Halloween 2021

Happy November to you. I hope you all had a very nice Halloween. We had a fun Halloween season. (That I started decorating for in August.)

I unfortunately, didn’t have time to release all of the products I wanted to on our Darkness Drive collection. We’re still adjusting to just one of us being a full time maker. I still plan on releasing those items in the coming months.

I documented my Halloween Week wardrobe. Many of the items you might recognize from previous posts, others were just some casual wear for sitting on my buns for the AdobeMAX conference.

I shared our annual laser engraved pumpkin video on YouTube. It’s just a fun thing that we’ve done every years since the inception of our business.

Trick or Treating was still a little weird this year. We saw a lot of neighbors asking questions and saw suggestions of how to do it safely. I came up with a little self service display pictured above. We always do something away from out front door due our beloved rescue dog who isn’t fond of little children. We had more trick or treaters than we did in 2019 and our little display (which looked much cooler in the dark with the battery operated candles glowing) seemed to work out really well.

Now onto fall projects. I have a stack of thrifted wool that will be skirts and jackets soon. I also have to clean up my Christmas ornament designs. We’ve already sold quite a few over the weekend.

xo-Thea

Vlog: Pumpkin Patch Trip and Small Business Setbacks

Over the weekend my eldest daughter rallied us up to make an annual pumpkin patch trip. It was rainy, muddy and loud. (The patch that we went to has an apple cannon.) Despite all of that, we had a great time. Check out the video below to see what it was like. Tune back in the last week of October for our annual pumpkin carving session.

In this vlog, I also talk about a couple set backs. With life adjustments and not being full time makers any more, we’re simply just not creating/releasing products as fast as we used to. To me, it’s a 100% frustrating and I hope to magically find extra hours in the week. I’ve been sleeping less and doing more - but I still can’t get to things I want to. However, we are creating a bigger network of vendors for our established products which is great. We’re just trying to streamline a balance of everything and the creative in me just wants to create more. Ugh.

I am sad to not be able to release the two clothing items i wanted to. That particular issue came down to cost of materials. I intend to use dead-stock fabrics for my limited releases. I also intend on offering inclusive sizing. The math and materials just haven’t worked out in my favor so far. I am hoping for spring and summer 2022 to do that.

Despite my personal frustration about work, I’m really enjoying my favorite season. We’ve had cozy fires, soups and set plans for family time. Fall is my favorite.

I hope all of you are well and I appreciate you all! - Thea

Adding To My Halloween Wardrobe

While I have been mainly busy with 6 by 6 Arts recently, I have managed to sneak in some quality sewing time.

I follow a few reproduction clothing brands and I love all of their Halloween (holidays in general) designs. Unfortunately despite my daily manifestations attempts, I am not a money rich lady and I have to just admire some great pieces.

Side note - Many of these women owned companies like Pinup Girl Clothing for example, are extremely small companies. Many pieces are small batch made in the USA. Fabric and labor is expensive and when I make purchases from there I consider them investment pieces and understand the work, time and money that goes into them. I know I’m actually getting a deal on some pieces just in fabric alone.

My zipper front princess dress made from Alexander Henry Fabrics 2006 Pumpkin Party Print

With all of that said, this year since I’ve taken a deep dive back into sewing I decided to add Halloween themed pieces to my wardrobe. DIY style.

I show off a few pieces that I’ve made in the linked video below.

In the video, I do touch on the expense of fabric. I thrifted all of the fabric shown in the video. The striped full circle skirt dress, I thrifted 7 yards of that fabric for $4.99. Up close pictured are available on my Instagram. I didn’t thrift them in a short amount of time and I sat on some of these fabric pieces for a long while. But it can be done. We all can have lucky days at the thrift. Or an online fabric shop on a discount day.

I hope you’ll check out my video and welcome to October! I love spooky season!

xo-Thea

No Craft Shows This Year For Me

John and I recently made the tough decision to not vend at any craft shows this upcoming holiday season. I just want to add that when I say “craft show”, I’m not talking about a small day event. I’m talking about multiple days longs with thousands in attendance over 4-6 weeks.

It’s a lot of work and I of course don’t mind it because it has been a huge part of my life for almost 20 years. This year, for me, still doesn’t feel right, ya know?

It will be a financial blow again in theory, because we typically make a large chunk of our annual income at shows. I talked at lengths with fellow makers who feel the same too. A select few is in a tough situation where they NEED to do shows to “eat”. I get that and it’s hard to make the decision on this for some. I can only speak for myself and I really feel like I am making the right decision for me.

