Aprons Are Not A Thing Of The Past

I found a box of aprons that I had made a while back (ok - several years ago). I had sold a lot of them, but then moved on to other things. I didn't want to make aprons for a living and it wasn't catching on like I had envisioned. But since then I have seen several adorable ladies wearing aprons over their capris and dresses  - one in particular was wearing hers at our Salome's Suitcase trunk show this August. I wish I had taken a photo.

So now that I have a wall to shoot photos against, I pulled them out of the box, ironed them and started a little photo shoot. I could only get to 4 aprons so I guess its just going to have to be a slow process. I started putting them up on Etsy at a lighter price. There was a lot of work that went into some of them, but hey, its an apron. And I need to clear them out for new stuff. They will be great for Christmas and birthday presents!

You can wear them with your pants and with your skirts. I used to wear mine with tassels over my dance skirts because they are so long and full. They really worked well for a certain gypsy-esque look and it made me happy! But as you can see here, Sandi Ball of Hi Beam Bindis is looking pretty happy and snappy in hers! Ok - snappy is kind of an old lady word, isn't it. Phat. They look phat. No that doesn't work, What is the new slang.........snappy. They look snappy.

                                                                        Cute. Very Cute!

kc.costumecouture@gmail.com

Settling In

Ive been in my new space for almost 15 days now and for some reason I thought this move would go smoother than it actually did. It wasn't a horrible move, I just moved a lot of stuff - a whole lifetime of stuff all at once. Denial is a wonderful brain tool sometimes because if I had actually remembered previous moves in the past, I rarely did it all at once. If I had actually remembered how very stressful it is, I might have reconsidered waiting it out a while longer. No - what am I saying! I HAD to jump on this place when I saw it!!!!!!!  The days of loading everything I own in one car are loooooonnnnnnnnnnggggggg gone. It was hiring a big truck and movers and enlisting the help of friends. In fact, I still have some stuff back at the Albion house that I need to go get pretty soon. I still have more stuff!  Geese.........but the worst is over.

So Ive slowly been getting set up again and putting things where I want them to be - at least temporarily. I would like to paint this place, but white will have to do for now. Its more important to be up and running and getting my work done - getting a flow happening again.

I am very aware that I have back orders to fill and that my workload gets the best of me sometimes - almost there though.  It is the nature of this custom beast and the dance of the dressmaker/designer/costumer. Some orders take much too long. Some are easy to fill. If I rush, I make mistakes. And thats why things go wrong in production - everyone has to sew as fast as humanly possible. Mistakes happen.

Its been a very rocky year. Yeah, like THAT is news to anyone! When the economy shut down, it forced me into an awkward position of trying to do way too much all on my own and keep an income coming in.  If the economy had been able to remain in a somewhat steady place, my business would be running at top speed and orders would get filled quickly, new merch would be put up on Etsy more quickly, and I would have my patterns  out on the market. It has been very hand to mouth in KathleenLand - as it has been for most businesses these days. I have had to do things that I don't want to do - like raise my custom prices for certain items, not hire help, and search for new sources of materials because much of what I used just disappeared overnight it seemed.  It doesn't seem right - and its not. But that's the way the world works right now and I'm very grateful that I have a business that is still supporting me and a community that supports me as well!

It really worked well when I had my last little sale. I just shut it down when I felt I had taken in a few new sales and commissions - because this time I knew better than to keep it going for a whole month! So keep your eyes peeled for a sale now and then. I know it helps to save a few bucks these days!

I am still in shock about how much room I have to walk around in all day. I'm bruised from moving, but not from bumping into things that I shouldn't be bumping into. I go to sleep and sleep most of the night. I'm not woken up by bagel makers in the shop next door at 4 in the morning, or people fighting , or the girl upstairs stomping around at 3am, or people waking me up when they wake up.  I don't have street people bothering me on my doorstep or people peeing in my driveway. I have a lot of good memories of living on Albion Street. It was a lot of fun quite often there. We had many  people over and I liked living with Kristine and Spike and having Jessie pop in all the time, but now I clearly see how impossible it has been for me to focus and get things done in a timely way. I don't know how I did it at all. It was kind of madness in a way. You just cant work when sleep deprived and squished into too small of an environment. I know it made me very depressed, which I fought...........but this stuff affects everything.

