New Jewelry Box

I bought this little 3 drawer jewelry box at Goodwill for $3 last month. Unfortunately  it was a horrid orange/red. The weather decided not to cooperate as well, it has never stopped raining, so I could not spray paint. So I hand painted it to match my 1950's dresser, which took FOREVER! I lined the drawers in felt and now my crappy jewelry has a home! BTW - The above picture is a total lie, that Eames chair usually has like 8 dresses lumped on it and the dresser has orphan socks, buttons and various deodorants on it!

Various Necklaces  - Bakelite & Fakelite

Brooches & Pins (+goth hello kitty box!) - Original Colour!

Bedell Stores 1921 Catalog

I had a bit of unsupervised alone time time this week, so I scanned some of my vintage catalogs. I am lucky enough to own several, some since I was a child. First up is a Bedell Stores Spring/Summer catalog from 1921. It was given to me by my step-mother's mother. She lived in Clyde, Texas which is right outside of Abilene. She passed away a few years ago and left me some treasures. Victorian boots, new look hats & a late 1930's velvet robe (I feel like Joan Crawford in it!).

 Some of the dresses on the right have a bit of  Downton Abbey vibe.

 

Some of these blouses seem very wearable. Maybe I'll try making one.

 

These hats still have a teens feel to them, don't you think?

 

I wish I had some of those clocked stockings! They make me crazy!

 

 

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.