 Valley Art Association 2023 Art Scholarship Fund Exhibition. This year's exhibition was held at the Gene Bianchi Community Center located on 2nd Avenue in Oakdale, California. February 23rd-26th
I quickly gathered up my favorite recent artworks, along with my artsy husband, Javier Rangel, and we began to prepare the work we wanted to showcase for our submission... When thinking about my past art projects, I wanted to showcase my personal favorites. For this exhibition, I chose a series of Ink Illustrations that I created, as well as two outfits that I designed, constructed, and hand embellished. The Art Exhibit Begins! On Thursday, February 23rd, Javi and I, along with all of the other participating artists, dropped off our artworks at the Bianchi Community Center in Downtown Oakdale. The representatives from VAA (Valley Art Association) were so welcoming and friendly! They expressed such enthusiasm for my fashion design work, and were genuinely pleased to be showcasing fashion art here! The following evening, Friday, February 24th, from 5pm to 7pm, the Opening Night of the exhibit, with 101 pieces of artwork displayed for public viewing began. That same evening, The City of Oakdale hosted a 3rd Street Grand Opening Celebration to commence the completion of Downtown Oakdale's 3rd Street Renovation Project.
It was quite fun seeing my work, and my husbands, displayed amongst such talented local artists at the art show! Fashion Illustration: Shoes!
Check out these non-reflective, scanned, close up images of my illustrations:  Fashion Shoe Illustrations (Ink Drawings) by Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel. Valley Art Association Annual Scholarship Exhibition Fund 2023. Representing Fashion Design in Fiber Arts Fashion Designer, Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel with her original fashion designs: a Hand-Painted Floral Day Dress, a Hand-Beaded Parthenon High-Waisted Skirt and a Satin Crepe Drop Sleeve Blouse. Valley Art Association Annual Scholarship Fund Exhibition, 2023. In addition to my illustrations, I selected two of my favorite fashion designs to showcase: my Hand-Painted Floral Day Dress and my hand-beaded Parthenon High-Waisted Skirt paired with my Satin Crepe Drop Sleeve Blouse. Both of these designs were first showcased on the runway at Oakland Fashion Week, located in Oakland, California.
 Valley Art Association Annual Scholarship Fund Exhibition, 2023.  My two youngest daughters pose with "The Dresses Mommy Made!" Valley Art Association Annual Scholarship Fund Exhibition, 2023. If you would like to read more about these specific fashion designs, check out my Blog Article, "A Look Back: Fall 2018", where I discuss in more detail my inspiration and design process for creating my Hand Painted Floral Day Dress. In my Blog Article, "Oakland Fashion Week 2016: Day Three 'Sol Afrik'"., you will find one of several articles covering Oakland Fashion Week and my experience presenting my fashion collection there! So Much Talent! Here are a few more photos of artworks from the exhibit:
 Oil Painting. Valley Art Association Annual Scholarship Fund Exhibition, 2023.  Tenzing Rangel views the artwork at the exhibit. Valley Art Association Annual Scholarship Fund Exhibition, 2023. And The Winners Are... The three day art exhibit came to an end on Sunday, February 26th with an Artist Reception and Award Ceremony. The Rangel Family was in attendance, along with many other local artist and their associates. Delicious snacks, fresh coffee, and lemonade was served as we enjoyed a Silent Auction, followed by the Mayor's Choice Award. The City of Oakdale's Mayor Cherilyn Bairos presented artist, Steven Jamie Powers with the Mayor's Choice Award, for his painting of Gilbert's Feed. Oakdale is a city with a rich history in agriculture, and it was very interesting to hear Mayor Bairos heartwarming memory of her family's local history, when her great grandfather was a customer of Gilbert's Feed. A story "near and dear" to the Mayor's heart!  Mayor's Choice Award. Artist Steven Jamie Powers with Mayor Cherilyn Bairos. Valley Art Association Annual Scholarship Fund Exhibition, 2023. Photo: Courtesy of Mayor Cherilyn Bairos. In addition to the Mayor's Choice Award, Valley Art Association presented the Viewer's Choice Award, an award given to the artist with the most votes from those who attended the exhibit. And The Artist Choice Award, where participating artist voted for their favorite artist in the exhibit.
