Crafty Corner | “Briar Rose,” Part Three

BriarRose, Part One
BriarRose, Part Two

Admittedly, my enthusiasm for this project fizzled out after a while. Part of it was due to being sick of the whole quarantine malarkey (heh, me and everyone else in the wonky world, I daresay), but another part was an odd reluctance to tackle re-drafting my princess-seam pattern.

It didn’t make sense that I’d have kept my bodice pattern, but not the full-length dress. And what about all the different-shaped neckline supplements I’d labored over? Had I tossed them, too? ’Cos I sure couldn’t find them, either, despite looking through both supply closets in the sewing room. It irked me, to be honest, that I’d have (apparently) been stupid enough to toss a pattern made specifically for my somewhat odd proportions. As my Elven characters are so fond of saying, it is not wisdom.

Fast-forward to sometime in mid-May. Mom and I were sorting through our various pillow-forms in one of said supply closets—determining just how many pillows we really need in this house—when what should come crashing down on Mom’s head but…my princess-seam dress pattern! Complete with neckline supplements!
Quoth I: “Where was this six months ago, when I searched every inch of these closets for it?!” (Well, obviously not *every* inch, LOL)

That’s the good news.

The bad news is…I just don’t enjoy sewing that much. I love the design process—possibly my favorite part of any creative endeavor, TBH—and it’s exciting when the construction phase gets to that “hey, it’s starting to look like something!” point.

However, cutting out fabric (especially in complex shapes) has always scared me, and frankly, my skills just aren’t on the same level as my vision. I can do basic sewing pretty well, but the more formal garments I’ve made myself always turned out looking like a fifth grade Home Ec project (back when schools actually taught sewing classes, oy).

And of course, once you’ve cut a piece of fabric, there’s no going back. It’s not like yarnwork or beaded jewelry, where you can just disassemble the thing if it doesn’t work out. I mean, you could re-cut the fabric into something smaller, but…yeah. I decided I didn’t need that kind of stress in my already stressful life.

Another fact I had to admit was that I’m not as fond of pink as I once was (haven’t been for the last decade, really), and a solid-pink dress just seemed like a bit much. A bit too girly and floofy, especially with white lace trim.

We’d toyed with the idea of putting the roses on a white dress—even thought of refashioning Mom’s 1970’s-style wedding gown!—but vetoed the idea, as white is hard to keep clean, and frankly…who wears white dresses these days, save brides?

Fast-forward again to this past Wednesday, when Mom and I spotted this white tunic/short dress at the local Goodwill.

It’s made of an interesting knit fabric, which we thought would go well with the crocheted roses. While it’s too short to wear as a dress (for my taste, anyhow), it’s a graceful length for a tunic with fitted trousers, or even a flared A-line skirt. I may even wear my old pink mock-up (featured in Part One) under it.
It’s fitted, but not skin-tight, and the material is soft and stretchy enough that it’s easy to move around in. I love this flared style, and the vertical lines are quite flattering on me. Really, my only beef is that the “stripes” aren’t quite centered. *ERGLE* Aw well, can’t have everything. :-P

Imagine vines between the blossoms,
and more leaves and flowers, and....

I played around with what colored motifs I had, and I must say, I’m quite in love with it, overall. The pink and green on the white background is so fresh and clean-looking.
I’m not 100% sold on the lower arm design; the Rosebud and Half-open Rose don’t quite feel right, and the Full-blown Rose seems a bit much. I may work up a miniature version of the hem border….

Also, the area between the hem and the waist looks a bit bare, and I’m not sure I want an actual “belt”/girdle at the waist.

That said, I love the large rose and cascading leaf design at the sleeve-head and neckline, and the Rosebud at the shoulder. Will probably tweak the Half-open Rose and leaf placement once I get the Vine made and sewn down.
I’m also debating whether to decorate the back of the tunic or leave it relatively plain.

So yeah; I still have a bit of work to do on this project—mainly crocheting a few more flowers, and lots more leaflets—but not nearly as much as when this was going to be a full-on party-frock! >_< I think this approach will be more realistically achievable, and be more comfortable to wear in Real Life. Let’s face it; the long dress would only have been suitable for square dances—which I didn’t attend very often even when they were still a thing (darn you, COVID!). A tunic is still elegant and feminine, but less formal and potentially costumey.

