What to do with a rare Sunday off, a clear head, a stash of vintage curtains and a groovy 1970 dressmaking pattern?
Using 1960s Cher (who else?) as inspiration - think acid yellow, bell bottomed pants and psychedelia with a nod to Native American culture - I cracked on with some recreational sewing for the first time this year.
It wasn't easy, the pattern was four sizes too big and the 1960s curtains I'd set my heart on using were rather narrow, but after a day of seam ripping, swearing, chucking things around and improvising this is the finished article - a zip fastening tunic top with matching bell bottom pants.
A tad optimistic for today's freezing temperatures but I'll warm up once I've started ironing and photographing the mountain of clothes destined for the Kinky Melon shop later this week.
Native American-style wolf choker in bone (50p, car boot sale)
Barry M Turquoise nails - chipped to buggery from the all the frantic sewing. Lattice ring (from darling Em) and fancy silver bangle (Krista-licious)
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| Dressmaking pattern (the wonderful Tamera , Fabric (Courtesy of our mates, Matt and Sonya), 1960s fringed jerkin (£9, Second To None, 2010), Fake Litas ( £5, off the market) |
The delivery driver who just dropped off my brother's latest eBay purchase asked me out to dinner, that's one person impressed with my sewing abilities.
I'm joining Patti and the gang for the party over at Visible Monday then it's back to work but before I go feast your eyes on this incredible sketch by the amazing Anne over at Spygirl.
Isn't it brilliant?
See you soon.
Isn't it brilliant?
See you soon.
HELLZ YES!!!
ReplyDeleteYOU look amazing, mi prosti amor! The curtain couture is INCREDIBLE. I would have asked you out for dinner too... in fact, I think I will. What do you say? You and me? Aloo palak?
Love yer EVERYTHING!
Sarah xxx
Lord above, Vix, that's inspired! You are so clever! What an fab pattern, and the curtain fabric is perfect for it. The fringed jerkin and all your usual amazing jewellery do give it all that wonderful flavour of Cher. Never mind the delivery driver - I want to ask you out for dinner!
ReplyDeleteGood luck with all your ironing. I have a mountain too, but it's all Simon's shirts and kids clothes, no gorgeous vintage stuff!
Love you! xxxx
Ha, Sarah beat me to it! A threesome it is then! xxxx
ReplyDeleteSkills Vix, very impressed! And the odd bit of swearing always finds it way into sewing doesn't it. :)
ReplyDeleteLove the colours on you.
x
You are as beautiful as the non-plastic surgery-Cher, and that's really unique!
ReplyDeleteWell done- they look fab! I spent my Sunday morning finishing off a dress as well, and my pattern needed quite a bit of tweaking , which I thought I'd done, but it's still a little too big for me.
ReplyDeleteI love this! I've got a few patterns that are way too big for me and I've yet to tackle them as the thought of having to scale them down is putting me off. Seeing your gorgeous outfit has inspired me to give it a go though.
ReplyDeleteBy the way - I ordered the lovely blue suit, I just couldn't resist it! :)
Amazing what a talanted and gorgeous woman like you make with some old fabric!
ReplyDeleteWow!! You are a talented seamstress! I never find curtains or fabric. It's an unlucky area for me. The vest is perfect with the suit and the rings and choker are all amazing.
ReplyDeleteYou look so pretty in these pics,
Becky :)
Your sewing skills make me weep with longing...This tunic and bell-bottom set are literally the stuff my dreams are made off...Why is it so hard to find people that can sew who are willing to teach others? All the best with prepping for Kinkymelon xxx
ReplyDeleteFecking awesome love! I'm mad for a bit of curtain couture and you rock at it.
ReplyDeleteI'll come and do yer ironing...I enjoy it...it's relaxing!
Have a good one.
Em
xxxxxxxxx
Hi there! Absolutely awesome outfit, you look amazing and you're so very creative, well done! xxxx
ReplyDeleteAwesome, I love curtain couture! :)
ReplyDeleteFab. U. Larse.
