By Miriam Erasmus
I have always been fascinated by the changing shapes of garments from season to season, and have tried most styles and eventually settled on a few pieces that I make loads of because I feel comfortable and pretty in them.
Top of the list is anything white.
For decades, I have worn white for all my folk gigs and it has become expected of me. I have a whole set of dresses skirts and trousers, with many lacy tops to match.
For the Puppet shows, I would make matching dresses for myself and Suzy.
When I did lots of Cabaret, though, I relied on my Couturier friend, Award winning Durban Designer Sandy Day to lend me the most exquisite gowns that I felt a million dollars in.
Nowadays I wear mostly Kaftans around the house.
However, I have lots of chiffon fabrics, so in order to wear those see through Kaftans I have had to find an underdress pattern that actually fits. Thank goodness for the local charity shop, where old patterns are very cheap !!
The Kaftan I designed myself. The trickiest bit is always the neckline, especially with fine fabrics….thank goodness for my stitch unpicker !!
Before I went to the UK in May last year, I decided to make myself a new ‘gig’ outfit, and cut out the pieces of silk for the underdress.
Last week I finally got around to making that, and just this last few days, made the lovely flowing sparkly kaftan to go with it.
Here they are hanging up ready to wear.
Now, to find some occasion to wear them – or maybe just to the shops, just because !!
