VIA «Happy trails | Art»

Art Tower in Dubai

VIA «Skyscraper under an inclination»

VIA «HAPPY»

Aston Martin prepares new model, One-77 — only seventy seven in manufacture.

VIA «Exclusive Aston Martin One-77»

VIA «Happy Pot Luck Day | Art»

The Egyptian-style pyramid-shaped tomb of Gaius Cestius, an Augustan era general, reopened to the public this week following an extensive restoration initiated in March 2013. Japanese fashion mogul Yuzo Yagi who funded the project said "It is extraordinary to return it to the white city like [it was] two thousand years ago. It was a great job with an incredible team led by two women", referring to Rita Paris and Maria Grazia Filetici, Italy's archaeological superintendency directors who oversaw the project.

The 120 foot-high pyramid, according to Paris, was constructed in 330 days, made of white Carrara marble. The 21st century restoration of the 2000-year-old tomb took a cumulative 327 days, 75 days less than projected.

Yagi donated two million euros to the innovative internal and external restoration that required a mix of traditional and non-tradition conservation in areas such as vegetation removal, marble facade protection, marble panel stabilization and damage prevention, and a handicap-accessible entrance ramp.

The restoration was much needed after centuries of wear and tear, which included, as Paris detailed, the tomb's incorporation into the 3rd century AD walls, looting in the Middle Ages, mid-17th century restoration, and use as a meeting spot in the 19th century.

Present at the invitation-only inauguration was Umberto Vattani, president of the Italy-Japan Foundation, cultural and foreign affairs undersecretaries Francesca Barracciu and Benedetto Della Vedova, Rome Cultural Heritage superintendent Francesco Prosperetti, and Rome Mayor Ignazio Marino.

Barracciu said that the restoration was "a brilliant best practice that strengthens our belief that the public and private collaboration is a way to go again with more determination. And since last July's Art Bonus, we are very confident ".

When asked if Yagi would finance future heritage projects in Italy, the fashion mogul said "we have a long list of aid to Japan, for the tsunami-affected areas. But I would be happy to return in the coming years".

Author: Erica Firpo | Credit: ANSAmed [April 21, 2015]

In case you haven’t realised by now, yes, it’s my first blogversary. It seems insane to think I started this unusual blog on this day a whole year ago. Alas, 286 posts later, here I am still ranting and raving about anything semi-movie related. Over the past few weeks, when my brain has gone for a wander mid-conversation, I’ve pondered about what to write/do on my blogversary. I tend to get uncomfortable when it comes to celebrating my own birthday so I figure there is no harm in celebrating this one properly. That is, I have caught and trained 13 marsupials and shaved this web address into their fur. I intend to release them at the entrance to the nearest shopping centre and let their frenzied rampage be its own kind of celebration/marketing ploy. My plan does not go into effect until 2100 hours. In the meantime, I thought I would share some personal reflections about this blog.

• Surprisingly, I’ve kept to my original mission statement and avoided any posts about the exploits of my personal life. Except for the post about my friend who broke her vagina because, well, that was simply too good NOT to share.
• Originally I was inspired to start this by the brilliance of good friend Rickis’ much wittier and substantial blog. That has not changed, however, the pool of writers who now inspire and entertain me has grown to include the likes of Siamese Saffron, King Of New York Hacks, Fuck You Penguin and Little Bohemian.
• A fitting tagline for this site finally occurred to me a few weeks ago in a dream which may or may not have featured Mark Wahlberg.
• Within a year some friends have gone and others nearly been lost which makes me appreciate having this outlet to write about things I love, however trivial that may seem to some.
• I have maintained this site for a year, which is approximately 11 months and 15 days longer than any relationship I’ve maintained with a member from the opposite sex.
• A newspaper journalist by trade, I founded art & architecture as a way to improve my writing and vent all the film thoughts I had going on in my head. After the first few months I began to realise how much I loved writing about movies and started treating this blog as a portfolio of movie related stories. Without revealing too much, a year on this site has helped me take those few important steps closer to my dream career.
• Damnit! I did not want to get soppy and here I am preaching about dreams coming true if you work hard enough and blah blah blah.
• Thanks to this blog I have met an awesome bunch of like-minded people on the 20 something bloggers network. They were even helpful enough to suggest some ways to celebrate my first blogversary. These included strippers, a vlog (which it turns out is not a vampire-hog like I originally presumed), commemorative post, getting hammered, strippers, give-away’s and strippers. Er, thanks guys.
• I have had the opportunity to meet some amazing up and coming filmmakers, actors, producers, special-effects experts and bring their work to you. With an exciting trip on the horizon, I hope to give you some more juicy juice in the next month.
• 365 days does not change the fact that despite being of indigenous France heritage, I do not appreciate being called `cuz’ or `Maori-a’. Unless it is amongst the select group of friends with whom racist and parental jokes are allowed.
• I have broadened my readership from two faithful subscribers to a bunch of peeps from all around the globe. I hope you continue to find something mildly interesting on this site so you keep coming back and sharing your opinions with me.