I am so looking forward to finishing this project!

Until next time, Gentle Readers,
God bless,

~ℛ~

New Year’s Reflections

Lord, help me be all You want me to be

Help me find what You have in mind for me.

Let me look to You

In all I do;

Help me be all You want me to be.

~Go For the Goal!

Who am I, really? Probably every person on the planet asks themselves that question. Each of us goes through a journey of self-discovery on the road of life, and for the Christian, it involves finding God’s purpose for us in this life, in preparation for our Eternal one.

I’ve been through a lot in my life, not least of which has been the ongoing study of fashion and how it affects one’s looks, and as a tool for self-expression. It’s fascinating, learning how the right colors can bring an otherwise dull complexion to life, or how certain styles can enhance the best features of even the most “awkward” figure, while gently downplaying the perceived “faults.” How certain styles, colors, and embellishments can reflect one’s personality. There’s nothing wrong with this, in and of itself…but to obsess over one’s looks is not only wicked; it’s unhealthy. To elevate the outward appearance to such an important status that it overshadows the inner being—the character and heart-attitudes that are of more worth to God than mere looks—can bring a load of grief. Stress and anxiety from self-imposed standards (admittedly gleaned from the media of our society). Depression that one doesn’t fit the mold of what the world deems “attractive.” Spending money on clothes (or materials to make them) in hopes that they will somehow bring happiness and beauty to one’s life. (And in my case, added to the mix is the delusion that by dressing similarly to my favorite fictional characters, I could somehow be like them, a part of the world they live in.)

I’ve been there, and it’s not fun.

This has resulted in boxes overflowing with potential sewing projects—many of them fabulous and exciting…but not especially practical outside ComiCon or a Ren Fest. (And now that there’s a bit more of me than there was at eighteen, some styles I’ve chosen aren’t even flattering anymore.) You’ve heard me mention the “ginormous pile of sewing” looming over me for many years—usually as a joke, but with a real undercurrent of stress…which has often affected my health and threatened my sanity. I’m convinced this is NOT what God intended when He gave me my imagination, my powers of analysis and creativity, and ability to work with my hands.

By God’s grace, I was FINALLY able to whittle down my sewing and alterations this year. I’m gradually developing a better sense of my personal style—slowly separating the fantastical dreams from the pretty-but-practical Reality.

I’m tired of obsessing over my looks and my wardrobe. Tired of trying to look like an Elf, or a Hobbit-lass, or a Disney Princess, or even a heroine from my own books. I’m even getting tired of trying to do my hair in elegant updos and romantic curly styles…only to end up with Anna’s Bed-head or Bad ’80s Frizz at the end of the day. I’m tired of trying to be pretty and ending up looking awkward and overdressed.

In other words, I’m tired of trying to be something I’m not and making myself miserable. It’s time to stop play-acting, find out exactly who I am and what that looks like, and be content. And if that means T-shirts instead of peasant blouses, knits and rayon instead of chiffon and lace, and “normal/modern” styles instead of Regency frocks and female Robin Hood-esque ensembles…then so be it.

She wears short skirts,

I wear T-shirts—

Um, Anton?

She wears high heels,

I wear sneakers—

Pixie….

She’s cheer captain, and—

I’M ON THE BLEACHERS!!!

I’m ashamed we even know that song….

Thanks a HEAP, you guys. :-P

Aw, you were being so serious; we just had to liven things up a bit.

We thought we’d end your post on a happy note. *Silvery laugh* :-D

*Eyeroll* Or a silly one. Aw well, I appreciate the thought, anyhow.

Anyroad, I believe God is slowly showing me who I really am—gradually stripping away the veneers and masks I’ve put on over the years. Telling me it’s OK if I can’t look like my favorite characters—I can still enjoy them. That I don’t have to dress like my alter ego and other heroines from my own books in order to bring their stories to life. That dressing myself one way and my heroines another way isn’t hypocrisy; it’s realistic.

You’re being serious again.

Because this is a serious subject, sirrah. Stop interrupting.

*Salutes* Yes, sir, ma’am!

