Flatterfly

2007-05-26T05:03:00.000-07:00

I always have a headache whenever birthdays come up and I have to think of gifts to buy, especially when that someone is someone close. Furthermore it doesn't help that my family and friends are particularly picky. I got some ideas just surfing around just now and noting them down for future reference might be helpful.

1. Cookbooks

Great for mum who loves good, simple recipes. I'm going to try getting her a vegetarian cake book or a simple indian cookbook.

2. DVD collections

This one is specially for friends since they get quite obsessive over certain shows. I'm getting one of my best friends the season six collection of Sex and The City. I hope she likes it.

3. T-shirts and shorts

This one is SO my dad. He is the most difficult person to buy gifts for because he's practical to the point of scary. He spends not a single penny on anything he feels is for pure indulging purposes, everything must have a good use, and since he hates shopping, my sister and I find that the best things to get my dad are things he uses all the time that get worn out. He likes comfortable cotton t-shirts and canvas pants so we've gotten into the habit of buying him these. And occasionally a hamper basket full of the food he loves munching on. Maybe this year we'll get him a CSI t-shirt since he watches it like crazy, and maybe even throw in a beer bottle, pringles and the whole season of CSI Vegas.

I'll edit the list on and off...

2007-05-25T02:57:00.000-07:00

I just finished watching Miss Potter and oh, how wonderful! Truly! Just as I imagined the life of a woolgathered to be like, and more. Touching, beautiful movie and a must watch if you've read and enjoyed her books, are a general fan of children's books and illustrations or have a liking towards period movies.

The movie really hits home for me because for a long time now, that is exactly what I want to do later in life. Buy a farm and have many, many animals and buy many, many books, especially those children's books I hold close to my heart, for other children. I want to give poor children a chance to escape into and explore one's mind. All I know is that a colourful life must be full of animals and books and art and music and loved ones.

I alos loved the clothes that Renee wore in the film. I am unable to capture images from it, but there is a blue striped top she wears by the lake when she reads Norman's letter that has quite captivated my attented and I would like to make it. With less poufy top sleeves. but quite like the original top. I'll make in in dark brown thick material, with fabric covered buttons.

Now, nevermind that, I have another project in mind. I found a retro print saree, black and white, and I plan on making a shirt dress with it, I'll cut the pattern out tonight and wear it with red tights and red baller shoes.

2007-04-29T05:49:00.000-07:00

so this weekend I have to attend a little girl's 1st year birthday party, and I was definitely planning to feign illness so that I might sit home and watch a dvd or two this coming Saturday. But then, I got excited at the idea of making a new dress and some accessories to go with it and maybe even some shopping. I was told that there was no need to 'dress up' for it was a casual affair, but I question the notion of going to a party, any party, never you mind even if the guests can barely speak, under-dressed. I, K-- D--, will not succumb to such lack of enthusiasm.

So where were we? ah yes, I have planned on making a kimono dress, with cap sleeves. It should be a simple affair, given that I have yards of soft saree material. It should like the below picture, only with more flair about the skirt. It will be a transluscent, soft, flowy, black material with blue and white seventies like flower designs.

And I thought I might make a pendant, a long one with an African gemstone, srapping it in wire.a rose quartz maybe?

And a clutch, much like the below one, in saree material. Perhaps fuschia or brown satin.

I am going to shop for a satin black dress negligee, and either red or yellow patent leather ballet flats and wear them with black tights. Make up wise, i'd probably go for a subtle brown smoky eye effect, with the Estee Lauder Tea Rose lipstick sort of nude colour, ruby studs on ears, or what i hope to make are some flat white disk earrings with gold flowers, and comb my hair down for a mod effect.

Yay something to look forward to!

2007-04-21T02:38:00.000-07:00

I never realize how pleased I am to wake up at 6am, until I reach my college parking ground and look out my window. It is so peaceful and quiet, the security guards are a short distance away and it's not scary to sit out there alone...just thinking and listening to classical music, feeling like I have all the time in the world...

I made this today. 40cents for each peacock feather, and some earring hooks and beads that I had lying in a box. INterestingly, upon finishing it, I excitedly ran down to show my cousin brother who usually had good things to say about my "work", only this time he leaped away, frightened...apparently it looks weird...nevermind the odd fellow, I am from now on an ardent fan of feathery things, and I shall wear these with my white kurta top and an old pair of denims, put my hair back with a black headband tomorrow when we have visitors.

