The Blue Gardenia
Learning to sew: A just-out-of-print Badgley Mischka. February 19, 2014 23:12
Can you say wadder? This dress would have been one for me, if it had not been for my fabulous sewing teacher. The pattern is Vogue 1256, designed by Badgley Mischka. So many problems! Absolutely. Before cutting the fabric, a bamboo jersey, we added about an inch to the bodice. The pattern is quite short-waisted. Leslie made one with me for herself, and she is petite with a short waist, and she had to lengthen the bodice as well. (How's that for a whiny run-on sentence? Don't tell Mrs. Geneva, wherever she is!) Further, the skirt is very short. I did not add the zipper the pattern uses, because there was no need: even with lining, it easily slips over the head. I have not worn the dress yet. I will. Eventually. His Bertness really likes it. Go figure.
It's unseasonably warm, and thoughts of spring encase you. February 17, 2014 17:26
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 amethyst 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!
Learning to sew: Butterick 5559 by Maggy London is done! February 11, 2014 17:03
The blue knit Butterick is complete. The picture is fuzzy: His Bertness snapped it with my iPhone and he tends to get far away to take pictures, which means I must crop for any details at all to show. It's his signature as a photog, I suppose. Emma looks lovely, though. She just does not take a bad picture. She's always stunning.
I am pleased with the dress. It was fairly easy to make, but I do feel a Spanx --- or something like it ––– is in order. I am feeling more comfortable sewing and more at ease with knits. I must say, though, that I do like vintage patterns better. This is, in case you care, Butterick 5559, a current pattern, designed by Maggy London. I like the details, and it was easy to whip up. I do highly recommend it.
I used a lightweight cotton knit, generously supplied by my talented sewing teacher. She's made this dress three times! Yeah, she really loves this pattern!
Do drop by The Blue Gardenia. We added lots of patterns this weekend. Let us know what you think of the new site.
I'll be moving the blog to the site in the next couple of weeks, so get ready!
Shameless plug: We just added some smashing patterns! February 9, 2014 20:39
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.
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 . . .
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.
Meet the designer: Molyneux and the iconic hourglass suit. February 6, 2014 17:47
This Molyneux suit is one of my favorites. Ever. It is the very definition of hourglass. And it is glamorous yet simple.
A few factoids about Molyneux:
* He was born in London.
* He opened his first salon in 1919 in Paris.
* He was known for his "never too rich or too thin", "refined at the edge of outrageous" designs.
* Greta Garbo and Marlene Dietrich were fans.
* He counted Noel Coward among his pals.
So. Now you know. That is, if you didn't before.
This gorgeous and rare pattern is available at The Blue Gardenia. Stop by and shop our newly designed website. I think you'll like it. I do.
The perfect dress for casual Friday. February 5, 2014 17:17
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.
She'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 17:26
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!
Learning to sew: A pin at a time & my hair matches my dress. January 15, 2014 21:40
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.
I 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 20:40
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.
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.
Learning to sew? I'm making Butterick B5559, a knit with details. January 14, 2014 11:42
I started a new project yesterday, with the aid of my sewing diva Leslie. Butterick B5559 by Maggy London.
I'm learning new details with this gorgeous dress: Outside stitched tucks. Leslie has made three of these for herself. All are beautiful. Absolutely. Above is the bottom back and front.
You can see the details more closely in the pic to the left. I'm doing the version with sleeves. I cropped the pic, the better to highlight the details. I hope the drawn woman is feeling no pain.
Don't forget to stop by and see our new Blue Gardenia website. Let us know what you think. And shop, shop, shop.
The new site is up, and we added a couple of beauties today! January 13, 2014 16:31
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.
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.
Golden Globes 2014: Dull & duller. But a few dreamy dresses. January 12, 2014 18:01
Am I the only person who found the 2014 Golden Globes as dull as an Albuquerque coffee table undusted for a month? Even the majority of the gowns let me down. There were a few highlights, a few gowns that inspired closet lust:
Lupita Nyong'o, above, of Twelve Years a Slave, takes home the Blue Gardenia Dennison Blue Foil Star Award. If I hadn't already bought red silk charmeuse for a bias cocktail number, I would definitely copy this Ralph Lauren beauty for my Valentine's Night fashion pleasure. Day length, though. His Bertness would definitely approve. Maybe my birthday dress? In blue?
Sandra Bullock also stunned. Her Prabal Gurung gown took colorblock to new heights. But what is it with older women and long hair that would look more appropriate on a teen? A sophisticated updo would have made this look perfection. Nice lipcolor, though. Is it Chanel Paris again?
Paula Patton should pinkslip her stylist. This Stephane Rolland design — and I use that word loosely — looks like a boring white sheath with a fluffy dishtowel tossed over her shoulder. Perhaps the star was doing kitchen duty afterward?
What was Julia Roberts thinking in her Dolce & Gabbana? Was she referencing Sharon Stone's seminal Gap shirt and black evening skirt look? If so, she failed. Miserably. And that sparkly belt? Yikes. I hope I don't have nightmares about it. Roberts' hair was sensational, though. Loved it. Absolutely.
And guess what? The new Blue Gardenia website is up, and we are already getting compliments. Hop on over and let us know what you think. It is so easy to shop! Hope you love it. Passionately.
The countdown is on: Just 5 or so hours till the sale ends!! January 7, 2014 13:37
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 19:43
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 gabardine 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 11:54
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.
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 16:48
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?)
I 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 19:08
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 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 19:31
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 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.
