Wearing what I make.

I knew it was inevitable that I would be asked do I actually wear what I make. Or why do I make so much? I post weekly sewing project summaries on my Instagram and personal Facebook pages. I do it in a similar format as I do here, but here I offer more details. Yesterday, I was asked why do I sew so much? The devilish side of me always takes the offensive and wants to childishly say “ Why not.” or “Because I can.”. Which are both true sentiments honestly. But I do have a method to my madness.

I want to sharpen my sewing skills and become more proficient in sewing techniques. I love sewing and it has always been a dream of mine to be a costumer. I love quality fabric and notions that were designed to last. Since I had to dust off my machine to make masks during 2020, I naturally picked up sewing again. My mom and eldest sister are talented seamstresses. I was the recipient of many home sewn dresses. It was a natural path for me to walk down.

I picked up this vintage Singer 338 sewing machine at a thrift store for $7.00

I understand sewing machines. I thankfully grew up with a father who taught me how to fix small motors. I have acquired and fixed a couple of machines since the pandemic. I appreciate their durability and design that was made to endure time too. When you love and know how to use your tools, it’s a special kind of power.

Me on April 5th, 2022 wearing my home sewn flannel mushroom dress.

I’m shorter, I have wide hips, full bust and short legs. Ready to wear clothes don’t always fit right. I’ve altered dresses that I’ve paid $200 for. Why not just make them myself and sell the readymade items? I have purged many pieces of readymade clothing. Lots of dresses and tops with what I call “the sad button”. You know the one that closes but struggled to close at the bust. I wanted to eliminate that from my life and fill my closet with clothes that fit me well, which in turn makes me feel good. Who doesn’t need that after the past couple of years we’ve had.

I know not everyone can do this and I really appreciate the encouragement from friends and strangers about my journey. I especially love it when someone tells me that I inspired them to dust off their sewing machines. Why wear the sad button shirt that makes you feel self conscious? We only have this one life, why not have all happy buttons? You know what I mean. :)

xo-Thea

Just An Old Biddy - The Almost Empty Nester

My sons moved out (again) yesterday. We’re all close as a family and I often feature them in my blog/vlog. I think the assumption after your nest is empty you turn into an old biddy. While, I’ve let my grey grow out and I’m into old vintage things, I’m far from being a biddy.

I recently told my sister in law who has a toddler and one on the way, the days are long but the years are short. Offspring grow up fast. But In my experience so far, you will always be needed and called on. Often. Have you met my kids? Or even just watched us in my videos?

My sons only moved a few miles away and I feel lucky for that too. College and work opportunities is stuff only the big city can provide in this season of their lives. I did it too.

My next chapter already has a line up of projects, family stuff and cleaning because my boys are messy.

Also, my nest isn’t empty my youngest a college student, still lives at home (college student too). The only one of my kids that doesn’t have to share a bathroom. In a large family that is a HUGE deal. Especially when brothers are involved.

I’m not sure if I will have time for a video this week since I’m sorting all of the remainders from my boys’ move. But check out my Instagram this week. I recently happened upon some really fun vintage stuff recently that I am very excited to share.

xo- thea

31 days of Spooky Season Movies and TV Shows 2020

Last year I shared my 2019 version of this list on my personal Instagram. It brought on some fun conversations about the listed movies. Also some roasting by my choice of selecting Halloween H20 (1998) as my Halloween Day movie. Hey, I know it was a weak choice but if I recall, we planned to do something last year. I didn’t want to commit to something big.

So in the year of the pandemic, I did add some movies that I have not seen yet alongside some of personal favorites. I tend to skip “family friendly” selections since I have leveled up in the parental status. All of my offspring are over 18. I also included the bonus mentions of a couple shows that I will have playing in the background while I work during the day.

• The Craft (1996)

• The VVitch (2015) - It wasn’t my favorite when I initially watched it. So, I’m giving it another try.

• The Autopsy of Jane Doe (2016)

• Suspiria (1977 & 2018) I have not seen the 2018 version.

• The Conjuring (2013)

• Hagazussa (2017) I haven’t seen this.

• Rosemary’s Baby (1968) John hasn’t seen this one.

