A big thank you to Deborah Boland of Fabulous After 40. She very recently featured me in her Fabulous After 40 Styleblazer series. Her interview questions were tailored just for me. I’m dishing on why I love colour and how a handmade wardrobe is changing my life one garment at a time*. You can read the article here.
* A massive exaggeration on my part. Forgive me please…I’m feeling like a schtar.
All photos in this post credited to the incomparable Melanie of Bag and a Beret. I may make stuff, but Melanie puts the cool in creative. Seriously, when’s the last time you played dress-up? In an alley?
amy mayen says
Great interview!! I think that's what I love about you; you don't follow the “rules” of fashion yet every photo looks like it belongs in Vogue. I'll have to check out the book you mentioned.
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Amy, WOW! This is such a lovely compliment! Thank you so much!
Sheila says
You got to play dress up and schtar with Melanie? How fun is that! You look wicked cool, Sue!
Melanie says
You feel like a schtar because you ARE a schtar – you're a styleblazer! I shall run right over and read more about you, Sue.
Okay, just read it. WOW, seeing all those photos of you en masse really packs a punch: your work itself in the choice of pattern, fabric, style, and execution, the photography, your attitude, and your articulate responses. Plus I know you are a gifted painter among your many other talents.
I am in complete agreement with Amy. Vogue all the way!
Curtise says
Fabulous photos in the interview and here, though I almost didn't recognise you here, Sue, I thought I'd clicked on Mel's blog by mistake – I've seen her in that wig! Ha, bet you had a real laugh taking pics in an alley!
I'm intrigued by the notion that “many women shy away from colour, especially over 40″… Not me! And not you either, thankfully! I like your thoughtful and insightful answers, Sue, and of course the clothes speak for themselves. xxxx
Suzanne Carillo says
What??? This is YOU??? Totally fooled me. I cannot recognize you at all. You look like a Melanie doppelgänger.
Great interview too! I was impressed with your eloquent answers.
Of course your use of colour and your sense of humour is what drew me to follow your blog in the first place. We can all use a bit more colour and humour in our lives.
bisous
Suzanne
Glenda says
Congrats on the feature, Sue! I left on comment but am returning to say how much I enjoy your blog, not only for the fashion, but because you truly radiate genuine warmth and joy.
Natalia Lialina says
Of course you are a Star! Truly a shining one, Sue! Beautiful, colorful and so unique – it's all you! I just loved your advice about not trying too hard – such a good one. I guess I first had to try too hard, to just realize that I'm trying too hard. :))) I thoroughly enjoyed your interview, all the outfits are fantastic, and the photos are breathtaking! Congratulations on your wonderful feature, here is to you! 🙂
Natalia Lialina says
Oh, and I also did not recognize you at all!!! Such naughty girls live in Vancouver, BC!
No Fear of Fashion says
Read the interview (very good!), commented and I think you are lovely. Never recognized you from this wig/alley picture. You can go incognito my dear. I can understand you want this now that you are a famous star.
And I would like to see some of your paintings (Melanie ratted on you). Never seen anything.
Greetje
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
bwahahahaha…thanks Sheila! I felt wicked cool!
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Oooh, it's the schtar behind the schtar! Thanks for letting me play dress up in your back alley! Shall we dance again sometime?
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
hahaha…Melanie does wear the wig well. And we did have a real laugh with the pics….with a few interruptions from the unassuming public. You and me both…no reason to dull the colour palette at any age.
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
hahaha…She kept telling me to look mean, LOL….which, of course, made me laugh.
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Aw, thanks so much Glenda. I've said it before, I'll say it again…your blog is a source of great inspiration to me.
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thanks so much Natalia! I totally understand what you're saying! Been there, done that, LOL.
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
AND! So you should reconsider joining us in July my friend!
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thanks Greetje! You know, I keep intending on somehow integrating showing some artwork along with the sewing I've done. Too many creative ideas, too little time!
Flo says
Love the photos, how fun! Congrats on some recognition 🙂 I'm with you on wearing bright colors, life is too short. And I see she had that lovely pink paisley coat in the photos with the article!
Merche Martinez says
Oh my!! I couldn't recognise you! I haven't read the interview yet, and I have to look at your photographer's blog, but being so forgetful, I'd problably won't come back to the “source” So congratulations on being interviewed and also on these photos…Talking of which: how do you do it, to make them appear in that size on your blog. I try but if I make them “full size” they eat up the whole blog!!
Margo B says
Fabulous interview Sue! I love the insight you shared and seeing pics of your past makes. I love your navy and white striped dress! A fav of mine!
Jessica Cangiano says
What an engaging, fantastic interview, dear Sue. Many congrats on it! You're such a fabulous lady!
♥ Jessica
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thanks Flo! Our favourite….that pink paisley coat, I know!
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Hee Hee! Yes, Melanie and I had fun with disguise. Happy to see that my tips for making photos larger on your blog is working! Looking forward to seeing more!
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thanks Margo! That navy and white stripe…classic….your style too! You know, that fabric is from Fabricland's drapery department!
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thanks Jessica! It was nice because, in part because of the Canadian connection. Deborah is out of Toronto!. Hope you're enjoying some fine Okanagan weather!
Val S says
I'm so sorry I missed this when it first came out! I had to see Melanie's post to find out my two faves were hamming it up in the alleys of Vancoolver – you two are a match made in Heaven! ! If I were you, I never would have given back the robe.
MrsC (Maryanne) says
You guys rock. How I wish I could come and celebrate being an over 40 sewist with you!