Hoooeeee, March has been flavored by my body getting used to endurance again. Right now, on Tuesday, after an all day hike (80 miler) out to Pt Reyes Station on Sunday, I'm a little pooped.
We've drawn some at Dr Sketchy's Anti-Art school since the last time I posted. MeeZee visited from FouFou Ha.
David Glamamore made an appearance.
I've visited Lucas Valley Rd and the big rock.
Saw some cows in Marin.
But what I'm really excited about right now is Spring fashion. Spring is one of my favorite style seasons because I love color, and Spring is all about color.
Here is some inspiration: http://www.pinterest.com/alicestribling/spring-2014/
And Colette has done a really wonderful series called the Wardrobe Architect: http://www.coletterie.com/?s=wardrobe+architect
I want to share some things I've been working on, but at the same time I know myself and I'll be bummed if I post ideas that I don't complete. So I'm going to hold off.
I will say that I've drafted a new pencil skirt and my Apparel Arts teacher is helping jump ahead to collars and sleeves, so that I can make a button up shirt.
Showing posts with label Dr Sketchy's. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dr Sketchy's. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
Monday, February 17, 2014
Drawrrring and Fundrrraising Recap
Since my last post, many things have happened. As is the usual in life, if you live it.
We drew Dottie Lux, queen of burlesque and Red Hots Burlesque, at the Dr Sketchiest of Sketchy's. She was on fire that night, in one of her newest incarnations: Edward Scissor Fans. I went into the night feeling calm, we had plenty of volunteers to help set things up (thanks people!) and Dottie is wonderful to work with, so I knew that the night would go smoothly.
And I guess that I was on fire!
I've been using these Pentel brush pens and I'm in love. They make it easy to get a very expressive line, both thick and thin, and it is much more versatile than a single micron. In a short pose, you really don't have time to go back and forth between different pens to get different line widths. This pretty much does it all.
Dottie's wig was a very inspiring shape. It was big with dreadlock-ish curls, and most of my drawings started out trying to loosely define the shape. I think it was so much fun that everything else seemed to fall perfectly into place. I was mixing my favorite color (INDIGO) in with black and this worked well for outfit as well as skin.
So like I said, I was on FIRE. And I really like the work that I did. If you like it too, drawings are for sell/trade for AIDS/LifeCycle donations. Just leave me a comment.
We then had Randal the Fabulous pose with two distinctly different looks: Maxfield Parish Arabian nights/1960s draping/yoga AND Butler/naughty butler.
Randal was a feast for the eyes and his poses were AMBITIOUS and challenging. However, I only have a couple of drawings that I really like. I was a little more anxious walking into that night and wasn't feeling on my game.
Went out with on a spur of the moment drawing adventure with Diane and the SF Sketchers group as well on Saturday and did these little numbers.
We went up to Corona Heights and I had a great view of Sutro tower in the fog. It was a grey chilly morning, with not much contrast on the hillside. I wanted to bring in the curve of the road on the left and try to mimic some S curves with the dark trees as well. I also always admire the trees at the top of this hill. I find myself wanting to draw them every time I look at Sutro so I think that I had mentally already memorized their shapes!
I only had one of these drawings in me, so we went down to the Randall Museum afterward to get warm and draw animals.
I really love the guinea pigs and quails, the guineas were eating so they stayed still-ish. The quails were doing laps around their cages and didn't seem to be interested in posing for me. They have a puffer fish shape, round, with those adorable little feathers on top. They make cute noises. This was a fun and unexpected drawing day.
If you are looking for a drawing community, Laurie does a great job organizing SF Sketchers. They go out every week and can be found on Meetup: http://www.meetup.com/SF-Sketchers/
Also, if you are looking for any drawing groups, the SF Figure Drawing group on Meetup has something almost every night of the week. And we would love to see you at Dr Sketchy's!
Finally, to recap the Mom's Body Shop 'Have a Heart' Fundraiser, my friend Shelley started texting before noon that there was a line and it sounds like the crowd was non-stop all day. I went around 6pm and it took about an hour and a half to get tattooed. I'm getting a line of hearts up the back of my legs, like stocking seams. I figure that this is a good spot to add to if I continue to do AIDS/LifeCycle. This year I chose kitty hearts. I'll post a photo when I get a good one.
Last year, my friend Dave Groeschel's shop donated $1200 and it was a giant step towards raising my total to $6000. My team raised over $150,000 and total AIDS/LifeCycle raised over 14.2 million.
That is a great help to folks who need these services to stay alive and healthy, with dignity. It also goes a long way towards prevention, education and eventually stopping this disease altogether.
If you would like to help, please donate to: http://tiny.cc/Alice2014
We drew Dottie Lux, queen of burlesque and Red Hots Burlesque, at the Dr Sketchiest of Sketchy's. She was on fire that night, in one of her newest incarnations: Edward Scissor Fans. I went into the night feeling calm, we had plenty of volunteers to help set things up (thanks people!) and Dottie is wonderful to work with, so I knew that the night would go smoothly.
And I guess that I was on fire!
I've been using these Pentel brush pens and I'm in love. They make it easy to get a very expressive line, both thick and thin, and it is much more versatile than a single micron. In a short pose, you really don't have time to go back and forth between different pens to get different line widths. This pretty much does it all.
Dottie's wig was a very inspiring shape. It was big with dreadlock-ish curls, and most of my drawings started out trying to loosely define the shape. I think it was so much fun that everything else seemed to fall perfectly into place. I was mixing my favorite color (INDIGO) in with black and this worked well for outfit as well as skin.
So like I said, I was on FIRE. And I really like the work that I did. If you like it too, drawings are for sell/trade for AIDS/LifeCycle donations. Just leave me a comment.
We then had Randal the Fabulous pose with two distinctly different looks: Maxfield Parish Arabian nights/1960s draping/yoga AND Butler/naughty butler.
Randal was a feast for the eyes and his poses were AMBITIOUS and challenging. However, I only have a couple of drawings that I really like. I was a little more anxious walking into that night and wasn't feeling on my game.
Went out with on a spur of the moment drawing adventure with Diane and the SF Sketchers group as well on Saturday and did these little numbers.
We went up to Corona Heights and I had a great view of Sutro tower in the fog. It was a grey chilly morning, with not much contrast on the hillside. I wanted to bring in the curve of the road on the left and try to mimic some S curves with the dark trees as well. I also always admire the trees at the top of this hill. I find myself wanting to draw them every time I look at Sutro so I think that I had mentally already memorized their shapes!
I only had one of these drawings in me, so we went down to the Randall Museum afterward to get warm and draw animals.
I really love the guinea pigs and quails, the guineas were eating so they stayed still-ish. The quails were doing laps around their cages and didn't seem to be interested in posing for me. They have a puffer fish shape, round, with those adorable little feathers on top. They make cute noises. This was a fun and unexpected drawing day.
If you are looking for a drawing community, Laurie does a great job organizing SF Sketchers. They go out every week and can be found on Meetup: http://www.meetup.com/SF-Sketchers/
Also, if you are looking for any drawing groups, the SF Figure Drawing group on Meetup has something almost every night of the week. And we would love to see you at Dr Sketchy's!
