Inspired by Lola

I'm Starting a new Adventure!

2013-03-15T10:11:00.001-07:00

Ok by now you all know I sell thing. "I'm a seller of thing. That's what I do....."

If you missed the Oliva Pope reference that's ok :)

So any who... What happened was, My hubby was reading the New York Times just last week and ran across an article that he demanded I read. I wasn't really feeling in the mood to read the paper cause I'm a busy women! Photos and editing and price comparisons and listings just to name a few of my morning actives so I gave him a smug little smile and said "oh sure babe."

Oh my goodness that article was amazing! Once I saw the tag line I couldn't help but read it ASAP! Could this be? The coolest possible venue ever to sell your used, too tight, never wear and certainly would never wear again wardrobe; ever?
It was and is! So I just jumped in and started listing random stuff like old Micheal Kors bags that I no longer carry. Also I listed a gold sequin sexy top, and some tops that are totally cute but never flattered me; still have the tags.....

The site is called Poshmark which is also an apt for smart devices and its set up like insta gram. You post items to your virtual closet and people can like or comment on your post. There usually are a lot of negations being discussed and offers being made. It's fast pace and lots of fun. If that isn't enough, these guys take care of the shipping too. The cost are wrapped into their 20% cut which to me is fair enough. That's much better then your local consignment shop which typically takes 40%..... Don't get me started on that!

So this is my new selling form and I'd highly recommend it if you have things laying and don't want to donate them, why not make a few bucks and have fun doing it. Please please "do me a huge favor" and check me out on Poshmark. My user name is "Lolavposh" of course......

Sew Coco

2013-03-03T17:30:00.000-08:00

Chanel Quotes

Recently I was motivated to make a Chanel treasury list for Etsy. How can you not be inspired by Coco! Here is a list of the lovely items I've chosen and they are all available for purchase on Etsy.

I'm assuming Chanel would have loved this ring...... Either way I loved it!

3 Row diamond and pearl ring

How can one ever consider a Chanel style look with a multi-stand of pearls? Just saying :)

Vintage Pearls and Multi-strand necklace

Oooooo...... this quilted bag pattern is amazing and a rare find; I'm sure you know why......right?

1980s Purse Pattern by Butterick

Silk Char-mouse is the only fabric one should line a Chanel handmade wool cardigan with

White Silk Charmeuse

Braid is such a great finishing touch and may I add a chain inside the hem of the jacket weights it perfectly

Vintage Black Chenille Braid

Some many designers have and will follow in Coco's style because it's timeless

Vintage Designer suit pattern

Wow real Chanel button! Does it get any more fabulous then that!

Vintage Chanel

Now shoes clips were a thing of the past but can really pull your head to toe look together

Vintage Shoe Clips

Love a pair of black and white spectator pumps; pure class

Spectator pumps

Nothing smells like Chanel no 5

Vintage Chanel No5

Round black sunglasses are a total style statement for any look but Chanel was known for them.

The bigger the better

Round black shades

Chains and pearls are a must

Vintage gold-tone and pearl chain

Ooooooo super soft lamb skin is the leather of choice for Chanel quilted bags; nice

Lamb skin

Boucle wool is a absolute must have to make a true Chanel style jacket;

black and white is a perfect choice

Black and White wool Boucle

When working with a hand quilted cardigan, silk thread is a must

Silk thread

Most of use cant afford an authentic Chanel jacket but why not

create something that is inspired by that timely style we all love and accessories accordingly......

Team Vintage Etsy Society Sale Time Y'all

2013-02-12T12:33:00.000-08:00

My shop is having a sale!

Many of my buddies on Etsy are also vintage and pattern sellers and we are having a great sale of 15% off our merchandise. The coupon code for this sale is "Sweet15" Great time to pic-up some really nice authentic vintage patterns. Non of that PDFs stuff.

Here are some my new listings:

This Lovely sexy dress is a piece of history and so beautiful.......

