Edith's red dress

My grandmother Edith had three sisters - Lillian, Gertrude and Violet.  Aunt Lil would tell me stories about their childhood when I was a little girl. One of her favorite stories to tell was about a red dress my grandmother had bought or made and wore against her father's wishes.  I think she slipped out of the house with the red dress hidden under her coat.  Their father did not allow them to wear red.  He didn't want any of his daughters, who were growing up in the 1920s, dressing like "flappers." 

This is an actual picture of Edith wearing the red dress I've created for her.  They were a family of simple means so I've always wondered about that red dress. I know she could not afford the fancy sequins and beads that I think of used in the 1920's.  I'm sure she bought something used or made it with a friend out of fabric they found.  I think that is why this red dress made from an old advertisement seemed to fit my project and the story so well.  The wings are perfect since Grandmom Edith has long since passed away, but they also represent the kindred spirit of a mischievous teenager.

Many of you have asked if she got caught?  Truth be told she would shut my Aunt Lil down so fast when she started telling that story.  When we were kids my Grandmother was a God fearing, church going woman who did not think that story was as funny as her sisters did. She did get caught and apparently got in some big trouble. lol  Trust me though,  the pictures we have of them as teens reveal a group of fun loving sisters who loved the camera and definitely caused some trouble in their day.  Although she was an excellent role model, it makes me smile to know she stretched her wings a bit as a young girl.

Double click on any of my pictures for a closer look. I'm linking this project to White Wednesday and  Kristin's Summer of Color Challenge.  Click the button below to checkout RED this week.