Weezi: Vintage Inspired Handmade Clothing & Accessories & Aprons

Make Lace Boot Socks

2012-01-26T11:05:00.000-08:00

Make Lace Boot Socks

Hellu Pussycats!

I think this will be the week of blogs that I would like to recommend.

Shrimp Salad Circus is a great blog written by Lindsay.

She was one of the very first people to respond to
me when I first joined Twitter.

I was feeling a little shy about the whole thing and she kindly

said thank you to one of my comments.

Not a big thing, but it just goes

to show that you can never under estimate the power of a kind

word or the simple act of saying thank you.

In this world of effortless communication thru

social media it can be a simple thank you that sets you apart.

That is how I came to be a fan & follow Lindsay on her blog.

This week she posted this fabulous tutorial on making

your own boots lace socks.

They turned out just lovely and the timing is perfect.

These will get you thru the winter and then wear them
with rain boots into the spring.

She has fabulous photos and very easy to follow instructions to get you

thru the project.

These are so much fun and most of all easy!

She does it all by hand & you don't have to use a machine.

Great for pros & beginners alike.

Go grab a pair of knee high socks and have some fun :)

You will want to make more then one pair after

you read her how to.

I highly recommended that you check out her blog home page

as well as Shrimp Salad Circus on Facebook
and @shrimpsalad on Twitter

She has loads of helpful hints, fun projects & lots

of great how tos.

Enjoy!

Send photos of the lace socks that you make.

Would luv to see what you come up with.

Stay Warm Pussycats!

Luv Weezi xo

Are You Brave Enough to Wear Vintage?

2012-01-20T13:58:00.000-08:00

Brave Enough to Wear Vintage?-Please Try!

Hellu Pussycats!

These days to look at me you wouldn't think that

I have much fashion sense at all.

I am always in jeans and a crappy tee/sweater.

The truth of it is, that I work "in a factory" and it

is more important to me to be comfy for the long

12 hour+ day that I work then anything else.

This has not always been the case nor will it be forever.

I plan on having more fun w my clothes this spring.

I need to find a balance between comfy/functional

and expressing myself thru my clothes...

considering that is what I do for a living.

*rolls eyes at self*

Truth be told I got lazy, distracted and I have gained a few pounds.

I think I look fat & don't want to try anything on.

I feel fat & don't want to try anything on.

I am sure you know the feeling.

I have fallen into the trap where I would rather

be in something baggy & frumpy then put in the effort

to deal w my body.

Anyhow, that is a blog for another day.

The point is life is too short and I shouldn't hold myself back.

I luved wearing crazy cool vintage clothing!

I luved the thrill of the hunt for vintage clothing

(which is why I design it b/c you can't find it here)

I grew up being being chatty, too loud and as a general rule

too weird for the neighbourhood.

I need to find that girl again whose mission

was to make people stare at her on the bus.

( I almost got fired from Kinney Shoes b/c

and I quote.."You look like an idiot"..hahaha!

Mission accomplished!)

I have been thinking about this for a long time &

I need to be more of a billboard for myself.

I need to have more FUN w my clothing.

I am lucky that I don't have so much of an "issue"about

being brave enough to look different from everyone else.

I have trying to look different from everyone since I was 6

and it helped define who I became as an adult.

But I know for a lot of gals courage can be fleeting.

In the Weezi studio I really try & encourage girls to embrace their own look.

To experiment w different styles and try to find what makes them tick.

Sadly, I am often met w glazed looks when I suggest

something off the wall. It makes me sad.

We here live in a very conservative town &

standing out can be tough.

I need to lead more by example.

I truly want every girl that comes to Weezi to have a sense of what

makes her an individual and if vintage can fall into that even better!

Having said all of that there is a fabulous gal
that is my "go to" blogger for inspiration.

I regularly follow UK blogger Retro Chick.

I luv her! She rocks my world.

She wrote this blog post awhile ago and still go back & re-read.

It is called Brave Enough For Vintage?

I think it is a fabulous piece about standing out, being different,

wearing vintage and body image.

I luv her opening line:
When you dress like a nutter people often comment on it.

For all of you that do dress "like a nutter" or

want to dress "like a nutter"...read this.

I think most of you will relate.

I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

Stay strong and dress like a Nutter!!!

Don't let big box, dull, boring, homogenized

crappy mall fashion win.

I beg of you. Be brave! xoxoxoxo

Weezi :)

I Want to Go back In Time

2012-01-13T11:17:00.000-08:00

I Want to Go back In Time

Hellu Pussycats!

When I was a pre teen I read a book called

Hanging Out with GiGi.

It was about a girl who goes back in time and hangs out with

some teenage girls in the late 40s early 50s.

if my memory serves me correctly, it ends up being her

Mum that she hangs out with.

She had so much fun and got to wear fabulous
new but "weird" clothes.

She got to see the world in a whole new way.

