It Is All In The Details

Here is some eye candy for you all. It is the details that makes something special. Be sure to add that little bit of extra in all that you create.

 

 

Monica Roberts Collection
 



Recycled Denim Jacket

                                    






A Piece of Vintage-Verbena Nested Treasures





Lovely Piece of Crazy Quilting
 




Magnolia Pearl
 



House of Worth

 






                                                    





Creating Balance

Life is wonderful.
(source of picture unknown)

    
     I use to be in the "work long days-work my day off-work at home" state of mind when I was in retail as a store manager. I loved my work. I lived, ate, and slept my job. When it was time to redo the floorset, I could lay in bed at night and clearly picture every rack and every cabinet and every wall of my store. I knew what clothing was on each rack and every section of each wall, in my mind. I would rearrange the layout in my head while I headed to sleep. I knew exactly what was in my back stock room. I kept a legal pad of paper beside my bed to jot down my ideas through the night. It was my life, my world and it was ok...in my mind. I was what I perceived as happy.
     But, it wasn't ok. I know that now. I lived in 5 towns/cities in 3 states in 10 years and the only people I knew were the people I worked with. We were friends in the store, but never went out anywhere. I didn't make time to meet new people. I never visited all the wonderful sights in the new towns I moved to. I didn't take the opportunity to experience the great music/theater/entertainment culture that was offered in Charlotte, St Louis, Wilmington. I passed on Blues Festivals, Folk Festivals, concerts of musicians I loved, Renaissance Fairs, County Fairs. By the time my day was done, I was pretty tired. By the time a day off came, if I took it, I needed to do laundry, groceries, and sleep. Although many of my days off were doing paperwork for the store. It was nice and quiet at home and I could think better. I couldn't even tell you what were good restaurants in my town/city, because I hadn't ventured out.
     Most of you will know the outcome of a life like that. Yup, I burned myself out. What made things a little harder was as I felt the burn out, an emotional tragic event shocked my world as well. When the dust settled a little and I could see clearly again, I found that I could really "see". Life was too short to spend it like I was. That was when I jumped off the cliff and quit my secure decent paying job and started Simply Rebecca Studios. But, this time I know there has to be balance in my life. I need to enjoy the life that is around me. I need to explore. I need to meet new people, soaking up their energy. I need to take time for rest and quiet. I need to dream again. And I need to be ok with feeling emotion.
      I am happy with letting the business evolve at a steady pace, each step moving forward. Stress is a killer and I don't want to live that life again. It gets you nowhere and offers you nothing in return. But, I must also know that the pendulum can swing the other way. I can become lazy and not reach far enough. And it has happened; I have had to have a nice talk with myself and reign myself back in. Balance...that is the key. It isn't easy to find that balance and it won't always be there. The great thing is that I know it now. I know that life is wonderful if you remember to live it.

A Happy Customer

    Well hello there. I have missed you all. I hope your days have been filled with creative thoughts and lots of smiles. We are sitting here waiting for a big winter storm in the Northeast. It looks like it will be the first big one of the year. Not too bad a winter that is for sure. Even though it is just February, my thoughts are to Spring, because I know it is just around the corner. The days are a little bit longer now, with daylight still peeking through until 5:45. Every day will get better and better. It is time to start the seedlings. I have decided to start tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers, then a bunch of flowers this year. I also want to just toss packets of all kinds of flowers into an area in the yard and see what it brings. I love surprises, don't you?
     I wanted to share with you pictures of the little 18 inch boy doll I dressed for a customer. He has a white cotton underwear romper, then his antique cotton short sleeve shirt with the antique lace panel. His knickers are dark navy wool, actually from a piece of old Navy pants. The eton jacket is wool and lined with taffeta. And the cap is the same Navy wool and lined with taffeta. The woman I sew for will make him some knee high socks and red leather shoes. Then it will be given to the customer. I always worry as to how things will come out and then I'm so pleased at the end. She was quite happy herself.
    A Victorian Eastlake doll bed that needs bedding is the next project on the table. Then there are two customer requests in the discussion stage. I have been thinking through new ideas and making some choices in how I see my business. I will be excited to share everything with you as it all progresses.
     Here are a couple pictures of my little boy doll. (He should have a name, don't you think? ) Have a fabulous day and be sure to tell someone you love them.

