Inspiration

Or... Now for a much more exciting post!

First, thank you so very much, for the kind words and helpful advice. I appreciate your taking the time to give me so many tips and generally to be so supportive!

Seb and I have been through similar situations in the past - especially with my own specialisation, which obviously required living in English-speaking countries. But it doesn't get any easier, does it? I do take this as a good sign though - after almost 7 years together, we're definitely not tired of each other! Quite the reverse.

I'm not sure whether we can get a tripod, first because Seb may not be OK with my cluttering the flat even more than I've already done (although I believe they don't take up much place once folded - more or less like a large broom?), second because I'm note sure the room would be wide enough to set the tripod and take pictures against a clean background. The room is 3 metres wide, but the side opposite the white closet against which I usually pose is taken up by my desk and the sofa. Seb usually sits/stands on the sofa when he takes pictures of me! I can't think of any other place in the flat that would work to take pictures. (and yet I certainly won't complain - especially as there are chances I might have to move into a smaller flat soon. We love our current flat - it's our happy little nest!). But, it might work, provided the pictures would be all taken at an angle.

Anyway, your tips were great and I need to give the tripod some serious thinking. If all else fails, I'll go invade my sister's flat and beg her to take pictures of me! She has lots of nice white wall to serve as a background ;) The first two pictures in that post were taken at her flat. Could be fun to have her as a photographing partner - although that would mean sewing for her more often or she'll be jealous! ;) We are planning on seeing each other more often this year anyway - she's also supposed to be more on her own this year - and I was hoping to be making her more stuff. I know she wears a lot what I've made her in the past, which is always very rewarding.

~*~

But enough - I said this would be a much more exciting post, and here's why. The Vogue winter collection is finally up! They took their time, but it was worth the wait. Their fall collection didn't do much for me (I'm not really into sewing suits - at least, not yet! - and that's what they mainly focused on last time); but there are several items I really like from the new collection. Here are my favourite-favourite:

Vogue 8443

This dress looks so flattering and feminine. I love all the pleats/darts details; and a full skirt gets me any time! I would do the sash wider to emphasize the waist.

Vogue 8845

You probably know by now how much I like empire lines. I like the way the waist seam is slightly curved in that design - like an inverted basque waist. Interesting. Made in a slinky jersey, this would definitely not look maternity. I also like the bouffant sleeves.

Vogue 8453

Ah, now, isn't that so totally Vogue! All those crisp details! Very haute couture, and I love it! (I LOVE the model's earrings, too.)

Vogue 8465

I won't be making a coat this year - I already made one last year and I also have a black one, purchased - but if I did, that would be my choice. Imagine strutting the streets in that red coat!

~*~

Oh! and I bought the Burda issue this month. I usually buy 2-3 issues a year, but there were several projects in that one that I would really like to make.
First, I made you a scan of my cover, as it is different from the English cover and the dress pictured is one I would like to make.

If I only manage to make one item from that issue, though, it shall be the designer overblouse:

Isn't it stunning! I know exactly what fabric I'll be using - and it should be fabulous if I'm up to the job.
I also like that top, especially after seeing Christina's version (how fast were you with that one, Christina!). I would either raise the neckline or layer it with a tank top.

~*~

This may make my American readers a bit envious, but we find Burda at almost every newsagent's here. But! We don't have those fantastic pattern sales like you do!
This was just to say, I know some of you are sometimes desperate to find an issue in the US. If you don't mind having it in French (and I could, of course, help you with the translation), I'd be happy to help when you can't find the issue you want. Provided it's the current issue, it's easy peasy for me to pick it up. You wouldn't even need to pay me - we could trade with American patterns from my wishlist.

So long, everyone. Thank you so much once again for all your help. My life would be much different if it was not for our community!