Meet Phoebe, My 1950s Sewing Machine!

Earlier this summer I went to visit my grandparents, and one of my relatives had sent me this UH-MAY-ZING 1950s Atlas sewing machine!  I'm not sure of the exact year or anything, but I do know that this baby could sew through a brick!

It weighs quite a lot, for all the pieces are metal.  However, though not very portable, it is a DREAM to sew!  It has a beautiful, clinky purr to it as it sews, and I'm spoiled.  Sewing on a new machine, even my Singer Heavy Duty machine, feels like I'm slumming it.  It rarely has tension problems like newer machines, and it even sews much faster than the "pedal to the metal" highest speed on my new machine.  (Not that I'm quite skilled enough to sew at that speed all the time, but I like that it's an option.)  My only sadness is that it doesn't have a measuring guide next to the needle.  I wrote measurements in sharpie on a piece of tape and put it next to the foot in an effort to fix this problem.

If you're looking for a machine, I would UNDOUBTEDLY recommend an Atlas machine like this one, or any older 1950s and before machine that works.  My grandmother also fell in love with mine, so my grandpa found her one of her own!  They are out there if you're looking for one, and they shouldn't be any more expensive than a nice new machine, generally.

And just for fun, here are some pictures of my grandma's sewing room where my machine is being babysat until I have a house to put it in.  Amazing, right?!  It's the land of dreams.

"His Girl Friday"

This summer I had the chance to watch lots of old movies, including "His Girl Friday."  I've heard of this movie, but this was my first time to see it.  I rather liked it!  From the gorgeous outfits to the witty dialogue, it was a good one!  It stars Cary Grant and Rosalind Russell, both of whom are at their stubbornly sassy best in this film.

Granted, it was a bit slow as most older movies seem to be to us modern viewers, but I was really surprised at how clever the script was and how timeless the plot is.

To put it in a nutshell, the movie is about a divorced man who is trying everything he can think of to convince his ex-wife not to leave their newspaper business and remarry.  They, of course, get embroiled in the "biggest newspaper story ever" and craziness ensues.  Here are some great quotes I liked from the movie:

Bruce:  I like him.  He's got a lot of charm.

Hildy: Well he comes by it naturally.  His grandfather was a snake.

Walter:  Sorta wish you hadn't done that, Hildy.

Hildy:  Done what?

Walter: Divorced me.  Makes a fella lose all faith in himself.  Gives him a... Almost gives him a feeling he wasn't wanted.

Hildy:  Oh, now look, junior, that's what divorces are for!

Walter:  You've got an old fashioned idea divorce is something that lasts forever, 'til death do us part.' Why divorce doesn't mean anything nowadays, Hildy, just a few words mumbled over you by a judge.

And check out these stills from the film and Hildy's incredible ensembles!

Fabulous, no?!  I love the Hildy character, too.  She's a strong, independent newspaper woman that finally wants to settle down, and she's bound and determined to do it!  I think she's great.  

And on a costume-related note, do you SEE how the stripes are PERFECTLY aligned on her outfits?!  Sewing genius!!!

1930s Hint...

I have another hint for you guys, this time from the 1930s!

The 1930s is one of my favorite decades to wear on a daily basis (along with the 40s), though I don't have much in my collection.  30s clothing and patterns are harder to come by and construct, I've found.  (Anyone else concur?)  I did find something pretty on my shopping expeditions recently though.... You may see a pattern in the following garments as a hint...

Manic Vintage

circa 1955 vintage

Dear Golden

1910s Surprise....

I regret to say that I got some amazing vintage finds, but I won't have time to show you guys and photograph them for a couple weeks.  However, I do want to give you some hints as to what I found, starting today with some amazing 1910s eye candy!  (Hint.... 1910s.... I have something from the 1910s to show you...)

I adore 1910s fashion.  It's feminine and luxurious, and the details often worked in are unique.  I also love the silhouette.  Depending on the "fashion-forwardness" of the wearer, it was often slightly looser and more comfortable than earlier trends as fashion moved toward the 20s silhouette.  However, many garments are still anchored at the natural waist, something I particularly prefer for myself.

Also, I love big hats and big hair.  Of which the 1910s had a lot.  The 1910s seem to be all about luxury and drama!

Don't you just adore the outfits of the women in the photos?!  Incredible.  So lush!

And where can I get a robe like this?!?!

Introducing.... Pam in the Sand!

Hey friends!  I wanted to introduce a new blogger to all of you: my mother!

She has recently taken some of her old Facebook notes and put them into a blog called "Pam in the Sand", and she's been adding new posts all the time.  The description of her blog is, "The life, times and musings of an American Midwest woman who moves to Northeast Africa".  

Seriously, you will LOVE the stories she puts up.

She's a brilliant writer, and her posts are often hilarious with great application to life.  I know you'll all enjoy them!

So go, read a bunch of her posts write now and check it out!

20s/30s Palazzo Pants and Fingerwaves

Recently, I acquired some wave clips from a flea market and decided to try my hand at fingerwaves for the first time!  Although, granted, they didn't turn out as a stellar example, they do resemble fingerwaves, and that's a successful first try in my book!

I wore them with a late 20s/early 30s look inspired by a picture I saw of an Italian actress/model from the 30s.  She's, you know, gorgeous, and has on a simple white blouse, large sunhat, and palazzo pants.  But for the life of me, I can't find it anywhere or remember her name!  If anyone has an idea of what I'm talking about, let me know!

Edit:  I FOUND IT!  It's actually Renee Perle, and I was wrong; she's Romanian.  Here's the picture I was referencing:

Anyway.... It's such a comfy, easy look, and I do love the swishing sound of the pants.  It makes trousers feel much more glamorous!

shirt: handmade by me

pants: resized old F21 pants

bangles and barrette: gift

shoes: department store

wave clips: Relics Antique Mall