It’s kind of funny how long it takes to do things sometimes, you know? That’s the case with the latest me-made outfit.
When I worked at Hollywood Regency, Heidi, my boss lady and mentor, came in one day with a load of mixed clothing and other stuff. I spotted this fabric from a mile away and begged and begged to buy it, but she wouldn’t give in! It was red and white and since Heidi didn’t do red, I figured she’d let me buy it, right? Well, it was beautiful vintage 1940s rayon and she wasn’t going to let it go. Ok, fine, she was the boss and I loved her, so I regretfully let it go. Fast forward about 3 years, Heidi passed away from cancer on June 6th, 2010, and I am helping to clean out her house and sheds for an estate sale. (that is another story for another post!) In a box full of all kinds of stuff, there is that precious fabric peeking out, so I finally got to have it after all. I’d give it back if I could have Heidi back for any amount of time, but I was really happy to have it. I hope she would be pleased with what I have done with it!
The fabric is this lovely, light and gorgeous red and white rayon from the 40s, 39” wide and 4 yards long. It just drapes and flows like water! There is just so substitute for it as far as I am concerned! This is what I made:
I used the skirt pattern on the left and the top pattern on the right. I have made that skirt 4 times now, and it is probably my favorite skirt pattern ever! It goes together so fast-I can make it in about 3 hours. The top is super easy too; I was done with both pieces in about 5 hours the day before I wanted to wear the outfit. I wore it to JD McPherson’s show this past Monday night, and I got a lot of nice compliments on it! It was fun to dance in it, and I felt really good! Not bad for an old gal of 41, I hope!
And just because I can, here are some more shots of the night:
Me and my two best girls, CC and Maria
And me with Jimmy Sutton and JD McPherson….thump thump….I love my fella to pieces but these boys were sure cute!
Heidi, I hope you are happy to see this fabric FINALLY made up into something period-correct!!! <3
Miss Red
