Happiest Place on Earth

After having a bit of a difficult start of this month, my darling friends began to notice I wasn't my usual chipper self. After getting a text of 'What are you doing Monday?' and reminding with 'Nothing, holiday' I might have screeched upon reading 'Would you like to go to Disneyland?'

After coming to the conclusion that I won't be able to make Dapper Day this spring, I kinda shrugged off a Disneyland trip so soon. But my friends Tony and Erin really made sure that I would have a happy day.

I threw on the dress I got from the last flea market, and happily grinned in a sea of compliments the entire day. (Isn't Princess Jasmine adorable?!)

We all got a quick shot with Minnie Mouse before she went off to be in the parade, and she let us know how much she liked mine and Erin's dresses. Then we ran off to the train.

Outfit Details
Dress- San Diego Vintage Flea Market
Hat- Flashbacks
Earrings- Swap Meet
Gloves- Chronically Vintage
Purse- Rummage Sale
Shoes- Ross
Parasol- Disneyland

 I don't care this is blurry, look how cute Erin and Tony are with their Lady and the Tramp Disneybounds!

We hung out with Captain America for a little bit. He 'really liked our outfits, because it reminded him of his time' D'aww.

Then we hung out with Thor. He wanted 'the two princesses to strike warrior poses'. Erin and I take being warriors very seriously.

After that, we met up with Janey and Patrick for food, and a quick ride on Indy. Then we scampered to ride on Tower of Terror, then headed back home.

 I got a lot of sweet pep talks in regard to my computer issues for my Vintage Black History Month, and my lack of desire to blog after that. I really appreciate the kind people I've been surrounding myself with, in person and on the internet. As I work on this project all over again, I'll be thinking of their lovely smiling faces.

Have your friends recently surprised you when you were feeling down? Did they grab you and take you to one of your favorite places?

EDITED TO ADD- We got asked if it were Dapper Day a lot. I heard so many 'Oh man, is it Dapper Day, I missed it!'s.

To sew in 2015

So last year, I pulled a list a bit after the new year of random things I needed to sew. I of course didn't even make a dent on that list. But for this year, I'll work from that list, and add more. I had considered attributing these to months to help me keep a better schedule, but I know that I won't stick to it.

I'd really like to make at least one full garment from each of my as of today stash of vintage patterns, so I'll impose something of a vintage pledge for 2015.

Blouse from Simplicity 7886
Suit from Butterick 4184

Suit from DuBarry 5411
Set from McCalls 6413
Set from Simplicity 4292
Dress from Simplicity 2817
Shirt from Simplicity 4935

Yes, that is a lot, I didn't include two patterns I've made complete garments from. But I'm sure I'll have a nice closet of things I'd like to wear.

As for not vintage patterns, and just general things I'd like to make I have the following:

Wearing History Smooth Sailing Togs
A couple more Va-Voom Vintage bullet bras
Capes
PANTS

Circle skirts
Wiggle Dress
Hat
Bag

Now for my UFO pile:
Black Simplicity reissue dress
Pencil skirt
Blouse


Thankfully I've decided to start something of a fabric stash for myself, so I can work from that for the new things.

What are you all working on for this year?

Made in 2014 and Giveaway winner!

This year I said I would make myself some clothes to fill my closet with things that make me happy.

Juggling life, school, and a blog, I have to say I did pretty alright for myself. For 2015, I'll be more vigilant in documenting what I make so I can link back to them in a nicer fashion.

Sewn items.

Dapper Day Dress. (And the post all about it)
I had such a blast making this. I've worn it a couple more times since it's debut at Disneyland, and it's always getting compliments.

Sew for Victory ensemble.
This is one of my go to outfits. I clearly need to make the blouse pattern about 50 more times, it's comfy and goes with everything.

Peasant blouses.
I made myself a cute light blue one, and it's perfect for summer and a Southern California fall. I also made one for a friend, but it's a gift. She'll get it after new years.

Bullet Bra.
I used Brittany from VaVoom Vintage's pattern, and it's SUCH A COMFY BRA! I made two so-far, and will totally be making more.(for those of you who are scratching your heads, a lot of the vintage patterns and clothing were cut with the fashion of the time in mind, so modern bras will have ill fit)
I have two other ones cut out, and will work on them soon. The muslin I made works perfectly, wonky stitches and all. The second one is equally comfortable and looks fancy. I think I'll maybe make the band longer, something akin to a longline bra, if I'm successful I'll show my progress.

Pattern Making final.
For part of my final for my pattern making course, we had to make a garment from a pattern block for ourselves, or another person. I made myself a cute 40's inspired dress with a detachable cape. Now I messed up in a couple places, but I will most certainly be making this again. It's too cute not to.


Knitted goods.
I didn't get to make as many knitted items as I thought, but I did pretty alright!

Victory Sweater.

Now I've blogged about this, and I still want to make this about 20 times more, just longer.

Snood.
I need more cute yarn colors for this fun versatile accessory. I think next year I'll so some cute styling tips for a snood as well. Might even sell some if I feel up to it.

Here's to me making more awesome things in the new year! What about you all, what did you create this year?

Oh, and the winner to the giveaway is:

Dixie O'Dare!!! Congrats, Dixie!

Please send me an email with your address, and I'll try to get you your prize ASAP!

Thank you, and congrats to everyone who entered. I'll be figuring more fun giveaways for the future!

I see Wonderful Things

Being very close to Balboa Park has a lot of perks, lots of gorgeous gardens and museums with amazing exhibits are definitely high on that list.
Upon hearing about the King Tut exhibit at the San Diego Natural History museum, I know I wanted to hit it up after the semester ended. So yesterday, I met up with Janey of Atomic Redhead, and her husband Patrick to take a little trip back in time to view one of the most famous discoveries of the past century.

