Splash of Yellow

This was a drafted post from summer 2012. LOL.

My sewing has taken me to the zaniest level -- making a shirt out of a pillow case! And doing it all by hand, at that. Twenty hours later, and a lovely creation emerged. I am quite pleased. I used bias for the seams before I sewed the sides and sleeves together. That gives a tighter and neater look.

I used a 1950s shirt pattern which fits perfectly onto a pillow case, but any fabric length/width will do.

....Since I've Been Away....

Ahem, yes. I've been absent for quite awhile. I've missed chatting with you, but education came first. :) Hope to be back frequently with more vintage/sewing goodies.

Meanwhile, I've had the privilege of altering a very nice dress. Here, take a look:

A lace graduation dress that I inserted sheer pieces to the front and back. I think the dress has a sweet '40s air.

The Day After...

Of course, I decide to post the day after Christmas! I trust everyone had a lovely holiday weekend with friends, family, and enjoying the reminder and blessing of the Reason we celebrate Christmas.

Out of the Silence

I crawl out of my silence for a few moments, away from the busyness of life, to bring you some vintage-inspired photos of a gathering I attended a few months back.

The first photo is of three vintage friends, and the other photo are Rosie the Riveter Look-alikes. Don't you just love the essence of both photos?

Independence Day

May I wish you the best and happiest Independence Day!

Since this is a vintage blog as well, my mind goes back to V-E Day and V-J Day; in my own hometown, I have read how the streets were jammed with a fabulous band playing all sorts of patriotic songs; jubilated people lined the sidewalks downtown, waving American flags, cheering and crying and hugging family members, and each other.

One story truly brings a smile to my face: a soldier pilot flew over the town where he knew his sweetheart was, and he zig-zagged in such a way that the smoke from his plane puffed this message: "Marry Me". The sweetheart below looked up and knew who it was; she was laughing a crying by the time he returned to land. They were married shortly after that.

I am also reminded of today's patriotism. The War on Terror which we still are battling. Let us continue to have such a fervency for patriotism that will not only be remembered on Independence Day, but will be remembered every day of the week.The sacrifices that our soldiers today are making; the separation from family and friends...

 I love America and what it was founded upon. Let us never lose that awesome unity.

Have a happy time with family, friends, and watching fireworks. (I do agree that fireworks are the best part of the day.)

Might be S l o w G o i n g

I am glad for those of you who take the time to stop by my little blog and sit and read for a few minutes. I like to post at least once a week with random things about the 40s. Sadly, I must mention that I am in an area where it might be difficult at times to post weekly. I shall try my best; please do not be discouraged if at times I don't have any photos. :( . I do so appreciate you support, and it's been a lot of joy to see your blogs and see what's happening in your area of interest! Take care!

A Bit of 50s Blue

Two sweet dresses from the 1950s. Somehow, I could not get a full shot of the white day dress to upload. This dress has two large front pocketts and is perfect for housecleaning or a trip to town, donning gloves and a hat. The blue dress is handmade, and beautiful. There is a one-of-a-kind bow belt!! The seamstress construction looks store-bought. I hope to one day become a good seamstress as these ladies from the past were. Enjoy!

The King's Speech: A Review

The King's Speech, a BBC production, is a film so splendidly done that I watched it three times in three days. I shan't give away details in the event you haven't seen it, but it can be rented from Netflix; you may sign up for a free month's trial, order the movie, and watch it at your leisure.

Set in the late 1930s and into the early 1940s, the wardrobe of each actor/actress was created for the time period. (And I simply adored Her Highness' blue hat in one scene!) Pacing was methodical, but perfect for the theme and storyline. Scenes flowed and offered their punches at the right moments.

Each actor and actress played their part(s) beautifully. It 'tis a film that will inspire, enlighten, and satisfy. Bravo! I should say the Queen of England would be proud of this film.

That's all I shall say. :)    .......... ooh, and Lizzie and Darcy meet in the most delightful way!

Vintage Ramblings

Seems I have no time for much chatter, but wanted to share bits of vintage photos with you.

 1960s bracelet

 1940s era umbrella

                                                     pixie figurines dates from WW2

 

                                                              1950s planter

1940s/50s iron

A Creation of the Hand

Every few years, I am always needing a new journal. I have had many family and friends give them to me as gifts over the years. But this year, I decided to make my own. I thought, "I have the creativity - I hope! - and all of the staples necessary... why not?"