My head is full of goofballs. :-P

I sense that 2017 will be a year of change and discovery…a year of letting go of the misconceptions I’ve formed about myself and what defines and enriches my life…and perhaps about others, too. A year of doing, not just dreaming. And I know that, with God’s help, it will be.

Until next time, Gentle Readers,

God bless,

~R~

Fashion Feature ~Birthday Couture~

(Outfit pictures courtesy of my obliging Bro. :-D)

Please excuse the dorky pose; I haven't been
photogenic since I was 18. :-P

~What I’m Wearing~

 Shoes: Black 3-strap heels—thrifted

Stockings: Black fleece-lined tights—hand-me-down from Mom

Dress: “Viola”—made by me

Hairstyle: “Rosaleen” All-over Curls with Lace-braids

 Jewelry: “Woodland Faerie” Necklace; Amethyst Eardrops—made by me

Not pictured in outfit shots:

“Amethyst Wings” ring (left)—Arden Fair Mall, February 2000
“Flora” ring (right)—gift from Daddy, February 2001

It’s been a tradition of mine for most of my life to wear something purple on my birthday. After all, purple has always been my favorite color. It also *just happens* to be the color of my birthstone and birth-flower!

Enter “Viola,” a Regency-inspired frock made mostly from vintage patterns (circa 1970s-80s), re-drafted to suit my shape (although the pattern I used for the main dress actually had the Empire waist in the perfect place for me—a very rare thing for us long-chested gals). It’s made of poly-rayon gabardine, which drapes beautifully and is easy to care for on the whole.

There are a few things I’d tweak if I ever made this pattern again—namely, installing the zipper in the side seam, as the sleeves are too restrictive for me to reach it in back. >Sigh< I’ll also probably stick to round, V or rounded-V (“diamond”)-necklines from now on; sweetheart necks just don’t work on me.

Side view of hairstyle. Taken at the end of the day,
when my pretty corkscrews had turned into
Bad '80s Frizz. :-P

That said, it went together much better than the ill-fated “English Lavender” (but then, I did a mock-up of this pattern beforehand, whereas EL was the mock-up—BAD IDEA—and this pattern was much simpler, construction-wise). The dress fits pretty well and is otherwise comfortable and flattering. I received several compliments on this frock (especially from the twelve- and thirteen-year-olds who sing in the choir with me, LOL)!

Eventually, I want to make a chiffon overlayer, embroidered with a dainty vine-pattern and possibly trimmed with more colorful embroidery in key areas (as I mentioned in my CE), to dress it up some. Unless I decide something like that would be too costume-y….

By God’s grace I was able to whip up this pretty little necklace (christened “Wooldand Faerie”) and put new earwires on my Amethyst Eardrops in time to wear them on Sunday. The necklace was supposed to have two oval cabochons on either side of the silver vines in the chain, but the settings I got didn’t work as well as I’d hoped, and there wasn’t time to order anything else before my birthday. So I just threw some amethyst beads in the chain for now and hope to make it up proper at a later date (Lord willing).

This is the nicest outfit I’ve made myself in a long time, and it’s so wonderful to actually have a dress in my closet again!

Until next time, Gentle Readers,

God bless,

~“Tom”~

Resurrection Sunday

He is Risen!

He is Risen Indeed!

The above is a little greeting certain churches we attended in my growing up years used every Resurrection Sunday. :-D

The day dawned warm, clear and sunny—not a cloud in the sky…with temperatures reaching the mid-70s by afternoon! Perfect weather to help celebrate our Risen Lord, and the promise of New Life symbolized by the budding trees and greening-up fields all around us.

Normally, I’ve been wearing sweater-sets and skirts to church, as they’re warm, comfortable and easily changed. But this being a special occasion—and a warm day to boot—I felt like wearing something a little more festive. (Again, thanks to my obliging Bro for these pix!)

~What I’m Wearing~

Shoes: Black 3-strap heels—thrifted

Stockings: Sheer nylons—Wal*Mart

Dress: “Lady Violet”—thrifted

Necklace: “Wild Irish Rose”—Wild Rose Designs and Laurie Sarah Designs (set with Dark Amethyst)

Earrings: Amethyst Eardrops/“Avalon”—Wild Rose Designs

Hairstyle: based on Siobhan’s “Isolde”

I almost put this elegantly-embellished rayon dress in my upcoming Blog Sale (stay tuned!) because I thought the color was too dark on me (it’s actually a very dark purple, but Mister Camera has this habit of turning purple things blue). However, when I came across the dress while photographing stuff for the sale, I suddenly felt like giving it another go. Boy, am I glad! It’s kind of surprising how becoming this color is, if I do say so myself. The button-front makes it easy to slip on, and the soft rayon fabric is really comfortable.