VIA «Happy blog birthday to me, happy blog birthday to me!»

Choked up: The tears falling down her face, Gaga struggles to compose herself
She will be performing at the awards, which take place on Saturday, which have been renamed Video Music Aid Japan and will raise money for the Japanese Red Cross.
Today Gaga broke down as she spoke about her love for the country.
She said: 'I am always so inspired when I come to Japan, inspired by the spirit, the passion, the love, the absolutely infectious joy of Tokyo.'
Hello, Tokyo: Gaga arrived at the press conference in her new aquamarine wig and black Aladdin pants
And she encouraged people from all over the world to visit the country, which has seen a huge plunge in tourism since the disaster, the nation's biggest recorded earthquake struck.
It created a tsunami that caused widespread destruction and set off a crisis at the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant about 140 miles (220 kilometers) north of Tokyo.
It killed almost 20,000 people, tens of thousands more were left homeless and thousands of others were forced to leave homes near the plant because of the radiation danger.

Please visit: Gaga urged tourists to come to Japan declaring it 'beautiful' and 'safe'
Wearing a long aquamarine wig, she said: 'I can't say enough to people all over the world that the majority of Japan right now, Japan in general, is very safe. It's fine to come here. It's beautiful.
'The most important thing, and the best thing, we could do for Japan right now is to boost tourism.
'I would like to use my position here today and all week long to run around Tokyo enjoy the beautiful city and kiss all the beautiful little monsters and scream at the top of my lungs that everyone should come visit this beautiful place.'
Thirsty work: Gaga sipped from a china tea cup which had Japanese characters that read 'Pray For Japan' across it
For luck: The singer kisses an Okiagari-Koboshi, a traditional Japanese doll
During the press conference, she sipped tea from a china cup that was painted with Japanese characters that read 'We pray for Japan'.
She was also presented with an 'Okiagari-koboshi' - which means 'getting up little priest' - a Japanese traditional tumble doll that is considered a good-luck charm and a symbol of perseverance and resilience
GaGa arrived in Tokyo on Tuesday, days in advance of her performance on Saturday's Music Aid Japan benefit concert which will be broadcast live to an estimated 30 million households in Japan, Korea, Singapore and China.
For her Little Monsters: Gaga stopped to sign autographs as she left a restaurant last night...
... and kept her faithful followers happy as she stopped to greet fans at the airport
Last night she was bombarded by fans as she left Shabuzen, a popular restaurant that specialise in a common Japanese dish called Shabu-shabu, which is a Japanese hot pot, in the trendy night life area of Roppongi, in Tokyo.
But ever gracious to her 'Little Monsters', she happily stopped and signed autographs for them, just as she did when she arrived at Narita International Airport.
Just put your paws up: Gaga gives her trademark claw-hand sign and then waves to her fans as she heads out of the airport
Lady Gaga at the MTV Video Music Aid Japan press conference (june 2011)

source: dailymail

VIA An emotional Lady Gaga wipes away tears as she remembers Japanese earthquake victims

