The Blue Gardenia

Colorblock, with 1950 flair. May 15, 2012 02:43

Vogue_7111_50s
You've been wanting to make a colorblock dress. But not for you the ordinary. No. You want something special. Different. Something distinctly vintage. And you've found the perfect example in Vogue 7111. It's got the esses you require: Smart. Sophisticated. Perhaps you'll make it in  brown and aqua linen. Or perhaps lime and blueberry crepe. Mmmmm. Choices. And such delightful ones.

The details: Vogue 7111 Dresses Bust 32 Still in factory folds Copyright 1950 $33.

And yes, sweetness, 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. Now.


You've made the Meringue. Now, how about a scalloped top? May 8, 2012 01:05

Simplicity_4929
You've learned how to cut and sew scallops with Colette's lovely Meringue. So. Why not try a Mad Men take? Simplicity 4929 is bee-yoo-tee-ful. And serves double duty: Remove the jacket, and there's a sexy dress underneath. How fabulous is that? From the office to dinner, in a flash. Easy peasy. Absolutely.

The details: Simplicity 4929 Dress, Cummerbund and Bolero Bust 36 Complete $22.

And this sophisticated style is available at The Blue Gardenia. Of course.


Channeling Catherine: An elegant interpretation of '20s style. May 7, 2012 01:42

Deneuve20a Earrings

Incredible beauty: God-given.

Majorica pearl earrings, $115 at Neiman Marcus: Elegant.

Piercing and hurt look: Practiced.

Butterick 2591, $75 at The Blue Gardenia: Basis.

 

Butterick_2591_20s


Shameless plug: Be a lady. Be a vixen. Or be both. May 1, 2012 02:11 1 Comment

VogueAmericana-2557
Oh, choices. There are so many this update.  In fact, you can be whatever you want to be. Sixtysomething patterns. All are smashing. Do let me share a few personal favorites:

Vogue Americana 2557, design courtesy of Donald Brooks, is the perfect jumpsuit to don for those bitchvixen moments. Slit to there. And there. And there. Love it.

 Vogue-6464
Vogue 6464
is elegant and oozes sex appeal. Whip it up in red silk crepe and take it to the dance floor. When you shimmy, no one will remember Sister Kate.

Vogue-6955
Planning a beach party? Vogue 6955 is not only cute as lace socks, it's easy to make. Or so Vogue promises. And that sterling style provider would not lie. I know it.

Vogue-6808
Like huge and graceful sleeves? You could hide a picnic basket inside a sleeve of Vogue 6808.

Spadea-NA-2006
And if unusual, gorgeous details are your thing, look no further than Spadea Designer NA-2006. Irene Gilbert outdid herself on this impeccable design.

And, yes, all these marvelous patterns 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 — either Global Priority or Express — for less than USPS charges us. Isn't that the cat's? I think so.)



Harlow's jammies deliver Christmas in December or July . . . April 25, 2012 17:34

Harlow
or even earlier. In fact, I ask, why not April? Who wants to wait until the last month of the year for these satiny beauties? I don't. It's probably a

MCCall-9563 little late to stitch these up for the Did You Make That? Pyjama Party. But you can recline on your sofa, dripping class and oozing sex appeal, long after the party's over. Absolutely.

The details: McCall 9563 Pajamas Bust 38 Complete Copyright 1937 $75.

And, yes — you were wondering, weren't you? — this magnificent pattern is available at The Blue Gardenia, where the patterns are counted, the jewelry is sparkling, and domestic shipping is free. And we merrily ship abroad for less than the USPS postal fees.


Don't miss a chance to make your own VoNBBS satin sheath. April 17, 2012 01:38

Vogue-7101
The sheath dress is my favorite pattern from Vogue's New Book for Better Sewing. It merits my most beloved clothing adjectives: Sexy. Sleek. Sophisticated. And I am happy to say that we have another Vogue 7101 at The Blue Gardenia.

