Friday, March 21, 2014

Sew What?! Sarong That It's Right

As is the case with most home-garment-construction workers (a new phrase I've coined to make my chosen hobby sound more masculine and avoid the easily misread, "sewer"), I go through periods of inspirational and motivational drought.  Months will pass before I realize that beyond some minor mending, I haven't sewn a single stitch.

As it inevitably does, the pendulum has a way of swinging back to the opposite extreme and I find myself chained to my trusty Bernina, forgoing wild nights in the pursuit of wild, wacky tacky wear.  I often refer to my sewing area as "Mr. Tiny's workshop;" when it more closely resembles "Mr. Tiny's Sweatshop," however, I begin to sympathize with Betty Hutton.


"The Sewing Machine" - Betty Hutton in
The Perils of Pauline (1947)

Currently in the midst of a sewing binge, I am doing my best to cut through the huge stash of fabric that I have been amassing.  For years I have been successfully whittling away at the yards and yards and yards and yards of a particular Marimekko print that I happened to buy at very deep discount in every available colorway.  The 1960 print from the Finnish manufacturer is called "Tulipunainen" which, according to a very perfunctory Google search, translates to "vermilion" - although one shouldn't expect an accurate representation of color here because every picture I upload seems to change color drastically.

Even though it is of decidedly-Scandinavian origin, I can't help but get a tropical inspiration every time I see this print; I like to think of Tulipunainen as the Thor Heyerdahl of the fabric world.

Heyerdahl was Norwegian and Marimekko is Finnish
but come hell AND high water, both managed to find
the South Pacific somehow.

With all the boldness of one of 20th-Century tiki's founding fathers, I set out on my own polynesian adventure to discover if I could create a two-piece semi-sarong(ish) outfit for Mary.

Mary has encouraged me to include a sketch with all
of my "Sew What?!" posts.  I'm a little shy about sharing
my drawings so we'll see how long this lasts.

 While technically not a sarong (the skirt does not wrap, the front panel is just a large drape), Mary felt it wasn't so-wrong and decided to wear it mere moments after I finished sewing on the last button.

Dorothy Lamour this ain't but
it's sarong that it's right, right?

She wore it to up her wild ante while performing at a Wild Records show;
I'm thinking she should be the poster child for their offshoot label - Mild Records.

All of our favorite photographer friends were in attendance
but nobody brought a proper camera.  I don't blame them
but I sure was hoping I wouldn't have to rely on my
meager point-and-shoot-and-pray technique.

Do you sew?  Have you been stuck at your sewing machine lately?  Have you ever made a sarong-style outfit?  Does this Finnish fabric have you singing Aloha 'Oe?  Until the next time I get a break from my self-imposed sweatshop, I'll settle for that lilting, island melody as played on the electric organ.


"Aloha 'Oe"


Cheers!

Mr. Tiny

29 comments:

  1. I cannot get over your sketches. AMAZING! Listen to that sister Mary of yours and include them with your sewing posts. I love this outfit, I wanted to steal it before Mary put it on! Good work once again my friend.

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    1. Thanks, pal! I haven't been drawing much lately so I'm pretty rusty but I'll do my best.

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  2. You are the best Chris! Mary looks divine! I sew my first even thing with a sewing machine last month for Sylvain's Lincoln... not perfect but I want to do more...
    We are leaving for the Usa next week, we are so excited! Hope to see you both, will you be at Viva with Mary? Or at benny's party the 11th?

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    1. Merci beaucoup!!! Did you post about your sewing? I want to see!

      Not sure about Viva, but we will definitely be at Benny's party!

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    2. Waow!!!! Benny's party will be crazy!!!! You MUST go to Viva!

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  3. The sketch and dress are brilliant, gorgeous piece! Man, I need to learn to sew. Mary looks beautiful, as always.

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    1. Thanks Van!!! You have a lot on your plate already but if I can sew, anyone can - you should learn!

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  4. So cool, and Mary looks gorgeous! The drawing is great - keep 'em coming!

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    1. Thanks NN! Usually my sketches are done in ballpoint pen in a spiral-bound notebook - just so I don't forget what I want to sew. I am going to try to remember to use proper paper and color.

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  5. While you're slaving over the Marimekko fabric in your sweatshop, you might play a recording of Garrison Keillor reciting "The Finn Who Would Not Take a Sauna."

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    1. I spent my whole childhood listening to PHC, I don't know if I can take one more minute of Mr. Keillor's signature tooth whistle...

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    2. I took several years off from PHC and then a couple years ago, on an "occasional" ten-minute visit, I noticed the tooth whistle. It seemed to have appeared during the time I was away. And it drove me back away. (If that's a proper sentence.)

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  6. I love your sketch and Mary as your model is just darling! I wish you would make a video sometime so we could hear her sing!!

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    1. Thanks RS!!! There are many YouTube videos of Mary (Simich) and Tiny&Mary. We are definitely going to be working on some proper videos - stay tuned!

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  7. You did a fantastic job! Love the two piece look of it too. Im the same way. I get burnt out on sewing, knitting, and crocheting. Last week I made to small items. A pair of curtains for my kitchen and a cover for our ottoman. They were quick and easy so it was a good boost to my ego.

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    1. Thanks Mariela! I knew you would understand! I'm trying to force myself to tackle more difficult projects because I love simple, shortcut stuff. Usually if I can't finish something in one day I get frustrated or bored or both. I love the quick projects!

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  8. There is no limit to your artistic ability! For a "rusty" illustrator, that's a darn fine fashion drawing! And, Mary looks great in your creation, as usual... this one seems to particulary flatter her figure! Keep up the great work and please share more of your drawings!

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    1. Thanks Anon!!! I will do my best. Stay tuned for many more sewing projects coming up soon.

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  9. it turned out beautifully! and keep putting the drawings in! that one really is great!
    i've always had the desire to be a sewer, but never the patience. i keep saying im going to make a little, easy, quilt for my nephew, but i don't if it will ever get past the half way cut out phase. i have a sweet little elephant cut out to, that i was making for a friends baby. who is now almost two. haha!

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    1. Thanks Rae!!! I've always wanted to be able to play an instrument but I am beyond hopeless. However, if I can sew, ANYONE can! I can't wait to see the finished elephant.

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  10. That turned out fabulous and I am so glad you included your sketch! Absolutely love it!

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  11. It looks AMAZING! What a grate ensemble! Your sketch is absolutely wonderful as well! Keep up the good stitches.

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    1. Also makes me think of the song "In a sweater, a sarong, and a peekaboo bang!" :D

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