Today I started my crossword puzzle shirt project, aka "Crosswords Are Easy."
Are crosswords easy? For Michael, The Crossword Puzzle Whiz, I'd say yes. For me, it depends. (Not as easy as word-search puzzles.)
Anyway, since the fabric is so...crossword-puzzle-y, I'm trying to break it up a bit by using solid black shirting for contrast where I can: the inside cuffs, the inside button plackets, and the inside yoke. I'll probably make the inside collar stand black too.
With any luck he'll be able to model it this weekend.
In other news, as of a few hours ago, there's a new bowler in my life!
Actually, it's an old bowler, a Stetson. This hat is so old, in fact, that it was manufactured with tiny perforations in the crown, which were found in hats intended for summer. Can you imagine: a summer bowler! I won it on eBay. It was marginally more expensive than the Made in China hat I returned, but much less than even the cheapest bowler at J.J. Hat Center. Hopefully it fits!
Finally, I received a new book my friend Johanna recommended to me, Flatness Folded by Miranda Tsui. It's a book of 23 contemporary designs based on traditional Chinese garments. You have to make the patterns yourself, based on small diagrams in the book that include measurements. Most of the designs look very elegant and they're all non-gendered. I hope to make at least one of these next month for my Mood project.
And that's it. I'm happy about my new hat, pleased with my new book, and looking forward to completing Michael's new shirt tomorrow. No complaints.
Have a great day, everybody!
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That book looks amazing, and can't wait to see the shirt finished. It would look great with the bowler hat!
ReplyDeleteNice hat and the book looks very interesting!
ReplyDeleteSO jealous of the crossword shirt - as a third-generation buff, it seems deeply covetable. Were it to be practical while I'm actually in solving-mode, it would probably have to be a bathrobe, but still...
ReplyDeleteThat shirt looks fun. It will be fun to walk up to from a distance and see it's a crossword shirt. Love those patterns in that book. Can't wait to see what you do
ReplyDeleteI'm anxious to see the finished shirt - love the added black touches! I saw a skirt (some years ago) made out of the same fabric and loved it, but never did see it anywhere.
ReplyDeleteI find crossword puzzles even more relaxing than sewing....Must consider combining the two. :) I know I'm a couple of days late, but I must comment that I'm disappointed with Professor B for not complimenting your shirt's beauty workmanship. Sheesh.
ReplyDeletecan't wait to see what you make from that book Peter--it looks very interesting. I've watched just enough anime to be smitten with traditional Japanese clothing :)
ReplyDeleteCrossword puzzles make me feel like a fool, but I do love the print - can't wait to see the shirt.
ReplyDeleteThat book looks really interesting! Traditional east asian patterns are really a world in themselves. All room, folding and rectangles. Isn't there a pair of trousers in there which you could use to knock off those men's culottes?
ReplyDeleteBy the way, although these patterns are often traditionally used for men and women, I don't always find them easy to wear for a European woman. The waist-hip ratio often causes issues.
The crossword shirt will be such a great conversation starter. Many years ago, (in my reckless youth) I had tights that had a story written up and down the legs (looked like stripes) - met so many people trying to read them.
ReplyDeleteThe bowler looks like a lovely addition to your wardrobe.
Can't wait to you rustle something up from the new book. I love simple clothes from non-western cultures. In the summertime I often wrap vintage tablecloths around me as sarongs.
This is the best sleeve placket I have ever seen ever!
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing looking book! I can't wait to see what you do from it :-)
ReplyDelete(?) me thinks Issey has the same book (lol)..
ReplyDeleteWouah: shirt looks really great (in awe of your skills and style as always), the bowler seems really nice (looking forward to you modeling it) and the book looks awesome! Hope you'll try some of them soon!
ReplyDeleteenfin un blog couture homme dommage je n'ai pas fait d'anglais !
ReplyDeletemerci qd même !
C'sur Mesure : le blog couture/patronnage gratuit, partage , Faq ...
That print fascinates me — I could spend hours contemplating what were the clues ...
ReplyDeleteI think that hat is the one for you! That book looks fascinating.....I remember that Halston loved creating garments through folding,, like origam, which gave his designs that wonderful, seamless look.
ReplyDeleteThat book looks really interesting. I look forward to seeing what you make from it.
ReplyDeleteIf I lived closer to you, I would come to your place and STEAL that book! But I'm in Alabama.......
ReplyDelete