Sew it ain't so...

Did you know that you could be an uber successful designer without ever as even touching a sewing machine? Crazy huh!? Well it happens all the time as most things are outsourced either domestically or internationally. From first sample to mass production, you could technically to do it all without ever having to do it yourself. Working in the industry, this was the norm. I would sketch up my designs, hand them over to the pattern maker who would in turn draft a pattern, cut a sample, and send it to a sample maker. 

Other than a couple of sewing classes in college, I never really sewed. And when I did it was on a regular one needle sewing machine. I have never even attempted to sew on a serger ( a machine that sews knits). I've somehow managed to weasel my way around it or have sewn only wovens but being that knits are far more comfortable and superior for children, my time has officially come. 

I decided to take the plunge and purchase a serger & coverstitch machine. This is essential to accomplish part one of my plan; to design and create children's clothing. 

As much as I am terrified to learn how these mini spaceships work, I am excited. I've been told that as long as I a. never break the thread, or b. learn how to successfully thread a serger, I'll be fine. Luckily I have an insider tip from a seamstress who has sewn for over 35 years. {When changing the thread colors, tie a not from the old thread to the new thread and just pull through!} As happy as this makes me, I will still read the manual from front to back to ensure if this trick fails, I'll be prepared.

My hobby room is starting to look like a semi-fuctional sewing room. I am waiting anxiously to get my prints in and have a long list of to-do's that need to get done before they arrive.

Time to get to work!

xx,
T

Starting From Scratch...

Almost 8 years in the fashion industry and Im back to square one. How you ask? Life, thats how!

Before graduating from FIDM, what seems so long ago, I envisioned that lifestyle empire and started working hard at it right after I graduated. LONG story short, life got in the way and I guess what was once trials are now tribulations. Except, Im really starting from scratch. Like, from scratch-scratch. Sigh, pinch me now please. Okay, maybe Im still convincing myself that my trials are tribulations. I'll take blessings in disguise rather.

After working so hard in the industry, I was mainly on the other side of things. The business side. Which in retrospect, is VITAL to any business endeavor yet is only half of the equation. Now that I am starting from scratch, I am on the other side of the realm, the designer side. I'm on a quest to dive in and get more in tuned with creating from a very organic space. Being inspired by my obsession for my daughter Olivia, and my love for all things fashion, Little Miss Dessa was born. I love to create, and whats not to love when you can create for the one you love. That in a nutshell is Little Miss Dessa. A little girls lifestyle brand that tailors to just that…little girls!

This time around, I am not building the brand based upon the pressures of numbers, logistics, and strategic success, I am building a brand that fills a void. As a direct consumer I know what I want for my daughter, and since I can not find it, I will make it. This business endeavor scares me beyond belief. Especially because I have failed twice before. However, with every failure comes success. At least this is what I keep telling myself. ha! However, with great success, comes great risk. So here I am, not only putting myself out there again, but also financially investing into another business that has a 50/50 chance of taking off or flopping. Yet, as scary as it may be, I can't imagine doing anything else. I've always thought of going back to school to get into the medicine field, but I ALWAYS come back to fashion. It truly is the only thing that pulls at my heart strings, and I can't deny it. I have to make it work this time. I have no other choice really. So as I take one day at a time, I'll let my hands do all the work and my faith lead me to my destiny.

Wish me luck,

T

Liv's First Birthday...

As I look at this picture above, it's hard to believe that we actually made it. Liv celebrated her "First Birthday" last saturday and it was quite the celebration. The day was filled with so many different emotions, a house filled with our family and friends from near and far and lets not forget ladybugs everywhere. 

The theme was destined to be ladybugs long before I'd ever truly realize. Talks of decorations stem far back from NICU days, where reaching her first birthday was something out of a dream. Yet, it has come and gone, with many tears shed, and one more amazing memory to cherish.

By the time the party rolled around, I was exhausted. I was working around the clock frantically to get every single detail perfect. My expectations were high. Ones that would be compared to someone such as a professional party planner & a limitless budget...except I was not a party planner and there was a frugal limit to my budget. To say I was delusional is accurate, but that didn't stop me. Believe it or not I did everything (with great help of course) handmade and only had to order the cake and some of the decorations thanks to etsy! My best friend from Canada actually surprised me and had the ladybug cupcakes delivered the day of her party. Besides that & the cake, it was your not so average DIY party.