I was never the same after that.
I wanted to go back in time and see what the

40s and 50s were really like!
I wanted to have a bouncy pony tail, be a sweater girl and

wear saddle shoes! Please!

The whole book was so much fun and what an advantage she

had b/c she knew what the future would bring

but she could see HOW they had gotten to the future.

(If that makes sense.)

Call me a vintage geek but I think about these things all the time.

I would kill to go back and see what it would be like when everyone

started to have electricity in their homes.

Imagine the excitement when you could turn a light on.

Bamm! LIGHT instantly.

No candles, no oil lamps just instant light for as long as you wanted.
The talk of the town would be who was the first

to have electric lights in every room! How luxurious.

Can you just imagine the shrills of delight when you

( past you, not today you)

tried on your first dress w a zipper??!

No more fumbling w buttons....just zip up and you are in.

EEEEK! The excitement of it all.

I feel this way about everything from automatic

washing machines, vacuums, and plug in refrigerators

to stretchy fabrics and non belted maxi pads.

Not to mention the talk in coffee circles over

automatic dish washers! Pure decadence.

Now, I am about to date myself but I do remember the magic

of seeing colour TV for the first time.

I remember my Mum getting rid of the ringer washing machine and

having an automatic washer AND dryer brought to the house.

It was a huge day of celebration for all of us.

I will never forget the intense feeling of independence
that a cordless phone meant to a teenage girl like me.
No more yanking and pulling the phone

across the dining room floor just to get in a few whispers

in with a friend in my own room.

The receiver would just reach into my room ,cord stretched as far
as it would go and I could talk w the door almost closed.

But, the rest of the phone remained in the hallway.
A cordless phone meant I didn't have to lie on
the floor and talk w my
head butted up against the door frame ;)

I realize I am a wee bit sappy and that I am a bit of a romantic but

I know for sure that the gal who got her first electric vacuum

or plug in iron felt the exact same way I

did when my computer arrived.

I would just like to be there with her... in my victory rolls

and non elasticized stockings.

*sigh* If anyone has a time machine please let me know.

I think this video is fine consolation to my trip back in time ;)

Enjoy!!

Luv Weezi xo

The Cats Meow

2012-01-12T09:53:00.000-08:00

The Cats Meow

Hellu Pussycats!

I am super excited!

My vintage cat's eye frames arrived yesterday :)

I was a wee bit apprehensive about ordering frames online.

I have a very small face and glasses are always too big and it

can be a real pain when the frames are right in front of me,
never mind trying to buy online with only a few photos.

The best thing I did was enlist the help of a friend who

works at an eye glass shoppe.

She had me ask questions and consider things that

I would have never thought of.

She was also very good about telling me what details to
look for to ensure a good fit. The things to consider when

purchasing vintage frames like the shape

of the arm, the kind of bridge the frames have and

the structure of the hinges for when the will need adjusting.

Cause they will need adjusting.

I highly recommend you find a helpful sales person in a local

frame shop to make friends with.

Now, even tho I am not purchasing frames from the

shop where she works, I will be taking my frames there

to have my lenses put in.

I want there to be something in it for the shop as well.

I am very happy w my purchase and feel

that a well informed decision armed w loads of info

definitely helped aid in my success.
Thanx Amanda!!!

Have a great afternoon Pussycats!

Luv Weezi xo

Sew Circles Around Me

2012-01-07T13:00:00.000-08:00

Sew Circles Around Me

Helllu Pussycats!

Full circle skirts may just very well be my most favourite skirt.

I luv the sexiness of a wiggle or pencil skirt.

I luv the flirtiness of the hem on a tulip skirt.

But when it is all said and done, I LUV how a full circle skirt

twirls and spins up.

I triple dog dare you to put on a circle skirt and not twirl.

It can't be done.

All that fabric in one wearable place is delightful :)

It is perfect for a vintage look or a modern silhouette.
***
The circle skirt became popular in the 1950′s, when the
world war 2 restrictions
were finally lifted and hemlines dropped and skirts
became fuller,
seeing a change from the pencil skirt shape of the 40′s.

The circle skirt is what most people think of in terms of the poodle skirts of the 1950s.
These skirts are designed as two half circles or one giant circle,
depending on the length you need and the size of your waist.
Unlike a gore skirt, which is flat at the bottom, a circle
skirt has a bit of a rounded edge, making it hang in waves.
A single waistband is added after the inner circle is cut out
to finish the top of the skirt. A small slit can be added for a zipper
should you have issues getting the skirt past
your hips, but you can also
put it on overhead to avoid the additional zipper or buttons.

Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned seamstress a circle
skirt can be fun and easy to do.
You don't need a pattern ( don't be scared by this!)
You just need your waist measurement and how you'd like it to be :)
Here are a couple of posts on line that do a good job of showing you
how to make one for yourself.

#1. Check out this post here w an easy tutorial.
(what she says about the hem needing to hang is
very important! Let your hem hang for a couple of days at least)

#2. This is a great Half Circle Skirt tutorial here.
Well explained.

