Oh, the style these patterns will add to your sewing room. September 21, 2010 19:30 4 Comments

It's that moment. You know. The one you have all, dear, oh-so-beloved readers, been waiting for. Drumroll, please. Another one. Perhaps the horns should blow as well. Yes. They should. Because this is a truly fabulous update. In fact, it's worthy of all the best superlatives. It is. A few favorites, to entice you to The Blue Gardenia:

It happens. An Ethel moment. We all have them. (Don't we?) You want to be comfortable. You want to be feminine. But you can do without Fred. Not that there's anything wrong with balding fat guys. Not a thing. They have their charms. Or so you've been told. Frankly, you're more than a bit skeptical. But. Back to your wardrobe. When you want to channel Ethel with a 1910s slant, you want Pictorial Review 6530. It's indispensable. It is. Absolutely. 

Of course, sometimes, you want to be sexy. Elevator-to-the-moon fashionable. Very Italian movie star at a 1960s cocktail party. And for those times, McCall's 5866, designed by Hannah Troy, is perfect. Perfect. So Gina Lollabrigida. So very.

And when you want to pretend you're the fashion spawn of Elvis and Joan, is there a blouse more fitting than McCall 7872, copyright 1949? Such attitude. Such a collar. Such. When you want to exude snootiness, View A is the choice. Undeniably.

Step-in combination. Step-in combination. Step-in combination undergarment. Yes, it's quaint. Yes, it's a mouthful. And so Pretty Baby whorehouse. You have those moods. Don't you? If you do, may I suggest Pictorial Review 2195? And if you don't, well, just keep your shirt buttoned and your skirt down. Such a fetching step-in combination undergarment will be your little secret. No one will ever know. Because I promise not to tell. Zipped lips. And all that.

There are so many more marvelous patterns! No hyperbole. Really. And you'll find new in  Lingerie, Accessories and all the decade categories.  Every one of them. As always, new additions go at the beginning of each category to make it easier for our loyal customers (I thank you, I do). And remember, we take Mastercard, Visa, Discover and Amex, as well as Paypal to make it easier for you.

Now. Click. Shop. Enjoy. You work hard. You deserve it. 

A 1951 style that packs attitude aplenty. Indeed. September 16, 2010 12:53

Ugh. You're meeting Alisea for lunch tomorrow. A frenemy for sure. Absolutely. She will be wearing the latest from Thakoon, Prabal Gurung, Herve Leger. She will name drop. She will sneer. You will wonder why you're doing this, as you sip your ginger ale and nibble on salmon salad. Oh, yes. She's the wife of your best friend from college. And she can be clever. She can be caring. Of course, she can also be unbearable. Quite. Which, alas, she is most of the time.

You're so glad you made Simplicity 8424, copyright 1951, over the weekend. The perfect occasion to debut this fabulous style. You made it out of chestnut wool crepe. Bound buttonholes. Handpicked zipper. So. While you're listening to the traumas she faced this week — a broken fingernail, a ladder in her stockings — you'll know you look your best. And you'll feel proud of the care you took in making your dress. You will.

And, of course, you know you can find this stunning and unusual pattern at The Blue Gardenia. It has a detachable collar. It has detachable cuffs. It has a cape. And those pockets on View A are so very, very haute. They are. Can you live another day without this pattern? Well. You could, of course. But why?

Sewing Spaces: Sewing Is Hard? Gabriella's organization helps. September 12, 2010 17:34 1 Comment

Let's travel to Fogville and spend some time with Gabriella of Sewing Is Hard. Even though she moved a mere month ago — yes, one month ago — she already has painted her sewing room a stimulating and lovely blue, and she has already organized it. Can you say wow? Can you stand up and cheer? I can, and I will. This is the kind of organization that simply stuns. Absolutely. I moved more than eleven years ago, and I still have unpacked boxes! Really.

Do you have a dedicated sewing space?

Yes! We recently bought a new home, and I was able to turn one of the bedrooms into a sewing room.

What do you like best about your sewing area?

I love that it's my own personal space. My setup is exactly the way I want it, and I never have to make space for someone else's projects. I also love the color. I painted it a bright summer-sky blue.

What would you change about your space?

