Right now I am spending my time mourning the death of a dear friend. I met Mary through her 5 children who were members of a 4H club I lead. She was a wonderful, lively, religious, takative person who was alway great to be around. Everywhere I went with her , she either knew or was related to someone. Last October she was diagnosed with what we originally thought was breast cancer, but later found out was bone cancer.
On March 16th she was on her way to a bone scan and to buy her mother (who was also with her) a dress for her mothers 85th birthday. They hit a truck that did not stop for a stop sign. her mother was killed instantly, and was buried on her birthday.
Mary was in a coma on life support until March 25th. Her family had to make the incredibly difficult decision to disconnect her. I was privliged enough to spend some time in the hospital with her during those last few days.
It is all too too sad to even contemplate. That wonderful family without a mother. Ike without his best friend, the girls without that special person at such an important age, and the boys without their anchor.
Life is not fair
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Ahhhhh...I feel good...
After months of back trouble, Mike finally convinced me to visit a chiropractor. I have always been loath to go - surely I can heal myself, I always think. But it didn't! Working, walking, skiing was painful- even sewing! Snowboarding - forget it. It was getting ridiculous, so I let myself get pushed!
What a difference! I have had three sessions this week, the first one being an assesment and xrays. I feel like a million bucks! I have cleaned, vaccumed and gotten things done in the barn that I was putting off cause it would hurt way too much. I am a new person! Too bad the snow is gone or I would even snowboard this weekend.
Sewing wise I have been quiet for a few weeks. But then again I have not even reviewed or written about the projects that I finished lately.
Here are some pictures -
"The girls and their mother. Not a particularly good photo of my dress. With the exception of Kate(bridesmaid with her hair in an updo) I made all the dresses in the last few weeks. Here is Erica and Denis.. 
Leah and Tim...
Kate and Scott - they are using this photo for their "Save the Date" Stuff
I can't seem to find one of Lauren...whoops here is one although she seems to have make it black and white instead of navy lace over hot pink crepe!
Wedding dress wise - things are going along swimingly. The undercorset(?) fit first try and I constructed the dress out of a not so lovely black crap to see about the silhouette. I will have to wait until Kate comes home to go any further. I want to make the crinoline now and I can't start that until I have the proper waist to floor measurements. Then we are off to Toronto to try to find some lace - like 5 metres of it! Everything we have loved so far is over $100 metre.
Now to post this and see if it works! I don't always have luck in that department even though I am one of the more computer literate people around!
What a difference! I have had three sessions this week, the first one being an assesment and xrays. I feel like a million bucks! I have cleaned, vaccumed and gotten things done in the barn that I was putting off cause it would hurt way too much. I am a new person! Too bad the snow is gone or I would even snowboard this weekend.
Sewing wise I have been quiet for a few weeks. But then again I have not even reviewed or written about the projects that I finished lately.
Here are some pictures -
"The girls and their mother. Not a particularly good photo of my dress. With the exception of Kate(bridesmaid with her hair in an updo) I made all the dresses in the last few weeks. Here is Erica and Denis.. 
Leah and Tim...
Kate and Scott - they are using this photo for their "Save the Date" Stuff
I can't seem to find one of Lauren...whoops here is one although she seems to have make it black and white instead of navy lace over hot pink crepe!
Wedding dress wise - things are going along swimingly. The undercorset(?) fit first try and I constructed the dress out of a not so lovely black crap to see about the silhouette. I will have to wait until Kate comes home to go any further. I want to make the crinoline now and I can't start that until I have the proper waist to floor measurements. Then we are off to Toronto to try to find some lace - like 5 metres of it! Everything we have loved so far is over $100 metre.
Now to post this and see if it works! I don't always have luck in that department even though I am one of the more computer literate people around!
Friday, February 02, 2007
Tagged !
Ah Lorna - you found me! no more blogging to myself!
So as I understand it, when you are tagged you have to write 5 things no one knows about you in bloggerland, then you tag 5 other people. That last part will have to wait until I actualy KNOW 5 people who have not been tagged!
