It's comical how bad I am at blogging here (Spooky Season 2022 Review)

If you’re at all interested in my work in general, please follow me on Instagram for frequent posts. I’m a picture poster and love the idea of Instagram and my all time favorite Flickr.

All I’m about to share was posted on those platforms.

With my preference for more time spent on creating things, I tend to forget to complete this step (blogging). My brain thinks “Post it on social and then throw your phone at the couch a leave it there until bedtime.” Which is what I do 99% of the time.

But here’s what i’ve been up to this month: (Just the hits here.) Links included in the captions

Pouring John a glass of poison. Link

Said poison. Link

My favorite make this month. Link

I love how out of context this is.

Spooky Dollhouse Decor (YouTube Link)

Here’s a full view of the dollhouse along with my final 2022 Spooky Season make. 1940’s style pajamas.

Link

I will definitely do a dedicated post on the dollhouse renovation. I know there were a few questions about it outside of what I shared on YouTube.

I know there are a few of you who subscribe to this blog and I super appreciate you!

Happy Halloween (Blessed Samhain)

Making multiples and a garden break.

I fell in love with the last pattern I shared and had to make more.

This set is great for the warmer weather. Nice elastic waistband for backyard cookout eating on the skirt. Nice breathable midriff, perfect for cooling off.

I made a few things last week. Even a muslin/toile/tester dress that I was super glad that I did that. I usually go right into using the good fabric - AKA being lazy about it. But I have some vintage fabric that I really love and I wanted to be sure. Turns out, I hate the fit of the pattern I had in mind.

I also made a little self drafted pattern for my dog (my boss) Yuki.

She’s a drooler and I needed some help with constant messy-self. Particularly with the hotter weather, she drinks a lot more. When I say drinks, I mean spray shower everywhere.

I drafted a little bandana attached to an elastic collar for easy off and on for her. Really it’s for me, otherwise i’m wiping her off. The fabric is from JoAnn Fabric.

Aside from work and sewing, it is garden season. I’ve been a home gardener for 20+ years now, which is wild to say. This year I did achieve a small goal and grew my own garlic scapes. I’ve grown garlic before, but soft neck varieties. I intentionally grew hard neck this year just to have scapes.

Here in Western Washington, we’ve had a longer winter season this year so things seemed to be in slow motion in the garden. But things are actively speeding up now.

I pickled those scapes for salad/pizza/bratwurst toppings.

My sewing, my dogs, my garden and my family are keeping me busy and hopeful during this wild time in the universe. I hope the same for you all too.

xo-Thea

Simplicity 8351 (1993) Warm weather attire.

My Scandinavian and Swiss German genes really show themselves in the hot weather. I’m sure growing up on an island in the Puget Sound also contributes to my intolerance of weather above 75 degrees too. We recently hit a smidgen above 90 degrees here in the Seattle suburbs and I planned my attire accordingly.

A large hat, sandals and breathable cottons. I made this “peasant” top with ties in the front. The skirt has an one inch elastic waistband, that is easy to pull on and off. Nothing like a hot ass zipper next to your sticky skin in the hot weather. (No thanks.) I move around a lot at home, in the kitchen, garden, sewing room and our dedicated laser workspace daily, so I need comfortable non-annoying things to wear for those activities.

Fabric: The top is a vintage Peter Pan Fabrics calico. Evergreen with a microleaf print. I used vintage buttons too.

The skirt is made from a vintage French floral cotton from 1986.

Pattern: Simplicity 8351 (1993)

Alterations: No alterations to the top. The skirt I added pockets of course. I also halved the length of the bottom tier to suit my height.

I often get comments on my pockets. Personally, if it doesn’t have pockets - I don’t want it. It’s bad enough that I am the person that leaves their phone everywhere and has to back track my steps to find it. Life is much more pleasant for me if I have a pocket to shove my phone in to. But did you know pockets in women’s clothing is a feminist issue? Going back a couple of centuries if not more. The basic gist is that a woman was property, her man would carry anything of importance. I’ll dig up some resources on that topic for a future post.