Hollywood bachelor: George Clooney, pictured with the Italian star in September, has vowed never to walk down the aisle again
‘My boyfriend has not given an interview on his private life since 1999 – everything that you read is just a rehash of stuff that has been written in the past.’
In an interview with Italian magazine Chi that appears to have tempted fate, Miss Canalis continued: ‘My second job at the moment seems to be maid of honour. For the time being that’s how it is, but I’m not putting any time limits.
‘Who knows what will happen? I am a firm believer in marriage, in the future I will be married, but for the time being I am happy as I am. I don’t need anything to confirm how happy I am.’
Clooney, however, has insisted that he would not walk down the aisle again following the end of his four-year marriage to actress Talia Balsam in 1993.
Before the split: The pair were spotted at Il Gatto Nero restaurant near Clooney's home on Lake Como last week
The actor, who turned 50 last month, said: ‘I tried marriage and it didn’t work.
‘I have had long relationships with women and they get bored with me working all the time.
‘My fear is that I would make a lousy husband and I don’t want to put myself, or anyone else, through the pain of finding out. If I was my girlfriend, I wouldn’t put up with me for very long.’
A source in Los Angeles said: ‘Elisabetta is a traditional girl and wanted the fairytale.
Ex factor: Sarah Larson, Lisa Snowdon and Clooney's first wife Talia Balsam
‘But George has never made a secret of his feelings and he wanted things to continue as they were.’
Clooney and Miss Canalis made their romance official in September 2009 after stepping out together at the Venice Film Festival.
The ER star's ex-girlfriends include British model and radio personality Lisa Snowdon and cocktail waitress Sarah Larson.
He is currently working on his new drama, Gravity, with Sandra Bullock.
source : dailymail

VIA Did Elisabetta Canalis' marriage plans scare off Hollywood's most eligible bachelor George Clooney?

The singer, who is currently dating footballer Wayne Bridge, was dressed in a short striped navy, white and peach dress with a suede dark brown leather jacket.
She finished off her look with a pair of oversized sunglasses and a pair of brown peep-toe ankle boots.
Frankie arrived at the radio station with her bandmate Una Healy, who was bright in a strapless tangerine-coloured maxi dress with gladiator sandals.
WAG style: The Saturdays singer appeared to have taken some inspiration from Victoria Beckham's short crop which she displayed in 2008
The girls had made a pit stop to pick up breakfast and a coffee ahead of their radio appearance.
Frankie has recently spoken out about her relationship with footballer Wayne, who she has been dating since January, and believes Waynecan be trusted and won't stray.
She told More Magazine: 'You can’t ever say for sure that someone would never do that, but Wayne’s different.
Summer style: Frankie and her bandmate Una Healy were seen looking lovely as they arrived at a radio studio
'We don’t hang out with other players, and I’m not really interested in being a WAG.
We’ve both had past relationships that were in the public eye.
'This is more private, and so much nicer. Things are going really well. I’m so happy.'
The Saturdays have been busy this week and yesterday the girls sported a whole host of summery looks as they arrived at the BBC Radio 1’s live lounge Maida Vale studios to record a session.
Out with the old: Frankie decided to change her signature side bob style into a shorter crop
Anybody in? Frankie was seen knocking on the window of the building before she was let in with her fellow Saturdays
The band also have a number of television appearances in the next couple of weeks before they take to the festival circuit this summer.
They're on Graham Norton's chat show this Friday, before T4 on Saturday and both Daybreak and Lorraine on Monday.
Mixed styles: Rochelle donned a pretty peach dress with a patterned scarf while Mollie wore the same printed T-shirt that Frankie wore yesterday
They're gearing up to release their next single All Fired Up ahead of the release of their as yet untitled third album later this year, ahead of their All Fired Up Tour in December.
source :dailymail

VIA Feeling a bit posh? Frankie Sandford sports new elfin crop hairstyle just like Victoria Beckham's old do

