(Here is a post that I wrote on July 30th, 2009…Originally I posted it at “Gold of the Mother Lode” SN site.)
From Getty Images
Today I sewed a Poodle Skirt, something I never thought I’d do.
I never had a Poodle Skirt. I was just a bit too young for that fad. Truth is…Poodle Skirts were a short-lived fad, but somehow they sunk into our American psyche and popped out as an Icon of 1950’s Teen Fashion.
I wanted a Poodle Skirt…briefly. At age 9 I was into crinoline! The more petticoats, the bigger the whirl and twirl. At recess all the little 3rd grade girls would cram into the bathroom to count layers. One day I wore more petticoats than Kathy Fabian, the Petticoat Queen of 3rd grade! Fortunately Kathy was not miffed, so I didn’t suffer for out-slipping her. (Fact is, K.F. was nice, really. She knew how to be kind, and she loved books! Were it not for Kathy F, I might not have turned into the bookish gal that I am today. She got ALL the little girls into the library.)
On that fateful day, my over-powering layer was my Inflatable Petticoat. It was based on the idea of a bicycle inner tube. The clear plastic tube was sewn into a casing near the hemline.
You just blew that puppy up and POOF! I’ve always thought that mechanics, welders and carpenters should pay more attention to the Art of Sewing. It’s just a soft version of hard construction: Basic geometry, good tensile strength, the right tools, a powerful engine and a little skill. So, at 6AM I was up sewing a Poodle Skirt for my granddaughter. Well, really it’s for the costume department of her upcoming play: Seussical, Junior. They’ll be prancing on Summerville High’s stage this week: Thursday, Friday & Saturday 8PM. There’s a great bit of Family Entertainment, brought to you by Meyer Hideout Children’s Theatre and their unsinkable director Kyla Meyer.
I’ll be in the audience, looking for my Poodle Skirt.
On the Mother Lode 
4 comments
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November 8, 2009 at 8:44 am
Crinolyn
Drop me an email and I’ll send you COLOR versions of the pictures in that book you have shown.
Cordially,
Crinolyn
November 8, 2009 at 9:19 am
B.Z. Smith
Now, wouldn’t that be fun! Actually, I’m pleased with the B&W, simply becuase it’s in keeping with photo images of that era. But all that color in crinoline is the BEST! A swirl of delightful candy fabric! I can hear the swish, swish of fluffy, puffy skirts. Thanks for reading here. Come back. Maybe not more crinoline, but some other fun is in the works.
Merci Bien…
bz
February 25, 2010 at 4:43 am
Rishona
Neat; I wish I could sew! I just ordered a 1950’s costume for the Jewish holiday of Purim — complete with a crinoline. I never realized how stiff they are! Also I am wondering just how I am going to store the thing in my apartment after I’m done. Oh well, I’m planning to have fun (the holiday is this weekend)!
February 25, 2010 at 9:38 am
B.Z. Smith
Hey, Rishona…Have a great time at the Purim Celebration! Maybe a wall sculpture afterwards? Thanks for the read! I need to get a new story out soon. Come back!