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Thanks!
~FuFu~

Nothing to Wear!

I look in my closet and I've NOTHING to wear. What's a girl to do? It' summer time, weather is warm, buildings mostly cool, but not that cool. Transitioning between in doors and out means you want clothing that's flexible for any occasion. I've plenty of warm winter/fall/spring sweaters, but nothing for the summer. But, why should you care?

Because I am going to tell you what I plan to do to mitigate my situation.

1. Ruthlessly sort my closet. If it has a) been there since last summer and b) not been worn more than a few times last summer - it's OUTTA there. I find there are articles of clothing I love and wear over and over again. I used to stress that some nasty person at work would tell me, "You wore that yesterday." Then proceed to make fun of me. That was because I used to work around those kinds of people. And they enjoy that sort of banter. I however, want to be accepted. But, have come to realize, who the HELL cares? It's MY life and I'm going to wear what makes me happy!
   
   
   
   
2. I'm going to make myself some clothes. I've a room full of craft crap and fabric supplies. Now what the heck am I going to do about it? Let it sit there & rot? Um, no. My supplies are delicious to the touch and most make me happy just looking (or yes fondling the fabrics. Don't tell me you haven't fondled EVERY thing on the rack before buying - even with clothes. You do, even when no one's watching, you do.) I also happen to have some amazing vintage and contemporary patterns. I must make use of them or pass them along to someone who will. For what is the point in having something if you don't USE it!? I'm tired of collecting and buying. I want people to SEE the fabulous creations I design. And, more excitingly I want to energize you into making something for yourself!

So, now that I have a plan. How shall I execute it?

• Total Duration: June - September
• Total Projects: TBD based on closet evaluation & available resource hours
• Total Resources: one (just FuFu)
• Resource Availability: 10 - 20%
  
• Materials: Clothing, Fabric, Patterns, Notions
  

The Closet
Point zero - pull EVERYTHING out of the closet. YUP, everything. This is a six sigma like technique. Get it all out, then put back only that which is used.

I will take 3 passes at my closet. I will first eliminate; second evaluate (what do I have?); and thirdly pull out all the clothes which are my favorites. Once I know which one's, why, and how they fit, I'll decide what can go back. Yes, this is not a fast process, but necessary every few years or so. Finally, I will donate all non-keepers.

Sewing The Clothes
Looking at favorites, I will determine an overall wardrobe which will suit me for a 2-4 weeks. I feel that will allow me enough rotation for the season without feeling like I have to do laundry all the time so I don't "wear the same thing 2 days in a row." (Yeah, I know, it still kinda bothers me... but I'm doing it for myself, not to avoid critique.)

Next, I will determine if there's a gap - more cardigans? more T's? What basics are necessary? Do I have enough pants?

Next, I will determine what styles/patterns I want to make and which fabrics to use. I will determine if there are any necessary notions or linings that I must purchase before I start the project. In this case, a project is defined as 1 article of clothing, start to finish.

Then, I will execute said projects one at a time. The goal is to have a finished article to wear for the summer season. As such, it is more important to finish each project before moving on. I LOVE to start new things. So, this will be a great and fun challenge for me. I usually allow myself a great deal of freedom in one area of my life where I can start and not finish things to my heart's content. But, that my dear's is not what I'm creating as a rule for this particular challenge. And, as my UWSPM cronies said, limitation spurns creativity. And that is one of my self imposed limitations.

I think this will be a fun project. And it's one I've been contemplating for some time. I'd love to know what your summer challenge is. Are you inspired to sew this summer? Or is the sunlight calling your name to be out and about?

Style, Brand, Communication

I'm creating a new brand/image for my creations. I'm not sure I like the "feel" of my old blog. But, I want to know what YOU, my fabulous readers, think.

Which of the following do you prefer and why?

a. http://www.somethingdreadfull.tumblr.com

b. This Blog (www.fufucostumes.blogspot.com)

c. http://www.somethingdreadfull.wordpress.com

d. http://somethingdread.full.googlepages.com/dance.sd

Change is the Only Thing That Ever Stays the Same

There are some changes afoot. Chaos is in the midst. But, we must always keep in mind that change often reveals good or even GREATER things than we have in our lives today.

