tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7393277416340127977.comments2015-06-30T23:33:10.172-04:00A Series of (Unfortunate) Vintage Sewing AttemptsBrandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08784610736357161420noreply@blogger.comBlogger140125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7393277416340127977.post-34229599506679375392015-06-30T23:33:10.172-04:002015-06-30T23:33:10.172-04:00Oh Brandy, I'm just seeing this now, but want ...Oh Brandy, I'm just seeing this now, but want to extend my deepest sympathies to you and your family on your father's passing a few months ago all the same. What a brutal note to begin 2015 on. I'm truly sorry that you had to experience that and hope that the rest of your year has been more positive so far.<br /><br />There is such a lack of vintage looking workout gear. Every now and then a small scale business with come along that claims to have "workout gear for vintage gals", but they rarely last long and I honestly can't even call one to mind at the moment. I like to stick with neutral colours, the most basic/classic styles I can find, and use scarves or hair wraps to least keep things looking vintage-y from the neck up. <br /><br />Big hugs,<br />♥ JessicaWitchcrafted Lifehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02992822472797191121noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7393277416340127977.post-82858476488802478742015-01-27T10:46:04.821-05:002015-01-27T10:46:04.821-05:00Thanks. I don't have Simplicity 1306, but it d...Thanks. I don't have Simplicity 1306, but it does look nice. I have a pair of vintage wool trousers and they zip in the front like that. Sadly they are only a 24 inch waist. Which is even outside of my goal range of where I want to be. LOL. I might need to start an etsy shop to get rid of stuff that is not within reason of fitting me ever again, but it is quite a bit of effort and I love the items so much.Brandyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08784610736357161420noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7393277416340127977.post-6335522217106142542015-01-26T10:52:13.290-05:002015-01-26T10:52:13.290-05:00So sorry to hear about you father. My thoughts are...So sorry to hear about you father. My thoughts are with you.<br />I have the Smooth Sailing pants pattern but have not used it. I know many other blogger have and they have turned out well. I've never heard any complaints about that pattern. I bought a repro copy of Simplicity 3322. Other then the length I needed to take the waist and hips in a little bit to get the fit just right. No other complaints. The other pants pattern I've used is Simplicity 1306 which I like because it closes in front with a zipper.<br />-Emilyvintagevisions27https://www.blogger.com/profile/16769861744181538664noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7393277416340127977.post-69748585573219437722014-10-21T19:59:23.706-04:002014-10-21T19:59:23.706-04:00That is seriously cool! Thank you very much for sh...That is seriously cool! Thank you very much for sharing your wonderful pie chart and a breakdown of what you're currently wearing. By sheer virtue of the fact that my health so often keeps me home/on bed rest, I sport a lot of loungewear as well. Some vintage (nighties, bed jackets, 50s PJs, etc), some modern. I'd love to add a Wren Suit to my closet one day. They're absolutely gorgeous and made from velvet, one of my fave fabrics, to boot. <br /><br />This was a really fun post, Brandy, thanks again for sharing it with us!<br /><br />♥ Jessica Witchcrafted Lifehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02992822472797191121noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7393277416340127977.post-41428872363471646652014-09-16T09:00:22.916-04:002014-09-16T09:00:22.916-04:00That fabric is seriously charming and oh-so-beauti...That fabric is seriously charming and oh-so-beautiful! Awesome job on this dress - very much including the button holes. <br /><br />♥ Jessica Witchcrafted Lifehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02992822472797191121noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7393277416340127977.post-39836732129786225272014-08-04T16:47:05.911-04:002014-08-04T16:47:05.911-04:00Great job Brandy, I can't believe you were abl...Great job Brandy, I can't believe you were able to sew a whole dress from start to finish with only quiet time during the week - amazing. I think the fabric is a great choice for the dress and does make it look very 1940's. <br /><br />About the belt, if you can find the materials, I would say to make one. I have 2 shirt dresses with sash style belts, and I don't like wearing them. I usually use a purchased belt instead, but would like to make a matching one someday.