Fabric Craze

Well, has anyone else been enjoying the sales at JoAnn's this week? It ends tomorrow, so if you need something, or want something, you just might head over there! I confess that I've already been there twice this week and may be going again tomorrow with a friend. =) Here are a few pictures to prove my purchases (though some were bought awhile ago, at antique stores, or online) ...

Fabric for a Regency gown and navy linen for a Regency robe:

Various fabrics for totes and aprons:

Linens for a spring/summer peasant shirt and tiered skirt:

And then Erin and I stopped off at our local thrift store where besides some summer sandals, I found these bags loaded with tatting thread! I was thrilled too with them containing mostly size 30 which makes for perfect bookmarks. I've already added some new tatted bookmarks to my etsy shop. =)

Coming soon to the shop...

A cheery and spring-ish 1930's apron made in a green and white floral cotton with bits of butter yellow rick rack.

I just added it ... Somehow making it and seeing it up on Arabella made me smile. =)

A view of the sewing room

This afternoon I was getting a creative-feeling-streak and started pulling out stashed fabrics, trims, and whatnot. Not sure what I'll start with, but thought you all my get a kick out of seeing my side of the sewing room.

I assure you, it isn't normally this disastrous unless I'm feeling really creative. =)

Hobo Sling Bags

Wouldn'tcha know ... a vintage tote bag pattern that I finally was able to get, didn't have the main pattern pieces in it?! Thankfully I was able to sort of make out the shape of it from another pattern piece in there.

And of course, all the cute pocket pattern pieces were missing, so I had to make up my own. I chose a cross-grain oval-bottom shaped that is lightly gathered at the top, to a thin band.

The actual pattern was dated in the 60's, but I think that it could pass for 70's. Especially when made up from vintage 70's fabric that I picked up from the flea market. =) Needless to say, they are a little "original" in design, but that's what makes them fun! Don'tcha think?! =)

I already have a few stashed fabrics and little fun trims that I've been wanting to use for totes, so keep an eye out for them since I just might add them to my shop without any announcement like the tote showed above.

And guess what? Today at work, I saw someone carrying one of these exact sling bags around! It looked like it was a "real vintage" one made out of a tapestry type fabric with bright embroidery designs. Fun, fun!

If all else fails*...

...go to Christopher & Banks!

I have had my eye on this retro, British, toile-looking designed skirt for some time now. Today I saw it on sale, plus 40% off the sale price, so I gave in and bought it. =)

Yes, I do sew most of my own things, but every now and then when I need something (or see something I think I need) =) my favorite place to shop for clothes is Christopher & Banks. A good majority of their stock is beautiful, attractive, and feminine. They also have great sales too. For instance, today they had a store-wide 40% off all items. So if it was a regular priced item or if it was marked down, you got 40% off! They only do this sale twice a year, and so Mama & I took advantage of it this afternoon. =D

*And by the way, nothing failed in the sewing room, but shopping at C&B is still fun! And thanks to Leah for taking the picture.

Spring Church Dress

I got on a roll with sewing this afternoon, and I finished up a dress that I was going to have done for Easter. I never did get it done in time. I had the top part finished, but didn't feel like doing the skirts, putting in a zipper up until today... =)

It is a polyester (Simply Silky) from JoAnn's that I picked up on sale last year; it looked so cheery, and springish! And sorry, but I don't have any pattern numbers for this dress since a friend of mine gave me her's and I almost want to say that she made it up. But it is a princess-seam style dress with short sleeves, and straight, a-line style skirts with darts.


I thought on the chilly days, my Land's End sweater, which was a $3 thrift store find, would pair up nicely with it:

Finally, I can sew!

After what happened to my finger, I haven't done a great deal of sewing. Well that combined with just being busy with other things. But thankfully my finger is healing, and while I don't think life is going to slow down anytime soon, I managed to sew up the two aprons for the shop:

a cutesy housewife apron...gotta love the fabric!

the all-time, hands-down, over-all favorite! =)

Just a little ebay venting...

Ah, how discouraging to find that again you've been outbid on a special apron pattern, or on that vintage tote bag pattern with several cute designs. Lately I've haven't had any really "good" winnings on ebay.

I had my eye on some Edwardian patterns that Simplicity put out that are now out of print, and one sold for $77 and the two others went for over $50! The seller probably paid 99 cents for them in the beginning. =) So I was NOT willing to spend more than that, and will just keep my eye open for more. If you all have a "Simplicity 8640" and don't want it, before you give it away to the thrift store, let me know!

