Hurricane's have a way of turning our lives upside down.

My Hurricane Irene Experience.

 I have been living right on the water for a little over 4 years. My neighbors across the street is a lake, and we sit a street west of the ocean.  Asbury Park was once a popular family summer resort  and it has a very rich history.  I live here all round, however Deal Lake and Asbury Park are two great places to visit in the summer. It is a fun place to be all year round if you ask me. New Jersey is a small state, and I have lived in its most populated areas and least.. Asbury Park seemed perfect for me. In a nutshell, this place is on the rise. It was once beat down, but with love and hard work it is being rebuilt, and perhaps reinvented into a wonderful city with character and flavor.  I am proud to live in this city. I relate to its character.

Well, like I said, we have lived here for 4 years and I loved it. Two weeks ago, I was so excited, I was getting my sewing room together and  noticed some water coming down the wall. We noticed that there was all this water coming from the gutter and was basically squirting all of the water from the room right into the window well right over my sewing machine. YAY! Well, Joe and I went out and quickly fixed the problem in order to stop the immediate problem..Wait, I forgot, there was another leak that was on the back porch roof, and that was like having rain indoors. In the meantime, it stopped raining we get this HUGE hurricane scare. Which is a whole other story.

With all of that in mind, I have to evacuate. The repairs were being done the same day I had to leave with my family.. So, the entire time, I am thinking, these repairs will never hold up! My whole house is going to flood... So, I proceed to pack every single pattern I own into waterproof bins. And since I was thinking at that point my home is going to look like something I saw on TV from Hurricane Katrina, I made a sad attempt to save more of our valuables by placing them in the highest points of my house.. in the bathtub! LOL.

The media scared the heck out of me. They were using words like catastrophic, (lol) hurricane, rain (lol), and lifetime event.  By the time my neighborhood was evacuated, I had my entire family and every pattern I own in the next state.

To my surprise the repairs lasted and will hopefully hold up long term. I was so lucky to get home to a very dry home with no electric. The electric being off was nothing.  It just did not seem to bother me.  I was sort of happy to have an excuse to not have to fully reorganize the house we tore through when we evacuated. The lake was overflowing when we arrived. There was also a huge rainbow along the horizon.  My neighbors across the lake were not so lucky, as the other side of the lake was flooded. But on a brighter side, those are just summer homes and they are not occupied all year.

As you may know, I was starting to downgrade my patterns anyway..  I decided to really get rid of them, and change my entire format of my store.  So, stay tuned. Hopefully, selling these patterns will get the fabric I so desperately need... and my goal is to have more focus on the creative aspect of sewing.

In the meantime, I would like to share the recent week with you with my photos! I also had time without TV to arrange my living-room. I love it.

September 2, 2011

http://vintagecorepatterns.com/

A Lime Green Dress Handmade for The Queen of Lime Green.

 Such a process. No wonder why I hid from this and was so unsure for so long. I was using a machine that kept eating my projects... I liked my old Kenmore, but it no longer could do it and I no longer wanted to do "it" with it anymore...

I am not sure I like the whole fabric of the dress, and would really love it in a solid or darker color.. Hhmm did someone say hand dying? That would not be too bad, if I had experience with not ruining a cute but brightly colored dress.  It is summer, so I am going to run with it! Plus, I am a Jersey Girl.. What's Wrong wit' some cuhlah??

I finally am at a point where I do not have to lug Esther upstairs anymore.  Can you figure out why she is named Esther?   She's the buddy who is always willing to try on whatever I need her to try on.

I am working little by little on the studio space. My sewing area is coming together with the Pink Curtain along the shabby built in.. I made a removable Matching Ironing Cover for the Ironing Area. I am making matching fabric colored cork boards for the walls in the sewing area of the studio.  This will hopefully pull the room together so I can take some wider shots and really show you the space. It is amazing how matching fabrics, even with big flowers, it can tie a room together and give it some flow!

These Cork Boards will be a perfect way for me to visualize and sketch some projects, and plan.. With my fabric on shelves, I tend to get ideas and drop them.  I am actually have a place where I can visually  the next few projects for the early to mid fall season. I am getting it together little by little.