<br /><br />Regarding the patch pocket, I think they would dress it down a bit. It works in the inspiration photos because the girls are all glamed up with red lipstick, high heals and great hair. If you took the time to look like that every time you planned to wear the dress, than go for it! But if it seems daunting to take that much time, I would skip the pockets (I have this sort of debate with myself when sewing sometimes - but I know it is rare that I take the time to go all out with my appearance).Annabellehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11544332573834094941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7393277416340127977.post-79794224704830460582014-06-23T09:03:45.734-04:002014-06-23T09:03:45.734-04:00Thanks. I do need to work on accessorizing. I am n...Thanks. I do need to work on accessorizing. I am not allowed to wear scarves, hats, or much in my hair, but besides that it is pretty open.Brandyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08784610736357161420noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7393277416340127977.post-57882323327844401912014-06-21T07:11:22.085-04:002014-06-21T07:11:22.085-04:00That is a bit of a pickle for sure, but not one th...That is a bit of a pickle for sure, but not one that we can't do something about. Brown, navy, taupe, camel, true and blue based reds, pine green, eggplant, and teal all strike me as colours that would each go with one or more (all, in the case of navy) with the hues you highlighted here. I'm not sure how much you're allowed to accessorize, but could you add additional zing to your looks with belts, scarves, jewelry and shoes in complementary or matching colours to further play down the work uniform-ness of the shirts? <br /><br />♥ Jessica Witchcrafted Lifehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02992822472797191121noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7393277416340127977.post-5961893258558283712014-06-19T09:14:31.940-04:002014-06-19T09:14:31.940-04:00I actually can wear prints. The two skirts that ar...I actually can wear prints. The two skirts that are in regular rotation are prints, one is a large all over print, the other is a border print. Those work really great with the single matching shirt each they have (yellow and black which are not shown above because I have something to go with them). <br /><br />I am just having a hard time because the shirts are so bright and they feel more like fall colors to me for some reason. <br />I have found a small print sort of like a feedsack print that might work with the purple dress. Do you think that a full skirt out of such a small print would be okay? I am not really certain how I feel about it. Perhaps a pair of capris out of that fabric.<br />The green, fuchsia, and khaki are the worst colors for me. I have tried to wear khaki with brown and I end up looking like a forest ranger (ok for out in the woods, not so good for sitting in front of a computer all day). I do have grey and black skirts that go with them that are okay, I think I just am getting tired of the minimal wardrobe options that I have been wearing for years now.<br />Brandyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08784610736357161420noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7393277416340127977.post-69209690046770780132014-06-18T19:17:04.844-04:002014-06-18T19:17:04.844-04:00I get the feeling you can't use prints, but th...I get the feeling you can't use prints, but that would be a great way to jazz up those boring business ensembles. I loathe uniforms... they strip us of our individuality and make us feel like we're some expendable piece of a bigger organism...there's a reason prisoners wear uniforms. Anyways, skirts don't have to be boring there are plenty of fun flirty designs out there in vintage fashion or modern, but I suppose it depends on what they allow at your work. The same can be said for accessorizing and how you wear your clothing. Like I would tuck my blouse in and wear a skirt that cuts at the waist (like a cute circle or waterfall skirt). I would also probably wear a white tank/cami underneath and unbutton my blouse to reveal some contrast. Then again, I'm the woman who purposely sewed her uniform tighter so her co-workers would be jealous. I'm something of a rule breaker, forever pushing my boundaries.<br /><br />Right now I'm an unemployed graduate and I work for myself making art. I'm excited to tackle a 1950's capri pants pattern because it looks so kitschy and vintage and I'll be making some summer dresses too. Even if I end up with an office job, I'll still wear these items outside of work, because it will give me something to look forward to. I say, even if you get them dirty, the playsuits are worth making. ;)Ladyfairhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17402600337611206195noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7393277416340127977.post-27672206745112490152014-06-11T09:53:30.577-04:002014-06-11T09:53:30.577-04:00Watching 'Peggy Sue Got Married' never fai...Watching 'Peggy Sue Got Married' never fails to kick start my vintage journey. I never tire watching it. We just hosted a 1950's theme party last Saturday, another great motivator. : ) Great blog, Brandy.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18193444507909859514noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7393277416340127977.post-13402068319280862602014-02-28T09:02:59.478-05:002014-02-28T09:02:59.478-05:00I was lucky to find and purchase two wool dresses ...I was lucky to find and purchase two wool dresses (one vintage, one repro) that I think are great pieces and work well layered with cardigans, however they no longer fit. I have only worn the one twice and the other one has never gotten worn :(<br />They are hard to come by which is why I am planning on just making my own. Then I only have to worry about finding fabric that will work and that I like, not sure how big of a feat that will be. I have noticed that the patterns I like do not call for heavy fabrics, but hopefully I can work around that.