Point One- I had to ask my husband out on our first date! The first time I saw him was in our driveway - he was asking my dad for a construction job. That long, blonde hair, that yellow bug...it was love at first sight. After hanging around the construction site for weeks, even to the point of helping out, grabbing the coffee and cookie tray that my sister had prepared and passing it off as my own- typical teenager in love antics, I just couldn't wait any longer for him to make the first move. So I asked - and the rest is history!
Point Two- I never wanted daughters. That looks bad in black and white! To my defense, I had always worked with boys- at day camps, throughout college, it was always young boys I dealt with. Girls were silly, frivolous and whiney. i wanted 12 boys -an even dozen. imagine my surprise when we had not one, not two -but FIVE little girls. Now I think - what in the world were you thinking, wanting boys!
Point Three- I quit college! One semester left and I quit! I blame my high school guidance counselor. I wanted to go to university for Agriculture, but she said "girls don't do agriculture". Silly 18 year old me believed her and I took Child Care (now community and youth worker) at College. I knew it was not for me-oh I got good marks and enjoyed the co-ops, but my heart was not in it. So i got married, got pregnant(in that order too thank you very much) and when Erica was born decided not to finish.
There is a post script to that story. The next year I applied to University - for Agriculture naturally- and got my degree by distance ed. It took 6 years, but I graduated top of the class and recieved the Minister of Agriculture Award of Excellence to boot. So there Ms Medway High School Guidance Counsellor!!
Point Four- My secret dream job is to be a back up singer! I think it would be so cool to stand there on stage and not have to worry about being the star - but be the uber-cool girl doing the do-waps in the background.
Point Five - My writing has gotten me TWO makeovers! I have a knack for writing what people want to read- not that this blog is any evidence of that! I wrote a letter to Canadian Living back in 1993 giving them all the reasons why I needed a makeover and less than 2 months later got the phone call! They brought all of us to Toronto and gave us ALL new hairstyles. Mike, darling husband that he is, had to ask how much his cut would cost if he was paying for it. He just about fell out of his chair when they told him $40. He was paying $2 at the time! The Canadian Living crew came out to the farm - a first for most of them- and we had a winter clothing photo shoot on the hottest day of July! The change was from long frizzy/curly hair to a very short pixie cut.
The second time i wrote a letter to the local TV station which was in the process of doing on air makeovers. That time it only took 3 days from emailing the letter to the phone call! A nice long day of pampering later I was a TV star! Well- in my own mind anyways! That change? blonde curly just above shoulder length to RED shorter hair! Now I am not sure if it was my writing skills or my obvious need for a make-over that gave me the nod!
Okay 5 points! Now I am off to nurse this silly bug I picked up. I have to make sure my cast and crew do not catch it from me, AND make sure I am over it before we head off to the Dominican Republic next week.
So as I understand it, when you are tagged you have to write 5 things no one knows about you in bloggerland, then you tag 5 other people. That last part will have to wait until I actualy KNOW 5 people who have not been tagged!
Point One- I had to ask my husband out on our first date! The first time I saw him was in our driveway - he was asking my dad for a construction job. That long, blonde hair, that yellow bug...it was love at first sight. After hanging around the construction site for weeks, even to the point of helping out, grabbing the coffee and cookie tray that my sister had prepared and passing it off as my own- typical teenager in love antics, I just couldn't wait any longer for him to make the first move. So I asked - and the rest is history!
Point Two- I never wanted daughters. That looks bad in black and white! To my defense, I had always worked with boys- at day camps, throughout college, it was always young boys I dealt with. Girls were silly, frivolous and whiney. i wanted 12 boys -an even dozen. imagine my surprise when we had not one, not two -but FIVE little girls. Now I think - what in the world were you thinking, wanting boys!
Point Three- I quit college! One semester left and I quit! I blame my high school guidance counselor. I wanted to go to university for Agriculture, but she said "girls don't do agriculture". Silly 18 year old me believed her and I took Child Care (now community and youth worker) at College. I knew it was not for me-oh I got good marks and enjoyed the co-ops, but my heart was not in it. So i got married, got pregnant(in that order too thank you very much) and when Erica was born decided not to finish.