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 21:42
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.
My 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.
We underestimated. We did. May we atone by extending the sale? January 1, 2014 09:27
Beloved readers and customers, I do so apologize that the new site isn't up today. I am so disappointed. I am. I hope you are looking forward to the new site as much as we are. The good news is that we are very close. The other good news is that until it's up, you get to continue purchasing patterns at a huge discount. Now, that's a nice New Year's treat, right?
When His Bertness first told me he could have the site up by January 1, he anticipated that our website designer had done more work on the site than he had. Alas. He had not completed basic tasks that our previous site designers had. (Yes, I do wish we had gone back to our old designers, but we hired local, because we wanted to support someone we knew. In his defense, our local designer has a demanding day job and designs websites on the side. That's a full platter in itself. To add to that, he is an artist and that is his first love. It is his priority. As a creative type myself, I completely understand that.) Add to that the fact that His Bertness took the first four days of his vacation to to relax and recharge, so he'll be bright-eyed and bushy-tailed when he goes back to his day job, which is his priority and which he loves. So. We chose the designer. Bert chose to take time off. And we take responsibilty for those choices.
So. Please forgive us. Be understanding. I beg you. Take advantage of our New Year's gift to you: The extension of the sale. Our atonement for so completely miscalculating.
There are so many things I want to talk about today, rather than apologizing. And how. Perhaps I will post again later on another topic. After all, it's a new year, and a new day, and our new and improved site will be here very soon. Enjoy the sale till then.
You might choose the lovely dress or jumper and blouse pattern above, Butterick 3751. I love it. Indeed, so much I want it in my size. I'm a pushover for dramatic collars and sleeves. Which you know.
The sale skinny:
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.
Here's to a prosperous 2014 for us all! (And a present for you.) December 31, 2013 18:52
I'll keep this short. Promise. I want to wish you and yours, me and mine, the best year ever. May we not just live, but thrive. Positively. Absolutely. Yes indeedy. And all that.
You'll find a surprise waiting for you at The Blue Gardenia! Enjoy. More news tomorrow . . .
Doesn't Jane Mansfield stun with her allure? I want that dress for next year.
A ring on her finger, roses on her toes + a '60s gown = wedding. December 30, 2013 19:54
She's decided to do it. She has. She's never been that woman who wanted to wed. That little girl who daydreamed about walking down the aisle in that perfect ivory dress with that perfect ivory train to say yes to that perfect groom. Not her.
But he's changed her mind. They've lived together three years, and, it's been, well, interesting. He's warm and cuddly and a great chef and a scintillating conversationalist. And in the bedroom . . . well, she'll keep it PG-rated and simply say he's accomplished.
He accepts her as she is, flaws and all, although he brings out her best. She wants to be better because of him. She is better because of him. Not work 24-7. Not anymore.
So. The gown. Nothing frilly. Nothing silly. She's chosen Vogue Bridal Design 2809. It is modern and feminine. SImple yet sophisticated. She's found a gorgeous duchesse silk satin in beigey white at Gorgeous Fabrics.
She's selected ruby satin slippers with rosettes. Yes, ruby. She's getting married, not giving up her personality. No need to get too traditional. And they are so striking with that beigey satin. By Stuart Weitzman. A bargain at 6pm.com.
And, you knew it, didn't you, dear readers? You can get this wonderful pattern at The Blue Gardenia. Not only that, you can save a bundle during our fabdabulous sale. Run, don't walk.
End of the Year / End of an Era Sale!
Now through Midnight (PST) December 31, 2013
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.
That touch of fashion: Doris Day is every inch a star in Givenchy. December 29, 2013 19:28
What a luscious look for the ever-so-lovely Doris Day. I adore this satin coat. It's elegant. It's classy. It is oh-so-chic. Indeed. And the delightful strawberry ice cream color looks dreamy enough to eat with a spoon.
Day's coat is designed by the masterful Givenchy. Givenchy, as you know, was Audrey Hepburn's favorite designer.
You can easily emulate this look with Simplicity 5103. Simply make View 1 and shorten the sleeves.
Mood has a lush silk satin that would be quite beautiful whipped up in this haute couture style. The pink is more muted, but still gorgeous. And some might even say this subtle color is much more sophisticated.
One of my favorite Day quotes: "I find beauty everywhere. I find beauty in my garden." And certainly, either pink looks straight from the petals of a peony or a rose.
You may buy this wonderful coat pattern at The Blue Gardenia's outstanding sale. But don't tarry, because patterns are rushing out of here faster than corsages from the florist at prom time. The skinny:
End of the Year / End of an Era Sale!
Now through Midnight (PST) December 31, 2013
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.
Leave those yoga pants in the studio and wear this at breakfast. December 28, 2013 19:14
Those pesky New Year's resolutions. You make them. You hate them. And you hate them for one reason: You always let them fall by the wayside by January 20. But there's one you are going to keep. Absolutely. No more yoga pants at breakfast! You're coming downstairs looking elegant, but in something that is practical enough to wear while making toast and whipping eggs. Peerless 5502 fits your requirements perfectly. No long sleeves to worry about. And you'll make it in that easy-care crepe you saw at Gorgeous Fabrics in viridian. It's machine wash, tumble dry. Perfection.
You can get this very rare pattern right now, and at a marvelous discount. Just drop by The Blue Gardenia's price-shattering sale. The details:
End of the Year / End of an Era Sale!
Now through Midnight (PST) December 31, 2013
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.