Monday, June 26, 2006

Audrey Hepburn vs. Cyndi Lauper




I haven't done much blogging at all lately, as I've been busy doing other things. Like baking things containing nuts, in an effort to make sure Charles gets at least a small amount of essential fats inside him, as he refuses fish no matter how it's disguised and I consider him too young to be eating whole nuts. It has worked too well. The biscuits, which contained walnuts, heather honey, wholemeal flour and walnut oil, were bitter (due to the type of honey we used, which had a bitter after-taste) so Charles has realised he has them all to himself and eaten four today.

Self-evident is the sewing.......










The bustle skirt! The pattern arrived beautifully packaged and was a work of art in itself, hand-drawn on heavy paper and adorned with the beautiful Miss Twiss motif! I couldn't wait to get started. Once I have an impulse to do something it must be commenced forthwith! So, on Saturday evening I made the green one with the most yuk fabric you would never, ever choose. I've had it years and heaven knows why I bought it in the first place and only used it on this occasion as I wanted to make sure I was making the right size and it was going to look ok. Oddly, once it was made I loved it in all its putrid glory and have worn it non-stop ever since. This is a very simple but clever sewing pattern. In actual fact, one size really does fit all - you just adjust it by way of the positioning of the holes where the tie is threaded through to gather the fabric. No zips, no buttons, no interfacing - nothing. Love it. So much that I went to get fabric for three more and made the second one last night (Sunday). I fully intended to come back with something understated and chic. But due to something in my soul, a magpie deep inside, I did the same as always and bought two bundles of fancy taffeta (although I did buy a more reserved black and cream check as well, for winter). I've always wanted to project an Audrey Hepburn sort of image, you know - effortless and graceful. But somehow I'm drawn to styles that Cyndi Lauper would probably prefer (not that I'm a fan - not even in the 80's). Hmmmmmm. And I suspect that some of the time that is how I appear to others. Especially to my deeply chic 74 yr old mother-in-law (not that she minds. We are great friends).



I really like feminine clothes, stuff that's not very practical though. For instance I will wear the red/orange taffeta skirt shopping on a Friday afternoon and not care what anyone thinks. But don't think I never wear ordinary, dignified clothes. I do, but not without the effort of turning my back on all the fancy schmancy stuff.

But it's the same with wallpaper. I had to have raspberry matt paper adorned with proper gleaming gold flowers. And then had to paint the chimney breast gold. You know how it is..... But I know there is a chic, understated person waiting to make her presence known someday. But until that happens, it's the magpie in me that's winning!

I have done some knitting. I've turned the heels on the pink socks and am doing the gusset decreases. I'm making the black and white skirt this evening and then it will be back to the knitting (the brown embroidered taffeta can wait).


BTW As you can see, I did finish the black/cream skirt. And despite Blogger really messing about uploading photos - again.

13 comments:

  1. Great photos! All the skirts are just lovely, what a clever pattern too.

    Do you reckon this would make a sensible first sewing-machine project (after getting up-to-speed with the basics)?

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  2. Great photos! All the skirts are just lovely, what a clever pattern too.

    Do you reckon this would make a sensible first sewing-machine project (after getting up-to-speed with the basics)?

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  3. Thanks! This is a very easy and satisfying pattern.

    It would definitely make a great first project. I had never even done buttonholes before! If you attempt it and need help understanding I'll be there to assist. Try it!

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  4. I love the black&white one and the green one - very smart, could be in my wardrobe as well.^^

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  5. You clever person - the skirts are great. I bet wearing that red skirt made the supermarket trip more fun.
    Your mother in law looks fabulous doesn't she? But magpies are beautiful too.

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  6. Alice, those are great! I might have to try that pattern too.

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  7. Definitely the black&white one -- not me, but looks wonderful on you. I feel vertigo just looking at the height of those heels!

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  8. You look FANTASTIC! Party skirts, green and cranberry and I LLLLOVE the plaid! You Rock!

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  9. I love your take on the skirts, I think Audrey/Cindy is an excellent style combination. The black and cream looks great with those boots, thanks for giving me some alternative fabric ideas. I too wear what I please to the supermarket, it brightens my day.

    Many thanks for commenting on my blog and so glad to have found yours, will be back.

    I love your Noro blossom shrug by the way, how was it to knit?

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  10. Thanks for your comments!

    The noro blossom shrug was gorgeous and relaxing to knit! The yarn feels wonderful, so soft and warm. And it's divine to wear, as well. I used 1.5 skeins less than the pattern said.

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  11. I love your skirts. Especially the red one - so glamorous!

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  12. Alice, those skirts are absolutely fabulous! You have wonderful style!

    And never mind about sensible clothes - you should see what I wear to the supermarket, bwahahah!

    Now, how are those cupcakes going?

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  13. love the skirts! I think we (all us crafty people) struggle with the image we want to be and the image we are... I definetly plan once we move to start sewing and making nifty clothes for myself... I always see stuff in the shops and think if only it was like This or if only THAT were different...

    How prolific are you with your three versions?? Love the red one, that's my fave:)

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