Learning to sew: How perfect should a seam be? February 3, 2012 11:50 10 Comments

As perfect as I can make it? Or just good enough to crate it up and call it art?

As you can see, the right side is too narrow in the middle of this picture. Should I rip it out, dear readers, or is it good enough? I ripped out the seam on the other bodice-arm piece, and made it close to perfect. It was quite crooked, more so than this one.

I have a tendency to rip and attempt perfection. This slows down my progress immensely. It makes me feel hopeless. So. I wonder if it is better to get some completed garments into my closet, and thus boost my confidence that I can at least finish some dresses. What do y'all think?

Some stunning gowns among the dull at the Golden Globes. January 15, 2012 16:28 5 Comments

Ahhhh, the Golden Globe Awards. Such a welcome break from unpacking boxes cluttering our kitchen floor, dear readers.

My favorite gown of the night, the sleek 1950s inspired Versace worn by Angelina Jolie. Slim. Sleek. Sexy. Unexpected. (Weren't there a lot of boring gowns this year? I was yawning. I was.)

Natalie Portman wore a similar frock. Shared the side drape. Shared the red cuff. But. Something was off. Indeed. Loved the colors. Loved the idea. But the fabric seemed too stiff. The bustle a tad too big. The bodice fit like a crisp brown paper bag. It could have been absolutely dreamy. Oh, woe. Lanvin missed the train by a minute or two on this design.

Loved Tilda Swinton's periwinkle Haider Ackerman. Fabulous color. Creative design. Think of the boxes I could have unpacked in this.
And as an added bonus, the train would have swept the floor. Two chores in one. Oh, joy. But. Ms. Swinton's hair had me shaking my head. It looked like a lopsided powder puff.  Don't you agree?

Totally crazy over the gown Michelle Williams graced. Bee-yoo-tee-ful. Simple. Elegant. And as comfortable as my yoga pants and tee. Designed by Jason Wu. What do you think of the headband? I think it's rather cute. Absolutely.

Nicole Kidman also chose a Versace creation. So gorgeous. So imaginative. Love this one. I am still saying "wow!"

Mary J. Blige was a pleasure for the eyes in her blush Michael Kors creation. So glamorous. She channeled old style Hollywood sophistication and sex appeal. Totally. And I am still drooling over those dazzling earrings. I am. It's not a pretty sight.

So. What gowns made you smile? And did you find any articularly frightful? Tell me. Please.

And the winner is . . . September 27, 2011 01:00

Abigail, of Farmhouse Garden, is one lucky commenter. (If I do say so myself. And, of course, I do.) She won the latest Blue Gardenia giveaway: A luscious Colette Parfait (thank you, Colette pattern gang!) and the wild fabric to make it, an info-laden Reader's Digest Complete Guide to Sewing, and gorgeous Zoya Veruschka nail polish.

Thanks to all who entered and a bow of gratitude to those who became followers.

And, now, girls and boys, rush over to Abigail's blog. You won't regret it.

I made a scarf. I did. And I love it. Do you? July 13, 2011 01:45 5 Comments

Well, my pretties. I haven't blogged  in such a long time. I haven't. You've noticed, I hope. Longed for my posts. I hope. If you haven't, don't tell me. Don't deflate my ego. Please. Anyway. It's been so long — so very — I fear that I have forgotten how it's done. I do. No excuses. I have been lazy. Enervated. Reading. Watching DVDs.

And knitting. A bit. A very wee bit. One project stamped complete: This scarf. Very simple. Very easy. And how I love the Colinette yarn. It's my favorite. Absolutely. So soft. So textural. So interesting. What do you think? Do you love it as much as I do?

I have also — thunderous roll of drums, piercing blare of horns — finished a muslin. Truly. I have. I'll post the pictures tomorrow. And I'll need your advice about fitting. And how.

