I paid full price

...and gladly!

See I was on the Simplicity site checking out the summer patterns that they had on sale for $3.99 and I noticed that their new early autumn patterns were up.  Now I don't buy alot of Simplicity patterns for two reasons:

1.  Simplicity only discounts their patterns 40% on their website and run very few online sales.

2.  I don't frequent the craft store that masquarades as a fabric store, so I miss all of those great 99cent sales that many others participate in.

But this time Simplicity must have reached into their vintage vault and pulled out a pattern so extraordinaire that I had to buy it.  This pattern goodness arrived in the mail:

Simplicity 2154 - Misses' & Miss petite 1960’s retro style blouse, skirt, jacket and knit cardigan sewing pattern. Simplicity Vintage Pattern Collection...sizes 6-24! 

Now do you see why I had to pay full price (well 40% off the full price) for this pattern!  It is a compilation of some of my favorite 60s vintage suits.  You know the patterns that I have diligently collected over the years but have yet to sew!  The ones that when I look at them make me want to cry because of all the delicious details that are contained in an outfit but yet work so well.

This pattern has two jackets.  One for knits and one for wovens.  Then the most amazing sleeveless bow tie blouse and a pencil skirt.  Right now there are fabrics abiding in my collection waiting to become these pieces!  That's right...I'll be rambling around in it this weekend, trying out fabrics to use with this pattern.  I am sooooooo excited!

Now if you haven't already checked out Simplicity's early autumn collection, you can see it here.  And if you are waiting for one of the local "fabric" stores to have one of those awesome sales, I really hope you can find one in your size...because not only are the pieces great but the pattern instructions are pretty great too!

I will let you know what candidates I find in the fabric closet...

...and as always, more later!

A pattern tale

I know you want pictures of the dress but the hem is still curing...so I would like to share with you a little pattern nightmare instead...

"Once upon a time a sewist (that's me) who loves vintage patterns spent all of her time on vintage pattern sites looking at and gazing adoringly at all of the beautiful vintage patterns...60's eras only!  Now occasionally she would part with her precious dollars (earned slaving away for the awful IB trolls) on a particularly wonderful pattern...a pattern that touched her heart!  A pattern that brought wonderous dreams of awesome new 60s era garments...and she would wait patiently for her local postal person to bring these dreams of awesomeness to her.

Most times before she wished hard, picked fabric out and dreamed a dream or two the pattern had arrived in her mailbox.  (Thank you Lanetz Living, Out of the Ashes & The Blue Gardenia for such wonderful service!)  Most times she was so overcome with joy when she opened that mailbox and found the most wonderous pattern...

But then...one sunny Saturday afternoon...she went to a new pattern place...So Vintage Patterns...hoping to duplicate the same wonderous experience.  She carefully picked a pattern...one of the most expensive she'd ever bought.  She was overcome with glee at the thought that such beautifulnest was coming to her house.  Coming to live with all of the other wonderful vintage patterns (60s era only) that she had bought before!  Oh the joy of it!  Oh the thrill of it!

And patiently she waited...one week...two weeks...then she finally sent the Dragonmaster of the So Vintage experience a kind, sweetly worded email...imploring where her beloved pattern might be.  And the big ole Dragonmaster huffed and puffed and lied to the poor little sewist!  She puffed out in bursts of fire that the pattern would be there in a week...that the website said that they shipped patterns in 3-10  BUSINESS days.  Now the poor little sewist knew this was a lie because she had read in the FAQS section where they ship patterns in 3 BUSINESS days...but what was the poor little sewist to do against the big bad Dragonmaster. 

So the poor little sewist she waited one more week, finally climbing up on the big desk at work taking a chance that the evil trolls might hear that she wasn't making a work-related call, and she called 3 different time zones to ask, would they please, please, please send her beloved pattern.  A pattern that all of her other little sewist friends told her that she should just cancel the order...but noooooo, the pattern was sooooo special and soooooo different from any other then she had seen and she wanted it with all her heart.  But the big, bad Dragonmaster, just keep repeating that they had been on the internet since 1999 and that they sent out thousands of patterns each week, and oh by the way we misfiled yours and her minion dragons had to search high and low before they finally found mine and sent it out.  

