Inspiration Can Come From Anywhere & Sometimes When You Least Expect It!

For me it's all about vintage swimwear, anything and everything. I've met some wonderful people along the way on this swimming related exploration with vintage swimwear history, fashion and art. Sometimes when I least expect it I get inspired, sometimes in hidden ways. Take today for example.


My business hat is on and today I'm listing some vintage patterns on ETSY. One of them has a very fragile envelope. The pattern has been cut and the instructions are intact but I see the pattern has been altered. I take out a few pieces and what do I see?

 The previous owner has enlarged the pattern with newspaper from 1956. But here's the best part:

 BINGO!

 Miss Miami

Some pieces are pinned together, some partially taped. It's like a clue fest, but I adore it. As a paper collage artist it just tickles my fancy.

 See Miss Miami here?

 And this is the pattern envelope. I just adore this look in general. I think of Balenciaga.  It's a costume pattern for a young boy from the 1950s, Simplicity 4865. This is the description.

"1950s; Boys' Spanish, Pirate and Turkish Costume: V. 1: Sleeveless shirt with mandarin collar; knee length breeches and a wide cummerbund. Ball fringe trims bolero which has a mandarin collar, fringe epaulettes and contrasting sleeve ruffles. V. 2: Breeches have self fabric fringe. Bolero, sash and head scarf are included. V. 3: Sleeveless shirt with mandarin collar; full trousers; sequin trimmed bolero; cummerbund."

The artist in me, along with my specialized historical swimwear passion, is headed out to the studio now. It just goes to show, you can get inspiration from anywhere, anytime, and sometimes, when you least expect it. Another little smile maker for me was, my mom passed this pattern on to me. Think I'll keep her (and it).