And the winner is Casey, who muses so elegantly! December 10, 2010 07:07 5 Comments

Casey of Elegant Musings is the winner — fortunate, lucky, and all that, if I do say so myself — of four yards of blue teal wool from Michael's Fabrics, Butterick 5679, and Revlon Fire and Ice lipstick and nail polish. And may I say Casey deserves the prize for her tireless holiday baking and for sharing her musings with us? Yes, I may say that. I may, and I will.

I thank you ever so for your patience, dear readers. And for taking the time to comment and enter this contest. And an extra-special warm-and-toasty thank you to all who became followers on Typepad. And, yes, there will be more giveaways. Very soon. Next week, in fact.

And I'll get back to Sewing Spaces very soon as well. Tomorrow, if  not today.

Henry Jones, you deserve a miracle. December 6, 2010 08:38 50 Comments

Saturday, on the way home from the grocery stores, we noticed Henry Jones was not himself. At all. He couldn't get up in time to see sites that usually arouse his interest outside the car windows. Like doggies and their people strolling. When we got home, he didn't want to get out of the car.  His Bertness put on fish in parchment paper. Henry remained enervated. I called the vet, thinking Henry had a simple stomach ailment that would easily be healed with medication. Oh, sweet innocence. Dumb bliss. 

When His Bertness returned with Henry what seemed like hours later, he was crying. "Henry is dying." That's what he said. "Henry is dying." Cancer. I simply could not comprehend this. He said the vet had done X-rays. A sonogram. Drawn blood from Henry's stomach. Henry might not make it through the night. I was distraught. Could not stop sobbing. Did not eat the fish in parchment. Drew hope from the fact that the on-call vet made the diagnosis and not own own beloved Dr. Dow. Alas. Dr. Dow called Sunday morning. His news was worse. Not better. The cancer was in the lungs, as well as the spleen.

So. I have not picked the giveaway winners. I will do so. Be patient. For now, for now I am spending every moment with Henry. Henry who feels tired. Crummy. Henry who sleeps. Fitfully, at times. Henry Jones, who has been the unfailing bright sunlight in this town that longtime readers know I want to flee. Dr. Dow says we will have to make The Decision. Right now, I await a miracle. Please come soon. Please.

I'm tweaking the celebration giveaway. Yes indeedy. November 29, 2010 11:13 7 Comments

Quick celebration giveaway update. Not everyone is a Bust 32 or 34. Not even this sewista wannabe. So. If you are not a Bust 32 or 34, here's the story: You may have a gift certificate from The Blue Gardenia for $27 as a credit toward a pattern in your very own size. How's that? Frankly, I think it's a splendid idea. I do. And, no, dear readers, I am not above tooting my own horn.

Also, a couple of entries have noted that one can sign into Typepad with a Facebook account, which makes it easier to follow me on Typepad. So. You might try, if you are so disposed. Naturally, I appreciate all efforts. Absolutely.

You want to know more about me. Right? I know you do. November 10, 2010 10:50 6 Comments

So. Check out The Snug Bug. That's an order. (Albeit a gentle one.) Patty's post today is an interview with me. As in little old. It may be too much information. It may not. You won't know until you read it. At any rate, you'll love Patty's blog. I do. Absolutely. (And I also love the toile dress she's wearing at left. In fact, I almost covet it. I do. And she made it herself. Am I impressed? You betcha.)

Canine cutitude: Henry loves the smell, the feel of clean laundry. August 19, 2010 08:26 3 Comments

He'll always remember the way you look tonight. July 13, 2010 20:10 2 Comments

There you are, standing at the end of the aisle, waiting for the pianist to start playing The Way You Look Tonight so that you can begin that long walk. No Bridal Chorus for you. Been there, done that, won't do that again. You have bowed to tradition in some ways, though. The church. The gown. The wedding ring. Not white this time. A beautiful silvery gray satin for the dress. Silvery gray lace for the bolero and train. Advance 3539, circa 1960s. Elegant. Regal. You know you look lovely. Why be modest? Why be insecure?

