A Dress A Day

Do You Recognize This Pattern?

2009-07-03T08:15:00.000-05:00

Not the woman, we know who the woman is -- it's C.'s aunt, and this was a prom gown she thinks was made by her grandmother in the 1960s. She's trying to figure out what pattern it was made from.

I'm pretty sure I've seen this pattern, too, but it's not like I can just reach into the giant toppling pile of paper that is my mind and pull out a post-it with "Simplicity XXXX!" written on it. Would that I could ...

If your mind is better-filed than mine, and you know what this pattern is (or can make a good guess) want to leave a comment?

Bacon dress!

2009-07-02T07:38:00.003-05:00

Thanks to Ben for this link to the Bacon Dress. You can read more about it here.

Of course, you'd want to accessorize with this and these. And don't forget this. If you're wearing it to a party (which I hope you are, because wearing a bacon dress to sit around at home and get grease on your own couch seems pretty sad), you could wrap a present in this. If someone gets too close to you with their fork, you could cover the resulting puncture wounds with these.

But I still don't know what this is all about.

An early Duro (paleo-Duro?)

2009-06-30T07:38:00.000-05:00

Hana sent this great link from the Bath Fashion Museum. Doesn't this look like an early Duro? It's by a guy named John Bates, and was for Jean Varon for the Spring/Summer 1972 collection.

I love the fabric(s), but, of course, since this was the early 1970s, they're synthetic. I also love the length and the drama of this particular Duro. I wish we had a styled picture of it -- what were the shoes like? The hair? The jewelry? Or, better yet, a video -- how does it move? That bell shape is very appealing in theory, but how is it in Real Life, or as close to Real Life as fashion ever gets? Inquiring minds want to know.

Two other things -- tonight is the 2nd Chicago Fabric Swap, at the Rogers Park Library at 6 p.m.! More details here.

Also, it's too heavy to bring to the swap, but I am selling a Rigby cloth stripping machine on ebay -- I got this years ago and have never used it. (It actually looks as if nobody's ever used it; I have the original instructions and the box it was mailed in.) They're used, I believe, for making rag rugs, a craft that is on my "maybe someday, but not now" list. If making rugs is on your "yes now" list, go nuts.

This Week's Pattern Story (and sale)

2009-06-29T08:56:00.002-05:00

BLIND ITEM:

What notoriously snooty beauty and her identically-snooty twin, usually the bestest of friends, were seen giving each other the VERY cold shoulder this last week? Could it have anything to do with a certain Hollywood playboy who, when put to the (romantic) test, couldn't tell them apart? We heard that the playboy, when confronted, suggested that if you can't beat 'em, maybe you should join 'em ... and our sources say one sister said YES and the other said NO!

[Pattern is from Sandritocat, who is having a one-day sale day sale tomorrow (Tuesday, June 30th). She's offering 20% off and she'll combine with her free shipping offers. Use the code "DressaDay20%off" -- and you can either pay through PayPal and get a refund, or you can wait for a revised invoice. And even though the sale officially starts tomorrow, Sandra said you can go ahead and start shopping today, if you like.]

A few links for Friday

2009-06-26T08:45:00.001-05:00

(Let's just say that when I *started* this post, it was called "A few links for Wednesday". This week just DISAPPEARED. If you see my Tuesday running around, will you tell it to come home NOW? It's grounded until further notice.)

Check out this fascinating interview with Harry Berzack, a sewing-machine collector. (That's one of his machines above.)

Mary Beth is having another Chicago Fabric Swap! I will definitely be there, with another laundry basket of fabric that needs a new home.

And Oh! The day we have been waiting for has arrived, because Gothic Charm School: An Essential Guide for Goths and Those Who Love Them
is out! Hooray for Jilli (and her intrepid illustrator/husband Pete!) If you have not yet encountered the magic that is Our Lady of the Manners, you should check out this video.

I think that's all I have for ~~Wednesday~~ today. Well, except for this. What can I say? I'm a sucker for old gold. Although I think it would be cooler if they showed pictures of the raw materials as well as the finished dress. Preferably in a Pretty in Pink-style montage, except without ending up as that awful actual Pretty in Pink dress.

