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Critical Sewing First Steps

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Back at the machine with baby steps. You know, eve

Back at the machine with baby steps. You know, even after having sewn for nearly 25 years, after a long break, it can just feel jolting… like, will I remember how to thread the machine? Yikes!! Guess it keeps me humble LOL⁠
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This past weekend I dusted off my machine again, purposefully prioritizing *simple*, purposefully going for The Next Best Step. And it felt… wonderful. I’m actually extremely glad I didn’t go for something complex that needed insane fitting; I purposefully went for “The Pillowcase” of all garments— a camisole 🤣⁠
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What was kind of nice about working on this was:⁠
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1. I knew I would be able to finish it in a day and feel immediately accomplished⁠
2. I knew it would actually get a shit ton of use out here in Arizona (it’s already getting into the 80s 😰)⁠
3. The piece would be something I could use during the work week to cheer myself up and start to build up my little summer capsule wardrobe⁠
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Is it vintage inspired? Not particularly— as I said, it was the basic of the most basic… ON PURPOSE. But hey, now I can dream up some cute vintage-inspired cardis to throw over this; I can tell that the air conditioner game here is going to be WILD and my casual layering needs to step it up.⁠
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#CreativeStudio

Recently listened to an @andyjpizza podcast, Ep 44

Recently listened to an @andyjpizza podcast, Ep 443 “Which of the 4 Inspiration Types do you Need Right Now?” and I absolutely felt it IN MY BONES. ⁠
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Navigating burn out, hearing the podcast was like holy cow 🤯 . The realization that I haven’t been showing up for myself, filling my creative cup, haven’t been sharing how my creative projects are actually coming together, and been straight up burning the candle from both ends was… a lot. While the podcast doesn’t *specifically* go into burn out, it does talk about how to rediscover inspiration in a way that you can creatively show up for yourself, day in and day out (For my artist friends, I recommend [ @dana.kohlmann @pepperraccoon @hectorgomez @tillman.trevor ])⁠
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So, I’ve been doing the things I know are the foundation of having a creative sewing and YouTuber practice: ⁠
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✨ Looking at and admiring vintage fashion again, my true love (besides Jose!) I filmed a little video about this not too long ago and it was actually way more cup-filling than I thought it would be, for as simple as it was. Just flipping the pages was enough to make me happy. (But also, shooting that thumbnail image and being silly was a lot of fun LOL)⁠
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✨ Reading! Been super interested in Truman Capote’s social self sabotage after watching The Feud: Capote vs The Swans and I had to go to the source! If you haven’t read “Answered Prayers,” it’s a whirlwind of delicious prose, even if the book was never finished. The cliffhanger of it all! Just started “Capote’s Women” and looking forward to devouring that.⁠
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✨ Knitting, because it’s been too long since I’ve made something for myself. Feeling a similar sort of ennui that @sleepless_in_bavaria spoke about sewing a while back— I’m still in it but taking baby steps before I cut into a new piece of fabric.⁠
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✨ Meditating and journaling. Because they’re practices that I know work for me, when I create space for them.⁠
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Anyway, burn out sucks. I know I’ll figure it out, but purposefully leaning on those foundational pieces I haven’t been spending time on that actually help make me feel fulfilled. ⁠
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#burnoutrecovery

Between making this Reel and posting it I went fro

Between making this Reel and posting it I went from… totally confirmed for Viva this year to deciding not to go 😢 I know, WHACK. But to be honest, I just needed to bow out for this year for my mental health.

While I totally could have swung going ($$ and PTO!)- I decided that this year I just couldn’t bring myself to stretch for it, energetically. Stressing over sewing? Stressing over making sure to get it all organized and squared away on time? Stressing over things I’ve ordered showing up on time? No- not this year 💔

Next year, though. Because I can’t stay away and I know it’s a blast. Looking forward to being able to make it with more chispas, more upbeat energy, and with more people to meet up with 😉

In the meantime, Imma go watch the video I made last year to remind me of the good times, even if this year I’m choosing a different type of vacay (more details soon… 🏖️)

#vivalasvegasrockabillyweekend

It's been 84 years...! Finally sharing my Viva Las

It's been 84 years...! Finally sharing my Viva Las Vegas photos now that the video is out 🥰 So ok- not 84 years, but definitely 9 whole months 🫣⁠
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We had an absolute blast this past year, especially since we came in prepared for all the tonterias that we were about to be up to. If you were following along during the lead up to, I went straight into speed demon mode to sew all the looks and I've gotta say, looking back on them now, I'm so proud that I was able to pull it together. Were they all 100%? No- but close enough to have a good time and feel like myself. ⁠
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Anyway, for as much video as we shot, we actually didn't take as many pictures as you might think 🤯 But here's a few that really encapsulate the vibe.⁠
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Can't wait for the next one!⁠
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#vivalasvegas

