A Rockabilly Weekend

This weekend was the 5th Annual Camperdown Cruise Rockabilly Weekend. This was our second trip to 'The Cruise' and I have to say it has well and truly exploded. It originally started with 15 cars and a BBQ; now, in 2011, there were an estimated 700 show cars, 1800 dancers, 16 bands and trade stalls too numerous to mention.

The highlight for me was meeting the girls from 'Some Fancy Ladies' who were launching their 2012 Gil Elvgren inspired pinup calendar. They also had a 'peep show' featuring the gorgeous Foxtrot India. There were no pics allowed during the performance but here's one of the stage setup. It was a very small room so people were a little unsure how to react but I hear tell they've been given a spot on the stage in the theatre for next year. Go girls!!

Kustom Lane Gallery were lucky enough to have their own street - or should I say lane - in which they had a collection of Lowbrow, Tiki and Pinstriping art for sale. And there was also a guy doing a pinstriping display. Talk about a steady hand!

This could quite possibly be the coolest scooter I've ever seen!

Not to mention its matching caravan & car...

An adorable Rockabilly couple who were kind enough to allow me to photograph them while they were eating lunch. A big thank you!

With so many cars in attendance it was hard to pick a favourite, but this beautiful green machine caught my eye...

Congratulations to the organisers for yet another successful weekend and here's to an even bigger and better event next year.

 

- Tamara

 

Another one bites the dust!!

Saturday evening saw us seated in 'catwalk' seats at the early session of The Burlesque Hour.  Understandably I couldn't take any pics during the show but I managed to snap this one before the fun began.

The stage awaits...

I have been lucky enough to see The Burlesque Hour gals several times and they change the show slightly each time to keep things interesting. This year's show was considerably darker than usual but still entertaining. My favourite new addition to their repertoire was 'Homage to The Waterwall'. For those of you in Australia, the title does indeed refer to the NGV's water wall. Without giving too much away it involves a monologue recited to Prince's Purple Rain and a shower. Yes, I am prepared to get wet for art!!

Now on to my sewing project - Simplicity 1172. I'm pleased to announce I managed to complete this dress with plenty of time to spare. It could have something to do with the fact it was pretty much done when I unearthed it last week. Upon inspection I realised the only things I really needed to do were take 1" out of the peplum (and its lining) and hand-sew the sleeves. Easy done in no time at all and here's the result...

Ahhh, peplum blowing in the warm breeze of the heater.



This colour is difficult to photograph but it's a deep jewel-toned amethyst and is really comfortable to wear. As you can see, I stuck with my original decision to get rid of the sleeves and if you take a look at the pic below you can understand why. Hello Star Trek!

Cap sleeves - Beam me up Scotty!



While the fabric is incredibly beautiful, I wish I liked it more. I find it a bit ho-hum and not all that special to be honest. No matter, at least it's another UFO crossed off the list.

Happy Monday everybody!

Fans & Tease

This weekend was a complete write-off due to a big Friday night - funny how the older you get the longer a hangover lasts - but the previous weekend saw The Australian Burlesque Festival arrive in Melbourne. There were workshops and shows galore so I decided to take the opportunity to learn a new skill - Fans & Tease - a-la Sally Rand or Mona Vaughan.

Mona Vaughan

The workshop seemed to be directed more towards those wanting to perform but it was still fun. We learnt how to walk onto the stage - strut with loads of confidence; remove gloves seductively, including using your teeth - don't shove your fingers into your mouth!; and a short routine using basic fan techniques. My favourite by far was what I like to call the 'clamshell' - both fans opening to reveal the performer. I didn't get much of a chance to take photos during class but here are a few of the venue and some beautiful full-sized fans.

The Venue - Burlesque Bar, Johnston St, Fitzroy.

The gorgeous fans of Delores Daiquiri

Sadly, with two curious cats in the house, I don't think there'll be much fan dancing going on here!