Monday, March 15

Mr Lurgy and his saviour ways...

it is a few days until i reach the half way mark in my handcrafted secondhand year and yesterday was, i do believe the greatest temptation to have crossed my path since September 20th 2009

yes dearest readers, yesterday saw Liberty of London hit the shelves of Target.
i knew the day was coming for i had stumbled across the info somewhere in cyber land.
i have been preparing myself for several weeks.
i took a good look at all they were offering,
now some may think this foolish for one that cannot have,
but i saw it as a way to deal with the situation.
i took a good long deep look,
and then i came to the conclusion that in fact there wasn't anything at all i actually needed and very few things that i wanted.
except the bike,
lordy how i love the bike
who wouldn't want to garden in those peachy things
and then lets not forget the mens shirts,
colin firth would look fabby in one of those and so would my man.
i don't have a little girl but i still would like a dress...

and so it continued and then i said
"enough Tif, this is madness... this is precisely why you took up your challenge!"
and dearest readers i was quite right,
it is the very reason why.
to see if indeed one can live without the temptations of the advertising world and the feeling of 'want', especially when it comes to such lovely wares as Liberty of London.

so armed with the knowledge that this past weekend was going to be all about temptation i kept myself busy...

i cleaned up my studio space, which was in dismal disarray due to shop work


i made a pretty curtain for my bookcase from pillowcases


i wrote the supply list for my workshop retreat

i finished up some coat hangers i had been working on,
i have done crocheted hangers before but when i found a cream and orange shell patterned one i knew i wished to try one for myself




i made a whatnot garland to hang in my shop window



and all those things kept me busy,
but at any time i could have walked out the shed,
got in my car
and
been tempted amongst the aisles of Target.

what stopped me was just as it always seems to be...
the handcrafted thrifty gods intervened
they noted me wavering,
they saw me looking online,
they heard me talking on the phone
and they made a plan.
for they were not willing to see me fall from the righteous path i have chosen for one year,
they saw a soul that was a little lost, a soul that needed saving.

so who should come knocking at the shed door late on saturday night?
well none other than Mr Lurgy.
a visitor i haven't seen in nearly a year,
a visitor i had been so pleased to have kept at bay,
but i knew the reason
and
i knew i must take what comes.
for Mr Lurgy has taken me down
thus giving me no energy to take a trip to Target
and despite his wicked and cruel ways
it would appear he has saved my soul from losing its way.

today as i tippity type with a hankie by my side
i feel good
i feel proud
i feel strong
(well actually i feel quite weak from Mr Lurgy, but you know what i mean)
that i did not cave
to the lovely, oh so beautiful,
lordy let me look at you closely, perhaps even touch you,
can i smell you?

she is thinking the second half of the year is going to be child's play compared to yesterday ~ Tif

59 comments:

Lauryn said...

Your studio is as lovely as ever. You have much more restraint then I did.. I went to Target thinking I was going to just get a couple coffee mugs and it turned out quite a different story. If only I had someone to talk some sense into me instead of enabling my shopping habits!

Elaine from L.A. said...

I'm going to just have a wee "look" later today :~)

Still Lily said...

well, although i have not made the utmost challenge commitment officially, i try tif, i try, and so i happened to be at target on this most special day sunday and i saw, touched & fondled a bit of Liberty of London, i even smelt a scarf real quickly when the aisle was empty, was so tempted (i was taken by a rain hat and umberella of the floweriest kind) to skip happily to the register with a floral purchase in hand...but lo and behold i talked meself out of any purchase, started conversations in my head about how the rain has stopped, do you really need a wallet, now you go home and lay out that old fabric sitting alone on its shelf & give it new life...so i emptied my hands of my newfound loves, and as i walked out the doors of target, a bit heavy of heart, i glanced back with a wee smile for i was proud and had found liberty in california.
thank you for understanding.;)

Jamie said...

I, too, ended up in Target yesterday. Forgot about the Liberty of London debut. I must say the dresses and tops I saw were difficult to resist (and the gardening tools and gloves)...I promised myself I could only buy something if (and that's a big IF) I was down to my pre-winter weight by June 1st. Doesn't look too promising at this point. We'll see what the future holds. But, I did manage to walk out of the store with nothing but inspiration!!! Yippee for me! Jamie V in MT
http://rem-nants.blogspot.com

Ticking stripes said...

Tif

The handcrafted thrifty gods have just given me a little nudge with regard to your current trauma. They believe I can help in a little way by sending you some pieces of of my Liberty stash. T'would be lovely to see them incorporated in one of your whatnots. If you would like me to do this just e-mail me at wendyppshaw@ntlworld.com. I get so much pleasure from your blog its the least I can do! (By the way if you like inspirational marketing look at my latest post!)