<br />I agree with the never ending juggling!! When I get things where I think things are working out okay something changes drastically and I have to start all over again. It is weird, I just thought by the time I was this age (or my children were this old) that I would have figured it out by now. LOL.Brandyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08784610736357161420noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7393277416340127977.post-9445419967946777162014-02-28T08:23:36.334-05:002014-02-28T08:23:36.334-05:00Winter weight vintage or vintage repro/inspired dr...Winter weight vintage or vintage repro/inspired dresses are not easy to find - take it from a Canadian! :) Someone could make a killer just selling those and nothing else, I tell you!<br /><br />Wishing you all the very best with both your cold weather wardrobe building and finding a greater sense of balance in your life, dear gal (it's a never ending juggling act there, isn't it?).<br /><br />♥ Jessica Witchcrafted Lifehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02992822472797191121noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7393277416340127977.post-32672530560522285772014-02-18T19:04:26.901-05:002014-02-18T19:04:26.901-05:00Brandy, I have been cleaning my sewing room. Mike...Brandy, I have been cleaning my sewing room. Mike took it over last time I made room in it and that is not ok because I could not get to anything, I have old patterns if you want more to choose from. Mine are different sizes. <br />Sue Littlehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04594256275096364042noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7393277416340127977.post-31856735281983292452014-02-18T15:32:07.682-05:002014-02-18T15:32:07.682-05:00Ah, thanks. I will try that. I know that I have be...Ah, thanks. I will try that. I know that I have been missing your posts, but I am certain you are busy with your little bundle and that is definitely more important!Brandyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08784610736357161420noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7393277416340127977.post-73656359679101583742014-02-18T12:31:52.256-05:002014-02-18T12:31:52.256-05:00Good luck Brandy. I am now finding how hard it is...Good luck Brandy. I am now finding how hard it is to balance work, cleaning house, raising a child and everything else life throws my way. Start with something simple that you know will be a success - like something you have already made and liked. That's my advice, but I need to work on listening to that advice as well and not overwhelming myself :)Annabellehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11544332573834094941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7393277416340127977.post-47840354332006230332014-02-03T17:40:45.925-05:002014-02-03T17:40:45.925-05:00Sweet Brandy, how on earth did I miss this post be...Sweet Brandy, how on earth did I miss this post before? I'm very sorry. It went live shortly after my old laptop bit the dust once and for all and before the new on arrived, so that must be the reason.<br /><br />Thank you deeply for including me as one of your sources of inspiration. I'm incredibly touched. <br /><br />♥ Jessica Witchcrafted Lifehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02992822472797191121noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7393277416340127977.post-24326359124220143402013-12-19T16:20:43.272-05:002013-12-19T16:20:43.272-05:00I can totally relate to limited adult interactions...I can totally relate to limited adult interactions outside of work. Having kids can definitely make your day feel child-centric. I have found the same connection via vintage blogs as you! It's so wonderful to be able to talk with people or get advice from people that understand what you're talking about and don't judge you because you prefer a full swing skirt or your hair won't go easily into victory rolls. For all of the negativity that is blamed on the internet, there are also so many wonderful connections that can be made!<br /><br />Deborah<br /><a href="http://hellcat-vintage.com" rel="nofollow">Hellcat Vintage</a><br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15904878125761826421noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7393277416340127977.post-63055505439594586942013-11-12T10:01:25.160-05:002013-11-12T10:01:25.160-05:00I am much the same way too when it comes to projec...I am much the same way too when it comes to projects, and usually the bigger they are, the less likely I am to say a word until they're finished or very nearly so (my husband is the total opposite, but for me I find the motivation of the fun secret I have really spurs me on to reaching my goal). <br /><br />This dress is so timelessly lovely! Wonderful job on it! I think it feels like fall - at least Canadian fall, which often includes plenty of snow and soft blue-grey skies. <br /><br />Big hugs,<br />♥ Jessica <br /><br />*PS* Thank you deeply for your tremendously nice comment on my blog post today, honey. It is so very