Lastly, another comment I frequently get is that I never show the backs of my sewing projects. You right. I often just forget to snap up a photo of the back. I take all of these photos with my ancient iPhone set on a timer and try to get it done as swiftly as possible.

While I am trying to be better with blogging again, it is hard to remember to revert back to the early 2000s scheduled post thinking these days. I feel this is the best way to share more details about my projects here. But for quickie posts, I am on Instagram and Flickr. I don’t post much on my business Facebook pages these days though. The less I’m on Facebook, the better.

xo-Thea

Butterick Making History Sewing Pattern B4669 - Corset Vest

As forest dwellers, one must succumb to looking like it every once in a while.
Fabric: Vintage white floral fabric for corset 1.

Vintage evergreen wool paired with the same white floral fabric for corset 2.

Pattern: Butterick Making History B4669
Alterations: Loops instead of eyelets. I always have trouble with putting eyelets in.
I feel that loops are less stressful on the fabric too.

I have a small stack of these Making History patterns and was excited to try one out. I chose pattern A and it was only three pattern pieces. Very easy to put together and its a versatile piece.

I had multiple requests for this piece. (As in to buy.) While I am flattered and understand as a maker my creations could be mistaken as items for sale - because being a maker means you are constantly self promoting your creations for sale. I am currently only making pieces for myself and family.

I try my best to provide as much information as I can about the patterns and materials I use to encourage you to try making your own.

I am on my sewing adventure for my own personal enrichment.

xo-Thea

My Daughter's Birthday Gift - A Handmade Dress

I have a bit of catching up to do here.

First, I did complete The Vintage Fashion Challenge over on Instagram. I can’t believe I kept up with it. As you can tell here, I’m really not someone who is on the internet every day. It was fun and it does feel like a small kind of accomplishment.

Through the challenge, I learned what I “lacked” in my wardrobe and created to make lists and even some to repair lists. I have some great vintage pieces that I would’ve love to show during the challenge, but they needed some repairs or some fitting.

My eldest daughter in her birthday dress that I made.

I shared this on my daughter’s birthday for The Vintage Fashion Challenge on IG

Day 30 Love & appreciation.
How fitting that this prompt falls on my eldest daughter’s birthday.
We’re the less rich version of the Gilmore Girls (minus that weird last season and with three younger siblings.)
Teenage mom, raises a smart, witty, well read, beautiful person to adulthood. Weird hair, music, crafts and clothing phases included too.
I appreciate her for being a great sport along the way.

Her dress -
Fabric: Made from vintage 1960s Italian silk (it’s amazing).
Pattern: Butterick 6582 Retro 1960.
Alterations: You know I added pockets. I also made a stand alone slip rather than lining the skirt. I didn’t have enough fabric for a full lining, so I made an A-line slip skirt to go with it.

My dress-
Fabric: Vintage unbranded polyblend. Texture/weave is like kimono Ro fabric.
Pattern: Gertie‘s Night & Day bodice top with a simple gathered skirt. Snack pockets too of course.

Me and two of my kids,

And no picture is complete without a photobomb from a younger sibling.😂

I was honestly surprised how well the dress fit her without doing any fittings, I trusted the measurements I took a bit ago and hoped for the best. That vintage Italian silk is magnificent. Its absolutely luxurious and it seemed perfect for this project.

She loved it and was surprised.

xo-Thea

Wearing what I make.

I knew it was inevitable that I would be asked do I actually wear what I make. Or why do I make so much? I post weekly sewing project summaries on my Instagram and personal Facebook pages. I do it in a similar format as I do here, but here I offer more details. Yesterday, I was asked why do I sew so much? The devilish side of me always takes the offensive and wants to childishly say “ Why not.” or “Because I can.”. Which are both true sentiments honestly. But I do have a method to my madness.

I want to sharpen my sewing skills and become more proficient in sewing techniques. I love sewing and it has always been a dream of mine to be a costumer. I love quality fabric and notions that were designed to last. Since I had to dust off my machine to make masks during 2020, I naturally picked up sewing again. My mom and eldest sister are talented seamstresses. I was the recipient of many home sewn dresses. It was a natural path for me to walk down.