#3. This tutorial shows the mathematical difference in full circle, half circle
and quarter circle skirts. Very helpful!

Lastly, this video does a great job of explaining it.
This is an easy to follow video and there isn't
anything intimidating about her technique.
A couple of things:
**Yes, do add interfacing to your waistband.
You will need it to help hold all that fabric.
**Do pin your waistband on first before sewing it to your skirt.
Much of the skirt waistline is on bias and it will stretch
as you sew. Pin to avoid stretching out your waistband and making it
too big. Pin at center back,center front and side seams.
**Top stitch from the right side of the waistband
for a clean, polished finish.
Slip stitch by hand if you miss a couple of spots ;)
**Do twirl! That is half the fun!

Quick note---> You will notice the unevenness of her hem.
This is a good example of what happens when you don't allow
your hem to hang for a few days and then re-cut before you hem.
****

The beauty of this skirt is that it looks good on all body shapes
and all sizes. No one should be afraid of this skirt.
The trick is the fullness and the length.
The fullness of this skirt does a great job of hiding trouble areas
in the hip and thigh area. Excellent at defining the waist.
Just remember not to drown yourself in the length.
Unless you are super tall don't go too much below the knee.
Shorter gals like myself look great with this skirt
hitting just above the knee.

The full circle skirt should be worn at the waist, not the hips.
Call me old fashioned.

One of the most famous circle skirts ...ever.

And a close second.

Enjoy the circle skirt Pussycats!
Be in touch, Luv Weezi xo

Winter Movie List

2012-01-05T14:12:00.000-08:00

Winter Movie List

Hellluuu Pussycats!

Since October, I have been mentally compiling a list of movies that I
have not seen but I think I should see.

These are all classics and to be honest, I can't really explain why I haven't

seen most of them.

The only one I can explain for sure is Platoon. I am not good w violence, gore

and incredibly realistic war imagery.

I was young when this came out and all I heard was how

graphic it was and that scared the bejeezus out of me.

Scared enough to stay away for a long time.

I think now that I am a big girl...I can handle it as long as I can

cover my eyes w my "blankie" ;)

Okay- here is my list to start:

1. Dr. StrangeLove

2. Gone With the Wind

3. Doctor Zhivago

4. Rosemary's Baby

5. American Graffiti

6. The Godfather
(I know, I know...I don't know why I haven't seen it)

7. All About Eve

8. Strangers on a Train

9. Platoon
10. Cabaret

I also have a list of classics I want to re-watch

and movies that I "LUV" and will watch 100 more times this winter :)
The Apartment, Rear Window and Annie Hall are top favs.

No doubt this list will grow as the I make my way thru them.
There are tons of great vintage and retro films out there
esp. European films that I am sure should be on the list.

If you can think of another great vintage film that I should see please
feel free to leave me a message :)

Have a great afternoon Pussycats!
Keep in touch! luv Weezi xo

Happy New year

2012-01-04T12:52:00.000-08:00

Happy Belated New Year!

helllu Pussycats!

I am not a fan of new year's resolutions but if I was to make one

it would be to be a better blogger.

As I get the tree ready to be put away, I

reflect over things that I neglected

over the last few months.

This poor blog is one of them.

I endevour to do better and be a better blogger.

I will as a general rule, try and be better organized

in 2012 and less of a spazz.

We will see how it goes.....don't place any bets ;)

****

Hope you all had a great holiday season!!

Wishing everyone a very prosperous, healthy and enjoyable 2012!!

Talk to you soon Pussycats!

Luv Weezi xo

2011-11-14T13:50:00.001-08:00

Weezi At the Bag Lady

Hellu Pussycats!

For the past couple of years I have been selling aprons at the

Bag Lady Variety here in London Ontario.

Jane ( the owner) has been very generous to me not

to mention extremely supportive!

Slowly, I added in a few extra things like homemade blank

greeting cards & food notebooks.

Everything has been doing extremely well.

( A big thanx to everyone who buys Weezi

at the Bag Lady!!! xo)

So, you can imagine how thrilled I was when she offered me

a spot in the cafe to showcase even more Weezi items!

Hurrah!

Today was the day I went and got my little corner set up.

I arrived with a load of fun stuff.

Everything from cosmetic cases to romance notebooks.

Here is the very cute pink shelf unit my Dad made me.

Thanx Dad!!!

And here it is loaded up with some fun handmade goodies.

I am thrilled to be represented at the Bag Lady!

Jane and I are such a perfect fit.
We both have a luv for vintage and retro nostalgia, anything pink,

all things fun & quirky & of course handmade.

Not to mention a big desire to help out friends & the people in our community.

The real meaning of support local!

I hope you will enjoy the new selection of Weezi goods at the

Bag Lady.

I will be updating the Weezi corner every week :)

Ther are some great little gifts ideas perfect

for the upcoming holiday season.

The cafe is located at 474 Pall Mall at Maitland.

Please stop by sometime soon.

