It Stole My Heart x
The moment I clapped eyes on this Dries Van Noten shirt it sang my song. I loved it’s bold stance that still seamlessly fitted with it’s gold baroque inspired partner.
Initially I thought the design was printed – but no, it’s all embroidered aka creole style, which in my view makes it a little slice of heaven. At £590 I can understand and appreciate it’s steep price and in my minds eye I can already see it walking through my wardrobe marrying all kinds of jeans, skirts and culottes with absolute aplomb, until I fear at the school gates instead of ‘Bella’s-Mum’ or Charlie’s-Mum’ I’d be known as ‘Shirt-Girl’. I cross my fingers tightly it’ll be in the Summer Sales with a wonderful, purse-happy reduction. Until then there’s another route and I’ve been compelled to try and make a patterned shirt of my own. I found an old cream number ripe and ready for the re-cycling bin to experiment on (it’s not cotton but a sort of modern chiffon) and with a bog standard black permanent marker pen and embroidery ring I set to work..
It’s incredibly therapeutic – there’s no right or wrong, you just do…and it organically grows..it’s not finished yet, but i’ll post a pic of it when it is.
I realise it seems as if I don’t stop – and the truth is I probably don’t. But a lot of the work I do as a mum is ‘invisible’ – expected and to a certain extent, taken for granted. By making time for my ‘projects’ I see something tangible created in front of my eyes…and the joy of that is worth it’s weight in gold – I sincerely believe it’s food for the soul. One of these days I’ll write a post about how I manage my time (I do have a system – I have to) …I just need to find the time to write it…!
Laters, Kate x
Maison Bentley Style 
That’s a great idea, I love it!
I think I’ll need to wash it just to make sure it’s an absolute winner! but as it stands i’m wondering why I haven’t thought of it before! xxx
I stand in awe of everything you do (it seems like each of your day lasts 48 hours !). It’s crucial that you still have your personal projects, like this marvellous embroidered shirt inspired by a divine designer ! xxxxx
Kate, I for one am desparate to know about your time “system”…. Please tell your secrets as I am in awe of how much you fit in, and am inspired by how you find / create / protect time for your personal projects. Tell! Xx
Hehe. Just posted a basic outline..it’s weird I still feel as though I’m always behind – there’s a domestic tranquility just out of reach..but I think that’s the cycle of life nature of running a home..the cycle runs on a daily basis! But I do try to get the most out of every day xxx
It’s beautiful….great idea
It’s very relaxing to do – just make sure you have a piece of cardboard in the shirt to stop it seeping through to the back or your table! xxx
Fulfilled Mum equals happy kids,in my book. My creativity kept me sane when my kids were little. Fabulous shirt!! Xxx
So true! I’m actually crap at playing with ‘toys’ with them..but if they want to step into my world..then we’re away! xxx
There she goes again, finding a way to have something (a light, a shirt) by doing it herself! This one looks like a lot of fun. And regarding the “invisible” work–so much of “women’s work” is invisible and frequently un-done–you make the beds and someone unmakes it and it must be made again, you cook dinner and it gets eaten and must be cooked again, you wash the dishes and someone eats and the dishes must be washed again. I’ve seen this used as a explanation for the impulse to make quilts, in particular–here was a practical, approved type of women’s work that would LAST and maintain its beauty.
That’s it exactly!! There was a lovely quote on Hungrycookie.net’s blog – if you do something out of duty it will deplete, if you do it out of love it will energise…I think I need to make a quilt!! xxx
SO GREAT!
Sigh. It is a stunning outfit.. xxx
Dries van Noten speaks to me on many levels — I always find something to admire and desire in his collections. Perhaps, you are like me — much more efficient when you keep moving and doing. It’s when you stop that the plan falls apart. All the ‘hidden things’ that you do actually leave a beautiful trail in the minds of the people you touch. Perhaps hidden from physical view, but seared in the minds and souls of others. XO
If I am honest, I hate the drudgery – The hamster-wheel jobs that just have to be done. But – I think they’re vital to create rhythm and keep one grounded. I just try and do them as fast as possible!! And yes – I love being busy..I think I love best being busy and appreciated! xxx
I tip the brim of my velvet Givenchy capeline to you and your great style Ms Bentley!
Bless you! Givenchy? I am honoured! xxx
You are so creative! My DIY is more BIY (buy it yourself). Amazing!
I genuinely believe that everyone is creative. I think the modern world has stifled a lot of it because so much is handed out on a plate..but given a good teacher, anything for anyone is possible. honest! xxx
Beautiful pattern!
A bit like your NZ tattoo! xxx
Yes. Oh, I have to come back to those patterns.
ooh, that is lovely!
The gold skirt isn’t bad either! xxx
( and I forgot to say good luck and I’m excited to see the end project- it’ll turn out wonderfully )
Great idea for the shirt, I love it!! Yes, I can’t wait to see then end product.
I’m going to have fun with the sleeves – not sure my embroidery ring will work (find a smaller one?!) but time will tell! xxx
That skirt stole my heart!! And what an inspired DIY! Awesome!!
The skirt is rather fabulous..now – would you/could you go to work in it? Wear it every day? Then it is worth it’s weight in gold! xxx
What’s not to love about Monsieur Dries Van Noten?…
and what’s not to love about marker à la Miss Kate? ♥
Your creativity and productivity is awesome…
and your time management skills must be…
totally awesome!!~ xo
The shirt and skirt are divine! I would love to hear more about your time system!
I sat down and wrote a post..there is more when you think about it, so many systems you put in place to minimise the hamster-work..but the basics are there! xxx
Wow! Can’t wait!
Hehe! xxx