What in the World I've Been Doing

Well hello, long lost stranger friends of mine. It seems that I have been MIA around the blog world for the last few weeks. Life, particularly school, has been quite busy for me and sewing and blogging have taken a bit of a backseat.

I am still working on my jacket, but it is on hold unto the buttons I ordered come in the mail. Once I receive them I should have them sewn on pretty quickly and will finally have a finished object post for you all.  I nearly fainted mid aisle when I saw the prices of buttons at Joann's. So, I came home, and proceeded to spend a week perusing different Etsy shops before deciding on some plain 1" black buttons. I got 25 of them for the price of 6 at Joann's.

What else have I been doing? Well, I have cut a few more things out to hopefully get stitched up in the near future. I finally cut out a vintage repro Simplicity apron pattern that I've been wanting to sew up for ages. It does require 3 packs of bias tape though, that I will probably be cursing before it is all sewn on. I also cut out a modern McCall's dress in a lovely dark eggplant colored poplin with a contrasting light purple lining, and I have hacked out 1/2 of a fitted modern Vogue dress. I say 1/2 because I have yet to cut out the lining, which will be hot pink. ( If you recall a few posts back the hot pink lining was originally for a grey dress, which is now the purple dress, since I didn't have as much grey poplin as I originally thought I did.)

Hmm, what else have I been doing? Thrift store shopping of course! I bought a  lovely cream colored 60's coat with bound buttonholes and giant buttons at the Goodwil for $7. It had a bit of a rust stain near the hem though, so I bought a container of Oxyclean, held my breath for dear life, and plunged my "new" 50 year old coat into a bathtub full of cold water. Immediately, my bathroom smelled like a chemical factory. Whatever this thing was dry cleaned with in it's past was toxic. But, 24 hours of soaking later, I have a clean, rust stain free, much more pleasant smelling coat. I will warn you, if you ever plan on plunging vintage into Oxyclean water, I recommend a cocktail, or seven, first. Trust me, your nerves are gonna need it.

I also scored a vintage navy blue London Fog raincoat with the most adorable flower print lining in the world. It doesn't have bound buttonholes, and does include a garment care tag, so my guess it's from the 70s. It was also a Goodwill find.

Lastly, I got a royal-ish blue 60s fitted dress that has a high neckline with a bow and buttons all the way down the back. It's definitely mid-sixties and looks very "Joan-ish". I have a nagging suspicion that it has some wool content in it, and since it is already very fitted, I think I will take it to the dry cleaners. My nerves can't handle any more vintage and the bathtub episodes anytime soon. Just ask me what happened last time I tired to hand wash a vintage wool jacket. Well, on second thought, if the idea of a vintage jacket being able to stand up on it's own brings a tear to your eye, don't ask.

What else you ask? I have also been listing some new things in my Etsy shop, including some really adorable 70s kids patterns. I also listed some awesome vintage Christmas balls and stockings, and a dabble of Pyrex and Fire King. I still have about 60 or so patterns to count and list, but alas, this is time consuming, and boring. I'd live it if you'd come on over and check out my Etsy shop. ( There is a super adorable double breasted jacket for a toddler over there...)

Want more details of my oh so exciting life? Then press on dear reader, for I have more to share. Have you ever found a pair of shoes that completely and totally mesmerized you? Did you dream about these shoes day and night? Did you contemplate selling prized patterns just to get your mitts, er, footsies, on those shoes? I have found that pair of shoes. They're impractical, teal blue, look as if they fell straight from the 70s, and are just begging to be on my feet. Yes, I do love 70s porn star shoes and I make no apologies for it. I will get those shoes, just as soon as Etsy helps some more money find it's way to my Paypal account.

By the way, have you seen the 3 new retro releases from Butterick? If you haven't hop on over there and take a peak, you won't regret it. I am so in love with the new shift dress, even though I do have a bit of a reservation about how that sleeves would translate into real life.