Finally, to recap the Mom's Body Shop 'Have a Heart' Fundraiser, my friend Shelley started texting before noon that there was a line and it sounds like the crowd was non-stop all day. I went around 6pm and it took about an hour and a half to get tattooed. I'm getting a line of hearts up the back of my legs, like stocking seams. I figure that this is a good spot to add to if I continue to do AIDS/LifeCycle. This year I chose kitty hearts. I'll post a photo when I get a good one.
Last year, my friend Dave Groeschel's shop donated $1200 and it was a giant step towards raising my total to $6000. My team raised over $150,000 and total AIDS/LifeCycle raised over 14.2 million.
That is a great help to folks who need these services to stay alive and healthy, with dignity. It also goes a long way towards prevention, education and eventually stopping this disease altogether.
If you would like to help, please donate to: http://tiny.cc/Alice2014
Thursday, January 30, 2014
Drawrrring and Fundrrraising
Next week we are drawing the amazing Dottie Lux at Dr Sketchy's SF. Dottie is a favorite model and the owner/head fancy clown at Red Hots Burlesque.
We will be drawing her new costume, Edward Scissor Fans.
You can get tickets now! http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/567465
--
Also, on Valentine's Day, Mom's Tattoo on Haight Street is doing a very special fundraiser.
All day they are doing $25 heart tattoos, and ALL profits go to AIDS/LifeCycle.
Last year, my friend Dave Groeschel's shop donated $1200 to help folks who need care and dignity to stay alive.
If this isn't for you, please tell your friends! Or just donate $25 right now :)
http://www.tofighthiv.
Please contact me with any questions. Thank you!
We will be drawing her new costume, Edward Scissor Fans.
You can get tickets now! http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/567465
--
Also, on Valentine's Day, Mom's Tattoo on Haight Street is doing a very special fundraiser.
All day they are doing $25 heart tattoos, and ALL profits go to AIDS/LifeCycle.
Last year, my friend Dave Groeschel's shop donated $1200 to help folks who need care and dignity to stay alive.
If this isn't for you, please tell your friends! Or just donate $25 right now :)
http://www.tofighthiv.
Please contact me with any questions. Thank you!
Thursday, January 23, 2014
Two weeks in, I'm hungry
Everything has started back up again. While it is an exciting reminder that my life is rich and full and interesting, I am tired.
Training for AIDS/LifeCycle, Apparel Arts class and Dr Sketchy's all began again about two weeks ago.
It has been wonderful to get outside again on the bike and the routes are relatively flat...for now. I'm riding with Joseph's Sunday Cat two group until Team Unpopular starts up with training. Last week, some of my team mates joined up with the group and we had a nice time catching up. I now know that the year will be like this: I see a group of folks for about six months, we do a special type of socializing that makes the miles and hills go by, then that fades out in the fall and winter months. And that is ok. Right now it's like this.
During fall and winter I had more time to myself to work on projects. Right now I have about 3 projects in need of some attention, and this is distressing me. I have two skirts that I'm drafting/sewing for pay and trade. And one Ad for trade. I'm grateful for all of these projects, just juggling a bit at the moment.
I wish that I could say training was always awesome. I am right now grumpy and tired from Sunday-Tuesday commitments. I have not committed to any randonneuring this year, I just can't add anything more to my plate. I also want to be there for family and friends.
I am attempting to eat real food for training, still focusing on little to no sugar and taking fruit and likely a homemade 'Nutella' sandwich with me in the near future. I started craving sugar really badly after my first training ride, I felt depressed about not having it.
In Apparel Arts, I'm really trying to stick to the schedule that Suzy gave out to the students at the end of last year. I've drafted all of the dart manipulation exercises, about 8 fronts and 3 backs. I cut out 3 fronts and backs in class on Monday and sewed them up last night. I feel like if I can do homework one night during the week, then I should be ok.
I am excited about Spring. I would like to make a midi skirt, a flow-y dress, and a jumpsuit one day. I did decide on a low buy/no buy until I save for my travel commitments. It's going ok, one day at a time. Right now, I'm digging out my spring color cardigans, and corals and pink makeup...trying to use what I already have instead of buying new things. I'm ready and California is experiencing some warm weather so it's easy to play.
On Tuesday, we had the second Dr Sketchy's of the year with Vivian De Milo. We had 10 or so volunteers, so set up and break down were a breeze. Our model is very gifted, V has impeccable taste and style. V also posed for us as a girl and a boy, which I love. I've been reading more about gender and what a mixed up fluid thing it can be. How one self identifies, who one wants to be partnered with, feeling like one is in the wrong body. It's nice to celebrate it with drawing.
I'm playing with watercolors, I found this blog: http://www.lizsteel.com/2013/04/my-basic-palette.html
Which lead me to this resource: http://www.handprint.com/HP/WCL/water.html
And then I started geeking and pinning watercolor palettes: http://www.pinterest.com/alicestribling/art-illustration/
Aaaaaand I did make a new palette purchase from Daniel Smith. :) I also purchased a test paint set from them and now I have a list of colors that I want, see below. It's the first time I've really customized my watercolors for what I like, and not just what comes in the preset palette. It's very exciting! I like lots of bright colors, and my day job is in the print industry, so of course I like CMYK and BRIGHTS.
I'll sign off with some eye candy. Don't forget that I'm offering drawings for AIDS/LifeCycle donations. $300 gets you a drawing. Monthly donations are encouraged!!
http://www.tofighthiv.org/goto/AliceStribling2014
Training for AIDS/LifeCycle, Apparel Arts class and Dr Sketchy's all began again about two weeks ago.
It has been wonderful to get outside again on the bike and the routes are relatively flat...for now. I'm riding with Joseph's Sunday Cat two group until Team Unpopular starts up with training. Last week, some of my team mates joined up with the group and we had a nice time catching up. I now know that the year will be like this: I see a group of folks for about six months, we do a special type of socializing that makes the miles and hills go by, then that fades out in the fall and winter months. And that is ok. Right now it's like this.
During fall and winter I had more time to myself to work on projects. Right now I have about 3 projects in need of some attention, and this is distressing me. I have two skirts that I'm drafting/sewing for pay and trade. And one Ad for trade. I'm grateful for all of these projects, just juggling a bit at the moment.
I wish that I could say training was always awesome. I am right now grumpy and tired from Sunday-Tuesday commitments. I have not committed to any randonneuring this year, I just can't add anything more to my plate. I also want to be there for family and friends.
I am attempting to eat real food for training, still focusing on little to no sugar and taking fruit and likely a homemade 'Nutella' sandwich with me in the near future. I started craving sugar really badly after my first training ride, I felt depressed about not having it.
In Apparel Arts, I'm really trying to stick to the schedule that Suzy gave out to the students at the end of last year. I've drafted all of the dart manipulation exercises, about 8 fronts and 3 backs. I cut out 3 fronts and backs in class on Monday and sewed them up last night. I feel like if I can do homework one night during the week, then I should be ok.
I am excited about Spring. I would like to make a midi skirt, a flow-y dress, and a jumpsuit one day. I did decide on a low buy/no buy until I save for my travel commitments. It's going ok, one day at a time. Right now, I'm digging out my spring color cardigans, and corals and pink makeup...trying to use what I already have instead of buying new things. I'm ready and California is experiencing some warm weather so it's easy to play.