There. The first notes. You swallow. You move one foot forward. The other. Slowly. Tentatively. After all, this is huge. Huge. You've lived alone for years. You've grown set in your ways. And the first marriage wasn't exactly a fairy tale. But then your eyes meet his. Your heart flips. Skips. Just like it did the first time you saw him, smiling at you across the crowded airport. He is the one. You are the one. You know it. Your next step is strong. Sure. It does not waver.

And, of course, this gorgeous vintage pattern is available at  The Blue Gardenia.  I wouldn't tease you. I wouldn't. And we take Mastercard, Visa, Discover and Amex, as well as Paypal to make it easier for you. So do drop by. We're waiting for you.

Shameless plug: Wanna see my petticoat? It's boned, ya know. January 30, 2010 07:43

This coat has such unusual lines. Very slimming. (Although if you wear a Bust 32 that's probably not an issue.)

McCall's 4527 is so pretty. Pretty. Pretty. Pretty. No wonder Ms. Thing is showing off those  button details. They are delish. This is a 1958 pattern, in case you care. And of course  you do.

New York Designers' Collection N/8838 reaches the very pinnacle of mod. Love the slight flare of the coat, the slim pleated trousers. The shoes - not so much.

And if you've been yearning to flirt with your fan, I suggest McCall's 8728. The evening length petticoat uses featherbone for staying power and a complete retro look.

You can find all these styles  at The Blue Gardenia.  That is, if you hurry. So click over. Now. Don't delay. You don't want to miss any of these beauties. Do you?

Blue velvet. Chiffon the color of dried mangos. It's SAG fashion. January 24, 2010 11:46 2 Comments

I confess: I was eager to return to my novel last night, dear readers. So eager, in fact, that I chose to delay sharing my thoughts on the Screen Actors Guild award show fashion. You were unable to get to sleep, repeatedly hitting the refresh key on  your computer, sure that I would post any minute. I'm right, am I not? I am. And if not, please, allow me my delusions.

Anyway, assuming that old saying is true, here you go.

Favorite dress: The simple, elegant Narciso Rodriguez gown chosen by Julianna Margulies. Love the lines. Love the velvet. I'd wear it. And I'd be one happy and glamorous woman.

Runners-up: The sexy Emilio Pucci that plunges to there on Kate Hudson. Very fetching. Very sophisticated. I could do without the glittering inset. I could. I say, let the lines speak for themselves. Still, this dress is fabulous. However, in this little blogger's book, Julie Christie's gown in Shampoo is still the rear revealing gown to beat.

Diane Kruger's gown does it all and more. Jason Wu's creation definitely has retro allure. So very Ava. And so very bold of Kruger to choose that dried mango color. So very brave to pair it with red lipstick. But. It works. And how. (You remember that Wu designed Michelle Obama's inaugural ballgown.)

And then there's this kindergarten class project worn by Marion Cotillard. It's not a runner-up. No no no. It's first place in the nightmare category. As in, one you really want to wake from. Egads. What can I say except keep the kids away from the paste, beads and feathers. And if you don't, please don't share the results with the world. The shoes are clunkers, too. Blame the dress on Elie Saab. Cotillard looked perfect at the Golden Globes. Oh, well. 

So. Better late than never? Do say it's so.

Adjust Spanx. Arrange skirt. Step out of limo. Say cheese. January 17, 2010 17:07 5 Comments

Let the dust bunnies Charleston in all the extra space. November 15, 2009 10:39 2 Comments

Yesterday, I held a garage sale. Yet another painful, dusty step toward decluttering. Toward horizons unknown when His Bertness lands that dream job. Heck, any job that keeps a roof over our heads and crunchy peanut butter on the table will be fine. Even if it's in South Dakota. Even. I understand layering really works. I'm skeptical. I am.

Anyway. For me, decluttering always reveals treasures. And one is this picture of L'Nora Goldman Calhoun. She's the babe on the left with the smile as wide as the Mississippi. Mam was quite the seamstress. I wonder if she ever made McCall 3929? So elegant with the dropped, scalloped waistline. Ladylike, yes. But sexy, too. 

