The dress to wow that significant someone on Valentine's Day. January 26, 2011 08:26 6 Comments

Valentine's Day is just around the corner. Just. And you're having him over for a very intimate dinner. Very. You'll start with Crab Salad with Hearts of Palm, move on to Beef Tenderloin with Potato Hobo Sacks, and then, for dessert, Molten Chocolate Cakes. Yum bunnies. And for the final course, you. Or him. Or maybe both.

And you're making Simplicity 2229, circa 1930s, to wear. View 1. In silk velvet. Cranberry red, of course. Your favorite. Absolutely.

Yes. The pattern was expensive. It was. But it comes with not one, but two — yes, count them, two! — completely different views. A twofer. Both styles have exquisite details. The back of View 1. The sleeves of View 2. The godets. And both styles will complement your figure. Which is curvy. Of course. Because as the menu hints, you do like food. You do. So very, very much. Mmmmm.

It will be a night to remember. Yes. Indeed.  It most certainly will.

And, of course, this pattern can be found at The  Blue Gardenia, where the patterns are counted, the jewelry is sparkling, and domestic shipping is free. (And, yes, we do ship abroad, but there is a fee. There is. But just what it costs us. No handling charges. Ever.)

Now, this is the kind of swing-era dress you like. And how. January 18, 2011 11:23 1 Comment

You're in the mood to celebrate the new year. The new day. The new feeling of happiness. Abundance. Confidence. All the fabulous things that await you in 2011. And is there any better dress to illustrate your mood of optimism than McCall 5143, copyright 1943? Perfect for the office. It has an aura of competence. And it's snazzy enough for Sunday brunch, too. Perhaps in emerald green with a yoke the color of a Queen Elizabeth rose. Version B. Of course. You simply can't say no to three-quarter length sleeves. Maybe wool crepe. It's so beautiful and sews up so easily as well. Yes indeedy. 

2010 is over. History. You learned a lot of lessons. You did. But it's time to march ahead. To embrace the new. Maybe even to skip. Yes. Skip! Be happy. Darn it. Ditch the blues. Do. Absolutely.

And, yes, this smart pattern can be yours. And for a mere $33. Just drop by The Blue Gardenia. Don't delay.

(And, yes, readers dear, that terrific giveaway I promised way back when is coming soon. Very. This week, in fact.)

Time is running out. Really. Don't miss our end-of-year sale! January 5, 2011 16:49 2 Comments

Time's a wasting, girls and boys. The Blue Gardenia's annual end-of-year sale ends in just over 24 hours. Don't miss it. OK?

So. Here's the fine print: Buy three items, get 33% off. Yes, ma'am. Yes, sir. Any three items. Any at all. Mix and match jewelry and patterns to your heart's desire. And there is no limit. Buy 10 items. Buy 100. Buy more. That, my pals, would make me really happy. Ecstatic, in fact. Really. For this fantabulous sale, American Express, Discover, Mastercard, Visa or Paypal sales only.

And now, I am off to bed. I am. But y'all stay up and shop. That's an order. (Albeit a gentle one.)

It's The Blue Gardenia's annual end-of-year sale! Rush over. Now. December 25, 2010 16:44 3 Comments

Really, dear readers, in my ever-so-humble opinion, such an exciting announcement deserves multiple exclamation marks. It does. Of course, I do like punctuation. I do. Some might say I like it too much. Those nasty critics. But, I only used one exclamation point. This time. Just one. Because that is all the room the headline allowed. 

Anyway. Here's the deal: Buy three items, get 33% off. Yes, ma'am. Yes, sir. Any three items. Any at all. Mix and match jewelry and patterns to your heart's desire. And there is no limit. Buy 10 items. Buy 100. Buy more. That, my pals, would make me really happy. Ecstatic, in fact. For this fantabulous Blue Gardenia sale, American Express, Discover, Mastercard, Visa or Paypal sales only. 

And. I hope you and yours had the happiest, most joyous Christmas season ever. If, that is, you celebrate Christmas. If you don't, I hope you've had an absolutely sparkling holiday season. I do.

