The Blue Gardenia

Mission possible: A classic, tailored look for Cinnamon December 4, 2013 00:56

Cinnamon, ever-so-sexy, ever-so-smart (but then, they go together, do they not?) operative for Mission: Impossible, always looked fetching. So very. Sometimes, she was daringly sexy, sometimes, she was beautifully classic. Vogue Paris Original 2077, designed by none other than the brilliant Yves Saint Laurent, is a fashion-forward way to channel this look.

And you can take advantage of The Blue Gardenia's end-of-an-era sale to purchase this lovely. It's one fine way to stock up for holiday projects and 2014's as well. Don't miss it!

(Are you as excited about the debut of our newly designed website as we? We are all aflutter! 2014, here we come!)

Hard, fast & fashionable: Orchids in Ida's hair, satin on her skin. December 3, 2013 01:05

The young Ida Lupino looks much too innocent for this drop-dead sexy vixen gown. But that doesn't mean you can't whip up a look-alike and stand everyone back on their heels at a holiday soiree.

Although it's not an exact copy, View A of 1930s Butterick 7872 will certainly have the same effect on your audience. And it's a multi-purpose pattern with so many adaptations. It would be a bargain at full price. And at The Blue Gardenia's end-of-an-era sale, you can look as if you sauntered right off the runway and save the big bucks.

Here's the scoop:

Our new site debuts January 1. Till then, we're having a sale that will run until 11:59 pm the last day of December 2013.

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

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

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

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

Isn't that fabulous? Now is the time to stock up on authentic and lovely patterns for the holiday season and for next year's projects.

For this sale, we will be accepting Paypal only, unless you are an established customer, and then we will happily take checks.

So, shop, shop, shop, my darlings! And, yep, you may buy gift certificates for that special someone and the sales rates will be honored through January 2014.

(This Ida poster is available at Allposters.com.)

Make your biscuits light and fluffy in this 1950s holiday apron! December 2, 2013 02:10 2 Comments

Ahhhh . . . biscuits. Don't you love them? I do. His Bertness made these for dinner last night. I was an excellent instructor, and he was an ace student. These were perfect: light, flaky, lots of layers, crunchy outside, tender inside. Yum bunnies.

If you're planning to do some holiday baking, may I suggest Simplicity 4511? It has Christmas trees! Or if you prefer, you can have tulips, leaves, strawberries.

This would be an excellent pattern to purchase at our end-of-an-era sale! We'll be debuting the new and improved The Blue Gardenia website come January. Till then, the more you shop, the more you save.

Dress like Delilah, A Spear of Summer Grass's '20s femme fatale December 1, 2013 12:00

There was a period in my life when I read romances like a movie fan unconcerned with her health eats tubs of popcorn laden with gooey, urine yellow faux butter. Those days have been long gone. Since, romances have generally left me yawning. All those perky, perfect heroines and those men with six-pack abs. Not for me.

So I was delighted recently to pick up A Spear of Summer Grass by Deanna Raybourn. Her heroine is anything but perky and perfect. I'll let Delilah Drummond speak for herself through the pen of the ever-so-talented Ms. Raybourn:

Don't believe the stories you have heard about me. I have never killed anyone, and I have never stolen another woman's husband. Oh, if I find one lying around unattended, I might climb on, but I never took one that didn't want taking. And I never meant to go to Africa. I blame it on the weather. It was a wretched day in Paris, grey and gloomy and spitting with rain, when I was summoned to my mother's suite at the Hotel de Crillon. I had dressed carefully for the occasion . . . I put on a divine little Molyneux dress in scarlet silk with matching cloche . . .

If you would like to duplicate Delilah's look, I suggest 1920s Butterick 2070, available at The Blue Gardenia, of course. You might top it with this delightful Adrienne Henry cloche. I think Ms. Drummond would approve. Emphatically.

And I highly recommend this book. It's as addictive as that unhealthy movie popcorn. You won't be able to put it down.

And be sure to take advantage of our end-of-year sale! It's a dooz!