I picked up this vintage Singer 338 sewing machine at a thrift store for $7.00

I understand sewing machines. I thankfully grew up with a father who taught me how to fix small motors. I have acquired and fixed a couple of machines since the pandemic. I appreciate their durability and design that was made to endure time too. When you love and know how to use your tools, it’s a special kind of power.

Me on April 5th, 2022 wearing my home sewn flannel mushroom dress.

I’m shorter, I have wide hips, full bust and short legs. Ready to wear clothes don’t always fit right. I’ve altered dresses that I’ve paid $200 for. Why not just make them myself and sell the readymade items? I have purged many pieces of readymade clothing. Lots of dresses and tops with what I call “the sad button”. You know the one that closes but struggled to close at the bust. I wanted to eliminate that from my life and fill my closet with clothes that fit me well, which in turn makes me feel good. Who doesn’t need that after the past couple of years we’ve had.

I know not everyone can do this and I really appreciate the encouragement from friends and strangers about my journey. I especially love it when someone tells me that I inspired them to dust off their sewing machines. Why wear the sad button shirt that makes you feel self conscious? We only have this one life, why not have all happy buttons? You know what I mean. :)

xo-Thea

Vintage Sewing: Butterick B6285 Patterns By Gertie

Spring = separates. I like mixing and matching pieces to be flexible for the ever unpredictable weather here. I pulled a tried and true skirt pattern from my pattern library for this. This color palette is out of my norm but I am trying to expand a bit. I actually only owned one pink item until this.

Pattern: Butterick B6285 (Skirt) Patterns by Gertie - 2015. Mariner Top (Gertie Patreon) These patterns are not vintage but are in a reproduction style.

Fabric: Vintage Navy floral rayon (skirt & kanzashi/brooches). Two sided pink cotton grid print (top) Both thrifted for $3 each.

Adjustments: I like this skirt with a flat front so I only pleat the back. I do this to aid my (ABD -Asian Butt Deficiency) 😂. I always hope bustles will make a comeback. The top is loose on purpose. I didn’t prewash that fabric. I’m a baddie like that - I’ll make adjustments after a wash if needed.

Brooches: I made with scrap fabric and vintage buttons.

Brooches made from scrap fabric.

Using the scrap fabric from my skirt is the perfect example of why I got into kanzashi making. Finding uses for everything. I made these in under 30 minutes.

While I am still working “my day job”, I have made it a priority to decompress most days by sewing something. Things are still heavy in the world, Etsy is jacking up their fees and tree pollen and I battle it our Mortal Kombat style daily. So it’s been nice to escape a bit into fabrics.

xo-Thea

Vintage Sewing: Secret Pants (1930s/1940's Culottes)

Did I make another skirt again?

Nope, they’re secret pants! (Thanks to Rachel Masky coining that phrase.)

As a child of the 80’s I’ve long been a fan of culottes. They just hit different than a palazzo or the like. Palazzos look like I’m wearing blocky curtains and further shrink my already short legs. While I could have adjusted the length on these to have a higher hem, my initial fitting looked decent so I left the length. I’m actually not a fan of crop or capri pants. Or pants in general really due to fit issues. But I do like these and I will definitely be making more.

Vogue Pattern 7339

Adjustments: The pattern piece for the placket was missing. I had to recreate that.

Pattern: Vogue Patterns 7339 (Late 30’s early 40’s) No date is provided oddly.

Fabric: Black lightweight corduroy. I had a limited amount so I do have the grain going two different ways. But I made it work.

Top: A knit mock neck. I also made that last week. It’s a Charm Patterns by Gertie Patreon exclusive Barbie Top. I highly recommend this pattern for learning to sew knits. I get many compliments on the several Barbie tops I’ve made.

I love a good power “Captain Morgan” stance.

My sewing journey continues to enlighten me on garments that best fit my frame. It really is a shame as a society the idea of having clothes made for you on a regular basis fell out of the norm. Not only to have clothes that were made for your frame, but to have a quality long lived item. Fast fashion is the devil.