Last night I spent a few minutes gathering the materials: fabric swatches, needle, thread, buttons, bobby pin, Red Cross pin, two vintage paper clips, glue gun, cardboard pieces, college-ruled notebook paper. The project took me a few minutes to organize.

Mind you, it's not professional by far and may fall apart in the near future, but, alas, here it is!

30x30 - Week Three

This past week did not work for the Challenge. I did some traveling and could not keep my Challenge outfits. So - I am posting outfits for this current week - hope you don't mind!

Monday

 

 

 

Dress: vintage 1949 pattern; handmade
Jacket:  vintage
Necklace: thrifted

Tuesday

 

 

 

Shirt: outlet mall
Skirt: thrifted
scarf: Echo, thrifted

Wednesday

Shirt: outlet mall
Skirt: handmade, 1980s pattern
Scarf: Vera, vintage, thrifted

Thursday

Polka Shirt: thrifted
Shirt: Wal-Mart
Skirt: Cato, thrifted

Friday

 

Shirt: Wal-Mart
Skirt: thrifted
Necklace: garage sale

Saturday

 

Sweater: thrifted
Shirt: Wal-mart
Skirt: thrifted
Necklace: thrifted
Brooch: vintage, auction

Sunday

 

Jacket: Gordman's
Skirt: thrifted
Brooch, vintage, estate sale

30x30 - Week Two

This week was harder for the Challenge. The weather was a bit colder than I had outfitted for, but I think I survived. :)

Day One - Monday - I really liked this shirt!
tank: Wal-Mart
shirt: thrifted
skirt: handmade
necklace: thrifted

Day Two - Tuesday - the hat -- mmmm!
hat: auction, 1950s
shirt: thrifted
skirt: thrifted

 
Day Three - Wednesday - happy colors!
scarf: thrifted
shirt: thrifted
skirt: Christopher & Banks (on sale)

Day Four - Thursday - comforting
tank: Wal-Mart
sweater: thrifted
skirt: thrifted
brooch: vintage, auction?
necklace: thrifted

 Day Five - Friday - friendly
shirt: vintage, from a friend
skirt: handmade
necklace: thrifted

Day Six - Saturday - green - oh yes, my favorite
shirt: Wal-Mart (on sale for $1, couldn't beat the price)
skirt: handmade
scarf: thrifted
brooch: garage sale?

Day Seven - Resurrection Sunday
dress: handmade from 1949 mail order pattern
Wore this to church with a cream sweater, and hair curled tightly - 1940s 

30x30 -- Week One

Week One of the 30x30 Challenge. The weather has not been outside photo-friendly. Thus, I had to borrow a dress form from a friend. So far, my first week has not been too dramatic, other than the bright orange, I guess. I think my favorite outfit was Day 3 -- orange and lace.

Week 1 - Day 1

 

 

 

Week 1 -- Day 2

 

 

Week 1 -- Day 3

Week 1 -- Day 4

Week 1 -- Day 5

Week 1 -- Day 6

Spring Sewing Projects

Over the past few weeks, I have been sewing - it's almost become addicting! I do enjoy it, and being able to make my own clothes the way I like them is so very rewarding. My first project was the Swing Dress Sew Along with Casey at Elegant Musings. The dress turned out ok, but still there were things I needed to learn. And learn them I did. With the help of my dear mother, I sewed four skirts (one of which I am not posting), and by the fourth one, which I finished yesterday, I was doing it solo. Here are a few outfit photos of my recent sewing triumphs. Each skirt does have a different accent. I have yet to make a purple skirt out of some nice cotton that I purchased on sale.

Blue Skirt - front pleat & tiny pocket -- handmade

Skirt -- handmade - this is the solo project
Sweater -- thrifted
Bracelet -- red, white, blue, garage sale
Shoes -- vintage 60s, thrifted
Brooch -- vintage 1941, auction sale

Black Jean Skirt

Skirt -- black jean, handmade
Shirt -- thrifted
Sandals -- Payless - the perfect store for small feet!

Black Skirt

Skirt -- handmade
Sweater -- vintage 50s or 50s style
Shoes -- ?
Dog -- (he was curious!)

