At the Sock Hop

I have a long-running obsession with the 1950's - it all started with my mom throwing a sock hop with the PTA when I was in elementary school. What began as a poodle skirt and Peter Pan collar (when I find the evidence I will post it) evolved into knit wiggle skirts with angora sweaters and rhinestoned stilettos in high school. More recently I've been listening to lots of Connie Francis and saving pennies for a record player.

I found the above adorably innocent yet slutty dress by Bernie Dexter and thought I'd try to make something like it. So far I have this Vintage Vogue pattern, and I'm thinking I'll ditch the front placket altogether and slip a zipper in the side seam and somehow conjure a sweetheart neckline. Even better, if I can complete this by May for the Wanda Jackson concert.

Also in the works - a playsuit for my friend Courtney to wear at car shows this summer.

Crafts Shmafts

So I've been haphazardly immersed in embroidery. I say haphazardly because I always get the impression that I'm doing it wrong. OR atleast not as awesomely as I might (we're talking about the girl that will unravel an entire scarf over one crochet). So in lieu of New Year's resolutions I'm going to make belated 2011 craft resolutions.

1. Finish current embroidery projects and do lots of research to eventually do stuff like this

or this in embroidery form to blow away next year's Emerald City Comic-con

2. Teach myself to knit - surprisingly easy with youtube tutorials, etc. cuz I wanna do this

3. Make a couple vintage replica sundresses for the summer. This may or may not include reviving Grace or Penny. Especially: something madmen 1960's ala my girlfriend Joan Harris and something 1930's ala... the great depression.

except I'm of course more likely to do the Betty-style full skirt.

Thoughts, links, and fabric finds welcome!

meet penny

i am the general manager of Klondike Penny's Old Time Portrait Studio. lucky me, this means i get to tap into my college studies - costume design. in a visit to the pacific galleries antique auction, i fought to the finish to win my newest antique sewing machine - penny. she is a 1925 singer featherweight, complete with the wooden travel box. she is gorgeous, i foresee many happy afternoons together.

xoxo