The food is totally worth the trip!

Delicious home made soup & sammies everyday.

There is an early bird breakfast and every Friday

is Pizza Friday. Breakfast all day Sat. & Sunday.

Fair trade coffee & the BEST brownies in town!

You can find all the info you need about the

menu and hours here.

Have a great night Pussycats!

Keep in touch, Luv Weezi xo

Some of What I have Been Doing

2011-11-07T10:53:00.000-08:00

Some of What I have Been Doing

Helllu Pussycats!

It was a weird week last week. I had loads to do...as everyone does.

And, in the end it seems like I go a lot accommplished,

just not the things I had intended to.

This is such a spazzy time of the year for retail and you'd

think I would be able to stick to the list...but no.

For those of you who know me well, know that I HATE

being cold and therefore winter.

My pledge this year was to become a better cook/baker, turn on the oven, heat

up the kitchen so I can quit my bitchin' ;)

This batch of oatmeal raisin was amazing. You

will notice that I did not burn them...this is a good start ;)

BTW-this is a really good & easy recipe. This is it here.

Very sweet but a real crowd pleaser!

****

This was my 3rd attempt at crock pot curried vegetables.

It looks like I know what I am doing when I put

everything together like this.

Everything went into the crock pot & it turned out OK.

I was happy with it but it wasn't even close to the

lady at the market. I am going to have to

buy her a coffee and try to get her secret recipe ;)

I have admit..all in all my attempts this one was were fairly successful.
I think the baking part will go better then the cooking part.

But! I have 5 months left to go.

****

I got my net flower shoe clips done. I am very happy with these!

All the little bows came out super cute as well.

I will take some proper photos of these this

week and get them listed :)

Rememebr if you see anything here that you would like more

info on or to purchase send me an email and

I can set up a listing on Etsy for you.

Locals you can pay online w no shipping and pick

up at the studio whenever you like.

***

I got some more rubber ducky & Elvis shower caps made.

****

Loads of aprons cut and ready to be made up this week.

This adorable pink apron is one of the new ones.
*luv*

***

And of cousre Stella was working over time

keeping the bed warm.

That is all I have for this Monday.

Have a great afternoon Pussycats!

Keep in touch! Luv Weezi xo

What a Great Way to Recycle PotHolders

2011-11-03T10:40:00.000-07:00

What a Great Way to Recycle PotHolders

Hellu Pussycats!

I have been all over the place this week.

I haven't really done anything I am supposed to.

I am having a "starting to freak out b/c Christmas is coming" week.

That feeling of I don't have enough, I haven't done enough...

You know the drill!

So, instead of taking photos of the new shoes clips

I made last weekend and posting them on here

like I should be.....

I am posting this lovely tutorial I came across on FB.

This is so adorable!

How to Make a Pot Holder Rug: tutorial here.

By Jessica Wilson

She shows exactly step by step how to make
this easy little kitchen mat.

What a great way to use vintage and retro potholders.

Go check it out for sure!
The tutorial is here on CraftZine.com
Another fabulous idea for reuse, reduce & vintage!

Have a great afternoon Pussycats!

Keep in touch, luv Weezi xo

Add a Ruffle to a Cardigan

2011-10-27T10:40:00.000-07:00

Add a Ruffle to a Cardigan

Hellluuuu Pussycats!

I posted an "Add a Ruffle" tutorial on my Weezi facebook page a

week or so ago.

I was looking at it again this afternoon and decided

to post it here as well.

It is such a nice idea and really adds a

lovely detail to an otherwise plain sweater.

It is called the

DiY Crepe Ruffle Sweater and is an original

post from the Dear Lizzy blog.

She starts off by saying....
This sweater was sitting in my closet lonely and bored.
I thought I should lift its spirits with a crepe-ruffle edge to
give it new life & ready for Spring. It was surprisingly quick
to do and easier than I expected....

She gives easy to follow instructions and lovely
photos for great visuals.

It is a great idea for vintage cardigans that need
a little pick me up. If you had a cardigan that has
lost a few buttons I think this is a lovely alternative to
replacing all of them.

You don't have to use crepe but you do need something
light weight and flowy.
You could use a light cotton, lace, a pretty polyester print or satin.
Organza might be nice for the holidays.

Anyhow...I hope you like it.
Have fun!

Be in touch, Luv Weezi :)

Cats Eye & Liquid Eye Liner

2011-10-23T18:21:00.000-07:00

Cats Eye & Liquid Eye Liner

Helllu Pussycats!

I was going thru You Tube tongith looking for a few other

things and came across this tutorial of applying liqyuid eye liner

for a cats eye.

I really liked this video b/c she made it look super simple especially for beginners.

I also liked how close the camera was and the angle at which she worked.

You got a really good look at what she was doing.

The cats eye is an essential part of many vintage looks

of course!!

The trick is always getting both eyes exactly the same ;)

Enjoy! I hope you find it helpful :)

I am wee bit out of practise myself and

will have to practice ... a lot.