So now, here I am with crickets and train whistles and good friends who share the same interests. I'm feeling organized. I think I know where everything is again. And I hope the universe forgives me for the last screwed up year and helps me to make my business prosper. Thank you everyone who has supported me in this endeavor to make nice garments that don't fall apart and that serve you well.

I found a bunch of aprons that I was trying to sell years back and I think I'll be putting them up on Etsy again to see how they do. They would really make great Christmas presents - and aprons are so NOW!
I have a big bag of Pasties that my friend Suzanne and I were making a long time ago - those should go up too. And of course, now that I found another source of lace and pretty knits, I'll get new things up on Etsy soon. But Ive got to tackle those back orders at the moment and get them sent off. Just trying to be honest here - its a one woman show these days. And sometimes Ive had to bite off more than I could chew - not on purpose!

I kind of put a bit of a halt on vending at events for a while (except for the three I did in August), but as I'm now feeling more inspired, I think I would like to do more of this on my own as soon as I get wheels - and with Salome's Suitcase, of course! We have Shadowdance lined up for the fall with a fashion show.........and Halloween is coming! I can feel it in the air! So much to look forward to!

One more cup of coffee and its back to work for me today. I'll be cutting out some new sampants with lace I think, Maybe a couple skirts. And if I can manage two Fluffie orders a day, I should be caught up in no time. I think I can.......I think I can........I think I can...........

Kc.costumecouture@gmail.com

Almost Went Down The Rabbit Hole Today

 I had quite a fright this morning. But it all worked out in the end.

I'm all moved in and my cable is back on. Wow. Its a mess in here - but I love my new studio so much and its just going to take time to get it how I want it. I just have to be patient. My dear friends Lee and Katherine Summer have been helping me out and letting me use computers etc. til cable got installed this morning. The cable guy got me all worked up because he said he couldn't get a signal and that I would have to get written permission from the landlord to have them go under the house, put in a new line and drill another hole in the floor. I almost passed out. So I frantically called the new property manager guy to get ahold of the owner and of course, nobody called me back. Ive not been able to conduct my business properly for too long now and I could feel myself starting to teeter over the edge of the rabbit hole..............but then my cable installer miraculously got a good signal and I have faster speed than ever before. I just hope they gave me the right package.

Anyway, now Ive got to answer a million emails, put out fires, sell, sell, sell.....................sew, sew, sew.........Moving sucks and it wasn't the easy move that I had anticipated. I was pretty organized, but helpers flaked, the movers were careless - all my orders were tossed around and it took forever to find things, they lost a big rug and a ladder. How do you lose a rug and ladder? Well, I guess you get what you pay for. And I didn't hire the best. I'm here, though. And  now that I'm here, I'm here for a long time. I'm not going anywhere. I'm putting down roots. This is it. The buck stops here. I'm home.

I get to hear the hum of the sugar factory across the street. Its a pleasant hum and it keeps that ringing in my ears at bay (use your earplugs, kids!) The train rolls by on the other side of the factory and blows its long, mournful horn. Its just far away enough that it doesn't shake the house, but close enough to be pretty loud. I LOVE it! I sleep like a baby! Its far enough from the fray that I almost feel like I'm out in the sticks somewhere, yet close enough to the city that I'm there quite a bit. Its great!

Not having a lot of access to the Internet was a bit eye opening. I didn't have TV. Just a crappy little cd player that skips if you play it at half volume. :( 
I answered what messages and emails that I could. But checking orders and invoicing was almost impossible. I have a lot of catching up to do.