When it comes to this room, I am going to say it is a lot of work.. A room to work in needs to be worked in to really be put together and flow.  The way it is recently getting put together is focused work, and doing it efficiently. 

There are little things like some unruly Wires are just plain old unsightly no matter what way you look at it, in a photo or real life. It is a few small things that I am still sort of putting together so I am not showing you a picture of my cutting area and table with fabric on it....

As you can see I momentarily lost my mind with the burgandy trim.  There is a lot of this plummy toned color in the fabric - there just is not enough of it to bring it together.  All this and I think I want to leave it plain, with a touch of the bias trim.

 It is so nice to not have to lug the form up that form up that stair case to show you a dress! I am pretty happy with this space.  This is such a Huge milestone, since moving in here last summer - I never thought I would pull this together. Happy Days are here, and this fall and winter I am looking foward to lots of sewing  in hibernation! ( I just cannot put on weight like I did this year, It took all summer to loose that junk)

http://vintagecorepatterns.com/

 So, this is the newest project. A sleeveless dress with   some front tuck details. So far I love the dress.  I have to start by saying, my form has had it.  I actually should have tightened it back up before I took the photos, because I had it all opened up because I was trying to contemplate how re-upholstering the form would be executed.  At first I thought it would be easy until I realized that they riveted into the neck- see the brass on the neck, that cannot be removed unless you break the little rivets.

So, About the dress. It is going to be very very green. I usually would not choose a lime, because normally it just flushes out my complexion, leaving me looking white and sickly. But, after this summer, I am a little on the beige side. I slowly got a pretty deep tan, despite my attempts to block out the sun. It is pretty impossible when I spent most of my summer enjoying my beachy home and lifestyle. I originally bought the fabric because  I use this color a lot within my home, and I figured that I would make use of it somehow. And somehow, I decided in the middle of the day yesterday that I was going to make it into a dress.

(please note that the straps are not in place yet, and the back of the bodice is just pinned there.)

 I chose the pattern 6079, it was an easy pattern to cut, the fabric handled well under the sheers.. I tend to be attracted to tucks.. It adds that little extra detail that says, " this garment is special, someone took the extra time to make this unique" 

 I started off with this dress thinking I could just drop the entire zipper idea, and I could make this an easy pull over.  I shirred, and shirred, but I just was not getting the stretch I needed I am actually going to put two small pieces encased in the band o both sides of the closure.  Which is another dilemma. When I realized I had this other Simplicity Pattern, I was a little upset that I had already cut the entire pattern out, and if I was going to pull that off, I would probably have to make the skirt from the original pattern work with 6926.  I really like the back of the red dress in 6926 I am not sure about the x-cross back.  These patterns seem very alike in many ways upon first glance,  but the one I am making just has a fuller gathered skirt, verses a flared skirt.
            Speaking of Buttons, these creatures were calling the entire time. I should have immediately looked for them, because they giving off more of a Kelly Green color which looks off next to the limes and ( I got these Wonderful Czechoslovakian Crystal  buttons a couple of years ago and I have been dying to make something to showcase them.  ) I have a zipper just in case I change my mind. After I connect the skirt and bodice,  and pin on a mock tab I will be able to make a better decision, sometimes an off color works.  Lets see what the trims will do for the color. Sometimes a little accent can bring out tones that you did not even realize where there.

So far the piece that is finished looks good against my torso.  It does not even feel like that era. I almost want to say that the dress is starting to give off a little bit of 50s - 60s flavor - and that is pretty cool.

I am pretty much moshing ideas from all of the illustrations.  I am looking at the white versions trims and I will add this percale bias tape trim.  I am not sure how the lace or ruffled lace would look on this dress. White on white is a whole other story.. it is hard to make that tacky..

But, this is the process, trims, pulls, buttons, laces and zippers.  I am so excited to finish this up. I have to say, all of this sunshine, summer, and air inspired me. It all took a little while to get the two new machines, so I am off to a super late start. But, I am sort of having a "this summer will never end party" and getting my last horrah in. Hopefully, this will be a long season, and I can push my new dresses into mid to late Sept.

