Now's the time to sew that sleek, chic Valentine's Day number. January 5, 2013 08:09

Valentine's Day seems so far away. But. She's got a very busy January and February. Business trips to New York, San Francisco and Brazil. So. If she is going to make a special dress for her special date with her very special someone, now is the time to start. It can't be just any dress. Her requirements: irresistibly sexy, extremely original, sinfully '60s. And Prominent Designer M406, designed by Wilson Folmar, meets each and every one of her musts. She'll find a strawberry ice cream pink silk satin. Red for V-Day is such a cliche.

And is there any better time to shop than this moment, during the sale at The Blue Gardenia? Of course not. She's going to let her elegant Lotus Rouge-tipped fingers glide there right now.

Sale details: 

Spend $50 - $99, get 15% off. 
Spend $100 - $249, get 35% off. 
Spend $250 - $399, get 40% off. 
Spend $400 or more, get 45% off.

Is that a deal or what? The limits are all before the discount, which means if you spend, for instance, $250, then your tally will only be be $150. 

Sale ends at midnight PST January 7, 2013. So hurry, scurry! All payments must be received by January 11, 2013.

Breaking news: The Blue Gardenia extends its end-of-year sale! January 3, 2013 15:45

Yes, dear readers, it's true: Due to the sale's success (and my laziness and His Bertness's recent health fright) we're extending the sale through Sunday at The Blue Gardenia. The scoop:

Spend $50 - $99, get 15% off. 
Spend $100 - $249, get 35% off. 
Spend $250 - $399, get 40% off. 
Spend $400 or more, get 45% off.

How's that? The limits are all before the discount, which means if you spend, for instance, $250, then your tally will only be be $150. Isn't that the cat's meow? We think so. 

Sale ends at midnight PST January 7, 2013. All payments must be received by January 11, 2013.

So. There ya go. Shop, shop, shop!

And sew to dress: Debi of My Happy Sewing Place January 2, 2013 08:38

Oh, how I love this feature. Pretending I am stylist to the sewing blogger stars. Today, I shall focus on Debi of My Happy Sewing Place. She is a major fan of vintage McCall patterns (as am I). And I think she would look swell in McCall 4583. It's from 1943. It's so versatile: smart jacket, Hepburn slacks, sassy shorts, classic shirt, comfy vest — perfect for walks around Edinburgh. (Well, it's a little chilly for the shorts, but she could wear them on a visit to warmer climes.) Don't you love it? I do. Indeed.

By the way, she's having a sale at her Etsy shop, Weaving Destination. Just use this code: Happy 2013. That entitles you to 10% off. Yippee! And you'll not only be saving, you'll be doing good. How's that for a way to get the new year off to a great start?

Speaking of sales, don't forget The Blue Gardenia's end-of-year sale. For details, click here.

What a long (and short) strange trip December has been. December 29, 2012 07:17 5 Comments

First the good news: This December, I started out sewing. Made two skirts, a fabulous 1950s dress, McCall 9572,  and finished my red jacket. 

Now, the bad: His Bertness had minor inpatient surgery (planned), my dad was diagnosed with bladder cancer, and a week later, hubby had a heart attack. Totally unexpected, as he had many heart exams before the first unrelated surgery. Pass the Puffs, please.

But. The prognosis is good for both. Yippee skippee! Bert has quit smoking (all you who smoke out there, take this as a personal caveat) and he starts cardiac rehab Monday. My dad will have surgery in January, and his doctors expect to be able to remove all the cancer.

And in January, expect pictures of all my garments. And I expect comments. Lots of praise. Many pats on the head. You get the picture. I'm cutting out a 1950s McCall top today. 

So. December has seemed like a long month. And it's seemed like a short month, too. It's been terrifying (the health issues). And satisfying (the sewing projects). Wow. What a month. I'm still catching my breath.

Don't miss The Blue Gardenia's end-of-year sale! December 25, 2012 15:29

The Blue Gardenia's

annual attitude-of-gratitude, our-customers-are-the-best, end-of-year sale is here!