So what did I do? I sewed. I finished up what orders I could, I went to the post office twice, I climbed out of boxes, I stocked my pantry, I vended and crafted, socialized with my friends, explored the neighborhood and found out that the main drama is the parking war with the sugar factory. YAWN - these people don't know what parking drama is....................and I came up with a new system for keeping track of orders and bettering the flow. I'll be putting this into practice soon. And I cant wait!!!!!!!!!!!!

There are still a lot of boxes to open - things to put up on the walls.......things to put away.  But that can wait. Now I have room  to function. So I had better pull myself up off that edge of the hole and get to work!

kc.costumecouture@gmail.com

Silent Sirens Theatre

There is a beautiful new show about to happen.When I first heard about it, and found out who was involved in producing it, I knew this was going to be a gorgeous peice of work. So you had better go see this one!

Salome's Suitcase will be vending at Silent Sirens Theatre  on August 25th  at the Brava Theater. The Brava  is  a wonderful old refurbished theater that lives deep in the heart of the Mission District. I know that this show will be wonderful anywhere it travels to, but the Brava is one of those relics from the past that we are still lucky to have with us. Ive been to many shows at this venue, so I can attest to what a great place it is to watch a show!

Moving Sucks

Where did I keep all this stuff? Oh yeah........I was constantly bumping into things! I cant wait to spread out - even though I'll fill any space up pretty fast! I move on Sunday. So I'll have no internet for a few days. I'll have to go visit my Salome's Suitcase neighbors and check in to see what Im missing! I cant believe that three of us will now be living in the town that time forgot. I'm thinking that this will mean less distraction and more creativity to be had. Maybe thats why its a town full of artists.


Vending at the SF Mecca Review on Saturday and then at the Mecca Bazaar on Sunday was so much fun! It is so nice to meet the ladies and gentlemen (there are men too!) of the belly dance community who buy/admire/wear our wares.  The creative buildup was intense - power sewing for two weeks just to have something nice to sell. And despite - or because of the economy, people were still buying. I will say this: the artisans in Salome's Suitcase strive to put out quality items. Not just pretty things, but good quality. And if something should go wrong - a popped seam, twisted elastic.........anything.......we do our best to make it right. Good thing that doesn't happen very often!

As many of you know, the fabric stores have not been doing very well these days. My main source for fabric was having a hard time staying afloat and finally folded. This put me in a very bad situation. So Ive been searching far and wide for more of the materials that I was using in the very beginning - and at a price that I can pass on to you. I found what I need and I am THRILLED!!!!!! So I'll see how this goes. If I can keep the cost down again, I'll lower the prices of the Fluffie pants a bit.

For those of you who have had to wait longer than you wanted to for your custom garments, Just know that they are going to look even prettier now! Most just cannot find these fabrics - and if you can find them, they are not cheap. They also cannot be reproduced the way that I make them. Just know that you are getting a work of art.

Even though I'll be out of commission for a few days, I'll be checking messages when I can and then its  back to biz - with a fresh attitude and room to grow

Thanks for all your support and patience with my growing pains!
XXX

kc.costumecouture@gmail.com

SF Mecca Immersion and Mecca Bazaar!

Its that time of year again - this is turning into one amazing event not to be missed!


Salome's Suitcase will be vending at the  SF Mecca Review Saturday night - August 7th - so come find us!!!!! And if you cant make it to the review, you can find us at the SF Mecca Bazaar!

The 3rd Annual SF Mecca Revue

San Francisco's biggest and most elaborate tribal fusion revue! With Zoe Jakes, Kami Liddle, Jill Parker, Fat Chance Belly Dance,  Deb Rubin, Damage Control Dance Theater, Sister Kate,  Tobias the Mystic of Yard Dogs Road Show, aerialist Kerri Kresinski of Sweet Can, Calamity Fou of Fou Fou Ha!, and more... Featuring live bohemian booty-shakin' dance music by Rupa & The April Fishes, Balkan marching band MWE, and world fusion dub electronica by Dragonfly.  Includes vending by the Bay Area's top tribal designers...

A not-to-be-missed event in the city where Tribal Fusion Belly Dance was born!

