Fashion:

Do you find fashion affects your passion, be it writing, photography, painting, house improvements, clothing etc. etc.? It seems that everything is tainted by it.

For my February birthday, my dearest insisted on buying something in the city for my birthday. I can hear you say ‘how nice!’ Well, yes, it was. We were in Collingwood, a groovy part of the city of Melbourne. There was a beautiful red and purple jumper in the window that caught my eye. I could see, after my exclamation, that it was far too short, leaving the required bare mid-drift. In we went as my beloved wanted to buy me something special.

You have probably guessed, the shop was catering for the young people who live in the inner suburbs. I had to show willing by trying on a skirt and a dress. I loved the colours. The dress was very glamorous and looked far too elegant for my wants, these days. Gardening, visiting the library and an occasional lunch out, don’t warrant such glamour! So the skirt was tried on for a second time.

Yes, the greens and greys were acceptable. The materials were various patterns, cut on the bias in heavy cotton; the full skirt felt comfortable and swished nicely as I paraded in front of the mirror. The odd thing about this creation was an uneven hem line, un-hemmed, with tassels hanging down. When I inquired about said dangles, the lovely young assistant enthusiastically suggested; ‘Tie them up in the front, or the sides or you can have a bustle affect at the back, or tie them up all around!’

The lass was so kind and helpful, I didn’t have the heart to tell her what I thought. Cutting those dags off would be my first task getting home. Delighted that my beloved had found something for my birthday, he let me carry the trendy bag back to the car. Today I cut off the daggy frayed, very uneven bits; even having to add some material to two short sections, so the finished hem line was not above my knees. Getting the sewing machine out to zigzag the alterations was such an effort, before ironing, ready to hem by hand tonight. It made me wonder how anyone could place a garment ready for sale with out finishing it (in my mind).  Costing $220, unfinished, does anyone else think this is ridiculous?

I’d like to hear how you have been affected by fashion.

 

 

 

Dame Elisabeth’s anniversary, 8th February

Miracle Matthew, my computer man has been and fixed my recalcitrant computer.

Today is the anniversary of the birth of an important person in our lives, Dame Elisabeth Murdoch. She lived a full and exciting life, supporting the Arts, amongst her wide and varying interests. We were lucky enough to be living nearby as caretakers at McClelland Gallery and Sculpture Park; where she took a particular interest. We could see her warmth and genuine caring at close hand.

Not only was Dame Elisabeth an icon; she inspired others to fulfil themselves to become better people. One can’t pass Cruden Farm without thinking of her. Her trees will remain to benefit generations to come. Her garden continues to raise money for the many charities she  supported and remains an oasis in Langwarrin.

There is now a Peter Corlett sculpture of her to inspire those who visit the Frankston Arts Centre. For those of you in the city, all three venues are worth a visit. Make sure you make a booking at McClelland Gallery and Sculpture Park for a wonderful lunch; allowing time to walk around the park to see the sculptures, before visiting Cruden Farm. The gallery should be able to tell you if it is a Cruden Farm open day.

It would have been Dame Elisabeth’s 105th birthday today, the year that she had hoped to achieve. Still 103 is no mean feat. There will be many people remembering her today.