John and I made a little video about our decision here:

If you follow me on Instagram and participated in the poll I mentioned in the video, I really appreciate your input. I also appreciate the refrain of any “Covid is a hoax” or “you won’t die from it”, or the like commentary.

In lieu of shows, I will be offering my own online events and will be participating in a few online shows. The first one is Adobe Max with 6 by 6 Arts. I’ll share more information on that as it gets closer.

I will be sad to not see familiar faces in that familiar craft show setting again this year, but maybe next year? Or I might do a livestream event, if I can sort out a good day.

xo-Thea

Spooky Season Is Upon Us

Spooky Season is my favorite time of the year. I love cozy sweaters, hot drinks and cuddling by the fire. I also love watching scary movies and spooky shows. It shows in my house decor.

For many years I, in both of my companies have done something Halloween related. This obviously doesn’t go with the aesthetic of either of my companies. But I keep on doing it. So, I decided to give those things a dedicated home.

Darkness Drive will host all of my spooky themed creations year round. I will still offer a few spooky themed hair flowers and accessories here but if you’re looking for more. Please visit us there and on Instagram.

xo-Thea

Using My Vintage Sewing Patterns

As mentioned a few days ago, i basically went on a sewing rampage. Aside from the Garden Dress I mentioned, I kicked out three bedsheet dresses. All made from vintage patterns and vintage bedsheets.

Technically, the Simplicity Pattern shown here isn’t quite vintage.

I share the information about them in this video.

As with every sewing project, I learn something new. Let me know which one you liked the best!

-Thea

Vlog Update - July 2021

What started as a weekly update for friends and family during the pandemic last year has continued into random videos of my life. Collections, projects and family.

As things have “opened” back up after vaccinations, I slowed down with the weekly videos. Because we’ve actually been able to see friends and family. There are still some that we haven’t or will not be able to see for awhile, so I’ll keep this going for a bit longer.

It has become a fun way to show what we’re making and finding for our collections. Not to mention my sewing adventure. I plan on showing more of that in a similar style that I used to on my old YouTube channel. Honestly, it’s been fun using Premiere Pro. (6 by 6 Arts is an affiliate, but not I.)

In this video, not only do I share our new plant stand design but I also give a little recap of our family vacation to the Oregon Coast. Also a brief discussion about the aftermath of my sons’ move.

Next week’s video will be about a vintage item and that should be a fun one.

xo-Thea

Some favorite thrift finds and my first button down blouse.

John and I had a vintage hard to find Legoland Castle set(s) to share this week on my channel. So, I thought it would be fun to share a couple of our favorite thrift finds too.

In other news, I made my first successful button down blouse. I’ll be dedicating a post to this in the future as I am currently making more. I am genuinely surprised that I got the fit right in the bust, but boy howdy - I am stoked about it.

In other sewing news, a neighbor in my local Buy Nothing Group offered up a big box of vintage sewing patterns. I was on it and was lucky to be selected.

There are so many goodies in there, I can’t wait to try a few of them.

Sorry to those of you who follow me for my kanzashi work. I just haven’t had any new projects that are completed to share. I still do make them. Also, I am indulging this sewing bug that I have. I really do appreciate the support and encouragement on my sewing projects.

Tomorrow’s blog post will be a long awaited one and it’s a recipe. So come back tomorrow for that.

xo-Thea

Vintage 1970's Nishijin Pachinko Machine + Mother's Day 2021

I took a hint and a few nudges and very recently started sharing some vintage things I’ve happened upon or acquired. First was my 1940’s Vanity. That was on my wishlist for so long, I felt it warranted a dedicated vlog/blog post.

Just a few days after acquiring my vanity another long wished for item was checked off of my list.

A vintage Pachinko Machine!

After some Mother’s Day shenanigans, John and I share a bit about the machine in my video this week. John did have to do some light repair with more to do in the near future. It is fully functional and super fun. it is everything I hoped it would be. As mentioned in the video, we do intend to mount it on a wall of our family room and do an entire photoshoot around it. Because, it’s us.

Admittedly, the entire reason I’ve wanted one is due to the movie Kamikaze Girls. That movie influenced so many aspects of my life when it came out. I often say that my aesthetic is a cross between Kamikaze Girls and Morticia Addams. At least I aspire it to be that.

My bebes doing pictures right.