This is a preview of some of my new patterns:

Sorry ladies; this pattern is incredible and sold with-in hours of posting it

but I just have to share it with you........

Remember this collection? Loved um.

Nice evening dress.

This Ivory silky fabric would make a great dress or blouse

Love, love this equestrian print.

Quality wool herringbone by B.Black and sons

Would make a great fitted dress, skirt or whatever your heart desires.

And for you girls who appreciate a vintage sewing basket:

So pretty and practical

this sewing basket makes me happy

See happy thoughts

Cute and collectible

Red and tan sewing basket

Needs a new home ;)

I've just recently reopened a shop that features vintage patterns and sewing notions so please drop by and check it out and say hi.

Back to work......

Monday Friday Patterns Frenzy

2012-11-23T11:03:00.001-08:00

So it's that wonderful time of the year again and do I have the pattern connections for you!

Many of us gals have been sewing for years and there are always those patterns that got away. Well no more of that! I've found some of my old favorites and many patterns I didn't even know I need yet :)

I have just the spot for you and this is the best time to pounce cause most of the sellers are having sales galore! Some sellers are having as much as 50% off! I know right!

Also my friends at team PatternPattern are offering great deals too.

Here are some of my favorites

Beautiful evening dress

Couture dress

Love these bags

Calvin Klein Jeans

ZipZapKap cute jumpsuit

That's just a few of my favorites! Here are of few more from my shop :

25% off all my patterns!

Classic skirt with options

So many lovely patterns to chose from and they are all on sale...... don't snooze and loose :)

Happy shopping and please share your deals and great finds.

Simplicity 2685

2012-10-03T22:59:00.003-07:00

Denim Button Bag

Here is another review on a very popular bag for me. I love this bag and just wanted to share a review with you :)

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?

Yes it did. I think it was much cuter once it was completed

Were the instructions easy to follow?
Very easy to follow. I looked at the pictures a few times just to get my baring but for the most part it was easy to follow.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I liked the clear directions. Nothing tricky. Also I liked the style of the bag I chose. The size was perfect.

Fabric:
Denim from JoAnns

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I didn't like the way the facing/ upper band was put together so I sewed the upper band lining to the lining and sewed the lining together, leaving an opening at the bottom. Then attached the upper exterior facing to the bag.

Bag is press and ready to attach lining

Lining is prepared and bottom is left open

Press all seams open and finish inside seams

Insert lining into bag wrong sides up

Match up the edges before sewing together

Sew the Lining to the bag to the top seam line

Pull bag through lining opening at the bottom

Once lining is pulled through then tuck it into the bag

Smooth out the lining and now press the top seam flat

This allowed for a much smoother look and ease when sewing such a heavy weight fabric.

I finish everything else as directed.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

I have made this bag several times and still love it. I'd would strongly recommend it to others.

Conclusion:
Great cute bag that's easy to make. I'd like to add; it is a great book bag too.

Let me know what you think of this bag and if you've made it let me know any tricks you'd like to share.

Just Pile Them On!

2012-09-03T22:13:00.001-07:00

Vintage goodies

One Etsy trends of the moment is statement necklaces. I found that exciting especially since I have some new vintage goodies. I have always considered bold beautiful and quirky babbles as a must have for any stylish wardrobe. Just love this kinda stuff.

Well Instyle magazine had a great article that highlighted "Pile on the Necklaces" to dress up your jeans.

I also spotted this lovey pic on line

Here are a few lovely necklaces from the Etsy market that are outstanding

Black and White chunky

Three Strand Tangerine Lucite

Chrome Necklace

Green Bakelite Beads

Frog Necklace

Bronze Bib

Tangerine Beads

Soooo................. Here are my new additions. To sell or not to sell? That is my question?

What's that, "About"?

2012-09-01T17:32:00.000-07:00

LolaVBagZ

Ok, so am I the only person on Etsy who has just realized the importance of an About page? Seriously it's this whole new concept to me not to mention my Facebook page! I know, it's supposed to be obvious but I missed it.... with all my projects and deadlines and life; I just didn't think it mattered. Well it does!

