A Cat-Astrophe | Burda 7255
{MY DYT Type One Style Blouse – Burda Pattern 7255
Phillip Lim Jeans – thrifted
Bracelets and Earrings – By Me
Platform Cork Sandals – Aldo and last seen here
Turquoise Purse – Aldo}
Summer 2013. A lot of sunshine, a lot of sewing, a lot of joy. Summer 1993…a lot of cats. Remember this post? The merry month of May 1993 and the arrival of five kittens. In a postage stamp sized apartment. Oh sure, the apartment oozed charm…it was built in maybe the thirties or forties…the main rooms were graced with inlaid oak hardwood floors, the miniscule bath had teeny white hexagon floor tiles, it had the requisite tall ceilings, mullioned sash windows, and interior french doors. But tiny for two, never mind six cats, of which I need not remind you, were not permitted in the building. Weather-wise, it was a lovely summer, and fortunately, as the passing days grew warmer, the cat population became lighter. Loving homes were found for three of Oscar’s kittens, and after 8 + chaotic weeks, we were down to Oscar and two of her kittens. Yeah, um….about that number. I know the plan had been to keep one kitten, but I am flexible, if not practical. Oscar, her first born tabby Eli, and Magic…a gentle giant of a kitten…had found their forever home. Okay, okay….not physical forever home…we knew the clock was ticking. Our days in our little apartment were numbered and time was nigh that we found a bigger, better, burger.
A friend of a friend was thrilled to noodle her way in to our small building, and we orchestrated a meet-up between her and the building owners, who lived off site. This was good. It would have been much more difficult if we were to be at the mercy of random showings. I bundled up the cats, and took them across the hall to our friend’s suite. Immediately, three cats scattered eagerly in three different directions, all inquisitive and very interested in their new surroundings. I chatted inanely and wandered about the apartment, attempting to ensure my charges didn’t get in to trouble. Her apartment was the mirror image of ours, and when I glanced through the french doors into her den, my jaw dropped, and I exclaimed, ‘{Dear friend}, What happened?’ Her apartment is the picture of tidiness, and something was seriously amiss in this small room. She noticed the alarm in my voice, and jumped up to join me. There we stood, gobsmacked, at a loss for words…the majority of the lathe and plaster ceiling was on the floor…a royal mess if ever there was one.
The good news? The building owners were on their way over to interview the friend of the friend. The not so good news….the cats. I quickly herded the cats back into their carriers, and traipsed upstairs to good friend #2. Actually, to be technical, she was good friend #1 because she had been in the building much longer than our dear friend that lived across the hall. But I digress. Cats were equally thrilled with these surroundings. Friend was beside herself with laughter. All was good! Friend of friend rented the apartment. I shared with the owners the shocking news that we were moving because we *gasp* had cats. Owners laughed, and shared that they knew pretty much all along. All the shuffling each time they had come to the door in weeks past…all my efforts at being clandestine…for naught. Although they have a no pet policy, it was primarily due to the fact that it’s difficult to discern a responsible pet owner versus an irresponsible pet owner. They were quite comfortable with the mister and I housing a kitty. The brood of six may have been a bit beyond their level of tolerance, but they were extremely gracious and kind about the whole thing.
BUT, let’s not forget the lathe and plaster ceiling. The biggest jaw dropper for us all; me, the mister, good friends #1 and #2, and the owners was this: The gent that lived on the second floor directly above my friend was a hoarder. Oh yes! A serious hoarder. Wall to wall stuff, with barely walkable pathways from room to room. The bathroom tap was leaking, probably had been for months, and water had collected between the floors, ultimately causing the ceiling to drop out. {And yes, it turns out that the mess of lathe and plaster we were gaping at, was a very soggy, very wet mess.} A surprise? I’ll say. Cordial good mornings, a pleasant ex-wife, and a delightful child that visited on occasion. We were all very surprised to learn the news. And yes, he had to go. Immediately. As did the appliances {very, very, bad}, and the indescribable accumulation of heavens knows what. Sad really. And more than a little disconcerting for those of us that share a roof with others.
