Simplicity 1699 - Nevermore Dress

 I finally finished Simplicity 1699 this past week, right before my sewing machine went out of time. It's in the shop for another week, so frustrating! Overall I am happy with this dress, but it definitely had some strange quirks. I had to take at least 2 inches off the back neck. I added 1.5 inches to the length of the bodice, but I could have added another 2 inches at least. This is a dress patterned for short ladies! Also, I could never get the collar to lay properly, so I ended up taking it off. I had to mix three sizes together because my measurements are totally out of whack with Simplicity's. It has raglan sleeves which is nice for a girl with wide shoulders!

On another note my hair is finally long enough to braid up like a Swiss milkmaid. I saw Laura of Roses and Vellum do her hair this way recently, and her hair seemed as long as mine... I also hid the ends with flowers just like she did.

Grandma's House

I've been at my Grandma's quite a bit lately, unfortunately there is no internet there. I amused myself by cooking, baking and taking photos! 

Like my aunt, my mother and I, my grandma collects head vases. These are on the fireplace mantle. What Canadian home is complete without a giant elk head? The snowshoes add to the ambiance, but sadly the whip and shotguns that hung there forever are gone.

My grandma used to to sew quite a bit, and I've previously take quite a few of her patterns. But looking through her stash, I found a few more oldies. The little fellow on the right is a thermometer from Buirntisland, Scotland, which is where my grandfather was born. This was is his bedroom and I've always wanted it, so she gave it to me!

Tons of creepy dolls abound in my grandma's house.Quite a few are not politically correct, but they're vintage and innocently collected. On the right is a "bad" oil painting of my grandma holding me as an infant. This hangs in pride of place in the living room, much to my aunt's dislike!

Happy Robbie Burns Night!

 As it is Robbie Burns' birthday, I dressed in my Scottish outfit for work today. Slightly, but not too crazy for an American office. My kilt and blouse are presents brought back from Scotland, there is a matching vest, but my boyfriend said I looked like a Golden Girl in it. I believe it is a Moffat tartan. I wish it was MacTavish! I made the ghilies from a leather skirt thrifted for $1.29, they were for my Mary Queen of Scots costume last year. My mum gave me the vintage sterling kilt pin for my birthday and my Victorian thistle pin is from Ebay. I have about 25 kilts I've collected over the years, they are all so lovely, but I look like a barrel in them.

 

 Since I don't eat beef, Burns Night has always been a bit of a problem for me. No one wants to drag along (or pay for) someone who won't eat the main course! So.. this year it's I made what I wanted at home! Dinner was Highland whisky cream chicken, not-quite-clapshot,  mashed tatties and gravy and chocolate chip shortbread. I had intentions of making a much more elaborate meal, but I wrenched my shoulder  so it was this or nothing!

Cute Shoes!

1. Isabel Toledo Mary Wedge from Payless $54.99 2. Irregular Choice Bowtiful from 6PM $79.99
3. Dana Buchman Dress Wedges from Kohls  $42.99 
4. Bass Rachel Antonoff Lady Oxford Pump from DSW $49.95
5. Womens Bamboo by Journee Studded Mid-heel Bootie from Target $39.99
6. Qupid Women's Embrace from Kmart  $19.99

 These sandals showed up on Payless's site after I put all the above shoes together. I liked them so much I bought them! BTW - Payless is having a BOGO sale right now!

New Fabric!

 

 I've bought almost a literal ton of new fabric. I feel a bit ashamed and guilty buying so much for myself, but I showed it all to my mum this evening and she approved.  Its soooo easy for me to buy fabric, much easier than buying clothes.

 

The fabric on the left is Michael Miller's Nevermore. There is enough for 2 dresses. It was on sale and fabric.com has free shipping! How can I say no? The Frida fabric on the right is from fabricfreak.com. I've been wanting some of this for over a year and it is finally MINE!

The Victorian fabric on the left  is from Joann's, I think it will be a blouse. The flapper fabric is from Fabricana and has already been turned into a skirt. The fabric on the right is Tula Pink Nightshade - Apothecary Evening& Spider Blossom. I am so excited about this fabric. It looks girly and pleasant from afar, then up close its super creepy! I bought enough to make a full skirted dress & a blouse.

 

This is Michael Miller Rocket Launch Club. It will be boxers for my boyfriend's birthday.

 An another note, this guy wouldn't let me out of my car in the driveway the other day. Jerk.

Sophistique Noir Monthly Theme - New Years!

Happy 2013 everyone! It was beyond cold this New Year's which made me want to just sit in front of the fireplace. Eli & I went out for Mexican food, because we had to do something. Because it was so brutally cold & icy, I wore a Pendleton wool skirt that's as thick as a blanket, fleece lined tights and 2 cashmere 1950's sweaters. I also had on a feather headdress, but the clock in the picture below seems to have eaten it.

 

New Years have always been hit or miss with me, staying in or doing something memorable. 

Here are 2 memorable ones:

 

In the photo on the left, I am about 17 and at a rave on the set of Star Trek. A: I do not like raves, B: I do not like Star Trek. It managed to be fun nonetheless. On the photo on the right I am sitting on top of the Pyramid Of the Sun at Teotihuacan outside Mexico City. Later on that night we went to a country club and had like a 10 course meal. You could only reach the restaurant by boat & there were fireworks & games. So much fun!

More New Shoes!

 I've never had this many new shoes at once! I have only online sales & free shipping to thank!

 The first two are Betsey Johnson, I've always wanted a pair since I was in middle school. The pair on the left are suede with metallic cut out hearts on the toe & heel. The pair on the left are sort of a canvas with metallic polka dots & a bow. Unfortunately, they are summer shoes and will have to wait some time before I can wear them. It is below freezing outside right now!

 

The next two are from Payless. The flats on the left are Isobel Toledo. I had been looking at them online for months- and then they kindly went on sale and could be part of their BOGO sale. The shoes on the right I bought for when I need to do a lot of walking in the summer. They have cut out heels, memory gel and are not all that bad for "comfort" shoes.