Bobbins and Bombshells

Ch...Ch...Ch...Changes! New site address!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 18 Jun 2015 11:00:00 +0000

I have some news for you all! Bobbins and Bombshells has moved!

I've spent some time consolidating my shop and blog all into one site.

This blog can now be found at http://www.bobbinsandbombshells.com/blog/

If you already follow on bloglovin' the new blog address will transfer. If you follow via email, feel free to sign up to the new bloglovin' email function! Sign up widget is on the new blog.

See you there and thanks for all of your support during my Blogspot years.

xo,

Karen

Shop News: Miss Sailorette Series

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 19 Mar 2015 11:00:00 +0000

I have finally put my heavy winter accessories away but there are still those days when I wish I had lighter gloves to keep my hands warm. For this Spring transition, I have created the Miss Sailorette Series for my Etsy shop The Sparkling Cocktail.

Made in a soft Merino wool the open work lace pattern is perfect for the transitional seasons. Ribbing on the top and bottom keeps them snuggly and there is a side opening for the thumbs. Decorating each wrist is a pretty anchor button sewn with red thread.

Miss Sailorette is available in:

Red

Marine Blue

Sail White

My Projects: Gray Day Scarf

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 17 Mar 2015 11:00:00 +0000

I finally have photos of this open work scarf I finished about a month ago. It's perfect for these brisk days in March where it feels like it's warming up yet the chill still gets to your bones.

I call it Gray Day Scarf.

We went for a walk along New York Harbor. The sun was trying to come out yet winter is not ready to let go.

Made from a an easy open work pattern on large needles, this scarf is a quick knit. I used two strands of bulky yarn in two shades of heather gray.

The pattern is from the same designer as my Asphalt Infinity Cowl I finished not that long ago.

Pattern: Misti Net Scarf from Knit1LA. This pattern is free and easy!

Yarn: Knit Picks Biggo in Dove Heather and Cobblestone Heather. One skein of each. 50% Merino and 50% Nylon. Super soft!

Needle: Size 19.

Verdict: Love Knit1LA's patterns! Large knits that are easy, fast, and stylish. Also love the fringe! Will remake in other colors. Also great for quick last minute gifts.

On My Wishlist: XXXtian

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 24 Feb 2015 12:00:00 +0000

Christian Louboutin and Dita Von Teese have collaborated on a small capsule lingerie line. It's cleverly called XXXtian and is available exclusively at the french site glamuse.

I love everything about this, the print, the touches of red, and well, every piece! Especially the gown on the right.

I need this robe, too.

My Vintage Vanity: Sewing Patterns

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 19 Feb 2015 12:00:00 +0000

Signing up for the Vintage Sewing Pledge 2015, meant I had to go through my collection of vintage and retro sewing patterns. I thought it would be fun to share a little glimpse!

In my sewing room I store them in a bin on my bookcase. All of my commercial patterns are vintage or repro/retro and are stored in the red bin. In the black bin are my own drafted patterns which I tend to use more often.

What I love about the vintage pledge is that it is forcing me to use my collection of purchased patterns and not just collect them.

These are some of my repro and retro patterns. I love that the pattern companies are re-issuing old hard to find vintage patterns. I've chosen most of these for my pledge!

A small sampling of my vintage dress patterns. I really need to utilize these more!

Vintage lingerie, nightgowns, and bed jackets. Love!

Vintage jackets and coats.

The possibilities are endless! Do you collect vintage sewing patterns? Do you use them or are they more for inspiration? Have you joined the vintage pledge?

Retro Looks in the Modern World: Amber

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 17 Feb 2015 12:00:00 +0000

As much as the modern fashion world looks forward it also continually looks back in time. Here we explore Retro Looks in the Modern World.

Amber Heard sizzles in retro lingerie and pin curls in last December's Russian GQ.

Photographer: Ellen Von Unwerth

via fashiongonerogue.com

Fashionable History: Gear Up For Valentine's Day

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 12 Feb 2015 12:00:00 +0000

The commercialization of holidays is nothing new. Let's have a look at some wonderful Valentine's Day related products from old vintage ads.

"The gift of dreams"! For the whole family!

" more pleasure"

Love this. Mother daughter favorites.

This is actually the best! Matching swim!

Of course, lingerie!

And we can't leave him out!

Happy Valentine's Day everyone!

