Monday, May 3, 2010

 
Butterick 9135 Voluptuous Shirtwaist Sheath / ca. 1959 and is that middle lady cross-eyed? Sure looks like it.

While researching a pattern the other day got directed to the Customer's Guide to Movie Costumes and had alot of fun going through it.  Who knew they had so many costumes out there.  Alot of those 1500 patterns I've been going thru are costumes and some quite rare and collectible even though they are from the 2000's.  Oh I remember - I was actually looking for a pattern that came out after Grace Kelly wore a certain dress in "Rear Window" and I did find it but what a rare pattern - wish I had at least one.  I could just about retire if I did - smile.

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Friday, April 30, 2010

 
Kwik Sew 3495 Vivacious Vest & Skirt 2007 one of a number of newish Kwik Sew patterrns I got in that 1500+ batch from the lady who had a fabric store.  Spent hours last afternoon and night sorting through them all and it looks like a pattern explosion in my living room and office and even into the hallway.  Fun fun fun!  My husband, a good sport, just steps around the piles.  I ended up not listing any "oldies" today and my apologies.  Today is a sorting and filing and storing for listing day.

If you haven't ventured into Kwik Sew world check them out:  Kwik Sew

Wishing you all a wonderful Weekend!  See you Monday!

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Thursday, April 29, 2010

 
Mail Order 1239 Darling Frock with Little V-Pocket 1940's - just love that pocket with a hankie in it.  I picture a black & white small checked fabric with a red hankie.  Vivid!  I have a small collection of vintage handkerchiefs which make cute pocket accessories.  Here's a link at the About.com site about Vintage Hankies.  Some fun ideas for using them to make things too.



Wednesday, April 28, 2010

 

Check out that huge collar!  Rings my bell for a Sunday afternoon tea party.

Found a neat site from one of my customers who has a costume making website.  Check out Malvena Pearl's Emporium.

Another customer has a great site selling her Bootlegs - Snuggebies which would be awesome in the winter.  For all ages too.  Now I wish I had known about these when I lived in the snow!

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Tuesday, April 27, 2010

 
McCall's 4827 Flamboyant Box Coat 1958 okay it's not a summer item but hey winter will come around again!

Also put a few 1960's knit and crochet patterns in that are quite fun.  A great pair of rag mop slippers that would pick up dust throughout your house.  Not sure if that's a selling point LOL but they are darling.

Looking for that perfect button for that perfect pattern?  Check this out - I'd be willing to bet that you can't "not" find something you love.  vintagebuttons.net

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Monday, April 26, 2010

Simplicity 7169 Gathered Neckline Tent Dress 1967  great little mod dress with standing collar.  Found this and a couple of other uncut beauties shopping the other day with a friend.

Still out camping!  We head home later today.  It's getting hotter by the day so this will definitely be our last desert camping trip until the fall - boo hoo.  I didn't separate the listings - smart phone connection so sloooooooowwwww!


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Thursday, April 22, 2010

 
Vogue 7982 Fine Wrap Dress or Coat, Jumpsuit & Belt 1980's - this rings my bell.  A nice and soft fabric that swishes would be lovely.

SALE STARTS TODAY:  We have a last minute camping trip with some friends and are leaving this morning and will be back Monday.  For 15% off use coupon code LASTCAMP at checkout.  All paid orders ship Monday or Tuesday.  Usually it's starting to sizzle here but it will be in the high 70's and then 80's for the weekend.  Sunday is supposed to be up to 90 which is bearable.  No more trips until late Fall when the temps fall again.  Happy Shopping!
 
Moving my older brother and finally got everything boxed and stored.  Next comes the cleaning and selling.  Little sister comes thru again.  Glad this week is behind me.  Do you hate moving too?  Glad we're staying put at least this year - grin.  We do dream about the Gulf Coast of Texas.

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

 
Marian Martin 9343 Yummy Y-Stitched Dress 1971 a plain dress with extras that smarten it up.  Nice fold over collar, Y-stitching in front and cute pockets too.  Nice for a summer evening or dressy day at the mall.

Sorry I missed yesterday.  Mondays are tough getting all the weekend orders together and time got away from me.  Didn't make any sense to post late yesterday so I've been feeling guilty ever since - gulp.