I thank God everyday for my beautiful family. We are missing my sweet angel Abigail (Liv's twin sister), but she is with us in spirit.

| DIY Berry Cheesecake Bites |

| Cupcakes courtesy of my Best Friend |

| DIY Sugar Cookies |

| DIY Marshmallow Pops |

| DIY Ladybug Painting |

| DIY Ladybug "Thank You" Ornaments |

| DIY Ladybug Center Pieces |

It was so worth it in the end. The party was fabulous and it was amazing to celebrate such a huge milestone with the people we love! Delusional or not, it was a day that will be treasured forever.

xx, T

New Life

                                     

Today I find myself emotional. There's nothing that I'm aware of that should make me so emotional...yet the tears run endlessly. Liv has been teething rather bad lately so baby-wearing has helped me get things done. As I was sitting at the computer, with Liv in tote, "Oceans" came on pandora. That is when the tears came pouring out. I can't explain how much I love this song. It is truly one of those songs that speak to my soul in ways I've never known. 

As I sat here crying, I suppose they were tears of overwhelming happiness. The happiness that God has brought to my life. The happiness that after everything I've been through this past year, I am blessed to be happy. To be able to smile and experience all the wonderful things God has bestowed upon me. I've told myself for years that happiness is a mindset, not attached to anything tangible or a milestone. Although it is something I've preached to myself, there hasn't been a time I could remember that I truly felt it, until now. I think that's where the emotion came rushing from. The very fact that I can feel this jubilance that they speak of in the bible, is simply emotional. The good kind. 

I've been told a lot this past year from many, that God has something planned for Me. Except at that time I couldn't see it. I had lost so much. The pain & suffering overtook my soul that I just couldn't see clearly. Maybe time does heal all. My sweet Abigail can never be replaced, and I miss her more than words can ever show. With the 1 year anniversary creeping ever so closely, I can see clearly. Through suffering comes redemption. Through sorrow comes exultation. Through the darkest sky comes the brightest light and through the pain we shall find the jubilance of new life.

                                   "Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)" -  Hillsong United

You call me out upon the waters

The great unknown where feet may fail

And there I find You in the mystery

In oceans deep

My faith will stand

And I will call upon Your name

And keep my eyes above the waves

When oceans rise

My soul will rest in Your embrace

For I am Yours and You are mine

Your grace abounds in deepest waters

Your sovereign hand

Will be my guide

Where feet may fail and fear surrounds me

You've never failed and You won't start now

So I will call upon Your name

And keep my eyes above the waves

When oceans rise

My soul will rest in Your embrace

For I am Yours and You are mine

Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders

Let me walk upon the waters

Wherever You would call me

Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander

And my faith will be made stronger

In the presence of my Savior

[x6]

I will call upon Your Name

Keep my eyes above the waves

My soul will rest in Your embrace

I am Yours and You are mine

I pray that God will bestow the same jubilance and peace that is upon me, on you, when he feels is the right time for you to see it!

xoxo,

T

Project Organization: Liv's Medical Binder

With all the wonderful things that come with being a Mother to a micro preemie, there is also the never ending visits to Doctors & Specialists each week. With that comes the massive paper trail of medical records. Being that I've been on a quest to de-clutter my life and rid myself of the chaos, I decided to jump right in and create a medical binder that houses all of Olivia's medical paperwork. I used a multi-file folder case that is easy to fit in her diaper bag when I need to take it on the go!

Ps. Did I mention that I bought the 3 pack file folders & multi-file folder case from the dollar section at Target. Yep. I love me a good bargain. This entire system cost me a total of $3. If you see below I created a spreadsheet that contained all contact info and a place to put a copy of her insurance cards. This makes my OCD heart happy. If you want a copy, email me and I'll be more than happy to send it to you! {tiffanylynndessa@gmail.com}

I also reorganized my other paperwork. I got rid of what I didn't need and properly filed the rest. This was before. My goodness, this was a daunting task to say the least.

The aftermath. Yes, this not only looks much better, but is functional. Ahhh...the feeling of organization soothes my soul.