Congratulations to all of the amazing artist who were recognized for their outstanding artwork at the reception! I hope that you enjoyed my experience participating in the Valley Art Association's Annual Scholarship Fund Exhibition 2023 in Oakdale, California! My husband, Javi and I are now members of the Valley Art Association! As members, we look forward to being a part of the local artist community, learning from the many talented individuals in this group, and participating in more artistic events in the near future! If you were able to attend the art exhibit, did you enjoy seeing fashion presented? Which were your favorite artworks? I would love to hear your feedback and experience! Leave me a comment below! Thank you for reading my blog, I hope you have an Artistically Inspired Day! Related Links:
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 Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel, wearing bold color, as often as possible! Years ago, I came across a quote from the famous (or infamous), fashion icon, Wallis Simpson, who once said, "I am not a beautiful woman. I'm nothing to look at, so the only thing I can do is dress better than everyone else." Although Simpson was a very wealthy woman, who had access to high-end fashion (she was the wife of the United Kingdom's Prince Edward), this quote always stuck with me. Every woman has their own insecurities regarding their individual appearance, some of our features may be out of our control, but we all can control what we wear on a daily basis! I have found that just wearing skirts, and dresses, incorporating bold color, and feminine silhouettes with my outfits, has gained the attention of many fellow women, who often say to me how much they love my outfit, and wish they could "pull off'' more skirts and dresses for everyday wear. I honestly believe that any lady, with any figure, and with any budget, can pull off wearing bold color and feminine silhouettes! For those ladies that might need a little inspiration, I have put together this brief article highlighting some of my favorite easy to wear daily outfits, that I wore over the past month. The key to my fashion success is the development of my own personal style. For my personal style, I enjoy vintage silhouettes that incorporate fashion elements from a wide range of decades, including modern clothing. I have found that collecting classic pieces, such a wide variety of skirts, graphic tees, dresses, blouses, sweaters, and accessories, has allowed me to mix and match my clothing collection for a unique "Vintage Inspired" daily look. Mixing bright bold colors, or combining patterns in unusual ways can make any wardrobe feel fashion forward and interesting year after year! Bold Color
Skirts are a game changer when it comes to creating a truly feminine look! The great thing about skirts is they can be paired with different tops for endless combinations! One constant source of my daily outfits is my combination of graphic tee-shirts and skirts... Graphic Tees and Skirts: Endless Combinations!  Pop Culture Screen Tees, such as this 1990's Dr. Dre T-Shirt, pair great with vintage inspired skirts, for a fun, fresh look! I love Graphic Tee-Shirts and how well they represent pop culture, which I equally love! Graphic T-Shirts can often add an element of humor to an outfit, which is fun! I have been enjoying wearing novelty tee-shirts since my baggy clothed, tomboy days in the 1990's. Since then I have a huge bin in my closet over-filled with folded graphic tees! I have found that tucking my shirts into my skirts creates a more flattering waistline for my body type, as well as a more complete "Vintage Inspired" day look. I love the appearance of high waisted skirts, which would be lost on a blouse or t-shirt left untucked. Here are a few combinations of this style that I wore this past month:
Blouses and Dresses for an Elevated Every Day-Wear When I want to elevate my day-wear look, I grab a blouse instead of a Tee-Shirt. Using the same concept for a flattering, put-together look, as I consider when I wear a graphic tee, I always tuck in my blouse, and accessorize! I realized when compiling my photos for this blog, that I did not wear many dresses during the past month. So I have featured only one photo here. This charming bright lime green dress, paired great with turquoise accessories!  Skirts and dresses of various lengths are my favorite fashion items! I have curated an amazing skirt collection over the years, including this lovely multi-colored vintage skirt, far right.  I like to pair skirts with flats or heels depending on the work I am doing that day. Skirts can be paired with a wide variety of tops, and the tops can be paired with a variety of skirts, creating new looks everyday! Featured here are typical outfits I would wear to work as an Alteration Specialist, or an afternoon at the park with my kids.  Crop Tops over 40?! Why not! This look can be classy and age-appropriate in my opinion! It is no secret that this past month I slid into a new decade, and entered, fashionably, into my 40's! Recently, I have been enjoying a body confidence that I didn't always have in past decades. The increase in my body confidence isn't solely based on my age. A huge factor comes from the results of an entire year of focusing on my fitness. I have slimed down and toned up since having my babies, and I am really excited about that. I have always loved the vintage crop-top look (featured in my own past fashion collections), as well as the 1990's crop-top look represented by some of my favorite 90's fashion icons: Aaliyah, Gwen Stephani, and Selena! But can women in their 40's still pull-off crop-tops? Heck yes we can! A great way to increase confidence, and feel great about pushing your own boundaries regarding fashion, is to exercise regularly. I am a firm believer that all woman's bodies are different, but we can all maximize our bodies potential by eating healthy and incorporating some form of daily exercise! Braided Up-Dos and Accessories!