On Tuesday, we had the second Dr Sketchy's of the year with Vivian De Milo. We had 10 or so volunteers, so set up and break down were a breeze. Our model is very gifted, V has impeccable taste and style. V also posed for us as a girl and a boy, which I love. I've been reading more about gender and what a mixed up fluid thing it can be. How one self identifies, who one wants to be partnered with, feeling like one is in the wrong body. It's nice to celebrate it with drawing.
I'm playing with watercolors, I found this blog: http://www.lizsteel.com/2013/04/my-basic-palette.html
Which lead me to this resource: http://www.handprint.com/HP/WCL/water.html
And then I started geeking and pinning watercolor palettes: http://www.pinterest.com/alicestribling/art-illustration/
Aaaaaand I did make a new palette purchase from Daniel Smith. :) I also purchased a test paint set from them and now I have a list of colors that I want, see below. It's the first time I've really customized my watercolors for what I like, and not just what comes in the preset palette. It's very exciting! I like lots of bright colors, and my day job is in the print industry, so of course I like CMYK and BRIGHTS.
I'll sign off with some eye candy. Don't forget that I'm offering drawings for AIDS/LifeCycle donations. $300 gets you a drawing. Monthly donations are encouraged!!
http://www.tofighthiv.org/goto/AliceStribling2014
Friday, November 22, 2013
2013 in review
It's a little early, but I'm ready to review. I present to you 2013, broken out into categories.
Practice
This year I changed my alarm so that I have 15 minutes to sit in the morning. This was about 2-3 months ago, now I find myself waking up earlier to get in a 30 minute sit every day.
I find myself wanting to learn more about concentration, equanimity and compassion. My practice now is doing kind and friendly things, even if I don't feel kind and friendly. When I feel really cranky about something, I write down something for which I am grateful. This is sticky because I want to write about material luxuries, but try to find something else.
Apparel Arts
I started taking pattern making classes last January, it has changed my life in a lot of positive ways. Like most people, I have a complex relationship with clothing and fit. But I love clothes so this was a way to make clothing mine. The first section was skirts. I wasn't even interested in skirts before I started taking this class. But now I know that skirts can fit into the weekly wardrobe as easily as jeans.
I learned that I may have an idea for a long time, even over a year, before I can make it.
The gorgeous thing about style is that it can be ever changing and flowing. One style need not define me every day, deciding what I want to wear every day can be fun.
I have enough. Well thought out basics are better than impulsive and trendy purchases. When one has the right pieces, they can mimic the trends if one would like.
Dr Sketchy's
This year we successfully had two events a month at Chicken John's warehouse. The community is wonderful, our space is great, I am grateful to have this opportunity. I like drawing twice a month, I like picking the models. My drawing is always improving and I really like using watercolors.
Family
Bio: Super complex in 2013, but we seem to be past a crisis stage with my father's health. He seems happy, for now he can talk on the phone and he laughs. Mom has adjusted to the changes. We have a lot of help. I show up when I need to, even if I don't always feel like it.
My local chosen family and community rocks. I love my babycakes and the cats.
Financial
You Need a Budget and Mr Money Mustache are changing my views on money. I currently do a pretty good job of saving, but I am very interested in early retirement. I've been looking at a lot of things differently than in the past and I'm grateful that I started saving early. I'm questioning all expenses.
Health/Riding
Lot of accomplishments in this category in 2013. Did AIDS/LifeCycle break down the mental hurdle that kept me thinking that some things couldn't be accomplished? Oh yes.
6 months of training and a 545 mile ride to LA were pretty special. My team, the feeling of helping people, being of service and accomplishing this major goal felt wonderful.
I was also able to participate in some 200ks with SFR this year as well. It's nice to be with that community.
I lost over ten pounds this year, I've lost 35 total. It feels weird to see the hollows under my cheekbones, I like them.
There is a relationship now between art and riding, in that I've been designing posters for SFR and for commission projects.
I just quit sugar in what I am calling 'No Sugar November'. I had a headache for the first 9 days. Eating bread makes me feel the same, and starts the craving cycle. I'm not sure that I am ready to take on bread and grains.
Style
A big year for style! I'm very excited about it. Bill and I both explored the option of getting custom clothing. In the Spring, I started out looking for dress shoes/flats that would replace a pair of shoes that I bought in London in 2006. Eventually it led me to Al's Attire and I had them remade! In my size!
My joke is that there is no venn diagram where wide feet and cute intersect. I ordered two pairs of custom shoes this year and have ideas about what I might like to invest in next year.
I took some fabric that I bought for myself and Bill into Al's and we had shirts made as well.
I'm exploring skirt shapes, volume, color, not so much pattern (this is a hard one), accessories and modern fashion. My Pinterest is about shapes and inspiration. One lesson that Apparel Arts has taught me is that I can hold onto that inspiration as long as I need it, eventually I will have the skills to make whatever I want. And that, while it is clinging, is also freedom.
Evernote
This may sound crazy but Evernote kind of changed my life. I track all of my projects and interests using Evernote, I clip web pages, recipes, all of it. I found out about it from reading an article on the founders of ModCloth.
One big thing I did this year was track all the clothing whims that I had, that I wanted to purchase. I found that most of the things I bought online I sent back, and most of the things that I thought I wanted, if I write them down and think about it for a while...well they don't really interest me for very long. Or if they do, then it is worth saving the money. Trades also rock.
Anyhoo, that's it. Thanks for reading.
Practice
This year I changed my alarm so that I have 15 minutes to sit in the morning. This was about 2-3 months ago, now I find myself waking up earlier to get in a 30 minute sit every day.
I find myself wanting to learn more about concentration, equanimity and compassion. My practice now is doing kind and friendly things, even if I don't feel kind and friendly. When I feel really cranky about something, I write down something for which I am grateful. This is sticky because I want to write about material luxuries, but try to find something else.
Apparel Arts
I started taking pattern making classes last January, it has changed my life in a lot of positive ways. Like most people, I have a complex relationship with clothing and fit. But I love clothes so this was a way to make clothing mine. The first section was skirts. I wasn't even interested in skirts before I started taking this class. But now I know that skirts can fit into the weekly wardrobe as easily as jeans.
I learned that I may have an idea for a long time, even over a year, before I can make it.
The gorgeous thing about style is that it can be ever changing and flowing. One style need not define me every day, deciding what I want to wear every day can be fun.
I have enough. Well thought out basics are better than impulsive and trendy purchases. When one has the right pieces, they can mimic the trends if one would like.
Dr Sketchy's
This year we successfully had two events a month at Chicken John's warehouse. The community is wonderful, our space is great, I am grateful to have this opportunity. I like drawing twice a month, I like picking the models. My drawing is always improving and I really like using watercolors.
Family
Bio: Super complex in 2013, but we seem to be past a crisis stage with my father's health. He seems happy, for now he can talk on the phone and he laughs. Mom has adjusted to the changes. We have a lot of help. I show up when I need to, even if I don't always feel like it.
My local chosen family and community rocks. I love my babycakes and the cats.
Financial
You Need a Budget and Mr Money Mustache are changing my views on money. I currently do a pretty good job of saving, but I am very interested in early retirement. I've been looking at a lot of things differently than in the past and I'm grateful that I started saving early. I'm questioning all expenses.
Health/Riding
Lot of accomplishments in this category in 2013. Did AIDS/LifeCycle break down the mental hurdle that kept me thinking that some things couldn't be accomplished? Oh yes.
