twenty questions… answers pt. 1
[ our little trip this weekend to a museum. I decided to do "knot" buns with my hair! ]
Apologies that no post went up yesterday. I was having one of those days where I was sure I was on the set of an I Love Lucy episode, rather than my normal life–weird and wacky things just kept happening! The icing on the cake was when I powered my computer up to start a post and I had a software glitch. So… after some tinkering by Sailor Husband, I’m up and running on the web again. Still, it was weird to not be able to just pop online whenever I wanted; I kept thinking of things I wanted to look up and couldn’t… lol! The upside was that the “halfway finished” dress I started this weekend is now nearly complete… yay!
[ a tried and true outfit, but one of my favorites. also sporting my new Remix Vintage wedges! ]
How was your weekend? We spent Saturday out on the east coast of Florida, and then Sunday evening we went swing dancing for the first time! We both fell quite in love with it, although I decidedly dance with two left feet and still haven’t gotten the basics down for either jitterbug or lindy. lol. I have a lot of work ahead of me… I also got to meet a lovely gal who reads my blog! It’s always great to finally meet people in person who share the same interests I do and don’t regard you as some sort of crazy person. hehe!
Remember this post where I asked you to submit any questions you’d like me to answer? As long ago as it was (I’m such a bad blogger! lol), here’s the first half of the answers! Thank you so much for all your sweet questions (feel free to throw in any others you might have here)!
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Most of the vintage patterns I knit with on a regular basis are from booklet reprints available from Iva Rose. I also search the internet for any websites that might have free patterns available (because I always love free!); a few of my favorites: FreeVintageKnitting.com and Vintage Purls. Try searching “free vintage knitting patterns” on Google; it’s amazing how many resources are out there!
Yarn substitution can be the tricky part, and something I haven’t fully mastered yet. I always start out by Googling the yarn name and brand; sometimes there is a forum post or webpage that has some basic information on the yarn that can help. A good website is Wise Needle, which sometimes has yarns recorded that are matches for those I’m seeking information on. If that fails, then determining the weight of the yarn by the gauge listed on the pattern is the next step. I’m slowly learning to familiarize myself with what weight yarn is knitted on certain needles, and results in a certain gauge (I spent a lot of time browsing around Knit Picks and figuring matches of their yarn to whatever pattern I’m working on, based on needle size and gauge). It’s still hit or miss for me–especially in the area of ordering enough yarn for a project! My best suggestion, especially if you’re new to vintage knitting, is to visit your local yarn shop–the people that work there are usually very experienced knitters and can offer some great pointers if you’re stuck!
As for fiber content, I tend to stick with mostly natural fibers, and some blends. Websites like KnitPicks help make my knitting addiction and love of natural fibers affordable!
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At the moment, I don’t have a “regular” job in the traditional sense of the word. It’s a decision my husband and I made prior to getting married, plus we have some transportation issues that prevent me from commuting to a job. So for now, I do odd jobs as they come my way! But in the past I’ve done things from graphic and website design, selling vintage clothing, to making handcraft items for sale on Etsy. I’m planning on reopening my Etsy shop early in 2010 and striking out in that area again! I also like to think of my blogging as my part time job (I probably spend about the equivalent of working a part time job doing this each week. The difference is that I love this a lot more than any job I’ve held! lol!), and that has opened up several doors as well for me.
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It depends on the hairstyle! hehe! Some days, if I have some “playtime”, I will spend 30+ minutes on my hair for a more complicated ‘do. But on most days, my hair is either simply clipped back in the front (the back section left down), or I do one of my “lazy 40s” looks (such as this one, which take me no time. The ones that tend to take the longest are those that require Victory rolls. If I pincurl my hair the night before, that takes me another 45 minutes or so (I have really long hair, so it results in lots of pincurls). I have a few videos on my YouTube channel, which I have sadly let languish for several months! I have plans to start recording style tips and tutorials soon though!