Now, I really am going to make some more skirts for spring.

xo-Thea

Vintage Sewing: A very bright 1946 reproduction dress.

I said something last week about making colorful things. Prepare your eyeballs for this color flash. Lemon lime/absinthe/chartreuse, neon yellow/Pantone 396, whatever you’d like to call it. I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t be hit by a car crossing the street when I’m wearing this.

This is a rare occasion of me loving the idea of the pattern and then not loving the fit/style. But this is a joy of making your own. I’m still learning what feels best on me. I like to just try things out too. 1940s styles are my favorite, so I had to give this one a spin. I’m sure I could fine tune this a bit more to get the fit I’m comfortable in but I think its perfectly fine to make something and not love it.

I made four hair flowers with some fabric scraps from this project.

I do however, love the color combo. From the beginning of making this dress, I set aside this fabric along with black piping for contrast. The angled cuts of this dress basically begged for them. Along with black accessories and red lipstick, I had envisioned a look. I know the color isn’t era appropriate but, I do what I want.

Adjustments: Shorten shoulders, added contrasting piping, omitted side ruching, added bust darts, added one side pocket and omitted button opening.

Pattern: Butterick B5281 Retro ‘46 (vintage reissue)

Fabric: Thrifted from Goodwill

Hair flowers: An Original By Thea Starr

Purse: 1940s Corde handbag.

Earrings: Vintage moon glow screw-backs. (My fave)

I’ve actually already sewn up two more things that I will share. Sewing has been a great distraction to things that are out of my control at the moment. I have so much to learn and each week I try to build and exercise my skills. Also, I’ve “met” quite a few people along this journey, which has been the best surprise.

xo-Thea

Vintage Sewing: Casual Blouse Butterick 6270 (1950)

Last week’s make was something more for my everyday wardrobe. I need lightweight shirts for spring and this fit the bill.

The details are a bit lost in the print but in person you can see them well. Next time I make this pattern I’ll use a less busy print or just a solid.

If you look closely, you can see the stitching detail.

Adjustments; I had to size down and shorten the bodice and sleeves. I plan to tailor it a bit more but I wanted to test a sweater vest with it first. This pattern was a bit too big for me and I do have a bit of trouble sizing down a pattern rather than my normal of sizing up a vintage pattern.

Pattern: Butterick 6270 (1952)

I’ve had the lucky of finding higher sized vintage patterns. This one I did need to size down for me, but I keep the original pattern in tact in case I lend this one out.

Fabric: Thrifted. Looks like a Liberty if London print. Feels like viscose. I love the micro floral print. I tend to lean into those because the bees and hummingbirds aren’t more inclined to chase me in the garden. Things you learn over the years.

Buttons: Vintage (pictured)

Vintage Hollywood brand buttons from my vintage button stash.

Hair flower: Yours truly.

Gray hair for everyday sparkle.

I hvaen’t dyed my hair since February 2020.

It was a bit dark in my office this morning so the full length photos are a bit dark. But I just paired this with some wide leg jeans. Which I hated and changed into a skirt a couple hours after this was taken.

I already have my next project on the cutting table. We’ve been keeping busy during this uneasy time. Its hard to detach from the news.

Keep your hopes up friends, xo-Thea

Vintage Sewing -Edwardian-esque Walking Skirt

Well here it is, my first toe-dip into historical fashion. As I’ve been learning what fashion eras I like and don’t like, I’ve been keeping a short list of projects that I would like to create. An Edwardian walking skirt was near the top of that list.

With my deep rabbit hole dive into learning about wool, much like I learned about silk when I first considered making kanzashi I thought this would be a perfect project for some wool I had in my stash.

Pattern: Advance 6177 (1952)

Fabric: Black wool exterior/ cotton twill lining. (Winter weight)

Top: Merino Wool sweater

Shoes: Marc Shoes (German brand)

Book: Dickens 1918 .