Don't miss it - get your tickets now!  Space is super limited, and this show, just as in the past two years, WILL SELL OUT.

VIP tickets include an authentic 3 course North Beach dinner, two drink tickets, VIP cocktail reception, priority seating, early entertainment, and first access to the vending.

Sat. Aug. 7th, 2010
VIP reception and dinner 7 p.m.
General doors 8 p.m.

Broadway Studios: 435 Broadway, San Francisco

Tickets and more info here: http://sfmeccaimmersion.com/performances.php

The Mecca Vending Bazaar will be hosted by Salome's Suitcase this year at Minerva's Antenna's Studio! Come visit all the vendors and shop in Minerva's fabulous studio! Many vendors! Lots of amazing stuff! Come shopping for your Burning Man Couture!

SF Mecca Boutique Bazaar
Sunday, August 8th
4:30-7:30
Minerva's Antennae
2886 16th st. Suite B
San Francisco, Ca. 94103
Cross street: South Van Ness

Topsy Turvy Designs - The Queen Of the Hattie Frontier

I Love Topsy Turvy Designs! She is the Queen of the Hattie Frontier, her hats are amazing, and she always works with the best - the creme de la creme. So when she asked if I would provide a pair of my Fluffie Rufflie™pantaloons for a photoshoot, I jumped for joy! How could I say no! What an honor! I was thrilled! Yay!

So these are a sneak peak of the photos from the shoot. Of course they are as beautiful as I knew they would be! True Steampunk at its' finest! Look at the sweet little Hattie, the f hole belt, the finery, the model, the photography, the ..........Fluffie Pantaloons.

Go HERE to buy or order her delicious hatties. Topsy Turvy is also on Etsy.........
And so am I! Go HERE to custom order a pair of these amazing pantaloons! Just go to the custom ordering section.

or email me at:
kc.costumecouture@gmail.com

Photos: Silent Shudder Photography
Model: Isabella Misery
Hat/Styling: Topsy Turvy Design

New Trend? Floral on Black

Christopher Kane Fall 2010.
I'm a big fan of Christopher Kane. He takes an idea and runs with it. He sets trends. I loved what he did with gingham!
So I was skimming through the runway designs at style.com and was stunned when I saw this.
Collective consciousness at work?
I'm sure.
Right?
Are some of us on some big cosmic highway of inspiration? Yes.
Do some of us scour the internet for ideas?  Yes

Kathleen Crowley and Jon Weiss:

Its a good idea. Jon and I did this project 5 years ago or more. We wanted to make clothes with this floral on fabric idea and this was our floral on black experiment - but we were broke and couldn't move forward to take it into fashion or the next level. Story of my life. I'm not bitter or anything. Really - I'm not! (I cant do designering like Christopher Kane - oh no I cannot) I cant get ahold of my friend. I hope  he will not be upset if he ever sees this. The idea would not have taken hold at the time anyway. Its all about $$ and timing, now isnt it.

This happens all the time. Good ideas are everywhere, but not everyone can carry that idea off, and some can do it better than others. I love what Jon and I made, and I like what Christopher Kane did too. I wish I could protect some ideas better, but thats the breaks. In fashion, you just cannot. At least in the U.S.A.


Artwork (hand painting on fabric) Jon Weiss
Model: Samantha Emanuele
Photo: Kristine Adams

RIP Darlenes' Fabrics

Another fabric store closed its' doors today. I did a lot of business with them and they used to give me great deals when they could. Darlene's on Mission Street is gone. I guess they will still sell down in San Jose, but I dont get out that way often. That will have to change, I guess. And I will be depending on buying supplies in LA more and more. This isnt a bad thing, its just not as conveniant as running down the road and buying that ivory lace that I just  ran out of. But what am I saying........I'm leaving town anyway!

So buy fabric. Sew. Use that sewing machine. Its a skill that you have to practice, like dancing or throwing a basketball. Just do it. If you don't, we will have nothing but cheap, ugly clothing at Ross to buy. I'm serious. There is nothing more satisfying than wearing something that you made and having someone come up to you and ask you where you got that skirt/dress/hat/pants/whatever.......

