On the cutting table...

A high end look for less. I may have to call this one the look for much, much less...

Grace

I made this wrap style dress for my younger sister. The dress was made to go with her boots (circa 1910). It only seems fitting that the name for this dress would be a popular name from the same year.
We tried to have a photo shoot Sunday, but it was too windy. Doug called me to the window to show me that the whole state of Arizona had blown into Colorado. When I shared this with my sister-in-law she said, "Crazy windy- I thought it tasted like cactus!"

Red, red, rose

Another flirty skirt to go into the shop. It is a-line and wraps to the back. By moving the vintage buttons it can easily fit waist size 28"-35".

I used the same method as here to apply the roses. Instead of the chiffon I used jersey (t-shirt) fabric. I am going to post a quick tutorial next week.
Have a good weekend. I'm headed back outside, it's gorgeous here.

Shop Update

When I first started making handbags my husband said, "Who in their right mind would want to buy one of those things?" Several hundreds of handbags later he conceded ; "Apparently a lot of people are not in their right minds."
I've just listed this hobo bag in my shop. I am new to etsy as I've always used ebay. I feel a little like I've come full circle. I've always enjoyed making the handbags, I just got a little burnt out. So... new ideas, new way to get them out there.
More info here...

California Blues by The Lonesome Blues Singers

This next post is the video my sister put together. She shamefully exploited my children, in a thinly veiled plot to make sure I did not stay in California too long. Coincidentally she was their caretaker at the time. I received an email with this attachment while I was still away from them. Yes, she is a warped and sick individual.

disclaimer: I did not give birth to every child in this video

California Blues

Bazaar

Sideshow Emporium & Gallery Comes to Rico!

Sideshow is having an Art, Design & Garment Bazaar hosted by the Rico Hotel & Argentine Grille on this coming Saturday and Sunday, March 14 & 15. The Sideshow Bazaar will be happening in the Great Room from 10am - 7pm, both days.

The (Sideshow) proprietress Heather and I will be hanging out. Come join us.

Simplicity 2764

Simplicity skirt made up in vintage fabric. I always have a hard time cutting into vintage. I'm afraid I won't like the item and will waste the fabric. I am a firm believer in first making a muslin, although I don't apply the theory myself very often. I am impatient and can hardly wait to get to the actual process.
This is a straight forward sew. No surprises. The skirt is flattering on. Although it is pleated, it is fitted on the top, so no extra bulkiness.

The look for less...

Jcrew Ringspun Cotton Rosette tee $48.00

My version $3.75
Featuring (and I quote) a cascade of bias-cut silk chiffon rosettes, each one hand-applied, individually rumpled and gently frayed for character.
One mens t-shirt, one silk chiffon prom dress from the seventies. voila.

this post is amended to clarify
The quote is from the jcrew description on their website. My version is completely machine made.

Behind the seams

We traveled 1100 miles. A quickie trip to Northern California. I have never seen so much rain. It rained for five days and nights.

Then up the coast to Trinidad where the sun came out just in time; and this is what we saw.
I know!!!

Anything that I would say at this point would merely be an understatement.