Update:

It has been far too long since anything sewing related has happened, but all that is about to change! In the near future I will be showing off my new sewing studio, some great pants patterns I bought (0.75 ea) and a few helpful tools I picked up over the last few weeks. Today though, I'd like to to exhibit some inspiration.
I'm obsessed with this combination right now! These colors/accessories/styles together create the most elegant vintage look! I am making a pair of green houndstooth pants ASAP!

Barbie Challenge: Cotton Casual

Cotton Casual

This is the first dress to be created in The Barbie Challenge. I am not particularly fond of strapless (or backless) dresses so I have decided to use McCall's pattern #M6599. What I love about this design is the color scheme: with the lemon yellow and orange ribbon set against B&W stripes. I also love the front inverted pleat in the skirt. Very lovely, and thanks to the Sorbetto Top I know how to achieve that look.

Above are some marvelous black and white stripped fabrics from The Fat Quarter Shop that I think would be perfect.

British Garden Party + A Free Pattern to Download

I have always felt I am more suited to a life of afternoon tea & scones, leafy green gardens and 18th century grandeur. I am speaking of course of the old english style of living; Laid back, delightfully humorous and thoroughly proper.

Of course I do not have the budget for such things but I do find them ever so inspiring.

Indian :)

And below are some fabrics from the fabulous Fat Quarter Shop that I think would compliment the Elegance of The Classic English Garden Party. Oh and here's something juicy! A Free Couture Dress pattern from V&A's Golden Age of Couture. I haven't had the pleasure of trying it out but a free pattern is always welcome in my collection and I know I'm not alone in this

On a personal note: I got a job! Starting Monday the 27th I am the proud employee of a fabric store! Of course, this is somewhat unlikely to be profitable since I will be tempted to spend every penny on fabric/notions/patterns/tools but I will try and be discerning with my employee-discounted purchases.

The Barbie Challenge

I grew up playing with my mom's Barbie dolls from 1959. The hours spent on the floor with 'Nana' playing Barbies are among my fondest memories and I partially attribute my love of clothing + perfect accessories to it.
As a tribute to this unwitting inspiration in my young life, I have created The Barbie Challenge. I want to create each of the outfits from the 1959-1962 collection shown below for myself! I've always wanted to make a Barbie collection so why not do it?

Silken Flame

Cruise Stripes

Evening Gala (sans pants...?)

Suburban Shopper

Easter Parade

Theater Date - A favorite

This post wasn't supposed to be on here for another month so....the Barbie Challenge is postponed until after the FW arrives.

The Fat Quarter Shop

Here are fabrics from The Fat Quarter Shop that I am in love with right now:

Adore

Love

Love

Adore

Adore

Adore

For good measure

Poirot

As a kid I used to watch quite a bit of Agatha Christie's Poirot. Recently I returned to this stylized mystery series (available to watch instantly on Netflix) and discovered some very charming and inspiring garments. I realize now why I was so intrigued as a child, most episodes feature a mysterious lady with a fabulous wardrobe.

One Sided Collar

Collar + Sleeve Details

Collar

I apologize for the quality of these photos, but these two collars are just so wonderful, aren't they? I would love to be able to recreate them with my new Singer Featherweight when it arrives.  The top collar looks like it has bias binding all the way around the neckline with the collar on one side, while the second collar is rather inexplicable. I wonder if someone out there knows how to create these looks? Or perhaps I'll employ my 'little grey cells' to figure it out. Ha! that's a Poirot joke.

Marie Skirt

I've been researching some other versions of the 'Marie' skirt. Here are a few that I like.

So...I've been feeling for awhile that my life needs a makeover. Usually when I say that I mean my hair needs a makeover...so I need a new haircut bad! Nothing makes me feel better than good hair, and worse than bad hair.

These are two styles I like...I guess I'm resigned to the bob. Everyone always tells me it's their favorite look for me, but I really REALLY wanted to wear a bun for a few months....I just don't like it right now. Not at all...