Say Hello to Dorothy

Some special little darlings in my closet have names.

Usually it's because they're rather unusual or they put me into a joyful mood when I slip them on.

Most of the names are usually very un-PC and wonderfully disgraceful - but little Dorothy, my spotty, cotton, early 1960s dress is rather tame.

She's been taken out of hibernation ready for summer and had her first outing today.

Dorothy likes to be noticed.

For her first outing this year, she went to a school fair.

Here, Dorothy was introduced to Ike, one of our local celebrities who dresses daily in gloriously nutty, colourful garb, always wearing a plastic flower lei, one of his selection of sombrero hats and with crazy polka music blasting out of the boom box strapped to his mobile scooter.

Ever ready with a smile Ike is regularly seen jumping off his scooter and spontaneously doing a street-side jig.

Today he made his presence felt when he jumped up and danced with some belly dancers.

Gotta love that zest for life.

I'm sure there are many others who wish they had Ike's energy and fearless demonstration of his love of life and music.

Dorothy was in good company today when she stepped out with my 1960s, orange, frilly brolly; 1950s black and white hat; old jewellery, plus denim DIY messenger bag and walking shoes.

Glad I didn't wear heels - I nearly did.

I took a frilly fan along just in case it got hot.

How could I forget my favourite sunnies bought at an Auckland flea market a few years ago.
They're from the late 1940s from what I can remember the owner telling me.
These babies are coming out to play a lot more this summer.

Here are a few pics of a couple of messenger bags I made ages ago but never got around to putting up detail shots.

The blue bag is made out of a pair of jeans that were too big but I couldn't part with.

I cut the jeans off at the crotch, turned them inside out and sewed the bag closed along the crotch-line, taking in the spare fabric in a small fold.
I made curved edges, sewed the button opening closed (leaving the zip in) and made a flap and strap out of a jeans leg.
They had big flared legs so a generous sized flap was easy.
I used spare fabric for the lining and some spotty fabric for a pocket.
I had an old pillowcase that died so I cut out the embroidered part and sewed it onto the flap before the lining was stitched to the denim bag.
Decorated with badges.

And here's the one I made for my little lady out of scrap fabrics that she chose out of my stash.

I love her choice of badges and vintage brooches; I did a simple running stitch by hand on the flap lining to make her feel special.

I love that she actually uses it a lot:).

Hope you're all having a wonderful Saturday! 

Desiree xoxo