!
The gifts that God gives to us have purpose and the purpose of your gift is that it will lead you to your destiny of peace, contentment and joy. It will end those sleepless nights of wondering what you are supposed to do with your life.
If it is your gift that you are sowing than it is unconditional joy and satisfaction that you will reap.
Regardless be certain to know and remember who is responsible for "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom can be no variation, neither shadow that is cast by turning." James 1:17.
Isn't that a great verse....break it down with me. Every good gift which you possess comes from your heavenly Father! Not from you going to school or from you coming from a wealthy family. On top of that the reason why it is so important to give Him the glory is He is the Father of Lights meaning the spotlight might be tempting but stay humble because the gift giver is the superstar when others see your seeds flourish and blossom. The latter part of the verse depicts an example of even when Scottie Pippen was at his best the spotlight could not be turned off of the leading player Michael Jordan. In the same way, you are just another vessel and His costar that God deemed special enough to receive a gift that He wants you to use in order to show him as GLORIOUS and LIGHTED up for the world to see. Receive the light but turn the light off of you...because the light giver has a built in Light to show through you,
Purpose in my gift as His Co-Star,
JOY "

Print in Production.

I found out about this wonderful company call Fabric On Demand. I found about about them on whipup. This company takes your art work and prints it on fabric for a reasonable price. As I am a textile designer I am still trying to set up a screen printing studio and dye lab but in the mean time to find some place to put my ideas into production is great. My design repeat is now on fabric. I can not wait to do more. Copyrighted and printed awesome. Check me out. I praying to have my on line of fabrics. I working toward the goal. Yeaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!This is the CAD version. They stepped it out for me I just gave them the unit

This is the close up on the fabric. ( I know I know can't really see the quality of the fabric It' s awesome I promise!)


This is the full yard( please excuse the wrinkles)

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

New skirt Old pattern



Ok I just love this Vouge pattern (Vouge 8425) so I am going to like make 5 of these skirts. (Impulsive I know) When I visit my favorite blogs Erica B, Miss Celie, and Krustellos I just get so motivated . But below are the are some unfinished projects I need to finish. I am such a slacker sometimes.
These are on jacket, which I think I messed up a lot, a dress I have already made in another pattern, a button down shirt, (this is my first one I don't think I am doing that well I afraid of the button holes my machine said it is easy but I have not experience that yet!), my favorite pattern vouge 8425 and my off the should pattern simplicity 2692( It needs a zipper that's all) When I finish I will surly post it.

Using Natural Dyes


Naturally dyed paper and screen printing using natural dyes

Natural dyed dining set, table cloth, runner, place mats and napkins



One of my buddies told me I should put some of my naturally dyed products on my blog so here goes. These are some of my naturally dyed books that I made for my portfolio upon graduation from Savannah College of art and design. The pages are cotton Rag paper. I used logwood and Osage orange to dye some of the paper. I hand dyed everything except the chip board. If you have any questions you could just leave me a comment. Enjoy.