These, were recent purchases..shopping with mum has its perks..she paid for everything!...3 for ten earrings, especially fond of the snowflake design, the eyeshadow was on sale and is quite lovely on dark skin...I use the pink on my brow bone, and shade the brown on my lid and line my lower lashes, finishing off with eyeliner lightly to make the eyes pop...I'm not a big fan of mascara though, it's too..unnatural for me...stiff eyelashes are not very comfortable..maye I'm using the wrong type of mascara..anyway, theres also this really soft pink sponge that feels so good on skin when taking off crusty masks!! its that little pink thing at the back..

can't wait for exams to end so I can start on a duro dress...

2007-04-09T01:46:00.000-07:00

I was supposed to be finishing up an assignment, but I was distracted (when HASN't that happened *rolls eyes) and I was daydreaming about a handsome lover grabbing me and kissing me passionately and suddenly I had this insistent need for a ribbon strung pearl

2007-04-06T05:47:00.000-07:00

Today I made an Ipod cover. Mine got fixed recently and I wanted a cover to protect it and lessen wear and tear. This one was made of scrap black cotton, transparent black hard muslin, cotton black bias tape and polyester purple ribbon.

This is what it looks like closed.

This is what it looks like open, there is a pocket for the earphones and a pocket for the Ipod

Here you can see the screen through the black hard muslin. I made a window, sort of folded the edges and the muslin together and stitched it so that the raw edges won't fray.

The screen, excuse the straying thread and my ugly nails!! oh the horror!

I made a buttonhole at the bottom so I can connect the earphones to the pod. This is what it will look like when you're using it

Have I mentioned how much I love my machine?? the new old one? I'll post a picture soon..

2007-03-30T23:13:00.000-07:00

Some pictures from the IKEA catalogue. I'm going shopping with mum on Monday. I really love how my folks are redecorating with a cheery perspective. The kitchen is yellow and so is the family room. Today dad fized the new pole curtain railings and they're black and oh so elegant! He'll be fixing the white one in my room soon and as soon as the whole house is done up (I suspect a month or so) I'll post pictures.

For my room, it's very...beige. Which I like because it's simple and rather contemporary looking but i'd like to add some colour. I'll be stencilling my favourite quote, "No one can make you feel inferior without your consent" by Eleanor Roosevelt on one wall with a nice font. And I'll be making very cheery, candy coloured tab curtains for the window treatment. Like the ones you see in one of the above pictures (RM9.90 per metre)

And I want to make one of these, with a travel theme. The eiffel tower, big ben, colleseum...etc

2007-03-29T10:45:00.000-07:00

I've been practicing my handwriting and can proudly say I've got quite a beautiful one now. But alas, no one to write to except pen down those boring lectures in class??

Still, I'm so fascinated with stationary more so these days, and with my improved photoshop skills and the internets thousands if not millions of copyright free images, i can create my very own letter set. I;m thinking of going for a vintage feel, print a classic bottom border, on recycled brown paper and distress the edges.

I also like those clean, pastel coloured ones with quirky prints of birds or dogs etc.

not sure but i'll post pics when im done!

2007-03-18T20:43:00.000-07:00

I don't know when, where or how it happened but I've loved classical music ever since I can remember. As a child, I had attended my cousins Bharatanatyam performance as well as Odissi
I recall being drawn to the violinist and its sweet music. As I grew older, I came to appreciate classical violinists, for their amazing ability to turn possible ear piercing screeches into sweet melodies. I love all classical music, and in violin even western music, but for some reason, perhaps due to my indian heritage, my knowledge of the importance of music in Indian culture, how embedded it is in every aspect of the culture, I found an unexplainable bond with carnatic violin. When I in school, my dad bought me a Lalgudi Jayaraman cd and ever since then I've loved this maestro's works. In 2001/2002 I took up western classical violin lessons, but for some reason I lost interest in it. Perhaps it was due largely to my impassioned techer. I remember becoming so lost in playing sometimes that I would sway to the music with my eyes closed, but she would hit me with the bow. She played beautifully, she did, but I couldn't possibly learn from someone who taught this art with such little admiration for it, or at least showing lack of it to students. I stopped when I sat for SPM. But every once in a while, I would take out my violin and stroke it gently and imagine my fingers on its now tuneless strings. Oh, how I ache to play again. Only, this time, I will commit myself to learning carnatic violin as I have always wanted.

