Monday, December 7, 2009

Hooray for Hopsy (and Lilly and a good tailor)!


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Vivian wearing her "strawberry pants" (albeit backwards) last Memorial Day

If you read my blog much, you may have come to the conclusion that while the rest of our family has varied wardrobes, poor Vivian is clad primarily in the same pair of jeans and either a Curious George or Dumbo t-shirt. This is not due to neglect or favoritism toward others on the part of her costume coordinator (me) but rather is attributable to Vivian's strong preference for an extremely limited circle of clothes.

Her trousers of choice are a pair of Lilly Pulitzer jeans embellished with ribbon and an a applique that she calls "my strawberry pants." Lilly pants work well for Vivian because they have an adjustable elastic waist that allow her to manage taking them off and on by herself. But as is apt to happen when an article of clothing is worn and laundered every other day, these beloved pants are developing holes and becoming much too snug. And sadly, my search for another pair of "strawberry pants" has been in vain. In fact it can be difficult to find any Lilly pants in Vivian's size because not many stores carry them that big.

Enter my sweet blog friend, Hopsy, who was making a pilgrimage to the Lilly warehouse sale in Pennsylvania last month. She very kindly offered to look for pants in Vivian's size.

Hopsy texted me excitedly from the sale that she had found three pairs: pink corduroys, green corduroys and blue jeans. After Hopsy delivered them to me, I realized that the strawberry applique on Vivian's old pants was made of pink and green corduroy! So when I took the new pants to have them hemmed, I asked the tailor to use the excess material from the corduroys to construct a strawberry on the jeans. I also took him some cute pink and green ribbon to use at the bottom of each pant leg.

When I picked the pants up today, I was positively thrilled with how they turned out. I showed them to Vivian and she smiled and exclaimed, "My strawberry pants!"

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The originals

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The new pants


Whew!

16 comments:

JoAnn said...

you are the BEST mom!

Kate said...

Truly a great mom...with great friends. Your blog stories always evoke dueling notions to cry and laugh...what a wonderful person you are. And yet I sense that you would probably argue the point by saying your are just being a mom. But you really are an example to all of us...

JMW said...

How great that Hopsy found the new pants and that you were able to have them altered! I bet Vivian was delighted. Cheers to you!

DawnW said...

What a great story! And what a great tailor! That strawberry looks EXACTLY like the original!! He (or She) is a keeper!! Hope Miss Vivian enjoys them!

3 Peanuts said...

Wow...that is a great little story of love and friendship. Your love for your daughter in wanting her to feel safe and comfortable in her new clothes ad Hopsy for looking out for you:) They look GREAT!

Sherrie said...

Those pants are so cute I want a pair for myself! Your tailor did a fab job!

Rachel said...

You really are amazing and so creative!

bevy said...

Love those pants and know that Vivian does too!

Just read your "background" post on your precious daughter's condition. You are certainly a beautiful and strong woman. As Kate commented, you probably would just argue that you are just being a mom. I can understand what you mean in my own circumstances. My husband is in a wheelchair which has its own set of limitations and issues. Obviously, I say the same thing: I'm just being a wife!

lmk said...

Have I mentioned lately that I love your posts about Vivian? And you are simply THE BEST MOM!

Sandra said...

Those are darling!! Lucky Vivian!! Love them. xoxo

Maggie said...

Wonderful and heart-warming story! Thanks.

Mrs. Z said...

Adorable! How sweet of Hopsy.

Charlotte said...

Adorable pants & a precious story. I have a physically handicapped child & I know how important it is to do anything to make him happy! It's the little things that count. God Bless!

lottie

Amber M. said...

That is amazing!! Isn't it wonderful to know that there are so many kind-hearted and talentd ladies out there??

The Mrs. said...

Loooove them! She will be adorable!

Jenny said...

What a perfect solution-- love it!