Giveaway: a Rosebud Gracie apron

I wasn't planning on doing a giveaway for this apron. It was a very gently used sheet from Laura Ashley that I bought, and unfortunately, there is some discoloration towards the top of the apron, and a few light smudges on a very small area in the flounce.

The fabric is 50% combed cotton and 50% polyester, which makes this apron incredibly soft. So combine the used sheet with its softness, and someone (or you!) just might believe you are wearing a REAL 1940's apron!

The back view:

Oh yes, and it has shoots of spring green grass growing rick-rack on the pockets to finish off this adorable apron!

All you have to do to enter, is leave a comment with your name (first name and last initial, please).

You can be entered twice, by posting a link over to this post from your blog, and then leave a second comment (please be sure to leave your blog address too)!

I will choose a winner by Friday noon (CST), and will post the winner shortly thereafter.

Linen in Ruffles

Several years ago I purchased a couple yards of some beautiful slate blue linen to make up into an ankle length skirt with a bias ruffle. Unfortunately, I only had enough to cut out one of two of the skirt pieces and the bias flounce. Going back to JoAnn's to pick up some more, I was in utter dismay to find that ours, all surrounding fabric stores, and ones well over an hour away no longer carried this shade of blue. Stashing it away until the spring in hopes to get more when linen was "in season", I was only disappointed again and again as I kept it in a box for a couple years.

This spring however I decided it was high time to do something with it. So, I cut the front skirt in two, only to make a very short skirt. To remedy this situation, I simply added a longer white flounce underneath the blue one, to add some wanted length. Ta da!

A bit of crocheted lace encircles the top of it too, adding a special touch of feminine elegance.

Overall, I am very pleased with how it turned out, although I'm not sure if I will keep it or sell it. It certainly makes one feel like twirling in it!

Meet Ginnie!

I have finally decided upon a name for my 1930's Depression Era apron. Listing it as a "depression apron" on etsy was, well, to depressing for me and as Sarah Whitting in "Sarah, Plain & Tall" thought that lambs needed naming, I think aprons should have names for a bit of distinguishment!

"Ginnie" , pronounced with a J sound and not a G, seems to perfectly suit this sweet and simple style:

From fun pockets with rick-rack and vintage buttons...

to other bits of trim and lace...

...I believe it just might be my all-time favorite apron!

To celebrate this fun occasion, I have marked all of my "Ginnie" aprons down to $15 for the weekend. That is a $3 to $5 savings, depending on the fabric that was used!

A warning for those who sew

Our "resident expert" on the Sense & Sensibility sewing forum posted this, and I wanted to pass this along here, as I know the majority of you sew:

Could I please recommend that everyone who tears fabric for clothes/costume, rather than cutting it, buys AND USES a face mask from a pharmacy. My incurable, though treatable, lung problem could be caused by inhaling fibres from tearing calico/muslin for petticoats, and silks and cottons. I would hate anyone to go the same medical route as me, and many of you are a lot younger than I was when I started working with costumes. This also goes for people who work with fibre like knitting, spinning and weaving.

Country Thistle

A country thistle apron has been added to "the cottage" this evening...

A Peasant Shirt for Spring

Back in 2006, I made a peasant shirt out of a pink and purple plaid lightweight cotton, and it has been one of my favorites to wear each spring and summer.

Cheri in 2006 at Mt. Rushmore

Having literally yards upon yards of this fabric, I will be making up peasant shirts for the shop...

...and the first is in the shop this morning!

Strawberries & Smiles

Over the weekend, a blog reader and etsy customer sent me a couple pictures of her sisters early birthday gift: the Strawberry Shortcake apron that was in the shop a couple weeks ago. Rachel shares,

"Yesterday, my 7 year old sister and I decided to make a Pineapple Upside Down Cake. Although the Strawberry Shortcake apron was suppose to stay hidden until her Birthday in October, I just couldn't help myself! I have attached a couple of photos of her in her apron...SHE LOVES IT!!!"

And I say that she looks absolutely adorable in it! Thanks again for sharing the pictures, Rachel.

In other sewing news, the weather has taken a delightful chilly turn today which means sewing this afternoon, (perhaps some of you saw a few of the goodies I added to the shop last week? More are on the way!) and then a broccoli cheese quiche for supper. It will probably include tea as well.