Princess and the Pea said...

Could you at least have the bag? It's made from upcycled Liberty of London bill boards and is rather lovely!

http://www.target.com/b?node=2255568011

It might not be thrifted but it is recycled...

folk city said...

Tif,
I have not yet seen the Liberty of London collection for Targé in person, but I heard via Facebook friends that our local store sold out of practically everything on their shelves yesterday. These lovely goodies do indeed look tempting online, but I must say that since I've devoted myself to thrifty, handmade ways and the Dottie Angel challenge, shopping for new things is simply uninspiring. All I see in what used to be my favorite stores is brand new crappity crap. It all leaves me feeling very let down in the end...I much prefer the musty smell of the local Sally Army, the carefully color-coordinated displays at Goodwill, flea market chaos, and the pure goodness of needle and thread and yarn.
-Heidi

Anna Betts said...

You're a saint, and I don't know how you do it. Beautiful coat hangers, and garland, and curtain. Oh, I love it all! Those coloured knitting needles are inspired, but so am I now, not to get straight on ebay and buy some for myself! I feel a frugal week coming on... :)

Anonymous said...

Such lovelieness...wish we had a Target in Canada :(
Your workshop is so beautiful...it makes me swoon everytime :) xo

Marg said...

Mr Lurgy was very timely but I really hope you feel better soon. (After they have all sold out of Liberty of London at Target.)

Jillian Frances said...

Thank you for this post! Your blog has been one of my very favorites ever since I discovered it a few months ago, but I believe this is my first time to comment. I have been arguing with myself over the past two days whether or not to go to Target to see if there is any of the new Liberty of London that I "need". Of course there isn't! And, you have helped me make up my mind not to go and see. So, thank you!

Floss said...

Well, are we nearly half way through? I have to admit that my months of lurgy (not getting competitive here) have also helped me not to spend - mind you, I didn't earn, either! Congrats on getting so creative, and get well soon!

Rachel Knoblich said...

As always...love all the stuff you make...you have inspired me to go work on a pretty apron. I need one for the upcoming flea market to hold my monies! Come visit my blog as I have a fun jewelry giveaway!

Amanda said...

get better soon!

i caught a cold on the weekend too, still managed op shopping sat morning but spent most of the weekend knitting.

Michelle said...

Oh Tif fate did step in...
But oh how tempting...
Just flicking through the 4 pages of womens fashion was enough to make me weak at the knees...
All I can say to myself is...
I can't order this gorgeous stuff hear in Oz ...
Oh how I wish I could!!!
and our seasons are out...Hmmmm...
Don't think that has stopped me before thou...
But catching Mr Lurgy if I tried to aquire some summer goodness...
No thanks...I do believe I will pass on that one...
Hope Mr Lurgy leaves quick smart now that you didn't buckle...

jo said...

wow! amazing work, are you from Seattle?

labonnefemme1 said...

What a lovely post! As an outsider looking into your amazing floral, sunny, bright and happy shed/studio...I can't think why you would need anything else? Your banner is more endearing and more lovely than
gardening gloves! I have seen the Liberty Target line and I want and like your beautiful items more! Suddenly their stuff doesn't look so good.

Vickie said...

Tif

Love the crocheted wooden hangers - would love to make some but am having a hard time finding that type of wooden hanger. I went to Target, yes I ventured to the land of Temptation - I kept my blinders on and headed to the hanger isle with no luck. I was again tempted by Liberty of London justifying a purchase since I didn't find my hangers, but I stayed strong (also because of the mantra my husband has been saying of lately -"Stay away from Target, stay away from Target".... he knows I have a particular weakness for all things Target. So anyway, if you could let me know of a source for those hangers it would be much appreciated!!!! Thanks
Vickie in Seattle

Anonymous said...

I looked at Target first thing yesterday morning to see what Liberty things were on offer....everything i was interested was "sorry, this item is not in stock". Sold out already?! The only thing I would really buy would be a shirt for my husband but, they were all gone, on-line anyway. They can have their stuff!

Katiebee said...

Love the hangers and your studio....so warm and welcoming!

dottie angel said...

ah ha! i see i was not the only one having to stay strong...

vickie, my wooden hangers are thrifted. you can on occasion find them on the vintage aisles of etsy but these i found out and about.

Mr Lurgy has got me in a vice like grip, i'm not sure if i will be around tomorrow. i may just say low and craft for the shop...

be good my lovelies without me!

Anonymous said...

If it makes you feel better, as I filled my cart with Liberty of London storage boxes, flower pots (and gloves), a chair, lampshades and lamp bases, pillows, serving trays,rubber boots and scarves, I thought how dottie angelish these pieces all look! The lampshades and bases were half off already at my local Target here in the suburbs of Chicago...couldn't say no to that!

