Wednesday, October 31, 2007

It’s Halloween! Freaks and Creatures Are Amidst!






My DD dresses up every Halloween. Each year she carefully puts together her attention getting costume. She and her gal-pals roam the campus in their weird but wonderful costumes. Here is DD before the makeup, goin’ be late for work photos. Halloween dress up may be considered kids’ play; but the Office of the Vice Chancellor -Research Services loves to partake in the festivities.


The two ladies at the reception area decided to be the Associate Director, Patti and Patti.

The Associate Director is some kind of witch.



It does not stop there; we have another witch, a priest, who will pray for you if you give him $5.00. A potted plant that will not grow. A rapper without his bling, bling. Erika, the pimp and his/her one and only lady of the night.Pinky, the Cleopatra Jones wannabe (lady from the Credit Union). Pinky trying to push up on the priest.









This year I took a pass. If I dare, next year may be I’ll dress as Storm, X-Men - The Final Stand.

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

I've Been Tagged - Things You Wouldn't Know About Me

I’ve been tagged by tcusic - Praise Garments. I have to tell seven things about myself that you would not know about me.

Umm…, let’s see …,
1. I started working for a major university in the Chicagoland area when I was 21 years old and will be eligible for retirement in six years. I can not wait.
2. I am a co-producer and video-photographer of “There Is A Way Outreach Ministries”, which airs on CAN TV 36 at 10:00pm Sunday nights.
3. I’m the eldest of four daughters; there is such a big difference in my age and my youngest sister’s age, people thought I was teen-mom. Little did they know my mom would have killed me.
4. I am a PK (preacher’s kid). My mom is an evangelist.
5. There are few people in my family that sing very well, especially my kid sister. Secretly I wish I could, but can’t hold two notes even if I carried them in my hand. (At the family gatherings everyone karaoke: I do Gladys Knight, Toni Braxton, Beyonce, and Diana Ross. We have a great time.).
6. Quite often I am comic relief for family and friends.
7. I’m a little nerdy. I love science. Every year from fifth to eighth grade I eagerly participated in the school science fair. My sisters hated it; after school I would spend my time conducting experiments on them or for them. Also love visiting museums and can spend hours upon hours reading about and looking at the exhibits.

Well…, those are my seven things. It wasn’t as painful as I thought. Thanks tcusic for tagging me. Umm.., who can I tag?

Can't decide. Whoever would like to be tagged, please feel free to nominate yourself.

Monday, October 22, 2007

Tyler Perry's Why Did I Get Married

This weekend I went to see Tyler Perry’s “Why Did I get Married”. It’s a great movie. There is nothing to dislike about this movie. The cast, the storyline, and cinema photography were all great. It is always a welcomed change to see a movie that speaks to the inter-personal relationships of friends and married couples. This movie more than scratches the surface of those things that strengthen, weaken or destroy relationships or families. In my opinion Tyler Perry is phenomenal. I love his artistry and am happy for his success in the movie industry. He has gone from sleeping in a car to owning a production company! Wow!

Saturday, October 20, 2007

Fall 2007 Collection for Me

I completed four of the six muslins for the dresses in my collection. The seventh dress is a UFO that I started in February. It is so difficult for me to narrow down the number of garments in my collection. I've decided to have several sub-sets of my collection. First up is the dress set. I'm in need of new dresses. I have selected seven styles to start: two knit and five woven. So far, three out of the four muslins will be made into actual dresses. The photos of the muslins aren't good. DD and I will have to redo them. I'll post the muslin with each finished dress. The idea behind completing several muslins is a tip from "Think Like a Designer": create all muslins, then begin to construct the actual garments. Stay tuned.

Monday, October 15, 2007

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. I know that this post comes very late in the month, but I wanted to make some kind of personal observation. Breast Cancer is the most common cancer in women and the second leading cause of death in women. It touches everyone’s lives in one way or another and I wanted to share how it has touched our (my family) lives.



This is Eloise Amy Orr. She is 26 years old and was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2002. At that time, Eloise (Weeze) was a junior at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Since that time Weeze has undergone multiple surgeries and procedures to fight the cancer that invaded her body. Right now, she is cancer free and is planning to start graduate school at the Chicago satellite of Northern Illinois University.

Note: This post is not intended to offend or gross anyone out, but it is to celebrate Weeze’s strength, wisdom, and courage to fight against her breast cancer. She is truly a courageous young woman; my family applauses her positive outlook on life as we give thanks and praise to the almighty God for his blessings.

I interviewed Weeze Wednesday night. Over the telephone, she candidly talked about her life and struggle.