On one interesting/humerous note, people who I often bid against for vintage patterns, have a couple bids on the ones I'm selling right now. =) One bidder in particular, is VERY hard to beat, and goodness, what does she use 50+ apron patterns for? I lose nearly very time I try to bid on something she does, and lightly thought about contacting her, LOL! =P Hmm, hope I'm not talking about a blog reader! =D

I have a feeling that I already sometimes bid against S&S board members, and then I feel bad if I win. ::wink::

YeeeOuch!

Hmm, I can't practice, and I can't sew. Today at work, I somehow managed to slice and take a big (okay, about a dime size, but it feels big) chunk of skin out of my middle finger which limits me from doing a great deal.

To give you all a heads up, I'll soon be listing my Edwardian white lawn dress, the last of the red & white & black tea cup aprons, and the 70's wrap apron. If any of you want any of those before I list them to the public, let me know through the e-mail address I gave on Monday.

In the mean time, I think I'll go read on the front porch.

EDIT: The 70's apron has been sold

Vintage Patterns up on Ebay

Well, I decided to start with my patterns, and it took me a little over an hour to list these, so I'm off to practice violin (Yikes! haven't practiced today!) but if you'd like to take a peek at these individually, look at them by clicking here.

Grassy-Green Peasant Shirt

While at the antique store the other day, my eye spotted this 70's looking fabric that seemed to be begged to be made into a peasant shirt. And since some ice-skating injuries are really bothering me today, I decided to forgo the project of my apron designing/making and sew this up.

Thought it would be perfect for a certain strawberry-blonde, but she has to many peasant shirts in her closet already*, so she apted to put it up in her shop instead.

*She doesn't think so, but everybody else probably would! They're like aprons, says she ... who can ever have to many?

To name or not to name an apron?

Or another title: Putting the Cart before the Horse

You all were so amazing with your helpful suggestions and comments in the last post that I had to ask one more question (totally unrelated, and hmm...maybe it's a couple questions):

Should I name the apron that I'm designing?

If not, should I label it something simple such as what it was designed after? (ie. the era from which it was inspired from, Bib or Half apron etc...)

If so, should I call it Plain Jane or Rosa Jane?

I can't decide, and while the design is fairly simple, it will have some special touches that give it a charming look. Right now I'm finished with the drafting stages and I want to make my muslin tomorrow. I'm itching to tell you all more about it, or at least give you a simple drawing of it to get your opinon, =) but I think I'll wait to see if my trial run will even turn out or not.

On a search...

I've been on a search for a few new jumper patterns to wear for everyday, and from viewing some photos on a photo-blog, I came across a young woman wearing this jumper that I just really like!

Have any of you ladies seen a pattern like it?

While you're reading this, do you have any favorite jumper patterns that you have found are your favorite?

Busy, busy!

Well, I never did get everything sewn last weekend like I wanted, =) but I was able to get that Regency Robe finished up and sent off which was a good feeling. Whew, the skirts take up so much time. It turned out well though, and I think she'll be pleased.

Right now my side of the sewing room is a complete disaster...piles of cut out items ready to be sewn, boxes and containers of fabric, scraps, and patterns cover a good majority of the walking space in there. LOL, I'm not sure where to start!

My problem, I think, is that I have so many ideas and plans for this pattern or that fabric rather than taking one item and completing it before do anything else. Hmm, maybe I should have been a designer? I'm still concocting an apron design in my head, but getting it out on paper is quite a different story. No worries, the design isn't THAT complicated, but ... okay, maybe that doesn't make sense.

LOL, maybe I'll just sign off and tackle the mess so I can at least find my sewing machine. After all, we're having company this weekend, (my younger brother, who will be 17...!!!...is having a sleepover party with friends from school and then we're having some family-friends over on Sunday) and I'd feel quite embarrassed should they take a peek in the room.

And for all you fellow apron-lovers, take a peek at this darling apron pattern up on ebay. ::sniffs:: I want it, but I can't allow myself to spend that much on it!

An apron for Molly

Just the other day I moved my vintage patterns that were stuffed in a little plastic container into a box that would allow twice as many patterns that I already have, to fit in comfortably. My favorite part about the recycled box was the label:


I have vintage patterns ranging from the late 1890's/early 1900's to the 1970's. ::grins:: I don't consider the 80's patterns to be vintage yet.