Outside of the Box

 

via GypsyPurple

 



    I love that phrase; Thinking Outside of the Box. When we are children we do this all the time. We don't know anything different. But as we get older we are molded and shaped into what we should be, how we should act, how we should look. It isn't meant to be mean or hateful, it is just how things progress. And as we become adults we add to shaping the box we live in and think in. We want to be like everyone else. We want to be thought of as part of the crowd, to fit in. We want to walk the straight and narrow. We don't want to upset the apple cart, it might get us into trouble. We want to do as we are told, because we might be rewarded. We don't like to question something, because they just might know better than I do. We follow patterns, and books, and guides.
    Don't get me wrong, boundaries are good and necessary. They give us a place to feel safe. But, they should be flexible boundaries with wavy lines. We should not be afraid to step outside those lines, to color outside those lines. Taking chances can be so very scarey, but so exhilerating as well. They don't have to be life threatening chances. They don't have to be big bold chances. They can be tiny ones like drinking from the milk carton, or eating the ice cream from the container. One of the first things I smiled at when I was on my own and my children all grown was that I could make a bowl of pudding and take a spoonful once in a while right out of the bowl. It was ok, because no one else was going to be eating it.
    We don't have to live inside the box when it comes to art and creativity. This is the best place to expand those wavy lines. We don't all like the same art, thank goodness. Some of us lean toward modern, clean, crisp lines. Some of us prefer the soft, fluffy, romantic style of shabby chic or country cottage. Some of use love the country, rustic look.  And some of us prefer the classic traditional styles. It is reflected in our clothes, our home decor, the art on our walls, and our creative soul. But that doesn't mean you can't step beyond and experience something new, even if it is for just a little while. Our tastes change as we age and as we meet new people in our lives. I remember being in high school and starting a hope chest. Does anyone do that anymore? Well I cut out pictures from magazines and catalogs of things I liked, styles I liked, what I would like in my home when I was on my own. I kept those pictures in a manilla envelope. When I got married I went through that envelope and found that I didn't like any of it anymore. I had gone from a country feel to a Victorian feel. Now, many years later, I find I just like the eclectic feel. A little bit of everything.


http://www.improvisedlife.com/2009/10/20/d-i-y-lace-chain-link-fence/

   Each of us is creative. Really, you are. Some can bake and cook, some can sew, some can write, some can lead, some can make beautiful gardens, and some can build. But we all have a creative gene in us. We need to let that creativity feed us, feed our souls. Once in a while we need to do something that makes us happy, connects us back to ourselves. It is necessary for growth. We need to remember what it was like when we were children and didn't know any better. When you do use that creativity next time, try "thinking outside the box". Try something new and fresh and maybe a little scarey. I am pretty sure it will make you smile.

Denim Planters "Jean-etically Modified Plants" by Tom Ballinger

Fourth of July outfits made from Duct Tape
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here are some ways people thought outside the box. I apologize in advance if I don't have credits with each picture, as some of them I have had for a very long time and don't remember where I found them.   

http://www.mymodernmet.com/profiles/blogs/cal-lane-metal-art-wheelbarrows-and-shovels

http://www.mrkate.com/2012/03/12/diyable-top-hat-lighting/

 

Nightwear

  Hi there. I am sorry I haven't been around for a few days. My goal in this blog is to write words of interest and not just chatter. Don't get me wrong, I love to chatter. But that is what Facebook is for and I would love for you to join me there. Here, I want to share my ideas and passions. I want to inspire others, to stir the creative soul inside all of us. I want to bring a smile to all of your faces or to give an "a-ha" moment. So, when the words don't come to me, I don't want to just sit and write fluff.