Click here for an audio sample of one of my favourite pieces from Lalgudi. (The first- Sabapathikku)

Click here for a video of Lalgudi performing in Russia.

Click here for a video of Barathanatyam

Click here for a video of Odissi.

2007-03-18T02:48:00.000-07:00

Now, this is what i'm talking about. I can just imagine wearing it with a satin grey shirt, cuffs peeking, and round toed brown boots, hair tied back, deep red lipstick a vintage faux leather messenger bag. Walking to university in the cold, cold streets. God I want this Karl Lagerfield trenchcoat.

I'm thinking of making life simple for me and make this very eacy to make tunic with one of thoese saree materials, tights and pumps...'ll wear it with my gold emma page earrings. All I have to buy are a pair of pumps and tights..

2007-03-17T10:44:00.000-07:00

Fashion to me is ultimately about art, about creativity and embracing my individuality based on these. It has never been about whats in season and what isn't, if I like it and it's 200 years ago, so be it, it's beautiful to me.

Movies are a great source of inspiration, as the designers creativity, time and effort trancends through it, and I for one never fail to appreciate that, especially in historical movies. Not only do the clothes, the hair or the general appearance appeal to me, but the visual imagination, such as the idea of walking with a long, full dress, a long dark cape, ruffled wrist sleeves and black button up boots, long hair wild in the wind, grass beneath my boots, clear eyes, distant with thoughts, walking alone in a field and the dark waltz in my ears...and many a time, the idea of wearing what a character wore, allows me to roleplay, which i love for i always come out learning something, or experiencing something amazing.

Right now, Jane Eyre's (2006) costumes look wonderful...and so does toby stephens

2007-03-12T22:19:00.000-07:00

Some years back, I visited West Germany, Luxembourg, Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam. I can tell you without a doubt that it was the best time of my life, for I never knew such beauty existed to be experienced by all the senses at one time. Years later I have dreams of living there amidst the glory. One particular dream is to ride about in a chrome coloured bicycle with a basket in the front, alongside the serene canals of Amsterdam, in the beautiful quiet backalleys, with tree lined pathways and curved bridges, with children chattering with one another and old folks walking hand in hand with their partners and dogs and cats sitting about and giving a friendly bark or meow, occasionally.

2007-03-12T13:29:00.000-07:00

Day in the city

Night out in the city clubs

2007-03-12T11:20:00.000-07:00

It's 2.48 am and I suddenly thought i'd share outfit pictures...must have been all those celeb fansite browsing...

Outfit 1: Pepe Jeans flare cut dark denim, Padini polka dotted chiffon top, Scarlet military green executive blazer (worn with sleeves rolled), aviator shades, velvet hairband, long necklaces *eiffel tower and key+precious stone

Outfit 2: Tunic top from India (it reaches the hips) Bum Equipment denim jeans made into mini skirt, opaque tights, glass and metal gold bangles from India, blue earrings

This is my currenty project. I'm making the cuffettes out of scrap chiffon, and attaching it to an old pair of black thick tights. I've made one sleeve and it's quite nice looking, pictures soon. I'm also finishing up a black shirt.

A little old maybe, but I like Lind's look here...

2007-03-10T01:59:00.000-08:00

2007-03-10T01:19:00.000-08:00

This is a rather bad picture of the dress I made. I'll try to take better pictures of it next time. I love it. Whenever I wear it I feel like those girls on Grease.

These are some odds and ends put together. The first a brooch. As usual everyone thinks its weird, but hey I like it. I imagine i'll wear it as a collar brooch. perhaps with a black satin, 3/4 sleeve saree blouse, mandarin collared. the top part is of a broken earring, the long beads are part of my grandmothers broken necklace, and the little red jewel is part of a broken earring bought by my mother for me.

hoop earrings made from glass bangles from India. I just connected them using parts from old broken earrings

a necklace. it's one of my favourites ever. they key has swirly vintage designs on it, while the round attachment mother of pearl. It holds special memories for me. The key represents the 6 months of freedom and independance i experienced living on my own, the white gemstone was from my parents collections of precious stones from Africa. I remember living with my grandmother that time. Very nostalgic times. The mother of pearl is just pretty and was part of a pair of earrings but I lost the other.

I gotta say, I love recycling odds and ends. That way I get to keep all the memories even if their shell is broken. I just wish I had more.