humbling and touching to know that I help inspire you. ♥Witchcrafted Lifehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02992822472797191121noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7393277416340127977.post-37218988563326452332013-08-30T14:54:35.501-04:002013-08-30T14:54:35.501-04:00I don't know about working out as I prefer not...I don't know about working out as I prefer not to break a sweat, but I need to introduce you to my best fabric friend, Jersey. It's so comfy and I'm actually lounging in some right now. The second I get home I put on a dress in Jersey so I usually cook and clean in itb as well. I hear you on not wanting to ruin clothes you worked on when cleaning. I also have dresses that don't fit me anymore or I've worn out when I'm using chemicals or bleach. I do love those patterns you picked out. Can't wait to see what you come up with! Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07671918386628691376noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7393277416340127977.post-78304297265888579642013-08-29T17:27:02.968-04:002013-08-29T17:27:02.968-04:00I agree completely on wearing what makes you happy...I agree completely on wearing what makes you happy no matter how many other people are/ are not wearing it. Which is why it makes me feel so weird that I do not feel comfortable in these styles. As you said they did exist in the 40s and 50s. With the cherry dress, I just don't feel like myself in it. It feels costume-y to me for some reason. I am trying to let it grow on me. There are other things that were popular that I just don't care for in vintage clothes though, like peplums. I am okay with only wearing what I like and feel comfortable in. I like your idea about adding the beret or such. I actually do have a few leopard scarfs that I really like to wear and I love Swiss dot prints! Brandyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08784610736357161420noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7393277416340127977.post-31374042449893632722013-08-29T12:32:16.829-04:002013-08-29T12:32:16.829-04:00I'm a firm believer in wearing whatever makes ...I'm a firm believer in wearing whatever makes you happy. If that means sporting the same thing as a million other people, go for it. If it means having a style all your own and eschewing common trends, fabrics, styles, etc, that's fabulous, too. While certain patterns and garments do certainly call to mind a rockabilly or retro (more than full on genuine vintage) vibe, it's worth remembering that all of those patterns existed back during the 40s and, often moreover, the 50s. I've seen lots of cherry (and other fruit) print dresses from the fifties, and of course gingham, leopard, and polka dots (and nautical styles) were around then, too. The key, I find (as someone who has nothing against the rockabilly style, of course, but doesn't feel it suits me well personally) is to wear the patterns you love in more period appropriate looks. A leopard beret, for example, with black 1940s skirt suit. A small polka dot (or Swiss dot) print 1950s shirtwaist dress instead of bigger, retro-y polka dots. There's no right or wrong way to dress, just the way that brings you joy and you feel most comfortable with.<br /><br />♥ Jessica Witchcrafted Lifehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02992822472797191121noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7393277416340127977.post-67053239917452836732013-08-10T13:04:11.329-04:002013-08-10T13:04:11.329-04:00I know exactly what you mean! I feel very much the...I know exactly what you mean! I feel very much the same. Can I wear the expected prints and styles without looking too cliche?! It can feel too "fancy dress" too. Whereas real vintage is so much more unique!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05627532215323624753noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7393277416340127977.post-81631654828646138662013-08-07T11:06:27.410-04:002013-08-07T11:06:27.410-04:00I definitely know what you mean! There are certain...I definitely know what you mean! There are certain fabrics and looks that I love, but for some reason, I don't feel like I can pull them off because I can't make them my own. When I see them on other people, they've added some tiny detail and I think it looks wonderful. But at least for me, I think it's because I don't feel confident in creating something original. Hang on to your "cliche" fabric because inspiration will strike and then you'll be glad you have it!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07671918386628691376noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7393277416340127977.post-60147072464582042922013-07-29T11:39:33.982-04:002013-07-29T11:39:33.982-04:00Ok, how on earth did I miss this wonderful beach w...Ok, how on earth did I miss this wonderful beach wardrobe post earlier in the season? I must check to make sure my feedreader is linking to your blog properly now. All of the pieces here are so charming - I especially love the circle skirt paired with a classic halter. I don't doubt for the tiniest of moments that you were the most stylish gal on the beach in such beautiful ensembles.<br /><br />♥ Jessica Witchcrafted Lifehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02992822472797191121noreply@blogger.com