Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Is this really how a "handmade designer" works? -- Ashley Paige on TLC Bikini or Bust
When I crochet, I either watch "Law&Order", Anthony Bourdaine on the Travel Channel, the Discovery Channel. And a lot of TLC reality shows. These programs work best for me to create/work and not feel completely "left out". If you know what I mean.
So I was very curious about the bikini designer Ashley Paige who designs, produces and sells handmade knit and crochet swim-wear. I have since researched some of her designs, her pattern book "Sexy Little Knits", and I have to admit, she does gorgeous work.
But so far what I learn from the show "Bikini or Bust" Ashley lives a life from one chaotic financial crisis to the next, with a lot of screaming and catastrophes going on at the Paige head quarters, an abundance of people/employees as entourage, and as overall- theme a designer who is both young, pretty and talented (and has a nice personality), but who doesn't really have her act together.
Too bad, it's so much bravo-like cliche reality TV.
And probably far off from reality, because, honestly, if all this private hoopla was the focal point of her life, she probably would have never made it to where she is now in her career.
Maybe I will see more of this in later episodes, but so far it seems like a missed chance to get more insight into a "small" (even though popular) clothing design business. With bikinis made in Hollywood, Ca., USA. Probably one of the last well-known names who produces in the USA.
But I understand that these shows are not made for me and my curiosity about how another small design business does IT, but it's on air for the sensation seekers, the drama and the comedy lovers. So sad and funny at the same time when Ashley's mother is the fodder for laughs on the show. She is way too sweet for that.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Empowering the Women Entrepreneurs of this world
I finally signed up with Kiva and chose the
Jawas Pancarita Group in Bolivia
for my first loan of $25.
Otoe Missouria Encampment 2008
Here are some pictures of the Grand Entry of the Otoe Missouria Encampment 2008.
The gourd dance pictures taken in the afternoon didn't turn out very well, but these snapshots of the evening event show the awesome regalia of the fancy dancers (one of the men's divisions for the dance contest).
There are gourd dancers who usually have an afternoon event through the whole weekend, then straight dancers, traditional and fancy dancers (men). The women have buckskin, cloth, fancy shawl and jingle dance contests. These are the highlights of the weekend night events.
A powwow traditionally starts on Thursday and ends on a Sunday night. Many participants camp on the powwow grounds or at least have a day camp for preparing meals, gathering of family and friends. It is a work-intensive event for the part-taking families and usually requires a lot of planning and preparation ahead of time.
Besides the Ponca powwow which will come up in September the Otoe-Missouria Encampment is the main event of Sid's family. A tradition very much alive in Oklahoma which used to be "Indian Territory" before Oklahoma became a US state and it is home for numerous tribes all through out the state.
There are a lot of rules for the participants to follow. Give-aways play a huge role in the protocol of honoring elders, committees and relation-ships. Also there is a lot of joking about IT, Indian Time which simply means that not everything will happen on time as planned.
Non-Native American visitors are usually welcome to watch. Just bring your lawn-chairs, bottled water and a lot of time. Alcohol and fire-arms are not allowed on pow wow grounds.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Done deal
It was a long hard week, but we are finally almost settled back in. I love our floor, but we haven't quite set up everything in order to take a showcase picture.
The weekend was mainly consumed by the Otoe-Missouria Encampment (similar to a pow-wow) where Sid took part in gourd dancing (and where I helped with the traditional Saturday dinner and took part in the family going around the drum for our nephew's special who was the head gourd dancer). (Pictures are still on my husband's pc and I will share soon).
Catching up with corresponding, crocheting and sewing here.
With 100F, it's hard to stay motivated, but I talked to my daughter yesterday in Bremen, Germany and she told me about their phase of rain and chilly weather. Now those were the summers I really hated, what's a bit of heat anyway? LOL
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Upcoming house renovations
will keep me away from blogging.
Purple Sage Designz biz will run as usual.
I am excited about our new hardwood floor, something I had anticipated and saved for a long time.
Purple Sage Designz biz will run as usual.
I am excited about our new hardwood floor, something I had anticipated and saved for a long time.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Odd fascinations
(picture linked from this website )
Steampunk is everywhere these days. Sometimes fantastic art, sometimes just makers who jump on the band-waggon.