I will continue to hope and pray that my shoes will still not look out-dated and I will be able to make every pair a custom designed dress. I will not discount the whole show project since I am sure I will be able to pull off a few pairs in a formal evening frock.  There is nothing wrong with an open toe stilletto at New Years Party, no matter what end of the Earth you may live in.

Since writing this, the bodice has been connected! This proves anyone can make an awesome dress, no matter the time constraints. If planned properly, I think I should be able to stay at this pace of creating a piece per week.  I used to be the seamstress that never could find the time, and with two new machines I learned how to make the time.  I once again feel confident, happy, and accomplished when I think about what I am doing with my sewing space and downstairs studio!

http://vintagecorepatterns.com/

This Is What a Stay-at-Home Mom Does All Day | The Stir

This Is What a Stay-at-Home Mom Does All Day | The Stir

I thought this was great, and it would make all of us feel better about the days we all have. No you are not the only one who gets to clean toddler pee everyday! Go MOMS!

http://vintagecorepatterns.com/

sundress with a front ruffle..

I wanted something super summery yet, comfy, easy yet, versatile.   A simple sundress, because I did not have a lot of fabric, ( I only had 2 yards of this soft brightly colored cotton).  I think it was considered a vintage piece of fabric, but I am guessing it was either the 80s or 90s by the brushed looking abstract tropical graphic.

I have another similar kind of fabric that I originally wanted to make in this sort of style. I have found some patterns that come close, but they are not exactly what I wanted, so I decided to make my own. I added the ruffle, and casing with elastic at an above normal waistline.

I love it. I think if I was to actually do this again, I will certainly make the skirt a little bit more narrow.. Either way, this one is a winner!  Joe came home and really thought I bought a new dress, he said that everything about it looked perfect and professional.  It should because it is an easy cut, but it validates my machine purchases that much more.

This dress is already going to the wash, and has had a night out on the boardwalk for our summertime Fireworks Show.  It looked cute as can be with my flat sandals.  Excuse the faces in these photos.. This has been by far the best summer in a long time. I have spent a great portion of that time outdoors. As you can see by my August Glow. LOL I am pretty dark despite my efforts to use sun block, but it was a slow gradual color that earned by enjoying my surroundings! I just do not want to earn any wrinkles.

 I cannot say by looking at these pictures this is the dress for these shoes. In person there are small bush strokes in the orange area that is very red like the shoes. I do not like that it is not obvious and the color almost looks off.
http://vintagecorepatterns.com/

My Sewing Goal. Shoes Need Dresses and Ensembles!

 I like so many people, not only women, have an infinite love of footwear. Not only heels, shoes of all sorts to go with my many moods and whims. I am going to challenge myself to something a little fun.  I have first taken on a challenge of my own. I have an extensive collection of vintage fabrics, trims, and notions. Sometimes it is not the easiest way to create in this way. It is sort of a backwards way of planning projects but, I like a challenge. Normally, I think most people pick up a pattern and look at the type fabric it will require, I think that is when they look for the fabric.  Having this stash of fabric puts me in the opposing situation where I am looking at lovely fabric and I am looking for the right pattern to work with it.

So, to make my life a little more crazy and challenging (as if getting sewing time is not hard enough) I may even want to make a bunch of dresses, skirts, etc to match the shoe collection! I may even take it a step further and refashion some of my wardrobe while I am in the closet....



http://vintagecorepatterns.com/

I have to make this quick.

I have been sewing and like I mentioned about a week ago, I needed to finish some projects. And unfortunately - I did waste my time on the UGLY DRESS.

I have made myself a great pair of shorts. High waisted, but there is another somewhat funny story with that. On Saturday Morning before I attempted to take a nice walk to the Farmers Market and Post Office, I decided to show the world my shorts. I did loose a little of weight since starting my shorts, obviously. But, overall they are cool.  I have a little bit of a pouch I am working on, but it does not want to flatten, so until then I will wear my shirt over the waistband  which makes this style appear smoother and neater on me.