The countdown to our new site begins. Till then, a whopping sale! November 30, 2013 08:39

Dear readers, I have good news for you. Very. We hired a web designer to make the site easier to shop, including all the bells and whistles you wanted: a search engine, a shopping cart, automatic payment. (Yes, I can hear you saying it's about time. And you're right. But what can I say? I'm stubborn, and I love the way the current site looks. But out with the old, in with the new, all that.)

It took a bit longer for him to complete the job than we had anticipated, and frankly, that is why I haven't been updating the site as I have done since The Blue Gardenia premiered in 1999.

The new site will debut on January 1. More good news: We are having a sale that will run until 11:59 pm the last day of December 2013.

The details:

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

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

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

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

Isn't that fabulous? Now is the time to stock up on authentic and lovely patterns for the holiday season and for next year's projects.

For this sale, we will be accepting Paypal only, unless you are an established customer, and then we will happily take checks.

So, shop, shop, shop, my darlings!

And, yep, you may buy gift certificates for that special someome and the sales rates will be honored through January 2014.

The perfect dress for feeling irresistible, strong and independent. June 27, 2013 01:57

You've been dumped. Unceremoniously, as the ubiquitous they say. He didn't deserve you. That's what you say. Call it justification, if you must. You're not going to stay home and empty a box of Puffs. Not you. Not this time.

You're not even going to call a girlfriend and go out for sidecars and a minute rehashing of the relationship. No teary "what did I do wrong" questions from you. You are going to do something different. You're going to put on your favorite dress, Vogue 8930, copyright 1957. You've made it three times. It really is a tried and true. You're going to slip on the cherry red shantung and go to The Artichoke Cafe and have steak frites and deconstructed lemon meringue pie and then you're going to come home, curl up in your favorite chair and read The Art Forger. To paraphrase Ms. Gaynor, you will survive. Happily and in style.

And yes, my lovelies, this chic pattern can be yours. Just drop by The Blue Gardenia, where the patterns are counted, the jewelry is sparkling, and domestic shipping is free. (And, yes, we happily ship abroad for a fee — just what the post office charges, in fact.) So rush on over. Do. Snap this one up. Don't delay.

150 followers! Let's take some time to celebrate with a giveaway. June 25, 2013 13:41 13 Comments

I am all atwitter. I am. Somehow, during my sporadic and dismal blogging habits of late, I hit the lovely number of 150 followers. Isn't that grand? Of course, 200 followers will be even better. (Yes, that is a not-so-subtle hint, dear readers.)

So. We're having a giveaway. First, a $35 Blue Gardenia gift certificate. Second, one MAC lipstick in RiRi Woo, a luscious red matte shown at left. Third, a copy of Couture Sewing by Claire Shaeffer. And last, the absolutely gorgeous floral rayon print fabric shown above from Nob Hill Fabrics, right here in our own fair city of ABQ. Owner Liz has generously donated 2.5 yards. We are so fortunate to have Nob Hill Fabrics, so if you live in ABQ, do stop by. It's conveniently located at 3810 Central, Suite B. You may also like Nob Hill Fabrics on Facebook, because Liz posts a lot of new fabric finds there, and she is most willing to ship.

To enter, just become a follower of this blog on Typepad or Bloglovin' and leave a comment below. If you are already a follower, simply post a comment. Deadline: Saturday, June 29, 11:59 pm PDT. Simple. Easy. Good luck! And thank you for following me. I am filled with gratitude. I am.

Shameless plug: Pucci culottes, sassy shorts, bias slips, and more. March 25, 2013 16:55 2 Comments

It's true: We've been lazy lately. So very. But we finally took a break from eating chile cream chocolates and reading Ruth Rendell novels, and got together an update. Hope you love it. Hope, in fact, you just can't resist these lovelies. A few favorites (and there are many more!):

Vogue 9419, a luscious bias slip from 1943.

New York 1387, sassy pleated shorts with three blouse options and an overskirt for those demure moments, also from the 1940s.

Advance Import 76, figure-revealing jacket worthy of those days when you simply must channel Kim Novak.

