So apparently, in the 1980s, French newspapers were (occasionally) printed on fabric. Who knew? (And more to the point, why didn't I know THEN, when I could get some?) [Thanks to Robin for the link, and click on the image to visit the Etsy auction for this dress made from said papers.]
Rita at Cemetarian sent in this pocket-licious pattern. I would CLANK when I walked if I made it (because I've never seen a pocket I couldn't overstuff), but I'm still tempted …
Carolyn sent a link to this astounding crochet UNO dress (But wouldn't you always lose in a UNO dress? You'd never get rid of all your cards!)
Great story in New York magazine about people who only wear one color … and it's not black. Plus, bonus points for including Stephin Merritt.
[Another] Erin sent me a link to ceramicist Sunny Shultz and her clay dresses. The grayish-brown clay and all the layers make them look very post-apocalyptic. (Which is a GOOD thing, in case you were wondering.)
Tracy sent me a link to these vintage pattern lightswitch covers.
BeSewStylish has a downloadable glossary of spelling terms (PDF).
Charles Savoie sent me an email asking me "[are you] sure you want to recommend that title [Fashion is Spinach (now online free at the Internet Archive, btw!)]? The author advocated men wearing skirts". To which I reply "Wha huh? And that is bad why?" I do not discriminate on the basis of gender; if a guy wants to wear a skirt, dress, muumuu, whatever, it's totally fine with me. But, gentlemen, if you're really so easily swayed that my merely recommending a book will put you into non-bifurcated garments, may I recommend the Utilikilt? (Warning: last link has video/audio at load.)
I should really put this on the other blog (and I will in a minute) but I couldn't resist the urge to make Semicolon Appreciation Society T-Shirts (and stickers, so you can "edit" faulty signs).
Here's the back (on the white shirts only, no back printing on black shirts):
And oh, if you're only going to visit one of my links today, you should really make it Invisible Magnet, a new blog about perfume. Personally, I'm not very knowledgeable about perfume (or adventurous, either — I wear Fracas, which is really just a very expensive upgrade from Love's Baby Soft), but I have a feeling that after a few months of reading this new blog, I will be. It's written by Ana (whom I know & love) and Liz (whom I'd REALLY like to meet) and they are covering the whole spectrum: the chemistry, the personalities, the packaging, and that I Hate Perfume guy who makes stuff that smells like burning leaves. Also they do that great blog thing where they post their conversations. (For what is the use of a blog, without pictures, or conversations?)
[Housekeeping notes: if you send me links for this now-regular Friday feature, do let me know 1) if you want your name included, and if so, how MUCH of your name, and 2) if you want me to link your name to your blog, send me that URL. Also: I reserve the right to ignore your link if it's something I've already posted about, isn't appropriate for this blog, is obviously over-the-top self-promotion (minor self-promotion is fine), or if I just get absent-minded and forget about it. Please don't send me huge images via email; send links instead! The little elves that run Thunderbird thank you for that courtesy.]
Whew! That's a wrap on another linktastic Friday, folks. See you on Monday, have a great weekend. Courage.
A Dress A Day 
There must be something in the air; the Thoughtful Dresser discussed the use of semi-colons yesterday.
LikeLike
I couldn’t get the pocket-licious pattern link to work.I love semi-colons; I wish I had a reason to use them more.Hmm–all one color? I could never choose. I’ve got 12 placesettings of Fiesta, each in a different color. It had to be Fiesta, too, and not just any colored plates because the rest of them don’t offer that many different colors. I’d probably have more if I could find a reason even to own that many plates.I like men in skirts, too. I don’t think it looks odd at all. I’ve always thought kilts looked a little butch on women, anyway (not a criticism, just an opinion).
LikeLike
Love the semi-colon shirt. I assume you saw this NYT story about semi-colonshttp://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/18/nyregion/18semicolon.html?em&ex=1203829200&en=04e156dc60ba724c&ei=5087
LikeLike
A brief, grammatical question: why wouldn’t the sentence on the semi-colon shirt be divided into two sentences? -A Shame-Faced English Major
LikeLike
I made some buttons that read”Semicolons will be outlawed; only outlaws shall use semicolons.”