Shorts are super easy and a fun way to accomplish something for your wardrobe.  I made a subtle statement by adding some eyelet to the flap of my pocket, and I used vintage pearl buttons. It is a sweet mix.  Next time, I will make the pockets different or smaller, because for some reason I get this feeling like they look like they are on backwards with the big patch pockets in front.

 Now can you see why I would think these High Waisted Shorts Would make me feel that they may make my stomach look like my behind when I lift up my shirt?  Yes, We can all snicker and giggle!

I made a little A-line Cover-up out of the matching eyelet that I can mix and match with these shorts.  I will work on sharing that through this week and the other things I am slowly working on this summer.

I am about to start my day, and usual, no I did not proof read it, and I apologize!

Laughing at self but still sewing.

So, I mentioned there are some new sewing machines around here. I love them. I am sewing every chance I find.  However, I figured I would let you guys see something super funny and embarrassing. I really wish that my blog could be a journal of perfectly executed projects, but then again,  I guess if sewing was that easy I would not enjoy it so much.  I like the challenges.  I especially like the extra added challenges I take on.  I prefer to use vintage fabrics, patterns, and notions. I no longer use old machines though.  WINK!

First of all I think I may need to work on the lighting situation down where I try these creations on. I have to make humor out of this because I could have walked around the street and shared my embarrassment without even realizing it. I am thankful that in attempt to stick to my blogging, I took these photos.  I soon realized that OH MY GOSH, yes you can see right through the fabric.  Would I wear a slip under it?  Probably not- Since the fabric has a bit of stretch.  Not to mention, I am already upset about the whole way all these lines are making your eye look right at my belly, hence making one question if I am expecting. No, I am not expecting. 


The humor in this story is the surprise I faced when I took the photo of the dress. When my husband got home I asked Joe, "do remember the halter top dress I made with the stripes when I first received the new sewing machines?" He definitely recalled, and he also recalled that it looked good, and confirmed that it did not look sheer.  You could laugh all you want, because I am over it and enjoyed a little laughter when I looked at these photos myself!


So, what is in the dress?   Well, that is a whole other story, and part of why I think this dress was such a flop.  I used McCall's 3105 a 1940's Halter sheath style dress and I used a skirt from another McCall's Pattern, which was actually from the 1970's.   Two things I need to add to show you how I exactly constructed my ugliest dress that shows off my panties!

 

http://vintagecorepatterns.com/

Super Sewing this Summer

So, let me get this out before I unveil.  I have a few issues. I am camera shy, and absolutely not photogenic. No matter what I am doing with my body in a photo, my face always looks like I am looking into the sun, with a grimace face. LOL. I am hard on myself, and I need to get over it. I like to sew, I like to make clothing, I just seem to cringe at the task of photographing the things on my body.

That is something I guess I will have to overcome.

The other issue, is really not an issue at this point. For about two years I have been blogging, yet my sewing projects suffered and I sort of did too.  To make this long story short, I have learned I am loyal to sewing machines.   Unfortunately my loyalty was for two old machines that had their day and needed to be put to rest.  The straight stitch machine I have had over the years was a Kenmore, which I replaced with a computerized Brother.  I love this machine, it has a billion stitches and it does not have a bent foot which helps in stitching straight clean lines and hems. The old machine was basic and did not have too many stitches.  When I replaced the serger and the sewing machine, I realized that this was a move that was long over due and I quickly realized that it was the reason why I was always reluctant to cut into my fabric.  I had so many headaches with those machines.  It is unreal that I let it go that long.  Either way,  I think God has his plan and the timing in life always works out for a reason.  I have a few more completed projects I will share.  Yesterday the batteries died while taking my photos. Just my luck.  So, I need to make a quick trip for batteries and I also need to pick up a bunch of needles for my machines.  


This is my dress. I used 8191 as my pattern.  I did not change much other than my the mood of my dress.  I think my version compared to the illustration is a little bit less formal.  That is me all the way, a bit less formal, especially in the summer!

I mentioned the last time I blogged (sorry about the gap, but I needed to sew and do summer~)... as I was saying, I mentioned the last time I blogged that this dress is lined with a flocked cotton, the underskirt is lined with lace- just in case someone feels like peeping up my skirt that's what is there..  I wore this yesterday.  We are in the middle of a heatwave and I was cool and feeling sort of cute in my ruffled dress.  It was the perfect dress for dinner after a nice Sunny Sunday Outdoors.


