Lipstick? What does that have to do with sewing? Well, everything, as it turns out, especially with sewing for 2023. LIPSTICK is the word I have chosen for 2023 to guide my sewing aspirations. And because sewing is so much a part of my life, the word LIPSTICK will undoubtably become a reminder and guide and focus for so many other aspects of my life as well.
How did I ever decide on such a word to guide me through this brand new year? First of all, I am not finished with PINK, my focus for 2022. Truth be told, I’ll never be finished with pink – the color or the joie de vivre it inspires in me – but certainly I wanted a new, expansive word for what I hope will be a year of great optimism and promise and accomplishment. So, pink led me to think of lipstick, with its many pink and red and coral and orange hues – and all the ways a gorgeous shade of lipstick can enhance the colors we wear, be they black, navy, white, green, yellow, brown, etc. But lipstick is more than that.
For me, lipstick is instant confidence. Lipstick adds power to a smile with a simple swipe of color. Lipstick tells the world one is ready for something special, even if it is just a simple trip to the grocery store. Lipstick is feminine and fun and frock-worthy.
But don’t just take my word for it. Here is what some notable people have said about lipstick (and pink) over the decades:
“If you’re sad, add more lipstick and attack.” Coco Chanel
“On a bad day, there’s always lipstick.” Audrey Hepburn
“Lipstick is the red badge of courage.” Man Ray
“I believe in manicures. I believe in overdressing. I believe in primping at leisure and wearing lipstick.” Audrey Hepburn
“If there was [sic] no more pink lipstick un the world, I’d be useless.” Nicki Minaj
“Start each day with your favorite lipstick and a beautiful smile.” Unknown
“Pour yourself a drink, put on some lipstick, and pull yourself together.” Elizabeth Taylor
“I believe in pink.” Audrey Hepburn
“You can never go wrong with a little pink … a lot works for me.” Dana Dalgetty
“Just have fun. Smile. And keep putting on lipstick.” Diane Keaton
“She has a way with words, red lipstick and making an entrance.” Kate Spade.
Making that entrance is where our love of sewing and feeling beautiful in our clothes comes into play. This year, for me, promises to have a number of occasions where an “entrance” has the potential to be made (parties, events, significant milestones, hopefully lots of entertaining). So – what do I have planned to wear to those occasions?
I am dreaming of a dress made from this pale pink plaid wool, buttery soft with a little glimmer to it.
This navy blue cotton sateen will either become a mid-calf length full skirt or a long-sleeved sheath dress. Thoughts, anyone?
More blouses are in my sewing queue, one in orange cotton and one in pink and green gingham.
Being carried over from 2022 will be a long-ish skirt made of this glorious silk twill:
My love of coats continues, as I hope to make one wool boucle coat (if I have enough fabric – shown below) with coordinating silk dress – and one pink floral linen coat with coordinating linen dress.
Two jackets are in my plans, a classic French jacket in black boucle with orange and cream accents (which is currently waiting to be finished), and a black cashmere jacket (at present underway) to wear with this dress and others.
A fancy silk party dress in fuchsia? I hope so….
As long as my granddaughters seem to enjoy wearing the dresses I make for them, I will keep sewing for them – 3 each again this year? I hope I can manage that.
And who knows what else? I will let my inspiration and time (!) guide me. No matter what, I’ll be aspiring to enhance every outfit with the perfect lipstick and its promise of living beautifully, day in and day out, in the easy times and over the long haul.
So, dear sewing friends and readers, put on your lipstick and have a sparkling new sewing year!
fiftydresses 