6 months of training and a 545 mile ride to LA were pretty special. My team, the feeling of helping people, being of service and accomplishing this major goal felt wonderful.
I was also able to participate in some 200ks with SFR this year as well. It's nice to be with that community.
I lost over ten pounds this year, I've lost 35 total. It feels weird to see the hollows under my cheekbones, I like them.
There is a relationship now between art and riding, in that I've been designing posters for SFR and for commission projects.
I just quit sugar in what I am calling 'No Sugar November'. I had a headache for the first 9 days. Eating bread makes me feel the same, and starts the craving cycle. I'm not sure that I am ready to take on bread and grains.
Style
A big year for style! I'm very excited about it. Bill and I both explored the option of getting custom clothing. In the Spring, I started out looking for dress shoes/flats that would replace a pair of shoes that I bought in London in 2006. Eventually it led me to Al's Attire and I had them remade! In my size!
My joke is that there is no venn diagram where wide feet and cute intersect. I ordered two pairs of custom shoes this year and have ideas about what I might like to invest in next year.
I took some fabric that I bought for myself and Bill into Al's and we had shirts made as well.
I'm exploring skirt shapes, volume, color, not so much pattern (this is a hard one), accessories and modern fashion. My Pinterest is about shapes and inspiration. One lesson that Apparel Arts has taught me is that I can hold onto that inspiration as long as I need it, eventually I will have the skills to make whatever I want. And that, while it is clinging, is also freedom.
Evernote
This may sound crazy but Evernote kind of changed my life. I track all of my projects and interests using Evernote, I clip web pages, recipes, all of it. I found out about it from reading an article on the founders of ModCloth.
One big thing I did this year was track all the clothing whims that I had, that I wanted to purchase. I found that most of the things I bought online I sent back, and most of the things that I thought I wanted, if I write them down and think about it for a while...well they don't really interest me for very long. Or if they do, then it is worth saving the money. Trades also rock.
Anyhoo, that's it. Thanks for reading.
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
Kill Bill fun at Dr Sketchy's SF
Last night we had Mercy Beaucoup model for us as Beatrix Kiddo, from Kill Bill. If you are familiar with Vol. 1, the major supplies required to successfully render this character are yellow and RED.
For blood splatters, of course.
I think a super fun time was had by all. Everyone's work gravitated towards anime and anyone with watercolors splashed 'blood' all over their page. It was fascinating to see this phenomenon. Totes fun.
I liked my drawrrrings.
Lord have Mercy!
Diane and Olivia, and blood.
This one feels a little stiff, but alright. I'll take it.
This was my favorite. Some of the proportions are off, but oh well. Still like the watercolor bits. I am likely my hardest critic.
If you like, there are more drawrrrings here: http://www.flickr.com/groups/drsketchyssf/
We do this every first Tuesday and third Tuesday. Next up is GI Joe vs. the Transformers. For real.
For blood splatters, of course.
I think a super fun time was had by all. Everyone's work gravitated towards anime and anyone with watercolors splashed 'blood' all over their page. It was fascinating to see this phenomenon. Totes fun.
I liked my drawrrrings.
Lord have Mercy!
Diane and Olivia, and blood.
This one feels a little stiff, but alright. I'll take it.
This was my favorite. Some of the proportions are off, but oh well. Still like the watercolor bits. I am likely my hardest critic.
If you like, there are more drawrrrings here: http://www.flickr.com/groups/drsketchyssf/
We do this every first Tuesday and third Tuesday. Next up is GI Joe vs. the Transformers. For real.
Saturday, May 11, 2013
I ride for Freddie
A lot of folks ride AIDS/LifeCycle for the people in their lives who can't ride, which is beautiful. I'm riding for Freddie Mercury, lead singer of Queen, who died in 1991 of bronchial pneumonia resulting from AIDS.
I am a HUGE fan of Queen. HUGE. In another life, and perhaps sometimes in my apartment, I prance(d) around with the same grace and larger than life exuberance of Freddie Mercury.
From what I gather from Wikipedia and this documentary, he kept his illness a secret because he didn't want to make 'public liars out of friends and family'. They had all denied his illness.
I feel like it's not right that AIDS had/has such a stigma that he kept it a secret. The documentary made me sob like a baby and also made me realize that THIS is why I ride.
Five years ago, I had the idea to merge some interests. Bikes, Queen, Girls/Ladies/Women/People who identify as Women riding bikes, Drag Queens, Queens in Nun drag, I could go on... and Dr Sketchy's.
I posed for the first Cute Girls on Bicycles event at Dr Sketchy's SF and our inspiration was this:
This year, as incentive for fundraising I told the drawer-ers at Dr Sketchy's that if everyone put $1 in the kitty, and we raised at least $50 I would do a 20 minute pose. And of course I HAD to recreate the album cover.
Now all these artists have started posting their goods on the internets and I realize that we not only raised money for the SF AIDS Foundation and LA Gay and Lesbian Center, but that I now have a very personal collection of drawings of me on my bike. SO. MUCH. LOVE. My heart is going to explode.
I am a HUGE fan of Queen. HUGE. In another life, and perhaps sometimes in my apartment, I prance(d) around with the same grace and larger than life exuberance of Freddie Mercury.
From what I gather from Wikipedia and this documentary, he kept his illness a secret because he didn't want to make 'public liars out of friends and family'. They had all denied his illness.
I feel like it's not right that AIDS had/has such a stigma that he kept it a secret. The documentary made me sob like a baby and also made me realize that THIS is why I ride.
Five years ago, I had the idea to merge some interests. Bikes, Queen, Girls/Ladies/Women/People who identify as Women riding bikes, Drag Queens, Queens in Nun drag, I could go on... and Dr Sketchy's.
I posed for the first Cute Girls on Bicycles event at Dr Sketchy's SF and our inspiration was this:
This year, as incentive for fundraising I told the drawer-ers at Dr Sketchy's that if everyone put $1 in the kitty, and we raised at least $50 I would do a 20 minute pose. And of course I HAD to recreate the album cover.
Now all these artists have started posting their goods on the internets and I realize that we not only raised money for the SF AIDS Foundation and LA Gay and Lesbian Center, but that I now have a very personal collection of drawings of me on my bike. SO. MUCH. LOVE. My heart is going to explode.
You can order this one from Madelyn Lee!
Thursday, May 09, 2013
The Big Rock Candy Mountains
I walked out of my door Sunday morning at 6am, with the early morning light casting everything blue. I had the PERFECT shot of a tanker motoring through the bay from Presidio, with a strip of pink at the horizon line, but it was too early to stop and take the photo. Oh well.
About 30 of us left Sports Basement in the Marina, bumped across the bridge along the well worn path through Sausalito, bike path, Camino Alto, Ross, San Anselmo, then out to China Camp. I rolled through China Camp noting that what was once green has now turned to gold. Then we popped over to Lucas Valley Road for a nice little climb up to Big Rock.
Meow Big Rock! Note that the landscape has changed dramatically with one week of hot weather. It's really neat to see the swift changes. I felt truly energized by the cool weather and dynamic skies. It was quite a day to be out in the elements.
