January 22, 2010

what I aspire to


I received the nicest gift today. A first edition copy of Paris Frocks at Home, published in 1930 by Butterick Publishing. This is what I want to be.


Elegant, calmly sewing as the scent of orange blossom drifts in on a light breeze. Notice the lack of clutter. Do I hear the sounds of Vivaldi coming from a nearby string quartet? I think I do. And such dainty feet. I will refrain from rambling about the realities of sewing, and space, and cats that attack patterns, and simply be inspired to tidy myself and my workspace up a bit.  

8 comments:

  1. I know how you feel. I picked up and even (finally) vaccuumed my sewing room today. I felt very accomplished and pleased with the result until my mother came to stay and promptly flung things ALL over the place. Sigh. Tomorrow I pick up again. At least, for the moment, the cat is calmlly napping and not attacking anything important

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  2. I also envy her the lack of a quick-unpick - obviously she is a more accomplished seamstress than myself....

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  3. And she wears dainty shoes while sewing! How elegant! I can't wear anything on my feet. I would also get so much more done if it wasn't for the cat - but I love her feline instrusion. Did my first corset at the weekend. Now it's demystified (slightly) I can see the attraction of working through Corsets and Crinolines. A great challenge and i'm full of admiration!

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  4. Cats! Why why why do they love rolling on fabric and attacking patterns? Clare, I too sew bare foot, or more often sock footed. Are you going to post the corset you made? I'd love to see it!

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  5. I'm in two minds about posting the corset as it's a bit too short to wear (first attempt which didn't fit my abnormally long waist!) and intentionally unfinished so a bit tatty (no bias tape, flossing?!). I was going to keep it like that to remind myself of seam techniques as I'm planning on making a second very soon, once supplies arrive, which will definitely get a posting. I may still post on the first though as the workshop led by Jema Hewitt (linked to on my blog) was the best thing I've done in ages - I learned so much! I have fallen in love with corsets too. I saw you had a link on your blog to the Symington(?) collection which is apparently kept in a museum very near to where I live so if I can get to view that there will definitely be an upcoming post. I've been working my way back on your blog and it's so interesting and such a valuable resource for someone just starting out.

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  6. Then I look forward to seeing your second on your blog :) And thank you!

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  7. In my mind's eye, you look exactly like that picture. :)

    Very impressive work. This is my first visit to your blog, and I'll be back!

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