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. 

I love how well this beautiful day was captured by jacque lynn.  Ginnie looks stunning, of course.  The day seems a bit magical.  Especially if you live here and have experienced our spring.  I think it must have been the one day that was not raining and overcast for that month. 

Perfectly in bloom purple blossoms.  Really?  It is almost an old Hollywood set, it is just too right. 

Of course I don't know the groom.  But this is Ginnie all the way.  So happy and in the moment.  She had that enthusiasm even at dress fittings. 

I also loved working with Ginnie's family.  They were all so cute.  Even the dad.  Can I call a dad cute?

I love this detail on the huge doors of the Temple.  I am into details.

I am posting more than my share of photos on this one.  Are these flowers just the most beautiful things you have seen?  If you want to see more check out Sarah Winward.  You need to see her blog.  I loved loved loved all of her arrangements!  So fresh and yummy. 

The venue was at the Eldredge Manor.  Sweet red brick home. 
This is my all time favorite ring shot..... ever.

Congratulations!  It seems a great start to a new life together. 

Ginnie's Gown

I made a reference about my "slight" bride a bit ago.  I think I was happy about how this dress was acting.  It seemed to be easy on me.  Thankfully. 

Well, here are a few images of Ginnie on her wedding day.  I enjoyed working on this project.  It had a lot of lace work, which always gets me in a good mood.  I love watching the lace effortlessly make the bodice structured and smooth. 

Ginnie was an absolute delight.  Talk about a happy attitude.  It seems like that describes all of my brides.  I am lucky. 

The photographer is Jacque Lynn , she also did Abi's photos.  It is great to discover new people and see their work.  I am looking forward to posting more of her beautiful images in a bit.  "In a bit" might mean after the summer season.  Once we all come up for air. 
Hope you are all in a good place.  I have had a wonderful day stitching away.  This new dress I am working on is taking me back to the simple pleasure of one fabric.  Yep, nothing fussy.  Just beautiful silk taffeta.  Working with silk is why I am involved in this pursuit.  I wouldn't be doing it if I couldn't work with these great textiles.  Have you ever listened to the sound of silk taffeta.  It is noisy.  It is noisy in a perfect way.  Listen next time.  Now I really do sound crazy. 

Wishing you well, M

Elie Saab, enough said.

"Love of beauty is taste.  The creation of beauty is art." 
-Ralph Waldo Emerson

I read this quote today and thought of Elie Saab's insanely beautiful gowns.  Here is a small sample of his breathtaking, awe-inspiring, bring tears to my eyes, gowns.  I have no words. 

I love that there is always something better to strive for.  I love that every day I can try harder and never even come close to someone like this.  It is THIS that keeps us all going.  Otherwise, what is the point. 

I so would love to know what inspires you. 

Summer with The Mug

The kids beg to play WII, they also want candy.  The thing they plead for the most is a visit to the canyon's local shaved ice stand, The Mug.  It is finally warm enough to get some shaved ice.  I imagine this will be a bi-weekly thing for us.  Far less than they would want it.  Still a good tradition. 

When I was young, it was "The Purple Turtle".  It is the old school shake place in Pleasant Grove.  You can still get great shakes there and Tater Tots.  Are tater tots a Utah thing?  Okay, my other question.  What are your summer traditions?  I don't want to miss out on anything.  Let me know. 

Abi and Dave

If you have read my blog lately, you know I have been involved in a project for Abi.  Well, here it is.  Deep breath.... what do you think? 

Abi, thanks for being so trusting and open.  Thanks for letting me get crazy with the texture.  It is rare to get to do whatever I want for a bride.  It is the ultimate situation but daunting non the less. 

These beautiful photos are done by Jacque Lynn, you can check out her blog here.  I do love how intimate and surreal these images turned out.