I wish it felt more finished. We only moved in a month ago, and while it's pretty close to being done, there is very little art on the walls, and there is some furniture (not shown in my snaps) that I need to get rid of/replace.

How is your space organized?

I have a dining room table that holds my sewing machine, small cutting mat, and my box of need-at-hand tools. Next to it are two bookshelves separated by a full-length mirror that used to be a closet door. (I love that mirror. It's huge. I've lugged it around from house to house for about twenty years now.) The bookshelves hold my sewing boxes, fabric, sewing books, craft supplies, notions and my collection of hats.

If you have a fabric stash, how do you impose order?

My stash is pretty disordered.  My fabric lives in four cardboard boxes.  I don't have it filed in any particular way. When I need something, I just have to dig.  At least, with only four boxes, it's pretty easy to sort through.

On the plus side, having such limited space keeps me from buying too much surplus fabric.  As long as the boxes aren't full, I can buy more.

When the boxes are filled up, I need to sew from my stash. It's an almost foolproof solution, but I'm pretty good at buying fabric for a dedicated project and sewing it up right away so that it never ends up in the stash.

How are your patterns organized?

I keep all my patterns stored in standard-issue pattern boxes purchased from Joanne. Dress patterns take up two boxes and are divided by era ('40s, '50s, etc). The rest of the patterns are sorted alphabetically by type: aprons, blouses, skirts, trousers and so on.

Are your patterns archived? How are they stored?

Whenever I get a new pattern I scan the front of the envelope. The original is put into a plastic comic-book sleeve. Then it goes into one of the pattern boxes on the shelf.

Each pattern scan is saved as a .jpg in a file folder on my computer. I use a very simple name/number naming convention. (eg: Advance_3125, Simplicity_1956, etc). I only have about 200 patterns, so I haven't yet had a problem with duplicate pattern numbers.

Macintosh has this neat feature where you can view the front page of each file without having to open it by simply scrolling down your file list. This allows me to do a quick visual search all the patterns on my list. It's a very convenient way to see what I have.

Do you have a mannequin made to measure?

I use a foam adjustable dress form. It took me a long time to get her set up properly. Partly because I think I refused to admit to my actual measurements, and also because, unlike me, she's really flat-chested, and I couldn't quite get the bust measurement right. I solved that by adding a vintage bra stuffed with hand-made beanbags in an appropriate size. The bust measurement is perfect now!

Once my new sewing room was organized, I spent an afternoon measuring and remeasuring myself and adjusting the dials over and over again ;until all of the measurements matched exactly. For the first time in a long while, she's my shape, and it's a little weird to see myself in 3D. Not because I think my shape is bad, but because before this, I really had no idea what my shape looked like. Turns out I'm just as curvy as I thought, but also better proportioned than I thought, so that's nice.

Do you find it helpful?

I do. She's been great for helping me figure out projects that have fit issues and ones that need a little draping. She also has a hem-marking attachment that I recently used for the first time, and I love it!!

What do you cut out your patterns on?

I have a big cardboard cutting mat that I lay out on the carpet.

What is your most helpful tool? Why?

The internet is a really valuable tool. I am terrible at figuring out the math for things like grading, complicated written directions baffle me, and for some reason, even patterns with good, simple instructions and clear illustrations sometimes make no sense. Thankfully, there are lots of online tutorials and videos that make it easier for me to understand how tricky sewing techniques are supposed to work.

What tools do you recommend for the beginning sewer?

I think the two most important things are:

1. A good sewing book. Sewing patterns (especially vintage ones) assume that you already understand how to do a lot. Having a book that explains each technique in great detail can be a big help.

2. A really simple machine. There are lots of fancy machines out there that can do everything for you, but I think it's best to start with something very simple. Choose a machine that is easy to thread and has enough options to let you perform all basic sewing operations, but not so many options that you get frustrated while learning how to use it.

What kind of machine do you use?

I have my mom's old Singer Touch and Sew 628 from the 1960s, but my favorite is a secondhand Viking Husqvarna 5610 from the 1970s that my husband bought for me.

What do you like about it?

I love it! It's lightweight, portable, powerful, easy to use, easy to thread, and the bobbin winder is a breeze. It's got lots of interchangeable feet including the most basic of button attachments, but that's about as complicated as this machine gets. It just sews. I like that.

