A few homespun advices on sewing

Maureen O'Hara looking glamorous and sewing in 1946, picture found at Life archive

I have been sewing since my late teens, mostly because I became more and more frustrated with the lack of clothes that fitted me properly. I’m not fantastically skilled and I’m not quick (unfortunately) but it is something that I really enjoy doing it. In fact, I tend to get rather testy if I don’t get to do some sewing for several days. I’m working on getting more structure into my sewing and one of my obstacles- a very untidy sewing room, has almost been eliminated. I often hear people sigh and say that they wished they could sew and I say. Well, why don’t you start? I realize that not everyone will like it as much as I do, but sewing is not as hard as it may seem. If you start with something easy, work slowly and carefully, then I am sure that most everyone can pull something pretty and wearable together.

To encourage those who find sewing scary I have compiled a littler list of advices. They are not professional or all-embracing, but they are things I have found useful and helpful myself.

Habanita by Molinard

(Picture source: http://images-01.delcampe-static.net/img_large/auction/000/158/313/942_001.jpg?v=1)

I have wanted to test Habanita by Molinard for quite some time and a couple of weeks ago I got a sample of it. I got a bottle for my birthday, so now I can really indulge, because I like it a lot.

Top note: Vetiver, peach, strawberry, orange blossom
Middle note: Rose orientale, ylang-ylang, orris, lilac
Base note: Leather, vanilla, cedar wood, benzoin

Giveaway!

Today is my birthday and isn’t that a very good reason for a giveaway? I’m also nearing 300 followers here and am already way over that on FB, another good reason. I have a really nice one too. Connie of Frances + Fils is giving away a $25 gift certificate to be redeemed at her vintage jewelry store.

Company Bio

Frances + Fils was established in Connecticut by Jewelry Designer Connie Cusick. Her love for antique jewelry has taken her treasure hunting to Paris flea markets, London silver vaults, estate sales and private stocks for a defined collection that makes Frances + Fils the exclusive shop for Antique Costume Jewelry. Our pieces have a history ranging from the 19th & 20th centuries and are expertly curated collections with designs by Chanel to Lanvin. The designs of the antique jewelry are elegant and modern, and create a one-of-a-kind heirloom.

There are several pieces I wouldn’t mind owning, but the things I covet the most are these 40’s earrings.



Or possibly this 50’s pin.



Rules
1. The giveaway is open for everyone who either follows by blog or my FB-page.
2. Go to Frances + Fils and check out the jewelry.
3. Return here, or to my FB page, and comment with a link to your favourite item.
4. For an additional entry, blog about the giveaway or mention it on FB. Make sure that you make another comment with a link to it.
5. The giveaway will be open until midnight Swedish time (UTC/GMT +1 hour), on April 24.

Good luck!



Connie Cusick
CEO, Smart, Rich and Inspiring Entrepreneurs
Marketing, Branding & Strategy Consulting
Contact 203.209.3890
Twitter{ConnieCusick}
Blog: 100Applegate.com
Go Beyond Expectations.

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Connie Cusick International, LLC

The bustle effect- a somewhat forgotten fashion

Most people think late 19th century when you say bustle, but the fashion of fullness around the rear was popular in the late 18th century as well. When World War II ended and the restrictions on fabrics began to lift, the possibility of adding surplus fabric to fashion designs came back. Culminating in 1947 an emphasis on the back, sometimes just draped fabric, sometimes even a small bustle under the skirt, was part of the fashion silhouette. It’s often labeled under The New Look, but it seems to have been at its most popular just before The New look hit the world, even if it remained popular during it as well. I rarely, if ever, see it around vintage blogs; it is a fashion that seems to have drowned among the pencil skirts and wide skirts of The New Look.

Not quite a bustle, but the drapery put attention of the behind, The Chase, 1946.

Source: ocdviewer.com via Elisa on Pinterest

The coolie hat

Picture source: http://eclecticjewelryandfashion.blogspot.se/

The coolie hat is an English name on a conical hat worn in several Asian countries for protecting from sun and rain, often made out of straw.

My hat blocks

It's perfectly possible to make hats without hat blocks, you can knit and crochet them and you can make them out of flat pattern pieces. However, if you have a hat block your shape possibilities increases. Sadly hat blocks are quite expensive, but you can block hats on other things as well, like a bowl or pan- anything that has a shape you can turn into a hat. You can also make hat blocks yourself. Below is one a friend's husband made for me by glueing layers of plywood together and the cutting it into shape with the help of a bandsaw. This one has a very nice shape for a larger pillbox hat. Beside it is a large Styrofoam ball which you can use to shape a fascinator base.

How to choose a flattering cut

I apologise for the lack of posts. I have been feeling very un-inspired lately, paired with lack of time for taking photos of some of the things I do want to show you. Luckily I can always fall back on Alla kvinnors bok and thought these advice on how to choose the most flattering cut for your figure could amuse you. Just decide if you are young or older, then if you are slim or Junoesque and last, if you are short or tall, and you will find what is right for you.