I hope the styling of my recent outfits gives you inspiration to add more Bold Color and Feminine Silhouettes to your daily outfits! Let me know what outfits inspired you, by commenting below! Thank you for taking the time to read my blog, I hope you have the most Fashionable Summer! Related Links:
While preparing for my newest designs, I began to reflect on my last runway collection, my Fall 2018 Collection, titled, Midnight Muse. I would love to share with you my designs from this collection: from the uncut fabric, to the final runway looks! Hand Crafted Details When I begin to create original designs for a fashion collection, I start my design process with trend forecasting research, then I narrow down my silhouettes, color story, and design details. For my 2018 Midnight Muse Collection, I chose a color pallet of greens, blues, and a contrasting pop of red. The fabrics I selected included a mix of hues and textures, as well as a floral printed knit. I love to add artistic, hand-embellished design details to my creations to make them truly unique. For this collection, I hand-stitched embroidery, and beadwork, used a hand-crafted pleating technique, and I hand-painted a floral motif!
 Close Up Photo of a Hand- Embroidered and Hand-Beaded Rose Design, featured on the Roxanne Rodriguez Fall 2018 Caplet.  Close Up Photo of the Hand-Crafted Pleating featured on the Roxanne Rodriguez Fall 2018 Pencil Skirt. The Final Collection  Oakland Fashion Week Runway Models, backstage at Oakland Fashion Week 2018, Day 4. After many long hours of creating and sewing, my Midnight Muse Collection was complete, and Runway Ready! This collection made it’s public debut at Oakland Fashion Week 2018’s Day Four, Ready-To-Wear Runway Event! Here are the final looks of my collection modeled by the lovely Oakland Fashion Week 2018 Runway Models, and photographed by Marco Acevedo Garcia.
 Roxanne Rodriguez 2018 Midnight Muse Collection
The Roxanne Rodriguez Fall 2018, Midnight Muse Collection, is by far my favorite that I’ve designed and constructed thus far! I am really looking forward to pushing my design creativity even further with my upcoming 2022 collection! Join me, and many other amazing fashion designers from the Bay Area, at Oakland Fashion Week 2022, on May 15th-May 22nd, 2022!  Thank you for viewing my work! Have a great day, my friends!  Designer Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel with Runway Model, Oakland Fashion Week 2018, Day One, Opening Night. Related Links:
Welcome back! Today I would love to take you on a Fashion Illustration Appreciation Journey to the 1940’s! In this article we will be taking a close-up look at my personal "Home-Sewing" pattern collection, specifically the fashion illustrations found on the front of my Vintage Sewing Pattern envelopes! The patterns I have selected to share with you today are straight from the 1940’s!  A 1940's Silhouette Timeline- 1940-1949 Whenever I pull out these gems, I am in awe! The condition of these paper patterns alone amazes me! And then... the illustrations! Just studying the lovely fashion illustrations that grace the covers of these vintage pattern envelopes are sure to inspire! Hence, my desire to scan, and archive these treasures to share with those that may not have access to such historical fashion illustrations!  25 Vintage Sewing Patterns from the 1940's. These patterns are part of my personal pattern collection. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel As of yet, I have not used these patterns for sewing, merely for fashion inspiration. However, I do plan on creating a few blouses using my vintage sewing pattern, Simplicity Pattern 4864 soon! I will keep you, Dear Reader, updated on that endeavor! Following are the 25 Vintage Sewing Patterns printed in the 1940's, that I hired my two teenagers to scan for me! Enjoy! Advance Pattern Printed in 1940-1949: Pattern Numbers 2348-5370
Hollywood Pattern Printed in 1940: Pattern Numbers 1929-1998 1941-1949: Pattern Numbers 559-2170
McCall Printed Pattern Printed in 1940-1949: Pattern Numbers 3505-7867
Simplicity Printed Pattern Printed in 1940-1944: Pattern Numbers 3264-4999 1944-1949: Pattern Numbers 1000-2715  Simplicity Pattern Co., Misses' and Women's Blouse, #4864 (1943) (From the "Home Sewing" and Commercial Pattern Archives of Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel)
I hope that you have enjoyed viewing this photo collection of my Vintage Sewing Patterns from the 1940's! 1940's Fashion has always been an inspiration to me, and after studying these illustrations it is no wonder that 1940's Fashion has continued to inspire so many, for decades there after! If seeing these lovely vintage fashion illustrations, from the 1940's, are intriguing to you, I have a few more fashion illustration resources to recommend: From my fashion and sewing library, I have the lovely book of sewing pattern illustrations: Blueprints of Fashion, Home Sewing Patterns of the 1940's, by Wade Laboissonniere. This book is laid out in a similar fashion as this blog article, it features scanned archived photos of the original sewing pattern envelopes from the 1940's, with a large collection of over 550 images! I also have the 1950's Volume of Blueprints of Fashion, which is just as amazing.