Do you use a serger? If so, why do you like it?

I'd love to have a serger. I'm kind of afraid of them, because I think I would be confused by having to thread all of the different spools. However, the idea of having perfectly finished seams is enticing.

How long did it take you to develop your sewing space?

No time at all. I have a thing about being organized. Usually I can just look at a space, think about what I have, and decide where everything goes pretty quickly. Most of the time, I don't have to do much rearranging once everything is in place.

So. Guess who's up Friday? Did you guess Gertie of Gertie's New Blog for Better Sewing? Then you get a gold star. If you didn't . . . well . . . drop by anyway. Because you will not want to miss her room with a view.

1940s flannel PJs. Popcorn. Could life get any better? Well, yes. September 10, 2010 18:36 2 Comments

The situation is critical. Krit-eeeee-kuhl. Yes ma'am. The larder grows bare. The bills bellow. A deficit looms at the bank. The job picture is bleak. Uh-huh. What is a woman to do? What? Well. There is popcorn in the cabinet. Nearly a whole bag. Gold in the form of kernels. And there's that lonely, lovely half-stick of butter in the fridge. It's crusted over. Sure. But it will taste fine melted. Yum bunnies. So. Popcorn. Yes. Popcorn popped the old-fashioned way, in an iron skillet on top of the stove. Total comfort food. Yes indeedy.

And what feels better than pajamas? Simplicity 3156, circa 1940s, is your choice to lead you out of the darkness. You made the green view. Out of vintage plaid flannel. Green and blue, your favorite colors. They are as comfy as an old quilt. Made for snuggling. Canoodling. And a big bowl of popcorn in your lap, dripping with ooey, gooey, greasy butter. Mmmmm mmmm mmmm. The real thing. An old movie on TV — you'll hope for The Awful Truth or Twentieth Century. Or maybe a book that offers complete escape, like a vintage Harlequin Presents by Anne Mather. Do you have one? Somewhere. You know you do. You'll find it. And then: A few hours of liberation in the living room. Sure. Life could be better. It could. But this will do. For tonight. It will. And how. Absolutely.

This perfect-for-cuddling pattern can be yours for the taking. At The Blue Gardenia, of course. The details, in case you care (and I know you do, beloved readers): Bust 36. Complete except for easily replaced collar. 
$37. Slinky in silk. Comfy in cotton lawn. Homey in flannel. You could even make them in linen or crepe and wear them out. A pattern made for the recessionista. You can use it over and over and over again. A sewing room and wardrobe staple.  Truly. Can you say no? Of course not. Don't even think of it.

Sewing spaces: It's a sewing life, and it's a nice sewing room. Very. September 10, 2010 08:53 3 Comments

I didn't sleep well. Bad dreams. Nightmares. Bank account perilously low. Five-alarm low. Red-level low.  Woke up this morning. Still anxious. What will make me feel better? I wondered. I pondered. I puzzled. The answer came to me: probing someone's sewing space! That's it. That takes me out of my life. It provides a mental vacation. It stimulates. It inspires. Absolutely. So. Today, Elle, of It's a Sewing Life, has graciously invited us to peruse her sewing room. Come along, dear readers. Enjoy.

Do you have a dedicated sewing space?

Yes, though it is part of a guest room. The bed comes in handy for storage.

What do you like best about your sewing area?

That it's in a room of its own, that only I use, unless, of course, we're expecting guests.

Oh, I also love my sewing machine table which is a Horn sewing cabinet with a hydraulic lift and a little serger table. When I'm using my embroidery module, then I put my laptop where the serger is now.

What would you change about your space?

Not really anything, although on second thought, would it be bad to move my cutting table into the room, and queen size guest bed into the storage portion of my basement? Would the guests mind?

How is your space organized?

I've got my sewing machine cabinet in one corner, and over to the right, by the window, I have my ironing board set up. I have bookshelves with my sewing references and those fabulous cabinets that are actually filled with jewelry making supplies, leftover from a time when I thought that might be fun to do. On the wall opposite my sewing machine is the queen size bed for guests, that doubles as a fabric holding area when it arrives from all those great online fabric stores. I also have a television in the room, but I find it hard to sew and watch TV at the same time.