Well, since this post may be the longest I have ever written, I am going to wrap it up now. I have to go drool over my 70s porn star shoes now, Oh, and I have to get up early tomorrow because there is an estate auction that lists sewing items, and gosh darn it, if there are sewing things within 50 miles of my house I will get my grubby little paws all over them. Sadly, at an auction the person with the most money wins, unlike estate sales where I can and do literally outrun others to scoop up the patterns. Old ladies don't phase me if patterns are involved, everyone is fair game*.

So, what are you sewing? Have you had to run like a mad woman, or man, to get your hands on any patterns lately? What magical pair of shoes have you been dreaming over? How about 70s porn star shoes, do you fall in love like I do?

* I promise I have never hurt anyone if my fight for patterns. Unless looks can kill of course, and then I have slayed a few people in the name of vintage Vogues.

Recent Pattern Acquisitions and a Few Other Thrifted Goodies

Good morning! I thought that I'd share with you all today the patterns that I bought from an estate sale a few weeks ago. If you read this blog regularly, you'll know that I bought about 80 patterns, but decided not to keep all of them. If you're nosy like me you always want to know what other people paid when they share their goodies, so I'll tell you. I shelled out $20 for the box, a steal after my recent $300 pattern nightmare at an estate auction. I have listed some of them on Etsy, and sold a Vogue one for $40, so essentially, the ones I kept for myself were free. ( Or at least that's the way I like to look at it.)

I also made a super early to the Goodwill this morning and found a few goodies. And by early, I mean 8 am, which is the crack of dawn for a night owl like myself.

I bought these for $1.50 to sell on Etsy, but they're so cute I might not be able to part with them.

Those patchwork pants were just too crazy to let go of.

The children's faces are terrifying.

My ABSOLUTE favorite, but it's unprinted and and 2 sizes to small, but I will make it work one day!

What is that bra and jumper thing on the right?

A legit bikini pattern from the 70s, when tanning when still cool.

I can't figure out if this is a stretch woven or a knit. I do know, however, it wants to be a skirt for the holidays. $1

 fi

I'm pretty sure this is vintage as it isn't very wide, but it will be an awesome apron. $1.50

I can't say no to $3 Fire King.

So, there you have it thrifted goodies, more patterns, and even more fabric. I actually have been sewing, and only have a handful of steps left until I finally finish up my jacket. Stay tuned for a finished object post in the near future!

Fabric: Woman's Best Friend

Readers, my fabric stash is out of control! And you know what? It is oddly satisfying to look at those mountains of glorious fibers.


So, how did my fabric stash go from a bit large, but manageable, to taking over? Well, you see, my aunt cleaned out her fabric stash, which I immediately raided. This got me an entire trash bag stuffed to the brim with fabric. Then, you may recall, I went to an auction, where a huge box of fabric followed me home for the paltry sum of three bucks. Fast forward a few weeks, and I stopped at two estate sales where at least 20 more yards came home to live with me. I guess I should also mention that about 80 or so vintage patterns came to live with me too, but the majority are, or will be in the near future, listed on Etsy.

My stash has been multiplying like rabbits, while finished garments have become an endangered species around here. I am still plugging away at my jacket, but at an snail's pace. I fear that my jacket is going to look a bit "mature", so some of my enthusiasm has dwindled. I only need to attach the collar, make buttonholes, and sew on the buttons to have it finished up though, so I don't want to end up with a 75% completed UFO.

Now, let's look at all the fabric loot.

Isn't it gorgeous?

I LOVE stripes! I think this may be rayon.

I think I have enough of this to make a jacket.

Please excuse this horrid photo. I didn't realize how bad it was until it had uploaded and my laziness prevents me from dragging it back out.

Yummy red corudroy

All for $3, plus some awful lime green polyester that I chucked and two holey chenille bedspreads that I put in the dogs bed to keep her warm

All from my aunt's stash, except for the blue polka dot piece that somehow made it into the pile.

Oh so lovely. It told me it wants to be a vintage button back blouse.

It didn't make it through the wash. :(

What I'm Working on And What in the World Should I Make Next?

Hello all my lovely readers! I thought that I'd give you all a peek into what I'm currently working on. I feel like I have been sewing it forever, since I have finished every single seam with a zig-zag stitch. I so want a serger! It would be such a wonderful Christmas present, mom.....

