The Blue Gardenia

An update, and, oh, the lovely looks it offers! June 3, 2014 21:56

Think of His Bertness, scanning patterns, adding them to the site, working so hard this weekend for two reasons: to make you happy, and therefore, make our pups happy, because the more patterns you simply can't resist at The Blue Gardenia, the more treats the little hair ranchers get! Do let me tempt you, my pretties, with one pattern from each decade: Simplicity-1721    

I adore Simplicity 1721. A pattern from the NRA period (and that would be the National Recovery Act, not the, ahem, group that claims those initials today). The patio pajamas are luscious, just the garb for lounging in the chaise while your significant other totes and fetches and does everything possible to make you happy. Second, the pattern includes a smart pair of gaucho pants and a cunningly designed blouse. I love the two, two, two looks in one pattern envelope. I do.

 

Advance-5136

 

And from the 1940s, both collar variations on Advance 5136 have panache galore. So comfy, so cool whipped up in a pretty cotton sateen.

Simplicity-8380 Simplicity 8380 is the picture of summer chic. Sophisticated enough for the office, fetching enough for sipping sidecars at your favorite bar. And that stole is so 1950s. Vogue-8371    

My personal fave: Vogue 8371. I have quite a thing for dolman sleeves, and I long for this pattern in my own size. (That would be Bust 34, in case you have one lazing about your pattern cabinet.)

 

You'll also find lots of other beauties this update, from 1930s evening gowns that would turn Myrna Loy green and 1960s swimsuits that will cause temps to rise at any beach party.

 

So. Pop on over to The Blue Gardenia. You won't be disappointed. Promise.

   

Be the star of the picnic in this 1940s playsuit. June 2, 2014 22:31

DuBarry-2179B

The family reunion picnic is a mere two weeks away. Sigh. She’s not exactly the picnic type. All those ants and flies. The heat. The humidity. However, Grampie is getting older, and he’s not in the best of health. His badminton days are long past, so she really doesn’t want to miss this one. What to wear? How about whipping up that sassy Du Barry romper she saw at The Blue Gardenia? It’s so fetching, and her legs could use some sun. Perhaps she’ll use that lovely cotton sateen she bought at Gorgeous Fabrics a few weeks ago. It will be so cool.

Of course, you can buy this cute pattern at The Blue Gardenia. And, yes, we happily ship abroad.


 

cotton_sateen

From steampunk bodices to saucy hats, an update for the style-setter. May 1, 2014 18:55

You guessed it. While I was in Colorado Springs, His Bertness was working his fingers to the bone adding fabulous vintage patterns to The Blue Gardenia. Isn't he a sweetie? Absolutely. A few of my favorites: Butterick-6788DButterick 6788, the perfect lounging robe. The perfect beach robe. The perfect bath robe. The perfect cape. Yes. It is a perfect pattern. In case you hadn't picked up on that. 1930s, natch. Butterick-5434DAnother 1930s that makes this patternista swoon: Butterick 5434. This is so elegant. So Irene Dunne. It has not one version but four!!!! And a saucy and unusual hat. Can you beat that? Not even with a stick, chicks. Butterick-1792And if you're in the mood to rock the steampunk look and, hons, that was the look at the writing convention, you must purchase Butterick 1792. Three versions, all smokin' hot. And, yep, you'll find these patterns and many more additions at The Blue Gardenia. Ship abroad? With delight.

Swing dresses, Mad Men sheaths, Miyake and more: Take your pick! April 20, 2014 22:44

New vintage patterns at The Blue Gardenia! Check the Forties, Fifies and Sixties to enjoy the fashion show. I'll tease you with one from each decade: Hollywood-678 Hollywood 648 offers a fun way to practice laying out striped fabrics. Love those pockets! Of course, this pattern, loaded with Forties attitude, would look fetching in solids or florals, too. Doncha think? McCalls-5178 From the Fifties, this amazing design from Hannah Troy is sure to please. Sassy and sexy and hard to find. Good size, too. VogueAmDes-2088 Issey Miyake admirers, take note: The Blue Gardenia added not one, but two outstanding patterns. Vogue American Designer 2088 will take your jacket wardrobe up several notches. So. Drop by and peruse all the additions. We know you'll find something you can't live without.