It was a memorable day for us all. But, it was September, a time for change and new experiences, and the mister and I, and the three kitties, we were on our way to a new home, and to new adventures…
Okay, my outfit. Here’s Burda pattern #7255 again. Hope I’m not boring you. You may remember these two fabrics from here. I used the polka dot fabric for the inverted pleat. This required that I cut two back pieces, and allowed me to match the pattern at the centre back. Oooh, aaah…are you sufficiently impressed? No? Well, I matched the pattern at the centre front also. Wahoo! And yes, as promised, I did make the sleeves a little longer. By doing so, it allowed me to make a wider sleeve hem, which I machine stitched with a double needle. I used contrasting fabric for the under collar, and since I was finding that the collar was disappearing visually against the main fabric, I decided to edge it with piping. For some reason, the pink polka dot piped collar tips the blouse dangerously close to pyjamas. Oh, you didn’t notice? Forget I said that then. My jeans are a thrift store find and behave much like a time machine, transporting me to 1976 and all things groovy. Phillip Lim. I was unfamiliar with him a year and a half ago when I scored these jeans. They fairly sang high quality and I was curious enough to do a quick google search on Phil. I found out that tony Holt Renfrew houses Phillip Lim’s designs. Lucky Me! Of course, now he’s a household name, thanks to Target, and it’s an uncanny coincidence that I am modeling my Phillip Lim collection at the very moment Target is releasing their Phillip Lim collection.
Linking up with:
Heather from Feather’s Flights for You Flew TuesdayPatti from Not Dead Yet Style for Visible Monday
Andrea from The Train To Crazy for Make It Wear It 2013
Ariane from Style-Sud-Est for Show Me Your Style
{Magic and Eli}
76 Comments
I love your contrasting pleat in the back. And I love the piped polka dotted collar! The blouse is too tailored and well fitting to be pajamas. And the collar really would disappear without it. It's a colorful canvas…not a boring one. We love ya!
I'm horrible at being sneaky too. 🙂
The kitties are too cute! Glad to hear that everything worked out in the end and you got to keep everyone.
Love the shirt, the contrasting fabric is a nice twist to the pattern. Great score on the jeans too!
What darling kitties.
I love the contrasting fabrics on the collar and pleat.
What a story! It is funny because you never really do know what goes on behind closed doors.
bisous
Suzanne
A very interesting story and a lovely shirt, the pattern is very pretty. I like the way you look is the sixties.
KITTENS!
Sorry, I was distracted by the supreme cuteness of Magic and Eli, but I will now gather my thoughts…
Sue, what a tale! Of hoarding disasters, and clandestine kitty love, good neighbours and beautiful apartments, of moving on and moving out.
And then there is your delightful blouse – not in the least pyjama-ish, and so very pretty. And the wide-leg jeans are indeed essence of funky 1970s and you look effortlessly cool! I always love your photos, Sue, you are a Top Model! xxxxx
I just love your stories, Sue!
Thanks for sharing 🙂
And as always, you're looking amazing! You've got some real talent!
-Carley
xx
Aw, thanks Carley. Appreciate the kind words!
I have a kind of similar story about cats
When my mom, my kids and I all move together we had together 5 cats, we only declared 2 or 3 – So every time the landlord would come for a visit, we would hide a few, so stressful i tell you – At the end we told him we had 5 cats and he was ok with it – He saw that we were responsible cat owners –
Nice top and the polka dot detail in the collar so cute
The jeans are awesome very figure flattering
Tks for linking up Sue
Ariane xo
Yeah, my hero Ariane! Keep the kitties at all costs! Thanks for hosting your blog party!!!
I bet you have so much fun mixing and matching your materials because I sure enjoy seeing the finished product. The collar is magical, love it! I'm also drooling over your jeans, what a great find. I must comment also on the photo of you on top of the world, it's absolutely beautiful.
I DO have fun Trina. Sometimes so much so that I have trouble getting started on the actual sewing.
nice job on the pretty blouse and always love good cat stories.
Shirl
Thanks Shirl!
We used to live with 3 cats in a 700 square foot apartment and lived to tell about it. The third cat was smuggled in and we were always on the watch. Fun story, I can definitely relate.
Cute top and it looks great with the wider leg jeans. Appreciate how you used the contrast fabric for a bit of a surprise!
blue hue wonderland
Bravo! You are my hero Ann. Arts and cats seem to go together, yes?
what a story!!! it's like out of a movie! these jeans are amazing on you, and your top is so pretty…you are such a talent!
Megan and Nora, my dears!! Lovely to see you dropping in to say hello, and such a sweet comment! I think I get the love of these wide legged jeans from you!
Thx for sharing your precious story. It made me smile. Glad that it worked out in the end. Now to your outfit. OMG! the blouse is awesome. You made it yourself?! Wow wow and wow! I love the pattern, the back I love everything about it. Nah its not pyjama-ish at all but very very pretty. The wide leg jeans is too cute. Love the whole outfit and your happy smile.
have a lovely day
Lenya
Hi Lenya, Thank you for taking the time to stop by and comment.
