Twotutorials in one week?! What is the world coming to?! lol. I did warn you recently that I have been feeling really inspired and creative lately, which is part of this. But the real truth is far less exciting and more along the lines that when I’ve had the time, I’ve been recording video tutorials in batches. Which makes things easier for me, and hopefully means content along these lines more often for you. A win-win sitatuion, right?
This hairstyle is one I’ve been sporting a lot lately (although I’ve suddenly done a complete 180° this week and gone running back to my beloved 1940s), and I think is especially fun in the springtime. Inspired by the looks of the early 1960s, but not too perfect–just a little messay (a la Bardot)–it’s really an easy look to master. Plus I think it’d work slightly shorter/medium length hair, so it’s not quite as long-hair specific as some of my others.
Speaking of hair… After putting off getting mine chopped for months, I think I’ve finally hit that point where if I don’t get it dealt with soon, I really am going to try to do it myself. Which would end badly, I just know it. (I have a vague memory of trying to cut my own bangs/fringe as a child, and that was bad. What do they say about learning from history, or being doomed to repeat it?) I think this time I’m going to go for a longish middy-style cut and retain a bit of the length, since I really do like it long over short. But considering my shortest layers used to be chin-length and are now grazing the bottom of my collar bone, it’s quite overdue. lol.
Enough hair-rambling! I hope you enjoy this tutorial, and let me know if you give it a try!
Sewing projects have seemed rather sparse in these parts of late. I’ve been working on a few things in the background, but aside from the blouse, I am at a loss to think of what else I’ve made! Partly to blame is my daydreaming about summer clothes that I need: shorts (I think I need to make a couple more based off this pattern), possibly a little 50-style playsuitthat I can throw a skirt over for street-wear, and tshirts. The latter is something I’ve been putting off for ages, but now that my favorite white tee has finally bit the dust, it’s time for me to get serious and use the jersey I have been saving for just such a project. Expect to either see a post with a tshirt I triumphantly finished, or me avoiding the topic because I made a terrible mess of the whole thing. lol.
This long-winded paragraph did have a point: I managed a little sewing over the past week: a pretty little 60s-inspired dress from one of the new Lisette for Simplicity patterns: the Passport dress. The unusual dart configuration (at least for a dress pattern from Simplicity!) really drew me to the pattern initially; it reminded me of some of the illustrations in a 1960s dress pattern drafting book I have. For the fabric I used one of the sheets I thrifted earlier this year (though to be honest I still have a good 1/3 of the sheet left…), underlined the bodice and lined the skirt completely. Those eagle eyes will spot that I used a natural-colored cotton for the lining; the was a little bit of “color alteration” on my part. The sheet itself was a bright white, which never flatters my skin, so the creamy tone of the underlining softened the white in a subtle way. (I wore this Saturday and had my hair in a fabulous 60s beehive ponytail ‘do, but alas the weather turned bad and I didnt’ get any snapshots until Sunday–at which point I did not feel like redoing my hair for the day. hehe!)
I used a couple of techniques I hadn’t used on an actual garment before: piped bias facing around the neckline, and a scallop-hemmed skirt lining. The latter was inspired by the hem of a Anthropologie garment in my closet; I loved the idea of using contrasting thread and the scallop stitch on my machine to create a finished lining edge. I just stitched the scallops at the level I wanted (about 5/8″ shorter than the shell hem) and trimmed the edges. I still need to apply a teeny bit of Fray Check though. The piped facing was something I’d been itching to try (as seen in a couple of my vintage sewing manuals), and was quite fun to do since it gave a decorative edge finish and faced the neckline all in one go! Since I thought this was such a neat technique, I documented how I did it and have shared it below (just in case you’d like to know!). Another minor adjustment I made was to move the zipper from the side seam to the center back; it was just a personal preference on this particular dress and echoed some of my favorite vintage 60s day dresses.
Thoughts about the pattern? I was highly impressed with how well this went together, the drafting (I cut out the bodice based on the finished bust measure, and miracle of miracles! it didn’t have the enormous amount of ease that the Big Four tend to draft into their patterns. Yay!), and the instructions were impressive as well. I usually have to do some major adjustments (lengthen the bodice, shorten the skirt, adjust for a small bust, etc.), but because finished measurements were included on the pattern pieces, I was able to cut between a couple of sizes and only had some minor fitting to do. Sarah mentioned in her post on making the Passport dress (absolutely adorable version in yellow–you must go take a peek!), that this would be a great beginner project, and I couldn’t agree more. Though it may look complicated because of the darts, it’s really easy and thoroughly explained. Quite a difference from the usual ho-hum drafting and instructions I’ve come to expect from the big commercial companies. Bravo, Simplicity! I think the only thing this dress needs now is a little white bow belt… (But then again, I think everything needs a belt… so I’m a little biased.)