Style Icon: Jean Seberg

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 10 Feb 2015 12:00:00 +0000

Jean Seberg went from Iowa to becoming the French New Wave's darling. While she made movies in Hollywood as well, it is her portrayal of the cool girly-tomboy young American in her French movies that have always inspired me.

She acted from the years of 1957-1976. Her first movie was Otto Preminger's Saint Joan, where she played Joan of Arc. She died in 1979 of an overdose at the age of 40.

She made the pixie cut chic, well before Mia Farrow.

Her chicness was in her ability to shine without being over done.

Capris, chunky knit sweaters, and flats. This was her uniform.

She was truly adorable!

If you haven't seen her in the New Wave classic, Breathless (1960), you simply must!

My Projects: Vintage Sewing Pledge 2015

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 05 Feb 2015 12:00:00 +0000

The Vintage Pledge hosted by A Stitching Odyssey and Kestrel Makes is back! I'm very excited about it this year, as I will be starting at the beginning of the year. Last year, you may remember, I had only discovered the Vintage Pledge 2014 in May. I was amped up about it and made a peasant blouse but then my sewing machine (that I had had for over 20 years) died. It wasn't a happy time.

A few months later, I got a new machine. A Janome HD-1000, that I love! I made some items for my Etsy shop and worked on my pencil skirt pattern, but never dug back into the vintage sewing I had set my sights on. The next thing I knew, it was the holidays!

So here we are, 2015, and I'm ready to pledge again. I have pledged to make 5 garments. I have already decided what they are. Here's my plan!

Simplicity 6341.

I have bought some white cotton for this. It's basically a Swirl Dress, so what is not to love? I can see this being made in several summer fabrics and being my essential summer go to!

Butterick B4919.

I love everything about this. I want to find a cotton stripe fabric and start with the shorter length.

Butterick B5895.

This is a Pattern by Gertie and I'm sure you've seen this on every vintage sewing blog. Now it's my turn. I hardly ever wear pants, so this should be pretty interesting. I am counting this as 2 entries. The top I will make in red & white gingham and the pants in a red stretch cotton satine. Fabrics already purchased.

Vogue V8812.

Can you tell I love summer dresses? I want a floral print for this one. If I love it, I will remake in lots of other fabric choices for sure! Undecided on the bolero.

Will you join in? I hope so!

Next week, I will be sharing more of my pattern stash, and hopefully I will start a muslin or two! Well, hopefully at least one.

Retro Looks In The Modern World: The New Mod

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 03 Feb 2015 12:00:00 +0000

As much as the modern fashion world looks forward it also continually looks back in time. Here we explore Retro Looks in the Modern World.

The Sixties influence is hanging on! This spread from Grazia Germany is channeling swinging London fashion.

Model: Sophie Vlaming

Photographer: Tina Luther

via fashiongonerogue.com

Shop News: Pink Vintage!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 22 Jan 2015 12:00:00 +0000

New vintage listings in my Etsy shop; The Sparkling Cocktail, are the prettiest shade of pink!

This lovely Beau Femme 1940's slip has two lace bows! One on the bodice and one at the hem. I'm dying!

The bride wore, pink! This is a birdcage veil that has wonderful pink velvet bows!

I can't even believe I'm selling this one. Hurry, before I change my mind! 1930's Betty Lou bias rayon gown. It's gorgeous!

Retro Looks In The Modern World: Factory Girl

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 20 Jan 2015 12:00:00 +0000

As much as the modern fashion world looks forward it also continually looks back in time. Here we explore Retro Looks in the Modern World.

Warhol's world is always a source of inspiration. This shoot from Vogue Brazil delivers an arty sixties pop!

Model: Adriana Lima

Photographer: Ellen von Unwerth

via fashiongonerogue.com

Fashionable History: Leopard Print as a Neutral

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 15 Jan 2015 12:00:00 +0000

Leopard print can often be thought of as a racy and tacky print. And there is a place for that! But it definitely has it's high fashion moments. It seems to be worn best when it is thought of as a neutral, or as just an accent. The Mid-Century wore leopard so very well! Here is some leopard print eye candy from the past!

1960's. Jackie. Full on print here and nothing classier.

1940's. Barbara Stanwyck. Sophistication.

1950's Christian Dior. Timeless.

1951. Sunny Harnett. Leopard with tweed.

1950's. Ladies Home Journal.