Here's the scoop:

Spend $50 - $99, get 15% off.

Spend $100 - $249, get 35% off.

Spend $250 - $399, get 40% off.

Spend $400 or more, get 45% off.

How's that?  The limits are all before the discount, which means if you spend, for instance, $250, then your tally will only be be $150. Isn't that the cat's meow? We think so. So, shop, shop, shop.

Sale ends at midnight PST January 3, 2013. All credit card and Paypal payments appreciated within 48 hours of order placement and all check payments by January 7, 2013.

And I hope everyone had a fabulous holiday!

Channelling Catherine: How to highlight those hips in plaid. December 6, 2012 16:29

Pants that fit perfectly:

Desirable.

Spider mums: Spikey.

Marc Jacobs plaid at Mood: Yummy.

Vogue's Basic Design 2172 at The Blue Gardenia: Classic.

Serenity now: It's "me" time. You deserve it. December 2, 2012 10:08

Well. She has done her duty today. Church. The minister delivered a lovely, uplifting message. Lunch with a dear elderly friend from church. Mopped the floors. Unloaded the dishwasher. 

And, now, to use that trendy phrase, it's her "me" time. She's put on her gorgeous caftan — she made it last weekend from a pattern she purchased at The Blue Gardenia — Vogue American Designer 1027, designed by Oscar de la Renta. She's made a cup of hot chocolate — and, no, she did not spare the marshmallows. And now she's headed to her favorite wingback chair and she's going to get cozy and read Die a Little by Megan Abbott. She's read it twice before, but it is a fave. Obviously.

Ahhhh. Bliss. Indeed.

And yes, my lovelies, this gorgeous pattern 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 for a fee — just what the post office charges, in fact.) So rush on over. Do. Snap this one up. Don't delay.

We've added a plethora of vintage patterns. Wanna see? November 30, 2012 07:33

We know you're exhausted, buying all those snazzy presents for friends. So. We have added glamorous new patterns at The Blue Gardenia. Because. You deserve a treat just for you. A few favorites:

1935 McCall 8130 — She loves the neckline. So unusual. She loves the shirring. So flattering. In fact, she loves this frock. Period. End of story. She must have it. After all, it is truly multipurpose: She can wear the short sleeve version for church on Sunday. How fetching it will be with the big-brimmed, rose-trimmed Lilly Dache she bought last year and still hasn't worn, except to prance in front of the mirror. And the long-sleeve version will make a lovely New year's frock. Perhaps with a silk organdy collar in peach and the body in navy silk charmeuse. Goosebumps. She feels them at just the thought.

1945 Simplicity 1306 — Angeline has been looking for the perfect ensemble for Christmas shopping. She always shops late. She always shops small businesses, either in Tacoma or online. Online, of course, a snuggly chenille robe will do. But among the excited shoppers at the shops, she likes to look smart. But she must also be comfortable. And Simplicity 1306 is exactly what she's searching for — wide-shouldered weskit, pleated pants. It will look great over that 1980s Anne Klein cashmere sweater she snatched elatedly at the vintage store last week. She knows what she'll be doing this weekend, and it has to do with fabric, scissors and a sewing machine. Yes indeed.

1955 Vogue 8486 — She needs a new suit for that all-important, long-awaited job interview in January. And she has found a pattern that says it all: Serious. Fashionable. Smart. Independent. And it is so memorable, with the boxy jacket and radiating tucks. Perhaps she'll make it in alpaca. Yes, alpaca. She'll find some. Somewhere.

1960s Vogue Couturier Design 1687 — Elouise has been fretting. Nervous. This is her first New Year's Eve with Joshua, the man of her dreams. And she does mean dreams. Not nightmares. He's kind. Well-mannered. Dignified. Respectful. And he is the sharpest Crayon in the box. And she's talking about the box of 400! She's found the perfect dress to wear to the bash at his parents' swankienda: VCD 1687, designed by John Cavanagh.

