Mucho Maxi Fun

I haven’t made a dress before. I haven’t sewn with viscose before.  So naturally a viscose maxi dress is the perfect project to kick off my latest mania for making my own clothes. I’ve decided to have a go at Butterick 6446.  https://jaycotts.co.uk/products/b6446-misses-pleated-wrap-dresses-with-sash#.XID5ZC2cZdg

I’ve watched several episodes of Great British Sewing Bee in preparation for this, including last months’ 70s Maxi dress challenge that inspired this undertaking. How hard can it be? If Alexei can pull it out of the bag, then so will I.

I’ve chosen a fabric romantically entitled Vision Viscose U79.   Only £7.50 a metre from Textiles Express, and a beige 100% cotton for the lining.

I suppose it is a little hallucinogenic. Perfect for a summer statement, and there will be little need to accessorise.   Perhaps just some oversized earrings and a few bangles.  I can already imagine sashaying along the waterfront.

Not one to be daunted by a new fabric I went online and got some great guidance from Fabric Godmother. https://www.fabricgodmother.co.uk/viscose-what-is-it/

What on earth is viscose? I’d always assumed it was a synthetic, but no it’s actually made from wood pulp. Well, go to the foot of my stairs.  Delicate handling required. Cool wash and even cooler iron. It damages easily when wet, as I discovered.  I shall lay out my pattern very carefully to avoid those pockets peeping out like tiny noses.

A word to the wise, after doing a cold gentle wash, spin it ever so gently, never wring it out and do your best to dry it flatish and without any obvious pulls or strains on the fabric i.e. don't just drape it over the clothes horse willy nilly like I did. I am taking no more chances and am treating it as if it was pure silk spun from cocoons of fairy hair collected at dusk on midsummers eve. So far so good.   I know I am being over cautious but that's how I roll.

I’m psyching myself up to cutting out the fabric. But I need a stiff cup of tea first. I’ll let you know how I get on.

It's ok to be Quiet..

Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book was recommended to me by a couple of people - introverts who were glad at last to see some light being shed on the subject. And upon reading this, I can see why. I confess to feeling relieved that so many of my natural inclinations to seek quiet time alone, avoid talking on the phone, socialise in smaller groups, engage in deep conversations are not only acceptable, they can also be wonderful!

The premise of the book is that Quiet people wield vast and underrated power, in a world where extroversion and confidence are seemingly valued above all other personal qualities. Susan Cain explores cultural, work and educational institutions to understand why confident behaviour is valued beyond reason. She also suggests that many natural introverts have successfully built 'extrovert' masks to allow them to get on in their chosen careers. In Cain's opinion this is not a bad thing, but it goes a long way to explaining why some introverts (and I include myself) seem to others to be anything but.

She uses anecdotal experience alongside studies and interviews to build a case for the unique approach that introverts bring - not simply because they are steady and considered, but because they have the focus and the persistence to innovate and create.

Most people are able to relate to both introverted and extroverted thoughts and behaviours - Susan Cain makes the case for recognising and nurturing the unique qualities of each. In doing this she offers a scenario where individuals, families and organisations are more effective and harmonious, as each person is given the balance of space and stimulation that they need to live well.

#1 Words I used to pretend to understand

Misanthropy

This actually means "hatred, dislike, or distrust of humankind". No wonder I never knew what this word actually meant. I clearly have no use for it. These miserable gits have a whole blog dedicated to it, www.misanthropytoday.com

I heard it on Radio 4 today in reference to Chekov. Apparently he held a misanthropic view of the people of Yalta, describing the women as vulgar and smelling of ice-cream. Is that a bad thing?

Anyway, now we both know what it means.

Misanthropy - hatred or distrust of humankind.