Thursday, July 03, 2008

Beachy Keen


At long last, I've managed to get pictures of my recent sewing project! Between last-minute Independence Day preparations, visiting with friends for my dear sister's birthday, and keeping up with keeping house, things have been a bit hectic! But while we were at our friend's beach house, Tiffany and I managed to get in a few picture. I couldn't ask for a more beautiful setting. The "Laura Ashley" Blouse: My blouse is 100% Irish linen, courtesy of a very long, very pleated, and very out-of-date Laura Ashley thrifted skirt -- although I must say, cutting into a Laura Ashley garment was one of the hardest things I've ever done! I used my trusty Simplicity 4499 with only a few changes. I added two pintucks in the front, and I also added ties to the sides. The ties were actually a later addition that really provided the shaping that the blouse needed.

 



The Skirt: I realized this summer that I needed a nice white skirt that would be suitable for church. Thank you to JoAnn's for having linen 60% off recently! This linen-rayon blend ended up costing less than six dollars. I used an out-of-print Butterick A-line skirt pattern. A few tucks and a circular ruffle later, I was ready to go! I wore this outfit to play violin for a casual beach wedding a few weeks ago, and it proved to be quite comfortable.




There are some advantages to living in Florida, after all...




12 comments:

  1. How cute Shannon! I love the simple airy look of the skirt! It looks SO comfortable!

    Ooo, pretty beach! What a lovely place to take pictures!

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  2. What a pretty outfit! The sand looks really white in the first photo. And I really like the last photo of you sitting! ; )

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  3. I like it, especially the skirt. :) Very long and white and flowy. Why must you tantalize my sewing desire when I have no fabric?

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  4. That outfit is really pretty!
    I like the shirt pattern and need to get it for myself!
    I found your blog through a link on Jerusha's blog: http://jerushanna.blogspot.com/
    I tried the pound cake recipe a few posts back and it was delicious! ;)
    In Christ,
    Julia in Oklahoma (age 15)

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  5. Thank you!

    missnonaeleanor, the skirt IS extremely comfortable! I love linen, in spite of the ironing involved. ;)

    Jerusha, our stretch of beach along the Gulf of Mexico is renowned for its white beaches, actually!

    Maria Pauline -- sorry! ;)

    Julia, welcome! It's nice to "meet you" :) I'm so glad the pound cake recipe turned out -- it really is decadent, isn't it?

    Yours in Christ,
    Shannon

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  6. ::gasp:: I want an outfit like that!! =D That white skirt is just *beautiful* Shannon! There is something about wearing a white skirt ... in fact, I'm wearing one today that I got at Old Navy last year. =)

    Oh and of course, your "prop" adds just the right touch. ::winks::

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  7. Oh, and I was going to ask...

    Do you play without a shoulder rest? =)

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  8. Shannon~The violin lends a touch of elegance to an already lovely ensemble. Wonderful as always!

    Hope you are having a splendid 4th of July.

    Lots of love,
    Sommer

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  9. Cheri, I thought you would like the "prop" ;) Actually, I've stopped using a *real* shoulder rest. I went cold turkey after using a Bon Musica, and that was quite a change! It took me about a month to get used to it. Now I'm using a little red sponge attached with a rubber band, but I can play comfortably without it.

    Sommer, thank you so much for your kind words! And I am having a wonderful 4th of July, thank you!

    Yours in Christ,
    Shannon

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  10. Oh okay! I am currently using a Bon Musica after using a Comford Cradle after using a Kun-type shoulder rest. =)

    At the Strings Workshop, the guy who taught masterclasses (Larry Shapiro) uses a red cosmetic sponge and is forever trying to "covert" shoulder rest users. =) I know it works for some people, but with how I'm made, I need more support than a sponge. =) It's nice though that you can do that though!

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  11. Very lovely! I too love the skirt. Such lovely detailing! And what a perfect place to take pictures - the beach - and you look very romantic with your violin. Whoever takes your pictures is extremely talented!

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  12. Gorgeous! Simply Gorgeous! :) I must sew a white skirt!

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