I hope I've inspired those who've been wanting to do this, but like myself kept putting it off. It does feel good to check it off my list!

Cheers to project organization,

XO - T

Organized Chaos.

As I sit here looking at my computer, I notice the ever-growing pile of mail, bills and file folders sitting on my desk. If I glance to my left, the loft is a mess. The laundry all sitting in piles, and I have the longest to-do-list imaginable. Even as I type, I keep adding to this list. Like clean makeup brushes, drop off the papers for Olivia's baptism, pick up birthday present for a birthday that happened a week ago -- yes, Im your last minute shopper. I actually asked Steven yesterday "how can someone be OCD, but yet still messy?" I get annoyed by everything that is out of place but I simply don't have the time to do it all. I 've always lacked consistency and lets be honest, I'm overwhelmed of being a stay at home mother - who feels the need to juggle it all. At the same time, even though there is clutter everywhere, I still feel a sense of peace. More than I ever have actually. Is everything chaotic? Yes. However, as the kids are off at school, and Olivia is taking her mid morning nap, I've been pulled to sit down and focus on what's most important, and that is God. He is undoubtedly ranked number one in our lives, yet do we really give him the attention that he deserves? I am the first to admit that in the past, my chaotic mess would come first on my list...but today it does not. All that could wait. God cannot.

On my journey to be closer to God, every morning I read "Jesus Calling". It's a daily devotional by Sarah Young. I've decided to dig a little deeper. It's one thing to read scripture and or a daily devotional... but to make it stick, one should interpret how it will apply to your life. To your every thought.

Live first and foremost in My Presence. Gradually you will become more aware of Me than of people and places around you. This awareness will not detract from your relationships with others. Instead, it will increase your ability to give love and encouragement to them. My Peace will permeate your words and demeanor. You will be active in the world, yet one step removed from it. You will not be easily shaken, because My enveloping Presence buffers the blow of problems.

This is the path I have set before you. As you follow it wholeheartedly, you experience abundant Life and Peace.

Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, O Lord. They rejoice in your name all day long; they exult in your righteousness.

—Psalm 89:15–16

I have set the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

—Psalm 16:8

Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.

—2 Peter 1:2

Here are a couple of things that stuck for me;

Live first & foremost in my presence.

- Don't allow yourself to become overwhelmed by life and it's clutter and ongoing, never-ending chaos. - Focus on things you have control over. Focus your energy on God.  Your relationship with him. Be thankful for all that he has blessed you with.
- Know that everything else will be taken care of in its own time and manner.

My peace will permeate your words and demeanor.

-Take your thoughts and turn them into your actions. From the words you speak, to the things you do. - Allow peace to embody every being of you. Mind, body, & soul.
- Peace is a mind frame.  It is not attached to a destination nor is tangible.

This is the path I have set before you. As you follow it wholeheartedly, you experience abundant life and peace.

- When life gets the best of you, don't allow it to effect you. Instead KNOW undoubtedly that the path you are on, God has set, and for good reason. He sees what you do not. He knows everything. Trust him wholeheartedly and the rest will fall into place. 
- He will never fail you. He will never abandon you. 

I hope you & yours have a blessed day,

T

Dear Abigail

They say time heals all and I would have to strongly disagree. See, as each day goes by I miss you more. I look at your sisters smile and cry because I yearn to see yours! I yearn to hold you, & kiss you,  & rock you sleep. I know we can't go back in time, because if we could, I would do so many things differently. I know you're with your creator smiling down on us, and at times I feel as though your presence is here. Lately I've been crying for you, even though I know this was part of gods plan, I just want you back in my arms again. I love you so much and there is not a single day that goes by that I don't think of you and call out your name. You my sweet angel, will forever be my darling baby! I love you Abi and I hope you can feel it in your soul, just like I can feel your love in mine! 

Love always & forever, 

Your mommy! 

Retro love...

It's been a long time since I've drafted a pattern or sewed anything. Let me tell you, it was no walk in the park! Sewing silk is not easy but fun none less. With Olivia being my muse, I wanted to create this silky, lightweight frock that is perfect for a hot summer day. I'll have to sharpen my skills for sure...but I am happy with the way the dress turned out! See below of Liv modeling the dress oh so cutely!