ReplyDeleteThat is all ;)
www.mancunianvintage.com
Good God, Vix, you never cease to amaze. No wonder random delivery men are asking you out to dinner. You stunner you. xx
ReplyDeleteSo talented! Absolutely love the outfit - fabric is just right for that look.
ReplyDeleteLiz @ Shortbread & Ginger
I'm sure you must get offers from random beau's all the time...especially when wearing a funky outfit made from some old curtains. I've got my Barry M turquoise on too...I think of you whenever I put it on. You're my inspiration! Xx
ReplyDeleteHa, that outfit is sooo Cher!
ReplyDeleteA-MAY-ZING!! You're so colourful and creative, I love it.
ReplyDeleteI especially like your wolf necklace!!
Lx
www.whatlisawrote.blogspot.co.uk
Good morning, my muse!
ReplyDeleteFantastic!
Love the "eye" motifs on the curtains.
"Half breeeeeeeeed..."
Seeing that pile of curtains and that fab pattern and then the collage of Cher -- I couldn't wait to see your creation. And it did not disappoint. Groovy pattern and you know I love a long tunic.
ReplyDeleteWow, Vix FANTASTIC! That tunic and pants are a perfect paring for that vest and necklace. You've got the fab 60s Cher look down for sure. Well done, my dear!
ReplyDeleteOoh how cool! I love the inspiration, and that fabric is awesome!
ReplyDeleteWell done!!!This work is spectacular and it looks fabulous on you, it's easy to get inspired by your wonderful lookalike Cher, her style was flawless!Congratulations Vix, I'm so impressed by your skills and by what you create that is always an example and an incentive for me to be more and more creative!I want to ask you out too!!
ReplyDeleteLoads of love
xxxxxxxxxxx
GORGEOUS!!! I like you in yellow, too!! I couldn't help noticing your masterful pattern matchup at the side seams. :-) I think I may have to do a tunic/bellbottom ensemble of some description too. XXXOOO
ReplyDeleteThe word that always comes to mind is magic, yeahhhhhhhhh. That is you, pure magic.
ReplyDeleteXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
You matched the freaking side seams!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You can come work in my shop any day. Side seams not matching on RTW clothes is my major peeves. I hate it when stripes don't match up. You look like you stepped out of 1970.
ReplyDeleteThe things you can just whip out on a Sunday while most are being lazy you made this crazy ass wild pant suit which BTW looks incredible on you!!!! The pattern makes my head spin in a good way:) I wonder what took that chap so long to ask you out :)
ReplyDeleteAnne's illustration of your amazing creation is almost as beautiful as you! It was so great to catch up with you Sat. I love you honey!!!!
XXOOO
Great outfit, I love the choker x
ReplyDeleteAmazing! You really should sell some of your own creations on Kinky Melon too.
ReplyDeletexxx
Oh my god it looks amazing! I hope my dress will turn to be at least half as good! xxx
ReplyDeleteCher, indeed! You're like a gorgeous version of the already beautiful singer!
ReplyDeleteoh my gah! legendary pant suit and offers of dinner and artwork and cher.....life is good x
ReplyDeleteFABULOUS two-piece, Vix! You're so talented! xxx
ReplyDeleteI expect that any minute now you you will start flinging your hair and singing the chorus of "I Got You Babe".
ReplyDeleteAnne's sketch captures your spirit (and the outfit) perfectly. She is a very talented artist.
Very colourful and creative x
ReplyDeleteYou lok amazing, love it all. Great rings!
ReplyDeleteCheck out my fashion blog at www.fashion1psychology.com Thx!
Vix you look incredible amazing in your new creation!!! Love the pattern. You're really talented!!! Have a fab day. xxx
ReplyDeleteWicked ensemble. Love the Cher/native American thing you've got going there. You really are so clever adapting that pattern down four whole sizes. What a great way to spend a Sunday. Love the leather jerkin too. Yep, you look great. xxxx
ReplyDeleteThat is absolutely awesome Vix! You look amazing.
ReplyDeleteI love Spygirl's illustration. She is really talented. Totally fab!
Annie xxx
That is absolutely awesome Vix! You look amazing.
ReplyDeleteI love Spygirl's illustration. She is really talented. Totally fab!