Satingertie,jpgIf you're a fan of Gertie's New Blog for Better Sewing (and is there a living, breathing sewista who isn't?)  you doubtless admired her version of this dress. Isn't she lovely? Isn't the sheath beautiful? Yes. And yes. Absolutely.

If you want to make your own, here's your chance. The details: Vogue 7101 Bust 32 Complete Copyright 1952 $39. 

So. Don't tarry. Don't delay. Let those well-manicured fingers rush over to 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.Anything to make you happy, dears. Anything. Almost.

 


I could get used to this: Another blog award. Yippee! April 12, 2012 00:56 3 Comments

I am one happy woman. Dee of Seams Sustainable nominated me for the Versatile Blogger Award. Isn't that peachy? I think so. Dee, I thank you. I do.

Versatileblogger11
Of course, there are rules that accompany this honor. I must:

1. Display the Versatile Blogger logo. (Piece of cake!)

2. Say thank you to the blogger who presented me with this lovely award. (Of course! I had good home training.)

3. Link to the lovely Dee's site, since she selected moi for this nifty award. (Always good to know someone is reading my posts!)

4. Give the Versatile Blogger Award to fifteen other  most excellent bloggers. (Cutting fifteen out of the herd is tough. There are so many wonderful and informative blogs.)

5. Share seven things about myself. Ugh. I'm not so fond of this one.

So. Drum roll, please. These are the blogs I've selected, in no particular order, as they say on DWTS:

K-Line

Ten Thousand Hours of Sewing

It's a Sewing Life

Narcoleptic in a Cupboard

Sew Store-Bought

Pretty Grievances

Stitch and Witter

Sewing is Hard

The Long and Winding Bobbin

Frabjous Couture

As I Said

Struggle Sews a Straight Seam

Retired in Alaska

The Mahogany Stylist

I Wanna Frock and Roll All Night

Now, for the boring part. I've asked alter ego Jinx Marlowe to ask me questions to make this a bit less tedious for you. Probably a futile effort.

Jinx: Do you have a guilty pleasure? 

Denise: I do. Watching The Young and The Restless and reading Emilie Loring novels.

Jinx: And your favorite movies are . . . 

Double Indemnity, Chinatown and Out of the Past.

Jinx: When will you show your readers the dress you just finished? 

Denise: When I conquer my laziness and put on makeup. You're not nagging, are you?

Jinx: Oh, please. Stop being hypersensitive. Favorite quote? 

ChandlerandcissyDenise: Mmmm . . . difficult. There are so many that I love. I'll share my favorite quote today. It's from Raymond Chandler, and it is about his wife, Cissy: "For thirty years, ten months and four days, she was the light of my life, my whole ambition. Anything else I did was just the fire to warm her hands at. That is all there is to say."

Jinx: Man crush? 

Denise: Stephen Colbert.

His  Bertness: (Oops, he's interrupted! Must have been the mention of Colbert. He's moved Jinx aside, and he's asking questions.) How can you be humble?

Denise: It's difficult. But I manage.

His Bertness: When you itch, is it better to scratch or delay gratification and hope for an improved situation?

Denise: Count to ten, then scratch. 

Jinx: Bert, go to bed. I'm asking the questions. What are you working on now, Denise?

Denise: This isn't twenty questions. It's seven. Enough! My readers' eyelids are already drooping.

Again, Dee, I thank you. You're keen. You are. And, readers, check out these blogs. There will be tests!

 


Will you channel Jean? Lauren? Ava? A waitress in a donut shop? April 9, 2012 01:29 1 Comment

Exquisite patterns this week, my lovelies. So fabulous that His Bertness said he's tempted to  cross-dress! So fabulous, in fact, that I am going to let them speak for themselves. Absolutely. (Some I've not come across before — and considering how long I've been a pattern fan, that says much.) A few of my favorites among the more than sixty patterns just added: 

McCall-8025
McCall 8025 Tunic Blouses Bust 36 Complete Copyright 1934 $135

Butterick-7175
Butterick 7175 Negligees Bust 36 Complete Circa 1930s $130

SimplicityDes's-8034
Simplicity Designer's 8034 Swing Coat Bust 36 Complete Copyright 1949 $100

