Quick before the snow melts

It seems that Winter in Wisconsin is finally on the wane which, honestly, couldn't have been better timing for this sewing project: a fur-trimmed vest.  It's warm enough for cooler temperatures, but would be bulky and uncomfortable to layer under a coat.  Here's the story...

Swishing my way out West

When Hank and I first started planning our vacation out West, it was clear that we had very different approaches to the 3000-mile trip out to Yellowstone and back.  He immediately pulled up Google maps, started plotting cities, researched attractions and calculated mileage.  I casually thumbed through my sewing patterns.  Hank anxiously gave the 1950 Chevy a thorough run-through, hoping she'd hold up for just one more roadtrip.  He changed the oil, checked the brakes, checked the suspension, double-checked his emergency toolbox and, just because he's that cautious sort, signed up for AAA.  I thrilled at finding the perfect piece of summer-weight wool.  Priorities, you know. 

When I think of Summer vacation , I immediately picture billowing, cotton sundresses and snappy playsuits in novelty prints.  But when I combine that image with Summer traveling, I cringe at the thought of ironing said cotton dresses with teeny hotel irons and flimsy boards (should you be *lucky* enough to even have one).  Such was my dilemma.  The South Dakota Badlands in August were sure to be hot, but once again, I opted for wool.  Hank looked up from under the hood of the Chevy just long enough to raise his greasy eyebrow at that decision, but I sewed on.   Ultimately I decided on two staple pieces on which to build my wardrobe:  an A-line skirt and a pair of pants. 

Retro Restyle: Felix and Val's

This past winter I scored a fabulous wool club jacket at an estate sale.  It was dirty and moth-eaten and my husband couldn't believe I actual put it on to take these photos, but the embroidery on the back was too cool!  Felix and Val!  Well, that's almost as slick sounding as Lenny and Squiggy! 

Hoffman Construction Co.

On the front of the jacket was a large patch advertising the Hoffman Construction Company.  After a little online research, I found that they were started before the turn of the century and based in Appleton, Wisconsin.  So why was Wausau listed on the patch as well?  Did Felix and Val own a local branch office of Hoffman's?  Like a lumberyard?  I immediately sent an email off to the company to find out.  

The Shepherdess in Winter

No matter the weather, the Shepherdess is on duty.  Might as well make it fashionable! 

Knit for Victory Challenge: My entry

I'm coming in just under the wire here for the knit-along over at By Gum By Golly.  The Knit for Victory challenge started before Christmas, but mercifully we have until the end of January to finish up.  I chose a small project that had been floating around in my head for a while, but the story of this simple piece is a bit convoluted so I'll explain.

Two years ago I purchased a fabulous coral-colored coat and made a simple tie-on hat to match.  Details are over at the Hometown Victory Girl blog (here). Well, I've worn that hat to death and decided that I needed more. 

Enter a pair of alpaca gloves from my wonderful husband.  Warm and gorgeous, I decided to make a jacket to match.  So this past Fall I restyled a 1960s wool shift dress into a bell-sleeved jacket (here).  The gloves were great with the jacket, but (you guessed it) I wanted a hat.  Enter this knitting challenge! 

Retro Restyle: Your Grandma's Blanket!

Once upon a time there was a beautiful princess overworked shepherdess.  Every day after brushing her long golden hair pitching hay to the animals, she would sit on the couch and dream of spending time in her sewing room.  One day she awoke...

...to find that all her sewing dreams had come true!
 

details on the wolf pillow are here

Retro Restyle: Secret Garden Jacket

A few years ago I picked up this 1960s wool shift dress for a couple of bucks.  It was wool.  It was plaid.  I was powerless to resist.  But deep down I knew that it probably wouldn't get worn too much.  Comfy though it is, I like a defined waistline because I figure that at some point in my not too distant future, I won't have a waistline.  I'm enjoying it while I can.

I liked the clean lines, and my first thought was to simply add darts, shape the side seams and add a bit of trim.  Pockets maybe, or a belt?  But it turned into one of those dreaded mending projects that I continually avoided.

One night last week, I was frustrated with seeing it on the mending pile, just laying there, taunting me, so I took a scissors to it.

And the vintage gods smiled down...

I should warn you right-off that this post is full of unabashed narcissism.  Some days on the Homestead you will find me in rollers and wool workshirts.  This past Sunday I was all Old Hollywood Glamour (humor me awhile, won't you).  And if you can somehow stomach all the 1950s hokey posturing, there is a pretty cool story about this outfit.

Once upon a day at the thrift store, the vintage gods were smiling down on me...

For the love of plaid

It's no secret.  My love of plaid.  And this time of year my sewing thoughts always turn to plaid...and wool.  I recently received several 2-3 yard pieces from my mother's friend.  I'm envisioning varsity jackets, swing coats and pencil skirts.  But to start things off, I opted for a pair of pants.  Nothing fancy, slightly high-waisted (which is how I typically sew my pants) and narrow through the leg. 

