Sweet Charity Event Part II.

If you just tuned in, read the post below to do some catching up!

Here I am ready to go to Washington DC. In total, we were four people. My anti-GPS father, my the-one-who-kept-me-a-little-less-nervous optimistic mother, our family friend Carmen Lebron and myself. The car was pretty packed. The trunk of the car had the skirt portion of the dress and there was little room for royal icing and a bucket of fondant. Carmen and I traveled 3 hours (well, it was supposed to be 3 hours) with a box and sheet tray on our laps.

Philadelphia to Washington DC: 3 hours
Philadelphia to Washington DC our way: 5 hours

I think that says it all. If it doesn't I'll explain. Everything was great until we actually got into DC. The roads in DC are NUTS. Between tourists, cabs, crazy drivers and rush hour, everything seemed more hectic than what I expected. We exited at the stop right in front of the hotel, took an unfortunate turn left, and off the Virginia we were. Imagine being so close to where you need to be and passing it, THREE FREAKING TIMES. Yes, we made the same mistake over and over and over. One time we went further up north, the other time, we went deeper into Virginia, and the other, we passed the Washington monument. We finally made it to the hotel.

Initially, I was told that the participating designers were to be at the event by 5pm; then I read the schedule, and 3pm was the arrival time. I knew I could get things done in 3 hours (I had to be ready for the photo shoot by 8, and the runway show by 8:30pm). By the time we arrived at the hotel and managed to get the correct parking, it was 7:10pm. I felt like giving up and going to bed (you can see the bags under my eyes in the picture above, I was SUPER tired), but alas, I am not a quitter and it was game time. My mom, Carmen and I got quickly into work. My model, Lindsey Becker, the best model I could have had, was pressing buttons for me. I quickly got help from my dear friend Robin Parker from Albert Uster and a few other people who were at the event helping out other designers. I am forever grateful for the help!

I had NO chance to look at the model as we were dressing her,but once I was done, I stepped back, took a look at her and everything felt so right, and every bit of stress, doubt and dissatisfaction I previously had was worth it. Here's a picture of my model rocking her sugar hat, sugar purse and her sweet jewelery! She also had buttons, a brooch and a sugar magnolia on her.



Here is my model on the runway, working it! The skirt portion of the dress is a 50/50 mix of fondant and gum paste, with a small bottom portion of tulle. I had to have tulle on the portion that was hitting the floor because if it was sugar, I would probably not have these pictures right now! Hee hee...


Once all of the models hit the catwalk, each model came out individually with their designer, then lastly all of the participants came out. Here I am with my model and our priceless expression of, "SUCCESS!"

There were many people who I would not have made it without. First, my mom for being such a trooper each and every step of the way, from sowing to ruffling to constant suggestions. My dad for keeping sane while driving (ha ha ha, hope you know I'm being sarcastic), for going to the hardware store for supplies, and for just being so supportive. A few people here in Philly: Don Jose, Carmen and Marcia. To my cake designer friends, Jade, Karen, Edna, Clara, Amanda, Amelia and everyone on facebook for the support! I couldn't have done it without everyone!