Advance-8292
Advance American Designer 8292 Dresses Designed by Lotte Bust 36 Complete; skirt trimmed, extensions present $45

VogueAD-1742
Vogue American Designer 1742 Dresses Designed by DKNY Bust 36-38 Complete, but bodice has been enlarged and taped Copyright 1996 $33

And, yes, you can buy these beauties — and so many more — at The Blue Gardenia. To make it easier for our regulars, we place new additions at the beginning of each category. Anything to make spending money faster and smoother for you! We take Amex, Discover, Mastercard, Paypal and Visa. We gladly ship abroad. Do not — I repeat — do not let these beauties get away. Make me happy. Make my little canine pals happy. (They love their treats! They love lots of them! Really.) And make yourself happy, too. Do.


I'm blushing. I've lost my virginity. I got a blog award. April 6, 2012 01:05

Did I mention joy Thursday morning over my completed dress? I did. (Pictures to come. Later.)

Leibster AwardAnd I feel it again. Now. Because sweet and fashionable Ellen of It's a Sewing Life nominated li'l ole me for a Liebster Award. I am so pleased. I am. Truly. The Liebster Award is bestowed to bloggers with fewer than 200 supporters (that would, alas, be me) to encourage and support us. Ellen, I thank you. I do!

There are rules, though:

1. I must thank the person who nominated me on my blog. (Done! And so very easy!)

2. Link to that fabulous writer's blog. (I did!)

3. Exhibit the badge on my blog. (Done.)

4. Nominate five other blogs for this lovely honor. (A cinch!)

5. Leave a comment on recipient blogs to let those lucky bloggers know they've got a Liebster. (Oh, sure. Time-consuming effort for my lazy self but worth the calories expended. Absolutely.)

So. After much consideration — there are so many terrific blogs out there with less than 200 followers — I nominate the following:

The Goddess of Gumbo

Home Made Couture

How Good Is That?

Kiss Me Kate

Seams Sustainable

Do yourself a favor, beloved readers, and check these out. You won't regret it. Promise.

And, Ellen, again, I thank you. An enthusiastic clap of the hands to you.


Shameless plug: Free your inner Grace Kelly in a '57 McCall gown. March 22, 2012 11:58

VogueCD-2497
I love patterns. I love patterns. I love patterns! I do. I do. I do. And to illustrate that affection, we've added nearly 60 vintage patterns to The Blue Gardenia. A few of my favorites:

McCall's-3466McCall 3466: The spring gala. It's coming up and soon. She must have something new to wear. Something sassy. Something sexy. But something that is elegant. Something with Grace Kelly classicism and flair. She'll choose this one. Its removable panels make it quite special. And those same panels make it versatile. She'll make it up  in peony. Satin. It will wow her. And even better, it will wow him. Perfection.

The details: Cocktail or Evening Gown with Removable Panels and Cummerbund Bust 36 Complete Copyright 1955  $125

Vogue-8924Vogue 8924: She's looking for something easy to make. A project that will boost her confidence in her sewing skills.And Vogue promises that this simple yet sophisicated number isn't just easy, it's very easy. Isn't that wonderful? It absolutely is. She'll use that teal linen she bought last month when she was longing for sunny weather. Oh, she is looking forward to making this one. She is!

The details: Dresses "Very Easy-to-Make" Bust 38 Complete Copyright 1957 $45

Vogue Couturier Design 2497: Winter. Winter. Winter. Will it never skedaddle? The calendar says this one is history. The 20-degree temp says something else entirely. And what it says is "brrrr!" And how. To make these last frigid days bearable, she's stitching up this magnificent Galitzine-designed cape. She is taken with its asymmetry. Charmed by its sleek silhouette. In three words: She adores it. Indeed.