A few weeks ago I tried one of my 40's apron patterns. I loved the sweet, feminine details about the 3 different designs, and I chose the far left design:

And I can't say I was very pleased with some of the actual design when sewing it. For one thing, how do you bind a sharp 90 degree angle/corner with bias tape? Next time, I'm rounding off the back skirt edges like my 30's apron! The neck strap also needs some major help, along with a few other things that I wasn't thrilled about.

So rather than dumping it off in the trash can or giving it to the thrift store, Molly wanted it! It might be a tad big on her, but if she likes it I'm happy!

I did however like the places where they said to use "trim" and I used the last of my vintage tan rick-rack. It seems to add a finishing touch that makes it appealing despite all the other failed assets of the apron! =)

A happy seamstress

If you're apart of the S&S board, you probably would have seen that yesterday, something that I have thought much about, and have wanted for a lengthy time, finally arrived in the mail --


Many well-respected seamstress/costumers have highly recommended Jane Arnold's Patterns of Fashion books, and I finally bought one of them! =) The one I got is like the above ... dating from 1660 to 1860. In there, it shows you real examples of clothing worn in that time frame with actual patterns in there! Of course, they are majorly scaled down, but with a "one square = one inch" format, and with some trial & error muslins, just imagine all the things you could make!! =D

And then earlier this week, I found out that my "highly looked-up to and admired seamstress and friend" Amanda has designed more Edwardian patterns! What's great about these too is that they are download-able! I can hardly wait to get started on a dress one of these patterns! I'm envisioning a Kimono Dress & Crossover Bodice Overdress made in a cheery butter-yellow. Hmm, now I'll have to find some yellow lace fabric and trim...

Well, I have a couple things on my sewing table that I'd like to work on this weekend that include the last of the peasant shirts, some aprons, a 1930's bed-jacket, a linen Regency robe, and possibly a late 18th century gown. Obviously I won't get them ALL done, but I need to start somewhere so I'm off until next time!

Ladies Tea and Literary Social

The Ladies Tea and Literary Social made for such a delightful and splendid afternoon! Everyone had the request of dressing up in period costume and bring a piece of 19th century (or before)poetry/prose to read.

It was fun to see a span of periods represented from the 19th century, but I couldn't help but notice the "Victorian" style that screams "made in the 1970s!!!" =) Here are a few pictures:

A few of the ladies

Our sweet hostess and her daughter

And a bunch of yours truly with featuring the Regency peach half-robe... =)

*Photo credits to Leah

Vintage Forties Housedress from a NewYork Pattern

I picked up this pattern at a local antique store, and have been waiting to try it ever since I got it. There is no date, but judging from the hairstyles and pattern style, it is probably a late thirties/early forties pattern.

So fun to make and to finish too. The finished product is up in the shop if you'd like to see more pictures. Now I'm trying to think of what's in my fabric stash so I could make another one! =)

Just a little snapshot

On top of a whole host of things going wrong yesterday, I found out that I had no elastic (ie, can't make peasant shirts!) and I ran out of lavender thread (ie, can't finish the 1930's housecoat). But thankfully I had plenty of peach thread, and so I spent the afternoon cutting out my peach Regency half-robe and began working on it.


And I also was able to purchase the lovely white voile at JoAnn's last night for my dress. It was 40% off and since there was some slight discoloration (which came out after washing it!) in a couple places, they gave me an extra 25% off! I was quite pleased. =)

So I am "determined to be cruel" and not show you any more pictures of my "enesemble in the making" until they are both finished and my sister can do a professional photo shoot. =) Maybe by that time I will have decided if I want to buy the Marianne hat (scroll down to the bottom of the page) or not.

In the mean time, if you're waiting for the peasant shirts or are intrigued to see the 1930's housecoat, you'll have to wait until next week when I can put them in my shop since I haven't finished them. AND with all that sewing, the second-to-the-highest-bidder of the green linen half robe wants me to make her one privately, so I have LOTS to keep me busy with right now.

Edit: *squeals* My sisters and I have been invited to a 19th century Ladies Tea and Literary Social hosted by a friend of ours which takes place on Wednesday, and so I will probably wear my peach half-robe then. I'm still not sure if I want to try sewing up my white voile before then, only because I'd need to make a bodiced petticoat with it. But yes, you'll be granted pictures from the event!

And I did a little quiz...doesn't surprise me much other than the fact I think I'm a combo of Elinor and Marianne:

Take the Quiz here!

The Apron Revival

Is it just me, or does there seem to be a revival in wearing aprons? Everywhere I turn it seems that I find a new apron pattern or someone in the midst of designing them.