If you have a fabric stash, how do you impose order?

My fabric stash right now is primarily quilting cottons. I find that my sewing interests have evolved over the years, and this year, I have come full circle and am making apparel for myself again. My quilting cottons are stacked in the "cutting area" on shelves, and organized by color. Right now, my apparel fabric is stored in the mailing boxes it comes in or in one of those large Rubbermaid bins. That needs a bit of work.

How are your patterns organized?

Interestingly, I have patterns I've purchased this year and those I purchased prior to 1994. The new (and some vintage) patterns are stored in a Target Liberty storage box on my shelf. Prior to 1994, I had an elaborate system where I cut up the envelope putting the contents in a large mailing envelope. The envelope was then glued to construction paper, placed in a protective sleeve and put in a binder, organized by type of pattern. We moved overseas at the end of 1993, and I got rid of the majority of my patterns, keeping only the non-Big 4 children's patterns and home dec patterns. I'm kicking myself today, as I had some pretty fabulous patterns from the '70s and '80s.

Are your patterns archived? How are they stored?

The patterns purchased this year are not archived. The pre-1994 patterns are still in their mailing envelopes in a box, and I keep the binder handy. (I only saved one binder's worth of patterns.)

Do you have a mannequin made to measure?

No, I have one of those adjustable mannequins that is not really my size. It's kind of a mystery as to why I bought the one I did. I'd love to have a made to measure one though.

What do you cut out your patterns on?

I have a 3'x6' table that I made myself from sawhorse style legs that I bought at Ikea and a 3'x6' piece of MDF board I bought at Lowe's. I covered the table with a self-healing cutting mat, and I LOVE IT! I have the legs raised up high, so it's the perfect height.

What is your most helpful tool? Why?

Good question. I think my cutting table may be my most helpful tool. Cutting out is a chore that many sewists simply endure, and I'm getting too old to get down on the floor, and even using the dining room table (what I did before . . . covered with one of those cardboard cutting boards) is quite uncomfortable, not to mention on the wrong floor of my house.

What tools do you recommend for the beginning sewer?

A decent sewing machine, a good pair of scissors and access to a friend that knows how to sew (or alternatively, a good local, sewing/fabric store that offers classes).

What kind of machine do you use?

I have a Bernina Aurora 440 QE (Quilter's Edition) with the embroidery module.

What do you like about it?

What's not to love about a Bernina? It's well-made, sews like a charm and has all the options a sewist could want and then some. Will I ever use all the stitches? No, probably not, but I still love it!

Do you use a serger? If so, why do you like it?

I do use a serger, a Bernina 700D, but I kind of have a love/hate relationship with it. I like finishing my seams with it, because then my garments look more RTW, but I feel a bit out of control when I use it, and don't get me started on the threading or the tension. Perhaps I just don't use it enough.

How long did it take you to develop your sewing space?

When we moved into our current house 5 years ago, the room I'm in was dedicated as the guest and sewing room. I haven't made a lot of changes to it, other than a massive clean out of the basement storage area to set up my cutting area (that was about 3 years ago). I think I'm due for another clean out, as things seem to creep back into that particular area.

Be sure to check back tomorrow. We'll begin a giveaway for Erica B's favorite sewing book. And next week, we'll check out two more sewing spaces. Yup, two! Including science administratrix and red-headed bombshell Gabriella of Sewing Is Hard. So, to twist what some sage once said: Be here or be square. I mean it. I do.

The power suit, 1940s style. September 9, 2010 18:39 2 Comments

And there you were. Sitting in an office with your editor and the executive editor being told those horrid words: You're on probation. You, with your Ph.D. You, with 15 years in the newspaper biz. Being told you have 90 days to shape up or ship out. Snotty-nosed brats. Barely out of diapers. Both of 'em together don't have 15 years experience. Grrrrr. You'll show 'em. You will. You'll get your resumes out. Hit the pavement. It's a nasty job-hunting environment out there. You know. After all, you read the newspapers. So. You'll need all the help you can get. And

And, yes, this gorgeous pattern can be yours. Just drop by The Blue Gardenia. Fill out the order form. You'll be glad you did. You will.