The details: Cape, Skirt and Blouse Designed by Galitzine Bust 36 Complete Circa 1970s $55

And, yup, you can buy each and every one of these lovelies — and more — at The Blue Gardenia. And to make it easier for our loyals, we place new additions at the beginning of each category. Anything to make spending money faster and smoother for you! We take Amex, Discover, Mastercard, Paypal and Visa. We gladly ship abroad. Do not — I repeat — do not let these beauties get away. Make me happy. Make my little canine pals happy. (They love their treats! And lots of them! Really.) And make yourself happy, too. Do.


Mission possible: Cinnamon stuns in an extraordinary LBS. March 5, 2012 00:46

Barbara_bain_black_sheath
Ahhhh. . . Cinnamon Carter. We should all be as cool. As capable. As smart. As beautiful. As fashionable.

Let your inner Cinnamon out. Now. Be bold. Because. No missions are impossible when you're wearing this sexy yet elegant sheath. And McCall's 6571 is a mirror image. It is. Exact. McCall's-6571

The details: McCall's 6571 Evening or Cocktail Gowns Bust 34 Complete Copyright 1962 $75.

And, of course, this red-carpet ready gown is available at 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. Enthusiastically. Shipping fees do apply.)


Sexy Pucci culottes. Stylish Lanvin cocktail dress and coat. Yes . . . March 2, 2012 00:58

this is a shameless plug. It is. But I know you want to know that The Blue Gardenia has just added a potpourri of patterns. (Annoying alliteration, indeed. But sometimes, I just cannot resist. And sometimes I simply refuse to resist.)

A few favorites, among the many:

VogueCD-2449
Oh my. These are outstanding. So chic. So timeless. So comfy! How can you say no? Dont even think of it!

VogueSD-S-4689
Want to practice the welt pocket techniques you learned in Gertie's latest Craftsy class? Vogue Special Design S-4689 offers that opportunity. And the collar is so dramatic. And bee-yoo-tee-ful.

Mccall_3605
Want to channel Bette Davis in a fabulous 1940s blouse? then look no further than McCall 3605. Love love love this one!

VoguePO-1082
Of course, if Jean Shrimpton is your style icon, may I suggest this magnificent Lanvin-Castillo coat and cocktail frock? I see it with a French twist.

Doncha just love patterns? Doncha just love vintage style? I do. Aboslutely.

And, yes, these patterns are available at The Blue Gardenia, along with thousands of others. Thousands! The Blue Gardenia, where the patterns are counted, the jewelry is sparkling, and domestic shipping is free. We also ship abroad — happily — but there is a fee, although we charge less than the postal service charges us.

 

 



This Simonetta design is simply irresistible. March 1, 2012 07:40

Vcd_1697
She wants a new dress for Emma's wedding next weekend. Something simple. Elegant. Versatile. Something she can wear again. And again.

It will be a simple affair. At the courthouse in Santa Fe. She'll witness the occasion. She saw the perfect pattern at The Blue Gardenia. Vogue Couturier Design 1697, circa 1960s, by Simonetta. It will be easy to make this weekend. It will be smart in cornflower blue wool crepe.

Can you resist it? Say no. And scurry over to The Blue Gardenia and make it your own.


Channeling Catherine: Timeless face. Timeless coat. February 9, 2012 02:28 2 Comments

Deneuve_coat
Black_flat
Mesmerizing beauty:
Undeniable.

Creamy double-breasted coat: Timeless.

Pour La Victoire Bre Black flat, $190 at Endless.com: Elegant.

Vogue Paris Original 1675 Designed by Yves Saint Laurent, $57 at The Blue Gardenia: Time-saver.

VoguePO-1675


And now for the rest of the story . . . February 6, 2012 01:47

Vogue-3937
You, dear readers and shoppers, were probably wondering why we didn't add any 1930s, 1940s, 1950s this time. Well, they are here now. Or rather, you'll find them on The Blue Gardenia website. You will.

A few of my favorites, in case you care. (And you do, don't you? Don't put my heart in the shredder. Please.)