It isn’t historically accurate, probably only appeals to a niche group and totally gives off that creepy old lady vibe. Its perfect for me. I had planned on using the pattern from “The Keystone Book - 1895” but being fixated on current global events that was a bit overwhelming to focus on. I adapted an Advance pattern to give the look (and had enough fabric for) that I wanted to achieve.

I love the cotton twill lining I chose. It truly makes it feel like I am wearing a blanket. Giant pockets are at the sides and are supported at the waist. I did have to size down at the waist which was a first for me using a vintage pattern. Typically I’m slash and spreading it up to a bigger size. I actually didn’t extend the length too much. I have short legs and the panels were quite long on me to begin with.

I know most folks interact with me on social media, but in case you’ve landed here instead - I wanted to offer an alternative to those seeking out sewing/knitting/craft patterns right now.

There are many Ukrainian artists/sellers who offer downloadable PDF files on Etsy who are fleeing/sheltering in place/fighting right now and it’s a way to support those individuals during this scary time.

You can simply search “sewing patterns PDF” (or knitting/crochet etc) on Etsy - select “from Ukraine” in the dropdown menu for location.

Be safe friends, Thea

Vintage Sewing - Wool Jacket Butterick 8578 (1939) McCalls 864 (1941)

I’ve made it a weekly habit to reveal my latest vintage sewing projects on Mondays through my social media accounts.

This week’s reveal was a little half assed. Last week sewing got put to the side to spend time with two close friends over different days as well as our favorite neighbors too. It was so good to see some favorites up close and catch up in person. I worked on last week’s project when I could.

1939 Butterick 8578 / 1941 McCall’s 864 similar jacket patterns.

I selected an easier pattern. Not only because I need some lighter weight jackets for the warmer season ahead. But I also need projects where I can practice lining things. I’m getting better every time and on paper and in instructionals, it seems like an easy logical thing to do. I just have moments of broken brain sometimes. Thankfully there were no problems with this lining.

The two patterns pictured above are almost identical. The McCall’s 864 pattern is the newer one coming from 1941 and it also offered an embroidery option too. In the envelope there is a design transfer and embroidery instructions. I will definitely check that out later. Hopefully I can find a spring color of wool, like yellow or green to do the embroidery on.

McCall 864 (1941)

For this jacket I used the Butterick 8578 pattern. From 1939 and had been well loved as it appears to have been a classroom copy at one point in time. There are very faint writing in pencil on all of the pieces. Only one piece of this pattern was missing. The pocket bag, which is very easy to draft up a replacement.

Butterick 8578 (1939)

“Eleanor Folline (?)

Per 2 - Clothing III

Room 10”

I choose a very fine merino wool in a medium gray color from my stash. I paired it with a black acetate for the lining. Both fabrics are vintage. I haven’t actually completely finished this but it is wearable as is. I need to add the pockets, button closures (I was actually leaning towards not doing that) and finishing the detachable hood.

The almost completed but wearable as is jacket.

I loved how it came together. The front facing and front panel is an all in one piece. The lining easily went it and was easily attached. I even did the era correct thing and added the shoulder pads to give it the iconic late 30s/40s look. It’s easy to toss on and wear. I didn’t do any adjustments to the pattern aside from adjusting the size down just a bit to fit my frame better. But I’m pleased with this and I will definitely make more in this style.

More sewing projects to come!

xo-Thea

A Vintage House Coat - McCall's Pattern 2696 + Fabric From 1977

The robe pictured above was a labor of love. While it was actually a simple make, I decided that I needed to hand sew the entire lining in. I spent most of my weekend parked on my bum in my office in front of Outlander streaming on Netflix hand-sewing this together.

McCall’s Sewing Pattern 2696 from 1970 - size medium.

I’ve had the shell fabric for some time and was deciding on either using it or selling it. It’s a heavier weight cotton, think a soft denim fabric from 1977 made by Riverdale. (I will upload the selvage notation image up on to my flickr soon.) The background is a brighter navy blue with vibrant floral and bamboo imaging. Honestly it’s quite spectacular for being 45 years old. I had a few yards of it and paid $7.99 for it at the thrift store. i actually thrifted everything I used to make this robe/coat. The lining is a substantial polyester satin in a creamy champagne color. It’s some slick devilish shit, which is what made me decide to hand sew the lining in. Better to be safe than sorry.

