Mamie's Musings

Oh, this life.....

2011-07-21T15:50:00.000-07:00

Well crap....it's been a few months (almost ten??) since my last post. This year has been CRAZY. My marriage ended, I moved back to Idaho and i have been busy doing theatre thangs....and sewing, of course. :)

Here's some of the love:

Vogue 1152

Butterick 5603

A vintage butterick...I will have to look it up. ;)

Vogue 8728

I will make a more thorough post soon. :)

My last post was in June?

2010-10-07T13:17:00.000-07:00

How is that possible? :)

Well....time has been spent collecting patterns (at a *much* slower rate and this one is the new fave):

and sewing:

(Almost done---after major alterations, it still needs to be pressed, buttoned, and hemmed--with about five inches whacked off the bottom first!)

and whipping up simple skirts seen on other people's blogs...... :)

and baking bread! Mmmmmmmm....this is the year to really dive in and get the science down.

Fall is in the air.....and life is good good good. :)

Firstly,

2010-06-18T07:39:00.000-07:00

I want these shoes.

I also need them in brown.

And coffee and cream.

And red.

But brown would probably be best, so they would go with almost everything, and I could wear them all the time.

Sigh.

How does two months pass so quickly??

I did a play, it was fun, I feel better.

But now it's time to sew!

Today I am making a t-shirt from my original SWAP plan and cutting out a 30's dress in this fabric:

So mote it be.

I also have some great plans in the works for my 4th of July dress.

The dress on the right.

And that's the fabric I am thinking of using.

With white revers and navy ric-rac....with a red bow.

Or maybe red ric-rac and a navy bow.

Or maybe navy revers with white ric-rac!

I just don't know!!

(Or maybe a NAVY dress with that fabric as the revers and trim. DRAT. Too many choices!)

However.....

The temptation to use that fabric to sew up a flouncy 70's dress is overwhelming.

We shall see.

Edit: I LIED.

I may have to use THIS pattern instead:

Not Dead Yet!

2010-04-13T11:27:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile, but Mama has been busy......in a good, but stressful way. :)

The wardrobe overhaul was interrupted by preparations for our family visit from the UK. I quit my job on the 13th of March and spent the next two weeks scrubbing floors and organizing closets.

It's a good thing I'd already gotten rid of so much or there wouldn't have been any room for our guests :) .....HOWEVER.....because I got rid of darned near *all my old clothes* and did not have a chance to sew, I feel like I have been wearing the *same three outfits* over and over since February.

Now that the wee bairns are no longer sleeping in my sewing room, I am spending the next couple hours putting it back together so I can get some things put together this weekend......I hope.

As I said, life has been BUSY. I got cast in a show (hurrah hooroh hurreee) and have lines to memorize, I am in the midst of a nutritional overhaul (no shite sugar, flour, or processed foods for the next three weeks----you know, that was supposed to say "white" sugar, but I think I'll leave the Freudian typo) and doing some very interesting cognitive work with a kick-ass psychologist (speaking of Freud....).

Also....the highschool production opens late next week, so I am helping the kids this week with their makeup application, and I am sure I will be there before a few of the performances lending a hand and support.

Sooooo....sewing may have to wait a few. But we'll see. I've been known to sneak in a few stitches. ;)

Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes.

2010-02-24T07:10:00.000-08:00

Well, shoot. The last few weeks I have been a bit under the weather in the health/happiness department but it appears things have taken a wonderous turn. For the first time in a long while I feel hopeful and excited.

1. I've been dreaming again....which is awesome. What's the point of sleep if you can't play in dreamland?

2. I have been asked to pretty much assistant direct the after-school production of "Guys and Dolls" after a 6 year hiatus from theatre.

3. I have an *audition* on Saturday which scares the ever-loving-crap out of me, see above.

4. Career counseling starts Tuesday.

5. My yoga instructor told me she would extend the 100 bucks I put toward unlimited classes in November, to the NEXT 30 days, as I started my job November 2nd and have not been able to hit a single class SINCE. Until yesterday.

6. Our trees and flowers are blooming like MAD!

7. I finished a skirt, a pair of pants, and 2 shirts....one of which is pictured below.

The rest will be posted soon....the hubby has not been home to take pics of me---except for this one last night after I returned from my meeting with the drama teacher. He took three photos and my eyes were closed in all of them.

The sad thing?

There was no flash.

It's New Look 6816 and went together in under an hour.

Fabrique

2010-02-16T08:53:00.000-08:00

Okey Dokey.

These are the bits from my stash.....the prints will be skirts (and maybe a matching blouse here and there to create a dress effect) and the solids are knit tops.

For the most part, I am working with rusts, various shades of olive green, brick red, mustard and purple.

I am not a huge pink fan, but I realized that some of the pinks on my fabric shelf would make fun bottoms to match the tops.

I also received a bright green blouse for Xmas from my hubby and need to make something to match it....so the pink and green burn-your-retinas-Kaffe Fassett below will serve that purpose.

A fine circle skirt it shall make.

I have other ideas for the rust woolen and green twill....probably more tailored pants or pencil skirts.

But the quick-sew patterns come first, so I can change out of my sweats.

And waiting on these coordinating knits from Fabric.com:

Not EVERYTHING will match, but enough of it will coordinate that I will never have to say,

"I have nothing to wear!"

Ever Again.

Dammit.

Swappish Part Two.....or, "Git a Move On"

2010-02-14T10:22:00.000-08:00

I have decided since I seriously have no clothes, that the vintagey thang is going out the window entirely for the first installment of my new wardrobe. I just can't be bothered to trace a bunch of brittle patterns, make and alter muslins, and *then* sew them up in apparel fabric when I am living in ill-fitting jeans and baggy flannels (and working close to full-time).

I JUST CAN'T BE BOTHERED.

So the bulk of this first round is comprised of *very* easy-peasy patterns (that have a good review base from the pattern review website...and were purchased at the Joann's President's Day Sale) made with knit fabric that will continue to fit if my weight goes up or down by 10 pounds.
They are also designs that supposedly enhance my so-called "body type" as outlined by Kendall Farr in her book, The Pocket Stylist....more on this later.

Since I am horrible at sticking to the rules...this will not follow an official "SWAP" to the letter. I am just gonna make a bunch of garments that match.

I went thru my stash and found a couple of blouse knits and a few bottomweight/flirty-skirty fabrics to work with. Then I ordered yardage of various inexpensive knits from Fabric.com to make tops to match said bottomweights and flirty-skirties.

I'll post pics and swatches of the fabrics on Tuesday.

Until then, here are the patterns:
(not *all* of the renderings--just one or 2 from each...click the images for info):

After these are done (couple pairs of pants, 6 tops, 4 or 5 skirts) I'll think about whipping up a vintage dress. :)

SWAP part one.....or, "Out of the Rut"

2010-02-02T13:15:00.000-08:00

This the the tough part.

I went thru my closet this week and got rid of everything that did not fit, was out of style (that's out of *my* style), washed me out colorwise, and was too bloody uncomfortable to wear sensibly.

Which means I now have no clothing.

Like, nothing.

For real.

I have about ten items that don't match.

So.....I have been living in poorly-fitting jeans and an old flannel the last few days, thinking "Poo! Poo! Poo!!"

Clothes are a good thing to have. Especially clothes that make you feel good....and make you feel as though your outward appearance is a truthful expression of your inward selfy-self.

According to this philosophy, my inner self is a washed-up, sloppy grunge chick.

This lit a tremendous fire under my ass.

After I stopped feeling sorry for myself, I marched into the sewing room and began a mock up of a simple 1950's blouse.

I have the fabric on hand for a nice olive twill raised-waist pencil skirt to match said blouse, and to match two other shirts I plan to make this week.

I also have the fabric to make another skirt that will match those two blouses.....and pants that will match them.....etc etc etc.

So begins the journey.

Photos to follow soon.

Sewing With a Plan

2010-01-30T13:59:00.000-08:00

I am doing this.

Sewing With a Plan.

Nothing matches, nothing fits, and I feel like a frumpasaurus.

I have never really learned how to put things together.....how to combine different fabrics like a quilter. Chanel said fashion is proportion. And mine is changing faster than I can cram the Funions in my mouth. (I don't really eat Funions, but you get the gist).

So I am starting my wardrobe storyboard this week.
I will draw from my pattern collection and 30's / 40's fashion catalogs.

It looks like lots of people do this kind of thing, and the organization makes alot of sense....nothing in my life is organized and it is beginning to show in my closet.