Swing Dress Sew Along

 Dress -- 1949 mail order pattern, ebay; handmade
Shoes -- vintage 50s canvas/wooden, thrifted
(note: shoes were also worn for second dress outfit post)

Second Dress -- Photos

The weather was blustery out, but was able to shoot some nice photos inside. This second dress was fairly simple to put together. Being my second mail order pattern to work with, it was a bit challenging, because mail order patterns did not come with enough instructions. The sleeves gave me the most fuss, but I think they turned out all right. There is still room for improvement, though! The only thing I would definitely change is the collar. It fits very snugly around my neck, which isn't desirable, but overall, I would make this dress again.

 

Dress     -- handmade by me; mid 1940s college style; mail order, ebay

Belt        -- handmade by me; vintage pass through buckle, auction find

Shoes     -- vintage woven canvas, thrifted (shown in another photo)

Earrings -- gift from sister

 

Second Dress -- Completed

Pleased to announce that my dress is complete! It only took me a week - and with another mail order pattern, this is very exciting progress. The weather is not allowing for nice pictures outside, so hopefully soon I will be able to get a few photos. Also, I need to get some photos of my clothes for the 30 for 30 challenge. I probably won't start it until this coming Monday. There are quite a few projects going on . . . .

Remixing: 30 for 30

I have joined. Signed the pledge. And perhaps drafted my life away for 30 days. Now that I've applied the button, I must rummage through my closets.... hm, maybe I should have done the rummaging first. *Yes, you nod.* Ah. See? Tis my life.

If you have not heard about the "30 for 30 Remixing Challenge", I think it's a great way to downsize on that overflowing closet, dresser, under the bed . . . . Let's see if I survive.

Second Dress -- Sleeve Problems

Hm, well, the dress is almost done, much to my surprise. I think the longest time I've spent was hand-stitching the lace inserts. I took some photos today of the dress progress, but am not able to download them right away. You shall have them tomorrow.

But for now, I have a slight problem. My sleeves are not going in smoothly. There is a pucker on each side where the sleeve flows down the arm. (Instead of cap or 3/4 sleeves, I am doing just simple short sleeves. 3/4 is a little too long for the summertime weather where I will be traveling soon.)

Does anyone know how to ease the sleeves in such an intricate design as this pattern calls for? Please see the sleeve photo.

Second Dress Project - Lace

I have been in the sewing mood since I made my first vintage dress a few weeks ago. Since, I have made three skirts, from a 1981 pattern, very simple and darling! Spring is soon coming, and I have been in the mood for dresses. My closet is dress-sparse, so I thought another dress on the hanger would suit just fine.

The dress I made for Casey's Swing Dress Sew along turned out so well, I thought I would make another dress. This one is from the mid-40s with almost the same styling, without the buttons. I made an unexpected trip to Joann's the other day, and found some very nice avocado swingy polyester blend fabric. Joann's was having a huge sale, and I bought all of the avocado green they had, and still have some left over to make a skirt if I want!

I am not sure how long it will take me with this dress, but I am estimating about two weeks. This lovely pattern calls for two lace inserts at the collar, and believe me, it was hard to find some lace that I liked, as most lace does not suit me. (I don't know what it is about flowers and lace. I suppose I am a simple maid. lol.) But the lace I did find in my stash is quite petite and very lovely. I estimate it is around the mid 40s-50s, but I could be wrong!

I will be posting work-in progress photos as I go along, so please keep checking back for the details!

 

Sew Along Dress Finale

The long-awaited dress is here! In full form with a few accessories. This project was by far the most challenging because it was my very first sewing project. (I have since completed a second project which will be shown later). This sew along encouraged me to step outside my boundaries and learn a lot about sewing. Casey's Elegant Musings blog has been an inspiration to me - and I happened upon it through a "vintage 1940s dress" google search! lol ... I will do another post about what I experienced through this sew along and things I would change, keep, etc. But for now, here are the photographs, taken by little sister, who did a pretty good job.

The Dress: Mail Order Pattern, 1949, handmade by me
The Shoes: 1950s thrifted
The Jacket:  1940s, WW2, handmade by someone else
The necklace: blue beads, thrifted, handmade by someone else