Tia, Shelley and I stuck together on this ride and I enjoyed their company, especially after lunch when it got hotter and towards the end of ride when we were all tired and grumpy. Climbing over the easy side of White's Hill and getting the descent into Fairfax made my heart soar. I felt like I was flying. I finished the day feeling strong, my legs felt like a metronome.
Monday in Apparel Arts was a little difficult. I was tired and I got a little confused drafting my last pattern. I hope to have time to cut out the pieces so that I can sew them up in our next class.
I am excited because I found some really great fabric for my two final skirts. It would be super if I could start on these before AIDS/LifeCycle but considering it is less than a month away, I am ok with letting that go. I did get some linen for my Freddie Mercury sash. I don't know if I have mentioned that on the blog at all. I'm embroidering Freddie on the front and MOXIE on the back. It will be a reclaiming of the beauty queen sash, with sparkle, camp and some hi vis mixed in. I hope that it will be truly spectacular.
Tuesday at Dr Sketchy's we had one of my favorite events of the year: Cute Girls on Bicycles! We referenced the original inspiration from 5 years ago, the cover of Queen's Bicycle Race.
Constance and Zoë were spot on with cute poses, in 70s inspired outfits. My AIDS/LifeCycle Team sold baked goods and made delicious grilled cheese sandwiches. We raffled off a zombie pencil/makeup bag from Nooworks, water bottles from Box Dog Bikes, a Woolrich messenger bag from Timbuk2, beautiful posters by Meli Burgueño, a handmade sketchbook from John Hull and a $200 certificate for coffee delivery from Ritual Coffee/Chicken John.
Oh yes, and I auctioned off a pose. I told everyone if they put $1 in the tip jar, and we raised $50 that I would pose for 20 minutes. It was a big success and a lot of fun.
And so in total we raised over $600 from our beloved Dr Sketchy's community. I feel both proud and humbled by all the support.
About 30 of us left Sports Basement in the Marina, bumped across the bridge along the well worn path through Sausalito, bike path, Camino Alto, Ross, San Anselmo, then out to China Camp. I rolled through China Camp noting that what was once green has now turned to gold. Then we popped over to Lucas Valley Road for a nice little climb up to Big Rock.
Meow Big Rock! Note that the landscape has changed dramatically with one week of hot weather. It's really neat to see the swift changes. I felt truly energized by the cool weather and dynamic skies. It was quite a day to be out in the elements.
Tia, Shelley and I stuck together on this ride and I enjoyed their company, especially after lunch when it got hotter and towards the end of ride when we were all tired and grumpy. Climbing over the easy side of White's Hill and getting the descent into Fairfax made my heart soar. I felt like I was flying. I finished the day feeling strong, my legs felt like a metronome.
Monday in Apparel Arts was a little difficult. I was tired and I got a little confused drafting my last pattern. I hope to have time to cut out the pieces so that I can sew them up in our next class.
I am excited because I found some really great fabric for my two final skirts. It would be super if I could start on these before AIDS/LifeCycle but considering it is less than a month away, I am ok with letting that go. I did get some linen for my Freddie Mercury sash. I don't know if I have mentioned that on the blog at all. I'm embroidering Freddie on the front and MOXIE on the back. It will be a reclaiming of the beauty queen sash, with sparkle, camp and some hi vis mixed in. I hope that it will be truly spectacular.
Tuesday at Dr Sketchy's we had one of my favorite events of the year: Cute Girls on Bicycles! We referenced the original inspiration from 5 years ago, the cover of Queen's Bicycle Race.
Constance and Zoë were spot on with cute poses, in 70s inspired outfits. My AIDS/LifeCycle Team sold baked goods and made delicious grilled cheese sandwiches. We raffled off a zombie pencil/makeup bag from Nooworks, water bottles from Box Dog Bikes, a Woolrich messenger bag from Timbuk2, beautiful posters by Meli Burgueño, a handmade sketchbook from John Hull and a $200 certificate for coffee delivery from Ritual Coffee/Chicken John.
Oh yes, and I auctioned off a pose. I told everyone if they put $1 in the tip jar, and we raised $50 that I would pose for 20 minutes. It was a big success and a lot of fun.
And so in total we raised over $600 from our beloved Dr Sketchy's community. I feel both proud and humbled by all the support.
Wednesday, May 01, 2013
Complicated Interests Rock
There are lots of interests moving towards end points right now.
First at Dr Sketchy's, we are about to have one of my favorite events of the year: Cute Girls on Bicycles:
Constance and Zoë modeled last year, they recreated some vintage imagery that made me so happy. This year we are revisiting the original inspiration: the album cover art for Queen's Bicycle Race and Fat Bottom Girls.
They will be wearing 70s inspired outfits and I'm hoping we can find a 10speed of that era, with exposed white brake cables. We'll see.
This is a fundraiser for AIDS/LifeCycle and we will have baked goods for sale to raise money.
Edit, we'll also have a bag from Nooworks, some water bottles from Box Dog Bikes and some handmade sketchbooks from John Hull. All available for raffle.
Further edit, Meli Burgueño has donated a poster!
This brings me to the 2nd topic: AIDS/LifeCycle. In one month 3000 other likeminded folks and I will be embarking on a 7 day, 545 mile ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles. I want to do this because I want to break past the mental hurdle of what I currently think is possible on my bike. I also want to give back to my vibrant San Francisco community. The AIDS Foundation keeps people alive, prevents future infections and helps eliminate the stigma still surrounding HIV and AIDS. It matters. It feels really awesome to be a part of this amazing community.
Here's my team profile pic, it's freakin hilarious:
Speaking of ALC, our training last week took us up Mt. Tam to the 7 Sisters (or bitches as some call them). The climb up to Alpine Dam and the top of the ridge was fine because it was covered, but once we got up on the ridge, it was exposed and hot and I ran out of water. That's the first time I've ever been nauseous on the bike. Thanks to the Training Ride Leader who had V8, it saved me from tossing my cookies all over the bitches. It's a good thing these ladies are pretty, because they are a little bit brutal.
I can barely contain my excitement about number 3. I will FINALLY have something interesting (at least it feels interesting to me) to show for Apparel Arts!! To me it feels like my process photos all look the same, paper patterns, muslins. All this translates to white, beige, boring??
Anyhoo, I have two more skirt projects to finish before I can move on to the 2 fashion fabric skirts. I have had my inspiration for months, I don't want to reveal anything because I don't want to set any expectations. I also have to go to the fabric store and I *hope* that is successful.
The above is a photo of the 2nd to the last skirt project: a contoured waistband skirt with free hanging lining. Then I draft a straight waistband/with a secured lining.
That's THREE AWESOME complicated interests. My goal book will be thrilled. I am excited.
Also not be missed. Polk Street changes. Please sign this petition to show support for making it a beautiful pedestrian/bikey thoroughfare: http://www.change.org/petitions/forward-on-polk-with-the-complete-streets-project This is what I want San Francisco to be!!
Babycakes and I had a super time at Al's Attire getting some custom things made by a local artisan. Very excited about my custom shoes! Look at the mess we made, there is fabric and wine and cheese littering that table top... It was a good time.
First at Dr Sketchy's, we are about to have one of my favorite events of the year: Cute Girls on Bicycles:
Constance and Zoë modeled last year, they recreated some vintage imagery that made me so happy. This year we are revisiting the original inspiration: the album cover art for Queen's Bicycle Race and Fat Bottom Girls.
