Sewing Patterns

Guess what? I don't know how to sew using a pattern. At least, I've yet to sew a project using one from start to finish without assistance...and quite frankly, I have no desire to! For whatever reason, instructions on how to be creative just don't fly in my brain. It's much easier for me to look at the final garment, and then start chopping up existing garments or fabric chunks and sewing them together, and seeing what happens. The results are usually pretty cool. So I have a nice collection of vintage sewing patterns, but admittedly it's more for inspiration and ephemera appreciation than for actual use! Though I do like to keep a variety around as a last resort sewing weapon in my back pocket, should my usual drape-and-stitch method flop, or demand precision.

Hot Daisy

My Hot Daisy design is up for voting in Spoonflower's 1960s design challenge!

What I Wore: Pink and Black

Here's the wedding outfit of the summer, featuring this bright pink moire dress and various black and gold accents. The best part is that the retro glam number was only $0.30 from a recent thrift haul plus a half hour of easy peasy tucking and sewing on the bodice! Amusing note on moire: that fabric thoroughly repulsed me until this dress came into my life. It is strangely, satisfyingly crisp and water-repellent, and rather makes me feel like I am wearing an umbrella. The main new positive association is that now moire has been mentally transformed from dated drapery to sashaying like Barbie. Much classier! Oh how I love whipping an outfit together!

Hot Fudge Cat Eye

Alas, my thrilling thrifty find, my $3 cat eye glasses have cracked. Their acetate frame was weakened by the cold winter so it was only a matter of time. Sad as that is, they have been replaced by these retro beauties!

They are vintage, made of tortoiseshell, and look like hot fudge.

They even have striped layered edges, a pearly pink undertone, and tiny Deco fan details on the tips.

Swoon!

Keswick Trays

Here's a houseware that seems to pop up frequently at thrift stores: the Keswick Tray! They are printed cotton and fibre glass trays rimmed with gold or silver edges. The company started in the 1960s and is still producing products today. I'm not sure of the date of these two trays though! 

I love the cheery florals and the texture of the fabric through the fibre glass.

 It looks like they even take custom orders. Of course they are British made...see post below!

An Old Fashioned Girl

 I found this 1963 edition of An Old Fashioned Girl by Louisa May Alcott at a local thrift store for $0.25. It was illustrated by Dan and Norma Garris. Alcott has such a talent for selecting descriptive words, and there is a sweetness to all her writing. This is a coming of age story of a girl named Polly and her humble, pleasant life.

This name was written on the inside cover...doesn't it perfectly suit?

Mint and Gold Mirror

This vintage hand mirror is a glamourous thrifted find. 

It is made of brass and decorated plastic, and likely hails from some time between the 1940s and 1960s. 

Heidi

I found this beautifully illustrated vintage edition of Heidi by Johanna Spyri at a local thrift store for $0.50! It doesn't have a copyright date on the inside, but it looks like it's from the 1960s or '70s.

It was illustrated by Roberta Macdonald and, apparently, coloured by a creative reader! 

I've yet to read this classic, so I'm happy to have acquired a pretty version of it to read.

Vintage Louisbourg Pennant

I got this fun '60s or '70s felt pennant from an antique store shortly after my trip to Louisbourg.

Delightfully Danish

My mom found this mid-century Danish chair at a thrift store for $5!

I love its wide seat, curved back, thin spindles, and tapered legs.

The patina is gorgeous.

It has its original spray coat of greyish white paint on its wooden form.

The bottom of the seat is stamped with this maker mark and features this instruction sticker in 3 languages.

Such a fun chair!

Thrifty Thonet

I found a Thonet style chair at Value Village for $7! 

This one could be from the '60s or '70s, going by the wear and tear. 

I love the gentle curves of the blonde wood, the caning (hole and all), and the fact that the chair is super lightweight!

Recent Thrift: Paris Handkerchief

I found this fabulously illustrated handkerchief, likely from the '50s or '60s, at a thrift store for $2.

Tray Mod

I found this fantastic Mid-century Mod molded plywood tray tucked beneath some Tupperware at a thrift store.

The first thing I thought of when I saw the pattern was my fellow designer friend Ottomanbrim on Spoonflower, whose designs have the same fabulous flair.

 The tray was made in Konga, Sweden, and the pattern may have been designed by Astrid Sampe, whose designs are still in production by Almedahls.

Vintage Find: Parisian Ice Bucket

This ice bucket is probably from the '60s, is pristine, and features lovely Parisian street scenes.

La Madeleine

Place du Tertre--Montmartre

Notre Dame de Paris

Sacré Coeur de Montmartre

Retro Floral Aprons

 This fun apron hails from the 1960s, is in perfect condition, and is trimmed with piping. The sky blue floral print is complete cheer.

 This longer ditsy floral apron is probably from the '70s. Note the lacy pocket and ruffle--very Little House on the Prairie.

The rickrack and funky diamond floral date this apron to the '50s. It also features an interesting coiled plastic one-size-fits-all waistband. Perfect for whipping the apron on and off!

Tub in Mint Condition

I saw this bathtub at an architectural salvage store for $295. Aside from the black mark you can see on the front, the interior of the bathtub is in excellent condition, considering it's probably from the '50s or '60s. Coloured fixtures are either revolting or funky, and used in the right bathroom this tub could be quite the latter. If only I had a tub that needed to be replaced!

The Sound of Music: 50 Years Later

The Sound of Music was released March 2nd, 1965, 50 years ago today! It is one of my favourite movies; it is so inspiring. What could top a passionate nun/nanny singing her guts out? Ha! And yes, of course, that's edelweiss below those mountains! I'm reading this LIFE magazine issue dedicated to the 50th Anniversary of the film, the behind-the-scenes, and the true story of it all.

Daisy Statement Necklace

This triple daisy charm looks as if it came from the 1960s, but I actually bought it at Michaels. I love its glossy enamel-painted finish, gold base, and overall cheer!