inspired

I have been wanting to watch this show for some time now, it took being sick last month to really begin watching Downton Abbey. It is such a beautifully made show with imagery, history and a great story line. After watching the first season I moved right into the second, and just this week broke down got the third season and have seen that too. It can be a bit addictive, the nice thing is there are only about 9 episodes each season with a couple special long ones.   

One of my favorite things to visually grasp in the show, is the clothing. It happens to be one of my favorite eras, clothes wise, and they have done a wonderful job making sure the costumes are perfect!

I have noticed they do use Liberty of London fabrics for some of the blouses and it is not only historically correct, it makes me want to pull mine out and start making more stuff with them, as well as buy some hats and dress up for dinner! 

With all of this Downton I have been watching, I have been inspired to begin stitching by hand, something that I have not done in a while. It has reminded me that stitching used to be "women's work"especially embroidery. I have been working on some cross stitch samplers, I really haven't made one of these in a long time,  and finished one already. It reminds me of how much I love all the colors in embroidery floss. I consider it half the fun in embroidery, all the choices!

I must admit I have also been looking at Liberty of London fabrics, even more than normal, due to seeing it on the show. I have an itch to stock up and make something with all Liberty... Trying to make myself use the ones I have before I do that though.... we will see how long that lasts! 

I must admit, it is nice to see a show that is so lovely visually, and the way it is written. 

Vogue

I finally got around to watching "The September Issue", a documentary that follows the process of what it takes to create an issue of Vogue. Fashion has always seduced me, however I have a love/hate relationship for the fashion world. I admire the artists that create some of the most spectacular things and literally create walking sculptures that are meant for wearing. Couture is my favorite kind of fashion, to look at, admire, and study. The hours that go into some of the garments, and the textiles that are used to make them are brilliant. Haute Couture is true craftsmanship at work. 

The movie was a really interesting look behind the scenes of what happens at the photo shoots, what makes it in and what gets cut. I love that part of the magazine the photos that showcase the most beautiful attire in the most un-realistic, imagined scenarios. Essentially what separates it from just being clothes and turns it into art. 

Anna Wintour is a powerful woman and definitely knows what she is doing. I was happy to see that she does have someone that challenges that at times and makes her re-think why something should stay, go or be changed. Her co-worker from the start- Grace. 

I did find it humorous that Meryl Streep played her so well in "The Devil Wears Prada." It was a fun comparison, and while she may seem cold, she is a business woman and at the end of the day she does her job brilliantly. An interesting documentary and well worth watching. 

sex and friends

This summer is going to be full of great movies with my friends... The first which premiers today!!! I have been following these ladies since they first began and after the last movie with the amazing clothes, sets and all who could resist another movie! I have a date with my best ladies on sunday to go see it, and can't wait! Hopefully I don't cheat and go see it before then!