Project: Not Remotely Runway

voltee ♦ October 23, 2010 ♦ 5 Comments

Item: Sweater Color/Fabric: Lavender, cashmere Designer: Express Where Purchased: Value City (tears) Years Owned: 10?
Oh I made it through another week! By the skin of my teeth. I think I’ve discovered why I haven’t been sleeping. It’s because I have no compartments. My life would be so much easier if I had little boxes to file thoughts away in my head. Many people are good at doing that. They can have a bad day at home, put it into a box, and go to work as though nothing has happened. Or the other way around.
I simply am utterly incapable of doing that. My head is a deep, violent ocean, with everything tumbling around all together; thoughts bumping into dreams, songs floating around with fears, words sailing by with regrets, sounds diving deep with worries, pictures bobbing next to hopes. A big ol jumbly mess.
Hence, insomnia. When there is much on my mind.
One of the many wonderful things on my mind this very instant is Project Runway. Even though I’ve been underwhelmed and rather bored by the last two challenges, I have loved this season, and it reminds me of the first season, which I watched after the fact during a weekend long marathon when I was sick. But I was so excited by it that I decided to make some clothes.
Ok, make is a little too generous. I can’t really use a sewing machine, but I am pretty nifty with a needle, I must admit.
So I grabbed this little cashmere sweater that I got for $2 on the Value City clearance rack. I loved it, and wore it on many occasions, none of which I can remember at this moment. But it got a little moth-hole right in the front of it one year. I couldn’t wear it, but it’s cashmere, which is like a drug to me. And I couldn’t bring myself to let it go.
Well, lightning struck me during that first season of Project Runway. I would turn the moth eaten sweater into a cardigan! It would be lovely, and so practical! Maybe I could start a career of designing clothes (this was an unemployed time in my life)!
I don’t think the end result is a disaster, but it’s not what I had envisioned. I didn’t think about how little fabric would be left after I cut in in half and finished the edges. Plus button holes are a bitch to make, and I couldn’t make them even.
Then I just sewed it closed. And sort of liked it!
It’s far from perfect, I know. It is a tiny bit odd. It does come very far away from the body. But it’s sort of flattering, at the same time.
At first, I wore it in its new incarnation a great deal. I was proud. “I made this!!” I thought, and sometimes said aloud to complete strangers.
Over time it grew to “I…made this. ?” And then I felt a little ashamed of it.
It’s been a long time since I’ve worn this. I really am not sure if I ever will. I still like the color and the fabric. Of course.

Sadly, I will miss the finale of Project Runway due to Spain. But, Go, Mondo!!

**I’ve kept this, and haven’t worn it, but it was adorable on stage in Bye Bye Birdie!  Also, cheering for Mondo again in Project Runway; All-Stars!