Fashion Design

I guess it all started when I was about 4... It was the first dress I got that wasn't a hand-me-down. I mean, growing up with 8 siblings everything is shared. It was absolutely beautiful; mid-length, shoulder pads, long sleeves , a high neck and RED. I could spin and the bottom would flare out. It was the first time I felt... pretty.

I started drawing girls in gowns then.. My older sister Felicia could draw and I constantly tried to be like her. She tells me now that I do everything better than her. It feels good but it also hurts because she chose drugs and forgot her dreams. I refuse to forget mine and I'm not sure I have a choice. At night, I can be exhausted and a dress or pattern will pop in my head and I'll end up thinking about designs for hours.

I graduated from high school 6 months early. I got a full time job and l saved a measly $2000. This is all after pretty much living on my own since I was 14. I always knew I wanted to go to art school and decided on one of three; The Art Institute in North Hollywood, CA. I was able to study fashion design for 5 quarters before deciding to take a couple quarters off to take a job traveling and processing petitions. I needed a car in order to get a job. It seemed impossible without one. Unbeknownst to me, in order to go back to school after leaving for more than one quarter, I would have to pay half of what I owed in tuition.. I didn't have $10,000 so I dropped out. And I don't regret it.

I fell in love with a good man. There has been struggle and risks to get to where we are. But, it has all been worth it. I have 4 totally rad stepkids and 4 beautiful huskies. We live in Big Bear, CA in the San Bernardino mountains. Yet my dream isn't fulfilled.

There will be more struggles and more risks. There is also a lot more to learn. But, I'm willing and I'm ready. I want to make beautiful designs with beautiful patterns and beautiful fabric. I want a mannequin and a surging machine and a computer with Illustrator and photoshop. I want to design my own fabrics too! I have always been good with patterns. I could cry because I want this so bad. And, trust me, I have.

I can do this. Winning this competition will only speed up the process. But, either way, I'm going to pursue my dreams and make it happen no matter how much time it takes. I mean hey, I'm only 28, I have plenty of time and the talent to boot.

The illustration above is a dress I'm going to make with fabric given to me by a close friend years ago. It's all I have to work with right now. It probably will turn out different.. and it would be a whole lot easier with a mannequin. I'm just going to have to make it work with what I do have; measuring tape, a single stitch industrial Juki sewing machine, pattern paper, and of course, scissors.

Time to get to work 💪



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