Perfect hair. Perfect makeup. Perfect Lanvin-Castillo ensemble. September 2, 2010 13:25 3 Comments

I want her hair. I want her makeup. I want her dress. I want her coat. She is totally glamorous. She is totally elegant. And she is wearing a Lanvin-Castillo design, Vogue Paris Original 1082, copyright 1961. This is one strong incentive to learn to sew. Absolutely.

And, yes, as it happens, this gorgeous pattern is available at The Blue Gardenia. Can you resist? I hope the answer to that question is no. A resounding no. Truly.

Channeling Catherine: Be a strong yet gentle dance partner. August 22, 2010 19:18

Care and concern for your dance partner: Desirable.

Pesky paparazzi: Nuisance.

Black silk charmeuse at Gorgeous Fabrics: Beautiful.

Simplicity 5611, copyright 1973: Beneficial.

Sometimes, your dress is more successful than the dinner party. August 17, 2010 17:09 1 Comment

There are dinner parties. And then there are other dinner parties. The dinner parties you'd, well, rather forget. Quickly. Take tonight's. A flop by any method of measure. 

You had the food prepared on time. The table set. A first for you. You're usually late with the appetizer. Late with the salad. Late with the entree. You're usually still putting flatware on the table when the doorbell rings. Not this time. You were ready.

You knew something was up when the first guest arrived without his significant other. He was on time. Early even. He said his woman was at the hotel, doing laundry. With another guest. Fine, you thought. They'll be here soon. You thought. Ha. The significant other arrived, with male friend in tow, in damp clothes. Two hours later! Yes. Two.

And all this time, the gumbo simmered on the stove, the shrimp getting tough as a pair of work boots. Sigh. Double sigh. Deep sigh.

The two late guests were picky, too. They pushed all the artichokes to the side of their plates. Since the salad only consisted of fava beans, artichokes, lemon, olive oil, this was not a good sign. They picked all the andouille out of the gumbo. You watched, amazed. Absolutely. And they weren't hungry for dessert. Which, if you do say so yourself,  was incredibly delicious. Pecan pie. Rich, gooey filling. Flaky crust. Mam would have been proud. Ever so. 

And conversation wasn't much better. Oh no. The high point was when hubby and one male guest spoke with immense passion about gout attacks. You get the picture. I know you do. 

Yes. You are glad it's over. Truly. This is not a dinner party you want to repeat. Absolutely not.

But you looked good, wearing Your Pattern 3133, circa 1960s. You are quite pleased that you stitched it up last weekend, just for this dinner. It's fabulous. It is. Truly. The sea green linen was an excellent choice. You can wear it for day. For night. You'll get so very much use out of it. It's going to be a staple that you pull out of your closet again. And again.

And, yes, it is available at The Blue Gardenia. It's a Bust 34. And it costs a mere $33. And it will be worth every penny. Yes indeedy. It will.

Playsuits. Picnics. Fried chicken. Does life get any better? August 10, 2010 17:54

Yesterday, it was there. Definitely. Inescapably. Teasing her. Courting her. A little coy. Yet. There it was. That hint of fall in the air. The coolness on her arms and calves on her walk. Yes. Yes. She loves autumn. Her favorite season. Bar none. The color of the leaves. The nip in the air. Beautiful.

But.

First. There is an end-of-summer picnic. And she wants to make the most of it. So. She'll wear the playsuit and skirt she made from McCall's 6624, copyright 1979. Designed by Krizia. It is indeed playful. And sexy, but not threateningly so. Not in-your-face-don't-you-want-me sexy. Nothing to make the other women uncomfortable or the men lustful. She loves it. She does. She made it out of lightweight robin's egg blue linen. And she can't wait to wear it. Absolutely.

Now. What to bring? Cherry pie? Pumpkin bread? Brownies? No. Fried chicken. Yep. That's it.  Calories. Grease. Yum bunnies.

Are you a Carole Lombard or a Rita Hayworth? Or maybe both. August 8, 2010 15:44 2 Comments

We've added patterns at The Blue Gardenia. Yes. We have. I hope you are as excited as we are. I won't waste your time. I'll get right to the nitty gritty  with a few favorites from this huge update.