Oh, and if it rains like the forcast said it would, I may get dressed up in Regency garb for a photo shoot. I'm with Anna when she said that she was "a romantic for the rain."

Just Rambling

Who wants to be locked up in a sewing room when we've been having such delightful spring weather?! Unfortunately due to some recent injury to my ankle, I can't take advantage of it by talking a walk or doing alot of physical exercise that requires movement in my foot. However I discovered that sewing doesn't bother it, and so sewing I shall do.

But how awkward it is to peer into ones fabric bin only to find just a few pieces left! However with what I have, I could sew up a few totes, maybe a couple aprons, and more than one peasant shirt for the shop. And of course, I still need to sew up my peach Regency robe too. Hmm, I think I'll have plenty to keep myself occupied for a few days.

Dreaming of a Rose Garden

Spring is coming, and I am already anticipating being able to work outside in my gardens. But today is a chilly overcast day, and with being layed up with some odd sickness, I've been keeping my hands busy in my sewing room this afternoon making a Rose Garden apron.

It is now available...in my "garden of goods". =)

Looking for recipes!

I'm pulling out my apron and recipe books ladies. Why so? I have a couple packages of Brie cheese that I got for a total of $1.36 that I have no clue what to do with. Why did I get it? It was such a steal and I want to try making a recipe that I made last fall at Grandma's house. The ingredients you ask? In order:

*French bread, sliced in half

*Butter & brown sugar spread

*Apples slices

*Brie cheese on top

Then I baked this in the oven until the cheese started melting. I don't know what the name of it was; I was just given instructions by a lady from church on how to make this for a progressive dinner Grandma and I were hosting.

So. I could make this recipe, but I'm going to need a couple more to use up this cheese! Do any of you ladies use brie cheese? Do you have any favorite recipes you're willing to share, or web links that I could visit?

Oh yes, and speaking of aprons and getting in the kitchen...


Doesn't this give you some enthusiasm to bake pies, or cobbler, or something with cherries? =) You don't have to ask because it is available in my shop!

Aprons for a Customer

A couple weeks ago I received a note from an etsy customer asking if I could make her some Gracie aprons if she were to send me her own matieral. "Sure" was my reply, and here are her aprons! She never mentioned whether she wanted any special trim on them or not, so I took the liberty of adding it anyway.
Rick-rack or anything other kind of trim didn't seem to suit except a bit of cream ecru lace.

As you can see, I'm almost done with this one made in cheery spring print. The ties need to be added on, and then binding for the hem.

This one seemed to ask for some green vintage buttons that I picked up last fall in MI.

Hope she'll like them! If she doesn't, I may ask her if I can keep 'em! =)

Femininity Doesn't Have to be Expensive

"Oh! But I can't afford to wear skirts all the time! Do you know how many holes I get in my jeans?!

My reply is, have you ever looked into buying skirts at the thrift store? =) Two thirds of my skirts have either come from Christopher & Banks at a greatly-reduced price or a thrift store, and the other third have come from JoAnn's (ie, I made them myself).

Today I stopped off at a local thrift shop that "never has anything," you know. But I still frequent it every now and then when I'm in the mood. And am I ever glad that I went this afternoon!
I found this beautiful Ralph Lauren skirt that has easy wash instructions with the "twist to dry" method. It is a lovely cream and pink floral cotton and silk blend. Perfect for church or special occasions. I love all the godets (is that what they are called? The triangle insets?) that makes this skirt perfect for twirling in.

It even had the original price tag, which leads me to believe that it has never been worn!

With sales tax, I paid $4.26 for it. That's not to bad considering the original price!

A New Shop!

I have a new shop for my tatted bookmarks! Visit it, if you please!

I Have Bit the Bullet

Listed on ebay thus far are the following items:

1914 Edwardian White Dress

1860 Civil War Skirt and Vest, with extra fabric

Victorian Granny Boots

Hmm, what to think...

Every time I go to the closet that holds my historically-inspired clothing, or when I type in "ebay.com" into my browser, I get this awful feeling and then back out on listing something.

