Monday 29 April 2013

Curtain Couture -The New Rock and Roll


 How times change. Not so long ago when Jon was working away I'd call the girls, don my glad rags and dance the night away. 


On Friday I couldn't have been happier alone, digging out the vinyl, cracking open a bottle of Pink Chill and setting the scissors loose on a pair of 1960s screen printed curtains.


I made one hell of a mess, swore like a navvy and built up an unnaturally close friendship with my seam ripper but by the time Jon came back I was dressed in the curtain I was unpicking when he left.


Before the official blog photographer's return I couldn't resist sharing a sneak preview with my friends on Facebook - check out the classic Blogger pose. 


Just in case you're bored with my sewing here's what's on my dressing table.
The Deco dressing table was rescued from the skip of the first house I ever rented and has been painted a rainbow of colours over the past three decades (currently Fairy Dust by Crown), everything else is charity shopped, car booted or jumble sale-d apart from the hot pink Blythe doll picture (from Krista-licious).


The finished culotte suit.


From the front, 


The back,


Rouleau straps, darts, covered buttons, French seams and all.
I'm linking to Creative Mondays.



I'm also linking to Patti's Visible Monday. No-one can see me in the garden but I'm sure someone will look my way when I visit Dad's nursing home and Lidl later.

Culotte suit (made from a Le-Roy pattern from the fabulous Curtise) , Francis Price Sunflower curtains (courtesy of friends, neighbours and fellow festival goers, Matt and Sonya), hair flower (made by me), Tribal brass choker (Orissan hill tribe, bought in Tamil Nadu), Ethnic earrings (belonged to my Mum)

Hope you've had a fabulous weekend and a great start to the week.

See you soon!

98 comments:

  1. Wow what a ray of sunshine you are on a Monday lunchtime!

    I love your sewing posts, and it really has given me the itch to have a go at making some of my own clothes. Although I think I would be surgically attached to my seam ripper! lol.

    What lovely things you have on your dressing table love the swan.

    Hope the rest of your weekend was just as fab.

    P x

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  2. I don't think that you will use your new jumpsuit just at home, but I think it's perfect home-garment. Neat (for one should be good looking at home aswell) but loose and comfortable. The fabric and the woman in the fabric is incredibly nifty.

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  3. What a brilliant creation! I love the covered buttons and the back is really flattering. I think it's great when people make clothes from vintage curtains - they had such great prints and patterns. And I love the dressing table. How nice that it's been with you for so long. By the way, your earring collection really is something! xx

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  4. They're perfect! It's really cold where I am so back on with the coat and boots sadly - thanks for the sunshine! xx

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  5. Wow, you did a fabulous job with this one. My fave curtain creation of yours to date for sure. I'd love to see a round-up post of all your curtain couture garments. The print is bold and delicious. I'm not surprised that you turned the air blue with profanities, those buttoned shoulder straps look very complicated. You look stunning and no doubt you will beam happiness into peoples hearts in this fabulous get-up. I think we should start charging Lidl for turning their humdrum aisles into fabulous catwalks ;)
    ...xXx

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  6. Wowzers! What a fantastic job you've made of those curtain culottes Vix. Love the button detail and it fits you beautifully. Thanks to the Great British Sewing Bee I now know what french seams are. How lovely that you rescued your dressing table and have revamped it over the decades.
    xxx

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  7. Beautiful suit and earrings! The mini dress in the pattern reminds me of one of Marianne Faithfull's maternity dresses, so adorable!
    I haven't had night out with my girlfriends in ages... I don't really have any friends in my town, they are all in London so I only get to see them when I go around. Can't wait to go back! xxx

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  8. What a wonderful job! I love the straps xxx

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  9. That really is a thing of beauty you have concocted there. I think you might be giving The Queen of the Sewing Machine, Helga, a run for her money. I already loved it from the front but what a wonderful rear view! And look at your top knot! You are just gorgeous!

    When I get a bit of peace and quiet, that is exactly what I want, no interruptions, just me time. Did you make something aux avocados?