Oh, it was your fabulous idea. It was. Have a salon. A pianist playing Chopin. A flamenco dancer and guitarist. Canapes on silver (well, silverplate) platters. Oh, brother. The people that came! Too many to count. Too many that you've never laid eyes on before this night. And they show no signs of leaving. How will you get rid of them? How? Well. You aren't going to fret about that now. You're going to grab a plate of those miniature frosted brownies, cuddle up in one of your wing chairs, and giggle over the latest Carl Hiaasen. You know your guests will forgive you. Because you look so fabulous, so Carole Lombard, in your 1930s silk charmeuse pajamas, Butterick 6537. You do.

Which view of Butterick 3896, circa 1940s, will you make first? You love them all. Perhaps you'll go with View B. It's got that gypsy flair. Yes. That's the one. It will look amazing with your black crepe trousers and your new red wedgies. You'll pincurl your hair for Rita Hayworth waves. Yes. Absolutely. The cat's.

You are feeling so sophisticated at this moment, as you turn this way and that in front of the mirror. You adjust your hat. Tilt it just so. Smooth your hands over your hips. You love Vogue Special Design S-4460, circa 1953. It is special indeed. From the bodice details to the flaring back panel. Wow. This will give you an extra layer of confidence. Just what you need to meet his sister for the first time. Yes. Yes indeed. Now. Deep breath. Deep.

So. Hurry over to The Blue Gardenia, and shop, shop, shop. You'll find something you like. How can you not? And now for the fine print: New additions always go at the beginning of each category. And we take Mastercard, Visa, Discover and Amex, as well as Paypal to make it easier for you. And, of course, checks, money orders and cold hard cash. Actually, we take warm soft cash, too. We are so agreeable.

Last night, I dreamed of Don Draper . . . August 7, 2010 15:37 5 Comments

I was on a train, dark with mahogany. The windows shaded with green. We were in a southern city, hot, humid, the skies white with haze and smog. No birds flew. The landscape pocked with silver skyscrapers and gray freeways. 

We pulled into the station. People stood up, waited to disembark. I remained seated. I waited and read and occasionally noted the people around me. Milling. I saw Betty Draper. Her hair daffodil yellow. Flipped. She wore a coral suit and a white blouse with coral polka dots and low-heeled leather pumps the color of spring. Like Jackie. Classic. Dull. Two men were with her.  I read and waited, surrounded by the mahogany dark of the train, the windows shaded green.

I was the last to leave. I stepped down from the train. People scurried on the platform. I had no luggage. I carried a handbag of petal leather. Ruched. A tote. A trenchcoat over my arm. I walked. I walked. I entered a mall, fraught with people. Scurrying. I walked and walked. No birds flew. How long. How long, I wondered.

I entered a tower of corrugated steel and glass.  It felt temporary, a scaffold. People scurried. I was calm. Calm. Even though no birds flew. I climbed the stairs. One after the other. Flight after flight after flight after flight. I did not tire. I was not faint. I looked out the windows as I climbed. The city white with haze. No birds flew. How long. How long? I wondered.

I stopped on a landing, leaned against the window, cool as an Alberta wind against my face. I placed my hand against the glass, felt the chill, refrigerated air. Men rushed up and down the stairs behind me. Impatient. Fraught. I climbed higher. Higher. The city white with haze. I wondered how long. How long?

I stopped again, high above the city, white with haze, gray with freeways, silver with skyscrapers. I watched. I was not faint. I was not weary. A male voice on a loudspeaker urged people: Go underground to be safe, hurry. I did not care. I felt free. An uncaged bird in a city white with haze where no birds flew. I felt a breath on my neck, warm. Fingers on my waist, gentle. I turned. Don. His arms enclosed me, crushing, wrinkling my suit, Vogue Couturier Design 753, copyright 1953, so carefully made. I did not care. I did not. Our lips met, tender. A 1960s-era Harlequin Romance. Yet. Yet. The voice on the loudspeaker urged everyone to go underground to be safe. Safe. Don raised his head. He looked at me. I shook my head no. No. In the city white with haze, pocked with skyscrapers, where no birds flew, we had wings as eagles.

You are all wrapped up in comfort. Aren't you? You should be. August 4, 2010 15:14 2 Comments

Ahhh . . . home sweet home. At last. You thought the staff meeting would never end. Why does Brea always make the silliest suggestions? Why does Ned like to hear himself talk? My goodness, the man does go on and on and on. Absolutely.