My Mother’s Day was a good one. One of my long standing gifts for Mother’s Day is a group photo. As you can see, we get creative with that too. I love my brood, they are a fun bunch. I am extremely lucky.

Not sure where Trevor is for this picture but this is one of my favorite pictures from this weekend.

For those of you who follow me for fabric, you are in luck. This week I am adding some new vintage fabric yardage (That’s right yardage!) to my Etsy shop. I have some incredible mid century deadstock fabric that I plan to take an obscene amount of photos of.

Stay tuned for that.

xo-Thea

I made a dress out of a bedsheet.

If you’ve been with me for awhile, you know i am all about repurposing vintage fabrics. I reuse all that I possibly can reuse from a damaged vintage kimono. A few years ago while thirsting I started to notice some really pretty patterns on some vintage bedsheets. I had the intention to use them to make curtains and decorative hold things with them. But it dawned on me that I could use them to make dresses.

There’s tons of fabric to use! It’s more affordable than heading into JoAnn’s for a some fabric.

In my video this week, I talk a bit about it.

xo-Thea

My 1940's Vanity

In the hub-bub of last week on a supply run to the fabric store I popped in to Goodwill that was on the way. The thrift gods directed me there to present me with a find that has been on my want list for a very long time.

A 1940’s vanity set.

Obviously this warranted a full vlog post about it. I explain why I wanted one so badly as well as some recent failed attempts on getting one.

xo-Thea

Spring Organizing Without The OCD

I’ve been a little MIA this week from textiles. I’ve let the spring season posses me and drive me to do things like organize and plant stuff. While I m passionate about planting stuff, I have to say that I’m not a strict organizer these days. In the era of organizing themed shows and media, I feel like I owe a little explanation.

The bounty of shoes and coats from our front closet.

80 pairs of shoes organized.

In the very beginning of when I became a mother at 18, I was insanely organized. I owe a lot of that to the Asian cultural upbringing. We even had those hard plastic carpet runners in my childhood home to protect the carpet. If you know, you know. I’m American too, but we didn’t wear shoes in our house like my friends did. There’s a few other cultural things along those lines that I took into into my own adult life. It was the way of life for me. It was comforting and something I always could control.

When I was younger I have to admit, I was way more intense with things. Things were o-r-g-a-n-i-z-e-d always. Closets were colored coordinated. Cans were facing all the same way in the pantry. Towels were clean and fresh and hanging properly. (Ever see the movie Sleeping with the Enemy?) I would even comb the fringe of the carpet to make it lay correctly. Writing that all out now a decade+ later is humbling and introspective for me.

At that time, I didn’t know that I was actually processing things like someone who has obsessive compulsive disorder. In life, I think we often go about things and think nothing of it until someone points it out to you. My ah-ha moment was when I had a friend over for dinner and during the dinner prep/cooking she calmly said to me “I just watched you wash your hands 10 times in under 5 minutes.” I was surprised and defensive as one would be and did nothing about it for years. But that comment stuck with me and weighed on me for awhile.

Flash forward a few years from that comment, my dad fell ill and ultimately passed on. It was a mentally and physically straining time for me as you would guess. Flash forward a bit more, I was getting a divorce now too. That season of my life was a tough one. Good things did come from it though. A roller derby league and a positive turn in my mental health. I won’t share my TEDTalk of my journey, I am just like you and I ride life’s roller coaster of changes, ups and downs and trie to navigate it the best I could.

But in that time I was able to release whatever possessed me or weighed me down to do things the way I did. I am conscious of my habits and rituals. I giggle at the idea of combing the carpet tassels straight now. The cans aren’t all facing outwards anymore. Unless it’s a joke, because that seems to be a serial killer trait in movies. We do still take off our shoes before coming into our house and my closet is still color coordinated because (aesthetics). I do really appreciate a well organized utensil drawer and a shoe closet (see above) too. I just don’t freak out about it looking perfect daily.

I still revel in finding easy ways to organize like using this photo storage box for my seeds.

Up until earlier this week I had rubber banded stacks of seeds stored in a beat, old, sad, cardboard box stored in my garage fridge. “Seeds” scribbled in Sharpie marker noting was it was. It wasn’t the best system for storing. Seeds would slide out and I’d sort though them looking for which stack had the thing I was looking for. This has been a easy gratifying solution for me.

The writing is still in Sharpie marker but things are easier to find with a quick glance.