Life is good. And this is the dress to celebrate that fact. It is. November 30, 2010 03:02 2 Comments

She is up early today. Unusual for her. She usually sleeps in. Really. Till noon. Sometimes till 1 o'clock. But. She could not sleep. She could not. She tried. And how. Without success. None.

She makes coffee. Stirs cream — yes, whole, heavy cream, complete with raw sugar — into the cup. Again, unusual. For her, anyway. Mmmmm. The cream. A luxury. So good. It is bliss.

She puts on a disc she made. She grabs in the dark. She does not know what her hand selects. The music will be a surprise as it comes out of the speakers. She has not listened to music in months. Months. She could tell you how many. She could. She could be exact. To the minute. To the second.

It is Dusty. " . . . is in yours eyes, the look your heart can't disguise, the look of love is saying so much more than just words can ever say  . . . tonight, tonight, let this be the start of so many nights like this . . . don't ever go, I love you so . . .

They danced to it so many nights. Under the stars, the skin warm on her arms and her bare, tan legs, his hand firmly, tenderly guiding hers, strong yet, yet so gentle . . . 

She is filled with desire. Desire so strong it nearly overwhelms her. She feels as if she opened her mouth, it would seep out. But she will not. She will not. She will keep it inside, that desire for nights long gone, nights that will never come again, desire that makes her feel alive.

Rosemary Clooney's voice comes on next. "Other dancers may be on the floor, dear, but my eyes will see only you . . . " She whips the turn. She is on the dance floor. Her skirt whirls. Flows. She glides.

But. But. He is gone. Gone. "To live it again is past all endeavor . . . and there we were, promising to love forever . . . till clouds came along  . . ."

Oh well. Oh well. He is gone. Gone. It is time to accept that fact. She has mourned the dead romance too long. Absolutely.

The sun rises over the mountains outside her window. She sips her coffee. It is so good with cream. She has deprived herself for too long. She has. She knows now: Life will go on. Life will go on. It will. Yes. That is a cliche. And she hates cliches. But she must admit — she will admit — cliches become cliches for a reason. They do. Because they are true.

Tito comes on. Cha Cha Cha Mambo. She will go dancing this weekend. Alone. She will make a dress with a flippy, flirty skirt to celebrate. She paws through her patterns. Simplicity 8287 from 1969. She has the perfect lime-green silk crepe. Somewhere in her unorganized fabric stash. She will find it. And she will breathe again. She will. She has risen from her bed before dawn. She can do anything. She can. Even get over him. At last.

Oye Como Va comes on. Her hips wiggle. She won't stop them. She won't. Life will be good again. Heck. Life is good. Now. It is.

And, yes, this gorgeous pattern is available. At The Blue Gardenia. You can't live without it. Can you? Tell me so.

How to deal productively with your anger? Why, sew. Of course. November 17, 2010 09:15 13 Comments

OK. You'll admit it. You are annoyed about the decision on DWTS last night. Heck. You are pissed! Totally. First, Rick Fox, so sexy you could eat him with a spoon, was bounced, even though he was a far superior
dancer than Kurt Warner. Then elegant, graceful, no-dance-experience-to-her-resume Audrina Patridge was shown the door. And now, sexy, lithe Brandy booted, gracelessly, while reality TV starlet and presidential campaign veteran Bristol Palin, whom you'll admit has learned to be drug across the floor in the most simple choreography ever to be shown at this late date on the show, stays. Stays! In the finals. The finals! Isn't this show about dance? Maksim Chmerkovskiy's choreography for Brandy was difficult — and how — while Mark Ballas's choreography for Bristol was beginning-dance-class simple. And you're a trained dancer, so you know. You do. Grrrrrr. You wonder: Are so many white folks in America threatened by gorgeous black people like Fox and Brandy? Sure, Kyle Massey is still on the show. Sure. He is. And he deserves to be in the finals. He does. You won't argue that. But. He's childlike, delightful, totally non-threatening. He's the sweet and innocent saucer-eyed porter who ducks behind the bar in the 1930s screwball comedies when the silly white folk start throwing dangerous objects here and there.

Yes. You are angry. You are. 