The colors are very saturated in person too.

While it was a laborious, I actually don’t mind hand sewing. My stitches aren’t super neat or evenly spaced. But this was something that I made for myself and whatever grandchild of mine inherits this can see that an actual human put this thing together.

Alterations to the the pattern:

I shortened the length by two inches. As you can see that the length still drags on the floor a little. I decided to keep it long to add to the drama of my walking up and down my stairs. I am quite extra in that way.

I also changed the collar. I didn’t like the original closed tightness of the the collar. This is meant to be a lounge item and wanted a relaxed fit all around. Otherwise, I sewed the patterned per the manufacturer instructions. Pockets were included, so thankfully I didn’t need to add them.

I paired this with a vintage nightgown.

It’s not perfect but I am quite pleased with it and have enjoyed wearing it so far.

It has been challenging finding good projects for my vintage fabrics that I actually want to (and am brave enough to) execute. I’m glad I did this one.

Now I’m off to dive into another project.

xo-Thea

Adding To My Halloween Wardrobe

While I have been mainly busy with 6 by 6 Arts recently, I have managed to sneak in some quality sewing time.

I follow a few reproduction clothing brands and I love all of their Halloween (holidays in general) designs. Unfortunately despite my daily manifestations attempts, I am not a money rich lady and I have to just admire some great pieces.

Side note - Many of these women owned companies like Pinup Girl Clothing for example, are extremely small companies. Many pieces are small batch made in the USA. Fabric and labor is expensive and when I make purchases from there I consider them investment pieces and understand the work, time and money that goes into them. I know I’m actually getting a deal on some pieces just in fabric alone.

My zipper front princess dress made from Alexander Henry Fabrics 2006 Pumpkin Party Print

With all of that said, this year since I’ve taken a deep dive back into sewing I decided to add Halloween themed pieces to my wardrobe. DIY style.

I show off a few pieces that I’ve made in the linked video below.

In the video, I do touch on the expense of fabric. I thrifted all of the fabric shown in the video. The striped full circle skirt dress, I thrifted 7 yards of that fabric for $4.99. Up close pictured are available on my Instagram. I didn’t thrift them in a short amount of time and I sat on some of these fabric pieces for a long while. But it can be done. We all can have lucky days at the thrift. Or an online fabric shop on a discount day.

I hope you’ll check out my video and welcome to October! I love spooky season!

xo-Thea

Using My Vintage Sewing Patterns

As mentioned a few days ago, i basically went on a sewing rampage. Aside from the Garden Dress I mentioned, I kicked out three bedsheet dresses. All made from vintage patterns and vintage bedsheets.

Technically, the Simplicity Pattern shown here isn’t quite vintage.

I share the information about them in this video.

As with every sewing project, I learn something new. Let me know which one you liked the best!

-Thea

Vintage Jumper Dress and a Panic Attack

In my constant hunt for vintage fabrics, I recently found a bolt of dead stock denim fabric. It’s a mid-weight black and white striped cotton/poly blend from Quincy Fancies. It was originally sold for $1.49 a yard. Amazing right?

The original bolt tag.

Compare at $2.99 yd!

I have been wanting a durable dress to be out in the garden in. Something that won’t get caught onto the blackberry bushes when I walk by. Something with big pockets for my little shears for cutting flowers too. In my vintage pattern collection I had this “Easy stitch n’ save by McCall’s Misses Jumper from 1997. Pattern number 8878.

I thought this combo would be an excellent mix for what I wanted. The pattern is very easy to work with and follow. I did have to size it down a bit to fit my shorter frame. I also had to do a full bust measurement for the bodice as well. I actually need to take it apart and size down a smidgen more to fit me better.

You can see the loose fit in the bodice.

I cut everything out and dug out 14 “close enough” matching buttons and then called it a day before sewing it together. Well, in that time my younger dog Yuki (she’s almost 3) had a small seizure.

