Friday, May 2, 2008

Dead Men tell no tales...


Avast! Hold still yer tongue and sit ye down a while, I have tell of a tale that I would share on this day.

'Twere not so long ago- though longer now that I ought to feel right with- that I were taken as it were by the spirit of the buccaneer. A young thing of eleven years only, I was, when first came to me a dread pirate by the name of One-Eyed Willie.

He were mighty sort- though a little boney- who ruled the sea in his day on a great furl-sailed beast, the Inferno. She were a proud ship, proud as her master, and I loved her the moment I saw 'er.

Since Willy's time (well it was 1985!) there have been many pirate movies I did take a liking too:


(well, not all pirates sail the earth!)


But listen now, and here the next chapter, for I'm not done yet. Not but a short time ago, there came another, and his capture of my heart was almost more than a lass ought to bare. He wiped out all other pirates- aye, even Captain Hook!- and stood highest in my mind as the bestest pirate ever:

And his name were not Sparrow.


Fond as I am for takin' up with the villain, I naturally took straight away to this brave sea dog (though the act of him being Geoffrey Rush in a pirate costume no doubt did all the work)! And it's this handsome and rugged pirate lord who inspired my fine creation for this grand event....

The Swashbuckler Soiree!

Transalation for those who don't speak buccaneer:


I've always loved pirates. The Goonies was and still is my ultimate all time favourite movie ever. It's a generation thing I think, I'll be honest and say it's no great feat of cinema, but there's something about it's mixture of piracy, inept criminals, smart-mouthed kids and the breath-taking Oregon coastline scenery that combines to make something I love.


Since Goonies there have been other movies that feature pirates, though none of them particularly smashing. Cutthroat Island is too cheesy, Muppet Treasure Island is wonderful though not nearly enough Tim Curry, and Treasure Planet is...well, pretty good actually. And then there's Hook. I like Hook, but only the bits with Captain Hook himself, because I seem to have a thing for the villain.


Moving on...Donna set the challenge simply as 'pirates', and that we should interpret this as we will. So in addition to creating a post on my life-long geekery for the filthy brigands, I made me a hat!





I've had the black hat base laying around for ages. To the mortal eye it appeared a simple flat, wide brimmed hat, but it didn't take my keen 'I can do something with that' brain to realise if you flipped up the sides, it became a tri-corn.

(Aren't I fetching? Chaos of studio blurred out for your protection.) Once I'd gathered up the materials it was a simple task of shoving them all in the hat. Sort of.


You can't even see the hat part anymore, it's just a big festival of feathers and lace!


With a needle and thread I stitched the lace trim around the edge, and then quite alot of swearing ensued as I traipsed all over the house for 'the right bits'. But I'm pleased with the result. I added a few bits of dried cow parsley in there as well- not strictly piratey, but I can't seem to help adding a dash of faery to these sorts of things, so let's called it a faery pirate hat!

As seen here, modelled by the lovely Bellatrix (points for guessing my other geek interest!) -a 1930s dress shop mannequin.


14 comments:

Ottilias Veranda said...

great hat!! Beautiful!
The Skypirate Harrison Ford is my favorite (besides Johnny!)

Liisa

Christine said...

WOW! So many things to look at..my favorite image would have to be your mannequin wearing a most elaborate pirates hat :) I must be the only 30 something who hasn't seen Goonies or the Princess Bride..I know I know I should walk the plank for it. Thanks for sharing this wonderful collection:)
~Christine

Unknown said...

Oh, thank you for leading through an adventure in pirates, and your creation is truly pirately. I do not speak buccaneer, but I will tell you Hook was my favorite of the bunch. Now onto the best of your post, your gorgeous, gorgeous creation. This pirate hat would be any female pirate's dream. I love it! Karen

Melissa Valeriote said...

Now that's a great hat. A REALLY great hat! Enjoy the Soiree.

rochambeau said...

ADORE your pirate girl chapeau! Divine!
Constance

Dorian Fletcher said...

That is some pirate hat, me little lady! You will need a sturdy hatpin to keep it on your noggin when gale forces blow!

Sylvia Anderson said...

Thanks for the walk down the "pirate" memory lane! I love your hat... very fitting for today's event!

Magpie Sue said...

Best hat ever! I am completely jealous. Good thing I don't have my sword to hand or I'd have to use it to relieve you of your chapeau!

Magpie Sue

Anonymous said...

As I mingle with the crowd I see a glimpse of a feather catching the light of the sun through the mist. I make my way over over to see you in this most amazing hat!!! A scene stealer, for sure. I'm so happy you made the journey and brought this fantastic creation!!
D.

Christine LeFever said...

Ah yes, Goonies, t'were filmed right 'ere in my 'ome state o' Oregon, at Ecola State Park where the 'ouse they built still stands! Any yer beeyootiful 'at, what can I say? T'is the picture of pirate craftiness! The plumes stand out with dignity an' forwarning, and so I shall beware yer approaching and toast ye happily!

Christine

Zwee!!!!!!!

S Stargell Designs said...

Aye, Matey and wenches alike would love your humble hat full of feathers and finery.

Jennifer said...

i love the hat and princess bride too! my husband andi were just talking about goonies today. how much fun is reminiscing? thanks for sharing so much greatness. : enjoy the rest of the weekend.

jenny

High Desert Diva said...

Great pirate hat!

As an Oregonian, I'm fond of the Goonies too. But doesn't Harrison Ford look young in that photo? Can't wait for the new Raiders to be released.

Liz said...

Beautiful hat. I'm mesmerized!