It took me forever to pick something to wear out last night...and I felt like a linebacker in my off-white bolero.

sew on.

Work: Bad

2010-01-29T09:11:00.000-08:00

You see what happens when I get a job?

MY CREATIVE LIFE STOPS.*

I have *GOT* to find a happy medium

Today is my day off.....

so before I meet a dear friend for half-priced apps this evening,

I am going to cut out my Amy Sedaris dress.

See? It kinda looks like her in the middle there.

I'll wear it with tights and make a cheeseball!

I've been waiting to find the perfect fabric, and the MOMENT I spotted this delicious vintage polyester at Valu-Village, I just knew.

It would be rad if I could finish it by this evening, but it's not required.
I've decided home projects don't need deadlines.

Otherwise it feels like a job....and you know where THAT gets me.

P.S. Just did a tissue fitting and the girls are too big! Looks like I will be making a mock-up of the shirt first before tackling the dress. Grrrrrrr. But that's cool. I'll stick that big butterfly collar on it and rock it with jeans! I guess there is a silver lining.

*I have not sewn anything for myself in months. Or written a fairy tale. Or gone to yoga.....wtf????

She's Crafty, Like Ice is Cold

2009-10-30T08:51:00.000-07:00

I landed a job at a local arts and crafts store in the yarn and fabric department!

Thank. Goodness.

It starts Monday, and I am so freakin excited I can hardly contain myself.

It means brushing up on crocheting, learning to knit, and regularly sewing up a storm.....but that is so good and refreshing and inspiring and ooh la la that I am so so so so happy.

The women who interviewed me were very silly and kind.
I felt at home immediately.
It will be nice to spend a good chunk of time with crafty women.

They said it can get a little nutty around the holidays,
but i just can't imagine it being like a crazy shift at the restaurant---waiting on 30 people at once, running around like a loon at 11 o'clock at night, knowing you'll be there for another 3 hours.

The entire store is smaller than the restaurant where I worked...and my department is nestled in the corner.

However, it is a flourescently lit hell.

I have anti-glare coating on my glasses, so hopefully that will keep otherworldly headaches to a minimum.

After my interview I mentioned to one of the employees, "Boy...a person could spend a chunk of their paycheck here, huh?"
and she replied, "Pfft. What paycheck?" :)

So today will be spent celebrating, by whipping up our Halloween Costumes (I found a great Bride of Frankenstein tutorial) and then crocheting a scarf with basic stitches.

Then it's time for Smallville and a big pan of Mac and Cheese.

Me.

2009-10-15T08:30:00.001-07:00

Well, sheesh.....it has been an interesting month and a half...I have not sewn a darned thing...well, the same unfinished flannel shirt has been hanging off my dress dummy for about a month, but I have not touched it.

I've read seven books.....three of which were read on a spontaneous vacation to Hawaii. My bestest buddy had booked a trip awhile back, and I was able to go at the last minute. This did wonders for my mood and Vitamin D levels, as both were critically low. :)

We hiked in a magical forest and spent much time at the beach.....a rogue wave took my back out for a day or two.....

But it was worth it.

I ate a truckload of fish tacos and took in some lovely tropical sunsets.

Finally got around to reading Orlando (awesome), Lucky Jim (hysterical), and The Great Gatsby (classic). On the way home I started Anne Perry's

Charlotte and Thomas Pitt Victorian Mysteries.

Now on book 4.....they are highly entertaining.

It has been a beautimous pacific northwest autumn. The weather is amazing.....crisp, cool air...changing leaves and bright blue skies. The welcome rains started this week.

This is our magic tree.

The winds came last night and blew the leaves away.

Sigh.

I've also been busy writing fairy tales. More on that later.

There is a local yoga studio that is kicking my butt. In fact, I am going to head off to a class now. lest i procrastinate further and miss it........

Just got back! See? Didn't even know I was gone. Ever since my first class back in 1989, I have wanted to be a yoga instructor. Life has always thrown my off my game, but every time I come back to the practice I am reminded of how awesome it is.

So we shall see.

Right now, it is about getting me physically and spiritually on track....the instructing may or may not follow.

Russ and I are going as "Frankenstein/Bride Of" this year for Halloween...I know, I know. I wanted to do turn of the century swimming costumes....but my husband held his ground. Sigh.

We'll let him have this one.

Our dinner club this month was "Oktoberfest" themed, so we had spiced cider, pretzels with beer cheese sauce, meatballs, schnitzel, rot kohl, salad and german chocolate brownies. It was heavenly. The pretzels turned out wonderful---they even *looked* like proper pretzels. :)

I followed Alton Brown's recipe from the Food Network. Well worth the time. I subbed half the flour with whole wheat...next time I will go full whole wheat, but i did not want to produce franken-pretzels on the first try. :)

(I have a long history of ruining yeast breads.....but these turned out, and I think I discovered my errror.....so I am hoping I can produce some kick ass rolls for Thanksgiving this year! Recipes always appreciated.....)

This is the german beer cheese sauce:

Ingredients
3 c. shredded sharp white English Cheddar
2 c., Gruyere or mild cheddar, shredded
1 rounded tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 cup ale (I like Bass)
1 tsp. dry mustard
hot sauce to taste
A few drops Worcestershire sauce

Combine cheeses in a bowl with flour. Add beer to a small saucepan and bring to boil over medium heat. Reduce heat to low and add cheese in handfuls. Stir constantly, melting the cheese in batches. Stir in a figure-eight pattern with wooden spoon (important, so you don't get a gloppy mess). When the cheese has melted, stir in the dry mustard, hot sauce and Worcestershire.

Sorry.....no pictures, sadly. We ate them before I remembered to get out the camera.

Highly recommended, if you like strong tasting cheesey goodness like Welsh Rarebit.

For the cider I heated a few Bengal Spice Celestial Seasonings tea bags in a big pot filled with unsweetened Apple Cider. Orange slices floating on top....

YUM.

HAPPY AUTUMN EVERYBODY!!!!!

Yeah, Autumn!!!

2009-09-01T10:37:00.001-07:00

Well, I don't know what you folks are like, but I prefer planning for Halloween ahead of the game.

This year I have decided that my husband and I are going to wear turn of the century swimming costumes. He is not completely sold on the idea, but I know he will come around as the holiday approacheth. He is so busy by the end of October, he usually winds up wearing what I want him to wear with very little complaints.

Whoa. This blog is being interrupted by the last serving of Baskin Robbin's Quarterback Crunch ice cream that I just remembered is in the freezer.......It's the only good thing about football season.

The pacific northwest is fairly chilly by Halloween, so a black flannel dress with matching cap and striped wool stockings sounds quite pleasant.

Folkwear has a decent pattern.

It seems to make up quite nicely.

I am not sure what colors I will choose...the traditional ones were black or navy. Black would certainly be in keeping with All Hallow's Eve.

The cap needs some stuffing to make it poofier, and I would add some purple and black striped socks.

And vampire teeth.

(I am going to see The Damned, afterall!)

Maybe I'll be non-tradish like these ladies and boast a cacophony of hues. Who knows. There's plenty of time.

I'll stick Russ in a woolen striped union suit and a boater. We'll wax his mustache and part his hair in the middle. He doesn't believe me, but it will look awesome.

I just finished Rosalind Russell's autobiography, "Life is a Banquet" and it was fantastic. Really, really good. Filled with day to day happenings and very little "look at me" hoopla. The introduction was written by her husband shortly after her death, and it made me cry.

After finishing the book I read it again, and it damn near broke me.

I have always liked her----ever since my mom brought home "The Trouble With Angels" and "Auntie Mame" when I was sick in bed with the flu at a tender young age. She said, "Watch these! They will make you feel better!" And they did. :)

I still find her very inspiring---such great comic timing and sass.

Anywhoo....now I am reading Alison Weirs, "Eleanor of Aquitaine" which is kind of a snoozer compared to the life of Roz...but I am still reading the begats, so it will surely improve.

I've been lazily working on the same flannel shirt for about a week. It's olive green, which is good. I would like to pull my thumb out today and finish the darned thing. In the wintertime I prefer to wear nothing but flannel shirts and jeans...it's a good thing I live in Seattle. This pattern looks like it might be a tried and true. If it is, I'm gonna bust out about six of them. I may have to put some darts up the front, but I don't know yet.

It's Simplicity 3260.