It wasn’t something I had personally seen or dealt with before. She was napping in front of a fan and then popped up and did this weird stiff crouching stance like she was frozen. John thought maybe she was choking and couldn’t breathe. He attempted to see if anything was blocking her airway. But that wasn’t it. My knee jerk reaction is always, to go outside and get some air. By the time we made it to the back door (everything seemed like in was in slow motion) she seemed to calm down. John and I were still in complete panic mode and decided to rush her to the emergency vet. I held our 70lbs puppy all the way there because she doesn’t like car rides and she was a drooling mess. The ER vet was 100% awesome and totally patient with two babbling panicked ding dongs (us). Yuki had returned to her very happy wagging self when she was examined and we were basically sent home after a bit. It all turned out okay and she’s fine. But boy, John and I were on the verge of losing it. As John’s cousin Jennifer said “Take my husband but not my dogs.” Ha!

Yuki the evening after her seizure. Totally chillin’ like nothing ever happened.

After all that stress build up and needing to closely monitor Yuki (in case there were more seizures), I continued making my garden jumper dress. However, since I was so worked up I totally oversewed the thing. I did all French seams and marathoned made this. While staring down Yuki the whole time, making sure she’s okay.

That was quite eventful to say the least. Yuki is thankfully okay and was treated by a special visit the night of her seizure by her favorite “boy” who drove all the way out to see his dog. I am very happy with my new garden jumper dress. The pattern was great and super easy. The buttons/buttholes were time consuming. I’ll most likely make another one but with either a zipper front or snap buttons.

The kanzashi I am wearing in the photos. Coming soon to the shop!

Thank you to everyone who reached out and sent good vibes and especially stories of your own pets. They all really helped me settle down. I appreciate you all! - xo Thea

Some favorite thrift finds and my first button down blouse.

John and I had a vintage hard to find Legoland Castle set(s) to share this week on my channel. So, I thought it would be fun to share a couple of our favorite thrift finds too.

In other news, I made my first successful button down blouse. I’ll be dedicating a post to this in the future as I am currently making more. I am genuinely surprised that I got the fit right in the bust, but boy howdy - I am stoked about it.

In other sewing news, a neighbor in my local Buy Nothing Group offered up a big box of vintage sewing patterns. I was on it and was lucky to be selected.

There are so many goodies in there, I can’t wait to try a few of them.

Sorry to those of you who follow me for my kanzashi work. I just haven’t had any new projects that are completed to share. I still do make them. Also, I am indulging this sewing bug that I have. I really do appreciate the support and encouragement on my sewing projects.

Tomorrow’s blog post will be a long awaited one and it’s a recipe. So come back tomorrow for that.

xo-Thea

I made a dress out of a bedsheet.

If you’ve been with me for awhile, you know i am all about repurposing vintage fabrics. I reuse all that I possibly can reuse from a damaged vintage kimono. A few years ago while thirsting I started to notice some really pretty patterns on some vintage bedsheets. I had the intention to use them to make curtains and decorative hold things with them. But it dawned on me that I could use them to make dresses.

There’s tons of fabric to use! It’s more affordable than heading into JoAnn’s for a some fabric.

In my video this week, I talk a bit about it.

xo-Thea

Vlogging, sewing and incoming spring flowers.

I don’t always remember to post my vlog links but this is this week’s episode:

The “Frankensteined” blouse did not turn out how I hoped. However, I did learn a lot and will be more successful the next time around. I quickly kicked out another sewing project to redeem myself. I chose one of my favorite patterns - Butterick Fast & Easy #3674

I made this skirt from vintage fabric, vintage buttons and vintage thread all purchased at the thrift. I love the big exterior pockets. Also, with all of my sewing adventuring recently I’ve discovered I’m quite good at sewing closures. Zippers, bound buttons/buttholes and just plain old buttons/button holes. The button down front on this skirt is great for my current skill set.

Today I am organizing some kanzashi pieces that will be modeled later this week by my eldest daughter. Spring is just around the corner and new spring blooms are coming. As well, as adding touches to new designs for 6 by 6 Arts.

I hope you are all well friends!