Bonneville or Bust

"It's official!  Hank and I are headed off on a second honeymoon.  Next month we'll be married for 15 years.  Our first honeymoon was out to South Dakota.  We did all the required stops; the Corn Palace, Wall Drug..."

 And so began the post that I drafted over a month ago!  

Well, today I'm on the other side of that trip, and I can tell you, it was not a bust!  Back in mid-August, we waved goodbye to the children, pointed the Chevy west, and drove a total of 4200 miles to a height of 11,353 feet.  We walked the hallowed salt of Bonneville Speedway, and Hank got the bug.

I, on the other hand, basked in the sun with my new Salt Flat Dress.

This was one of those last minute sewing projects that was finished en route.  Literally, I was sewing on the buttons while we drove through Wyoming (I-80 is very dull; I do recommend some handwork).  I wanted something in cool cotton and easy to wear.   

Summertime capris!

This was my most recent sewing project, a pair of capris and tie-front top, made for the Blue Ribbon Beer Run Car Show held last Saturday.  The show was held at the historic Pabst Brewing Company grounds, downtown Milwaukee.  Great time.  But I knew the weather was going to be brutally hot and walking on blacktop all day didn't sound like ideal crinoline weather. 

My daughter's poodle skirt

While shopping at Saving Grace Salvage Company last weekend, my daughter found the small, curly poodle applique.  It was in its original 1950s package.  Now she's a horse-lover first and foremost, but dogs are a close second and before I knew it, I was looking into those "Pretty Please" eyes that she can do so well.

Let's fast forward to Monday.  The temps were hitting 90degrees and the humidity was so high that hanging laundry was out of the question.  Seemed the only logical thing to do was hunker down in the sewing room.  We scrounged my stash of quirky-and-vintage-but-good-for-something fabric and found a cotton/poly aqua tablecloth.  It has a slight slub in the weave and a nice drape.

The Homestead goes Glamping

This year Summer started off with a bang!   The kids were barely out of school, and I had the whole family packed, loaded and heading down the road for the Hometown Victory Girls' Glamping Weekend!

 

Our 1968 Scotty Sportsman was packed to the gills with all the necessities and then some.  Hank groaned a bit when I added a stack of vintage tablecloths to the 'To Go' pile.  I took potted plants, a full-size mirror, several throw rugs...

Easter sewing deadline...MADE IT!

Phew!  At 10:30pm Saturday night, I tied the last knot on my Easter sewing projects!  Nothing like a deadline to keep your butt in gear!  Here's a look at my family's Sunday finest, hot off the sewing machine!

For my son I did a blue wool vest.  From start to finish this took two hours!  Love projects like that!

My daughter had a matching, blue wool jacket.  I found a vintage, white, mink fur collar at the thrift store and sort of designed around that.

1950s ZigZag Suit

So what do you do when you find several yards of a most hideous zigzag-patterned, cotton/poly, sweater knit at the thrift store?  Use as much of it as possible to swath your entire person in zigzags, of course!!

This was the sort of project that just continued to snowball.  I started by going down the obvious pencil skirt route, then decided to do a jacket, and ended up with a matching blouse as well.  I even have the last large scraps stashed away in case I should want to make a beret or matching purse!

1950s meets Victorian

So lately I've been feeling a bit bored with straight-up vintage styles.  My sewing pattern collection is almost purely from the 1940s and 50s, and over the past years, I've always tried to be conscious about using the proper fabric with the proper cut.  Lately I find myself using contemporary fabrics (or the "wrong" fabrics) and blending design elements from one decade to the next.  And this Halloween project was the perfect chance to have fun!

A local merchant, Country Rose Shop, was hosting a Witches' Night Out last week.  It involved spooky, late night shopping, in costume, while sipping hot cider and eating delicious, tiny cheesecakes.  The shop was awash in the sights, sounds and smells of everything Autumn!

But this meant that I needed a witch outfit.  After a bit of time spent at Hobby Lobby, I walked out with this great novelty print and some inspiration from the Steampunk costume patterns. 

Apron Challenge: September

September for most folks means heading back to school.  And we're no exception.  Both kids like their teachers and enjoy riding the bus with the new neighbors.  Since we're only just starting the third week of classes, homework's been light but already my son has been home sick one day with the start of a head cold.  Sheesh!

However, September is also my anniversary month.  So not only does it mark off another milestone year for the kids', my husband and I have a reason to celebrate as well.  Last year I did a post filled with photos from the wedding and sentimental memories.  But let's get back to the apron.