While I do consider myself a "Scanner," I feel spread quite thin. Between managing my etsy store, preparing for MedFest, drawing, designing, fashioning, dancing, singing, marketing, working full time, going to night classes, da da da da... I feel the need to reign back in a bit. I'm lacking my passion for creating dreads in multitude. I'm not interested in sketching (could it be the weather? or the fact that I've just finished school?). I haven't brought a knitting project to knit night in nearly a month! I've recently discovered a joy for sewing again, but find my garden calls my name louder than anything.

It is my nature to evolve and try new things. I want to teach other people how to help themselves make what I make. I want to show you all the wild and wonderful discoveries I make. I want to create through the wee hours of the morning. I want to explore the world around me! I want to travel to new lands. I want to try my hand at many different craft topics! I want to teach you how you can be more successful at ANY THING you put your mind to doing. I want to discuss why we choose to create and what drives us to be better. I want to know why, why, why, why, why! Yes, my theme is why. Drove my parents CRAZY!

Customers, service, support, consistancy in a brand are all important to me. My brand must evolve with me. As such, I'm temporarily taking down my etsy store. I will not be selling dreads any longer. I will not be selling costumes. I will not be selling at this point.

I will be exploring creative commons and sharing knitting patterns. I will learn how to write the best and most effective pattern. I will write up all the gosh dang notes I have on creating fun wearable art! I will share what inspires me and give you suggestions on how you can find inspiration. I want to exchange ideas with and meet new artists! I want to learn how or invent new ways we can make it EASY for individuals to comply with copyright.

I feel I have so much to give, yet holding on to my old designs and recreating them is limiting my creativity. Many times I have held onto an idea SO tightly that I've been completely unable to create anything new. I feared that others would steal my ideas and make money from them.

Today I look back at those creations and think, "Meh. I've moved so far beyond that. How could I have let myself believe that was the best I'd ever be?" I am everthing I was then and much more. We all are!

Yes, I do feel marketing, sales, business management, etc. are all very creative fields, many of which I very much enjoy. But I currently do not wish to spend most of my personal time in those areas. I want and plan to create. My passion, my joy for sharing, and my amazing creations will sell themselves as I continue to network with amazing people like you!!!! I am following my heart. I hope that you listen to the song your heart is singing to you.

One day, I may again open a store. But, for now, I know that another fabulous artist will greatly appreciate your patronage. I entice you to watch the wonders that I will create. For you shall be truely amazed. I know I will! :) For I never know what I crazy new thing I shall think up next! Divine inspiration is an amazing gift from the universe.

Recipe: Carrot Cake Muffins

*Ingredients*
1 box Carrot Cake Mix
2 Eggs
1.5 C (or handfulls rather) pre-shredded carrots (buy in bag) - *leave as long strands
1 C of Trader Joe's Frozen Pineapple Chunks (defrosted) - *DO NOT DICE
1 C Raisins (big fat ones!)
~1/2 C Ikea Vanilla Sauce (not exactly sure as I just tossed it in)

Optional: 1/4 to 1/3 C extra fine flour (cake) -- this would have helped them to rise and be a wee bit more puffy. Only add dashes of flour... just in until the batter is a smidge less than runny.

Mix all of the above together.
Oven to 350 (follow box mix instructions).
Line cupcake pan with papers (this is a gooey result so papers are a MUST!)
Fill papers 2/3 full. Seriously. Otherwise you end up scraping half the tops off.
Bake ~20 min. Keep your eye on things. Usually with my oven, it's done if I'm smelling it.
Bake longer if you don't want them so gooey. Turn down the oven a bit at the end of the baking cycle if you're baking longer.


OPTIONAL!
Instead of cupcakes, make a single layer cake in a round spring form pan. Highly recommend flouring the pan before putting in the batter.

Now, instead of mixing in the IKEA sauce, pour the batter in the dish and pour IKEA vanilla sauce on TOP as a thin layer. DO NOT MIX. Place in oven for Box Mix duration (approx 35 - 45min).
You will have a yummy crunchy/gooey top. It's like the consistency of a chocolate crisp.


Yum! Yum! Yum!

Cupcakes & Single layer both serve ~12 ppl.