you unfold your fabric. you gently iron it, pressing out the creases from the wash. you pick your pattern, thinking about the sewists who have maybe interpreted it before you. you look at the parts, deciding which rules to follow and which rules to break, what embellishments you might add. you choose where you want the pieces to lie, placing your wisps of tissue on the grain.
you take a deep breath for the first cut, and hold your breath for the reveal.
you open up your music books. you flip through, thinking of the singers that have interpreted the songs before you. you pick your tune, pressing out the creases in the dogeared pages. you learn the notes by the rules, and decide which you want to include, which you might break, what embellishments you might add. you choose where you want the key to lie, placing it in a meter.
you take a deep breath for the long notes, and hold your breath for the reveal.
one of the most beautiful performances i've ever seen happened at 54 below last night. if it comes back, and i believe it will, don't miss it. it reminded me how much joy there is in song. and how much i miss it.
What a lovely post Oona! I think I've been undervaluing the artistic expression that sewing provides me. I love the message within your sweet post today. It's a wonderful reminder that *art* isn't just painting, dancing, acting, or making beautiful music. Although I do play with paints and music, I think I need to honor the magic that happens during the sewing process! xo PS, If I was in New York, I'd surely follow your recommendation.
ReplyDeleteit is an art, isn't it? i think you nailed the underlying intent of my post, one i didn't even realize was there :)
DeleteNot just an artist with fabric, you're also an artist with the words...shame I'm not in NY
ReplyDeletethank you, lovely david.
DeleteMmm process... thank you for the beautiful reminder to love the steps involved in creating.
ReplyDeleteSuch beautiful thoughts! And (gasp!) beautiful fabric!
ReplyDeleteOoooona, why not just make some theatre? I don't know how big places like NYC work, but here in lil ol' Wellington NZ, we make our own. We're doing a late night cabaret week after next, for example. Two professionals with huge credentials, and me and MrC, up and comingers. We may not make much money but at least we're making music and humour and laughter, and costumes of course!
ReplyDeleteI totally understand about the love and reverence for and joy of music, it lifts my soul, my world, my energy, my love, everything. It is bliss. xoxo
i wish! it's a little dodgier in this neck of the woods-- and by dodgier i mean PRICEY. good lord this city in expensive right down to its $6 ice cream cones. your cabaret sounds magnificent, i hope you bring down the house!
DeleteOh Oona. That fabric is magnificent, and the way you describe "the process" is worth reading again and again, especially for those of us who at times feel obligated or too stressed to sew.
ReplyDeleteOona, you tease us with this beautiful fabric and the beautiful melody... I can't wait to see the big reveal. Anxiously awaiting!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post. Thanks for the reminder that all arts are beautiful and important.
ReplyDeleteI have to be very careful what I listen to while sewing, cuz the right song the body will need to move to it.
ReplyDeleteha! moving parts not so good for fitting!
DeleteThank you for that link. Some performances stay in the heart forever.
ReplyDeleteLovely. Sometimes you need to stop long enough to smell the roses! Now I can get on with my silk top, savouring it, instead of rushing the task. Thank you! xx
ReplyDeleteyou are most welcome.
DeleteSweet! It's all to easy to forget that our acts of creation are as important, if not more so sometimes, then everything else we do.
ReplyDeleteThis post is so lovely and that fabric is a dream I wish I had every night....
ReplyDeletethis made me really sad and really happy at the same time.
ReplyDeleteme too.
DeleteThat fabric is to die for! Love it!
ReplyDeletethat man has a beautiful voice (and smile). thanks for the link, and the heartfelt thoughts.
ReplyDeleteSo beautiful, all of it.
ReplyDeleteI think I need to find more from him, and play it to my grandma.
i heard someone was officially recording the concert, i'm hoping they put it out there!
Deletebeautiful post!!! :)
ReplyDelete