When Life Gets Stressful, Go Fabric Shopping!

Friends, I was going to title this post, "Patchwork Madras -- YEA or NAY?" but how many people even know what patchwork madras is?

Anyway, for me, patchwork madras is a definite yea, though much like ball fringe and sequins, a little goes a long way.  I've owned a vintage patchwork madras bucket cap -- a great thrift store find that even has a union label -- for many years now and love it: so lightweight and cool.







It's made from that wonderful gauzy Indian madras that's not so easy to find I've discovered.  I went to Mood today in search of some, and while they had half a dozen different patchworks to choose from, they were all heavier weight than the vintage madras in my hat -- more like regular shirting.

Anyway, I bought some, originally planning to make a shirt with it, but now I'm thinking shorts -- or even long pants.  Would that be too much?



I also bought this lovely pale pink linen, which I think coordinates very well with the madras, should I use it for pants.





The pink linen and the madras together are a little preppier than my usual style, but the combo does say summer, though more "summer in Martha's Vineyard" than summer sweating in the big city, which is what my summer seems destined to be like.

With all the commotion in the apartment this month, I am postponing the gray cotton-mohair suit jacket once again.  I can really only handle projects I can complete in a couple of days each, since I keep having to rearrange furniture and cover up everything with dropcloths.  I WILL make that jacket!

Moving right along, I received a lovely package in the mail today from MPB reader Tammy.  Can you guess what it is?



Ta da!



You still have no idea?  Well it's not a back scratcher or a bent barbecue skewer.  One more hint (I'm basically giving it away):



A million thanks, Tammy!  It works perfectly.

In closing, readers, what are your thoughts about patchwork madras, if you have any?  Is it too preppy for your taste -- too Thurston Howell III -- or, like seersucker, the perfect breezy summer fabric?

Have a great day, everybody!