Just My Size

I can't say that much has changed from last week's update, aside from the weather. Though I do have a small bit of exciting news.

You all may or may not know that my good friend Debra is getting married in August, and I am her maid of honor. That is exciting news, of course, but its not the exciting news. The exciting news has to do with what I will be wearing. Deb could have picked one dress for all of us, but instead she just chose a color and set us out to search for a dress that we liked in her hue. And wouldn't you know it, but she chose green, and granted its a bright green, but it would make quite the lovely cocktail dress that I could see myself wearing for decades to come.

But where would I find such a frock?! Where else but my new favorite site, etsy.com. But before you go exploring the creative reservoir that is etsy, let me tell you why it is that I like etsy so much.

As my grandmother and sister know based on the purses they have given me, I like things that are made by artists or craftsmen that are paid a fair wage. Etsy is a site for craftsmen of all creeds to post their handmade goods for sale. Call it an online craftsfair if you will.

In addition to the aspect of a fair wage, buying from small artist retailers usually means that you are getting something terribly unique. I have always had a unique sense of style, even if "unique" is not necessarily what you would have called it when I was a child. I love that I have a parachute purse that is only owned by a handful of other people in the world, and a seatbelt purse that is unique not only in style but in that no two that were made are alike. The dress that I am purchasing will be the same.

Lastly, while etsy is a global forum for sellers, each seller lists their location and it is wonderfully easy to find someone in your area to handcraft whatever wonderful thing you might desire.

Liza Rietz is a designer and seamstress and posted a lovely "ruffle dress" on etsy that I felt would be perfect for Deb's wedding. Low and behold, she is also located in Portland. The wonderful thing about etsy is that many of their sellers make custom wares and a simple message to them is all it takes to start a conversation. Liza and I are meeting next Friday so that I can be measured and choose a fabric in the green that Deb so desires.

Perhaps the biggest plus is how long it has been since something has been made for me. I still remember my grandmother measuring me to make me the dresses I had picked out from the patterns in the fabric store. I loved seeing the dress in pieces while she made it and how exciting it was to receive the soft and bright, frilly dresses made just my size. Even if you grow out of the styles that are prevalent in the fabric store, you never grow out of feeling special to have something made just for you. To this day I would prefer a gift that was made as opposed to anything bought, but I cut most people some slack since not everyone feels confident in making things.

If you would like to see the dress follow this link: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25243968

Yes, its pricey. This is why I usually buy used clothing instead.

Happy Etsy-ing!