I promise a return to a more regular blogging schedule next week. I think. Wish me luck!

Bonus Pattern Story and Sale

2009-06-19T10:57:00.003-05:00

The story of the Fourth Street Kitchen Gang is one of the most lurid in our city's history. With their razor-sharp spoons and bloody aprons, this gang of female -- and disturbingly feminine -- delinquents terrorized entire neighborhoods throughout the 1940s. Whether they were chasing down defenseless citizens and forcing them to eat pickled okra, or pelting passersby with biscuits solid as hardtack, no one felt safe. Their cackling laughter and cries of "feed 'em, Sally!" were the signal for those who knew what was good for them to retreat inside their own houses, after leaving tributes of flour, eggs, milk, sugar, and chocolate chips on their doorsteps. Those who did not provide tribute might find their houses or automobiles "breaded," "riced," dusted with "powdered sugar," or worse. Junior members of the gang infiltrated elementary schools to steal potatoes to arm their spud guns, while older members extorted "protection money" from local gardeners, grocers, and bakeries.

It was only after the end of the war and rationing that the power of the Fourth Street Kitchen gang was broken. With plenty of ammo to go around, the Maple Avenue Greengrocers crew started a devastating gang war for control of the city which finally drew police attention (before, the attitude of the authorities was that the gang activities were merely "girlish high spirits"), and which resulted in both organizations disbanding to attend home ec courses at the local vocational college in the hopes of "going straight," with some success. It is rumored that Penny "Paring Knife" Morton, the Fourth Street Gang's leader, after graduating with honors, went on to invent cookie dough in a tube.

(Pattern from Wendy at Pattern Stash, who is having a Summer's Here! sale this weekend Friday (today), Saturday, and Sunday. For 15% off, just put "dressaday" in the note to seller, and the discount will be refunded through PayPal.)

This Week's Pattern Story

2009-06-17T07:00:00.000-05:00

Oh god. When is she going to stop talking? Do you think she'd stop if I fell down dead? What if I bit her? Just bit her, right on her hand. Do you think she'd stop then? Or would she just say, "Oh, that reminds me of the time Bob bit me, did I ever tell you that story?"

I wonder if she'd notice if I said something absurd. Like, if I said "Grommet the mushrooms, Pancake," in the same tone you'd say "Oh, absolutely, Delia."

I bet I could walk over and pull the fire alarm, and she'd still be talking. Blab, blab, blab, while slung over the fireman's shoulder.

I can't stand it. I'm going to pull that dumb flower off her belt, throw it at her and run. On the count of three. One. Two ...

Where to Draw the Line

2009-06-16T10:15:00.002-05:00

SewStylish is having a Spring Sewing Contest, and GertieT emailed me to let me know that her adorable dress has made the finals (it's there up above). Go check out the other two dresses, too, and vote! Voting closes TONIGHT (the 16th) at midnight.

She also wanted to let me know that several of the less-courteous commenters had said things like "Your tattoos are disqusting [sic]......I wouldn't vote for your dress even if I liked it...." and "too bad!!! [about the tattoos] coz the dress is lovely!!!"

C'mon, people. This is how it goes. You can certainly refuse to vote for a dress if you don't like GertieT's tattoos -- it's your right to cast a vote based on any criteria you like. However (just so you know) you pretty much make yourself look like a blithering idiot by commenting to that effect. What will those comments accomplish? GertieT getting hers lasered off? (No.) Will they prevent some other person from getting a tattoo? (Unlikely.) All they do is make you look like narrow-minded ignoramuses.

Now, if this had been an actual moral issue -- say, one of the contestants had been convicted of assault, or was an avowed racist, or something like that -- I think you would be within your rights to announce WHY you weren't voting for a particular candidate. But because you don't like tattoos? Sheesh.

Now, I'm not a huge fan of tattoos. What does this mean? It means *I* don't have one. I've never found any image that I liked enough to want to make a permanent part of my skin. But that doesn't matter -- what other people do with their skin is no concern of mine. And it's certainly not pertinent to the questions at hand, which is: "What's the nicest dress?"