Like '40s & '50s Vogue Couturiers? Sleek '30s? Come hither. April 14, 2014 14:55

Simplicity-1910-sz38 Ahhhh. We have been busy little chicks at The Blue Gardenia. This weekend, we replenished patterns in almost every category. A few faves: Simplicity 1910, above. This, dear readers, is one of the sleekest 1930s coat styles I've seen. Love that collar. Love the capelet. Wow! VogueCD-245 Vogue Couturier 245 is perfect for snuggling up to a piano bar and drinking a sidecar. And it's always been one of our most-sought after 1940s patterns. So, scurry over, if you want this one! VogueCD-771 Such amazing draping on Vogue Couturier Design 771. So very Ingrid Bergman in Indiscreet. And this one is a bargain, because, drat, the size is missing. I think it's bust 32 or 34, though, based on the collection it came from. A very stylish British woman indeed owned this one originally. VoguePO-2296 Yves Saint Laurent at his very best! Vogue Paris Original 2296 contains a slim jumpsuit, a jacket and coat. Multi-purpose and haute couture. So. Hurry to The Blue Gardenia. We offer a cornucopia of vintage patterns that will win the heart of even the snootiest fashionista!  

Channel Jean Harlow or Lauren Bacall in our latest pattern additions. April 11, 2014 00:11

  VogueCD-309 The skies are sunny, the wisteria is blooming and The Blue Gardenia has just added fabulous vintage patterns! Tons of thirties, many in multiple sizes and most still in factory folds. And three fantastic 1940s Vogue Couturiers. Can you resist the suit above or the one below? Details galore! Yes indeed. Simplicity-1863-sz38 Just follow this link to check them out. And remember to change your blog link to the new address. At the end of the month, we'll be moving off Typepad.

Prescription for sunny days: 1930s sweat elegant sports attire April 3, 2014 23:47

LHJ-NY-1280

You are looking forward to the weekend. You are yearning for the sunny days the forecaster promised. Absolutely. Lemonade. Chicken salad. Laughter. Strolling around the course attempting to smack that little dimpled white ball. You don't really care if you hit it or not. Neither will anyone else, because you are going to look so swellelegant. You, in your butter yellow and French blue linen sports dress. The one you whipped up from delicious 1930s Ladies Home Journal-New York 1280. Lovely. So very. And, yes, this pattern is available at The Blue Gardenia, where you'll find patterns suitable for even the snootiest fashionista. We added many 1930s patterns, most in factory folds, from 1933-1935. Enjoy!


Free your inner Carol Lombard or Mildred Pierce. April 2, 2014 23:31

  McCall-143 I am happy to be back. So very. You might even say ecstatic. I've missed talking and sharing. I've missed having a working website. And I thank you for your patience, dear readers and clients. I do. And I am delighted to be sharing outstanding pattern additions with you. You'll find McCall 143 in Lingerie. It is not only sexy, elegant, suitable for Carole Lombard. It's also multipurpose: a bed jacket, an evening coat, a negligee. Can you beat that? I think not. Butterick-6668 I am also smitten with Butterick 6668, another Thirties style with unusual details. The collar on View A will definitely have your audience sighing in envy. McCalls-3499 I am not usually one for bows. Too saccharine for this gardenia. But I loveMcCall's 3499. Absolutely. The girliness of the bow contrasts perfectly with the severity of the square collar. It's salted caramel in a dress! This design is from 1953. Do you love it as much as I do? VogueSD-S-4189 Enhance an hourglass suit with an over-the-top face-faming collar, and you have won my stylish heart. Vogue Special Design S-4189 is the suit of my dreams. Channel 1951 when you wear this. It is runway ready. Simplicity-4900 Sometimes, you just want to don a 1940s housedress and pretend you're Mildred Pierce. May I suggest Simplicity 4900, from 1943? Goes great with pie and fried chicken! Hollywood-1354 And if you're in the mood to play  -- and who isn't when the sun shines bright and the skies are the color of blue hydrangeas -- slip into Hollywood 1354. So cute. So sassy. You'll find many other additions at The Blue Gardenia. And remember, the newly designed site has a shopping cart that works and a search function. How cool is that?  

