From Red to White and Blue: New Fabric!

Maybe it's the approach of July 4th, but lately I'm all about the reds and the blues -- with some white in there too of course.

I picked up two and a half yards of this gingham silk twill today.  (It was the same price as most of the cottons, so I figured, why not?).  I think it would look great as a short sleeve shirt: slightly glossy but not too slick.  As you can see, the blue has a slightly purple cast.



Later in the day I swung by the Salvation Army, where I found some 100% cotton sheets to sew with.  The first is from a French company called Souleiado, the pattern is called le scarabee -- I'm guessing that means beetle.  It's a little heavy for a shirt but I could definitely see it as a summer sun dress for you-know-who. 





There's even a wide border piece -- actually, I think this was a duvet cover since it's two sheets combined: there's a lot of fabric here.



I also picked up this heavy cotton sateen top sheet.  This is a steely blue and has a lovely sheen.  All that bedding for just $4, which means I don't have to lose any sleep over it -- not that I'm in the habit of losing sleep over fabric but you know what I mean.



I just finished a book an MPB reader mentioned a while ago, but I can't remember who, so if it was you, please take credit for it.  It's a reprint of a late Fifties style guide by designer Anne Fogarty, entitled Wife Dressing: The Fine Art of Being a Well-Dressed Wife.  If that title sounds dated, it is: this book, first published in 1959, was written for the married woman who believed one of her primary duties was to look good for her husband, and to make him look good by dressing appropriately and being the perfect hostess.

It's a quick read and very entertaining in parts. Anne was one to do housework in her girdle (mustn't spread!).  (And you should only house-clean in "something you would not be ashamed to be seen in by your husband or an unexpected visitor.")  If you're the type who longs to know how often to wash your white gloves -- daily! -- or how to store your petticoats, this is the book for you.  You can read a bit more about Anne Fogarty here.



Here's the original cover (that's Anne):



And that's it.  I am determined to start some sort of sewing project tomorrow.  I think I said that yesterday, but this time I mean it.

Have you mastered the art of being a well-dressed wife?

Have a great day, everybody!