Every single pattern piece, the envelope and the instruction sheet (both sides) have "Deanne Frederick" scribbled in pencil, along with address stickers. (?) Perhaps she lent it out alot? Whatever the reason, it made me giggle.....and I decided Deanne Frederick was OCD.

So yes...back to the sewing room for me.

I am so glad it's September 1st.

Our maple leaf is turning magenta again.

And soon it will be misty and crisp.

And the porch will be covered in spiderwebs, glistening with morning dew.

I am so excited.

P.S. My hair is fixed....but it is short. Shorter then it has been in ages. But it feathers well...which was crucial last Saturday.

My buddy had her 37th birthday party at the roller rink--and it was disco night.

Apron Strings and Other Things

2009-08-19T20:25:00.000-07:00

I finished Butterick 6567 yesterday.
The fabric has little doggies all over it.

I originally purchased the fabric to make a shirt--but was afraid it might look a little homely--so an apron seemed the obvious compromise.

Cuz it's okay, and even encouraged, to look homely in an apron.

(Or a "Pinny" as my english hubby calls it....he says lots of cute things, like "Ice Lollies" and "Toothie Pegs")

The waistband on this pattern was a bitch.

Seriously.

I don't know who approved the illustration, but it was confusing as all get out.
I checked out the pattern review website and was relieved to see others had struggled with it as well, and it was not just my own limited mental capacity.

I think it is really cute, but I was pretty aggravated for a good hour or so while trying to figure it out.

There are a few little aprons in this pattern so I think I'll make a couple of the smaller ones for Xmas gifts and the like.

And a few for myself too!

P.S. Saw Depeche Mode again last week, and they were splendiferous.

The Damned are playing in Seattle for Halloween.....tickets go onsale tomorrow.

Life is good.

Except for my hair.

Which still sucks.

Middy Midderton

2009-08-07T08:42:00.000-07:00

Welly welly well.

I got my hair cut into a traditonal "Middy" a few days ago, and I am not quite sure how I feel about it.
This is by the book, by the diagram, no holds barred.
If I try to curl it in rag-rollers, as I did when my hair was in a layered bob, I wind up looking like Little Molly Mushroom.

Or a 1970's June Allyson. Sadly, I can find no examples of this on google.

However, I found a younger June Allyson.

I might be able to pull that off, actually.

And then grow it into this:

The 1940's husband-stealing June Allyson.

Anywhoo....I was a bit concerned when I realized just how short my hair was going to be.

I want to grow my bangs out a bit anyway...and the only way for me to comfortable do that is whack off the rest of my hair.

This is definitely a cut that needs to be styled properly to look good....which means it needs more maintenance than I am accustomed to providing. :)

This is what it is *supposed* to look like styled, but i think the drawing makes the haircut look alot longer than it actually is.....and my stylist followed the diagram, even using a tape measure.

If you pull that hair down from the ear, it would extend past the chin....and mine is nowhere near that length. Lies, lies, lies, Ivan of Hollywood.

Also...my hair is stick straight...and although it is fine, there is ALOT of it. I used to think this was bogus, as everybody says that about their hair, but my stylist confirmed it the other day. Even curling it with an iron takes forever. And it is quite heavy to boot. So the layers are a good thing, I suppose, as it will make curling easier.

BUT, I have yet to master the pin curl....and could never really see myself sleeping in them, so instead I found these neato thingies on ebay today, and I have very high hopes.

They are called Curl Bobs. I think. Or Gayla Hold-Bobs? I am not sure if the bobby-pins are the bobs, or if the curler is the bob, but either way they look pretty kick ass. :) I got three of them in different sizes for FIVE BUCKS.

You place a small section of your hair inside it, slide it down to the ends, curl it, slip the pin inside, pull the curler out and VOILA! You have a pinned curl. I would imagine they would get squished if you tried to sleep in them, so I think this will be a morning time endeavor. We shall see.

I was watching Joan Crawford in "Sadie McKee" yesterday, and noticed her hair is layered kinda like mine (just a tad longer) and all of it is curled *upwards* at the bottom, which is darling.

I achieved the look with a curling iron (sorry, no pics of me, but here is a lovely one of Ms. Jane)

and it turned out SUPER CUTE, but the curls only lasted an hour or so, and then they stuck straight out as if I had stuck my finger in a socket. So a wet-set is definitely in order.

I am going to try these rollers when they arrive next week......and if they do not work, I am cutting off the back so I have a nice stacked bob.

I have also thought about perming it, but I swore, sometime around 1990, to never perm my hair again.
I don't know...we shall see. I prefer 30's hair over 40's anyway....and the bob would be more 30's.....sigh. I will make a decision after next week.

It is irksome. :)

P.S. The temp has dropped FORTY DEGREES since the heat wave last week. So all I can think about is nice, warm, soothing bowls of Phở.

YUM.

Too Darn Hot!

2009-07-29T06:47:00.000-07:00

That Cole Porter tune has been running thru my head the last few days.

The temps have soared in the PNW, and I am a sweating, lethargic pile of uselessness. :)

My sewing room is the hottest room in the house, and since the weather won't be letting up for another week, I am moving operations downstairs to the dining room table.

What's really sad, however, is the week before my vacation my machine was being serviced. Then I was gone for 8 days. Then I came back to this awful heat.

Excuses, excuses, i know....but I ain't sewn a gosh-durn thing in over a MONTH. And that is ridickerous.

I've got a few thangs lined up though.....and it looks like an excellent week to trace patterns. :)

P.S.

I have been devouring Gloria Swanson's autobiography
"Swanson on Swanson"

and it is delicious.

Out of print now, but I got a copy from amazon for a penny plus shipping.

I love my Grandmother!

2009-07-16T07:40:00.000-07:00

I just returned from a wonderful week in Idaho with my family.

"Families," rather.

One blood related, the other "I think we met in the cosmos and sought each other out when we landed here" soul brothers and sisters.

And although the trip was filled with debauchery, giggling and mischief-making, I must say the highlight was the full day I spent with my Grammy---who just turned 91 on Friday.

I cherish every moment spent with her.

We had lunch in the cafeteria at the assisted living center (she moved there with my step-grandad about a year ago), and I got to sit at a table with 6 other 90+ folks.

It was neat to say "How do you do?" and hear it in return.
(I rarely get to practice my etiquette.)

She is still sharp as a tack, and has an infectious loud laugh, which her three daughters and myself inherited.
When we all get together it is a riot.

One time, the squawking and howling got so loud her husband ran around with a basket and checked under our chairs to see if we'd laid eggs.

After lunch, we looked thru photos in her apartment. I later snagged a bunch from my mother, who had some copies.

There she is.
What a looker.
Seriously.

That was taken when she was about 13 in the early 1930's.

These are a couple from the late 30s:

As a tall, raven-haired beauty, she was very popular with the boys in college....they were always asking for dates.

She plays this down alot when people talk about it, but evidently she was quite the catch.

She met my Grandad when she was in nursing school.

He's the dashing one on the left.

This is from 1944 in Silverton....my great uncle Tom, my Grammy, and my Grampa.

In the mid 40's my Grammy and Grampa lived in the backwoods of Alaska.

He was an air traffic controller.

Looking thru these photos, it astounds me that her hair was always coiffed.

How on earth did she manage that? While raising three kids in places like Nome without indoor plumbing?

This is later (maybe in Anchorage by this time) in the mid 50's with her daughters.

My mom is on the far right.

When I told her there is a whole society of women out there who love this kind of vintage fashion, she looked at me like I was nuts.

"Why??" she asked. "Are you all putting on a play or something?"

She used to frost angel food cakes with buttercream frosting mixed with orange and lemon zest. I had totally forgotten about this until she brought it up in conversation yesterday.
So that is what we are having for dessert this evening.

Simplicity 2782

2009-06-21T18:46:00.000-07:00

Welly well well.

It still needs hemming, pressing and a belt or sash, but I was anxious to post.

Impatient!

Hasty Pudding!

This is the dress I ended up making for the wedding reception---but did not finish in time.
(I wore my green birthday dress)

Who makes a dress the day you need it?

I seem to do that alot--- which, frankly, sucks the joy right out of the process.

Sewing without a deadline is far more enjoyable.

You can take your time and zen out.

I like to burn red incense and take little dancing breaks when special 80's tunes come on the radio.

And of course, since I wanted to whip this out on the fly, I had some issues.

This 30's pattern JUST arrived in the mail from a sewing buddy yesterday---the original 30's dress I was gonna make had around ten pieces, and this one only had 6, so I thought I'd have quick and flashy success---but I really mucked it up.