Vogue Couturier Design 2249, the perfect culottes for those summer patio parties, courtesy of Pucci. Of course.

And, yes, these fabulous patterns — as well as many other new vintage additions — are available at The Blue Gardenia, where the patterns are counted, the jewelry is sparkling and domestic shipping is free. (We happily ship abroad, for less than the cost USPS charges us.) And do recall: We put new patterns at the start of each category. Enjoy!

Baby, it's cold outside . . . January 16, 2013 10:50 2 Comments

but, alas, you can't stay inside by the fire, listening to Johnny Mercer and Margaret Whiting. No. You have errands to run. Lots of them: Costco, Petco, Whole Foods. But you will be snug and toasty warm: jeans over tights, that fabulous cashmere sweater that your beloved wrapped up so nicely for you at Christmas, and your new coat, made from Simplicity 1278. You've made the version with the double row of buttons. You used a bee-yoo-tee-ful and oh-so-forties inspired alpaca blend herringbone from Gorgeous Fabrics. With the scarf and hat you knitted in November, you won't have to worry one bit about that chill wind blowing.

So. Rush over to The Blue Gardenia, where the patterns are counted, the jewelry is sparkling, and domestic shipping is free, and snap up this lovely. (We happily ship abroad, of course, although there is a fee, less than the postal service charges us. You may choose Global Priority or Global Express. We love them both. We do.) And we take American Express, Discover, Mastercard, Paypal and Visa. And cold, hard cash. Anything to make you happy, dears. Anything. Almost.

The countdown begins: The Blue Gardenia sale ends tonight! January 7, 2013 00:00

So. You have mere hours to take advantage of The Blue Gardenia's terrific sale. And you want to, don't you? I want you to, and so do our little canine pals. They like their treats. They do. Absolutely. And treats cost money.

The details:

Spend $50 - $99, get 15% off.
Spend $100 - $249, get 35% off.
Spend $250 - $399, get 40% off.
Spend $400 or more, get 45% off.

Isn't that grand? I think so. And the limits are all before the discount, which means if you spend, for instance, $250, then your tally will only be be $150. It includes every pattern, every piece of jewelry. May I say wow?

Sale ends at midnight PST January 7, 2013 — yes, tonight! So hurry, scurry! All payments must be received by January 11, 2013.

Now's the time to sew that sleek, chic Valentine's Day number. January 5, 2013 08:09

Valentine's Day seems so far away. But. She's got a very busy January and February. Business trips to New York, San Francisco and Brazil. So. If she is going to make a special dress for her special date with her very special someone, now is the time to start. It can't be just any dress. Her requirements: irresistibly sexy, extremely original, sinfully '60s. And Prominent Designer M406, designed by Wilson Folmar, meets each and every one of her musts. She'll find a strawberry ice cream pink silk satin. Red for V-Day is such a cliche.

And is there any better time to shop than this moment, during the sale at The Blue Gardenia? Of course not. She's going to let her elegant Lotus Rouge-tipped fingers glide there right now.

Sale details:

Spend $50 - $99, get 15% off.
Spend $100 - $249, get 35% off.
Spend $250 - $399, get 40% off.
Spend $400 or more, get 45% off.

Is that a deal or what? The limits are all before the discount, which means if you spend, for instance, $250, then your tally will only be be $150.

Sale ends at midnight PST January 7, 2013. So hurry, scurry! All payments must be received by January 11, 2013.

Breaking news: The Blue Gardenia extends its end-of-year sale! January 3, 2013 15:45

Yes, dear readers, it's true: Due to the sale's success (and my laziness and His Bertness's recent health fright) we're extending the sale through Sunday at The Blue Gardenia. The scoop:

Spend $50 - $99, get 15% off.
Spend $100 - $249, get 35% off.
Spend $250 - $399, get 40% off.
Spend $400 or more, get 45% off.

How's that? The limits are all before the discount, which means if you spend, for instance, $250, then your tally will only be be $150. Isn't that the cat's meow? We think so.

