Sew Easy? More like, Sew Not Easy. Like what I did there?

Cute, right? The thing I love about this pattern is that the two dresses are similar, yet different enough so that if I made the other dress as well, no one would really know that they’re essentially the same dress, just plus or minus a few steps and pattern pieces. But I guess they’d find all of this out if they read my blog. And I don’t even know who “they” is at this point. Is it 1:00AM right now? Yes it is.

Moving along. I must add that this was my first time constructing a garment using a vintage pattern. The instructions were a little (or, kind of a lot) more difficult to digest and really comprehend than a modern day pattern, so the dress took a LOT longer than it should have. But, you live and learn. When I decide to make the dress on the left (above), it will most likely take me 60% of the time.

And, voila! The dress was a hit. I didn’t get crowned Prom Queen (yes, we totally voted for Prom King and Queen), but I am more than OK with that. I’m shy. Anyway, I had a lot of fun twirling around the dance floor in my puffy skirt, and for once doing the mashed potato actually made sense.

I stumbled upon that Lucy Liu quote online today and couldn’t stop laughing. Well, maybe I’m exaggerating. It was more of a snicker, and it was quite short.

Anyway! Happy Friday guys and dolls. As I sit here sipping my Ice Blended White Mocha beverage, I can’t help but be thankful to be indoors today. It has been around 100 degrees everyday this week. Too hot to handle, fo sho.

My lovely Aunt who lives in the beautiful city of Pasadena emailed me with this neat blog to check out today:

They have two etsy shops: one that sells vintage fabric (pintucksew), and one that sells apparel (pintuckstyle). I was already planning a thrifting adventure tomorrow, so looking through their shop is definitely inspiring my wish list.

Pintuckstyle 1940s-Inspired 1980s Vintage Dress

I absolutely love the fabric that you see at the beginning of this entry. I wish they had more than half a yard. Wouldn’t that be adorable as a short, elastic banded skirt? I wonder if you’re getting the same visual as I am, and if you are, isn’t it cute!? Haha. Also, this dress is great, but would look ridiculous on me, as I have broader shoulders. But I love it anyway.  I would probably remove the sleeves.

That’s all for now. Keep cool out there, kittens!

The Graphic Imperative: International Posters for Peace, Social Justice & the Environment, 1965-2005

Where?
Cal State Los Angeles
Luckman Gallery
5151 State University Dr.
Los Angeles, CA 90032-8116
(323) 343-6604

When?
October 27-December 15, 2007
Gallery Hours: Mon-Thurs. and Sat. 12-5pm

How much?
FREE, except for the dollar that you’ll pay for parking… which is a bargain for parking in LA.

I STILL don’t get it.
What initially drew me to this exhibit? Two words: Guerilla Girls! I love seeing their pieces at different exhibits. They’re so inspiring, I would never pass up an opportunity to experience their work up close. The aura of powerful women is always palpable. I know their pieces are posters, and it’s not exactly the same as viewing a painting, because it’s not one of a kind… but I think that’s what’s so great about this exhibit, and about the graphic arts in general. Graphic art, for me, has so much cultural influence and resonates loudly irregardless of which form it takes; whether it’s a billboard, graffiti, a sticker, or in this case, a poster. It’s a piece of art that is utilized in the mainstream of everyday and in turn may be discussed outside of the political arena, making these issues everyone’s problem instead of just the government’s. It’s kind of sneaky if you think about it. We are advertising a social movement like we’re advertising a consumer good. If you capture someone’s attention, the product becomes more popular, and then more people will jump on the bandwagon. Well, that’s in the utopia for social movements in my mind, but I guess in the real world it’s a little more difficult.

The Graphic Imperative exhibits 111 posters that have served to create awareness of social issues or injustices that existed, and in turn created a discourse to try to make change happen. The exhibit includes posters from the past 40 years; four decades that were critical to many issues such as unfair labor, racism, violence against women, AIDS, the environment, and many more.

The Luckman Art Gallery at CSLA is pretty small space, but an average size for a University art gallery. Although the exhibit is small its message is anything but.

Ok, end of the rant. But this brings me to the newest exhibit at our very own Orange County Museum of Art. I haven’t visited this museum since, oh, the John Waters: Change of Life exhibition which in my opinion was one of the best exhibits I have ever witnessed. John Waters is a hero indeed. But for the good year and a half since that show everything there has looked pretty boring, to be honest with you. Until now! ::cheers:: Opening this Sunday…

Art Since the 1960s: California Experiments

Where?
Orange County Museum of Art
850 San Clemente Drive
Newport Beach, CA 92660
When?
July 15th 2007- September 14, 2008
(Museum hours: Wed – Sun 11-5pm; Thurs 11-8pm)
How much?
Ten big ones.
I STILL don’t get it.
Well, this exhibit will highlight pieces from the museum’s permanent collection that focus on post 1960s contemporary art. What am I excited about? Of course seeing more of Eleanor Antin’s work. When I saw her Carving: A Traditional Sculpture piece at the WACK! exhibit a few months ago, I was incredibly moved. (The entire friggin exhibit was moving. It’s open for a few more days kids!!!) She makes the concept of crash-dieting over 36 days highly unglamorous and real juxtaposing the classic idea of a Greek sculptor chipping away excess marble to reveal an “inner beauty”.

I can go on forever about Antin, but there are handfuls of other artists to see at this contemporary exhibit. So go, and be sure to share your thoughts.