You asked for them. You got them: Pics of pups. At play. February 5, 2012 08:22 2 Comments

You did ask for them, right? Some of you, anyway. So. Never say I don't listen. Never say I am not eager to please. Never say I don't try to be in tune to your desires. Never.

This happens several times a day. The pups wrestle.

Atchison, the Lab, looks fierce. Don't believe it. At least not where Emma is concerned. He adores her. He does.

Mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. They love this game. Yes, indeedy.

And that, my friends, is my Sunday. That, and homemade mocha, and Out of the Past, my favorite movie. Robert Mitchum. Snappy dialogue. Life just doesn't get any better. Does it?

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

Influential director to protect you from the riffraff: Handy.

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

Pleated blouse: Staple.

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

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?

She cries hooray for Givenchy's VPO 2208. And how. February 2, 2012 00:47

She loves men. She does. But a long-term relationship? That, that is another story. She's been accused — more than once — of treating men like Puffs. She doesn't think that's really true. She always gives her utmost, and she's always true, always, in her fashion. Can she help it if she gets bored after a year or two? Can she? Can she help it if she loves to flirt? Well, of course, she could. But. She has no intentions of stopping. It's such fun. It is. And she's so very accomplished in that area.

One thing she'll never get bored with is Vogue Paris Original 2208, designed by Givenchy. She wore it when she was mad for Isaac. She'll not forget the Valentine Ball — the dancing, the banter. Gazing into his Paul Newman blue eyes. Oh, that was such a lovely night they spent at that quaint inn by the bay. Walking, talking, as Ella singing

If a custom tailored vet
Asks me out for something wet
When the vet begins to pet, I cry hooray

floated gently on the air from some distant jukebox. She wore the evening version, which she stitched up in silk crepe. Four-ply. In a lovely pink the color of Delta Mints. Too bad they no longer make them.

And then there's the day version. She's worn it so many times. She made it in an exquisite light-weight wool knit, the color of a Chrysler Imperial rose. She has such fond memories of wearing it that weekend in Chicago with Benjamin. He will always have a special room in her heart — but he wanted more than she was willing to give. So much more. A wedding ring, you say? Darling, darling, no, she thinks not. Most emphatically.

Ahhh, the details, if you please:

Vogue Paris Original 2208 Day or Evening Dress Designed by Givenchy Bust 32½ Complete $100.

And, yes, you guessed it, this magnificent pattern is available at The Blue Gardenia, where the patterns are counted, the jewelry is sparkling, and domestic shipping is free. And we merrily ship abroad for less than the USPS postal fees.

Learning to sew: Help! My Bernina is jammed! What to do? February 1, 2012 08:53 5 Comments

Well, friends, I think that says it all. Sigh. I sat down to practice my darts and to baste my dress, like the good little student I am. But my trusty Bernina Record 930 needle moved up and down, up and down, but not forward and back. What should I do? Any advice? Puhleeeze! Hep! Hep me!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

While unpacking, I found this treasure, picked up at antique store years ago. It's a student's book from a Singer sewing course taught in Ada, OK. Not only did the student learn what would be considered advanced techniques today (at least by this fledgling), the course was a bargain. All 16 subjects for a whopping $10.

What I personally love about this leather 3-ring-binder book, is that the student's work samples are included. I enjoy imagining Ms. Hayes mastering all these skills.

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

First, binder samples:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Do tell. I await your opinions. Most eagerly.

Learning to sew: I'm so excited. I am. I am. I am. Really. January 28, 2012 01:08 4 Comments

Friday, I had my very first sewing lesson in Albuquerque.  Nob Hill Fabrics, just a few blocks from my home, recommended Nancy. And she came to my home! How convenient is that? We cut out the skirt of Simplicity 2296, copyright 1957. (You may recall that I started this project in Prescott, but we moved before I could finish it.) So. She held my hand. She kept my fears at bay. We worked on tailor's tacks. We worked on lengthening and shortening. And Nancy is charming. Delightful. She gave me homework: I must baste the dress and practice making darts before my next lesson. Practice makes perfect, they say. And Nancy agrees.

And I must thank blog reader Paula who suggested getting a teacher some time ago. It wasn't possible in Prescott. But in Albuquerque, recommendations can become reality. I love city life. I do.

My canine pals: A boy without his cone January 26, 2012 23:41 6 Comments

Atchison is enjoying the cone-free life. Absolutely. Thoroughly.

He's a total camera ham. He is.

And he loves the changing of the bed linens. Snuggling into the clean laundry. What fun. Just ask him.

Look at that cute puppy face. Humor me. Please.

The last is my favorite. Yes indeedy. So. Be a good reader and oooh and aaahh over the little guy. All 65 pounds of him. You'll make me so happy. You will.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

My canine pals: A boy and his cone January 12, 2012 09:40 5 Comments

I'm waiting. Waiting for the washing machine repairman to arrive and do his job. So. What better thing to do than share some pictures of Atchison and his cone. Isn't he the cutest? A regular cat's meow?

Don't worry. He's fine. He simply underwent that male dog rite of passage. Yes. He was neutered. I think it was tougher on His Bertness than it was for the little guy. (Yes, that is our moving and packing chaos behind Atchison.)

Just curious: How much time do you spend on your muslins? January 10, 2012 04:15 6 Comments

So, dear readers, what do you say? I wonder if I spend too much time. I spent hours on this one.

(The pattern is for sale at The Blue Gardenia. In case you decide you just can't live without it. And it is a gorgeous style.) Love it. I do.