The most delicious 1940s blouse. Maybe ever. February 24, 2014 23:13

[caption id="attachment_894" align="aligncenter" width="600"]Butterick 3549 Gorgeous silhouette. Pretty transfer. Can you top this?[/caption] She is a pushover for blouses. Absolutely. And the 1940s era is her favorite. Strong. Elegant. With a healthy dose of pizazz. One of the most luscious she's seen lately: Butterick 3549. She loves it. And as it happens, we have it. We do. And it can be yours. How can you say no?

An evening gown. A summer dress. It's chic, mod, so Dior. February 20, 2014 23:59

[caption id="attachment_2749" align="aligncenter" width="600"]Vogue Paris Original 2230 Day or Evening Dress Designed by Christian Dior Bust 32½ Dress complete; stole missing; Vogue sew-in label included Vogue Paris Original 2230 Day or Evening Dress Designed by Christian Dior Bust 32½ Dress complete; stole missing; Vogue sew-in label included[/caption]   We've just added a bushel of smashing patterns at The Blue Gardenia. I adore this one. I do. It's in my collection. Shouldn't it be in yours, too? And, yes, we do ship abroad. With pleasure.  

It's unseasonably warm, and thoughts of spring encase you. February 17, 2014 16:26

McCalls-4912-1959

It reached 70 degrees today. 70! You didn't even have to grab a sweater when you went out for your coffee date. Such blissful weather has you thinking of spring. And McCall's 4912, copyright 1959, is just the look your are going for. You love the collar. It will showcase that gorgeous Aqua_floralamethyst necklace you just purchased.

You saw some cotton at Fabric Mart Fabrics, a cheerful cotton print, and it will be smashing for View A. 

And, of course, this pattern is available at The Blue Gardenia, where you'll find patterns for the snootiest fashionistas. Come check out our brand new site. It's fabulous and so easy to shop!


Shameless plug: We just added some smashing patterns! February 9, 2014 19:39

Vogue-6430–lingerie

And here are just a few of them to whet your appetite:

Vogue 6430 is just the sort of style I don to slink around the swankienda. Marvelous, isn't it? I think the negligee would make a stunning evening coat, too. Absolutely. You'll locate this beauty in Lingerie. But you knew that.

McCalls-3848-1950s

McCall's 3848 is one of my favorite 1950s blouses. So simple. So sleek. So darned sexy. And it's an "Instant" blouse. You know, just add water . . .

Butterick-8221–1950s

I love this shirtdress. Butterick 8221 takes the style to new heights. Indeed.

You'll find all these, and many more, at the newly designed Blue Gardenia website, where we offer patterns for the snootiest fashionistas! Drop by.


The perfect dress for casual Friday. February 5, 2014 16:17

Simplicity-5294

She wants a new dress for work. She's been making so many suits and cocktail dresses lately. But. There's that casual Friday thing at her new office. And that is something new. Something very different. For her, casual is yoga pants.

She really loves View 1 of Simplicity 5294. It is elegant yet comfortable. It will definitely be a change from the suits she wears every day.

Gumdrop_green_jerseyShe'll stitch it up in that luscious gumdrop green wool jersey she picked up at Fabric Mart Fabrics. It feel so wonderful. She loves the hand.

And, yes, this pattern is available at The Blue Gardenia, where you'll find patterns for the snootiest fashionista. And if you haven't checked out the new website, do. We think you'll be very pleased.


