tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87062291616237686922024-02-19T00:09:15.821-08:00Vintage Peachpitsewing, eating, treasure huntingAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00649082927237935567noreply@blogger.comBlogger52125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706229161623768692.post-61697159285823490622017-01-04T13:17:00.000-08:002017-01-04T13:17:55.138-08:00The pendulum swing of minimalism?"I cannot control anything outside myself."<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">-Jon Jandai</span><br />
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I've been thinking a lot about minimalism. In style, in food, in life, in my home. The urge to purge is strong with this one. I cannot control the possessions of my family. I cannot control the environment and utilization of space and resources in my work office. I <i>can</i> control my own belongings, my personal spaces at home and at work.<br />
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I love small spaces. Efficient design. Paired down and focused collections of needed things.<br />
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I do not love cleaning, de-cluttering and having to pick up every day. I do not like chores, crowded surfaces, closets and messy spaces.<br />
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I am inspired by popular TED talks, books and blogs on reducing, de-cluttering, having and buying only what you need and love, what is beautiful and brings you joy. I listen to talks about living in smaller spaces, reducing the amount of space you need, the money it takes to maintain it, how living smaller means reducing stress, being more free.<br />
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I cannot help but feel like I am riding an emotional pendulum and the swing is bound to reverse. I start having visions of Bladerunner, Fifth Element, Ready Player One and other crowded visions of the future. I see humans packed in side by side, having less but somehow, somehow, consuming more. Being more. Taking up more space, creating more humans, tipping the ecological scales toward ruination with sheer volume, mass, hoards.<br />
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And I wonder, when will the minimalist trend slip from lofty goal (freedom, space, health, opportunity) to opportunity for condensed consumption (sardine living, destroyed ecology, fewer opportunities, overwhelming choice)?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00649082927237935567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706229161623768692.post-65359580148362604462016-07-11T08:16:00.000-07:002016-07-11T08:16:00.680-07:00Do you ever... just try it?Sewing takes a lot of planning. If you don't know your order of operations ahead of time it's hard to make a beautiful, well-constructed garment, regardless of style. Working with a new pattern, for me, regularly requires pattern adjustments and muslins. As much as I love sewing I sometimes get stumped and lose motivation when those challenges stand between me and making a garment I want to wear.<br />
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My Pinterest boards are full of ideas for now and future garments. Lately I've been crushing on <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/vintagepeachpit/future-style-advanced-style-planning/">Eileen Fisher and minimalist style garments.</a>I think a lot of it has to do with the season. Wearing fitted bodices makes me want a wardrobe change before I've even come home from work. I've been craving more A-line and cocoon like silhouettes. </div>
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The silhouettes are clean and easy to wear. Looking ahead to winter I see them as great layering pieces with leggings and tights. And man-o-man are they quick to sew up! All of which has led me to crave details. Elegant solutions to necessary design features.<br />
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Clockwise from the top left: my favorite keyhole back I've seen, from <a href="http://www.straightstitchdesigns.com/product/view-ridge-paper-pattern/" target="_blank">Straight Stitch Designs</a>, apron-style pockets insets at the waist instead of the side seam from <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/6544361938327408/" target="_blank">Sew Different</a>'s coccon jacket tutorial, a bib front and cuffed sleeve on <a href="http://merchantandmills.com/products/patterns/dress-shirt-pattern-multi-size/" target="_blank">Merchant & Mills</a> The Dress Shirt and a last, a popover placket tutorial from <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/blog/2016/06/popover-top/" target="_blank">Craftsy</a>. Incorporating details like these into my tried-and-true patterns gives me a chance expand my skill set with a little bit of a safety net.<br />
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This weekend I worked through 3 separate dresses, a bodice muslin and a pair of knickers. Yay holiday weekend sewing! I'm slowly whittling away at my mental to-do list, which seems to grow at the same rate that I knock things off!<br />
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One of my favorite makes of the weekend is this simple, black twill t-shirt dress. I used my TNT t-shirt pattern a while ago to start experimenting with a-line silhouettes and t-shirt dress shapes. Now it was time to try some new things. I worked in the popover placket and apron-style pockets at the waist line. For both I followed the direction pretty closely of the above mentioned tutorials.<br />
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The pockets were so easy and satisfying! The assembly is essentially the same as any in-seam pocket construction. I serged all of my edges before assembling and sewing together was a breeze.<br />
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The placket was one of those things that made not a lot of sense while looking at the tutorial but I had a feeling would be easy to follow along and learn by doing. So easy! I would make the tail a bit longer next time so that I might make a neater, prettier tab at the end.<br />
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I can't wait to make this same configuration in another color, maybe a print! Such a good opportunity for color blocking! Or a contrast pocket lining. Or a contrasting/complementing placket. Excited to try it all again soon!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00649082927237935567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706229161623768692.post-44848438904241034212016-07-06T08:53:00.000-07:002016-07-07T13:49:04.484-07:00Getting Engaged, what a trip<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 10.5pt;">In November I
experienced the fascinating transition from living-together-couple status to
engaged couple status. The</span> proposal itself was pretty low-key. I had an
inkling of what was coming when Mike asked to borrow some money and didn’t want
to pony up any of the reasons. He finally spit something out about working with
my mom on something followed by a quick, “Now don’t ask any more questions!” On
the night of the proposal he asked me to make dinner for him (he does most of the
cooking in our house) and we were having a nice time sitting together when he
got up and shuffled around in his messenger bag. He came back to the table with
a goofy look on his face and I made some lascivious comment about getting to
touch him now and he said, “Nope, now it’s time for you to say yes or no!”</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-size: 10.5pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We spent the
evening sucking on cough drops (both of us were under the weather) and giggling
and poking each other and day dreaming about what we wanted our wedding to look
like. I couldn’t stop smiling and laughing and saying, “You want to marry me!”
Much joy and giddiness. As we daydreamed I learned that there is no end to
getting to know someone. I wanted a small wedding, he wanted big. I wanted no
bridal party, he wanted us to have a bunch of folks stand up with us. He wants
a tux. I don’t want to wear white. On and on. Some things were surprises and
some I expected. It was fascinating to hear about these things since we’d
really not talked about any of it before. I asked him why that was and he replied,
“You can’t give all of your cards away, you’ve gotta play some of them close to
the chest.” What a funny response and what an accurate portrayal of parts of
our relationship. I don’t know that we will ever know everything about each
other but I look forward to learning as much as we can. </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-size: 10.5pt;">The best part of all of it? We get to be
funny old people together! Almost immediately I wanted to start calling him my
husband but first we have a few things to take care of. Like deciding who to
tell first, and how. And we get to plan this big party.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPSu_j4eoEyrIs68jq0-TXksTThG0Z7sudI9ouI_zEkzW6gxRfjP5yo5dNaK1cSj8Meeof5B_u-l6VZvh2n_Sh1pFPAYRN9rFMOd9h4vitZgPp3e0RTwBFx9eBmtpP61JtZ0TcaB79scI/s1600/wedding+invite+instagram+pic.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPSu_j4eoEyrIs68jq0-TXksTThG0Z7sudI9ouI_zEkzW6gxRfjP5yo5dNaK1cSj8Meeof5B_u-l6VZvh2n_Sh1pFPAYRN9rFMOd9h4vitZgPp3e0RTwBFx9eBmtpP61JtZ0TcaB79scI/s320/wedding+invite+instagram+pic.JPG" width="319" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One our watercolor rainbow splash invites. These were a lot of fun to plan and design!</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-size: 10.5pt;">As joyous as
our engagement is, it comes with the necessity to share our news
sensitively. Mike was married before and J’s mom will always be part of our life. I’ve invested a lot in having a
good relationship with her. As we discussed sharing news of our engagement J’s
mom was second on the list. (J was first!) We didn’t want her finding out from
our kid or on some social media site. Mike shared our news and once we knew that she knew we were able to share with the rest of our family. Like my mom. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-size: 10.5pt;">As it turns
out, I hardly needed to tell my mom. I learned that my mom and Mike worked
together to have my ring made. My mom lives in NJ, we’re in MN. When Mike asked about any family rings my mom offered up the
stones from a ring that my father had given her. The ring was a gift purchased when my dad won a pretty penny in the
lottery. Having something
sentimental is bigger for me than anything. My mom has a jeweler friend who helped turn the old ring into a new one with all three of them in cahoots unbeknownst to be. When I called my mom the day
after the proposal she heaved a huge sigh of relief. She’d sent the ring via
certified mail and Mike had been so full of nerves waiting for it to arrive
that he couldn’t wait to give it to me, thus the casual at-home proposal. We
talked a lot about how sneaky they’d been. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-size: 10.5pt;">I sent a
picture to my best friend with the question, “Want to go for a manicure
tomorrow?” and the rest we mostly let happen as people “noticed” things. I look
forward to sharing some of the oddness that is <i>being</i> an engaged couple. Like how everyone wants to know about the
ring and how big it is. Or how much you plan to spend on the wedding. Or the
questions, the constant questions, about what the wedding will be like. What about
the marriage? The wedding is a day, a big party and a lot of money. With the
wonderful goal and result of <i>actually
being married.</i> When I’ll be able to actually call him my husband. And in
the words of our kiddo, “Now you’ll be my <i>real</i>
stepmom!”</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00649082927237935567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706229161623768692.post-21121586159943602032016-06-27T19:57:00.002-07:002016-06-28T11:16:58.907-07:00Closet cleaning when you live la vida handmade<span style="font-family: inherit;">I feel a nearly unending desire to create. I draw, paint, organize, fabric shop, garment doodle, project plan and dream. I am a prolific sewist. I can create a new dress in a day, sometimes two and frequently have multiple projects in works. My to-do list is long and purposeful. At some point... my closet simply cannot keep up. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKITuZyTl0axXVNQKjYlpngJAsNhOjndospI-wyyrtYgsx5PKzQHP7GuEv4yk8jMKsFqQbnpoYjNRf7kYSWlKUFCwh2_fUwfZ6W3cRDb6CvGE1Q0pzrxAmpEJJxtHmrG0dNwZi9bZ4bnE/s1600/12965018_221523761551251_24297926_n%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKITuZyTl0axXVNQKjYlpngJAsNhOjndospI-wyyrtYgsx5PKzQHP7GuEv4yk8jMKsFqQbnpoYjNRf7kYSWlKUFCwh2_fUwfZ6W3cRDb6CvGE1Q0pzrxAmpEJJxtHmrG0dNwZi9bZ4bnE/s320/12965018_221523761551251_24297926_n%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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My closet is packed to the gills. If I want to keep making, some things must go. I feel peculiar about simply donating my dresses to charity and thrift shops. As a plus-size sewist I know that my creations are a rarity. As a vintage-loving lady I know that thrift shops are where plus-size clothing goes to die. I don't want my dresses to die. And so, I consign, I sell and I instagram. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbBajGSkntpARGo8IlgyxZZq1rw5CjsiYH7vBTQvY23EV8y_VJ8eh0I5jFvTx6Vgn7gdvgJgYovU_010BbvB5ZL75NrcVO9Io3ZRUHuwdNZo7qVgYh40Cssjm3gNgjS4Y-l-0olHzgqqQ/s1600/13113999_160542451012676_1143219699_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbBajGSkntpARGo8IlgyxZZq1rw5CjsiYH7vBTQvY23EV8y_VJ8eh0I5jFvTx6Vgn7gdvgJgYovU_010BbvB5ZL75NrcVO9Io3ZRUHuwdNZo7qVgYh40Cssjm3gNgjS4Y-l-0olHzgqqQ/s200/13113999_160542451012676_1143219699_n.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzSK_-eHMt_5PMK3u5AZhqlIXUeevDldFOZ45JMcDvEwWZSs6hodL0WaejZQO0ilBYkoMGQbqh-O-X6B0_IhUM7wAmtNmeYiJay8Hwg2h8EnHQT0NiEEorG4T660ZpQDp_RLZRLbpgh80/s1600/13102454_1169617989735644_951998457_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzSK_-eHMt_5PMK3u5AZhqlIXUeevDldFOZ45JMcDvEwWZSs6hodL0WaejZQO0ilBYkoMGQbqh-O-X6B0_IhUM7wAmtNmeYiJay8Hwg2h8EnHQT0NiEEorG4T660ZpQDp_RLZRLbpgh80/s200/13102454_1169617989735644_951998457_n.jpg" width="200" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRGiTDeNOxLwxiXV3-u2s_KUyzTGIgpDHnziAh8Muo9m_MFKRW6lQrUgRm6QJfuiD1goftKwZfUpLnDnjZ-zFekbetKiIvZErCt8ahEJ5W7V1auHeHSzq8-DL_ONhhNagl7WU5G1KZxjg/s1600/13108712_869807576479433_1905036648_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRGiTDeNOxLwxiXV3-u2s_KUyzTGIgpDHnziAh8Muo9m_MFKRW6lQrUgRm6QJfuiD1goftKwZfUpLnDnjZ-zFekbetKiIvZErCt8ahEJ5W7V1auHeHSzq8-DL_ONhhNagl7WU5G1KZxjg/s200/13108712_869807576479433_1905036648_n.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="text-align: left;">This summer I also had the chance to participate in a vintage yardsale with a host of other vintage-loving Minnesota folks. I confess I was nervous about including my dresses. I felt very confident of bringing my hats, purses, jewelry and fabric. I felt confident that the pieces I loved so much and that had such size-neutral appeal would go quickly. I felt unsure that any fat woman would come to the sale. I felt unsure that any fat woman would be as large as I feel. I was shocked. </span></div>
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I mocked up my sale table and felt great about my presentation. I am organized and have an eye for style. I have a good sense of space, composition and balance. I balanced out my rack of me-made garments with some amazing Lilly Pullitzer dresses I had found for a steal...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1TpkyTlde9iGm4SVIrvOPY1n74lka2H1zD3b4FbVQGdY48-A9EUuQgCCC-9n8sf8Wy6BDntBaqqqUjx_5ZTKqmNjeJ13W8Ziy5GRABq5oYWHANbr2u1wLId_8OfalV57Rzg_J90ECE_U/s1600/13385735_1734415073472977_194356988_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1TpkyTlde9iGm4SVIrvOPY1n74lka2H1zD3b4FbVQGdY48-A9EUuQgCCC-9n8sf8Wy6BDntBaqqqUjx_5ZTKqmNjeJ13W8Ziy5GRABq5oYWHANbr2u1wLId_8OfalV57Rzg_J90ECE_U/s320/13385735_1734415073472977_194356988_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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And here is how the day went: I sold a couple of hats. No bags. A little fabric. No jewelry. I sold HALF of my own dresses. I sold none of the true vintage clothing I'd brought. I was stunned. And tickled. One of the women who tried on my dresses came back from the dressing room with a dress clutched to her chest. I smiled and asked how it went? She smiled a timid smile and nearly whispered, "It fit perfectly..." Like the truth was delicate and fragile and speaking any louder would break the words and make them untrue.</div>