The book, Dress Design: Draping and Flat Pattern Making by Hillhouse and Mansfield is a pattern drafting book from 1948! That is a book I could do a whole article on alone! If that is something you would like to see more of, let me know! I am privileged to have several vintage design books within my library! Another fantastic fashion resource regarding 1940's Fashion is this video by Vogue, narrated by Sarah Jessica Parker: Lastly, I'd love to share with you a fun 1940's relic within my Sewing Workroom: this lovely 1944 Singer, with the owner's manual and desk! I hope to fully restore, or at least clean her up, one day!  My 1944 Singer! Thank you again for reading my blog! I hope 1940's Fashion has inspired you as much as it has me! I have plans to continue this Blog Series with a photo collection of more of my vintage sewing patterns from other decades, as well as fashion illustrations from patterns that are vintage reproductions! Leave me a comment below on your thoughts, what you like or do not like about 1940's fashion, or what decade inspires you? Now, I'm off to start sewing! Have an Inspired Day! Related Links:
Hello my dearest darlings! I hope Springtime 2021 is finding you well! My Blog has been on my mind for sometime, as has about 20 personal sewing projects, that I have yet to even start. So, today, I thought I’d start somewhere, and get you an update on some recent happenings, and workroom photos of completed, and not-so-completed, projects! This is me, Roxanne, enjoying the fresh blooms of Spring, one of my favorite times of the year!  I recently found this lovely dress at The Salvation Army: It’s Vintage, a Perfect Fit, and... has Pockets! Since I Left You Last... I have been buzzing around like a pollinating bumble bee, juggling several side-hustles around my most important job: that of a Homemaker, Wife, and Mother. That may sound a bit old fashioned, but it is totally true, leaving me creatively drained with little energy for fashion design projects and sewing on most days! Although this past year has been spent mostly homebound for myself and children, we were able to safely travel to the Las Vegas/Henderson area of Nevada in January 2021, and we had a lovely time visiting our family there! Summer activities are already filling our schedule, including a camping trip this July!  The Rangel Family- Las Vegas, January 2021 Work! I am still working Saturday’s as an Alterations Specialist with the clothier, The Buckle, and am currently creating a Blog Article all about Jeans, which I surprisingly found quite fascinating! I can't wait to share that soon! I am still busting out Alteration Services from my sewing room at home. My Dad’s Boat Upholstery Project was delayed due to fabric sourcing, but new fabric has arrived! Check out this photo of the old upholstery fabric, next to the new upholstery fabric, for one of my Dad’s boat chairs! I will be sure to continue to keep you updated on this project, in future Blog Posts, as I expect this project's completion to go fast at this point!  Adventures in Upholstery Project: side by side comparison of old and new fabric. Now, let’s get to even more SEWING! Toddler Sewing Time My two youngest daughters are no longer babies, and are now on their way to becoming capable young children. My second to youngest daughter, SkyLynne, is expressing interest in learning to sew! Since SkyLynne is almost 4 years old, I’m starting her with hand-sewing lessons. So far, I’ve been teaching SkyLynne to use a large embroidery needle and yarn to get used to hand-stitching. I draw dots on the fabric as a guide for her needle, and she is doing great! We also started another Sewing Project together...
A Moon to Cuddle My two young daughters love the Moon (who doesn’t!). My youngest daughter, Minnie, is particularly obsessed, so when SkyLynne asked for “a Moon to Cuddle”, I decided to make a stuffed moon for each of them!