First, none of the seams matched up--which means I did a crappy job cutting out the fabric.

But it was okay because I had to take most of the seams in anyway.

And then I misread a few steps in the directions.....
Then the bias facing on the neckline really threw me.

You know.......honestly?
I'm still not quite sure what the hell happened.

The pattern was great.......but I sorta sucked.

You never can tell.....even after lots of practice, things can go terribly wrong.

I do like the dress though....and it will be very wearable after completion.

And I am going to figure out that facing if it kills me.

And I'll probably cut the skirt on the bias next time.

This was a good lesson in patience and procrastination.

And now I have another green dress!

A girl can never have too many green dresses.

Dog and Butterfly

2009-06-17T20:00:00.000-07:00

Easy peasie puddin' pie.

Simplicity 7876 Wrap-Skirt

It took less than an hour to make.

And it matches the flutterby pockets on my old sweater.

At first I thought I'd accidentally cut the fabric out upside down....and I was very sad.....because all the butterflies were flying down toward the ground.

BUT

it is basically a circle skirt....

so in the front,

they are flying

UP!

Which means I cut it out correctly afterall.

Whew.

More photos of my special boy!!

We just got back from a walkabout in the rose-colored-low-angle-sunlit evening.

I love the northwest!!

Everything is so green and mossy.

I love summer, but fall is bestest.

The previous owners of our house converted the woodburning fireplace to gas, and we are in the process of converting it BACK.

I look forward to the ritual lighting of a warm fire in the chilly autumn mornings.

Good things happen at the hearth.

The owls are not what they seam........

2009-06-15T08:06:00.001-07:00

Spring apparel fabric at Joann's is 60% off over the next couple weeks, so I headed to the Bellevue branch yesterday to see what I could see.

Sadly, there wasn't much in regular apparel that I liked...however, the quilting section had oodles to choose from---but not onsale.....and I only had one coupon.

All of the red tag apparel fabric in the bargain bin was 50% off sale price, so I purchased 6 yards of this mustard and ivory cotton for a whopping 12 dollars, which will make a nice summer frock and matching bolero.

And I used my 40% off coupon for three yards of wonderous rainbow butterfly batik.

There is a hippie-dippie pixie in my heart. She is with me always and occasionally needs to be fed. Yesterday she was hungry for a batik butterfly wrap-skirt from this 70's pattern.

And I'll wear it whilst crafting from my latest ebay gem:

I swear my mother had this exact magazine.
Crafting must be genetic.

In the 70's, our living room walls were covered with knotted owls, gripping tiny pieces of driftwood harvested from the beaches of Kenai lake. And every Christmas we'd riddle the coffee tables with macrame candles, angels and whozits that she endlessly whipped up at the dining room table.

A red and green jingly-jangly knotted bell thingie hung from the ceiling (it's in the first picture, in the top middle photo on the left), and on Christmas Eve after we'd gone to bed, my dad would shake the bells---and my brothers and I knew Santa was making his way down the chimney. You'd think we would've sneaked up the stairs to peak, but we never did.

We just snuggled down deeper and wished for sleep....which, for me, never came.

Man, I LOVE the seventies. I know some people think it was a tacky time, but it reminds me of my childhood.....the grown-ups howling with laughter at my parent's down-home dinner parties, baked artichokes, kitchens decorated with mushrooms......kids in wide legged pants with appliqued turtles, strawberries and ladybugs....and the huge purple felted murals at the Episcopal church.

My mom sold her pottery and macrame at art shows...she had a kiln in the basement and would fire everything from plant pots to sculpted owls---and her own beads. I would watch her sitting there, hands wet with clay, poised at her wheel. It made a soothing humming sound.....the clay smelled earthy and moldy.....I can still hear that sticky whisper as she sliced the large blocks with wire.....Shhhhhh....Shhhhhh....Shhhhhh.

It's like I can taste it.

And I probably did, since I was about two or three at the time. :)

Most of these memories were made in the dark, as Alaskan winters are long and the days short. It was *always* dark or getting dark outside. And freezing. We were often greeted by the scent of bread baking as we waddled in from the cold, wearing layers of snowpants, moonboots and wet mittens. I am so glad my mom was at home during those years.

Okay....back from the time capsule. I could get lost in that headspace for days.

SPEAKING of owls....

This is my new most favoritest fabric ever.

I got 2 and a half yards to make a long sleeve shirt for wintertime, to be worn under a burgundy corduroy jumper. Just *look* at their little hats and scarves. Oh my gosh gosh gosh! It makes me so happy I want to clap!

And lastly, some teal/seafoam green cotton with cream-colored leaves for a 1930's dress. There's a wedding reception this weekend and I want to be ready.

I had a serious craving last night for rice krispie treats....which is a loverly vintage snack, BTW. Invented in 1939 by a gal named Mildred Day, god bless her.

These are my modifications, as the butter/marshmallow/rice cereal ratio is important and the recipe on the box is not to my liking.

(I have a sneaking suspicion it is not the original recipe anymore, and they want you to add extra cereal so you use more of it...but that makes a very dry treat).

Krispie Treats

5 TBSP butter (always butter....no margarine.....and if using unsalted butter, add a tsp. salt)
one 10. oz bag KRAFT marshmallows

melt in saucepan over low heat
turn off heat and slowly stir in about 4 1/2 to 5 cups rice cereal
Pour into buttered 13X9x2 pan.

Cool.
Eat.
Don't stop until the roof of your mouth hurts.

Keep them covered in foil overnight, if they last that long.

I did the math, and a whole pan has about 1900 calories and 55 grams of fat...which in all honesty, split between two people in 24 hours is not the end of the world.

Especially if you make them only once or twice a year.

It's a hoot!

But, that said, I now have a really bad headache

coupled with a general feeling of "otherworldliness" that I could do without.

:)
Alas......'twas worth it.

Overalls from 1940

2009-06-12T08:14:00.000-07:00

I once had a boss that told me she hated dogs because they were needy and smelled like foie gras.
And I felt really sorry for her.
Because I think dogs are the best thing ever.
Even better than cookies and rainbows.

My doggie likes to help me sew by laying down on the fabric when I am trying to fold it or straighten it. Sometimes I forgo cutting out patterns on my cutting-table, just so we can have this little ritual on the floor....not that we ever have it on the table. Just saying.

Dogs *love* fabric...especially quilts....and I think they bless it somehow with the fur they leave behind.

I've thought about collecting it and knitting a sweater, as outlined in this book but I just can't. :) Has anyone done this? I love my beast with all my heart, but....I don't know.

He's a real spazz....a border collie mix, which means he is neurotic and crazy. I've heard dogs and their owners share personality traits, so when I see him run into the sliding glass door chasing after flies, I have to wonder.

He usually tries to bite the vet during vaccinations, and it always reminds me of the time three nurses had to hold me down, kicking and screaming, during a booster administration when I was about four. My middle brother shared this apprehension--and wouldn't kick--but there was generally a wrestling match that ended in piercing screams.

Our youngest brother was smarter than both of us, and would run back out into the waiting room to hide under the chairs.....just out of reach. But he was always bribed out with the promise of Happy Meals or trips to Shakey's Pizza.
Fearful, fearful children.

Our poor mother.

So my dog is a nutjob. See his ears go back as I try to smother him with love? He's my little freak. And I love him. Even more than I love my new overalls.

I had a heck of a time with this pattern.

Even though many older patterns have illustrations, I find the directions difficult to interpret.....but frankly, I find most directions confusing. If I could just *see* someone put the darn thing together first, I would remember how to do it forever.

So it takes quite a bit of time to do the first draft. I was ready to set the bodice on fire and dance around it naked. That placket was confusing as hell.

BUT I am finding the more projects I complete, the more pleasant the process becomes....After finishing these, my next project was easy like Sunday morning.

Sometimes when I get really frazzled, I set the instruction sheet aside completely, and sew without it...which is less complicated than trying to make sense of somebody else's words.
It feels like a learning disability, I tell ya. And maybe it is.
I always scored really low on reading comprehension, even as a young child.
My SAT scores were abysmal....just smart in other ways, I guess!

(My ACTs were *much* better, by the way...better enough to get me into an advanced english course in college....go figure)

I would like to make another pair, but with shorts.....Look how cute these are:

This is the cover of a romance magazine from 1940. You should read some of the stories....Oh my heck.
(I don't really say "oh my heck" just to be clear.)