Updated October 22, 2007
When were you diagnosed with breast cancer? I was diagnosed in April, 2002 at age 20.
What prompted you to get an examination? I was in my apartment late one night, when I got an itch on my beast. I scratched, then I felt something wet on my hand. I went to the mirror to check. When I touched my breast, discharge sprayed on the mirror. The next morning, I went to student services, and they recommended I see a specialist in Urbana. My dad wanted me to come home to see a doctor in Chicago. In May 2002, I had both breasts removed. In the same surgery, the doctors performed breast reconstruction. Though the cancer was only found in the right breast, I decided to have both breasts removed because I did not want to risk the cancer recurring in the left breast. I was given the option of simple lumpectomy where I would have been able to keep both breasts, but that would have required radiation. Radiation is a process that takes place over several weeks, and time was of the essence. I I was planning to go to Spain in the fall. As a Spanish major, I really wanted to study abroad.

What stage was your cancer? Well, they never gave me any stage. But the type of cancer that I had is Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS), which means the cancer is non-invasive, and confined to the ducts. That was not true for me. In 2003, the cancer had spread to the lymph nodes in my right armpit.

I know that your mother died of complications related to breast cancer. How old were you when she passed? Five years old and she was thirty-five.

Do you remember how you felt at the time? I really did not know what was going on with her. I was sad when she was away. I did not understand cancer.

How did she approach her condition? She did as much as she could physically do. She went through chemo and radiation treatments. I remember she had open wounds. Her cancer was in the later stages when she was diagnosed.

Are there other women in your family who were diagnosed with the disease? No. Not that I know of. My mom's mom only had one nipple. People back then did not talk about illnesses or diseases.

After being diagnosed, when did you have surgery? End of May 2002. I had several surgeries and procedures.
1. Surgery April 2002 surgical biopsy
2. Surgery mastectomy breast removal May 2002 and reconstruction
3. Procedures to fill expanders with saline solution over the summer.
4. Surgery reconstruction - permanent implants.
5. Surgery April 2003, lymph nodes removal from right armpit. (2 days)
6. Graduated from UIUC in May 2003
7. Went to Puerto Rico after graduation
8. Chemotherapy starts June 2003 (one week after graduation)
9. Chemotherapy every two weeks from June to September 2003
10. Procedure - radiation from October to November 2003 (5 days a week - at the end of the treatment, the procedures became very painful and my skin turned black, fell off, and it took a long time for it to come back)
11. While living in Florida 2004 discovered tumor on the brain
12. Brain surgery December 2004
13. Procedure – radiation to the entire brain 5 days a week for three weeks (No cancer came back to my breast - it moved to my brain)
14. Radiation Surgery for another tumor on the brain – it was small January 2005
15. Started having seizers in October 2005
16. Surgery to remove the tumor that they thought the radiation surgery had dissolved October 2005
17. Surgery on the brain to remove another tumor July 2006
18. Surgery on the brain January 2007


What was the prognosis for survival? They never said any thing about survival or that the cancer could move to my brain. Breast cancer is commonly known to travel to other parts of the body: brain, ovaries, bones, lungs, and liver. How did you feel about the prognosis? I have every confidence in my team of doctors. They all go out of their way to make sure that I am well taken care of. I have to go to the doctor every three months for brain and chest scans. After the scans, I immediately discuss the results with my doctors. If there is a problem, my doctors take action immediately. There have been no tumors since January this year. My cancer feeds on estrogen, so I get injections every three months to temporarily shut down my ovaries. I Also take a drug called Arimidex once a day, to get rid of any extra estrogen that may remain in my body after the injection.

Did you join any support groups? I didn't; I regret it. One nurse reached out to me, but I was afraid to join her support group.


Are you a member of a cancer awareness organization? I have been a speaker and given my testimony to audiences. I have spoken to several women that are going through similar experiences, but I only know these women through mutual friends.I am not currently involved in any awareness organizations. I think about it all of the time. I do want to become more involved, but my thoughts of involvement have been clouded by focus on my future. I do believe that once I become more established and have made my dreams more of a reality, then I will become more involved. I am passionate about this, and until I can show it more, I am always willing to talk about it and answer questions for ANYONE who wants to know more.

How did your father respond to the turn of events? Other family members? Obviously having to watch someone you love (especially your child) go through surgeries and treatments is diffiicult for anyone. I may not have always been happy with the way my dad handled the situation, but I do believe he loves me and did the best that he knew how to do. All of my family was very supportive. They all pulled together, and were there for me. I didn't realize how immensely loved I was until this. That helped me a lot.

How did breast cancer affect your college career? I really tried not to focus on it; my life full was of other events. It helped me deal with the cancer.

After graduating, you taught in Spain for a few years, how did you decide that teaching in Spain would be a good move for you at that particular point in your life? I majored in Spanish in college. I wanted to be more fluent in Spanish, and after all of the surgeries, I just wanted to get away. I’d studied in Spain, and fell in love with it. So I decided to go to back there to bring happiness and piece of my mind to my life. It gave me the opportunity to focus on myself.

What made you come back to the US? That was one of the most difficult decisions of my life. My colleagues in Spain did ask me to return for another year. I was really happy there, and would have loved to do it again. However, between finances, the risk of getting sick again, and my need to move forward with my life here in the United States, I decided against it. Though I miss it every day, I know I made the right decision.