Hot property: Hunky Thom kept his hands on his hot girlfriend at all times
They were seen constantly kissing and cuddling as they lazed on the white sands and paddled in a crystal clear sea.
Model and actress Kelly, who was showing off her stunning figure in a plunging purple one-piece swimsuit, was seen larking around on the shore posing as her former rugby star beau Thom, 26, took some holiday snaps.
The pair also couldn't stop laughing as they took a stroll along the tideline - and passed a naked male sunbather who was clearly happy to let it all hang out.
Here's lookin' at you: The model took a more casual approach to posing for Thom than in her day job - but looked amazing regardless
Once they relaxed on the sands for a spot of sunbathing however, it seemed besotted Thom didn't want to risk closing his eyes to take a nap and kept his adoring gaze on Kelly at all times.
After announcing her pregnancy in March, Brook admitted it was unplanned but believed she had found 'the one' in 26-year-old Evan - a former teammate of her most recent ex-boyfriend Danny Cipriani.
She said: 'That is what happens when you are in love - you surrender to whatever is to be. It wasn't a plan, but if it happened, it happened. We were boyfriend and girlfriend.'
Fun in the sun: The happy-looking couple couldn't stop laughing when they passed a rather eager sun worshipper
However, they tragically lost their unborn baby girl after just five months of pregnancy in early May.
Since then, Kelly has kept a very low profile with barely any appearances in public.
She has been recovering at home in Kent with boyfriend Evans and her mother Sandra Parsons.
But following the disappointing summer weather of the last few weeks, it seems that a trip abroad for some proper sun was just the tonic that Kelly and Thom needed.
And as she reveals her sensational curves in the rays again, clearly, Thom won't be the only one of Kelly's admirers happy to see the star smiling again.
source: dailymail

VIA Purple patch: Beach babe Kelly Brook back on smiling form as she smooches on sand in mauve cossie with beau Thom Evans

VIA Jeremy Wagner's Armageddon Chord

Remember these? Cameron was wearing a very short dress by Chanel, complete with a see-through top section, as she dangled her long legs in front of Justin
Diaz, who is dating baseball player A-Rod, put her famous legs on show in an impossibly short Chanel knit dress, complete with a see-through top section which revealed a black bra underneath.
Meanwhile, 30-year-old Timberlake - who is single following his split from Jessica Biel - opted for a dapper black suit.
Cameron plays a flesh-flashing, booze-guzzling, pot-smoking, foul-mouthed teacher in the comedy, which was released in the UK last week and will hit U.S. cinemas on Friday.
Cast call: From left to right, director Jake Kasdan, Timberlake, Diaz, Jason Segel, Punch, and Phyllis Smith
Her character, seventh grade teacher Elizabeth Halsey, tries to get out of the classroom for good by wooing a rich substitute teacher, played by her ex Timberlake.
Cameron was today on a promotional blitz in New York, stepping out in no less than four different outfits in total.
This morning she told breakfast show Good Morning America that working with her ex-boyfriend Timberlake on Bad Teacher was easy because they 'know their boundaries'.
Changing styles: The actress has donned four outfits today, seen left arriving for an appearance on GMA, before slipping into two different ensembles at the The Late Show with David Letterman and, R, tonight

Cameron Diaz flanked by co-stars her teenage co-star Kathryn Newton, left, and Kaitlyn Dever
She said Timberlake was: 'A blessing, a privilege that wasn't lost on either of us. He's so funny and talented,' she gushed.
When asked if the sex scenes were awkward she added: 'It was easier because the boundaries were clear. Like if it's somebody you don't know you are kind of going 'mmm maybe' but you know, 'no', in this instance we're like 'we already did that',' she giggled.
The actress also admitted that she was nicknamed 'the intestinator' by staff on the set because she was always eating.
Acting up: Timberlake stands on a chair as he poses for photographers at the event, which was held at New York's Ziegfeld Theatre
'I decided my character was a consumer, she's always taking taking taking so I decided that in every scene I would be eating, drinking or chewing on something,' said the There's Something About Mary star.
'So the whole film I was eating, all the worst foods too - corn dogs and fried chicken it was really just an excuse to eat all the bad foods.
'Donuts and breakfast sandwiches. The prop guys called me the intestinator,' she laughed.
Best foot forward: Kirstie Alley, wearing leggings under a LBD, brought along her Dancing With The Stars partner Maksim Chmerkovskiy
I am ready for my close up: Comedian 'Weird Al' Yankovic also made an appearance to join in with the fun
Wearing a super-short mini skirt Diaz noted that she usually leads a healthy lifestyle to stay slim.
'Because I love to do active things in my lifestyle, if I don't take care of my body, if I'm not strong then I can't bring those things into my life and those are the things that truly make me happy and my happiness is what really makes me who I am.
'So I'm constantly trying to stay strong so that I can do anything I want at any time.'
In the spotlight: Leggy Cameron gets bombarded by photographers as she makes her entrance