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Hearing that and seeing women try my clothing on made me feel like I was filling a void; I made them feel pretty, included, attractive and special. They found things there were special, that fit, that stood out from the oversized prints, patterns and shapes of modern plus-sized clothing. It made me want to go home and keep sewing. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzSK_-eHMt_5PMK3u5AZhqlIXUeevDldFOZ45JMcDvEwWZSs6hodL0WaejZQO0ilBYkoMGQbqh-O-X6B0_IhUM7wAmtNmeYiJay8Hwg2h8EnHQT0NiEEorG4T660ZpQDp_RLZRLbpgh80/s1600/13102454_1169617989735644_951998457_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00649082927237935567noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706229161623768692.post-16426688406544043692016-06-15T11:59:00.001-07:002016-06-15T11:59:40.153-07:00Joining Bloglovin'! and what's up with this lady?<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/15698489/?claim=sxadu3ve269">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a><br />
Have you tried Bloglovin? Tons of my favorite bloggers are on there and I was pondering how to get myself more motivated to blog again and thought, I should throw myself in the ring! So, I have. New post coming later this evening!<br />
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Tonight's post will share some of the things that have filled the last few months: my engagement, a few of my friends beautiful babies, teaching and learning to make my wedding dress!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsbrCeigp3wmAIDMKLBEYm63M7PBFVbjpyK5vcPVH5z67TqK7B3fW6RNcbK9sacTHkoihiT3IgKFyhsRxP3lmdqcn7enuCs-9AckOlH61opD7fxLXVBLck1mkuqUL0BA8UpL9UgrA5NN8/s1600/Wedding+Details+thumb.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsbrCeigp3wmAIDMKLBEYm63M7PBFVbjpyK5vcPVH5z67TqK7B3fW6RNcbK9sacTHkoihiT3IgKFyhsRxP3lmdqcn7enuCs-9AckOlH61opD7fxLXVBLck1mkuqUL0BA8UpL9UgrA5NN8/s320/Wedding+Details+thumb.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl-mkir60jVF9OFFTkeflvr1Q6emVxIciHId15vqOg7zG2UX7WqZxwA4gY0WU7SBHPOpNCjBBnTBtIwjjekY5OWYBAA2H16L5LKc1hVLpIX9qfJxvTaFbZLj3PEL6h7gsLWnIZMy5lJHY/s1600/Our+Story+thumb.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl-mkir60jVF9OFFTkeflvr1Q6emVxIciHId15vqOg7zG2UX7WqZxwA4gY0WU7SBHPOpNCjBBnTBtIwjjekY5OWYBAA2H16L5LKc1hVLpIX9qfJxvTaFbZLj3PEL6h7gsLWnIZMy5lJHY/s320/Our+Story+thumb.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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More soon!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00649082927237935567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706229161623768692.post-2225830169472258552015-01-21T08:23:00.000-08:002015-01-21T08:23:37.010-08:00Holidays in recap, no such thing as too late!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This post is crazy late but oh well. Can't thrash myself too much for that or I really will never blog again. Who knows who reads these mutterings, anywho, right?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkrn2cmmQzWm2an8zjOAKSQc3lfqirKvV2rUS2eHyrv6-aHNCZy9Arqio4AmQjRqdXVW9X2pdYvODaepfILnxRu0PjBNzRMfYu71W626heEwKn4vsEkuqu6U-8PzQZBczctPUDVCqfii0/s1600/IMG_0622.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkrn2cmmQzWm2an8zjOAKSQc3lfqirKvV2rUS2eHyrv6-aHNCZy9Arqio4AmQjRqdXVW9X2pdYvODaepfILnxRu0PjBNzRMfYu71W626heEwKn4vsEkuqu6U-8PzQZBczctPUDVCqfii0/s1600/IMG_0622.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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This year marked the first time I stayed in MN instead of traveling home to NJ and Philly. I gotta say, it was a little weird. Here is a view of walking into work Christmas week. Minneapolis is home to the great Skyway, a human habitrail... Usually hoppin' with people in the morning. Bustling along to work, furiously thumbing their smartphones. On this day, however, I saw exactly 2 people in the Skyway. I dub this season in the habitrail, the sky-pacalypse!</div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Traditional Arabic', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Outside of the working world, though, it was
all twinkle lights, wrapping paper and cookie dough. The night we decorated the
tree we snapped a few pictures and I have to say this one of the three of us is
my most favorite of us ever. It’s pretty much how it feels when we are home
together.</span><br />
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un-school coverage so we got to spend the day home in our pajamas. I tried in
vain to work and found myself being pulled away from my laptop by an
overexcited 5 year old many times. Go figure. It must have been a holiday or
something…! We made two batches of chocolate chip cookies and holey moley I
thought the spooning and baking would never end! The recipe made enormous
batches. Next time we’ll know better. Batter. Dough.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Traditional Arabic', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Traditional Arabic', serif; font-size: 12pt;">It was my first year playing Santa and I only
snagged this one shot of the wrapping paper bonanza. I loved her exclamations
of, “He knew just what I wanted even if I didn’t write it down!” Yep, that
Santa’s a sneaky one…</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2EbgBAyMbDqklxGvOwYz2yAJ6fLf1Mp2fXmqJPv4hXV-TXsBQ1hvGxx9IRuGRY8s6YVj-xm2Rvfask8jv0f7B_dNumK6eBzJKnLLWrp0VgFgO2sYioQOTQeZZ8YV4A5QZBvSK5iFNFVI/s1600/IMG_0677.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2EbgBAyMbDqklxGvOwYz2yAJ6fLf1Mp2fXmqJPv4hXV-TXsBQ1hvGxx9IRuGRY8s6YVj-xm2Rvfask8jv0f7B_dNumK6eBzJKnLLWrp0VgFgO2sYioQOTQeZZ8YV4A5QZBvSK5iFNFVI/s1600/IMG_0677.JPG" height="200" width="200" /></a><br /><br />
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visit with my Uncle Evan(!) and seeing in the change with a smashing of plates
at a friends’ house. I won’t say that we were wild or unruly but I wouldn’t
deny that alcohol may have made us more enthusiastic. My friend’s lady friend
didn’t like those plates anyway and was happy to see them go. Hurrah! *<b>smash</b>* <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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to Racine to see my dude’s family. I was enjoying the couch and the company too
much to be snapping pictures the whole visit but I did happily snap this one of
the Pickle and her cousin building one of the largest forts I have seen in all
my fort building days. They told me it had two floors. And No Grownups. Except
for a brief tour for daddy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Traditional Arabic', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Some of my favorite bits included my first
purple Bakelite, this stunning and large brooch from the Pickle and a necklace, and my first
ever Malco Modes petticoat! My mom also sent out a package with some very
sweet, thoughtful treats. Watching my dude and the kiddo opening the packages was
fun and the items she sent made me a little teary. She included a cast iron
bottle opener she’d found with dad on their honeymoon antiquing trip, a maiden
size Bakelite bracelet for the Pickle and a carved black bangle for me. Each
item felt laden with sentiment and I missed her more than anything seeing each
item emerge from the tissue.</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.rojaksite.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/South-Africa-Postcard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.rojaksite.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/South-Africa-Postcard.jpg" height="228" width="320" /></a></div>
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to have everyone trickle back in to work after the holidays wrapped. Now we’re
looking forward to the end of the month when we depart for a two week adventure
in… South Africa! So pumped! Capetown and an intrepid trek to Lesotho to visit
the village where I served in the Peace Corps. Just days away. And I promise
there will be more pictures when I get back!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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So this has taken forever! I finished this dress over the summer and have worn it a whole bunch of times. I was pretty damn pleased with the results. I <a href="http://vintagepeachpit.blogspot.com/2014/08/the-batter-up-daydress.html" target="_blank">did a post on the making</a> back in August (August!?!?!) and here we are, live in the in the flesh. Or fabric.<br />
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I admit that a big part of what keeps me from blogging about my finished garments is really that I have a hard time snagging a good spot to take photos. With a 5 year old in the house and my full-time job plus teaching nights I get caught up with myself and have a hard time wanting to tear myself away from sewing versus taking pictures of the dresses and outfits I so love wearing. </div>
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I am This reminds me of my most-hated habit people have in online dating personal ads: I'm so busy I can't meet people the <i>usual</i> way. Ugh. You're too busy to meet people? Great. Sounds like we have a great chance at making a go of things. *sigh* </div>
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Dear readers, whoever you might be, I promise not to make sucky excuses in future about not being able to snap a few photos. Poor snaps are better than no snaps. Done. Moving on. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwti-nPt6_0QS1HbYAxlPXSOhCfNdPfN88QHVkkm3kFXu27TR0KeSagMnEZ-1VCbcnkLbmTs6hc10lh7GhFl-uP_65ws41cGaOSfjTAp5jtQ43jadNi3i6FfueXvN2TeCVCwuMMfpu1xM/s1600/IMG_0030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwti-nPt6_0QS1HbYAxlPXSOhCfNdPfN88QHVkkm3kFXu27TR0KeSagMnEZ-1VCbcnkLbmTs6hc10lh7GhFl-uP_65ws41cGaOSfjTAp5jtQ43jadNi3i6FfueXvN2TeCVCwuMMfpu1xM/s1600/IMG_0030.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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This was my first try at making a dress with a pleated skirt. Like I said at the start, super pleased with the results! I did it free-hand using inverted box pleats. The only thing that really went wrong was the alignment of the front pleats with the waist darts. Fortunately the busy print keeps anyone by me from noticing. Woo?</div>
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<u>Outfit details</u>:<br />
Dress- me-made, fabric from <a href="http://srharrisfabric.com/" target="_blank">SR Harris</a><br />
Cardigan- Gap outlet, shortened by me, similar here: <a href="http://www.kinnyandhowie.com/Cardigans-and-Outerwear_c_8.html" target="_blank">Kinny and Howie</a><br />
Shoes- <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Earth-Womens-Solstice-Platform-Sandal/dp/B00FYLZIAW" target="_blank">Earth Shoes S</a>olstice<br />
Bracelets- various spots<br />
Necklace- Christmas gift from my stepdad a few years ago<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00649082927237935567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706229161623768692.post-13299492694293760902014-11-21T10:05:00.001-08:002014-11-23T19:10:30.222-08:00Choosing Patterns, some how's and why's<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My closet is a dense forest of me-made wardrobe items. Crammed and straining. And yet, i cannot stop myself from sewing more things to wear. I used to get sad and wistful looking into my closet, wishing I had something I was excited to wear. After I started making my own gear my closet visits transformed! Now I stand before my closet flooded with excitement about <i>which awesome, exciting, well-fitting </i>outfit to wear today</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBxyFHqEt_kF5NWTYsSdlLj4ksHFuC7R73qcFNt6gp1e1o9mGm0BlFpGQnPoCEWC_aUwq7eA-Jx4lR6wXHMXzcwL7aTaXBuXjwujLXP61E8xRJwxY3aAuZ3RFuHccYraxRYjv01RHQQDc/s1600/IMG_0126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBxyFHqEt_kF5NWTYsSdlLj4ksHFuC7R73qcFNt6gp1e1o9mGm0BlFpGQnPoCEWC_aUwq7eA-Jx4lR6wXHMXzcwL7aTaXBuXjwujLXP61E8xRJwxY3aAuZ3RFuHccYraxRYjv01RHQQDc/s1600/IMG_0126.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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On the right you can my sweater bag. Cardigans in many colors and shapes, organized into warm, cool and neutral stacks. In truth, my sweater bag lives in my dude's closet. Mine, although the larger of the two bedroom closets, isn't big enough. It's love. </div>
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So with so many fun choices how do I decide what to make next? How do I balance pattern selections? What makes a good scale, color, texture choice? Below I'll walk you through some snaps of a recent trip our to my favorite fabric warehouse! Most of my fabric choices are a variety of quilting cottons, which simplifies things a bit. I like working with quilting cottons, easy to sew, easy to care for and SO MANY CHOICES!!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2JnxiBtToebZYo8yYyaKJvjYlBkHR7DhpuVlPLOYVpwHVIUBZ8e8CV5AlindxcQBqylAqSYbSDUIJpggPhgq9_bbG8f1l1lcZWkxAlGGHp9NosAll8IHXwbqAtG4KDoGnynmUwRXLrIk/s1600/IMG_0134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2JnxiBtToebZYo8yYyaKJvjYlBkHR7DhpuVlPLOYVpwHVIUBZ8e8CV5AlindxcQBqylAqSYbSDUIJpggPhgq9_bbG8f1l1lcZWkxAlGGHp9NosAll8IHXwbqAtG4KDoGnynmUwRXLrIk/s1600/IMG_0134.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here's a stack I had gathered up, trying to work out what I should get and what wouldn't make the cut! If you ever see that weird lady in the fabric store draping fabric over herself... think of me. I'm that lady. It's really one of the best ways to understand how a pattern will be affected by the curves of your body, whether the scale will work for you, if the color is flattering. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx5gb-6Azp519nL8ruFwyO9eYgb9QKab37Smqa1wFwhflzLX_COvQJPopQ95A5o27R3jqh-Z0O3-ITSvl9Xnnvjvy_SeZ4Ahet5NXOm4yYL_tlBl74aCD_TEf1R6XWXAfTabPRL70KqR8/s1600/IMG_0132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx5gb-6Azp519nL8ruFwyO9eYgb9QKab37Smqa1wFwhflzLX_COvQJPopQ95A5o27R3jqh-Z0O3-ITSvl9Xnnvjvy_SeZ4Ahet5NXOm4yYL_tlBl74aCD_TEf1R6XWXAfTabPRL70KqR8/s1600/IMG_0132.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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This pretty light yellow-green fabric was a definite thumbs-down. Looking at my skin next to this fabric I felt super washed out. I love the scale and that the pattern offers fun possibilities for using on-grain or on-bias. Sadly, it didn't make the cut.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkACcuhztycC-yz2u5dVnT1jJkaZ0rfm-1iCZ0jcDYiDhUvRAf1A-DB8kvtogRlIg6Xs1WrarVZw6Fd-X2iXzSUnWGZ12Ldjt7VrsBmHAezZEmyb7a6DeKUA1aFuC7bHgRlZQJvwYsDSc/s1600/IMG_0135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkACcuhztycC-yz2u5dVnT1jJkaZ0rfm-1iCZ0jcDYiDhUvRAf1A-DB8kvtogRlIg6Xs1WrarVZw6Fd-X2iXzSUnWGZ12Ldjt7VrsBmHAezZEmyb7a6DeKUA1aFuC7bHgRlZQJvwYsDSc/s1600/IMG_0135.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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I struggle with feedsack patterns. I really liked this color but this particular fabric was a plaid crepe with varying levels of sheerness/opacity. I don't like to line my skirts so this one didn't make the cut either. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ndWxOOtKIfxbntQtujFaVhQKksbsnMi8s2j9NsCeb5hBjCT6KJKsk1lY9yTKWXfhAkNjdssL4GHhu0l3WwedPfmHsUpSS6tyOF9aCfIRuNmUolYlZ-c3JN1Ehw0M7-92l-kXf7-dFGk/s1600/IMG_0131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ndWxOOtKIfxbntQtujFaVhQKksbsnMi8s2j9NsCeb5hBjCT6KJKsk1lY9yTKWXfhAkNjdssL4GHhu0l3WwedPfmHsUpSS6tyOF9aCfIRuNmUolYlZ-c3JN1Ehw0M7-92l-kXf7-dFGk/s1600/IMG_0131.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Oh man, I went back and forth on this fabric for a long time. I think I worked through the stack and came back to it 2 or three times. I so love the energy of this print, it's a little wild and fireworks-y and the shade of pink is nice and versatile. I loved the idea of the fabric in a skirt and kept imagining twirling in a circle skirt of pink fireworks... but I could not get a good image in my head with the fabric for a bodice. Who knows, perhaps next time I will see the boom boom pow pattern again. Didn't make it this time. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNUeREZBErYY8q98LA7YT5veica9gx0ielKptKD-037QUm4KcZ1R0cREWMtqquiAuIhF_xaMAoldAqwHFtCVtNUsuHcVD4BQ9HXSLkpEtJbO6YCTS0Ral1HfVbN6oeiF3qXu9WKsV06ag/s1600/IMG_0130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNUeREZBErYY8q98LA7YT5veica9gx0ielKptKD-037QUm4KcZ1R0cREWMtqquiAuIhF_xaMAoldAqwHFtCVtNUsuHcVD4BQ9HXSLkpEtJbO6YCTS0Ral1HfVbN6oeiF3qXu9WKsV06ag/s1600/IMG_0130.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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At this point I am guessing you might be wondering well... what <i>did</i> you get? I loved this crosshatch. I like the smallness of the different elements in the pattern and how it is balanced out by the all-over, irregular cross-hatch. From a few feet away the pattern did not break into distinct boxes or stripes, also a major plus. The dots here are green, blue, white and brown. The background is pink with a darker pink crosshatch. Very flexible for cardigans. We had a winner!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUUp6sEfbnLDJH4R_JMu6iiq172tplJoFpOwpH6mYF0d3BZuQKwLLq0TsKnV0DaYjamTCBISac7koR4OwEcET3DUpFYCfEGpDG7G6VXFZ18aK8_jEQPORDRzCvS4HWkbEFp488D-5Pa88/s1600/IMG_0129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUUp6sEfbnLDJH4R_JMu6iiq172tplJoFpOwpH6mYF0d3BZuQKwLLq0TsKnV0DaYjamTCBISac7koR4OwEcET3DUpFYCfEGpDG7G6VXFZ18aK8_jEQPORDRzCvS4HWkbEFp488D-5Pa88/s1600/IMG_0129.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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You can kind of see it in my secret-excited little smirk here; I loved this fabric. It said, Barbie Throws a Party or Donna Reed's Summer Shindig or Please Wear Me With Little White Gloves!!! I brought this one home. Classic polka dots with bold pink roses breaking things up. I like irregular polka dots as I find that straight polka dot matrices make my eyes water, they look like they are vibrating. So this was a perfect solution.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkx_wRVq_W4qRxVoQ-FXrwAPUvbxa1KR0dXncw-3AZVmrSbfJ8RX2-gYTQTEY1NJdGxjjEjjU-eTJ3UWDjPuDc_AZ976n4RlUY-D0DJZ9eW83qZXmZ7dnbOlAEgFPPeSzGasC_IANRV_0/s1600/IMG_0128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkx_wRVq_W4qRxVoQ-FXrwAPUvbxa1KR0dXncw-3AZVmrSbfJ8RX2-gYTQTEY1NJdGxjjEjjU-eTJ3UWDjPuDc_AZ976n4RlUY-D0DJZ9eW83qZXmZ7dnbOlAEgFPPeSzGasC_IANRV_0/s1600/IMG_0128.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Sadly, one more that did not make the cut. These are the kinds of fabrics and patterns that I really love and really wish worked for me. You can see how wan and washed out I look next to it. The pattern has a fun Deco look but I just couldn't get something that would look so blah in color next to my skin. </div>