    Now that I've had a chance to study things a bit more (!) I am rather taken with that mini sound system, it's adorable! Love all your swans too. Yep, I'm having quite a good neb around your boudoir now. Thanks Vix! xxxxxxx

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  10. I missed the Facebook preview but I'm in playsuit heaven now! So cool that you were unpicking the curtains when Jon left and He found you wearing them when he was back! The colours of this print are so bright and lovely and I'm very surprised that you finished such a wonderful work in few hours, I think you felt very inspired and the guitar gods and Jimi were with you while you were sewing!
    This playsuit is something that I would wear on daily basis and I would feel amazing in it!
    LoveyoumorethanBlythedolls! xxxxxxxxx

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  11. What a gorgeous splash of colour on a grey rainy Monday. You certainly did a great job! I love your dresser too - that's the kind i'm yearning for myself, hopefully once we get a larger place I can go extreme on the vintage furniture!

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  12. Now that's how to do curtain couture! Fabulous!
    I have the same fabric, but only enough to make a bag but I wanted to make a frock really, but your apttern is better than any dress.
    You will have loads of admiring looks when you're out n'about.
    Bloody loves ya!
    xxxxxxxxxxx

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  13. I am seriously impressed by your sewing skills. That is a fabulous outfit. Thanks for the sneaky peak at your dressing table too. I'm always fascinated by peoples boudoirs. Xx

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  14. I don't sew very well, but even I could manage a glass of wine and some Jimmy Hendrix! And the results were fabulous.

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  15. You're so clever! It's kind of like the one on the pattern cover. The button detail looks tricky. Might need your fur coat over it today though! xxx

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  16. Genial el peto!!
    Besos
    http://judithbysucre.blogspot.com.es

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  17. Fantastic, I can almost believe its spring.
    I've got this pattern too, must try the dress version, perhaps you should organise a curtain couture sew along??

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  18. Oooh what a great style, love the fabric! :)

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  19. You are clever! Love it.
    You've inspired me to crack out my sewing machine when I move.
    x

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  20. Fabulous culottes! I cannot believe they used to be a curtain :-)
    Enjoyed the peak at your dressing table contents too...

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  21. You are truly a sunflower in the garden in your brilliant culotte suit. Gorgeous from all angles! I also love seeing the creative display on your dressing table. Everything you touch becomes visual candy.

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  22. Fabulous craftiness, Vix. I am sure you'll receive lots of appreciative lookies when you head to town : > Thanks for sharing with Visible Monday.

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  23. well done, my dear. You even made sure to get the flowers on the back of the legs even. You can come work with me any day.

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  24. You'll certainly brighten-up wherever you go today Vix - with both your personality and outfit!

    Looks great - and I'm the same, I love having quiet time where I can drink (a little, swear(a lot) and do a load of sewing/knitting - bliss!

    www.mancunianvintage.com

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  25. You've out done yourself with this one, Vix! Curtain Couture! Certain members of my family & a few old friends have always lamented my attraction to fabric that looks like "granny curtains". But- ya know- the heart wants what it wants & I never saw what they saw. I only saw... The New Rock & Roll!!! Glad to see that I'm such fabulous company \m/

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  26. i adore being home alone too. i love your curtain couture. you are a genius and gorgeous too. have a lovely week vix. xo

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  27. Wow, wow, WOW! What an eye poppingly, gorgeous outfit!! Incredible combination of pattern and fabric. Now THAT'S a statement piece!

    Spent yesterday working on a vintage maxi dress myself so we were probably enjoying a little universal sewing consciousness. Hope to have mine posted next week.

    Really enjoyed your interior shots. Have always found your vanity and its contents so wonderfully unique; real eye candy. I've got the Jimi image on one of my yoga shirts. Will wear it to class today with a thought of you. ;)

    Thanks as always for another glimpse into your wonderful world! :)

    xxx

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  28. Ya know, one of these days my over the top girlie blogger crush is going to abate, but tonight is not the night. You are phenom, woman! I love the dress, the curtains they came from and the whole relay of a perfect rocknroller evening of wine, records and want to create something this original and fabulous. Ya never disappoint.