LikeLike
Hooray for semi-colons! Let’s all use some today; they are shamefully under-used.Rebecca,It could be divided into two sentences; that’s the whole point. The beauty of a semi-colon is that you choose to use it. (A good time to choose to use it is when the two independent clauses, or would-be sentences, are closely related or connected in meaning.
LikeLike
Wow. That Invisible Magnet blog is fantastic! I’m not fond of perfume in the slightest (and am among those who never wear it and gag when I smell others wearing it and am thankful that my fella doesn’t wear it), but those ladies write a really good argument for it. After reading through it, I’m beginning to feel swayed. (Plus, I’m now itching to go to the I Hate Perfume guy’s gallery. That sounds right up my alley. He makes a library scent! Also, I loved his former company when he was still there. I still cherish the few dribbles of fig leaf scent that I have left over from when I used to use it to combat mid-day Atlanta sweat from the pits.)
LikeLike
Hi Erin,I’m lovin’ the Link-O-Rama. If I might make one request (since it’s still in it’s infancy) I would really love it if the links opened their own browsers. That way I could leave open the sites I wanted to explore further and still get back to you for more linkageisms. I can only assume there’s a way to code them so they do that, hmmm?And since I’m here may I just take this opportunity to point out that it’s been a *long* time since we’ve seen anything you’ve made? The only thing better that seeing the patterns you’ve bought is seeing the dresses you’ve made with them…nudge, nudge.Thanks for all the fun that you serve up with my first cup of coffee.
LikeLike
Really like the vintage pattern light switch plates. When in North Dakota, at an antique store (where I got the neatest 50’s alligator handbag), they not only had used old patterns but also calendar pictures, note cards, stationery and all kinds of neat paper products to make switch plate covers, Christmas cards (kind of using your idea, Erin, of the pattern people talking to each other), dinner place cards, recipe cards – neat stuff. They also photocopied them onto fabric for use as aprons, hankies, collar corners and other things I don’t remember. It was such a nice way of bringing those beautiful designs back into our lives.
LikeLike
I like the newspaper-print fabric, but I don’t care for the dress; however, the fabric would look astounding in a full-skirt 1950s dress.
LikeLike
The semicolon t-shirt had me laughing up a storm. Great find Erin. =).
LikeLike
Where can I get that fantastic dress shown in the photo?
LikeLike
I love the idea of perpetual monochromatic dressing. The people featured in the story seem so focused and dedicated. I think it is akin to wearing one perfume for you entire life, or a certain hairdo, or style of clothing. I’m not sure I could wear only one color for an extended period of time, as I am a bit spastic and indecisive, but if I did, I believe I would pick mauve.
LikeLike
Anonymous — click on the image, they’re usually links.
LikeLike
Hehe, I just realized I could use a semicolon in my last comment! I think it would go something like this:I’m not sure I could wear only one color for an extended period of time, as I am a bit spastic and indecisive; if I did, I believe I would pick mauve.Is that correct? My knowledge of grammatical rules is a bit rusty.
LikeLike
Libby, depending on your browser (and if you’re not using Firefox, I really recommend that you start) you can do a “Command-click” on any link and it will open in a new tab. Try it and see …
LikeLike
Either my grandma or my cousin (who’s 12 years older than myself) made me a skirt and t-shirt out of a newspaper print jersey when I was about eight or so. It was right smack dab in the middle of the 80s. I loved it because it had splotches of neary flourescent pink on it. I don’t recall if it was french print or not. I think I had a few things out of newsprint. I recall that I would occasionally try to read the clothing items but most of the articles were cut off in seams or hems.JenL
LikeLike
I’ve probably been aware of the kilts longer than most people, because there was a guy at the university who was just mad to get one. Boy, he got wierd looks when he wore it to class, but why not? Now, as normal as it seems to me to see a man in a kilt, I’d find it very strange on my own husband….-Katie G
LikeLike
First, I love a man in a kilt- sexy, sexy, sexy!Second, I love the idea of wearing only one color, but I think the actuality is nigh impossible. Periwinkle is lovely, isn’t it?Third- Erin, perhaps you would be interested in making a “dash” tee-shirt? My daughter actually got suspended in Grade 12 English for arguing for its use; she is the Nelson Mandella of the dash.