There is a post script to that story. The next year I applied to University - for Agriculture naturally- and got my degree by distance ed. It took 6 years, but I graduated top of the class and recieved the Minister of Agriculture Award of Excellence to boot. So there Ms Medway High School Guidance Counsellor!!
Point Four- My secret dream job is to be a back up singer! I think it would be so cool to stand there on stage and not have to worry about being the star - but be the uber-cool girl doing the do-waps in the background.
Point Five - My writing has gotten me TWO makeovers! I have a knack for writing what people want to read- not that this blog is any evidence of that! I wrote a letter to Canadian Living back in 1993 giving them all the reasons why I needed a makeover and less than 2 months later got the phone call! They brought all of us to Toronto and gave us ALL new hairstyles. Mike, darling husband that he is, had to ask how much his cut would cost if he was paying for it. He just about fell out of his chair when they told him $40. He was paying $2 at the time! The Canadian Living crew came out to the farm - a first for most of them- and we had a winter clothing photo shoot on the hottest day of July! The change was from long frizzy/curly hair to a very short pixie cut.
The second time i wrote a letter to the local TV station which was in the process of doing on air makeovers. That time it only took 3 days from emailing the letter to the phone call! A nice long day of pampering later I was a TV star! Well- in my own mind anyways! That change? blonde curly just above shoulder length to RED shorter hair! Now I am not sure if it was my writing skills or my obvious need for a make-over that gave me the nod!
Okay 5 points! Now I am off to nurse this silly bug I picked up. I have to make sure my cast and crew do not catch it from me, AND make sure I am over it before we head off to the Dominican Republic next week.
Friday, January 19, 2007
Saga of a Passport
Lorna asked me to tell all about the experiecnce of obtaining a Canadian Passport the week before the USA implements its "if you fly into or over American land you must have a valid passport" rules.
I missed the part about flying OVER US airspace until I was coming home this afternoon. Good thing as it would have made me really concerned - as it was I thought "oh well if I get it I get it, if I don't no biggie, we are only going to the Dominican and you do not need a passport for that."
So, last week I filled out Mike's passport on line. This in itself was a feat as the site only supports certain versions of certain browsers. One of our computers worked for this purpose- thank goodnes! There used to be no lilneup if you filled the forms out online, but the stupid newspaper published that little known fact and now the lineups are the same as if you didn't have the foresight.
Mike finally got his pictures taken and forms signed by our pharmas... pharmisi..shoot - drug doctor- you know wht I mean!
I decided to devote today- friday- to the passport cause. I have heard about the horrendous lineups, my sister waited 6 hours, a friend 8 hours- yuck! I brought a book and a good attitude! Really it was my own fault - weeelll Mikes own fault! We could have done this months ago, but of course waited til the last minute.
I put 3$ in the meter, and walked across the parking lot. A guy came over and informed me that he had been waiting 3 hours and just kept leaving and checking back. They give you a number at the door - you probably know the drill from the other places - there is a digital sign that tells what number is up.
But SWEET- you don't actually have to sit and wait if you don't want to?!
When I got to the door, i was given a number. This was at 11:00am. The security guard told me that I might not be seen today. My number was 983- I forgot to see what number they were at.
So I took my number and left. Went to Fabricland - where else! and bought a few odds and ends I needed- only odds and ends as Lauren still had my card from when she picked up some lace for me last week- shoot!
I stopped in at Sears Outlet and picked up a couple of summer skirts and shorts- no time to sew any before I leave! Then the Dollar Store looking for things for table centrepieces for the play. Next stop was Michaels. 90 metres of tulle later and 100$ poorer, i was ready for food. I hit the drive through at HArveys and then decided to head back. I was going to park at the High School, but those dumb busses were blocking the driveway. I found a convenient meter - with 2 hours of time left on it! As it was now 2:30 and the passport office closed at 4:30, I figured that would be about right!