A few months ago my sister recovered her bridesmaids dress from the back rack of her attic storage and allowed me to cut off the bottom 18" of the skirt.  This is re-purposing at it's finest!

I made a simple gathered apron and added a scattering of rhinestones and daisies.  Even though it was a September wedding, I insisted that daisies be used in the arrangements.  On our first date, Hank brought me a bouquet of daisies.  This was the first time anyone had ever given me flowers, and it made a lasting impression. 

Instead of having the typical long ties in the back of the apron, I made a large bow to mimic the "big butt bow" I had on my wedding dress.  Incidentally, my mother and I debated about taking it off my dress, but decided that it was slightly hidden by my long veil and seemed appropriate.  Here, I used a rhinestone buckle to secure the center of the bow.  And the waistband has a snap closure under the bow.

So I guess this apron goes into the "one for show" category.  Polyester taffeta and rhinestones don't lend themselves very well to bacon grease and bread flour.  But then this was a sentimental sewing project from the start.

 

And keeping that in mind, I couldn't resist trying on my headpiece again.

I'll let my cookie jar owl model it for you while I explain...this crown was purchased in 1965 by my mother for her wedding.  I wore it when I was married.  Both my sister and I wore it for our First Communions, as did my daughter for hers.  The veil is adjusted for each occasion, longer for the brides and shorter for the little girls.  Hopefully it will get worn again, and the tradition will continue!

Well, if you've been sewing along with me, you know that this is the final month of the Apron Challenge.  I can't believe we've gone through a full year already!  Next time maybe hot pads?  Tote bags?  Knitted socks of the Month?!  Too many possibilities.  But I suspect I'll take a break for a while and get a few more of my projects in order.  Be sure to check out the Apron Challenge Tab at the top of the blog for photos from each month.  Thank you to everyone who participated, posted photos and kept me inspired this past year! 

Peach and Ivory Cocktail Dress

As promised last time, I'll give you the backstory on this little number.  Both the ivory floral and the peach solid were pieces I picked up at the thrift store (on separate occasions).  Originally I had decided that the peach nylon would be perfect for a crinoline.  So I ripped lengths and gathered.  There are two identical layers to this skirt.  The top tier is 3 1/2 yards long; the bottom ruffled tier is 7 1/4 yards long.  I attached it to a waistband (with a back zip) and tried it on.  It was the most disappointing crinoline ever!  All that yardage amounted to virtually nothing.  So I tossed it aside, assuming I would double it up with another crinoline when I wore it.

Fast forward a few weeks to the occasion of the ivory floral purchase.  It is a lightweight polyester with flocking on the pink flower petals!

This piece was just begging to be something important.  I decided to rip apart the peach crinoline and try again.  

I chose McCalls 3548 (dated 1955) because I liked the dropped waistline.  I didn't have enough of the floral to do sleeves though so I altered the top.  I also used a center back zip instead of buttons.  I lined the bodice with a lightweight cotton and used it as my muslin.  Once the lining fit how I wanted it to, I cut out the floral to match.  I also added a one inch band to cover the seam where the skirt joins the bodice.  It seemed to clean it up a little.  But the dress was still lacking.  Using my small scraps, I decided to make bows. 

But I couldn't decide where to put them...

...having two bows out of each fabric, there were a lot of options.

The bows could be doubled up or even used on the back of the dress.

Then I found a rhinestone button to use!  What's a girl to do!

For the show I wanted to wear my heavy pearl necklace (four strands of graded pale green!), so I opted to keep the bows away from my face.  Here's a photo of me and my best friend, Lucky Piper.  We grew up together on the same street, rode the bus all the way through high school (well, she had a car eventually).  Now she's a PhD of Geology teaching in Alabama, takes regular trips to Antarctica for seismic research, and buys shoes that cost more than my refrigerator.  I'm a stay-at-home mom, running groceries and shoveling out the chicken coop, and still we have the best conversations!

Anyways, I opted to use a single bow in the lower back of the dress.  This is a behind-the-scenes shot during the calendar shoot with Rubie Lee.  She wore a gorgeous, vintage blue dress and crinoline.  To top it off, she had a necklace almost identical to mine in graded pale blue pearls with five strands!  So jealous!

Overall I'm happy with this project.  I haven't done much dressmaking this summer, but this was worth the wait.  It was nice to have something new to wear to Symco that was comfortable and unique.  Again, I'm reminded why I sew!

Symco Shakedown low-down

Catchy title, huh? After a week of being back home, I think I'm finally unwound now.  Everything is accounted for, unpacked and followed up on.  It was a great four day weekend.  Weather was perfect.  Girls were gorgeous.  Vintage campers and bicycles were everywhere this year.  Bands were rocking.  How long should I keep this up?  Cars were chopped, channeled and shaved.  Met up with old friends; made new friends.  Truly an awesome experience.

