[ please click for the sources of these beautiful images! ]
Hello, friends! We are in the midst of a lovely long weekend here in the US, and we’ve been having a blast so far. It’s been great to have my sister visit for multiple weeks, as it’s given us a lot more time to spread things out and be a bit more relaxed about getting to the sightseeing things. We even got to squeeze in some decidedly un-sightseeing thrifting last week! We were on the hunt for records (both my sister and I collect music records), which sadly didn’t yield much, but I found a boatload of sewing stuff to replenish my supplies stash. I’ve also been getting a startling amount of knitting done, as we tend to spend a lot of time lounging around with afternoon tea, chatting. So much so, that I finished the sweater I posted about a bit ago, and it just needs to be blocked and sewn together. Hurrah!
- Think Dior’s 1947 New Look was less structured than the wartime 40s look? Think again!
- A charming 1920s booklet titled Easy Ways to Pretty Frocks.
- The history of one of my favorite looks: the sailor suit.
- Feeling burnt out as a blogger? Not sure what to write about? You may not be alone.
- Sarah recently finished whipping up a knock-out vintage inspired swimsuit, and gave some great tips on making one!
Well, back to squeeze in some knitting this morning… I’ve already cast on another sweater! (This is what happens when our guest room/sewing room is occupied and access to my sewing machine is limited–I knit!) I hope you are having a lovely weekend, friends!
May 30, 2010 ·
8 lovely thoughts
posted in casey's musings,links
· tags: weekly inspiration
[ I'll take one of each. thank you. ]
For some reason late last year I decided I was no longer interested in the 1950s fashion-wise. Which is odd, considering that the 50s was one of the decades I had admired for quite some time. Perhaps it was my natural perverseness–the 40s appeals to my sense of practicality, thrift and love of sportswear; while the 50s went largely in the opposite direction (except with sportswear; some lovely styles emerged from this era). I decided that the styles required too much fabric (a pain to store) and were just a bit too fussy for me with the severe hourglass and extreme skirts (which is hilarious, since I ardently adore the Edwardian era!). Ah, silly me–I should have known that in spite of my lapse of interest in the 50s, they would be creeping back in to my thoughts before long. Simple, full skirts, nipped waists, and strapless dresses with skirts that make you wiggle as you walk. So I guess this means that the 50s are back in my good graces; I’ve got a handful of styles that I’d like to try and tackle on my summer sewing list (more on that soon). Plus, I just made a green linen playsuit recently that has distinctly early 50s overtones…
[ the usual drill... click on the images for larger views of the yummy details! ]
May 27, 2010 ·
25 lovely thoughts
posted in casey's musings,vintage inspiration
· tags: 1950s, vintage inspiration
Remember this post way back in early March with the peek at the sailor playsuit I was making? I finally have photos of the entire outfit (thanks to my sister, who has nicely agreed to help me get photos of the rather large backlog of sewing projects I have yet to show here!). Isn’t it just the cutest?! lol. I used the 40s reprint pattern from Wearing History, some navy blue linen, and a whole lot of sneaking in the closet to reference details on Sailor Husband’s “cracker jack” uniform. I love the shorts and blouse look–yesterday (when we took the photos) was the first time I had worn them together. Although looking at these I realized I forgot the most important piece–the hat! Oh well… lol.
There were a few alterations to this pattern; all small fitting issues that I make to most 40s patterns. Most noticeably, I shortened the crotch seam on the shorts; I often find in 30s and 40s slacks the length is far too long (especially for modernized streetwear). Another area I tend to tweak is the sleeves. Most 1940s sleeves I find too long and/or too loose in the upper arm (I have “spaghetti noodle arms” as I call them. A real pain to fit!). On this particular project I just shortened the sleeves an addition 1 1/2″ to a more flattering point on my upper arms, but I left the original width in tact. The final skirt length will also be a tiny bit shorter; since I have proportionately short legs I find that a knee length (rather than just-below-knee length as indicated in many 40s patterns) is more suitable. The only thing I don’t like about this pattern is the closure on the shorts. With the buttons on either side of the waist, it just doesn’t give me the “nipped in” look I’m used to. A small, piddly detail, but one that will nag at me a bit until I just get over it. lol.
For the curious: yes, I am wearing shoulder pads with the blouse! I lately have been adding some moderate (I don’t go for the Linebacker Shoulders Look) pads to various dresses and tops I make from 40s patterns, and let me say, they do improve the overall silhouette! I know I promised a tutorial on how to make your own earlier this year, and I haven’t forgotten. I shall have to do that soon as a dress I made needs some padding.
As always, there are plenty more photos here.
Not to start sounding like a broken record saying “thank you” over and over, but I wanted to say thanks for the sympathy over the family death I mentioned in the last post. If I could hug you all, I would. I have started to feel like this year has just been so weird and off-kilter, and that particular event just made it more so. Things keep going wrong, both with people and circumstances, and sometimes I feel like there is a little black cloud that has settled for the duration over the family. June is just around the corner, so maybe the latter half of 2010 will be a bit less dramatic and sad? Enough of my melancholy ramblings (I’m turning into a regular Eyore!). I hope you all are having a delightful Tuesday!
May 25, 2010 ·
41 lovely thoughts
posted in casey's musings,sewing
· tags: 1940s, 2010 sewing, sewing, wearing history patterns
Hello! Thank you all so, so much for your thoughts and prayers, comments and emails over the past couple weeks. I can hardly believe it’s been over two weeks since I last chatted with you all. Sadly, the cause for my short post was due to a death in my husband’s family; we had to travel on short notice to southern California for a week to be with family and attend the funeral. It was a bittersweet return to California for us both, and a sad time. Now we’re safely back home, my sister just arrived for her summer visit (three weeks!), and I’m catching up on sleep and with the blogworld (though at an utter snail’s pace!).
Posting shall resume very shortly, now that I’ve mostly recovered from the jet lag and can put two thoughts together. lol. Thank you all so much again; we have been so touched by all your comments.
May 24, 2010 ·
13 lovely thoughts
posted in casey's musings,life
· tags: life
Just a quick note to let you all know there will be no posts due to a family emergency. I won’t be able to answer emails either. Be back to normal posting soon! Have a lovely week, friends!
May 11, 2010 ·
33 lovely thoughts
posted in casey's musings,life
· tags: life