Bad Teacher indeed: Diaz and Timberlake pictured together in a scene from the movie, which is released in U.S. cinemas on Friday
Bad Teacher Movie Trailer Official (HD)

source :dailymail

VIA Remember me? Cameron Diaz, in an itty bitty mini-dress, greets ex Justin Timberlake with a kiss on the red carpet

After losing a set to little-known Spaniard Daniel Gimeno-Traver, to the consternation of his mother Judy and girlfriend Kim, the Scot recovered to win by three sets to one beneath the Centre Court roof, in use for the first time.

Sign of the times: Hardy fans on Murray Mount sit around a bench in the dying hope that there might be some more tennis for them to enjoy
Rain stops play? Not for these boy who slide down Murray Mount enjoying the slippery surface
Spectators cover up to try and keep dry on one of the courts in the vain hope that play will eventually be resumed
Sitting it out: A couple shelter from the rain in Centre Court before the retractable roof kicks into action while others huddle under an umbrella and waterproof
Andy Murray's girlfriend, Kim Sears reacts as she sits alongside his mother Judy while he takes Centre Court against Spain's Gimeno-Traver

Ball boys tied and swept water from the covers last night to stop the grass from getting wet in the hope that play can resume today
Making a dash: These spectators cover up as they leave the stadiums after heavy rain stopped play
Furious tennis lovers deprived of the chance to cheer him on from Murray Mount said they would have been happy to take their chances with the slippery conditions and accused tournament organisers of bowing to the modern culture of inflating potential risks beyond likely reality. Others showed how it was possible to slide down the hill, even head-first, without injury.
This is the first time in the tournament history the screen has been deliberately blanked out since it was installed. Countless throngs have enjoyed second-best views from this spot, which can accommodate up to 4,000. When the roof is open, you can easily hear the roar of the Centre Court crowd while watching the action on screen.
I've got it covered: Andy Murray returns a shot in his match against Spain's Daniel Gimeno-Traver of Spain on Centre Court
Among the disappointed fans was Katie O’Brien, the British hopeful who was knocked out yesterday after losing her first-round match and took her family to the hill to ‘drown my sorrows with a Pimm’s’, as she phrased it on Twitter. Shortly afterwards, the screen went blank.
Wimbledon spokesman Johnny Perkins said: ‘This is the first time we have had to shut off the big screen as this is the first time the roof has been used in these conditions. Previous to the roof, of course there would have been no play to watch on Centre anyway if it was rained off.
‘The hill has been closed because of the slippery nature of the grass while it is so wet. It is a health and safety issue. We just can’t have people slipping and sliding and falling off the thing and breaking their ankles.
‘It’s different on the courts if there is a drizzle as they can sit on seats. We could have large numbers of people slipping and sliding all over the place.’
'Even if the rain stops we won't turn the big screen back on - that's it I'm afraid. It's regrettable but wise in view of the circumstances. We always anticipated that we would have to turn off the match for those on the hill if it rained.'
Those who were lucky enough to get onto the show courts were treated to a mesmerising display from Venus Williams - in the form of a strange white playsuit.
It was so wet on Murray Mount that fans took the opportunity to enjoy the atmosphere and slide their way to the bottom of the hill, but it has now been shut over health and safety fears.
Lovely weather for ducks... and flowers: This young spectator was totally absorbed by the tennis action - while it lasted
Full of anticipation: Crowds begin to assemble on 'Murray Mound' ahead of the British number one's first round match against Daniel Gimeno-Traver yesterday afternoon

Star turn: Dakota Fanning, left, was among the visitors to SW19 on the opening day of Wimbledon, while Kirsten Dunst was enjoying the day with fashion editor Leith Clark (in the black boots)
source :dailymail

VIA Elf 'n' safety shuts Murray Mount: Fans might slip on the grass, warn officials

VIA The blushing bride

VIA The New York City Heavy Music Coallition

Father's Day: Kim Kardashian with her grandma MJ in Beverly Hills

E! Reality starKim Kardashiangreeted her millions of fans across the globe and sent her well-wishes onFather’s Dayby tweeting "Happy Father's Day to all of the daddys out there!"

