Seeing Red (for my sewing pals)

Elizabeth, from my Paris trip, asked if I’d started sewing up the fabrics I purchased there. Faced with packing and moving, not to mention Christmas, my answer is an emphatic YES!

After much debate over whether to make a jacket or a skirt I made the decision and cut into this beautiful Lacroix wool tweed. It has just a bit of brown thread in it so I thought it would go well with this Ralph Lauren jacket I bought last year. Being fabric frugal, I figured by making a pencil skirt I’d have enough left to make a hat. This toque was also intended to brighten up my black coat. (I made the tassel by unraveling some of the wool.) However, I’m thinking this style is not my best. Let’s face it I look better in a brim. Fortunately, I think I might have just enough left of this to whip up my Beryl Trilby in it or, if not, a beret.

Here is another remnant of Lacroix Haute Couture silk. There was only about a meter of this and so it was very reasonably priced and I knew what I wanted to make as soon as I saw it. This is my Marie pattern (the reverse Souwester) and the hatpin will probably have to remain here permanently. The silk is very, very delicate. Many of the threads lay on top and even a rough cuticle pulls them out. It’s definitely dramatic - almost piratical (perhaps if I ever make it to Ascot). My Sweetie will likely hate it but then when he found me I was working in the theater. What does he expect?

Next I took a break from the Paris fabrics and headed to Zürich to a bigger fabric store. We have a wedding to attend in Washington on December 22. It’s at 3 in the afternoon with a formal reception at 6:30. So what do I wear? I have my Inga hat I’ve been holding for the right occasion and I think a winter wedding is it. The hat will go nicely with my black coat. So my dress color options were red, green, black or gold. I don’t like wearing black to weddings so that was out. It being Christmas, I opted for this red Dupioni silk - not a bright red but with a black thread in the weave. I hope that this is suitable and that I’m not breaking *The Rules* wearing red to a wedding. Well, it IS Christmas...

I found this lace at Bischoff Textil last week and added it to the lining to peek out under the hem. I’ll wear black sheer stockings and dressy black shoes (not purchased yet) and will probably check the hat with my coat at the reception. After all, we’ll be dancing.

So that’s enough red for one week. I’ve made up the Lacroix brown fancy weave wool into a shrug but don’t have a picture yet. Next will be the two gold Chanel Haute Couture pieces and the black and white tweed.

K Q:-)

Comments

[Beth H]

Oh the toque!!! I was born to wear tassels on my head! Thanks for that bit of inspiration. And, BTW, you look lovely in all the hats.

[Marie Christopher]

Excellent! You will be the belle of the ball.

Love the "Marie" and that "Inga".

The red dress looks almost oriental - lovely......

Happy Trails!

[jill]

I disagree...I think you look very modern in the brimless hat. I love ALL the stuff; but the red lace peeking out just knocked me out. Fabulous!!! I like the red shoes with itm and natural stockings, black and black will be interesting. Gads Kate, you do have an knack for get style.

[Min]

I found your blog through Jane Carlstrom's blog, and I just had to comment on your beautiful fabrics. They're all lovely, but the red Dupioni silk is simply stunning with the lace.

[Kate]

Thanks for dropping in, Min. Glad that you enjoyed the fabrics. K Q:-)