It's National Sewing Month!

September is national sewing month!  I LOVE to sew.  It's such a fun skill to have (especially if you love the look of vintage but can't always find the item you're looking for.)  It also reminds me of my Gram, who passed away a few years ago.  She was a whiz with a pattern and could easily take a top from one pattern, sleeves from another and create a bottom to match whatever look she was trying to achieve.  It makes me happy to be able to carry on this skill and pass it down to my daughters.

Here are some of the fabulous vintage patterns I picked up at Brimfield last week.  With shows like Mad Men being such a hit, and Pan Am starting this month, retro 50s/60's fashion is going to be a big hit this fall!  I plan to add a few of these to my fall sewing "to do" list, and a few of them will soon be up for sale in the shop.

Adorable little play suit!  I love these combination options with both skirts and shorts :)

Another combo outfit.  This is a jumper, a dress, or a jumper with a contrasting dress underneath.  Perfect and warm for the fall :)

Cute little wrap top with bottom option (LOVE the two tone shorts ensemble.)

Love that white blouse in the middle with the peter pan collar and bow.

Classic shirt dress.  I would like to make this in a pretty blue/green plaid flannel that I have in my stash.

The shape of this dress is great, and those giant pockets on the front are FANTASTIC.

The one with the buttons would be so cute in a a pumpkin colored wool plaid.

Another fantastic convertable dress!  The first picture shows the dress with a detatchable over skirt.  The perfect way to take a dress from day to evening!

Adorable.  Love that third option!

Last but not least.. A house coat!  Great for hanging out at home, with nice big pockets :)

Sometimes (often in fact) vintage patterns are very tiny.  That's where a link like How to Resize a Pattern from Sense and Sensibility patterns come in.  So don't shy away from trying a pattern just because it may be a little too small!  That can be fixed :)

If you find yourself in love with any of these patterns before I have a chance to list them, leave me a message in the comments and I will get back to you with a price.

Hugs and Smooches,
D

It's a Vintage Halloween!

Halloween is one of my FAVORITE holidays (costumes and candy??  What's not to love?) and it will be here before you know it!  And what is more perfect for an amazing costume than vintage?  (the answer is nothing, my friends, nothing at all..)

Here are a few suggestions for the perfect vintage Halloween costume:

Why not wear a 60's wiggle dress and wig and go as Marilyn or MadMen's Joan Holloway?

How about a poofy 50's cupcake dress or 80's prom dress, crown and wings for Glinda the Good Witch?

A tutu, bob wig and some great 1920's make up and you could be Louise Brooks

Everybody loves Lucy!  A cute 50's shirt dress, a red wig and her signature red lipstick (you could even add a frilly little apron ;)

The possibilities are endless!  What are your costume plans for Halloween this year?  I'd love to hear them (and see them!  Feel free to post a picture on ConstantlyAlice's facebook page ;)

Hugs and Smooches,
D