So. What to do with your anger? What? How to deal with it productively? How? Sew. That is the answer. Sew. A lot. Cape. Slacks. Skirt. Top. Hood. All designed by Sybil Connolly. All gorgeous. All sophisticated. All extremely wearable. All from the late '60s. All included in Vogue Couturier Design 1125. And. Yes. It is available at The Blue Gardenia. Yes indeedy. So. Buy the pattern. And tell me what you think. Heck. Tell me what you think. Even if you don't buy the pattern.

Shameless plug: The perfect blouse. The sexiest negligee. Plus. November 9, 2010 13:22 4 Comments

It is that time again, girls and boys. Time to dazzle you (I hope) with fabulous additions. And I do think the vintage patterns we've added are fabulous. Absolutely. Here are a few of my favorites of the 70something or so we added. And keep in mind that I do like blouses. Ever so much.

In my opinion — and, of course, it is humble, you know it is — McCall 7768, View B, copyright 1949, is the perfect blouse. Absolutely. Yes indeedy. The collar has just enough width to add drama, yet not overpower; the shoulder gathers are flattering to all bust sizes; the low neckline adds just the merest hint of sexiness; and the cuffs add style that even Tim Gunn would give a shiny tinfoil gold star.

Another blouse that this fashionista adores: Advance 6893, from the 1950s. It's ladylike. So say the scallops. Yes. But its neckline that dips just north of there says it's wearer might just be ready to rumba. And definitely knows how.

And if you've been salivating over The Cupcake Goddess's boyfriend jacket — I confess, I have — you can make your very own with Butterick 3064. Sure, there are a few differences. But they are minor. Very. The collar is a wee bit narrower; the pockets are curved, big and usable for those of use who like to stick our hands inside to play with the pocket lint and to strike a scholarly pose. But the flavor is the same. (And while you're at The Cupcake Goddess blog checking out her jacket — read her posts on aging. Let me know what you think. Better yet, let her know.)

And then there is Butterick 5413. Talk about channeling Jean Harlow and Carole Lombard. And how. Luscious. Unusual. Screams 1930s glamour. It does. And don't you love those kimono sleeves? I do.

And, yup, you can buy each and every one of these lovelies — and more — at The Blue Gardenia. We take Amex, Discover, Mastercard, Paypal and Visa to make it easy for you. Do not — I repeat — do not let these get away. Make me happy. Make my little canine pals happy. And make yourself happy, too. Do.

Let this '30s coat remind you: Happy days will be here again. October 31, 2010 12:32

You were returning from a coffee date with Joan when she told you the news: Her house had sold after 11 months on the market. You were happy for her. You were. And the feeling was genuine. But. Now, now you're thinking why couldn't I get a bit of good news? Why? Why? Why? Why?

Oh, you hate this. You do. Feeling sorry for yourself. You won't stand for it. Sure you've been out of work for 14 months. Long months. Endless months. Penny-pinching months. Your retirement account? History. A pleasant memory. Gone. Still, you're grateful you had it. But you will not stand for self-pity. You won't. No way.

So. You think you'll make yourself a coat. In that kelly-green wool gabardine in your fabric stash. The green will remind you not to be envious of the good luck that shines on friends. Heck. On anyone. You'll line it with that luscious cherry-print silk charmeuse you bought years ago in San Francisco. And, that, of course, will remind you that there is delicious fruit as well as rocky pits.

You'll use Simplicity 1880. It's a 1930s pattern. Better days were ahead then. And better days are ahead now. That job? It's just around the corner. You'll be in clover soon. You will. You know it. All those job applications will pay off. Soon. Absolutely.

And, yes, this gorgeous and rare pattern is available at The Blue Gardenia. It's enduring proof that hard times can be overcome. To paraphrase Lawrence Welk, there are good years, and there are bad years, and this is one of them. So. As that cute-kitty poster said: Hang in there, kid.

This is the coat for your Dr. Zhivago moments. October 21, 2010 15:41 2 Comments

She's thinking coats. Something warm. Something stylish. Maybe something a little Julie Christie as Lara in Dr. Zhivago. Perhaps Vogue Basic Design 1983, View C. Yes. That's the one. Absolutely. It's gorgeous. And stylish. So very. And she'll be protected from those fierce winds of winter wherever she goes. Wherever. She'll stitch it up in cashmere. Lined in silk charmeuse. And fake fur. Of course. She wonders: Can she find faux chinchilla? Mmmmm . . . somewhere.

