My Sewing Machine: 1970's Singer Genie 353

This was the sewing machine I learned to sew on... well not this exact one but my mom's Singer Genie 353. It is the most basic of sewing machines yet my favorite by far and has worked tirelessly for my mom and me since the 70's when she acquired it.

A few years ago, after hoarding my mom's Singer for years {possibly decades} the time came where she grew tired of asking ME to borrow HER machine. So she did a little research and tracked down an exact replica and gave it to me for Christmas.

When I opened the gift, I was a bit confused actually, I thought to myself... Why has mom wrapped up her sewing machine when it's basically mine anyway? {kids are so selfish, aren't they?!} to which she explained that it was my very own Vintage Singer Genie 353 sewing machine so I wouldn't need to steal hers any more. Hers works better though, just like my brother's icy cold Dr. Pepper always tastes better than mine!













The other day I received an email from the lovely people from SINGER® Sewing Company announcing the launch of www.mySINGERstory.com -- an interactive website that invites sewing fans across the country to share their personal stories and memories of SINGER® sewing machines in honor of the brand’s 160th anniversary and I thought my story was obviously particularly interesting enough to share. So I did and I thought you may like to share your story as well. I can't be the ONLY one using a vintage Singer, right?

What's also fun is the website includes a historical look-up feature that allows people to learn where and when their antique machines were manufactured just by entering a serial number.

Through December, each person who submits a story on mySINGERstory.com will have a chance to win one of the first commemorative edition sewing machines to hit the market in January 2012. This technologically advanced machine will boast innovative features, yet its design and appearance will harken back to the iconic SINGER® machines of years past. The antique-inspired machine is Singer Sewing Company’s tribute to the brand’s rich history and an opportunity to introduce the modern innovations of sewing to the next generation of sewers everywhere.

* You can also find the Singer Sewing Company on Facebook

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A Glitch In The Matrix : August 2009 Style

August 27, 2009 + hair tutorial

In truth, I wasn't going to post today. I dunno, I just needed a break from my computer, had a glitch in the Matrix. But just before bed I decided to check my email just to make sure nothing was pressing -obvious addict here- and randomly stumbled upon an outfit from August 2009 and thought a look back may be fun.

I still used my Canon Powershot then, placing it on the edge of anything nearby, setting the timer and running to position. Then back and forth and back and forth until I thought I had enough okay shots to make at least 4 work. This was only soon after my original Completely Gratuitous Outfit Posts where I used my iMac photobooth to take all my shots. But what I remembered most about August 2009 was that it was the very first month I became brave enough to step out of the gallery or privacy of my own home, and start taking my outfit shots outside. OMG I can remember how embarrassed I was if anyone caught me... and EVERYONE would stop and stare, or even offer to help take pictures of me. Because who in their right mind was taking photos of themselves!?!?

So I giggled at the memories, though not very long ago, and marveled at how much style & fashion recreate themselves into the exact same things, if that makes any sense. I guess what I'm getting at is I would wear any of these outfits today, maybe the same way, maybe styled or accessorized just a bit differently and I love that.


click on the date below each photo for the full outfit post



August 25, 2009






August 6, 2009






August 28, 2009







August 11, 2009







August 20, 2009 ...the beginning of print mixing







August 7, 2009







August 21, 2009

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I Made it through the Wilderness, Somehow

What I'm Wearing
* Ivory lace & crochet dress Corey Lynn Calter ...I wore this dress for Thanksgiving last year.
* VS open cardigan... again. Really, these light cardigans have been a perfect addition to my Spring/Summer work wardrobe because no matter how hot it is outside, it's ALWAYS FREEZING IN THE GALLERY.
* DIY leopard print and wooden bead necklace.
* Various bangles & stacking rings, earrings were a random find at the Farmer's Market a few years ago. You gotta keep your eyes open for great pieces wherever you are.
* Tom Ford cat eye sunglasses.
* New - vintage Ralph Lauren bag from Ebay
* Modern Vintage Iris Open Bootie... from GILT

* September Vogue courtesy of drollgirl
* lipstick is just a rusty/berry liner with lipgloss

* Title: lyrics from Madonna "Like a Virgin"... in honor of the original MTV Video Music Awards, during a time when MTV actually played music videos as 99% of their programming. I didn't watch the VMA's last night. I'm not sure if it's based solely on the above statement or a big sign that I'm old. Probably somewhere in between I suppose but I got a the basic rundown of it via Twitter.