Trying to place a fashion with an era?  Here's a cool site with every era you can imagine.  Fashion-Era.Com

They are even current with fashion trends for 2010 - and include - well heck just check them out there's alot there!

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Friday, April 16, 2010

McCall's 9276 Sharp as a Tack Skirt 1953 with lovely crescent pockets.  Someone really took care of this pattern as the envelope is in lovely condition which is a rare thing.  And never used - completely uncut.  Who could resist?

Speaking of old patterns I'm often sad about the condition of the pieces when counting them so did some Googling and found this site: 

How to Repair Sewing Pattern Envelopes, Instruction Sheets and Pattern Pieces which has everything I need to know and should come in handy for all of you.  I don't do any "repairing" by taping or pinning or duplicating or even ironing (I don't iron - if it's not wash and wear I don't buy it or make it).  I believe buyers should do that if they desire.  If there are any problems with the pieces I say so - no surprises!

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Thursday, April 15, 2010

 
Advance 5818 Knockout Designer Dress / ca. 1951 which made my eyes pop!  Crossover bodice ending in crossover buttoned skirt. Add that big pilgrim collar - Total eye bling.
 
I'm always checking out ML Originals for her new items and she has the coolest link for personalized clothing labels:  Clothing Labels 4 U
which could be very helpful not to mention fun selecting a theme and name.  Thanks Melodee for the idea - I'm always scratching my head looking for interesting sites.

So today is tax day.  Any of you going to a tax protest rally today?  We go tonight - remember "United We Stand"

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

 
Butterick 6903 Double-Breasted Wrap Dress 1970's a great smooth style!  I didn't look for fabric type but a nice soft silk in a mint green would be dreamy.

Hope you all found some treasures while I was having the sale.  We ended up coming home a day early because it got pretty windy and I came down with a miserable head cold.  It feels like my brains are squeezing out of my ears.

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

 
American Weekly 3844 Goddess Athena Dress 1950's that perfect dress for a Roman lady to attend a party in.  It also sprang to mind this would make a lovely nightgown too.

Apologies for missing yesterday.  Did a huge listing and it being Monday had tons of orders to get out in the mail and then my power went off.  WTF?  Wanted to set my hair on fire.  Speaking of hair - I am coloring it this morning and am trying what I thought was a slightly different shade but right now my head looks purple.  Eek - hope it looks better when it's rinsed.

Do you like Sea Monkeys?  Even know what they are?  Didn't we all have them or at least attempt to "grow" them when we were kids?  A friend forwarded me the Sea Monkey Worship site which is a hoot.  Want a good laugh - check it out!

Starting a SALE TOMORROW! However I will be putting in the sale code tonight about 8:00 p.m. after I finish tomorrow's listing.  I won't be posting it formally until tomorrow morning so you will get a jump on it!   I am going away on a mini-vacation camping with friends.  We'll be gone Thursday and coming home Tuesday.  Sale starts formally tomorrow morning and ends Tuesday night.  15% off and use discount code SPRING at checkout and have fun shopping.

Monday, April 5, 2010

 
American Weekly 3841 Norma Jean Halter Bra, Skirt & Shorts 1950's which has to be the most awesome pattern I have found in along time.  The picture alone is worth framing.

A customer out of the country has an interesting website called Pitti Vintage with Italian and European Vintage clothing.  A different perspective than U.S. vintage clothing.

Hope you all had a lovely Easter!  We got shook up here.  We are right on the border with Mexico and mid-Baja had a 7.2 earthquake.  It wasn't a jolter but more of a roller but it sure lasted a long time - a few books tumbled over only - luckily.  I went to grab the cats and dash for the door with one under each arm but the brats were hiding under the bed and didn't come out for an hour.  Sissies.
 
 
 
Couldn't resist putting in another featured pattern with Simplicity 8350 Strappy Dress, Jumpsuit & Jacket 1987 with a lovely cocoon jacket. 
 


Saturday, April 3, 2010

 
Butterick 3870 Indie Dress - Super Huge Collar 1960's a major mod dress from designer Jean Muir.  Jean Muir mostly designed for Vogue (?) and I was surprised to see her name on this old Butterick.  Style in keeping with the spring and summer theme!