So nice your cat and kitten story and the pic of both darlings as the end! When in the 80s I lived in a house sharing community we had two cats. The were free to go out whenever they want. Sometimes we did not see them for some days, sometimes in winter they are sharing our beds. I love to hear them purring.
With your blouse you did a very good job. The combination of both fabrics is amazing, the vintage jeans as well.
Have a fine weekend!
Sabine xxx
It's nice to hear from the many cat lovers. You have a lovely weekend too!
Hi Sue!! Thanks for your comment at my blog. Now I know you. It's a really fantastic blouse. I´ll see your DIYs whit more attention. Kss
Hi Marta! Thank you for stopping by and saying hello.
That's a lovely pretty and relaxed outfit, gorgeous print on the blouse. Well done on rising to the challenges of life and ooooooooooh those kittens of yours are so adorable!
Makes you want have another one, yes?!!
You have impressed me several times with this post.
1) I was glued to the screen to read everything about The Appartment. Very well writen. Thank you.
2) You are indeed a very good seamstress. I know a thing or two about (machine) needlework and I take my head of to you. Very nice blouse, very nice contrasting playful items.
3) Lovely jeans, blouse well styled with those bracelets.
4) You are blogging for at least 10 years !!! WOW
Are not only the sleeves a bit longer but the body as well?
May I suggest something? Contrary to the green gingam edition, I would wear this blouse with the top button open.
Greetje
Just one year blogging dearest Greetje! Thanks for the suggestion to wear with top button open. I definitely do this!
Curtise, I would so love to have a few more kits…I always enjoy seeing yours pop into your photos! Thanks for the compliments on my '70's look. Means a lot coming from you.
Thank you so much Josep, for stopping by and for pinning!
Exactly…you just never know. Hope you're feeling yourself again!
Yes, in the end, this chapter did indeed work out well. Not to say that we had some antics in the house we moved into. More to come…
Somehow that doesn't surprise me…you're so bubbly and full of love and laughter, I can imagine it difficult for you to be sneaky.
Aha, it was because you referred to 1993 and gave a link to another post. That gave me the idea you were posting since 1993.. Come to think of it, that would have meant 20 years.. DUH… And I work at a bank haha. In advertising I will add to my defense.
I'm glad that everything ended well with kittens, you have spent many adventures, wanted Lady! The shirt is gorgeous and the pink touch back and neck are really great. Great outfit! Love your style!
Gasp! A hoarder catastrophe. But sounds as though all is well. And your kittens are adorable.
Again, I am impressed with your talent and your gorgeous blouse, with its surprise of a second pattern to add to the allure of your creation.
Always a delight to see your creations.
Very cheerful top! Hats off to you 🙂
GREETINGS FROM DUBAI
MRS JACK OF ALL TRADES (a fashion and life-style blog)
http://mrsjackofalltradesdaily.blogspot.ae/
I love a kitten story, although hoarding has a powerful physical effect on me! Always save the kitties though, that's our motto too : > Love your colorful top and fab designer jeans – Thanks for sharing with Visible Monday. xo
Oh for years we had two cats and now we have one dog. Pets, be it dog or cats, are wonderful to our lives. I loved the picture of Magic and Eli. hahahaha. Ya know what? I found a pair of Bobbie Brooks jeans at Savers this summer and I wore them in the mountains in July. They still had the tags on them. Bobbie Brooks? Do you remember that brand from back in the 70's? (dating myself here) I might be wrong but I don't think that brand has been in stores recently? They look very sim to your jeans. ♥
Thanks for your fun comment!!!! ♥
70s style pants are nice on you and the top is very cute. Details reveal your talent in sewing!
I loved your story and I am glad it had a happy end. Cats are affectionate animals…your kittens are soooo
sweet!
Awww… great and interesting story. Gotta have the kittehs and a roof over all your heads as well!. Sweet photo, too. You know I love them. Very cool jeans, lovely Sue.
I'm enchanted with your blouse, though! I can imagine you wearing it in seasons as a jacket over a shell and with a long sleeved tee under in winter! So you. Not at ALL like jammies. Just happy!
Love the polka dot lining on the back of the collar and also on the inset. Very nice combo. We had cats too at one stage. We fostered kittens for a cat rescue organisation. You never knew you liked cats until you have about 10 of them all screaming for breakfast at the same time. Pandemonium!
