Imagine if every time you bought food, you scanned it with your phone so researchers could learn more about what people are really eating. That’s exactly what happened in the FoodAPS-2 field test.

In this inspiring three-part series, we shine a spotlight on the incredible contributions of Dietitians who are impacting their communities.

Welcome to “The World Through My Eyes,” a virtual reality art exhibition that encapsulates my creative journey from 2018 to 2022. This gallery is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of creativity since it was completed during the challenging times of the COVID-19 lockdown. As you navigate through this immersive experience, you will encounter a unique blend of photography, digital collage, and sewing. These mediums have been masterfully combined to create a world th

Dallas-based entrepreneurs are doing their bit to help with ethically-made face masks.

I was so happy to be included in Shades of Oklahoma Magazine by the fashion editor, Kay Wallace. Here's her article: Designs of Mystery BET’s Rip the Runway inspired us to take notice of Black designers. From clothing and costumes to accessories and jewelry, Blacks (or African Americans) have always been in the design game. Need we forget Elizabeth Hobbs Keckley, personal seamstress and dressmaker to First Lady Mary Lincoln; Ann Lowe, designer of First Lady Jacqueline Kenn

Now you know I have to get involved somewhere. So now I'm volunteering as the publicity chair for the Plano Chapter of the American Sewing Guild. They have not had a publicity chair for two years. I'm already enjoying getting to know people and here's a little of the publicity I've put together that was posted on Instagram. I've developed a chapter publicity plan, social media campaigns, and there is more to come. And of course, I'm learning so much more about sewing an

A Sewing Project Recap of Simplicity Pattern 1318: Misses Kimono Jackets

The Story: This top looked like something I could make with some leeway around the fit. Since it wraps and ties, then I can adjust the size easily. I also really like wrap around tops, so I wanted to give this one a try. I also discovered a fashion designer based in Ghana who designed magnificent garments featured in the Vlisco Anniversary Fashion show – Stylista . Her designs are exquisite and beautiful! She uses the patterns on the fabric in creative ways, so I was inspired

I love searching for colorful eye-catching fabrics! When I walked into the fabric store, this beautiful fabric was draped on the mannequin. Because of the scarf pattern, I thought this would be a great Kaftan Scarf Top. I decided to try to some pattern free sewing and I hemmed and joined the panels together. I wanted to add a little more form, so I sewed the sides together. I like the way it turned out! It's light and flowy and fun!

I was really thrilled to hear that my Cousins were going to throw a surprise party for their Mom. As they were filling me in about the plans, I volunteered to design the invitations and a webpage for RSVPs. My Cousins sent the specifications and some pictures to me and here is the final result. We were all pleased with it and of course their party was amazing!! Plus the party gave me an excuse to sew her a nice gift. She had been admiring one of my bags, so of course I h

The Story: My good friend, Jennifer, gave me a Craftsy online sewing class for my birthday one year. At that time, I had not really ventured into sewing garments, so I told her I’d have to work up to this. I started the online class in January 2017 and I worked on it over several months. Truth be told, I got discouraged and I sewed some easier projects in between. Finally, after learning a bit more and continued practice, I worked through it. I finally finished the dress

Pattern: Simplicity Pattern 1100 Misses' Super Jiffy Cover Up in Two Lengths Fabric: Rayon Challis Blur Aztec Turquoise Rayon Fabric from JoAnn Fabrics. Notions : Items on the instructions. How did it look compared to the pattern? The same. Were the instructions easy to follow? Very simple and easy. Likes? Great project and easy to make! Dislikes? None Pattern changes? None Will I sew this again? Maybe Would I recommend this to others? Sure! I pin it

Patterns : Simplicity Pattern 1164 Misses' Double Layer Wrap Skirt and Burda Style Pattern 6925 Tops, Shirts, Blouses Fabric : Multi Brushstrokes Stretch Charmeuse Fabric Silky Print and Lightweight Scuba Knit Fabric in Medieval Blue from JoAnn Fabrics. Notions : Items on the instructions. How did it look compared to the pattern? I used View D for the skirt. They both turned out the same. Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes. Likes? I like how these turned

Pattern: Simplicity Pattern 1281 Misses' Jackets in Two Lengths, Belted Cape & Capelet Fabric : Purple Silk Tweed from Fabrique on sale! I went to so many stores looking for the right fabric and I finally found this at the last place I visited. Notions : Items on the instructions including black thread and Simplicity Faux Leather Trim. I added a Mystery Maracuja tag. How did it look compared to the pattern? I used View C and it looked the same. Were the instructions

Luckily some of my work caught the attention of the President of the Zeta Chi Sigma Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority. I've been a member since 2003. She also requested napkin rings and wine charms. After that, she invited me to create some custom jewelry for one of the Area Meetings in 2014. My cousin, Courtney crocheted some baby items and helped me with the event for the Sorors at the University of Oklahoma. These projects became the early stages of Mystery Maracuja

The inspiration for this project was my friend Jennifer's birthday. I figured I could just make a poncho based on my cream colored cape, but I went searching for a pattern instead. It took me a while to decide on one, but I ended up buying Butterick B5993 - Misses' Shawls and Cowl-Neck Tops. Fabric : African inspired cotton from Fabrictopia, Nicole Miller Silky Solid Crinkle Fabric-Black 100% Polyester Notions : Items on the instructions including black thread. I added

I am on a mission to build a wardrobe with timeless pieces that I sew myself. One day I stopped in Helen Enox Fine Fabrics in OKC and I was just looking around for inspiration and I saw this wool cape on display. The fabric felt so good, so I started looking at it to see if I could sew something like this. Luckily, the lovely ladies in the store were more than willing to help. They measured me and cut the fabric out for me. All I had to do was go home and sew the hems.

When Kim invited me to the 2014 Oklahoma Winter Quilt Show, I discovered a lot more about sewing. One of the crafts was Sewing Pottery at Vogies Quilts and Treasures . I usually buy fantastic African fabric from them, but this time I wanted to try something new. All around their booth, they had these beautiful containers made by a sewing machine. It just so happened she was doing a demo, which convinced me that I could actually make one myself. I got the kit and took it

Staying organized is an on going struggle. Since I like to buy sewing patterns during the 5 for a $1 sales and work up to them, I decided to make a library. When I'm at the store, I just pull out my smart phone and look through it to see what patterns I already have at home. I took pictures of the front and back envelopes and created an album for them in Google Photos. Then I add a title to the info screen. This worked so well that I decided to include my fabric too. On t

I wanted to make a purse I could use everyday and I already had this pattern in my stash. I used Simplicity Pattern 8028 Clutch, Wristlet and Purse in Two Sizes . I cut view C for the purse. Fabric : I used some leather-like metallic gold fabric , off-white snake skin vinyl , and some blue multicolored african inspired print for the lining. Notions : Items on the instructions including a taupe zipper, taupe thread, clear thread, magnetic snap, and a gold purse chain up