I'm Writing Just to Say Hello...

Although social letter writing has declined in recent years, it is still a special thing to dig through a pile of envelopes addressed to "current resident" and find one personally written to you!  It is still a fairly inexpensive bit of fun in a world where cheap, clean fun is a rare commodity, and there is a certain rawness and genuineness to the handwritten note that you can't find in emails and texts.

If you are thinking of taking up letter writing in 2014, I have vintage stationery you can use, covering every topic from birthdays and special congratulations to thinking of you cards and get well soon notes.

Here are some cute cards, mostly birthday themed, for the girlie girls you might know. These are from the 60s or 70s.

This set has a lot more variety of messages, including "thinking of you" type cards. They aren't officially marked as such, but they definitely are inspired by the Holly Hobbie art style of the 70s and 80s. Find them here.

For the more grownup recipients, here are some backyard bird cards you might enjoy.

 The bird portrayed on this set of block print cards is a North American Loon, and these cards are blank inside, so you can figure out what you want to say with them. These are hand-printed cards by famous artist Gwen Frostic. They are still wrapped up in their original packaging, with matching envelopes.

Write home to wish Mama a happy birthday with this set of 5 floral birthday cards from the 50s, 60s, and early 70s. They would also make a pretty cool shadow box display.

Finally, if you're really interested in letter writing the old-fashioned way, I have a cool set of 50s/60s era bamboo dip pens you can use. Just buy an inexpensive pot of ink at your local craft store and dip away. It's fun!



I have quite a few sets of vintage stationery not represented here, but you can find them by following the links throughout this post!

Bonus:  

Here is an interesting link from the Smithsonian National Postal Museum about the history of letter writing in the United States.

For the Thrifty Sewers Among Us

Many people these days have developed a taste for vintage fashions and perhaps enjoy mixing and matching the old with the new.  Some of the old fashions  are "current" again, like skinny jeans, bow-necked blouses, or sheath dresses. The casual observer might not even realize that an article of clothing is from another time!

The main difficulty I encounter when I look for vintage clothing is a problem with fit, and I think that's an issue for a whole lot of people. The sleeves are too loose, the bustline or chest is too full, the waist is too long, etc. We could alter the old garments, or we could sew something to measure, using a vintage sewing pattern!

I have recently acquired a number of vintage patterns and I've been adding them to my stores a few at a time, after I've gone through them to check for condition issues and missing pieces or instructions. Stay tuned for more, and don't forget to tell your friends if they like to sew! Meanwhile, here are a few to choose from.

This cool 70s pattern makes loose palazzo pants, a maxi dress, a jacket, a top, and a knee-length dress. Lots of options!

Like tunic length shirts, but the ones you find are always too long, or the sleeves bind under the arms? This blouse pattern from the 80s (actually borrowing from a late 40s design), can help you with both problems. Looks very comfortable! I really like views 2 and 3 on the front.

This fabulous top and skirt pattern from Vogue masquerades as a dress with a late 50s/early 60s style about it. I seriously love the view in yellow!

Have a taste for vintage designer fashions? Here is a lovely and feminine dress designed by Albert Nipon for Vogue! It has some pleating on the bodice and a faux tie waist.

These designer patterns are selling quickly. I put a Calvin Klein pattern here on 1/25 and it sold immediately!

Here is a drape-neck dress pattern from supermodel Lauren Hutton's signature collection designs. You can put the shawl drape in the front or the back, and vary the length, depending on the level of drama you wish to achieve.

Maybe you are more interested in vintage sewing patterns for costume appeal. This Edwardian nightgown pattern will appeal to the Downton Abbey fans among us, because it was designed from clothing from that time period.  It has a very wide range of size options, and it has never been cut!

This blouson shirt pattern is more like the fashions from the current season of Downton Abbey, which takes place in the late 20s. The pattern itself dates to the 70s, but i see it regularly these days, often paired with skinny leg pants and flats!

For the teens, I do have some juniors patterns, like this sundress pattern from the 70s, drawing upon the country girl image. This one has never been cut!

I also have quite a few patterns for babies and toddlers, like this darling infant bib and overalls pattern. The pieces are so tiny!

I hope you've enjoyed this little tour of my pattern collection. If you like a pattern but it isn't in your size, you might want to check out a pattern resizing tutorial like this one, for converting to plus-sizes, or read the discussions in this forum about how to convert vintage patterns for unusual body types and figure issues. I'm sure there are other useful links from around the web--I'd love to hear about them!

Thanks for reading!  Don't forget to follow me on Facebook, where I'll be posting links to more sewing related paraphernalia as I make it available.

After Christmas Sale!

Christmas has come and gone, and I hope you all had a wonderful holiday!  Now that we are approaching the end of the year, I'm sure that all of you are looking forward at the new year ahead of us, and making plans and resolutions. I hope it will be a year of good things for all of you!