Had a phone call from Dorothy at the local Hospice Thrift store yesterday morning.  She told me a lady who had once had a fabric and pattern store had dropped off some 2000 patterns new and boxed from the early 2000's and asked if I wanted to buy them.  Oh yeah!  This same lady donated about this much last year and there were some fabulous rare patterns in them even though they are fairly new.  I picked up half yesterday (I could only fit so many in my Subaru LOL) and spent most of yesterday sorting through them.  Wow.  Tons of quality Evening Elegance patterns and top notch costume patterns too.  Oh where do I put them!  Told Dorothy I'd get the rest next week or the week after as soon as I make room somewhere.

I had put a number of new patterns in for today but about half are "relists" because I got some duplicates in different sizes yesterday.  Variety is the spice of life!


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Friday, April 2, 2010

 
Spadea 451 Basic Sheath for Candlelight Hours 1961 - do you need that "little black dress?"  Here it is.  Spadea has the greatest descriptions.  "This beautifully shaped bodice of this basic sheath is sleeveless for candlelight hours ..."  Sigh - lovely visuals.OMG!  While reading the back of this pattern again it refers to:  "When the occasion warrants it, the dickey-blouse (#454) provides arm covering and neck interest, with the jacket (#453) it becomes an eye-catching ensemble" and realized that I had bought a number of Spadea patterns from a dealer and they came with it.  I will list them Monday - wow what luck.

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Thursday, April 1, 2010

 
Anne Adams 4669 The Ultimate PTA Mom Apron 1950's one of the funnest apron patterns I've seen.  I picture a fifties' diner with EATS flashing outside and some lady that isn't quite this pretty serving hash.
 
Found an interesting site which carries vintage fabric - Revival Fabrics which has some beautiful old material.  I especially liked this piece "Eyelash"

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Wednesday, March 31, 2010

 
Advance 3381 Exemplary Dress & Jacket 1960's  the featured pattern of the day!
 
Sorry for the late posting.  Went to our little local county fair and had such a fun time we didn't get home until midnight.  Way past my bedtime!  There was a hypnotist who had two shows - the first rated "G" and the later show was a bit more risque but hilarious.  We laughed until we cried.  I always wonder why someone would agree to be hypnotized - why????
 
Do any of you Twitter?  I have alot of news people I keep up with but I don't really Twit but am thinking about it.

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

 
Anne Adams 4704 Cheeky Blouse in Two Styles + Transfer 1940's a real heartbreaker!  Still sorting through those patterns I bought from that kind lady cleaning out a relative's house.  Our County Fair starts today and we are going this afternoon.  Nothing like a local little county fair - the sewing and craft displays are a favorite.  Hot dog on a stick - I hear on calling me now!
 
The Budweiser Clydesdale will be there too - such a thrill I never get tired of seeing them.  Makes me sad too - after having horses my whole life my old mare died a few years ago at the age of 34.  She had been mine since she was born so we were buddies.
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Monday, March 29, 2010

McCall's 9170 Refined Retro Dress 1952 an anytime dress.  Shopping, off for tea, lunch or window shopping.  Nice long sleeves full at the wrists or short and cuffed.  Mmmmmmm.

Melodee of ML Originals sent me via Twitter a great web site all about cleaning clothes & accessories.  It's about.com:laundry and I've bookmarked it for me.  Don't we all hate stains - the sneaker cleaning will be used by me today!  Thanks Melodee for sharing!

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Saturday, March 27, 2010

 


Mail Order 4530 Sophisticated Dress & Jacket 1970's featured today.  Just a quick blog - we are about to race out the door to go to the Air Show at MCAS (Marine Corps Air Station) here in Yuma.  It's always so fun to see the jets go screaming by.  God Bless Our Troops!


Friday, March 26, 2010


Advance 8276 Cheery Italian Shirt, Shorts & Capri Pants / ca. 1957 and I Love This Shirt!  Super rare pattern too.  The shorts & pants don't ring my bell but oooooh that shirt!  Not sure this picture size shows the unique button bodice flaps - check out the full size on my site.  Okay I didn't look on the back to see if these are actual or faux flaps but the button decor is darling.

Had a customer give me a head's up to another auction site called Bonanzle which I hadn't heard of.  I looked at it briefly and seems to have alot of stuff.  Ebay is getting too annoying and hard to navigate so if you're looking to buy or sell check this new auction site out.  Let me know what you think.
 