When I walked in to the office I took a glance at the board - to my surprise they were at 982!! I was next in line! The security guard looked at my number and exclaimed - "hey you should be here" To which I replied happily "well, here I am!"
5 minutes later and some friendly conversation with the clerk/teller/guy behind the counter, and I was OUT! The passport will be ready to be picked up on FEB 2!
Total time spent involved with the passport today - 3 1/2 hours. Total time spent actually in the passport office - less than 10 minutes!!
Should I buy a lottery ticket today?
I missed the part about flying OVER US airspace until I was coming home this afternoon. Good thing as it would have made me really concerned - as it was I thought "oh well if I get it I get it, if I don't no biggie, we are only going to the Dominican and you do not need a passport for that."
So, last week I filled out Mike's passport on line. This in itself was a feat as the site only supports certain versions of certain browsers. One of our computers worked for this purpose- thank goodnes! There used to be no lilneup if you filled the forms out online, but the stupid newspaper published that little known fact and now the lineups are the same as if you didn't have the foresight.
Mike finally got his pictures taken and forms signed by our pharmas... pharmisi..shoot - drug doctor- you know wht I mean!
I decided to devote today- friday- to the passport cause. I have heard about the horrendous lineups, my sister waited 6 hours, a friend 8 hours- yuck! I brought a book and a good attitude! Really it was my own fault - weeelll Mikes own fault! We could have done this months ago, but of course waited til the last minute.
I put 3$ in the meter, and walked across the parking lot. A guy came over and informed me that he had been waiting 3 hours and just kept leaving and checking back. They give you a number at the door - you probably know the drill from the other places - there is a digital sign that tells what number is up.
But SWEET- you don't actually have to sit and wait if you don't want to?!
When I got to the door, i was given a number. This was at 11:00am. The security guard told me that I might not be seen today. My number was 983- I forgot to see what number they were at.
So I took my number and left. Went to Fabricland - where else! and bought a few odds and ends I needed- only odds and ends as Lauren still had my card from when she picked up some lace for me last week- shoot!
I stopped in at Sears Outlet and picked up a couple of summer skirts and shorts- no time to sew any before I leave! Then the Dollar Store looking for things for table centrepieces for the play. Next stop was Michaels. 90 metres of tulle later and 100$ poorer, i was ready for food. I hit the drive through at HArveys and then decided to head back. I was going to park at the High School, but those dumb busses were blocking the driveway. I found a convenient meter - with 2 hours of time left on it! As it was now 2:30 and the passport office closed at 4:30, I figured that would be about right!
When I walked in to the office I took a glance at the board - to my surprise they were at 982!! I was next in line! The security guard looked at my number and exclaimed - "hey you should be here" To which I replied happily "well, here I am!"
5 minutes later and some friendly conversation with the clerk/teller/guy behind the counter, and I was OUT! The passport will be ready to be picked up on FEB 2!
Total time spent involved with the passport today - 3 1/2 hours. Total time spent actually in the passport office - less than 10 minutes!!
Should I buy a lottery ticket today?
Thursday, January 18, 2007
A silly crazy Woman
I just today realized what a silly woman I am. At this moment in time I have 3 dresses at the machine, drapes for 5 windows- 5 valances, 10 jabots and 6 long curtains, another dress for myself that needs to be BEGUN and costumes for 7 people that need to be altered. It would help if the rehersal hall was warm so that they would even want to try on summer costumes!
And now I just put on my list 2 pair of shorts, and a skirt.
Keep in mind that this all has to be done by Feb 8! Well the drapes could wait but they are right now hanging all over the house.
I don't know why I do this to myself- I have non sewing deadlines coming out of my noodle. 2 reports to be done by tomorrow morning, bills to pay, a shower to plan, ski patrol duty twice a week and that play - oh that play. I am down to Tuesday evenings being mine all mine and I am getting a bit testy with people who even try to call me on that night.
pictures of the dresses in production have been taken - but I am on the wrong computer to download them. later !
And now I just put on my list 2 pair of shorts, and a skirt.