There just are no excuses. The stores have great sales - get on their mailing lists! The styles nowadays are not so difficult that with a little determination, you can make yourself a cute little dress. The pattern books are full of basic patterns that you can learn to work with.

This reminds me that I will offer sewing lessons to anyone willing to come out to Crockett. Maybe I could make it like a day long workshop thing so that you feel like you actually accomplished something. Light bulbs have clicked on over my head - can you seeeee the glow?

Now I have to go cut out the last bit of lace that I have and pray that I can find more somewhere. I will, but  this sucks.

Go wander the aisles of your closest fabric store and see if anything stirs your imagination. Feel the textures. Soak in all the hues and tones of the color pallet!  Hold the fabric up to your face and stand in front of a mirror - discover what colors suit you. Maybe you will get inspired!

If you dont buy it, it will all go away.

kc.costumecouture@gmail.com

We're A Happy Family

We're a Happy Family
We're a Happy Family
We're a Happy Family
Me, Mom, and Daddy

I FINALLY got a chance to go visit my son and his new little family Sarah and baby Ivy.  They are a really cute threesome and I wish them much happiness and longevity in this crazy world. Maybe Ivy will save the world. They say certain things skip a generation, so she may just give them a run for their money. Well, they always do anyway, don't they.

So this was a whirlwind trip. Kristine wanted to drive up to visit her family and I just have not had the funds for traveling this year, so I hitched a ride. We didn't get much sleep, so I was basically brain dead. But we did it. And I'm glad we did, because I have no idea when I'll get the chance to go up there again - maybe not until next year. I would like to do Cues and Tattoos in the spring if possible!

                                                                  Handsome Haydn

Of course, every baby is the cutest baby in the world, and although I'm not one of those people who gushes over babies ( I like them when they become little conversationalists and can entertain me)   I think we understood each other - they say a lot with their eyes.

Movin Out To The Studio Of My Dreams

Look at all this space! 

I did it. I got my storefront/live/work space and Im moving out of San Francisco after 20+ years of hard living! I'm heading to Crockett, California next month. Im done with hard living. I want deer and quiet and a big place to work with a community that cares for its' surroundings. While there is a lot to be said about city living, Im tired of a lot of it, and I'll be coming in for socializing, dance classes, and supplies quite often. I just get to go home to peace. Thats the plan anyway. I have not met the neighbors, but I hear that they are nice. It will be a bit of an adjustment, but Ive been wanting this for a long time. Of course, reality is never how you picture it to be, but Ive got two of my Salome's Suitcase sisters in town with me there. One on each side. Stitchin, Bitchin, Coffee, and maybe a trunk show or two. Why not! You know you'll want to make the trip - its such a cute little town and nice little road trip! At any rate, the place isnt huge, but I think it will be perfect. I have room to make this work. I'll be more creative. The price is right. Its charming,  Ive got a washer and dryer and a yard. I can make it really sweet in here.

Yes, I can make this work just fine. A little paint. A little love. Workshop in the back. Salon in the front.
Fabric, mirrors, artwork and merchandise. I simply cant wait!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sitting On The Fence Sale!!!!!!!

If you have been sitting on the fence, thinking about having a pair of Sampants - or one of my Fluffie things made, I am taking 15% off of my Custom Etsy goods for a very limited time only.

The last time I had a sale, I got seriously overwhelmed - that's not going to happen this time. This 15% will just knock the price down to about where it was before I had to mark them up. But a mark down is a mark down and if this helps you make a decision, then, GREAT!

I'll only take a limited number of orders on each item. So go for it!

Please read all info carefully when you order. Wait time is the same.
Thanks! XXX

Dancer: Brenna Crowley

Road Trip!