What would you tell a young person who is faced with a similar circumstance? The most important thing to do is be positive. Cancer is not a death sentence. If you believe in a higher power, pray. I talked to God and my mom a lot. I still have to deal with the physical appearance of my body as a result of all of my cancer treatments. I’m still nervous to show the scars to anyone, particularly a potential boyfriend. Having cancer will definitely change your life, but it’s not all for the worse. Being a survivor has made me aware of an inner strength I never knew I had. I don’t wish I never had breast cancer. The experiences helped to shape the person I am today.

The Future: My next task is graduate school. I hope to start working on my M.S. in Education this spring. My focus will be in bilingual education. I hope to work as a bilingual teacher. Hopefully I’ll get married and have a couple kids. No matter what the future brings, I will always be Eloise (Weeze), and I love who she is!

Sunday, October 14, 2007

First Crochet Project of the Season

I finished the scarf that I started while waiting for the mechanic to service my car, needed break pads. Next project, a cap, both to wear with the charcoal fannel wool coat I plan to make.

Soul Food on a Chilly Fall Day

For the past week it's been chilly in Chi-town. Average temps in the 50's during the day and 40's at night. Definitely feels like fall in the air. The cooler weather got me to thinking and wanting some good ole comforting soul food. So I stopped by the grocery store on the way home to pick up some greens and a pot roast. Saturday night it was on! Thank you God for taste buds!

Mac & Cheese - Pot Roast & Potatoes smoothered in gravy

Turnip Greens & Smoked Turkey

Cornbread

Mercy! I almost hurt myself. Tee Hee!

Saturday, October 13, 2007

The Urban College Girl - Fall 2007

My DD and I have made some progress on the design of her fall 2007 collection. This collection is simple and easy to wear. DD commutes to U of I Monday through Friday for classes and work. She desires clothing that is stylish and low maintenance. DD started helping with the design of the collection without knowing the process. She wants pieces that would compliment what she already has in her closet. And of course, she wants the UFO's that I started last winter. Chuckle, chuckle. This collection has more pieces than I originally planned for. Some are the same style, but different fabric. So far I've only completed one piece. We'll see how much of the collection I can get done before Christmas.



First jacket - brown faux leather completed and reviewed
Second jacket - medium-weight denim
Coat - black or loden wool from Gorgeous Fabrics (to be purchased)
The coat is going to be somewhat of a challenge. DD fell in love with this coat from Nordstroms.



I'll use McCalls 5247 to create my knock off version.



Pleated skirt - moleskin - color?
Pencil skirt - black wool crepe (UFO cut for me over 15 yrs - size 10)
Jeans - green khaki and dark blue denim (UFO's cut last winter)
Dress slacks - 2 pr black wool gabardine and navy pinstripe wool/poly blend



DD and I have purchased a variety of knit fabrics for the tops.
Vest - black wool gabardine same as the dress slacks.

We are still working out matching fabric to top design. Here are the fabric choices.

Friday, October 12, 2007

Think Like a Designer

The Fall 2007 issue of BeSewStylish, is jam packed with information on how to optimize your creativity. The article, "Think Like a Designer" was of particular interest to me. It offers tips and techniques to create your own collection. And I really need to reduce the stash. Here are my take aways:


Techniques
- Find your Inspiration - Find a concept and take time to gather images that appeal to you
- Look to your Closet - Take stock of the clothes you already own (I added look to your UFO's and try to incorporate them into the collection)
- Unify the Collection with Color - select one or two anchor colors and one or two accent colors. Purchase fabrics in threes. This practice helps ensure that the garments will go together well
- Draw Your Collection - compare the sketched garments to what you already have in your closet to help map out your collection
- Match Fabric to Pattern - find optimal combination for fabric and garment
- Design the Finished Look - Conduct a photo shoot of the collection, adding accessories to show possible outfit combinations

Tips

- Fit all muslins before you cut out the garments
- Cut out multiple garments in a single session
- Sew garments that use the same color thread
- Batch similar procedures

Monday, October 8, 2007

First Garment - My Fall Wardrobe - 2007


This pattern (Vogue 2949) is an asymmetical styled jacket that speaks to face framing collars featured in this fall's outerwear. It is designed by Sandra Betzina for Vogue patterns. This jacket was easy to sew, which was a good project to start my fall wardrobe. My complete review is posted on PatternReview.com





First Installment of the Urban College Girl Collection

This weekend I finished the first piece of the "Urban College Girl" collection. My DD, Lauren, has also requested view C in demin. DD and I have been working on designing a collection to give life to her unique eclectic style. This collection is easy to wear, stylish, and perfect for the busy lifestyle of the employed urban college student. (More about the collection later.) I purchased this pattern about four years ago and it is now out of print.

I made view B minus the leather lacing along the hem of the sleeves and the front of the jacket.



















Read my review on PatternReview

Columbus Day Sale - Joann's and Hancock's

I did it again..., shopping for more patterns than I could possibly sew. It's fun. My treasures.


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