Monday Morning Inspiration/Timeless Fashion and Resources

Two weeks ago, I found out that the yoga studio in my neighborhood offers a weekly restorative yoga class. The first week, I had an excruciating headache. I hate when I get these headaches. They last for 48 hours, regardless of what I do, or what I take to relieve the pain. I went anyway, and I was so glad that I did. The headache did not go away, but an hour and 15 minutes of relaxation poses was just what I needed. I'm now hooked. Tonight will be my third class, and I cannot wait! 

I absolutely love it when I have the opportunity to bring you resources that you might not know are available :) 

My husband belongs to the Model A Ford Club of America. The club is composed of men and women who love Model A Fords, and enjoy the era in which the cars were produced, whether they own one or not. They even produce a magazine that comes out every other month.  

There's always a fashion related article in every magazine. 

The articles encompass everything from accessories, to tips on how to select the best dress suited to your body type. And even better, access to the articles is FREE!!! You can see an entire list of the articles HERE. Scroll to the bottom of the page and you'll find a link to access archived articles. 

The organization has worked hard to bring their members resources for authentic clothing. HERE you will find their Pattern Project page. 

There you will find patterns for; 

Daytime Dresses,

 Cocktail Gowns, 

Evening Gowns,

Hats

Coats, 

Pajamas,

 And even a pattern for a traditional kimono.

Info on other patterns and how to order can be found HERE.

I think this is a wonderful resource for anyone who enjoys vintage fashion. So many of the fashions are really quite timeless.

Most of you know about the wonderful Decades of Style pattern company. There you can find lots of wonderful vintage patterns that can easily be translated into pieces that work for today. You can find their 1920's patterns HERE. 

Have a wonderful week! I hope that you too can find a little something that can restore your soul :)
Rhonda

It's All About The Waistband

In this week's Decades of Style Arches Skirt sew long post, it's all about the waistband. We've put the cart before the horse a bit with this post as next week we will be talking about creating a lining for the skirt. Of course, you would make and insert the lining before attaching the waistband. This is actually a special post as I talk about adding waistband buckrum to the waistband. It's rarely used these days, sadly, but it is something that I absolutely love to use in my waistbands. In the video, I tell a short story about how I came to know about waistband buckrum. In the picture below, you can see the buckrum that I used in my waistband.

 In the post, I also show you how I finish off my waistbands,

 and I show you how to create the lovely embroidery stitches around the hook.

If by chance you would prefer a video on how to do the hook application, just let me know as I'll be more than happy to do one. This is how I sew on all of my hooks and I just love how it looks inside my garments.
You can find the post HERE and the video is below.
Enjoy!

Decades of Style Arches Skirt Sew Along Week 2

The second week of the Decades of Style Arches Skirt sew along is up on the Sew News blog. You can find the post HERE. This week is all about underlining, pattern marking, and how to match up the front of the skirt and obtain that flawless center point.
For the blog post, I added a little something more. I found this lovely piece of piping that works perfectly with my fabric.

 In the post, I show you how to add the piping to the arch,

 and then obtain that perfect center point.

 A preview of my new skirt! I am in love with this skirt!!!

I've included the video here for you to take a look at. In the video, I talk quite a bit about the underlining and marking of the pattern and I also show you how to lay the pieces together to create the front of the skirt. Take note that I didn't have the piping when I did the video. The piping really makes the front of the skirt pop.


I'm so happy that I found the piping as it really gives the front of the skirt that special touch that it needed. So as you think about putting your skirt together, you may want to think about adding a special trim or piping and accenting the interesting arch detail on the skirt.
Happy Sewing!!!
Rhonda

The Sew News Decades of Style Arches Skirt Sew Along Begins!

Well, it's finally here!!! Whenever I work on these projects, it seems so far out in the future and it actually is. Once the project is sewn, I send it off to Sew News. I then forget about it until it's time to prepare for the sew along videos. The sending my project away can be the most difficult step as I really like to wear my things as soon as I get them made. Eventually, the garment is sent back to me and I can finally enjoy it! Along with the Vogue 1250 dress I made last week, I'll get some pictures of me in the skirt. I have worn it and it's just a delight. So if you decide to make one up for yourself, I hope that you'll enjoy yours as much as I have mine!

As always, the first week of the sew along is about choosing fabric for the skirt. I highly recommend wool crepe. It's a lovely fabric to work with. I talk a little more in depth about the pattern and fabric choices in my blog post, which you can find HERE. I've also decided to add piping to the arched detail of the skirt. Whenever I do the projects for the actual sew along, I like to add a little something extra. You can see the skirt and the fabric that I'll be using for the sew along in the video which I have added below. I think this is going to be an especially fun sew along!!!

Decades of Style Arches Skirt Pattern on Sale!

The upcoming Decades of Style Arches Skirt sew along is just around the corner, but there is still plenty of time to get the pattern if you would like to join along. And, the good news is that Sew News is having a 1 day sale of 15% off!!!!! Use the code TAXDAY at check out to receive the discount.

The code is only good for today, April 15, 2015, so if you would like to try and save a little on the pattern, today is your day!!!! You can find the pattern on the Sew News/Sew It All site HERE.

I'm going to be back a little later today with some very exciting news. Well, at least I'm excited!!! 

Have a great day!

Rhonda

And The Winner Is.....

Happy Friday Everyone!!
The day is finally here, the announcement of the winners for the Decades of Style Arches Skirt pattern and a copy of the current issue of Sew News.
Let's just get right to it!

 The winner of the Decades of Style Arches Skirt pattern is...

Sewalatte!!!! Congratulations!

And the winner of the current issue of Sew News magazine is...

Kelley of Kelly Highway!!! Congratulations!

Please email me at sewbussted@yahoo.com with your addresses so that I can get the prizes out to you. If for some reason you would rather not receive the prize, let me know and I will draw a new name.
The sew along for the Arches Skirt will begin the week of April 20, 2015, so it's just around the corner. I think you'll really enjoy this one :)
Thanks so much!
Rhonda

I Have a Surprise For You!!!

The next Sew News Sew Along will begin the week of April 20th and to kick off the sew along, I have 2 lovely prizes to give away! We will be making the Decades of Style Arches Skirt. I am especially excited about this sew along as the pattern is just incredible.  

The skirt looks a little intimidating, but trust me, it is quite easy to put together. And believe it or not, the center front point on the arch is a no fail endeavor. The front of the skirt has 2 box pleats. The back is just a plain, a-line skirt with darts, so it has a great fit. The pattern does not come with a lining, but in the sew along, I will show you how to construct a lining from the existing pattern.

The pattern comes in a wide range of sizes, a 24" waist through a 40" waist. I did cut the length of the skirt down and gave it less of a vintage look.

So, the 2 prizes. I actually have a pattern and a copy of the magazine to give away!! There will be 2 winners, the first winner will receive the pattern and the second will receive a copy of the magazine. You will not be able to choose which gift you receive. 

In order to throw your name in for the giveaway, 

1. Leave a message here on the blog and let me know that you would like to have a chance to win. 

2. You must be a follower of the blog. Be sure to tell me how you follow the blog, through email, Feedly, Bloglovin, etc.

3. If you won one of the prizes for the Sew Chic Valentine Slip, you are not eligible to win again. 

You will have until midnight CST on Thursday April 10, 2015 to leave a message. I will announce the winner on Friday April 11, 2015. The giveaway is open to all followers.

Good Luck!!!!