• Sweeney Todd (2007) Another one John hasn’t seen.

• The Blair Witch Project (1999) I was disappointed with this when I saw it when it was new. Giving it another shot to see if my opinion has changed 21 years later.

• In Fabric (2018) This is a new one for me.

• I Saw The Devil (2010) A K-Horror classic.

• A Tale Of Two Sisters (2003) Another K-Horror classic and a personal favorite. I watch this one year round.

• Kill, Baby Kill (1966)

• The Host (2006) Yet another K-Horror classic.

• The Others (2001)

• Scooby Doo On Zombie Island (1998) This one is family friendly. But it is a must watch every Spooky Season.

• Trick R Treat (2007)

• A Nightmare On Elm Street - Dream Warriors (1987) Hands down the best of the Freddy movies.

• The Return Of The Living Dead (1985) An American classic.

• Kwaidan (1964) A Japanese classic and truly one of my favorite movies ever made.

• Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust (2000) This is an anime.

• The Ghost And Mrs. Muir (1947) An aesthetically pleasing classic.

• House on Haunted Hill (1959) Is it even Spooky Season if you’re not watching Vincent Price?

• Audition (2000) A Takashi Miike film that isn’t for everyone, but this is one of my favorites.

• Pulse/Kairo (2001)

• A Girl Walks Alone At Night (2014) This one has been on my watch list for a while. I’m excited to check it out.

• The Vanishing/Spoorloos (1988) A Dutch film to watch with my Dutch husband.

• The Fog (1980) A John Carpenter’s classic and the only movie that has ever scared me. I saw this when I was super little. (My mom was a spooky movie fan when I was little and we watched it all together.) I grew up on an island that often had heavy fog so this was realistic!!! I remember after watching for the first time I slept like a stiff board under 50lbs of blankets in between my parents.

• Hausu (1977) Another one of my all time favorites that I watch year round.

• The Crow (1994) I watch this on Devil’s Night annually as you do.

• Halloween marathon on Halloween - ending with the newest one - which I haven’t seen yet.

TV shows:

• Ju-On Origins (love this series)

• Hannibal - The most aesthetically pleasing show, ever.

• AHS Asylum and Coven

• Penny Dreadful (Not the new crappy one.)

• The Haunting of Hill House - I just love the look of this series and want to dress like Olivia Crane.

There is. John and I watch the standard issued “Halloween/horror” films throughout the year so things like Beetlejuice, The Shining and the like classics didn’t get a place on my list.

So, let me know your judging thoughts and any recommendations that you think should be on the list.

Happy Spooky Season!

xo-Thea

Fabric Mask Making

If you’re looking for a fabric mask listing here, you won’t find one. Like many other makers, I too have been sewing fabric masks. I’m currently not offering them for sale. I have been focused on supplying my family and friends with them. There are many makers offering them for sale online, a quick search or Etsy will lead you to some. I’ve linked the pattern that I have been using in the photo above if you’d like to make your own. I made the decision to make masks for those close to me because of my limited amount of 100% cotton fabric stash.

In the video above, you can see my fabrics are from the early 2000’s. I haven’t really purchased new commercial fabrics since the days of my tote bags and baby blanket making. My commercial fabric stash has been stored away in my garage in big rubbermaid bins for years. Some call it hoarding, I call it being prepared, at least in this case. I would’ve never imagined that I’d be sewing fabric masks for an 100 year pandemic. I’m sure no one did.

Mask making is a three type of scissors job.

I have stream lined my process. I pre cut the masks in mass quantity. Then I sew them in mass as well.

It is surreal still. Even with being in the initial epicenter for the COVID-19 outbreak. I know some are struggling with the mental weight that comes with life events like this. It’s hard to see friends struggling to cope. For me, I am filling my time with projects that can help others as well as tackling a few personal projects that have been on hold for a time “when I have the time.” I’m just one of those people that struggles with being in idle. Finding ways to help relieves my mental weight.

I’ve even tapped my vintage thread stash.

Not many orders are coming through these days for either of my businesses as to be expected. We are completely grateful those that are coming through though (Thank you!). It’s just another reality check of what a delicate life circle we have. While our laser isn’t running as often as it would normally be this time of year, we are firing up our 3D printer to contribute to the medical professionals in need. We are aiming to create components for face shields and mask extenders for long wear.