Elissa said...

so kind of mr lurgy to at least make himself useful.

Amanda said...

That's such a beautiful room. It makes me want to get my sewing room in order.

Contessa Kris said...

Yes, the teen and I have been waiting for this London collection to hit Target. Not that I have any money to spend but the teen wants to decorate her room in a bohemian style and boy would all those patterns really work! I'm trying to boycott Target at this time...

Your studio is gorgeous!

kelly@the blue muse said...

good for you! you should be proud of yourself as liberty of london is very tempting indeed...and your studio looks fabulous!

Satoko said...

Thank you for this post...I do think it is important to not purchase things that we don't need. Target makes that goal very difficult sometimes! Battle of Need and Want...

Violette Crumble said...

I saw the Target stuff in person, and honestly everything you made in much nicer. The Liberty designs are great of course, but all the women's clothes are polyester, and so are the sheet sets!

mel @ loved handmade said...

Good for you! I'm pleased to hear that you resisted temtation, though I am sorry to hear you are unwell - I hope you are better very soon. Your coat hangers turned out beautifully, and I so love your whatnot garland!

Jan said...

I think you need to treat yourself to some Liberty delights after naughty Mr Lurgy's visit. Go on, you know you want to.

Kristy said...

I am really hoping that there are some Liberty goodies left when we visit Florida next month.I am also hoping I will actually find a Target store!

Dajda said...

I'm glad you resisted the temptation. You will be able to look back on this moment for moral support.

GerryART said...

I this comment will be short.
On my way to Target to see what all the hullabaloo is about ! ! !
Hugs,
Gerry

Knicky Knacks said...

Crickey, I feel sick - that horrible yearning in the pit of your stomach you only get when you desperately want something you can't have! Whilst I appreciate you sharing your angst, I've just jumped on your link to Target and had to have a quiet moment whilst I recovered from the slendour that was Liberty of London. It's a cruel, cruel world.

Eleni said...

I feek your pain! I moved out of London in December and so can no longer visit Liberty whenever I need some good cheer. I rarely bought anything mind, just being there and soaking up the ambience usually did the trick!

I too had a visit from Mr Lurgy last week. Got loads of knitting done! I wonder what non-crafters do when they're ill?

As always, you blog is a ray of sunshine. Stay you, and good luck with the challenge!

*jean* said...

ooo good for you for resisting temptation! i love your bookcase curtain...what a great idea...

Lorene said...

I thought of you on Sunday and considered leaving you a pep-talk comment. Alas, I did not do so as I thought to myself, "Why would a comment from a complete stranger have any meaning for the Dottie Angel?" Now I wish I had taken the time to do so.

A local Target started putting items out on Thursday so I'd already seen much of the inventory before Sunday. I was rather disappointed by what I saw because the colors seemed dingy to me. Even so, I rushed to Target on Sunday morning, arriving at 7:50 a.m. to find absolutely no one in the parking lot. (Very surprised about that because I truly thought there would be crowds waiting for the store to open.) As it was, a British lady and I were the first ones in the store (of course, that was precisely when you and your day -long trial came to mind).

Miss Tif, if you had grand-daughters your heart could rightfully ache at the restrictions placed by your "Challenge of the Utmost Kind." Honestly, if the little girl's clothing had been made in larger sizes I would have bought everything they offered. As it was, not a single grown-up piece came home with me. Well. They come home for a day and were returned on Monday.

(I also TRIED to make the men's shirts look good on me, but regretfully gave up after several attempts.)

In the end, only the "Zip Around Wallet - Susanna Green" and the "Babydoll - Maddsie C & Martha" are still with me. And the babydoll will only stay if I can figure out how to wear it in public. Um. I'm very optimistic.

As you have a wonderful sense of design, an appreciation of colors and an eye for quality, odds are you too would have been disappointed.

I hope that this information is a comfort to you in some way...

UmberDove said...

Yesterday as I waited for my BC's flight to arrive I reached the intersection of "drive straight and go to Target to wander the isle of Liberty" and "turn left and find that Goodwill I've heard about." As I waited at the red light I wavered for a moment but when the green flashed I made my left.

And man-o-man, a more fabulous thrifting afternoon I've not had in a looooooooong while - complete with a homemade by some sweet hand in the 70's bright turquoise wool dress that fits like a glove - SWOON!

Just to say, I really believe the thrifting gods approve of such restraint. I think your pot of gold may just be waiting at the next stop...

Unknown said...

I decided I did not need anything of Liberty as well. The store was pretty cleaned out when I went, so that helped my decision.