I have not made very many stuffed animals during my design/seamstress career, so these guys are definitely not perfect! Together, SkyLynne and I drafted a simple crescent moon pattern, with a night cap and star, as well as machine stitched face details! Although they could be better, I learned stuffed- toy-making tips & tricks for next time, and my girls now each have a cuddly moon to sooth them through the night! Priceless! Work in Progress... I love to visit thrift shops as often as I can. While shopping, I not only keep my eyes peeled for Vintage Clothing and Vintage Kitchen Wares, but also for... fabric! These recent acquisitions left me feeling inspired! Check out this yellow and green fitted sheet set, and lace curtains I bought for mere dollars! I will be creating something fantastic soon with these lovelies! Blog Post coming soon!  Vintage Bed Sheet Set (Left), and Lace Curtain (Right), that I will be using to create new dresses! 2021 Goals
I would love to hear your thoughts! What have you been up to this year? Do you Sew daily? What projects are you working on? Do you Sew with your children? What are your Creative Goals for the remaining 2021? Are there any Fashion or Sewing related topics that you would like me to write a Blog Article about? Leave me your comments below! I appreciate you! Have a fantastically fashionable day!  My beloved Grandma Minnie, San Francisco, California, April 2009 In Loving Memory of Mrs. Herminia “Minnie” Rodriguez 11/02/1941- 06/28/2020 Related Links:
 Close-up of carded Vintage Buttons that were my Grandmas! Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel I once sifted through hundreds of vintage buttons, that a dear friend of mine had collected over the years. Gazing upon the uniqueness of each button, the art and craftsmanship of something so small, with a purpose so simple, had me wondering, "Where had these buttons been, and where will these buttons go?" It seemed as if these precious buttons had such a long life before making it here, to this pile before me, and would continue to exist, long after my friend and I... Taking this photo of my friend's buttons, I began to reflect on the mysterious lives of buttons...  Vintage Buttons, photo by Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel Buttons are the oldest clothing fastener known to mankind! Ancient buttons, made of sea shells have been found that date back many centuries. In today’s clothing we have alternative clothing closures such as zippers, snaps, hooks & eyes, even elastic, but the classic button still prevails!  A few favorites from my Button Collection... Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel As I began to create clothing myself, I also began collecting buttons. If ever I am in a fabric shop purchasing fabric or notions, and I find some interesting buttons, I will most certainly buy them, even if I do not have an immediate use for them. In addition to solid colors of every sort and size, I now have a few jars full of buttons, both unique, and standard. Having this unique and quirky stash has proven fun when I need to fulfil the task of a button! Children too take delight in buttons! How fun it is to sit with my daughters and look through a poured out pile of color, design, and texture! My children love exploring the treasures stored within my button jars just as much as I do!  A few of my Button Jars!  Selected Buttons from my Button Collection... Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel A few years ago, my dear Aunt Patty sent me a box of Sewing Notions that belonged to my Grandma Marcia. To a sewing enthusiast such as myself, it was exciting to find so many Vintage Buttons, still on their original packaging cards! Not only are the buttons delightful, but so are the lovely illustrations and graphics found on the cards! Here are a few of my favorites:  These Vintage Snaps and Button Card were once my Grandmas! Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel
Do you enjoy the unique designs of buttons too? How do you store or organize your button stash? I’d love to hear your experiences or button memories! Leave me a comment below!  Tailor Shop Buttons, photo by Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel Thank you for reading my Blog!  A favorite button... Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel Related Links:
This week I finished a personal project for myself: A Heavy Duty Work Apron made with tons of applique and constructed primarily out of Upholstery Fabric Swatches!  My finished Heavy Duty Work Apron! A while back, one of my friends, who is a retired Interior Designer, dropped off a huge box of large upholstery fabric swatches that she used in the past to show to her clients. Since she no longer needed the fabric swatches, she thought that I might have use for them sewing. I have used a few swatches here and there, but when I started a recent Upholstery Project, I thought how cool would it be to make a heavy duty apron for my upholstery work out of some of this upholstery fabric! While conceptualizing my new work apron, I wanted to create something functional, fashionable, yet heavy duty, for cleaning, removing, and re-upholstering, the old boat seat pieces that I am currently working on... I used an adorable kitchen apron that I have owned for years as inspiration for the work apron pattern... My Concept After making an apron pattern by tracing the dimensions of my existing kitchen apron, I then pulled out my large bin of upholstery fabric swatches. I decided to stick with earth toned colors for my textile design, and I choose several hues of green to work with. Because these swatches are not very large, I knew I would have to work with several to create my apron. I didn't want my design to look like quilted squared patchwork, I wanted to transform these swatches as much as possible, so I decided to create a new textile by piecing together large scallop shapes cut out of the various greenish colors I had chosen. I also had to use a few brown swatches to create enough scallops for the entire front layer of the apron. I used a lovely waterproof forrest green fabric as the lining, and for the straps, trim, belt and ruffle.  These are a few of the Upholstery Fabric Swatches that I used to create my Heavy Duty (yet fashionable) Work Apron. I literally have hundreds of these things! Using my New Sewing Project Journal, that I absolutely love, I began to draw out a quick illustration with construction notes, as well as a hand-drawn rose applique design that I would create on my apron's pocket by using red upholstery fabric swatches. While rummaging through my swatches I found a tiny swatch of 100% Leather also in red! I used the leather swatch for the apron pocket and a utility/pencil holder!  My new Sewing Project Journal! After my concept was decided upon, I began to cut out my pattern and upholstery scallop pieces. I sewed my scallops onto a muslin layer for stabilization, and then I used my Satin Stitch Presser Foot to secure each piece with Satin Stitching! Work In Progress... Check out these Designer Workroom Photos:
 Work In Progress: Rose Appliqué on Pocket... I am having fun using the Satin Stitch Technique that I began to practice just a few weeks ago. After sewing on all the upholstery scallops, I then added the pocket details, the lining, the bottom ruffle, the waistband, the trim, and then the neck ties! Whew! All of these details were a lot of work!  Finished Rose Applique Pocket and Utility Holder My NEW Work Apron is Ready!