Please be safe at home. We are all in this together.

-Thea

Love in a time of COVID-19: Grant's Long Con, The Extended Version

For about two years, my eldest daughter Jina has been engaged to her guy Grant. We often joke that Grant has been precisely executing a long con to get Jina to marry him. They have known each other for a very long time and went to the same high school. They did not date then or even in college. Or did my daughter know that she was going out on a date with Grant, when they had their first date. They are a handsome couple who are really two peas in a pod. They will have a few good stories to tell their children someday. With the bonus of the pandemic causing a postponement of their wedding.

This is what I shared yesterday (March 25, 2020) on my private social media accounts:

Today, if there wasn’t a world wide pandemic going on I would’ve been walking my daughter Jina down the aisle.

The handsome couple: Grant & Jina.

Jina and Grant had long planned an intimate destination wedding out of the US. After it became unsafe to travel they modified their wedding plans - twice. Then they ultimately had to postpone it. It has been a stack of disappointments one right after another for J & G. Everyone in our clan felt completely defeated for them.

Their wedding day will happen. No sympathies necessary. Just do your part in helping to slow COVID-19. Don’t ask them when it will be either, there is no way to guess that at this time.

On the side lines as Jina’s mom, there has been very little I could do aside from being there to listen. Grant and Jina are master taskmasters for 25 year olds. They are both highly ambitious people and get things done. However, even they had disheartening moments with the over flowing river of changes to not only their personal plans, but the whole planet’s too.

They shifted to having the wedding on originally planned day at home when non essential travel was dissuaded. Once that idea came about, both parental units went into action. His family secured a place and food and drink. We were in charge of decor, music and any thing Jina needed. (Her dress was designed for tropical weather.) My youngest son Trevor became ordained to perform the ceremony. Boxes of decor pieces and bridal accessories poured through our doors. Each one got sprayed with Lysol. Sketches of signs that we were to laser cut were done. Miniature bottles to put the coveted hand sanitizer in for each guest were acquired. Then our Governor started to introduce words in his daily briefings that we all knew a “shelter in place” order or the like was coming. The inevitable postponement was going to happen.

Defeated on making it happen on the planned day, but not on the ultimate goal. They are safe and healthy as well as both of their parental units. That’s all that matters right now. Tune back in post pandemic for the rest of the story.

xo-Thea

Social Distancing.

* The links below are affiliate links.

My new lightbox. After it was set up, I questioned my life choices. She’s huge!

Vintage Sunset Embroidery kit.

Today began my “baby’s” (She’s 18) first day of online instruction. Our school district announced last week that they would do online instruction for two weeks due to the COVID-19 outbreak in our area. She’s a senior in high school so not a huge deal to us. Personally, our family is mostly low risk. Two family of our members do have underlying health conditions so, we have stepped up our self care of eating healthy, taking supplements and partaking in heighten personal and home cleanliness. My “baby” does work in the health care system though and the district’s move to online instruction was a good precautionary measure in my opinion. I think people tend to forget that many teachers are 60+, I’ve known a few to have cancer and I’m sure some care for elderly parents too. Prioritizing teachers in this situation with many unknowns is good.

Over the past few weeks of individual commentary, FB groups “debates” etc., I’ve personally had it with the hostile posts about everything under the sun. I feel like everyone wants to fight about something on FB so, I’m choosing to avoid it. I feel like that energy can be used to do better things, even if you are cooped up at home.

For me, aside from doing some greenhouse and backyard clean up, I bit the bullet and purchased a new light box. I take a ton of pictures for work and need a consistent setting. My old light box was and is great for small stuff. However, I would struggle with cramming bouquets and even some formal kanzashi pieces in it under the lights just right. So I decided to go big. Like super big, see the photo at the top to this post.

I discovered that I needed to move around within the photo booth to get my angles. After some research I decided to go with the big mama one. After it was set up, I honestly questioned my life decisions. One thing is for sure, I have no more excuses to not take photos of my work. I did hold off on that due to my photo issues but also my lack of interest of listing on Etsy. That will be another post though. Hahaha.