Sale ends at midnight PST January 7, 2013. All payments must be received by January 11, 2013.

So. There ya go. Shop, shop, shop!

And sew to dress: Debi of My Happy Sewing Place January 2, 2013 08:38

Oh, how I love this feature. Pretending I am stylist to the sewing blogger stars. Today, I shall focus on Debi of My Happy Sewing Place. She is a major fan of vintage McCall patterns (as am I). And I think she would look swell in McCall 4583. It's from 1943. It's so versatile: smart jacket, Hepburn slacks, sassy shorts, classic shirt, comfy vest — perfect for walks around Edinburgh. (Well, it's a little chilly for the shorts, but she could wear them on a visit to warmer climes.) Don't you love it? I do. Indeed.

By the way, she's having a sale at her Etsy shop, Weaving Destination. Just use this code: Happy 2013. That entitles you to 10% off. Yippee! And you'll not only be saving, you'll be doing good. How's that for a way to get the new year off to a great start?

Speaking of sales, don't forget The Blue Gardenia's end-of-year sale. For details, click here.

Channelling Catherine: How to highlight those hips in plaid. December 6, 2012 16:29

Pants that fit perfectly:

Desirable.

Spider mums: Spikey.

Marc Jacobs plaid at Mood: Yummy.

Vogue's Basic Design 2172 at The Blue Gardenia: Classic.

Serenity now: It's "me" time. You deserve it. December 2, 2012 10:08

Well. She has done her duty today. Church. The minister delivered a lovely, uplifting message. Lunch with a dear elderly friend from church. Mopped the floors. Unloaded the dishwasher.

And, now, to use that trendy phrase, it's her "me" time. She's put on her gorgeous caftan — she made it last weekend from a pattern she purchased at The Blue Gardenia — Vogue American Designer 1027, designed by Oscar de la Renta. She's made a cup of hot chocolate — and, no, she did not spare the marshmallows. And now she's headed to her favorite wingback chair and she's going to get cozy and read Die a Little by Megan Abbott. She's read it twice before, but it is a fave. Obviously.

Ahhhh. Bliss. Indeed.

And yes, my lovelies, this gorgeous pattern can be yours. Just drop by The Blue Gardenia, where the patterns are counted, the jewelry is sparkling, and domestic shipping is free. (And, yes, we happily ship abroad for a fee — just what the post office charges, in fact.) So rush on over. Do. Snap this one up. Don't delay.

We've added a plethora of vintage patterns. Wanna see? November 30, 2012 07:33

We know you're exhausted, buying all those snazzy presents for friends. So. We have added glamorous new patterns at The Blue Gardenia. Because. You deserve a treat just for you. A few favorites:

1935 McCall 8130 — She loves the neckline. So unusual. She loves the shirring. So flattering. In fact, she loves this frock. Period. End of story. She must have it. After all, it is truly multipurpose: She can wear the short sleeve version for church on Sunday. How fetching it will be with the big-brimmed, rose-trimmed Lilly Dache she bought last year and still hasn't worn, except to prance in front of the mirror. And the long-sleeve version will make a lovely New year's frock. Perhaps with a silk organdy collar in peach and the body in navy silk charmeuse. Goosebumps. She feels them at just the thought.

1945 Simplicity 1306 — Angeline has been looking for the perfect ensemble for Christmas shopping. She always shops late. She always shops small businesses, either in Tacoma or online. Online, of course, a snuggly chenille robe will do. But among the excited shoppers at the shops, she likes to look smart. But she must also be comfortable. And Simplicity 1306 is exactly what she's searching for — wide-shouldered weskit, pleated pants. It will look great over that 1980s Anne Klein cashmere sweater she snatched elatedly at the vintage store last week. She knows what she'll be doing this weekend, and it has to do with fabric, scissors and a sewing machine. Yes indeed.

1955 Vogue 8486 — She needs a new suit for that all-important, long-awaited job interview in January. And she has found a pattern that says it all: Serious. Fashionable. Smart. Independent. And it is so memorable, with the boxy jacket and radiating tucks. Perhaps she'll make it in alpaca. Yes, alpaca. She'll find some. Somewhere.