And, yep, these fabulous patterns — as well as many other new vintage additions —  are available at The Blue Gardenia, where the patterns are counted, the jewelry is sparkling and domestic shipping is free. (We happily ship abroad, for less than the cost USPS charges us.) And do recall: We put new patterns at the start of each category. Enjoy!

We're doin' it. We are. A Cyber Monday sale! November 26, 2012 05:42

Normally we like to sashay to the beat of our own drummer. But we decided this year to offer a Cyber Monday deal. Spend $50 bucks — or more — and get 20% off your total order. But shop fast — the deal ends at midnight PST. This is good for gift certificates, too. Joyful shopping, readers!

And may we suggest Butterick 6819? Perfect for dancing and canoodling with that special someone on New Year's Eve.

And, of course, this elegant pattern 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.) 

Hard, fast and fashionable: Bare midriff, PJs, petals in her hair. November 17, 2012 09:47 2 Comments

This is one of my favorite Ida Lupino images. I came across it years ago at an estate sale in Houston, Texas. Naturally, I was looking for patterns or sparkly rhinestone beauties, but what I found were several images torn from magazines and pleated crepe scarfs in every color imaginable.

I left the scarfs and bought the pictures and a 1970s harvest gold ottoman, which I had reupholstered in a lovely green and black Maharam print. A fabric worthy of gardenias and glam jams. Very Odalisque in clothes, you might say.

The house was beautiful — one of those lovely and large and vaguely Craftsman style homes in Montrose, not far from our home. The woman who owned these things had obviously had quite an eye for fashion and all things beautiful. There were, alas, no pictures of her, nor any sign of a man or companion. She had one sewing pattern — a Butterick from the 1950s. I was so curious about her story. Did she lead a glamorous and love-filled life? Did she party at the legendary Shamrock Hilton and dance the nights away in carefree abandon? I hope so.

If you'd like to emulate this Lupino look, I suggest Simplicity 1230, View 2, in rayon crepe. I've had this pattern made up twice, once in a lime linen, once in teal linen. Very sexy, very comfy. And this crepe from Gorgeous Fabrics has 1940s flair

If you'd like to recline in these pajamas with a flower in your hair, you can find this pattern at The Blue Gardenia, where the patterns are counted, the jewelry is sparkling, and domestic shipping is free. (We happily ship abroad, of course, although there is a fee, less than the postal service charges us. You may choose Global Priority or Global Express. We love them both. We do.) And we take American Express, Discover, Mastercard, Paypal and Visa. Isn't that fabulous? Ever so.

Welcome To The Blue Gardenia! November 14, 2012 13:41

Where the patterns are counted, the jewelry is sparkling, and domestic shipping is free!

We also happily ship abroad and often; however, we do charge postal fees. 

Have you read The Blue Gardenia blog?

Sometimes, it's about sewing. Sometimes, it's not. The Blue Gardenia learns to sow her blossoms

So many swell dresses. So many places to wear them. Yes indeed. November 5, 2012 00:34

Dearest Gardenias, it's that time again. Time to enjoy The Blue Gardenia's latest additions. This update, you'll find everything from a hip-stiffened skirt perfect for Dior's New Look to a gorgeous housecoat that will look perfect beside the tree on Christmas morn. Do let me share a few of my favorites among the many additions:

Have a holiday gala coming up? Then why not whip up Vogue 5704? It's strapless, it's chic, and there's a fabulous back-buttoned jacket you can don if the wind blows chill. You can even do a sexy lace version.

If you're looking for a drapey day dress that can go straight from the office to an elegant dinner, I suggest 1940s Vogue 8969. It has draping. It has shirring. Can you ask for anything more? Well, that winning lottery ticket. Of course.

If you are a fan of the New Look — and who isn't? —  look no further than Vogue 7509, copyright 1951. While this skirt doesn't have padding, it does use hair canvas to make the most of the silhouette. Love it. Hope you do, too.