Now, let's take a peak at the pattern and my fabric, shall we?

I am making the short version of the jacket. The outer fabric is some sort of synthetic suiting that I picked up from a thrift store for about $2 and the lining is a crisp white taffeta lining acquired from fabric.com.

Let me just say, taffeta is not your friend when trying to sew. It looks nice and crisp as a lining once it's all sewn up and  is very reasonably priced, but the actual sewing process will have your cursing. You have been warned fellow seamstresses!

I hope to have this all sewn up by the weekend, but I do have a bit of hand sewing to do, so don't hold your breath. 

Now, let's move onto to what I should sew up next. Like most seamstresses, I am always ten sewing projects farther along in my head than on my actual sewing machine. So, here is your chance to play a part in what I sew up next!

First up is this modern McCall's modern jacket pattern. I have a few yards of this lovely camel colored coating, but I would have to acquire some lining fabric for this. What color would you line this with? I really really like fun, bright linings.

Pros: I would have a super cute and unique coat for winter.

Cons: I'm not 100% sure I want to take on another lined and time consuming project right away.

 Next up is this vintage Simplicity pattern, and I'd be making the dress. If you've been reading this blog for a while you know that I've, ahem, attempted to sew this dress up once already. Shoddy, and rushed, construction and an unfortunate incident with the iron led to it's eventual trip to the trash though. Enough time has passes though that I think I'm ready to tackle it again.

Pros:  A super cute and fitted dress that should sew up in a reasonable amount of time since it isn't lined.

Cons: I am almost positive I don't have a zipper that matches so I would have to make a trip to Joann's. Also has a pretty tricky back kick pleat that could cause a bit of frustration.

Next we have another modern McCall's pattern, this time for a cute fitted dress. The outer fabric would be this lovely stone colored cotton poplin and the hot pink broadcloth is for the lining. I told you I like fun linings! Plus, I still have yards of the stuff even after making a super full dress and a skirt. It might be the best $2 I've ever spent. 

Pros: I've been dreaming about this particular dress for a while and would love to be able to actually wear it soon. 

Cons: A full lining is not going to make for an instant gratification project. I could also run into some potential fitting issues since I envision this dress being quite fitted. 

Last but not least we have this Vogue skirt that I've already cut out. I cut out the one in the top right hand corner that has six button embellishments on the front.The outer fabric is a thick, synthetic, thrifted, navy blue suiting and the lining is the remaining piece of white taffeta lining from my aforementioned jacket. 

Pros: It's already cut out which saves me an almost guaranteed back ache from hovering over the table. I already have all the needed notions.

Cons: I have to put up with sewing the mean taffeta again. I don't think I have any top that will match this currently in my wardrobe so it wouldn't be immediately wearable.

I'd love to have your input dears readers! What should I tackle after I finally finish my jacket?

P.S. I've added some more patterns to my Etsy shop, so check it out! I have lots more to add soon!

Fall Sewing Inspiration

Hello? Hello? Is anyone out there? It seems I have been badly neglecting my poor blog these days. Shame on me! School has kept me quite busy lately, and I was out of town almost the entire week last week plus the weekend.

So, as you might imagine, not much sewing has been going on lately, though I REALLY want to be sewing. I'm working on a modern Butterick jacket that is lined right now. I would have more done but the fashion fabric and lining both fray like mad, and I've been finishing every seam. With. A.Zig-Zag. Stitch. Slow doesn't even begin to describe the process.I'll get some pics of it up in the next few days.

But for now, let's delve into some ooey gooey fall fashion goodness, shall we?

This little Shabby Apple number is to die for! I love the mustard color and the gargantuan collar.

This Kate Spade coat may just be the best thing ever, but has the worst price ever at over $600. Lucky for me, I have the perfect vintage pattern to recreate it, but unlucky for me I have no idea where one finds reasonably priced hot pink wool.

 I am practically going gaga over this amazing vintage number. I will find out a way to recreate this masterpiece one day.