Keep in mind that this all has to be done by Feb 8! Well the drapes could wait but they are right now hanging all over the house.
I don't know why I do this to myself- I have non sewing deadlines coming out of my noodle. 2 reports to be done by tomorrow morning, bills to pay, a shower to plan, ski patrol duty twice a week and that play - oh that play. I am down to Tuesday evenings being mine all mine and I am getting a bit testy with people who even try to call me on that night.
pictures of the dresses in production have been taken - but I am on the wrong computer to download them. later !
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Windows
Now that I finally have pictures that work, I have a reason to post!
I have never really liked the way our living room looks. The walls- blue- did not match the sofa and wing chairs at all. The room is not warm and inviting. Kate offered to paint the room over her Christmas break - lovely girl. We chose a warm green, with grey overtones. The room definately needed curtains though. Here are the windows bare.
There are 5 windows in total- three in the bay, one on an adjacent wall and a very large one where the front door used to be on the staircase. The photos are way too dark so you cannot tell that there is a 7inch molding and the top molding is curved, and there is a 5 inch window sill. We had the windows and molding custom made- read $$$$- and hate to cover it all up! - I will photoshop them later. 26 metres of silk and 5 metres of camel velvet later, I just had to decide on a "look" Simplicity 5474 was the answer.
Mom came over to help sew on Saturday so soooon they will be ready for hanging and the final picture!
I have never really liked the way our living room looks. The walls- blue- did not match the sofa and wing chairs at all. The room is not warm and inviting. Kate offered to paint the room over her Christmas break - lovely girl. We chose a warm green, with grey overtones. The room definately needed curtains though. Here are the windows bare.
There are 5 windows in total- three in the bay, one on an adjacent wall and a very large one where the front door used to be on the staircase. The photos are way too dark so you cannot tell that there is a 7inch molding and the top molding is curved, and there is a 5 inch window sill. We had the windows and molding custom made- read $$$$- and hate to cover it all up! - I will photoshop them later. 26 metres of silk and 5 metres of camel velvet later, I just had to decide on a "look" Simplicity 5474 was the answer.
Mom came over to help sew on Saturday so soooon they will be ready for hanging and the final picture!
Micaela and Kent
Hmm for some reason my posts lately have been about our offspring - not sewing! Bear with me - I will get over it. Just be warned that I do have 5!
As well I have decided to make use of Picasa - the Google online photo album. Maybe now my uploaded pictures will not mysteriously disappear.
Micaela decided last month to move to Vancouver along with her boyfriend of 5 months. Yes, little miss "boys are stupid and only worth one date" and "dad you can eat his letter" ( an inside Christmas family joke about the Dutch tradition of giving out chocolate letters) has grown up!
She has worked hard the past 4 years, earning not one but 2 honours degrees - English and Phyc, and spending 6 months in South Africa. We really cannot now begrudge her an adventure!
We were sad to see her go but realized that this is what parents are supposed to do- raise their children to be the best possible people they can be and let them go. It is hard though.
The first is of Mic and Mike and I before she leaves. Notice the light streak- Kate and I also saw 3 shooting stars on the way to the airport- harbinger of good luck we hope.
Micaela and Kent at the airport - Mic in her new coat made by moi!
As well I have decided to make use of Picasa - the Google online photo album. Maybe now my uploaded pictures will not mysteriously disappear.
Micaela decided last month to move to Vancouver along with her boyfriend of 5 months. Yes, little miss "boys are stupid and only worth one date" and "dad you can eat his letter" ( an inside Christmas family joke about the Dutch tradition of giving out chocolate letters) has grown up!
She has worked hard the past 4 years, earning not one but 2 honours degrees - English and Phyc, and spending 6 months in South Africa. We really cannot now begrudge her an adventure!
We were sad to see her go but realized that this is what parents are supposed to do- raise their children to be the best possible people they can be and let them go. It is hard though.
The first is of Mic and Mike and I before she leaves. Notice the light streak- Kate and I also saw 3 shooting stars on the way to the airport- harbinger of good luck we hope.