Vogue 6937: Isn't this gorgeous? I think so. In fact, I love it. Absolutely. And the artwork, too. So 1930s.

 Vogue-9830
Vogue 9830:
I am gone over the two-tone version. Yes indeedy. And it's "Easy-to-Make," or so says Vogue. And I know they wouldn't lie. They wouldn't. Because. They want all of us newbie dressmakers to keep sewing.

 VogueCD-990
Vogue Couturier Design 990:
Talk about channeling Audrey. This elegant and beautiful dress does. Absolutely.

And, yes, there are oh-so-many more. You'll also find new in Lingerie and Accessories. So rush on over. We take all the majors — and Paypal as well. And of course we ship abroad. With pleasure.




Channeling Catherine: Taking the Peter Pan collar up a notch. February 4, 2012 12:13

Deneuve_blouse1

Cotton_sateen

Influential director to protect you from the riffraff: Handy.

Stretch cotton sateen, $7.50 per yard at Michael's Fabrics: Luscious.

Pleated blouse: Staple.

McCall 5553, copyright 1944, $35 at The Blue Gardenia: Helpful.

 

Mccall_5553_40s


Our first Albuquerque update. Don't miss these amazing patterns. February 1, 2012 01:24

Butterick_3589_chetta
Here it is: The Blue Gardenia's first New Mexico update. Rather exciting, I think. I hope you do as well. You'll find designs from Givenchy, Lanvin, Dior, to name a few. Let me share a few favorites:

She's going to be a June bride. But she's not one bit nervous. She hasn't shed a tear of frustration. She hasn't had one anxiety attack. Not one. She is calm. She is cool. And she's going to look beautiful in Butterick 3859, designed by Chetta B. She loves the tiers. She loves the bias band. Not your usual tiers, though. These are sleek. And this dress is modern. Nothing frothy about it. Nothing at all. His heart will be racing as she glides down the aisle. She is sure of it.

The details: Butterick 3859 Top and Skirts Designed by Chetta B Bust 34-38 Still in factory folds $33.

Simplicity-4947
She adores 1920s fashions. But she's only been sewing awhile, and she doesn't have the courage yet to tackle an authentic 1920s pattern. That's why she is absolutely crazy about Teresa Nordstrom's cape, Simplicity 4947. It's inspired by clothing from 1920-1925, and it has a divine drape in the back. She's going to make Version B in royal blue velvet, lined in lilac charmeuse. It may be a challenge. But. She will rise to it. That she knows. Absolutely.

The details: Simplicity 4947 Cape Designed by Teresa Nordstrom inspired by fashions from 1920-1925 One Size Still in factory folds $33.

VoguePO-2007
She's in the mood for something mod but mature. Something powerful and eye-catching. Something that will present just the right image at the business conference she's attending next month. Vogue Paris Original 2007 fits the bill. Perfectly. She will impress.

The details: Vogue Paris Original 2007 Dress Designed by Lanvin Bust 38 Complete $45

And, dear readers, there are oh-so-many more. Do stop by. Do shop, shop, shop. At The Blue Gardenia, of course, where the patterns are counted, the jewelry is sparkling, and domestic shipping is free. And we happily ship abroad as well, for less than the USPS charges us.


Ms. R. V. Hayes' sewing book: I want to take this course. Now. January 31, 2012 12:07 6 Comments

Singer-course.2.lgr
While unpacking, I found this treasure, picked up at antique store years ago. It's a student's book from a Singer sewing course taught in Ada, OK. Not only did the student learn what would be considered advanced techniques today (at least by this fledgling), the course was a bargain. All 16 subjects for a whopping $10.
Singer-course.lgr
What I personally love about this leather 3-ring-binder book, is that the student's work samples are included. I enjoy imagining Ms. Hayes mastering all these skills.

Today, I'll share four samples with you, dear readers.

Book_binder
First, binder samples:

An inner curve with square corners and a bound placket and buttonhole loops.

Book_hemmer
Next, narrow French seams and flat-felled seams and wider French seams and flat-felled seams.