My August apron really came in handy!

Thursday afternoon Hank and I rolled in and set-up camp.  Without the kids, the ole '68 Scotty felt downright spacious!  My mother babysat the kids and the sheep at the Homestead for us.  It was a welcomed weekend for Hank and I; we got to step out of the parenting role for a few days. 


Friday morning was stage prep for the pin-up contest.  I had purchased two pieces of stretch lace in 7-8 yards lengths at the thrift store.  We used these to swag the backdrop of the stage.  Now that's it's all done, I think I may make them into a peignore set!

Two thirds of the stage was used for the pin-ups while the other open space to the right was for the band.  A doorway was created in the middle.  As each girl was introduced by the hostess, she entered at center stage, stepped up on the platform and did her best pin-up poses.  Cameras were everywhere!  But I get ahead of myself...

...late Friday afternoon we hosted a calendar signing with the pin-ups from last year's contest.  It was great to have all the girls back together again.  Miss Symco 2011, Sweet Pea, is seated in the center of the photo, wearing the red hat.

Friday at midnight I helped organize the first annual Symco Shakedown Burlesque Show.  Our three performers were fantastic, and the show went over very well.  But I didn't get to bed until almost 2am.

Saturday morning came much too early, but the with all the extra hands I had helping me, things went smoothly all day.  The photo at the left is me changing into my "fancy shoes" just before the contest.  I found a pair of those clear plastic, rhinestone heels at the thrift store.  I was surprised at how comfortable they were.  Didn't use a single one of my band-aids!

The pin-up contest went off without a hitch.  Twenty-eight beautiful ladies, one gorgeous hostess (seated, wearing the embroidered peasant top) and my Hometown Victory Girls, Wild Kat and Peachie.

And Miss Symco 2012 is Apocalypse Meow!  More photos on the facebook page.

 
After the contest wrapped up, the top twelve placing girls went onto the grounds to take calendar shots with our photographers.  Shooting finished around 2pm on Saturday, and finally my work was done.  Hank and I could relax.  See those smiles of relief!  lol

Next time I'll blog about my dress, but yes, I did make it using a late '50s pattern. The ivory bodice has a small floral print with flock flowers (!) and the skirt is a sheer nylon.  Unfortunately my crinoline kept sliding down all day and peeking out the bottom.  But it was comfortable and flouncy!

Here's Hank and my best friend, Samantha, chilling on my '50 Ford.  Hank's red Chevy is parked next to it.

And now I'm back on the homestead, picking beans and gathering school supplies.  Time to check the flannel nighties to see if they'll last another winter and decide which sheep to breed this fall.  The weekend was fun while it lasted.  Symco really steps you out of reality for a few days; the cars, the clothes, the music.  I guess you could argue that it's just a bunch of adults playing dress-up.  But boy, until you've experienced it, you don't know what you're missing.

Apron Challenge: August

Some of you might know that when I'm not strolling through the pasture, adoring my little lambies, I organize a pin-up contest for the Symco Shakedown.  During the second weekend of August, hundreds of traditionally built hot rods and customs descend upon the crossroads town of Symco, Wisconsin.  Two days full of cars, swap, rockabilly music and mini-bike drags.  And kicking off the Saturday morning line up is a pin-up contest showcasing the classic glamour of the 1940s and 50s.  Seems to me like the perfect occasion for an apron...

So this month I channeled my inner rockabilly pin-up and decided on a small black apron with black lace ruffled trim.  I used the Miss Symco logo to make a patch pocket.  This should come in handy when I'm backstage handing out bobby pins, directing photographers, tallying scores and answering frantic, last minute cell phone calls.

The pin-up contest is a lot of work.  When I was first approached about organizing this, my thought was, "Put some pretty girls on stage...the audience applauds for a winner...there you go!"  It's not quite that simple.  Our top twelve winners are featured in a calendar so immediately following the show, the girls have their photos taken on the grounds.  And this year I've added a calendar signing with the 2012 girls, and a rehearsal with this year's thirty contestants.  It's a lot prep; lining up contestants, sponsors, judges, photographers, an emcee, a band to play between the rounds and backstage volunteers.  But I've made a lot of friends along the way, and everyone seems to have a great time!

So Peepshow, my '50 Ford Shoebox, is ready for the weekend.  Hank and I drive separately.  He tows the camper, and I'm loaded down with crinolines and shoes.  She still doesn't have an interior, but I did have time (in between lambing and baling hay) to sew up a new seat cover.  It's black and very boring, but will have to do until I can find upholstery to match those swanky pink sun visors I made.

Admittedly, a car is the best accessory ever!

I'll be sure to take some photos of the car show and the pin-up contest to share next time.  If you're interested in a few photos from past years, check out the Symco Shakedown website or the Miss Symco website.