What is Slow Fashion?

Slow fashion is a movement that advocates for the production of clothing and accessories in an environmentally and socially responsible manner. It contrasts with the fast fashion industry, which emphasizes rapid production and consumption of low-cost, trend-driven clothing.

Key principles of slow fashion include:

Sustainability: Using eco-friendly materials and processes to minimise environmental impact.

Ethical Production: Ensuring fair wages and safe working conditions for garment workers.

Quality Over Quantity: Focusing on well-made, durable garments that last longer.

Transparency: Being open about the supply chain and production practices.

Mindful Consumption: Encouraging consumers to buy less, choose well, and make their clothing last.

By prioritising these principles, slow fashion aims to create a more sustainable and ethical fashion industry.

Make a Simple Kaftan Blouse with me 1

 First things first you will need a few things to start this simple project 

1. 2  yards or metres of any cotton fabric it's summer and cotton keeps you cool.

2. Scissors I like to use soft touch ergonomic Fiskars, I cut a lot so I use this very comfortable pair 

3. French Curve, tape measure and a simple ruler. In the next video, I will be threading a machine and showing you how to sew the garment.

4. You will need a sewing machine, click on the machine to see where to get it.

Making a Custom Order for a client in African Print.

 I got a request to make a corset top Ankara jumpsuit, To make this jumpsuit, 5 yards of Ankara (African Wax Print) will be required. You can get some fabric here. Here are the panel  pieces for the bodice. If fancy one like this, get in touch with me here

 I ironed on a lightweight interfacing to the front and back bodice pieces. For these type projects
Were I only have to line the upper bodice, I like to use the same fabric to line or a similar fabric it makes the piece interesting and fun. The frame below is the fabric I used to line the upper bodice pieces.

I sewed boning on the lining pieces both back and front to give more structure to the bodice

Below is the inside back of the upper bodice

How to Maintain Health After Menopause

 Menopause is a time to listen to the whispers of your soul" Elizabeth Lesser

Introduction: Menopause is a significant biological transition in a woman's life, marking the end of reproductive years. While this phase brings about hormonal changes and potential health challenges, it also presents an opportunity to prioritise self-care and overall well-being. With the right strategies, women can navigate menopause with grace and maintain optimal health in the years that follow. Here are seven key ways to support health after menopause.

1. Embrace Hormonal Changes: Menopause brings a decline in estrogen and progesterone levels, leading to symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, and vaginal dryness. Embrace these changes as a natural part of the aging process. Dr. Christiane Northrup, a leading authority on women's health, emphasizes, "Menopause is a time of rebirth, not decay."
2. Prioritise Bone Health: Declining estrogen levels can increase the risk of osteoporosis, a condition characterised by weakened bones. To support bone health, focus on calcium-rich foods, such as dairy products, leafy greens, and fortified foods, along with vitamin D for absorption. Additionally, engage in weight-bearing exercises like walking, dancing, or weightlifting to strengthen bones.
3. Maintain Heart Health: After menopause, women become more susceptible to heart disease, making cardiovascular health a priority. Adopt heart-healthy habits such as regular exercise, a balanced diet low in saturated fats and sodium, maintaining a healthy weight, managing stress, and avoiding smoking. Dr. Nieca Goldberg, a cardiologist, advises, "Think about heart disease prevention as early as possible."
4. Manage Weight and Metabolism: Metabolism tends to slow down after menopause, making weight management more challenging. Focus on maintaining a healthy weight through a combination of regular physical activity like brisk walking and mindful eating. Include plenty of fibre-rich foods, lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables in your diet to support metabolism and prevent weight gain. Now that Spring is here enjoy walking
5. Address Menopausal Symptoms Naturally: Many women experience bothersome symptoms during menopause, such as hot flashes, mood swings, and sleep disturbances. Explore natural remedies and lifestyle changes to alleviate these symptoms. Herbal supplements like black cohosh and evening primrose oil, along with relaxation techniques such as meditation and deep breathing, can provide relief. Dr. Christiane Northrup advises, "Trust your body's wisdom to navigate this transition."
6. Prioritise Mental and Emotional Well-Being: Menopause can have a significant impact on mental and emotional health, leading to mood swings, anxiety, and depression for some women. Prioritise self-care activities that promote emotional well-being, such as spending time with loved ones, engaging in hobbies, seeking support from friends or therapists, and practicing mindfulness.
7. Regular Health Screenings and Check-Ups: After menopause, women are at increased risk for certain health conditions, including osteoporosis, heart disease, and certain cancers. Attend regular health screenings and check-ups to monitor your health and detect any potential issues early on. Be proactive about discussing menopausal symptoms and concerns with your healthcare provider. As the proverb goes, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."