Finally, after a few weeks from starting this project (I only worked on it when taking a break from my other projects), my Heavy Duty Work Apron is complete! I have so much fun creating projects for myself, especially projects that I can add even more creativity too, such as this one!  This is me, Roxanne, wearing my new Heavy Duty Work Apron at work! I love it! I’m looking forward to sharing with you even more upcoming projects! I have many concepts in mind, and I can’t wait to get started on them! Until then...  I’m loving my new Heavy Duty Work Apron! Thank you for reading! Have a great day!  Related Links:
 This is me, Roxanne, working on reupholstery as part of a boat restoration project! This month, after being temporary laid off from my Saturday Job, as an Alteration Specialist for the retail store, The Buckle, I began to use my Saturday Work Day (outside of the home) to start a large reupholstery project! I am working Saturday’s for my Dad, helping him with his boat restoration! I have never done this type of work on such a large scale before, so I’m really excited for the opportunity and experience. When my Dad offered me this job, and I accepted, he purchased a brand-new industrial Juki Sewing Machine, designed specifically for upholstery! My Dad set up a Sewing Workroom for me in his house, and every week, I work there!  My Dad's NEW Juki! This is the boat that I am working on prior to any repairs:  My Dad's Boat. It is a 2001 Model, we have had some great summers with this boat! Sadly, this lovely boat was left out in the elements, uncovered, for a few years. The upholstery and interior have been severely damaged. On my first day of work, my Dad pressure washed the interior, then began removing piece by piece of the seats, cushions, and side panels...
I began my upholstery task by taking each seat section and cleaning them as thoroughly as possible. I then began to remove the old upholstery, in preparation for my next step: Pattern Drafting!
 This is me, removing many many staples, so that I can remove the upholstery from the seats and panels  Progress! After cleaning and removing the old upholstery, I then took apart each individual upholstery piece by piece, such as I did here with this Captain Chair Backrest, I drew a rough technical sketch with any notes I might want to remember when reassembling the new upholstery pieces later. All hardware that has been removed is also labeled and bagged for re-attachment later. Each section of each fabric piece is marked, and labeled ready to be reproduced!  Pattern Drafting Prep for Reproduction of Upholstery Pieces! As you can imagine cleaning and taking apart each boat piece is taking some time to complete. Next Saturday I will start drafting the patterns! Then I will sew together the new upholstery! I will keep you updated on my progress!  Thank you for reading! Related Links:
 My 2 1/2 Year Old Daughter in the Ladybug Dress that I created for her! Her accessories include a Ladybug Headband and Ladybug Wings that we purchased last year at our local The Dollar Tree: Must haves for a little girls "Dress Up" Bin! For the last 2 1/2 Weeks, I have been sewing FaceMasks non-stop, every single day! Ok, maybe not exactly non-stop, but it sure feels like it! Over the last few weeks, my little darling daughter has seen me creating masks with a red and black polka dot fabric, that she calls "Ladybug Girl"! She has asked me several times if the fabric was for her, if the masks are for her, and if Mommy is making a dress for her... I told her that I would make her a Ladybug Dress sometime this week... As my FaceMasks orders have been coming in, more people are choosing the red and black polka dot fabric for their mask order, and it is adorable! I knew I had to make her something out of this darling fabric before I ran out! Today, I decided to take a short break from Mask Making, and create something for my little one. While she and my 1 year old baby were taking their afternoon nap, I made my toddler the cutest 3T Ladybug Dress! The dress took me about an hour and a half to make, and I love how it came out!  