Since I've added my about page and my Facebook link up things seem to be turning around. I have't quite become world famous but have seen improved sales and traffic to my shops. This is good news right? Well here's my one concern? Are my about pages interesting? Do they give my customers and friends a true glimpse into my business, my craft....?

So I'm asking you; all of my supporters, what do you think?
I'd love to hear from you?

The link to my pages here and here.

Thanks all. Can't wait to hear from you :)

White Lace Dress

2012-08-16T22:00:00.001-07:00

So my husband and went away for a local get a way recently and I was so excited. Wanting to look nice and summery, I had planned on buying a really cute lace dress at H&M but run outta time and realized I already had a nice white summer eyelet dress. I didn't have to buy a dress but I did get a few extras to freshen up this look.

New Look 6785

My dress is updated with a lovely silver and shell necklace from Kohl's and coordinated stretch bracelet they both were really cheap. I think I paid $8-$9 for both. The lime green "NIB" platforms are also from Kohl's by Vera Wang and guess what they cost? $5.60 something! I know.... I scored. I wrapped it up with a straw bag from my stash and a gap denim jacket. It was really cool to dig out my old dress and know it is still current.

How about you; are you wearing your older project or have they disappeared into the back of you closet?

I'd love to hear from you.

White eyelet cotton dress

Hey I made that!

2012-08-16T21:16:00.001-07:00

Have you ever run across older patterns and realized that not only did you own it at one time but, you think....Hey I made that!

Well I have to say, I am a vintage pattern junky. I love finding them and shopping for them on-line too. I swear my eyes turn into saucers and my hands get sweaty, it's so exciting to dig through those old patterns. Who knows what's hiding out in there and then it happens. You see something and it looks kinda familiar. It can't be, but it is; I made that!

I'm sure I'm not the only seamstress/ Pattternista that has had that experience....... I always slow down and just smile to myself and remember the version I made of that pattern. It brings back so many memories.

So here are some of those patterns:

Calvin Klein Suit

I made this for Homecoming

I made this half top in black and white and red and white

I made this dress in a red raw silk

A red formal

This was a yellow knit with pearls and lace hose

This was a red crepe number

I made the top in a rayon with shorts

This was a gold linen skirt and top

This was my avant garde wedding dress

May I add there are many more but I decided not to over do it.

I will be following up with some photos of the my projects made up. Like a show and tell of sorts.

Stay tuned for the photos and some crazy hair styles :)

Have you ever experienced this? I'd love to hear from you and please share your pics.

The Cowboy gets the Girl and other flapper adventures.....

2012-06-25T12:35:00.000-07:00

Me and my hubby at a costume grad party

So as many of you have realized I not only love sewing and decorating but, I also have an on-line vintage shop where I sell the coolest vintage clothing, sewing supplies and, patterns. One of the questions I often get is..... Do you ever wear your vintage stuff? Well the answer of course is yes! I only buy things that I love and have a strong attraction to.

Soooo... recently my hubby and my youngest; Cayden were invited to a costume grad party and I wore one of my favorite vintage dresses. It was a vintage Fredricks of Hollywood flapper style dress. It was so cool. I had the best time wearing it. I now know why those ladies party-ed so much back in the day. It was so much fun putting on the glitzy stuff. It really put me in a festive kinda mood and I had a really fun evening shaking my bun bun....

The Black Flapper Dress

I have to say I almost fell over when I saw this label. I found all kinds of things while thrifting but this was a big deal! I mean can you imagine where this dress may have been.... It was a keeper.

So here is a breakdown of my look:

1- Black flapper dress at Lola V $99 - owned it

2- Pearl cluster necklace from Target 12.00 (clearance)

3- Silver feather headband -rented $5

4 - Feather bowa - rented $5

5 - T-strap toe out heels by DKNY, my own

total - $22.00 :)

Look at that pose

Having fun with my guy

So I reluctantly listed this dress after holding on to it for a couple months. It listed on my site and it sold with-in hours! It was a true treasure and true find.