Have a great night.

Be in touch! Luv Weezi :)

New Weezi Feather Fascinators

2011-10-18T12:23:00.000-07:00

Quick Look at New Fascinators

Hellu Pussycats!

Sheesh!! almost a month since my last post.

I have been a busy bee in the sewing studio just

not in the "blogger studio" ;)

So much going on and new things in the works.

Gearing up for the holiday season with new gift ideas and

planning out new dresses and skirts.

Today I have some quick shots of a few new feather fascinators

in the Weezi studio studio.

I will start taking "proper" fotos for the web site and my Etsy shoppe tomorrow.

I LUV these! They will instantly transform any outfit for sure.

Some days a gal just needs a wee bit more glam

& less stretchy pants..you know???

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions!

have a great afternoon!!!

Be in touch, Luv Weezi xo

My 1st Sewing Machine

2011-09-21T11:17:00.000-07:00

My 1st Sewing Machine

Helluuu Pussycats!

I was going thru photos today trying to organize

some of my many, many folders online.

( I really need to print most of these

and get them into a real photo album and off the hard drive)

I found this one and thought I might share.
My 1st Sewing Machine

I can't even tell you how many hours I spent on this

little machine.

Making clothes for Barbies and other dolls.

I am sure at some point my Mum might have

regretted buying my this b/c it became an

obsession that took over most of the house.

I wanted to sew on the kitchen table.

I wanted to lay out everything to cut on the

dining room table.

We grew up in a little bungalow home so

there wasn't a lot of floor space but I managed

to somehow cover most of it in fabric, patterns

and notions.

Ask my Dad about finding pins in his bare feet!!

Hahah!!! I still hear about it today ;)

It wasn't long that I graduated to a "real" machine.

Altho- that machine did go pretty fast and the needle was sharp.

(I might be dating myself by admitting the toys we played with

didn't have many safety features!)

Anyhow- just goes to show you never know what

might happen when you give your child a toy

that can open up all kinds of creative pleasures & outlets.

Thanx Mum for getting me this!!!

I am sure I wouldn't have turned out to be an accountant anyhow

but this really did point me in the right direction :)

Have a great day Pussycats!

Be in touch, Luv Weezi xo

2011-09-20T10:54:00.000-07:00

Zip Me Up Please!

Hellu Pussycats!

Putting in a nicely sewn zipper can feel like a

real achievement!

Not the easiest thing to do especially

when you are starting out.

It can also be a source of frustration even for those

of us that have put in hundreds of them.

I found this wonderful zipper tutorial
from Threads.

(which BTW is an amazing resource for tips and how tos)

This is a great post for both the beginner and

those of us who might need a bit of a refresher.

She talks about the center zip, the lapped zip and the invisible zipper.

Her suggestions of using interfacing as a stabilizer

is a very good one.

Just remember to do a tester first on a small scrap

to make sure you can see the outline of the interfacing

on the right side of your garment.

And of course- check the heat setting on your

iron before setting in the interfacing or the zipper.

I like to use a hot iron most of the time and loads of steam.

BUT! it has gotten me into trouble

b/c I sometimes forget to adjust.

You want to make sure that your iron settings aren't too hot

to avoid shiny marks, scorching or horror of all horrors...melting and scorching!

eek!

Been there :(

Lapped Zippers are great for skirts and pants.

Again- this is all about practice.

She says it all here. Pin everything in place

and go slow-don't rush.

Sometimes it helps to try it out on a tester first.

Take some scrap pieces of fabric and a few ugly coloured zips and make up

a "fake" back of a skirt like what she uses in her photos.

Practice sewing in your lapped zipper a few times before you attempt it

on the real thing.

Carpenters have a saying... Measure Twice Cut Once"

(which couldn't be more true!!)

I say "Practice on a Mock Up, Save Many Swear Words and Many Ruined Projects"

You don't want to know how many pieces I have thrown

away b/c I was in a hurry and screwed up an application.

Lastly, the Invisible zipper really is the easiest.

If you haven't tried it- give it a shot....you will wonder

how you lived without it.

Hope you find this post as informative & interesting as I did.

Have a great afternoon Pussycats!

Be in touch, Luv Weezi :)

2011-09-15T12:52:00.000-07:00

Finished Slips

Hellu Pussycats!

Here are some pics of the finished dyed slips

that I talked about on Wednesday.

I am really thrilled with how they turned out.

Too pretty to just wear under dresses.

They make great night gowns too :)

Have a great afternoon Pussycats!

Be in touch! Luv Weezi :)

2011-09-13T14:26:00.000-07:00

Dyeing Slips

Hellu Pussycats!

I did some slip dying this week.

I LUV doing this. I think it is so much fun to dye

something and see what kind of colour saturation

you are going to end up with.

I am no expert by any stretch- just something I dabble in.

I add some colour and fun to my slip selection.

I think slips should be very colourful & interesting.

Not all boring, beige and dull-yuck.

