Betty Oatmeal @ Etsy

Earlier today, I was "window shopping" around Etsy, looking at what's new from a bunch of my favorite sellers. One of my all-time favorite sellers is Karen Davisson of Betty Oatmeal, whose garments are made utilizing vintage sewing patterns and a mix of reclaimed and upcycled fabrics. Her designs are always really stunning, but these western shirts completely knocked my socks off:

Loretta, a western shirt.

Everything is so perfect about this. From the pink piping to the smocked fabric cuffs to the floral fabric to the images of Loretta Lynn. I freaking love this!

Austin, a western shirt.

Another work of wearable art. More like a masterpiece, actually! Truly inspiring.

What I Wore - #2

Finally! There was a nice crisp chill in the air today, so I pulled out a scarf and sweater to wear. It's been the warmest fall here in Springfield!

Outfit Details:

Vintage raspberry boucle sweater - Thrifted

Woven Scarf - Target

Belt - Target

Vintage cream open-front sweater jacket - Thrifted

High waist jeans - Macy's (hmmm....these kind of look like "mom" jeans, but I'm actually okay with that.)

I'm looking forward to the Project Runway finale tonight (although the season has been pretty awful as a whole). GO MONDO!!! His unabated love for houndstooth and bright colors cannot be denied!

What I Wore - #1

A few weeks ago, I had mentioned that I planned on attempting to document photos of my daily outfits to post here. It's been a little over a year since my son was born, and I wanted to do this mainly as a way to motivate myself to get out of my "new mom clothing rut" - a.k.a. wearing only sweats and t-shirts all day every day. So here's my first "What I Wore" post!

Oufit Details:

Handmade 1970s Polyester Tunic - found @ a church rummage sale

Grey T-Shirt - thrifted

Skinny Belt - Banana Republic

Jeans - Sears, I think

Black Boots - Nine West "Casilda" boots from Zappos

I'm wearing this outfit today. I fell in love with the polyester tunic top the moment I laid eyes on it...and it was only .50 cents! Best of all, it's handmade. In fact, I think I've seen the 1970s Simplicity pattern for sale on Etsy recently. These are the only pair of "skinny" jeans that I own. Love them, but they tend to get baggy at the knees after a couple hours of wear. Would love to make a pair of the Burda Style Anita skinny jeans someday. The black belt has been a part of my wardrobe for 10 years! I just bought the Nine West boots and they are super-comfy. I think they look like granny boots from the late 1960s which is a bonus!

What I've Been Working On Lately

Long time, no blog! :)

I've been working really hard lately to make a bunch of pretty wearables to add to my Etsy shop and also to take to local downtown Springfield shop iNDie! Here's a little peek at a what I've been working on lately:

Comfy top made from unicorn print cotton stretch knit fabric that I salvaged from a vintage 1980s dress. Although the actual construction of the top is finished, I am currently in the (long) process of hand sewing star shaped sequins onto the tip of each of the unicorn's horns. Yes - I am insane! I'm only 1/4 of the way done, but I think the end result will be worth it!

This dainty little vintage-inspired dress makes me think of tea parties! It's made from grey suiting and the wide fitted midriff empire waistband and cowl collar are made from vintage cotton knit fabric.

That's all for now! Off to do some more sewing...

I really wish I could knit...

...because this is my dream 1970s hooded sweater jacket! Isn't it perfection?

Many years ago, I did actually did teach myself how to do basic knitting. And while I picked it up quite quickly, I decided just as quickly that I didn't have the patience or the dedication for it. Same with quilting - way too tedious and time-consuming for me, although I can see how both quilting and knitting could be quite zen-like for others. I gravitate towards sewing clothing because (when I actually have the free time) most things can be finished in one evening! This sweater jacket will probably continue to haunt me, though....

Vintage Pattern Shop Weekend Sale!

Yet another week has passed with no posts! I hate falling behind, but some things just can't be helped. To be fair, my son Brydon's 1st birthday was this week, so a lot of my time was devoted to that. :)

I wanted everyone to know that I'm having a weekend sale at my Etsy vintage pattern shop! Everything in the shop is 30% OFF ALL WEEKEND LONG, starting now through 12:00 a.m. Sunday night (well, technically that's Monday morning). Everything has already been discounted for you so purchasing and checking out is easy! By the way, this sale means that most patterns are around only $3.50 each! And I've stocked the shop with some really sweet finds! Here are a few of my favorites:

Vintage 1970s Halter Jumpsuit & Jacket - 34 Bust

Vintage 1970s Three-Piece Suit - 34 Bust

Early 1960s Dress & Jacket with a Unique Button-On Scarf - 36 Bust

Kenzo Back-Wrap Halter Dress or Top + Pants - 29 Bust

Vintage 1970s Front-Buttoned Dress or Top + Wide Leg Pants - 34 Bust

Classic Early 1960s Dress with a Fitted or Full Skirt - 34 Bust

McCall's Mod "Wrap-Arounder" Dress - 37 Bust

Interesting Late 1960s Dress with Different Bodice Trims - 36 Bust

Cute-As-Can-Be 1970s Babydoll Dress - 33.5 Bust

Vintage 1960s Space Age Stewardess-Style Dress - 34 Bust

Vintage Pattern Love

For lack of anything else to post, here are a few patterns I've found on Etsy recently that I just love!

1980s blouse with double-breasted front closure.

Chic 1970s brimmed hats.

Super-cute 1970s stretch knit cowl neck dress and leggings.

1960s Norma Tullo young designer dress with a sashed midriff.

1980s blouse for sweater knits. Love the exaggerated sleeves!

Sexy 1960s sheath dress with a shaped keyhole neckline.

Have a great weekend, everyone! I definitely plan on doing some sewing and will hopefully have some things to post next week!