(Potpourri in its 2nd definition, that is.)
I’ve been rather busy, though I’ve got nothing to show for it here! I finished the two changing mats I was commissioned for new mums, I finished one present (but I’m still working on the second!), and I bought the October issue of KnipMode magazine (which comes with an additional supplementary magazine like February’s did. Or was that March?) as well as my first Marfy pattern – 1210, a lovely blouse.
I also had a grand day of dress-perving yesterday with Erin from A Dress A Day and Cassie from the V&A Museum. We were there to drool over the massive collection of Dior and Balenciaga originals in their Golden Age Of Couture exhibition. Oh my. We had SUCH a great time, picking out the incredible seaming and hand sewing techniques and tiny little details that probably swept over non-sewing enthusiasts, and the exhibit was so big we lost ourselves in there for over two hours! It was an exhibition of true joy, and I even picked up some gorgeous steel grey/silver satin over-the-elbow gloves from the gift shop for £15!
The exhibition is on until January, but if you’re in London this Friday night (30 Nov), the V&A are holding a special Crafting Couture event with special draping demonstrations, embroidery experts, couture films, and lots and lots of pretty dresses, so you could book to see the exhibit at the same time. I may just have to clear my schedule to get down there!
And last but not least, one of my webcam-obsessed colleagues just directed me towards this live webcam situated in a fabric shop in Budapest (whose street address I’ve noted down for the next time I’m there!). You can watch the ladies in yellow pinnies laying bolts on the table and err, measuring and cutting fabric. It’s a fascinating way to wile away your day, and it’s still more interesting than watching Big Brother!
PS: Damn! I meant to link to this uber space-age, self-threading sewing machine prototype, too!