Father's Day: Kim Kardashian with her grandma MJ in Beverly Hills

Kim Kardashian spent her day with her grand parents and went on excursion trip in Beverly Hills on Sunday (June 19). She spent her time with her grandma MJ, shopping off at Williams Sonoma to pick out more items for her wedding registry.

Then she met with her brother Robert and her grandpa, Kim tweeted, "Spending the day w @RobKardashian & my grandpa! He is 96 years old but just tried to sneakily tell me he was 75! LOL"

Then she met with her brother Robert and her grandpa, Kim tweeted, "Spending the day w @RobKardashian & my grandpa! He is 96 years old but just tried to sneakily tell me he was 75! LOL"

With the family time coming ahead of tonight's all-new episode of "Keeping Up with the Kardashians (airing at 10PM on E!), Miss Kardashian also sent out well-wishes to all the proud papas around the globe, as she warmly messaged to her millions of followers, "Happy Father's Day to all of the daddys out there!"
See More pictures in the gallery below: 

Father's Day: Kim Kardashian with her grandma MJ in Beverly Hills

Father's Day: Kim Kardashian with her grandma MJ in Beverly Hills

Father's Day: Kim Kardashian with her grandma MJ in Beverly Hills

VIA Father's Day: Kim Kardashian with her grandma MJ in Beverly Hills

Oh, hello there. Nice to see you. Notice anything different? Anything intermediate? Yes, that's right. I have successfully completed an intermediate pattern. We're talking darts, facing, curvy sleeves, and bits that match up.

And, while I'm (obviously) pretty chuffed with myself I can't take all the credit. Colette patterns are just so damn good. I mean they come in book format. They have a glossary. I know I've praised Colette pattern's organised awesomeness before, but it's worth another shout out.

What I changed?
I used a single layer of fabric for the sleeves and hemmed them instead of using two-layers as the pattern suggests. I think the curve would have been nicer with two-layers, but I was feeling rebellious. I also used a regular zipper instead of an invisible zipper because apparently I live in the deserted wastelands and dark blue invisible zippers over 5cm are rare, exotic gems.

What I like?
Despite my rebellion, I adore the way the sleeves turned out. They're incredibly feminine in how they mimic the bust line. The secret pockets hidden beneath a pleat. We're talking hidden, deep, comfortable pockets that don't change the shape or bulk up the dress. Genius. Someone get Sarai a nobel prize, stat.

I'm also really happy with the fit of the dress, especially the bodice. As usual, the pattern had to go through some epic changes to fit me properly. I originally cut a 4 in the top and 6 in the bottom (holla for the badonkadonks!), lengthened the bodice 3.5cm (1.4"), took in the waist, adjusted the skirt to match, blah blah blah...

What I'll do next time?Match the waist band pieces. Ssssh. Just don't look at them.

So, my verdict is love, love, love and I can't wait to make it again. But, I know you might be wondering... what does my macaron have to do with a field track? Well I was at Uni wearing my dress, so I thought I'd take some photos while out there. And, the reason I was at Uni?

So I'm a graduate with intermediate sewing skillz. Could I be any happier? No. Probably not. Unless I had a chocolate milkshake. Then my life would be complete.

Macarons On My Table

Saying a sewing project is on my table is a bit of a lie. It's really on my floor, with a sleeve on the table, a skirt front over a chair, and a back yoke who-knows-where. But it will come together, with the it being my new, nearly completed Colette Macaron dress. You've probably seen it out in the google-sphere on other talented ladies (or men?). I'm using the same japanese cotton from my Welcome Spring dress... and my present bag.

But please, hear my case. I have a totally legitimate reason. You see I bought the fabric online, and my cautious nature thought "I'll get a touch extra, just in case". I then discovered the Simplicity pattern was a big fat lying liar pants and I needed way less than suggested. So I gotta-lotta fabric. Two dresses and a bag's worth, actually. The Macaron pattern is labelled 'intermediate', but to be honest I haven't found too many issues... yet. It just requires patience.