I have decided to kick off the new year with a sale! It is officially marked on items in the artwork and home decor section of my Etsy store, but I have been doing some markdowns in other stores as well.

 When the USPS raises their shipping rates again in January, these items will probably be more significantly affected than some of the other sections of the store (because they tend to be heavier). That seems like a good incentive to buy now, before they end up costing you more (and while you can benefit from the sale price as well).

Here are some highlights from the sale (while supplies last!):

These Morgantown blown glass "patio lights" from the Federal pattern are greatly discounted!  Made in the 50s, these pieces have a peacock blue color and a clear, bell ring because they are leaded glass.

This extremely rare (possibly one of a kind!) Jeanette Iris and Herringbone pattern metal bowl is very deeply discounted, about $85 off. My research uncovered one example each of solid metal bowls like this, in other Jeanette patterns, although there is no record of glass companies making metal bowls at all! It must be some kind of salesman sample or mockup, made of an unknown pitted and worn metal. Follow the link to read more about it!

Did you wish you had a more stylish carry-on than a ratty backpack during your holiday travels this season? Here is an affordable powder blue American Tourister bag from the early 80s. It is quite roomy, but fits perfectly into an overhead bin!

Looking for something to dress up the room for spring? How about this framed butterfly needlepoint tapestry, probably from the 50s or 60s.

And now for one of the "less advertised" sales. This pretty set of Metlox Red Rooster pattern salt and pepper shakers has been marked down AND set for free US shipping (all other shipping destinations have discounted shipping rates, as well).

This dueling pistol cologne bottle from Avon has received a lot of attention lately. Nope, it is not a gun at all! Leave a comment and get a discount on your purchase!

If you intend to do some entertaining in the coming year (or finish decorating a room), I have 2 of these white divided serving dishes from Fire King. They are from the 50s-era "Golden Shell" pattern (you should see the back!) and are edged in real gold. Leave a comment, get a discount!

Here is another lovely vintage plate in untouched condition. It was made in postwar Japan, and seems to have been part of a rare pattern from a company named Jyoto. I have marked it down 20%! It is well worth a closer look.

I just marked down this attractive pair of metal wall chargers from England, made in the medieval style. They are now 20% off!

This lovely Daher lithographed metal tray is also 20% off. Lovely piece to decorate a wall, but can also be used as a serving tray or catch-all tray in your home.

There are many more things than this on sale right now. I hope you'll stop by before the year-end sale ends. Follow the links and go exploring!

More Last Minute Gifts--Party Edition

We are getting steadily closer to those last-minute online shopping deadlines...but we're not there yet!  Just in case you didn't read my last post, here are the "last days for Christmas delivery" again:

US Standard Post (for heavy things; read my listings) ends Tomorrow 12/14 

US First Class (for lighter things; read listings) ends next Friday, 12/20

International customers and US customers ordering late on these dates should contact me first about faster holiday shipping rates!

So, with no further ado, here are some great party themed gift ideas (or maybe things you need to throw the best party ever!).

If you're in love with the 50s/60s, here is a cool stainless steel cream and sugar set from Arnart. Great for serving all kinds of condiments, not just the usual thing, and that stainless steel really reflects the holiday lights!

Ships standard. Talk to me about expedited shipping or order it for New Years!

Bring some cheer to the holiday with this Kissing Santa and Mrs. Claus platter. 

It is possible to ship it faster than Standard (in which case you can order it as late as Dec. 21 if you do it early in the day).  I'd love to get it to you for the holidays!

Volunteer to bring the chutney or the dip? That's what this handy-dandy self-sealing Christmas crock was made for. 

Can ship as late as Dec. 21 if you pay for Priority mail; otherwise, ships standard post.

This lovely Partridge in a pear tree scarf has a festive air about it. It would also look fabulous framed on a wall or displayed under a piece of Plexiglas on a party table, if you decide not to wear it!

Ships first class!

Check out your reflection in this shiny silver Gorham punch bowl from the 50s! 

Yes, it ships standard post, so order now, contact me about express shipping, or consider buying for New Years Eve!

Are you handy with a needle? There is still time to whip up this evening gown from Lauren Hutton (fits size 8), or perhaps my other evening dress patterns will do (see them here, various sizes). Steal all of the attention at the Christmas or New Years Eve party!

All patterns ship first class.

Not into sewing, but you are going to a formal affair this season? Throw on an elegant scarf like this Ginnie Johansen number--red jewels, gold chain, on black silk. You'll look fabulous!

Ships first class!














 Be the sharpest-looking fellow at the party with this 50s silk Madmen era necktie from Wembley.

Ships First class!

Finally, add some pizazz to your holiday ensemble with this little pearl and rhinestone pin.

I'm watching my stores, ready to ship your orders when they come in, so you don't have to stress. Come and see me! :)