Mi Pueblo Bonito está Completo!

Hey guys! As you can see, I have FINALLY finished embroidering my puebla dress/blouse! Though it took me an unnecessarily long time to complete (seeing that I started it this time last year), I was preoccupied and distracted with other things in life that it slid to the back burner. But I am happy to inform you all that today, it has finally been completed!

 As I continue my two year study, my love for Mexico strengthens each day. I am fascinated with the history, certain aspects in the culture, the language, the people, the food, the clothing, the music... it enraptures me as I read, watch, write and learn about it each day. What is this yearning? I do not know as yet, but I long to visit Mexico someday, and it's my plan to get there.

As shown, the waist of the dress is wrapped in a red band or scarf, with a black gypsy skirt giving it that 'Mexican' look which I adore! I'm pleased with the contrast colors as well and I must say this ended up turning out more authentic- looking than I thought! 

Ah, yes! What would Mexico be without the music? My increasing love for mariachi has caused me to begin humming it while I wash dishes or during chores. I am currently looking for some salsa music that I'd enjoy, not to mention many other Mexican genres there are. Do you know a few?

And finally dancing, another thing which I love and is found in Mexican culture! My mind is sparking with ideas on making many more garments such as this. I have so enjoyed watching the transformation of a once bed sheet into a beautiful garment with the swirls of the land to the south. 

I hope this has been of interest, and I appreciate all my readers beautiful and lovely comments!

I hope you have a blessed day and begin to walk in the calling Yah has given you!

Hasta luego mi amigos!

So What's Been Up with Me?

Hey guys!
I know it's been awhile since I've posted anything on The Girl in Curls, but now since I've graduated I'm aiming on scheduling and purposefully completing the tasks and goals I have set for this year.

So what's been up with me?

I have been reading quite a few books, which is a big accomplishment for me! Also, my writings in poetry/stories have expanded and I plan on continuing my writings as I am developing a novel currently that I aim to complete. Whether it's 100 pages or 300 hundred, the goal is to finish it and also keep you guys updated on what's been going on with me in the process.
I've also been pretty musically involved lately, engaging in voice development, learning finger style guitar, and I aim to continue my music theory studies and also give my violin and cello some more attention.
Spanish will definitely be a big priority again as I shoot for further study in the language. And I'm planning on finishing my Puebla within the following weeks.
As for what to do next in education, I'm praying whether or not it is the Father's will for me to go to college, if so, I would major in music for sure. There are so many opportunities for me, but I'm not sure which to take and where Yahweh will lead. I've also been considering getting a job and transportation so I could travel more. Just wanting to bring in some income, ya know?
I'd like to post more music/covers on my Youtube channel to be a bit more active there, and to be more available for my followers and subscribers.
Also I'm trying to find a way I can produce more music for you guys in the future. So many goals, but I'll take it one at a time.
And a final goal is to meet people, get to know them better, and come out of my introverted shell which will be difficult, but not impossible.

So what are your goals for this year?

Sukkot Preparation, Español, y Lovely Lucille

    The fall feasts are approaching rapidly, the weather is changing, and the aroma of pumpkin spice lattes are nearly irresistible this time of season! In my wardrobe, the long neglected sweaters from last winter are beckoning to be worn, and scarfs of yesteryear are awaiting for the feasts as well as I am!
    I must confess that with all the business that is occurring in preparation for Sukkot, I may not be blogging until after Septiembre... so that is why I'm aiming at getting a post out today! We shall see!
     My progression in learning español has been steady, although I haven't been able to envelope into intense study like I had before Agosto. I've been singing en español, canciones such as 'Oceanos', y 'Vasijas Rotas: Sublime Gracia', and traditional/modern Spanish songs like this.
   Although recently, I've been reflecting on a very dear friend that passed away over a year ago last June, and her name was Lucy. Yes, I am talking of this little special lady right here.

She was such a dear, always having something to say, Wwwhhhaaaakkk Wwwhhhaaaakkk!
We miss her very much, but I must say that Annie misses her the most... she was Annie's darling, her sunshine, her smile on a rainy day...
After Lucy AKA Luvdee died, I composed a melody in memory of her waltzing of a character, the one and only special little red hen. I hope you enjoy this melody, and until I return, Shalom!

Mi Puebla! (My Puebla!)

Mexico has been the top theme of my learning this year, mainly through reading and research. Ever since exploring the roots of Classical Guitar (which had its origins Spain), I was compelled to learn more, not only of the instrument, but the people who were involved in creating such an astounding masterpiece as well. I didn't go very far in learning about España (Spain), the culture, and the music (although I share a deep appreciation for Spanish Music, flamenco style, which is my goal to learn), instead I chose Mexico since I'm studying Latin American Spanish and that the Spanish language in Spain can vary between that of the South Americas and Europe.
While studying Mexico, its terrains and landscapes, climates, flora, fauna, and the native peoples, the highlight of my continual study was the traditional dress of Mexico, mainly, the women's garments. Sparks of orange and red from glossy threads dazzled, with hues of greens, blues, and purples capturing me immediately. The colors were so diverting and inviting! And the embroidery was elaborate! From the moment I saw page upon page of these elegant gowns, I knew I had to make me one! But what was it called? What was the name of this dress that is sold all over Mexico and beyond? Thus I had embarked on a quest to discover the name of this priceless treasure... the Puebla Pheasant Dress.

 I began planning immediately on how I would make this, where I would buy the pattern, the fabric, the floss, the thread, everything. *We were blessed to receive a couple of solid-white Egyptian Cotton bed sheets from a lady we'd met, she explained that there was a couple of flaws in the corners of them, but examining them closely, the integrity was intact, to avoid these flaws, we could simple cut around them when we were ready. So the good news was that I had fabric!!! Yay!!! But... how much fabric did I need to make my gown? I was blessed to find an Authentic Traditional Mexican Dress Pattern (Puebla) online from a website called, 'The Mexican Dress'. It was reasonably priced so my mama purchased it for me (thanks mommy! <3), thus I could get started right away.
Unfortunately, I didn't take any pictures during the preparation process. Making the pattern, cutting it out, measuring, cutting fabric, pinning, measuring, sewing, taking out, sewing, trying on, taking out, etc. Nope, didn't think to shoot any of it, sorry... :(
But, after all the preparation, came one of the most exciting parts of all, designing the pattern! This is where I would unleash my imagination, setting loose my creativity! What wonders could I compose? Compose... musical composition perhaps? The idea fit perfectly! My classical guitar could be the center of my design... literally!
After designing my pattern, choosing my colors, and tracing the pattern on the fabric 600 hundred times, I was ready to begin stitching. It has taken me July and nearly half of August to complete, but so far it is coming along splendidly! Here is the design I created, and the colors that compliment the work I have started!

      The swirly branched designs are based on true Mexican embroidery patterns, so I did a twist and added my own little spice to the mix! La música clásica...

     

I am nearly finished embroidering the left side of the bodice, and it looks amazing!

So far, I have only done this much. I'll keep you posted on how it turns out! I'm hoping I'll finish it before Sukkot... but with so many unfinished projects for the feast I'm not sure if I can. But we shall see, no?  Anyway, I just wanted to share my latest needlework project, until next time,... hasta luego mi amigos! 
~Abigail