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I don't normally post my sewing; perhaps that's partly because I don't sew often anymore, but also because the clothes I have been making are usually so simple that they are hardly worth sharing. I did decide recently however to sew more seriously again, for a number of reasons. The first is that I already have alot of lovely fabric around the house. The second is that I know what I like and I care less about fashion so choosing what to make is easier knowing that I will enjoy it for longer. Thirdly, the question of the environmental impact of the ever increasing speed of fashion is really getting to me. In fact, a (fashion industry) colleague of mine said just yesterday that she freaked out recently when confronted by the volume of "fast fashion" at Topshop etc., wondering where it would all go when the next look took over within weeks.
I felt vindicated.
So, the sweatshop in which I am the only employee (and customer) has re-opened. For those who are interested in details, I handstitched the tucks in much the same way as I handstitch the linen scarves that I make. I say why not add a detail to show that your clothing is handmade?
And here is the 1969 pattern that the shirt was based on.
Thanks very much to my friend JP who helped me to adjust it from a 1969 size 12 to a 2010 size 12. (It was a disconcertingly big adjustment!)
Actually, there is another reason why I have taken up sewing again: Jenny Gordy's Wikstenmade blog, which proves that home sewing can be both accessible and cool at the same time. I am a big fan. And like Gordy, I love the French label A.P.C. -- another great source for simple, classic and cool sewing ideas.
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The Gut Fried Lady guards my bedside table and keeps me safe from harm while I sleep. But I don't dream of butcher shops or illustrated pigs with meat markings on them. (In fact last night I had a rather odd romantic dream about Ricky Gervais, but I would prefer not to go there right now.)
I realised upon viewing this recent and troublesome lady again, that she might in fact form half of something I am yet to complete. A bit like the Gut Fried Lady perhaps?
Above: I'm not sure about this one. Not sure whether I like it or whether I don't; what my intention was, let alone whether I have succeeded. What I do like is that bits are missing; and what it says (although I subsequently Googled the phrase and realised it was hardly original*).
Above: Voila! There is always the back to paint on! (Or not.)
I might set this one aside for a while and get back to it.
* Googling is dangerous like that. It can make you feel like everything has already been thought of already -- or worse.