And Butterick 5375, while labeled a housecoat — and what a beautiful housecoat it will make — can go well beyond such intimate duties. It will also make a smashing dress. It will indeed. And did I mention it is Quick and Easy? So says Butterick, and you know they would never pull your leg.

And, you guessed it, dahlings, each and every one of these delightful styles 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 for a fee — just what the post office charges, in fact.) Come see all the additions. You'll find them at the beginning of each category. Don't tarry, though. You don't want them to get away.

A moment for something personal: 21st wedding anniversary! October 26, 2012 10:48 3 Comments

His Bertness and I celebrated our 21st wedding anny this week! Isn't that something? Yes, I think so. Definitely. Naturally, we had cake. Naturally, we shared it with the pups! I would love to share a pic of all of us together. Alas, we haven't unpacked the tripod.

Emma, alas, is not the camera piggy that Atchison is. She's bored with sharing her beauty. Oh. Well.

She did have a small slice of cake. She adores frosting. Never finds buttercream dull in the least. My girl indeed!

Just sewing along: Ogle the details on a '50s Gertie-style coat! October 24, 2012 09:40

I know. The details don't show up well in this picture. Black! The bane of neophyte snappers. This is my ace sewing teach Leslie, wearing a coat that was a gift from her mom-in-law. (Now, that's a mother-in-law who deserves a very nice and pricey lunch, doncha think?) Very similar to Gertie's sew-along coat. (Although I do prefer Gertie's cuffless sleeves.)

This close-up shot may show some of the neat detailing along the hem. Piping! So classy, so elegant, so unusual. Really sets this design apart.

Leslie, by the way, will be teaching a holiday cocktail party dress class at Nob Hill Fabrics, so if you live in the ABQ-Santa Fe area, do sign up. Details here. You may choose Gertie's sexy design, Butterick 5814. Love this dress. I, of course, am using a real vintage pattern. Surprised? I know you are! I'll share that pattern with you later, natch. One day, though, I'll tackle this Gertie design. It is the cat's. Totally.

Just sewing along: My Gertie coat muslin bodice has a muffin top. October 21, 2012 13:23 9 Comments

I am — as often — lagging in my sew-along garment. This time, the Gertie Coat Sew-Along. I am not pleased with the fit. Not one bit.

I think the front darts need to be brought toward the center a bit. Agree?

The back  seems a bit puffy. What do you think? How do I fix this?

This is a lovely design, and I want it to fit well. Please share your experience and ideas! Please, please, please.

You're going leaf-peeping. What will you wear? October 20, 2012 06:25

Ahhh . . . a perfect day. The weather is fine. Cool not cold. Sunny. And you, my lass, are going leaf-peeping. A lot of sitting in the car. A lot of oooohing and aaaahing over the magnificent fall colors: sienna, umber, gold. Then dinner in Santa Fe. What, you ask, as you paw through your closet, what to wear that is comfortable, yet smart enough for a very nice restaurant? You pause at your beautiful, sassy Betsey Johnson suit, made last year, but still a favorite: Butterick 3292 from the 1970s. The jacket with its flattering princess lines; the pants with their wide-legged magnificence. This is it! And it's made of a wool knit in the color of the New Mexico sky, so you won't have to fret over wrinkles. 

The skinny: Butterick 3292 Skirt, Jacket and Slacks Designed by Betsey Johnson Bust 36 Complete Circa 1970s $50.

And, of course, this versatile pattern 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.) 

You choose: Channel Carole, Katherine or Catherine. And more. October 8, 2012 17:04

And here we go again — another mahvelous update. Just for you. So many patterns. So many fantastic styles. A few you may especially like (I know I do):

I'm a total pushover for blouses. Especially those with unusual lines and attitude from the 1940s. And Vogue 5658 is just that sort of blouse. Great shoulders. Elegant gathers. This top will definitely make your ensemble.
A fan of Katherine Hepburn? Then you'll want Spadea N-1149. Charles LecMaire designed it just for her to wear in Desk Set.