Cure for cold weather blues: These '30s shorts forecast summer. February 4, 2014 16:26

Mccall-9165-1930s

It's 2 degrees in Denver. 24 in Chicago. 27 in Pittburgh. You need hope. You need something to look forward to. You do. Absolutely. You want to feel the warmth of the summer sun on your legs.

And you will. Eventually. Till then, keep the dream alive with McCall 9165. You'll make it up now, and give the ensemble pride of place in your closet.

You'll whip the shorts and blouse up in that cheerful blue-and-white print linen at Gorgeous Fabrics. And, naturally, you'll buy the pattern at The Blue Gardenia. You love the new website. It's so easy to shop!

Floral_linen

 


Learning to sew: A pin at a time & my hair matches my dress. January 15, 2014 20:40

Blue_dress_pin
I had little time for sewing today. I spent the afternoon at the dentist's office. Can you say fun? At least, he's a sweetie and good at his job. And he's on my dental insurance plan. Yippee skippee.

I did, however, at least get darts pinned. I'm trying to do a little sewing every day, even if I only have time to mark and pin. It's progress. One step at a time. And all that.

BluehairI dyed my hair blue! At least parts of it. Teal and cobalt with an orchid streak here and there. I love it. A sportscar was not in my budget for a midlife crisis. Yeah, the photo's lousy. One of these days I'll get a camera with a remote clicker, so I can take good pics like the big girl bloggers.

Don't forget to stop by and shop or just browse the new Blue Gardenia. It's so easy to navigate. We have a search engine. How cool is that?


Come, darlings, salivate over 2 chic '50s Vogue Paris Originals. January 14, 2014 19:40

VoguePO-1190
Vogue Paris Original 1190 has long been one of my favorites. The overskirt with its beautiful details. The flattering lines. Oh, Paquin, you design genius, you outdid yourself with this one. Truly.

VoguePO-1093
And another addition to the new Blue Gardenia website today, very apropos for the season, is Vogue Paris Original 1093. The epitome of sleek chic.

So. Drop by. Share your thoughts. And shop, shop, shop. The puppies love their treats. Absolutely.


The new site is up, and we added a couple of beauties today! January 13, 2014 15:31

VoguePO-1434

The new Blue Gardenia website is officially up and working. Today, we added this beauty, Vogue Paris Original 1434, designed by Nina Ricci in 1959. It would have been a welcome addition to the Golden Globe line-up last night, docha think? We've seen our patterns at the Oscars; now, I think it's time to see them at the Golden Globes, especially after that boring fashion show last night.

VogueCouturier-460

And another one that is red-carpet ready: Vogue Couturier 460. Just added tonight. Check it out!

And let us know what you think of the new design. 


The countdown is on: Just 5 or so hours till the sale ends!! January 7, 2014 12:37

Simp1930s

Forgive me for not warning you earlier today, but we've been busy working on getting the new site up. I would say frantically. But, of course, we are nothing if not cool. Anyway, the magnificent 1930s Simplicity above is just one of the patterns you might make your own.

End of the Year / End of an Era Sale!

Now through Midnight (PST) January 7, 2014

Spend $100 (before the discount) — get 20% off.

Spend $200 (before the discount) — get 30% off.

Spend $300 (before the discount) — get 40% off. 

Spend $400 or more (before the discount) — get a whopping 50% off.

Payment is by PayPal only, 

except for established customers, who may arrange for payment  by check.

Yes, you may buy gift certificates for that special someome —

offering sales rates honored through January 2014.


It's freezing outside. The best panacea: Sew a summer dress. January 6, 2014 18:43

VPO–laroche_60s

It's 5 below outside and all you can think about is the summer sun beating down on your shoulders. You're almost done with the wool Aqua_linengabardine slacks you've been making. And when you are, you're making something sleeveless, something linen, something that screams summer. Something like this divine Vogue Paris Original 1951 by Laroche. Unusual lines on the shoulders, lines that are flattering, lines that will highlight one of your very best features. Absolutely.

And you'll order that luscious turquoise linen at Mood. The perfect color to highlight your caramel brown eyes.