Wouldn't you love a class that taught so many techniques and forced you to learn them well enough to put in a book? A class taught by someone who not only knew her craft but was passionate about it? Oh, how I would. Absolutely!

This is a thick book, and not to worry, I'll share all the examples with y'all. You wait with breathless anticipation, right? You do. I know it.

(Oh. You may click these images to enjoy the details in a bigger size.)


Screen Actors Guild gowns left my spirits sagging. January 29, 2012 16:00 2 Comments

Sedgwick_sag
Ho hum. That's how the fashion — or lack thereof — made me feel while watching the Screen Actors Guild award show. Sigh.

Davis_sagSure. There were women who looked quite pretty. Viola Davis for one. She glowed. Her Marchesa dress does indeed have an elegant 1960s vibe — and I like that — but it's more Lilli Ann than Lanvin.

And Juliana Margulies wore another dress that left me yawning. Certainly, it looks too good to wear while mucking out the stalls. But the Calvin Klein design looks readymade for Stepford.

There were a few gowns that lifted my blah de dah mood.

I love Kyra Sedgwick's Pucci. And how. The tomato shade looks as irresistible and cool as a bowl of gazpacho on a sweat-inducing summer day in the southern Louisiana. And the cutouts are sexy. Quite. I do think it's time for Kyra to stop channeling Farrah with her hairstyle, though. Be brave, woman. Try something new.

Love Natalie Portman's Valli Giambattista Couture. Love it. Love it. Love it. Absolutely. Talk about stunning. Especially the color. Anyone know a nail polish in that shade? It's perfect.

Natalie-portman-SAG
I'm also more than a little fond of the L'Wren Scott frock donned by the lovely Gretchen Mol. It's beautiful. It's comfortable. Those are two qualities I find most desirable in clothing. I do.

Gretchen_mol_sag

Margulies_sag
So. What do you think? Any gowns you loved? Any that you loathed?

Do tell. I await your opinions. Most eagerly.

 

 

 


I thought I was a fabric slut . . . January 26, 2012 09:26 10 Comments

Barkcloth
but maybe not. I've been sorting through boxes, paring down. Our house is nearly 1,000 feet smaller here — but right in the center of town, no more suburbia! —  so some things must go. Fabric is especially hard to toss. It inspires hopes, dreams, possibilities, the future.

I picked this piece up more than a decade ago at a Houston estate sale. It's a barkclothy, lineny kind of thing. So pretty. I love the colors. Love the print. But. Would I actually wear a garment made from this? No. Still, I couldn't part with it. Or so I thought when I went to bed. Upon awakening, I changed my mind. Yes, I love it. But will I use it? No. So. It's going to Goodwill. Bye-bye, lovely fabric. Make someone else happy.

Do you have a hard time letting fabric leave your abode?


You'll look tastier than a box of chocolates on Valentine's Day. January 17, 2012 11:28

Mccall_4476_1950s
Ahhh . . . Valentine's Day is less than a month away. And you already have a dinner date with that dreamy veterinarian you met in October. You've pawed through your walk-in closet. Nothing seems right. Nothing sends a frisson up your spine.

You'll make something. Something glamorous. Something ever so special. Perhaps McCall 4476. It's from 1955. The dress has a luscious neckline, with a ladylike yet sexy dip in the back. And there's a coat as well, one that flares delightfully in the rear. Yes, definitely. That's the one. You'll use a fuschia doupioni. Line the coat in a floral charmeuse. Perhaps underline it for more body. And definitely horsehair braid in the hemline. You want it to really stand out. Structure. Shape. Bliss. Absolutely. And the dress  . . . it will flare delightfully on the dance floor. It will. Oh, and won't this ensemble look smashing with those floral flats you saw on sale? Yes indeed.

And, yes, this dress is available at The Blue Gardenia, where the patterns are counted, the jewelry is sparkling, and domestic shipping is free. We also ship abroad — happily — but there is a fee, although we charge less than the postal service charges us.