Now this is a fabulous coat if I've ever seen one! Maybe if I start sewing a knockoff now, I'll have it completed by, say, my 40th birthday.

Well, there you have it my lovely readers, so great eye candy to start off the fall sewing season. Hopefully tomorrow I'll be able to get some serious amounts of sewing done and post a sneak peak of my jacket. What is everyone else planning to work on for fall?

Finished: The Dainty Dot Blouse

Hello my lovely readers! I finally have another finished object to show you all, even though it didn't turn out quite as I envisioned it. Let's just say I shortened it by a wee bit too much, and now it appears that it has already shrank in the dryer.

You see, the original pattern was for what appeared to be a tunic, so before I cut out my fabric, I shortened the pieces by 2 inches. In hindsight, this was a terrible idea, but alas, you live and learn. Well, in this case you sew and learn.

Pattern: Simplicity 7446
Year: 1976
Size: Large 16-18 ( If I make this again I will fold at least 2 inches out of the center back before cutting it out)
Fabric: A cotton/poly blend shirting from fabric.com, which if I recall correctly, was $2 a yard
Notions: Zip, zilch, nada
Time: Way longer than it should have due to my icky cold
Make again? Probably not as a top, but I would consider lengthening it wear as a bathing suit cover up, if made in a super light fabric

Obviously, I used the pattern on the right.

So, there you have it, another finished object!

I have cut out a Vogue skirt to sew up next, but I am considering starting a McCall's dress instead. Stay tuned to see which I choose!

Also, over the weekend I hit up some estate sales and came home with about 80 patterns and 20 yards of fabric. About 90% of the patterns will be going up on Etsy in the next week or so. If you need petite patterns there will be quite a few so check out my Etsy shop!

An Update With a Side of Rambling

Hello my amazing readers! If you follow my Facebook page, you know that I said I was going to have a new finished object post up soon. Unfortunately, I came down with a nasty cold that has had me doing nothing but sleeping and drinking Nyquil with a bendy straw for days. So, hopefully I will have my new finished object post up in a day or two, or whenever my Rudolph nose fades.

So, feeling as if death were eminent ( I don't deal well with colds), I have had plenty of time to waste perusing the interwebs.More on this in a few minutes though.

I was feeling a bit better today, and did a bit of shopping my with mom. Oh my goodness, sewing has made me a clothes snob. I've always been a check the price first kind of person. I don't care if it is "I love it with every fiber of my being and will not be able to live without it" cute, once I see that price tag I can change my tune at the drop of a hat. Nothing, and I repeat nothing, is ever $50 cute. You see, now I check tags, and not just price tags. I want to see what the fiber content of everything is. Is it polyester? If no, proceed with cuteness and price check. If yes, start with the price tag. Is it more than ten dollars? If yes, put that little sucker back on the rack as fast as you can.. Polyester is cheap and it's not coming home with me. Well, it's not coming home with me if it costs more than five bucks. So, when the day was all said and done, I came home with one tank top from Ann Taylor loft, two mini hand sanitizers, and some 80s patterns. The moral of the story? Sewing has positively ruined my ability to be ignorant about fiber content and shoddy construction.

Next, remember how I said being sick has given me copious amounst of time to surf the internet and get drunk on Nyquil? Well, this works to your advantage readers. Have you ever seen this website? Do not, at any cost, click that link unless you have, at a minimum, two hours of free time in your immediate future. What is this magical, time sucking site you ask? Well that site would be Wish Book Web, where you'll find entire copies of various Sears catalogs from the 30s to the 80s. There are also some Spiegel catalogs and Lord and Taylor catalogs. The best part? They're completely free to download and enjoy!

I have also become quite obsessed over pinning things to Pinterest. Do you pin? Can we follow each other? It would be awesome to be able to pin things and have other people suggest patterns that would be suitable, and to be able to help others out with the same thing. Does anyone know if you can make teams on Pinterest? If you'd like to follow me, you can find me here.

So, hopefully I will start feeling better and get to sewing soon! So, readers, I have some questions for you. Have you become a clothes snob since you started sewing? How much time are you going to lost on Wish Book Web? Do you pin?