The poor little sewist asked in a timid voice if she could possibly at least get her shipping returned since it had taken so long to ship out?  The Dragonmaster bellowed at her nooooooo....and then well maybe it would think about doing something.  But by then the poor little sewist ears had been singed (straight through the phone!) and the IB trolls were gathering so she had to end the long distance call that was definitely not work related!

Gathering herself together and promising not to cry...she waited and the pattern finally showed up on Saturday...last Saturday...three weeks after the poor little sewist first plunked down her hard earned money on a little hope and a dream.

So the moral of this story, Don't shop at So Vintage Patterns.  Don't do business with liars.  Find other more deserving vintage pattern places (The Blue Gardenia, Lanetz Living or Out of the Ashes!) to give your hard earned money too!  And by the way, Dragonmaster, hear the poor little sewist ROAR!!!!" 

"Boycott So Vintage Patterns!!!!!!"

Don't shop there!

end of story....

I'm a Material...Material Girl!

...to use a line from a Madonna song...*LOL*

Last week found me making a few purchases...I mean besides my new baby!

I got this amazing piece of fabric from Melody at Fashionista Fabrics:

I can't wait to have some time to sew it up!  I know exactly what I want it to be!

Then I read a post on Gertie's blog about plus size sewists and vintage patterns.  One of the resources she mentioned was GremlynGirl.  She had some cute patterns so I surfed over to look and these found their way to my apartment:

I really wanted this one! 
I've got a thing for raglan sleeves and pinstripes this winter...

I thought that the additional inserts was kewl...especially if I used a pinstripe and manipulated it.  Corporate yet different...

This one made the cut because if you buy 3,

you get free shipping.

And I really liked the neckline on the dress.

I think I'm going to have to make that one of my goals for 2010...to sew more of the vintage patterns that I've accumulated!

I also ordered one of the Boudour of Bliss Hotpatterns - specifically the Trousseau Nightgown and Robe (I'm going on vacation - a real one, not a sewing one - in February and I need a new nightgown and robe) alongwith the Riveria Boulevard Cardigan Jacket which I was inspired to try after seeing Debbie's.  I can't wait for them to arrive!

I've been really good these last few months with fabric accumulation...I haven't bought much yardage and it's probably because my fabric closet is overflowing...I'm running out of space.  But on Saturday I did purchase a few more yards of the Vera Wang Lavendar Collection from Fabric.com - it's 60% off people - as well as a few basic wool/lycra blends from the Ralph Lauren Collection - it's also 60% off ~ as in $3.99 per yard.  So go over and buy something...don't forget if you have $35 in your shopping cart it ships for free.

As you know I did no sewing last weekend...the Knicks game was fantastic, btw!  I will finish up my Burda skirts this weekend as well as start on some Christmas presents I hope.

...and as a Parting Shot (thanks Summerset for letting me borrow it!)...here is the beginning of the snowfall last Saturday evening:

I'm just not ready for this I tell you...just not ready!

...as always more later!

The Workings of a Fanatical Mind

So I'm on my iTouch perusing the Resort 2010 collection of Chado Ralph Rucci on Style.com...I really like this dress by the way:

...and I come across these words...

"The MO at Chado is the careful refining and evolution of Ralph Rucci's now signature techniques like suspension and slot seams. His customers like it that way (and so, apparently, do aficionados of Vogue Patterns. Rucci's are the number one seller in all categories—who knew?). Loyal clients and sew-it-yourself types won't be disappointed with Rucci's Resort collection, but he might win some new fans with his uncharacteristically sunny palette."

Isn't that like the kewlest! It's been going round in round in my head since I read it!

Then I made this to keep from buying a piece of fabric:

I have one more dress to add to the pic...but I'm feeling good about this entire Gelato collection now that's it almost done...and Nan to answer your question...orange is up next! I already have two orange pieces in my summer wardrobe but orange is a good transition color for summer into fall. I don't plan on making as many pieces for the "Orangina Collection" as I've made for the Gelato Collection. I'm also still playing with some of the fabric and pattern choices in my mind...so I don't have anything on paper yet...I don't want to torture myself because I need to finish the last pieces of Gelato.

