When I Grow Up I Want to Go to Sewing University

Where have I been this past week? Let's see – I took off the end of last week for Thanksgiving (even though I live in Singapore, I still observe American holidays, if only for the excuse not to work) and we headed up to beautiful Phuket to see Kevin, who had been jetting around the continent on his big Tour of the Orient. It was a real meeting of the minds – we discussed such important events as the break-up of Spederline and whether Mandy Moore or Amanda Bynes was the most promising talent. (I'm a Mandy fan all the way – mostly because I desperately covet her cute choppy hair, or at least her hairstylist – but the boys are all about Amanda's face contortions.) Er. Anyway. These are the things that one discusses when one is lazing around a white sand beach for four days.

I was back late Sunday night, just in time to attend the two-day Beyond 2006 design conference. It was really fantastic – full of speakers who are doing interesting things in fashion, advertising, architecture, interiors, photography and design. I realize more and more that the thing about being a truly creative person (or at least aspiring to be a truly creative person) is to *get out there*. Move away from the computer, if you will. See what other people are doing. If I could go to a design conference every week, I probably would. It does wonders for your creativity, though not so much for the massive amounts of laundry and magazines and e-mails that have piled up while I've been busy.

So, I'm back. I'm back to blogging, and I'm back to shopping, and I'm back to making valiant stabs at an ongoing list of sewing projects. Two weeks ago, it was an abstract apple-shaped pillow. Last week, I attempted (with moderate success) a retro-ish apron. This week, I'm tackling softie trees. My sewing teacher has been fantastic lately about letting me craft my own projects and then shepherding me through how to do them, which has been amazingly fun. And! Have you purchased your copy of Sew U: The Built By Wendy Guide to Making Your Own Wardrobe yet? I finally picked mine up a few weeks ago and think it's the most amazing primer for someone who is learning to sew. (I still recommend getting a teacher, at least at first, but this makes a great companion, especially if you're starting from step one.)

So of course, I am seriously smitten, sewing-wise, with Wendy Mullin now. (Also with alliteration it seems.) Which brings me (finally) to today's post: The Bult by Wendy winter sale! It started last week. There's a ton of great stuff, like the Empire Penguin Dress (now $160) and Bauhaus Jumper (now $170) above, or the Long-John Minidress ($121, not on sale, boo) and the Chambray Two-Tone Top (now $81, below). Or really, just about everything else.


(Oh, and I finally went and bought these shoes. I just thought you might like to know.)