   I received a lovely email from a potential client through my Victorian Seamstress Etsy shop this morning. It was in regards to a custom made Victorian nightgown. So, today's post is about nightwear.
   I know that sleepwear is totally utilitarian. It covers us when we sleep to keep us warm or to give us modesty. But, we as women should see it as much more. It is another chance to feel feminine, pretty, luxurious. Laces, pin tucks, pleats, smocking, ruffles, appliques, quilting, embroidery, flowers, geometric, soft colors, bold colors, velvets, cottons, silks, even flannels can all create a feeling. Life is about feelings; emotional, spiritual, and physical. It is up to us to give those feelings as much punch as we can to know that we are alive.


Robe I made from a sari

  

   Let's talk about luxurious. When we say the word, we tend to think expensive, only for the rich, out of our reach. I think about a feeling...feeling luxurious. Different fabrics can do that, silks, satins, velvets, linens, furs, even good cottons. Now add beading, lace, ribbon, rhinestones. Or add heirloom stitching and pleating and tucks. Think about the Hollywood Silver Screen. The nightwear they wore in the movies was gorgeous; flowing and soft and sexy and feminine. It gave a feeling of luxury. Imagine a soft velvet robe, gently lined, with just two rhinestone buttons. Or imagine a pure white crisp cotton nightgown, covered in laces and pleating and ruffles. These both are luxurious. Then there is the simple silhouette of the thin strap slip nightgown, made out of charmeuse.  Luxury doesn't need to be expensive. It just needs to make you feel wonderful. And it most important, it needs to be quality.

  









The Victorian style offers so many options. It is the style I tend to go to most often, because I love this period. The embellishment techniques can fit into any era, actually. Pleating can be soft or crisp. Ribbons can be flowing or rigid with pleats. Gathering can add fullness or be made small to add shape. There is floral embroidery or classic monograms that can be added. Stripes can be smocked into a totally different design. It can be soft and floral or it can be bold and goth. Look at today's steam punk style.

Luxurious feeling flannel
 

   Nightwear doesn't need to be just something you toss on, just something you sleep in. It can express how you feel and who you are. Nightgowns, nightshirts, pajamas, teddies, chemises, shorty sets, peignoirs, robes, bed jackets; so many choices to fit every mood. We should feel wonderful no matter what time of day it is.

   Here is a bits-and-pieces vignette of  the nightwear I have made for various clients.

 

 

 

 

 

Valentine's Day

14 inch envelope style pillow with red crochet trim edging

 

 



Good morning everyone,
    I worked in retail management for many many years. One thing that you notice in retail is that you are always 2 seasons ahead. I'm not sure about being 2 seasons ahead, but I know for sure in business you need to be at least one season ahead. This is something I continue to struggle with. I want to buy my bathing suit when it is hot out, not in January. And I want to buy a coat when the cold sets in, not in July. But, I do know why things are done this way, and it is because you are suppose to be prepared. Preplanning is what it is all about, so that you are ready for when the cold strikes or the beach trip comes around.
    This is a year of changes for me and my business. So, when all the Christmas projects were done, I started right away on Valentine's Day. I was on a roll. I was so proud of myself. Here you will see the accomplishments waiting to have their finishing touches. Sadly I put them down to work on customer projects and here they sit. A look at the calendar says I am not ahead anymore for Valentine's day. In fact I am coming close to being behind. But, I am much better than I use to be and that is progress. Progress is a good thing. One day I will be right on target.
   Please enjoy my works in progress. All of them will be for sale in the Etsy shop soon. If you see something you like let me know, I will put your name on it.