Hard to pick a picture for today's feature because I have a bunch of really fun patterns today and also some sewing books that you might like so check out today's listings.
 
Did find a very unique and rare Everybody's Sew & Go Magazine + Patterns 1973 which has so many fun "patterns" inside.  They are pattern pieces in miniature so you can make your own.  Complete step by step instructions included and if you are looking to recapture those hippie days this is up your alley.

Thursday, March 25, 2010

 
Simplicity 5978 Eye Candy Dress, Tops & Bathing Suit 1965 another one keeping with the summer is coming theme.  The sheer overblouse or beach top rocks.  Truly a many uses pattern.
 
Recently I had a customer ask about McCall's 7957 Pixie Felt & Fabric Slippers 1965 which is extremely rare.  None to be found except on the Vintage Pattern Wikia and no sellers listed there but of course I put me in. So if you are out there and checking out my blog here you go!

Okay would anybody wear these today?  I must be out of touch LOL


Wednesday, March 24, 2010


McCall's 4072 Smooth Dress or Top & Pants 1974 one of those great Pounds Thinner patterns from McCall's.  One of the most versatile patterns I've seen.  The top and pants would be a great nurse's uniform, the middle can be casual or even super casual and the long version can be caftanish or evening.  The stitching around bodice is very flattering for the figure.  Oh dear I am at the age and shape where this kind of thing matters.  Sigh.

 


Tuesday, March 23, 2010

 


McCall's 6277 Femme Fatale Dress & Overskirt 1962 - get ready for those summer evening parties and events and be the one everyone stares at with envy.  
 
What an awesome site Wikipedia is.  Always researching for new and unique fashion terminology and found a bunch on Wikipedia.  Check this out:  Wikipedia Fashion Terminology



Monday, March 22, 2010

 
McCall 9237 Mysterious Lady Cape in 3 Lengths 1937 and it is actually dated as opposed to circa.  I sure wish all old patterns had actual dates on them.  Just love the long one - makes me think a bit of Marlene Dietrich or maybe it's just the hat.  

Found an interesting site Fashion Design Online which: "Fashion Design Online is the very first e-classroom for computerized apparel flat pattern-making. Fashion Design Online offers professional pattern making classes taught by expert pattern makers.  Our goal is to teach apparel flat pattern techniques using CAD (computer-aided design)  tools to speed the fashion design process."  Has anyone checked this out?  Let me know if you have or do.

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Friday, March 19, 2010

SPRING HAS SPRUNG SALE!

 
15% OFF SALE STARTING Today until Sunday night.  Use coupon code SPRING at checkout and have fun shopping!
 
the ultimate high fashion pattern look.

A nice little surprise to me when I took the contents out to scan the envelope and the original designer label dropped out. 


Thursday, March 18, 2010

 
Simplicity 6924 Yummy Bra-Top & Wrap Wide Leg Pants 1975 another summertime lovely.  Beach party, pool party here I come!  Time to do some situps though and firm that belly!

Interesting magazine Vintage Life International which is an online magazine subscription.  I'm tempted to subscribe to peek at those old fashions and get some ideas.  One of the articles is "How to be a vintage housewife" - now I have to figure out how to subscribe in British pounds - smile.


Wednesday, March 17, 2010

 
McCall 6794 Post-War Nifty "Slacks" / Trousers 1947 for those hard working ladies who kept the home fires burning, and the factories running while the men went off to war and when the men came up the women were wearing pants!  Women were never the same after that.  God Bless them.



Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Butterick 3898 Dynamite Knit Dress 1970's nothing glitzy about this dress but it sure is a beauty.  A very complimentary shape to it.  I had never seen a Butterick Seams Slimmer pattern before.  Checked on Ebay and there are 9 listed.  So they aren't that common and they look figure flattering.

Had my very first order from a lady in St. Petersburg, Russia and how thrilling that was!   Many orders from around the world but there are still a few countries I'm looking forward to shipping to.  Still looking to sell in the Middle East (though I have sold to Israel before) - oh but I have sold to Americans living in Bahrain.  That doesn't count however - dang.
 


 Can't resist adding an extra featured pattern today with this McCall's 6292 Head Turner Overblouse, Skirt & Shorts 1962
and that "jacket" aka overblouse is the cat's meow.  Little high pockets and I'm already picking out the buttons. 

