To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism; to steal from many is research.
Steven Wright (God bless him for giving me so many great quotes)
Did you think I might never return and reveal the secrets of my new altered clothes and my pink hair? I did. I've been sick for sooo long. However, I did get lots of knitting and little sewing project done while sitting on the sofa with my bucket.
First I must say thank you to all those who wrote in while I was sick or replied to the post before when I was fishing for compliments. I love you all and feel renewed purpose. You are out there!
Secondly if you are interested in buying Julie Arkell's book, can you let me know? I spoke to her about it and decided the easiest thing to do is for me to order a dozen from the publisher and sell them on to you if I get enough people wanting them. Must warn you though that with shipping they will come to about £30.00 to the US. Less for nearer destinations. If you express an interest, I will let you know the cost, before ordering. I'm not profiting out of this, I'm just doing it cause I'm nice and I know there are a lot of Julie admirers out there.
Sorry, she has no blog. She has no computer. She has no TV. Not a single luxury.
Okay now back to me. Your going to be hearing a lot about my clothes for the next little while. I have lost 20lbs and have renewed interest in my wardrobe. I've taken everything out and either got rid of it, put it in a basket for alterations or feel a new confidence in wearing it. It's all about layers, I reckon. I know this isn't news but I've figured out how to work them. There will be pictures.
Today's pictures are pockets. Remember the pocket Julie was wearing? Well, Marilyn and I both decided that we should never have lived without them in the first place and made loads.
Lucy Locket lost her pocket,
Kitty Fisher found it,
not a penny was there in it,
Only ribbon round it.
Women used to wear pockets separately. For those of us who don't wear jeans, and wear a lot of skirts I think this is an excellent idea. Most store bought skirts don't have pockets and this drives me crazy. 
I made some that tie at the back like an apron but I prefer this style that does up with a button at the front. It feels more secure and makes a nice hip accent.
I have some beautiful embroidered Afghan and Indian purses that I have attached strings to so I can wear them in this way. 
They are also the perfect place to use up bits of embroidery like this Thai Hill tribe bit.
More tomorrow. Today I leave you with my new hair. I have added some pink and purple extensions.
I have also added some lovely beading but it is not in this picture. You'll have to come back for that if you find me and my clothes as fascinating as I do.
Oh to lose 20 lbs. It would be heaven! Gives you a renewed interest in more than clothes!! :)
The hair is awesome - I'd never be so brave, but I suppose they are extensions. heh And love the pockets - brilliant fabric combinations!
Glad you're feeling better. (((Hugs)))
Posted by: Laura | November 03, 2005 at 03:20 AM
Glad you're all better & slimmer & pinker! Looks great on you!
The pockets are great - they beat the heck out of fannypacks!
Posted by: Terri | November 03, 2005 at 03:43 AM
Glad you're feeling better! I would love a copy of Julie's book - can you let me know the total including the shipping to Sweden? Cheers, Sam
Posted by: Samantha | November 03, 2005 at 05:48 AM
Welcome back! So pleased that you're feeling better.
Please, please add me to the list for Julie's book. The pocket idea is fantastic, although on my waist/hips, I'm not so sure.... Maybe I should join you in the 20lbs weight lost and the pink hair which incidentally is superb - wish I had the courage!
Posted by: Lizzie | November 03, 2005 at 10:34 AM
I love the pocket idea too! A place to keep tissues and all the bits and bobs my sons collect and I usually have to walk around holding in my hand ( I am a skirt girl too). Congratulations on the weight loss too. I still need to lost the baby weight I put on ( can I still use that as an excuse?) You look radiant!
Posted by: Melissa | November 03, 2005 at 12:44 PM
Congraulations on your weight - quite a feat! Love your hair
Posted by: Samantha | November 03, 2005 at 06:53 PM
One more gal who's happy your back and feeling well.
Love the hair!
Looking forward to many more beautiful creations :)
Posted by: wilsonian | November 03, 2005 at 11:17 PM
Ooh Juju... I forgot in my previous post to mention that I'd love to get Julie's book. Please put me on the list...Thank you xox
Posted by: fiberchick | November 04, 2005 at 12:06 AM
That pocket thing is a really good idea. I'm stealing it!
Posted by: Strikkelise | November 04, 2005 at 08:17 PM
I am fairly new to reading here. I have enjoyed your posts very much.
I love all the colorful pictures and was sad to see you were sick so many times I came back to check on you.
The pockets are cute and you are very cute!
I'm glad you are back.
Posted by: Connie | November 05, 2005 at 05:15 PM