Micaela and Kent at the airport - Mic in her new coat made by moi!
Friday, January 12, 2007
A Wedding to plan for....
Kate and Scottie got engaged on Christmas Eve- a real surprise for everyone - but we love Scott so it is a good surprise! They are hoping for October 20- if only the venue people would call back!
I have promised to NOT be the mother from hell! You know what - it is hard! We went to a bridal show last Sunday along with Scotts mother- Lorraine- it is really incredible how expensive and elaborate this whole wedding thing has become - if they took the contribution we are making for the wedding - they could put a down payment down on a house! And FOUR more to go after this one too!
So as chief (albiet self proclaimed) wedding dress designer and builder, I have been faithfully scouting patterns. I thought of this one
But all I got was "Mom why do you have such a "thing" for the 50's?"
okay then- I showed her the one that has been above my sewing machine for 2 years...
...and I got "the look"
Okay I know when to shut up and sulk! I will show them to Erica - she and I have the same taste and she and Denis will be engaged....sooner or later!
I have promised to NOT be the mother from hell! You know what - it is hard! We went to a bridal show last Sunday along with Scotts mother- Lorraine- it is really incredible how expensive and elaborate this whole wedding thing has become - if they took the contribution we are making for the wedding - they could put a down payment down on a house! And FOUR more to go after this one too!
So as chief (albiet self proclaimed) wedding dress designer and builder, I have been faithfully scouting patterns. I thought of this one
But all I got was "Mom why do you have such a "thing" for the 50's?"okay then- I showed her the one that has been above my sewing machine for 2 years...
...and I got "the look"Okay I know when to shut up and sulk! I will show them to Erica - she and I have the same taste and she and Denis will be engaged....sooner or later!
Saturday, November 25, 2006
"and it's been such a long long time.."
It even isn't that life has been that busy. I blame my lack of posting on a simple lack of ambition! I know crazy that it seems, me, Connie, can not seem to get my head or body doing things I should be! That and people like Gigi and Ann and that Dress a Day girl - who actually had a vintage pattern that I am planning on making soon on her site ! (apx Nov 20-06) are so articulate and sew such beautiful things, that I feel pretty silly comparing myself to them.
Sewing wise I have been busy - Finally finished my coat, Micaela's coat, and a few necessary things for me.
Right now my baby is a vintage Mccalls - I will post a pic later. It is truning out quite nicely - who knows, I may even get around to reviewing it!
SO there! I have posted! Next post will be about my trip to New York City and the loverly fabric I bought there.
Sewing wise I have been busy - Finally finished my coat, Micaela's coat, and a few necessary things for me.
Right now my baby is a vintage Mccalls - I will post a pic later. It is truning out quite nicely - who knows, I may even get around to reviewing it!
SO there! I have posted! Next post will be about my trip to New York City and the loverly fabric I bought there.
Saturday, August 12, 2006
A short post today - I know I haven't been posting much lately, however lack of MY digital camera (ahem Lauren!) limits somewhat the scope of what I want to say!
Thorndales Annual Garage Sale was today and I dragged a friend out to see what Thorndalites were pulling out of basements and garages this year. Sad to say only one place with sewing patterns. This cute circa 1972 halter/wrap I picked up for a mere 25 cents! Of course I had to have it.
Notice that it comes from the Northland Polka Dot. Remember Polka Dot - before Fabricland bought them out? The Northland store was the first fabric store I ever went to. Not the favourite- that was Duthlers (spelling?)in downtown London- according to my mother the "only" place to buy anything decent in the way of fabric. Of course it too went the way of the dinosaur!
Off to a wedding this afternoon. I hope the drycleaners has my silk dress ready! I will post a decent photo of it (once I get one LAuren!) and a Patternreview review as well.
Sunday, August 06, 2006
A Simple White Tee
What ever happened to my "Connie you may not start another project until all of your UFO's are finished"? I had good intentions - really I did. I am almost finished the livingroom pillows, the Cabo halter is - well it is on the sewing counter, the Hot Patterns Bianca Jacket (whispering) "I threw it out - I ACTUALLY threw it out!", Kates tshirt is awaiting the proper colour thread. So see there - I am almost caught up!
