Fashion Show

So my cousin has been buggin me to blog about my fashion show, which I am ashamed to admit, should have been blogged about without prompting. Here's the scoop:

I applied for a grant from the Junior League of Las Vegas for a $1000 grant to enhance the "Vegas Runway" projects I do in my advanced fashion classes. I crossed my fingers, but did not hold my breath, as I doubted anyone would take the project seriously. Well, the grant was declined. Not surprised, I vowed to continue with the project anyway, and just figure out how to do it with little or no money.

About a month later, I get a call, from a Junior Leaguer, who just happened to be the head songleader and homecoming queen my freshman year in high school! Oh yeah, and she was my IDOL. Well, my idol figured out how to fund the project through the Junior League a different way, which was great, until she told me she wanted us to make 20 evening gowns. My mind's thinking "over my dead body" and my mouth says "ok, we'll do it."

$1000 and 19 evening gowns later, (one kid dropped my class) I was near exhaustion, but had fairy godmothers in the form of Junior Leaguers to keep me going. They coordinated a fashion show at the FASHION SHOW MALL on the REAL fashion show stage (it's on hydraulics and comes up from underground, folks!) They coordinated press right and left (one on campus and one in-studio interview,) had professional judges, photographers, etc. lined up. These kids even got their hair and make up done (never mind that half of them brushed it out and washed it off before they ever made it down the runway.) This production was everything I could have dreamed of, but would never have been able to pull off because I lack an important tool called an "administrative assistant."

Anyway, the show was amazing. All sorts of peeps came out to support. All my friends from NACTE and the CTE department came, former students came, even my swing dancing friend Lenny was there! My old pal Jason Outlaw emceed, which was nice, and it was one of the few parts of the fashion show I contributed to (besides nagging I mean coaching the kids, of course.) My mom, Aunt Mitzi and Michelle came, even my best friend from high school (who, ironically also idolized said Junior Leaguer in high school.) The whole Smith family came, as did the entire Brockett family....in fact Mrs. Brockett (my principal) FLEW IN from San Diego just for my event, then turned right around and flew back out. Who has a cooler boss than that?

Some show highlights: The first three models, the "Teacher Challenge" winners. Mr. Schmidt, Ms. Liggett and Ms. Hartman looked amazing as the stage rose up from underground. I have to say, I think that was my favorite part. They were such good sports for participating like that. Mr. Schmidt even got a fake tan for the occasion. After that, all 19 kids came out in their dresses. It was unbelievable how much confidence they showed (I know they were nervous!) Finally, the three "Recycle and Reuse Challenge" winners came out. The judges deliberated and I tell you, it was anybody's game. It was strange for me, sitting there not knowing who won, because I always know who won, I tally the votes! The winners were: (I'll add photos later)

Best Catwalk: Lupita Wence
Most Creative: Jimi Urquiaga
3rd Place: Breana Schuler
2nd Place: Lissette Serrano
1st Place: Ruth Wittig

I couldn't have been happier with the results. If you had asked me who I thought the judges would pick, I probably would have told you those three. Any one of those dresses could have been spotted on a star walking the red carpet.

There you have it. I'm glad it's over and while I'd love to say I'll never do it again, of course I will, as long as the Jr. League is involved and hands over some cash for materials....

Inadequacies as a Seamstress

So for the second time in three or four years, I've had a student surpass my abilities as a seamstress. It will take years before they catch up to my hours of experience, but having sewn in class for 45 minutes a day, 180 days a year for three years, PLUS whatever they do at home, these girls have left me in the dust. Technically, their skills far surpass mine. What is a teacher to do when posed with this dilemma?

I am taking a break from reading up on a subject I need to cover with one of these students tomorrow. Specifially, installing an invisible zipper. I've never done it. I guess I could figure it out, but even if I did, it would take a couple of tries to get it perfect. Not to mention master teaching it. My student has to put one in an EVENING GOWN. No chance for error, here. I started calling my seamstress friends to see who can help me out. We'll see where that leads....

Anyway, I guess it's high time I either decide to become a better seamstress, or stop raising the bar in class. I have the standards set higher every year, and every year kids keep jumping to them. Some won't, but they are the ones who jump for no one. I suppose it's time to raise the bar on myself.

Ode To My Favorite Soap

Day in and day out, like a nagging refrain,
I hear: "Ms. Sheldon, please help me, remove this darn stain!"

So I calm down the nerves and I offer up hope
by recommending the dependable Fels-Naptha Soap.

Follow the directions and be delighted to find
that your pesky old stain will be gone in no time!

I hope that my message brings you some cheer,
as well as a happy and safe stain-free year!

Attached to bars of Fels-Naptha and given as holiday gifts....