You kick off your shoes. Leave them by the door, you naughty homemaker, you. You can pick them up later. Maybe. You are exhausted. And you're no Martha Stewart, anyway. You're even too tired to cook. You can have cheese. Grapes. Some rice crackers. But later. Much later. For now, you take off your suit. Snuggle into Vogue 9726, circa 1943, the cute and comfortable wrapper you made last month. Now to find out what's on TV. What day is it, anyway?

And, yes, Vogue 9726, is available at The Blue Gardenia. The details:  Dress or Housecoat "Easy-to-Make" Bust 36 Complete Circa 1943 $37. So. There you go. 

Inspirations: Step outside in 1930s boxer shorts. Do. July 31, 2010 08:20 1 Comment

It's raining. A light drizzle. Gently falling all day long. All morning. All afternoon. You hope all night, too. The mist is on the butte outside your sewing room window. It's a perfect day to stay inside. You didn't even venture out to the farmers market. To get the mail. You're staying inside. Like the sugar cube you are, you melt in the rain.

You were tempted to stay cuddly-snug under the covers and finish Therese Raquin. Yes. You were. Oh so. But you didn't. You got up. Got dressed. Did footwork on the reformer. Stomach massage. Eve's Lunge. Leg circles.

Now. You're sewing. Absolutely. Why waste a day stuck inside? Simplicity 1335, the boxer shorts, circa early '30s. Terrific details. Love the back gusset. So much. You've chosen linen the color of a blueberry smoothie. It is lush. Ever so. Just the attire for the farmers market next week. Can't miss those freshly dug taters two weeks in a row. No way. No how.

The only question now is: What top to stitch up? Mmmmmm. You can think about that. Tomorrow.

Your dress is finished for your date with Don. And it is so sexy. July 24, 2010 08:56

You got up early today. Bought radishes, lettuce, peaches and purple cherry tomatoes at the farmers market. Now. Relaxation. The phone is off. Raul Malo is on the stereo. You're going to read

Channeling Catherine: Peel me some grapes, she commanded. July 20, 2010 11:18

Serene, commanding, penetrating gaze: Necessary.

Tassel necklace: Facsimile.

Luxurious divan: Comfortable.

Vogue Paris Original 1553, designed by Dior: Evocative.

Channeling Catherine: It's a nice day for a white wedding. July 8, 2010 09:40 2 Comments

White wedding: Old-fashioned.

Bobbi Brown Salmon Lip Color: Perfect.

Simplicity 7389, copyright 1976: Beneficial.

Flowers: Achoo!

From frying the eggs at 6 to dinner at 8, we've got your number. July 7, 2010 18:37

It's that time again, dear readers, that time you've been waiting for breathlessly. Yes. We've been working so hard to bring you another fabulous update. We've been counting. We've been archiving. We've been scanning. All for you. Have we made you happy? Say we have. Say all the work has been worth it. Do.

Here are just a few of the delicious patterns we've just added to The Blue Gardenia.

 Aprons

Anne Adams Original 4917 is your idea of a picture-perfect farmhouse apron. There you are scrambling eggs, buttering toast, frying bacon. There he is, throwing food to the chickens. Your imagination is a little fuzzy here — you're not quite sure what chickens eat. But. Oh, well. They're chirping and squawking and doing whatever it is chickens do. Besides laying eggs, that is. It's a pleasant fantasy anyway. Let the farmer fill in the details.

1930s

Ahh, Simplicity 1937. The dress for dinner in town next Saturday night. Two wonderful views. Both so stylish. Both with such unusual details. But you will choose View 2, you think. Yes. Definitely. In 4-ply silk faille the color of the Arizona sky at midday. Blue and cloudless. You adore this pattern. So very much. The graceful drape of the jabot. The sleeves you could hide a puppy in. You will be the talk of the town. Truly. You will. You know it. 

1950s

You can already see yourself in Vogue Couturier Design 967, copyright 1957. Such an arresting rear view. Such a beautiful neckline. Silk shantung, you think. Fuschia. Or emerald. Maybe linen pique in . . . mmmm . . . canteloupe? Perhaps. It looks good against your skin. It does. And it's not a color you see coming and going. Oh, well. You can work out the color and fabrication later. But you know without a doubt that this is just the style for the theater. All eyes will be on you. Pity the poor actors. Do. For no one will be looking at them. No one.

