The Lace that never went to the Prom!

 

It was 1977, about March. I was a senior in high school, looking forward to graduating, college, life! Senior prom was looming ahead, I was not really thinking about it, I knew I would not be asked, and quite frankly, really did not care.

 

I had been so very bullied all through my elementary and mid school years, that I really kept everyone, especially boys at arm's length. My ideal was a dark Spanish type, which did not exist at all in my school. Maybe I purposely set such an opposite ideal in my mind than existed in my Northeastern State. Most girls were devastated if they were not asked, I really could care less!

 

However, my sweet Mama had different ideas. I would walk into the sewing room as she was working away on my dress, feeling distressed that she was working so hard, knowing she was wasting time. But the love she showed was and is priceless! She was determined that I should go to the prom. Being not too ugly (beautiful in her eyes, like any mother!) she felt for sure they guys were just lined up to ask! Frankly, I did scare them away. So fearful was I of being treated terribly, that I really kept them at arm's length with polite standoffish-ness.

 

My Mama purchased this beautiful white lace (really I also thought it was a tad too bridal!), and a georgeous Oscar De La Renta Vogue pattern. It was a long gown, ruffled shoulders, long skirt flowing gently into a soft floor length ruffle. She was a superb seamstress, so the dress turned out fabulous! Sadly, I never wore it.

 

Much later, my sweet (and beautiful!) daughter wore it for dress up, and I am creating with the remnants. The vintage lace is a cotton blend, really beautiful with a nice body for all kinds of accessories.

 

Maybe the lace never went to the prom, but it is being worked into wonderful accessories which may travel the world!

 

Oh, by the way, I moved to Texas, met and married a gorgeous black-haired Spaniard, (yes, his family is from Spain)  and we have been married 20 years plus! So, my ideal came true. Be careful what you wish for....

 

Wise Saying: What you can believe, you can achieve. I think by Norman Vincent Peale.

 

Why I create Drink Sleeves!

Why do I create drink sleeves? They seem to simple, not a huge trend item, not the number 1 to go shop for item. But, I started creating them when I needed a simple crochet-on-the-go project. Not too much thinking, can use all the fun colors, keeps my hands busy while I watch my daughter swim, wait in the car in school, or just on a long drive and I am not driving.

The surprise was how much I enjoyed having one on my drink cup. So much so, that I always keep one in my purse.

They do really keep the drink hotter than that ill-fitting paper sleeve. They really do keep your hand protected from the hot cup, the paper sleeve still allows a "burn" to seep through.

They do catch the drips if the cup is too full, your hands are too full, the cup tilts, the sleeve is there ready to absorb and prevent a drip on your "gasp" new trousers or white pants!

They are like a sponge if you really do spill, I have had an accident, grabbed my sleeve off the cup, picked up the spill before it was a major tragedy, and could still use it! Washed it at home, voila! Back in good form.

Most of all, they cheer me up. Early morning, rough day, the sleeve colors and cheerful designs I like to come up with give me a lift.

Next most of all, they really are a comfort on the hands when holding the cup. The softness and cushy-ness of the cozy helps me grip the cup better and feels "cozy" to my hand, no matter what the weather.

They really have become a daily essential to me. Such a little thing, so much joy. Just like a good cup of coffee.

Check them out! I am happy to make you one.

Go to my shop, GeGe, at www.gege.artfire.com.

See you there!