I’ve talked about my aspirations to garden off and on in the past. My biggest obsticals are space and more importantly my inability to keep anything alive! Somehow all my good intentions to garden are usually not enough to avert disaster when it comes to planting seeds and keeping them going.
The past several weeks though, I have been faithfully tending to a little trio of herbs that I planted. My sister inspired me to give growing plants another go, and if all goes well (the worst enemy at this point in the year is the sunshine that tends to bake plants!), hopefully in a couple months I’ll be harvesting some fresh herbs to use in my cooking. I planted chives, basil and cilantro. The latter two I’m most excited about, as I use both a lot every week. Certainly this is a very humble start for me, but I’m being optomistic about keeping these going! Now I’m contemplating perhaps buying a few small potted flowers to keep around as well… Hope springs eternal!
My question to you is this: do you garden (large or small)? What are your favorite things to grow? Have any tips for a gardening novice? My dad (who is rather good at the whole gardening thing–I obviousy missed out on that gene!) and I talk weekly about his “natural” gardening adventures, as he’s been exploring ways to cultivate the soil without using chemicals. Which has piqued my interest as well (though on such a small scale, I doubt I can really partake of more “green” versions of gardening). I’d love to hear your thoughts and tips on gardening!
As I mentioned last week, at the moment with the computer situation (being taken care of at this point!), things are a little spotty on the blogging front. Which is kind of killing me, because I’m feeling super chatty and inspired lately and have loads I wish I could share! Hopefully later this month, right? In the meantime a few little things for you…
Firstly I was honored to be featured once again on Kathleen’s blog Grosgrain as part of her Free Pattern Month. I shared an oldie, but goodie: a 1920s inspired chemise blouse. I posted this originally in 2009, but it’s one of those things I thought worth revisiting–especially with summer just around the corner!
You may have seen my little note on Facebook Tuesday about having a new hairstyle for you! The fact is I managed to record two videos recently, both hairstyle tutorials, and will be sharing the other next week. This one is for a side bun updo I’ve been sporting a lot lately that is inspired by the romantic looks of the Edwardian period (again!). It’s insanely easy and quick–even with my rambling in this video it clocked in at under seven minutes! So perfect for a quick weekend ‘do or something when you’re trying to get out of the door with minimal fuss.
Hope you’re having a lovely Thursday, dear friends!
They say “April showers bring May flowers”, but I think this month it should be “May sales” instead! hehe! Please give a warm welcome back to these lovely sponsors, be sure to drop by and see what goodies they have in stock and take advantage of the many sales and specials they’re running right now! May is a great time to stock up on a new summer sundress or that perfect accessories that you’ll wear all summer…
The pieces Zohar selects for her shop, Rakshniya Vintage always catch my eye. She knows great vintage pieces when she finds them, and right now there are quite a few pieces that would be perfect for spring! Especially the tapestry purses she’s stocking right now–be sure to go take a peek and see what’s new!
I have been in a completely creative mood lately, so going through the She’ll Make You Flip! shop this month it was tempting! Deb always had a great selection of vintage (and vintage-style) sewing patterns at great prices too. Whether you’re someplace warm and sunny or autumn is in full swing, she’s got loads of pretty patterns to choose from! She is also offering free shipping for May by using the code CASEYSHIP at checkout.
Looking through Jojo’s Retro and Vintage always reminds me of a candy store–Josette has such a great eye for colorful vintage pieces! From stunning 60s daydresses to seperates and little accessories that will make your outfit pop, Josette stocks some really beautiful garments from yesteryear. She is also offering free US shipping with the code USFREESHIP or 10% off with CASEY10.
Sarah Louise has filled her shop, Slubird Vintage, with a color curated selection of vintage goods, which always makes shopping for specific pieces much easier. Plus she has some really gorgeous accessory finds available right now; I spotted shoes and handbags that would be perfect for many spring looks! She is also offering a great sale through May 15: save 20% off your purchase when using the code 200THSALE.
Cassie’s unique ceramic belt buckles never cease to delight! She has come out with a couple new designs just in time for pairing with sundresses (or cardigans–depending on where you live!), including these adorable cherry and floral reversible belts. These would make fun gifts as well–don’t you think? She is currently offering 15% off through May 26 to celebrate the end of the school semester. So hurry over and snap something up during the sale!
Katie’s shop, Mitu Vintage has a wide array of pretty frocks that will be certain to please! She also stocks many other vintage bits and pieces as well; I spotted more than one vintage handbag that I was coveting. She is also continuing her offer from last month: 15% off for Elegant Musings readers by using the code casey15.
A big thank you to all these returning sponsors for their continued support!