1960s Vogue Couturier Design 1687 — Elouise has been fretting. Nervous. This is her first New Year's Eve with Joshua, the man of her dreams. And she does mean dreams. Not nightmares. He's kind. Well-mannered. Dignified. Respectful. And he is the sharpest Crayon in the box. And she's talking about the box of 400! She's found the perfect dress to wear to the bash at his parents' swankienda: VCD 1687, designed by John Cavanagh.

And, yep, these fabulous patterns — as well as many other new vintage additions — are available at The Blue Gardenia, where the patterns are counted, the jewelry is sparkling and domestic shipping is free. (We happily ship abroad, for less than the cost USPS charges us.) And do recall: We put new patterns at the start of each category. Enjoy!

We're doin' it. We are. A Cyber Monday sale! November 26, 2012 05:42

Normally we like to sashay to the beat of our own drummer. But we decided this year to offer a Cyber Monday deal. Spend $50 bucks — or more — and get 20% off your total order. But shop fast — the deal ends at midnight PST. This is good for gift certificates, too. Joyful shopping, readers!

And may we suggest Butterick 6819? Perfect for dancing and canoodling with that special someone on New Year's Eve.

And, of course, this elegant pattern can be yours. Just drop by The Blue Gardenia, where the patterns are counted, the jewelry is sparkling, and domestic shipping is free. But you knew all that, didn't you? Of course you did. (And, yes, we do ship abroad. Absolutely. With enthusiasm. Shipping fees do apply.)

Hard, fast and fashionable: Bare midriff, PJs, petals in her hair. November 17, 2012 09:47 2 Comments

This is one of my favorite Ida Lupino images. I came across it years ago at an estate sale in Houston, Texas. Naturally, I was looking for patterns or sparkly rhinestone beauties, but what I found were several images torn from magazines and pleated crepe scarfs in every color imaginable.

I left the scarfs and bought the pictures and a 1970s harvest gold ottoman, which I had reupholstered in a lovely green and black Maharam print. A fabric worthy of gardenias and glam jams. Very Odalisque in clothes, you might say.

The house was beautiful — one of those lovely and large and vaguely Craftsman style homes in Montrose, not far from our home. The woman who owned these things had obviously had quite an eye for fashion and all things beautiful. There were, alas, no pictures of her, nor any sign of a man or companion. She had one sewing pattern — a Butterick from the 1950s. I was so curious about her story. Did she lead a glamorous and love-filled life? Did she party at the legendary Shamrock Hilton and dance the nights away in carefree abandon? I hope so.

If you'd like to emulate this Lupino look, I suggest Simplicity 1230, View 2, in rayon crepe. I've had this pattern made up twice, once in a lime linen, once in teal linen. Very sexy, very comfy. And this crepe from Gorgeous Fabrics has 1940s flair

If you'd like to recline in these pajamas with a flower in your hair, you can find this pattern at The Blue Gardenia, where the patterns are counted, the jewelry is sparkling, and domestic shipping is free. (We happily ship abroad, of course, although there is a fee, less than the postal service charges us. You may choose Global Priority or Global Express. We love them both. We do.) And we take American Express, Discover, Mastercard, Paypal and Visa. Isn't that fabulous? Ever so.

So many swell dresses. So many places to wear them. Yes indeed. November 5, 2012 00:34

Dearest Gardenias, it's that time again. Time to enjoy The Blue Gardenia's latest additions. This update, you'll find everything from a hip-stiffened skirt perfect for Dior's New Look to a gorgeous housecoat that will look perfect beside the tree on Christmas morn. Do let me share a few of my favorites among the many additions:

Have a holiday gala coming up? Then why not whip up Vogue 5704? It's strapless, it's chic, and there's a fabulous back-buttoned jacket you can don if the wind blows chill. You can even do a sexy lace version.