That day I decided to try out a package

I had called Silver Taupe..??? What??- I know.

These are dyes were passed down to me from my Granny.

She used them to dye wool that she had spun by hand.

They are called Cushing Dyes and I have a very hard time

finding them online etc.

I use what I have sparingly for fear of not

being able to replace them.

These are exceptional dyes. Just sometimes, the

colour names are a wee bit vague & the colour chart isn't great.

Anyhooo- that is part of the fun :)

It turned out to be an interesting sort of grey colour.

And in the end-Silver Taupe did make sense...who knew? ;)

I cook them for about 20-30 minutes depending on the intensity of the colour.

The one thing about these dyes that are superior to

drug store dyes is that it soaks in fast and if you let it cook long enough eventually

all the colour is soaked up.

You can sort of see here that the water in my spoon is almost clear.

The slips in this pot won't dye any darker.

Everything has been sucked up.

That is my issue with drug store dyes-

the dye isn't very colour fast and the colour

never really sets in. Even if you cook with vinegar & salt.

I have used them for myself personally but I wouldn't feel

comfortable dyeing something with a drug store

dye to sell to another person.

After I take them out of the pot I have to rinse them of course.

You can see here that there is no colour at all

being rinsed out. The water is clear. Amazing.

I also did purple that day too- LUV this colour!

Unfortunately, you can't always predict what you are going to

end up especially when you are dyeing vintage/used slips.

I always wash them first in the machine w a mild detergent

but sometimes they take on a life of their own

and get very spotty.

I have tried to re-dye them in a darker dye but it doesn't work.

I can't seem to deal the imperfections in a successful manner.

It is often the luck of the draw.

There didn't seem to be anything wrong with this one

before I dyed it. It was washed and I looked it

over for stains or flaws. It looked great.

Apparently not.

I knew 2 minutes into the pot that it was going to

dye very spotty.

Too bad- it was a nice slip.

I let them air dry of course and then I have to iron them-

which I haven't done yet.

Tomorrow.

Stay tuned for finished pics then :)

Sorry to leave you hanging but I ran out of time.

Have a great night Pussycats!

Be in touch, Luv Weezi xo

2011-09-11T10:27:00.000-07:00

New Zipper Pouches

Hellluuu Pussycats!

Last week I was busy sewing up some smaller items.

Sometimes, when I spend quite a bit of time working

online with the web site etc. and I end up taking a break from sewing

I often need a "warm up" to get back into the groove.

You would think I could just jump back into it

and not have a problem finding my focus.

I don't know what it is but I find more and more

that I need to sew a few smaller things before I

can get into the think of serious production sewing.

I am gearing up for another 30 "dresses" in 30 days

marathon~yikes.

In anticipation of my pending work load I decided

to make up some cute litle zipper pouches.

These are great as a cosmetic case , a "pencil" case.

My Mum uses hers for her Kindle.

Whatever you want to keep zippered up :)

All in the studio now.

Will get them online as soon as I can.

Have a lovely Sunday Pussycats!

Sending out hugs & postive thoughts w healing energy

on this day of memorials.

Luv Weezi xo

Amazing History of Fashion Video

2011-09-07T09:59:00.000-07:00

Amazing History of Fashion Video

Hellu Pussycats!!!

I found this incredible video thru Twitter last week.

It is called 100 Years of Style In 100 Seconds.

If you enjoy history of fashion and vintage this is a must see.

The dancing is great and the editing is really well done.

Enjoy!!!

Have a great afternoon Pussycats!!

Be in touch, Luv Weezi xo

2011-09-06T15:03:00.000-07:00

Taking Notes w a Vintage Twist

Hellluuuu Pussycats!

Long time no chat:)

Today was the first day back to school for many students.

Whether you are going to back to school,

sending someone back to school or thinking about

going back to school....stationary is in the air.

This time of the year, I have a strong urge to go

and buy paper, pencils, pink erasers, binders

and a HUGE pack of pencil crayons.

The 250 rainbow colour pack-you know the one!

I don't know if it sounds wee bit outdated with

Ipods, Ipads, laptops & smart phones but

there was nothing better then cracking open a

new package of paper and putting it your binder

with all the new (clean) dividers!!
Freshly sharpened pencils and a pecnil

case with out any stains or ink marks on it.

*sigh*

For you Pussycats who still like to take

a few hand written notes

and make do to lists by hand,

I have some lovely vintage themed notebooks

made from recycled album covers.

This one has a serious Mad Men feel to it.

I think these are great for any vintage lover that wants to

keep a wee bit of an old fashioned

feel back to the classroom.

In the studio now.

You can fine more recycled note books that

I have made here :)

Have a great night Pussycats!!

be in touch, luv Weezi xo

2011-08-19T11:15:00.000-07:00

Tutorial for Andee

How to Sew in a Strap in the Top Square Corners of a Bag.

( if that makes sense....often explaning and trying to describe
sewing is way more difficult then the application itself!)