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I regularly make another round through the store after cutting my initial choices. First off, they ask you to reshelve your fabrics yourself. Second, I almost always feel like I will find <i>one more thing</i> now that I am in the zone. Here is a shot of all the lucky home-comers from the last go-around. You can see a whole bunch of things that didn't make the pictures. Some of these I felt so strongly about I didn't both with pictures for. I have finished 4 dresses from these fabrics so far. The Lemon Surprise fabric was a 2nd round find as was the chambray with discharge print roses in the upper right hand corner. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfa9Jh3XCmAwiNz-3Tld1KYFJYtOwRU3ulJSk2qWWsjZTnahrsMjSv0mOJsMfYQf8gvvM8LXtJkLfcoutUwsKRiWpSKG7Nx4T7o_RVBNojZpXiW53IMKjEshdvm2dxgAwfRXFbukLHx0I/s1600/IMG_0138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfa9Jh3XCmAwiNz-3Tld1KYFJYtOwRU3ulJSk2qWWsjZTnahrsMjSv0mOJsMfYQf8gvvM8LXtJkLfcoutUwsKRiWpSKG7Nx4T7o_RVBNojZpXiW53IMKjEshdvm2dxgAwfRXFbukLHx0I/s1600/IMG_0138.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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I finally got a tripod for my camera so more outfit posts on the way! Hurray! Hopefully this helped expand your horizons of print and pattern possibilities! </div>
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xo, </div>
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Sarah</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00649082927237935567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706229161623768692.post-17275371790746458352014-10-23T18:34:00.002-07:002014-10-23T18:34:52.397-07:00Cleaning vintage jewelry and other tidbitsOn a beautiful day this Autumn I stumbled across this gorgeous enamel pin tucked into the chaos of an antique mall shelf in Hopkins. It was one of those moments where you say, "Yes, I shall buy that. I know it." I could just tell by looking at it in that one glance I wanted to touch it and hold it and wear it. And it was a good price ($12) to boot!<br />
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I noticed right away that it smelled strongly of antique mall. I didn't think much of it. It had a goo weight in my hand. I loved the color and the size. I loved how different the shape was from most enamel flower pins I come across. And it's red! I love a pop of red. </div>
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I've worn it several times now and each time my nose starts tingly after an hour or so. The smell has not abated. I have tried rinsing in plain hot water. Also with soapy water. After a suggestion from my mama I also tried a solution of mouth wash. The mouth wash helped a little and so I give that another go before eliminating it from my solutions list. So far, Google searches and forum scrolling havne't yielded anything helpful...</div>
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Knowing that issues like these just come with the territory, dear reader, here is another short list of problem remover solutions to help you out with your vintage jewelry woes...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUGDVbI8rcmZyXRY5IalOQLNdrVWDAk-adYTj5uF6oXsfQ_chPBKhumcGILnOg75f5B9H3pOVYDJ8sdthQutwQj6gyNLyUZ8x7d7RdrGOrOQQMQKyQB6kL4GrRPhyphenhyphenGSy5V-qlU2F3OntQ/s1600/brasso.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUGDVbI8rcmZyXRY5IalOQLNdrVWDAk-adYTj5uF6oXsfQ_chPBKhumcGILnOg75f5B9H3pOVYDJ8sdthQutwQj6gyNLyUZ8x7d7RdrGOrOQQMQKyQB6kL4GrRPhyphenhyphenGSy5V-qlU2F3OntQ/s1600/brasso.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUGDVbI8rcmZyXRY5IalOQLNdrVWDAk-adYTj5uF6oXsfQ_chPBKhumcGILnOg75f5B9H3pOVYDJ8sdthQutwQj6gyNLyUZ8x7d7RdrGOrOQQMQKyQB6kL4GrRPhyphenhyphenGSy5V-qlU2F3OntQ/s1600/brasso.JPG" /></a></div>
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For removing light scuffing from Bakelite, Lucite and other plastic jewelry... <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Brasso-Multipurpose-Metal-Polish-8-oz/dp/B00BILDIU4" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">Brasso!</a></div>
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Brasso contains ammonia so be sure to use outdoors or in another, well-ventilated area. If you do a little research on restoring Bakelite you'll see that folks use all sorts of methods and products. Brasso is commonly available in your local hardware store (maybe even the grocery store!) and inexpensive. While you aren't likely to remove much patina from Bakelite with Brasso alone it is great for cleaning up the surface and improving the appearance of scuffs and smudge marks. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxrfRb96nr0gRws_aE_rIaTcDm_eg9WRqA52tTGIkhry4axlacn6Pp4_Hdrw42o_fbC5d6T6kiD_1D0Qv1ytF6dHibvHjKU99AN4Sfgawlzzcw9VQ9yG0UQcj-0g0S6-xj05fAyhyphenhyphenNDM4/s1600/needle+nose+pliers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxrfRb96nr0gRws_aE_rIaTcDm_eg9WRqA52tTGIkhry4axlacn6Pp4_Hdrw42o_fbC5d6T6kiD_1D0Qv1ytF6dHibvHjKU99AN4Sfgawlzzcw9VQ9yG0UQcj-0g0S6-xj05fAyhyphenhyphenNDM4/s1600/needle+nose+pliers.JPG" height="114" width="320" /></a></div>
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For tweaking, opening, closing, fixing and monkeying... a good pair of needle nose pliers!</div>
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This happens all the time, right? You find that awesome necklace/brooch/zippered dress and you have the darnedest time getting it open and closed. One of the great things about vintage and antique goods is that it was loved before. Sometimes <i>really</i> loved. Clasps get yanked, zippers get caught, catches get squished. I have more than a few items that needed just a tweak from my trusty pliers to regain their life and easy of use. Having the right tools can help protect and prolong the life of your most-loved vintage and antique pieces. Just remember to treat them gently. </div>
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<a href="http://hip2save.com/2014/03/10/great-idea-series-re-purposing-and-re-using-everyday-items-8-ways-to-re-purpose-mason-jars/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFOMJAUp9r0EKA-QxHj95aJEuQK79AxegI0lNKqCikVAC6RLzvQXlaoz7wRhIzp0Yss-xadqd1uxF4vuSntPSP_br4Xmb5i-2v9erwi9u6Z9opbSSk4OGPCGOlq5ab8i4Je1aiuIXOv5A/s1600/votive-candle-holder-ans-mason-jar-q-tip-cotton-ball-holder-hip2save.jpg" height="320" width="233" /></a><span id="goog_729375359"></span><span id="goog_729375360"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a></div>
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For so many cleaning, primping and polishing needs... q-tips and cotton balls!</div>
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Instead of tearing off bits of toilet paper or paper towel, do yourself a favor and grab a cotton ball or a q-tip. Perhaps you are reading this and thinking, well, duh... But you know you've done it. Trying to clean something up and cutting corners because you just want to get it done and <i>fast</i>. One of the biggest benefits of cotton balls and q-tips is that the materials conforms to the shape of what you are cleaning. Trying to wedge a bit of towel into a crevice doesn't give you much control and it exhausts really quickly. If you are using a cleaning agent the cotton will hold and apply it evenly. Cotton is also very gentle and if you get buts stuck you can usually pull them out as the fibers stay intact, unlike paper towel or tissue that breaks apart. </div>
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I love this storage idea! If you click on the image it will bring you to a whole slew of fun mason jar storage ideas from Hip2Save. </div>
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I'll update you on cleaning my enamel flower. If you have any tips I would be most grateful!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00649082927237935567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706229161623768692.post-89068897170631935172014-10-08T13:02:00.001-07:002014-10-08T13:03:40.335-07:00Outfit post! Mint and peachy brights to warm a chilly morning<div style="text-align: left;">
Hi friends! here's a quickie post on today's outfit. I am going to try to get on a track of including at least one outfit post a week. The biggest obstacle to me getting these done is that I am <i>terrible</i> at taking pictures of myself! Part of getting myself out of my comfort zone, though is to learn to take some good selfies. I am itching to get my hands on a smartphone-friendly tripod. Maybe one like this: </div>
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If you will forgive me my poor selfie skills at current I promise to keep working on them! Without further ado... The Baronica dress! Our friend Barry and Monica got hitched in August and you might recall that <a href="http://vintagepeachpit.blogspot.com/2014/08/travel-packing-and-livin-la-vida-me-made.html" target="_blank">I shared some images of this dress before</a>, just after I finished it. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKfacO5tnHRHbIwnubRDE6of5fV_7PkpygOUosEXHH4iPVoF_xHx8DylMYI2tqH5jPnvptnuNP7eAwm_uYoTideXL8iMp7wyn9uglhN0X-X-QnJUVfal0rnz2bgjvBcMcuo4vru8eFvfU/s1600/IMG_0090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKfacO5tnHRHbIwnubRDE6of5fV_7PkpygOUosEXHH4iPVoF_xHx8DylMYI2tqH5jPnvptnuNP7eAwm_uYoTideXL8iMp7wyn9uglhN0X-X-QnJUVfal0rnz2bgjvBcMcuo4vru8eFvfU/s1600/IMG_0090.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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I applie teal rick rack of differing sizes at the neck and hem and also finished the inside hem with some bright orange grosgrain ribbon which adds a fun pop of color when the hem flips up. I have been surprised how many colors pairs well with this combo and find myself rotating between shades of pink, orange, black and brown when I pair the dress with a cardigan. </div>
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Sometime soon I'll post a step-by-step on how I have shortened my legion of cardigans to better suit the proportions of my dresses and skirts. It's super easy and makes the world your oyster of cardigan shopping! I've been bummed to find that so many cropped cardigans are acrylic and nylon based. Blech.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixtYLmy8THO1xvdQVt1M_dAlFnMWhNYftw99DGVByOAyRdUPo7Teve47HtJNyYM5TCTR5167-dQWAl0Gew3YY7KA-CG-fEi3bkJsulT_4GyqgfWhDdEayK7Xi9nZ95Es6NLtItG2SJJM8/s1600/IMG_0104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixtYLmy8THO1xvdQVt1M_dAlFnMWhNYftw99DGVByOAyRdUPo7Teve47HtJNyYM5TCTR5167-dQWAl0Gew3YY7KA-CG-fEi3bkJsulT_4GyqgfWhDdEayK7Xi9nZ95Es6NLtItG2SJJM8/s1600/IMG_0104.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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I'm trying to eek out a few more wears of my summer sandals. I love these Azalea's by Earth Shoe. Really supportive, comfy and aesthetically on-point for all of my favorite 40's and 50's dresses that scream, "I need brown sandals!" (Please forgive the wrinkles... I need to buy a steamer since no amount of ironing seems to banish the crinkle!)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrDS4ycaCRq0cBzXRwb6_VETrkupJZWBqIB4jQ_VlVbS5O0YaV9UnbndCjhwt3s7oOlmEH6puvivz0hSkNP7cQIYmivkrmRFBt1_yJn6W49Wplu87NFWn52Z6_o0pSWvPA4mveom7IQvI/s1600/IMG_0079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrDS4ycaCRq0cBzXRwb6_VETrkupJZWBqIB4jQ_VlVbS5O0YaV9UnbndCjhwt3s7oOlmEH6puvivz0hSkNP7cQIYmivkrmRFBt1_yJn6W49Wplu87NFWn52Z6_o0pSWvPA4mveom7IQvI/s1600/IMG_0079.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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My bracelets today are a mix of Bakelite and plastic. The three thinner bangles are each marbled in subtle ways. the top bangle is a bright orangey pink that I am working (very slowly!) to remove the patina from. I'm anxious to hear any tips anyone has!</div>
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<u>Outfit details</u>:</div>
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Dress- me-made, fabric from The Textile Center garage sale </div>
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Cardigan- Gap outlet, shortened by me, similar here: <a href="http://www.kinnyandhowie.com/Cardigans-and-Outerwear_c_8.html" target="_blank">Kinny and Howie</a></div>
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Shoes-<a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/earth-azalea-wedge-sandal/3591577?cm_cat=datafeed&cm_ite=earth_%27azalea%27_wedge_sandal:960945&cm_pla=shoes:women:sandals_slides&cm_ven=Google_Product_Ads&mr:referralID=5ebe25ff-4f21-11e4-a1c0-001b2166c2c0&origin=pla" target="_blank"> Earth Shoes Azalea</a></div>
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Bracelets- various spots, antique malls around the Twin Cities</div>
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Necklace- <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/194465296/sterling-silver-serotonin-necklace?ref=sr_gallery_1&ga_search_query=seratonin+necklace&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery" target="_blank">Seratonin necklace</a> from my pal Laura when I was getting ready to move to MN</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00649082927237935567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706229161623768692.post-77692147130282206182014-10-03T13:38:00.000-07:002014-10-03T13:38:16.459-07:00Appreciating what I have. <div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-no-proof: yes;">I wrote this almost a year ago. At the time I felt strangely about making it a public post. I still think of Roy Superior (the teacher I write about below) often. He was hilarious and determined and kind and patient and incredibly talented. He made a wonderful mark on the world. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I learned recently of the passing
of one of my favorite teachers ever. I think about him nearly every time I walk
into a class with my students (as it would happen, I started teaching college
this year.) Although I have worked with students many times in different ways I
haven’t before had the opportunity or the responsibility of standing at the
front of the classroom and having it be </span><i style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">my</i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">
class. Standing on this side of the lecture and demos I realize I haven’t
thanked my teachers nearly enough. Thank you, so much, for all the lessons you
taught me. For the intentional, planned lessons and for the spontaneous,
necessary ones. I wouldn't be here without you and I don’t want to hold back my
gratitude for when you can’t receive it, either. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-no-proof: yes;">I realize now that I did not
understand or appreciate the lengths to which you had to go just to show up, to
share your knowledge let alone create meaningful lessons and experiences for
us, your students. I am only just starting to have an idea. After putting many
hours into writing my syllabus, creating project descriptions and outlines,
timelines, requirements I find myself stymied on a weekly basis. There is
always something I did not think of, something that my students ask about that
I do not know and which sets us off in a new direction of information-finding.
