Double dots

It's possible I'm obsessed with polka dots lately.

I managed to put in a 'spot' (geddit!!??) of shopping the other day (first outing since surgery) and came away with a parasol, cardi, purse and dress... all in polka dots.

Anyway, this skirt is made from the same pattern as the dinner plate skirt.

And yes... my little red cami is also covered in polka dots. 

Why are they called polka dots, anyway? Must research.

And since I had enough fabric left over, I cranked out this little blouse which I'm rather pleased with!

It looked rather boring and banker-ish until Jay suggested some cute buttons to liven it up.

I've been planning on wearing this with some navy high waisted jeans, but my poor stomach isn't ready for jeans just yet so I thought I'd pair it with this little ruffly skirt for now.

I made the yellow version, but with a regular collar.

 The sleeves were rather wide, so I added two little tucks and covered them up with a button.

Oh! And I re-dyed my hair... it went kind of magenta this time, so I've clipped in some purple fringe highlights as well!

 The next thing I make or feature on this blog will definitely not contain polka dots.

 Probably.

H & R London polka dot dress + an award

 Hello Blogland and bloggy buddies. After a brief unplanned hiatus I Am Back. 

I had to take a little break here after rushing off to hospital to have my appendix out a couple of weeks ago. And I would just like to say, to everyone who told me it was so routine, that I'd be up and about after a few days - what a load of bollocks. I felt awful and it took more than a few days to get back on my feet.

Anyway, I'm much recovered now and ready for my close up.

I bought this gorgeous dress online last week to cheer myself up, as I wasn't in any state to even think about sewing. You can nab it here

My shoes were opshopped.

As you can see my pink hair is fading and in need of a going-over post haste.

Eeep Petticoat Alert! 

Whilst catching up with everyone's blogs today I discovered the lovely Melanie of The Folly Bird has bestowed the Liebster Blog award upon me. Thank you Melanie!!

And now I have some questions from Melanie to answer...

 1) What was the last book you read? Did you enjoy it?

The last book I read was The Truth, by Terry Pratchett. I re-read it for about the 10th time as I couldn't concentrate on anything new lately. I did indeed enjoy it, again. I'm also still plowing my way through the bloody Faberge Egg book (see top left of blog page)

2) Andy Warhol claimed "In the future, everyone will be world-famous for 15 minutes". Have you had your fifteen minutes?

I like to think of this blog as my 15 minutes. 

3) Is there a past fashion trend, (let's say pre-1962) that you find absurd?

Yes. Yes there is. Those ridiculous ruffle neck ruff things. How could they possibly ever have been a trend?? I guarantee they will never ever come back into fashion.

4) Are they any vintage fashion 'icons' that you really just don't like?

No one comes to mind immediately, so I'm going to have to say no. Unless you count anyone who wore the above neck ruffle things. Not A Fan.

5) What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?

There have been many mornings I've woken up from a night of alcoholic excess and thought, Ohhh...crap. Oh, why did I say/do that? Fortunately I can honestly say those days are behind me now. And no, I'm not going to mention anything specifically.

6) Have you met any famous people?

John Marsden came to my high school once.  He asked what I had scribbled all over my pink glasses case. (I believe they were lyrics to a Veruca Salt song) And I met a couple of members from Marilyn Manson backstage once, but I can't remember who exactly they were (no autographs either, darn it all to heck).

7) What was the last thing you purchased?

This gorgeous green dress from ASOS, which should arrive on Monday :)

8) What's in your handbag/purse right now?

Three red lipsticks, several doctor's certificates, bloody myki bloody cards, my wallet, keys and bundles of tissues.

9) What is your favourite television programme?

Currently, Frasier. I've been working my way through it while recovering on the couch over the past couple of weeks. 

10) Is there something that most people can do, that you simply can't?

I absolutely cannot walk up or down stairs/steps without looking where I'm going. How do people in films and on tv manage to go trotting at top speed up (or down) steps without looking at their feet? I feel like I'm about to fall if I don't look where I'm going. I'm sure most other people are capable of conquering stairs without checking their feet every step of the way.

***

I feel famous now! I will be back in the next couple of days with some sewing projects I have almost finished. And to end on a high note, or just in case you forgot, here is my lovely blue dress again.

xx

Dinner Plate skirt

This skirt has nothing to do with dinner plates, or any crockery whatsoever. The colours just remind me of the Blue Willow china pattern.

Like most people, I'm finding it easy to stick to my new year's resolutions while the year is still less than a week old. I thought this skirt style would look horrible on me, but I quite like it. Don't know if Vogue sizes have changed lately, but the last few new patterns I've bought have required little to no alterations. I cut out size 12, I make it, it fits. 

For this skirt, I added a seam allowance to the yoke in case the gathering sat too high, ie right on my stomach. I think it will be fine to make without the extra allowance.

That's right, half my hair is missing.

Pattern: Vogue 8295, view A/B/C

 

  

Slip worn as camisole - op-shopped

Ring - Samantha Wills

Nails - Revlon Royal & Chi Chi Girl Gone Wild

40 degree heat. Trying to get back to my posing position before the timer goes off. Dodging water bowls for the birds.

Who else is feeling amazingly awesome and smug about keeping resolutions already? Awesommmmmme. Go us.

Eat, Drink, Sew

 Things I Will Achieve This Year:

Baking. Specifically, baking of cakes. I received this cake calendar for Christmas and I've decided to have a go at making the cake for each month. Then I'll fling a few pictures of the results up here and either brag about my success or blast the recipe for being stupid.

No drinking of alcoholic beverages. This statement usually produces reactions of either disbelief, incredulity or admiration. I've been thinking about taking a year off booze for the past few weeks, and while I could have started anytime, it feels neater to cover it over a calendar year. (Plus, it was Christmas!) I have a new little cocktail glass icon on the left menu which will slowly empty as the months pass. Although this is something I really want to achieve, I have a feeling there will be times when a cup of tea won't seem adequate (see potential cake disasters above).

Sewing. I feel the need to broaden my sewing range. I was very focused on dresses last year, especially over the last couple of months, so I will be making an effort to produce more blouses, skirts, coats, etc. Click each image to go to its source.

New Year's doesn't mean much to me. I'm not in the habit of going out for the night just because tomorrow happens to be January. I do like New Year's resolutions though, and I usually make at least one each year. Of course, I could make a promise to myself to do something at any time, but I like making the most of the excuse. And, sometimes I need a reason to do something. All these resolutions will be documented on this blog so by next December I will have a chance to see how I went. 

Then I'll go out and have a really big Long Island Iced Tea. 

Sigh.

xx