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  29. Very inspiring! I have bought some old & very colourful pillow cases from a french charity shop (I'm in France) to try & make some dresses for my daughter. I plan to cut off the bottom & hem, shir the top & add roulou straps. I only paid 50c per case, so if it all goes wrong I haven't lost much!

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  30. I love love all the details on this one, the covered buttons and straps are incredible! You rocked this one for sure! Thanks for a bit of sunshine here tthis morning in the cloudy
    PNW.

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  31. That is one hell of a culottes suit - I love it!! Sometimes you can't get better than a bit of 'me' time.

    Lx

    www.whatlisawrote.blogspot.co.uk

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  32. Sexy back, as Justin Timberlake'd say!
    Z xx

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  33. Beautiful, Vix! Only you can make curtains look sexy. I love the widelegs, the high waist and the back, and the button detailing is darling too. xoxo

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  34. I could never grow tired of your sewing! I love how you don’t limit yourself to one pattern – this one must have been challenging, but how fabulous to have a new piece of clothing like no other. You look fab Vix xxx

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  35. I LOVE it! Vix, you are a proper seamstress, look at all the tricky things you did!
    There was me thinking it was a Maudella pattern but of course it was Le-Roy, I forgot... Anyway, you chose the perfect fabric, and I just knew the pattern was meant for you. I'm sure Jimi would heartily approve! The back detail is so stylish, especially those buttoned straps.

    I always like a little perusal of your home, and your dressing table is lovely, such gorgeous treasures.

    Hope your visit to your dad went well, bet you turned some heads, and you must be Lidl's most colourful and glamorous customer! xxxxx

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  36. WOW!! I would've adored those as curtains but as a jumpsuit?? It's freakin fantastic!! Only you could rock such fabulosity!

    Love the peek at your dressing table!!

    When my hubby would travel for his old job he would come home to all of the furniture rearranged and the walls painted different colors!!

    The four words he feared hearing the most??? "I have an IDEA....."

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  37. I just love your curtain couture posts! The fabric & style are beautifully modern front & back. I would love to get ready in front of your dressing table too!

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  38. Stunning bit of sewing there, Vix.

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  39. Your sunflower-print culotte suit came out looking amazing! You have an excellent artistic eye in addition to your accomplished tailoring and sewing skills. I love the way you aligned the print. The hair-flower you made looks fantastic. The three-dimensional look of the sunflowers is quite eye-catching.

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  40. Those have got to be the world's happiest curtains! You did an incredible job cutting and laying out the fabric. Gorgeous. I have my sewing machine up, and plan to become best friends with it in the coming weeks :)

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  41. Can you please make this and put it in your shop???!?!?!?!?!? I'm at a loss for words as to how magnificent I think this is! Those buttons on the shoulders, such a lovely touch! You even managed to make the print line up so nicely, it's your best curtain couture to date!
    I wanna send you the biggest bouquet of sunflowers to celebrate this beauty! You have made my Monday with your smile, big hair and classic blogger pose. I love that the Blythe pic has found such a happy happy home. Your ear ring holder is a work of art!
    Have a great week sweetie. You were missed and talked about on Fridays shopping trip!
    XXOOLOVE YOU!!!!

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  42. The culotte suit is fab - from every angle!

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  43. Fabulous suit! The strap-and-button detail is delicious.

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  44. Great use of a weekend. That dress offers a lovey ray of sunshine.

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  45. You make such a beautiful flower in the garden! I love the straps and how you covered the buttons with fabric. I'd kill for the tribal necklace & earrings. XXX

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  46. Oh how I adore you Vix! This is one awesome outfit!!! You look so pretty and vibrant- did you get attacked by bees!?!!x

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  47. Yah!! My kind of weekend:) I took have a very close realationship with my seam ripper. I think that's pretty much a sign you are a true sewist;) the suit looks awesome. I love the button detail & yah for recycled materials:)

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  48. That's fantastic. I love how it looks like a maxi dress.... but isn't. Xx

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  49. Love those sunflowers in your garden, Vix. Oh! it's you and your curtains transformed into a rock'n roll'n play suit. What a great seamstress you are and quick too. A perfect fit and lovely details and even one of my type pics in the mirror!