It is exhausting. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-no-proof: yes;">I am with my student two nights a
week after my day job as a fabric engineer. Before classes I am pulling
information, images, creating lectures and presentations. After classes I am
meeting with students and working through issues scholastic, academic and
personal. I start my days around 5am and often don’t find myself home again until
11pm. It is hard. It is exhausting … And I am so in love with it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-no-proof: yes;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-no-proof: yes;">I like my day
job. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">I love working in textiles and apparel. I am excited and tickled every
time I see something I worked on in a store or on a kid at the playground. I am
psyched to be able to buy the things I have helped to make for my own family
and to have phone conversations with friends and family far away while also
having them see and touch the things I have worked on where they are, too. This
is all very cool. Teaching is cooler.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">One of my grad school professors
proudly hangs a sign above her office door that says, “Do what you love.” I
</span><i style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">like</i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> my day job. I </span><i style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">love</i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> teaching. Thank you to each of you who helped me get
where I am. Thank you for putting in the hours and the work, dealing with the
tears (for I am quite generous with them) and the resistance. Thank you for
putting up with each and every one of your students on the good days and the
bad. A moment of pure selfishness: thank you for putting up with all of it so
that I could personally benefit from your presence in my life. Because you kept
coming back, I benefited. I think I was grateful in the moment, sitting with
you in an office, at a table, a desk, a computer, a loom, a workbench… Now I
understand better. Thank you, thank you, thank you. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00649082927237935567noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706229161623768692.post-64333649058324008102014-10-02T22:03:00.001-07:002014-10-02T22:03:54.962-07:00Rock Vintage and Retro Shoes Even With Bum Feet<div style="text-align: center;">
Let me start out with a big 'ol **DISCLAIMER** that I am no doctor. I have no medical training. </div>
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I am NOT recommending any courses of treatment. </div>
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I am only sharing my own experiences and hoping that you might benefit. </div>
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So, about a year ago I was diagnosed with plantar fasciitis and a heel spur. Woo! Party time! Not at all. The pain in the beginning was crazy. I talk about it very briefly <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8706229161623768692#editor/target=post;postID=847119104033818491;onPublishedMenu=allposts;onClosedMenu=allposts;postNum=21;src=postname" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://vintagepeachpit.blogspot.com/2013/08/walk-mile-in-my-shoes.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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<b>IN THE BEGINNING...</b></div>
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<b>I was wooed into buying things just because they were comfortable. </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Hvk7-N-f0mh9IeWgf9kcRk8AUNmIPYzj81howaLtoyQHGjv-vjlZBgbYSI9p3lqT2hyphenhypheny_XFrmB15iLBYeY4imKMGdnB1IyFP2avu-V7VEQoLK0yNkcBe4vNqnk5hVnIrh39YddP_DyU/s1600/FullSizeRender+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Hvk7-N-f0mh9IeWgf9kcRk8AUNmIPYzj81howaLtoyQHGjv-vjlZBgbYSI9p3lqT2hyphenhypheny_XFrmB15iLBYeY4imKMGdnB1IyFP2avu-V7VEQoLK0yNkcBe4vNqnk5hVnIrh39YddP_DyU/s1600/FullSizeRender+2.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTPAqcphJ_SJxnzAhSWar924nemHRmHiN0j5qExJJBlW55XGJI_4S1dIuXp5N32QlecseKGitizIMneZjat5THjIXDzLhN9zvWelHTWvJA4D-y6Dd4599nrMwKNRVjYfQOLm_xBL59kPU/s1600/IMG_0051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTPAqcphJ_SJxnzAhSWar924nemHRmHiN0j5qExJJBlW55XGJI_4S1dIuXp5N32QlecseKGitizIMneZjat5THjIXDzLhN9zvWelHTWvJA4D-y6Dd4599nrMwKNRVjYfQOLm_xBL59kPU/s1600/IMG_0051.JPG" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
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The pain in the beginning was seriously so bad I cried. Please, friends, if you find you have pain in your body, don't just ignore it. So. Birkenstock clogs. I was looking for something stylish, work-appropriate and comfortable. The salesman at a local Birkenstock rep told me that everyone who tried these on loved them but they (the shoes) were just a <i>little</i> too small...</div>
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I wear a size 37 in Euro sizing. 7 in USA sizing. And he was right. They felt sooooo good. I felt like I needed to change my look to wear them, though. And these days they only get worn around the house or doing errands on days that I don't want to put any effort into my appearance. In short, almost never.</div>
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<b>THEN I GOT SUCKED IN BY GLOWING USER REVIEWS...</b></div>
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<b>People exclaiming that some shoe was the best thing since sliced bread. </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ig0M3lP71X2KywXsAKJGiDrLC6RM3KCUAC715WmINWT7tZwvv391FxIyfk6gpMwI5R862TENYuFGpubXIF4sVPpHvO0-Z6YWmdAi6SYttQPI-moXNQFUAcg5lo3ZeG2fHHqBE9KMQBU/s1600/IMG_0048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ig0M3lP71X2KywXsAKJGiDrLC6RM3KCUAC715WmINWT7tZwvv391FxIyfk6gpMwI5R862TENYuFGpubXIF4sVPpHvO0-Z6YWmdAi6SYttQPI-moXNQFUAcg5lo3ZeG2fHHqBE9KMQBU/s1600/IMG_0048.JPG" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhglUiD9kJyMNJWA9H3nGjMBzC1hH4FDZptsshrP3z9jIYJf4dYy4uwNYXhmNDR2a8KHnOn_-AHzggvihsodIJtHLbvZTwn1BAFWChThN0zxF2IFdnHeN6V_2g0rQHsGX8jNEvEZOyva78/s1600/IMG_0050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhglUiD9kJyMNJWA9H3nGjMBzC1hH4FDZptsshrP3z9jIYJf4dYy4uwNYXhmNDR2a8KHnOn_-AHzggvihsodIJtHLbvZTwn1BAFWChThN0zxF2IFdnHeN6V_2g0rQHsGX8jNEvEZOyva78/s1600/IMG_0050.JPG" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
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I missed ballet flats. I have never accepted that having Plantar Fasciitis means an end to my love of ballet flats. One of my co-workers extoled the virtues of FitFlops. So I looked into them. Major controversy on whether they really work. I ordered these for a steal on Zappos but you can also find them <a href="http://www.fitflop.com/sale/womens-sale/womens-due-ballet-flat-patent/DuePatent.html" target="_blank">here</a>. For me, ultimately, these shoes don't work. My foot works too hard trying to keep them on and I find the toe clenching causes more pain. I keep them around for dressy occasions that don't involve a lot of walking or dancing. They <i>are </i>still patent leather...</div>
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AND THEN... I HAD A BETTER IDEA OF WHAT TO LOOK FOR!</div>
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Now I have some reliable brands that look good, feel good and fit my vintage and retro style. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqUhkEoTvZmxdo0CU7mSPBdhYwOKkvztiTt-pS2XIAHN5GP-5bgNmQSfrjCOzzmuqM7zaKO7_QMZRynBFqZLSUGaCfMzLFxPoMHwZCoJ_t8bq6npWu5j3YkQAuxLPEDLxUbAVjKmtg8gw/s1600/IMG_0045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqUhkEoTvZmxdo0CU7mSPBdhYwOKkvztiTt-pS2XIAHN5GP-5bgNmQSfrjCOzzmuqM7zaKO7_QMZRynBFqZLSUGaCfMzLFxPoMHwZCoJ_t8bq6npWu5j3YkQAuxLPEDLxUbAVjKmtg8gw/s1600/IMG_0045.JPG" height="200" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG1BOFHGNWianlmQu7dZdZ6ziL7jMxuSFIfMc9Gp9m3lZVRUvBwM0Ton6E8VIuXrqwUM65kQ5AfEQJv9Zq4zwrgdTxvNjdoFS4cF0ZB-uUX1LNU_KQvj7tMMeY9RSht-7EaQL-xuF22zY/s1600/IMG_0044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG1BOFHGNWianlmQu7dZdZ6ziL7jMxuSFIfMc9Gp9m3lZVRUvBwM0Ton6E8VIuXrqwUM65kQ5AfEQJv9Zq4zwrgdTxvNjdoFS4cF0ZB-uUX1LNU_KQvj7tMMeY9RSht-7EaQL-xuF22zY/s1600/IMG_0044.JPG" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
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One of the first shoes that I found that hit the trifecta of comfortable, supportive and vintage-appropriate was from the Worishofer brand. This particular style is the <a href="http://www.buddyshoes.com/shoes/Krista.html" target="_blank">Krista</a>. I was able to find it on Zappos but one of the best selections I've seen of the brand is from this fun bite of little, old, Floridian lady culture: <a href="http://www.buddyshoes.com/index.htm" target="_blank">Buddy Shoes of Boca Raton</a>. </div>
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Check them out! They are full of adorable, vintage-appropriate shoes that also joyously scream, "I'm going to be a fashionable old lady!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsiRcGqJpLIACjdrQc2oJqEohOlFIXUU6q1Tr5CS4qQG8uQeZI-cdUGymPC5dwRdkdzyT9FZxnGVl73Ac8FsVfE7EaxllkmDuoQE9AS3j2WnnvYhmhiwpHVb0vsAVbrGPYxFDwM3MpODg/s1600/FullSizeRender+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsiRcGqJpLIACjdrQc2oJqEohOlFIXUU6q1Tr5CS4qQG8uQeZI-cdUGymPC5dwRdkdzyT9FZxnGVl73Ac8FsVfE7EaxllkmDuoQE9AS3j2WnnvYhmhiwpHVb0vsAVbrGPYxFDwM3MpODg/s1600/FullSizeRender+3.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSdiogJjswDv9YFZWdjgySaOtbyMo9N-Nx46TEgx4DMYdsUT6NDdnra6FNRz2gOEIy9kpA_zbzschH3pd40CY6sGaot2jomj9Gtc0tBQidU-qpCJZB11cSY_vpnG9Gc56V29BFghI8xkg/s1600/FullSizeRender+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSdiogJjswDv9YFZWdjgySaOtbyMo9N-Nx46TEgx4DMYdsUT6NDdnra6FNRz2gOEIy9kpA_zbzschH3pd40CY6sGaot2jomj9Gtc0tBQidU-qpCJZB11cSY_vpnG9Gc56V29BFghI8xkg/s1600/FullSizeRender+4.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
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These were some of the cutest retro wedges I have found with arch support. I got them at Schuler Shoes when they went on sale. I love them so much and I am super bummed to have set them aside for the winter... *sad face* They are from Earth Shoes! You can still find them <a href="https://www.google.com/shopping/product/1563846088615511962?safe=off&biw=1271&bih=603&sclient=psy-ab&q=earth+shoes+solstice&oq=earth+shoes+solstice&pbx=1&bav=on.2,or.r_cp.r_qf.&bvm=bv.76802529,d.aWw&ion=1&espv=2&tch=1&ech=1&psi=JSsuVN6PDMqAygTHkIG4Cg.1412311845020.7&prds=paur:ClkAsKraX1tv6KR9F1mezI4bGLxKc_3YR04ocx5EuE9gGnd85kfPEpk665ybAHGl4vXdh-iOFPzYpl_XkX9nZCzFW826m4TPrRPcDjjl8KbZLevRacu9q4gjGxIZAFPVH71BAhZT9DY32KBkaxZwhGxPxBaysg&ei=OCsuVNaYHYy3yASLuILwDQ&ved=0CHUQqSswAA" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaexRawUsLFivw3U20PgqzVK_rPCRN33PgFbCBdaVUpVZioABEev4Qs1URmlMkSbDMYXMH4M4K4okLZ7IFYQfJdJNKJA_nIMbL4_7w_jqcqlt9L5UoWiidmR3MiMQG61UUWXHIyW3LvnM/s1600/IMG_0047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaexRawUsLFivw3U20PgqzVK_rPCRN33PgFbCBdaVUpVZioABEev4Qs1URmlMkSbDMYXMH4M4K4okLZ7IFYQfJdJNKJA_nIMbL4_7w_jqcqlt9L5UoWiidmR3MiMQG61UUWXHIyW3LvnM/s1600/IMG_0047.JPG" height="200" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfZ7CC8HRdqxcuPBXYojSvey_6sRE0As1RGSjthkWdTtSngDSKep_PpTi4z1me5nJcibIU4QNfpp0TuuK-yUOVEBN7PqKc3A4r2c1PWwQAVQcbiwz2fGfMKUE-mfcb9MptJFBmLDvU8is/s1600/IMG_0046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfZ7CC8HRdqxcuPBXYojSvey_6sRE0As1RGSjthkWdTtSngDSKep_PpTi4z1me5nJcibIU4QNfpp0TuuK-yUOVEBN7PqKc3A4r2c1PWwQAVQcbiwz2fGfMKUE-mfcb9MptJFBmLDvU8is/s1600/IMG_0046.JPG" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
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I found this style of Birkenstock going down the retro shoe rabbit hole some drippy evening. Once I found out they exist I became obsessed with trying them on. Unfortunately, most retailers don't stock Birkenstock <i>shoes</i>. I ended up having them shipped from a store in Virginia and man! So glad I did. They are called the <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=birkenstock+perugia&safe=off&espv=2&biw=1271&bih=603&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=micuVIYyw5_IBL_LgsAO&ved=0CC4QsAQ" target="_blank">Perugia</a>. I would link a store but they were a serious investigation to track down. So a Google search for you!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq3oRLSrcXrIesQg9JhFHUXo7e6y0VMcQIBUbIBm3WM75Sod9NL8_Kg05WPuqRh6gNmT3O-w4UkyRz60TTIK1TQ4j5bu2oTMhyW1lzoK5Vc7RK1SVh3bHPqD7PkOKbzz5CxXsycmrfwQY/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq3oRLSrcXrIesQg9JhFHUXo7e6y0VMcQIBUbIBm3WM75Sod9NL8_Kg05WPuqRh6gNmT3O-w4UkyRz60TTIK1TQ4j5bu2oTMhyW1lzoK5Vc7RK1SVh3bHPqD7PkOKbzz5CxXsycmrfwQY/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfKqsg7PWfJRI0cydc6p45hXvUySeqcnUcfh18JQx3eaRwBUAa9zZRQVQMK0VzakmrY-gyG-E0TNtJvgBoh23Au5x7AAsMkmoZYMcd3oo6syFNnFxrb9REkdgg34zfSTA-cx8TahM3amc/s1600/IMG_0053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfKqsg7PWfJRI0cydc6p45hXvUySeqcnUcfh18JQx3eaRwBUAa9zZRQVQMK0VzakmrY-gyG-E0TNtJvgBoh23Au5x7AAsMkmoZYMcd3oo6syFNnFxrb9REkdgg34zfSTA-cx8TahM3amc/s1600/IMG_0053.JPG" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