I'm taking a few days off and heading up North to finally see my Grandbaby, Ivy Skye.  I am pretty excited about this as its hard to get away and she is 6 months old already. Kristine and Spike and I will be driving through the night - we will both be doing our own separate family reunions..........I have to leave a few orders hanging as I couldn't get them done before I leave - but I'll get back to it on Monday. Ive been cranking out the work for the last two weeks - furiously. "Careful Cranking", I would say, as I hate to use that term. I'm not doing production. I'm sewing up some odds and ends that I cut out ages ago or using up some fabric before I move, but no production.

I think it must be confusing to people at times.......how can I be working on all these orders and then work on other stuff???? Well, to be honest, my Gemini brain needs constant stimulation. Call it ADD, call it being a Gemini, call it what you will.........but I seriously need to keep my brain from getting bored. And when I do the same thing over and over, I get depressed. If I put down one project to work on another, I'm making my brain happy. And then when I complete all these projects, I really feel like Ive accomplished something. I fought this process for years. But when I came to peace with it, I was happier. There is no one right way to do anything.

Now this can get out of control, and it seriously has a few times. Ive juggled so many things that I accidentally drop a ball now and then. An order overlaps another order and they both have to be done at the same time . Things like that.

My goal now is very obvious to me. I have about 10 designs that are marketable to several demographics, and I need to start putting them into production and making them more available. About three of them can be sold as patterns for the sewer. Ive known this for a long time, but I felt like my hands have been tied with no forward movement available to me. So I'm taking baby steps. And that's all I'm saying on the subject for now. I just mainly want to design and oversee and free myself up for some sample sewing and custom sewing. Now that this is so obvious to me, we'll see where I go with it.

But first, I'm gonna go get some baby kisses.

And if any burglars are reading this......our cats will kill you.

Be Careful For What You Ask For .....................

Because when you are begging the Universe to give you a much deserved break, It might actually be listening.............

I have not signed the papers and handed over any monies yet, but I am going in and doing so next week. I got my Live/work storefront..........I am so happy and grateful, but I dare not get excited until everything is signed, sealed, and delivered. I still have to cough up a lotta dough. This may not have been such a huge issue a while back, but as most of you know - the economy has hit us all pretty hard under the belt. If I didn't think that I would be able to grow and prosper in this new workspace, I would lie low and hibernate for a while. I would carry on as Ive been doing. But the bottom line is that I do not have enough space, I cannot work as long and as hard as I need to each day (thin walls, ceilings, and floors = sensitive neighbors) and I have not been nearly as productive as I absolutely must be. So it will be a win/win situation! Its in the cards - the cards say its a green light/go opportunity!

I have been and am putting a lot of things up on Etsy as time allows......it really is simply a matter of finding the time to do it all. I'll have skirts and pants, aprons, zil bags, pasties: New things that Ive made and have not had the time or desire to list and older things that have been in storage and will be sold for a song..........some will make great Xmas gifts. (And please dear Universe, don't make me have to haul this stuff around any longer!)

I have prices listed, but the higher ones are not necessarily fixed in stone. I am willing to dicker and if we can come to a happy place price-wise, its easy enough for me to take the item down and invoice you through paypal instead.

Consider it a bit of a clearance sale. I was thinking about putting the custom items up for sale in limited quantities - but that may have to wait until I move and settle in. It really got out of hand last time I had a sale!

I hate moving. I hate it, I hate it, I hate it - I love my roommate, I love Spike, I still love San Francisco, so for me to move AGAIN before 2 years are out means that things are just not working for me here. And if it isn't working for me, I cannot be efficient. And it means that I love where I am going........


So if you have been waiting on the fence to purchase something from me, I am in dickering mode at the moment. Please know that your purchase will bring me closer to my goal: to be efficient, to step up processing time on orders, to have room to grow and be creative, to help keep local, Indy business alive and well!

Thanks!!!!!
XXX
Kathleen

kc.costumecouture@gmail.com

Cleavage Next Time

 I'm trying to show how its really important that a corset fit you properly. I put this one up on Etsy because I love it, but it doesnt fit me. I weighed more when I made it and I never really did fit it to myself  properly. I needed a rush job corset. And thats what I got. Although I enjoyed making it - every step of the way - I'm supposed to have cleavage. At least some. The back isnt supposed to meet like this.