Of course I love this stuff for the ads and photos....and there is a whole section called "Pies On Parade" with the most delectable sounding culinary yum-yums. Here's the page...it should enlarge when you click on it.

I have another outline due on Tuesday for my fairy-tale writing class, so I will probably work on that and make the Summertime Cheesecake Pie today.

Happy Sewing!

Simplicity 5914

2009-06-11T15:36:00.000-07:00

Almost forgot one! :)

(actually, I almost forgot TWO. I made those wonderful 40's overalls from evadress over 2 months ago.......guess I should post those too.......at some point...)

I had been looking everywhere for a skirt to match an Anthropologie sweater my husband got me for Christmas. When I received the sweater I had not been sewing as much as I do now, and I could not for the life of me find ANYTHING that looked good with it. Rather, looked good on ME with it. :)

I used to love shopping when I was 21. My friend Emily and I could spend 8 hours at the mall and find a million things that looked awesome...and eat those soft and salty pretzels....but now?

I know I've already mentioned this along the way, but it is *crazy* how the body shifts it's shape as we get older.....Even when you take pretty good care of yourself.

I am so very thankful that I started sewing again, because I never have to experience the awful "dressing room nightmare" of trying things on and not having them fit....looking super frumpy...too tight, too loose, weird waistband, muffin top, short crotched, wait.....I am a size 16? I was a size 4 at the other place! Tight armholes, fits in the thigh but enormous on the waist, uni-boob, i can't put my hands over my head, what IS this color?? trampy, trashy, Far Side, oh crap I just ripped it, manufactured cookie-cutter excuse for fashion that makes us all feel terrible about our bodies.

So I made a skirt. :)

Out of corduroy....but not the kind with the wale. So it looks more like velveteen or something. There must be a name for it, but I am still learning. :)

When I make this again I will cut a smaller size. I had to take it in all over---the front and back pieces are the same. There is a slight curve to accomodate the rear end, so that curve shows up in the front as well when you put it together. I just sewed thru the curves at the front to make the seams lie flat against my body, if that makes sense. :)

Now I love my sweater even more!
I am going to make a few of them in lots of colors.....A deep burgundy one for autumn.

How can I be dreaming about Autumn?? Summer just GOT here!

McCall's 5137

2009-06-11T08:55:00.001-07:00

Oh my gosh! Am I finally caught up?? Is this four or five blog posts in one day? I had fallen seriously behind.

This are my versions of the beloved Duro.
And it is true love.

Quick to make (in one afternoon, after you suss out the bugs with the first draft) and so, so colorful!

This is the cool version:

and this is the warm:

I don't know which I like best, and I think I need to make a neutral version as well---in ivory eyelet or somethin' somethin'.

It's two sizes smaller than my measurements on the package (many people said they were swimming in it if they cut it to match their size) without the sleeve or hem bands, so it would be more flattering and less busy.

I wanted a nice hippie-like sun dress to throw on in a blink of an eye over a swimsuit. Or something to wear to a picnic. Or something I could wear while I take a bike ride! Or even all three in the same day!!

And it is perfect---A little low cut---really needs to be worn with a tank top or slip underneath---but slips are nice anyway.....and I need more of them.

Maybe some 1940's slips should be on the next agenda! There's a rockin' pattern for one from 1945 in the old stash......with matching taps pants.

P.S. It's going to thunderstorm tonight! I love a good thumpest! Don't you???

Magic to Make!

2009-06-11T08:53:00.000-07:00

This is me and my brother's loverly girlfriend before we hit the town for my 36th birthday. We had much champagne and pink martinis.

I was visiting that weekend for a family reunion of sorts, and when that was over and done with, we attempted to go "clubbing"....in Boise, ID.

Firstly, when did I become such a snob? Secondly, when did making music requests to a DJ become a thing of the past? And thirdly, HOW DID I GET SO OLD??

The DJ at the first club was born in 1986 and had no idea who Frankie Goes to Hollywood were. And this kind of burst my bubble. The second DJ acted like requesting a song was a serious faux pas. He had no Depeche Mode. And made me feel bad.

HOWEVER

The Dress Made Me Feel Fabulous.

Even after all that pinning.
Even after grading it up a size and then having to grade it back down... after it was sewn together......because I didn't do a muslin first!
Even though I had to turn the first two inches of the midriff band up over the bodice and topstitch under the bustline to make it fit properly.

And even after I hemmed nearly 12 feet of circle skirt by hand.

Butterick 8505.
Magic to Make? You were not.
By my, you were heavenly to wear.

Butterick 4790

2009-06-11T08:52:00.001-07:00

This has been the month of playing catchup with old fabrics and patterns. Since I have been unemployed (until today, hurrah hurroh hurree) I have not been able to purchase any new fabric to add to the pile.

And you know what that means?

Stuff is getting done! :)

Decisions are being made!

Creativity conquers in a recession!

Always wanting more is bad sometimes.....it keeps a person from celebrating what they already have.

Like this fabric, for instance.

I am kicking myself right now, as I meant to take before and after photos to illustrate how I tea-stained it. And I am not sure if I kept a piece of the original.

The flowers were a really stark white, and it looked awful against my skin. So I soaked the fabric (after I cut out the dress) in a big pot of tea until it softened them into an antiqued white.

The dress itself went together, no problem. Which astounded me after I'd read all the reviews of this pattern. I guess I am one of the lucky ones. After careful consideration, I did cut out a full size smaller than what I usually wear.

(if it helps anyone, my measurements are upper bust 36 1/2, full bust 40--or 34dd--30 inch waist, and 39 inch hips...which would mean I was a pattern size 16 with an FBA....but I made a size 14 and no FBA was needed).

Many people complain about the back of this dress being too heavy, and that after wearing it awhile, the front creeps up. I don't have this problem and I think it is because the waist is FITTED. And by fitted, I mean there is almost NO ease at the waist. An inch or less. Which is how it is meant to be worn. It fits like a glove, on purpose, and therefore looks alot like the image on the front of the pattern.

There appears to be some wonkiness with the closures at the front, but when I wear it, it is not crooked. I also discovered my dress dummy has a much longer waist (and smaller rack) than I do. : ) So it does not fit her properly.

This itty bitty photo is the only one I have of me in it----I will have the DH take one later. I really need a cropped and fitted dark olive cardigan to wear with it....I have never been sweet on sleeveless dresses, and this one is no exception. Plus, it makes me look *REALLY* stacked....which I guess I sort of am.....but that is not the first thing I want people to notice. :)

Rick Rack, Frick Frack

2009-06-11T08:49:00.001-07:00

I will start with my second version of this dress, as it was my first rick-rack installation. (So we can get the frustrations out of the way---because I adore this pattern).

I had to sew the trim into the seam three times before it looked decent. It was either not showing enough, or showing way too much...sigh. I almost gave up, but the third time worked like a charm.....well.......good enough to be charming, anyway. Any advice would be muchly appreciated....I thought I'd centered the rick-rack on the seam line, but that was not the case. Tips?

Oh my. That center photo needs pressing! Oops. :)
Allrighty!
This is a pattern dream come true, because I hate set-in sleeves. Okay...maybe I am not done venting, :) But I find them tedious. I need to set a day aside where I sew about ten set-in sleeves in a row until I get the hang of it and am no longer afraid.

That's what I did with buttons and buttonholes......Once upon a time, I just threw them on there without measuring all willy nilly, but realized later that it looks really, really super bad to do it that way....especially if you use brightly colored buttons :) So I sat down one afternoon and worked on nothing but button placement and holes. Yeehaw.

Sewing is a good meditation and challenge for me. It works BOTH sides of the brain, which is good since I am soooo right-brain dominant I can hardly finish a sentence without swirling into a totally different...hey! Cookies are good.

I discovered Butterick 7373 when reading an old Dressaday post. And another copy just happened to be on ebay in my size at that very moment....so I snagged it. I have made these two versions and plan on making a couple more.

It goes together relatively quickly. I no longer finish the bodice and then add the skirt seperately, if the skirt and bodice have matching side seams. I make the front of the dress, then the back, and then sew them together---much easier than trying to attach a finished skirt later...especially when there is a side lapped zipper to install.

Did I mention I am no longer afraid of those either?
mwhaha.

Sew in Love....

2009-03-09T15:21:00.000-07:00

All righty then! I have been a sewing machine (ba-dum, kssh!) the last couple of weeks. I wanted to get plenty of things made for my upcoming trip and so far everything appears to be going according to plan.

This little number is Butterick 7862 and it sews up like a dream.