If you're looking for a drapey day dress that can go straight from the office to an elegant dinner, I suggest 1940s Vogue 8969. It has draping. It has shirring. Can you ask for anything more? Well, that winning lottery ticket. Of course.

If you are a fan of the New Look — and who isn't? — look no further than Vogue 7509, copyright 1951. While this skirt doesn't have padding, it does use hair canvas to make the most of the silhouette. Love it. Hope you do, too.

And Butterick 5375, while labeled a housecoat — and what a beautiful housecoat it will make — can go well beyond such intimate duties. It will also make a smashing dress. It will indeed. And did I mention it is Quick and Easy? So says Butterick, and you know they would never pull your leg.

And, you guessed it, dahlings, each and every one of these delightful styles can be yours. Just drop by The Blue Gardenia, where the patterns are counted, the jewelry is sparkling, and domestic shipping is free. (And, yes, we happily ship abroad for a fee — just what the post office charges, in fact.) Come see all the additions. You'll find them at the beginning of each category. Don't tarry, though. You don't want them to get away.

You're going leaf-peeping. What will you wear? October 20, 2012 06:25

Ahhh . . . a perfect day. The weather is fine. Cool not cold. Sunny. And you, my lass, are going leaf-peeping. A lot of sitting in the car. A lot of oooohing and aaaahing over the magnificent fall colors: sienna, umber, gold. Then dinner in Santa Fe. What, you ask, as you paw through your closet, what to wear that is comfortable, yet smart enough for a very nice restaurant? You pause at your beautiful, sassy Betsey Johnson suit, made last year, but still a favorite: Butterick 3292 from the 1970s. The jacket with its flattering princess lines; the pants with their wide-legged magnificence. This is it! And it's made of a wool knit in the color of the New Mexico sky, so you won't have to fret over wrinkles.

The skinny: Butterick 3292 Skirt, Jacket and Slacks Designed by Betsey Johnson Bust 36 Complete Circa 1970s $50.

And, of course, this versatile pattern can be yours. Just drop by The Blue Gardenia, where the patterns are counted, the jewelry is sparkling, and domestic shipping is free. But you knew all that, didn't you? Of course you did. (And, yes, we do ship abroad. Absolutely. With enthusiasm. Shipping fees do apply.)

You choose: Channel Carole, Katherine or Catherine. And more. October 8, 2012 17:04

And here we go again — another mahvelous update. Just for you. So many patterns. So many fantastic styles. A few you may especially like (I know I do):

I'm a total pushover for blouses. Especially those with unusual lines and attitude from the 1940s. And Vogue 5658 is just that sort of blouse. Great shoulders. Elegant gathers. This top will definitely make your ensemble.
A fan of Katherine Hepburn? Then you'll want Spadea N-1149. Charles LecMaire designed it just for her to wear in Desk Set.

Feeling more Russian princess? More Carole Lombard in To Have and Have Not? Then don't even try to resist Butterick 5410 from the 1930s. You can wear it out. Or you can wear it at home for his or her eyes only.

And for a perfectly bee-yoo-tee-ful day dress, I suggest Simplicity 2326. Two views, both ladylike and sexy. That's one gorgeous bodice!

And one of my favorite YSL's — so Deneuve — whip up Vogue Paris Original 1690 from the 1960s. I love it. Don't you? Say yes. That is the correct answer.

These beauties are just a fraction of the newest additions at The Blue Gardenia. You'll want to check out each and every one. And the newest patterns are always at the beginning of each category. Because we want to make it easier for you to find them, natch.

And, of course, any — or all — of these lovelies can be yours. Just drop by The Blue Gardenia, where the patterns are counted, the jewelry is sparkling, and domestic shipping is free. But you knew all that, didn't you? Of course you did. (And, yes, we do ship abroad. Absolutely. With enthusiasm. Shipping fees do apply.)

Button up this overcoat when the wind blows free . . . October 1, 2012 09:59

You went out Saturday. It was brisk. You wore your old jacket. It's pretty. Of course. After all, you chose it. And you have good taste. But you were — you are — a little bored with it. And you've been so good. So frugal. So hard-working. You deserve a treat. You do. Absolutely.

