Sewn Arts Sunday: Maligayang Kaarawan, Oa!

This is my grandmother with her mother. I think she's 3? I know she's adorable!

Today is my grandmother's 80th birthday. So not only am I showing off how amazing the dress my great-grandmother is wearing in this picture, I thought I'd also share some links on Filipino textile arts. As with any culture, particularly island cultures that encourage significant cultural variation, there are many many crafts and textile arts to mention.

The one I want to note in particular is the embroidery and use of pina fiber to make clothing. Linked with the historical experience of Spanish imperialism, pinya shirts and dresses represent Filipino identity for many. I would recommend looking at this post by Traveler on Foot for some beautiful examples and a great description of the work involved in this amazing craft. You can also look through this pdf on traditional outfits if you like. Much of my family have chosen to use barongs for the men in our weddings; beautiful artisanship and so much less stuffy than the Western tuxedo!

For my part, here are some pictures of my grandmother and grandfather (apologies for the small scans; I got them from my grandmother's Facebook page, so I can't really get better resolution):

Below, my grandparents were demonstrating tinikling (a dance involving hopping around two clapping pieces of bamboo). You can see (barely) some traditional Filipino outfits for these dances. I really do love the plaids you find for patadyongs.

This one below is of their wedding day; my grandmother was donated this dress by a model from a recent Filipino fashion show in DC to use for the ceremony. My grandparents eloped, so my grandmother did not have the luxury of getting her own dress.

The photo is small, but you may be able to see the wings of the sleeves, often seen in traditional Filipino wedding dresses. Another example is my mom's dress:

I wouldn't describe either of these dresses as strictly traditional, but they exhibit some aesthetics very much in line with Filipino tradition.

So, today I wish my Oa (Lola) a happy birthday! Maayong pagsaulog sa adlaw nga natawhan! (I don't speak Ilonggo Visayan, so I had to pull this from online, and it's Cebuano Visayan... *sigh*)

Another Award!

Neeno from Sew Me Love nominated me for The Versatile Blogger award! Cool! Thanks, Neeno!

I feel a little sheepish by only doing this award halfway (such a rule breaker!), but I am not sure I could really thoughtfully name 15 blogs that meet the criteria. Don't get me wrong. There are MANY excellent blogs that are both versatile and entertaining. But I don't know that I could narrow it down to just 15.

But, I will certainly go with the rest of the aspects of the award:

Here are the rules:

1. Add the badge to the winning blog page.
2. Thank the blogger who gave it. 
3. List the rules.
4. List seven (7) random facts about yourself. 
5. Pass on the award to fifteen (15) deserving and conscientious bloggers who are nominated for their diligence, demonstrated skill, and achievements in the world of blogging and specifically in the sewing related category. 
6. Contact the nominated bloggers and let them know they are recipients.

Seven Random Facts About Me

1. I am currently in the middle of making a muddled attempt of a refashion from some St. Paddy's Day t-shirts.

2. I really am quite smitten with bugs and other small creepy crawlies. I was once given an earthworm as a present in college, and was happy for the whole week.

3. I am from a large family: 3 girls and 6 boys

4. I am taking a course in meditation and failing miserably at making enough time to meditate every day (the goal is currently two 20 minute sessions).

5. I am an avid fan of podcasts that tell stories or feed the geek in me. Examples: The Moth, Selected Shorts, Story Collider, A Way with Words, A Moment in Science, Brainstuff and the other How Stuff Works podcasts.

6. I have no ability to watch a TV series to the end unless it's a science show. David Attenborough always gets my undivided attention.

7. If you were to hide something from me, the top of the refrigerator would be the best place. I never see it, so never know what's actually up there.

Apologies and Remembrance

Sorry folks, no Sewn Arts Sunday today. This weekend took a little much out of me.

Gonna try to take it easy and post soon with updates on the Moon Munkie Make!

(BTW, I totally lucked out--one of Kat's winners didn't respond to her blog post, so I get to enjoy another package of crafty goodies coming my way!  And for those who are getting my packages--apologies if I got carried away. At least there'll be something in there you can use! I hope!)

In the meantime, I'd like to give due attention to the one year anniversary of the Japan Quake. It seems so long ago, which just goes to show how much physical distance can affect emotional distance. From what I hear, the country continues to work towards recovery, and can certainly use more time and assistance. Either way, my love is still directed halfway around the world. <3

Sew Grateful... and Sew Spoiled!

I have to admit that I have a bit of a problem. Well, a few. Going through my stash, trying to come up with lovely Moon Munkie Mystery Make packages I have come to the conclusion that I really have way more fabric than I have projects to use them for. But that doesn't make it any easier to get rid of some of them. I just keep thinking I need more projects. Oh, inspiration, where are you when I need you?

To top it off, even when I know I have plenty of project potential waiting for me, I still find myself entering giveaways willie-nillie. Because it's SO EXCITING to win, folks! It not only connects you to a huge community of sewing enthusiasts throughout the world, it means you get something for nothing!

Which would account for my compulsive entries into Debi's Sew Grateful Week's community giveaways! I wouldn't say indiscriminate; I did try to only enter those for which I'd want the actual items being given away. 

Cool thing is that it all. paid. off. I won three giveaways from Sew Grateful week!

I received the last of the three patterns in the mail this weekend, and I am so happy to show all three sets of goodies in one shot:

Thank you for your generosity Charlotte, Cation Designs, and Graca!