Finally, after a rough day yesterday...I came home to find these in the mailbox:

These are from my wonderful sewing friend Sharon...who must know where to find any vintage pattern on earth! This is what really sent me whirling...

I've always wanted a Vogue American Designer pattern and even though I search religiously I've never found an affordable plus size one. The awesomely amazing Sharon found me this Oscar de la Renta pattern in a size 20.5!!! Somehow I will have to incorporate this into my fall sewing! Thanks Sharon!

Lastly, I've spent today struggling with my fabric demons...they want me to place an order for more of the silk/cotton blends from Fabric Mart...that's down to two pages worth, btw...but I held strong and resisted...for now *sigh*

More later!

It came in the mail

I have already confessed to the fact that I have a real addiction to Sybil Connolly patterns...and the last time I mentioned this...they flew off of Ebay causing me to lose a few auctions. So this time I'm mentioning it only after I have the patterns firmly in my hot little hands! *LOL*

These showed up today...

I have coveted Vogue 2399, ever since I saw it on Christina's blog...and now it's mine! The construction details on the instruction sheet are amazing...I thought it was a simple dress with some scallops on the sides and at the hems...WRONG! The sleeve is gusseted and the skirt and bodice are separate pieces...and the entire dress is underlined as well as lined!!!! If I ever get a block of time, I would like to use my TNT dress as the basis to rework this pattern to fit me...because I bought it in a size 12...but it was worth it...it really was!

I also succumbed to the new Vogue patterns...which got here ridiculously fast! Phyllis I bought the DKNY pattern and now that it's here...I believe your assessment of the pattern is correct. Thank goodness I got it on sale because this one will probably never, ever come out of the pattern envelope.

The other three were dress patterns and even though I did stop and think really hard about Vogue 1116, I didn't buy it. However, I'm still loving the details of the coat even though this pattern is getting a hard rap all over the internet!

The mail also had the new Spiegel catalog in it. The thing I love the most about this catalog is that they have entire wardrobes of a specific fabric type. As a sewist, it gives you a great idea of how to plan a wardrobe. And the section they do on "Reality Dressing" or "Dressing for any Age" is very kewl. Here's a link to their site, great inspirational dressing! Check it out! I love mail...I really, really do!

Mail Order Vintage Patterns

I learned to sew when I was 11 and I've been obsessed ever since! I did everything I could to learn more about sewing especially since my mom did not sew. I took free classes, joined a sewing club after school, and took every sewing class that I could in junior and high school...and of course, I read the local newspaper.

Because back when I was growing up, there was a "Family" section in the local newspaper. This section is now called, "Home and Garden," and it contained the recipes, home decorating tips, fashion articles, comics and of course the sewing columns.

It was the sewing column along with the mail order patterns that were featured next to that column that fascinated me. The Sunday edition of the paper was the best because it had the longest column and usually the prettiest pattern, sometimes even two were shown!

My local paper was, "The Star Ledger" and when I was younger, Louise Farmer wrote the sewing column. In later years, the sewing column was written by Sandra Betzina...but back to those mail order patterns that fascinated me so both then and now. You could get a pattern for 50 cents and a self-addressed envelope. Of course, I only purchased one every now and again because I had to use my allowance and because they featured girls' patterns only occasionally. But it was amazing to see the different styles featured weekly and imagine how wonderful it would be to make something from one of them.

That fascination has carried over for me as an adult...especially since I now know that I can still purchase some of those mail order patterns. I have tried to be discerning and only buy the ones that I believe I will actually use...however, my heart still beats a little faster whenever I run across one on the vintage pattern sites or on Ebay.

That's how this last bunch came to reside with me...Ebay! I don't really have much time to troll Ebay because it can be quite a time suck and I need to guard my precious sewing time! But I was enticed by an email containing a list of patterns with zero bids. Yes, I bit, but boy am I glad that I did!

