Sian’s New Clothes
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.)
July 30th, 2007 at 4:45 pm
What a cute story and a very cute Schmerpi!
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July 30th, 2007 at 5:12 pm
hehe toooo cute!! :-)
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July 30th, 2007 at 5:19 pm
Jhoanna this post is delightful! very cute and so enjoyable to read, Sian is gorgeous and so are Ramona and Chimp!!!
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July 30th, 2007 at 5:49 pm
LOL! I love Sian’s pinny and bloomers….so cute.
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July 30th, 2007 at 5:52 pm
Lovely post and great photos!
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July 30th, 2007 at 6:06 pm
Too cute! Love the story!
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July 30th, 2007 at 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.
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July 30th, 2007 at 7:16 pm
ooo this story is so adorable. I loved reading it.
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July 30th, 2007 at 7:20 pm
haha funny!
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July 30th, 2007 at 8:42 pm
LOL Oh that is adorable. I love the new outfit.
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July 30th, 2007 at 9:47 pm
Oh Jho, your work just keeps going from gorgeous to divine!! You’re amazing!! Love Posie
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July 30th, 2007 at 11:24 pm
well, it was a big surprise for me either… but at least know you know how to please a schmerpie… :)
manela
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July 31st, 2007 at 12:39 am
Adorable
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July 31st, 2007 at 1:29 am
So cute! Loved that. And her new outfit is VERY nice! Watch out, now the others may get jealous of Sian!
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July 31st, 2007 at 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!
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July 31st, 2007 at 1:04 pm
Fabulous!
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August 1st, 2007 at 8:42 am
LOVE the story! The outfit is TOO CUTE!
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August 1st, 2007 at 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
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August 3rd, 2007 at 2:09 pm
Very cute pictures!
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August 3rd, 2007 at 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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