Aside from the season spurring this topic, I know a handful of young people trying to sort adult life out. Its hard to not reflect on my own life during that time. It honestly doesn’t feel that long ago because I started so young. My words of wisdom to those young folks starting out and even to those of us who have an opportunity to start again, remember don’t be hard on yourselves. Being organized is awesome and feels good, but it should not be stressful. I promise you, there will be something else in life for you to stress out over.

And since I forgot to share this earlier this week - here’s my most recent vlog video. It features the majority of the young people in my life.

Hve an excellent weekend friends - Thea

My first linen dress and John's birthday. (Vlog)

Yesterday was John’s birthday. There’s still not a whole lot one can do to celebrate a birthday. But we made the most of it and had an excellent day. I give a little run down in my vlog below.

No about that dress. You can see me wearing it in the vlog video too.

I got the fabric from a thrift store for $3.99. It was just a smidgen over 2 yards of fabric. It’s a warm burnt orange shade that I don’t think I’d choose for myself. But the thrift store gods provided and the pricing was on my side.

I had never sewn linen before and I learned quickly that you can’t make too many mistakes with it due to the nature of the weave. It’s some squirrelly stuff. But I love my linen store bought clothing so much I’m willing to try to make my own.

Vintage coordinating floral cotton fabric for the pockets.

I didn’t have quite enough fabric that the pattern called for. I made some length adjustments (the pattern was for a midi length dress) and I opted to use a vintage cotton floral fabric for the pockets.

I ran out of vintage buttons! I only needed one more to be able to have enough to make it fully functional (and modest) dress. Until then, I’m wearing it as a tunic with leggings which is pretty awesome in my book.

I’m definitely ready to take on my next linen project now that I know what to expect with it. Being the fabric nerd that I am, I’ve read up on the history of linen. Truly amazing. Even the wikipedia page for linen is an interesting read.

I hope you’ll enjoy the video and I hope your Monday has been a good one. xo-Thea

So what's up with all the sewing?

Today I used my vlog to address that question. While I did film it in a constant blurry vision state today, my sights are clear on my sewing intentions.

Nothing is happening right away, but I am starting to get requests just from the work I’ve already shared and I wanted to say something now.

I am not sorry for staying at home and being there for my kids when they were little. I feel so very lucky and wholeheartedly thankful for that opportunity. Things didn’t start off with like for me, my eldest was 7 years old when I made that change. My life and it’s hurdles pushed me to continue on that path up until last year. Although, I have to say that my kids who are all adults now, seem to need me more than ever. Not for daily basic things, but for adulthood sounding boards and perspectives. What life season to be in.

I am going to take this opportunity and do what I can with it. Whatever keeps me playing with fabrics for the rest of my life. My handmade clothing is coming. I don’t know when or how many things I can offer at once yet. But I know it will be something and I will share all the details here and on YouTube.

Don’t worry, I’m going to keep making my flowers until my hands won’t let anymore. The same goes for all of my 6 by 6 Arts with my husband. This is just some bonus action. Stay tuned!

xo-Thea

Everyone needs a cape.

I’ve been sitting on a yard of wool tartan fabric for a bit now. I decided after being influenced by some Youtubers and my rewatching of Outlander - i needed to make a cape. What eccentric’s wardrobe doesn’t have a cape?!?!

I didn’t have a pattern. But it’s a cape, how hard could it be? In my vlog video I describe that I used a round tablecloth as a “pattern”. I also swoosh around in the cape for visuals. Now I have at least 5 more capes to make and have had some great conversations about capes with friends. I wasn’t expecting that, but I’m glad for it.

I am trying by best to have a healthy balance of continuing my kanzashi work, laser cutting work and growing past my intermediate sewing skills. I have hopes to turn my sewing skills into a part of my business. I’ll go more into that soon. I do address a bit of that in my vlog too.

I am feeling the spring vibe, both visually and with allergies and I’m adding some new pretty spring blossoms to my shop. As the vaccines roll out, wedding and other celebratory events are happening again in the not too distant future. I am open to discussing some custom work but my availability will be very select. While I am able to employ my two daughters for administration help, I am the sole creator of my pieces at this time.

As always thank you for following my adventures!

-xo Thea

Vlog video, 1940's dress inspiration and new kanzashi.

As seen in the vlog below, my daughter Jina helped me out with some product photography for some new kanzashi pieces.

Kanzashi and model (Jina Starr) by - Thea Starr

I’m slowly editing the photos as I’ve also been sewing a few experimental things. I’m honing in on some long unused skills to become reacquainted with them again.

