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

Regency Reticule - HSF #4 (Embellish)

I'm racing to the finish with this challenge, slipping in this blog post at the 11th hour! I'll try to do better with my next one. For the Embellish challenge, I decided to finish an embroidery Regency reticule (drawstring purse) that I started at Costume College 2011. (Soon you'll start noticing a theme with my HSF projects - I'm trying to use as many UnFinished Objects as possible!)

I love this project - I had wanted to learn embroidery for a long time but never found a book I liked on it, so when Beginning Embroidery was offered as a class at CoCo, I jumped at it. The purse is cute and easy to make, I love the off-white and green, and I'm a sucker for initials.

I embroidered both side of the purse so that I could have more practice with the stitches, and I think that was good - it wasn't until halfway through the second side that I could pick up the project and start right in with the handstitching, my hands remembering what to do on their own.

The Challenge: #4 Embellish - Decorations make the historical garment glorious. Whether you use embroidery, trim, pleating, lace, buttons, bows, applique, quilting, jewels, fringe, or any other form of embellishment, this challenge is all about decorative detail.

Fabric: Silk Dupioni

Pattern: Embroidered Regency Reticule: A Kit for Beginners by Catherine Scholar

Year: 1810-1815

Notions: Embroidery floss, Tassels, Cording

How Historically Accurate is it: Good enough for me! As far as I know, slubby silk dupioni was considered inferior quality at this time, but I think it existed. I think the trim has rayon and/or poly, and the bag itself is 100% machine sewn - EVEN the one visible seam. (*gasp*)

Hours to Complete: Many good hours spent in front of the tv, 2 or 3 to make the bag.

First Worn: Maybe I'll use it at Costume College this year? No other Regency events on my horizon.

Total Cost: The class and kit was $20 or less (can't remember) -- a STEAL!

The Great LA Air Raid - 2013

Forgive me as I'm still catching up on events from last month! February was a short month, but a busy one. A couple weeks ago we attended my favorite event of the whole year - the Great Los Angeles Air Raid of 1942 at Ft. MacArthur. As you can see from the line up of sunglasses below, this year was especially gorgeous - I didn't even wear my 1938 coat because it was so warm, darn it.

I wore an oldie but a goodie - I made my dress a few years ago for the Air Raid, and I think I've worn it at least 3 times to the event but never got any really good photos. It's wool crepe with long sleeves, so it keeps me warm on the beach in February, but is too warm to wear to anything else.

I had a bit of a panic attack over my hair, which is too short and cut wrong for 40's (First World Problems, I know). I got a beret, slapped some feathers and a brooch on it, and did some curl fluff around the ears - turned out rather okay! whew.

Rachel, Ashley, Lauren, me, Cait, Rusty

Overlooking the Bluff

With Cait

Michael and Cait - I had more fun editing this photo than any others. Aren't they smashing?

the always adorable Rachel

This star was only about 2 feet off the ground, so getting the photo was pretty funny. :) The boys nearby thought I was crazy when I announced I "needed a picture with my head in the star".

Another Los Angeles landmark, the Griffith Observatory.

Me and Netta

Katharina - www.Facebook.com/GoForKatMakeup
Jealous...that's all I got... ;)

Chris was running around, getting ready for a dance performance, 

but I grabbed him for a couple photos throughout the event

5pm Flyover

Morgan in his grandfather's uniform

with Sharlene and Heather, a couple of my amazing dance girlfriends

Before and After

View from the Dance Floor