How do I know it’s St Patrick’s Day, even though we don’t make a big deal out of it here in Australia? Why, because the Spotlight stores, which are heavily influenced by American merchandising choices are simply chocka with fluorescent green top hats, fluffy-haired leprachauns, wigs and shamrocks, which will most likely and sadly go unpurchased by Australians….
So, even though I don’t have a single drop of Irish blood in me my outfit for today is influenced by my perception of the Irish manner of dress which is quite different from the Spotlight examples. My one Irish friend S has quiet and subdued tastes in her colour choices of apparel and kelly green rarely makes an appearance on her person… I’m wondering if the holiday is becoming more an American tradition than Irish? Thoughts, anyone?
When we were living briefly in the US we bought this simply gorgeous bedspread from a shop called Orvis, a store which had a beautifully provincial huntin’/fishin’ vibe that truly gladdened my rustic little heart. This bedspread is made completely from patches of pure Irish wool tweed, which in their previous life provided warmth to Seamus’s and Liams on their daily pilgrimage to the village pub, or so we believe. We’re always on the lookout for a recycled objet d’art and this one has dressed our bed every winter since we got it, and I love it more and more with each passing year.
On another, only slightly related note: conversation with my son last night illustrating the youthful Australian take on a sainted day…
T: “Do you know what day it is tomorrow, Mum?”
Me: “St Patrick’s Day.”
T: “No, it’s Touch-A-Boob Day”
Confused pause, then “Whaaaaat?”
T(patiently):”Touch-a-boob day.”
Me: “No, it’s not…”
T: “Everyone knows it’s touch-a-boob day…”
Later on…
T: “Dad, do you know what day it is tomorrow?”
C: “St Patrick’s Day?”
T: (sighing) “It’s touch-a-boob day…”
C: “Oh reeeeally…”
We’re so behind the times…
Details:
Skirt; my own design based on Vogue 7303, lace knit
Camisole and cardigan; Country Road
Shoes; so old I can no longer read the name on the inside…
Bedspread; Pure Irish wool, Orvis
It's a gorgeous quilt.
And er… I've never heard of 'Touch-A-Boob Day'. Interesting….
Neither had I! I think it's a crazy university stunt…
Oh, so funny… !
Happy St Patrick's Day to you too!
I love that skirt and want one ~ pattern and fabric 🙂
I think I will buy this pattern, every skirt you have made I absolutely love, so now I need to buy just get it.
I actually kind of hate St. Patrick's day so thanks for the chuckle with touch a boob day and the gorgeous quilt and beautiful girly skirt. I have noticed that the things you sew up look better than the pattern pictures. Anyone else notice that, too?
When I was a wee thing only Catholics were supposed to wear green; Protestants were supposed to wear orange. But if you wear anything but green you may get pinched.
I am glad we don't have touch a boob day although putting on a bra means a lot of us girls do that everyday. Poor deprived guys. 🙂
You always look so cute.