No fuss Darts!

How to sew a dart This is so easy I can't even believe I hadn't thought of it myself!!!! No need for chalk or to tie off at the end! Thanks for the link Casey!

Pattern of the Week 10.26.2009

Sorry, I know I said tomorrow, but I've been in and out of cold medicine induced comas for a week, so this one is early for next week.

This weeks' pattern is one I acquired from my mother's collection: McCall's 5135.



I have no idea how I ended up with this pattern, but I still remember my mother in a floor length pink version of this dress as a house coat. I don't clearly remember if it was even this pattern specifically, but in my time clouded childhood memory, I remember this was her house coat.

I love how this pattern is from a "Pounds Thinner" collection and is only a size 12. I am definitely my mothers' daughter, we are the same size, we have the exact same body type. I can only hope I look as good as she does in thirty years.

I don't know if I'll attempt this one. I feel like it may ruin my memory...

When I'm Sick...

I had the misfortune of falling ill on a Friday. Which leaves me to be absolutely miserable all weekend when I should be out having fun with my husband. Although, there is something oddly comforting about being sick. The excuse to stay in bed all day and have my husband take care of me instead of the other way around is a nice one. I think a truer self comes out when one is ill. I am a creature of habits; I always want the same comforting things when I'm sick…

I want my dad to wash my hair. I know this may sound really strange, but my dad owned a barber shop the entire time I was growing up and he would always wash my hair in the sink. There is nothing more relaxing than to have someone else wash your hair…

I want bread with real butter, hot tea and chicken noodle soup.




I want to watch Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.


I want to lay on this little chaise lounge with a hot water bottle on my head.


I want fluffy slippers and the comfiest pajamas in the world…


But most of all I just want to feel better.

Pattern of the week tomorrow...

Sewing away happily

Last night I started the pattern of the week! I just wanted to pop in and give a quick cost break down.

• Fabric- $0 (My sister gave me the remnant of a lovely black crepe-back satin she used for her bridesmaid's dress for my wedding)
• Pattern- $5 (Vintage)
• Zipper- $1.5 (Hobby Lobby)
• Bias Tape- $0.10 (thrift store)
• My time- Priceless ( I couldn't resist :D)

So in all I've spent just under 7$ on this skirt and have had a lovely time toiling away at my sewing machine, happily avoiding my homework and saving myself hundreds over these skirts.
A well made black skirt will last a girl a lifetime. Her waist line will not, however...

Pattern of the week 10.12.2009

This week marks the debut of my new "pattern of the week." This week I start with my most recent find: Vogue 8544. A wonderfully easy skirt pattern that I will be starting shortly (hopefully). I found this among other little treasures in a lovely little antique shop in Roswell. I could spend my life in there! (the shop, not Roswell particularly…)

It has only two or three main pattern pieces and is my perfect measurements, so I had to buy it! Judging by the big lapels on shirts and jackets, as well as the square toe and chunky heel on the models, this pattern is from the early 70's. (I'm really no expert though).




I plan on making all but view C (I just plain don't like A-line skirts and I don't know why) I plan on starting with View A. I love a basic pencil skirt that falls right below the knee. It's a timeless look really.

As for the pattern itself, it really is in great shape. I think it has only been used once to make View B, which would be adorable in the cute pale pink and blue striped fabric I also found in Roswell.

So concludes the first Pattern of the Week! I had fun, I hope you did too!

Style Inspiration 10-10-09

Saturdays are going to be my "style inspiration" days. Today’s outfit is inspired by Mary-Kate Olsen.

Click to enlarge any pics

I know I am missing the awesome scarf and Ozzy sunglasses and my hand bag cost me two dollars instead of two thousand... but I got some looks in the grocery store today, lol! :)


Sweater, shirt, watch and ring: Target (various sale merch. Remember; never buy anything full price)
Pants: left behind by my old room mate. Altered by me :)
Boots: Nadora
Purse: Thrifted
Rosary: my creation

Now I know that Mary-Kate is one of those love-her or hate-her type style icons, but I am in the love-her category. I will admit that she does have her “I’m a crazy bag lady!” moments:


But in general I think she is genius.









I love how goth and imp-like she is. I only aspire to be so tiny. Alas, I won’t be shrinking unless I get osteoporosis sometime in the near future. As for her fondness for layers, I share in her affinity, especially since it has gotten so chilly in the evenings and early mornings here. In NM layering is essential because by mid-afternoon you’ll be shucking yourself like an oyster.

And I simply love the Olsens' line Elizabeth and James. (Named for their siblings, how sweet is that?)
I love the shoes and the cocoon shrug. I'm also a sucker for most of their baggy shirts and structured blazers. Too bad I am the Broke Girl... But hey, I can dream, right?

For the love of hubby.

My fuzzy hubby had been pining for a new Raiders sweater since I bought him some new jerseys a while back, but since they are somewhere in the neighborhood of fifty bucks, I was inclined to find a creative way around that and still get my man his football gear. So…. This is what we came up with:




He found a ten dollar hoodie at our favorite store (Target) and I sewed the words and logo from a t-shirt that no longer fit to it. He has worn it every day since. Look how happy he is! :D

A day off....

Today was my first do-nothing-I-don’t-want-to-do day off in a very long time. I wanted to sleep in so I did. I wanted to light scented candles and have a quiet cup of coffee so I did. I wanted to get dressed up and do fancy makeup so I did. I wanted to go to lunch with my hubby and go look at a second hand store so we did. In all today was not a very productive day and it isn’t quite over but I feel so much better than I have in months. As I write this I remember that I have class tonight, but I don’t want to go, so I won’t. Here are the trappings of my day.


Make up inspired by this: DIY 1960 makeup


My outfit:
Black Peasant Blouse: gift from my mother
Full Olive Skirt: Hand made by me! (no pattern)
Alligator Belt: vintage from my grandmother
Tights: Target
Giraffe Shoes: Target
Necklace: Thrifted

We went to a place in the north valley on 4th street that's called Ren's to look at this vanity that had caught my eye and I thought I could perhaps use as a desk.




As it turns out it was missing a knob and wasn't in very good condition and the lady wanted forty dollars. I found my sewing desk in better condition and much more attractive for twenty five. I haggled with her a little and then left. I think I'll keep looking.... After all, rummaging through dusty little shops is most of the fun!


Forecast for this month: Vintage pattern of the week. I've been frequenting a little thrift shop in Roswell a lot lately and I've found some really good patterns.