For this week’s favorite vintage advice, we turn to the kitchen! Whether you’re a Betty Crocker or a clueless cook, I’ve got some resources to share with you that will surely help solve any dinner dilemma.
First of all, any good kitchen queen has to stay organized. The Vintage Workshop offers images that you can use for recipe cards, to-do lists, and storage labels in the kitchen. Here are a few of my favorites, from the “Happy Homemaker” and “Just Desserts“ collections:
I love fashion sewing, dressmaking, and helping others create their own style using Indygo Junction patterns. But, style isn’t just about garments. You can make a style statement anytime, anywhere with accessories and housewares that are one size fits all.
Indygo Junction just released the video “Indygo Junction’s Practical Style: A Look Book” to showcase a few patterns that are fun, functional, and fashionable:
Whether you’re an expert seamstress or just learning beginner basics, these patterns offer something for everyone. I also love that there’s ample opportunity to simply reach into your fabric stash or used recycled materials in these supply-saving patterns.
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Guess what, my fellow fashionistas and Project Runway-lovers? Last Saturday, I got to meet the fabulous fashion icon, Tim Gunn! Tim hosted a complimentary fashion show in Kansas City, featuring the Spring 2012 collections from Kate Spade
I loved all of Tim’s fashion wisdom and advice during the show. My favorite Tim tip was to make a simple outfit “wink” by adding a funky, flourescent accessory. And at this show, there were plenty of funky accessories!
Astroturf bag by Kate Spade:
Straw hat with convenient built-in sunglasses:
Everywhere I turned there was another photo opp, so of course I snapped quite a few pictures. Here are some of my favorites from the show:
I loved the great show of color in so many of the new designs!
Happy Friday! Let’s share another laugh and a look back at one of my favorite findings from my vast library of vintage resources.
Here’s another tip from The Etiquette Book: What to do, and How – and Mistakes to Avoid published in 1929,which is full of etiquette tips and advice in all kinds of occasions, seasons, and circumstances. This chapter warns against using “common vulgarisms” in conversation at a dinner party.
Perhaps I wouldn’t be a shining star at the 1920’s dinner soiree, but some of these examples don’t quite strike me as “vulgar”!
“Let me tell you something”
and
“swell”
Check back for more quirky quotes and images each week (and find more of these timeworn tips in my book Vintage Notions)!
Few notions are as nifty as the zipper, a fashion accent that has gained major traction since its invention the late 1800s. Back then, this classic closure was better known as a slide fastener.
“Slide fasteners have done more than any other dress item to make clothes smart, easier to get into and out of, and easier to make,” wrote Mary Brooks Picken in her 1916 book Modern Dressmaking Made Easy. “Since slide fasteners have become the accepted fastener, they are used for every type of apparel – for formal and informal, for daytime, for business, and for sports.”
A 1937 package for a Talon slide fastener includes ideas for both decorative and functional uses for this fashion accent. Various patterns of the day are pictured from companies like Butterick, Simplicity, Vogue and McCall’s. Talon is credited as the first manufacturer of zippers and continues to produce them today. The actual term “zipper”, however, was coined by B.F. Goodrich in 1923, because he liked the “zipping” sound slide fasteners made. (Click on the image below to see it larger)
Some of our patterns at Indygo Junction highlight both vintage-inspired and fashion-forward uses of zippers. The Day To Night Dress showcases an exposed front zipper, inspired by a beautiful antique dress I found. Our Zipper Critters, a playful collection of plush creatures, feature zippers as sweet smiles. We even have patterns for flowers and jewelry made from zipper trim, a trend that’s popping up a lot in boutiques lately.
With so many applications in today’s fashion, zipper trims are available in a host of hues. Years ago, this wasn’t so. That vintage package I mentioned suggested dyeing white fasteners to a desired color. Back then, slide fasteners were used for a number of accessories and garments, from children’s rompers to ladies’ beach slacks to men’s overalls, all listed on the package. And judging by its prevalence today, the humble zipper still has a lot of “pull” in the fashion world.
Below is a video “look book” featuring some of Indygo Junction’s zipper patterns to give you more zipper inspiration:
Happy Friday! Let’s share another laugh and a look back at one of my favorite findings from my vast library of vintage resources.
Through my research on Mary Brooks Picken, I discovered that she was instrumental in developing the
“Du Barry Success Course”: a collection of printed booklets designed to help women improve themselves in a variety of areas. One booklet focuses on the working woman, and aims to,
Here’s a page of helpful tips for exercises and stretches that a lady can do at her workplace.
