The Blue Gardenia
An update, and, oh, the lovely looks it offers! June 3, 2014 22:56
Think of His Bertness, scanning patterns, adding them to the site, working so hard this weekend for two reasons: to make you happy, and therefore, make our pups happy, because the more patterns you simply can't resist at The Blue Gardenia, the more treats the little hair ranchers get! Do let me tempt you, my pretties, with one pattern from each decade:
I adore Simplicity 1721. A pattern from the NRA period (and that would be the National Recovery Act, not the, ahem, group that claims those initials today). The patio pajamas are luscious, just the garb for lounging in the chaise while your significant other totes and fetches and does everything possible to make you happy. Second, the pattern includes a smart pair of gaucho pants and a cunningly designed blouse. I love the two, two, two looks in one pattern envelope. I do.
And from the 1940s, both collar variations on Advance 5136 have panache galore. So comfy, so cool whipped up in a pretty cotton sateen.
Simplicity 8380 is the picture of summer chic. Sophisticated enough for the office, fetching enough for sipping sidecars at your favorite bar. And that stole is so 1950s.
My personal fave: Vogue 8371. I have quite a thing for dolman sleeves, and I long for this pattern in my own size. (That would be Bust 34, in case you have one lazing about your pattern cabinet.)
You'll also find lots of other beauties this update, from 1930s evening gowns that would turn Myrna Loy green and 1960s swimsuits that will cause temps to rise at any beach party.
So. Pop on over to The Blue Gardenia. You won't be disappointed. Promise.
Be the star of the picnic in this 1940s playsuit. June 2, 2014 23:31
The family reunion picnic is a mere two weeks away. Sigh. She’s not exactly the picnic type. All those ants and flies. The heat. The humidity. However, Grampie is getting older, and he’s not in the best of health. His badminton days are long past, so she really doesn’t want to miss this one. What to wear? How about whipping up that sassy Du Barry romper she saw at The Blue Gardenia? It’s so fetching, and her legs could use some sun. Perhaps she’ll use that lovely cotton sateen she bought at Gorgeous Fabrics a few weeks ago. It will be so cool.
Of course, you can buy this cute pattern at The Blue Gardenia. And, yes, we happily ship abroad.
From steampunk bodices to saucy hats, an update for the style-setter. May 1, 2014 19:55
You guessed it. While I was in Colorado Springs, His Bertness was working his fingers to the bone adding fabulous vintage patterns to The Blue Gardenia. Isn't he a sweetie? Absolutely. A few of my favorites:
Butterick 6788, the perfect lounging robe. The perfect beach robe. The perfect bath robe. The perfect cape. Yes. It is a perfect pattern. In case you hadn't picked up on that. 1930s, natch.
Another 1930s that makes this patternista swoon: Butterick 5434. This is so elegant. So Irene Dunne. It has not one version but four!!!! And a saucy and unusual hat. Can you beat that? Not even with a stick, chicks.
And if you're in the mood to rock the steampunk look and, hons, that was the look at the writing convention, you must purchase Butterick 1792. Three versions, all smokin' hot.
And, yep, you'll find these patterns and many more additions at The Blue Gardenia. Ship abroad? With delight.
Swing dresses, Mad Men sheaths, Miyake and more: Take your pick! April 20, 2014 23:44
New vintage patterns at The Blue Gardenia! Check the Forties, Fifies and Sixties to enjoy the fashion show. I'll tease you with one from each decade:Like '40s & '50s Vogue Couturiers? Sleek '30s? Come hither. April 14, 2014 15:55
Channel Jean Harlow or Lauren Bacall in our latest pattern additions. April 11, 2014 01:11
Prescription for sunny days: 1930s sweat elegant sports attire April 4, 2014 00:47
You are looking forward to the weekend. You are yearning for the sunny days the forecaster promised. Absolutely. Lemonade. Chicken salad. Laughter. Strolling around the course attempting to smack that little dimpled white ball. You don't really care if you hit it or not. Neither will anyone else, because you are going to look so swellelegant. You, in your butter yellow and French blue linen sports dress. The one you whipped up from delicious 1930s Ladies Home Journal-New York 1280. Lovely. So very. And, yes, this pattern is available at The Blue Gardenia, where you'll find patterns suitable for even the snootiest fashionista. We added many 1930s patterns, most in factory folds, from 1933-1935. Enjoy!
Free your inner Carol Lombard or Mildred Pierce. April 3, 2014 00:31
The most delicious 1940s blouse. Maybe ever. February 25, 2014 00:13
[caption id="attachment_894" align="aligncenter" width="600"]
Gorgeous silhouette. Pretty transfer. Can you top this?[/caption]
She is a pushover for blouses. Absolutely. And the 1940s era is her favorite. Strong. Elegant. With a healthy dose of pizazz. One of the most luscious she's seen lately: Butterick 3549.
She loves it. And as it happens, we have it. We do. And it can be yours. How can you say no?
An evening gown. A summer dress. It's chic, mod, so Dior. February 21, 2014 00:59
[caption id="attachment_2749" align="aligncenter" width="600"]
Vogue Paris Original 2230 Day or Evening Dress Designed by Christian Dior Bust 32½ Dress complete; stole missing; Vogue sew-in label included[/caption]
We've just added a bushel of smashing patterns at The Blue Gardenia. I adore this one. I do. It's in my collection. Shouldn't it be in yours, too?
And, yes, we do ship abroad. With pleasure.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.