Lastly, my eldest and I planned on keeping this vintage Sunset Embroidery kit for our Bunco prize box. But, I might break into this bad boy for a little calming project to do. I’ll share more pictures of it on my Instagram. (The only social media I do enjoy.)

xo-Thea

My Dad's Birthday

When I was little, from around December 20th to January 2nd (at least) was a block of birthday/holiday celebrations. My birthday is December 25th and my dad’s was January 2nd. That timeframe was an excuse to do extra special stuff.

Today my dear old dad would’ve been 87. He was in his 40’s when I was born and passed away when I was in my 20s. I miss him dearly. He was my best friend - I was quite the daddy’s girl. (He raised me.)

I do a sort of ritual of his favorite meal for dinner and do something in his honor annually on this day. It has been evolving since 2004 when he passed. This year, I am spending the evening creating. I am working on an extra special personal project that requires a lot of design work from me. It’s a laser cutting project which I think he would’ve been excited for me to have a laser cutter. He was a very gifted mechanic (before and after his Navy career). You know when someone has a talent and they just shine and make it look so easy. That was him with any machine. I unfortunately did not inherit that gift from him as he had me working on small machines like lawnmowers or doing auto body work.

I usually wear aprons when I cook/bake. Apron (and most of my aprons was made by Kristine Ann.)

My dad and I. I was probably around 5 or 6 years old here and this was not an uncommon scene. Heavy machinery was this girl’s jam. I actually tried to start one of our backhoes up myself. I got it into neutral and my dad had to chase me.

Thanks to him, from a young age I’ve been comfortable around various types of machines and mechanical gadgets. That has come in handy many times over in my life. From being a single mom having to do a quick car repair on my own to fixing a horribly over complicated office printer.

I currently have nothing to share with you about my current project. But I feel like working on something creative that will turn into a tangible thing is the best way to honor my dad today. He would’ve kicked my butt if I just moped around on days like this. :)

xo-Thea

New Decade Day 1

Last night John and I were up really late researching movies from 20 years ago. It was weird to use because to us, 2000 doesn’t really feel that long ago.

December 2019 - Process shot of a custom piece for myself. It had been a long time since I created a piece for myself.

I’m totally in the phase of life where everything is a blur. My children are grown. Big life events come at me like a freight train. Long gone are the days of routine and filling my days with planned snacks and naps. Although, I think John would enjoy that. But here we are, day one of a new decade. This year alone there are two big life events happening. My eldest is getting married. Then my youngest is graduating high school. We know how to start a decade off with a big bang.

December 2019 - Jina is 24, I figured it was time to get her the expensive dollhouse she’s always wanted. (Presents under the tree for 8 people and 2 dogs. + My birthday presents.) Photo edited with A Color Story - Cozy Filter.

Rolling back a minute, included in this post are photos from Christmas. Which also happens to be my birthday. I share many photos on my private IG, 6 by 6 and I’m just now getting back into the groove of sharing on my public account. I’ve long neglected this blog and my shop because of 6 by 6 . Last year we were able to hone in on some products and discontinue a few, which allowed us to streamline many things. It’s funny that even though I have experience with manufacturing with this company, I still made many of the same mistakes I did when I first started this in 2003.

December 2019 - My custom made kanzashi for my birthday.

December 25, 2019 Me on my birthday.

Dress: VooDoo Vixen Purse: Little Rooms

With all that said, I finally feel free to create a bit. I love January - also known as “Pajamuary” in the maker’s world. Post holiday rush I actually feel energized to work on things that I’ve shelved. It’s weird how much of a rollercoaster life can actually be. To complete the conversation from the first paragraph of this post, last night we settled on watching one of my favorite movies; Chocolat. Which I hope serves as a whimsical inspiration for me this month.

Happy New Year - New Decade!

xo-Thea

When you can't come up with your own original ideas...

I have been in the maker business since 2002. I have been copied (down to the exact style of design) many times. I've even had my work bought and sold and passed off as someone else's work too. 

It should come as no surprise to me that someone on the Glowforge community created a file exactly like my original work and is sharing it there for other Glowforge members to use. 