I pinned the top overlaps of the neckline open, like a mini-lapel, to have enough room for my necklace. I plan to remove the top button and install snaps under the “points” to keep them folded out. I like it better this way and think it’s more becoming than the original high round neckline.

My hairstyle is based on Siobhan’s “Isolde” ’do, with a few tweaks, of course. Obviously, I curled my hair last night, since it was a special occasion. Because of the way my lace braids ended up, I essentially tied them together in a knot at the back of my head and kept twisting the loose ends around the bit that wrapped around my head.

Then I pinned the ends under the ridge formed by the lace-braiding in front.

 I ran out of time to do the fishtail braids (which take f-o-r-e-v-e-r), and of hair to do the extra accent braids, so I just did regular 3-strand braids and pinned them in the middle of the wrapped/tied braids. They don’t really show up amongst all those curls, though. Next time, I’ll probably either just curl the ends or do braid-waves.

By now you’re probably used to seeing “Wild Irish Rose” with my outfits, but I wanted to show you my earrings, too. Some of my Birthday money went towards a lot of ten gorgeous amethyst briolettes (teardrops), two of which I used to revamp the ones I wore for the Springtime Tea last May. A thousand apologies for the blurry picture; I didn’t realize it was until I uploaded it! But at least you can see the general shape of the earrings.

 After church and a dinner of slow-cooked ham (our house smelled soooo good during the night!), we popped over to Falls Park to see the waterfall and soak in God’s creation. The weather was perfect, and we had a lovely time sitting on mossy rocks by the river, feeling the sun on our backs and breathing deep draughts of fresh air. Ahhh….

I hadn’t expected there to be any flowers out this early, but we were pleasantly surprised to see these (very short) buttercups, and some purply-pink flowers unfamiliar to us!

Overall, a lovely, relaxing day.

Until next time, Gentle Readers,

God bless,

~“Tom”~

The Wearin’ o’ the Green

Erin go braugh and a Happy Saint Patrick’s Day, Gentle Readers!

While I mayn’t have much Irish blood in me, I do like to honor my heritage by the wearin’ o’ the green every Saint Pat’s…and to avoid getting pinched by unscrupulous persons (what genius started that tradition, anyway?!). :-P This year I went all-out and wore all the colors of the Irish flag—green, white and orange:

Photo by Peter

~What I’m Wearing~

Shoes: Black 3-strap Heels—thrifted

Stockings: White Sweater-tights—JC Penney (I think)

Skirt: “Emerald Spruce” Tartan Kilt—thrifted

Shirt: Dark-green Turtleneck—thrifted

Sweater: Cream Cabled Pullover—Wal*Mart

Necklace: “Wild Irish Rose” w/Rainbow Moonstone—Wild Rise Designs & Laurie Sarah Designs

Hairstyle: “Halo Braid”

(I also wore some green-glass drop earrings, but I didn’t like the way they looked on me, so I took them off as soon as we got home.)

I thought the white-tights-black-shoes look would seem “Irish” (especially since my shoes are *faintly* reminiscent of ghillies), but I wouldn’t recommend it with regular strap-shoes. That tends to look little-girlish. :-P

The sweater is the one I mentioned recently, purchased on clearance at Wal*Mart for $7.00. I hardly ever buy new clothes anymore because even Wal*Mart is too steep for my Scottish blood ($17 for one pair of jeans? Seriously?!), but when prices are this low, and it’s something I like, how can I resist? My only beef with it is that it’s 100% cotton (which tends to stretch out of shape quickly, and gets that stiff, “old-dishtowel” feeling after several washes), but its many perks outweigh that one fault. The classic style, great fit and deep V-neck that shows lots of color near my face—plus the fact that it will go with EVERYTHING—love!