If it wasn’t obvious, although the dress turned out well and I succeeded in achieving using some skills. The colors just are not my flavor. Then there’s also the intentional oversizing due to the layout of the fabric. I do plan on altering it, so maybe it might make a trip out of the house this spring.

Made from thrifted fabric and a vintage Butterick pattern. | An Original By Thea Starr

Stay tuned for more shop and sewing adventure updates. xo-Thea

Vlogging, sewing and incoming spring flowers.

I don’t always remember to post my vlog links but this is this week’s episode:

The “Frankensteined” blouse did not turn out how I hoped. However, I did learn a lot and will be more successful the next time around. I quickly kicked out another sewing project to redeem myself. I chose one of my favorite patterns - Butterick Fast & Easy #3674

I made this skirt from vintage fabric, vintage buttons and vintage thread all purchased at the thrift. I love the big exterior pockets. Also, with all of my sewing adventuring recently I’ve discovered I’m quite good at sewing closures. Zippers, bound buttons/buttholes and just plain old buttons/button holes. The button down front on this skirt is great for my current skill set.

Today I am organizing some kanzashi pieces that will be modeled later this week by my eldest daughter. Spring is just around the corner and new spring blooms are coming. As well, as adding touches to new designs for 6 by 6 Arts.

I hope you are all well friends!

End of November - already?

Once again I failed to link my last week’s vlog post.

I’ve fallen off the social media sharing recently. If you’ve followed me for a bit, you know I suck at it anyways.😂 However, I’ve been busy with 6 by 6 Arts’ holiday orders recently. Tis the season for snarky and beautiful ornaments.

While packing one of my orders, I noticed a couple pieces were still hooked onto some display hooks. Most likely from my last in person show from last year. I got a bit of the sads when I saw it. For the past 16 years, this time of the year signifies - very little sleep, packing, packaging, making things into the wee hours and traveling because of shows. It’s surreal to not be in that mode. Surreal just like this entire year.

xo-Thea

Vlog, shop update and other gibberish.

First, my vlog about last week:

Nice thumbnail there eh? Yeah, so last week and my first online show was a bust. Whomp whomp. Of course that makes me nervous for other online shows. I’ve only committed to one with 6 by 6 so far because of the fear. However, instead of getting into Debbie Downer mode, I’m just going to sew a bunch of random things and be weird. Which is what I excel at.

In all seriousness, I just ride the life rollercoaster and hope for the best.

With the show out of the way, I can focus on other things now. Like listing.

Me in my fancy spiderweb blouse wearing four simply red kanzashi hair clips as you do.

First up is a classic : Simply Red Kanzashi Hair Clips. I usually end up with tons of vintage kimono red silk lining. So I’ve made versions of these clips for the entirety of my business. They are a vibrant red and classic. They are available in ye olde shop.

Then lastly, this is a bit odd for me but the vintage clothing purge has commenced and it’s happening over in my Etsy shop. Why not here you might ask? Well friends, you come here for hair doodads and bouquets and not random vintage clothes. People shop of vintage on Etsy and I’m legit trying to let go of these things. But in the off chance that you’d like to buy something from here and there, just let me know and I can make that happen for you.

That’s all from me for now. I hope you’re all well - as well as we can all be right now. Ride that rollercoaster homies. xo-Thea

Vlog and Spooky Skeleton Kanzashi

First up, yesterday’s vlog:

Admittedly, it was a bit rushed as time kind of got away from me yesterday. I’m also still acclimating to using Premier Pro rather than iMovie. But we wanted to mention the little information that we have about Adobe Max/Marketplace that 6 by 6 will be a part of. Reminder that Max is free this year!!! SIGN UP!!! John and I have attended the past two years and each time we left filled to the brim with inspiration. As well as new insights on how to use Adobe’s products for our creative endeavors. I know that sounds a bit like a sales pitch, but we use a ton of their applications for many aspects for both companies. And who doesn’t like Free?

If you follow me on Instagram or Facebook, you might have caught this little teaser yesterday. I whipped up a few Skeleton Kanzashi clips for spooky season. They are available in my shop. Sadly, there won’t be a cotton alternative for these. Perhaps in the future though. I get random requests for these throughout the year.

I’m glued to my computer, sewing machine and kanzashi table this week. I have some fun videos, projects and photoshoots on my list week. Whatever I can do to power through to election day. :)

xo-Thea