I can’t leave anything alone. I have to tweak, spin, adjust, improve, alter, rework, refashion, add a pinch, or paint it. I can’t help myself. I suppose it’s my little form of rebellion against being like everybody else. So I’m thrilled to see the altered art and reconstructed clothing movements marching to the mainstream. I am not alone. There are other wacky chicks out there and the internet let me find them.
Who knew you could desecrate a book and make it into a new story; your own story!
Who knew you could put pockets in it, paint it, stitch it, or add drawers to it for crying out loud! I did, but it seemed so wrong somehow. Then one day, I ripped a few pages out of a lousy novel and never looked back.
The books were fun, but I soon moved on to my real love, clothing. Vintage aprons got new lives as funky skirts and baby doll tops, old shapeless sweaters are loving life as tricked out kimonos and handbags, and even shoes are portable, wearable works of art.
I can’t look at a garment anymore without thinking of what else it could be. I simply cannot leave it be. I saw a lovely classic pleated glen plaid wool skirt in my sister’s consignment shop. I’m sure it was perfect with a cashmere sweater and penny loafers for a walk in the Vermont countryside. Now it’s had six inches hacked off the hem, some leather added here and there, and is undergoing culture shock as a rocked out punk mini. And I don’t even wear stuff like that! I just couldn’t help myself. I am sublimely happy when I’m ripping off sleeves, slapping on paint, or adding a new collar. I am oblivious to the passage of time when I hear the hum of the sewing machine. I can’t seem to keep this obsession to a project level any longer. When my daughter comes out of her room dressed to go out, I start:
“You know Brenna, if we took those straps and …”
“Ma, leave me alone, it’s fine.”
“But I have some trim that would look great on the …”
“Mom, I like it the way it is.”
“I know honey, but if you just let me …”
“Ma, I’m going now. Put the scissors down, make some herbal tea, and go to bed.”
What if I put a sprig of lavender in the tea? Or some honey? Ooh, maybe some thyme for a real taste sensation.
Hey, I can stop anytime I want to.
