UPDATE: Thanks to all my poetry friends for your interest! All the clothing items have been claimed and shipped. I hope you all enjoy them with my love and I just wish I had more to give away!
Well, I have discovered that once I retired I have become obsessed with downsizing my life and belongings. Maybe it's because I'm traveling all the time (Antarctica! The Galapagos! Japan! Kansas City!) or because I'm more focused on grandkids or maybe it's because the current political climate feels apocalyptic! Whatever the reason, I'm ready to part with my poetry wardrobe. Although I still read poetry, buy books, follow poet careers and promote poets and poetry book whenever I can, I'm seldom at conferences now and thus not wearing my crazy Ms. Frizzle poetry skirts and dresses that I made for myself over the years. So, if you would like one of these items, I would love to mail it to you (free of charge). Just let me know!
Here are the details: they are nothing fancy and all worn (except one--the unfinished gray dress). They're homemade from a simple jersey knit fabric and lined. Each piece has a different phrase on it (repeated over and over). Each is a different color. I've identified each one with its color and phrase-- and even a photo of when I wore it. (Photos even include my dear friend and collaborator Janet Wong and several other sweet poet friends!) Each of these is more-or-less a size 10-12 or M/L. It's very stretchy fabric, so these can go a bit bigger and definitely made smaller. There are no buttons or zippers, they just go on over your head. VERY simple and homemade (by me). They are also machine washable. [The skirts are short-- above the knee with an elastic waistband.] If you have any questions, just let me know and I can provide further info.
All I ask is that you send me a photo of yourself (or someone) wearing it-- or if you want to turn the fabric into something else-- a photo of that! I did take one of my poetry dresses and turn it into a fun throw pillow. (It's the dress with the word "poetry" in many different languages.) So you are welcome to take the dress and make something else out of it. (Skirt? tote bag, drawstring bag, puppy blanket, baby quilt, etc.) In case you're wondering, I'm still keeping my "Think Poetry" shirt and my crazy poem-filled tights! I still wear those even now.
If no one is interested, no problem. Goodwill, here they come.
Oh, my goodness, I love this! Sylvia, those are all fabulous. And I hear you about wanting to downsize at this stage of life. My daughters are probably tired of hearing about Swedish Death Cleaning. :)
ReplyDeleteYou are SOOO generous, Sylvia - and I hope your amazing creations find new life and ways to flourish. (Glad to hear of those few pieces you're keeping, though - including those tights!!) I spend more time working at home than out and about myself these days, and cleaning out my closet has been hanging over my to-do list for a few months now.... Will take inspiration from you! xo
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind words, Karen and Robyn. Sounds like we're all at the same point in life-- and enjoying it too! I LOVE the whole process of Swedish Death Cleaning despite the stark name-- it's really about clear prioritizing. Sending you both hugs!
ReplyDeleteSylvia, I am pursuing my MLIS with the hope to work in an elementary school library. My instructor assigned us your blog to read this week, and this was the first post I saw! I adored so much of what you had to say and hold it dearly. Poetry is a new genre for me. I first discovered that I connected with a poem last summer, when I heard Andrea Gibson's Love Letter From The Afterlife.
ReplyDeleteIf possible, I would love to get my hands on your Poetry is Hope design! It would be a great message to have in my future place of work!
Hello, Sylvia, I tried to send a comment yesterday at about this time, but I was on the road with spotty wifi. Maybe it's in limbo while waiting approval or maybe it got lost. Anyway, I wanted to say how much I enjoyed your post and seeing the joy you are having during retirement--the travel! Wow, such exotic places and special family spots too. Beautiful! It was fun to see you in all your special poetry outfits. If it's not too late, I would like to have the red Poetry is Hope dress. This is a time that poetry and art are bringing hope to this broken world. Best wishes as you keep the Cleaning going!
ReplyDeleteA “Poetry? Yes! dress?!
ReplyDeleteOh, yes, please!
I’d love to receive!
Sylvia! I’ve been looking for something FUN to wear for my website photo. And you and Janet have been my biggest supporters in publishing my poetry for kids—so how fitting this would be!
These are adorable! And yes, I could definitely put them to use--my debut comes out next summer, and I would be honored to carry your legacy with me in this way! If they are going to goodwill, send them all my way. If I have to choose a few, I'll go with numbers 1, 2, 5, & 7. Thanks so much! I'm excited!
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ReplyDeleteSylvia! How wonderful that your current life makes you ready to share. I still have good reasons to show up decked out in POETRY--classroom visits, mainly. Can I try one (or if no other takers, both) of the skirts? I'll email you, and thanks!
Hi Kateland, Denise, Linda, Sarah, and Heidi-- so sorry, but the poetry clothes were all claimed already. But I appreciate your interest and your kind words SO much! I'll be sure to update this post, so that's clear. Thanks again for reaching out!
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