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These <a href="http://www.earthbrands.com/item/kalso-earth-shoe-solar/14001" target="_blank">Earth Shoe Solars</a> are my go-to, closed-toe shoe. They have simple design details and feel very secure whenever I wear them. The negative heel design provides lots of comfort and the instep strap is super easy to pull on and off. These were my first success in getting close to my basic ballet flat. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhly314x303xEv-rPDQG__3zfNzHFHUcRihF5jiOgA7LTa5EQ-G8yGYSYe9OwwxLJxE1SU5RidS7kisRtOqvQf8BwGM5PXOlgPE-7XqTFlZWytNUmDfjeuTFIXTu1gTmH3pocSdvq9qcl8/s1600/IMG_0059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhly314x303xEv-rPDQG__3zfNzHFHUcRihF5jiOgA7LTa5EQ-G8yGYSYe9OwwxLJxE1SU5RidS7kisRtOqvQf8BwGM5PXOlgPE-7XqTFlZWytNUmDfjeuTFIXTu1gTmH3pocSdvq9qcl8/s1600/IMG_0059.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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Lastly, the shoes so nice I had to buy them twice! My <a href="http://www.zappos.com/birkenstock-messina-soft-footbed-habana-oiled-leather?ef_id=VAs2vgAAAaqd6@bR:20141003045537:s" target="_blank">Birkenstock Messina's</a> always get compliments. Most folks have never seen a Birkenstock in a Mary Jane style. I found them in black at first and then spotted the brown ones on sale at... you guessed it! <a href="https://www.schulershoes.com/" target="_blank">Schulers</a>! They pretty much work with everything. Although they are a bit on the clunky/chunky side they are super comfortable and quite cute!</div>
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In conclusion:</div>
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-Plantar Fasciitis is not a shoe death sentence</div>
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-trial and error is essential to finding real footwear solutions to chronic foot pain</div>
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-brands covered here: Earth Shoes, FitFlop, Birkenstock, Worishofer</div>
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-additional brands worth a look! Taryn Rose, Chaco, Dromedaris</div>
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Good luck my vintage pals! It gets better!</div>
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xo, </div>
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Sarah</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00649082927237935567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706229161623768692.post-67617903648368831232014-09-27T21:09:00.000-07:002014-09-27T21:09:01.767-07:00hair today, gone tomorrowI have a roller coaster love affair with my hair. I want it pixie short, I want it Marilyn long. I want spikes, spit curls, bouffants, flips and poodle cuts. I want the Italian Cut. I want a mohawk. it is one of the most fabulous things about having short hair; I can do just about anything with a little patience between cuts.<br />
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As a little kid I have pretty straight hair. Blond. Bangs. I did not retain any of these things as I grew up, thank goodness! While blond, straight hair is certainly a lovely thing it wouldn't be great with the shape of my noggin or my coloring.<br />
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So, back to present-ish day. I had been growing my hair out into a retro bob to suit my clothing styles. But was starting to drive me mad. Here are a few shots from right before the chop!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJYfKjdpaZloHzdFCkGPSf5DpNmPvW0_6d2k4EupVQVzBCsUIWllWuTW2ZSMcWOm728tpwDvsBjKoI89PKjBiSz459E2HN3IwLgsTSfH_rzuxY-bFRO9p83Ja-N592GxKAeURNT_0kz2M/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-09-25+at+6.24.52+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJYfKjdpaZloHzdFCkGPSf5DpNmPvW0_6d2k4EupVQVzBCsUIWllWuTW2ZSMcWOm728tpwDvsBjKoI89PKjBiSz459E2HN3IwLgsTSfH_rzuxY-bFRO9p83Ja-N592GxKAeURNT_0kz2M/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-09-25+at+6.24.52+PM.png" height="319" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The de-rigeur pre-cut bathroom selfie.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJBYtClUBGTOCRAJHZTHjZE4h7235u1JarKhXvnTHBbMietHxyIk2M7CTk5mS5j1hJop-QrCXLYsiZeCpGEYLtse3yId7f7AvDzQsbEUHXab-_31WQZSb37oFH31hE2jiskCKR7fQSJ6Q/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-09-25+at+6.27.14+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJBYtClUBGTOCRAJHZTHjZE4h7235u1JarKhXvnTHBbMietHxyIk2M7CTk5mS5j1hJop-QrCXLYsiZeCpGEYLtse3yId7f7AvDzQsbEUHXab-_31WQZSb37oFH31hE2jiskCKR7fQSJ6Q/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-09-25+at+6.27.14+PM.png" height="302" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After a long day of travel from MN to MA... A little poofy but feeling good.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Since the majority driving reason for my curly poof was to have my hair match my clothes I decided I'd had enough. I wanted hair that was a little cuter, edgier. Less drying time. Cause really, I live in Minnesota and there is nothing like leaving the house to scrape the car in the dead of winter and realizing that whatever effort I had put into my hair was ruined by freeing instantly on stepping into -19 degree temps.<br />
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Annnnnnnd here's the new/old me! Short, pixie, spit curls and all. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_oTHpD1kZoQsTAExBSwd6dw-28d-83ra_BRxY1ndim5zHrWAl2ImxE-zHoAAjHWnA9S1cvW1bXXwT32NaBLrS87ZntLdn6moUe816c6icENPXeVsND5Ge2mqHDeTdia_vy6ked5hu_Tg/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-09-25+at+6.37.10+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_oTHpD1kZoQsTAExBSwd6dw-28d-83ra_BRxY1ndim5zHrWAl2ImxE-zHoAAjHWnA9S1cvW1bXXwT32NaBLrS87ZntLdn6moUe816c6icENPXeVsND5Ge2mqHDeTdia_vy6ked5hu_Tg/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-09-25+at+6.37.10+PM.png" height="102" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />
Here's my short list of how to take care of fine, curly hair:<br />
1.) Keep it shoulder length or above.<br />
Longer than shoulder length starts weighing the hair down and making curl hard to control<br />
2.) Condition with a light weight conditioner each time you wash it<br />
3.) Use a minimal amount of product and try to mix up which product you use each day.<br />
I tend to cycle through 2-3 products at any given time. While my hair is very short I like<br />
pomade waxes, Lush's Dirty creme product, light leave-in conditioner or Aveda's curl creme.<br />
4.) Let hair air dry whenever possible<br />
<br />
Here are a couple more shots of pixie and other length styles I've rocked in the past couple of years. I really loved having pink hair but grew tired of the maintenance and, if you can believe it, getting touched by little old ladies and other folks in public. I dread to think of what will happen if I ever get pregnant...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf_lIvyISITkh9ueaKkEWGM-8C4iZpI0uPxV3PJS81kXXlOXIloCaLqM4k0-V36Kb-0r4VYDwENKfWcR4_ZWTy5FvOTvJI4n1BkTyv8Cc91yN3o8EY1f0sNba7xoODmL2P3Hn1sh3TCYY/s1600/me+at+work.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf_lIvyISITkh9ueaKkEWGM-8C4iZpI0uPxV3PJS81kXXlOXIloCaLqM4k0-V36Kb-0r4VYDwENKfWcR4_ZWTy5FvOTvJI4n1BkTyv8Cc91yN3o8EY1f0sNba7xoODmL2P3Hn1sh3TCYY/s1600/me+at+work.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-H_WlHB4rTRp1A24hMtH53tr_eJRI2EXqGZAaOPQO6APjW1mtbYmN6vfdxx0oQqR0zKRDm-MjqwodJP8EGkLN8fCoa1jdRPDPLsfFFQfPugMDvfmPtzWmeFTyWoZK3-tILeoO8LrZi7k/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-09-25+at+6.36.57+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-H_WlHB4rTRp1A24hMtH53tr_eJRI2EXqGZAaOPQO6APjW1mtbYmN6vfdxx0oQqR0zKRDm-MjqwodJP8EGkLN8fCoa1jdRPDPLsfFFQfPugMDvfmPtzWmeFTyWoZK3-tILeoO8LrZi7k/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-09-25+at+6.36.57+PM.png" /></a></div>
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To wrap things up I thought I would also share a few snaps of various hairstyles I've rocked in the years since I have moved to Minneapolis (just 3 years and so many styles of hair!) You'll also see that I am quite fond of making silly faces. I hope your enjoy them, too. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfN7f6SxIXunBTFIYA5vpA2aAmJ5ThpCvE5o3HK_LmKuC4ETBr-kQILUeb_dy9q2vbU_zJWFD79tDlBtaeC5GQoiixDXv2C1XfcHzjvp3xnkgxmOh9iAO80q9GwTaFKZLK1mNEIiUm-Ns/s1600/IMG_2123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfN7f6SxIXunBTFIYA5vpA2aAmJ5ThpCvE5o3HK_LmKuC4ETBr-kQILUeb_dy9q2vbU_zJWFD79tDlBtaeC5GQoiixDXv2C1XfcHzjvp3xnkgxmOh9iAO80q9GwTaFKZLK1mNEIiUm-Ns/s1600/IMG_2123.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beginning of my mohawk and rockin' some dino earrings. Miss J likes to tell me that they are Apatasauri.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_FMeJUW4TyXg_GsgzbZW5w7N5fQ9bCRTaNe_2VEUrfpaEbJnOKU15sSSKSyqDmPWGNplyGMV9LUXRk0ZySFtyzw4B4dQmNCcy_ok5wuz2OJw0kbiE47wo9xCQNNMfVu8UoPDl-VH08O4/s1600/IMG_2018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_FMeJUW4TyXg_GsgzbZW5w7N5fQ9bCRTaNe_2VEUrfpaEbJnOKU15sSSKSyqDmPWGNplyGMV9LUXRk0ZySFtyzw4B4dQmNCcy_ok5wuz2OJw0kbiE47wo9xCQNNMfVu8UoPDl-VH08O4/s1600/IMG_2018.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In full mohawk-y glory, getting ready for a holiday work party. I made the props for the photobooth that night. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZa23o6_J-zB_LJ5KuBGk2K40-iAXTM3qDxX675ZjedDQyI_Cyn6cD_mLnsJ3cxHCOrpCliyGA4Mq_P50fNHx5thWBOs3yo6UDSrOFWEWLYE1BJwgmJNf40BpVaXjmRF7PtMsfs9Lpvxo/s1600/IMG_2506.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZa23o6_J-zB_LJ5KuBGk2K40-iAXTM3qDxX675ZjedDQyI_Cyn6cD_mLnsJ3cxHCOrpCliyGA4Mq_P50fNHx5thWBOs3yo6UDSrOFWEWLYE1BJwgmJNf40BpVaXjmRF7PtMsfs9Lpvxo/s1600/IMG_2506.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sitting in the salon right before I asked my hairdresser to cut off the mop of curls I'd asked he to help me grow for six months... I love that my hairdresser gets pumped even when I ask her to change my style as soon as I've hit my last goal!</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00649082927237935567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706229161623768692.post-49453148323599058582014-09-22T14:35:00.001-07:002014-09-22T14:37:23.069-07:00Hoppity Hop, snatched from Dolly ClackettI was reading over on <a href="http://dollyclackett.blogspot.co.uk/2014/09/my-grandmother-was-missing-that-tooth.html" target="_blank">Dolly Clackett</a> today about the blog writers blog hop and decided to throw myself in the ring. (She called it the cowards way out but I take it as a chance to dive in!)<br />
<br />
If you are not familiar with Roisin's blog she's a delightfully funny lady in the UK who makes all manner of well-fitting novelty and bold printed dresses. I envy her shoe collection and have a crush on her geographic location (who wouldn't when a trip to Paris doesn't mean a small loan from the bank?! Except for the fabric I'd be hauling back...)<br />
<br />
Anywho. Here I go taking up the gently set down torch:<br />
<b>1.) Why do I write?</b><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
Oh the lameness but it’s pretty basic. I
like it and I think I am pretty good at it. I know I need to work to get my
voice to come out in my blog the way it does when I write articles, cover
letters and that sort of thing. But the short answer really is that I like it. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<i>Why </i>I write a blog is a little different. I have pretty strong
feelings about personal history and leaving a mark. I’ve never had any interest
in fame or renown but I do want my kids or future generations to have something
they can look back on. I created my grad school thesis on the idea of memory as
a tangible thing. It’s why I love vintage and antiques and thrift. Tiny, handmade poodle skirts made for some lucky kiddo. It’s
all got history.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU5mLe6CPzFEhVS0543nZCIpgcFleuAnxn3qSZ1jBgyCelpWv8YySHaMiYl_yrAlQ4-qlrZZj2fc0VpAR39EKP9zpEHzRAWOMb6imnTRuW6YJZR-gReXht2opaPSUo-Fr0bM4KAS0U870/s1600/tiny+poodle+skirts.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU5mLe6CPzFEhVS0543nZCIpgcFleuAnxn3qSZ1jBgyCelpWv8YySHaMiYl_yrAlQ4-qlrZZj2fc0VpAR39EKP9zpEHzRAWOMb6imnTRuW6YJZR-gReXht2opaPSUo-Fr0bM4KAS0U870/s1600/tiny+poodle+skirts.PNG" height="320" width="316" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I just about gave up the ghost when I saw these. Right on the heels of, "How adorable?!" <br />
I thought, "What a sweet gesture to make these for a kid you love..."</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<b>2.) What am I working on now?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
Right now I’m actually working on
planning some future blog entries on Fall/Winter sewing, working up the
gumption to do some photos in my many dresses and also a modified Gertie’s
Portrait blouse pattern that I’ve redrafted as a kimono-sleeved dress bodice.