And if you can't live without this coat pattern — and I hope you can't — just drop by The Blue Gardenia. The details, if you please: Bust 36. Still in factory folds. $33. And, naturally, there's no charge for shipping if you are in the US. So. There you go. It's the perfect coat for winter 2010-11. It is.

Wear this 1940s power suit, and that job offer is in the bag. October 14, 2010 17:57 2 Comments

You've pawed through your wardrobe with the determination of a pooch looking for his favorite bone. Time and again. Back and forth through the suits and dresses. And yet. And yet nothing seems perfect for your job interview week after next. Nothing. And since you've been out of work 62 weeks now — 62 weeks without one single interview — everything has to be exactly right, from your Ferragamo pumps (Gammy Ruth always told you to buy quality because quality lasts and lasts) to your suit to your French twist.

Now, you're pawing through your patterns. Eureka! Here is one that says competence and confidence, quietly but firmly. Butterick 2249, circa 1940s. It's simple. You don't want anything flashy. You don't. But it has style in those tucks that nip in the waist. And originality. You aren't just any applicant. No. You aren't. You are the one. The one they want. The one they must have. Yes, this is the suit. The suit that will have an offer coming your way — and soon. And you have just the fabric stored in your sewing room armoire: a blue-gray wool gabardine. Oh, yes. The phone will be ringing. It will. Gainful employment will be yours again. Oh, joy. Paychecks! Bliss is just around the corner. It is. 

And, yes, this pattern can be yours. Yes indeedy. It's at The Blue Gardenia, where the patterns are counted, the jewelry is sparkling, and domestic shipping is free. 

Be the only female in town to have a '40s style pouch peplum suit. October 7, 2010 13:54

You want a new jacket for fall. Something special. Something different. You'll even venture so far as to say something unique. And that is not a word you use lightly. You do not want something that every Ann, Tiffany or Celeste is wearing. You want something that will make a pair of jeans look sassy. Something that will look equally at home with a black pencil skirt at the office. And you have found it: Butterick 4422 from the 1940s. The pouch peplum creates that "smart new rounded hipline look," claims the envelope. And you have no doubt that is true. Absolutely. Perhaps in pistachio wool crepe? Or perhaps a hazy mauve. Mmmmm . . . Yes. That's the color. Perfection. Indeed.

And, yes, this magnificent suit is available at The Blue Gardenia. Didn't you know it? You did, didn't you? The details: Bust 34, complete, $50. Be the only one on the block to have this unusual and glamorous suit. Do not delay. The winds of autumn are blowing gentle, and this offers stylish protection. Truly. 

For those Carole Lombard moments, say yes to Hollywood 928. October 6, 2010 17:56 2 Comments

You've spent the day in complete enjoyment. Lounging. A couch potato. Watching Carole Lombard movies. Eating M & M's. Was it fun? Yessiree Bob. Ever so. Yes indeedy.

Seeing Ms. Lombard slinking about in those sexy, bare evening gowns and those sleek, fashionable day frocks has you thinking: Why not you? Why not plunge into the 1930s with Hollywood 928, circa 1936? You can make the short frock for day now. It will set them back on their heels at the office. And later, if there's a Christmas soiree that calls for a formal gown, you can whip up that gorgeous version with the pleated sleeves. Grand detail that. Absolutely. 

And, of course, this pattern is available at The Blue Gardenia. It's multifunctional. Day or evening. And it is bee-yoo-tee-ful. Without a doubt. Can you say no? Don't even think of it. Don't.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

Shameless plug: Are you a Joan Harris or a Mildred Pierce? May 26, 2010 18:36

The fun you'll have in these dresses and coveralls. Absolutely. April 8, 2010 19:47

Oh. What a weekend you have planned. Vegas? No. Istanbul? Nuh uh.  San Carlos de Bariloche? Hardly. You are staying in town. Here. But you're going to have fun anyway.

First, Saturday. A day of gardening. Tilling the soil. Planting the lantana. Fertilizing the roses. Spreading the mulch. And you'll be wearing McCall 8520, copyright 1951. With a big floppy straw hat and your gloves. Are you the American Beauty or is your rose? Why can't you both be? You can. I said so.

