Hoppo Bumpo (n): A children's game. Played by folding one's arms and hopping on one leg. Aim is to bump opponents, so that they lose their balance. Last person standing wins.


October 08, 2008

Current affairs and frocks



In my home town we have two evening TV shows purporting to be current affairs programs. Apart from regular investigations into family rifts, neighborhood spats and e-mail scams, there seem to be a host segments dedicated to cosmetic surgery, diets and wonder garments. Seemingly every other month there's also the Next Big Thing in frocks. You know, the sort that supposedly flatters all figures.

Yeah, well have I got news for them. Wheel in Exhibit A (me).

I'm not quite the same woman I was four years ago. I was never svelte, but I think I looked fairly regular. Normal-ish. But two pregnancies later, my whole shape looks a bit weird. Baby No.1 weighed in at 10lb 1 oz. And during the last trimester with Baby No.2, my obstetrician cheerfully announced that the baby was going to be Huge. At about 36 weeks, bub was measuring the equivalent of 47 weeks baked. Of course it was a bit hard to be accurate, as by this time my poor tummy muscles were giving way - my abs had a separation of a hand's width between them. Mmmm .... giving way, yes. The idea of anything whatsoever snapping back in place after all this, was laughable and frankly, impossible.

So as a result, everything seems to have reshaped, resized and relocated. Which makes buying store-bought clothes demoralising. Prêt-à-Porter is clearly the French for "disappointment". I'd like to tell A Current Affair and Today Tonight, that their showcased frocks, wonder undies and uplifting bras just aren't going to cut it.

I do have a little hope, however, after my Sundress post last week. Thanks to some lovely readers, there were some great suggestions about flattering styles and even a pattern recommendation from Lara over at Thornberry. So I have taken her advice and purchased Simplicity 3867. The description on the back of pattern says simply Misses' dress, but its a lovely sleeveless empire line dress, with a gentle v-neckline. There's a slight gathering at the shoulders and in the bodice and the nicely draped skirt is A-line. It does look as if it will be very flattering. In fact the pattern itself looks pretty versatile, also including a top, shorts, jacket and bag.

So, if you're one of those people who said you'd like to find the same illusive sundress pattern, stay tuned. I'm starting a toile next week and will do the occasional post as I go, showing what the dress looks like. I know already, that I will need to make some alterations for my special figure, ahem, "features" ... but if the dress works out, expect to see me on a A Current Affair sometime in the near future.

16 comments:

  1. Beautiful pattern - let's hope it turns out well. My recent run-ins with Simplicity patterns aside, they tend to be pretty good!

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  2. That looks like a lovely pattern. I shall watch with interest, as I'd love to try one, too. Good luck, and have fun!

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  3. I know where you are coming from - I have had similar realignment issues and find it increasing difficult to find clothing that fits properly (being on the short side makes it extra challenging!). I will be waiting your debut on A Current AFfair with much interest - who knows I may get back into dress making!

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  4. Thats a gorgeous pattern. I am sure your dress will turn out great!

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  5. that pattern looks great - I hope it works out for you and will be watching your progress. I totally understand the changed body issues - my body since having Boo is basically the same except its like someone has attached a big pillow to my front - attractive huh.

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  6. I am staying tuned for sure. Can't wait to see it.

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  7. Great frock - can't wait to see it step by step!

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  8. Ooooo! Exciting. Can't wait to see how it turns out!

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  9. The pattern looks gorgeous. I can't wait to see the progress.

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  10. Excuse me you forgot the scummy/dodgey tradespeople. Big important current affairs. I mean who cares about a global financial crisis, that dude the bogan booked to fix her dunny never showed up!

    PS Your dress sounds hot. Sorry to hear about yer abs.

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  11. Ahh kids, you think they would be nice enough to leave the place as they found it. Mine were little-ins so I guess that leaves me with no excuses.
    This dress pattern does look most promising. Looking forward to updates!

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  12. That was me last week on my first girls-day-out in months and months...trying things on is just an exercise in humiliation and disappointment. :p So I will also be watching your posts with interest. I wonder how the waist will turn out?? Dh HATES all empire waisted things on me..swears they make me look preggo, since my stomach muscles are so shot. This looks like wide enough to maybe hit a better spot. :p

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  13. You know A Current Affair will only run a story on your dress if it is part of a cross promotion for another Channel 9 show. Grr.
    I look forward to seeing it.

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  14. I actually have a little thing for "Today/Tonight" .. it's like eating junk food - I love it.

    My girlfriend's got a similar thang going on after her kids, and it turns out it's a HERNIA ( her tummy will not go back down, and the handspan thing can't diminish either ).

    So it might be worth checking out ?

    Oh - 'or not' .. because the answer to her problems is an operation .. so yeah ..

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  15. Ouch! I empathise totally, my first was 10lb10oz! And the tummy never has been the same again even when I lost an amazing amount of weight when I left my marriage- All of which and more has returned with avengence. I look forward to seeing the dress completed. Good luck.

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  16. The pattern looks great! I can't wait ot see it. No one can say it the way you do!

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Thanks for dropping by! I love hearing what people have to say. Leave a comment if you like.