2007-03-09T08:18:00.000-08:00

Looking good, Jess...If I had long hair, I'd want it to look just like that...Myabe I should grow em out...

2007-02-25T00:09:00.000-08:00

The assignments have been heavy this past week, and I never saw it coming. So apart from some buttons, my crafty ventures did not journey far. I have however been getting some inspiration from places and since my schedule is looking clear this coming weekend, I'm going to ask for an advanced allowance to do some much needed shopping for materials.

First up, let me share some pictures of what I have...

I bought these earrings, 3 for RM10 at the local mall. I gave the bling bling one to my mom, cuz she wears things like that more, and the other two have seen good use already. The long necklace cost RM10.Sadly, i've only used it once.

And this is the feature wall in my room now. I spoke about how I needed a new makeover for my room to keep things super clean and dust free, so instead of any wall hangings or decorations, i've got giant birds on the wall. I call it,"The Birds" ala Alfred Hitchcock's.

And these are what I made this week. Paper covered bangles, in some reptile patterned gift wrap,and I got some scrap material from my tailor friend, which I used to cover old punk rock metal buttons. The giant stripey one was previously this super kiddish looney tunes badge, was a club i belonged to when i was a kid. I've already used the blue one as ring. I simply clip it onto another ring, on the plain side and twist it on my finger so the ring's original stone is facing downwards. For the Victorian looking badge, i used scrap lace on black cloth.

Future projects!!

To make glass baubble rings, by sticking fabric, paper or stencilled images behind them and attaching to rings. nd make these cute doggy themed cufflinks from Paul Smith. The idea is to cut out the doggy images on cardboard, stick some papier mache on top for the bulging effect and then cover the lot with gold or silver gloss paper and glue.

I also love these two pictures from Facehunter. I love the tie chain in the first picture and am thinking of using gold buttons sticking them on clips and attaching gold chain.

This picture reminds me of how I wear my crazy bunch of random clips, pins and brooches, all in a corner and in a shape sort of. I'll try to post a pic someday. Mostly, I love the shirt. And how there are two looks in one. Start of with a simple black shirt with long sleeves. And then make the top piece so it can be detached. Then sew buttons at all the strategic spots on the shirt itself, and making buttonholes on th top piece. that way i can wear it the way this guy is sporting or just plain. I'm thinking of either using black material with satin brown bias edges or grey shirt with black satin bias edges. The only alteration in pattern would be the darts. On both the shirt and the top piece cuz naturally, the boobs can't be flattened.

Some things needed for said projects would be, gold and silver link chains, gold or silver buttons, little clips or pins for the collar, rings, jumps to connect pieces, soft wire for rings, beads of all types, glass flat faced baubbles, industrial glue, plastic bangles, funky fabrics Stuff for cufflinks, more cheap metal badges, earring hooks and backs.

I have to swing by another day to edit the list above because i forgot all about the brialliant animal saving idea i had. It appears some of what i did, are considered good enough to sell, and thus, my lifelong dream of wanting to save animals, to an extend is being fulfilled, because if i can make enough fabrics covered badges, pins, rings, hair ties, note book covers, little jewelry pouches, ribbon belts, bangles, scarves and such. I can sell them at the flea market and the profits or half the proceeds can go to charity, specifically the Furry Friends Farm and the Rembering Sheena campaign that really need help and support. With a booth, not only can i make some money for charity, i can spread the word about animal abuse in malaysia, and also feature a pet a day so those interested can think about adopting a pet. I'm really into this idea simply because i need something to look forward to in life,and im passionate about animals, and it makes me feel good to be able to help them. So once this crazy ass week is over, im going to start planning this little business of mine. Wish me luck!=)

2007-02-19T22:08:00.000-08:00

ooo-kay...finally decided on a tattoo design. A peacock feather. symbolises beauty and knowledge. to remind me that everything and everyone is beautiful, and if not that well then, a peacock feather is beautiful on its own, and to remind me of my quest for knowledge. to always remember that above all else, one must be open to knowledge. I would like for it to have colours, but I have to talk to the tattoo artist about that. maybe i'll go see that Tribal bodyworks people in sungei wang, find out how much it would cost, etc. But before that, I need to print out the picture and place it on my body to decide on where it should finally rest. I'm thinking the straight one would look good as a sleeve. on my upper right hand maybe?

also while i was looking for some pictures, i found these pair of peacock feather earrings on fredflare. Obviously, i can't buy the fredflare ones, but it seems like they aren't very difficult to make.

my first idea draft.

