In 1943, a booklet titled Make Do and Mend was widely distributed in England in an effort to encourage and teach households how to make their clothing last longer in a period of clothing and other shortages. This booklet became the cornerstone for households with information on how to reuse and reinforce old clothing as … Continue reading How to Wash Your Clothes According to the 1940’s
True Vintage or Clever Repro? A Guide to Identifying Authentic Vintage Clothing (1970s or Older) The allure of vintage clothing is undeniable. It offers unique style, quality materials, and a connection to history. But with the rise of "vintage-inspired" clothing, navigating the world of true vintage can be tricky. Here's a guide to help you … Continue reading How to Spot Real Vintage Clothing
It is a truth universally acknowledged that any crafter during the holiday season must be in want of a project. As it's currently spooky season for only a moment longer, I couldn't let Halloween drift past without crafting something to celebrate. As I'm taking things such slow and easy this year, my original 6 Halloween … Continue reading Saved from the Fabric Stash; Halloween Edition
Whenever I go to a thrift store, I always take a look at their sewing patterns (if they have them). Oddly enough, I don't find a lot of sewing patterns at thrift stores and most of the ones I do find are from the 80's which isn't always my style (who can pull of shoulder … Continue reading Sewing Butterick 6789 Jumpsuit from 1993
Cooly Rocks On held in Coolangatta every year, is one of Australia's biggest nostalgia festivals and it just keeps getting bigger and better each year. Cooly Rocks On goes on for 5 days and is jam packed with events, live shows, contests, food, music, shopping, dancing and so much more. It really is a must-see … Continue reading Sewing Vogue 9100 for Cooly Rocks On!
In an attempt to try and forge a better relationship between myself and birthdays, I figured this year it might be fun to sew something really bright and colourful to get myself into a better mindset for the year. Although we've seen a few birthday outfits before, last year was the first time I made … Continue reading Sewing Sunshine for Birthday Vibes
Navigating Cultural Representation through Pinup Fashion Pinup fashion, with its bold colors, playful silhouettes, and emphasis on confidence, is a timeless style that empowers and celebrates all body types. But how can you incorporate this vibrant aesthetic into your wardrobe while staying true to your own cultural background? Here's how to achieve a stunning fusion of pinup flair and cultural pride, all … Continue reading Rock the Runway, Respect the Roots: Combining Pinup Fashion and Culture
Back in September of 2023, I made Miss Lexi Heart a custom pageant gown using Charm Patterns Lamour Dress. Although I had used this pattern previously, I had never made myself a version with the straps so after seeing how great it made Miss Lexi look, I had to make myself one. As I've already … Continue reading Sewing a Super Mario Lamour Dress
Some sewing projects have a bit of a story behind them, this is one such project. Back in 2023, I visited a women's retreat in Bali called Escape Haven, where I made a beautiful new friend, Jo. When Jo learnt that I was going to buy some fabric as a souvenir on my trip, she … Continue reading Sewing Pattern Review: Very Easy Vogue 9182 for a Romantic Day in Ubud
Continuing on with my Cooly Rocks On Pinup Pageant sewing saga, find part one/day wear sewing post here, today we are met with part two and how I made my talent round outfit. What's the talent I did on stage you ask? Wallpapering. Yes, I did wallpapering for three minutes on stage at one of … Continue reading Sewing a Wallpaper House Dress for Cooly Rocks On Pinup Pageant
I'm not a huge designer brand kind of gal but I do appreciate some of the lovely fabrics, styles and embellishments that designer brands use. I've always had a soft spot for Dolce and Gabbana but I've recently learnt about some very unethical behaviour and comments they have shared which has turned me off actually … Continue reading Sewing a Dolce and Gabbana Gerbera Daisy Inspired Dress using McCalls 7950
I know I said I wouldn't sew this pattern again so soon but ... I just had to! Way back in 2019 I went to my first ever Cooly Rocks On in Coolangatta and let me tell you, it was absolutely freezing. To be fair, a week and a half before the pageant I caught … Continue reading Sewing a Turquoise Tartan Pinafore using Vogue 9100
I've always had a soft spot for all things cottage core as I love the softness and romanticism of the style. For cottage core dresses, lots of gathers and layers is generally key and despite me loving all the parts of cottage core fashion, I've never really delved into making my own garments. For a … Continue reading Sewing a Cottage Core Camellia Dress using Vintage Advance 9077
My toxic trait is seeing a piece of clothing for sale and thinking, "I can make that!" but never actually doing it.Well over a year ago, I saw an advert for a Zimmerman dress which Navy with white polka dots and I just fell in love, until I saw the price. Over $3000 for a … Continue reading Sewing with Shirt Material; Butterick 5209
According to the radio, it's the most wonderful time of the year but I know for many of us right now, we are riding the struggle bus. This year I wanted to sew at least one garment per month to keep myself active and hopefully use it as a means to stay focused and creative. … Continue reading Sewing my Christmas Dress for 2023 with Snoopy Fabric and Vogue 9100
It's no secret that I am on a fabric-buying ban and am trying to work my way through my fabric stash. The funny thing about a fabric stash is that depending on who is looking at it, you can tell if they sew or not. Those friends of mine who do not sew look at … Continue reading Saved from the Fabric Stash; Sewing an Alice in Wonderland Dress with Vogue 9100
It's officially spooky season and I'm honestly a little bit in struggle town. At this current point in time I feel like I'm barely keeping my head above water so although I had a massive Halloween sewing project planned (actually I'v been trying to compete it for over 2 years), I've decided to go easy … Continue reading Sewing Cute Retro Halloween Separates; Butterick 6354
Yes yes yes, I know I just posted about this pattern literally a month ago but there is method in the madness. If you remember back to this post, I discussed going down south to the lovely town of Denmark and spending a weekend alone in a gorgeous little cabin in the woods where I … Continue reading Cosy Sewing: Pumpkins, Big Bows and Cosy Nights