Late to the trend ~ and I don't careeeee ~ 🤭⁠

Late to the trend ~ and I don't careeeee ~ 🤭⁠
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My Ins/Outs are absolutely in line with where my head has been at for weeks, in the good way. The themes end up circling around a few things:⁠
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1️⃣: Sharing my creative process and showing "unfinished" work. Letting go of perfectionism, and not overthinking everything to the point of taking no action (my kryptonite!)⁠
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2️⃣: Taking care of myself, both physically and mentally. Yes, there's the basics like wearing sunscreen regularly again ( #VoTinthedesert ) but it also includes getting regular cardio in to continue to improve my heart health.⁠
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3️⃣: Spending less time on a screen by being more intentional in my tech usage... like actually responding to loved ones’ txts and even *making time* to get better at playing ukulele. ⁠
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As I've been sharing on my Stories, I've got a lot of fun things in the works and these Ins/Outs are a taste of that. I'm going to be sharing a long-time project that is nearing completion (hurray!) -- as well as sharing some new sewing project work that I think will fill my cup right now. ⁠
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So ya, stay tuned.

Happy New Year 😎 After nearly 15 years in San F

Happy New Year 😎 After nearly 15 years in San Francisco, the time has come for a New Year New Me vibe: I’ve moved… to Arizona 🏜️

Yes, my cactus era has begun 🌵

I’m not going to lie, this move has been painful; I love California and it’s home. I’ve had so many of my formative experiences there, met many amazing people, and every single day there was something new to fall in love with. No, it’s not the doom loop you hear about (but even the rough parts are home.)

The universe had other plans and all roads pointed to the Grand Canyon state, supporting Jose with his career and whatever comes next (IYKYK.)

In the words of Frank Sinatra~

“Above the blue and windy sea, when I come home to you, San Francisco, your golden sun will shine for me.”

Looking forward to sharing more of this new adventure 😜 And if you’re a sewing or vintage enthusiast based in the Phoenix area, shoot me a DM!

Before and... After :) There's 6 years between the

Before and... After :) There's 6 years between the two looks! ⁠
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Some of the photos were at this year's #maitaiday at @tradervicseville and the other was in Santa Cruz. ⁠
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So much is different, so much the same. I seek out WAY more rum than beer now 🍹 (and my sewing skills have increased dramatically as well 😉)⁠
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#ladieswhotiki #vintagefashion #1940sfashion #madewithmood⁠

How often do you "dress up?" Be honest! For me, l

How often do you "dress up?" Be honest!

For me, less than I would like to admit. I've found myself having to really make the EFFORT (and it didn't used to be this way 😰)⁠
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Dusting off my 40s/50s style clothes and pin curling my hair doesn't always fit the 9-5... but, I realized going straight for jeans and a t-shirt was starting to impact my self esteem and self image; I knew I had to make a change.⁠
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So I'm challenging myself a little bit- at least a couple times a week pull out that special piece or curl my hair. It's only been a couple weeks since I've started doing this and it's been hard, but it's paying off.⁠
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Those jeans and comfy hoodie still call my name, though 😂⁠
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#vintagefashion #vintageclothing #selflovejourney #everydaystyle

Today I’m feeling… deflated? Definitely way di

Today I’m feeling… deflated? Definitely way different than the photos and videos I’m uploading! But, I think posting the contrast is important.

Work? Burnt out. In physical pain (tooth ache!) and generally exhausted.

The photos and videos are from this weekend when I didn’t feel any of that (thank you ibuprofen and the Outside Lands festival grounds 😜)

It’s that whole “you never know what’s going on behind the scenes” vibe that people sometimes post about. In my case, trying to purposefully share some of the highlight reel as that little reminder that life is good (even when it’s tough) and there’s tons to be grateful for.

Hope you’re well in your little corner of the world~ 👋🏻

#seasonofyes #headspace

A little tiki throwback... wishing I were at @tiki

A little tiki throwback... wishing I were at @tikioasis this weekend 🍹Loving everyone's photos so far 😍⁠
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I realized this week that it's been almost a YEAR since I've shared a photo on the grid, so figured, why not? If you're a Stories watcher, you've gotten a taste of my adventures and more to come. And then there's also Threads, too (currently exploring a Sauce Review series: to sriracha or not to sriracha?) ⁠
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But also ya, HIIII- hello IG Grid, I'm Bianca, we haven't spoken in a while 🤭⁠
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Anyway, if you're not at Tiki Oasis this weekend, what ya drinkin'? Me, whatever seasonal cocktail Alamo Draft House is serving tonight (_finally_ got tickets to go see Barbie! Loved Oppenheimer so it was about time I caught the other movie 😜)

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