This weekend was a total blur. I can't even remember what I did on Saturday and Sunday I was amongst a house full of men drafting their fantasy football league. And now it's Monday already. Where does it all go?

I am a little frustrated with Glamour.com for using a photo of my hair and my Waterfall Braid tutorial without my permission. In fact, they wouldn't have even had to ask my permission had they just credited me as the photo owner... but alas, they did not. I bitched via Twitter with no response. I tweeted the author directly. I left comments. Still no response. I mean, this is a big magazine, you'd think they would do a little research before just blatantly stealing other people's work, right?

UPDATE
The author of the Glamour.com article finally reached out via twitter then explained via email that it was an oversight and since she was working with a PR person from the salon listed in the tutorial, assumed that it belonged to them. She apologized and is in the process of crediting me with the proper links.

All's Well That Ends Well.

Thank you so much for your support & loyalty & comments here and on the article. You guys are the best ;) xoxoxo

Happy Monday!

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Tank Top DIY & How to Create a Snakeskin Print with Sharpie Stained Markers

The people from Sharpie so kindly sent me their newest invention, the Sharpie Stained Fabric Marker and asked that I create something with it. I thought instead of drawing a picture of something specific, I would try to create a print using a stencil. Lace came to mind and when I did a test run with some leftover vintage lace from my ballet skirt DIY, I got a bit of a snakeskin print from it and was thrilled. I used the lace to create a repeating snakeskin grid across the entire tank. Here's how...





* White t-shirt
* A favorite tank top
* Lace
* Sharpie Stained Fabric Marker{they have no scent at all, unlike regular Sharpies and have a great long, paintbrush type tip.
* Scissors
* A paper bag or cardboard




 
* Slide a paper bag or large piece of cardboard in between your shirt {so your markings stay on one side only}. Lay your tank on top of your t-shirt and carefully draw around it.



* Flip it over and do the same on the back.



* Carefully follow your pattern on each side and cut out your tank top. Slide your cardboard back through your new tank.



* Lay your lace on top of your tank and hold it taught. Using the SIDE of your Sharpie Stained Fabric Marker with a light hand {unless you want your print dark} gently draw/paint/mark your print through the lace.



* It should look something like this. *Your print will depend on the shape of your lace.



* Move your lace pattern around your shirt, carefully lining it up with your last print to repeat the design. Some areas I made darker than others for a gradient effect.



* For a pop of color over the gray/black print I created, I used the yellow Stained Sharpie {which is neon in reality} free-hand dotting over and throughout my new snakeskin print.

Have Fun!

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Sets the Summer Sun on Fire, I want Candy

What I'm Wearing
* Vintage leopard print blouse ...seen here and here
* Victoria's Secret shorts ...seen here in the winter with tights & boots
* DIY black tassel necklace paired with vintage chains and DIY chain tassel earrings.
* Doubled up on the gold & brass bangles over my cuffs ...inspired by Nina Garcia's amazing blouse/cuffs from Project Runway last week.
* Steve Madden wedge platforms ...which undoubtedly make my legs appear like 3 inches longer, which obviously, I love. See them here in blush
* Louis Vuitton damier azur noe bag
* Gucci large cat eye sunglasses

* Title: lyrics from Bow Wow Wow - I Want Candy


Not too much to say today really. Since the husband took these photos of my outfit last Friday, my mood has plummeted :( But with Friday on the horizon, I'm guessing my frown will turn upside down in no time ...yes, I just said that, wow. {you may know about my "blues" if you follow me on Twitter or Facebook}

In other more exciting news, Apartment Therapy's Unplgged {their office/tech site} contacted me last week in regards to featuring my recently finished home office which I of course agreed to. Check it out HERE

Tomorrow's Friday!!!

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An Easy Little Sweater ReConstruct

I've had this sweater forEVER. It's vintage. I found it a decade ago at a thrift shop and have only worn it once. Yet every time I try to get rid of it, I just can't. But the thick knit {or crochet?} combined with the large waist band is just horribly unflattering. So, the other day, it dawned on me to just cut the sucker off. And now it's 10 times cuter and much more wearable in these times of 90's throw-back-girlie-grunge. And no, I'm not worried about it unraveling a bit. I almost cut the neckline as well but left it for now. I could also become cropped at some point... TBD.




Tip: lay your sweater flat and cut around the front, then the back, not both layers at the same time. And if your knit has a pattern, follow it for a more finished look.

Easy!

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