Wasp Waists and Wiggle Skirts

Halp!!!

My mother-in-law is moving across the country - in fact, she and my Mum are doing the drive together, starting tomorrow in the wee hours of the morning - gulp!  "What does this have to do with vintage clothing, sewing and fashion," you ask?  Well, my mother-in-law is a seamstress.  A seamstress who shipped her fabric across the country five years ago and doesn't want to do it again. 

Yup, you guessed it, yippee!!! And...Halp!!! 

Does anyone have any ideas for storing such a vast amount of fabric?  Of course I won't be keeping it all.  I'll be selling some of it for her in the shop and I'm sure that I'll be adding fabric to the list of giveaways on this blog (stay tuned...I've got some ideas brewing.)  Anyhoo, any storage ideas or links to sites that suggest ways to store fabric would be very much appreciated!

xox
Elle
(who is feeling very, very lucky!)

ps  Due to the fabric-related chaos, the fall edition of a Week of Vintage Vogue Knitting will begin later this week.

Congratulations....

...Karlie!!!!!  You're the winner of the latest Giveaway (as chosen by the fancy schmancy Random Number Generator.)  Drop me an email and let me know your address and I'll Post the pattern right away!

Check back over the next few days for some fall-inspired Vintage Vogue Knitting Patterns.  Get your needles ready ladies!

I'll leave you with this...yet another reason I love the Fifties.  Even the toilet tissue ads were elegant!

(I've had this image for years - if anyone knows which site to credit for it, let me know.)

xox
Elle

And So We Revisit The Shirtdress Giveaway!

Do you remember this sweet little pattern?  Adorable, huh?

Well, I never did receive the contact information from the winner, so I decided to do the draw over again late last night.

(insert imagined drumroll here...)

The New Winner Is...

Casey from "Casey's Elegant Musings." 

Congratulations Casey!!!

I'll pop the pattern into the Post as soon as you email me your address.

xox
Elle

The Forties Pattern Giveaway!

Here it is - the third Pattern Giveaway from

Wasp Waists and Wiggle Skirts!

Simplicity Number 1043

Size:  Bust 38  Waist 32  Hips  41

The pattern has a slim skirt and a Sweetheart Neckline with optional ruffle and tie trim.  There are two sleeve options - either three-quarter length or short sleeved and again, there is an optional ruffle trim.  My favourite part of this pattern (other than the jumping dog print on the mauve dress) is the ruffle detailing on the pockets!  I may just have to steal the idea!

As always, leave a comment below to be entered for this giveaway.  If you leave a comment in your blog linking back to this giveaway, I'll enter you twice!

The draw will take place on September 21st.

Good luck!

xox
Elle

ps  This pattern is 65 years old and has therefore had it's share of wear and tear.  All the pieces are complete (I checked) but the envelope is in rough shape.  Also, please note that this pattern is a punched (or perforated) pattern, not a printed pattern.

Isn't this the best label?  I just love it!  Does anyone happen to know anything about "Crowlene?"  I've done a search, but nothing's come up.  All I know is that this label is attached to a really well made 1940's coat.

On another note, check back tomorrow for a shop update and a Forties inspired Pattern Giveaway!

xox
Elle

1  Vintage Bias Tape from Owlbotagain
2  Checkered Lilac Draped Dress from Peace and Love Vintage
3  1950's Lavender Gown from Firefly Vintage
4  Vintage 1950's Lavender Headpiece from Allen Company Inc

Click on the links above to be taken to these gorgeous vintage items.

xox
Elle

"Looking Like a Fashion Photo" II

Here is the second installment of the instructions for making your very own vintage-inspired war-time hats.  Don't you just adore the Forties? 

I sure wish I had the pattern for the matching clutch in the second photo...hey, wait a minute, I do!  Take a peek at the second half of the instructions for the Bow Calot with Back Ruffle.

Enjoy!

As always, click on the photo to open a larger version and then save and/or print the image.

Calot (#13)

 

  

Bow Calot with Back Ruffle and Matching Bag (#14)

 

 

xox
Elle

ps  Meghan, please drop me an email with your address so I can send your pattern to you!  Thanks!