Sian’s New Clothes

Posted Monday 30 July 2007 and filed under: Shmerpi Creatures

So I walked into my studio the other day to be greeted with this sight:

Noting her frown, I asked Sian the Shmerpi why she was unhappy.

“Well,” she began, “I’m not quite liking the fashion you have us Shmerpi folks sporting. Look at Isidore - she gets to wear such a pretty dress. And how about Ramona with her head scarf and dress with pockets? And don’t get me started on the Chimp - I mean, he’s wearing a tie! A tie! Seriously - why does a Chimp need a tie???”

I nodded - after all, she did have a point.

“Listen, the quirky tops and mismatched pant-legs you make us Shmerpi creatures wear is cute but, you know, it wouldn’t hurt to have us in - well, prettier clothes.”

“Okay,” I said, trying to empathize - because, really, how do you empathize with a Shmerpi? “Do you have an idea of what you would like to wear?”

“Let me show you,” she quipped. So I set her up with paper and a pen, and she happily sketched her ideas.

Then we spent some time checking out the fabric stash. She initially couldn’t decide between florals and novelty patterns.

However, once she saw the new floral number by Denyse Schmidt from her Katie Jump Rope line, Sian quickly made up her mind.

So I spent the next hour sewing her up a smock with pockets (while she impatiently drummed her stubby fingers on the table). And when I thought we were just about done, she requested some matching bloomers.

“Bloomers?” I said, “What do you need bloomers for?”

“Well, unlike the other softies, kids actually like to make us Shmerpi creatures do silly things like hang upside down. And when that happens, I would like to . . . you know . . . protect my modesty.”

Riiiiiiight,” I said. “Of course.”

So I then made her some matching bloomers.

She hastily put them on and after a few little adjustments, Sian was finally one happy Shmerpi. She found a spot next to the window and immediately day-dreamt of new clothes and new outfits.

Before I walked out the door, she did ask me for one more thing.

“And what’s that?” I replied.

“I’d like some sisters - just like me.”

Hmmmm, looks like it’s back to the sewing machine. (Who knew Shmerpis could be so demanding?? And so fashion-conscious too.)

20 Comments »

  1. Comment by Kate — July 30, 2007 @ 4:45 pm

    What a cute story and a very cute Schmerpi!

  2. Comment by Violet — July 30, 2007 @ 5:12 pm

    hehe toooo cute!! :-)

  3. Comment by linda — July 30, 2007 @ 5:19 pm

    Jhoanna this post is delightful! very cute and so enjoyable to read, Sian is gorgeous and so are Ramona and Chimp!!!

  4. Comment by Jade — July 30, 2007 @ 5:49 pm

    LOL! I love Sian’s pinny and bloomers….so cute.

  5. Comment by The Shopping Sherpa — July 30, 2007 @ 5:52 pm

    Lovely post and great photos!

  6. Comment by myra — July 30, 2007 @ 6:06 pm

    Too cute! Love the story!

  7. Comment by Shireen — July 30, 2007 @ 6:26 pm

    I always knew those Shmerpis had an attitude with the crossed arms and pursed lips. My favourite picture is the one of Sian sketching. I don’t know how you managed to make her sit still long enough to take that photo.

  8. Comment by Liss — July 30, 2007 @ 7:16 pm

    ooo this story is so adorable. I loved reading it.

  9. Comment by Myam — July 30, 2007 @ 7:20 pm

    haha funny!

  10. Comment by Mel Goodsell — July 30, 2007 @ 8:42 pm

    LOL Oh that is adorable. I love the new outfit.

  11. Comment by Jennie McClelland — July 30, 2007 @ 9:47 pm

    Oh Jho, your work just keeps going from gorgeous to divine!! You’re amazing!! Love Posie

  12. Comment by macati — July 30, 2007 @ 11:24 pm

    well, it was a big surprise for me either… but at least know you know how to please a schmerpie… :)
    manela

  13. Comment by kiwi — July 31, 2007 @ 12:39 am

    Adorable

  14. Comment by allison — July 31, 2007 @ 1:29 am

    So cute! Loved that. And her new outfit is VERY nice! Watch out, now the others may get jealous of Sian!

  15. Comment by Michelle — July 31, 2007 @ 7:25 am

    Wow, she sure told you, didn’t she? But who can blame her, when you make such amazing outfits? Lucky, lucky Shmerpi!

  16. Comment by Sarah — July 31, 2007 @ 1:04 pm

    Fabulous!

  17. Comment by Maricel — August 1, 2007 @ 8:42 am

    LOVE the story! The outfit is TOO CUTE!

  18. Comment by Jenny — August 1, 2007 @ 10:58 pm

    This made me smile so much!:) I wonder what she’ll be wanting next? her own van or pet or heaven forbid a boyfriend!!Your work is wonderful

  19. Comment by Debby — August 3, 2007 @ 2:09 pm

    Very cute pictures!

  20. Comment by Dot — August 3, 2007 @ 4:11 pm

    Oh Jhoanna! This post was just what I needed today. Having a particularly icky day at work and you helped me feel so much better.

    Your photo’s made me laugh out loud! And I love your Sherpi(with attitude)’s new clothes.

    Just beautiful.

    You are so talented, and quite a funny writer too!

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