The contest wasn't SewStylish's Spring Beauty Contest -- it was a sewing contest! It takes a lot of gumption to pose for a contest picture, and if there are going to be these sorts of ad hominem comments, I bet there will be fewer contestants next round. What if next time one of the contestants is "overweight" (whatever that means) or is "too goth" (as if there was any such thing) or has an unusual hairstyle (whatever that is) or, heaven forbid, has something pierced other than her ears?

I don't want to be all "Oh noes! People are mean on the Internets!" but really, sewing people, I expect better from YOU. So if you're ever tempted to make this kind of comment, safe and protected behind your keyboard, think about how you would feel if a bunch of bozos decided to leave similar comments about you.

It's the Golden Rule, peoples. It's not difficult. Or if the "unto" in the Golden Rule trips you up, you can ask yourself two simple questions: "Is it truthful? Is it kind?"

"lovely, clever, labor-intensive"

2009-06-15T07:00:00.000-05:00

"Lovely, clever, labor-intensive" was how Robin described the dress in this eBay auction, and I just love it. I am loving it from afar, though, because it's $160. I don't even think I'm going to attempt this myself, although I'm always tempted to be clever with striped fabric. There's clever, and then there's too clever by half, and every time I veer into "too clever by half," I wind up with something that never gets finished, much less worn.

(I actually just put a lot of "unfinished business" -- i.e., projects that I finally accepted that I'm never coming back to -- in the box for the Salvation Army today. There are still a few "somedays" left hanging in my sewing room, but they're precious few.)

I'm trying to let go of a lot of "somedays", or "just-in-cases", especially when it comes to books and fabric. If I am not head-over-heels in love with fabric, I think it's going to leave me in search of a more appreciative owner. And if I take a book off a shelf, open it, and don't feel like sitting down to read a few pages, it might wander off, too.

The Internet has obviated the need for hoarding, in my opinion. For instance, years ago I bought a copy of this book. It was a dollar, and it looked interesting, so I bought it, and read it. (I really liked it, although its author has the prejudices of his time and the vocabulary to match.) But now (as that link suggested), it's available online, and I don't have to hold on to my copy for fear that if I let it go, I wouldn't be able to find it again. Google can hold on to it for me — and I can download the PDF (it's well out of copyright) and have it on my hard drive in reserve against any Chicago-meatpacking-magnate's-advice-to-his-son emergencies.

Of course, you can't download fabric and keep it on your hard drive (although I'm sure my long-suffering husband wishes you could!) but I don't feel the need to hold on to "eh" or "just-in-case" fabric when a few clicks will take me to plenty of fabric that makes me say "ah" instead ... and when I already have enough "ah" fabric to swathe my entire house, Christo-style, if I felt like it.

(Another thing the Internet is making it easy to let go of is petty resentments. If I want to feel angry and pissed off, there are plenty of places I can go online to read stuff that will make my blood boil. Why carry that around with me in the meantime?)

What is the Internet helping you let go of?

Happy Birthday, Lucite Box!

2009-06-10T07:00:00.000-05:00

Lucite Box Vintage is one year old and is having a birthday sale! Holly says:

To mark the first birthday of Lucitebox, I'm having a major site wide sale that runs for the next ten days. Turning one is fun, so come and celebrate by checking out our vintage fashions--all of them are on sale now through June 19th.

New items will be added throughout the duration of the sale, so drop by frequently to see what's new. Thank you so much for your support and patronage. I really appreciate it!

And, just so you know -- Holly helped me with my Closet Cleanout 2009 project, in which I am releasing a lot of vintage back into the wild, instead of letting the poor dresses languish in my closet (or worse, in rubbermaid bins) all lonely-like. So (full disclosure) a few of the dresses in her sale are consigned from me.

Oh, and while I have your attention, a big project I've been working on opened up on Monday -- a project to find and describe all the words of English! You can check it out at wordnik.com. (It's still in early beta, but we hope you get what we're working towards!)

