Make Do, Again

 I'm about to embark on, Make Do and Mend again with the workers.

We've started making do, by using the scraps of calico left-over by Calico Capers.

First step: To practise machining.

Homework: source something 'textile' to re-use or re-purpose.

 Until Sunday, I was the only one on the planet (I knew, anyway) who hadn't

seen our Baz's Gatsby.

I loved every second of it.

Not about to subscribe to the nonsense about dumbing down the classics.

It kept me happy.

 I popped on something to compete with Myrtle, Daisy and Jordan.

 And of course, afterwards, felt like drinking Champagne.

As you do, once I got over the final scenes.

 Not the heavily product placed Gatsby's Moet, but Rose Mumm.

 

Cheers, old sport.

 Mr Fascinata supplied grilled scallops and salad.

No need for swanky restaurants.
We made do in the backyard.

 

 How do you, make do?

 



Burlesque + a Bad Haircut

 Look, I know Burlesque isn't everyone's cup of tea.

And there'll be folk out there, who for sound socio-cultural reasons

might not like the look of it.

You won't have to click away now, because there aren't any photos

of last night's Burlesque Festival held at the Tivoli Theatre in Brisbane,

because that's not protocol or good manners, people.

Unlike being in the Sistine Chapel were cameras are going off left right

and centre, despite pleas from the security. The Burlesque appreciative audience is very polite.

And, I think that's another reason why I like it.

It's old school, isn't it? With lots of humour.

And, not much more on show than what some of you might wear to beach.

 I fell in love with dancer Lola the Vamp when I read on Facebook that she was urging people

to muck in and help the Yeronga RSPCA, back in 2011;

when Brisbane has unprecedented weather and diabolical flooding.

Most of Queensland was under a state of emergency.

 Talented Burlesque Stars came together in 2011

for a fund-raising Show, gratis of their fees.

My nieces are fans.

 I popped on a yonks old velvet Gerry Shaw gown with faux fur trims

and every brooch I could find.

I also popped on a beaded collar my niece made me.

She enjoys make bits and pieces out of textiles when she

has a break from her keen interest in painting.

Here's my niece C, as below: 

Thankfully, I am a good source of the right red nail polish.

 The Dog of the Year was fixated.

Must be in the genes, after all, they were the companion

preference for French lace-makers and ladies of the night

back in the day!

 Here's C wearing a ruffled red Flora-one-of-a-Kind.

 The collar, up close.

 I can't seem to do anything by myself these days.

More of C's pretty  necklaces.

 

In alarming news, the House Mascot has lost his tail pom-pom.

Here's what he looked like when I picked him up

from the Poodle Parlour, today.

Apparently, the tail fur was too matted, but everything

else was okay????

Or, the apprentice got him.

It rendered me speechless.

Anyway, it's now fine with me. Have enough to think about.

Mr Fascinata has warned it will never grow back.

And, thinks I need a refund.

Don't tell me, I'll have to fashion up a fake tail.



Creative Impetus

 I felt like a bit of a nonsense when I posted yesterday's passionfruit butter

session, until I got a lovely comment from Kim at A Very Sweet Blog.

She quipped she'd never tasted passionfruits, let alone passionfruit butter.

And, I thought this is what blogs are all about, aren't they?
Learning stuff, well, that's what we tell anyone who calls out, 'Are
you still on that Ipad?'
I'm on a creative rollercoaster at the chalkface.
It's end of term, and those Calico Capers frocks must be finished.

It's been a flurry and a hive of activity.

I saw fit to re-decorate one of the chalkface's classrooms.
Gave the teacher's-aide strict instructions.
On a sow's ear budget; create a silk purse.
Achieved.

The Design Studio is now over until next year and it's now full of inspirational

posters, thanks to Dainty Doll and her world of motivation.
I have had good feedback already. One of the chalkface workers made her
junior class move around each poster and talk about what it meant to them.
Isn't that nice?

 The old decor, as below:

 And here's the renewal:

I commandered another couple of unsuspectings to paint these stone plant

markers with house-paint to clearly identify what's what in the Sow's Ear.

This is comfrey, if you haven't got it; you should get some.

It's a soil conditioner and nutrient enricher.

This one's been ravaged by something, not sure what.

But, nevertheless.



At the minute, all weeds have been banished and we'll do

another planting, soon.

I'll be trotting out the Amnesty Quilt soon, too. 

For an end-of-term activity.

Time permitting.

Hundreds of hands have made it so far.

There's probably about another three years to go!

I'll have to hold a chalkface reunion when I raffle it!

 Stay renewed.