Please forgive the lack of quality in the pics

and lighting.

Sewing is my forte...photography is obviously not ;)

***

Here we go Andee---> I hope this what you were looking for.

So- I am working with the premise that we

will be inserting a 1 1/2" strap for the bag.

You will need to cut out a square chunk on the top.

I have some varying seam allowances in there too.

Why keep it simple when you can make it difficult??? ;)

Sew in about 1 1/2" from each edge and press open for your zipper.

****

I clipped the zipper for less bulk.

****

Jeeze- get out the magnifying glass ;)

Click on it to read better.

Blurry! Yikes :(

Ta daa!!!! Done-Only you will pick much nicer fabric ;)

Now- If you are going to line this bag and not do

any hand sewing or serging....I would suggest a

different zipper application. Not any more difficult.

The rest would be the same.

Hope that helps!!!

And-if anyone else can learn learn from this tutorial

I am glad to be of help!

Have a great Friday! Be in touch...

Luv Weezi xo

2011-08-06T10:23:00.000-07:00

How Do You Wear Your Weezi??

Hellluuuu Pussycats!!
I hope you are all enjoying the summer so far :)

I am putting together albums for both the
Weezi FaceBook fan page and
the Weezi web site called "I'm Wearing Weezi".

I want to fill it with photos of all you fabulous
Pussycats in your Weezi dresses, skirts, tees
or aprons. Anything that I made actually.
If you would be so kind to email a photo of you
wearing Weezi I would be thrilled!

No need for fancy photos. Candid shots, fun pics from a party
or wedding...whatever it may be.
I would really like to fill this section up with images
showing that Weezi is for everyone.
Every shape and size.
That Weezi is being worn by fabulous women
who are confident and looking good!

I luv being able to sell you something that makes
you feel good and looks fantastic but most times
I don't get to see you all dressed up or even just
how you accessorize it.

Cooking up a masterpiece in your apron?
Attending a graduation?
Dancing up a storm at the disco?
I want to see it all :)
I can't wait to see your interpretation of your Weezi
item and where you wore it.

Here are a few examples I have received already....

As you can see- these are not pro photos.
The point is to have a lovely collection of
visual testimonials for Weezi clothing :)

If you can please send files 500 pixels or larger
that would be great for better quality viewing.
Please email photos to:
theweezistore@hotmail.com
or
weezipeezi@gmail.com

Please note: If you are kind enough to email me a pic
I will be posting it publicly online.
I will not mention your full name or tag you unless
you give me permission to so.

I am super excited to see what you send!!!
Any questions please don't hesitate to ask:)

If you haven't join my Weezi FaceBook fan page yet
why not now?? Click here to join :)
I feature what is new at Weezi both in the studio and online.
Loads of vintage inspired items-tips & how tos~
promoting indie sellers plus the occasional rant ;)
I would luv to have you aboard!
***

Have a great weekend Pussycats!!

be in touch, Luv Weezi :)

2011-07-24T16:16:00.000-07:00

30 dresses in 30 days

Hellu Pussycats!

Despite the crazy heat and wanting to

indulge in lazy summer days

I managed to make 30 dresses in 30 days.

Here is a look at some of what I was up to.

Sailor Dress~ available in Bust sizes 38"-44"

Red Polka Dot SWAT Dress~ available in bust size 42" only

Black & White Check Natasha Dress~ available in bust size 36" only

Cherry SWAT Dress~ available in bust size 42" only

Stripe Amber Dress available in 46" bust only

Red Stripe Lexa Dress~available in 38" & 40" bust

Red Polka Dot Natasha Dress~available in 40" 42' & 46" bust

****

Now, my least favourite part...listing them on line

I am a bigger fan of sewing then I am photoshop!!! ;)

Please feel free to ask any questions re: these dresses

theweezistore@hotmail.com

Now- I must clean up the mess left over

from the sewing frenzy of the last month.

Hope you like!!!

Be in touch~ luv Weezi :)

2011-07-13T14:39:00.000-07:00

Go Ahead....Size Me Up!

Hellu Pussycats!!!!

I have been thinking about the issue of sizing

and labeling for quite awhile now.

We have our "standard" size charts.

I could go on forever about the ridiculousness

(that is a word..i think)

of these standard sizing charts....I mean forever.

I could also talk endlessly about the bastardization

of sizing by the evil multi national corporations

who feel the need to try and pigeon hole us gals.

They work very hard to impress upon us

their warped and twisted ideas of what are

acceptable body images for women.

Okay- I get it...we have to start somewhere. Fair enough.

We have to have a basic set of measurements in which to go up

and down within to create sizes. And also, to provide a working template

for an industry that has to try and size many body types.

Really, the issue for me overall are sizing philosophies

and the ever shrinking variables for each size.

You compare a size chart from the 50's to

today's and it is very telling.

There is the famous comparison about what size

Marilyn Monroe would be today.

It is widely agreed she wouldn't be a size 2.