I just recently found out about this Emmeline Apron pattern that is flattering, cute, and yet so practical! And then the Long sisters have designed a couple of charming aprons (see their store here) and offer patterns too ... which reminds me, I still need to order their latest pattern. =)

Being full of ideas from mothers and wives (and single women too!) who have given me their ideas for an apron they'd want, I have considered designing something. I'm still not sure about it. Is this "apron phase" going to die out, as like SO many young women up and started magazines for girls awhile back (::cough:: I was one of them!) or everybody did graphic designing for awhile ... etc, etc ...

So if you all don't mind my asking:

• What do you look for in an apron?
• What kind(s) would you like to see being produced?
• What details do you especially want/like?
• Would you prefer buying one ready-made, or making one from a designed pattern?
• Would you say there are already so many patterns out there, there doesn't need to be another? =)

A little bit of Peasant Pleasantness

I WAS going to keep this one for myself, but having recently made 3 new peasant shirts with another one that will be made up, I just couldn't justify keeping it...

...so if anyone wants it, I have it up in the shop!

Watch for a couple more that I'll be listing this week. I have had some stashed fabric that didn't quite look like apron fabric, so I'll be making them up in peasant shirts.

Regency Robe Diary, part III

It is finished! =)

See more pictures here ...

...and I have the dress listed too

Regency Robe Diary, part II

So far so good!

I was able to get the top part sewn up without a flinch this afternoon. I changed the front band a little bit, and like the results better...



Now I just need to add the buttons, and do the skirts. I can't say that I anticipate the latter part only because I've never done double-pleats before. Is it basically doing an inverted pleat and then doing another one on top of what you just did?

I also wasn't sure how much fabric I'd need for the skirts, but I want it to be full, so this shall be an experiment...

Regency Robe Diary, part I

I thought I'd make a little sewing diary while working on the Regency robe. It may not be extensive, as once I get started, it takes A LOT for me to stop. =) So anyway, here it goes....


Many of my sewing friends create what they refer to as "muslins." Basically, it is using muslin, cheap fabric, or scraps to use as a "tester" for a new project. Being a person who invisions something in my head, I usually just start cutting into fabric and just do it "free hand" to how I want it. But after a few mishaps, and as I find myself buying more fabric on the "quality" side and not your $1 a yard fabric from Walmart, I am realizing that it DOES pay to make a "test run."

One gifted friend of mine does amazing alterations to her clothes, clothes from thrift stores, or clothes that she passes onto her sisters, and it always baffles me as to how she does it! If I try to alter something already sewn, it usually ends up into a nightmare! =)

So that all said, I figured that if I was going to attempt to make something with good fabric (::cough:: sometimes you have to pay for what you want to get!) I had better take the time and energy to do make a muslin first.

But first of all, I had to make the pattern. Using the basic Regency gown pattern from Sense & Sensibility, I slightly altered the back pieces and then drew free-handly, with the help of some pictures, the front parts.

Being happy with the pattern, I began sewing...

And this is what I got:


Though being fairly pleased, the front side area seemed to gape quite a bit, and looked like it needed a dart. So for the lining of my muslin, I sewed a dart in, and then cut the "outer" layer according to the shape of the new front part since I don't want an actual dart in the finished product. After I tried on the finished muslin, it fit like a charm! =)

I will still probably alter the front band part. It looks like it needs a little bit more something where it and the front piece meet. Maybe like an inch taller up at the top...

Planning on then cutting into my peach material, I had the idea of first making an olive green linen robe to match the above Regency dress, which will be listed on ebay hopefully within the next day or so, just as a first run tester. I am 99.99% sure that it will work, but "just in case"...


And thanks to JoAnn's having their linen and buttons on sale, I was able to purchase what I had in mind! My next step is cutting it out.

Stay tuned!

Edited to add: PTL! Erin's website is finally working after it being down for several weeks!!

Regency Rambles

If I would write down all that I was wanting to sew, I would probably keep busy for the next year or so if I sewed everyday, all day. =)

Right now, I am wanting to make a Regency half-robe (anybody know the real term?) that was worn over a dress when outside. It looks something like this:

I would like to make one as close to looking like the peach one, one as much as I can. What I will wear it for, I have no idea. But for some reason, I feel like dressing up "Regency style." =) I love so many of the gowns that Marianne wears on the 1995 version of Sense & Sensibility... ::sighs:: I have seen the new S&S, and though I like it alot, I still prefer the older one.