I wanna make lots and lots of them in time for summer, but one more in mauvey floral goodness just in time for Florida. I need to add about an inch to the trunk next time, but this one is fine just fine for now...no FBA or anything. It is very comfortable to wear and somewhat boyish, which I like. This was my first honest and thorough attempt at set-in sleeves---I'd never done them with perfectly flat seams before...always poofy, so it was a challenge. In fact, when I put the sleeve on "my way" and the top was poofy and gathered I thought, "WHAT?" and after referring to my trusty copy of the 1970's Vogue Sewing Book, I saw what I had been doing wrong all these years. It took the length of two Duran Duran albums to attach the sleeves properly, but in the end, as the Chaffeur reached it's climax, I conquered.

I am in love with the flattering Decades of Style Butterfly Blouse:

I'll be using this pattern again and again...Wouldn't one in multiple fabrics, like a Duro Olowu, be scrummy? (thank you dressaday) Like something you'd find at the Dragonfly in Boise (I hope that place still exists--pretty hippie clothing and incense....yum yum).

It went together really quickly...I dilly-dallied, so it took me a couple of afternoons but I could have easily assembled it in one. I gladly took Sincerely Yours, Kate's advice and glued (then sewed) thin bias trim along the edges instead of french binding to save time and give it more definition. I like it for this version, but I'm eager to find another gauzey fabric and roll all the hems....it will take longer, but give it a different and softer feel. Lots of options with this bad boy...I highly recommend it.

This little ditty is from a 1940's mail order pattern:

I really like the topstitched yoke and flutter sleeves. I messed up on the yoke and folded over/top-stitched more than the seam allowance, so there is a funky drape to the very back of the sleeves where the yoke connects to the bodice. I was not feeling perfectionistic at the moment, so I let it go. Next time I will be more careful and see what's what, but for now, who cares? I'm going to Florida.

It still needs hemming and buttons (they are pinned on in these pics) but I was excited and wanted to share now, darnit.

Next on the agenda is a pair or two of shorts and pedal-pushers from New York 100,

circa mid 1940's. CUTE. I purchased the pattern from The Vintage Fashion Library. There is a bit of confusion over what size the pattern is exactly, so I am doing a muslin first. I have been pretty good about doing muslins every time before diving in, but I cut right into the fashion fabric for the butterfly blouse and the Butterick....the Butterick was a risk, but it worked out okay. The same cannot be said for a pair of pants...way too risky. I might just say "Bollocks to it." and buy some capris and shorts online.

Lastly, I would also like to make the middle dress from McCall's 4028 in a blue batik:

Well.....it's either that or this:

That is the fabric next to the pattern there.

Comfort will be an issue on this trip, and I don't want to squish myself into a girdle every time we go out, so I am leaning toward the former as the ties are adjustable and there are no zippers and closures to faff with.

Okay...that decided it.

But the 50's pattern sure is purdy, isn't it?

It says "Magic to Make."

Dreamy!

Hmmm....maybe I haven't decided.

EDIT: I am sooooo bummed. I ironed the blue fabric, and started setting out the pattern pieces for the flutter sleeve dress and guess what?? NO FLUTTER SLEEVE PIECE! It is missing. :(

I was so excited about this dress after seeing a few finished blouses from the pattern on Sew Retro and around the web. And I wanted to dive right in, so I decided not to draft a sleeve just yet. Instead I am using the blue fabric to make the dress below, as "Magic to Make" needs to be graded and I am impatient! :) :

Butterick 7373

Still kickin!

2009-03-02T13:05:00.001-08:00

Okay...it's been brought to my attention that I have not been "musing" as of late. :)
BUT I have been SEWING, which is what's most important afterall.

I'll take much better photos in the next few days....

This blouse needs big red buttons, the skirt needs hemming, and I have 2 more shirts to post as well....but I thought I would put *something* up.

The shirt is from a 1943 pattern,

and the skirt is from 1945...the same one I have been using off and on since day one of this blog. I made it in a lightweight denim this time. The shirt is a simple and soft cotton from Hancocks...

it has little cherries all over it.

I will probably shorten the sleeves a little in the next version I make. It has some nifty little details.....

I love the pockets.

Do you like the mess behind my dummy? I like to root around in my own creative filth.

Russ and I are going on holiday in 3 weeks, and I am making all the clothes I am bringing. I still need a couple more shirts, another dress and a pair of shorts and peddle-pushers, but I am confident I will be able to complete all of it if I work a couple hours every day.

Snap!

2009-01-04T14:42:00.000-08:00

So i *finally* made this skirt yesterday.

With a happy lapped zipper.

In a fabric that i LoVe.

love love luff.

It was a fun challenge "matching" the paisleys....I knew they wouldn't be perfect, as the skirt is somewhat fitted at the top and has six gores. I decided to match them at the hipline and I am so very pleased, as all the swirls and curls took on an unintentional design of their own.

Flat felled seams, pinwale corduroy, 1940's pattern.

Time to make some shirts!

The future's so bright.....

2009-01-02T18:15:00.000-08:00

Um, yeah. Won't be doing that again. :)

Shoulda known better than to plan a month's worth of sewing projects ahead of time. Especially around the holidays.

It's not in my nature to get the 'ole ducks in a row anyway......In fact, openly stating I'm going to work on specific projects likely increases my disinterest in them. :) Don't ask why. There are just so many wonderful dresses to make.....and so little time. And I like to change my mind. Alot.

I did complete two in four weeks....which is purty darned good. If I make two dresses every four weeks in 2009, that will be TWENTY FOUR new dresses for my wardrobe this year! And that's pretty rad! So let's look at it like that, shall we? :)

FIRSTLY.....

I was going to make the Claire McCardell dress for the holidays, but I just could not find the right fabric. I searched high and low. And until I find exactly what I am looking for, the pattern sits on the back burner. So instead, I opted for this:

It's Butterick 5243. I made it for my hubby's Xmas party. The day of. Because that is how I roll. Even though I had two weeks to do it, I felt it would be best to spastically throw it together in a few short and stressful hours (I was hemming the sleeves 15 minutes before we had to leave). By the time we got to the party, I was ready for that first glass of champagne, by golly.

I cut a size 16, which are my exact measurements, but the finished product was a good size or two too big. WAY too much ease. My fault for not investigating that first. All the gathers sucked, and the knit jersey I chose was a bit too heavy. I wore it anyway and felt a bit of a frump. Onto the second glass of champagne....

The next day, a good washing on the hottest cycle and a "denim" setting in the dryer did the trick. Now it fits like a dream. I will probably not make it again with the long sleeves....but a short-sleeved version in a lighter knit could be very cute next summer.....in a size 12.

This next one is made from a darling mail order pattern circa 1940. I would run upstairs to see what company produced it, but my legs still hurt from waiting tables on New Years, so I am gonna stay here snuggled up with my puppy dog under one of Momma's quilts.

I am in love with this dress. It's made from a Xmas novelty cotton from Joann Fabric (like 3 bucks a yard or something) but is still fairly soft with decent drape. I love the gold swirlies. And the heart-shaped buttons. The pattern called for ric-rac under the topstitching, but I thought the fabric ornate enough. Here is a picture of the original pattern:

I made a muslin first and the ONLY thing I did not finish was the very bottom of the sleeves....which turned out to be a bit snug. So it's not a dress to go dancing in. But it is fine for sitting still and looking pretty.

Next time I will fit the sleeves properly so I can shake my money maker.

Or heck,

I might just make another dress!

The Hostess with the Mostess

2008-11-21T09:50:00.000-08:00

Dressember is almost upon us, and I felt it would be helpful if I started setting some goals for myself.....if I type it out, perhaps the likelihood of me following thru will increase. :)

The first item on my to-do list is a holiday dress for my husband's corporate holiday party, which falls on the 6th of December. I think I have settled on The Claire McCardell Dress. (It has recently been released in multi-size format on EvaDress, along with some other wonderful patterns)

The dress is simple, sophisticated and should not take long to make--which is key, since Momma is tired. I plan on using dark green jersey of some description, as I read it was McCardell's favorite fabric to work with. I am hoping since it has a bit of give, this dress will be *very* easy to alter and assemble. Check.

The second item is a hostess ensemble for Xmas dinner at our house. It will be a very small affair with only a handful of guests...and I am thinking a somewhat 70's theme is in order. You know, fondue, bowls of black olives, baked artichokes, spouse-swapping....no no no.

