Sew here's the thing...

I have a problem, I can't stop.  I think I need help.  I am a crafting addict, and my drug of choice is my sewing machine.  It's an expensive habit, but I love it so much.

 So... I am proud of myself for making:

- An entire 1840s/1850s dress in a lovely black cotton sateen for The great Dickens Christmas Fair.  The dress (which I will at some point post pictures of) is really a skirt that goes over a hoop and a bodice.  There are buttons down the front  and the bodice is fully lined.  I did not line the sleeves.

- A bonnet with a buckram base (thank you Jen!) that I covered with silk, and put ribbon and trim onto.

- A new Waistcoat for my boyfriend.

- A spectacular Dickensian/ Sherlock Holmes style cloak for my boyfriend.

- New Bloomers and Chemise for Dickens

Yes I have a problem, I look at the fabric store the same way a kid looks at a candy store.  At the same time, I would like to think that my sewing skills are pretty good.  Things I make look good, not "home sewn" and I understand how to fit things on other people, fitting things on myself is still a bit of an issue (note to self, move those buttons) but I don't have a dressform.

I am especially proud of all that I have sewn recently because it was in the span of two weeks, and I had a migraine for a sizable chunk.  I also managed to solve a problem late at night with a migraine and still make the waistcoat look FREAKIN" AWESOME!

I have a problem.


P.S. I drafted the pattern for the covering of the bonnet too.  =)

P.P.S. My problem is I forget to take pictures.

Stupid money

I am an actor.  That is how I view myself, I have a high level of professional training in the field of theater, and many years of experience in both theater and film.  I love it.  Sadly, acting is a profession that very few people make much money doing. 

So I embark on a journey, a quest if you will.  To find a job that both pays the bills (I don't need a lot of money, just enough to get by) gives me the time to do theater, and makes me feel like I am doing something important.

I just applied for a job that would do just that, and I'm super qualified for the job.

I've been unemployed for about five months and I'm starting to get really disenchanted with the job market.  I know I am a good employee.  I am smart, well educated, and have some experience, but I'm not available 24 hours a day, I don't seem to have every single requirement that they are looking for.  It is starting to seem like employers are looking for "A purple dinosaur"  That perfect employee, and until they find them, no one else even gets a second look.

I want to get a job that allows me to use my skills, and makes me happy.  Is that so much to ask?

You're going to do WHAT now?

So I have come to the conclusion that I might be a little nuts.  Do not fear though, it's the good, creative kind of nuts.  =D  I am participating in this as well as doing a whole bunch of other stuff this summer.  Though I went to school for acting (yes, I know, INSANE) I have always liked telling stories.  I think it is why I decided to be an actor, it's another medium for storytelling.  So I am pushing myself to tell more stories, and it will help my writing skills if friends and I ever decide to create a web series.  So that's my crazy scheme.  This on top of:

• Two consecutive weekends of renaissance faire, in Tahoe, where I will be camping
• A job hunt, 'cause I can't live off unemployment forever
• Acting in Pride and Prejudice (Thank god I'm not the lead)
• Maintaining a full-time relationship with a very patient young man
• A Trip to Comic-Con (more later)
• Various sewing and crafting projects
• Did I mention a job hunt?
• Figuring out a plan for the marketing for said young man's webcomics, I get business cards (and yes that is going on my resume) plus I will get to put my work under the same banner, think art collective for comics, writing, films, and other wonderful stuff.  It is mighty exciting.
• MORE RENAISSANCE FAIRES!
• Quality time with family and friends (super important!!!)

I think I'm going to have a busy summer.  However I think I have found the silver lining to loosing the crappy retail job.  I now have the time, energy, and mental capacity to figure me out.  I am doing good.

You, Con-ho!

I'm writing this from Sacramento.  Yes you read that right, Sacramento.  I am at a comic and anime convention that the boyfriend is showcasing his comics at. We were at image expo in Oakland last "weekend so I've been up to my eyeballs in nerddom.

The differences in nerds from comic nerds to anime nerds is palpable. Comic nerds are far less likely to dress up as their favorite characters. The anime crowd also seems to be younger. There are so many more teenagers here than at image. I am Mindoro saddened that these kids are not reading comic but I think they will get there eventually.  I am however thrilled that kids are coming out and supporting small comics.

So if you're in Sacramento today come out and support your local nerds and help save me from the fanboys.