I am very happy with the dress. Not the photos so much, but that is me.  All that hair on my head too. I know, I have a lot of hair. 

http://vintagecorepatterns.com/

Atlantic City boardwalk named best in the nation | News - Local Philadelphia - Yahoo! News

Atlantic City boardwalk named best in the nation | News - Local Philadelphia - Yahoo! News

Atlantic City does have the stereo-typical stuff, and casinos that you can wander into right from the board walk.  If that is your thing... Asbury on the other hand has a different mood,  imagine a boardwalk with a historical feel combined with good food, cafes, art attractions, boutiques, a convention center, clubs, and more! And did I mention Wed Night there are fireworks all summer? And Campfires on the beach in Autumn! Lovely Homes, Lakes, and Great People......How Do We Know???

Because I am a local, and it was not always that way. 

This is why I am either sewing, or beaching.. not blogging like I should

http://vintagecorepatterns.com/

Very Lovely Summer So Far.

A few quick announcements.  I am having a great summer. As a matter of fact, I am somewhat immersed into summer, and loving each day more and more!  Sewing.. I have been. As a matter of fact, I acquired a newer serger and quilting machine, which has changed my outlook about my sewing abilities. Sure, the older machines are essentially the machines I learned on, however, they had their day and my loyalty to these machines was unjust and tired.  The machines were tired and they were no longer performing at the level that I needed them to perform.  They actually became the reason for my reluctant attitude towards beginning new sewing projects, because they were resulting in frustrating struggles with wonky looking seams and other sewing nightmares.

Fabric is precious, and when I am all into a project and my machine is tearing, pulling, and ruining my fabric and my vision, it was time to really take an inventory.  Because at one point I began to think I had become so rusty at my sewing that I was about to give it a break. 

So, I broke down with my cheap self, and really looked at the machines that where out there and I am comfortable with saying, I love my new Brother 40 something stitch and my little Kenmore Serger.  They make clean stitches and the quilting machine may have more brain capacity than I do, since it is computerized.

So, to be quite honest.  I am sort of trying to sell down the patterns, hence the BIG sale.  I have been sort of indulging in other areas of my life, one being sewing, and I would like to explore that area of my life a little bit deeper. I love my store, but from my experience I know what it takes to make it work and I need a little intermission. I am going to take another path soon and that is going to have to mean purging a whole lot of patterns for now.

Enjoy the low prices and little bit more chatter about what I am sewing!

This is the latest dress I have been working on. The top looks crooked in this photo...it is not! I did not attach the straps in the front, so it is a little lopsided in the picture. As soon as I am done, I will really take loads of pics.  I love this so far and I am playing with the idea of a trim or ruffle along the top.  I will probably use the beaded lace and ribbon trim I have over the ruffle and along the top. It is adorable on, fully lined, and I cannot wait to show it off finished!   Most important, the new machines are a breeze I am really happy with the seams and top stitching!  Hooray!

The lining is the same flocked white cotton I used in my white top, which I bought a huge load of.

I will talk about the dress more in a day or two.  I actually have some things I need to do, since I spent a lot of my time listing some patterns to sell... They are super super cheap and I may extend the sale to ???

Maggie


http://vintagecorepatterns.com/

hello world

hello world

Vintage Pattern Sale!

Hey it is that Time Again!! Sales and Savings! Buy more and save more - and sew your fannies off!

We have all of the Patterns on Sale. But the more you indulge in your collectible vintage patterns, the more you save, so it will not be that damaging to your pocketbooks and wallets.. so enjoy super vintage prices.

There are many beautiful patterns to enjoy! All of them counted, bagged, and complete.  I personally enjoy a cut pattern. I prefer that part to be done, it is why I really prefer the vintage pattern to the new store bought pattern. But, that is just me! I love to just press them, and pin them to my fabric! It is simpler for me because I am usually just excited to have a little time to myself to indulge in my sewing!

