Antiquing

I'm stuck on the sofa this weekend with a terrible cold. Actually I think it is some sort of cold-flu hybrid that not even elderberry tea is knocking out. I made a really potent batch of elderberry syrup, so hopefully that is enough to kill it.This cold certainly has me longing for 2 weeks ago when I was in fine fighting spirits and managed to sneak in a trip to the antiques market. 

Now, I'm not really a bit fan of my local antiques market. I was horribly spoiled with great antique markets when I lived in Waterloo, and the one I'm stuck with now just doesn't compare. It has a poorer selection and higher prices. However, every once and a while a treasure can be found. 

I wore my "new" vintage dress for the outing. I picked this beauty up in Toronto during my last trip with Britt. It needed minor mending, but was nonetheless a bargain. It a 1970's dress and a little shorter than I normally wear. (In all honestly, I tend to sit in a very unladylike manner and thus prefer skirts long enough to prevent flashing random strangers). I do love this dress, even though it should be slightly out of my comfort-zone. It's nice to try something different every once and a while.  

My only purchases at the antiques market were two postcards. I love old postcards but am very particular about what I add to my collection. These two met my criteria of being pre-1920s, and having an interesting message. 

I hope everyone is having a great weekend.

That's All.

Valentines Day

Happy Valentines Day! I must admit a certain affinity for Valentines day. I love the colour scheme and the excuse to make pretty cards. My best friend and I exchange cards every year and sometimes a small gift. 

This year I used some of my watercolour card paper to make her card. Sorry for the poor quality scans. My scanner doesn't seem to like the bumpy watercolour paper. 

Hamster Cupid! (She loves hamsters)

Britt is the fox and I'm the grey cat. 

For the gift I included a velvet fox colouring sheet she wanted, as well as a hand-knitted rose. The pattern originally called for a knit stem, but instead I dissected a fake-rose from the craft store and glued it to the rose. She loves blue roses, so I made her one that will last forever. 

I hope everyone has a great Valentines Day, regardless of whether or not you have a romantic love in your life. There are other types of love that are just as important and which should be celebrated as well. I miss elementary school when the emphasis was put on giving cards to your friends to show them how much you love and value their friendship. And so: Happy Valentines Day to all my lovely readers. You always make my day a little bit brighter. 

That's All.

Quick Knits

My wrists are definitely improving. I've been having massage therapy every week for the past month and can happily report it is making a difference. Improvement is of course slow, but steady. Which means I've been knitting!!

I've finished 3 projects over the last couple weeks, including 2 sweaters. The first one completed is the Quick and Easy Knit Jumper from 1938. I made a number of modifications, such as less puffy sleeves and a deeper v-neckline (ok that one was a happy accident). The top ribbing is supposed to be smocked, but I was impatient and wore it without finishing that part. I actually like it with just the ribbing so I may not bother ever adding the smocking. 

The second sweater I completed (this morning actually) was the infamous 3-Hour Sweater, also from the 1930's. I had made this sweater before, but I obviously did it completely differently as this version fits very differently. I didn't know my yarn was self-striping until I started knitting with it, but I am pleased with the final look. I was a little worried about the stripes not even remotely matching up, but somehow it doesn't detract from the look of the sweater. And no, it didn't take 3 hours to complete.

I've already cast on my next project (a 1920's sweater) and may start a secondary project as well. As much as I love finely knit sweaters, I find myself drawn to chunkier knits lately. My knitting time is limited but chunky knits provide satisfyingly quick results. Anyone have any recommendations for fast vintage knitting patterns? 

Feel free to add me as a friend on Ravelry. I love checking out other peoples favorite patterns and finished projects!

That's All.

Fabrics and Dresses (1917)

I've been diligently working at completely reorganizing my studio. I would love to devote more time to my business now I'm sleeping a little better, but I've come to realize my studio needs work first. It's a very small room and just wasn't functional. This is proving to be a monumental task. 

Of course, playing with all my fabrics has certainly gotten me watered up to sew something (anything!). To create a work/life sewing balance, I'm going to try dedicating weekends to sewing things for me. I would love to actually make some of the vintage patterns in my collection, as well as trying some trial designs for the shop. Some more Edwardian-style skirts are also on my wishlist. They are so comfortable and great for the colder months.

That's All.

The Long Haired Flapper Returns!

Yes, that's right, I finally made another youtube video. 

I'm working on completely reorganizing and rearranging my room, which has enabled me to set up a spot for my laptop on my desk. This will making filming a lot easier and less time consuming, which hopefully means more videos in the future! No promises, but I will try my best. I do love trying out 1920's hairstyles. 

That's All.