Annie xxx
Gorgeous....just love this outfit! I love Spy Girl's drawings too. One of my fave ways to spend a Sunday.
ReplyDeleteSo.....what did the delivery guy look like?
DeniseAngela
If Bono is still alive, he might need a second glance to see if you are really not Cher! You can truly pull off this retro vintage look.. absolutely stunning!
ReplyDeleteGREETINGS FROM DUBAI
MRS JACK OF ALL TRADES
http://mrsjackofalltradesdaily.blogspot.ae/
Mind. Blown.
ReplyDeleteAnd you are beeeyond Fab.U.Lous.
I bet in the 60s Cher would've fought you for that suit - it's absolutely amazing! The pattern is just stunning and the finished article looks perfect on you. I really really love it! Love the addition of all that bastard jewellery too, gives it an edgier feel. SO excited for Wednesday now!
ReplyDeleteWho could resist you in that outfit? It's amazing, and I'm blown away that you made it with your own two hands. Even though it was a frustrating process, what I great feeling you must have at the end of it! And what a supreme compliment to be rendered so beautifully on paper. Your look is spot on Cher. xoxo
ReplyDeleteMy God! You ARE Cher!! Actually you are just a genius - I don't know anyone else who can make old curtains look this bloody glamorous!!
ReplyDeleteGood gravy, you look fabulous, Vix - love this outfit and what kick-ass jewelry too. And Anne's art is the absolute bomb, isn't it? Thanks for linking up with VisMonday. xoxoxoxo
ReplyDeleteExcuse me has anyone seen Vix? Ha ha ha!
ReplyDeleteSo wonderful, loving every inch of you.
So fun, love it! :D
ReplyDeleteI looove your creative energy and a talented person like you finds inspiration everywhere even on curtains.Great results.
ReplyDeleteAmazing - so talented. I love the choice of fabric. xxx
ReplyDeleteVery cool!!! Love the portrait...
ReplyDeleteOld curtains are a brilliant thing to score. Built to last and representing wondrous possibilities!
x
Wow, that is bloody fantastic. You do indeed look like Cher. Xx
ReplyDeleteOoooo, YEAH, baby!
ReplyDeleteFecking FANTASMO! Yes, indeed, tres Cher, but Vix first and foremost!
You ROCK that Curtain Couture! The print is divoon, and a pantsuit is the BOMB! I never wear pants, but I do love a good pantsuit. Accessorised to PERFECTION! As always! You can do no worng, my lovely!
Love Helga xxxXXXXxx
I adore your peekaboo of blue shoes with that outfit!
ReplyDeleteExcellent outfit. Way to go clever lady. Also what a great sketch of you wearing the outfit!
ReplyDeleteYou look totally far out and groovy! What an excellent job you did. Too bad sewing always seems to induce so much swearing - it does that to me, too. It all seems worth it in the end.
ReplyDeleteHow can anyone look that good in old curtains!! :D I swear my sister used curtain material for her bridesmaid dresses, I looked like a farking herbaceous border!!
ReplyDeleteYour tunic and bell bottoms look fabulous. You are an aficionado of curtain couture. I very rarely paint my nails these days because they just get chipped straight away from all my sewing and crafting activities.
ReplyDeleteYup, looking incredibly Cher like in that amazing outfit. Love the drawing by Spygirl too. You're both very talented women.
ReplyDeleteYeah Yeah!! Sewing awesome-ness!! Looks great and very Cher :D I always love seeing you sewing adventures.
ReplyDeleteVix, you look amazing, what a clever young thing you are. My sewing is pretty abysmal, but maybe in time I can aspire to a Cher Curtain outfit lol.
ReplyDeleteLovely drawing from Spygirl :)
V*A*L*
Is their nothing you can't turn your hand to Vix? Looking incredible and I love the drawing of you
ReplyDeleteX x
Those curtains are far better draped on you rather than a window!! Chatted up too!!
ReplyDeletewouuaaauuu, love your 'inspired by Cher' outfit, that tunic and pants are really well made and love that funky yellow print!, your fringed jerk and great bijouterie are just perfect accessories to give it a twist!