The details: McCall's 4476 Dress and Coat Ensemble Bust 36 Still in factory folds Copyright 1955 $65.

Rush on over to The Blue Gardenia. Fulfill your shopping urges. Now. This minute. Don't say no.


This oh-so-smart 1940s pattern can be yours. Yes, indeed. January 13, 2012 07:33

Vogue_Couturier_Design_481
It's chic. It's sophisticated. It's in a highly desired size — Bust 36. And it can be yours for a steal during The Blue Gardenia's Take the Left Turn at Albuquerque sale.

The fine print: Buy three or more patterns, get 35% off your total order! Isn't that exciting? I think so. But hurry. The sale ends this weekend. Don't let this opportunity to save on counted, checked, archived patterns get away. And we take American Express, Discover, Mastercard, Paypal and Visa. All to make you happy. All to make it easy. For you, dear readers.

And we do ship abroad as well. Happily, in fact. We charge less than the USPS charges us. Isn't that grand? I think so. I do.

 

 


Free your inner glamour goddess with sleeves the size of Paris. October 16, 2011 12:23 1 Comment

Joan_mccall_3771_40s
You have a weakness for big sleeves. Huge. Really. You don't mean big enough to hide a chihuahua. You mean big enough to tuck your Scottie inside. And McCall 3771 gets your juices flowing. Totally. It's got stupendously full sleeves — and a hood. How delightful is that? It adds that perfect soupcon of mystery. You love it. You do. This 1940 pattern (one that this patternphile hasn't seen before) has a hint of Joan Crawford blended with a bit of Myrna Loy. Might as well channel the great ones. Might as well. Yes indeedy.

The details: McCall 3771 Two-Piece Day or Evening Dresses Bust 38 Complete; skirt trimmed, extensions present $125.

Oh. This one is a beauty. You're salivating already. And you haven't even chosen a fabric yet.

Where to find this fabulous pattern? Why, at The Blue Gardenia, of course, where the patterns are counted, the jewelry is sparkling, and domestic shipping is free. (And, yes, we happily ship abroad — either Global Priority or Express — for less than USPS charges us. Isn't that grand? I think so.)


Sew these: A slinky '30s top. An elegant '40s hostess gown. October 7, 2011 10:45 3 Comments

VogueSD-S-4263
I'm all atingle with excitement. Why, you ask? Because. Because The Blue Gardenia is awash in new vintage pattern additions. So many. So fabulous.

Shall I tempt you with a few of my favorites? Was that a yes? I heard a yes. I did. Indeed.

So. Let's go.

NewYork-167
New York 167:
So slinky. So Jean Harlow. So 1930s. Wear it at night with black velvet pants. Wear it for day with jeans and boots. Love this one. I do.

Vogue S-4263: Myrna Loy. Lana Turner. Channel the glimmering stars as you glide down the red carpet in this sophisticated number. Make it in a cherry wool crepe for day. Try a soft silk crepe for evening. In emerald, I think. You'll be stunning. And your fans will be picking themselves up off the floor.   VoguePO-2382

Vogue Paris Original 2382: Nina Ricci did us all a ginormous favor when she unleashed this powerful wrap coat dress from her creative mind. For the ultimate '70s chic, make the midi version in mauve worsted wool. Can you say gorgeous? Yes. You can. And you'll be strong, too, when you don this. 

Vogue-7883
Vogue 7883:
So versatile. So beautiful. So comfortable. Make this one in denim for easy weekends. Whip it up in shantung for those special nights. And it's easy-to-make? So says Vogue. How wonderful is that?

Butterick-4133
Butterick 4133:
Now this, this is a hostess gown. Imagine greeting your guests, air kisses for each one, as the scintillating chatter rings throughout your refined flat. Oh, they will be talking for days. Weeks. Months. You'll be the new Perle Mesta.

All of these smashing vintage patterns 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 — either Global Priority or Express — for less than USPS charges us. Isn't that grand? I think so.)