Little red riding hood meets the mid 1930's tunic and hat combo

Yet another project based on a wool and silk mix, this tunic is knitted with Rennie Castle yarn (58% Lambswool / 42% Silk)), colour Venlaw, in a dk weight (comes on a cone). There is 4 ply version that actually comes in balls for hand knitting, but  here the cone version was used because of an opportunity to buy it at a discounted price. 

The yarn is nice and tweedy - the main pinky-red shade is peppered with lots of multicoloured tiny flecks, but I would say that the representation of this colour on most on lines sources is not terribly accurate, as it is rather muted, not an intense red at all, and with a decisive pink tinge (pics below are closer to reality). It knitted well but when washed stretched quite a bit, and I am not sure what surprises are awaiting ahead on further washes...

In the meantime I am wearing it as it is, and I have to say, for a mid 1930's inspired project, this tunic proves to be very versatile and works with a variety of modern garments too. I was somewhat worried that I would end up with a costume-y looking, difficult to wear piece, but far from it. And the cherry on the cake is the quirky hat: makes the whole thing really fun to wear.

P.S. Despite the title, there's no hood to speak of, but a sailor collar...

Same dress, different woman: a mid to late 1930's style outfit

Speaking about putting a base piece to more uses, what do you think about this? It certainly responds to my need of change and "adventure", of starting from the same point but taking a side route and arriving to something altogether different. 

It also gives me that sense of satisfaction that you get when the things in your wardrobe just click together, like a puzzle that falls into place.

For all these reasons and more, I love this outfit. Not bad for a cheap dress that I picked for my shop - it never made it there, fits far too well in my wardrobe - and a cardigan that mum knitted out of remnants from a different project!

.

The forest green and wine red are yummy together, and I like the off center/asymmetric fastening illusion coming from the sides that overlap - they are not meant to, but since the cardigan jacket is quite roomy it allows me to do this. There a a lot of examples of later 1930's style employing this off center, asymmetric closure which for some reason appeals to me.

I have accessorized with a 1930's Robin Hood/Peter Pan style hat, a tiny treasure that comes in dark green velvet. It has a grosgrain bow that is in need of a trim, but even so, it has to be the star of this ensemble.

A Deco hide clutch in two tones of green, one of the favorites in my collection, and just the thing for this outfit!
Finally, another pair of "snakeskin" Poetic Licence shoes, I am a fan of what they produced a few seasons ago.