About Me

  
I love snail mail.
I'm super-girly.
I love everything my mother wore in the 1970's
I love Starbucks.
I love autumn.
I don't love summer.
I love vintage, frills and pockets.
I have an everlasting preoccupation with God.
I love kiddos (especially mine).
I was a piano performance major in college.
Opening a dot-com is life dream.
Receiving packages makes me smile.
I love people--all people.
I love that my name is spelled with a "K".
("C" is so smug, don'cha think?)
I married my high-school sweetheart.  He is now my mid-life sweetheart.
In my designs, ruffles are essential.
I read at least four books a week.
I love my Saviour, Jesus Christ.




Where It Started

My mother taught me to sew when I was 10, and all throughout high-school I honed my craft, making dresses for myself and entering them in Regional and National competitions. After building my own wedding dress in 2001, I discovered a truth about myself. Nothing makes me happier than manipulating fabric.
I’ve known this was the direction my life was headed since I was 19.  I went to college with a full-ride scholarship in a Music Ed degree.  After a year of taking Classroom Management classes, I absolutely knew I didn’t want to be a teacher.  That summer, I sat with my dad in Steak ‘n Shake for two hours and tried to explain that I wanted to build things…dresses with pockets and frilly details…to fill a gap that seemingly no one was addressing—pretty clothes, relative to cultural styles, from a modest point-of-view.  My parents were optimistically hopeful and supportive.  A position I believe they still hold. =)
I switched to a BA in Business and after graduating, went on to get a degree in Dress-Making and Fashion Design.  I’ve spent the past five years at home, playing with my children, all the while sewing, designing and learning new tricks; knowing that this special time at home with them will end in two short years.  Now seems the perfect time to prepare for the next stage in my life…and the realization of a dream.


Where It Stands Now
I started blogging about the clothes I make, wear and design as a part of a business plan to an end goal…A space full of my own designs.  This is me, using the resources and media available to me to reveal my ideas, designs, values and creativity; giving others the chance to follow a part of who I am.  Nothing more, nothing less. I’m the face of it, but it’s the joint effort of family and supportive friends that make it possible. I'm not interested in blogging with the idea of showcasing myself, but I am very interested in showcasing the talent God gave me and that my parents recognized and helped develop in me from an early age.   
I get a certain amount of criticism based on the content of the KRISTINA J. blog from people who assume I’m an egotistical fashion junkie who gets a big kick out of plastering my picture everywhere…which is so not the case.  I live a full, balanced life. I am a mother, a daughter, a lover, a friend, and this blog is just a very small part of my life that I choose to share with you.
  
Where It’s Headed
            This blog is my attempt contribute to society. Each person was given something to do that shows Who God is. (Rom. 12:6)  I can no more quit designing, sewing, tailoring and manipulating fabric than I can quit breathing.  When I sew, I feel God’s pleasure.  
           What appears here is a representation of the creative overflow going on in my mind.
This is my sweet spot—the refining of a craft that makes me giddy with excitement.  Just the thought of designing a piece that makes a woman feel beautiful makes me smile.  I’m driven to construct things that don’t have to be nipped/tucked, added to, pulled up, yanked on or reconstructed.  I know you’re not going to love everything I come up with, but maybe every once in a while, if you can embrace it, I’ll whip up something lovely you can’t live without—or just maybe, a wedding dress that screams your daughter’s name. 
           I feel that sewing, designing…is a tailor-made task I’ve been given, one I will always be striving to use in a way that honors God, and thrills me in a place deep inside.  
          I am me.  I was made for my part in this world and there's no one who can play my part better than I can. =)


59 comments:

  1. Please Please Please open up a dot.com!! I would love to buy your stuff!!

    Krysta G.

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  2. Kristina, I love how you give all the praise to God. Thank you for being a good godly example for my girls to look too. I look forward to reading more from you. Keep up the good work.