Now, the exhibit was made up of very faithful restorations, which I was extremely impressed by. The amount of excruciating detail went into making every piece look exactly like the original is utterly astounding. It made me want to travel to Egypt to see the originals more and more.

After looking at more exhibits at the museum, we meandered about to get some photos for our blogs. Some of which resulted in some fun lady adventurer poses.

Lovely Janey amongst nature.

Outfit Details
Hat- Papaya
Horus earrings- SDNHM gift shop
Linen mens shirt- Some thrift store ages ago
Belt- Grandma
Trousers- Goodwill
Boots- Target
Purse- San Diego Rummage Sale
Bangles- Various
Shawl- School

I had such a blast hanging with Janey. I'm grateful for overcoming my shyness and meeting her through blogging. It's always fun connecting with someone you have so much in common with, and having a chance to hang with them is always great!
I can't wait to hang with her again!

Have any of you gone to your local museums lately? What exhibits did you see?


Be sure to check out Janeys post about the day!

Dressed up to get groceries

Or last minute Xmas gifts. Same thing.


I recently snagged a remote for my camera as a 'yay you survived midterms!' gift to myself. It is well past finals, and I'm finally using it.

This is the Dapper Day dress, which I wore again for a business class presentation earlier this month. I figured it needed a proper debut.

I'm slowly getting used to the remote and trying to pose naturally. It's gonna take me a bit, but this is very useful for when nobody is home and I want/need photos.

I was elated to find the hat at the Buffalo Exchange anniversary, it's a damn near perfect match to the dress, just a teensy shade lighter.

I am really fond of the fit of the dress. The material is a pain and a half, but it really works for the dress. The pattern was very straightforward, and I was able to finish this dress in a couple of days. One of my favorite details is the three darts on the sleeve.

Sewing Details

Fabric: Pale yellow synthetic. Gift from a friend.

Pattern: Advance 9925. View 1

Year: 1961

Notions: Covered buttons, self covered belt

How historically accurate is it? Pretty accurate. 

Any tricky parts to the pattern?  Eh, I got a bit better with bound-buttonholes on this. Figuring how the notches on the collar were going to go confused me, but after I pressed it, it all made sense.

Did you change anything?  According to notes, I put 'shortened pattern by 6 inches'. I'm going to assume 3 for the bodice, and 3 in the skirt.

Time to complete: February 14, 2014-February 21, 2014

First worn: Dapper Day at Disneyland

Total cost: Pattern was $12 from the Atomic Hideaway
Zipper was $2
Buttons were probably $3
Belt kit was $5
so $22 in total

Notes: If I were to make it in a synthetic similar, I'm totally using a lining. But next time, I'll make little belt carriers.

Outfit Details:

Dress- Made by me
Hat- Buffalo Exchange
SHIELD necklace- Petite Royale
Earrings- SD vintage flea market
Bakelite bangles- various
Disneyland charm bracelet- eBay
Gloves- Melrose flea market
Stockings- What Katie Did
Shoes- Ross

I love this Disneyland charm bracelet. I very rarely see them with the rocket from Tomorrowland on them!! (As I wrote this post, I did a quick google search, and they park did indeed offer them for purchase via a catalogue! On the 4th photo down, you see my bracelet!)

I had such an interesting confidence boost as I ran my errands this morning. People moved for me, and insisted they press the trolley open for me. I felt like a little ray of sunshine walking down the street on this bright winters day. Though as I walked down the Gaslamp Quarter for exercise, and to get the other trolley, I heard a bunch of interesting things shouted from cars, and from bars. I ignored a lot of it, only smiling when I got compliments, and older ladies said they liked my hat. My bank teller said I looked 'Very Jackie O!' so that brightened the rest of the afternoon.



Have any of you dressed up and ran your errands, were the people serving you surprised?


PS-
I talked it over with a friend, who suggested I turn the Pajama Party giveaway, to a giveaway to all blog readers. Now to figure out those widgets for giveaways, and to fix some links.

How to tie a vintage style turban

Lately, I've taken a liking to using scarves to tie my hair up on a bad hair day. On a recent photo set, Emileigh asked if I could do a tutorial for this turban style, and here we are today.

Now this simple tutorial can help you save yourself from a dreaded bad hair day, or just give a bit more oomph to your vintage outfit.

You will need:
A long rectangular scarf
Bobby pins
Rats tail comb
Regular comb
Brush

Optional (and not shown):
Duck clips
Hair spray
Hair ties

You might also need a person with hair, just saying.

Start by sectioning off some hair to style for later. Then pin it down, or use a duck clip to keep it out of the way.

Next, comb and brush your hair back and tuck it under if you've got manageable thick hair. If not, tie it in a hair tie.

Now take your scarf, and place it under your hair on the back of your head. Even it out 

Pull the back up some, and pull the sides up to the front of your head. Tie it behind the area you intend to style. Fix any parts of your hair that have decided to escape with the rats tail comb

Straighten out one tail end of the scarf, 

Then pull it to the back, continuing to straighten it out.

Tuck it under the bottom part, and repeat on the other side.

Style your hair as needed; pin curls, victory rolls, whatever you want to do.

And you're done! Admire your cute hair scarf, and perfectly awesome way to disguise laziness or a bad hair day!


I hope all of you are having a good day today. If you celebrate it, Happy Thanksgiving!

Are there any other tutorials you'd like to see from me? Do you have a favorite hair scarf?