Wednesday, May 9, 2007

All Is Vanity!




Miss Elodie was in fine form this weekend as she attended a ball during the spring pilgrimage in Jefferson, Texas. Ever careful of her appearance, she made a grand entrance in her favorite gown with her hair arranged in an elaborate knot.
Her impeccable toilette was not, however, as successfully achieved by her friend Miss J. Alas for the hapless Miss J., not only had she neglected to check the fasteners on the back of her gown thereby necessitating the use of those newfangled "safety" pins to give purchase to the hooks, but, horror of horrors, in the middle of the Virginia reel, she lost the hairpiece on the back of her head. This is perhaps the second worse thing that could have befallen her.

Yet Miss Elodie must congratulate Miss J. for keeping her composure such that she was able to dash over to her seat, deposit her crowning glory, and return to the line without her partner even being aware of what had just transpired. Indeed, such is Miss J.'s enthusiasm for the Virginia Reel that she completed the set and even smiled despite her braidless state during her tenure as the distaff side of the lead couple when it came their turn.

That, my dear reader, is the epitome of a lady.

Tuesday, May 1, 2007

Miss Elodie Sings Praises of Singer!




After years, nay, a lifetime of sewing by hand, Miss Elodie has finally succumbed to the lure of the latest technology. Yes, she has invested in a sewing machine and has learned how to use it.
After three lessons, Miss Elodie produced a lovely toile fabric covered handbag that is the envy of her friends and associates.

Her next project is a variation of a new pattern Miss Elodie's friend Miss Laurie adopted from a new publication. The fabric is a gorgeous brown, rose, and green striped cotton Miss Elodie believes will be fashionable yet comfortable this summer. The version Miss Laurie created had self-runching and green ribbon trim. Miss Elodie, while fond of green, hopes to match the fabric with rose grosgrain. Clothes are of a particular interest to Miss Elodie as she is preparing for a busy season of attending events where the gentlemen appreciate the effect her hoops and other underpinnings have on her physique and wardrobe. While voluminous skirts can be cumbersome, Miss Elodie can't help but smile as she sees how comparatively small they make her waist. Ah, if only it were true...

To return to the subject of this diary entry, Miss Elodie hopes her skills with her Singer machine will improve and that she will have acceptable examples of her handiwork to post.