Oh, you feel warmer just thinking about it.

The Blue Gardenia sale countdown has begun, dear sewistas. It ends at midnight tonight. So don't delay. This is one sale you absolutely don't want to miss!

End of the Year / End of an Era Sale!

Now through Midnight (PST) January 7, 2014

Spend $100 (before the discount) — get 20% off.

Spend $200 (before the discount) — get 30% off.

Spend $300 (before the discount) — get 40% off. 

Spend $400 or more (before the discount) — get a whopping 50% off.

Payment is by PayPal only, 

except for established customers, who may arrange for payment  by check.

Yes, you may buy gift certificates for that special someome —

offering sales rates honored through January 2014.


Only hours left to save on chic vintage patterns and sparkles! January 6, 2014 10:54

Ysl_1271
End of the Year / End of an Era
Sale!

Now through Midnight (PST) January 7, 2014

Spend $100 (before the discount) — get 20% off.

Spend $200 (before the discount) — get 30% off.

Spend $300 (before the discount) — get 40% off. 

Spend $400 or more (before the discount) — get a whopping 50% off.

The Blue Gardenia

Patterns for the snootiest fashionistas!

Payment is by PayPal only, 

except for established customers, who may arrange for payment  by check.

Yes, you may buy gift certificates for that special someome —

offering sales rates honored through January 2014.


Shake, rattle and roll in the kitchen: Oooey goooey nut ring January 5, 2014 15:48

Ooey_gooey_nut_ring

Calories? Carbs? Bring 'em on. In moderation, of course. And this delicious breakfast bread is so good that moderation means two slices. (It's also good at any time of day. Why should only breakfast be pampered with its presence?)

Sweet.CharityI adapted this recipe from one generously shared by Albuquerque
novelist Belle Sloane, Wonderwoman by day, spinner of erotic tales by night. You might want to scurry over to Amazon and get Sweet Charity. It is on my reading list, and I hear it's quite racy, just the thing to get your juices flowing on a frigid winter night and get you in the mood for canoodling with your significant other.

Oooey Gooey Nut Ring

Your favorite refrigerator bread recipe ( I used Beth Hensperger's from The Bread Bible. You'll have enough dough left over for some dinner rolls.)

2 T. butter, melted

2 T canola oil

1/2 c. Steen's Cane Syrup (You may use maple or your favorite pancake syrup. I'm from Louisiana, and I love Steen's.)

1/3 c. brown sugar

1/2 t. cinnamon

1/3 c. pecans, toasted

1/3 c. walnuts, toasted

1/4 c. pumpkin seeds, toasted

1. Make your bread dough.

2. When the dough is ready, roll 2/3 of it into a log. (You can make dinner rolls with the remainder. Just shape in balls and cook in an oiled muffin tin for 20 minutes.)

3. Slice into 3/4 inch slices and pat down with your hands until they are about the shape of a biscuit.

4. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

5. Mix nuts, sugar and cinnamon together.

6. In another bowl, mix melted butter, canola oil and syrup.

7. Pour half of syrup mixture in bottom of pan.

8. Sprinkle half of nut mixture over it.

9. Place the "biscuits" in the pan, overlapping each with half of the next one, forming a ring.

10. Top with remaining sugar mixture.

11. Pour rest of syrup mixture over.

12. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until dough is golden brown.

13. Cool for one minute in the pan.

14. Invert on platter.

15. Enjoy!

Don't forget: Time is running out to get The Blue Gardenia's outstanding patterns at a discount. Don't delay. Prices rise on January 8, 2014!

End of the Year / End of an Era Sale!

Now through Midnight (PST) January 7, 2014

Spend $100 (before the discount) — get 20% off.

Spend $200 (before the discount) — get 30% off.

Spend $300 (before the discount) — get 40% off. 

Spend $400 or more (before the discount) — get a whopping 50% off.

Payment is by PayPal only, 

except for established customers, who may arrange for payment  by check.