And it really is Patternreviews fault. If I hadnt signed up for the T-shirt class, I would never have dug out alllll my tshirt patterns and I would not have remembered that I want a shirt with a gathered front.
So I dug out some white fabric, an old New Look pattern 6779- and my trusty copy of Patternmaking for Fashion Design. Thanks so much for whoever made me purchase that book.
Here is a picture of what I wanted to achieve, and how I did it.
http://f7.yahoofs.com/users/Fw6iIF0FNDYu/__sr_/c0ae.jpg?
I did it a bit too well I am afraid. While the tee is definately wearable, it is a lot too gathered and the back neckline gapes horribly. Funny since I did not alter the back neck except to lower it a titch. I will post a photo later, and try to sew up a new version tonight.
....remembering that experiments are fun, Connie, FUN!
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
Spadea mail order - Vintage
http://new.photos.yahoo.com/conniebontje/album/576460762318243377/photo/294928803166624270/1
In my quest for the "perfect" wrap dress- Okay I really crave the Furstenburg one but I refuse to spend $115!- I found this vintage number on Ebay and only spent about $5.00. "Spadea Couture Pattern # 73324- this Spadea Boutique wrap dress is a perfect version of the short formal. The plain sleeveless bodice crosses to the left side forming a V-neckline. The skirt is full and the left side is graduated to a tie at the waist."
Will I actually make it? ummm not sure - I am not a full skirt fan - these hips don't need more attention. I think if I draft a narrower skirt - but then can I still keep the flutter at the left side of the skirt?
I had never heard of the Spadea line before. The envelope is postmarked July 1976 from G Street Remnant Shop in Washington DC. While I found some other patterns out there, there was not a lot of actual info on the company. Here is what I did find
" Spadea was another of the mail order companies.
These patterns are among the most prized by collectors.
Many of the important and popular designers of the
1950s and 1960s designed patterns for Spadea, including
Ceil Chapman, Jo Copeland, Suzy Perette and Lachasse
of London."
That was from The Vintage Fashion Guild http://www.vintagefashionguild.org/vintagepatterns.html
Does anyone have any more info out there?
In my quest for the "perfect" wrap dress- Okay I really crave the Furstenburg one but I refuse to spend $115!- I found this vintage number on Ebay and only spent about $5.00. "Spadea Couture Pattern # 73324- this Spadea Boutique wrap dress is a perfect version of the short formal. The plain sleeveless bodice crosses to the left side forming a V-neckline. The skirt is full and the left side is graduated to a tie at the waist."
Will I actually make it? ummm not sure - I am not a full skirt fan - these hips don't need more attention. I think if I draft a narrower skirt - but then can I still keep the flutter at the left side of the skirt?
I had never heard of the Spadea line before. The envelope is postmarked July 1976 from G Street Remnant Shop in Washington DC. While I found some other patterns out there, there was not a lot of actual info on the company. Here is what I did find
" Spadea was another of the mail order companies.
These patterns are among the most prized by collectors.
Many of the important and popular designers of the
1950s and 1960s designed patterns for Spadea, including
Ceil Chapman, Jo Copeland, Suzy Perette and Lachasse
of London."
That was from The Vintage Fashion Guild http://www.vintagefashionguild.org/vintagepatterns.html
Does anyone have any more info out there?
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
Let's see if I learned my "lesson for the day- how to post actual pictures as opposed to hyperlinks"!
This is supposed to be a picture of a dress that I am in love with for the fall. I am embarrassed to say that the fabric I bought for it is similar to the one in the photograph! The squares are a bit smaller. I think I bought enough fabric (yay Emmaonesock) to make some more city shorts too.
By George I think she's got it!
And all I wanted to do was sew
(reposting this from an incorrect spot!)