And in case you were wondering — you were, weren't you? — I did not make much money at the garage sale. Some items did find new homes, though. And for that, an attitude of gratitude abounds. Really. 

Shameless plug: Handywoman apron? Fath halter? We have it. June 10, 2009 18:24

I've got that '60s groove goin' on. Tom Jones growling on the CD . . . once upon a time there was an Eden . . . once upon a time there was an Eve.

So. We've updated. We have. In a big way. So many pattern additions. And such stylish additions. You don't mind if I toot The Blue Gardenia's horn, do you? 

If you do decide to fall in love again, then Vogue Paris Original 1176, designed by masterful Jacques Fath in 1952, will have him on his knees begging love me tonight  . . . darling, be kind for I'm out of my mind over you. Of course, you won't change your mind. You're determined. You're strong. You've hardened your heart. Right? Right? I'm waiting for your answer.

Statistical error: Pink is the color of slips and jammies May 12, 2009 18:43 1 Comment

So let's look to that Depression-era queen of slink Jean Harlow for inspiration. Her pajamas are glamorous, yet comfortable. So very. Perfect for sitting in front of the computer screen while you're networking on LinkedIn and BrightFuse. Or for lurking behind the draperies while watching the parade of neighbors as they scurry to work at 8 a.m. Oh, envy. Be gone. Now. That's an order.

And in the meantime, dream of lounging about in McCall 8214, copyright 1935. Maybe in cotton lawn. So much easier to launder. Absolutely.

Sigh.

The thing about blogging . . . February 19, 2009 17:00 2 Comments

For me, anyway, is this: I miss a day here. I miss a day there. The days add up. Doubts ensue. They proliferate. Like dust bunnies and dog hair. Does anyone care what I have to say? Do they? Really? 

Every day there's a little weather . . . February 11, 2009 08:29

And some days, it's more exciting than others. It snowed here Saturday. Sunday. Monday. The  first pic was taken Monday at dusk, as the snow fell.

Information you need to know. Really. January 22, 2009 11:58

The Blue Gardenia charge order form is working properly now. Three hundred dollars, but you're worth every penny. You are. Don't ever doubt it. Ever. And of course, the site is secure. Totally. As it has been for months. And months.

What a difference a pattern makes. Not to mention fabric. December 3, 2008 14:26 4 Comments

Simplicity 7229, Copyright 2002

I've been scared. I've been ashamed. I've been embarrassed. So. I've been hiding under the bed. Red-faced. Itchy. All because I haven't been sewing. I haven't even attempted to sew. I've been a dressmaking slacker. Forgive me.

Henry Jones did talk me out from under the bed. Finally. At last. You see, that's where he sleeps. He was losing patience. Scowling. (Yes. Some expressive dogs do scowl. And Henry is nothing if not expressive.)

So. I picked out a different fabric. A simple vintage cotton. Something I found at an estate sale about fifteen years ago. Or so. It's pink. It's gay. It's cheerful. Optimistic even.    I changed my pattern choice. I went in a completely different direction. Completely. I lowered my expectations. To pajamas. Or pajama bottoms, to be precise. To a 1 Hour Simplicity pattern. Or so the fine folks at Simplicity promise.  

I've washed the fabric. I've pressed it. I am ready to go. Really. I am.

So. Tomorrow. Tomorrow. I'll cut. Wait and see. Don't be skeptical.

Don't gag, but it was truly a moment (or three) of magic August 8, 2008 09:07 3 Comments