So. You are going to treat yourself to a new jacket for those inbetweeny evenings. When it's too warm for a coat. Too chilly for a sweater. You've chosen Vogue 7142, copyright 1950. Two different looks, and you may just make them both. Why not?

Perhaps the blue and green retro velvet at Mood? It's $18 per yard, and it will be so versatile with your wardrobe - chock full of seafoams and celadons and whatnot shades of blue and green and taupe. That will be your first version. You'll need to do a bit more shopping (oh, woe!) before selecting fabrics for the two-tone style.

And yes, sweeties, this wonderful pattern can be yours. Just drop by The Blue Gardenia, where the patterns are counted, the jewelry is sparkling, and domestic shipping is free. (And, yes, we happily ship abroad for a fee — just what the post office charges, in fact.) So rush on over. Do. Snap this one up. Don't tarry.

Star-spangled style: Ms. Lake owns the sexy shirtdress. Totally. September 23, 2012 09:58 1 Comment

It's simple. It's sexy. And it's oh-so-comfortable. The shirtdress. It can go to the office. The grocery store. The elegant bistro with starched white tablecloths and ivories that tinkle. What could be better? And who wears this style with more panache than Veronica Lake?

This is an easy look to emulate — the fashion — of course. You might, however, have to don a wig to get the golden waves that cascade with perfection.

You might choose McCall 5453 to make your frock. (Details, if you please: McCall 5453 Dress Bust 34 Complete except for easily duplicated belt Copyright 1943 $26) This pattern has a few extra style riffs that put this right over the moon. Totally. Completely.

And for your fabric, may I suggest the lipstick wool crepe at Mood Fabrics? A mere $14 per yard, 57" wide and made in Italy. (I love that Mood sources the country of origin.)

And for the well shod foot, my choice is this spike-embellished Lola Cruz platform pump. Worthy of swooning. It is. You can find it at Amazon, on sale half-price. Isn't that a kick?

So. I've done the tough homework for you. The sweating. The crying. The click-click-clicking. My fingertips are bleeding. But. You're so worth it. You are. All you have to do, my pretty, stylish ones, is follow the links and you'll be one fashionable 1940s babe, referencing none other than noir vixen Veronica Lake. Oh, yeah, and you'll have to do a little sewing. But. Think of the pride you'll have in your finished product. You'll be all aglow with pride. Absolutely.

And, yes indeedy. This pattern can be yours at The Blue Gardenia, where the patterns are counted, the jewelry is sparkling, and domestic shipping is free. (We ship abroad as well, happily. And we charge less for shipping than the postal service charges us. Isn't that delightful? We think so.)

Do you read the notes dressmakers write on patterns? September 17, 2012 07:46 1 Comment

One of the many things I have always loved about vintage patterns are notes written by the original dressmaker. Over the years, I've seen many. "My wedding dress," "Jim, Jim, Jim, Jim, Jim!" and "Not a good pattern."

And then there is this one. J. Stuckey wrote "Excellent pattern." You can certainly tell she loved this one. And I certainly agree that it is one of the most beautiful 1930s evening gowns I've seen. It's breathtaking. Truly. From the halter neckline to the skirt that flares just so. This even includes the perfect slip pattern to wear with this dress.

What are some of your favorite pattern notes?

Oh, and lest I forget, the details on this one, which is, of course, available at The Blue Gardenia: Butterick 7724 Evening or Dinner Gowns and Slip Bust 34 Complete; skirt trimmed and extensions present $225.

If you can't say no to this tried-and-true glamorous pattern, drop by The Blue Gardenia, where the patterns are counted, the jewelry is sparkling, and domestic shipping is free. (We happily ship abroad, of course, although there is a fee, less than the postal service charges us. You may choose Global Priority or Global Express. We love them both. We do.) And we take American Express, Discover, Mastercard, Paypal and Visa. Isn't that fabulous? I think so. I do.

Previous
Page 4 of 9
Next