1. Earring hooks, jumps-from Jusco Mid Valley
2. Peacock feathers-from Masjid India
3. strong, glue- from craft shop in Central Market
4. string
5.Plyers and scissors

the idea would be to cut the feathers to the length desired and trim the top edges if wanted. Then take the severed edge, try to tie it to the earring hook, the metal bit where it should go into. secure it with glue, can use a toothpick for this. wipe the access off the edges and outer area. attach the top hook to the jump, can add a bead if desired. and voila!

lets hope this works.

These are detail pictures from Christian Lacroix's RTW S/S07 line. Beads and baubbles from a bead shop in Chinatown and elastic band in white and black are enough.

Some stencil ideas.

I'm thinking doggy would look in a bright coloured or vintage patterned fabric against a contrasting coloured cloth bag while the city skyline would look good on the hem of a bag or even a dress. a simple A line white dress with a black stencilled city skyline on the hem.

Clark Gable would look good on the lower, left side of a t-shirt, so the straight edges align with the hem and the side seam. Eternal sunshine of the spotless mind on the other hand would look great on a baby blue t-shirt, with the script
"How happy is the blameless Vestal's lot! / The world forgetting, by the world forgot / Eternal sunshine of the spotless mind! / Each pray'r accepted, and each wish resign'd."

and of course these two! I love the second especially!. haha. these will look pretty cool on a racer back tee i think.

For this project, all I need are

1. T-shirts/bags
2. Acryllic paint
3. Foam brush
4. Cutter
5. Stencil paper/plastic
6. Or instead of painting on, printing on iron-on transfer paper is fine. especially with the vintage pictures.

2007-02-10T22:07:00.000-08:00

I absolutely love everything about this. Ultimately chic. How could I forget how good white looks on brown skin? I would wear this outfit delightedly when I start interning. Which reminds me, I need to start preparing outfits for the internship. So it's only for three weeks, but I want to be able to wear all those formal clothes I've always imagined myself wearing.

2007-02-10T20:22:00.000-08:00

All icon credits go to http://users.livejournal.com/_coquettish/

2007-02-10T19:24:00.000-08:00

Right. Among the numerous things i decide on an hourly basis, daily, this is one of them. fashion, however unaccepted in a family of practical earthwalkers, does make me happy and i shall do what i please about it. the most important consequence of being self expressive by appearance is confidence. which i have lacked all my years of earthwandering. I see now that there always has been an artist in me, and because i was stopped short of cultivating it due to the reality of situations around me, i have but forgotten it. and now, i am finding it again. yes, i need the help of others in terms of inspiration, but nevertheless, instead of fooling myself about other interests, just to please or impress, i give up and am finding what is originally me. as a career, psychology it is and will be, for humans are of my greatest interest, but creative ventures are also as much a part of me as the former.

So although my parents think I'm foolish to spend time and money on clothes and such, and my peers find my choice of dressing queer, and I will never find romance for my appearance is the least bit attractive or romantice, and future employers and clients may find me peculiar about my ways, at the end of the day, and I know this very well, I will be remembered as the gal who lived! Viva!

Now, the expulsion of thoughts and words before this was induced by the realisation that instead of pining for the things that i've wanted, i can now make them or buy them! Beautiful shoes, a pair a month, about 40 to 50 dollars is definitely affordable. I can make two simple outfits or one complicated one a month, belts and accessories one or two every few months and bags, perhaps 2 a year? that shouldn't be too bad?

let me start a wishlist.

2007-02-09T05:28:00.000-08:00

Last year was a good year for me fashion wise. For the first time, in a long time, I was wearing exactly what I wanted. Unfortunately, self expression came with some serious negative criticism from peers. The bangles I made were called 'ugly', my quirky necklaces were laughed at and my vans shoes made fun of. One day, I wore knee high black stockings with a knee length denim skirt and personally, I liked how the skin barely showed when I walked. I found it subtly sexy. Then another day, I wore my vans shoes with a vintage full skirted dress and a cardigan and some people told me that the shoes and the dress didn't match. Now, what's funny is that the people who make these comments don't know what Vans is.