I thought that maybe it would help selling one item at a time; you know, sort of ease my way out of these lovelities (is that a word?). The first to go was going to be my Titanic "Swim Dress" (here and here for pictures) but now I can't even bring myself to even list this one!

Who would have thought that one could get to attached to clothing! Is this pathetic?!

Victorian Girl Dresses on Ebay

Both are listed on ebay with details and pictures.

Ladies clothing will be listed within a few days. Maybe. It's breaking my heart to think about selling them. =P

Lavender in Milk Glass

English Lavender from the flower garden in a milk glass bowl is quite comforting.

I love the calming gentle scent of lavender as well as the "puffy clouds" outside of the thrifted bowl. Think: "sweet dreams."

It even looks soothing with an antique book and a hair comb.

I think I have what's referred to as "antique pox." I should say that regretfully thankfully, there is no known cure for it.

Victorian Dreams

Creamy vintage lace and lovely blue floral fabric are being constructed into an old-fashioned Victorian dress for a young girl.

Final pictures will be coming within a day or two.

Something other than sewing...

The other evening, I had a delightful time making Suzi's English Scones (ladies from the S&S board, her recipe is in the recipe exchange section) that turned out well. Combined with some homemade strawberry jam that Grandma made, and a cup of tea ... it made for a delectable evening.

English Country Blue Apron

Just one more (for a little awhile anyway!) ladies apron for the shop...

A Vintage Homemakers' Apron

A fabric that is covered in vintage-inspired items makes for a perfect homemaker's apron! And yes, it is in the shop this afternoon.

One thing at a time, one thing at a time...

Like books, I have a tendancy to start up many sewing projects at once and then take a while to finish them.

--I need to finish my bodiced petticoat I just finished it!
--I should start working on my Peach robe
--There are two 1930's aprons on my table waiting to be sewn, while I'm waiting for some income to purchase thread to match
--Don't ask me why (as I really don't have a clue!) but I'm in the mood to sew doll clothes.
--Mrs. Chancey's new apron for girls just arrived in my mailbox today, and now I'm anxiously awaiting for some of the cutest fabrics you ever did see, to get here too, to make some up for the shop.
--In the mean time, seeing this darling mitten pattern, makes me wish I knew how to knit better!

Hmm, where do I start? =)

Polite Conversations

Asked I, "Kind sir, would you be so good enough to use my motion picture camera to take a portrait?"
"Here my love, let me take another..." said he.

"My good man! You shall not take another picture!"

::smiles::

And with that dear ladies, I am off to enjoy an evening with my friends for a Presidential evening in honor of Theodore Roosevelt. It will be a delight, especially as I am going along as "a friend of the Roosevelt family."

Happy Valentines Day!

To all you dear ladies and friends who read my blog, Happy Valentines Day! And just as a "special" for today everything in my etsy shop can be ordered with FREE shipping!

We don't go "all out" but we do enjoy making cut-out cookies decorated with Valentine colors and shapes, and this afternoon I'm going to go through my scrap bin or stashed fabric to make something up in pink.

:::

On a random note, I was thrilled to find this tea (which all I've heard is postive remarks!) at a local discount grocery store. $3.29 isn't to bad for 240 bags of tea all the way from England! My poor mother was shocked that I bought yet another box of tea. I have such a huge collection that I know longer can store mine in the kitchen cupboard. Yes, I have that many. =)

Dressing up...

The other day, I came across a link that had a listing of all of the dresses that Pleasant Company (now, American Girl) produced that enabled girls to dress up and match their doll. (Was anyone else out there an avid fan of the historical American Girl dolls?) I am very blessed to still own two of Kirsten's outfits that I'm saving for my own daughter some day; they are the Prairie School Dress and the Scandinavian Outfit. I did own the Summer Striper, but wore that one until it was thread bare. And at some time, I had Felicity and Kirsten's nightgowns, but of course wore them until they could no longer be worn. Oh yes, and I still own Kirsten's petticoat and pantaloons. =) The link made me look back with fond memories of my girlhood of dressing up and playing with dolls.