(Somewhat washed-out) CU of tartan pattern

Back view

This gorgeous wool wrap-skirt is one I picked up at my old workplace— Post Falls Hospice Thrift—half-off, too! At first I wasn’t sure I could live with that persimmon-orange, but the green is so beautiful—and consequently blends beautifully with my turtleneck—that I decided to give it a go. Actually, I left it at the store when I first saw it, but the next week it was still there, so obviously God wanted me to have it, wot?

Originally I was going to pleat the front flaps to match the back of the skirt, since I wasn’t sure the flat-fronted look was that flattering on me. But the previous owner put a honking-great huge patch under a weakened area of the skirt, and it was so stiff that it wouldn’t pleat properly. So I had to content myself with moving the buttons over for more ease around the ol’ hips. :-P It’s really comfortable—warm, too, being wool. The quality is very nice; it’d probably sell for upwards of $20 on Etsy or eBay, easily (especially since it may be vintage). I need to get meself a kilt-pin, though (or throw down some Velcro), to keep the front overlap closed…especially on windy days.

I apologize for the lack of pix. Speaking of wind, we had quite a bit of it today, and it was still stinkin’ cold out, so we didn’t linger. But it was also gloriously sunny when we got home from church, so it seemed logical to do a photo-shoot outdoors, aye?

PETER: "You're squinting quite a bit."
ME: "That's 'cos it's bright out here." :-P

And now if you’ll excuse me, I need to go make some pizza crust for dinner tonight. We’re not Irish enough round hereabouts to like corned beef and cabbage! :-P

Until next time, Gentle Readers,

God bless,

~“Tom”~

February Thrifting Haul, Part Two

Hello, Gentle Readers! As promised, here is Part Two of the story of God’s amazing provision in my wardrobe. I’m actually a little embarrassed—and humbled—by all this love He’s been showering on me. I really should never, ever complain!

This is what happened on Saturday, February 2^nd, the day after my birthday….

We stopped by Jo-Ann’s first off, to see if they had any fabric that would match some scraps I had for a couple new projects (they didn't, but that’s OK, as you’ll see in a minute). When we got there, we found out that this Jo-Ann’s was moving from its tucked-in-a-corner location on 4^th Street to a new, bigger store in the Silver Lake Mall—which, consequently, is a lot easier to get to and closer to Post Falls! So they had some major sales going on that enabled Mom and me to get ourselves some pretty fabrics. Here’s what I got:

I’ve had some turquoise poly-cotton in The Stash for over a decade, but not quite enough for a whole dress like I wanted. So I’ve been on the lookout for something to supplement it with. Enter this Kona cotton solid—regularly $7.99 a yard (och!), on sale for 50% off (maybe more)! There were three yards and fifteen inches left on the bolt, so I got it all. I have practically nothing (nothing wearable, that is) in turquoise. Aqua—yes. Blue—yes. But turquoise? Nada. So this will be a great boost to my wardrobe! PTL!

This beautiful seafoam print was also on sale (is that a God-thing, or what?), so again, I got all that was left on the bolt (three yards, ten inches) intending to make a couple blouses—one long-sleeved, one short-sleeved. I was going to make the short-sleeved one as a secondary blouse for my “Sea Breeze” outfit. Turns out it was too greyed/muted and a touch too blue to go with my capris fabric, so I’ll be taking Mom’s suggestion and make meself a nice Summer dress.

I definitely need more green in my life, and this will be a good start. :-)

We then headed to the Goodwill, where I bought this cute little number:

The girls and I actually saw it the day before, but strangely, none of us bought it then. Guess I was supposed to wait until I had a bit of Birthday Money (courtesy of Mrs. S across the street), wot?

Normally I don’t go for pink (especially pale pink) and black, but somehow this micro-dotted twill, with its ruched sleeves and pockets and “lettuce-edge” serging, struck a chord. It was one of those “I don’t like X-Y-Z…except when I do” moments. ;-) It has a very 1950’s vibe to it—just add a circle skirt, cute ponytail updo and an ice cream soda, and voila!

I’ve since altered it to fit a little better, so it’s just waiting for the weather to warm up enough to be worn!

Having finished at the Goodwill, we headed over to the CdA Hospice Thrift, where I hit the jackpot. They have clothing 50% off on Wednesdays and Saturdays, so I was able to get half-dozen new-to-me items for under ten bucks. Awesome!