2007-02-04T23:10:00.000-08:00

i finally sew a dress. And then i showed it to my parents for constructive criticism. then i got sensitive and fought with them when they pointed out how many mistakes it had. i mean, its tough making a dress from scratch. and when your machine is running on its own without you touching the pedal. i mean....i couldn't have lost my finger sewing it. but anyway, although it seems fine, next time i need to make sure the skirt starts just an inch below the waist and the sleeves should be smaller and wider across the chest.

i can only start sewing again when my machine gets fixed. i gotta take it down tomorrow maybe.

anyway some new inspirations....

pale sea green chiffon and ruby red satin are a great match as seen on an episode of Hustle. A shirt with a bias button line as seen on Susan Harper in My family. A shirt with contrasting coloured buttons, 3 at a time with a large gap as seen on Susan Harper in My family. And Gabrielle's masculine attire in Constantine.

2007-02-01T10:27:00.000-08:00

for ash's birthday...and indulgence box! i got it off crafster. Lets see....chocolates of course...perfume...scented shower foam...a jake gyllenhall movie....magazine cut outs of hotties...movie tickets...

2007-01-12T20:24:00.000-08:00

Zac Posen S/S 07 RTW Collection

Again, I like the colours, lots of subdued gold, beige, pearly grey and of course primary colours. Apart from the colours, grey and green, beige and green, white and grey and fabric, such as satin with stiff fabric, I also liked the details. The short sleeves, the cuffs on the jacket, the skirt detail and something that am looking forward to making, a long scarf that can be worn turban style, as a belt or a scarf collar.

Image credits:Style.com

2007-01-12T19:41:00.000-08:00

Zero Maria Cornejo S/S 07 Collection
I like the clean, simple colour and cuts. (by row)Numbers 8,11,12,13 and 14 are my favourites

Image credits:style.com

2007-01-12T18:40:00.000-08:00

I'm absolutely loving the YSL S/S 07 RTW collection. Instead of the usual pretty spring colours or the flowy fabric, I quite like how the collection is slightly dark and mysterious. I mean it's spring alright but in a very Mozart Requiem, cloudy skies, dewy flowers and wet cobblestone pathways kind of way. I'm already drafting patterns in my head. (By Row) Number 1, 2, 4,7,8,10,11 and 12 are my favourites.

2007-01-12T07:41:00.000-08:00

If you know me, you know i'm crazy about hair. Lets see, i've had the GI Jane, the Sharon Stone in the 90's, the Natalie Imbruglia, The 70's bob, the contemporary Afro, many, many retro do's and most recently, bald. i think my favourite was being bald. heh. next to my retro do in my early college days. wish I had pictures, bleh. But anyway, right now, the hair is growing out i guess it's a bit of the pixie look. But i'm already thinking about a few more hairstyles.

2007-01-12T07:00:00.000-08:00

Pairing colours- grey and orange, red and black and white,

While I can't own a bed like that, I can however paint the image on my feature wall. The recent asthma attack induced by severe allergies to dust has made reconsider my decorating ideas of my room. So my beautiful wall of reminiscence, where all my amazing photgraphing abilities are showcased and where my collection of wall hanging rick-a-racks from different travels hang will be coming down. Sigh. I can't cope with all the dusting anymore and my room is stuffier then ever and blistering hot Malaysian weather isn't helping either. So off it comes and on goes a wall mural. I think this is nice as my walls are beige anyway. When it's done i'll post before and after pictures.

After looking around for a dress to wear to the upcoming ADP Prom online, I'm not going to buy one anyway they're too bloody expensive. I'm going to make the one on the left. In red fabric. Perhaps taffetta. Black stokings. black pumps. gold pencil clutch. Oh wait. I'm assisting with the stupid entertainment. lovely.

Image credits-The Coherent, Style.com, Just My Cup of Tea, Fashiontribes, fitnyc.edu

2007-01-09T23:46:00.000-08:00

So I was supposed to have finished my projects but a near fatal asthma attack kept my fingers in my pockets, in my bed eversince India. Right now, my dads building my wardrobe doors (previously curtains worked as doors, I made them out of an unwanted saree which I quite loved as it gave the room a beautiful warm glow), so my projects will have to wait till I'm fully settled in.
Other than that, my downhill spiralling health, antisocial cycle, and future planning stress has resulted in very dead self expression. I wore none of my usual colour, and became too self conscious about form fitting clothes. Perhaps with the start of a new semester, things will change for the better.

