I like to consider myself a low maintenance woman - well from a fiscal standpoint anyway (emotionally I'm apparently VERY high maintenance, but let's ignore that for now...).
I spend very little on clothes or make up (some might say I need to spend more, but they are probably the same people I'm already ignoring) and expensive holidays and cars are simply not my thing.
In fact the only thing I really splurge on is the garden, and even then I'm hardly in expense-happy MP territory. In fact this week my gardening-related purchases have totalled £2.99.
And what have I squandered my hard earned cash on? A new length of oil cloth. This is essential when gardening with kids inside, unless you want your kitchen table top ingrained with compost.
In fact, I lie, I bought two lengths - one for cooking with the kids as well. Well, OK, I'm also going to buy a third, for general gluing and sticking activities.
Oh no, I bet this is how Imelda Marcos started...
Oil cloth as a fabric is rather unappreciated by the world of high fashion - although some of Lady Ga-Ga's more recent stage outfits may perhaps have been constructed from old sou'westers.
Neither Elizabeth Hurley nor Samantha Cameron have ever been photographed wearing an oil cloth based garment.
This may be your chance to strike back against those people who sneer at your cosmetic consumption and sense of fashion.
I think it would look best as a pair of hipster trousers and maybe a loose backless smock.
This would add an as yet unappreciated dimension to ThinkinGardens dinners and international flower shows. Wherever you go folk will gasp and there will be a chorus of envious whispers.
Next step a L'Oreal contract....
Posted by: JamesA-S | February 19, 2010 at 05:53 PM
I did once own a pair of snakeskin effect trousers which, on reflection, could well have been made of oil cloth. However, I may be tempted to fashion the backless smock. Because I'm worth it....
Posted by: Dawn/LittleGreenFingers | February 19, 2010 at 06:36 PM
I am only prepared to admit this in what I trust will be generous and understanding company but I once bought some Cath Kidston oilcloth (in a sale) and what is more I still quite like it.
There, it is done.
I've said it.
Like the stones, but not as a backless smock.
Posted by: elizabethm | February 19, 2010 at 11:03 PM
Elizabeth - Cath Kidston oil cloth? Sale or no sale, surely you need a second mortgage or sale of an internal organ to finance that?
Posted by: Dawn/LittleGreenFingers | February 22, 2010 at 02:02 PM
Are those photos of your oil cloth? How wonderful! We can't get oil-cloth round here, only PVA stuff which isn't as thick, is bad for the planet and doesn't come in interesting patterns. (Not round here it doesn't anyway!) (Used to.)
I'm jealous.
Esther
Posted by: Esther Montgomery | February 23, 2010 at 12:19 PM
Esther - yes that's the cloth. I also nearly chose the grass one - but the kids overruled me.
Can't believe you are bereft of oil cloth in Dorset. That's a wrong that needs righting (not sure that's a word but never mind).
Posted by: Dawn/LittleGreenFingers | February 24, 2010 at 04:22 PM