Yes, you may buy gift certificates for that special someome —

offering sales rates honored through January 2014.


Learning to sew? Love the '40s? Vogue 9372 is calling your name. January 3, 2014 18:08

1940s_easy-to-sew_jacket

She's learning to sew. At last. At long last. She's made a pencil skirt. A short-sleeve shirt. Now, she's ready to tackle a jacket. The 1940s Wool_1940s are her favorite period. The strong shoulders. To her, they signify strength. Independence. She loves Vogue 9372. And it is easy to make. Vogue promises. In writing.

She's chosen a Zegna wool from Michael's Fabrics. It has that 1940s vibe. Yes indeedy. And, yes, this is one of the many patterns available at The Blue Gardenia at an ever-so-special discount. Do drop by. We'd love to see you.

End of the Year / End of an Era  Sale!

Now through Midnight (PST) January 7, 2014

Spend $100 (before the discount) — get 20% off.

Spend $200 (before the discount) — get 30% off.

Spend $300 (before the discount) — get 40% off. 

Spend $400 or more (before the discount) — get a whopping 50% off.

Payment is by PayPal only, 

except for established customers, who may arrange for payment  by check.

Yes, you may buy gift certificates for that special someome —

offering sales rates honored through January 2014.


Star-spangled style: Release your inner Ava Gardner. January 2, 2014 18:31

Ava_gardner_style.com

Ava Gardner would have been beautiful no matter what she was wearing. Dirty, ripped rags. A dowdy, worn-out housedress. But put her in a pretty Vogue_8356 dress with a little makeup, and her only competition in the looks department was Gene Tierney.

I especially love this off-the-shoulder number. If you love it, too, you can replicate it with Vogue 8356.

Although I failed to find a necklace exactly like Ms. Gardner's, this choker at Etsy's Bella Luca Designs has a similar look. It's a bargain at $57. Pearl_choker

Ms. Gardner, who died in 1990, was not only gorgeous, she was smart and fast with a quip. One of my favorites: "Deep down, I'm really superficial."

You may, of course, buy this sexy yet elegant pattern at The Blue Gardenia's terrific sale. And stock up for your sewing plans this year. I've been planning this year's wardrobe? Have you?

 

End of the Year / End of an Era  Sale!

Now through Midnight (PST) January 7, 2014

Spend $100 (before the discount) — get 20% off.

Spend $200 (before the discount) — get 30% off.

Spend $300 (before the discount) — get 40% off. 

Spend $400 or more (before the discount) — get a whopping 50% off.

Payment is by PayPal only, 

except for established customers, who may arrange for payment  by check.

Yes, you may buy gift certificates for that special someome —

offering sales rates honored through January 2014.


What did you do on New Year's Eve? January 1, 2014 20:42

Green_chile_pork
How did you celebrate the last day of 2013? His Bertness and I cooked. We made green chile pork and sopapillas. Both from scratch. My favorite green chile pork recipe is in a cookbook still packed. So. I had to wing it. And I must say, it turned out well. Delicious. Yes indeedy.

Butterick_pinaforeMy favorite sopapilla recipe is in the same cookbook, alas, so I tried one by Emeril Lagasse that I found on the Food Network. The sopapillas were good, but we call them beignepillas, seeing as how they strongly resemble beignets.

And did I don an apron? Of course not. I wore jeans and a twinset. For 2014, I think I shall plan more appropriate attire while working with flour. (Yes, my purple twinset was blotched with clouds of white.)

Something, perhaps, like Butterick 4219. So cute, yet so practical.

End of the Year / End of an Era  Sale!

Now through Midnight (PST) January 7, 2014

Spend $100 (before the discount) — get 20% off.

Spend $200 (before the discount) — get 30% off.

Spend $300 (before the discount) — get 40% off. 

Spend $400 or more (before the discount) — get a whopping 50% off.

Payment is by PayPal only, 

except for established customers, who may arrange for payment  by check.

Yes, you may buy gift certificates for that special someome —

offering sales rates honored through January 2014.