Thursday, June 18, 2009
ELFWARE: or what I want to wear for this part of my life
Celestial Blue Hue
No previous blog post of mine has ever received such attention as my last 'What Not to Bare' post. Looks like I hit on a topic close to our collective hearts (as well as many other body parts we strive to either accentuate or hide). Everybody who contacted me is in full celebration mode of individuality at any age and doesn't take kindly to having preconcieved notions thrust upon our persons. On the other hand, we agree that those notions are powerful and can wear away at the unwary and succeptible.
So, why does clothing matter so much to our collective selves? Because in our society, what we wear is often the first judge of who we are and because we often let what we wear tell us who we are. It's true. Just watch that same program I referenced last post. How many people have passed through the style police and emerged on the other side feeling beautiful and, hence, powerful (as well as occasionally diminished) ?
When I was at work in the traditional world, I wore suits that offered a layer of camoflage between me and the organization. I needed to keep my true self hidden since I was so not at one with the beaurocratic universe. Typically dark-hued, these suits were my shield and I'd match this outer shell with heels and a suitably perky attitude. Sometimes color would ooze out in scarves and necklaces but, generally, I kept myself well-hidden (though my colleagues of the day might remember my tangerine-colored silk jacket) lest someone identifiy me as a creative dreamer less interested in cutting budgets than I was about sketching unicorns on the margins of my notebooks.
Now I define myself completely differently. I'm free. In fact, I've gone a little wild. At the begining of the season, I scraped together my diminishing pennies to splurge on a pair of GREEN jeans. Now, how practical is that? What's more, I feel totally alive, vivacious, and out there when I don them. This is a very, very emerald green, almost turquoise, and I bought a top in exactly the same color. Worn all together, I look like a renegade elf, which, I've decided, is exactly how I feel most days. If I could flit in and among the wooded undergrowth, I would. In any case, elfdom does not align with the mores of what a woman my age should be wearing. Afterall, I do not have a perfect figure. I'm seriously 'curvy', which is a nice way of saying lumpy, and I am a little on the large size for any self-respecting elf.
AND I DON'T CARE.
Elfware
Posted by Jane on
06/18 at 06:37 AM
Yes, it is truly clear, we do hide behind various persona to shield the real sole. When, we allow real real persona to appear in life, the freeing is frightening..thus, not readily accepted by our peers. The freedom, to be who you are is the great gift on earth..to enjoy speech, thoughts, color, dress and to have that excillarating inter feeling, can't be measured. Because, you are then forced to be true to only yourself. You need not work for outer acceptance...Live life too the fullest..
By Pat Dixon on 2009 06 18
:-) And this is exactly why I enjoy your site so very much. Keep on inspiring us all to be individuals. To wear what we like and be our own selves...not sheep following along with the herd. I did teach some knitting classes on Saturdays in the 90's and my first question to a new student was: "What is your favorite color?" Many loved purple or fuschia or kelly geen or red or hot pink, but told me they always wore black or neutral colors...I encouraged them to choose yarns in their favorite colors and I found many ladies just glowed when they wore their favorite colors! Also, using their favorite colors kept them working and finishing projects! When someone said, I don;t have anything to wear with this, I suggested ways they could use it, or mentioned keep your favorite color in mind when you shop for yourselves...It is such a delight to see you Jane, so inspired by color where ever you go! You have such a delightfully unique way of presenting your designs and sharing some of the concepts that inspire you! Keep up the good work! Aloha!
By Judy Bowles on 2009 06 19
Of course you know that elfs are immortal! Three cheers for the evolved Tinkerbell. I am with you every step and word of the way. Ironically, for being accepted for publication this comment requires the input of "forms29" - a secret meaning ???
By Laura on 2009 06 20
Your comments reminded me of the song written by Billy Steinburg "True Colours" which incidently he wrote this song about his own mother. True Colours was released in 1986 by Cyndi Lauper and has been also released by Phil Collins. Cyndi Lauper speaks at the end of her video of "loving herself and accepting who you are". With knowledge comes power and all we have to do is "listen" to our inner self. Unfortunately, it takes some of us longer. I have recently returned to knitting from a 20 year hiatus and although I have just "found" your site I am enjoying your past entries in your journal and look forward to future ones.
By Verna on 2009 06 21
How I enjoyed your last article on Ravelry. Truely a person after my own heart. Curvey? you look great! Green suits you. I too am an avid shopper of yarn, my stash seeping out of the closets and now drawers (to be fair, I started stashing in drawers and moved to closets and now use both and rubbermade) Fiberaddict: anything I can touch that's fiber. I cross stitch, though not often, quilt and sew-touchy, touchy and of course move threat through my fingers and click away. I hope someday to make those lovely items you share on line but now, socks and sweaters, hats, scarfs and mittens simply made in natural fibers is for me.
By cookie Green on 2009 12 09
How brave of you to just wear what you want to wear! I wish I dared that too, and maybe after a few years I will. I really congratulate you and truely hope you continue expressing the real you, and that you stay feeling happy with it. One hooray for people who dare to be themselves, no matter what the rest of the world might say against it! Hooray!
By Juffrouw Twiddel on 2009 12 12
You look MAHVELOUS!!
By twinsetjan on 2009 12 16
I've just discovered you. What a delight! I've signed up for the newsletter and the knitters club. Like so many, I've been captured by the Celestial Blue wrap. On the site: http://www.ravelry.com/projects/color4texture/celestial-blue it says free pattern in July newsletter. Is it possible to get past newsletters. I would love to have the pattern. Linda Martin AKA Tropical Twister http://Seabreezespinners.com/
By Linda Martin on 2010 01 05
I adore your blue hues and love your gift of life.
By janet Duvall on 2011 08 28
I love this post - I love the knitting, the colours, its so beautiful, and I love what you wrote about dressing your age. If there's anything I really hate, its pigeon-holing people into these tiny boxes defined by others and how they think we should be. Cheers to the kingdom of elves if you be one of them!!
By fadwa on 2009 06 18