I love my job and I can't tell you how much fun it is to find these kinds of treasures and know that someone else appreciates them too.

2012-06-16T15:48:00.000-07:00

Well my master plan is coming together....(slowly)

Oddly enough my sewing room isn't just magically appearing as I had dreamed; as matter of fact, it's a bit of a undertaking while juggling my regular routine, my Etsy vintage shops as well as sewing projects and life stuff.... any who; it's been a undertaking to say the least and I'm loving every minute of it :)

Here's the update, I've painted my dresser green and it's in use already and I've also purchased my dream white off task chair from Craigslist for $40 bucks! Did I mention that I'm a bargain hunting queen. It's not much but I'm so pleased to finally see the room finally taking shape.

My desk/ cutting table

The chairs are from other areas of the house and I must say the little gold is an awesome foot rest

Painted dresser

It's kinda messy right now and that dresser knob will be replaced when I get a minute. This space used to be a closet and I have plans to paint it and use it as a seating area kinda thing.

Whew I really need to pick up..... so the little white ikea desk in the corner is a $10 thrift store find that houses my serger as well as my sewing machine. It's a perfect fit for that space and a great space saver

My personal assistant

(Lola was also donated)

My morning cup of green tea

I just love this mug.... It's that 70s vibe :)

It's not much but it's a blessing for me to finally have a mom cave of my own :)

The Vera Scarf.....

2012-06-16T15:46:00.000-07:00

Ocean Blues

The Vera scarf is such a beautiful thing. Just think, this designer Vera Neumann was big in the 60s and 70s and her scarves are still today sought after. They are true works of art and many folks not only admire them but collect them as well.

I fell in love with them in the last year or so. While shopping for my lovely and unique vintage finds, I kept running across these "Vena" scarves. I'd research them and there wasn't much info about this brand but never the less I was drawn to there beauty. Soon I realized I made a type-o; it was "Vera" not "Vena"! These babies were diamonds in the ruff and I needed to keep on the look out for them. So I did and, in the process I noticed many of my fellow Etsy sellers were selling them as well. There are so many gorgeous ones out there and some are quite affordable. Here are a few of my favs.....

The bold black and white silk

Pink and Yellow water colored flowers

Red and Grey Swirls

Yellow and Tan Tribal Print

Rainbows and Ocean Waves

Obviously these are just a few of my favorites but keep in mind scarves are very hot

on the runway and are showing up everywhere so you make want collect a few of your own.

I just have to share some amazing ways to wear them with you so here we go:

Clearly scarfs aren't for old stuffy ladies anymore. They are great addition

to your stylish wardrobe and can really help you pull a look together.

And for my sewing enthusiast friends, we can make up cute tops with them too!

Cute scarf top

I've gotta make one of these......

Belt it out!

2012-06-05T23:36:00.003-07:00

Belts are baaaaccckkkkk......
Yes the cinched waist is back ladies. Belts have been on the come back trail for a couple years now but are now full blown. Since so many of us own very few you may wonder where in the world will I find styles and fashion advice on how to rock them properly? Well I just discovered a great blog by fashion stylist Meaghan Smith. She is quite amazing and has a true pulse on fashion. She just recently wrote a great post in titled "Are You Wasting Your Waist?" in which she shares great advice and I also appreciated her including me in her line of belt finds on Etsy. Check it out :)

Royal Blue and Floral Belt

I love belts and think every well dressed women needs a few lovely belts that are stand out and unique to her style. Her are a few of my favorites

Aren't they great! If you are looking for some great belts please check out my fellow Etsy sellers.

Here is just a taste of what's for sale on Etsy.......

Bold Pink Snakeskin

Color Block is so hot right now

Skinny Metallic

Bold buckle

Big Waist Cincher

So get out there and go grab a belt and breathe new life into your wardrobe. And my I add; maybe we'll get our waist lines back!

UPDATE- Sewing Room Dreams.....

