12!

12 more hours till i draw for the giveaway! If you havent already you can enter here!

Good Reading

I found this site through another blog (though i cant find the post again) and i began to read all the letters and articles on the site. I was really inspired by the article morning decadence and have started trying to wake up earlier. He talks about being alone and independent while blossoming into a young woman and just being yourself. In his article about a trip to the planetarium theres the most beautiful quote:

"The starry sky reverted to a white screen; Alice opened her eyes and was forced to part with the vest-wearing rabbits. The clocks which regulate Japan's time at the Astronomy Science Center had second hands that had started to slice away bits of reality. " from this article.

The full list of articles is here.

Takemoto Novala is the same writer who rote Kamekaze Girls. He has a couple other books too that i would like to read sometime.

Please remember to enter the giveaway! theres only 2 days left!

Lolita opportunities: The Ballet

When I was young my Grandmother used to always take me to the Ballet. We were fortunate enough to have season tickets! I've seen most of the ballets over the years, Swan Lake, Dracula, The Nutcracker and other classic ones... So when I heard they were coming out with a Alice in Wonderland one this season I just had to get tickets! I'm also quite lucky that we have one of the best ballets in canada the Royal Winnipeg Ballet!

The ballet is such a wonderful classic art, fun to learn and stunning to watch! I find it is a very loli-able occasion for and groupe or single loli. Most lolita events it seems happen in parks or cafe's but i think it would be fun one day to organise a large excursion to the ballet!

I hope to ba able to dress in my brand best for this! I'm so excited to watch a ballet again! (its been a few years) What do you think of the ballet? have you ever seen one, if you have witch is your favorite?

Dont be afraid....

To contact me if you have any questions or requests. my email is dustywillson2003 @ gmail.com I wont bite.

Heres also a list of some future posts that i'm planning (in no order):
-Circle Skirt tutorial
-Gathered skirt tutorial
-an easy gathering tutorial
-outfit pix
-project updates
-book review


If you want me to do a specific tutorial just ask and ill see what i can do. Im debating a petticoat one but i'm not sure.

Real vs. Synthetic fiber

I've been thinking about this for a while, whats the difference between using wool or alpaca versus using nylon or acrylic in knitting projects. Heres a brief blurb about what what I found.

Synthetic fibre yarn is cheeper and easier to get a hold of it also is always perfect and uniform because its essentially plastic. However it can be really scratchy to the touch and might not last as long it also burns and melts when exposed to flame or high heat. And doesn't have the luster of wool or other real fibers.

Natural fibres all come down to the natural tendencies of the hair. Wool for example doesn't burn well at all (it smolders and goes out) while also repelling water really well making it ideal for mitts or socks, you can get it in many different styles some softer and some more on the scratchy side. There are also better for the environment. However they cost more and are not as easy to find (you have to look for the real fibre yarn in Wallmart or the equivalent store.)

another thing to consider is dye, natural fibres can be dyed almost any colour either bought or you can dye at home if you really wanted, while synthetic can almost never be changed and dont take dye well.

Please remember to enter my Giveaway here!

what i've sewn lately(ish)

I made this dress in october and I'm just getting around to posting pictures now... I really like the red of the dress and normally wear it without a shirt underneath, but in the spirit of being a good loli i posted pictures of it with a shirt under it also. It has a bib thats detachable and a bow at the back that ties from the sides. I do kind-of prefer it without the bib though.

The inside is completely surged and finished however its not lined (mostly because im lazy). Also while making this dress I learnt why not to let your boyfriend help you sew... The bow that ties from the side was added later, after he cut a hole in the side of the bodice with the surger. >.<>

Remember to enter in the giveaway im holding here.

blogging resources

I found this great link on twitter that was posted by TheBlogStylist, i hope you enjoy it! its full of great tips and advice about blogging and social networking!

link here!

recent crafting

Recently I've really been into knitting! socks, mitts, hats, they make really good gifts or just fun projects to work on slowly. What I'm making at the moment is known an Norwegian mitts, traditionally black and white but any colour combo would look cute! There a bit tricky though so i wouldn't recommend them for a beginner, but for anyone who has worked with different colours before they should be easy!

They make a good addition to any mori style or winter wardrobe!

As you can see I'm not quite done but should be soon! You can find free patterns for mitts like these on Ravelry or from your local yarn store!

And remember to enter the giveaway!

my resolution

My new years resolution: better posture.

Posture is something most people dont think about but as a dancer i have to think about all the time, and i know my posture is pretty bad when im at home, so i know i should fix it. Isnt it considered a proper lolita thing to sit up straight and hold your head high and proud?

Somethings you maybe didn't know posture could do: stop your back from hurting and avoid back problems when your older, make you stronger, and even make you look thinner!

It actually takes a lot of effort to stand up straight, you need to use your abs and back in unison and some strength, but i garentee your back will thank you and so will the mirror! Because you are standing straighter and not hunched over your stomach will look flatter, or if you arch too much, it won't look like you have such a big bum anymore, and bam! it looks like you just lost 5 pounds.

The best way to work on this is on the floor making sure your head shoulders and bum all touch the floor but there is a small space st your lower back. when that gets comfortable try it standing, then moving around. And forget all the nonsense about being able to balance books on your head and walk around.

So perhaps if your debating loosing 5 pounds in the new year try standing up straight and see the results!

Giveaway Finally!

The much promised giveaway is here! i apologize for the long wait i will hopefully be updating much more now that my work has slowed down!

I'm giving away an adorable pencil and a tin of nice black tea from a local tea shop.

All you need to do to enter is post a comment with an email!

Ill sent it to you anywhere in the world!

The winner will be drawn on Jan. 31st.