They will be wearing 70s inspired outfits and I'm hoping we can find a 10speed of that era, with exposed white brake cables. We'll see.
This is a fundraiser for AIDS/LifeCycle and we will have baked goods for sale to raise money.
Edit, we'll also have a bag from Nooworks, some water bottles from Box Dog Bikes and some handmade sketchbooks from John Hull. All available for raffle.
Further edit, Meli Burgueño has donated a poster!
This brings me to the 2nd topic: AIDS/LifeCycle. In one month 3000 other likeminded folks and I will be embarking on a 7 day, 545 mile ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles. I want to do this because I want to break past the mental hurdle of what I currently think is possible on my bike. I also want to give back to my vibrant San Francisco community. The AIDS Foundation keeps people alive, prevents future infections and helps eliminate the stigma still surrounding HIV and AIDS. It matters. It feels really awesome to be a part of this amazing community.
Here's my team profile pic, it's freakin hilarious:
Speaking of ALC, our training last week took us up Mt. Tam to the 7 Sisters (or bitches as some call them). The climb up to Alpine Dam and the top of the ridge was fine because it was covered, but once we got up on the ridge, it was exposed and hot and I ran out of water. That's the first time I've ever been nauseous on the bike. Thanks to the Training Ride Leader who had V8, it saved me from tossing my cookies all over the bitches. It's a good thing these ladies are pretty, because they are a little bit brutal.
I can barely contain my excitement about number 3. I will FINALLY have something interesting (at least it feels interesting to me) to show for Apparel Arts!! To me it feels like my process photos all look the same, paper patterns, muslins. All this translates to white, beige, boring??
Anyhoo, I have two more skirt projects to finish before I can move on to the 2 fashion fabric skirts. I have had my inspiration for months, I don't want to reveal anything because I don't want to set any expectations. I also have to go to the fabric store and I *hope* that is successful.
The above is a photo of the 2nd to the last skirt project: a contoured waistband skirt with free hanging lining. Then I draft a straight waistband/with a secured lining.
That's THREE AWESOME complicated interests. My goal book will be thrilled. I am excited.
Also not be missed. Polk Street changes. Please sign this petition to show support for making it a beautiful pedestrian/bikey thoroughfare: http://www.change.org/petitions/forward-on-polk-with-the-complete-streets-project This is what I want San Francisco to be!!
Babycakes and I had a super time at Al's Attire getting some custom things made by a local artisan. Very excited about my custom shoes! Look at the mess we made, there is fabric and wine and cheese littering that table top... It was a good time.
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
On
Ugh it's another one of those weeks. It feels like I can't get to the grocery store to get anything healthy to eat, I'm not getting enough sleep and I am cranky-pants and exhausted.
My 'sh'edule has worked its way to being FULL one week, then I'm off a week. This week is on, with something after work Monday-Wednesday. Then Thursday I should ride. Friday night sit, then just spin the wheel all weekend with errands and balancing time with my babay and training. It definitely starts to feel like things are out of control. Also work is picking up for the Summer.
Positives:
• Completed circle skirt and box pleat/accordian pleat skirt this week in Apparel Arts.
• Made a new sloper to reflect the two inches I've lost off my waist and hips since January!
• Started drafting a contoured waistband skirt, only a couple more exercises before I make two skirts out of fashion fabric. I have plenty of ideas!
• The Pelican looks great and on trend with neon accessories for Spring.
• I like the new short reach SOMA HWY1 bars
• Took the Rivet saddle out for a 90 miler Sunday, I think I like it. Still needs more testing.
• Love the way the Swift Industries tool roll looks on the Pelican.
• My legs felt good on the bike this morning.
• I can highly recommend drawrrrring Lucha Libre masked models at least once in your lifetime.
The music at Dr Sketchy's last night was really really great, had some help from Pamela Palma and Jesse Mullan this time around. The Frida soundtrack is fantastic. Still loving the Lumineers. Especially 'Slow it Down'. The new Bowie album is taking a while to grow on me, 'The Stars (Are Out Tonight)' is a goodie. Rodrigo y Gabriela play some mean acoustic guitars, of course their cover of Stairway to Heaven is amazing.
I endeavor to take a deep breath before talking this week. Everything is too close to the surface and unfiltered shit just keeps pouring out of my mouth.
My 'sh'edule has worked its way to being FULL one week, then I'm off a week. This week is on, with something after work Monday-Wednesday. Then Thursday I should ride. Friday night sit, then just spin the wheel all weekend with errands and balancing time with my babay and training. It definitely starts to feel like things are out of control. Also work is picking up for the Summer.
Positives:
• Completed circle skirt and box pleat/accordian pleat skirt this week in Apparel Arts.
• Made a new sloper to reflect the two inches I've lost off my waist and hips since January!
• Started drafting a contoured waistband skirt, only a couple more exercises before I make two skirts out of fashion fabric. I have plenty of ideas!
• The Pelican looks great and on trend with neon accessories for Spring.
• I like the new short reach SOMA HWY1 bars
• Took the Rivet saddle out for a 90 miler Sunday, I think I like it. Still needs more testing.
• Love the way the Swift Industries tool roll looks on the Pelican.
• My legs felt good on the bike this morning.
• I can highly recommend drawrrrring Lucha Libre masked models at least once in your lifetime.
The music at Dr Sketchy's last night was really really great, had some help from Pamela Palma and Jesse Mullan this time around. The Frida soundtrack is fantastic. Still loving the Lumineers. Especially 'Slow it Down'. The new Bowie album is taking a while to grow on me, 'The Stars (Are Out Tonight)' is a goodie. Rodrigo y Gabriela play some mean acoustic guitars, of course their cover of Stairway to Heaven is amazing.
I endeavor to take a deep breath before talking this week. Everything is too close to the surface and unfiltered shit just keeps pouring out of my mouth.
Tuesday, April 09, 2013
Two training rides/week
I bumped up my training rides to two last weekend, a Headlands 35 miler with 2400' of climbing and a 55 mile ride out to Fairfax and back with 4600' of climbing. At least these are the stats according to Ridewithgps. It's good enough for me.
My friend Kacey and I enjoyed a foggy one Saturday. There was nothing at all to be seen in the Headlands and we were on top of the ever changing tone of fog horns as we popped over the GG bridge. Believe it or not there were tourists out on rent-a-bikes.
We did the loop and took McCullough road back to the roundabout. Now I know why people ride out through the tunnel to Bunker road, McCullough is a-bitch-of-a-never-ending climb. I could feel my legs at the end of this ride for sure.
I was able to cut out patterns Saturday afternoon, yay! I had 3 flared skirts on the chopping block: Princess flare, A line and bias flare.
Had a Saturday night work function that kept me out past a decent bedtime. 5am sure did come early.
The Cat 2 folks wanted to get us over the bridge early due to a race, 6:30 is indeed the earliest I have ever ridden over the bridge. Even SFR events tend to start later than this.
Since I had been sick the previous week and trained Saturday, I opted out of the full 75 mile ride. That was smart on my part because I was exhausted afterwards. The rest of Sunday was a wash on the bed watching Mad Men & Game of Thrones. I was too tired to even nap properly.
My team training recommends starting two training rides/week in April and I'm glad that I am doing it. This weekend was a crash course in what the 7 day ride will be like and I hope to survive without my crankypants.