2012-05-15T10:59:00.001-07:00

Here is an update to the post "Sewing room dreams". Well it happened my son got married to a lovey young women who we love like our own and they've moved into a great little place and they are as happy as peaches :)

My son and his lovely wife

Lovely, lovely,......... so that means; I got the sewing room! whew who!!!!!

I miss him but I will recover and this sewing room is helping me heal.

After selling off some furniture and moving my youngest into his brothers old room I inherited the smaller bedroom and am being to set up shop. It's not there yet but here are a few pictures of my progress.

Just moving in; the dresser isn't gonna work out and
the basketball motif on the wall had to go

So it gets primed and by the way this dresser has been painted
about three times since we purchased it years ago when my
son was small; it's about 15 years old

The table base is primed and painted clean white

Drawers are prepared for paint too

First coat; wow what a difference! I have to thank
Blogger Just a Girl for tips on how to paint old furniture,
her tips are great and she has a great sense of humor

Love this color paint by Valspar
This color looks way brighter on the web page then it
does on my my dresser. In person it appears more apple green.
Also Lowes offer these sample sizes and I used just 2
for the project and wasn't stuck with leftover paint.

There will be more to come. All and all I'm happy things are going as planned and having my own space is oh so lovely.

Meetings

2011-12-10T15:16:00.001-08:00

Meetings by lolav featuring a black white ring

Giambattista Valli lurex dress
£395 - flannelsfashion.com

Mango military style coat
£115 - mango.com

Yves Saint Laurent platform shoes
$839 - mytheresa.com

Ted Baker quilted bag
$210 - nordstrom.com

Effy Collection fine diamond jewelry
$3,477 - lordandtaylor.com

Effy Collection black white ring
$1,510 - lordandtaylor.com

LORD TAYLOR black jewelry
$427 - lordandtaylor.com

DKNY logo watch
$115 - macys.com

Meetings and Things

2011-12-08T22:25:00.001-08:00

Meetings and Things by lolav featuring a zipper skirt

STEFFEN SCHRAUT yellow top
€140 - veryeickhoff.com

Oasis black jacket
$170 - oasis-stores.com

SNOB zipper skirt
€70 - welikefashion.com

Rupert Sanderson black bootie
$1,145 - rupertsanderson.com

Ted Baker satchel bag
$210 - nordstrom.com

Lanvin tahitian pearl necklace
$480 - kirnazabete.com

Nordstrom 'Love' Sweater Tights
$28 - nordstrom.com

shopping

2011-12-08T22:18:00.001-08:00

shopping by lolav featuring cotton pants

Donna Karan knit cardigan
£301 - theoutnet.com

Levi s Curve ID longsleeve shirt
$102 - coggles.com

CALYPSO ST BARTH lace trim tank
$55 - calypsostbarth.com

Cotton pants
$141 - coggles.com

Carvela high heel shoes
£95 - johnlewis.com

Hobo International shoulder handbag
$178 - zappos.com

Stone ring
$3,000 - shopterrain.com

MINU Jewels metal necklace
$163 - maxandchloe.com

Lady in Blue

2011-12-06T21:17:00.001-08:00

Lady in Blue by lolav featuring white gold diamond earrings

Jason Wu lace dress
$1,425 - stylebop.com

Valentino cashmere blend coat
$4,290 - net-a-porter.com

Kelsi Dagger red platform pumps
$90 - dsw.com

Tote handbag
$275 - lodis.com

Art deco watch
$3,495 - bloomingdales.com

LORD & TAYLOR white gold diamond earrings
$810 - lordandtaylor.com

Shopping

2011-12-06T21:13:00.001-08:00

Shopping by lolav featuring chain jewelry

Vneck sweater
$297 - net-a-porter.com

DKNY elastic waist pants
$195 - net-a-porter.com

Bloch two tone shoes
€89 - zenggi.com

Michael Kors crossbody tote
$1,495 - couture.zappos.com

Me Ro chain jewelry
$1,630 - barneys.com

Michael Kors 'Large Gold Runway' Watch
$250 - nordstrom.com

Shopping Look

2011-12-06T11:45:00.001-08:00

Shopping Look by lolav featuring a longsleeve tee

Dorothy Perkins longsleeve tee
$12 - dorothyperkins.com

Ann Harvey butterfly top
£23 - debenhams.com

True Religion denim skinny jeans
€298 - jades24.com

Timberland shoes
$156 - amazon.com

Louis Vuitton printed canvas tote bag
bagborroworsteal.com

Gucci woven scarve
£295 - net-a-porter.com

A Girl Can Dream.....

