Just Jenny

I'm back, and starting with this......

2009-08-29T00:00:00.000-07:00

There is a vitality, a life force that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and be lost. The world will not have it. It is not your business to determine how good it is or how valuable, nor how it compares to others. It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly to keep the channel open. You don't have to always believe in your self or your work. You have to keep open and aware of the urges that motivate you. Stay open ...no artist is ever please. There is no satisfaction. There is only a divine dissatisfaction, an unrest that keeps us marching on and makes us more alive than the others.

2009-03-02T18:30:00.000-08:00

I feel in love with this book! Besides being extremely cute it's actually very informative and filled with a lot of helpful hints and charts. It explains everything from the most flattering styles for different body types, to taking measurement and embroidery stitches. It's a nice all in one reference. It also explains smocking in away that makes me think I can actually make that happen. I found this ridiculous dress at a thrifty recently that has this amazing smocking on the front. I'm oh so slightly obsessed with it so I think I'm going to try and recreate it in me size. The shape is simple enough so we'll see if I can pull it off.

In case there was any doubt....

2009-02-17T16:52:00.001-08:00

I've always loved a feather and a vest. Me as Emily Dickinson for my 4th grade book report. I kind of wish I still had that skirt.

Hump Day Pattern Surprise

2009-02-11T18:58:00.000-08:00

Lotta bought an awesome old singer sewing machine online and had it delivered to the Studio today. It's a beautiful old black metal machine with gold trim. So pretty. When we unpacked it there was an added surprise of all these vintage patterns inside. She wasn't interested in them and told me to take whatever I wanted. Yay! now I can make Devin those swim trunks he's always wanted. It was a pretty mixed bag but had a few cute skirts and an amish looking dress that I was kind of into.

I'm Gross

2009-02-10T10:39:00.001-08:00

The Magic of Felt

2009-02-07T15:45:00.000-08:00

Felt is Magic. It's one of those materials that feels wholesome and honest to me, like the innocence of crafty afternoons with mom. Add a felt applique to your apparel and you instantly become more likable. Who would ever pick a fight with you when you're wearing a pear broach made of felt on your lapel? Nobody. Felt = fun. I went through a phase where I thought everyone on TV looked like they were made of felt. No one looked real to me. Especially newscasters, they're real weird looking and cartoony to begin with. I would imagine what material their hair would be made out of and what shape their head would be. It's actually very addictive. I couldn't stop myself from passing people on the street and thinking about their felty features. I think I secretly just would rather live in a world where we all looked like the muppets. At least FAO Schwartz understands me.......
make your own muppet

Prairie Love

2009-02-03T18:56:00.000-08:00

I'm not sure where this love of prairie gear comes from exactly but my collection is growing fast. (these are just a few) Maybe it's from years of watching Little House of the Prairie. All those braids & long skirts running through the woods were pretty bad ass. It's such a visual boner for me. These little jackets make me feel like I'm a frontier warrior. They are like my armor of craft. Just so grossly country kitsch I can't help myself. Someone spent countless hours constructing these gems and I would like to sincerely thank them for that. I know it was no easy task and your efforts have not gone unnoticed. I will wear your labor of love and hold my head up high. Keepin it country in BK.

Fear: The Thief of Dreams

2009-01-30T09:29:00.000-08:00

Ok so I'm publicly announcing (for the 1-2 people who actually check this) that I will be having some work in the upcoming Mammal Magazine issue on FEAR. I say this because if I don't say it out loud and commit to finishing my drawing I will find some reason why I should back out. I'm not allowing that. This is the year of doing, no excuses or thinking I can't. I CAN and I WILL. Let's make our dreams come true.

I dream of Shelley

2009-01-26T12:15:00.000-08:00

So I was going to include Shelley DuVall on my list of things I want to see more of this year but then I decided she needed more attention than that. I've always had a soft spot for Shelley but after a revisit to the Shining recently my love has been reignited. Damn girl, you shut it down! Her style in that movie makes my heart skip a beat. Not to mention Three Women, fucking genius. I'm on a mission to find more fashion photos of her. I've seen some but I would imagine they're might be more? I'm also starting a section in my vintage line that will be an ode to Shelley, right next to my red hot DiKe looks (Dianne Keaton ranging from Annie Hall to Baby Boom). The Shelley inspired looks will most likely involve robes and patchwork. This woman knows how to rock a floor length quilted dress like no other and for that she is my fashion hero.

2009-01-23T19:12:00.000-08:00

Photos from my visit with Amanda at Saipua in Red Hook. Such a beautiful store, so inspiring. Josie the cute was there too.

Newness

2009-01-19T12:25:00.000-08:00

I've got a good feeling about 2009. New President, new job, new blog, new attitude!
Here is what I would like to see more of this year:
Quilted apparel, Positive attitudes, color coding, coconut flavored things, hopes & dreams.
Things I'm ok with leaving behind:
Bush, high waisted jeans, the dentist, wet blankets & bad attitudes.