LikeLike
Not just an Alice in Wonderland reference, but a reference to one of the more delightful, often ignored, bits of the book–Oh, oh! I thought I was the only one who loved that quote. You’ve made my day.
LikeLike
Fabulous blog and fabulous dress. I cannot believe this was done in the 1980s and on fabric. Wow. Sandy
LikeLike
I think it’s funny you should link to “Fashion is Spinach” shortly after my daughter mentions its existence on her blog http://spinached.blogspot.com/2008/02/crisis.htmlIf you read this post you’ll see the humor.
LikeLike
Oooo, I do; ooo, it does!Thanks Erin
LikeLike
Hi, Erin.I like looking at your blog. It is always interesting. The other day you commented about jumpsuits. That very night I watched E! tv. (I know, I know, but I was vegging out) One of the announcers was wearing a jumpsuit! It was horrible, beige & navy blue. The worst part- shorts! It wasn’t even long; it was something that a 3 year old would wear! You hit the nail on the head! No one over 3 should ever wear such a thing.Lisa
LikeLike
Thanks for the tip anonymous! A little pricy but beautiful work.
LikeLike
I am a semi-colon lover myself. What a useful piece of punctuation but so under appreciated.I really love those switch plate covers. Thanks for passing those on to your readers! So sweet!
LikeLike
Great links! I spent WAY too much time following them around. And I’m with stephanie on the perfume thing – those Invisible Magnet girls do make a compelling argument. Though I solemnly swear if I do start wearing scents to remember LESS IS MORE.And I have to get one of those semicolon shirts for my Mom. I personally am trying to break myself of my overly-claused sentence habit, but I am a longtime admirer of the semicolon. I mean, look at that sexy little wink! Who can resist?
LikeLike
The semicolon shirts are AWESOME! I’m getting one ASAP to wear to my classes. My students are going to learn to use semicolons properly, even if it’s the last thing they do.
LikeLike
You pocket link led me to another pattern with an interesting pocket treatment: http://cemetarian.com/images/Advance_5638_50.jpgLove this one. As well as the semi-colon t-shirt.
LikeLike
“Spelling” — cute! Clearly someone has an elementary school-aged kid at home!
LikeLike
Several years ago I went into my classroom (fifth grade) and all the kids were acting a bit excited, chattery and just plain agitated. Something was up, but I usually just ignored such days, as the cause of the excitement rarely involved me, the teacher. But after an hour or so, and it didn’t die down, I finally asked the group what was up. They looked a bit sheepish, but finally admitted that they were very disappointed that I was not wearing blue. I had worn blue very single day of school, but that day I was wearing a brown tweed dress. It was the 97th day of school! I never realized how much blue I was wearing, but obviously everyone else did.
LikeLike
i’m all about the semi-colon; a dorky thing to say, but true, nevertheless.
LikeLike
it’s true. i actually considered a semi-colon in my blog today and decided against it, for the simple fact that i thought others might think it wierd hahaha.will check out the perfume thingy, sounds interesting…
LikeLike
Love the idea of wearing one color – I already sort of do that with all shades of blue. But the people profiled were a bit over the top for my style!About the semicolon: when I taught high school English, I taught my students to use semicolons correctly and some of them even learned to use them effectively!
LikeLike
Its really funny — the artist Sunny Shultz is my mom, and I was Google-searching her and Im like, Wha–? Shes on a blog?I just must ask — how did your friend learn about her art? I find it curious enough.
LikeLike
“Charles Savoie sent me an email asking me “[are you] sure you want to recommend that title [Fashion is Spinach (now online free at the Internet Archive, btw!)]? The author advocated men wearing skirts”. To which I reply “Wha huh? And that is bad why?” I do not discriminate on the basis of gender; if a guy wants to wear a skirt, dress, muumuu, whatever, it’s totally fine with me.” I contacted dressaday as to misleading portrayal of my views, which was clarified over 2 years ago but NOT so posted here. I don’t appreciate being painted in any light other than the facts!
LikeLike