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I maintain and shape my brows the old fashioned way: with a pair of angle tip tweezers! (The idea of waxing/threading is kind of like pedicures for me… I know I’ll get addicted to having someone do my brows and can’t afford to! lol.) I aim for a fairly natural, “fat” curve that is able to go 40s (a gentle and long, but slightly angled shape) or 50s (a highly arched shape and somewhat thicker). My natural brows aren’t very long, so I use a little kit from E.L.F. to fill in and extend the length at the outer edge a bit. I also use a different brush for the powder application: an angled liner brush for a precise, thin extension line.
As for shaping the brows, I use inspiration from \movie stars of the period. Most often though, my daily look is closest to Lauren Bacall’s brows (circa mid 40s).
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Aw, thank you! Truth be told, I don’t always fit things in! Sometimes I have to drop things, put projects off, or step away from this blog for a period because I have too much on my plate. (A failing of mine is that I tend to underestimate the time it’ll take me to do something, and say yes to everything.) But I think a large part of it has to do with the Brown family genes. I’m not kidding! My dad almost never relaxes in the traditional sense of the word; even on the weekends and holidays he’s working on household projects, writing or studying books. I get the “need” to be constantly active from him (and my granddad… there is a trend here!). Even in the evenings when I’m watching television with my husband, I usually have some sort of handwork to keep me occupied. Plus, we don’t have children yet, so I have a lot of “me time” available for projects.
Where do you find your vintage knitting patterns? Is it mostly via the internet? What kinds of yarn/substitutions do you suggest/use – I know acrylic wasn’t available until fairly recently.
I was just wondering, can you make a living of what you do? Sewing, blogging, graphic designing – or do you have a “regular” job as well? I do lots of different things myself and would love to hear what others do to make a living of it …
How long does it take you normally to do up your hair? Any chance of you sharing your styling tips in a video?
My question is about your eyebrows–do you get them professionally waxed or do you do it yourself? Tips on recreating vintage eyebrows?
How do you manage to fit everything in your schedule and still be able to look like a breath of fresh air.
I still have a few more questions to answer, so hopefully that post won’t be too far in the future! Hope you’re having a lovely day, friends!
Posted on January 26th, 2010 to misc, vintage inspiration.
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forties fringe »19 lovely thoughts to “twenty questions… answers pt. 1”
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Melissa says:
Hi Casey,
I’ve been a reader for a while now and have been inspired by your updo videos on YouTube. I went to work with my hair up and some red lipstick on and got so many compliments. My question is, which I’m sure of, do you get compliments on your style when you go out? And how do you respond to people? I just smile and say thank you. It seems that many people are so starstruck to see some of these styles come back.
Thank you for your blog and all of your inspirations!
^_^ Melissa
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Ann says:
Isn’t it great to be a young stay-at-home wife sans children? I feel so spoiled sometimes. But I wish I had your family “busy” genes to get more done during the day. I think I like to read too much! LOL
Which actually brings up another question – Do you ever get negative comments about staying home? I’ve actually had women tell me how sorry they are for me!
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Leigh says:
January 26th, 2010 at 10:40 am
I just found your blog and love it!
I have thought of doing my own pincurls. My grandmother still does them every night before bed… her hair is much shorter than mine. I’m wondering how my hair will look with it done that way. I’ll let you know how it goes!
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Lizzy says:
January 26th, 2010 at 11:02 am
Your hair looks so cute like that, I love the two buns.
It was fun reading the answers to questions people have asked. I’m really excited to hear that you’re going to open your Etsy shop again sometime in the near future, I can’t wait to see the kinds of items you’ll have.
And it was nice to find out where you get some of your vintage knitting patterns too, thanks for sharing!
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J says:
January 26th, 2010 at 11:12 am
Hi Casey,
I’ve followed your blog for a while now and I’m a big fan. I admire how you dress vintage everyday and make your own clothes. That is now one of my goals this year; learn to make my own clothes. Thanks to you!I’m also in the same boat you are. My Marine husband and I decided that I wouldn’t work for a while. Mainly because he doesn’t want me to and also because we only have one car. I wish I could be more helpful, but it’s ok. I think he likes knowing I’ll be waiting for him to come home at any time of day. I just tell all my friends he’s my sugar daddy. I think they’re jealous.
