a religious experience

Ladies, as we all know, like nice things. Like cashmere. And silk. And linen. But in these days of acrylic and polyester, nice things are hard to find. Which is why I was so excited when my friend and I trucked south to Boulder, CO to make a visit to Elfriede's fabric store.
It was, to be frank, a religious experience for me. There were aisles upon aisles of soft, lovely fabrics--perfect for skirts and trousers and ruffles blouses.
As you can see, I had my hands full. The dark cocoa is a wool/silk blend that will shortly become my favorite new pair of pants. The pink is wool and nylon, and is destined for pencil-skirt-greatness. And the blue...oh the blue...so silky and soft. It will be a wrap dress with a full, twirly skirt (because all ladies need twirly skirts).
As I oogled the trims (above) and buttons (below), I couldn't help but think about how difficult it is to find quality garments in the stores these days. At least quality at an affordable price. Sure, there are racks of trendy, adorable styles, but so often they are poorly made and crafted from synthetic fibers.
Now don't get me wrong--I love LOVE the person who invented Lycra, but I have to confess that once I started using real wool and silk in my handmade knitting and sewing projects, there was no turning back. Sure, they cost more than acrylics, but the budgeting trick is to make the fashions yourself.
And finally, I can't finish a post on Elfriede's without introducing you to the lady herself. As you can see, Elfriede is quite stylish and beautiful, wearing an outfit I have no doubt she made. When I first met her, she was drinking coffee from fine china and instructing me to abandon my reserve and just dive into the fabrics (as if I needed the invitation...). On my second visit she blew into the shop wearing a classy black hat, a timeless red cashmere dress, and carried an armful of lilies to brighten the winter day.

She counseled me diligently on my choices, giving me invaluable instructions. And I left with a bag full of lovely yards, and a role model.

You can bet I'll be visiting again soon!

Day 9: Pink, Pink & Pink

When Mrs. Marple told us this morning that part of fine living is taking enjoyment in simple adornments, I immediately knew what she meant.

Yes adornments aren't particularly "noble," and they won't save the world. But when I get to wear this muted mauve cardigan that I handknit around town, I feel good.

And when I'm dreaming of the jacket I'm going to make from this pink yarn, I also feel good.

And though these adornments--like the salmon beads above and below--aren't as grand and important as...say...the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel or a statue by Michaelango, they do still play a part in stimulating creative beauty in civilized culture.

They make us feel (and probably act) a little more civilized toward each other. And they give us a chance to express our personal style and aesthetic in a world that often favors utilitarian form and function.

Perhaps some may scoff, Mrs. Marple said, saying that adornments--like pink patent leather peep-toe pumps--are vanity. But fine living is not just about practicality, financial savings, and planning. It is also about creativity and beauty.

So in honor of adornments, and the color pink, I think I'll paint my toenails. It's vain, I know, but apparently a little vanity can be good for us.

Or at least Mrs. Marple says so.

Previous Days at the Institute:
Day 6: Premade Hostess
Day 4: a Cooking Student
Day 2: the Secret to Fine Living