ReplyDeleteSo fabulous that you've been sketched in a so artistic way, love it!
besos & art
Looking hawt!!! I can see why the delivery driver asked you out, he seriously has taste! I love the whole outfit and the fact that you made it out of curtains and using a too big pattern - a true testament to your sewing skills.xxx
ReplyDeleteNo wonder he asked you out this ensemble is fabulous!
ReplyDeleteI admire your sewing ability! i have my Chinese seamstress across the street and she 's cheap!
Can't get over that you used shower curtain!
Hugs
Ariane xxx
Gorgeous Vix, you've totally out-Chered Cher! You're even more beautiful than her in that incredible ensemble. My magpie eye is particularly excited by that amazing necklace and oooooh all the jewellery! Isn't it lovely to be able to wear more summery clothes now that the weather is finally changing.
ReplyDeleteTotally cool, man. The perfect sewing pattern with the perfect pattern of fabric and styled just right. I have just got to get those 60's patterns I have to you. I made them for myself when I was a teen (ha)! And they're just your style and size. Now, where is your address...
ReplyDeleteLovely yellow for spring. It's definitely an inspired outfit; I love it. You've brightened up my day.
ReplyDeletevix. you are one talented lady. your outfit is amazing. i love your picture. i'll check out your shop later this week. love lucyx
ReplyDeleteThis is so awesome because I've always thought you reminded me of Cher. Love the pics and your outfit!
ReplyDeleteAlexa
retrospendthrift.com
YOu look stunning, dear!
ReplyDeletehttp://theprintedsea.blogspot.de/
Gorgeous and extremely talented. What else can I say! I finally got a sewing machine today, seeing posts like this is an inspiration and motivation to start learning!
ReplyDeleteYou weren't kidding about wearing a tablecloth - or curtain! Of course you do it so much better than anyone else.
ReplyDeleteThe Native American and Cher inspirations are visible but is all your style and charisma that shines through!
ReplyDeleteThe delivery guy wanted some take out!
Brilliant! Certainly, see and feel the inspiration. Fabulously YOU! Glad that you are back with sewing again! :) xx
ReplyDeleteOh Vix that is just the most amazing fabric and perfect to be made into a tunic and pants, so much better than curtains!!!!!! Tee hee I am not surprised you where asked out by a gentleman.
ReplyDeletelove V
PS so so happy to have a treasure from "Kinky Melons" coming my way!!!!!! Yay yay......
so nice looking i like it
ReplyDeleteParfum pas cher
It turned out amazing, looks great :) ohh the sketch is wonderful too ,love it :)
ReplyDeleteOh,Vix!!!
ReplyDeleteSo good to see you in your fab new pantsuit! I am off to parooze all your wonderful outfits asap!
super big hugs and thanks for the support ;)
Reva
Certainly the best curtain transformation I've ever seen and how clever of you to adapt a pattern that was too large. Fab accessories especially the howling wolf choker, so perfect for this Cher inspired look. You have such a large wardrobe I'm wondering if you ever forget that you have a certain frock or accessory only to rediscover it later???
ReplyDeleteFantastic outfit - Chertastic! That'll totally confuse that guy who thinks you are Cher x
ReplyDeleteAnne at Spygirl sketched you to perfection, Vix. The delivery driver has great taste; the 60's curtains transformed into the 70's ensemble are irresistible on you.
ReplyDeleteI got you babe was the first song I fell in love with when I was a kid.....you are Cher but can you make it sunny??!!x
ReplyDeleteWOW! It turned out beautifully! You are so talented. LOVE the wolf choker, too! And all of the lovely rings and bangles, of course. Anything Native American-style ALWAYS gets my lovin'! I sometimes wonder if it has to do with my Native American heritage; my intense love of turquoise and the like. :) A post from you instantly makes me feel creative and happy! :D XOXO
ReplyDeleteoh!! wonderful
ReplyDeleteHow clever of you, your new outfit looks fab on you xxx
ReplyDeleteFabulous :-) dee xxx
ReplyDeleteFantastic!
ReplyDelete