The Gyrations of Geraldine
or
The Meandering Mannequin

The story starts when as a group we were asked for ideas for the 40th anniversary exhibition. Being the lace group it had to be lace. We wanted to show we could do more than bookmarks and doilies, so on went the thinking caps.
The ideas were many and varied and it finally distilled down to we would dress an arm and a leg. This meant garters, bracelets, and various items for the bride like horseshoes and hankies.

So far so good.

We managed to round up a pair of legs and could borrow an arm or two so we started to produce lace.

Now a couple of our ladies, Olwyn and Jill, went to Italy to visit the exhibition/competition that Olwyn had entered. They saw a bikini made in lace and when they came back it was not long before it was decided to add to the original idea.

We now had two arms, two legs and a full mannequin to dress as well as the banner to make.
It was decided that gold lace on a black bikini would be just the ticket. Slippers, earrings, tummy stud, a wrap and handbag to complete the ensemble.

Olwyn and Jill working on the gold lace for the bikini.

A search for a suitable model was instigated. After some negotiations with her family and with the prospect of a good position with the opportunity to travel, Geraldine was persuaded to join the cause.

With a body to dress the bikini could be completed and the wrap designed. Here Olwyn, Jill and Kath discuss the finer details.

There was a period when Geraldine stood around Guild House sans clothing and generally surprising visitors with her charms. A kind benefactor donated a nice summer dress and Geraldine settled in to wait for the big day. We took no pictures to save the blushes.

The big day arrives and Geraldine struts her stuff complete with bag and wrap surrounded by fine lace and superb embroidery. The sandals were made from the ground up By Kath. The bikini bottom made by Olwyn and the top by Jill. The wrap was a combined effort between Olwyn and Jill. The bag started life as a bra and it and the wire lace earrings were made by Erica. The wire lace tummy decoration was made by Bob.

Thus ends the first chapter in the epic tale of the mobile mannequin whose motto seems to be
" If you've got it flaunt it".

Link to chapter two.
More to come in the future.

Click on the images to enlarge.