2011-11-29T10:56:00.000-08:00

Recently a good friend of mine invited me to Pinterest. I wasn't quite sure of how it worked but I immediately feel in love with all those creative ideas out there. I think I'm addicted :) But one category really pulled me in and it was...... creative spaces/ sewing rooms. I really need a sewing room. As you can see,

Dining room table / sewing table

Beautiful buffet / fabric, notions, and patterns storage

Coat closet / Sewing supply room

Buffet / wrapping station

My machines and supplies

sooooo...... this sight allows me to save images on a online bulletin board. My plan is to save up great pictures and hope my dreams come true. Also, others can view your "likes" or "pins".
Here are some of my inspiration pics.

Love the bulletin wall

Lovely way to display books and mags

Just love the @ paper weight

Apple green and white; oh so fresh

Every sewing room needs a daybed

Nice rug and love the large table

I need that office chair

Girlie but productive

So cute

So many options..... Guess when my son moves out my dreams can come true.

UPDATE

http://www.inspiredbylola.com/2012/05/update-sewing-room-dreams.html

Breakfast @ Tiffany's Dress Liz Style

2011-10-03T18:29:00.000-07:00

Liz rocking "the dress"

The Back

Omg! Don't we all love the dress that Givencey made Audrey Hepburn in that class 60s movie? I do and so does my girlfriend Liz. She is going to her niece's wedding and has been so excited about it for the last few months. She and I were talking about it and she mentioned that she would love to have "the dress" and asked if I could make it and of course I said let's see what we can do.

So what I did was start to research "the dress" and the reality is that it's hard to find a pattern for it. Basically it is just about impossible except for a costume that was in print for a minute and it was removed shortly after it's release and there are a few left online. Guess the designer didn't want everyone wearing his dress. I totally respect that. However the Selfish seamstress blogger had a great dress pattern on line so that was a great starting point. We gave it a try using Burda pattern 3477 with the back yoke from the selfish seamstress pattern.

It didn't work.

The PDF was designed for a 5'2" petite dress size 2. Liz is a tall petite frame women with slightly full hips. So the pattern needed so many alteration; I decided to make it easy on myself and used the Mccalls 6201. This pattern offered 3 different bust sizes A/B, C, and D and I redrafted the back yoke after studying pictures of "the dress" to ensure that the back neckline dropped enough to show off the neckline and maybe some pearls.

It worked out perfectly for her muslin.

The fabric we chose to use was from my personal stash. It was a black matte satin with a slight stretch; perfect for an elegant black dress.

So the dress was cut and the collar required extra interfacing and organza for stability.

The dress required a knit fusible interfacing around the neckline and armcye to stabilize it.

At this point I put in a side zipper

The collar was kinda tricky

Step 1- apply interfacing and hand sew in the organza

Step 2- Sew the collar together and leave a 1/2" to 3/4" opening at the center bottom of the collar to insert into the dress back. Also leave the shoulders ends open so the front can be attached at the shoulder seam.

attach the lining to the dress front as pattern directs

Add caption

sewing back to lining leaving 1/2 - 3/4 at the center top for inserting into collar

Open collar and attach back tab inside the collar and reinforce this seam

Note: Press all your seams along the way or you will regret it.

Step 3- Cross your fingers and tuck tab into collar and slip stitch it into place to cover your tracks.

Finish the dress as you normally would do.

"The Dress"

Liz looked amazing and was very happy with her lovely dress. It's nice to make a customer happy.

