In one word, “frantic.” 

Because I’m in the Professional Designation program, I’m doing the program at FIDM at an accelerated pace, which means insanity. The first day of this quarter’s classes I went to my Creative Design Theory class and got the first homework assignment: Do 7 technical flats and one full illustration using a croquis and full rendering of fabric color, texture and pattern.  That may sound like gibberish to you, but you’ll understand the point that I had not yet produced a croquis, nor learned how to do flats or render fabric color, texture and pattern — all of these things were to be introduced in Fashion Sketching II, which I would be taking AT THE SAME TIME!  And, coincidentally, immediately FOLLOWING the design theory class.

So you can see how I felt a big panicked at the beginning. Oh, and there’s the small fact that the teachers for those two classes — while both being excellent teachers — also are known as the most demanding homework-wise for their respective courses. I had a little meltdown a week or so ago from the lack of sleep and pressure to get everything done perfectly not just for those two classes but the other three as well. I’m doing better now, after finally setting myself down for a stern talking to, realizing I don’t have to get straight As in all my classes if it means destroying my health and sanity in the process. (I’ve gained a little weight from the fact that I don’t have time to cook and I spend just about every day sitting for 10 hours straight (at least) either doing homework, sitting in class or sitting at an office desk for work.

I’m doing much better now, physically and mentally. It helps to know that in just over a month I’m going to go to Seoul on my break and see Sang and the kids! (Yes, you heard it here first!) I’ve got two weeks off, and I’m going to just go bask in my family.

More on everything later!

The new season of Project Runway is supposed to begin in March, and it was shot right here at FIDM in Los Angeles? My first quarter here they had one floor of one of the buildings sectioned off just for the show, and on one day they had an outdoor set-up in the park outside the main building. Unfortunately, I never saw Heidi, Tim or Michael, but it’s going to be exciting seeing our school suddenly gain in reputation once the season starts!

Oh, and Mood Designer Fabrics also opened a branch in L.A., which I happened to go and visit a couple of weeks ago to source fabrics for a class project. They definately had some nice stuff, but it had absolutely nothing on Tongdaemun Market!

Speaking of Project Runway, who should have been my substitute teacher the first two weeks of my Creative Design Theory class but Season 2 contestant Andre Gonzolo (of ‘What ever happened to Andre?’ fame)! He is a part-time instructor at the school and is a fantastically sweet man who is very knowledgable. He was also generous enough to pose for a picture with me so I could send it to my daughter so she could see her mother hobnobbing with celeb designers (Andre was one of her two favorites on all of the seasons, the other being Nick Verreos, who is also an instructor at FIDM, coincidentally). I would post the pic here, but since his look has completely changed, he might be trying to go incognito, and I wouldn’t want to spoil that for him!

Drumroll please.

I finally got photos of the very first wedding gown of my newfound career! Yes, Elena and Ajay were married in January in Albuquerque, New Mexico and Elena looked fabulous in the gown we created and negotiated for in Korea. I ordered a couple of the professional photos for my portfolio, and I’m posting the miniatures of them from here. I’m so happy the way the dress turned out, not just for myself, but because it had a part in making the day special for my friend. (And let me tell you, I was SOOOOOO nervous about something going wrong in the making, since I was here in the States and she was there in Korea while the fittings were being done!)

So, without further ado, here are the results:

Elena looking gorgeous and happy

Off to the honeymoon

May everyone’s resolutions stick, may we all have a prosperous New Year, and may the Korean won stop holding my money hostage.

It’s nearly time for Elena’s wedding in Albuquerque (Best wishes, sweetie!) and she’ll be wearing the gown I designed for her (and made the sample for, and negotiated in Korean for — see previous posts in the archives for the full story on that!). I haven’t seen it yet, but I heard she’s really happy with it, which of course makes me happy! When I see pictures of it, I’ll be sure to pass them on.

It occurred to me that I never got around to posting the pics of Kristin in the bridesmaid’s dress I designed and made for her. My first official commission. So here it is, in a variety of poses from the casual pics taken at her brother’s wedding.

It’s official! I got a 4.0 for my first quarter at FIDM!  I’m on the President’s Honor Roll. Total Shocker (My brother’s response to that: “Only to you.).

Today was Christmas in Korea, so the kids opened up their presents in front of the webcam, so I got to share in the Christmas tradition thing with them. Jason was his usual suave self, opening each present and moving on to the next. Donnie took more time to appreciate and declared that she loved them all. Jason then said, “Good-bye,” and disappeared. So it was a good time. They have plans to go see Journey to the Center of the Earth. Of course, I wish I were there!  In late March I have another break for 2-1/2 weeks, so I’m going to go visit then, come hell or high water.

I still have another week or so off, so I’m going to catch up with pics and things I’ve been promising ya’ll for eons. In the meantime, have a wonderful Christmas, New Year, and any other holiday you happen to subscribe to.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!