More Aprons

Plaid apron front view
Originally uploaded by Vintage Granny

This is another apron I made using a 1940's pattern, from the booklet "Ten All American Novel Aprons". It came together very nicely, and I decided to use buttons for the back/shoulder straps, as I couldn't figure out how to get into the apron if I did what the pattern called for, and stitched the shoulder straps to the waistband.

I was planning on making appliqués for the bib; it's supposed to have an apple appliqué, but I couldn't decide on which fabric to use, so I never got around to it.

I think it looks good without the appliqué as well, so I might decide to keep it like this. What does my readers think? Apple appliqué or not?

Huzza!

I keep saying I will never again take on a new commission, but I made an exception for my future sister in law, and agreed to make her wedding gown, which is now finished, approved, and also, gladly, loved :o)

Stine picked up the finished dress today, and also tried it on with the most important accessories. There's no denying it, it looked lovely on her.

The dress is in a 1930's design, made of white crepe back satin, with a fitted high waisted, pleated bodice, and a bias cut skirt. It has a princess neckline, and a deep V cut back. I will not be able to post any pictures until after the wedding, but I cannot wait to see her all made up in a 1930's hair style, make-up, and wearing period accessories.

Thrift Store Find :o)

During my search for the perfect winter bloomers (say one thing for Suna, say she's persistent), I have given some thought to perhaps knitting a pair. But as yarn is expensive, the knitting pattern I have is from I think 1905, and it's hard to substitute the yarn called for, as well as tricky to estimate which needle size I'll need, I have been reluctant to give it a try.

Last weekend I visited my favourite thrift store, and one of the first things I saw what the wonderful knitted bloomers above :oD

Such luck, I could hardly believe my eyes! They are 100% wool, very soft to the touch, and they fit perfectly :oD

Of course I got them, and I'm really looking forward to wearing them this winter. I thought last winter was bad, but now I've been told it was rather mild (with -25 degrees!). Apparently, it's not unusual to get up to -32. If this proves true, I'll probably need knitted long johns...

Black Flannel Bloomers

The "Bloomers for Winter"-project is still running, and I have just completed my second pair of bloomers. These are made of black flannel (I dyed an old bed sheet for the purpose), with lace accents, and satin bows. I used my favourite pair of pyjama bottoms as pattern, or rather, I used them to make the pattern.

The bloomers turned out quite nice, I think. They are certainly very comfortable, and should keep me warm in winter :o)

New Apron

I have this fascination with aprons, this I freely admit. I love them. I enjoy both using them while cooking, and simply looking at them. It's a very feminine garment, and I love the frillyness and the retro appeal of them. At the moment I own 5 aprons, including this. This one will however be a birthday gift, so it won't remain in my collection for long.

Last week the Commercial Pattern Archive had a free, week long trial, and this is where I found the pattern I used for this apron. The pattern was from the 1930's, and has a flattering bias cut. The checked fabric I got at my favourite thrift store for a pittance, I don't think it's vintage, but it still has a vintage look, which is good enough for me. Here's a view of the back:


I'm rather proud of this apron; it's simple, yet very charming, and I hope the recipient will be as happy with it as I am :o)

New Laptop

After discovering the Dream Office, I did some more browsing, and happened upon this; a marvellously steampunk laptop. Just look at the details, the brass accents, and the aged wooden panel. I am literally drooling here.

Considering that the creator of this beauty charges 1200 - 1500 USD for one of his custom keyboards, I assume I would have to win the lottery to ever be able to afford this beauty, but I can still dream :o)

If you like the look of this, you can visit the makers homepage here. Looking at his creations makes me regret I didn't pay more attention in the woodwork classes we had at school, but at the time, I didn't see any apparent use for the lessons, except for making cradles for dolls, collages with shaved wood and brass, and the like. Looking back at those lessons, I get a feeling that most of the time was spent burning letters into bits of wood. God knows where all the odd little things I made ended up. But if I had known that some day, I might be able to make something like this, that would have changed the level of commitment completely, I think.


I wonder if I would be able to find classes for this type of work where I live. I think I'll have to check up on that :o)

Dream Office

My good friend Marcus found this picture online today, showed it to me, and I just love it.

Can you imagine this as your home office? I know I can! I would love sitting at the desk, imagining I'm in a steampunk movie, perhaps "The Golden Compass".

Sigh :o)