I eagerly await your responses. Breathlessly.

Take the left turn at ABQ and save, save, save on lovely patterns! January 7, 2012 16:25

You're wondering— I know you are — about our annual end-of-year sale. The bad news: We didn't have it. We were in Prescott packing. We were. Box after box.

But.

There is good news: The Blue Gardenia is having a Take the Left Turn at Albuquerque sale instead. So here's the scoop:

I took the left turn at Albuquerque! December 6, 2011 06:45 11 Comments

And what a trip it's been. So far.

I hope you have missed me, dear readers. Been pining for me, refusing to take nourishment, dampening those tissues, wondering where, oh where might she be. Et cetera.

His Bertness and I have moved to Albuquerque. Isn't that exciting? I think so. Our house has vigas. Sure, they are rotting, and the  landlord is planning to remove them. (Pass the Puffs, please.)

So. In a nutshell: It took us almost a month to find a house that met our basic requirements. (And basic, they are. The vigas were delicious lagniappe.) We moved in last Wednesday. So excited were we. Pillows in our own home to rest our heads upon, instead of pillows in a B&B or a motel.

Thursday morning, during a storm here with hurricane-force winds, I heard two pops, peeked through the blinds to see the cause, and saw two flashes of fire come from two power lines attached to our home. Attached, that is, once upon a time. A neighbor's tree had fallen and hit the lines, setting them free.

Firemen came. The electricity company. An electrician. We had no power. None at all. We moved back into a motel. Returned home Saturday. Cleaned a lot. Unpacked a little. Grew fond of our cute 1950s bungalow. Today, a Roto-Rooter tech is at our little home. But. That's another story.

I think I am going to love ABQ. I do.

And, yes, The Blue Gardenia is up and running. So, shop, dears. Shop. Shop. Shop. Make me even happier. And yourselves, too. You work hard. You deserve a treat.

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

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

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

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

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

Learning to sew: Here are some thread choices. Whatcha think? October 15, 2011 19:14 13 Comments

Well, dear readers, there's been a slight hitch in my sewing plans. My feet misjudged the steps, and I took a tumble. Ouch ouch ouch. Ouch! I tore  some ligaments, and I'll be staying off my left leg the next two weeks. (As much as possible, anyway.) Doctor's orders. And all that. 

I did pull some spools of thread today. Which one do you think looks best? Do tell.

Learning to sew: I felt the fear. I did it anyway. Finally. October 11, 2011 02:01 6 Comments

I know. You thought I'd wadded my muslin. Tossed it. Lost my courage and decided to never sew again. Wrong!

I was scared. Terrified, in fact. I decided I simply couldn't use the silk brocade. I knew trying to match the dots on the center front seam would leave me hairless. So. I found a cotton I'd bought more than a decade ago. I'm not sure how it will look on me, dear readers. I'm not. Such a big print. The poppies are the size of apples. But. The colors are so vibrant.

This layout is different. Getting the fabric on grain took hours. Hours. Really.

You can see my first effort didn't quite work. But. DId I give up? No. I kept pulling. Tugging. Patting. Ever so gently. I used cans of beans and books to hold the fabric in place.

At last, I managed to get the cotton on grain. I think. I've cut the bodice. The facings. Next, the skirt. Then . . . gulp . . . I'll turn the machine on. And stitch. Oh my. 

Any tips on thread color, sewistas? So many colors in this fabric. Share your opinions, please. I beg you.

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

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

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

So. Let's go.

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

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

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

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

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

All of these smashing vintage patterns can be yours. Just drop by The Blue Gardenia, where the patterns are counted, the jewelry is sparkling, and domestic shipping is free. (And, yes, we happily ship abroad — either Global Priority or Express — for less than USPS charges us. Isn't that grand? I think so.)

Mission possible: Gutsy yet elegant, Cinnamon pleases the eye. September 28, 2011 01:28 1 Comment

Ahhhh. Cinnamon, that Mission Impossible provocateur. So lovely. So sexy. So bold with her fashion choices. Take, for instance, this number. So sixties. So daring. If one described it — without the picture — one might think it would overpower a slim blonde. One might. There are the ruffles. So abundant. The print. So striking. And yet, she looks lovely. So chic. So comfortable.

If you want to emulate this look, I suggest Simplicity 7956, copyright 1968. Make it sleeveless unless you are unhappy with your upper arms, as so many women are — including this blogger. Of course, I suspect your upper arms are quite attractive, and you have no reason to get caught up in expectations that our biceps and triceps be as toned as Michele Obama's. (Yes, I wish mine looked like hers . . . alas, they do not. I'm not that dedicated to the gym. All I have the self-discipline to achieve on that front is a couple of 3-lb. dumbbell sessions twice a week. One day, perhaps I'll go up to 5 lbs. One day. Perhaps.)

And wouldn't Gorgeous Fabrics Big Leaves Cotton be perfect? I think so. It's a mere $12 per yard. It's a black, white and brown print. Love it. Love it. Love it.

And, of course, this beauty can be yours. Just drop by The Blue Gardenia, where the patterns are counted, the jewelry is sparkling, and domestic shipping is free. But you knew all that, didn't you? Of course you did. (And, yes, we do ship abroad. Absolutely. With enthusiasm. Shipping fees do apply.) Oh, and lest I forget, it's available in Bust 32 1/2 or 38, for a mere $26. A bargain for so much style.

(And this Barbara Bain poster can be yours as well. Just check out Allposters.)

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.