My Projects: Asphalt Infinity Cowl

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 13 Jan 2015 12:00:00 +0000

I recently finished this super snuggly cowl. I call it the Asphalt Infinity Cowl.

Last weekend I wore it out for a wintry walk through the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, a place I love to go to get away from the city noise and asphalt! The snow filled garden and covered pond was beautiful.

Despite the open work, this cowl is warm!

Pattern: The Openwork Infinity Scarf from Knit 1 LA. Super easy and super quick! One long scarf seemed together to create a loop. This is a free pattern available here.

Needles: Size 19. Big! Wish I had used straight needles to be honest. It was difficult to bring the loops back onto the actual needle.

Yarn: Knit Picks Biggo in Asphalt Heather. I used two skeins held together. This yarn is super soft and is made up of merino wool and nylon.

Verdict: I would make more of these in a heart beat and certainly want to test it out with different yarns and colors. It's great to have a quick project on hand when working on a longer more involved one. Also, who doesn't love snuggly scarves when it's 20 degrees outside? This one is a winner!

Retro Looks In The Modern World: Pop Odyssey

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 05 Jan 2015 12:00:00 +0000

As much as the modern fashion world looks forward it also continually looks back in time. Here we explore Retro Looks in the Modern World.

This time, L'Officiel Singapore is inspired by the Sixties. With Vidal Sassoon hair styles and a stark industrial background these images are quite dramatic compared to what we normally see from 1960's inspiration.

Model: Coco Rocha

Photographer: Chaundo & Frey

via fashiongonerogue.com

Happy New Year!!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 01 Jan 2015 12:00:00 +0000

Bonne Année mes amis!

Happy 2015!

My View: Christmas in New York

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 30 Dec 2014 12:00:00 +0000

Ahhh Christmas in New York! There is nothing else like it. The city is a magical place as it is, but this time of year it really becomes special.

Here are a few of my snaps over the last few weeks and wonderful holiday days taken from my instagram feed. To keep it "insta", you can find me @BobbinBombshell.

The start of my work week begins at Balthazar with a good friend, a croissant, and café au lait. Balthazar is a must visit during the holidays.

This is our fist Christmas in our new place. Stockings were hung above the radiator.

Cranberries! And cranberry nut bread!

Did you participate in Chronically Vintage's "vintage secret santa? This lovely vintage lippy holder was a gift from mine!

Oil lamps and brownstones. Brooklyn at it's finest.

I hope you are enjoying your holidays, what ever and where ever they may be!

Merry Christmas!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 25 Dec 2014 12:00:00 +0000

May it be fabulous!

Retro Looks In The Modern World: Rockaway Beach

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 23 Dec 2014 12:00:00 +0000

As much as the modern fashion world looks forward it also continually looks back in time. Here we explore Retro Looks in the Modern World.

This feature from L'Officiel Netherlands is darling. Shot in Rockaway Beach in New York City with retro Sixties fashion.

Model: Ewa Wladymiruk

Photographer: Gemma Booth

via fashiongonerogue.com

On My Wishlist: Fully Fashioned Stockings

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 18 Dec 2014 12:00:00 +0000

After putting together my last post about vintage fully fashioned stockings I have set out to find some modern versions. As mentioned, fully fashioned stockings are becoming increasingly hard to manufacture, which can mean high prices. But if you simply must have a pair (and I think I do!) here are a few noteworthy ones to add to your list.

Of course we can rely on Dita Von Teese to have an authentic stocking line. Her collection is available at Secrets in Lace. I adore these diamond backseams!

Cervin stockings are still made in France and are the real deal. These French heel "Swing Time" stockings are classy!

What Katie Did puts a lot of effort into keeping the fully fashioned stocking dream alive. These Empire, also known as Manhattan, heel stockings are a must have.

Fashionable History: Heel Appeal

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 16 Dec 2014 12:00:00 +0000

This time of year means party dresses and high heels which is not to be complete with out stockings! What a wonderful time of year!

I've recently been looking at vintage stocking ads and am enamored by the selection of different types of heels associated with the ever glamorous back seamed fully fashioned stockings. Before they had machines that could knit in the round (tubular) seamed stockings were all you had. While FFS still exist, they are becoming harder to produce as many of the original factories and hosiery mills have closed. Most modern designs are stitched on over the tubular stocking.

