June is coming along (better late than never).

MEANWHILE IN THE BASEMENT . . . Liz remains chained to her sewing machine for the remainder of June.  To distract from the lack of dress updates and combat the crippling solitude and lack of natural light, she shares from her personal collection of papery bits excerpts from a fashion scrapbook (ca. 1947). 

The scrapbook was, deducing from available clews, the final project a young fashion student who, for an estimated period of 18-24 years, answered to the moniker "Miss Swan". 

Much to the pride of  the sometimes gruff (but still lovable) Mr. Swan, his daughter's project was deemed "Ex".  The instructor shared this concise thought in the book's margins with a pencil (which scrapbook scholars believe to have been a yellow American Pencil Company  (which would later be acquired by Faber-Castell USA) product) .   

An analysis of the handwriting indicates that this particular instructor was an closet  horse gambler who dabbled with communism in the 1920s, but would surprisingly vote for Nixon in the 1960 presidential election.  More surprisingly, her decision was to  be based solely on the televised debates, which she would watch through a storefront window, but not listen to.   

To the point, much like Mr. Swan and his progeny,  "Ex" is often interpreted as "Excellent" and not "Expletive", "Exonic", or "Exodos".  You may agree with this 54 year old judgement.

.

At least the fabric is purchased.  That is a start.  The colors are a little darker and muted than I had first envisioned, but I think they will do.  The options for my color scheme were a little limited.  It was either this or bright, bright, more-parrot-than-peacock colors.

All I wanted were awesome shades of green, purple, and brown in chiffon.  But I ended up with sheer silk in mostly-OK shades of green, brown (which looks a little maroon) and navy blue (which looks real purple). The color palette is similar to that of my wardrobe between the years 1992 and 1995. 

No matter, only the clock worries me at this point.  Where did June go?

No, no, no . . . you do not need to remind me that it is already the 17th.  I am well aware of the time crunch for getting the June Dress.  Things are, in fact, a little sketch around here because at this later date, all I have is a sketch.  Oddly, this is a dress I have been thinking about for months.

You may remember, that I was provided with a particular bit of inspiration for designing a dress which will be worn for a friends wedding:  a peacock feather.

So, what comes to mind when I think of peacocks?  Truthfully, one summer in college when I worked at the a certain winery's main campus in that lovely oasis known as Modesto, California.  While most of my palsy-walsies were taking the summer to travel and study abroad, I answered phones and took memos.  No complaints though.  That's real world experience right there.

The tie-in is, of course, the free-range peacocks that walk all over the campus.  (Pssst.  They poop all over it too.)

That particular memory doesn't provide much inspiration when it comes to making a Bridesmaids dress.  Fortunately I had already thought of a dress I wanted to make, and the peacock challenge is the perfect color inspiration.

So, now when I think peacock, I think bright blue double georgette and colorful chiffon accents.  I think V-neck and the illusion of a wrapped bodice.  I think full, twirly skirt and drapey fabrics. 

Oooh . . . I am excited about this one!

Remember how I gave up making dresses for others?  This was to allow for more free time and relaxation.  Also to increase my collection of lovely wearables.  Alas, in a moment of weakness I agreed to take on a few extra projects, (Don't even ask.  This is the last of it. I swear.) thus decreasing time for myself and creating deadlines that I have been otherwise trying to avoid.  And then, throwing caution to the wind and ignoring my dressmaking duties (thereby allowing myself less time than I would like to get the job(s) done) I ran away to New York last weekend. 

Which brings me to my second problem.  It seems I still have nothing to wear.  While all the other girls I was travelling with got out their adorable, skin-baring best for a night on the town, I wore a long sleeved shirt and pencil skirt.  Sure, the pairing is silk and that's fancy and everything . . . but I admittedly played the conservative card in this hand.  It wasn't even a dress.  What was I thinking?  Total and complete fail.

I probably should have followed through on my March promise of revisiting the dress for that month.  The one-shouldered dress would have been perfect for cab rides, the Broadway show, and late-night dinner.  But no!  Instead of Sexxy, I went with Mother-Superior-Chic. It's a look that I think a young Julie Andrews could pull off, but she's the only one.  We're learning lessons here at DotMC.  Yup.  A March Dress Reprise will most likely happen before my next trip East which is set for September. 

In other news, June dress is coming.  And it's going to be good.  Just as soon as I can carve out the time. 

By the by, every deadline I have right now is a wedding date.  I was thinking that to make things easier on me, and everyone really, we should bring back family feuds, arranged marriages, and politically motivated unions. That's bound to increase the number of runaway brides.  I mean, geez, doesn't anyone believe in elopement anymore? 

It seems a girl (i.e. old maid) can't walk down the street without tripping over a bride these days.  I mean, I trip a lot anyway, so it's cool, but let's face it Marriage has reached pandemic levels.  And while I am just waiting for that fever to break, I have been a tad swept up in the prothalamic DIY potential of this recent swathe of impending nuptials.  Oh, and plus my bad attitude is just for show anyway.  I secretly love weddings!

In fact, on a recent afternoon, I got together with friends to tackle a few wedding related projects.  Kirsten worked on a summery sash to accent her ivory, chiffon gown.  Annie toyed with a fascinator which will incorporate a beautiful pin that was her grandmother's.  And I . . . I rosetted to my heart's content for Leah's bridesmaids dresses. 

It doesn't end there, I assure you.  There are more projects on the books just as there are more weddings on my calendar.  And this is where we find our tie in.  You see, the June Dress is for a wedding.  The inspiration is a little something I received in the mail from Carolyn, my best friend from ye olde college days.  I am going to be her Maid of Honor.  The bridesmaids and I get to find our own dresses with just one rule.  We have to match this:

I mean, come on!  Isn't that delightful?  This is the perfect challenge for DotMC right?  1) I have a deadline.  2) The dress is for me.  3) I have to wear it.  4) The inspiration is provided.  Now what comes to mind when I think of peacock feathers?  Hmmmm. . . .