    Robin C

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  3. Love what you do! So many christians complain about there not being cute modest clothing....and no one does anything about it....except you! Kudos!

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  4. Kristina, I love your blog! Although I'm not into long dresses/skirts for myself, (I'm too short), I am into modesty, which I think can be portrayed tastefully and be fashionable at the same time. You are talented, let the criticism roll off you, you don't have to defend what you do! You are a trend-setter, and there's plenty of us that enjoy it and "get" it. :)

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  5. I to like the way you give God so much Praise and credit for your success. You have an amazing God given talent and he would be disappointed in you if you didn't use it to glorify him. keep up the good work

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  6. Positive, optimistic, strong. And please, always smile, breath deeply, dream and love plenty.

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  7. I check your blog almost every day even though you only make skinny mini clothes. :o) I enjoy seeing what you come up with. Plus...I miss your face. Love you, Tina!

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  8. i read this and found myself looking for the 'like' option! lol this is way cool, i'm so excited for you! you make me wish i had more time to sew....maybe when these babies get a little older :)for now i'm just glad i managed to finish simple curtains and bumper pads!
    take care and keep up the good work :)

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  9. It was great to read about you. I wish you lived closer. I can relate to a lot of who you are. I also love to create things. I'm creative in many ways. I also have a conviction about being modest inside and out. And I love fashion/ and the creativity it so indwells. God bless!

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  10. I am glad you are you and not trying to be someone else that was instilled into us young and glad you take a stand when you need to. Stay the way you are we LOVE it and you.

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  11. And go ahead be a fashion diva the others are just hating cuz they don't look that Good so you go girl....

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  12. How awesome.
    Your Awesome.
    God Bless you and your family!


    Pearl

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  13. Kristina,
    I love reading the 'about me' section of your blog. Your honesty and candor are refreshing. To have had a family who saw your gifts and encouraged your path is rare my friend! Count yourself very fortunate! You make a good point that some will misunderstand the intentions of your blog but that's their issue. We all risk being misundertood but there are those of us who chose to ignore the naysayers and follow the path we are called to. Keep on movin'.

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  14. I think we are long lost design sisters - you have said things I've been thinking of writing lately! I started to design clothes & blog last July and my style really does not fit into too many catagories. Its either babies, kids or craft blogs or RTW fashion blogs. Being a wife & mother to 3 girls I am in both worlds but my blog is more about me being a nouveau seamstress designing garments. I have a career in Business and I agree with you said this blog is a small part of my life. Readers see only what you post.
    I would like to quote you on a future post of mine. email me & let me know if that is O.K. with you!

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  15. I love you blog.... i go on it almost every day....

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  16. Dear Kristina, I don't speak english very well and I hope you understand what I write... I thank you for leaving comment in my blog. I think that you work is wonderful and I love it!
    I think you are very particular and original.
    Bye bye
    Matilde

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  17. You are the "me"I want to be BUT.... I ma old and fat and you cannot find clothes that make old and fat look "cute". I just found your blof but will check back and dream every day. Thank you!!!!

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  18. Kristina, I LOVE your designs! I cannot express how much I love them!!! You have a wonderfully modest, modern, vintage, fabulous style. I want to dress just like you :)
    Many blessings,
    Donna

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  19. I heard about your blog through another blog and am so happy that I came across it! It's fun to see what you can create (and how you create it) and I love reading your prose - it's very honest and I can relate, as another woman who loves cute clothes, a full joyful life, and Jesus Christ. Keep doing what you do!

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  20. Wow you have said what I wish I knew how to say about what I do. I found your blog through a linky party and I will now be an avid reader. I am a artist that has struggled with how to express what I do and use the talent that God has given me. I work in various mediums and I also sew for my self and my two daughters. I have now decided to take a leap of faith and trust the doors that God has opened for me to use what he has given me. Thank you again for being so open an honest, and for sharing your talent with us.
    asouthernladysramblings.blogspot.com

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  21. Kristina,
    I have loved visiting your blog and reveling in your creations. I have been amazed at how willing you are to freely share your gifts here. Reading this post about you makes your generosity so understandable.