Of course there are the classic style heels:

Cuban: Reinforced heel design ending in a square top.

Havana: Same as the Cuban but wider.

French, Point, or Pyramid: Ending in a tapered point.

Manhattan: Similar to the Cuban but ending in a point with an outline.

See below for some classic heels as well as some party essential fashion choices that were available!

Mid-Week Inspiration: Christmas Window Shopping

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 10 Dec 2014 12:00:00 +0000

A little window shopping never hurt anyone. Have you started your Christmas shopping?

Here, style icon Sophia Loren, figures out gifts for her list.

Image via Pinterest.

Retro Looks In The Modern World: Ex Fan des Sixties

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 08 Dec 2014 12:00:00 +0000

As much as the modern fashion world looks forward it also continually looks back in time. Here we explore Retro Looks in the Modern World.

L'Officiel Paris takes us to the 1960's with a European flair. Louis Vuitton vies for center stage.

Model: Sophie Vlaming

Photographer: Sophie van der Perre

via fashiongonerogue.com

My Projects: Pattern Rub-Off Tutorial

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 04 Dec 2014 12:00:00 +0000

Pattern rub-off skills can be quite handy! The idea here is not to copy but rather preserve a pattern of either something that fits you really well or something that is destroyed beyond repair.

Last Summer, I made a pattern rub-off of one of my favorite pencil skirts. I love the fit of this skirt and was deeply disappointed when the brand didn't offer one in simple solid black. Really? Therefore, I decided to make one myself! I also made one in army green and am currently working on one in a lovely charcoal wool with herringbone stripes.

Finally, here is my tutorial. This pattern is really simple, and I suggest starting with a simple item like this from your closet. Let's get started, shall we?

1. Tools you will need:

* favorite item from your closet

*measuring tape

*muslin

*pins

*scissors

*pencil

*pattern paper

*tracing wheel (pictured below)

* Ruler (pictured below- hey I don't do tutorials very often!)

2. Find your center front and center back. Mark with a pin at both the top and bottom of the garment.

3. Put pin markers where darts end, or anything of interest. It could be area of shirring, or pleats.

4. Mark your muslin. In design school we used to have to pull the warp out. Now I mark with pencil. Dig that lead in the groove of the weave and mark your long grain. This will help you see that your fabric is straight. If it is crooked, block your fabric to get that grain line straight!

5. Place that line on your muslin on your center front (or center back, center side etc.) and then start to define areas of interest, like this dart. Pin in the amount to keep your fabric flat.

6. Number 5 is so important, I have repeated it for No. 6. Did you get that? This is what will shape your garment and a huge part of why this garment fits you so well. Go back and make sure your darts are perfect!

7. With your pencil mark those pins and mark the edges of your garment. Hence the term rub-off. You can use chalk as well.

8. Everything marked? Make sure before you un-pin! Take your muslin and lie it on top of the pattern paper. Label your grain lines so you know what piece is what. They will all look the same!

9. Time to mark your paper below with the tracing wheel. The teeth will make marks you can trace over.

10. Look closely and you will see the teeth marks. Pencil over those marks but with your ruler and "true" them up. They might be wavy, so you need to make sure you have straight lines with natural body curve.

11. Mark your pattern pieces. Are you cutting 2 or 1 on the fold? Is it the center back, center front, side front? You will need to know this later.

12. True up your darts and add your half inch seam allowance, or 5/8" if you prefer. Also add notches, so when the pattern comes off your fabric later you will know what is what.

13. Choose your fabric and lay out your pattern and cut out your new dream item! May be best to try a muslin version first and tweak your pattern if necessary. Especially if your project is much more complicated than a 2 piece pencil skirt pattern.

Finished pencil skirt #2! Army green stretch cotton! Soon my closet (pictured behind me) will be full of these pencil skirts in many fabrications!

Oh, and the peasant blouse I am wearing was handmade too, from a vintage pattern. More info on that here.

Let me know if you have any questions and what patterns you make.

Good luck!

Shop News: Happy Holidays!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 01 Dec 2014 12:00:00 +0000

Thank you my dear blog readers, for a wonderful 2014!

Enjoy 15% off my Etsy shop; The Sparkling Cocktail, on handmade and vintage goodies! Valid now through the end of the year. Simply use coupon code HOLIDAY2014 at checkout.

Enjoy this holiday season! xo