Feeling more Russian princess? More Carole Lombard in To Have and Have Not? Then don't even try to resist Butterick 5410 from the 1930s. You can wear it out. Or you can wear it at home for his or her eyes only.

And for a perfectly bee-yoo-tee-ful day dress, I suggest Simplicity 2326. Two views, both ladylike and sexy. That's one gorgeous bodice!

And one of my favorite YSL's — so Deneuve — whip up Vogue Paris Original 1690 from the 1960s. I love it. Don't you? Say yes. That is the correct answer.

These beauties are just a fraction of the newest additions at The Blue Gardenia. You'll want to check out each and every one. And the newest patterns are always at the beginning of each category. Because we want to make it easier for you to find them, natch.

And, of course, any — or all — of these lovelies 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.) 

Learning to sew: Shocking. I'm actually pleased with my jacket . . . October 5, 2012 10:44 11 Comments

So far, at any rate. At the moment, I'm wrestling with bound buttonholes. I'm using the same technique my teacher taught for the welt pockets, but it seems much more difficult to do in such a small space. Practice, I hear, makes perfect. We'll see. Right now, I'd be reasonably happy with three bound buttonholes that looked close to perfect.

I'm reasonably happy with the fit. Am I being too easy on myself? What do you think?

That's silk organza you see on the collar. I underlined the jacket with it. I'll be using silk batiste for the lining. It's done — except for bagging it.

Leslie, my teacher, uses the flat insertion method for one-piece sleeves. It was easy. Quite. Any opinions on that technique? Pros? Cons?

As I look at the picture above, I'm not happy with the shoulder-pad placement. Leslie felt it was best to extend the edge beyond the sleeve to make a sleeve head. I thought it looked fine in class. Now, not so much . . . .

Anyway, I await your ideas, your critiques, your praise. Bring them on. 

Button up this overcoat when the wind blows free . . . October 1, 2012 09:59

You went out Saturday. It was brisk. You wore your old jacket. It's pretty. Of course. After all, you chose it. And you have good taste. But you were — you are — a little bored with it. And you've been so good. So frugal. So hard-working. You deserve a treat. You do. Absolutely.

So. You are going to  treat yourself to a new jacket for those inbetweeny evenings. When it's too warm for a coat. Too chilly for a sweater. You've chosen Vogue 7142, copyright 1950. Two different looks, and you may just make them both. Why not?

Perhaps the blue and green retro velvet at Mood? It's $18 per yard, and it will be so versatile with your wardrobe - chock full of seafoams and celadons and whatnot shades of blue and green and taupe. That will be your first version. You'll need to do a bit more shopping  (oh, woe!) before selecting fabrics for the two-tone style.

And yes, sweeties, this wonderful pattern 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 for a fee — just what the post office charges, in fact.) So rush on over. Do. Snap this one up. Don't tarry.

Gertie coat sew-along: Here are my fabrics. What are yours? September 30, 2012 08:30 1 Comment

I've chosen my fabric for Gertie's Coat Sew-Along. Have you picked out yours? 

I'm using an Ermenegildo Zegna wool flannel in brown, picked up at Michael's for a lowly $6 a yard, and a 3-mummy silk charmeuse purchased at a fabric store going out of business years ago. It's an icy blue, and I'll be using it to line this lovely design.

I'll be working on my muslin today. Very excited am I. Such a pretty coat. And it's labeled easy. Love that. I do.

Learning to sew: Moving right along with the red jacket. September 26, 2012 15:15 1 Comment

I am making progress on my red crepe jacket. Perhaps more slowly than my sewing teacher would like. But. Nonetheless, progress. Yesterday, I sewed the lining — a silk-cotton batiste — to the interfacing.

At class tomorrow, I hope to finish the lining. Complete with sleeves. Can you say scary? I can and I have. We will be attaching the sleeves using the flat sleeve insertion method. Any thoughts to share? Please do. Generously. All tips much appreciated.

And I love my buttons. Covered, of course. (I have a weakness for them.) I used Pat's Custom Buttons and Belts, as I have so many times in the past. She never disappoints.

