new cat behavior

As much as I may lack talent for any sports - and sadly I do  - this slight inadvertence doesn't stop me from coveting the amazing sportswear of the 20's and 30's. Can't even legitimate my love for this gear through attending sports events as a spectator, I'm that disinterested.

Luckily, the modern ways of wearing sports clothing as casual wear are for once in favour of my inclinations. It is still tough to push through an equestrian outfit when missing the horse, but I reckon this cricket looking little number won't have to face the same challenges.

As you can see it was inspired by the beautiful fair isle example above. Unfortunately mother doesn't do fair isle, but what I wanted was to replicate the shape, which went pretty well. 

It's also done in a coarser Shetland type wool, which means the overall effect is somewhat bulkier and rougher. I love very textured yarns that cry out loud their provenance. 

I've been wearing this the other day when it started raining, and the wool immediately gave that typical sheep whiff. I was instantly transported back into my childhood to those moments when I was helping my grandmother wash the sheared wool at the river. Actually, the natural, undyed wool in this vest still comes from that village. Good.

1950s fruit glass brooch

All available here.

Late 30's velvet jacket with beautiful gold bullion embroidery

As days are going by, temperatures and moods are changing. Sooner than we'll realize Autumn will be upon us once again. Usually this time of the year I am desperately trying to hang onto any shred of summer there may left be to be had. This year though, perhaps because there wasn't any real summer to speak of, I'm ready for change from the wet & muddy weather and have put all my hopes into the dryness of a golden fall.

They'll be more knits, and I'll be back to my two other major comfort zones: velvet and suede - fully illustrated here by these examples that have just left my bulging wardrobe and made it into the shop. 

Heart is a little heavy to let go of these treasures, but lack of space and money are good reasons to be ruthless. I hope they find a good home and at least as much love as I've given them.

Pros:

- suitable style for a wedding, would take me from church to the afternoon and early evening reception without problem;

- great shape for me ( thinks me);

- easy to wear, I won't be at all self conscious, this dress feels natural to me, I'll forget pretty soon  that I have it on;

- easy to walk and dance in;

- very easy to pack, takes little room in the suitcase and it's also very easy to care for once at destination, no stress involved;

- fairly easy to style hair to go with the dress/period (pic below is NOT an example of this), although sometimes it can look stupid, and yes, matronly.

(you can see the lace detail better here, also the colour is more accurate)

Cons:

- is there a danger this may be considered a bit too "bridal"? 

- a little bit of TLC is  needed in the midriff  section, as the dress is missing the belt and one button;

- husband says  it makes me look older...

- the colour really is shitty on me (I should consider dyeing this if possible, but that's an option for the future, not this event); I've tried to break the colour in with green accessories, but the shoes were a bit heavy and the purse terrible - failing this I had little choice but to return to accessories that fit in with the style of the dress but unfortunately blend in colour wise, so it's all a sea of beige...oh dear, this may well be a deal breaker.

I shall be awaiting your wise words.

Here is what I wore today - not only a knitted dress, but also a shawl to protect against the elements of a mid June day - the situation really is that sad. 

Having said that, not so good weather meant I got to wear and show you my "sports" knit dress meant for spring and loosely based on the pattern below.

I had initially planned to have it short sleeved, but the boucle yarn proved difficult to handle on its own, and in the end it was knitted with the aid of an extra bit of fine Shetland blended in. The pockets and belt are made solely in that yarn. But the knit had become heavier by now so I thought I'd have to settle for long sleeve instead, until I discovered that I could have my cake and eat it! A combination of long sleeve with a short cape sleeve detail is not unusual to 30's patterns, and I declare myself perfectly content to be greedy yet look authentic at the same time...

Since I sometimes find photographs of strangers endearing and/or funny I thought I'd share some I've recently come across on etsy. I don't do Valentines, but here is to all couples!