I am a skeptical sort, truly, and I am not at all fond of things smarmy. I don’t like bows, or mary-janes, or cute sayings needlepointed and framed. I don’t want to gaze into someone’s eyes while sharing a cherry soda on a Sunday afternoon. And I absolutely loathe the word “awesome.”
So, I am more than a tiny smidgeon embarrassed to share one of those special isn’t-the-universe-grand moments. But I shall do it anyway. Even though it makes me blush. I’ll doubtless have a shame hangover in the morning. Oh well oh well oh well. But. Here goes.
So. Deep breath. Hubby and I were driving home from a West Coast Swing class (don’t ask — I’m sure we’ll get it one day, in this lifetime or another) and a bunny ran across the road. Yes, a bunny, so cute, and so very furry. His Bertness braked. (Yes, we do brake for bunnies and squirrels and turtles and even snakes. We would brake for grasshoppers if our vision were that good.) The bunny stopped. It stopped and hopped straight up — gee, at least two feet, if not higher — and I swear his little bunny feet wiggled back and forth as he levitated for one moment, two, three. Then he hit pavement and ran back across the street, the same way he came. Really. I am not kidding. I am not making this up. I am not exaggerating — not even the slightest bit. We were awed. Completely. Totally.
So. While I wouldn't say the universe is always grand, and I most certainly wouldn't say it is awesome, sometimes, it's not so bad.

I'll make up my own blogging etiquette, thank you very much! July 4, 2008 07:49 1 Comment

All right. I admit it. I don't know blogging etiquette. If someone mentions one's blog and provides a link, does one thank them privately, on their blog or on one's own blog? Is this something the heirs to Amy Vanderbilt or Emily Post have addressed? Perhaps Miss Manners tackled this very vexing issue?

Oh, well. Thanks to comprehensive home training, I shall err on the side of excess. Thank you, thank you, Erin McKean of A Dress A Day http://www.dressaday.com/dressaday.html, Bloglines www.bloglines.com, and a huge, expansive, over-the-top thank you to the readers of both sites who have visited The Blue Gardenia Learns to Sow Her Blossoms. I hope you'll keep coming back!

And, of course, a very heartfelt, and even smarmy thanks to the readers who have been with me from the beginning! I appreciate you. Ever so.

I wish all of you a happy and safe 4th of July. And now, I am off to listen to Dave Alvin's Fourth of July while I prepare a patriotic feast for two. That is, after a nap and an hour or so with a good book.

Why I Want To Learn To Sew: Reason #2 June 21, 2008 17:21 1 Comment

Butterick 8089, Circa 1930s

Last night, I waltzed in blue jeans. I foxtrotted in blue jeans. I cha-cha’d in blue jeans. I even did the rumba — the dance of love and longing (I can hear the sounds of violins, long before it begins, make me thrill as only you know how, sway me smooth, sway me now) in blue jeans. Yes, they were stylish jeans, freshly washed, dark denim, all that. But still. Waltzing? You get the picture. There are those among my ballroom set who feel blue jeans are not appropriate attire for the dance floor. “Delman says jeans are tacky on the dance floor,” sneered Elaine. “After all, it’s ballroom. Ballroom!” Of course, I looked at her as if she were the result of a particularly nasty science class experiment gone awry. But.

Now, I don’t give a fig — I actually love figs, so perhaps I should say a dried cranberry — what most people think, unless I happen to agree with them. And I do agree that the ballroom dance floor is not the best setting for jeans. But it’s summer, and after a few swirls around the floor, it’s more than a little toasty, and I absolutely refuse to wear pantyhose during this seemingly endless heat wave, so that leaves jeans. In my current wardrobe, anyway. I have jeans, and I have dressy. Dressy that requires one of the most excruciatingly uncomfortable things known to the female sex — pantyhose. Worse than a bikini wax given by the most sadistic practitioner. I hate pantyhose even in the winter. But when the temperature soars to 100? No. Absolutely, emphatically no.

But this dress, shortened to ballet length, would be ideal for summer dancing: It’s elegant; it’s beautiful, and it leaves skin exposed but not in a trashy, slattern-on-the-make way. (As His Bertness said of one divorcee, “Her clothes are so revealing there’s no way to dance with her without touching skin.”)

By the way, if you’re a Young and the Restless viewer, and I am (guilty pleasure, guilty pleasure, guilty pleasure), you may recall that Lauren Fenmore wore a dress with a similar bodice yesterday. Vintage patterns are timeless.