Sunday, February 28, 2010

Bag Lady...

Internet, meet my new bag.



Yep. It's pretty much the best thing I've ever owned. And look...



Original warranty. I have half a mind to track down the workrooms (you know, next time I'm in New York) for a tune up. I love the crackly leather look, but I want to preserve it forever - any tips on old leather care?

On another note, I'm thinking of changing hair colour. I'm pretty comitted to "brown" but am contemplating a different version of it. Something like these girls, maybe? What do you think?


(Jenny Lewis)


(Miranda July)


(Colette pattern model)

What do you think?

I've just picked up the new Lula mag and am dying to read it. Maybe I'll find some more hair inspiration...

Saturday, February 20, 2010

Weekend Coffee...




It has been a month in Melbourne today. We went to St. Ali coffee in South Melbourne to celebrate. Oh - I never told you - I got the job at Sensory Lab...St. Ali is their "sister store." Amazing breakfasts! I had the french toast with balsamic strawberries and almond granola and Garth had the "bean scene." Both were great.
I wore a dress I bought at Wintersun last year. I quite like it.



See you soon!

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Sewing for Beginners..


A few girls have asked some sewing questions, so here is my attempt at answering them...

Q: What do you need to start sewing?

A: - A sewing machine (obviously!) Find a cheap one at a garage sale/ebay etc and see if you like sewing before splashing out on an expensive model.

- A good, sharp pair of fabric scissors. Hide them. Seriously. I have had so many pairs ruined by my well meaning husband who feels like cutting paper, plastic and pizza. (yes, really.)

- A tape measure. With both centimetres and inches. A cheap one will do fine.

- Some dressmakers pins. Any will do. I prefer the metal headed ones, simply because you can iron over them without melting the plastic heads.

-A collection of threads. Don't worry about really expensive ones at the start. You're just learning.

-Patience!

Q: Is sewing vintage patterns different from sewing modern patterns?

A: Yes! Very. Especially older, 40's era patterns. Often they will be "unprinted" - meaning there's no markings on the tissue pieces. Don't start on one of these!

Another difference is that vintage patterns sometime assume you know exactly what you're doing. For example, instead of showing you how to sew in a zip, the instructions will say:"Insert the zip." Not very helpful if you're just starting out.

Vintage patterns are also sized differently. A size 18 in 1952 will be very different to a modern 18. Always check the back of the pattern envelope for the waist, bust and hip measurements.

Q: What fabrics do I use?

A:It's totally up to you. But use your common sense - if you're making a light, floaty dress, don't use suiting wool. A good way to save money is to use old bedsheets when you're learning- they're cheap and lightweight and have cute patterns.

Hopefully that will help some of you start your own projects. I also recommend borrowing a basic sewing techniques book from your local library. That way, you can always look up new ideas.

Happy Sewing!

Monday, February 15, 2010

Your Opinion, Please?

So, vintage loving, etsy shopping, ebay searching, thrift store scouring girls; here are the dress styles I'm thinking of offering for sale in my etsy shop.

They will be handmade, offered in small, medium and large sizes (measurements to come) and be about $150-$175 each. When you think about the well known "vintage inspired" brands, like Stop Staring, and the reproduction vintage brands, like Whirling Turban and Revamp, this is quite a bit cheaper.



Which ones, if any, do you like, (They won't be exactly these colours - there will me a mix of plain and plaids to choose from) and would you pay that much for a new, handmade, vintage dress? Are there any patterns you'd like instead? Ideas, opinions? What would you want to buy and wear?

Saturday, February 13, 2010

More Sears Brilliance...

I'm about to go to bed, but before I do...




Yeah. Awesome.

Thursday, February 11, 2010

The Dress in Action...

I know I said I'd post photos tomorrow, but I couldn't resist.

Mission Accomplished...

It rained pretty much all afternoon today, so I had no choice but to finish the dress.



After a quick try on it was obvious that the wide collar did not work. I also must have lost a little weight since the move (being too poor for beer and chocolate and walking everywhere will do that to a girl,) so I did some creative gathering, pleating and darting and came up with this.





I'm pretty happy with it! The "test wear" will be tomorrow...

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Eye Candy...

I spent a good chunk of last night scanning pages from the Sear's catalogue from the early 50's. I don't usually post designer's new collections, but for this one, I'll make an exception...



Yeah. It does say $2.69. Each.
Does anyone have a spare time machine?

Monday, February 8, 2010

New Sewing Project...

I found this fabric at Lincraft on special and realised I didn't have a dress in this particular colour, so...



More tomorrow...

Sunday, February 7, 2010

Today a Stranger Bought Me a Hat.

Today Garth and I went to Sensory Lab for coffee again and then to the Sunday Best Vintage Jumble Sale, where I met lovely girls and ate lovely home baked food (hello chocolate crackles. I will eat you now.)



It was just so great to meet like minded girls who are nice to talk to as well.
And - Nikki bought me a hat! My goodness. I have never met such a generous stranger. (now buddy) Lovely lovely lovely. Congratulations to Talor for a successful day. And awesome baked goods! (I took a brownie for the road and ate it on the tram. There were at least 3 people who looked jealous. At least.)



Outfit Details:

Skirt: Vintage Fletcher Jones.
Blouse: Thrifted.
Sunnies: ?
Lipstick: M.A.C Chilli.
Awesome Army Hat: Gifted by Nikki.




Can't wait for the next one!

Saturday, February 6, 2010

A Little Plaid Number...



I LOVE this dress. I found it in Salt Lake City for $25 and it's great. The brand is "Sensibly Young" and it's just cut so well. It has shiny mother of pearl buttons all the way down the front and bound buttonholes. AND, it has a peter pan collar.
I just thought you should know, that's all.

Friday, February 5, 2010

Melbourne's Sensory Lab...

Just a quick post about a new favourite place in my new town. Sensory Lab is a coffe shop like no other. It offers a range of different beans and a choice of brewing methods, which is really interesting. And the coolest thing is that the store is set up like a laboratory, complete with great tiled benches, surgical green walls, milk served in beakers..it's so great.

Excuse the bad photos, I only had my iPhone on me. In uni, I was a barista, so I asked the manager if they were hiring and I'm going for a trial next week. Pretty excited.



For some reason I now want to paint my living room green...

Setting Pattern...

As requested, here is the (poorly drawn) setting pattern that I use to set my hair.



It's pretty simple, just work slowly, in rows of alternating direction from one side to the other. Leave the crown section alone, otherwise it'll get all poofy. Wet each section before you roll it. Sleep on it (with a scarf on) and brush out in the moring. Pin back the sides, and you're good to go!

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Getting the Hang of it - Pincurls on Shorter Hair...



You know when you get a haircut and your hair kind of freaks out? And it takes a few days to deal with the fact that there's less of itself? I've officially passed that point.



It takes me 10 minutes to do this set - a bit more if I'm reading at the same time. Speaking of which...I want the next Lula to be here now.