Yesteday was pretty tough, I could have slept all day. It does make me wonder if I'm overtraining or if this is just what happens when the levels get bumped up. (Tuesday my legs feel fine and I feel rested so there you go). Recovery is an interesting process.
Last night night in Apparel Arts was all assembly line, all night. I pinned together all 3 skirts, then banged them out on the sewing machine. They all fit really well, if not a little too big now. I am drafting a circle skirt with a smaller waist to see if I'm on the right track. I am pretty sure that my waist has narrowed by 2 inches since I started class in January. If the tape measure is to be believed, I have also shrunk 2 inches in the low hip. Bike riding changes your body for sure.
Tonight is Dr Sketchy's 'April in Paris'!
March mileage= 400
Fundraising= $3850
Donations gladly accepted here: http://www.tofighthiv.org/goto/AliceStribling
My friend Kacey and I enjoyed a foggy one Saturday. There was nothing at all to be seen in the Headlands and we were on top of the ever changing tone of fog horns as we popped over the GG bridge. Believe it or not there were tourists out on rent-a-bikes.
We did the loop and took McCullough road back to the roundabout. Now I know why people ride out through the tunnel to Bunker road, McCullough is a-bitch-of-a-never-ending climb. I could feel my legs at the end of this ride for sure.
I was able to cut out patterns Saturday afternoon, yay! I had 3 flared skirts on the chopping block: Princess flare, A line and bias flare.
Had a Saturday night work function that kept me out past a decent bedtime. 5am sure did come early.
The Cat 2 folks wanted to get us over the bridge early due to a race, 6:30 is indeed the earliest I have ever ridden over the bridge. Even SFR events tend to start later than this.
Since I had been sick the previous week and trained Saturday, I opted out of the full 75 mile ride. That was smart on my part because I was exhausted afterwards. The rest of Sunday was a wash on the bed watching Mad Men & Game of Thrones. I was too tired to even nap properly.
My team training recommends starting two training rides/week in April and I'm glad that I am doing it. This weekend was a crash course in what the 7 day ride will be like and I hope to survive without my crankypants.
Yesteday was pretty tough, I could have slept all day. It does make me wonder if I'm overtraining or if this is just what happens when the levels get bumped up. (Tuesday my legs feel fine and I feel rested so there you go). Recovery is an interesting process.
Last night night in Apparel Arts was all assembly line, all night. I pinned together all 3 skirts, then banged them out on the sewing machine. They all fit really well, if not a little too big now. I am drafting a circle skirt with a smaller waist to see if I'm on the right track. I am pretty sure that my waist has narrowed by 2 inches since I started class in January. If the tape measure is to be believed, I have also shrunk 2 inches in the low hip. Bike riding changes your body for sure.
Tonight is Dr Sketchy's 'April in Paris'!
March mileage= 400
Fundraising= $3850
Donations gladly accepted here: http://www.tofighthiv.org/goto/AliceStribling
Thursday, April 04, 2013
Have been feeling poorly
Enjoy some photos.
Big Rock on Lucas Valley Road.
Babycakes before Cirque du Soleil.
Some ladies at Viva Las Vegas. The Satorialist happened to be there.
We're drawing April in Paris at Dr Sketchy's on Tuesday. See ya there!
Also, if you care about changing a neighborhood landscape for the better, please consider reading about Polk Street improvements and signing this petition.
Sign here: http://tinyurl.com/cuwyoyj
Big Rock on Lucas Valley Road.
Babycakes before Cirque du Soleil.
Some ladies at Viva Las Vegas. The Satorialist happened to be there.
We're drawing April in Paris at Dr Sketchy's on Tuesday. See ya there!
Also, if you care about changing a neighborhood landscape for the better, please consider reading about Polk Street improvements and signing this petition.
Sign here: http://tinyurl.com/cuwyoyj
Friday, March 22, 2013
It was a good week
I think it was the right amount of 'doing' and 'reflecting' and 'puttering', as Bill says. I guess I didn't really have to make any major compromises, and I got to spend a lot of time by myself Saturday to reset things, do homework and be creative.
Some of my favorite time is spend at home listening to music, while artmaking or sewing. Sometimes there is dancing. I do wish that I had more of this.
We saw a documentary on Johnny Cash a couple of weeks ago. One of the memorable topics was the series of albums that he recorded before he died. There was a lot of time spent on the song 'Hurt', a cover of Trent Reznor's song. Of course I had to go get this album. Two big favorites on the album are of course 'Hurt' and 'Streets of Laredo'. Again songs that reflect on death have been resonating with me.
My uncle passed away this week. This was my father's brother, he has been in full time care for a while and also had dementia. So there's that.
I spent Saturday drafting an 8 section skirt called a gore. The skirt has pleats between every section and I chose to make knife pleats, sort of reminded me of plaid skirts that I had in high school. Of course I wore them with thigh high stockings and mary janes, that was the uniform of the time. The skirt was actually too big, I am shrinking and my body is changing due to all the bike riding.
Sunday was spend with the AIDS/LifeCycle Cat 2 training series hosted by the Positive Pedlers. My teammates (Team Unpopular) and I were up and at the Sports Basement at the crack of dawn's ass.
The ride went out to Fairfax, then to Nicassio, around the reservoir and back around through Samuel P Taylor to Lagunitas. Then home. 70 miles is about what I'm doing every Sunday. We'll increase the mileage and frequency as it gets into April/May.
It was a beautiful day. I felt strong on most of the ride. I followed a fellow affectionately referred to as 'Uncle Larry' up White's Hill and just took my time, this stretch gets easier every time!
I struggle with the rollers out on the Nicassio road, I run out of steam on the uphills and it always takes me a little while to get into the rhythm of them. This is to note and to practice.
Friday, March 15, 2013
Right now, it's like this
It was a little bit of a challenging weekend. Saturday and Sunday were busy and I really just felt like hanging around the house.
I participated in a fun event on Saturday. Pushbike had a sale and swap on the sidewalk of their shop. I sold some tires, pedals and a bag...then turned around and got some Pushbike armwarmers. +$60, -$40. +$20 overall, woo! The sun was out and people had beers in hand.
I volunteered for the first shift of the SF Randonneurs' Russian River 300k. The first riders came in right after I arrived at 5, they finished at 5:03 which is 11 hours and 3 minutes after the start. Holy hot foot Batman, these guys are fast.
From 5-8pm, we probably checked in 30-40 riders. It is really nice to welcome everyone in and give them a chocolate milk, though it was frickin cold. We processed the brevet cards and got everyone signed in. My shift ended at 8pm.
I hit the pillow early so that I could get up with no light, thank you daylight savings time, and get to an 8am meetup with some ALC folks. My friend Tia has been riding with these peeps for a while and she joined their team, which is known as Team Unpopular.
Lots of silliness ensued at the start, these guys have moxie in spades. We followed the same route that other ALC training rides were doing that day, out to China Camp with a mini Tiburon loop at the end.
Jesse, Tommy, Shelly and John had me laughing the whole day. I like the flamboyance and craziness of this group and plan on riding with them every Sunday.
Apparel Arts is slow and steady. I finished and tried on two skirts on Monday, it does feel awesome to have my teacher check off all the finished patterns from my list. Here is a list of all the skirt muslins that I have drafted since I started the class in January. Feels nice to list them out, also feels nice to have them hanging in the closet. One day I'll get to sew them in fashion fabric!