These arrived in the mail last week:

Besides the fact that they were plus size patterns they also featured interesting design features. But I have to tell you, mail order pattern instructions are really just a step up from BWOF instructions...except they at least contain a few pictures of the construction process. Take this one for example:

Yeap, that's it. That little square of the bottom half of the instruction sheet are the instructions for the dress pattern. I even flipped the sheet over hoping for more...but no, that's it! *LOL* It is however, full of information and more complicated techniques than a pattern of today...but 1/2 of a pattern instruction sheet!

Of the three that arrived, I really would like to make the dress. No stretch of the imagination there right? And the jacket...I don't know about the third pattern but I'm not kicking it out of the pattern collection! *LOL*

So even though I'm not sewing...my mind is still thinking about it! Hopefully soon...

Haul

Braving the 50+ mile an hour winds...clutching my bag and concentrating on every step I survived the elements to do a lunchtime kamakazi run to Daytona Trimmings, Steinlauf & Stoller and Paron Fabrics.

A few pics of the haul:

25 yards of black satin piping from Daytona Trimmings

Zippers and a seam ripper (for the cutting table drawers) from Steinlauf & Stoller. I really wanted to get a few more hangers but I just didn't want to carry to much stuff in the elements.



Lining in three colors from Paron Fabrics - ruby red, off white and black



...and yes, this is a piece of fabric but it is so awesome! It was located on top of the shelves holding the lining and it was calling, calling, calling my name...so loudly that I had a hard time concentrating on the lining fabrics until I pulled it down. There is 5 yards here but I only paid for 3...because there is a black mark on one side which I believe will come out in the wash. But who am I to tell the gentlemen cutting my fabric that he shouldn't give me additional yardage at a discounted price! *smile* Anyway...I am at my material limit for this month...thank God its a short month!!! But I had to have this yellowish cotton tubular knit. All I really want is a cardigan from it but will keep the extra on hand...cause who knows what needs will turn up!

There was another treat in the mailbox tonight...two patterns that I ordered from Your Pattern Shop. Now you don't think I recommended them and didn't purchase something from them, did you?! *LOL*

Here are the two patterns I purchased:

Butterick 4702 and...

Simplicity 6985

...and I know I said that I would share my sewing list for the weekend with you but...tomorrow...I promise!

More later!

The last bits and pieces of 2008

I do have one more post for 2008...but I will share that tomorrow. In the meantime though, a few bits and pieces...

1. New Magazines in the mail

I was thumbing through my Vogue Pattern Magazine and there is an article called "City Safari" by Kathryn Brenne - where she leads the hunt for fabric in NYC. (LindseyT pay close attention, now!) and somehow she managed to leave out two of my favorite spots - Daytona Trimmings and Metro Textiles!!! I was two steps from the computer and writing an email to the editor when I glanced upon "Editor Picks" and saw both listed...shew! I also now understand why Vogue Patterns online are on sale for $4.75 today and tomorrow!

2. UFOs

I don't do UFO's. I hate UFO's. I will finish and/or rework a garment to avoid UFO's. So why are these two pieces still hanging around in unfinished form!?! Geeze, didn't I just say I hate UFO's!!! And there are two more in the drawers underneath my cutting table. Those are in the cut-out stages, fabric still attached to pattern pieces...ummm, I've gotta do something about these and quickly!

3. New Ideas

Yup, that quick little top jumpstarted my sewing mojo...I've got plans...boy do I have plans! And most of the garments came from fabrics that are already in the collection! Today, everyone left work at 3pm...I felt a little bad leaving behind them because I arrived mid-morning due to a drs. appt....but by 3:45pm it just seemed dumb to be sitting there...ALONE. So I traipsed off to the garment district and bought trimmings at Daytona Trims (*LOL*) and lining at Ebad Fabrics. That's what's pictured in the photo above...I've got ideas and five, count them five uninterrupted days to sew!!!! Wooooo Hoooo!!!!

4. Vintage Patterns

The last two for 2008 arrived in last night's mail...so I will begin the process of planning my next Jackie O. Retro project...I've got chills just thinking about it! *smile*

...and that's my last bits and pieces for 2008! Tomorrow I will share my sewing goals for 2009 - there are only three of them but they are soooooo important to me!

'Til tomorrow!