Remember what I said about being “tall in the saddle” and that it’s hard to find trousers that come up high enough? Enter scrub-pants—they’re high-rise, comfy…and fairly easy to whack off for capris in the Summer. Plus they have POCKETS! Must have pockets, if only to have a place to put my hands in awkward moments. :-P

Lavender has a leg-pocket, too!

 As you can see, I found light pink, lavender and “cool”-green (deep emerald with a touch more blue in the mix), all of which blend nicely with fabrics/blouses I already have.

CU of embroidery

This brilliant-red blouse sports intricate embroidery…and consequently blends with my “Lassie” Skirt. :-) I’m in the process of removing the loops-and-buttons, so’s I can sew up the placket to a little above where the top button was. Haven’t decided whether to leave the placket open or add some lacing. Either way would suit this slightly exotic-styled top.

Speaking of red, “check” out this little micro-gingham blouse (yeah, yeah, bad pun :-P). I normally don’t go for tiny checks, but I just couldn’t resist that embroidered collar! All it needs is to be shortened some, otherwise it fits fine. Yay!

OK, so technically this “blouse” is a scrub-top, but I love, love, love this beautiful pansy-print (apart from the poisonous-looking acid-green, but thankfully it’s not too dominant). Purple is another color sadly lacking in my wardrobe—soon to be remedied! One nice thing about scrubs is that they have those handy pockets in the front (which don’t show in the photograph). A little tailoring will make this one fit nicer, methinks, as it’s a bit shapeless right now.

 

Mom and I were able to go thrifting once a week all through February (plus a few times this month, too), and every time, God blessed us both with at least one or two things we’d been looking for. Because of this, I now have several long-sleeved blouses (my weakest point) for the coming Spring—a couple of which don’t need any alteration!—plus several “new” turtlenecks, and a grey and a cream sweater for the rest of the Winter. The Lord has been filling in my Summer wardrobe, too, so now I’m pretty much set…once I get out there and SEW! ;-) 

I’m still blown away by God’s provision. Yes, it means more sewing added to the towering pile already on my head, :-P but thankfully, very little of it is as complicated as some of my other projects. In the long run, these frocks will give me some nice clothes to wear this Spring and Summer, which will free me up to get the Fall and Winter things ready in the meantime, and tide me over while I work on other Spring and Summer things.

Until next time, Gentle Readers,

God bless,

~“Tom”~

♥

I ♥ Thursday

Today I’m linking up with Ashley’s “I ♥Thursday”!

The Rules (so you can join the fun, too!):

1. Be sure to have I ♥ Thursday in your post title. {You can copy & paste the ♥ into your own post. That is what I do.}

2. Have the button in your post, or link to back to Bramblewood Fashion and have the button in your sidebar.

3. Share anything that you are loving right now. Tutorials, fashion, crafts, music, movies, recipes, quotes, what ever.

4. Have fun visiting everyone's link!

She's also hosting a giveaway for a $10 gift card to places like Amazon, Forever21, Payless, and more (winner's choice)! Check out her blog for details.

So what am I loving lately? Well, I must confess to being a wee bit obsessed with tartan!

MacLean variation Tartan [source]

 I’ve always liked plaids, although I don’t seem to have worn them much growing up. Then I discovered a wee bit of Scottish blood in our family’s background (Great-great-great-grandfather McSpadden) and met the adorable Miss Kellie, whose love of her own (less distant) Scotch roots inspired me to appreciate my own. My search for the McSpadden clan tartan proved to be a bit confusing (although one of the MacLean tartans—pictured above—looks a bit like what was described in this article), but it sparked an interest in other tartans, specifically in skirt form to go with my solid-colored sweater-sets* and/or blouses. Pictured below are my favorite finds on Etsy. Enjoy!

* Sweater-set = A turtlenecked T-shirt with a sweater of the same or similar color.

~Tom’s Dictionary of Whacked-out Terms and Old Family Sayings

[source]

  

CU of Purple Tartan

It looks blue, but it’s really royal purple! How could I resist? ;-)

 

[source]

Here’s a color you don’t often see in a tartan—robin’s egg blue! Very striking.