And then there's Saturday night. Yes indeed. And you have plans. Yes, ma'am, you most certainly do. Dinner at a discreet bistro, where you will be wearing the fruits of last weekend's labor. McCall 3727. You'll keep your bolero on over the steak frites and the creme brulee. But afterward. Mmmm mmmm mmmm. The real fun begins on the dance floor at the Kenny Wayne Sheppard show. No bolero, at least not of the clothing variety. And then . . . well, there's no need to share all your plans for the evening, is there? You don't kiss and tell. You don't. You won't. Absolutely not.

Sunday, church. Can't miss what Rev. Tom has to say. And you're meeting your gal pals for lunch. The weather will be perfect. And is there a better dress for sunny days than Donna Karan's 1990 design, Vogue American Designer 2470? There's not. Trust me. Please. This is the ultimate dress for patio dining. It is.

So. You can see there is no need for a pricey airplane ticket and a costly hotel. None. You can stay home and save. You frugalista, you. And, yes. All patterns are available at The Blue Gardenia.

Shameless plug: Release your inner Liz. Right now. February 24, 2010 12:16 2 Comments

You've missed me, haven't you? Admit it. I know you have.

But today, here I am. Back at the computer screen to tell you about the smashing — and I do mean smashing — patterns just added at The Blue Gardenia. As always, I will tell you about a few of my favorites. Just a few. 

Perhaps my absolute favorite is Prominent Designer M130. Sexy. Sleek. And it has a bow up top, if you are into that sort of thing. Courtesy of Luis Estevez. This is the perfect dress for your Mad Men moments. You'll have a line of Don Drapers begging for your favors. They might be drooling, though, so have plenty of hankies at the ready.

Have you been watching the Olympic games? You have, haven't you? And now you're having fantasies of executing triple axels and Mohawk turns and taking home the gold.

But not for you those tacky sequins and shiny spandex. No. No. A thousand times no. You want something retro. Something feminine. Something with a skirt that swirls all the way to the North Pole. For you, McCall 3433 from 1939. The judges will stand up and applaud your choice. They will. Trust me. That gold medal is yours. Do with it what you will. Door stop? Framed as wall art? Mmmmm . . .

And for those days when you want to dish with the girls over lemon sole and lettuce, may I suggest Vogue 6169? This dress quietly yet firmly speaks sophistication. It's got it all: double peplum. Dart tucks. A frill at the sleeve. Of course, they'll want to know where you got it. Neiman Marcus? Saks? Barney's? Will you tell? The choice is yours.

And now for those pesky details, 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.

Hurry, scurry: Our once-a-year sale ends in mere hours! January 7, 2010 06:59

I'm tired. Lazy. Sluggish. Peanut butter on toast failed to work its energy magic today. Nonetheless, dear readers, here I sit, trying to find a creative way to say that the countdown has begun for The Blue Gardenia's once-a-year sale. 

So. I think I will let this gorgeous 1940s evening gown, Butterick 3625, do the talking — and selling — for me. Work hard, lovely pattern, work hard. Please.

Here are the sale details. And you'll note it ends tonight. Tonight! Buy 3 or more items, get 33% off. Sale prices are good through midnight PST today, January 7. All payments must be in my eager paws by January 9, 2010. As always, TBG takes American Express, Discover, Mastercard, Visa, Paypal, non-rubber checks and cold, hard cash. And you are all smart cookies, so you know to shop now. Time's wasting.

Textbook attire for teaching His Bertness to bake bread January 3, 2010 07:09

I, dear readers, have spent the morning and early afternoon teaching His Bertness to bake. Paul Prudhomme's Honey Bread, if I may add the details. And I may, correct? Because you want to know all the details of my ever-so-exciting small town life. Right? What a resounding and enthusiastic chorus of ayes. I'm pleased. I'm impressed. Absolutely.

Now, to really play the part of the small town baker, I should be wearing a fetching frock like Simplicity 2838, copyright 1948. It's a wrap dress - yep, decades before DVF - and it looks quite comfy. Perhaps not as comfortable as the yoga capris and top I am wearing as I write this post, but then, really, what is?