This Week's Pattern Story

2009-06-08T07:00:00.000-05:00

Blue: My doctor gave me this brochure, girls, and guess what?

Plaid: What? What? You're killing me here.

Blue: It tells you HOW PEOPLE GET BABIES!

Red: No! Really? Really and truly?

Blue: You are SO not going to believe this.

Plaid: Look at me, I'd believe anything at this point. I'm beginning to give some credence to that "swallowed a watermelon seed" theory.

Blue: (whispers)

Red: You mean, that's it? No storks? No cabbages? I feel ... disillusioned.

Plaid: Huh. Well, I'll be damned.

Blue: That's what the preacher said. But wait until I show him THIS! It's all just science!

Red: I wonder if Jimmy knows? Won't he be surprised when I tell him!

Loafer Update!

2009-06-04T07:57:00.002-05:00

Long time readers of this blog will know that I am OBSESSED with penny loafers.

And since coming out as someone who is loafer-obsessed, I have met many other people who have a similar ... enthusiasm. So I thought I'd share links to two styles I've found recently that, although not as nice as my favorite (and no-longer-made) Via Spigas, are pretty damn good.

First, Macy's has these, from Marc Fisher (which I think is one of their house brands, but I'm not sure):

Today they are $39! (They were >$70). Click on the image to visit the Macy's page. I bought a pair of these and they are comfortable, definitely.

Okay, these next ones are man-made materials (aka vegan). Many of you have asked if I knew of non-leather alternatives, and now I do! Plus, they're dirt-cheap: $29.99 at Overstock.com. (click image to visit site)

What I really want are these, from Marc Jacobs:

The worst part is that I already HAVE them -- I found a pair on eBay that weren't anywhere NEAR $260, and bought them. And found that they were the wrong size. (The seller translated a European 38 as "8.5" which it is NOT.) I relisted them on eBay, if you want them.

Of course, even though I wear penny loafers EVERY DAY, I don't really need any more pairs. Why don't I? Because THIS is my penny loafer collection:

(And yes, that is a pair of Liberty Jack Purcells on the edge there.)

Does anyone else wear a slight variation of the same damn shoe every day? (Anyone else who presents as female, I mean, I know most guys basically wear the same shoe every day.) Represent in the comments!

This Week's Pattern Story

2009-06-02T06:53:00.002-05:00

GIRLS!

Have you ever wanted a REAL LIVE DOLL?

One that really talks, and walks, and eats, and puts on HER OWN CLOTHES?

One that can stay in your room when you are at school and bite your little brother when he comes in to rummage through your stuff?

One that will take off her peplum belt and hold it menacingly when out with you on the street?

One that is guaranteed to make your friends envious and really creeped out?

If so, get a parent's permission and CALL NOW! (Small DNA sample required. Not available in Massachusetts.)

(Thanks to Rachel for this one!)

Did You Miss Me? I Missed You!

2009-06-01T07:25:00.003-05:00

Sorry I've been awol for so long -- lots going on!

I hope to resume regular posting tomorrow, but until then, please enjoy/recoil in shock and horror from this fantastic fabric sent to me by Julie.

The more I look at this fabric, the more I want it. It says "Stunt Dress for the Cattlemen's Association Ball" to me (not that I've been invited). But, sadly, I don't know where to buy it online. Do you? Leave a comment!

For a June (2010) Bride

2009-05-26T08:58:00.003-05:00

I was just at a wedding where the bride's dress was *slightly* prettier and more elegant than this, but it's a close call. :-)

This is definitely a wedding dress for grown-ups; I wouldn't put this on someone in her early twenties. Or on someone who was getting married at noon; this is an evening dress. I might even consider making the front ruching and back swag in organza, and putting a few -- VERY SUBTLE -- tiny sparkly bits in it. Possibly. They'd have to be very subtle, though, or you'd go from Grown-Up Bride to Glinda The Good Witch in an eyeblink.

(The best part, though, is that I think you could just possibly hide a pocket in that back swag. I'd have to see the pattern, but I don't think it's entirely out of the question.)