    Thank you for being you, it is just lovely. My 16 year old daughter and I are looking forward to trying some of your tutorials. I had so much fun showing her your creations today. I am so happy to have found you. She just finished Les Miserables School Edition this past weekend with Actors Youth Theater here in AZ. It was an amazing experience. She is so creative and I always love to show her people like you who are so creative with their gifts.
    xoxo,
    Vicki

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  22. Yay! I saw your comment on my blog and I thought I need to read her blog! I love that you make beautiful things and want to be a modest, God girl full of light for Him! I am lovin' your blog. Blessings
    Jacqueline

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  23. I'm so happy to have found your blog! I am an Orchestra teacher who wishes I could stay home and sew and play with my daughter all day! Your creations are beautiful and so inspiring!

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  24. I love your blog! I'm your newest subscriber, so glad I found your site!

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  25. I am in love with your blog, and your crazy amazing sewing talent! Even better, to find you are a woman of faith! So wonderful :) Keep up the lovely work!!

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  26. i love your blog. you are very talented. you inspire me to sew and i been wanting to do so. i need to start soon :)

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  27. Can you tell me where you are taking your pictures? Especially the boutonniere dress? I just love the architecture.

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  28. Oh my goodness. I am thrilled to have found this! You are doing what God made you to do and that is wonderful. I think you have hit the nail on the head of what I have been feeling in dressing rooms for too long... the tugging, wishing-it-wasn't-so-short, thinking-of-ways-to-make-it-wearable, etc.

    I recently made my first dress from a pattern and will be putting your flutter sleeve to work shortly.

    Thank you for your modesty and creativity. I will be following this blog for sure!

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  29. Just found your blog, love your clothes and love your hair! God bless you!!

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  30. Hey there, love your blog, just curious, what do you use on your hair? I know it sounds crazy but I have naturally curly hair and have tried EVERYTHING but your hair looks amazing!! Thanks for the info if you get this!

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  31. About a week ago, a friend introduced me to your blog... and it's become my daily internet-stop for style ideas and happy thoughts.
    For years i've been adjusting my clothes to decent version, but your ideas are truly amazing. Thanks for sharing!

    If you ever have the time, could you write a piece on who takes your FAB pictures, and how to pose in pictures... Often us friends like to take pictures of each other's outfits, but i never know how to put myself, where to look at... do you have any suggestions?
    thanks ever so much!
    Greetings from Belgium (Europe)

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  32. I just found your blog and think its wonderful<3 You remind me of sara jessica parker!
    -Taryn
    sweetsweetnightingale.blogspot.com

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  33. I recently stumbled across your blog and fell in love! I love all of your designs--they are so beautiful and modest! I love that! If you started selling your designs I would be a very happy camper :)

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  34. I love, love the fact that you alter - beautifully alter - clothes for the sake of modesty. My MIL just gifted me with a sewing machine and I'm in love, love, love with it and looking forward to shopping with an "I can fix that" mentality ;-) I absolutely agree with you: God smiles when you sew. Thank you for sharing your gift.
    Amelia

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  35. Just found your blog...love all your DIY projects...wished I had the talent! Beautiful inspirations!

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  36. I love your blog!!! I'm a sewer, but haven't done much clothing for myself (I sew quilts and have an Etsy shop though). I'm thinking of trying out some blouses and dresses this summer if I can find the right fabric. LOVE your tutorials! They are so inspirational!
    In Christ,
    Lexie

    PS: I love that you can include your faith on your blog! It certainly shines through, esp. in that all your clothing tutorials etc. are modest! Thank you!

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  37. I absolutely LOVE your style - your dresses are sooo cute - I love every one of them - so you don't sell any of your dresses? You just put them on to make me jealous hahaha they are beautiful! I love looking at them,but sad I can't just buy 'em somewhere!