Conclusion: Menopause is a natural and inevitable phase of a woman's life, and with the right strategies, it can be embraced as a time of renewal and empowerment. By prioritizing bone health, heart health, weight management, addressing menopausal symptoms naturally, supporting mental and emotional well-being, and attending regular health screenings, women can navigate this transition with grace and maintain optimal health in the years that follow. As Dr. Christiane Northrup reminds us, "Menopause is not the beginning of the end. It's the beginning of the best years of your life."

The house help stole my Cake! A comedy of Errors.

 The  house help stole my Cake! A comedy of Errors.

I was looking through my pics to create a reel for my birthday and I saw the picture below and I bursted out laughing to my self.

We were all enamoured at this technical piece of a sewing machine my sister made for my 50th. After the party, I decided to keep the top layer and the machine until the next weekend, we carefully wrapped it and put on the bottom shelf of the fridge.

Alas the day came and I went to bring out the rest of the cake and it had vanished. In shock I started looking up down and all around saying "aha didn't I keep this cake here"!

I called the maiguard ( Hausa pidgin for a person employed to guard the house) the maiguard was another personality I cannot explain(he said he had no wife and was a Christian yet different female personalities were sneaking out in the morning time)as for the driver (what we term chauffeur in saner climes) he was in a kingdom of his own! All three of them were a circus or should I say a comedy of errors! My driver's aura or should I say 'ayika or surrounding' was so pungent that we could not use the AC in the vehicle, I bought him soap and Sure deodorant. I remember my precocious sons(one of them was always correcting his English teacher while the older one was correcting the maths teacher Oyinbo children) and I debating whether he needed Colgate or Sure! He told me later that he only (fin Sa so ) sprayed on his clothes when going out with his (madamu) wife on Sunday!

Back to the cake, I called all three members of the circus, immediately the so called Christian maiguard told me that the house help stole the cake! He said when he asked her she said, I said she should take it!

To be honest I decided to leave them alone as my son used to say to me, "Mummy calm down, there's too many of them and too few of us"

I did not tell the lady to leave as the next one may be (worst) Naija speak for very very bad. After all the one I had before who was stealing video game ran away because I threatened to registered him in a school! I really wanted to help him as on one occasion I sent him to Goodies supermarket with a list, lamb chops, mincemeat etc, I told him to give an attendant the list, after 4 awas (hours) he returned with nothing! Looking back I think they go to a training school for lies, petty theft and the art of confusing your employer! Such are the clowns that many a hard working Nigerian family employ and provide a kind of social security for.

These clowns taught me the true meaning of the word 'frustration'.

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Exploring the LS14s: Brother's Entry-Level Sewing Machine

  Exploring the LS14s: Brother's Entry-Level Sewing Machine

Are you new to the world of sewing and looking for the perfect companion to kickstart your creative journey? Look no further than the Brother LS14s  sewing machine. In this blog, we will delve into what makes the LS14s a fantastic choice for beginners and seasoned sewists alike.

Introduction to Brother LS14s

The Brother LS14s is a compact and user-friendly sewing machine designed with beginners in mind. Despite its simplicity, this machine doesn't compromise on functionality or performance. Whether you're sewing garments, crafting home decor, or working on DIY projects, the LS14s has you covered.