 Someday, someone will love this. This person will buy it and he/she will be transformed. Until then, I'll have it on my mannequin and stare at it lovingly. And when I do find time to make myself another one, I'll do it right.

 Sometimes the iphone camera does a good job. It makes me all fuzzy and I like that. But I really need to go get a camera.

A Day In The life Of KCCC

My perfect day would be to wake up refreshed every morning, have a good piping hot cup of coffee as I sit down and answer all my messages and emails. This would only take an hour. Then I would have each hour blocked out - sewing time, packing time, phone calls, shopping time, lunch, dinner, stop at 6pm and then have time for a relaxing evening.

Well, this never pans out. It never works out this way. Ive tried and tried and tried. Its just the nature of my business to be chaotically organized. I work til I'm too tired to work and I work 7 days a week if I have to. ( ok - its called being a workaholic - I admit this!) I AM actually very organized. Just trying to do the work of 5 people at the moment is all, and this can make me look disorganized. But I know where everything is. I know who needs what, I know when orders are due - and I try to be very honest about how long it takes to make things. Its a "custom" garment biz that Ive going on here - and a ready to wear - and a Bridal. I love it all. And it all overlaps at times. It has to. But when I'm focusing on YOUR item, I really need to focus. So sometimes we have to wait until these two talented hands can complete something nice for you. I had a friend not so long ago tell me that she never thought of me as an organized person until she saw me getting ready to go vend somewhere. Um yes. You must be very organized. So if I appear silly or goofy or laid back........I am also very aware and very serious about what I do. When I win that lottery - WATCH OUT WORLD!!!!!!

Reality: I have a mountain of work to do. I have to get new orders. I'm behind in some of my older orders. Ive got a bag of packages that need to be sent, I have patterns to draft, merchandise to sew up for Etsy and SF Mecca, supply orders to make, shopping to do, patterns to clean up for production,  places to be, people to see, admin, admin, admin..........and I sometimes wonder why I do this to myself. Why do I want to be trying to run a business all by myself - especially in this awful economic climate?

Ive wondered this a lot lately. Is it worth it? Ive spent sleepless nights wondering about many. many things. I even had hives for a few weeks.
Note the circles under my eyes:

But what it comes down to is that I love my job. I love it almost more than anything. I will continue to feed it and nurture it and make it grow. I love the life that Ive carved out for myself. I love my customers - many have become my friends. While, when I'm not flush, its hard to go out and have fun. Hell, its hard to make ends meet...........but the rewards are insanely wonderful. (and I'm sure not the only one feeling the pinch these days!) And when I am flush, life is pretty damned great!

 I can sit around in pretty things (or not) and make more pretty things. I can help make people feel good about themselves, I can repair and alter garments and give them more life. I am actually helping out the planet by doing this. I can take almost every scrap of fabric that I buy and create something out of it. I can give the rest to someone else to make something . I hate waste.......... I'm proud of myself. I don't have a boss - well, my customers are my boss - and they are very good supportive bosses for the most part. They keep me on my toes. I'm very lucky and blessed by all the support.

I am loving myself and my life and wearing pretty things today (and this is my good angle):

Ive been trying to hide it, but I have not been happy with living in San Francisco. Not for quite some time. It has been for me like living with a bad boyfriend who gives you hot sex and makes it hard for you to go. but he just isn't there for you and can be abusive/controlling/manipulative. Its been a 20+ year run and I don't regret any of it. There were LOTS of good times. I could - and should write a book. Seriously. Ive had many, many, many "interesting" experiences! But its not the town it once was, and while I'm sure that I will always be surrounded by the interesting and unique experiences that life has to offer, I would like to try them outside of the city limits now. I need a change of scene.

