Duxford Girl

Knowing that I wasn't going to feel great about the state of my body, I booked a photo session shortly after Simon was born. These are photos by Libertee Muzyuka at Pure Form Salon in Calgary (http://www.pureformsalon.com/index2.php#/home).

Simon, at three months, had been exceptionally good throughout this session but he was definitely at the end of his patience by the end.

Rather than a skirt and blouse which would have been what the VAD members would have actually worn, I choose to make a loose fitting dress that would get its form from the addition of the apron. Eventually, I would like to acquire a book with the correct patterns and make a more proper interpretation of the uniform, however, for the purpose of a costume this year, this shift was fine.

I'll start by saying that I'm not very good at this sewing business. I flunked out of home-ec in junior high and with the exception of a few lessons from a friend in the SCA, I'm basically self-taught. I like to make costumes but if I want something that's totally authentic, I'll hire someone to do it. I arm myself with the few skills that I've learned and a “Sewing for Dummies” book. Typically, I've picked projects way beyond my skills and end up with dresses that are far from perfect. However, since I've only ever sewn costumes, perfection is less of an issue for me.

After a seven-month wait, I finally have an appointment with a psychiatrist ... on October 31st. It seems to me that this auspicious occasion requires that I make a new costume.

The night before I left for Jamaica, I had the sudden brain wave that at a couples resort there was probably going to be more than a few good opportunities for bride pictures. I raided my gown cupboard and found a dress I'd purchased cheaply, a so-called “destination” wedding dress. I tried it on, it fit. I tossed it in my suitcase with a veil.