I don't like often the "pained" look on a gal's face

when she asked me if I have an xlg.

It breaks my heart- every time.

The fact that she is a bigger gal isn't a secret and

we ladies come in all shapes and sizes.

What is annoying is that she has to subject herself to a ridiculous,

mythical version of "math" set up by a bunch a "yahoos" at

some corporate head office.

Why is it one place labels their pants as an xlg

with a 30" waist and the other place

labels their xlg pants as a 36"???

Who is making this stuff up???

Greedy,selfish.mysoginistic drones that only

care about their bottom lines.

I am so tired of the social connotations behind any sized larger then a 4.

I am so angry about the shame many gals feel b/c of their size.

It drives me crazy.

I want shopping at Weezi to be fun and exciting and

a completely different experience from the mall.

I want my customers to come in and then leave with

feelings of confidence and pride.

I can't change what society is doing to us women and how it is

constantly manipulating us into hating our bodies.

I can stop how the media tells us every day we aren't skinny enough,

our hair isn't shiny enough,

our teeth aren't white enough,

are boobs aren't big or round enough,

our thighs have too many jiggly bits.

Bullocks.

I can't change it all by myself. I wish I could.

BUT! what I can do is change how women are treated and how

they feel about themselves

when they come to Weezi.

I don't want gals to be shy or ashamed about asking for a size.

I don't want anyone to feel bad about their boobs, bums or hips.

You have jiggle?? We all have jiggle.

Life is too short. We need to embrace ourselves.

It makes me sad and I don't want to see that pained look anymore.

So....having said ALL of that, here is what I am going to do.

First- all garments will be marked but the actual measurements

36" bust 48" hips etc.

I can give a reference for a standard size if that helps you.

I have some size charts handy so we can talk about if you are

more of a traditional size 8 or size 12 etc.

We can use small med and large as reference points...b/c we need reference points

but the idea is look more at how the garment fits you and if it suits you.

Not all Weezi dresses are for everyone but we can certainly try.

Secondly- I am slowly introducing what I call

the Weezi Curvy Line :)

After what will be sized as a large or size 12 will come 3 sizes:

Curvy~Luscious~Vivacious

*Curvy will represent a size 14

*Luscious will represent a size 16

*Vivacious will represent a size 18

These curvy sizes will be roomy and will

follow a more traditional fit that will allow ample room

for boobs, hips etc.

There is no longer any such thing as

an xtra "anything" in my shoppe.

Call it what you want.

I call it respect.

This is just the beginning Pussycats.

I am sure I will need to make some modifications as I go along.

I will do my best to try and stay as true to real life size as I can.

I am slowly working on building up my Curvy Line and

I am sewing as fast as I can.

I will be offering the Curvy sizes both in the studio and online.

Weezi isn't changing.

It is just time to add to what I have been doing and

accommodate more lovely gals.

It will be a journey Pussycats and I am really

excited about what is starting here.

I really hope to make a teeny, tiny difference somewhere in this

vast world of big box nonsense.

I hope you will join me :)

All the best!!

Be in touch, Luv Weezi :)

2011-06-29T12:31:00.000-07:00

Well, Hello Sailor!!!!

Hellluuuu!!!!!

When I was a kid I had the cutest little jump suit

with a sort of sailor collar on it.

I luv it!!

I really think the combination of those white shoes and

my red socks really helped ;)

That big smile was mostly due to my "outfit".

I couldn't have been more pleased w how I looked.

I didn't really know what a sailor collar was then but I knew

it made me feel very "jaunty and kicky".

Thus begun my luv of sailor collars.

*sigh*

I still think they are so adorable and timeless.

These are a few examples that I really like
found thru google:

*luv*

Last week I begun the pattern making process

of the new Weezi sailor dresses :)

I was UBER excited!!~

I hope to make these a permanent part of the Weezi dress selection.

I started with some initial draping to get a sense of the size and shape

of the collar.

I wanted a nice full collar

but I didn't want it to look too 1970s.

(too long!)

( two rows of trim or one???)

I really debated between a front zip and a back zip.

As usual I couldn't make up my mind.... I over think everything!

Front zip won.

I thought it might be more practical.

I graded up to a 44" bust :)

So, I will have 6 sizes ready to go.

I am super excited to show you but

not until they are completely done.

Here is a wee teaser...

Everything is cut and together.

Facings are done ( boo! I hate making facings~)

The collars have all the trim

on them and ties are ready too.

Side pockets have been sewn in.

(Stella was over seeing my work as you can tell)

Phew! The hard work is over.

One of my favourite "feelings" during

a long sewing process like this, is when everything is together on

the garment.

Nothing else has to be attached...other then the zipper.

I am really excited now :)

If everything goes according to plan I

should have all 6 dresses done by tomorrow.

Yippee!!!

Stay tuned Pussycats! I think you will like!!

Enjoy your Wednesday~

Be in touch! Luv Weezi :)

Photo shoot I worked on with

my brother Adam Gaverluk.