And while I love my roommate to death, we both need more space. The deal was that when we moved into our current flat, I would go find a workspace and not work in the house. But then the bottom fell out and the economy tanked. EVERYTHING that I have looked at was overpriced and way too small. Obscenely so. And I'm tired of this, I need a good workshop. You can see by my photos that I need more space. I need room to move and room to grow. I want a beautiful shop where people want to come and have fun, not worry about parking, not worry about the "element" if you know what I mean.

And when we sat down to discuss this, it was all good and we decided to go on a road trip to Seattle next weekend. Now thats a good roommate. No, thats a good friend!

Also, a few weeks back, I had had just one too many run ins with the down and out on my block, and while, God bless em - they checked out long ago and I'm sure it wasn't always their fault ..........something clicked inside and a big voice boomed out of my mouth -"ENOUGH!!!!!!! I'M DONE!!!!!"

 Last week, I filled out an application for a live/work space about 20 minutes from the Bay Bridge. Far enough away to be away from the City Proper and close enough to run in for supplies, friends, and dance classes. It would be a win/win situation. I'm just waiting to hear if I get it. I sure hope I do. But if not, its the first step towards healthy, positive changes for myself and for my business. I'm ready for a new life. Something else will come along if I don't get this little oasis that I lust applied for.........but the Universe has told me GO and I am listening this time!  The push is on........ch ch ch cha  change are a brewin! I'll keep you posted!

In the meantime, its work and life as usual. But "as usual" is never usual. It is different every day!

kc.costumecouture@gmail.com

The Price We Pay

“If you think excellence costs too much, wait til you get the bill for mediocrity.”
— Benjamin Franklin

 

And that is all there needs to be said..................

kc.costumecouture@gmail.com 

Happy 4th Of July!

I love Betsy Ross. I can identify with her. Not so much on a flag waving god bless america level, but because someone influential came up to her with a cool project. The pay probably wasnt great, but it sounded good at the time and she got her name out there.

It happens like that.

kc.costumecouture@gmail.com

Bright Feels Right

I'm so into white right now. White lace. White organza. White silk, White velvet............I'm not sure why. Perhaps I just need to fend off the darkness with a shield of white! Summer is here, people are getting married. The days are longer. White feels fresh. Bright feels right. So I'll just go with it til I'm on to something else!

Ive just posted some pretty white and ivory pants and skirts on Etsy. In between sewing up my orders, I'll make some more things to post soon. I really like having the balance of making up orders and making new things to sell. July is feeling more balanced in that way so far. I'll be vending at SF Mecca with Salome's Suitcase, so lets see what I come up with for that!

 I hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday weekend. Happy Fourth Of July to all my American friends! And to all my British friends......no offense........we just needed our space! XXX


kc.costumecouture@gmail.com

Rachel Maddow as Fake President Obama Addresses the Nation on BP Oil Spill

Happy Gay Day Everyone!

I just snagged this image from Chris March's Facebook page. Its Gay Betsy Ross! I love Betsy Ross!

This world has gained so much from the Gay. It often goes unmentioned. They are often treated with such cruelty. In keeping this short and to the point, the world would be such a gray place without the gay influence. It is behind much of the background of our everyday life. No matter what your beliefs or persuasion, this, you cannot deny.


Go out and have a beautiful day!

Blessed Vintage Restoration

My friend Erica has the most amazing Vintage in her wardrobe. This woman never leaves the house looking frumpy. She just oozes Style. I bet she wakes up stylish in the morning!

Ive been blessed to be restoring some of her things that have needed a little love. This coccoon coat is my favorite. It just had a little rip on the hoodie collar and needed some stitches on the button loop. The button itself needs a total overhaul, but it might be better to just leave it like it is or replace it with another. The fabric was so worn at the edges and there was no excess fabric anywhere to remake a new one with. Wish I could show it all off better. I learned a new button covering technique with this one! If I can get ahold of an old black voile or tulle, I can redo this button for her.

The ribbon embroidery and fringe trim are exquisite! Every bit is hand sewn. The thread is strong and sturdy, if not a little faded in parts. The silk lining is still in great shape - very often the linings in these old garments are shot. Simply shredded to bits.