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  38. Just discovered your blog today and am SO EXCITED to have finally found a modest blog that's trendy, stylish, classy, feminine...modest! Just love. I am apostolic and am always modest-ifying

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  39. I just found you and I'm blown away by your talent!!! I also am a curly girl and love your hair!! Can you dish about what products you use?!? I'm always looking for recommendations!

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    Replies
    1. Generic brand for Biolage Gelee and Paul Mitchell Freeze and Spray. Gel first on wet hair then spray all over. Dry with hair dryer. Nothing fancy.

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  40. I found you through your article in the Ladies Companion Magazine. Love your style, my daughter is also a fashionista. Thanks for making modesty trendy. Brenda

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  41. I love the Anne of Green Gables reference :) I am currently in college and just switched my major from Music Ed to Music Business! I had the same issue after taking one class in the education field. I love your work and thank you for keeping things modest but fashionable! Ecc. 3:1

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  42. Thanks for sharing your ideas. I prefer a more modest style and I like your ideas for adding coverage :).

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  43. I just wanted to let you know that what you are doing is SO inspiring. I love my Savior, too, and I think the best thing we can do for our amazing body He has given us is to respect it and dress modestly. Thank you, thank you! (also, I'm a music ed major in college right now and I love meeting other people who love music AND sewing/creating, so I love you for that, too!)

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  44. I have legally counseled people starting new businesses and I see something in you that I see in people who end up successful in their work. You clearly have the passion and drive for your design career. This "about me" section is well written and makes me like you! I wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors and hope to remain connected with you to see you grow.

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  45. Oh I would pay lots of money for so many of your dresses. Each one that I see I think to myself, "Where can I buy something like that?" I wish I could sew but alas I am terrible at manipulating fabric. I manipulate food and edible ingredients for my creations. I also agree, when I am doing it, I feel God's pleasure. Thank you for sharing this, it made me feel so much better about my love for cooking and creating in the kitchen. I feel like I learned something about myself and something about God today. Thank you for that.

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  46. I love your blog! Like you said about God getting pleasure in your talent...your modest clothing is pleasing to Him and a blessing to all of us girls who dress modestly! Keep it up!

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  47. I can't tell you how excited I am to find your blog!! I love following fashion but it can be frustrating. I have been looking for a fashion/clothing blog from a Christian/modesty perspective to follow but it has been hard to find. I wanted something to follow that lined up with my life but still looked, as you said, approachable. Thank you so much for filling this gap! I am excited to read more!

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  48. i love all the ideas ,,u are great!!!!

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  49. I absolutely love everything you do. PLEASE create a wedding line. Im 20 years old and would be honored to wear one of your dresses down the isle if/when I get married. Continue to follow your dreams while you serve our Lord.

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  50. Please create an online store to sell your creations! I'm from Brazil and would love to have some of your dresses :)

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  51. I happened upon you when I saw many of our mutual friends commenting on your facebook page. We, I assume, have the connection of GBS though we seemed to have missed each other by a few years. This blog was just a curious google away, and I navigated it thoroughly. Your bio is a thing of beauty, and the crying of my heart as well - to honor God through the talents that he has given me. The lovely way in which you have written your desires has spurred me on to my own God placed desires. Thank you for your courage and obedience. Many blessings to you and your lovely family.

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  52. Thank you for using your talents to glorify God! :)

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  53. You have such amazing talents and a very giving spirit. Thank you so much. May the good Lord continue to bless you with creativity and his love.

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  54. Hello, I just discovered your blog and I love it! I have a teenage daughter and a pre-teen and it is so hard to go shopping for modest apparel. I love all your creative ideas! Thank you and God Bless!

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  55. Love your style. Any suggestions for fuller figure women?

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  56. I'm a Kristina J. too. Well Kristina with a J name as my middle name and G as my last!

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