Note to readers, I'm no expert. This tecnique worked well for me and if you'd like to try it great but please remember this isn't a beginner project so proceed with caution or in other words Givencey was a master dress maker and I'm only a want to be :)

Thanks for reading my post.

The Graduate in Vintage Vogue

2011-09-20T16:37:00.000-07:00

This is a delayed post but I really want to share this lovely dress story. So my friend Madison was graudating from high school this past spring and was in search of the perfect dress for her party. I asked her one afternoon about her party and how it was going she mentioned that everything was going great but she couldn't find a vintage dress and she was getting worried because the party was only a few weeks away. So I blurted out "I should make you a dress".... She was so excited and swore it would be a simple fitted flare dress made from cotton. I agreed to make it and let her pick out the pattern and fabric. So when she showed up with this pattern, I was a little confused.

She said simple... But I was already excited about the whole idea and we made it work.

So this was my first adventure with a vintage pattern and I was plesantly surprised how well it was designed. This pattern requires a ton of fabric so don't short yourself.

It ran large too but the princess seams make for easy fittings and it looked exactly like the picture. Madi wore the dress with a purchased petticoat and we shortened it about 4 inches to get this look. A sash at the waist completed the look.

She looked so adorable and it was a great reflection of her personal style. All in all it was a great project and I was so happy she loved it.

Patterns Bounty!

2011-08-27T12:48:00.000-07:00

So I have not fallen of the face of the earth. Here I am just working away on my Etsy shop. Here's what happened. I was just coasting along content with my various finds and postings. The process goes like this. Check magazines for trends, go thrift and vintage shopping, sort items, photograph galore, and edit, repairers and comparison shop like items, then list. And thats it. But as you can imagine that the process takes quite a bit of time and so I was busy enough with my current stuff and then I stumbled across a pattern jack pot!

Hemming a 1950's vintage dress

It was at a little dusty thrift store I rarely shop at and, there they were 100s of them. OK maybe only a little over 200 but that was a blessing I couldn't have foreseen. So I was modest and bought about 50 or so but I couldn't stop thinking of them. Over the next week I returned 2 other times and bought most of those patterns but, I am not entirely greedy. With a bounty like this one I decided to stuffed as many as I could in a med size box and shipped them to my girl friend. She also has a Etsy shop; VintageclosetbyLR. and was she grateful. Of course I keep a few for me :)

So with any windfall comes the work. Having purchased the patterns a couple months ago; I have just organized and started listing them. They range from 1940s - 1980s and include; Advance,Butterick, McCalls, Mail Order, Simplicity, and Vogue. I've already sold some designer Vogue patterns like Givency and many others.

A variety of styles such as Madmen style dresses, boho, 1980's preppy, it goes on. Whew! It's so exciting and so much fun to see how pattern manufactures have changed styles over the years. Which makes me look at current pattern with a much more discerning eye and realize that unique designs need to be collected and treasured for the true artwork they are.

My Hometown of Joplin Missouri

2011-05-29T10:29:00.000-07:00

Joplin Deadliest Tornado

I'm speechless..........

The biggest tragedy of the year so far just happened in my home town of Joplin Missouri.

I spent a large part of my life there, grade school through high school. I spent time there with my friends shopping, dining, learning to sew...... and growing up.....It was my home. So many memories just blown away.

Hospital where I had my broken arm operated on....

My youngest brother, his wife, and three boys, live at the edge of town in Webb City, Missouri.
They are ok.....

He is a truck driver and was in a storm two years ago and it flipped his truck into a ditch. He survived and was grateful to only to have torn his shoulder.....
Can you imagine how he feels?

The storms will return throughout the week and may effect Kansas City Missouri. My Mom and oldest brother, his wife, and kids live there as well as my husband's entire family. So far everyone is ok....

I am so grateful that my family is alive..... But my heart goes out to all the families there and those who have lost love ones.

This is going to be a ruff week.

Those folks are in my prayers