The new dress is cut from a hot pink waxed cotton I picked up on my summer trip
home to Philadelphia. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuhkv30Lt7nHRKtCgnXAfCWuOkUON17cS9v4dDP_Oq9GLvzCniSrFS3wtwGxGEqbbp2a4wDJ3ObTyQSwjTCNM0oiL2t1qyG55QCcI0k0rEtkeoct_wl-odYAAC3v6_1WGJSfdGc2lFBqE/s1600/jack+on+sewing+table.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuhkv30Lt7nHRKtCgnXAfCWuOkUON17cS9v4dDP_Oq9GLvzCniSrFS3wtwGxGEqbbp2a4wDJ3ObTyQSwjTCNM0oiL2t1qyG55QCcI0k0rEtkeoct_wl-odYAAC3v6_1WGJSfdGc2lFBqE/s1600/jack+on+sewing+table.PNG" height="320" width="316" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">Here you can see that #jacknamedcat is also excited about the possibilities.</span></td></tr>
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<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<b>3.) How does my blog differ from other sewing
blogs?</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
I don’t really know how to draft patterns
but I do it anyway. I don’t follow many rules like pre-washing my fabrics or
documenting the making process very thoroughly. But I freaking love sewing my
own clothes. I completely lose myself when I sew. Hours gone by without feeling
it. It takes me out of myself. Since I moved in with my Dude he’s actually
given me a bunch of ideas for blog posts. I get going talking about something
and he’ll inject a, “THAT’s what you write about!” He sees what sewing does for
me and can draw out all sorts of observations that I have a hard time stepping
back and seeing myself.</div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2y2fMEzZ6o5gnSIN3Z3AgNZQpQtyJBCtByfLdfiiC2vrOzL64u08JHgIpQN1Ba5T7peoaXPzIr7acfSGiQc-t311YXyxPa_de-9Zvwc5_7KhX8tlVRP9eNcN3e8mEu7Ct8ICaDhOK908/s1600/Mike+and+Sarah+at+Jintana's%2Bwedding%2Bshadow%2Bshift.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2y2fMEzZ6o5gnSIN3Z3AgNZQpQtyJBCtByfLdfiiC2vrOzL64u08JHgIpQN1Ba5T7peoaXPzIr7acfSGiQc-t311YXyxPa_de-9Zvwc5_7KhX8tlVRP9eNcN3e8mEu7Ct8ICaDhOK908/s1600/Mike+and+Sarah+at+Jintana's%2Bwedding%2Bshadow%2Bshift.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My fabulously stylish Dude and I at a friend's wedding this summer. <br />
Such a hottie!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<b>How does my writing process work?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
In front of the TV, on lunch at work,
notes in my phone… I’ve just started creating outline blog posts to keep track
of various ideas. When I think about whether I want to write something down I
think about whether I would want to read it. Is it worth the time writing it
out? Would I want to be able to find someone blogging about something like
this? Don’t I wish I could have found this info without having to slash up a
pile of fabric and snarls of thread and… so forth and so on. </div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
Some posts brew away a long while, weeks
even, before I think they are worth posting up.<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
I hope this was one of those thing! The enjoyable, glad I found it kind. Coming soon... thoughts on Fall/Winter sewing plans, re-evaluating my closet and how to stay warm this winter!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
xo, </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
Sarah</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00649082927237935567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706229161623768692.post-72487140343685448732014-09-20T17:09:00.001-07:002014-09-20T17:11:05.509-07:00Burgeoning Bakelite bonanza<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Like so many vintage-loving ladies (and gents!) I have a major heart-on for Bakelite. My collection has grown hugely this year and I thought it would be fun to share a few of the things I have found and the many ways I have seen Bakelite lovers store their stashes. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbxIXpfcH2ntXxOmLFNpgrHElXYz2x-240-2otNrSc_VS0ZY8BvXGZoIYwq9Nxqn1O8e932jrWY3kIY5bkvYzdnaYZRUXXAoIC59HJ6GoWJU3fD6m4-aB1rq2LfuzKXP8G6hBwZQqHTls/s1600/bakelite+bonanzaa+bangle+opener.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbxIXpfcH2ntXxOmLFNpgrHElXYz2x-240-2otNrSc_VS0ZY8BvXGZoIYwq9Nxqn1O8e932jrWY3kIY5bkvYzdnaYZRUXXAoIC59HJ6GoWJU3fD6m4-aB1rq2LfuzKXP8G6hBwZQqHTls/s1600/bakelite+bonanzaa+bangle+opener.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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My most recent finds are the unworn stacks in the upper left and lower right corners. This summer I discovered a vintage jewelry store called <a href="http://annandjacks.com/" target="_blank">Ann & Jack's Vintage Jewelry</a> in Hopkins (just west of Minneapolis) that has a great variety of vintage jewelry offerings. I brought little miss J last time and was so impressed with their store. They have a chest of treasures that your little ones can paw through and take a treat home for free! What a great way to help a mama out as she gets her oooh-sparkly fix!</div>
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Anywho, the most recent acquisitions are somewhat of a work in progress. The bangles in the lower right corner have some serious patina that I believe is hiding a light blue green (top) and a hot pink (middle). The bottom one might even have some strong blue streaks if I can get the layers worked down.</div>
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I am interested in learning more about how to restore the original colors and started off with Brasso. I'll also be looking to try Novus #3 and Turtlewax Chrome polish. I've heard good things. I'd love to hear if you have other suggestions!</div>
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When you start having a good sized collection you need to find a good way to keep all those beauties stored and displayed, too! </div>
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On my Pinterest board <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/vintagepeachpit/bangles-and-brooches-and-bags-oh-my/" target="_blank">Bangles, brooches and bags, oh my!</a> I have saved lots of items that just make me go, "Ooooooooh...!" I've also started saving images of the different ways people store their bangles for your viewing pleasure. Here are a couple of my favorites!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCKPjLf93V44xw5FCxy4pC-5IsFOpzXn_2CQIRrFUu3XjjaDDN0PWCcnbL4JY6mOkQi5Ce4FCmfmfHZE9fnURyOn81Wk_F5qEZhbGX689uqXdrTZg0kaXNYX-EDQrj1yUUL7eR__WiQN8/s1600/photo+12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCKPjLf93V44xw5FCxy4pC-5IsFOpzXn_2CQIRrFUu3XjjaDDN0PWCcnbL4JY6mOkQi5Ce4FCmfmfHZE9fnURyOn81Wk_F5qEZhbGX689uqXdrTZg0kaXNYX-EDQrj1yUUL7eR__WiQN8/s1600/photo+12.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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I started out with this sweet jewelry box my mother gave me years ago. It has a nice, deep bottom compartment that worked really well! You can see here, though that my collection was already bursting at the seams. Time to start looking for other, inspiring ideas!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2WFdrOr39bfLVxV-9FMqUvW0tp06wFIFblyZCgKgg-yXeSpPBqexGev0zeukIvP5d145b5ToBjy1jt34bV-gUI-j1PxyD7BlhkXs-dFJ5DWL-RX3E_DMZCaO5OggIdv208aLNMoolpGs/s1600/bangles+stored+on+coke+bottles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2WFdrOr39bfLVxV-9FMqUvW0tp06wFIFblyZCgKgg-yXeSpPBqexGev0zeukIvP5d145b5ToBjy1jt34bV-gUI-j1PxyD7BlhkXs-dFJ5DWL-RX3E_DMZCaO5OggIdv208aLNMoolpGs/s1600/bangles+stored+on+coke+bottles.jpg" height="278" width="400" /></a></div>
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This coke-bottle options is super neat. What a fun way to sort and store your bangles! Plus, don't you just envy a collection so broad, varied and extensive??? *sigh*</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiJEJJKE5F2SLICz9jQqmjaB_xRDuFTBo4eU8lEChMnhWBpotX71k-T5NFjj7CWWe2p_M2zXXqE0qwRPtEBwd9trB6e8KRwD0R7xYUkZ7Bl9xVTaG0C4xKi4KHIUIPtHiqqkgo0QAJ_XU/s1600/bangles+stored+on+towel+holders.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiJEJJKE5F2SLICz9jQqmjaB_xRDuFTBo4eU8lEChMnhWBpotX71k-T5NFjj7CWWe2p_M2zXXqE0qwRPtEBwd9trB6e8KRwD0R7xYUkZ7Bl9xVTaG0C4xKi4KHIUIPtHiqqkgo0QAJ_XU/s1600/bangles+stored+on+towel+holders.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
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I like this idea a lot, too. A great, inexpensive way to store and display. Plus, moving your bangles off of your dresser or vanity is great for freeing up surface area! In this bangle-fan's blog she mentions the benefit of being able to swap out towel tubes when they get exhausted. I think that's pretty good but I know it would drive me batty to have to replace them and also to have to take the tube off every time I wanted to sort through the bangles. Which is why...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhooNoT2wV-xloM_vwIh65khwhS9-THJNBKirniKLg0NdDALh0uqs8k7p-vCnekSpcZwuDnfso5hF3pAj8o0wVyBMEaPv_o34-LO30kMjqDu-UqrC4ZG_RN7_9FnAHxSIFiUQehc_0BKhg/s1600/bangles+in+hosiery+boxes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhooNoT2wV-xloM_vwIh65khwhS9-THJNBKirniKLg0NdDALh0uqs8k7p-vCnekSpcZwuDnfso5hF3pAj8o0wVyBMEaPv_o34-LO30kMjqDu-UqrC4ZG_RN7_9FnAHxSIFiUQehc_0BKhg/s1600/bangles+in+hosiery+boxes.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is the method I love most! These bangles are not my own collection but are the same sort of storage I use. I have been extremely lucky to find a couple of these boxes at different flea markets. I have a silvery blue one that I snagged for $7 and a salmony pink one I scored for just $2! It was super dirty but has cleaned up rather well and I have been happy with it so far. </div>
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I feel like I have seen and known about Bakelite all my life. All throughout my childhood I remember being dragged (hey, I wasn't always jazzed but I am so glad my parents made me do things that interested them, too) to flea markets all over the region. We went to antique stores in New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey. For several years in high school we hit up the <a href="http://www.jmkshows.com/20140308_antique_ac.html" target="_blank">Atlantique City Antique Show</a>. It's a mega-huge gathering of small and big time dealers all gather under one roof. </div>
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I remember seeing cases and cases stacked with Bakelite. Bangles, jewelry, phones, knives, etc, etc. These days, every Bakelite bauble I see is that much more precious and exciting to spot. I'd love to see shots of your own bangle storage and favorite bakelite pieces! Plus, I'm excited to share updates on the restoration process of my new bangles on Instagram. </div>
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Sarah</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00649082927237935567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706229161623768692.post-92104157343434295912014-09-12T12:03:00.000-07:002014-09-12T12:03:13.817-07:00Today's post is brought to you by coffee. Spilled on me leaving the house.Laziness and a lack of knowledge ruin wardrobes. It's true. I'm sure that when lots of us get an oil stain or some such thing on ourselves we think, "Well, there goes that dress/shirt/skirt/whatever." Particularly with t-shirts. It just never seems worth pursuing an alternative... or does it? When you rock vintage, me-made or otherwise investment garments you need to know your way around a stain remover.<br />
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Today I'm gonna share a few of my most favorite solutions to those wardrobe-destroying woes. All thanks to my mama, really.<br />