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  50. Wow Vix, they look fantastic!! You are a very good sewer, nothing you make looks home sewn, it always looks totally professional. Not that there is anything wrong with home sewn!! But you are talented beyond words!

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  51. Fabulous details on that jumpsuit...your sewing skills put mine to shame! I really must get on with that dress I have been making for (ahem) about 2 months now!!

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  52. I love your curtain couture, what a great culotte dress and so beautifully made.
    You look lovely!

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  53. Well, that is pretty fecking AWESOMETASTIC!!!!
    Great print, they were stunning curtains, I'm sure, but how FABULARSE are they now?! Nice work, Vixita!
    Love Helga xxxXXXxxx

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  54. sublime!!!! i loooove your curtain couture! i´m so glad i´m not the only one making clothes from curtains and tablecloths and well everything i can find ^^ but that print is absolutely amazing it would be a shame it if would hang just in your house, i mean everybody should see it on gorgeous you;)
    lots of love and kisses,mary

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  55. Great job, Vix! Also, I love the color and the name of the color used on your dressing table. So pretty :)

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  56. Absolutely brilliant! I am very envious of your seamstress skills, Vix :) xx

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  57. Lovely, the rouleau loops and covered buttons finish it off perfectly. And French Seams? Fancy!

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  58. What a productive evening. Just beautiful!!!!!

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  59. you're my kind of seamstress, drinking a glass of wine while riping a curtain seams! and you did such a great job!, you've made covered buttons!!, awesome!!
    you look gorgeous wearing that pretty sunflowers suit!, I'm loving it!!
    besos & sewing

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  60. respect to you, you've made an awesome job x

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  61. Wow that is time well spent without your Jon!
    Nice sewing i tell you plus you used shower curtains! Perfection!
    I love your dressing table nick nacks i have my cherish nick nacks of my side of the bed

    love and hugs darling

    Ariane xxx

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  62. Mercy, I love that print, girl. And you rock a maxi like none other. Sewing is so darn rewarding, isn't it? I just bought my first serger and i'm fairly clueless about all of it. But I figured out enough to make a few garments already. It's changing the thread that's the fly in the ointment...so I've been making lots of black things..the original color of thread I added to the machine. Yikes!

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  63. Flower power! You have some skills with the sewing machine and I love looking around at all of the glorious items that make up your home. The Jimi Hendrix 1967, Axis: Bold as Love album is the highlight for me as well as music items (record players and radios).

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  64. Damn I wish I were that handy with a sewing machine, not to mention that motivated after having a few drinks. I mean I've done the latter bit and it's all I can do to comment on this blog.

    Seriously though nice work as always. Not everyone has the kind of vision it takes to turn curtains into something you can wear and feel good in.

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  65. Who are you?? Scarlet O'Hara?? Who else makes amazing clothes out of curtains? How do you sew like that? I need to force you into becoming my slave seamstress. And I'd also like to steal your deco dressing table and all that stuff hanging from the vintage looking mannequin. And those silver bracelet cuffs.
    Becky :)

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  66. SPECTACULAR!
    Can you imagine how Gone With The Wind would have ended if Scarlett had the option of these groovy curtains over the green velvet ones? LMAO!!

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  67. You are amazingly talented. The ability to visualize something so outrageous, sew it within hours, and wear it to a nursing home, something only you can do!

    Those pictures from the table top are a treat, by the way.

    Love,
    www.shubhisrevels.com

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  68. I bet those flowers are pleased to be closer to you now. I know I would.
    XXXXXXXXXXXX

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  69. love your vibrant outfit and the jimi lp!

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  70. That is the perfect outfit for those curtains!! Damn they look FABulous!!
    Good on ya!

    Also - I want to find me one of those doll record player/radio grams - SO COOL!!!

    x

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  71. Wow, you did such a great job Vix! x

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  72. I am stunned and so very impressed that you created such a dream garment in one evening. It is fantastic on you. I love how the shoulders do up with those covered buttons.