This is listed by Michelle here, and it's sized at bust 34, hips 37 -- very reasonable. (It's listed for $150, but when you think of what wedding dresses go for, that's not out of line, either).

If you are a June 2010 bride and think this is your wedding dress, congratulations! And mazel tov! And hurry up, you've only got a year to get this thing made!

Memorial Day Sales!

2009-05-22T07:30:00.000-05:00

Jen at MOMSPatterns (the pattern above is from her store) is offering 20% off from Friday (today) through the 26th (Tuesday). Jen's coupon code will be 'decorationday' since "it sounds purdier than 'memorialday'". Jen was striving to list 50 new patterns each day until the sale, so there's a good chance of doing some real stocking up on the oldies!

Wendy at Pattern Stash will have a 4 day sale over Memorial Day weekend - from Friday May 22nd to Monday May 25th. Just use the code Dressaday in the "Note to Seller" when checking out, and 15% of your total purchase will be refunded.

Rita at Cemetarian is in, too: she'll give 20% off anything on her website from Friday the 22nd through Monday the 25th. Use the coupon code "Summer".

Lisa is offering a combination discount: Memorial Day and Indy500 weekend: 10% off at the Vintage Fashion Library with coupon code
INDY500 (and you can combine this with your Miss Helene's purchases, if you let Lisa know in advance -- she has to set it up specially)!

Carol has a pre-Memorial Day sale running now until the end of today, 5/22. 25% off of all stock at www.dandelionvintage.com. Hurry!

Janet at Lanetz Living is running a "May Sale", put the word "May" in the coupon box and get 25% off your entire order. Good for one order only and expires June 14th.

Pam has three sites so she's running three sales! At Glamourstitch on ETSY:
Buy 2 patterns get one FREE! (In the notes section of your order simply state 'DressADay' and she will send you a revised invoice through PayPal.)

At www.GlamourSavvy.com they are having a 25% Off sale. Just type in 'Glamour' for the coupon code and the discount will automatically apply.

And finally, over at www.Glamoursurf.com they're offering 15% off with the same code ('Glamour') at checkout.

Trudy at HotPatterns is offering 20% off the "Vintage Hotpatterns" range today through Monday!

Penny at Antique Dollhouse of Patterns has had a rough week. (She lost one of her cats to liver failure and the other is not doing well.) To cheer herself up she is running a random sale, depending on the pattern: the discount will be at least 10% but possibly even 40%!

Sheila at Out of the Ashes is running a 15% off sale, Friday (effective 12:01 a.m.) through Monday.

Holly at Lucite Box is doing something a little different -- she's showing "featured items" on her home page in a gold oval frame. In that frame, she's featuring one item from each category on lucitebox.com.

During the four day sale, she'll mark-down items in that frame each day. The discount will vary depending on the item. Many of the discounts will be at least 20% off. Moreover, she's changing the featured items every day over the holiday weekend, so it's wise to check back often!

This Week's Pattern Story (and interview)

2009-05-20T14:13:00.002-05:00

Daughter: Ooh, look, Mummy, over there. Isn't he dreamy?

Mother: Haven't I told you not to use that terrible slang? But, hmm. "Dreamy" may be apt, in this case.

Daughter: Can you get the majordomo to introduce us?

Mother: Certainly not. Only pitiful and desperate women need the services of the majordomo, dear. Besides, you have to tip him so much. If I can't get that man to come over here and introduce himself before the band finishes this song through pure application of my feminine wiles, I'll eat my hat.

Daughter: But, Mummy, you're not wearing a hat.

Mother: I'll eat YOUR hat. It doesn't go with your dress, anyway.

(Today's pattern is from Rita. You can find it here.)

Oh, and the lovely Sarah at Pink of Perfection put up a nice interview with me the other day -- it's here if you want to read it!

Fabric Swap in Chicago Tonight!

2009-05-19T10:36:00.002-05:00

Just a reminder -- the fabric swap is tonight!

Here are the details:

Time: 6-8:30 p.m.

