Like many others out there, I’ve been kind of obsessed with #cottagecore of late. And admittedly, I’m a little late to the game. That being said, pastoral life has always held my interest, at least in the last couple of decades. While I dream of my country home and peruse the Son de Flor & French General websites, I found a very practical way to show my love for this aesthetic and lifestyle.
Read moreHow to Gatsby - Tips for Sewing your own Art Deco Era Garden Party Dress
For myself, one of the most fun parts of getting ready for The ADSC Gatsby Summer Afternoon is making my outfit. It truly brings me so much joy to plan what I’m wearing from my hat and hair down to my stockings and shoes. Sometimes I have more time than other times to figure it out, so depending on my schedule I can make the experience as simple or as complex as I can handle at the time.
Read moreTransforming a 1980's Pink Lace Gown into a late 1920's style Garden Party Dress
This 1980’s pink lace dress has been hanging in my closet for a couple of years. It was donated by the lovely Art Deco Society Member Cheryl Stanton, who thought I might be interested in turning it into something more Art Deco. I’ve been quite busy, but had a vision of how it might turn out, just this weekend. Sometimes a dress just needs time to simmer for a while.
Read moreSewing a 1930's Dress for a Cemetery Picnic
photo - https://www.mementomoda.com/
I stumped when told about our Picnic Inspiration for October - Gothic Cemetery - and our picnic was to be located in a cemetery. The Mountain View Cemetery in Piedmont, to be specific. My daughter Emma had lots of suggestions, but when she told me I should dress like I was going to a funeral, it just clicked.
Read morePerfect for a Picnic - Sewing 1950's Style for Everyday
A couple of weeks ago, I had a weekend picnic event that I had been invited to attend. The theme was “Posh/Glam 1950’s New York City”. Discussions with friends Led to talk of Mrs. Maisel and big full skirts. Not really my era, but I remembered that pedal pushers were quite popular and so were dolman sleeved blouses. I also realized that I could make these things for my every day wardrobe instead of making something over the top for just one event.
Read moreMaking a One Hour Dress - Evening Style
At Gatsby, I heard that the Art Deco Society would be holding the Preservation Ball this year in November. A thrilling discovery as it had been cancelled twice last year due to COVID19. With a look toward this Fall Event, I thought to make my own “One Hour Dress”. My friend Jone wore a version of this dress to Gatsby and it was created with so much ease that I thought it would be perfect done up in fancy fabric.
Read morePattern Review - Wearing History 1930's Day or Evening Blouse Pattern
Straight from the Unfinished Objects post and over the Finish Line! This little Summer Staple has hit my closet. Boy, am I excited, because it’s HOT right now. Let’s jump right into the pattern review.
Read more1930's Capsule Wardrobe - Sewing Separates
You might remember, from the Fall, when I started working on my capsule wardrobe. At the time, I was able to sew two dresses, a velvet bag and trimmed two hats….
Read moreCreating a Mini (Early) 1930's Capsule Wardrobe - Part 2
This is the second installment of Creating a Mini (Early) 1930’s Capsule Wardrobe. What is a “Capsule” wardrobe? It’s a group of pieces that easily coordinate with each other. This dress along with the dress from my previous post use coordinating fabrics as well as accessories. Next in the series should be some interchangeable separates. I have a few other items in the queue so those pieces will have to wait a while.
Read moreSewing a 1930's Cotton Summer Dress
It’s been a long hot Summer around here. Well, not that hot really, but the temperature here is starting to rise and it’s time for a new cotton sun dress. August and September are the hottest months around here. I won this blue cotton swiss dot in a raffle at the Greater Bay Area Costumer’s Guild Open House, earlier this year. It’s the perfect weight for a Summer Dress.
Read moreSewing a 1940's Ensemble from head to toe - Brown & Yellow, who would have known?
Well, here we are in week six of our Shelter in Pace assignment. I’ve been very busy over the last few weeks, even though my teaching business has been minimized dramatically and I’ve taken on a whole new way of working. In the midst of this corona-crisis, my way of staying sane, is to sew. It’s really amazing how just focusing on a project, lifts my mood and makes me feel better.
Read moreSewing a Regency Petticoat
It’s almost time for the GBACG At home with Josephine at Malmaison event at the Bellvue Club. I actually purchased a costume to wear to this Regency event, a few weeks back at the GBACG Bazaar. Turns out the costume I purchased was worn in a BBC costume drama of some sort. More on that later.
But for my event, I needed a petticoat to wear under the dress, that would smooth out the bust area, because my stays made it look a bit lumpy. I think that’s also, ahem, in part because the costume is a tad bit small in that area. I’ve since moved a bunch of hooks and eyes and made it a bit bigger, but have yet to try them on together. I’m still somewhat undecided if I’ll wear it to the event or instead make a gown that is more of an evening gown. depends on time really and if there is enough of it before the event.
Read more2109 Gatsby Summer Afternoon - Making my 1930's Dress
photo by Connie Ricca
Another Year, Another Gatsby Summer Afternoon put on by the Art Deco Society of California. And this one did not disappoint. I think it’s my favorite Vintage event of the year because I get to meet and catch up with other people who have similar interests as myself. That, and it is quite magical to have the estate turned into a giant vintage scene and party. Really, if you get a chance to go, you must. It’s truly fabulous.
We’ll start with a few photos from the event and I’ll talk about my dress at the end.
Read morePattern Review - Sewing the 1930's Sportwear Set by Jem Vintage Patterns
A few months ago, my neighbor’s daughter brought me this gorgeous fabric (and tons more) when she was cleaning out her dad’s closet. The green corduroy and coordinating floral really caught my eye and I knew I wanted to make a matching set.
Read moreSewing my 4th of July Outfit + a Finished Sweater
During the week of Independence Day, I had the week off from teaching. What better way to celebrate than to get to sewing. I had just found a beautiful 1930’s style floral quilting cotton that coordinated with a blue and white fabric I’de been saving for a blouse. My plan was to re-make the Wearing History Smooth Sailing Blouse with a coordinating from the floral fabric.
Read moreRevamping a Men's Sport Coat for the Sacramento Tweed Ride - Part 2
After being invited to the Sacramento Tweed Ride, by friends Lisa and Robb, I had only two weeks to get something together. I took my inspiration from vintage hunting/riding/sporting attire and my imaginings of vintage country living. I hope to one day, own a country home. Until that happens, I can just dress as if I do, right?
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