My love for just that has continued on into my twenties, well minus the dolls, and just recently I was asked if I would like to join some friends in a historical group on an evening "for a presidential dinner in honor of president Teddy Roosevelt." Just the idea got me all excited. =) I think I will be accepting the invitation and then decide how I'm going to manage something to wear from the dates of 1900 to 1909. My two dresses that would be closest to the dates would be from 1912 and 1914. Perhaps I could be a "very fashionable" friend of the Roosevelt family? =)

At Long Last!

I know that I've already posted twice today, but I could help but get so excited about Mrs. Chancey's new Edwardian Apron for girls that just came out!

Photo copyrighted by http://www.deepsouthimages.net/

Isn't it just the sweetest thing?! I'm ordering my copy right away, and if you click on the Sense & Sensibility pattern link to the right of this post (you may have to scroll a tiny bit) you can order your e-pattern too!

I have a feeling some mother and daughter look-alike aprons will be in my shop soon... =)

The Making of a Bodiced Petticoat - Part 2

If there are any gentlemen reading my blog today, you might as well find another blog to visit, as today's post won't be of any interest to you whatsoever.

I was able to work on this a little bit more this afternoon, and found that hand-stitching does get faster with time and experience. Yay! =)

Reluctantly after I had everything enclosed, I added 3 boning channels where the darts were, per side, and tried it on. To my great surprise and delight, it fit me nearly like a glove! I say nearly, because there were a few things that I thought, "Hmm, lets see if we can get this any better..." So I added another channel to the front, and one farther out on the side.

Before I sewed the lining to the outer fabric, I used some some interfacing that I had, and had one long piece going horizontally (you can kind of see it in the picture below) and two going vertical on the sides of each set of darts and boning. Whether it lends any stiffness or not, I'm not sure. Oh well. =)
I almost think that I like the fit and comfortableness of this more than I do stays! I'm looking forward to sewing the skirts on next.

Before taking it off Arabella, I slipped the gown over to see how the necklines would match or if the petticoat shoulder straps would stick out or not...

It's about as perfect as one can get.

::happy sigh::

The Making of a Bodice Petticoat

If there are any gentlemen reading my blog today, you might as well find another blog to visit, as today's post won't be of any interest to you whatsoever.


Now that that is said and done, I was sketching out a picture and trying to play around with my patterns to come up with what I wanted. Didn't work. So I went back to the main instructions with a few alterations to the necklines since I would be wearing it with the ELC gown and not the basic one.

So far I've got the darts done in the front, and right now I need to hand sew my casing for the ribbon drawstring at the neckline. The instructions show it to be on the outside, but since my gown is sheer, I want any extra drawstrings to be inside and not showing through the gown!

After that, I'll add the boning to the front, add buttons to the back, and check the fit once again.

From a screen cap of the '95 version of Sense & Sensibility, you can see that Marianne is definitely wearing a bodiced petticoat underneath a sheer gown. This, and Lydia's famous petticoat from the '95 version of Pride and Prejudice are my inspirations.

It also appears that the top part is made out of sturdy stiff fabric. I didn't think of making the top part of mine out of stiffer fabric, unfortunately. I'm beginning to think that two layers of muslin isn't going to cut it. =P

Maybe if I were to go out in the rain my bodiced petticoat would magically come together. ::sigh::

Guess I'll just have to finish the bodice part of mine to see if it does what I want it to do, and then decide from there. Thankfully, muslin is cheap, and it's even cheaper using a coupon.

Vintage Sweetness from the 1950's

For some reason, I don't remember where I picked this up. Whether it was from an online auction or from a nearby antique shop, I may never recall, but when I came across it in my collection of vintage patterns, right away I looked through my stash of scraps only to be delighted to find 1 1/2 yards of a slate blue cotton floral!
For some reason my camera is acting up today. The pictures aren't very sharp and it's making everything washed out, so for the true color of this baby dress, click on the above photo.

The pattern gave a 4" hem allowance, but I wasn't about to hem up that much, so I took in 2" worth of tucks at the hem.

A close up shot of the little peter-pan collar and white eyelet lace around the yoke.

I've never seen a baby dress, or any dress for that matter with the sides being pleated like this. Certainly makes the pattern original, and yet cute in its own way.

I had some adorable heart-shaped silver buttons in my stash, but I was thinking for comfort that flat buttons might be better.

I have a feeling this will be a pattern that will be used again someday... =)