But what did I actually do? Clean the house- by clean I mean stripped beds- 5 of them for goodness sake, organize the girl's rooms while they are gone for the summer, wash windows, scrub tubs, toilets, sinks, vaccuum ARRG! Maybe I won't even need the use of Flybaby a decluttering website that everybody in the word but me seems to have known about forever. How could I have missed it when one of the basic premises of the whole thing seems to generate from a book my mom gave me(YES she was hinting loudly!) at least 10 years ago. Did I think about sewing? oh yes, and caught up on all the lovely articulate blogs that I seem to be gravitating to lately. bad me - reading and writing about sewing is not going to get you new pretty things!So what am I working on - glad you asked, but be forewarned - pretty boring! Curtains for the Kate = yellow for her new bedroom and pretty green and white floral for her front door. A lovely Amy Butler Cabo Halter that I am making from a vintage black and white dress that used to be my moms, or my aunts, or maybe my grandmothers. I will post a picture when I am done. My next project is a few jackets, as I am taking a jacket lining course at Patternreview. One will be the Hotpatterns Bianca jacket, one a jaquard jean jacket and I also want to try a new Vogue Pattern.and now for the quote of the day....I am woman! I am invincible! I am pooped! ~Author Unknown
But what did I actually do? Clean the house- by clean I mean stripped beds- 5 of them for goodness sake, organize the girl's rooms while they are gone for the summer, wash windows, scrub tubs, toilets, sinks, vaccuum ARRG! Maybe I won't even need the use of Flybaby a decluttering website that everybody in the word but me seems to have known about forever. How could I have missed it when one of the basic premises of the whole thing seems to generate from a book my mom gave me(YES she was hinting loudly!) at least 10 years ago. Did I think about sewing? oh yes, and caught up on all the lovely articulate blogs that I seem to be gravitating to lately. bad me - reading and writing about sewing is not going to get you new pretty things!So what am I working on - glad you asked, but be forewarned - pretty boring! Curtains for the Kate = yellow for her new bedroom and pretty green and white floral for her front door. A lovely Amy Butler Cabo Halter that I am making from a vintage black and white dress that used to be my moms, or my aunts, or maybe my grandmothers. I will post a picture when I am done. My next project is a few jackets, as I am taking a jacket lining course at Patternreview. One will be the Hotpatterns Bianca jacket, one a jaquard jean jacket and I also want to try a new Vogue Pattern.and now for the quote of the day....I am woman! I am invincible! I am pooped! ~Author Unknown
blogging
One would think it was simple- think up a clever little blogger name, a password and voila- a blog that shows the world what an amazing, witty person you are! There are, however, the little things that seem to get in my way-
1. I forgot my signin for blog A
...so 2. I created a new blog.
That led to 3. I seem to remember one when I want to remember the other.
4. How DO you add pictures, side bars other peoples blog links
Oh it is way too hot 95.5 F according to the barn thermometer at noon! So instead of real posting (or sewing!) I am going to get all this blog stuff figured out. I am going to consolidate both sites. and get rid of one- hopfully the correct one!
1. I forgot my signin for blog A
...so 2. I created a new blog.
That led to 3. I seem to remember one when I want to remember the other.
4. How DO you add pictures, side bars other peoples blog links
Oh it is way too hot 95.5 F according to the barn thermometer at noon! So instead of real posting (or sewing!) I am going to get all this blog stuff figured out. I am going to consolidate both sites. and get rid of one- hopfully the correct one!
Monday, July 17, 2006
Ahhh Vintage
Found this lovely dress in my pattern stash- I think it will be just the thing for the wedding in August Simplicity 2411 "Lovely afternoon or after -five fashion features a bodice with slightly curved front neckline that becomes a low, softly pleated drape in back. Bodice back extends slightly below waistline... Skirt has sim effect in front with soft pleats at waistline and back swept fullness achieved with pleats."
Now off to find fabric, print or plain? print or plain? and pick up some Vogue patterns that are calling my name!
Now off to find fabric, print or plain? print or plain? and pick up some Vogue patterns that are calling my name!
Monday, November 22, 2004
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