Anyway, thanks to an obliging sweet lady from the sewing board, I've been given directions on how to make one of these! She made one for herself after one like what Jane wears on the 2005 P&P. You can see Anna's lovely duplicate here.

...Oh, and I wanted to add... If anyone is interested, someone is selling a silk Regency gown that I made. It appears that the lady bought it for just a "one-time" event. Can you imagine?! Anyway, if you're curious, the link is here.

Of a broken computer and etsy shops

Well, we have had a computer that decided that it doesn't want to boot up, and so thankfully my sister has a laptop that I can use until Daddy is able to fix the family computer. I thought I'd have to wait to add some things to my etsy shop, but I was able to load them up from this computer just a little bit ago. Yay! I have a feeling that I could easily love sewing for my etsy shop... =)

If you haven't noticed already, I do have a link-list of other etsy shops that I've come across, and if anyone else out there has one and they'd like a link to it, please feel free to let me know about it, and I will consider adding a link to your shop with the others. I love to support and encourage young women (and maybe not-so-young women) who are earning some income from home!

Sneak Peak!

After being gone all last week, I had no time to sew for my new little shop. But I did have a couple things already-sewn that I have added to it, and I hope that with some time to sew this week, I can add more things as I finish them!

Click here to see my little etsy shop!

EDITED TO ADD: Those aprons sold quickly! I am trying to contrain myself, by allowing only the morning hours for sewing while leaving the afternoon and evening for violin practice. =) I was able to finish up another charming apron, which I have listed, and decided to try selling tatted bookmarks too! Take a look if your curious! =) Hope to continue to add more stuff this week...

::Drumroll:: Our winner is....

...Joanne R. who wins the denim tote bag! (Yes, Mrs. R, it will match a skirt that you purchased when we had a sewing business) =)

Congrats, and I will get that shipped off today!

Peasant Cottage

In a couple of weeks, I will be opening an etsy shop. Right now it will be filled with aprons made from vintage patterns, but I'd like to eventually add more things.

Any ideas or suggestions? Please keep in mind that patterns cannot be under copyright, other wise it would be illegal to reproduce and make a profit despite all the alterations I'd make to the pattern (something I've learned in the last several months...).

The Blue Tote Bag Giveaway

I couldn't help myself by making three more tote bags, though one is not pictured because I am keeping it(!), using the fun and easy McCalls 3136 pattern! And am offering another giveaway this month! The three to choose from are, from left to right: a chambray, a denim, or a linen (which you've seen before).

They all have pockets to hold little treasures...

And they all have little unique finishing touches...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Details:

And yes, I am only giving away one tote bag, so all you have to do to enter, is leave a comment with your name (first name and last initial, please) and say which one you'd like! You may not enter twice.

I will randomly choose a winner Monday morning, and will post the winner shortly thereafter.

Well, she does it again!

My friend Amanda has just designed another beautiful and charming 1910's-inspired dress! Everything about it is just delightful! Look at the details...!

And she is offering a great sale right now too, so do go over there and check out her lovely patterns!

Are you ready to sew?

Someone posted the following on the sewing board I'm on, and I found it so charming that I had to put it up here too:

Tips for Preparing Yourself for Sewing
(from a 1949 Singer Sewing manual)

Prepare yourself mentally for sewing. Think about what you are going to do ... never approach sewing with a sigh or lackadaisically. Good results are difficult when indifference predominates. Never try to sew with a sink full of dishes or beds unmade. When there are urgent housekeeping chores, do these first so your mind is free to enjoy your sewing.

When you sew, make yourself as attractive as possible. Put on a clean dress ... Have your hair in order, powder and lipstick put on with care ... If you are constantly fearful that a visitor will drop in or your husband will come home and you will not look neatly put together, you will not enjoy your sewing as you should.

And a random question for you all: If this was your fabric, what would you make with it? I bought 11-1/2 yards from a S&S member who has an etsy shop, and it was so cheap that I almost feel like I stole it from her! =)

Anyway, I fell in love with it. It sort of has that toile look (Which I love! English stuff intrigues me. It probably doesn't have anything to do with family history and being prodomantly English... ::wink::) and I do have a couple ideas, I'm open to more!

They are now released!!!

Though this has nothing to do with sewing projects, it is a project that we are excited about! Erin's second harp recording is now available for ordering. The CD's are on the way to the house, and we all are anticipating the UPS driver to drop off 1,000 CD's next week. =)

If any of you are interested, she has more info on her website for this new recording, as well as a sound clip that was JUST put up there as of a minute ago ... it's one of my favorites too. =)