horse hair

I just had the pleasure of using horse hair.  Not a big deal, really, I use it all of the time.  This time I brought out the really strong stuff.  I imagine Charles James used the same when creating above gown. 

I just finished a dress for Annie.  She is an artist that lives in D.C.  She came home to get married.  She came early to get a gown made.  I had a great time with this gown.  We knew the elements we would use.  We just didn't know we would be going so sculptural with it.  Thus the horse hair.  Do you see how the pictured gown goes in and out in waves.  That is thanks to horse hair.... and the genius of Charles James. 

Charles James is an interesting character.  I discovered his gowns over and over again.  They were always the ones that caught my eye when looking through fashion books.  I finally figured out that it was the same guy creating all of these works of art.  I am not good with names.  Anyway, just a brief tidbit about him.  He was designing in the 60's and creating quite structured gowns.  He was pretty sought after.  Then the free flowing, non structured frocks took hold.  I think it really set him back.  He didn't do as well then.  He had such incredible and big gowns.  There are quite a few available to see in museums because the women would donate them.  Thankfully we have so many to inspire us.   

Tragically he died in the Chelsey Hotel of pneumonia in the 80's.  I do love his story and I do love his gowns.  Funny how I can be so effected by other's work.  There is nothing like the old school way of doing things.  How I wish could learn it.  The more I make gowns the less I know.  Why is that?

The other Southern Utah

My first trip without parents was to the deserts of Southern Utah.  We were lucky enough and they were trusting enough to let us road trip in high school.  I would go with girl friends who were up for the adventure as much as I was.  We hiked big hikes in the morning, in the afternoon we hung out at our favorite swimming hole, and in the evening had dinner at the "Bit and Spur" where we would always have the "Stuffed Jalapenos".  The desert always represented freedom and creativity.  

There were many many trips down to Zion National Park, Moab, Lake Powell, and anywhere else with red rock.  I have done it with the kids as well, and for the most part, those trips were good.  The feeling of freedom was a bit hampered because of the young babies and toddlers they were.... until now.  It seems I have just inherited two really great travel companions.  If I play my cards right, I might even get to do long, hard hikes with these two in the next few years. 

So here are a few pictures of the trip.  I know it is boring for you all... but I do have family who check this blog, and they would like to see pictures of the growing boys. 

Can you see Hank in the distance?  We did this hike right after a thunderstorm moved through.  There is nothing like hot sandstone and fresh rain.  The smell is heavenly. 

Here is their first taste of slot canyons. 

I had to make them turn back so we wouldn't be hiking in the dark.  For you mama's out there, you know that is significant. 

Here is the last hike before we had to go home.

 

A plug for Capital Reef.

 

It is beautiful.

It is a higher elevation, so cooler than Zion or Moab during the hot summer months. 

It has great swimming holes. 

The nearby town of Torrey is quaint.  

It is about 3.5 hours from Provo area. 

It has great art and a wonderful bookstore in Torrey. 

It made me sad to leave.