I was a little kid in the 70's, so this style holds a special place in my heart. I think the pattern itself is from 1969--but that's close enough. I was raised in Anchorage, AK where fashion was behind the times by a few years anyway. I fondly remember my mom and her friends in these butterfly collared shirts with wide-legged pants or skirts (usually in extreme plaids) and all the men wearing super wide ties (also plaid).

I particularly like this pattern too, because the blonde gal in the middle reminds me of my friend Elise...who would also happily don that outfit to be a hostess with the mostess.

The third endeavor will be a blouse I can wear with a pair of black trousers on New Years Eve. I will be working, so a wide range movement is required. I told my hubby I wanted this butterfly blouse pattern for Xmas and if I do get it (hint hint, Honey!) I will be able to whip it up just in time.

If, however, I do not receive said blouse pattern, I will make this dress:

And I might just make it anyway....it is too cute. And I think it would make the perfect "little black dress" or cocktail number for any occasion. Aside from housecleaning.

OK. So that's the plan, Stan.

And I am heading to Joann's to use my coupon on the McCardell fabric, if I can find something suitable.

P.S. In "Dressember" we're supposed to wear a dress every day of December...and supposedly skirts don't count. But as I wear jeans and workpants day in and day out, homemade skirts DO count in my book. :) Rules are made to be broken anyway.

What's Wrong With This Picture.....

2008-11-01T10:14:00.000-07:00

I'll give you a closer look.....

Can you guess?

Let's just say, I learned about napped fabric.

And I honestly thought I was cutting out the corduroy correctly.

Remember that whole thing about not following directions?

I guess I have trouble following them even when I think I AM.

But that's okay.

There is no such thing as mistakes. We learn from every "so called" error.

And now I will remember always, when I cutting out corduroy, it is NOT okay to just fold the fabric in half widthwise and go for broke.

You must cut on the fold and flip one piece of the fabric around

so the nap matches on both pieces.

And it's all good.

Because I was flashy made sure the pockets were oppositely napped.

Now it is a bit more "homey" and casual instead of classy.

Which is also all good.

Because in the process,

I found my new favorite skirt pattern.

I am making one in every color, including denim.

This Simplicity 4850...I'll add it to the vintage pattern wiki later.

Reasons Why I Love the Northwest......

2008-11-01T10:01:00.000-07:00

Oskar and I found this gigantic leaf on our autumn walkabout this morning.

An authentic seafood gumbo simmered on our stove yesterday.

The evening was cold and shivery.

And the hot soup warmed our bellies.

Brown rice and crusty french bread...YUM.

Follwed by spiced pumpkin cookies with brown butter icing.

Served with chamomile tea.

I love autumn.

Ooooooohhhhhhhh!

2008-10-14T10:55:00.000-07:00

I am not allowed to buy any more patterns until I sew up a few that i already have!

This is the last one!

I promise!!!

It's late 40's.

I love the changing style! Look at that super short hair!

Jet Lag and Pound Cake

2008-10-11T19:07:00.000-07:00

I gained 8 pounds on holiday.

EIGHT.

My pretty new skirts no longer fit. Isn't that hilarious??

My husband gained TEN pounds.

HA!

TEN!!

That's what yummy pasta and rich pastries does to the tum-tum.

They eat chocolate filled croissants every morning for breakie in Italy.

Love it.

So I'll hit the pavement this next week and burn it off.

3 weeks to gain it, 3 weeks to lose it.

No big whoop.

And now we are zoning out and having a "Heroes" marathon, as recovering from the 9 hour time difference is a real killer.

I can't wait to start sewing again when I am rested!! I'll post more projects and pickies soon....

I think my head is gonna explode....

2008-09-22T13:37:00.000-07:00

I am doing too much before this trip----I feel manic and it is time to chill.

I have been looking at this fabric for a few months now, anticipating that I would make something with it to wear on my european vacation....something 50's to prance in around Rome.

And I woke up this morning and thought..."Shoot. We are leaving day after tomorrow, and even though the house needs to be cleaned, I must use that fabric."

So I whipped up a circle skirt.....and it only took an hour or so. It would have taken less had I not messed up the zipper when I was installing it....stupid, stupid. A beautifully lapped zipper and then *snip* gosh darn it, I cut the top of the zipper clean off.....I mean the do-hick that opens and closes the zipper. I stared at it for about 15 seconds and then started laughing, cuz what else can you do?

Anywhoo.....my crinoline arrived in the mail today as well. Not too sure how I feel about it---it is kinda lopsided-like and funky. I still need to hem the skirt (thank god for the sewing machine blind hem foot) but I can do that on the morrow.

I am tired. My back hurts. I should have lied and said that I was leaving on my trip a day or two before I was so I wouldn't have to work up to the very last minute. We had a fancy dinner on Friday and attended a wedding on Saturday...it is Monday and I think I am still hungover. Tired for sure. I have two skirts to hem tomorrow, and some housework.

I need sleep.

No more projects.

Tick

2008-09-21T12:27:00.000-07:00

Here is me in my dress on the way to a weddin'.

All hemmed with a fabric belt and Bakelite buckle.

New dark hair, too!

The Simple Skirt.....

2008-09-18T11:31:00.000-07:00

Owie, owie, owie.

Post war 40's New Look fashions are a bit painful.

This pattern called for a 30 inch waist, which I have.....but what it really meant was a 30 inch waist cinched in a very tight girdle.

It is super cute, and worth the pain...but I cannot imagine women dressing like this every day! And this is *nothing* compared to the turn of the century boned corsets and frilly petticoats.

I do have a crinoline coming to wear with this and a couple other circle skirts and New Look dresses, but I would certainly never *ever* clean my house wearing anything resembling this or those or anything that constricting!

Will I walk around in Rome, my gut squished into itself by a pair of Spanx, petticoat swish swish swishing as I traipse passed the Trevi Fountain?

Ab-so-lutely.

Man oh Mighty.......

2008-09-12T17:16:00.000-07:00

Here she is--2 on me and one on Rosalind.

The fabric is actually a more vibrant green than these photos suggest---it kind of reminds me of a Christmas tablecloth. :) It is a wool blend crepe...and it itches a little....but my new slips arrived in the mail today, so it shant be an issue.

I could not get a good photo of the skirt, but it's not hemmed anyway.

This was much harder than I had anticipated. It was humbling. That side zipper was the bane of my existence last night. Next time I will sew it by hand.

I was a good little chickling and basted the sleeves on by hand this morning to check for fit. I usually just live dangerously and go for it. But I have realized that mentality is meant for other things.

(BTW, this is an old size 20: 38-32-41.

I had to take in the waist and hips a couple inches but did not have to do a DD full bust adjustment, if this info helps anyone out there attempting to make this.)

I love this dress!

2008-09-09T08:12:00.000-07:00

I've realized by gathering 30's and 40's style patterns, there may never be a need to shop at Anthropologie again. :) Well.....some knitting knowledge would seal the deal, but that will come in time. I am planning on taking a beginning knitting class when we get back from our trip this fall and have already purchased some vintage sweater magazines off ebay. I suppose it would help to know how to cobble too....hmmm....too many things to learn in this short life!

I finally finished the mock up...

Well...everything but the sleeves. Close enough.

It is a pattern from 1939 and I love love love it. Kind of a pain in the bottom, but worth it.

I did not take pictures of the skirt because it's tennis length to save muslin. Just long enough to fit the hips, and that's what matters most.

It needs about 2 inches shaved off the waist (which makes me feel better after *adding* 3 to the last project) so it will be more in keeping with the times...right now that extra ease (which is hidden in this photo with pinning) gives it a poopy 80's feel. :)

After it's tailored, a foundation garment will be mandatory---but I have pretty much decided the female form looks better in one of those anyway. I just like the sleek and polished look. There is no reason why the muffin top or pooch should be displayed in this day and age.

Today will be spent cutting out the fashion fabric--a nice greenish wool blend. I am hoping to finish this dress and the black gored skirt by Friday.

Maybe I'll wear it to the Vatican.

Read the directions?

2008-09-02T10:06:00.001-07:00

I never really do. I don't know why. Sometimes I am certain that I *have* only to find, usually to my great dismay, that I skipped an important step---without even realizing it.

In 6th grade, the last day before Christmas break, the teacher handed out a test and announced, "Now everyone, be sure to read all the directions before you begin....."

As I was madly filling in the answers, kids started handing in their papers almost as quickly as they had received them....and it was not until I heard someone whisper, "Amy....read the directions!" that I realized at the very top it stated "Write your name at the top of this page, and the test is complete! Merry Christmas!!"

