Found in my mom's sewing cabinet

Absolutely true!

I love this ad so much. The slogan is my favorite part because knitting is fun - and easy too!

From a booklet called "Beginner's Manual of Knitting," Star Knitting Book No. 77, published in 1950. Part of my great-grandmother's vast sewing and handwork collection.

To-do list

My sewing queue:
Butterick 6448 (vintage): I was excited to find this pattern on ebay - I ordered some navy wool gabardine from Fashion Fabrics Club for a fall dress and this pattern is exactly what I had in mind! The square neckline with the notch is a huge selling point for me; in general, it's just a lovely dress with a silhouette that works for my body type (love the 50s nipped-waists!). This will be the first vintage pattern I've actually sewn, so wish me luck!

New Skirt Sunday

I wasn't happy with the last skirt I did (Simplicity 2416 - do not get me started on the pocket situation in the instructions for that skirt!), so I took a break from sewing for a couple weeks. However, a good ol' fabric sale brought me back!

I went a taaad overboard, piling up bolts and bolts of fabric for Halloween and Christmas, but at least I've got a good to-do list going (more on that later). Further, I found a lovely green linen/rayon blend that's the perfect weight for a fall skirt:

skirt: made by me, Simplicity 2315
top: Elle (yes, it's from Kohls)
shoes: Steve Madden, thrifted
earrings: Liz Claiborne
"M" initial necklace: Etsy

I used Simplicity 2315, which was an exceptionally simple, straightforward pattern. The construction is really basic - simple seams, a back zip, and a little bit of detail work at the waist. It's a good starter pattern if you're new to sewing (or a nice quick project if you're more experienced).

I have to admit, I was late for church and didn't have a whole lot of time to come up with a complete, cute ensemble. I'll probably wear a different top next time (and hopefully, my hair will look less spinster librarian-ish!). I've got a long-sleeved white shirt that I want to wear with it, once the weather starts acting like it's fall!
Overall, I'm happy with how this one turned out. The fabric is such a great color and I adore the bow at the waist. Also, it's got me excited about my upcoming projects!

Late-summer pastels

click photo for larger view

It's been a warm September so far - I've been dying to pull out my sweaters, but it looks like I'll have to wait. In the meantime, please enjoy this gorgeous 1960s photo from My Vintage Vogue - I love the combination of gauzy white with a pastel embroidered cardigan. It looks very September to me: still very summery, but with a bit of fall thrown in.

Other pretty things are from Queens Wardrobe (lovely pleated-skirt dress and fab shoes) and Anthropologie (cute gathered skirt, gorgeous embroidered cardi, and adorable bow belt).

Cover Judging: Stardust of Yesterday

I've not done one of these in awhile. This one is pretty great, though.
First Glance: I'm thinking tale of a lost love - there's a hazy overlay on top of the portrait of this man's eyebrows, plus it seems that a rose has been laid, possibly on his grave. Causes of death? Perhaps Sandra Bullock wasn't there to push him out of the way of a train. Or maybe that Orange County car wreck turned fatal. Or, most likely, that ballerina freaked out after he told her she didn't have great feet and she attacked him. Feel free to extrapolate on any other Peter Gallagher roles I'm forgetting. Score: 4 out of 5

Picture from last week.

Me and little brother on a short Labor Day jaunt to Bear Lake.