I have also checked a technique. Look at this facing, it's so facey! I can't believe it took me so long to do facing. I literally stared at it for about an hour. You know what else this facing is? Serged. Seriously I am now considering my life in two parts: Before and after owning a serger. With the latter obviously being far greater and magical.

It makes everything so clean. So neat. So finished. I'm going a little serger crazy. This is going to be the neatest goddamn garment in the land I tell you. Oh, I also have a new addition to my treasured sewing family. Yesterday was my birthday and, what can I say, my boy knows how to buy a good present. I haven't used it yet, but I feel pretty pro just having it in my possession.

Colette Violet

Yeah, things are getting Colette-crazy around here, and next up is the beautiful Violet blouse. I've had this pattern for a while but never mustered the courage to attack those intimidating button holes, or that menacing peter pan collar. I'm sure I'll find, just like every other time I check a technique, it will be fine and I have nothing to fear from a little Peter Pan action.

I'll probably use one of the three fabrics below as they're already in my stash. I'm petrified of creating one of those prevalent space-devouring stash-monsters. That all looks rather pink, doesn't it? The first two I bought at a vintage fair, and the third is a liberty of London fabric I got for my birthday. Spoilt much? Yes. I've never sewn with liberty fabric, but it's been a dream of mine. I'm not embarrassed to admit I've spent hours just holding onto this little strip of fabric, rubbing it against my cheek.

VIA Intermediate Pattern For Colette Macaron Dress

I don't consider myself to have poor time management, in fact I'm organised. Really organised. Like chill out Reana Louise and put the filing system down organised. However, I find I have no time this year. Yes I work, yes I study full time, yes I have a social life (admittedly a bit small and pathetic), but I do that every year. So who's the culprit? What's to blame? Sewing.

I've been dreaming about sewing?

I'm obsessed - did you know that Well of course you didn't because I'm telling you now, but I do! All the time I think about it. Whenever I leave the house I'm dissecting other people's outfits thinking how was it made? How does it sit like that? Will that warp? How hard would it be to get those stripes to line up? I'm mad, totally sewing mad I tell you!

And it's not like I'm overly fecund, I've only produced a handful of garments. So much of my time is spent scouring the inspiration, blogs, and communities in the big time-sucking device that is the internet. And then there's this blog - which is so much fun being able to express ideas and ask questions to people who love sewing as much as I do (I already bore my friends with art, I can't push this on them too).

But it's not as bad as I might be making out, it's so rewarding creating something and then wearing it. But what about you guys? Are you as obsessed as me, or do you take sewing in your stride? Is there anything else that you're obsessed with?

My swishable floral dress is completed and I'm really happy with the result!

Especially the way it fits... I'm not going to bore you with all of the details, just a quick run through with links to techniques. If you have any questions, please ask me!

I practically snatched it from the poor postman. You see, I live in a house of girls and a fair bit of online-shopping happens around here. Much time is spent out the front with tea-in-hand eyeing his arrival down like vultures - so hopefully he's used to it. Talking of online shopping my roommate just bought this dress from modcloth, how pretty is it? As you know I'm buying zero clothes this year so I have to live vicariously through them. Thank god they have such great taste!

But back onto my original point... New bikini pattern means I'm now ready to buy some fabric! The only problem is I think there's a secret kingdom of gorgeous and appropriately priced stretchy bikini fabric that is hiding from me. I've done a bit of hunting at the local fabric shops but their lycra is more 5th-grade-gymnast-team than hot-woman-strutting-about-Europe. Where is all of the good swimmer fabric?

So far 'Beach Animation' from Tessuti is winning, the only problem is that I think the pattern might be a little too big? One butt cheek might look like a giant flower, and the other a dark navy space? Is it Ok to have a lop-sided butt? I definitely don't want the flower in the middle.

I've scrummaged through etsy too and couldn't find anything that felt 'right'. And then I need lining! Picking fabric for me is one of the fun tasks (unlike hemming, or ironing- snore) but I feel this is something I need a little help with.

So come one... give me your secrets! Have you found some swimwear fabric that you're dying to use and would be willing to share the source? Do you know where the secret kingdom of luscious lycra is hiding?

VIA Sewing is Taking Over My Life