The joy of wondering

Summer is short this year in New York, it is probably short in other places in the world as well. The virus “Covid” is like a hidden lock, closing the usual activities and entertainment. Without beaches, vacations, and parties, summer seems never really begins, the fall is already here. But it’s ok, I am not all that disappointed, I started my journey of wonder, I simply find there is no time for feeling down.

One thing I do a lot during the pandemic is free my imagination to wonder. It might sound a bit easy and lazy, but when you put your ideas into action, you will push yourself to learn and create. The process of wondering and creating generates magical and positive energy.

(*Note: All outdoor photos taken with no one else around . Safe social distancing, safe photoshoot.)

“Imagination is the only weapon in the war with reality.”

Alice started her adventure with curiosity, wondered through the rabbit hole, she explored the most bizarre and exciting world. I often wake up with odd and funny dreams, which add lots of colors in my night world. While the day-time is filled with routine, I would think about how to turn magic into reality, it turns out there are many ways. One way is to be open to your wondering imagination, get inspiration, then take action. Before the pandemic, I knew nothing about pattern making (Patternmaking for Fashion Design)or sewing, now I can not stop creating my own clothing designs and transferring them into digital art. It is a learning process, I explore, I make mistakes and I enjoy it very much.

The baby doll dress for the curious kids

This cotton baby doll dress is a wonderful piece for me. I found the cotton fabric online and they are actually meant for kids’ wear. However, I immediately had the look of the baby doll dress in my mind when I sew the fabrics, it is a perfect type of dress for the forever kid in my heart.

Materials For creating this baby doll dress

• The baby doll dress pattern
• Light cotton Fabrics. eg: cotton lawn, cotton poplin
• Sewing machine
• Sewing needles and threads
• Pins
• Tailor’s chalk
• Fabric scissors
• Steam Iron

Sketch, Cut and Sew

This stop of the wonder journey is The Max Family Garden, located in Dumbo, Brooklyn, NY.  This open-air garden shares a wall with St. Ann’s Warehouse, a performing-arts venue.  The original brick walls and the scenic archways represent an industrial and rustic aesthetic, they also provide access for community members and visitors to come together for exploration and inspiration. I have visited Dumbo many times before, this garden corner always fascinated me. The Max Family garden, any garden in-fact is a wonderland if you want it to be.