Swing Jam at the Rendezvous - 1938

I recently looked through some of my photo files, and found a cool photo I hadn't shown you!

This photo comes from the 1938 LOOK Magazine spread about the Rendezvous Ballroom (posted here), and it shows a dance jam. Roy Damron is the guy in the middle doing the splits, and a couple of his friends are in the crowd. And do you recognize the couple dancing in the upper right (white jacket, white dress)? That's none other than Hal & Betty Takier! Oh, what I'd give for a little video footage of this jam. :)

Photo from LOOK Magazine - August 30, 1938

No-Spender Bender

I've decided to go on a Clothing No-Spender Bender for the next 3 months - I started on April 1 (no foolin'!) and will go until June 30. That means no clothing purchases of any kind during that period - no modern day-to-day clothes, vintage clothes, shoes, accessories, etc. I have more than enough clothes in my closet, and I'm actually looking forward to thinning it out during this period!

As with any No-Spender Bender, I get a couple exceptions - 

1. In June we're going to All Balboa Weekend (hurray!!) and we've planned time for checking out the Cleveland vintage shops - specifically, we're taking a flight that leaves stupid early in the morning so that we have shopping time. All spending rules are off on that trip, but I trust myself to not go crazy.

2. I might need a new pair of daily/work shoes. I'll try to make do with what I have, but I'm allowed to buy something new if I need it. Dance shoes are NOT allowed! ;)

3. Undies etc. - again, I think I can get buy with what I have, but I'm allowed to buy something new if I need it.

I'm still a little undecided if sewing and fabric purchases are off-limits or not. I'm definitely not buying anything for the stash, but I think it's okay if I'm going to use it immediately.

I'm really excited about this! I want to use the next few months to organize, save some money, and rediscover some pieces I haven't worn in a while. And since I won't be hunting for deals on Ebay and Etsy, I'll have more time to work on that!

Dustbowl Jeans - HSF #5 (Peasants and Pioneers)

Last week I finished my entry for the Historical Sew Fortnightly #5 - I'm falling further and further behind! Whoops. I'm taking off for the next couple challenges, maybe I'll catch up then. Or not. ;) Either way, I'm still glad to be part of this group because it's helping me focus on certain projects that have been in the works for way too long!

This entry is inspired by the 1930's Dust Bowl, which seemed to be a popular theme for this task. I've been wanting some vintage-y jeans for a long time and did the pattern work for these last summer, and I plan on living in them until they're in tatters (which will make them even more "authentic" ;). For this outfit,  I paired them with a feedstack print top for a good 30's look.

The Challenge: #5 Peasants and Pioneers - As wonderful as making pretty, pretty princess dresses is, the vast majority of people have always been poor commoners, whether they were peasants working the land, servants in big houses, or (later), pioneers carving their own space in new lands. This fortnight let’s make something that celebrates the common man.

Fabric: Lightweight Denim

Pattern: Wearing History's Smooth Sailing Trousers - modified to be flat-front, and added patch pockets front and back

Year: mid-1930's

Notions: Thread (blue and contrast yellow), metal zipper

How Historically Accurate is it: More "inspired" than accurate - a few women wore trousers in the 30's, but jeans like this were really still menswear. The fit is altered to have a higher crotch (not period correct, but much better for movement.) And I used a metal zip instead of my standard invisible, but a button placket would be even better.

Hours to Complete: Maybe 3 for patterning, 10 for sewing & fitting, and 4 for redoing the back pockets several times. So at least 17, and that's a conservative estimate.

First Worn: Dancing at Atomic Ballroom last Friday

Total Cost: ~$20 for fabric, $5 for thread and zipper