Is the pattern for the crochet covers above available online? I would love to try my hand at them!

DuhBe said...

I prefer to think nobody will buy that stuff at Target, and Target will eventually be forced to donate it to the local salvation army as Target does in my area with their items which don't sell.

Then I will swoop in and buy it at my local thrift shop. Mission accomplished.

Ashley Schott said...

Your studio looks like my personal heaven! Those hangers, the beautiful wallpaper, all the gorgeous fabric, the garland, need I say more?! Heaven, simply heaven:)

Annette said...

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=mt&listing_id=36678637

just wanted to throw this your way.

dottie angel said...

oh my dear 'sweetest of sweets' readers... you keep me on the straight and narrow everytime. i am so warmed by your comments and i know you know just how hard it was. i appreciate all the feedback about the liberty of london collection and you are all quite right, i get my thrills from second hand finds...

the crochet hangers i made up after studying the one i found at the thrift store. it is a basic shell pattern crocheted around a chain. two sides then crocheted together. a little fiddly at the end but then we all know i am getting good at fiddling these days ;)

still wrestling with Mr Lurgy but inbetween a few bouts of wrestling i am 'a crafting'!!

KnockKnocking said...

I fear I fell off the handmade path this weekend with Liberty of London myself, it was too tempting. But your beautiful hangers have me back on the straight and narrow. Do offer them in your shop at some point honey.

Hugs, Agnes

Becka Lynn Lee said...

I have been inspired by your challenge. I posted about it here http://beckalynnlee.blogspot.com/2010/03/living-greener-and-cheaper.html
and while we are not doing the challenge for the full year I was very excited to get my husband on board for six months and I am secretly hoping to extend it when the time comes.

Anyway, thanks for being an inspiration and I was very happy to read that you stuck to your guns. And you never know some of that Liberty for London might show up in a thrift shop before too long.

Congrats on six months.

Caterina Giglio said...

oh gosh yes!! I walked right past those Liberty fabric totes calling my name!! ugh!

Lady Grey said...

oh how I love your crocheted hangers, they're lovely!

Maize Hutton said...

I fell for the bras...but alas no beautiful petals for my lil' flowering buds as they don't make them THAT small! :)

Megan @ Megity's Handmade said...

Good for you! I fell. I fell hard. I went for a wallet. The one thing that I thought that I needed the most. I was so strong until I turned the isle and ran smack dab into the little girls clothes. I wanted them all! I settled for a dress and a swimsuit but am still dreaming about the skirts, flip flops, denim romper, skirts, etc. Good gracious!

Karen said...

I succumbed to the Liberty of London bag and feel happier with it slung across my shoulder. Oh, help! And I must know about your floral yellow wallpaper. I love it as much as your others. Where ever did it come from?

dottie angel said...

karen, the wallpaper is by graham & brown, you will find it in their eco section :)

Karen said...

Thank you Tif. I am off to the Graham and Brown site this minute. I feel a wallpaper project coming on!

jenn said...

Good for you! Not to knock your willpower, but much of the Target merchandise is not well-made. The women's clothing I saw in particular was rather shoddy. The girls' dresses though were great! (Sorry.) The umbrellas are adorable but I doubt they will last a season without the ribbon ripping off. (I broke down and bought one anyway.) And the stores around here were awful - half-empty shelves and nothing but promises of future merchandise. So good for you, making lovely things yourself instead of wasting money and time on things that are pretty on the surface, but poorly made.

Anonymous said...

I know this is late to the party, but good for you. L of L stuff IS gorgeous, but it is still just stuff. Mass-produced who-knows-where by who-knows-whom stuff. The fawning over it in the blogosphere has been so excessive that I now refuse to go and purchase it just out of annoyance.

gold fawn said...

dear dottie,
that's it, I'm out... the Liberty of London Gardening gloves and bras and underwear and ok a blouse did me in. (I did name my daughter after them after all)So, while I do constantly buy most everything second hand, I guess-a challenger of the utmost kind, I am not.
xo miss gold fawn

Ruby said...

55 comments, OHMY! But I will comment anyway because I have come this far and you need to know that I love the colors of your home, will be stealing this color set for my new studio and am thankful for the inspiration. Love.

Forgetmenot said...

So, I do love your coat hangers. But I am having a hard time finding the hangers. Do you have any suggestions , yours look new, are they.
Thank you.
Tista

dottie angel said...

the hangers i use are not new, they are from the thriftstore, i bought them in a bundle.
you can find old ones on ebay and etsy if that helps at all...
the ones i have are narrower than the modern ones :)

roseylittlethings said...

I would love to feature your studio on the vintage sheet blog: http://vintagesheets.blogspot.com please let me know if that would be all right.