The wee girl got invited to a birthday party. Theme: Dress Up. A week out I casually mentioned that we should look through the dress up box and put together an outfit. That suggestion was countered by a, "No. It's OK. I already know what I would like to wear". A flurry of footsteps and a rustling upstairs followed before I was excitedly presented with this:
Ah ... The Enid Blyton Book of Fairies. I was then given my design brief. "I want to look like the Queen of the Fairies". When I tried for the sneaky "Should we just add to something we already have", it was rejected on the same level as if it was some really stinky French cheese. Alright ... so the client is always right, right? It could have been worse ... she might have wanted to look just like that magic mushroom carrying frog, non? (The rabbit and mouse clearly are keen to get them some of that action, true?)
So here is the close up... after some thought, I decided the easiest approach would be to make a simple elasticated skirt and then a separate top. The skirt was easy- 60cm of dance satin - sewed it up at the selvedges and popped the elastic in the waist. I deliberated on the top ... then had a brainwave (rare round these parts) and used the bodice from
New Look 6694 - View D or E. I cut the back panel as one (removing the zip), added a little extra width, just incase it wouldn't go over her head - and put press stud closures at the shoulders. A few stars and flowers cut out of felt (the majority machine stitched on), et voila!
One happy Fairy Queen a la Enid Blyton. (Wings, Wand and Crown Model's Own) The top is a different shade of pink because I didn't buy enough fabric. I returned to buy more, without the skirt for comparision, feeling confident I could easily remember the shade. Clearly the confidence I place in my cerebral abilities is misplaced ... but the Client was happy with the error. She felt it was an improvement. Cool. I mean ... yes ... that is exactly the look I was going for.
I took a little artistic license on the flowers ... I sewed on some vintage glass buttons for extra sparkle. This met with the cient's approval.
And me? I loved it. I like doing this kind of stuff. I like a little challenge ... and the trance producing whirring of a sewing machine is my kind of yoga, swami. Stoked smiles from smalls, payment enough.
8 comments:
Your client looks gorgeous!! And she is looking so much more grown up!! You have done well again Gemma.... I love dress up parties! I have a trunk full of costumes and wigs.... luckily all my lot love them too!
Fantastic! She looks so gorgeous and you are one fab mum too :) Kx
You are one amazing Enid Blyton sewer. Just love those flowers. Cherrie
How lovely.
Your little girl will have such fun.
Chris
That's perfect ! She looks gorgeous and so delighted .
(There's no such thing as too much glitter at any age .... and when you're five , no such thing as the wrong shade of pink )
I had to inwardly groan when you got to the book part of the story. I know just how that client feels. My mother would suggest things like "Mr Blister" ??? What? Are you serious? I can't recall ever being the fairy princess. I think you did an awesome job, not because of the sewing blah blah, but because I know this must have invested quite a bit of time which is so short with three little ones. How gracious you were. Remember, she may not realise it now but when she is about 40 she will look back fondly.
i gave my whole collection of Enid Blyton books to my grand daughter when i sold my house last year..she loves them and has almost read the whole collection...(shes 12 and reads fast)...her little sisters are now reading them too....ageless i reckon...
nice one. i do like it when clients take to mistakes before you have even tried to explain yourself
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