 

  20 inch envelope style pillow with red piping edges

 

45 x 15 inch table runner with red print backing

 

 

38 x 12 inch table runner with red print backing and red piping edes



 

 

Outside The Comfort Zone

 



Good morning,
   It is funny how different my client projects can be. I have two on the table right now, alterations on a beaded wedding dress and a complete outfit for a 16 inch boy doll. They are very different, but both require attention to details and both have no room for error.
   It is so easy to do the simple things, the things you are comfortable with. We don't hesitate to jump on those projects and complete them in no time. But when we are challenged, we tend to hesitate. We can question our abilities, or our skills; when we know for certain that we are good at what we do. We tend to procrastinate on getting started on the hard tasks, making them even harder by shortening the deadlines. The mind can be a terrible thing. It holds us back, makes us question, makes us afraid.
   We can be our worse enemy. We turn to others for reassurance and confirmation. Don't do that! Be strong, be sure. You are fabulous and you can do anything. No matter what you struggle with, you can get past it and find success, whether it is baking a beautiful cake, or making that untested fancy meal, or making a gorgeous gown, or planting your first flower, or building your first birdhouse. Whether it is writing a book or journal, or teaching a child, or making that first speech, or climbing that hill. You can do it, don't hesitate. The days are too short to waste them questioning and saying "what if". Take that first step and say instead "what now". The sense of accomplishment when a task is completed is a wonderful drug. It courses through your body like sunshine. A smile comes to your face and your eyes light up. Your body even stands straighter.Even if no one is looking, you will know. And you will feel good.
   Afraid of jumping off the cliff? Then take a little step, just a tiny one. Even that will be success and it will lead to many more I assure you. Don't be afraid to step outside that comfort circle. Break it open and turn it into a straight line. A line that heads off into infinite possibilities. I believe in you, now believe in yourself.
   Wishing you all a fabulous and successful day.

                                 Love,
                                            Rebecca

Working With Dolls

   Well I finished all three projects for my doll client and delivered them today. She loved them. Silly me, in my hurry to get them to her, I failed to take pictures. I am really sad about that, because I wanted to share with you. I made a log cabin square quilt for the iron work bed that looked really nice.  It actually was the second quilt. The plans for the first one were just too elaborate for such a tiny piece. My creative mind is always bigger than reality. Hopefully she will let me take pictures when I return in a couple weeks with my latest project.
   When I started this business, I never thought I would be doing doll things. It just never crossed my mind. I was more into children's clothing. And then I took a home decor side path with my pillows. My fabric gal is the one that asked me if I was interested in doing some side work and hooked me up with this lady that restores antique dolls and doll furniture. Side work is always a good thing, especially when it comes to paying the bills, so I met Julie. I love Julie, she works miracles with her dolls. She has such a fabulous talent of dressing them in the authentic period costumes, complete with antique fabrics, laces and ribbons. And she doesn't miss a detail. She makes her own leather shoes and her gorgeous period hats. Each doll has handmade panties. If the child would wear certain undergarments for the time, the doll has the undergarments. There are bow ties for the boys and brooches for the girls. I don't do the antique dolls yet, as I am in the intern stage. A lot of it I have just figured out. But even the newer dolls are required to be complete with every detail. Her house is decorated just like a cottage country magazine. I am always envious when I visit. There is always something new to look at hidden in a corner or a cabinet. We sit and drink tea as we discuss the next project and we visit. Her husband works on restoring the furniture and restrings the doll arms and legs. It is a family business that does very well. I was so surprised to see how big a business fixing dolls and dressing them really is. People will pay good money to have their grandmother's doll restored. Sentiment has no limits in the sense of value. So my side work is pretty steady. She tells me we have enough work for two lifetimes. I thought I would share a few photos of some past pieces I have done for her.
   I have a gypsy free spirit sense of life deep inside of me. This is not a bad thing, because it allows me to take a chance down that side path and see where it brings me. Some of the paths aren't right, and I accept that and move on. Some of them have been enlightening and fun. Some of them challenge me to the limit. Each of them have taught me lessons. And I know they tell me I shouldn't bounce around and settle for one or two categories to be successful. Perhaps they are right. But if we don't take those side roads or walk through those doors that open, how do we know we have found the right categories? The goal is to pay the bills, be creative, make people smile and just enjoy what I am doing. What a wonderful way to live life. Be sure to take a few chances and see what is around the corner. You just might be surprised.