Maybe I should institute group stretching at lunchtime around here! Better get some more filing cabinets for the limbering roll…
Check back for more quirky quotes and images each week (and find more of these timeworn tips in my book Vintage Notions)!
After the whirlwind of excitement around the Vintage-Inspired Modern Style Design Challenge the past few months, I think I’ve finally caught my breath! Before I start running again (Quilt Market, anyone?), I wanted to take a minute to congratulate the winners and appreciate all the hard work and talent that went into the 123 project submissions we received on BurdaStyle.com! If you haven’t already, browse through the gallery of entries for some exciting inspiration.
First of all, congratulations to Sew Country Chick, who won Sponsor’s Choice for her “A Patchy Bias Dress” design! The dress was made using Indygo Junction patterns Best Bias Skirt and Garden Party Pullover. Well done, Sew Country Chick! SINGER, Coats & Clark, and Indygo Junction sew loved your design!
The winner of the BurdaStyle community choice was member Yearling with her “Slip-On Dress”. The crowd loves you, Yearling! Way to go!
The runner up BurdaStyle community winner was nancy2001 with her “Stop the Presses Jacket”. In addition to using Indygo Junction’s Trench Topper as her starting point, nancy2001’s design is also a direct reference to a piece of pop culture! Click through to her design to find out which fictional character served as her inspiration. You inspired us too, nancy2001!
Thanks to all who entered, voted, or helped spread the word about the Challenge. It was an exciting endeavor on all accounts, and the reinvention of patterns new and old was truly inspirational. Find your own fashion design and sewing inspiration in my book Vintage Notions or on IndygoJunction.com.
Happy Friday! Let’s share another laugh and a look back at one of my favorite findings from my vast library of vintage resources. If it’s weird, witty or wacky, you’ll see it here.
Here’s another slice of wisdom from the book Dressmaking Made Easy by Mary Brooks Picken. According to Mary, a lady should never use “policeman’s thumb,” even “lady policeman.”
Lady policeman? Is that another term for “mom”? I’m thinking that when it comes to enforcing rules, sometimes the least graceful gestures can be the most effective. I guess we can’t have it all!
Check back for more quirky quotes and images each week (and find more of these timeworn tips in my book Vintage Notions)!
Who taught you to sew?
Chances are, it was a parent or grandparent. When I was a child, my mother and grandmother shared with me their love for handcrafting. I enjoyed that special bonding time and learned many tricks and techniques that I use today. Sharing the joy of creative crafting with your youngsters is a wonderful gift.
A few years ago, I happened upon the 1929 original volume of The Sew-It Book by Rachel Taft Dixon. This educational and engaging guide for children includes 17 different basic beginner projects for sewing and embroidery, such as a child’s apron, smock, sun bonnet, rag doll and Kimono-type jacket. It even includes directions to help kids design a pattern and create a dress for a favorite doll. Inspired by my own childhood experiences, I republished the book, preserving its vintage charm so children today can experience the same timeless instruction of yesteryear.
Included in the book’s projects are some fun samplers that are easy enough for kids, but good instruction for a budding sewing enthusiast! And I love this little rhyme from the book that could be used in a sampler design:
When I was young and in my Prime
You see how well I spent my Time.
And by my Sampler you may see
What care my Parents took of me.
Although kids have no problem finding entertainment in modern-day technology, I think the pride felt in stitching a first set of doll clothes will be remembered forever. If you like the whimsical vintage artwork from this book, check out my collection of sewing ephemera on The Vintage Workshop.
What was your first memory of learning to sew, and what did you create?
Happy Friday! Let’s share another laugh and a look back at one of my favorite findings from my vast library of vintage resources. Each week, I’ll post amusing advertisements, articles or advice, spanning the topics of domestic arts, fashion, beauty and more. If it’s weird, witty or wacky, you’ll see it here.
Today’s advice comes from an installment of “The Charming Woman” — a 12 booklet course published in 1950, with a simple goal:
to help you get more out of life — more happiness, more success, more buoyant joy, and the complete fulfillment of your every aspiration in social and business life, in love and marriage!
See? No problem!
Click here for more kitschy vintage imagery!
Here’s some advice when you’re playing hostess:
But for all the attention spent on keeping oneself poised, serene, and enthusiastic towards guests, what to do when an accident happens?
I happen to be hosting a dinner this weekend myself — good thing I found this passage in time! Have a happy Easter holiday weekend, especially if you’re playing hostess too!
Check back for more quirky quotes and images each week (and find more of these timeworn tips in my book Vintage Notions)!