At this exact very moment, I'm having a craving for cupcakes. Light, fluffy butter cupcakes with chocolate, Kahlua spiked frosting and tea. Perhaps I will bake some on Friday, and take them over to Ash's along with her long overdue birthday present and discuss Jon's birthday plans. Tomorrow, the plan is to do spring cleaning and I will make chocolate bread and butter pudding for tea as a treat. My baby and I will set tea out in the garden and have our pudding there.

Upon returning from India in a hurried fashion, I noticed that my skin has suffered most from the polution, dust, dry weather, medication and exhaustion. Yesterday, I used my favourite exfoliating scrub, Himalaya's Walnut Scrub, which believe me works wonders on Indian skin. And then, I took a short nap with very cold, very fresh tomato pulp on my face and today morning, I must say, not only had my skin cleared, it looked fresh and bright. Have I mentioned how much I love Himalaya products?

Also check out Echomantra. love the pictures (as seen above). They remind me of my early days in college when I had taken mental photographs of what I'd seen and felt.

2006-12-31T10:04:00.000-08:00

I was just looking through Mango's winter 06 collection and although i could never incorporate such styles in KL with our scorching weather of late, I did like some things. I saw a very beautiful bubble hemmed wrap dress which didn't seem too difficult to make and pintucked modified shirt dress which reminded me a lot of what I saw in Topshop. But mostly I love their mix of colours

And some pictures from Alexander McQueens Spring '07 ready to wear collection...man i am loving the middle picture, if I ever go overseas to study I'm making myself a coat like that

2006-12-28T02:54:00.000-08:00

Despite the fact that I'm bleeding through my nose and coughing and weezing like there's no tomorrow, I can't help but be excited about all the sewing projects that will ensure as soon as I can run a thread through a needle without injuring myself.
I got this picture a long time ago from Bluefly.com and although I wish I had the same printed fabric, I thought I'd make do with what I have. Besides, I like the paisley design. I don't know how to sew lining yet and I don't think it's necessary given that the jacket will see mostly hot tropical weather, so I'm looking forward to making this one. I only have to draft the collar right.

The grey and black material will be used to make these two. The first is a picture I got from The Sartorialist and I love the sleeves, and grey. Instead of a top though, I plan on making it into a dress. Knee length, A line skirt with the same sleeves and neck. As for the second picture, its an old picture of Kate Hudson but I really loved the vest then and was unable to make it at the time so now I can and will.

The blue material belongs to my sister so I'm going to use the green to make the middle dress. The skirt won't be gathered as it will be a circle skirt.

And lastly, I'm going to make a shirtdress like this one from BlueFly.com from the material above.

I hope I will have time to finish them all before school starts. I also have to make 3 slips.

2006-12-27T23:44:00.000-08:00

I got home from India about 3 days ago and was in bed for two days. Near fatal asthma attack in Hyderabad. It sucked. Still sucks. I can't sew anything and worse still, I have to write my resume and go for a job interview. Dammit. Anyway, I didn't have much time to shop although there were lots of things that did grab my attention. I promised myself to more fabrics in India but this asshole of a store owner was trying to cut our throats off and dad wasn't too happy about dishing out so much cash when I still had so much material left at home.I tried explaining that every material has a special and specific project destined for it. Still, I got a few fabrics.

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I also bought some ready made stuff like this lovely churidar (ethnic indian wear) The photo really doesn't do it justice. This suit reminds me of the funny situation where we were trying to get to the clinic fast because I was almost suffocating and there were people in the fitting rooms who were taking forever seriously. These girls were getting their bfs and moms to run around and get them piles and piles of clothes to try on while they "booked" the room. Finally, I gave one of these girls a bitchy look (maybe I looked pathetic, suffocating and all) but she gave me the room for awhile, while her hubbie went to look for something for her and boy it was the fastest time anyone could ever have for trying something on. I took about a two minutes to try on a churidar suit, and two pants. And seconds later I was in the clinic on the nebulizer.

I got these salwar pants at the same Hyderabad Central place. I LOVE salwar pants and my sis got one in turqouise so now I can wear my tunics and dresses with them.

In Lad Bazzaar, there were so many glittering bangles. I already had a bunch of fancy evening wear ones at home and so I got these 5cent plain glass ones in dozens. again, the photo doesn't do them justice but they are simply in the most magnificent colours.

And then at Prasad's, I got my first two designer jeans ever. Yep, could never afford designer ones before. These are my new, beloved Lee tight fit, low rise, flare leg blue denims and Pepe Jeans, dark blue, low rise, tight fit, bootcut denims.