Date: Tuesday, May 19

Location: Rogers Park Public Library
6907 N Clark St
Chicago, IL 60626
2nd floor, south room

What: Fabric Swap

What's a Fabric Swap?: We'll be exchanging fabric, notions, patterns using play money, probably Monopoly dollars. During the set-up, we'll have a little show and tell. Wear your favorite sew garment for prizes to be supplied by Erin (??)

Few important details: Since this is a swap, no money/check can be exchanged on the premises. This is important. Anybody caught paying real U.S. dollars for items in the swap will be lashed with a tape measure or forced to count pattern pieces.

What can I bring?: Any type of fabric that's at least 1 yard long, 45 inches wide (I don't want to deal with remnants), notions, patterns are acceptable.

How can I help?: Thanks for asking. Here are some specific jobs we need:

1. Several cashiers' to help establish a 'value' to the fabric and pass out Monopoly money to 'sellers'
2. Several organizers to put fabric on various tables tagged according to fabric type (silk, cotton, polyester, knits, etc.).
3. A barker to call out lottery numbers so 'shoppers' can orderly browse items in the swap.
4. Someone to organize show and tell part of the swap.
5. Foodie to round up snacks for hungry shoppers. "Shoppers" are encouraged to bring chips, beverages, paper plates, and napkins.
5. A driver with enough room in the car to cart leftover unwanted fabric to local Salvation Army.

Ok, what next?: Email marybeth.klatt @@@gmail DOT com with Fabric Swap in the subject line, let me know you're coming and how you'd like to help OR leave a comment in Mary Beth's "Fabric Swap" blog post at thelazymilliner.blogspot.com.

I have a few more questions!: Email marybeth.klatt @@@ gmail dot com OR leave a comment on her blog.

This Week's Pattern Story (and sale)

2009-05-15T08:40:00.003-05:00

Jimmy: Why am I in this dress, again?

Janie: Because it's a movie, doofus. This kind of stuff happens in movies. You want to get into someplace that's all-girls, and I just *happen* to have a dress (and shoes!) that fit you perfectly, despite us being completely different sizes.

Jimmy: Why did I want to come with you?

Janie: Do I have to do everything in this plot? Am in voiceover right now? Do I have a name badge that says "Ask me to provide exposition?"

Jimmy: No, really, I don't know.

Janie: (heavy sigh) See that girl behind me? You loooooove her. Despite the fact that she can't accessorize.

Jimmy: Oh, okay. Thanks.

(pause)

Jimmy: All right, what do we do now?

Janie: Count to three, then duck before the explosion. When the rubble clears, go help her up. Then kiss.

Jimmy: I just want to be sure I have this straight. Kiss HER, right?

Janie: Next time I want to be in a werewolf movie.

[This pattern -- and a lot of other lovely ones! -- is on sale today and tomorrow at Sandritocat's Etsy shop! 20%, plus she offers free shipping with three or more patterns. Mention "20% off sale" in the notes section and then either wait for a revised invoice, or Sandra will refund the difference through Paypal. Enjoy!]

Now All I Need is A Ball To Attend

2009-05-14T08:11:00.003-05:00

Thanks to Lulu Yen, I know now of the existence of Vogue 890. Sadly, the one above on eBay isn't my size, but I'll get you, my pretty. I will.

So the plan is:

-- get pattern in my size, or a close approximation thereof
-- make pattern in fantastic fabric (maybe my brown roses fabric, which is still looking for a home?)
-- await invitation to ball, which at this point is going to be one I attend as the duenna of my granddaughter, but that's okay. (For point of reference: my son is nine.)
-- attend ball, carrying numerous useful items (sewing kit, handkerchief, cough drops, band-aids, bowling ball) in my capacious POCKETS!

I think it's a very good plan. What say you?

Happy Belated Birthday, A!

2009-05-12T10:08:00.003-05:00

Excellent co-conspirator and artist Beebe (click on that link, you won't regret it) and I put together a scheme to give A. a present for her recent Birthday Celebration, and to thank A. for completing another kick-ass year of Being Awesome. The plan: he'd draw one of his fantastic characters in a dress of my choosing!

Above, you see the result -- it's this dress, Spadea 1338. I'm sure you agree that Porthole Woman with Comb Hat is the perfect model!