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I grew up with an amazing mom who just knew how to do... anything. Install a toilet? Make a perfect Christmas cookie? Sew a shirt? Yup. Remove a stain? Absolutely. She would re-attach buttons, shorten pants and fix busted seams. I thought it was normal. I wanted to be just like her. I keep these things in my cleaning closet just for those occasions when life, you know, just seems to happen.<br />
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<img height="128" src="http://www.carbona.com/skin/2-columns/images/2column/sdsitebanner4.jpg" width="400" /></div>
<b><u><a href="http://www.carbona.com/stain-devils/" target="_blank">#1 Carbona Stain Devils</a></u></b><br />
I remember picking these up in the super market when we ran out of some formula. I don't remember which ones we kept around. I just knew that there were special formulas depending on what your stain was made of. In grad school I understood much better the chemistry behind these and what a miracle they really are. In my house as a grownup I keep the Fat & Cooking Oil formula as well as the Wine, Tea, Coffee and Juice formula.<br />
You can order them online or find them at your local Jo-Ann's.<br />
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<img alt="OxiClean Versatile Stain Remover Powder Large Image" src="http://www.oxiclean.com/siteimages/Product/Large/de2ebde3-3eeb-4376-ab59-9e1bd08b91f6.png" /></div>
<b><u><a href="http://www.oxiclean.com/versatile/Products/oxiclean-versatile-stain-remover.aspx" target="_blank">#2 OxiClean</a></u></b><br />
I hardly think there's a person in US who hasn't heard of this one. But, what you might not think of with OxiClean is that it is wonderful for removing age spots and marks from vintage fabrics and linens. Whenever my mom (who now runs an antiques shop) or I come across linens that look well taken care of but no less dingy and needing a little love, we use this. A recent batch of vintage homespun napkins came home with me covered in spots and emerged from oxiclean soaking to be a clean, even cream color. As they should! Remember to run anything you've soaked through the regular wash, too.<br />
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<b><u><a href="http://www.dharmatrading.com/chemicals/synthrapol-detergent.html" target="_blank">#3 Synthrapol Detergent</a></u></b><br />
Looks boring and bland, right? Wrong! While I would use Carbona for known stains and OxiClean for less known stains I use Synthrapol for all sorts of fabric cleansing. When clothes are very dirty, have sweat stains, keep shedding dye (like when you buy an indigo-dyed fabric), Synthrapol is my go-to. I started using this in college during my Fibers classes to rinse hand-dyed textiles. It's safe for home use and super efficient. A very small amount go a long, long way! I'll soak the family tablecloth in this after a holiday and have an easy-peasy time getting the marks out. It's gentle on fibers and tough on stains. Also, it has no added colors or fragrances!<br />
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All three products are pretty affordable and findable. I've included links in the title bits of each for your easy reference. Keep these ideas in your back pocket (or laundry closet!). It sure helps to know there's hope for your "ruined" clothes when you are livin' la via me-made!<br />
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xo<br />
SarahAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00649082927237935567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706229161623768692.post-12996531928676180342014-08-25T15:03:00.000-07:002014-09-01T19:57:31.286-07:00Travel packing and livin' la vida me-made.<div style="text-align: right;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRx2DUc9L3KNK8oRTRMWHC38ccZGUQBJY6MzUkWISDLMsWER_FoZqotOdvkmPhSf9_-Zte-HyzgjNs5V2lwGYWqV8OEtWCEUCZWzfKE9RztNOU8RpPpLq5xehDbV9crCe91yMfuzbgDBA/s1600/mike+and+sarahJPG.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRx2DUc9L3KNK8oRTRMWHC38ccZGUQBJY6MzUkWISDLMsWER_FoZqotOdvkmPhSf9_-Zte-HyzgjNs5V2lwGYWqV8OEtWCEUCZWzfKE9RztNOU8RpPpLq5xehDbV9crCe91yMfuzbgDBA/s1600/mike+and+sarahJPG.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Vacation in progress! Here we are in Cape Cod, MA ready to get our Yaaaay! on right before Barry and Monica began their epic walk down the aisle. Mike looked amazing in his seersucker suit and Venetian boater hat. Sometimes he tries to rebel against his hipster-inclined ways but I am usually able to cajole him into owning it. He's a beautiful man and can pull of strong colors and statement pieces. Once he takes the plunge he rocks it pretty hard. I knew he would for this trip, too.<br />
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I wore a modified version of Butterick 5748. It's the regular bodice with the notch in front. I had previously made the neck-gape adjustment to my pattern pieces and the tiny amount of leftover gape was handled beautifully by the ease created by the notch. I added an extra-full gathered skirt and in-seam pockets for this version and am pretty pleased with the results over all! This is the first time I applied a rick rack trim over the surface instead of as an edge treatment. It was also the first time I used the basted-shut zipper technique I saw<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/174936766748482202/"> here</a>. I have done once or twice since then and will definitely be incorporating it into future garments! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbTQveDqBeEBGJWw8p_QgwrKL4xJWAw3d34NJM5kHJcEvWXHm5kdW6jIawGJ0uQwixf9k5T2pJu2zpvdhEAy4xdKciGl-JdTqho2TcWlDS6Agwj-pq__g5tPdd46WWHmL8huh25STBl3M/s1600/photo+1(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbTQveDqBeEBGJWw8p_QgwrKL4xJWAw3d34NJM5kHJcEvWXHm5kdW6jIawGJ0uQwixf9k5T2pJu2zpvdhEAy4xdKciGl-JdTqho2TcWlDS6Agwj-pq__g5tPdd46WWHmL8huh25STBl3M/s1600/photo+1(1).JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRzvGeGL0ZDp3qVdv8Ma2KnQYYj76AW2P6j_cUfuLT3_FJC_Vbcsoj29qUHmG-5A9-MY3MHd_9ZgrinKwNbD2Lo_mJjCsIO4cojrtZsKQVF0VXGNXY9tNvxg1L_-D61ofQRAPHg-YYcUM/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRzvGeGL0ZDp3qVdv8Ma2KnQYYj76AW2P6j_cUfuLT3_FJC_Vbcsoj29qUHmG-5A9-MY3MHd_9ZgrinKwNbD2Lo_mJjCsIO4cojrtZsKQVF0VXGNXY9tNvxg1L_-D61ofQRAPHg-YYcUM/s1600/photo+3.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFO66Kn6UQctyLo1qVaSc2nkiPmJn2tglH5jMAM1TeFsSiroc2etU0cclzxZS6dn_cq4t7uLZy4TD-jIm1e1-n9oH3y08qba72tOCXsrb2SLtLa_SUGDMzHJHiVRO15Xb6UBuWKxNHdGo/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFO66Kn6UQctyLo1qVaSc2nkiPmJn2tglH5jMAM1TeFsSiroc2etU0cclzxZS6dn_cq4t7uLZy4TD-jIm1e1-n9oH3y08qba72tOCXsrb2SLtLa_SUGDMzHJHiVRO15Xb6UBuWKxNHdGo/s1600/photo+2.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpyjjR0qBRO8chl6tXzNJQP9v5wWIxP1iYsqJGp_VMlKlzk4f5rDsYsjkjMbhjMaWfGnQS5XYiZQ7MJb35iYK9JZ5XE8Oz5U-f0SNvht0Xf0LKC9OvdmpOSHU0wkZ0pbX1Dur2iS1821k/s1600/photo+2(1).JPG&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpyjjR0qBRO8chl6tXzNJQP9v5wWIxP1iYsqJGp_VMlKlzk4f5rDsYsjkjMbhjMaWfGnQS5XYiZQ7MJb35iYK9JZ5XE8Oz5U-f0SNvht0Xf0LKC9OvdmpOSHU0wkZ0pbX1Dur2iS1821k/s1600/photo+2(1).JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a>Certainly I must be getting ahead of myself, though! In my <a href="http://vintagepeachpit.blogspot.com/2014/08/travelin-me-made-and-retro-style.html">last post </a>I talked about sharing some of my me-made wardrobe travel tips and observations. <br />
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Here are a couple of shot showing my packing in-progress. I hung out all of the dresses I planned to take on this trip so that I could coordinate jewelry and shoes. I tend to gather everything up on the bed before starting to fit it into my bags. I have been traveling with a 1-bag rule for a few years now. The addition of my train case is definitely a break of tradition and I wanted to make sure I wasn't just taking along additional things for the hey of it.<br />
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When packing I come to a point that I just <i>know</i> that I have reached the tipping point. I prefer to leave a little extra room in my bags to allow me to bring home treats for myself and my stepdaughter. <br />
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Mommy Dearest's line may be "No wire hangers!" but my own is, "No checked baggage!"<br />
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1- sorely dislike waiting for the carousel<br />
2- becomes difficult to carry it all solo<br />
3- risk of loss is too high<br />
4- mid-trip changes increase risk of loss<br />
5- traveling with vintage or me-made means not being able to replace things = heartache<br />
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I've encountered a lot of drama in my travel. I have learned to cut it out wherever possible.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-HcV0EZEEbvW1I2cW-jVmraMBee0PTa8bQqVeSTRK5yxpLJQNrnBnM4v7yrxtFVRr483APq64fDzio9p-rEaCcVQ3oq5uJcXZSRsBVa_kuvQbTii88QS1HAIyeCIB0G2XFt1ZL3wit3c/s1600/photo+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-HcV0EZEEbvW1I2cW-jVmraMBee0PTa8bQqVeSTRK5yxpLJQNrnBnM4v7yrxtFVRr483APq64fDzio9p-rEaCcVQ3oq5uJcXZSRsBVa_kuvQbTii88QS1HAIyeCIB0G2XFt1ZL3wit3c/s1600/photo+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-HcV0EZEEbvW1I2cW-jVmraMBee0PTa8bQqVeSTRK5yxpLJQNrnBnM4v7yrxtFVRr483APq64fDzio9p-rEaCcVQ3oq5uJcXZSRsBVa_kuvQbTii88QS1HAIyeCIB0G2XFt1ZL3wit3c/s1600/photo+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-HcV0EZEEbvW1I2cW-jVmraMBee0PTa8bQqVeSTRK5yxpLJQNrnBnM4v7yrxtFVRr483APq64fDzio9p-rEaCcVQ3oq5uJcXZSRsBVa_kuvQbTii88QS1HAIyeCIB0G2XFt1ZL3wit3c/s1600/photo+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
Because I'm a nutball I, of course, had a last dress in-progress the night before we left. I promised myself (and my boyfriend who kept eyeing my pile of dresses with trepidation and a hairy eyeball) that if I finished the new dress one of the trip dresses would come out of the pile and the new dress would get work on the plane.<br />
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I've been working on tweaking a self-drafted bodice to include a v-neck. In the purple striped dress below it worked out quite well! After making the pink dress I think the bias is the reason is worked so well.<br />
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In any case, here's a hotel mirror shot of me at 8pm after getting up and dressed and out the door around 4am, trekking through the airport, Boston and 3 hours of driving. I think it looks damn fine. Whatever reservations I still had about the dress are gone! Especially since I shortened one of my black cardigans to pair with it (and a million other dresses!)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUVXZQqwcxNjOGtJ1a7TNZG2hWBTLmJE-Zw9WwXUFMuBzj9S_Pk42IJ0e_9VDs23Uoz6PuQW93Cmn836bwmQW4lLQ-iXVni_exUEdcXHb3Yy2X5U5xjKz7raT6pAWQW3N3lzQy9lXOHzU/s1600/photo+1(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUVXZQqwcxNjOGtJ1a7TNZG2hWBTLmJE-Zw9WwXUFMuBzj9S_Pk42IJ0e_9VDs23Uoz6PuQW93Cmn836bwmQW4lLQ-iXVni_exUEdcXHb3Yy2X5U5xjKz7raT6pAWQW3N3lzQy9lXOHzU/s1600/photo+1(2).JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
The last dress for this post is the purple striped number i mentioned above. If you follow me on Instagram then you've seen it already. This was my first try at pattern matching! I'm super pleased with the results. I even found that I could get in and out of this dress without inserting a zipper. I'm still on the fence about whether to go back and put one in. I mostly think it would make getting dressed easier... What do you think?<br />
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Tomorrow we are off to the City of Brotherly love for <a href="https://www.facebook.com/FabricRow">some fabric shopping</a>, <a href="http://www.federaldonuts.com/">fried chicken and donuts,</a> farm-to-table food and some general lovin' and kickin' around. I hope to get some more action-shots of my clothes. Soon! Happy Monday Blogland!