Features That Stand Out.

1. Easy Stitch Selection: One of the highlights of the LS14s  is its straightforward stitch selection process. With 14  built-in stitches, including utility and decorative stitches, you have plenty of options to explore. The dial selector allows you to effortlessly choose the stitch that best suits your project.

2. Automatic Buttonholer: Creating buttonholes can be intimidating for beginners, but the LS14s  makes it a breeze with its automatic 4-step buttonholer. Simply follow the step-by-step instructions in the manual, and you'll have professional-looking buttonholes in no time.

3. Adjustable Tension: Achieving the perfect stitch tension is essential for professional-looking results. With the LS14s, you can easily adjust the tension to suit

different fabrics and sewing techniques, ensuring smooth and even stitches every time.

4. Free Arm Sewing: The LS14 features a removable accessory tray, allowing you to convert it into a free arm machine for sewing cylindrical items like sleeves, cuffs, and hems. This feature makes it versatile for a wide range of sewing projects.

5. LED Lighting: Say goodbye to dimly lit sewing spaces! The LS14s is equipped with bright LED lighting that illuminates your work area, ensuring optimal visibility even in low-light conditions.

Final Thoughts

The Brother LS14s sewing machine is the perfect choice for beginners eager to unleash their creativity. With its user-friendly design, versatile features, and affordable price point, it's no wonder that the LS14s is a popular choice among sewing enthusiasts worldwide. Whether you're sewing garments, quilting, or crafting accessories, this machine is sure to inspire you to take your skills to the next level. So why wait? Dive into the world of sewing with the Brother LS14s and discover the joy of creating your own masterpieces.

It's the end of April Already how are you doing

 

If you are like me, you would have written a list of things you want to achieve this year. I am not making excuses but often times 😜 we write down too many things forgetting to allocate the amount of time it takes to accomplish each goal.

I've decided not to be too hard on myself I've cancelled the entire list and decided to do just one thing well. There's no need to stretch yourself so thin that at the end of the year you accomplish nothing.

Short Steps, Short Steps... Stories from my childhood

 "Short steps, Short Steps, ele short steps" (ele meaning fine gyal). Those were the words we cried out as our "School Marchers" pounded the track at the Liberty stadium Ibadan.

They practiced and practiced and practiced!
At the helm of affairs was heysobay  properly known as Nike Akinola and there was Yinka Fadahunsi Lumpy Fadi , Siyan Oyawoye Siyan Fayiga, Ama Adadevoh....Their Sunday uniform starched with Robin Starch to a point of no return, their berets measured and placed at the same point on each head no hair out of place, they had to have the style we called pineapple and brush in front.
I really wanted to be a "School Marcher" in my eyes they were the epitome of beauty and perfection. They moved in precision like one machine! It was a sight to behold!

Today is my good friend Adeyinka Adefope's diamond jubilee and someone posted this in our school chat and memories of the glory days of our country flooded back.

In the picture below is Tola Adetola Lawore Akinyele Dupe Arogunmati Modupe Bashorun and Olakitan Akinjagunla
Such were the times where children were taught discipline, hardwork, resilience and perseverance. We had 24 hours electricity but we had to learn to wash, Starch and iron with the 19th century box iron which used charcoal and oguso a local fuel. If you came to assembly with a blackened uniform you would be punished.
Nigeria was preparing Upright, hardworking, intellectual women to help lead the new nation for a boarding fee of N30 per term.
Such was the Western Region of early Independent Nigeria. #Nigerianostalgia

How to upload your products into Instagram/Facebook Store

For your ecommerce shop to show on instagram, you need to upload your products, manually or with the pixel. Once your pictures are loaded, you can tag your store on each of your products on instagram or Facebook. Once an interest person clicks on it, it takes them to your website were they can see more information of your product. .. https//:elizabethjulianah.com #slowfashion #Elizabethjulianah

Learn to Sew with EJ

 https://py.pl/4xwZ1brQJr4