WW2 in Pictures

From my Wall Collection (I told you I had a wall dedicated to vintage photos!) -- an unknown soldier; a July 1943 field training manual that is in pretty good condition considering where it had traveled; a Jumbo postcard from the VA in Michigan, to Mr. and Mrs. McFarland from son. Son was convalescing and writes that he "still has to keep his leg in an oven." 

 From the 1950s - a navy fleet - the name is on the back of the photo, but I can't recall it now.

 My best collection of WW2 related items: two postage stamps, a 1910s ring; a 1920s pin pack awarded for excellent penmanship; a tiny Red Cross pin; a Service pin (not sure if this was worn by family members who had men serving); several Junior Red Cross collar clips; an unusual "I Gave War Chest 1944" clip; two V for Victory metal buttons; fascinating Aviator's wings; a perfect 1941 American flag brooch (my latest treasure!); and there is a 1930s wrestling ticket.

WW2 Red Cross bandages and a large cloth with a cloth Red Cross emblem. I don't know what the large cloth is for. It's hemmed on all sides. The most unusual piece I have found yet!

What do you treasure? I'd be interested to know!

1940s Photo Collection

 A theme of mine: vintage photos in wood and/or gold frames. One part of my wall is dedicated to vintage photographs, letters, and postcards. This sweet photo of three sisters or friends found its way to my collection through a large lot of photos I bought at a garage sale a few summers ago. I couldn't let this photo go anywhere else but my wall! The nostalgic era-bygone, this is so 1940s!! Look at the poufy hairstyles and the lovely outfits. They look as if they're having a grand time.

The second photo is a collection from my grandfather and his family and some friends. My grandfather served in the U.S. Navy in Japan and California during 1948-1950s. He is seen on the left driving a fancy car through California streets (oval frame); among others: my great-great grandmother in the black hat (small frame); a bomb testing site (far right); and the others are random photos of family and friends.

Do you have any old photos you decorate with? I'd love to hear about them!

Sew Along Part 5 - Cutting Fabric!

Keeping the buttons along shoulders, since they come down farther than I had thought they would. Up next: finding the right buttons!

 Take a close look at the return address.

 Very fine details!









I just finished cutting my pattern from fabric today! I had to re-do the inside belt facing once because the scissors weren't cooperating. Instead of cutting four separate skirt panels, I only cut two - each one on the fold. For dresses and even some skirts, I don't like front/back seams. I don't think this will interfere with the bodice to skirt sewing. Well, here are the completed photos for this part of the project. Up next: starting to sew the pieces together!! Must break out my 1965 sewing machine and find some navy blue thread....

           FINISHED!!

Of Fabric & Sewing & Lace

 I just love this twin throw coverlet quilt! My vintage finds of late have come from the thrift store - and at tremendous prices, too! Check out all of the feed sack prints on this large postage stamp spread.

Auction Find --: a very new-unused pattern! How elegant! :p

Fabric Bits - vintage 1950s or 1960s era. Very sweet!

This little coin purse has to date itself pretty old; I found several sewing needles stuck to the outside ; its late owner had used it as a pin cushion! Also, these lovely antique trims are exquisite. Not sure what I have planned for them. . .

Of Bobby Pins & Nappie Pins

Simple things in life. They should be enjoyed, admired, and loved. Here are some things that I have come across on my auction hunts, thrift store finds, eBay wins ... these vintage Bobbie pins and baby cloth diaper pins I acquired from an old estate sale. They were thrown in amongst old buttons, sewing notions, and other little treasures.

Sew Along Dress part 4 - Tracing is a Fine Art

Tracing a vintage pattern is not hard - it's the  handling of the thin crepe that's hard! I used whatever I could find in the "junk" drawer to stabilize my pattern to the paper without ruining it. The vintage patterns are so much different than today's. Perforation holes to mark pattern pieces, gathers, tucks, measuring... at least the instructions are easy to figure out. :)

I have completed the tracing process and have cut out my paper pattern ... now I just need to take my measurements and I'm ready to pin pattern to fabric!

Dress Making Sew Along - Part 3: Fabric Choice - Finally!!

I am so excited I was able to find this navy blue poplin twill in the family fabric stash! This blue will be great for all season wear. I can brighten the color up in the Spring and Summer wearing a printed scarf around the waist or around the neck. I am so excited to be able to start the process of tracing my vintage pattern. I purchased it like new, so I do not want to ruin the thin crepe paper.

I did some thinking. I am toying still with the button choice. Because of my narrow shoulders, instead of putting buttons along the shoulders of this dress, I am going to perhaps place two buttons on either side of the points at the corner of the neckline. This way a sweater will not get caught up in the buttons. I am not sure what type of buttons I will use. I surely need some eye-popping designs! And not just round, either. I do have a box labeled "buttons" somewhere in my personal stash of sewing supplies; will have to dig it out. If I can't find any suitable, it will be an evening hunt on eBay.