This is my Applique Template of a Ladybug that I drew freehand on an index card. I used this template to create applique Ladybug Pockets on my daughter's new Ladybug Dress. Earlier last week, I received my long coveted Singer Sewing Machine Accessory Kit, that I ordered from Amazon. This Presser Foot Kit has been on my Wish List for years! The Presser Feet included within this kit are: Blind Hem Foot, Cording Foot, Darning/Freehand Embroidery Foot, Even Feed/Walking Foot, Gathering Foot, Narrow Rolled Hem Foot, Overcasting Foot, Satin Stitch Foot, Straight Stitch Foot, plus a Twin Needle. Imagine the creative possibilities with these amazing accessories! In March, I found a fantastic book at my local library's annual used book sale, Encyclopedia of Sewing Machine Techniques, by Nancy Bednar and JoAnn Pugh-Gannon (1999). This book explains how to use all of the various presser feet along with step-by-step instructions! When I bought this book (for ONLY $1.00!), I knew for a certainty that I needed, absolutely needed, to buy the Singer Sewing Machine Accessory Kit that I had found on Amazon so long ago... So I bought it! I already love it! The Encyclopedia of Sewing Machine Techniques is a must have companion to the kit!  My NEW Singer Sewing Machine Accessory Kit that includes 9 Presser Feet!  The Book, Encyclopedia of Sewing Machine Techniques, by Nancy Bednar and JoAnn Pugh-Gannon (1999). While on my sewing break from Mask Making, and with my babies peacefully asleep, I thought it would be fun to check out my accessory kit, by trying out the Satin Stitch Foot, and making my daughter her Ladybug Dress... I knew I could not make my daughter a dress entirely out of the red and black polka dot fabric, because I am running low. So I decided to make a Ladybug Applique out of the fabric, and attach it to a lovely charcoal grey stretch knit fabric that I had on hand. I was inspired by the design of a Carters Dress that I recently bought for my daughter online. The Carters Dress is a size 3T, fits her perfectly, and has little kitty cats as pockets on the front. I took the Carters Dress and traced the Skirt and Bodice on Pattern Paper, I added the seam allowances, then cut the new dress out of the charcoal stretch knit fabric. I also cut out the ladybug applique. With page 22, of my Encyclopedia of Sewing Machine Techniques open, I setup my new Satin Stitch Presser Foot following the Machine Set-Up Instructions on the "Applique, Basic Satin Stitch" Section of the book. How handy it is to have this tangible resource!  Page 22 of Encyclopedia of Sewing Machine Techniques. Check out my work in progress...
 After sewing the front and back of the bodice together, I finished the arm holes and neckline, then attached the dress bodice to the skirt. Finished! Nap Time is over, and the dress is ready! She loves it!
 Here she is in her new dress, gazing at the bugs flying in the yard! Thank you for reading about my latest project! I am excited to try out the remaining 8 presser foot accessories in my accessory kit. I will be sure to tell you all about it once I do! GoodNight! Related Links:
 My FaceMask Wearing Family Portrait- The Rangel Family- Coronavirus Pandemic 2020 (My one year old baby wouldn't keep a mask on long enough for a photo!) Last week, my sister Desiree, tagged me in a Facebook Post that was created by her friend who works at UCSF. The post was searching for people who can sew in hopes that they could make Homemade FaceMasks for Hospital workers, who are running low on their supply. Currently, most of the world is on some sort of Shelter In Place or Home Quarantine requirements, due to the recent outbreak of the COVID-19 virus. Oddly, this is tale we’ve seen or heard so many times in futuristic, science fiction, or horror films, and novels... Schools and places of worship have shut down, more businesses continue to close, and home goods and groceries are flying off the shelves quicker than they can be re-stocked! For many of us, this is a surreal experience... Sadly, the shortage of supplies, especially Face Masks for Hospital workers, is all too real. In intense times as these, it is important that we continue to come together as a community, and do our part to help others when able. As a person who can sew, I decided to help these Front-Line Medical Workers as much as I can, by sewing Fabric N95 Style Facemasks to donate to those in need of them. My sister, Desiree, donated material, and ribbon, and I completed the sewing on 24 Face-Masks as a donation to the hospital at UCSF!  This is me, Roxanne, and my 24 FaceMasks that myself and my sister, Desiree, sent to UCSF for front line hospital workers.