- single dart
- double dart
- yoke slit skirt
- empire pencil kick pleat
- pleated godet
- lowered waist/seamed
- button placket
Next week we draw again at Dr Sketchy's, this time it's curves for days with Miss Alotta Boutté!
Friday, March 08, 2013
Art more
Last Friday I had a little bit of stomach flu. While it didn't knock me out for too long, I felt just crappy enough to stay off the bike.
Monday in Apparel Arts, I sewed up a button placket skirt and drafted a drapey wrap skirt. I'm hoping for some time soon to work on Bill's shirt pattern and a fashion fabric version of one of the patterns I have drafted.
Since I was indoors last weekend, I spent some time watching and practicing watercolor tutorials on youtube.
Lorraine Watry has a great series of 4 videos: http://youtu.be/wbDawbOO8XY
She drew out a grid on her paper, then systematically goes through each technique. Some of the techniques looked a little boring at first, but I decided to give them all a go...and I was pleasantly surprised that I liked them all. I really was surprised how cool the sandpaper/watercolor pencil technique is. Of course I knew that I loved the wet on wet and blooms techniques.
The whole point of doing these tutorials was to have some ideas for color ready for the Dr Sketchy's Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence event on Tuesday!
We love having the Sisters model because they are so dang visually appealing, but also because they are funny and they tell us facts about the work that they do.
Underneath the puns and makeup are ordained ministers, nurses, and community activists. They raise money for folks on the fringes and build community in our amazing city.
Two years ago they blessed Diane and I for our community building with Dr Sketchy's. It is a cherished memory and reminder of how important community is. This was the fourth year that we have had the Sisters model for us.
Sister Mae Joy B With U, Sister T'Aint a Virgin and Sister Jezebel.
Drawing of Sister Jezebel, Sister T'Aint a Virgin and a dime bag full of glitter
Drawings of Sister Mae Joy B With U and Sister T'Aint a Virgin
It was really nice to have some quiet time making art this week. Things can get out of balance pretty quickly 'round here.
Monday in Apparel Arts, I sewed up a button placket skirt and drafted a drapey wrap skirt. I'm hoping for some time soon to work on Bill's shirt pattern and a fashion fabric version of one of the patterns I have drafted.
Since I was indoors last weekend, I spent some time watching and practicing watercolor tutorials on youtube.
Lorraine Watry has a great series of 4 videos: http://youtu.be/wbDawbOO8XY
She drew out a grid on her paper, then systematically goes through each technique. Some of the techniques looked a little boring at first, but I decided to give them all a go...and I was pleasantly surprised that I liked them all. I really was surprised how cool the sandpaper/watercolor pencil technique is. Of course I knew that I loved the wet on wet and blooms techniques.
The whole point of doing these tutorials was to have some ideas for color ready for the Dr Sketchy's Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence event on Tuesday!
We love having the Sisters model because they are so dang visually appealing, but also because they are funny and they tell us facts about the work that they do.
Underneath the puns and makeup are ordained ministers, nurses, and community activists. They raise money for folks on the fringes and build community in our amazing city.
Two years ago they blessed Diane and I for our community building with Dr Sketchy's. It is a cherished memory and reminder of how important community is. This was the fourth year that we have had the Sisters model for us.
Sister Mae Joy B With U, Sister T'Aint a Virgin and Sister Jezebel.
Drawing of Sister Jezebel, Sister T'Aint a Virgin and a dime bag full of glitter
Drawings of Sister Mae Joy B With U and Sister T'Aint a Virgin
It was really nice to have some quiet time making art this week. Things can get out of balance pretty quickly 'round here.
Friday, March 01, 2013
Recovering & Catching up
I've been laying low and catching up on sleep, eating well and reading this:
Work has gotten busy again and it's draining. Training for ALC is teaching me a lot about balance, including taking time for friends and family and saying no when needed.
I got back to the Friday night sit at Against the Stream with one of my favorite teachers.
I caught up a bit on Apparel Arts:
And tried to cook a little this week:
Next up, we draw the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence at Dr Sketchy's on March 5th.
This is not to be missed! I've been looking at watercolor tutorials on youtube, and hope to practice some new (to me) techniques for this one.
This has had a big effect on me this week, Women Who Make America:
http://www.makers.com/documentary/
Grateful to all these women with courage. In the words of the Sisters, 'We remember, we remember, we remember.'
Work has gotten busy again and it's draining. Training for ALC is teaching me a lot about balance, including taking time for friends and family and saying no when needed.
I got back to the Friday night sit at Against the Stream with one of my favorite teachers.
I caught up a bit on Apparel Arts:
And tried to cook a little this week:
Next up, we draw the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence at Dr Sketchy's on March 5th.
This is not to be missed! I've been looking at watercolor tutorials on youtube, and hope to practice some new (to me) techniques for this one.
This has had a big effect on me this week, Women Who Make America:
http://www.makers.com/documentary/
Grateful to all these women with courage. In the words of the Sisters, 'We remember, we remember, we remember.'
Friday, February 22, 2013
Rando-crazy
On Sunday, it was like this. Pedal... x 1 million.
Up a hill to the bridge, out a path, wind, sun, up White's hill, out to Petaluma (mile 45), Petaluma to Valley Ford (mile 60ish), VF to Pt Reyes Station (cross my threshold of 75 miles into unknown possibly dark mental territory) to Pt Reyes Station (mile 86), and back onto familiar territory, race back to the bridge and over. And done.
I was very grateful to my riding buddy, Juliayn. We rode the entire day together, she was very kind to me during the dark times and we had a nice day.
I don't know what else to say about it, I'm still processing and recovering.
I took one photo of Juliayn photo-stalking the lambs:
And she took photos of me, her entire set is here. Also more photos of the ride from Vélocia.
In art news, some friends and I drew at Catherine Mackey's studio Saturday:
And we drew Vivian de Milo's Magic Tea Party Tuesday at Dr Sketchy's.
Pam Palma posted some great photos on flickr
The rest of my week is going to be all about recovery. I am very tired.
xoxo,
Moxie
Up a hill to the bridge, out a path, wind, sun, up White's hill, out to Petaluma (mile 45), Petaluma to Valley Ford (mile 60ish), VF to Pt Reyes Station (cross my threshold of 75 miles into unknown possibly dark mental territory) to Pt Reyes Station (mile 86), and back onto familiar territory, race back to the bridge and over. And done.
- 124 miles/200 k
- Ridewithgps says 8887ft of climbing
- 12 hours, 16 minutes
- Well deserved beer, burger and flowers from my baby afterwards!
- Quite an accomplishment
I was very grateful to my riding buddy, Juliayn. We rode the entire day together, she was very kind to me during the dark times and we had a nice day.
I don't know what else to say about it, I'm still processing and recovering.
I took one photo of Juliayn photo-stalking the lambs:
And she took photos of me, her entire set is here. Also more photos of the ride from Vélocia.
In art news, some friends and I drew at Catherine Mackey's studio Saturday:
And we drew Vivian de Milo's Magic Tea Party Tuesday at Dr Sketchy's.
Pam Palma posted some great photos on flickr
The rest of my week is going to be all about recovery. I am very tired.
xoxo,
Moxie
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