Vintage patterns and an upcoming project

I fell in love with vintage patterns this year and have spent the year collecting them. I've used most of my morning photographing, compiling and organizing the last of the recent purchases! I did not realize that I had managed to obtain 75 patterns!!! If you want to see the patterns in all of their glory, check out the "Vintage Patterns" folder on Flickr.

Now I don't randomly collect. I am really intrigued by 60's modern and Jackie Kennedy era patterns. There are a few early 70's patterns I like but it is a very narrow range of designs that I'm looking for and all of these must be able to work in corporate work wardrobe. This cuts down the field even more...

Since I'm STILL not sewing, *LOL*, I want to share a few special vintage patterns I've recently acquired:

Simplicity 4405:

Pattern Description:
Dress has slightly lowered neckline, 6 gore skirt and left side zipper. Right bodice front laps over left giving double breasted effect. Waistline of bodice front and back is gathered. Belt is self or purchased. V1 has short sleeves. V2 features braid trim/button detail, sleeveless. Misses size 20.

Simplicity 4987:


Pattern Description:
Dress has round neckline with a fitted neckband, and button trimmed front tabs. Back neckline is lower than front. Belt is self fabric or purchased. V1 has slim skirt and a back kick pleat. V2 is slightly flared with 6 gores. Front edges of jacket do not overlap. Misses size 20.

These were given to me by a friend, a new friend, who knew exactly what I liked and shared these with me! I am sooooo appreciative!!!

These two I purchased from Out of the Ashes:

Advance 8920:


This pattern reminds me of this outfit from the Jacqueline Kennedy Exhibit:

photo courtesy of The Metropolitian Museum

The original suit pictured above is a Coco Chanel purchased by Jackie from the 1956 fall winter collection ~ model number 04637. This suit was made from a black ribbed wool by Garrigue, with a blouse in ivory dot-embroidered silk satin. This information is from, "Jacqueline Kennedy: The White House Years" book published in 2001.

This pattern will be the basis of my next Jackie Kennedy suit/project! I have about two more outfits that I want to "interpret" from the book...but now that I've found a pattern and of course, since I already own the fabric...this one is in the planning stages!

and Simplicity 2425:


Marji says that I really like the 60's Magazine Editor look and I guess this pattern would epitomize that look!

My last new pattern comes from Lanetz Living. Even though I already purchased a pattern to emulate another Michael Kors look (the dress from my Fall 2008 Top Ten List)...I really liked this one, so I added it to the collection:

Simplicity 6682
Pattern Description:

Misses coat in 2 lengths with slacks; the long or short double breasted, lined coat has patch pockets with flaps, pleat in center back seam, convertible notched collar, long set in sleeves with buttoned trim and optional front button closing and tie belt. Slacks without waistband have size zipper. Misses size 20 - circa 1968.

I will discuss more about my vintage pattern acquisition and sewing in my 2008 Look Back post which will appear here in the next few days!

Sale - Did someone say sale?

Okay, y'all know that I love the word sale! And I have three wonderful instances of it that will set your heart to racing! Now for those of you that got "Christmas Cash" I have somewhere for you to use it:

On Blue Gardenia's Website:

It's time for our
Annual
End of Year Sale!!!
Buy 3 or more items, get 33% off!
Sale prices good now throughMidnight PST
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Payment must be received by4:00 p.m. PST Friday, January 9, 2009

If you like vintage patterns as much as I do....run, don't walk on over and see what goodies Denise has!!!!

Need Fabric - :)

Melody at Fashionista Fabrics is having a 50% off - End of the Year sale from now until the ball drops in Time Square! I suggest if there was something you were thinking about that you head over right away...because I hesitated and the pieces I want are gone, gone, gone!!!!

Can you stand one more???

There is an awesome sale going on now at Sawyer Brook! They call it the Fabuless Sale - and they have some exquisite pieces on sale. You know those pieces that you looked at and thought they were just a little too expensive for you? Well they aren't now...so head on over!

Okay enough enabling for one evening...and a note - I do consider Melody and Denise friends but that shouldn't stop you from shopping a good sale! *LOL*

Go forth and stimulate the economy!!!!

I bought it!

