ruffle me this…
[ l to r: billie dove, 1930s pattern from here, marion davies, norma jean baker (marilyn monroe), vintage 30s simplicity pattern. ]
My hands are buried in a sewing project this week, which I’m super excited about, but am going to hold off talking about for a little while. I guess it’s silly, but I’ve become a bit superstitious about mentioning projects on the blog while they’re still in the works. Sometimes they don’t work out the way I wanted or envisioned when I initially post the sewing in progress. Other times, I end up scrapping the project completely! Rather ridiculous, yes, but it keeps me from feeling stressed out about mentioning a project that doesn’t turn out as expected! lol.
[ l to r: unknown, betty covey, 1930s dubarry pattern from this photostream. ]
Now, after that long-winded explanation, something that has been occupying my mind and I can share. hehe! In one word: ruffles. I spent a good deal of my time down with a cold last week browsing through the image folders on my computer (which are many…), and noticing all the lovely ruffled details. From frothy and romantic, to more sensible for the everyday. I just love the little pop of detail even the simplest ruffle creates (which is probably why I’m incorporating the ruffle on my current sewing project!). I think my favorite ruffly goodness probably comes from the 1920s and 30s–designers really had the look down to a “t”!
Back to my sewing machine… hehe! Hope you all are having a splendid Wednesday afternoon!
Posted on July 15th, 2009 to fashion, style inspiration.
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07.16.09 outfit »18 lovely thoughts to “ruffle me this…”
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Megan says:
Thanks for sharing these lovely images, Casey! I’m currently attempting to copy a Dubarry tunic from the 1930′s, that I spotted on flickr. Your post reminded me that I have some sewing to do tonight
Happy Sewing!
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Hannah says:
Yay! They’ll always be room in my wardrobe for plenty of lovely ruffles.
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Jennifer says:
I guess it’s silly, but I’ve become a bit superstitious about mentioning projects on the blog while they’re still in the works.
You know, I’m exactly the same! Not only with working projects, but with big ideas as well. It seems like whenever I let someone in the know about something that I’m still hashing out the details of myself, the project ends up folding shortly after. Maybe it’s the idea of being “accountable” or responsible for making sure such projects end up exactly how one intends them to in the initial planning stages that strips all the motivation and lighthearted fun out of the process, thereby crippling such projects when they just started walking. :OAnywho, I wish you the best of luck on your new project!
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reilly says:
I’m with you on the ruffle front! Did you see the beautiful dress Lauren from Wearing History made with organza ruffles?
http://wearinghistory.blogspot.com/2009/07/busy-sewing-bee-part-ii.html -
Kendall says:
Casey, I love your blog – it’s so awesome and inspirational.
I’ve recently acquired a vintage Singer sewing machine (1957, I think.
Reading your blog makes me want to create! I’ll have to brush up on my skills, though – it’s been a good 10 years since I tackled a machine.Have a lovely Wednesday afternoon. ^_^
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Sal says:
Can’t wait to see what you’ve sewn up this time!
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Sarah says:
Oh I know, it is a little bit scary to talk about a sewing project until after it is completely and successfully finished. I’m always afraid of jinxing myself. I am very much looking forward to seeing what you make, though! Good luck and I hope it all goes as planned!
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maria says:
I totally agree, I don’t talk about any drawings till their ready to be posted!!
Oh, how I adore ruffles!
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Franca says:
I love ruffles! Great collection of pics! and looking forward to seeing your project completed.
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Erin says:
oh you are so right. i never saw a ruffle i didn’t like. these photos are driving me nuts! i need more ruffles in my life! haha!
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Lagelle says:
Hey Casey, love ur blog! did U receive my message on twitter? I hope U are well btw come visit http://www.lagelledailydose.blogspot.com
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lauren winter says:
love this! it’s great to see marilyn monroe before she was marilyn. all really beautiful, really inspirational photos.
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Rhiannon says:
Aww, I can’t wait to see it!! I love all your inspiration photos . . I’ve been so into ruffles lately too, but a lot of times the ruffled dresses/blouses I find just don’t match the inspiration I have in my head . . .how lucky you are to be an amazingly talented seamstress!
Oh dear, and the very first silent film photo you have in your collage is so perfect!
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Jessica says:
Ruffles are so gorgeous when done beautifully (that is to say when one looks like they have gentle ways or sweet little rolling hills of fabric on their clothing, not like they are being buried in the worst 1980s bridesmaid dress ever ;D), I adore them too!
Wishing you a splendid Thursday!
♥ Jessica -
Lauren says:
Exciting! Glad you’re feeling better.
I love the functional purpose of ruffles — that is, adding curves and oomph in the right places (or wrong places if not done right!).
Are you planning on hemming the ruffles or do you have a serger? Good luck! and i know what you mean about projects just not going as expected — i recently tried my first bubble hem (without a pattern..) and it definitely did not turn out how I had planned! but I learned something which is just as valuable I think.
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Amanda Nicole says:
I’m glad you’re feeling better! Must have been all the excitement from having sis around
Looking forward to (possibly) seeing the project! I’m superstitious about those things too.
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Aya says:
Oh ruffles… so beautiful! I can never get enough of them! What is it about them, I wonder? Very curious… lol
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Sara says:
I looooove ruffles! <3 <3
Thank you ever so much for taking time to share your comment! Although I try to answer questions, I am not always able to respond to each comment individually. But please know that I appreciate from the bottom of my heart every comment I receive!