And please allow me to step up to the podium to extend a thank you to Shannon, she of the well-groomed fingernails and the blog I can't stop reading, Hungry Zombie Couture. Shannon wrote a fabulous post about some patterns she purchased at The Blue Gardenia. I know you'll want to see what she bought. Excellent taste has she. She has my vote for the best-dressed teacher in Canada. Absolutely.

And don't forget to stop by and check out our once-a-year sale. The skinny:  Buy 3 or more items, get 33% off. Sale prices are good now, this minute, through midnight PST Thursday, January 7. All payments must be in my eager paws by January 9, 2010. As always, TBG takes American Express, Discover, Mastercard, Visa, Paypal, non-rubber checks and cold, hard cash.

I will contain my gratitude no longer. I won't. I won't. I won't. January 1, 2010 07:27 1 Comment

I am taking a moment from teaching His Bertness to make chili to issue a most heartfelt thank you to a few folks. I am. So, listen up.

First up: Carolyn Norman, whose blog Dairy of a Sewing Fanatic has long been a favorite. Thank you so very much, Carolyn, for the post about The Blue Gardenia. It has brought so many new customers, and I hope all will join our roster of regulars.

Ditto to Gretchen, of Gertie's New Blog for Better Sewing. Her blog is a new addiction, and for all of you out there: I want that book! I do. I do. I do. Namely Vogue's New Book for Better Sewing.

And I am also ever so pleased and grateful that Oliver + S listed The Blue Gardenia as something that should always be hanging above everyone's sewing machine. Wow! Thank you! That makes me so very happy. Yes indeedy.

Further, while this attitude of gratitude is swelling to bursting point, I'd like to thank Vicki at Yavapai Regional Medical Center, who went above and beyond to handle an insurance issue for me. Unasked. She volunteered! This week. A holiday week.

And I'd also like to thank my parents and my in-laws for being there this year. And His Bertness for learning to cook because sometimes I am just too tired to whip up tasty vittles. Love that cheerful, willing attitude, honey bunch. Yes, I do.

So. There ya go. Thank you. Thank you! THANK YOU! (Yes, my voice is  raised in appreciation.)

And just so I'll have art, how about gear for cooking chili? Simplicity 3382, Bust 42, copyright 1950, $33 at The Blue Gardenia, will have you looking as good as the chili will taste.

Oh, and thank you, Michael Buble, for covering Baby (You've Got What It Takes). Still like the Brook and Dinah version best, but your cover with Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings is not shabby. Not at all.

Gee. I feel like I should be standing behind a microphone, clad in a tight, shimmery evening gown. Vintage, of course.

So. Happy 2010, everyone. I hope it's your very best ever. Ever. Absolutely. (Until 2011 anyway.)

For that Mildred Pierce moment: Modes Royale 336 December 29, 2009 12:59

Ahhh, New Year's Eve. You have to work. A busy day. Tight end-of-year deadlines with absolutely no room for wiggling. You'll have to rush straight from the office to dinner with your honey bunch. That is the only way. But. What to wear? That is today's question. There must be something that says both business and beauty. Something. But what?

Perhaps Modes Royale 336, circa 1940s. Don't-mess-with-me shoulders. Sassy pleats. A hide-anything pocket with a button. A button!  Big enough for a lipstick, a pen and a notepad. Love it. Yep. This is the one. Perfection. Absolutely.

Shameless plug: Motor running? Our once-a-year sale starts now! December 26, 2009 16:26

Just this once, I won't waste your time with needless words. Really. I promise. Brief. To the point. That's me at this moment. So. Intro over, here you go: It's time for The Blue Gardenia's once-a-year sale. The lowdown: Buy 3 or more items, get 33% off. Sale prices are good now, this minute, through midnight PST Thursday, January 7. All payments must be in my eager paws by January 9, 2010. As always, TBG takes American Express, Discover, Mastercard, Visa, Paypal, non-rubber checks and cold, hard cash. And you are all smart cookies, so you know to shop early for the best selection. Like now, this moment. Or this oh-so-mod, oh-so-Shrimpton Pierre Cardin number will be gone. Scurry. Hurry.