Mask Making
It's hard to believe that just a month ago, Face Masks were something I never would have imagined I would be producing in large quantities today. Just one month ago, I was consulting with one of my clients about creating a custom ball gown, for a now cancelled formal event. I was preparing an upcoming fashion collection for the now cancelled Oakland Fashion Week 2020. I was working Saturdays as an Alteration Specialist for the retailer, The Buckle, which is now temporarily closed... but then I posted a few photos of FaceMask Making... since then, I have received numerous messages, phone calls, and text messages, asking if I make FaceMasks, and if I sell them! The overwhelming need of the community has been keeping my sewing machine running non-stop!  Work in Progress: Making Homemade N95 Facemasks As the past week continued, I have sold many FaceMasks! I have at least a dozen orders prepped and ready to be made as the next few days unfold. Everyday I have received more orders! Check out a few photos of some of my completed orders:  A few orders of FaceMasks that I made and delivered this week... Do Homemade Face-Masks Work? Over the past week, I have seen and read many articles and links posted on social media and news pages about the effectiveness of Fabric FaceMasks. Some of these articles will tell you that Fabric Face Masks are at least 50% effective against creating a barrier of germ protection, while other published statistics quote higher or lower effectiveness depending on the material used, and the amount of layers of fabric. Most Fabric Mask Making tutorials, or patterns, recommend use of 100% woven cotton. Other articles encourage everyone to wear FaceMasks, reasoning that wearing them protects others from your germs. If everyone in the community is wearing FaceMasks when conducting "Essential" business out in public, than it could, possibly, drastically reduce the spread of the virus. Regardless of what you might believe regarding the use of FaceMasks, I believe FaceMasks made of fabric is better than nothing. Some counties across the US are now requiring the use of FaceMasks when out in public.  This is my husband, who is an "Essential Employee" Here he is wearing the FaceMask that I made for him. I have made FaceMasks for a few of his co-workers, as well as many other "Essential Employees", such as those who work in grocery stores. #SewingTogether I follow many fellow Fashion Designers and creators on all the social media platforms... over the past week my newsfeed is post after post of photos and videos of everyone who can sew creating FaceMasks of various styles. It is amazing! I love that we have many talented and skilled persons who can sew right here in the US! I also love the support of the community in shopping from their local FaceMask Maker! In addition to the individual Mask Makers, there have been some big names who have began producing FaceMasks, such as Fashion Designer, Christian Siriano, as well as Nordstrom! How inspiring! Although these times are unexpected and kinda crazy, I strongly feel that this is the beginning of a new Zeitgeist: bringing Production back to the The United States!  A full sewing pattern of a Pleated FaceMask as well as Sewing Instructions were printed in The Modesto Bee this week. If you are interested in joining the Sewing Production of FaceMasks too, You can Download this Free PDF Pattern for a Fabric N-95 Type Face-Mask HERE. HERE are the Pattern Sewing Instructions. If you would rather donate material to be sewn into FaceMasks, I am accepting donations of fabric, ribbon, or elastic, and thread. All donated materials will be used to sew donated masks that will be given to our front line workers locally. You can contact me many ways, so check my Contact Page, and send me a message in whichever way is most convenient to you! Sewing and Shipping
Each day I am working to finish my FaceMasks Orders, and am completing them in the order received. I am trying to get them out as quickly as possible, but because I am only one person, my production is limited. Every day, I am sending out the orders finished the day before. It has been crazy how many orders I have shipped out or delivered in just one week! I expect that in the following weeks I may even see a surge in orders, as more people need them.
I wanted to write this Blog Post as a continual series of articles documenting my FaceMask Making Memoirs! I expect that FaceMask Making will continue to be needed in the upcoming weeks or even months ahead, and this platform is a great way for me to combine my photos and experiences together for your reading pleasure! I appreciate all of your support! Whether you have purchased a FaceMask from me, or just shared a FaceMask Making Post that I have published, you all give me the energy I need to keep on keeping on! If you need me, I will be right here, at my sewing machine!  Thank you all for your support in my Face-Mask Production! Thank You for reading my Blog!  Some Face-Mask humor for my Movie Lovin’ Readers! Related Links:
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AuthorHello Readers! Welcome to my Blog! I am Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel, a Fashion Designer from Northern California. I love all things Fashion, particularly historical fashion! Join me, as I take you around Northern California, covering fashion events and related topics! 
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