I have been intrigued with the Industrial Revolution ever since I was a school girl. It was my choice for term papers, graduation tests. Even later in college I majored in Industrial Psychology. A lot of my jobs brought me into factories. Starting at the age of 15 during my summer holidays in a china (porcelain) manufacturing plant. I often wondered how people could manage to work a life-time in these places. As work was repetitive, not intellectual challenging, loud, hard and long.
Often I would incorporate little games to make the day more pleasant, trying to work faster by changing a movement, skipping a step or two, playing mind games or just thinking about the time when I will be off work.
Many years later I was introduced to the theories of Adam Smith and how it all began...the division of labor, the monotony, and the problems of divided tasks opposed to a craftsman/woman who creates a piece from start to finish.
The independent crafting/art movement seems to be the logical answer. I cherish every minute of self-employment.
And here comes the odd part:
since I cherish every minute of my time and am very protective of how I utilise my hours or even minutes, I still play the game of:
how can I save a few minutes by doing things differently.
Example:
I have to go into my storage room, to get a skein of yarn, on my way through the hall-way I may pick up things and put into the laundry closet which is on my way.
Accomplished 2 things at the same time.
Time to make more care labels?
I make 100 instead of 10 at a time.
Simple well-made pieces in solid basic colors usually sell well, I will always have them in stock, when I need a creative break I will make a One of a kind piece, but not exclusively.
It takes some tricks to make that handmade life work.
So take all the knowledge, keep your time to yourself and don't waste it on random activities.
Please keep in mind, this refers to work.
In your past time, do as you please, sit around or just walk without an aim.
Steampunk is everywhere these days. Sometimes fantastic art, sometimes just makers who jump on the band-waggon.
I have been intrigued with the Industrial Revolution ever since I was a school girl. It was my choice for term papers, graduation tests. Even later in college I majored in Industrial Psychology. A lot of my jobs brought me into factories. Starting at the age of 15 during my summer holidays in a china (porcelain) manufacturing plant. I often wondered how people could manage to work a life-time in these places. As work was repetitive, not intellectual challenging, loud, hard and long.
Often I would incorporate little games to make the day more pleasant, trying to work faster by changing a movement, skipping a step or two, playing mind games or just thinking about the time when I will be off work.
Many years later I was introduced to the theories of Adam Smith and how it all began...the division of labor, the monotony, and the problems of divided tasks opposed to a craftsman/woman who creates a piece from start to finish.
The independent crafting/art movement seems to be the logical answer. I cherish every minute of self-employment.
And here comes the odd part:
since I cherish every minute of my time and am very protective of how I utilise my hours or even minutes, I still play the game of:
how can I save a few minutes by doing things differently.
Example:
I have to go into my storage room, to get a skein of yarn, on my way through the hall-way I may pick up things and put into the laundry closet which is on my way.
Accomplished 2 things at the same time.
Time to make more care labels?
I make 100 instead of 10 at a time.
Simple well-made pieces in solid basic colors usually sell well, I will always have them in stock, when I need a creative break I will make a One of a kind piece, but not exclusively.
It takes some tricks to make that handmade life work.
So take all the knowledge, keep your time to yourself and don't waste it on random activities.
Please keep in mind, this refers to work.
In your past time, do as you please, sit around or just walk without an aim.
Saturday, July 5, 2008
I admit I am a nerd
When people ask me what I did on the fourth of July I guess I can show them this patchwork hippie babydoll top.
That's what I spent my time on. Besides hanging out on the patio and spending time with our dog Oscar who didn't do so well with all the noisy firework.
We live outside of the city limits and all the town folks headed our way across the river to shoot their firecrackers since Ponca City didn't allow them.
Being in the USA now for 4 years I don't miss the hoopla and parties anyway. I had never celebrated on July 4th, but I respect the history and tradition in this part of the world. But honestly, I'd rather give $25 to charity instead of buying fire crackers. Been there, done that (New Year's Eve in Germany).
Age ripens us, not just our skin but hopefully matures our thinking as well, so age is my friend.
That's what I spent my time on. Besides hanging out on the patio and spending time with our dog Oscar who didn't do so well with all the noisy firework.
We live outside of the city limits and all the town folks headed our way across the river to shoot their firecrackers since Ponca City didn't allow them.
Being in the USA now for 4 years I don't miss the hoopla and parties anyway. I had never celebrated on July 4th, but I respect the history and tradition in this part of the world. But honestly, I'd rather give $25 to charity instead of buying fire crackers. Been there, done that (New Year's Eve in Germany).
Age ripens us, not just our skin but hopefully matures our thinking as well, so age is my friend.
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