Cheers from Englandl,
Rosemary from
http://www.foreveronthecatwalkoflife.blogspot.com
Love the blouse. What's really awesome, is you made it! Love the whole outfit. Great pair of wide legged pants.
Love your wide legged pants, nice to read such inspirational blogs!
How you Sue! What a great project for your hard-won fabric!
Adore this top – as usual it's fun and cheery! Which is why I love reading your blog! And super-score on the pants! And the owners sound so nice 🙂 but how could they not be to you – always smiling, always cheery, always colorful!!!
xo ~kim & chloe
No, definitely cute repeat of the Burda blouse. It still works. And I love the jeans with the stacked heels. Also. Wonderful cat story. Your apartment sounds… diminutively dreamy. And the friendships/kitty connections lovely. Lathe and plaster notwithstanding (you realize, with so many kitties, that your kind building owners were not only dealing with a hoarder upstairs, but possibly a very nice cat lady downstairs…had they only known (= ). Yours sounds like a charmed life. So fun to read your post.
Sue, you're wonderful. And clever too! Sewing and cats, what could be nicer. Love your blog.
It's a great top, and an awesome story about cats!
Greetje, I applaud you for being fluent in both Dutch and English.
More adventures to come Rosy! Thanks for the compliments.
Yes, all ended well Judith. With respect to creative sewing, I feel I am just getting started with creative fabric combinations. I get easily overwhelmed with the choices I have, and still fall back on the simple.
Thanks Marla!
So nice to see you back from your summer holidays.
Thanks Patti! As you know hoarding is an illness, and a difficult one to sort through I'm sure.
Thanks Renae. Oh yes I remember Bobbie Brooks. I think they had some great ads.
Thanks dear Dan! Cats are a joy for me, but your Mr. Banjo is a doting companion, I can see it in your posts!
Thanks for the styling tips! I agree, it will lend itself very nicely to being a form of outerwear. Right now, I'm kind of overwhelmed with the decision of wearing fall clothing or summer clothing. That's how our weather has been behaving recently.
Cheers back at you Rosemary! 10! That would have been a very chaotic household. I remember with five, I had moments of insanity. All well worth it, though!
Thanks Zalina!
Aw, thank you Nicolene.
Hey Laurie! Yes, I am pleased with the finished garment. It works really well what clothing I already have.
🙂 Thanks Kim and Chloe. Yup, those pants were a must have. I actually had to hem them about six inches. They were super long…I left them as long as I could to give me some height!
Thanks Lynaea, Ah, my apartment…it really was dreamy. At one point, we toyed with the idea of renting two suites….just cause we loved the building so much. Tee Hee….I can honestly say I've never had more than six cats!
Jo-Anne! Thank you so much for leaving such a lovely comment. I appreciate it greatly!
Thanks so much Heather. Thanks for hosting a fun link up party.
What a great read and as a fellow sewist and cat lover it's a joy to meet you.
The top you've sewn is beautiful, so colourful and perfect with those cool jeans – I'd have been thrilled to find something so cool, too! xxx
Love your dress
so cheery and relaxed.
Love reading about your cat story.
Oh, I have naturally wavy hair and it tends to be more forgiving as I hack away at it. LOL Thanks for the compliments. You have a tremendous day ok?
you and magic and eli are all too adorable!!!!
This thoroughly delightful outfit is the sartorial equivalent, in the very best of ways, of being a candy store! It's a riot of pretty colours, sweet as the day is long, and just as fun as fun can be!
♥ Jessica
*PS* How awesome that you guys recently spent some time in Penticton. Goodness, summer seems to have vanished at the speed of light here this year. I hope it was still sunny for at least some of the time while you were in our sage and sand hued neck of the woods.
Totalt in love with the blouse and the green ansamble in thé previous post is so amazing !
We're obsessed with floral prints, so naturally we loved your blouse. The mint bag is gorgeous too!
http://mkstyleramblings.blogspot.com.au
As much as I'm enjoying your lovely print shirt and the entertaining story, I'm absolutely charmed by the view of the town behind you in the pictures. The landscape is gorgeous and it looks very exotic to me!! Of course, I'm stuck here in the southern US with dreams of northern climes. Thanks for the sightseeing. XXOO
I'm much the same way…always seeing the exotic in other bloggers locales. Having said that, I do very much appreciate the beauty of the west coast that I call home!
You know I love those wide legs jeans!!! They are fantabulous. I'm in to wide legged pants these days, they are just a refreshing look after seeing all those skinny styles for the las few years. Your floral blouse was such great compliment to your pants and of course your beautiful smile.
Mysmallwardrobe.com