How do I know? They linked directly to my work here on my site. 

Unfortunately for me, there is nothing illegal about this. It is just disappointing. I know "nothing" is original anymore and no one "cares" how something is made. Its just sad that it is my exact design, including the star in a recreated file being shared. It is called a STARR flower for a reason. I created it to expand my use for vintage kimono fabric and have a collaboration product with my laser cutting company. I'm sure in no time there will be a new Etsy shop filled with Starr Flower copycats for sale as the file gets passed along. My husband John and I have experienced this a few times with our business together in the past 4 years. An Etsy shop opened up with a Happy Rain Cloud keychain copycat as it's only product. Just like this and previous experiences, I'll just shrug it off and create new original designs. Imitation is the best form of flattery right? But it doesn't feel that way though, I am human. An actual person who creates for a living. 

As creatives, there are so many ways to take inspiration from a design and make it your own. Create something totally new with your own flair! If you like something you see made by a maker, compliment them, buy their work, be inspired by their work to make something of your own in your own style. When I teach classes on kanzashi making, I assure my students to do just that. You disappointment me Mr. Copycat. You could have at least removed the star(r).

xo-Thea 

I am 39 today.

Some call today Christmas, some call it Friday, I call it my birthday. I was born on December 25, 1976. Having a birthday on Christmas is quite frankly bullshit. One birthday/Christmas present, no birthday parties, no free dinners at restaurants. My personal favorite is getting carded and having that person exclaim “Oh you’re a Christmas baby!!!”, as if I didn’t know. I’ve lightened up about it over the years. Mostly.

View fullsize

My second birthday 12/25/1978

I, however do have quite the positive outlook on aging. 39 is the end of an era. A new decade accolade is on my horizon and I am quite excited about it. I have earned this. I have been filling up the chapters of my life, much of which is filled to the brim with experiences, both good and bad. That’s life right? The sweet and the sour, the smiles and the tears. Like many of you, I have been dealt the short end of the stick many times in life. Some were due to poor choices I’ve made, some were good fortunes that fell upon me. I have lived a lot of life in 39 years. I earned it all and wouldn’t want to be younger or older. I am content with my choices even those hard ones I made. They all make me, me. “If I knew then, what I know now…” I’d probably find a new and creative way to screw it up. I am curious willful human.

I know this time of the year is very difficult for some. We all have lost someone who made our lives worth living and special. For me, it’s my dad. Every day I think of him. He was the best. He was so funny, resourceful, loving and quite the animated character. Every day I miss him. He’s been gone 11 years and it still hurts, particularly on my birthday. I do not share a similar relationship with my mother. She and I are like fire and ice. Maybe I was born mad at her for giving me such a crappy birthday? Days like today are never the same when someone is missing. It’s different. At first it’s hard but as time goes on it becomes okay and the hole left in your heart doesn’t feel as bad.

Or perhaps you are simply just not content with your life and allow some negative thoughts in when you see others share their happiness. I feel you, I’ve been there too. I’m not one to share and commiserate about woes much. I choose to take it on and conquer the thing in my way. I take it in and let it out. When I was younger it used to be rage and destructive behavior. Now it’s probably just another dozen white hairs pushing out. Watching my dad die gave me insight on life. It’s now or never. Really. We all have some cause that motivates us or keeps us sedentary. Whatever it is for you, I hope you can conquer it and go forward. And never feel bad about aging; it’s what we’re supposed to do. We have an undisclosed expiration date.

I welcome you 39. Good or bad, you’re mine.

To those who celebrate it, Merry Christmas.

Xo-The

#MyAsianAmericanStory

Normally, I avoid discussing two things with people in general - religion and politics. Two deeply personal and highly opinion filled things. Most people have a hard time even just considering that their opinion isn't always correct or lack the openness to allow an alternative consideration in. I am human as well and I fall victim to my own stubbornness every now and then. As I've aged I've tried to be more conscience of that. So I've waited 48hours to post this because I allowed myself to be angry over a politician's words. Which I consider to be ridiculous. It's a guy that basically has no effect on me, unless he becomes president. Quite frankly, I loathe election years because of the excessive banter about political stances. I try to only tune into those who are smart enough to address real issues rather than finger point at the "other guy". I am often completely shocked by the horrible things that are said. I have to pause and ask myself, what year is it? When I was young 2015 seemed so far away in the future I was sure that we'd be traveling by hover cars and living on other planets. Not talk about withholding someone's rights or criticize someone because of their race.