Yes, I won my eBay auction...and this pattern will begin it's journey to me sometime this week!

I saw this pattern on either Lanetz Living or Out of the Ashes several months ago but it was in a smaller size. I really like the v-neckline and the way the top wraps. I also like the seaming detail in the skirt. So I searched it out on eBay and saved the search when nothing came up. I am not sure if the waistline will work for me...heck, I need to make one of the vintage patterns that I already own with this type of waistline to make sure...but I liked the design and it came to a grand total of $2.74 with shipping & handling so I won't be out much...and I will have loads of design inspiration.

So the pledge is broken...however, I do plan on staying away from Big 4 pattern sales until after January 1, 2009. Those patterns have a longer shelf life than an eBay one does and to tell the truth, I've only seen a few that I've liked...and not enough to break the pledge.

Since I've had such great success with dresses this year, and I have a pretty deep and interesting plus size dress vintage pattern collection, I know that I want to make quite a few of them next spring and summer...cause there is nothing like a good dress!

Have you ever?

Have you ever found a piece of fabric and built an entire story around it?

Have you ever picked the pattern out, mentally gone through your notions and button collections and even thought of the "perfect" embellishment for the garments?

Have you?

Have you ever "seen" additional pieces in your mind made from the same piece of fabric, as well as a coordinating fabric that's been bugging the heck out of you! Because you just knew that this piece of fabric would be in your collection to the end of all time?

And finally, have you ever imagined all of those pieces completely sewn, finished and hanging in your closet?

Well, have you?

Today I did just that! I had a few minutes, somehow carved out of an ultra-busy day, to daydream...and I put together an entire 5 piece "core" wardrobe in my head. I was sooooo excited! I kept running the possibilities through my mind...coordinating these new pieces with some existing wardrobe pieces...and can I say it again, I was just soooooo excited! These new pieces were completely doable. They would play nice with some existing pieces and add some needed flexibility to my work wardrobe...but there was just one hitch!

The base fabric...the one I was dreaming and slobbering over...the main ingredient in the collection...the piece that made it ALL possible...was still on Fabric Mart's site!

That's right, I built an entire mini wardrobe around a piece of fabric that wasn't even in my posession! Now do you realize how sick this is? Do you realize how far my addiction has taken me? So you know what I did, right? Yes, I exhaled...I relaxed, released and let go and bought the damn thing! *LOL*

Eleven yards...can I say it for you again...Eleven yards...one more time...Eleven yards later...I'm left wondering what happened to fabric restraint! Ummmm, storage issues! Or how about sewing with what's already in the collection...*sigh*

So do you wanna see what tortured yet inspired me today:

This lovely inexpensive herringbone acetate and rayon blend from Fabric Mart! And before you get your noses out of joint...I know it's an inexpensive fabric...and I know that its not going to have any of those amazing properties that natural fabrics do...BUT some of my best work suits are made from these hardworking, won't wrinkle, won't bend...can do anything to them and they still look good after 12 hours in them, suits!

Here is the main pattern:

Vintage baby...yes! This is Vogue 7180 - pattern description - Semi-fitted jacket has rolled collar and full length sleeves; welt trim. Slim dress with contrast double breasted bodice has self belt...(I don't know about the belt)...but isn't this kewl!

So the question for today is..."Have You Ever?!"

Out of the Ashes - COUPON CODE!!!

Hey everyone, I received this message from Sheila today:

"Hi Carolyn - thank you once again for your order! I also have noticed a number of your visitors have visited my site and purchased patterns and I thank you for the referrals. Would love to offer you and your readers a 10% discount on all purchases. Just use the coupon code SEWFAN during checkout. Feel free to let them all know!"

First ~ ignore the part about another order...ummm, I wasn't going to share that with y'all - LOL!

Second ~ thank you all for going to Out of the Ashes and purchasing from Sheila! I love her site and her goods, well I guess so since I just bought three more patterns!

Third ~ please use the coupon she provided...it is so wonderful of her to do so! And share with me what you bought from her...I love knowing what other vintage patterns you guys are purchasing!!!

That's it for now! I'm still working on the dress...hopefully photos soon!