Monday, March 15, 2010

Prominent Designer A818 Spectacular Cape Collar Dress 1955 which I wish was in a larger size!  It's a junior miss size and made my eyes blaze with envy.  Dang!  Got that second box and it was as fantabulous at the first one.  Most of the best are smaller sizes but not all at least. 

Does anyone out there collect vintage buttons?  I found a fun book at a library book sale that I just don't have room for but can't just redonate to a thrift store.  If you want it just email me at risingfeenix@yahoo.com and pay the shipping and it's yours!  Shouldn't be more than $3.00.

Wish I could keep all the fun books I find but running out of room.



Friday, March 12, 2010

Mail Order 1898 Angelic Dorothy Dress 1940's one of the rare plus size mail order 40's patterns that I have found.  Whenever I find a plus pattern that isn't blah I buy it to list.  Too many are bland and boring.  This one isn't however!

A lovely lady recently contacted me about buying a bulk lot of patterns.  I always cringe a bit when buying blind but wasn't disappointed at all.  I got the first box (173 patterns didn't fit in one box) and keeled over.  Most are 1950's - 1970's with a few 1940's.  The 1950's are spectacular with some mail order designer ones that will knock your socks off.  I'll start on them next week.

We are heading out for a day of cruising the desert.  Spring is here and is sunny and will be in the 70's today.  We'll pack a picnic lunch and just enjoy life.  Blessings!


Thursday, March 11, 2010

 
Simplicity 5507 Gidget Bathing Suit & Beach Jacket 1964 another in a line of beach and summer patterns to help you get ready for the long hot summer.



Broke down and bought a pattern the other day (gasp) to make my own personal snuggie.  Didn't have time to go thru the fabric to see what they had but can't wait.  I may make several as Christmas gifts.  Love my snuggie I bought at Bed, Bath & Beyond but the colors never really blew my skirt up.  Do you love your snuggie?

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Kwik Sew 654 Beach Babe Bikini 1970's will get you ready for summer!  For those of you who have ever watched What Not to Wear (The BBC show is better than the U.S. one IMO) the bottom is flattering even for me - grin.  It hits just right.  Okay I'm dazed and confused.  For those of us brave enough to put a bathing suit on here are more bathing suit patterns!


Tuesday, March 9, 2010

 
McCall's 3137 Delicious Accessory Dress 1955 which takes a plain dress and spices it up.  From a big bow, sailor collar, itsy bitsy capelet or Quaker collar.  Black would not be the color I'd make it - too bland.
 
While checking out recent posts at the Vintage Bulletin blog found this dress - okay it's way expensive but fun to look at!  Big Poofy Dress
 
It looks like a Spadea pattern that I have Spadea S-378 Spectacular Bubble Dress 1957
 
It would sure take a unique event and body type to pull these dresses off!
 
Not only that but how does a woman walk in this Spadea dress?  At least the other looks like it's flared with a slight underturn at the hem.

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Monday, March 8, 2010

Butterick 5698 Festive Fiesta Top, Slip & Skirt 1970's makes me want to grab up that skirt and start dancing around a Mexican hat.  I think Cinco De Mayo is coming up soon isn't it?  Wow I should know that living so close to the border LOL.

One of my recent new customers was directed from an interesting new site called PINBOARD - have any of you joined it or know about it?  I'm always leery of joining something new.


Friday, March 5, 2010

 
Vogue 8571 Heaven on Earth Dress 1955 as dreamy a dress as you can hope for. Summer is coming and this is the perfect garden party outfit or summer wedding dress. 

My sister and her husband are coming for a weekend visit today and I can't wait! 


Thursday, March 4, 2010


Got home Tuesday and spent all day yesterday packing and shipping all the orders after the long weekend.  So sorry to have missed my blog!  A bunch of wonderful patterns were listed each day this week even while I was away camping.  My cell phone can be plugged into a laptop so I was able to scan pictures, research and put into inventory.  Here are quick links to what I put in this week:  Monday Listings / Tuesday Listings / Wednesday Listings

Even with some nice vintage patterns this featured pattern can't be passed up.  Butterick 3946 Spectacular Lined & Boned Top & Skirt 1995 that is in real woman's sizes!

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