    Also nice to have a peek at your dressing table. I've always wanted one, and now even more-so!

    I've also been reminded by this post that I do enjoy some pink wine and it's been far too long since I've had some. xo

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  73. I want to get sewing lessons from you. This pant suit is fabulous! And you are a dream xxx

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  74. My jaw literally dropped! Vix this pant suit is STUNNING! Who would have thought it was once a curtain! Wow x 1000!!

    GREETINGS FROM DUBAI
    MRS JACK OF ALL TRADES
    http://mrsjackofalltradesdaily.blogspot.ae/

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  75. For the longest time, I've wanted to make something from curtains. It's my favorite part of _The Sound of Music_, I think -- Maria makes it look so easy, pulling down the drapes and stitching together some adorable pieces. I even bought some loooong pearl pink/grey brocade drapes once, with the intent of sewing an 18th century gown, but it never happened. Maybe someday, after I've put in some Bach and opened a bottle of wine. :-)

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  77. Well done you, the result is absolutely cleverly Vix! I also love the jewellery! I need to get back to sewing it's been over a week! xx/Madison

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  78. I read your tag as "Cat Hair". The culotte suit is really fantastic, a triumph!! The sunflower material is really 60s, I love it! That necklace/chocker is really spectacular. I love your dressing table, especially the colour, which you already know. You're very good at keeping it clutter free! xxxx

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  79. Hi my dear!! wow, that is one stylish and creative outfit, I love the print and the detailing and quality finish is awesome, well done!! xxx

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  80. Beautiful! Curtain couture to match the sunny weather!

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  81. HOLY SMOKED KIPPERS! This is AMAZUN!!!

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  82. The print is amazing but I am soo glad you shared your dressing table pictures. I saw the first dressing table picture and wanted to know more about what you had on it xx

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  83. Totally love your dress wear drapes!
    They are totally funky!

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  84. Now that's an great outfit and totally recycled! I love your craftiness xxx

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  85. you did agreat job, vix. the outfit is lovely. x lucy

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  86. This dress just looks so radiant and golden!

    7% Solution​

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  87. You are just so clever to have made those amazing culottes from a curtain, I am in awe! They are totally fabularse and suit you perfectly sweetie, as does your hair like that. I can relate to your pleasure at an evening alone -I have that a lot during the week as my partner works away, so it's often just me and the kitty. I miss him of course at times but it can be very enjoyable and refreshing to have time to oneself can't it - certainly makes me appreciate him when he comes home for the weekend.

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  88. Wow, Vix! This is amazing! The bright colors look so great on you! I love the pictures of your dressing table and your jewelry! Beautiful!

    x

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  89. My idea of a perfect night-music, beverage, and sewing machine. Love your outfit and your hair is beautiful!! The jewelry is extraordinary too. XXXOOOO

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  90. Score! If the pink fizzy stuff gives me the ability to sew like you do... Give it to me! It's a one-in-a-million suit, Vix. xoxo

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  91. Amazing outfit. The print is so nice x

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  92. OMG you are amazing. I LOOOOVE this incredible jumpsuit. The fabric, the colours and JESUS WEPT I NEED ONE OF THOSE JUMPSUITS SO MUCH I AM CRYING!

    And you know I ADORE your hair, SUPERSTAR.

    Love you more than JUMPSUITS

    Sarah xxx

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  93. Since Sew Retro is practically my home page, I was happy to see your culotte suit there. As much as I like the vintage sewing projects on that site, it needs more 60s and 70s like this fabulous curtain culotte outfit.

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  94. That is the most fabulous curtain fabric and just perfect for a jumpsuit. Love the back.
    look at all your yummy treasures on your duchess.
    love V

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  95. FABULOUS only you could pull an outfit like that off and make it look amazing and hip. Your sewing skills are brilliant. Lpove your dressing table and I love those swans I have picked up 3 over the past few weeks I must share them. dee xxxx

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Thanks for reading and for leaving a message. Please don't be anonymous, I'd love it if you left a name (or a nom de plume).

Lots of love, Vix