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I am excited to be able to share some images of my entirely me-made wardrobe for this trip! It will be the first time my mom will get to see this batch of dresses. I learned my love of sewing from my mama who taught me to sew on the machine she made my baby clothes on. I am so pumped to show her the latest.<br>
<div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLJ02kgaqBK8nzh3Swm7rYCpdvvLNlT7vrxhKnrsfsP4_twAIM1tsH-11GnJfZwdlhz41rKInpUJZl0oZJSOELmuLlaC_XqLva-pXwciIPMVMp9wzRf3zPkmwZmM6FK92i_NhaI3eiX6A/s640/blogger-image-1040039430.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLJ02kgaqBK8nzh3Swm7rYCpdvvLNlT7vrxhKnrsfsP4_twAIM1tsH-11GnJfZwdlhz41rKInpUJZl0oZJSOELmuLlaC_XqLva-pXwciIPMVMp9wzRf3zPkmwZmM6FK92i_NhaI3eiX6A/s640/blogger-image-1040039430.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; text-align: center;">In addition, I am traveling with my train case for the first time and hoping to garner some insights and tips for making the most of train case travel. I have been surprised by how much I can fit inside. I've also been pleased by how easy it is to reach in frequently to grab this or that while we made our way around Boston and toward the Cape. I'll be snapping photos and gathering tidbits to share. I'd love to hear your tips and tricks, too!</span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00649082927237935567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706229161623768692.post-54705287428961584302014-08-16T12:18:00.001-07:002014-08-16T12:18:37.274-07:00Getting over the hump, a little bit on motivationI LOVE teaching. And, I LOVE sewing. Challenge is I don't love writing my syllabus. We are about to go off on vacation to Boston, Philadelphia and New Jersey and really, really need to get my syllabus finished and my first lecture ready to go. We come home only 3 days before classes start. <br />
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I have a whole heap of fabrics just screaming at my from the cutting table to become the next wonderful thing I get to wear and so I have given myself the mandate that all of my syllabus and first week of class materials need to be ready to print before I can get back to sewing.<br />
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So what do I do? Go buy more fabric, of course. My boss is an experienced pattern maker and we have a lunchtime pants-making chat set up this week. The first pair of pants I made were such an enormous, colossal failure that I decided I absolutely must seek out help. <br />
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Every review I have read about Butterick 5895 talks about success. Many sewers seem to have success right out of the envelope. A few needed minor tweaks. Only two reviewers have talked about them being bad in the first go. Even one of those lovely ladies <a href="http://bygumbygolly.com/2014/08/triumphant-return-of-cigarette-pants/">just ate her words</a>! Tasha of By Gum, By Golly looks fabulous in hers. I went to Joann's on my groceries trip today thinking I would just get what I needed to try making them.<br />
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I also found this beautiful ikat seersucker that was on sale for $7/yd and couldn't help myself. Why am I writing this blog instead of finishing my syllabus? Can't you see I am my own worst enemy! Oh, reader, encourage me to do what I need to so I can keep making fun frocks and things.<br />
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Wish me luck!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00649082927237935567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706229161623768692.post-73835358551186179342014-08-15T17:42:00.003-07:002014-08-15T17:42:51.484-07:00Is it truly awesome? And other vocabulary abuses. I am a frequent user and abuser of the word "awesome". I try to inject more diversity into my daily vocabulary but I find that in my less conscientious moments I default to overuse of "awesome" to express excitement and satisfaction. I am a hypocrite.<br />
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Oh, but you can! I dislike to overuse of words when the overuse depletes the power and meaning of a word. When a friend or coworker asks a question and I am able to give an answer? "Thanks! Awesome!" Although I appreciate the vigor of the response I doubt much of what I do on a day to day basis or what I know is truly awesome.<br />
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Things that are truly awe-some:<br />
-taking in the view from the rim of the Grand Canyon<br />
-my last mountain-top sunrise when I lived in Lesotho<br />
-hearing my boyfriend's daughter speak about her body without shame, guilt or fear<br />
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Things that rock, are very exciting, make me smile:<br />
-delicious food<br />
-waking up next to my dude every morning<br />
-seeing dude's daughter accomplish a new skill or take a new risk<br />
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Here is a promise to myself to keep invigorating my linguistic skills and the depth of my vocabulary. Join me! <br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00649082927237935567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706229161623768692.post-18248837168832384672014-08-14T12:11:00.000-07:002014-08-14T12:14:06.391-07:00The Batter Up! daydressDuring my day off last week I was very happy to spend the whole day home and sewing. And doing laundry. And cleaning the cat's water fountain, etc, etc. Still, mainly, a sewing day!<br />
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After my most recent trip to SR Harris I had a really hard time deciding which of my new fabrics to start with. Looking through my box of trim I decided to make up this fun blue dot print with some extra wide rickrack trim from my stash. I went back and forth about it since it made me think of baseball right away. I love the kinda '40's, kinda '60's pop Deco feeling of it.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: left;">I keep all of my TNT pattern pieces in their own envelopes. Separate bodice and bottom pieces. Mix and match heaven! I have a whole envelope of pocket pieces, too!</span></td></tr>
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I started out with my kimono sleeve bodice block and a basic gathered skirt (I use a tapered hip line instead of a straight rectangle to reduce bulk). I laid all of my bits out and just wasn't feeling it. So I scrapped the kimono sleeve bodice and instead opted for my newly modified Butterick 5748 bodice! I made this up as a test run for a dress I am wearing to a friend's wedding later this month. With the first try there was major neck gaping and the back is so low that I can only wear it with one bra that I own. </div>
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To eliminate the neck gape I followed the advice of <a href="http://bernieandi.wordpress.com/2012/07/13/pattern-alterations-how-to-remove-gaping-or-excess-fabric-from-neckline-of-a-fitted-dress/">berni and i </a>. Her step-by-step was perfect for altering a one-piece bodice front with waist and bust darts. It's giving me the confidence to go back and fix some other patterns with similar problems. Don't fear the dart!</div>
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As a side note, I generally don't pre-wash my fabrics unless I am sure that the sizing is corn-based (I have an allergy). I find that most fabrics are so much easier to cut and fit in their fresh-off-the-bolt state. Plus, my ironing and pressing time is greatly reduced and my washing machine is saved the trouble of loose yarns tumbling around the center holding my towels and underpants hostage. </div>
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In the future I hope to share additional tidbits about organization, pattern tracing, storage and modifications. I love reading about other bloggers organization and tips and tricks. </div>
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Next up: pictures of the finished dress! And some Bakelite love. </div>
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Happy sewing!</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00649082927237935567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706229161623768692.post-67759637784885009342014-08-09T16:18:00.000-07:002014-08-09T16:19:40.299-07:00Day off, new sewing space!<br />
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Ok, so it's not a totally new sewing space. We moved into our duplex
about 2 months ago and although we are settled in many ways I am still
getting used to the new space and it's quirks. We've just combined
households and finding just the right way to put each of our belongings
into the best use is the kind of challenge I love. Fortunately for us
both my boyfriend likes my flair for organization and design. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHkCOC1y0rXK1ugSONMklGolPu5nTrBgh125LA5M9a4d57OcdtiPu0dJHld8h3qVv1GuTOb0etDQGsbXmpiXkdj7ZoSSQxUJDEMVHsZaGKOftQEppbXXbqEBVeWWiOPetLR_-lHKaLPLM/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHkCOC1y0rXK1ugSONMklGolPu5nTrBgh125LA5M9a4d57OcdtiPu0dJHld8h3qVv1GuTOb0etDQGsbXmpiXkdj7ZoSSQxUJDEMVHsZaGKOftQEppbXXbqEBVeWWiOPetLR_-lHKaLPLM/s1600/photo+3.JPG" height="236" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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I really should have taken some before/after photos since there is an enormous red, sculptural chair that is now hidden away in our Enormous Closet. I was getting pretty frustrated with my workspace flow before. I have a small ironing board and it would have to be used on top of the worktable. The serger felt crammed in at the far end when the giant chair was in the place of the sewing machine. Now, I have usurped a bookshelf for my ironing station (and lego storage for the kiddo!) and we have a lot more open floor space. Woo! I keep other supplies tucked away in our Enormous Closet.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9-CulkNl0ll9TV9HK89s0qQbMaABKYA0Pk3ZOG1wvjV6mVXPpvnattsG0ic8OXzWiw8asN1N0p0gMFve8sTwZ2a_hsm7JCEBHzSBgNHkLZBUrURBmfoqiDyRnUYgAR9k5uj8o9YsbsnM/s1600/photo+2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9-CulkNl0ll9TV9HK89s0qQbMaABKYA0Pk3ZOG1wvjV6mVXPpvnattsG0ic8OXzWiw8asN1N0p0gMFve8sTwZ2a_hsm7JCEBHzSBgNHkLZBUrURBmfoqiDyRnUYgAR9k5uj8o9YsbsnM/s1600/photo+2.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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Now, with the sewing space on its way to glory I have a couple of other things that need resolving. I'm pumped to hang these wine boxes for some additional storage/keeping junk off the workspace over my sewing machine. It'll be great to be able to keep thread and bobbins close at hand without having them on the work surface! Other items include: additional light for sewing machine area (perhaps), additional thread rack for overflow (absolutely!), hairpin legs for the worktable (when I can stop myself from blowing my candy money on Bakelite...rrrrright.) </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV6sSCJfuZQJdMAYiFUpqV5qvDoABYR3hNwWe6EL5KH2UdUQYky2BQhaweY6Fk1hA7PHgR4E29JV5Vg8UnwmBNrq-WpUbMdBD3q0mjShA3vwZQ2wMAVGzMkBxJ0uCSoDQAMpKECD03t_4/s1600/photo+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV6sSCJfuZQJdMAYiFUpqV5qvDoABYR3hNwWe6EL5KH2UdUQYky2BQhaweY6Fk1hA7PHgR4E29JV5Vg8UnwmBNrq-WpUbMdBD3q0mjShA3vwZQ2wMAVGzMkBxJ0uCSoDQAMpKECD03t_4/s1600/photo+5.JPG" height="320" width="240" /> </a></div>
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For now, I am off to spend the day with my stepdaughter. This will be her first time coming thrifting and antiquing with me. On the lookout for: Bakelite bangles, quilted hosiery boxes, end tables and cloth napkins. Future post on our day of spoils and also my approach to antiquing and thrifting, for sure! </div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00649082927237935567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706229161623768692.post-46105501316946972082014-08-07T21:17:00.001-07:002014-08-07T21:19:43.650-07:00A day to playIt's been a quiet week at work. The sort that finds me reaching out to coworkers to see what I can help with and compiling mental checklists of all the things I would like to get done at home. So I am super excited to be taking a personal day tomorrow!<div><br></div><div>On my to-do list:</div><div><br></div><div>-SEW! </div><div> -Work on the Butterick 5748 for a friend's wedding</div><div> -cut out fabric for two other dresses</div><div> -draft pockets/trim plans for the two dresses</div><div><br></div><div>-antique mall?</div><div> -in Hopkins, Antiques on Main</div><div> -look for: bakelite, cloth napkins, satin organizers! Like these:</div><div><div class="separator" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; clear: both;"> I have seen a bunch of folks storing bangles this way and I truly love it!</div><div class="separator" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; clear: both;">Happy almost Friday!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiElHx-AgNqUwlGh1VZF2tFSP-d5NGKmDi4TwcoWiZTtSzx9gSoX4E5ncxOZ4dZToDbcp37bHKNdVdUpDL_kjhcC10alCOxuOVra9Hhw9CMRRCliYs8VuHgmE7NoniLFTpwC6eAdqceTuI/s640/blogger-image--1601157608.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiElHx-AgNqUwlGh1VZF2tFSP-d5NGKmDi4TwcoWiZTtSzx9gSoX4E5ncxOZ4dZToDbcp37bHKNdVdUpDL_kjhcC10alCOxuOVra9Hhw9CMRRCliYs8VuHgmE7NoniLFTpwC6eAdqceTuI/s640/blogger-image--1601157608.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00649082927237935567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706229161623768692.post-58151236441394988862014-08-07T08:35:00.003-07:002014-08-14T12:14:31.602-07:00Great fabric in Minnesota<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">
When I moved to Minnesota I really did not know where to go for good fabric. I knew there were a number of Jo-Ann stores in the metro but Ho-Ann is not my usual cup of tea. So you can certainly see why I was super excited to start learning about the less commercial options available! Two places in particular have become my regular stomping grounds: <a data-mce-href="http://srharrisfabric.com/" href="http://srharrisfabric.com/">S.R. Harris</a> and <a data-mce-href="http://craftyplanet.com/" href="http://craftyplanet.com/">Crafty Planet</a>.</div>
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S.R. H<img alt="IMG_2699" class="alignleft wp-image-74" data-mce-src="http://vintagepeachpit.files.wordpress.com/2014/08/img_2699-e1407371509655.jpg?w=146" src="http://vintagepeachpit.files.wordpress.com/2014/08/img_2699-e1407371509655.jpg?w=146" height="225" style="float: left;" width="110" />arris is an enormous, 30,000sq.ft. warehouse fill in every square inch with all manner of apparel and home fabrics and cut rate prices. Their typical set up is to offer 50% off of all shelf prices with occasional additional sales on specific categories (linen, silks, upholstery, etc). I had lived here more than 2 years before I went the first time. I has little knowledge of what I was getting myself into. I spent HOURS there. I know now to set a budget (usually about $100) for a visit and to go in with my little book of swatches and a plan. Otherwise I'll just go bonkers. These two fun projects came from quilting cottons I found there.</div>
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Crafty Planet is a small, independently-owned fabric and yarn store that specializes in all manner of sweet, novelty prints and unique quilting weight cottons. I got my stepdaughter this amazing KABOOM fabric for a circle skirt of her own! They are a little on the spendy side but it does my heart good to support local businesses that support our enthusiastic maker/sewist community around these parts. If you happen to be in Minnesota I strongly encourage you to hit these spots up. It'll stoke your stitching fire!</div>
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<a data-mce-href="https://vintagepeachpit.files.wordpress.com/2014/08/il_570xn-575830777_pdmr.jpg" href="https://vintagepeachpit.files.wordpress.com/2014/08/il_570xn-575830777_pdmr.jpg"><img alt="il_570xN.575830777_pdmr" class="aligncenter wp-image-77 size-medium" data-mce-src="http://vintagepeachpit.files.wordpress.com/2014/08/il_570xn-575830777_pdmr.jpg?w=216" src="http://vintagepeachpit.files.wordpress.com/2014/08/il_570xn-575830777_pdmr.jpg?w=216" height="300" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="216" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00649082927237935567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706229161623768692.post-32356990385979293352014-03-30T14:49:00.000-07:002014-08-14T12:17:14.152-07:00Been awhile, been a-sewin'I have a hard time keeping up with blog posts. This year I started teaching college in addition to my full time work as a fabric engineer. I have wanted to teach for a long time and the fulfillment of that goal, at least in a small way, has been absolutely amazing. It's energizing and exhausting. Humbling and ego-boosting. It's a head trip. Perhaps I will write about my classes more in depth in the future.<br />
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Today I am mostly itching to write about my shift in personal style and how I've been using it to spur my sewing to newer, more productive and more rewarding heights. My Mom taught me about sewing at a fairly young age and I was not so thrilled. I remember getting my first sewing kit when I was 8 years old. It has a pink and white fabric lid that doubled as a pin cushion. My cousin D got one, too and I was thrilled to play with all of its little parts but not keen on using them to any productive end. It's kind of frustratingly hilarious to compare that to where I have taken my education and landed in my career. In high school I started getting more into it, making very simple skirts and pants, altering clothing I already had to be new and different. Often times driven by my urge to go club dancing and have a new, fun outfit every time.<br />
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These days my style is a bit different.
I realized awhile ago that I've been dressing very dark. I told myself it was an easy solution to my work wardrobe (business dress was required at the time). I dressed almost exclusively in black for work and them "mixed it up" on the weekends with black t-shirts and blue jeans. As my work and personal life has taken a major uptick in the chaos field I looked at my wardrobe again and it dawned on me that black wasn't easy, it was giving in. I was hiding.
Black clothes are slimming. They match everything. You don't have to think about the style of things so much. It's just shapes. I looked more pulled together without having to work at it. I started hating my closet and having to get dressed for work. Which is most unfortunate since my job is still pretty cool (even with the chaos) and I get a tickle every time I walk into our giant building. Something had to give. So I decided to go backwards. To when I was happier with my body, felt more balance in my life and was excited to get dressed each day.<br />
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I've gone back to vintage and vintage-inspired clothing.
Circle skirts, striped tops, buttons, belts, red lips, bold eyelashes, pearls and bead necklaces galore. Dresses and skirts make me feel fun! Instead of like I am just trying to get through the day. It sounds a little superficial to say it that way, however, I have found that it makes a big difference. My boyfriend has commented that he sees a change. I walk into my closet each evening (I find it best to choose my outfits before bed) and I am <i>excited</i>. I am excited to put together a new outfit. I am excited to put it on each morning.<br />
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Before coming to MN I sewed. A lot. It was my zen. I would get the urge and before I knew it it would be 3am and I would be entirely engrossed in what I was making. I am recharged. The 3am part may not be the best... there's nothing quite like a sewing hangover! But, I fall in love with my machine and my ability and my family history every time I sit down with it again.<br />
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The latest project is the blouse from Simplicity 4047, the 1950's retro wardrobe, now out of print, but which I have had for nearly ten years. I made the skirt once upon a time and remember wanting the pattern since it had so many useful, functional daily-wear pieces (it includes a swing jacket, pencil skirt with 2 length options, blouse and capri pants). I took a risk and decided to make the blouse from a reverse-print slub jersey I had on hand and it is going really well! I can't wait to post a picture. I had been worried that the fabric wouldn't have a retro or vintage feel but it looks amazing in the silhouette and brings some much need lightness to my wardrobe. I am very excited to wear it year round and have started thinking this pattern was destined for knits (though the envelope says nothing about them!)
More soon! xoxo
SarahUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0