At Chermas, I got myself a man's tunic. It's kinda huge and loose and long but I absolutely love these types of tunics on my mood out days.

2006-12-15T20:28:00.000-08:00

The devils spawns live behind my house in a rundown, mosquito breeding crib, disguised as human children who look like miniature pontianaks. They parol the neighbourhood for unsuspecting pregnant cats, take them home, wait till the kittens appear and after a few weeks, hang the family of cats from the ceilling with rafia strings. So the cats of the neighbourhood have taken to setting up permanent homes in the roof of my house and those of other animal lovers. And every once in awhile, a curious kitten who took interest in pawing at a straying palm tree leaf (while it's mother went hunting for food) would lose its balance over the edge of a persons roof and fall into a garden or drain. This kitten fell into my garden two Sundays ago.

We waited till it's mommy came home (my roof) and we watched in a tearful, touching moment as Mommy cat and baby reunited.

I also found these stress balls a few days ago which were gifted to my mother many years ago. They are from Japan or some other exotic Eastern country, and are cool and smooth to the touch and make relaxing chime sounds when used. And I love the fabric covered box.

Random ramblings aside, this is the main point of the post. The big silver thing is a vintage key holder belonging to my great grandmother. Indian women in the old days would attach their keys (usually rich Indian women and the "keys" were keys to the safe) to this little holder and then tuck it into the folds of the saree at their waist. In the Northern part of India, where it was colder, and more draping was involved, women would tie these heavy little things to the end of their saree and drape the ends of the saree over their shoulder to keep it in place.(refer to the red box in the lower pic) I've used it as brooch and a saree weight but it's so beautiful that I've decided to wear it as a necklace. I wonder if I could find more of these in India.

You also see a little pendant thing which was part of a Nepalese pair of earrings belonging to my cousin. She bought the pair for RM2.00 I think which is super cheap but they broke and she gave them to me and i've been wearing it as a brooch.

And then there's the Eiffel tower keychain which was the only thing I could afford to buy as a souveniour from Paris and I couldn't bear to use it as a keychain, so it's been stored in a little box ever since Paris. But then recently, I saw Jeffrey Sebelia's necklace in an episode from Project Runway 3 and he had the same miniature Eiffel tower on a chain! It was instant inspiration. All I have to do now is buy some long chains.

And this is my dog. He sits like this everyday just gazing aimlessly and appearing to have a lot of complex thoughts going on in his head. Woolgathering.

2006-12-14T21:52:00.000-08:00

I took basic sewing lessons from a friend's mom who is a tailor for about three months. My mother bought me a big load of materials from her last trip to India and she wanted me to use those for sewing class but I was too fond of the materials to hurriedly make a shapeless shift dress or two out of them so I went and bought 5 metres of cheap cotton from a fabric shop in Carrefour, Wangsa Maju for RM2.00 per metre. The first shirt and dress are made out of this material. It had a cream coloured background with tiny yellow and purple flowers and green leaves.

This is a 3/4 length sleeved shirt, with a normal ladies collar, darts and fabric covered buttons.

This dress is a knee-length shift dress with darts and a hidden zipper. I wore it to college one day and some people thought it was a vintage find. This was the first wearable thing I ever sew.

My sister, Navi turned 18 last Saturday and she wanted me to make her a shirt so she could wear it to college. We bought the material at a fabric shop near my place, it cost RM2.00 per metre. I was supposed to make it like weeks back but I forgot all about it and then it was Friday in a blink of an eye and Saturday was her bday and I ony finished this at 6am on Sat morn! And OH THE HORROR!! I messed up the cuff so the left cuff had a slit at her wrist and the right cuff had a slit facing out. I almost wanted to cry, I mean..I wanted to give it to Navi as her present but she was so sweet...she wore it anyway...heh...

This is the cuff detail...I had to do the buttonholes myself cuz my stupid machine broke!

This is the collar detail.
These are more fabric covered buttons...

These are plastic bangles I wrapped over with paper and a pompom brooch. It was fun throwing it at people in college and screaming " EEETZZ AALIVVEEE!!!!!" They would jump away shrieking...Mwahahaha....

2006-12-14T21:30:00.000-08:00

Howdy, I'm K. I'm a 20 year old psychology student in Kuala Lumpur, and I like to travel and make stuff. This is my personal sewing/fashion blog that doesn't get updated much.

ps: The comments and views I make should not be taken too seriously or personally. It's just some random person's opinions.