Sewing brings peace, recycling and using substantial products takes "weight off of the world!" - re-use, re-new, re-cycle, rejuvenate and rejoice!

Vintage Living is the only way for me!!!
I am back to my sewing machine for a while.  I am working on a top made from an adorable linen table cloth! LOL! A table cloth top! Love it!


If you really read this, enjoy 10 percent off any order with CODE, Save10toblog

http://vintagecorepatterns.com/

In love with this dress from the 1980's

For quite a while I have been hanging on to this one. I am absolutely in love with the neckline and armhole styling. This simple dress could be easily skimmed past, and it should not because it is sexy and has a boat load of potential. Let's face it, when the 1980's came around, it was obvious that there was a huge change in the world. Styles of clothing, packaging, and ultimately technology was at its threshold. Being that I sort of remember a lot of the 80's and 90's I am sort of used to overlooking the era's and the fashion, thinking, "oh yeah, that style, been there, done that, and I am looking for something new.."

The eighties had a lot of downsides when it came to the way we dressed. However, there are a lot of really wonderful styles that have a ton of potential in the modern senses of fashion. My mantra is usually if it looks good and enhances what you have then it usually is a piece that you should wear. Clothing to me is about looking good, and more important, feeling good. I do not want to feel like I am in costume. I want to feel pretty and I like to have a sense of uniqueness.

I almost overlooked this pattern, and when I took a look at the blue version, I was intrigued. When I flipped it over and really looked at the back, it was apparent to me that this is a simple yet amazing dress that should be talked about! Better than that, this pattern deserves to have it's day in 2011! VintageCorePatterns.com/simplicity-9868.html

I know that I am going off the beat and path a little, however, there is something so extravagant about wearing handmade. It is such a great feeling putting a dress on that is special to the entire world. No one else has one just like it. It is really a special feeling. Nonetheless, when you have created it, and you know that you have created a beautiful quality garment, it is priceless...and so is the feeling that you get wearing it!

Sew on Boys and Girls!

xoxoxo,

Maggie
http://vintagecorepatterns.com/

Simplcity 6357 - Sexy Backless Summer Blouse with Peplum

I have been talking a lot about the things I am doing. I decided since today is a gloomy rainy day,  I should blog.  My most recent sewing project is complete, and I am super happy with its outcome. I used Simplicity 6357 printed in 1974, which makes this lovely pattern older than me! Yes, I am also vintage! 

This pattern was pretty easy. I enjoyed it, and made it my own by using contrasting pink sateen cotton on the facings. I also added some top-stitching to some areas with pink thread, and where I wanted to add some reinforcements without a contrasting top-stitch, I just used a camouflaging navy and it turned out great. The peplum was the only piece of the pattern that did not call for a facing, and I thought that was good and left it, however I did serge the edge and hemmed that to prevent any fraying. That was how I achieved my thin hemline and professionally made garment. I love this blouse! It is not something I would usually wear, considering the fact that I may have to go bra-less. More than likely I will invest in some stick on strapless contraption so I feel more comfortable wearing it, since I hate the feeling of bra-less.

After trying it on, it was very clear that I need to wear something that is slim as a bottom. The peplum would add a lot of bulk if I was to pair it up with a fuller skirt or larger waistline. I definitely need to wear this top with a pencil skirt, or a cigarette slim pant, clean a-line skirt, or something with a nice flat appearance around the front waistline. 

 There is something about this top that has the flavor of the 1940'.  I have a great appreciation for the 1970's fashion. It is so apparent that this was an era like the one we are in now. Modern Fashion is celebratory to all of the decades and eras passed, however, we are infusing these styles with a fresh outlook and they are new and modernized. Should I say that some of the styles are actually perfected. I feel that 1970's fashion patterns are so relevant to the seamstress who is after a look from the past with a little bit more flavor.

I personally find that the 1970's styles possess the lines I desire, however, they offer  the balance I desire.. They show a little more skin, but not too much and you'll find that many of them have hints of style that are reminiscent of the past. 

Well, I have much to do, rain or shine. I hope you enjoyed this blog~ I am looking forward to sharing my next project.

http://vintagecorepatterns.com/