Oh, Kenna Sue Carter, you were a sly little devil!

And I am a nincompoop. Who never reads the directions......or thinks she does. My reading comprehension has never been very good. I scored pretty low on the Iowa tests.

So after adding three inches to the waistband and gores of this skirt (which worked, God be praised) I thought I would be flashy and try my had at a lapped zipper. And after painstakingly installing said zipper, I discovered it totally threw off the waistband/drape/ease/everything on the skirt.

Such Sadness.

Then I realized the pattern calls for snap closures. There is even an illustration. The pattern is from 1944.....perhaps they were rationing "slide fasteners" at this time? I suppose they would have been. And I am willing to bet that using snaps will make the side seam a lot smoother than it is, as I can futz more easily with the ease and such---a zipper anchors it all in.

The skirt should hang more like the image right above....and the instructions are there too.

See the pretty picture? Snaps.

I am turning over a new leaf.

UPDATE 9/13: It has *nothing* to do with the snaps vs. zipper. It has to do with the fact that I stink at installing zippers. C'est La Vie

Building my 40's wardrobe.....

2008-09-01T17:11:00.001-07:00

Okay.....so I got these little ditties off ebay last month:

And I was so darned excited to find them in my size, you know?

No need to grade the patterns or make adjustments, etc. etc?

AHahahhahahhaAHHAHA!!!

Oh, that is just rich.

I pinned the pattern pieces to Rosalind this afternoon, and low and behold, the waistband was THREE inches too small. (?)

Wuh WUH?

I am actually working on this as I speak (or type) but I needed a breakie poo and some chips and cheese sauce to soothe my math frazzled brain.

I have never graded a pattern before, and it made my head hurt.

The first time always hurts the most.

I know the more I do it, the easier it will be, and I will know what adjustments to make without even thinking about it......

But that will take a bit of hair pulling and cheese sauce consumption first.

(That's the Tostitos Con Queso, btw. So bad and I just don't care....If I already have to increase the waistband by three inches anyway.....)

Anywhooo.

Thank god for The Vogue Sewing Book of Fitting and Adjustments--all the info i needed was in those precious pages.

I am hoping to finish my muslin mock-up of the skirt tonight, and then do a run-thru of the blouse tomorrow. Now, the blouse *says* it is my bust size with 2 extra inches in the waist, but I am not holding my breath.

Although that might help with the fit.

(As a side note, the photo of the blouse pattern is a size 12, bust 32....but the one i have is in a much larger size)

Anthropologie

2008-08-20T09:07:00.000-07:00

Longing. That is how I feel when I peruse Anthropologie. I love the clothes so much, I hurt. And the *pricing* of those clothes is *just* as painful.

It's an appreciation of the design, the fabrics, the artistry......so flattering to the female form.

I am in *luff* with The Hullabaloo Sweater Dress.

Look at the embroidery edge-stitching on the shoulders!!

Comfort Time!

2008-08-19T06:53:00.001-07:00

It's been raining for 2 or 3 days now, the temperatures have dropped, the leaves are beginning to turn (what??) and it was time for some comfort. Comfort FOOD that is.......when it is misty and raining and there is a chill in the air......

Life is hard. And food tastes good. Especially the ooey gooey dripping-with-love-goodness that is Mom's Mac and Cheese. (Displayed here with the loverly quilted oven mitts she made me...with chicken fabric.)

And as long as the whole pan is not consumed in one sitting by just one or two people, there is no real harm done. There is too much love in this savory pudding to bring anything but joy.

The photo was taken with my camera phone, so it does not reveal the magic within the pie. But it was there. Still is. We only ate half.

As a side note...I purchased two more late 60's patterns off ebay (which puts me at my limit for the week, I believe...if there is such a thing) and neither of them are on the pattern wiki! How exciting. I will post pickies when I receive them, as the ebay photos are not very clear.

Enjoy the rainy day!

(In need of a mac and cheese recipe? Any 50's cookbook will set you up nicely)

Vogue Couturier 2820

2008-08-18T11:10:00.001-07:00

JUST got this little number off ebay (from the UK, no less. Go Brits!) , and I am so durned excited I can hardly stand it!!

Look at the collar and those little pleats!!

I am already envisioning a thick dark green fabric of some description....the perfect dress for fall....with some tights and clogs!

Oh..Sometimes I look at vintage clothes and my heart aches from the beauty.

Sigh.

Singes du bonheur!

2008-08-17T11:05:00.000-07:00

Oh wonderful day!
Yesterday I attended a "Sock Monkey Camp" hosted by local artist

Michelle Binkowski.
6 of us spent almost 5 hours telling stories, talking about our dogs and creating little sock creatures at a huge table strewn with embroidery thread, polyester fiberfill, buttons, bling and of course, socks.

I have decided from now on, anytime I am sad and lonely, feeling frustrated, or just plain bored......it is time to make a monkey. It gets the creative juices flowing. And the simple joy of giggling to yourself as your creature takes shape is very gratifying indeed.

Too much of a good thing......

2008-08-15T11:14:00.000-07:00

Man oh mighty---after sewing for about 7 hours straight yesterday, I was curled up into a ball on the sofa with a tension headache the size of Toledo. My eyes and forehead were burning with creative fire.
My mom is an avid quilter (when I say "avid" what I really mean is that fabric takes up most of the living space in her house) so I phoned home for a dose of sympathy---which I got. And then I took a scorching hot bath in the dark and ate cookies.

This little number was the source of my occular turmoil. It is my first attempt at an actual vintage pattern....and plaid. I found the construction itself to be easier, with more thorough instruction than modern patterns.
The plaid on the other hand was the bane of my existence--and after what I thought was careful planning, the little squares did *not* in fact line up---at least not perfectly. But close enough.

There is an old eastern saying that warns not to strain painfully toward perfection lest we fracture our soul and infuse it into our material workings. ("Material" being the key word here).

So when some detail-oriented creep muses about my uneven plaid, I can smile wistfully to myself and know my soul is intact.

It still needs finishing touches that I will apply this weekend. Sadly, Rosalind (my dummy) is of firmer build than I, so I will also need to wear a foundation garment if I plan on cinching that belt tight. Most of the patterns from the 50's were designed for girdle-wearing fem-bots.....at least that is what I am going to tell myself, as anything under a 27 inch waist seems rather....well, unnatural.

Last week I worked on Butterick 4985:

Which was easie-peasie. Even the sleevies. It took me over a week to put the buttons on. Sigh.

There is another eastern saying that states we will not ascend to heaven until all of the unfinished earthly projects we leave behind at our death are completed in purgatory. Zowie!
Sounds more like hell.

Sew Exciting!!

2008-07-30T08:58:00.000-07:00

I guess I should introduce myself officially!

I have always adored arts and crafts, but until recently, always seemed to find a flimsy excuse to keep me from doing them. Why? I am not sure. Procrastination. Fear of Failure. A prefectionista? Or was it just because I was terribly hungover? Hmmm...

Anywhoo.....A creative fire has been set beneath mine butt. And I intend to keep it burning and feed off the magic embers! Muahahhaha!

My momma was a big time crafter in the 70's---she always had a booth at the local Ren Faires and Arts 'n Craft shows, selling her wares. She did macrame and pottery, and then progressed to stuffed animals and dolls. I *loved* falling alseep to the hum of her sewing machine....and the occasional expletive as her needle broke. :)

So I guess it is a genetic thing....along with the procrastination. I am hoping to overcome the latter as the act of creation brings me fulfillment and joy.

I began sewing as a child on my little stich-n-sew battery operated machine. My mom taught me a few basics and I picked up more as a girl scout. When I was 14 I attended a sewing class at the local fabric store. I made a skirt and serged up a couple of shirts.

After that, I dabbled here and there but never got super serious about it. My creative outburts were far and few between, so I would make a dress or a quilt once in a blue moon.

I went back to college to get my theatre degree when I was 28. During that time we were required to take a costuming lab where we spent about 9 hours a week sewing up the costumes, either starting from scratch or adjusting whatever was already in the costume shoppe closet. I learned a myriad of handsewing stitches and my teacher taught me how "the seam ripper is your pal!"

After graduation my mother gave me her old Bernina (Yippie!!) and I now have my own sewing space at home in the mountains of Washington. I live with my hubster and our two fur children.

Vintage dress patterns are my addiction.
And I am off to sew one right now!