Vintage Inspiration ~ Sewing Patterns

I definitely spend more time sewing in the winter months. Once the gardening work is over for the season and inclement weather forces me inside, I start looking through my vintage goodies for project inspiration.Today I'm showing my collection of vintage sewing patterns. Although most of mine are skirts and dresses, I glean wonderful ideas for other smaller projects from the decorative details.

Like this stunning Vogue pattern with an asymmetrical neckline...

Or the pretty rick rack and ribbon trim used on these Butterick skirts...
And I'm trying to find a way to translate this sheer over solid window effect into an evening bag....

This one is so sweet as a toddler dress, but it might also inspire an idea for a frilly lamp shade cover...
And of course, some are just wonderful vintage eye-candy. :-)

Looking for vintage sewing patterns to add to your collection? Be sure to check out these websites...

Mom's Patterns

Fuzzy Lizzie

So Vintage Patterns

Also, take a look at the selection on Etsy. Here are just a few of the sellers that I found ...

Sandritocat

Nana's Sewing Basket

Glass of Fashion

Sew Vintage Ladies

New and Vintage Fabric Destash Sale

Help! My shelves are over-flowing with fabric. I'm trying hard to reduce inventory before the end of the year. Lots of newer quilting and decorator weight fabrics are being listed in my Etsy shop this month. Also look for many vintage fabrics to be listed in the Sale Items and Clearance sections of the website.

Kitchen Towel & Potholder Gift sets

This project proved to be the perfect way to repurpose a hopelessly stained and faded vintage tablecloth. My sweet neighbor offered me a cloth that belonged to her mother. It was obviously too far gone to be used for its original purpose, but she thought I might like it for one of my projects. After cleaning, I could see that only one of the side borders escaped the damaging stains and holes, so I had to find some way to use these pretty tulips. When I found a multi-pak of these wonderful plain white huck towels at Bed Bath and Beyond, I knew that a kitchen set would be perfect. I used the longest piece of the salvaged border for the towel, and the smaller section for the hot pad. I hope it will be a sweet reminder of her mother as she's working in the kitchen. I also had enough left to make a small make-up bag for her sister. I was so pleased with how these turned out, I decided to take a cue from SewMamaSew's Scrap Buster month and make some more using up some of my small scrap pieces. These are on their way to one of my dearest friends. I think I need to stop by the store to pick up another pak of towels and make myself a pretty kitchen set, too. :-)

Oh! I almost forgot...I want to give a big THANK YOU to Rachel at Craftzine for featuring my Cherry Cream Cheese Danish post on their blog. Thanks Rachel!

The Colors of Autumn

The fall colors as seen in our yard...

Cherry Cream Cheese Danish ~ Yum!

Hubby and I were craving something sweet the other morning and I threw together these fast and easy cherry cream cheese danishettes.

Since I was just kind of winging it, I don't have any exact measurements, but its mostly to taste anyway. Makes 9, but we already ate 3 before I took the pictures. :-)
Ingredients:

Ready made Puff Pastry (1 sheet)
Cherry pie filling (or fruit of choice)

Cream cheese mixture:
Half block of cream cheese (4oz)
1 Tbs sugar
vanilla extract (few drops)
lemon juice (just a splash)
Soften the cream cheese in the microwave for 10 seconds and mix in the sugar, vanilla, and lemon. The amounts are really just to taste.


Drizzle icing:
1 cup of powdered sugar
2-3 tsp orange juice or until you get the right consistency.




I cut the sheet of thawed pastry into 9 squares. Then spread the cream cheese mixture on a diagonal.


Added a few cherries...


And pulled the opposite corners up and pinched them together. Brushed with a bit of egg wash and baked at 400-425 until golden brown, about 15 minutes in my oven.
Let them cool slightly before drizzling with the icing.Pour a cup of coffee and enjoy. These would be great for a brunch table, too!

Vintage Cut Velvet Fabrics and Pouches

As cooler weather approaches, I start thinking about "winter" textiles...Corduroy, wool, velvet, cable knit, even Tartan plaids. One of my favorites is a vintage upholstery type fabric referred to as cut velvet or voided velvet.
It has a fabulous texture. Definition from the Textile Glossary: "Velvet with a cutout pattern or pile effect. Often seen with brilliant designs and patterns. Made on a Jacquard loom from a variety of fibers."
I'm not sure of the fiber content of mine, but they all washed up beautifully.

The vintage stuff is quite elusive, becoming harder and harder to find. And the new cut velvet upholstery fabrics are very expensive.
However, this summer I was thrilled to find several pieces; one at a flea market (the burgundy piece) and two at auction (2-toned blues). The green leaf above is one that I found several years ago.
I love the look of this elegant fabric used in a casual everyday item, so I've decided to use some of it to make zip pouches.
And even though its not one of the velvets, I made this pouch below from a vintage 60's fabric and just love it!!!
These will be listed on etsy or the website.

My computer is giving me fits lately and its taking me forever to load and edit photos. The monitor went out on me last week, so I've replaced that, but I think I may need to get a new computer as well. On the bright side, though, since I haven't been able to do much on the computer, I've gotten a lot of sewing done. :-)

Treasures From Grandma's Attic ~ Vintage Pharmacy

Here's another installment in our "Treasure's From Grandma's Attic" series.

My grandma saved absolutely EVERYTHING! This made for quite a job when it was time to clean out and sell her house, but, we did find some wonderful treasures. :-)

Today I'm showing just a small collection of vintage drug store items.

Toothpick anyone?

hmmm...not sure what ailment sodium grain capsules were used for?

Have a great week, everyone!