Happy birthday, A.!

Chicago-area fabric swap, May 19th

2009-05-12T07:32:00.000-05:00

I'm reposting this from Mary Beth Klatt, the organizer: Chicago-area folks, come out for a fabric swap next week!

Here are the details:

Time: 6-8:30 p.m.

Date: Tuesday, May 19

Location: Rogers Park Public Library
6907 N Clark St
Chicago, IL 60626
2nd floor, south room

What: Fabric Swap

What's a Fabric Swap?: We'll be exchanging fabric, notions, patterns using play money, probably Monopoly dollars. During the set-up, we'll have a little show and tell. Wear your favorite sew garment for prizes to be supplied by Erin (??)

Few important details: Since this is a swap, no money/check can be exchanged on the premises. This is important. Anybody caught paying real U.S. dollars for items in the swap will be lashed with a tape measure or forced to count pattern pieces.

What can I bring?: Any type of fabric that's at least 1 yard long, 45 inches wide (I don't want to deal with remnants), notions, patterns are acceptable.

How can I help?: Thanks for asking. Here are some specific jobs we need:

1. Several cashiers' to help establish a 'value' to the fabric and pass out Monopoly money to 'sellers'
2. Several organizers to put fabric on various tables tagged according to fabric type (silk, cotton, polyester, knits, etc.).
3. A barker to call out lottery numbers so 'shoppers' can orderly browse items in the swap.
4. Someone to organize show and tell part of the swap.
5. Foodie to round up snacks for hungry shoppers. "Shoppers" are encouraged to bring chips, beverages, paper plates, and napkins.
5. A driver with enough room in the car to cart leftover unwanted fabric to local Salvation Army.

Ok, what next?: Email marybeth.klatt @@@gmail DOT com with Fabric Swap in the subject line, let me know you're coming and how you'd like to help OR leave a comment in Mary Beth's "Fabric Swap" blog post at thelazymilliner.blogspot.com.

I have a few more questions!: Email marybeth.klatt @@@ gmail dot com OR leave a comment on her blog.

[I'm going to try my best to be there, but I have a work trip on Monday that may run long. Cross your fingers!]

Incredibly Stealth Fauxlero

2009-05-11T08:30:00.000-05:00

Sandra at Sandritocat sent me this fauxlero -- doesn't it look real? The illustrator must have had a touch of PT Barnum in him.

Although, personally, if I were trying to "sell" the fauxlero, I wouldn't make Plaid Dress look quite so much as if she were trying to figure out what smelled so bad. (Either that or she's trying to see if the other woman is REALLY wearing an identical hat. And shoes. And earrings. And face.)

This Week's Pattern Story

2009-05-08T08:04:00.002-05:00

(This week's pattern story is brought to us courtesy of Rita at Cemetarian. Everything is 20% off with the coupon code FIESTY, for the next five days!)

Beige Dress: I get SO BORED waiting for the rest of the wall to come into being.

Blue Dress: Tell me about it. How am I supposed to decide on window treatments if there aren't any windows?

Beige Dress: When they said that life would be different at Flatland Estates, I didn't think it would be THIS different. Or this boring. Plus, I think I don't love my husband, Flash, any more.

Blue Dress: Well, that was the shortest distance between two points.

One Vintage Dress, With Zebras, Please

2009-05-06T17:25:00.004-05:00

I love this dress, but I think I would have posted it even if I didn't because I love the surreal zebra mask. So much better, and funnier, than modeling the dresses wearing giant sunglasses. I understand the desire for anonymity, but giant sunglasses (especially worn inside) just make people look like drug addicts, or wannabe celebrities. But the zebra mask! The zebra mask is genius. (And the name of the Etsy shop is Animal Head Vintage, so there you go!)

And look at the POCKETS!

If you want this, click on the images to visit the listing (this seller has a lot of nice stuff, actually). Good luck!

Sorry for the radio silence the last couple days -- I had a cold and an unexpected trip, which, taken together, meant I was in a Land of No Blogging. (I do NOT have the swine flu. Do not panic. Go about your normal business.)