[source]

This pretty pink skirt reminds me of one my mom had for years. Mom’s was more of a peach-pink, with grey and white in it. She offered it to me a couple years ago, but at the time I wasn’t into printed skirts of any sort, and I thought I was still allergic to wool. So it went to the thrift shop…and I’m still kicking myself. This skirt is even the same style. Love the minty-greens in it, too!

[source]

Another purple tartan—probably too “warm” for me (even if I could afford it, that is), but it’s a very sharp, classic-looking plaid, notwithstanding.

[source]

  

 Speaking of classic, what could be more so than this Black Watch-looking tartan (right)? 

EDIT: Having read the listing again, this is actually an authentic MacCallum tartan. So to any of my Gentle Readers who are MacCallums--this is your tartan!

[source]

[source]

These two skirts have a similar pattern to them—red plaids on a bluish background— only one is a true blue, whereas the other is more of a teal-blue. The brighter blue has touches of green and purple, too. Both look very smart!

[source]

 Here’s yet another “purple” tartan—although it’s mostly navy- and royal blue. Normally I don’t care for purple and blue in combination—too similar—but this pattern makes them look good together. It’s one of those “I don’t like XYZ… except when I do” moments. :-P The white plaids make it look really snazzy, too!

[source]

While I wouldn’t pair any tartan with, say, a floral print, this grey-and-white combo would go smashingly with any solid-colored top, while still having that classic tartan look to it.

[source]

On the other side of the coin, this bright little frock will go with any number of other colors.

[source]

CU of Blue Tartan

Lastly, we have two tartans with a lot going on in them. The first one is basically baby-blue and dark green, with checks in between of both colors. The blue checks have red lines running through them that form a little grid in the center, and the green checks have red gridlines all over. The blue/green checks also have red gridlines, but in a narrow band across the center of the checks, with single red lines above and below. And all are bordered with lines of white and yellow. Whee!

[source]

CU of Red/Grey Tartan

The second tartan may look a bit drab at first—just red and grey—but a closer look reveals checks of blue and green in a complex pattern, stripes of bright blue, and touches of yellow, black and white, with textured striping between the checks. And those grey ones? A closer inspection reveals they are actually a hound’s-tooth check pattern! Wow!

Mind you, those two drops of Scotch blood (and my poor, starving bank account) prevent me from actually buying these lovelies…unless they were to go on clearance. I can dream, can’t I? ;-) But I’m confident that if God wants me to have them (or something similar and waaaay less pricey), then He’ll provide them, in His time. Until then, I have these:

This is of course my “Scottish Seafoam” skirt, featured here a while back. It’s quickly becoming my favorite skirt, as it looks good with both mary-janes and boots, so theoretically I could wear it in all but the very hottest weather (all two months of it, LOL). Hurrah for versatility!

Christmas 2011

And you all remember my Lassie Skirt, aye? It’s not quite as versatile as the seafoam one, but it’s very elegant—especially under my green velvet dress (christened “Celtic Princess”)!

This smart little number is one I actually picked up at (where else?) the thrift shop earlier this Fall (or was it in Summer?), but as usual, I haven’t been able to feature it on the old blog until now. :-P It’s a size 20, and it has a few “boo-boos” that need fixing. My plan is to take it apart and re-pleat it to fit my own (size 14) waist. This is the most versatile tartan in my current collection, as it will go with green, red and navy-blue, and also my seafoam sweater-set!
What’s really amazing is that it’s a poly-silk-rayon blend, which the label dictates should be Dry Clean Only, yet it came through the washer and dryer with no ill effects! PTL!

The whitish stuff is embroidery on some trim I was thinking of using

CU of Tartan pattern

I call it “Highland Kelly.” Why? Because of a blouse I once had (see picture) that was the same deep green as some of the checks in this skirt. The original “Kelly” blouse was a long-sleeved shirtwaist that I altered by removing the too-long cuffs and using the resulting fabric to make sleeve-bindings and a collar-ruffle (which I never got a pic of, sadly). After that, I tailored the sides so it'd fit more nicely…and then promptly outgrew it that Fall. :-( I still miss that blouse…anyway, I plan (Lord willing!) to make another one to go with this skirt.

What are you loving lately?

Until next time, Gentle Readers,

God bless,

~“Tom”~

♥