Star-spangled style: Ms. Lake owns the sexy shirtdress. Totally. September 23, 2012 09:58 1 Comment

It's simple. It's sexy. And it's oh-so-comfortable. The shirtdress. It can go to the office. The grocery store. The elegant bistro with starched white tablecloths and ivories that tinkle. What could be better? And who wears this style with more panache than Veronica Lake?

This is an easy look to emulate — the fashion — of course. You might, however, have to don a wig to get the golden waves that cascade with perfection.

You might choose McCall 5453 to make your frock. (Details, if you please: McCall 5453 Dress Bust 34 Complete except for easily duplicated belt Copyright 1943 $26) This pattern has a few extra style riffs that put this right over the moon. Totally. Completely.

And for your fabric, may I suggest the lipstick wool crepe at Mood Fabrics? A mere $14 per yard, 57" wide and made in Italy. (I love that Mood sources the country of origin.)

And for the well shod foot, my choice is this spike-embellished Lola Cruz platform pump. Worthy of swooning. It is. You can find it at Amazon, on sale half-price. Isn't that a kick?

So. I've done the tough homework for you. The sweating. The crying. The click-click-clicking. My fingertips are bleeding. But. You're so worth it. You are. All you have to do, my pretty, stylish ones,  is follow the links and you'll be one fashionable 1940s babe, referencing none other than noir vixen Veronica Lake. Oh, yeah, and you'll have to do a little sewing. But. Think of the pride you'll have in your finished product. You'll be all aglow with pride. Absolutely.

And, yes indeedy. This pattern can be yours at The Blue Gardenia, where the patterns are counted, the jewelry is sparkling, and domestic shipping is free. (We ship abroad as well, happily. And we charge less for shipping than the postal service charges us. Isn't that delightful? We think so.)

And sew to dress: Elle of It's a Sewing Life September 22, 2012 02:00 3 Comments

Congratulations are in order for Elle of the wonderful blog It's a Sewing Life. She's got a brand-spankin' new job in a bridal salon. She started the 16th, and I can't wait to read her post about her experiences. She can only wear black in her new position, and I'd like to recommend this gorgeous Hannah Troy dress pattern from 1960. I think it would be smashing on Elle. I see her in the pencil skirt style, peering down just a wee bit imperiously as she steers her clients to just the right gown. 

And yes, most appreciated readers, this outstanding 1960s design, McCall's 5592, is available at The Blue Gardenia,  where the patterns are counted, the jewelry is sparkling, and domestic shipping is free. (And we happily ship abroad  — Global Priority or Global Express, your choice  — for a fee, generally even less than the USPS charges us. Are we wonderful, fabulous, divine?  Well, yes. Yes, we are. And we'll say so ourselves. We most certainly will.)

Of course, I hope Elle snaps this up first. She is, after all, wearing Vogue Paris Original 2692 designed by Molyneux in the photo, and she purchased it at The Blue Gardenia. Doesn't she look as if she stepped right off a glossy page in it? She does. Indeed. Elle, may I twist your arm so that you'll star in another Gardenia Garments? Or perhaps pretty please with fresh organic Brown Turkey figs on top would work better?

Learning to sew: I built this. With help, of course. September 21, 2012 01:35 3 Comments

I've been taking a sewing class for four weeks at a fabric store (independently owned, natch) a few blocks from our ever so humble abode. It's a small class (two students, so there's plenty of time for personal attention) at Nob Hill Fabrics, taught by Leslie, sewing teacher extraordinaire. I love the class. 

We are using Butterick 5687, but adding welt pockets and bound buttonholes. That's my very own welt pocket shown above! I am so excited. Leslie showed us how to do it, and then painstakingly held my hand while I did my own. (There was some ripping involved. Yes indeed.) I am so eager to finish the jacket. Perhaps in two weeks? Maybe even next week? Mmmmm...

I'm so pleased. What do you think? All lavish compliments accepted. And, sigh, criticism as well.