Anyway, keep up the great work. You’re an inspiration to me, being a vintage lover and a military wife.
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Mena says:
January 26th, 2010 at 11:29 am
I just bought those same Re-Mix vintage shoes on Amazon! But how I wish the red ones were still available for the sale price.
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Amy says:
January 26th, 2010 at 11:31 am
Hi Casey,
Looks like you and the hubby had a terrific weekend. So glad you got to go swing dancing. You look adorable as always and I love your hair. I haven’t had much time to be online lately.
I look forward to being able to sit down and read this post. I’m a stay at home mom for the time being. We only have one car and we homeschool, but I LOVE being home. I will eventually have to go back to work so I’m cherishing the time I have. You are such a lovely person. It’s so nice to find people that share the same interests. Oh and how did you learn to sew and do all the wonderful things you can do? You seem like the type of gal that would be self taught. You can do so many things, I’m in awe! I’ve been wondering about your eyebrows. I was so happy to see your tips. Your eyes are so very pretty, shape and color, and your eyebrows are perfection. I can’t wait to see your dress. Have a pretty day! -
Victoria says:
January 26th, 2010 at 12:00 pm
wow. You get lots of questions pretty regularly it seems. THat’s cool that you are able to not work and have a comfortable financial situation. My husband works and I stay at home with our two sons, but it is very rough some months!! We were spoiled when I still worked before we had kids with not having to worry about that at all. Love the hair and your answers. You are such an interesting person.
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catherine_sr says:
January 26th, 2010 at 12:29 pm
I just wanted to add my two cents and say that I think your blog definitely counts as a job! It’s very professional, every thing you post is useful or beautiful to look at… you clearly put a lot of work and planning into it! Plus, it’ll serve as a launching pad for marketing any of your other business ventures, from selling vintage clothes to Web design. I personally think it’s awesome that you are good at things as seemingly disparate as interpreting vintage knitting patterns and CSS! You have a skill set that I totally envy!
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Sally says:
January 26th, 2010 at 12:32 pm
How fun to get a little peek into your personal life! And can I just say how much I love the vintage brow roundup?
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Darla says:
January 26th, 2010 at 12:32 pm
Your answer to the question I asked was delightful and so very helpful. I drive my bf crazy all the time doing similar things, I myself have to have some sort of project in my hands at all times. He is forever telling me to relax, set down my art pad or put away the needle in thread.
Its refreshing to hear that someone as inspiring and bad ass as you also has to step away from things from time to time.
Love your tutorials and seeing projects you have made. Your photography is wonderful as well, these photos from this weekend are adorable.
♥Darla
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Mel says:
I love your hair! I wish my life were like an I Love Lucy episode…except if I were Lucy. Or maybe Ethel because she likes to eat.
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Quincy says:
On the set of I Love Lucy! hehe, that’s me most days!
Love you answers and that outfit! I looks so warm there
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la femme says:
fantastic skirt!
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kate says:
this is a great site, love your style
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Kristina says:
Oh! Speaking of I Love Lucy. Hallmark Channel is having an I Love Lucy marathon on February 6th (11:00 AM) to the 7th (12:30 AM).
I love that show and was so excited when they advertised for it!
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Kate in Belgrade says:
Lovely post! I just keep liking your blog more and more…there’s something so fresh about it that always makes me smile.
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Elina says:
Hi there! I have another question for you regarding knitting. I love knitting and have some old vintage pattern I’m working on. However there’s a lot of vintage pattern in english on the web, and since I have’nt found any good translater/dictonary for knittingrelated words -I have trouble trying them out. Do you know any good english website, with descriptions on how to knit different.. oh, I don’t even know the word, how to do the “K: 3 K, 2 B, I w, 2 B” etc. If I could see pictures of whats made how, I’ll know how to translate a pattern
Hope you’ll have a lovely day! Greetings from frozen knitter in a snowstorm in north Sweden -
jen says:
i had fun reading your questions and answers! i wish i could think of a good one. oh, and i adore the shoes too.
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!