1960s

You will wear Vogue Couturier Design  2204, designed by Valentino, for your annual review. It's coming up in two weeks. Ugh. You hate them. So boring. And what to wear. That is the question.   It's too hot for a suit, what with these 100-plus degree days. And a suit can be so formal, so intimidating. That's not the mood you want to strike. No. Not at all. You want to evoke confidence. Competence. Calm. Cool. All that. You can handle any deadline. Easily. The boss knows it. And so do you.

Channeling Catherine: Be moody. Be sexy. Be relevant. July 6, 2010 20:43

Lost in stubborn-memories-that-won't-fade attitude: Necessary.  

Fur throw: Replaceable.

Wolford thigh-highs: Sexy.

Simplicity 7069, copyright 1975: Helpful.

The bag is packed. The canine pals are kenneled. The jet leaves . . . June 30, 2010 17:06

Ahhh . . . you have waited all year for this moment, for this vacation. Hours and hours and hours of slogging through stacks and stacks and stacks of paperwork. Weeks and weeks and weeks of dealing with your temperamental boss. Thank goodness she went on maternity leave for three months. If only she had decided to stay home with little wee bit . . . but oh well oh well oh well . . . at least you have a job. And at least you have a glorious week of vacation. A week of sitting by Moraine Lake in your peachy play clothes made by your very own meticulously manicured hands. And the first thing, the very first thing, you'll don after you land is Simplicity 1747, circa 1930s. Just the ensemble for your two favorite R's: reading and reclining. And there's the skirt, so handy if it gets a little chilly. Oh, what a pleasure it will be to loaf. To loaf! The biggest decision you'll face is which book to read first. Life is grand.

And if you want this luscious playsemble for your getaway, scurry on over to The Blue Gardenia. We take Mastercard, Visa, Discover and Amex, as well as Paypal to make it easier for you. And, of course, checks, money orders and cold hard cash. Actually, we take warm soft cash, too. We are so agreeable.

Channeling Catherine: Liberate your sanguine inner vixen. June 28, 2010 11:28 2 Comments

Plunging neckline: De rigueur.

Lippmann Collection My Old Flame nail polish: Perfect.

Cigarette: Optional.

Vogue Special Design S-4846, copyright 1957: Beneficial.

Aging gracefully: Desirable.

 

 

Channeling Catherine: It's a shame to call this a little black dress. June 24, 2010 17:51

Staring pedestrians: Repugnant.

Change for parking meter: Optional.

Chan Luu earrings: Necessary.

Vogue 9400: Time-saving.

Just the dress to wear with a 1940s-style victory roll June 22, 2010 21:44 1 Comment

Some days — and I admit they are rare — I feel prim. I feel proper. I feel organized. (Well. All right. All right. I rarely feel organized, dear readers, except when it comes to business. But you know that. You do. Absolutely.) But. There are those days, those days that are becoming less rare, when I want to feel together. When I want to stuff the yoga capris in a drawer, pull something spiffy and ironed out of my closet, start up the station wagon, drive into town, have lunch and stop by Show Business and rent Mrs. Miniver on the way home. And on those days, I want to wear Simplicity 4310, View 1, circa 1940s.

I want to pull out the bobby pins —  I know I have some, somewhere amid the lipsticks and the mascara and the toothpaste and the hair goo — and style my hair in a victory roll. Like so in case you don't know exactly how to do one.

And, yes, ever-so-stylish, ever-so-1940s Simplicity 4310 can be yours. Available at The Blue Gardenia, of course. For a mere $18. What a deal. Yes indeed.

The suit for those days when you must look strong yet chic June 21, 2010 18:02

You want clothes that you don't have to fret over. Clothes that are comfortable. Clothes that speak competence. That instill confidence. Like Vogue 6806, circa 1940s. Chic. Powerful. Fashionable. A suit that Amanda Bonner would be proud to wear. In the courtroom or out, this is an ensemble perfect for your Kate Hepburn moments. Absolutely. So. Let your fingers stride over to