I want to welcome our new listeners! When I uploaded the podcast, I took a quick peak at the statistics and close to 1500 people have listened to the last podcast (so far). As my Weight Watchers leader, Paige, would say, “Wowzers!”
I recorded this podcast Tuesday evening, March 31st, and proceeded to be under the weather for the next couple of days. I appreciate your patience–although I enjoy scanning and cropping the illustrations, it does take a bit of time to do it.
In this podcast I discuss the cowboy/work shirt that I am making for My Honey. Let me tell you, it is turning into quite an adventure. I have a couple of “shout outs” (one of them is rather embaressing) and then I finish the McCall’s chapter on “Building a New You.”
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Here are the photos of the cowboy shirt.
Because it was going to be topstitched, I first handbasted it down. I’m really trying to use more hand basting so that I can have more control. I played with the photo a little bit so that you could see the red basting around the edge of the yoke, neckline, and arm.
Cowboy Shirt with Red Basting Prior to Topstitching
This the shirt after I topstitched it. The thread is brown. My Honey liked the contrast between the brown thread and tan fabric.
Shirt After It Was Topstitched (red basting at unfinished edges)
The Effect of Color
Image 1
Image 1: There are three basic colors: Red, Blue, Yellow. These three primary colors are then blended together to create all other colors (you learned this way back in Kindergarten and First Grade). The hues that come from the predominately Red and Blue combinations, are considered “cool” colors. Those from Red and Yellow are considered Warm. It is important to know which color families look the best on you. I look ill or faded out when I try to wear warm colors but cool colors are very flattering on me. Watch out for Reds. You may think a red is a red is a red. But “lipstick red” (a favorite name designers use) can be neutral, cool, or warm. I look stunning in cool reds. Warm reds are a disaster on me.
Image 2
Image 2: The lightness and darkness of a color–based on whether they are mixed with white or black–is called values. The brightness or dullness of a color describe their intensity.
Image 3: Figure flattery is impacted by colors. When I “restored” my hair (on a monthly basis) to the toehead color of my childhood, jewel-tones and black created a flattering contrast to my white hair. Now that I am returning to my more natural shade of dark blonde, the black colors don’t seem as flattering. I’m going to have to let go of my East Coast Uniform (black from head to toe).
That said, because I am shorter and rounder, I have to be careful to make sure that I don’t choose color combinations that will visually cut me in half.
Image 3
Wardrobe Needs
Image #4 shows that we can still be casual and stylish when we are at home:
Image #4: At Home Outfit
Image #5: Shows a simple dress, suit, skirt, jacket, and blouse that can be mixed and matched to form the foundation of an “on the job” wardrobe.
Image #5: On the Job Wardrobe
Image #6: An example of a dress to wear to school or informal gatherings (in the early 1960s). Of course, this is where I go into my rant that these days young women are wearing clothes more appropriate for clubbing and snaring a partner than for wearing to school. But then, I went to a school that had strict dress codes and it carried on with me through college. In grad school, I was already a teacher, so of course I dressed professionally.
Image #6: What to Wear to School
Image #7: I love this image because of the plaid pants for casual wear. Now, I don’t remember owning plaid slacks but I did at one time own a pair of yellow jeans with bright blue flowers on them and a pair of striped jeans. Hey, it was the late 60′s and my grandmother bought them for me.
Image #7: Sportswear or Casual Wear
Image #8: While wearing slacks and shorts are no longer taboo when shopping in a downtown department store (if you can find one, anymore, that is), if you want better customer service when you shop, I encourage you to “dress” for shopping. And don’t forget to wear your good undergarments–the same ones you plan on wearing with whatever you are buying. It makes a difference in fit.
Image #8: For Shopping
Image #9: Please! For my sake! Don’t wear your pajamas while traveling (well, of course you can when you are in bed). Just like shopping, you will be treated a whole lot better if you are comfortable yet chic. We take a lot of road trips and I usually wear a comfortable dress and low-heeled shoes or flats. It isn’t hard. It isn’t rocket science. But you’ll be amazed by the difference (and you won’t be grumpy from having your jeans cut into you all day).
Image #9: For Travelling
Image #10 If you want to pretend that you are a “lady who lunches,” wear dressmaker suits, simple dresses, such as a sheath, a shirtwaist or a coat dress. Think Jackie O. Thank goodness we have a First Lady who is bringing these items back into style!
Image #10: For Club Activities
Images 11 & 12: The formality of your evening clothes will depend upon where you live and the type of function you are attending. A Red Carpet walk for the opening of a movie is very different than a Red Carpet walk for the Oscars. We will be attending a gala opening for a big art exhibit my husband is in at the end of the month. Since we live in Los Angeles and we are talking about artists, the exhibit information had to be explicit in stating that this was a fancy event and business/cocktail dress attire was expected. I’m sure that before they started doing this that the rich people showed up in shorts and Hawaiian shirts (Hollywood types do that all the time).
Image #11 Evening Parties
Image #12: Formal Evening Party
I love this book! So nice to imagine everyone dressing up for everyday things… Thanks for all the reading!
Maybe we should start a new trend: “Dressing” for everyday activities. Can you imagine the possibilities?