The trending hashtag #MyAsianAmercianStory started by a 15 year old high school student in California of course caught my attention. (If you're on Twitter I encourage you to check the hashtag out.) I am a 13th generation American and 1st generation Asian American. I am whole person with two entirely different backgrounds. Sometimes I was "too white" other times I was "too Asian". I could write a book on the odd events that happened due to my mom's culture shock and my dad's American ways. They are the best stories I share with my own children. They are reminders that we are here due to the exploration of our ancestors. Families from all backgrounds have their great origin stories. 

My parents and I - 1978

Maybe being a 13th and 1st generation American I have an unique view on America. My mom believed that this was the land of opportunity and abundance. She has worked harder than anyone I've ever met. Two or three jobs at a time pulling double shifts. Doing work others pass on. My dad served America for the majority of his life in the military as every paternal grandfather of mine did since we immigrated here from Ireland. This is melting pot of many. Diversity creates growth and acceptance. 

My point of this post is to remind others that we are in fact a great melting pot of a country. We can do great things as a nation and move forward rather than back. It's not about being politically correct either, it's about using politics to not put people down but to lift a nation up.

After all, we're just some folks sharing some space on a pale blue dot.

The type is small but the message is big. 

xo-Thea

2 - 0

Entries here have been sparse. Typically I'm occupied with working for both of my companies and handling my domestic life. Just like anyone else. Sporadic posts of process work pictures and upcoming events is the best I have to offer at the moment. I did want to document some thoughts about an event this Saturday.

My eldest daughter Jina is turning 20 years old. A new decade of life for the girl who was by my side at every craft/work show for 10 years. If you've visited me at any local show you definitely have met her. She's been my sidekick since I was almost 19. As her mom, its surreal, I feel as if I am still in my twenties.  

Jina and I  - 1998

Jina is half way through college, double majoring in accounting and economics and will have a minor in anthropology. She works hard makes final tests her "bitch" and will most definitely be someone's boss someday. I wake up everyday totally amazed that I created this human. I mean we didn't have the best start, I like to compare it to the poor people version of the Gilmore Girls. The same amount of coffee, witty banter and closeness that Lorelai and Rory shared though. I'm also kind of an asshole. Who knew I'd produce a stellar young lady?

Proof, that in fact she was born with that incredible head of hair. Jina on her birthday 1995.

The greatest compliment I've ever received is the comment "I hope my daughter and I are as close as you are to your daughter(s)." It's nice that it's obvious, I've worked hard to unlock this achievement. Over the years at times it was hard to treat Jina like a human being. Barfing on me at the grocery store when she was a baby, toddler tantrums, ridiculous obsessions with the musicals and thieving stuff from my closet. It all comes attached with parenting right?  Honestly, you can prepare all you like to become and be a parent. Or you can just wing it. Which is what I did and still am doing to this day. Nothing is predictable for this parenting game and you have to take things as they come.  Just like life in general. 

My daughters and I on my home "rocK". Photo by "Carol Anne"  2012

Twenty years of parenting in the bag. The best part of me walks around with her face and with better brains than I have. She's interesting and interested, an accomplishment she owns all the credit for. She has sass, a strong will and knows to say "I love you" even at the end of a difficult conversation with her mother - which I will take credit for. As well as that great head of hair. 

Me and my girl - 2015

Happy 20th to my number 1 lady. 

xo- Thea

Starting Anew

If you've been following me or my work you'll notice all the newness all over everything associated with me. My personal life, work adventures with a new company and my children growing up off adventuring on their own. I am fortunate enough to start anew. 

I've been here before, at the beginning of something. It's exhilarating, scary and filled with surprises left and right. I would actually look back upon the majority of my life and describe how I've lived it with those exact words. I am grateful for that. 

I'm grateful for those who have followed me to here. 

xo-Thea