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By request, I searched for a refashion frock at the Salvation Army last week. The survey I conducted a month ago indicated that many of you would like to see more refashion frocks. I have to admit, I like these because often they are less work.
Around New Year's I had been seeing many party dresses with tulle on the outside of the skirt rather than underneath and wanted to recreate something like that.
When I looked through the Salvation Army racks I searched for a dress with a little glamour in the fabric, something the said "party". I came across the dress (at bottom).
The material was a shimmery silver but the cut of the dress was hideous. Perfect for refashioning. It was a matronly faux two piece with no form except for the two spaghetti straps on the sides which pulled the waist to fit the person wearing it.
I bought it for $1.50 and took it home to think it over. I definitely wanted to try and go for the topside tulle look. So I went to the fabric store and bought 3 yards of gray tulle for only 30 cents a yard. What I loved about the tulle I bought was that I didn't even need to cut it. The length and width were already the perfect size I needed. All I need to do was gather it.
I laid the dress on floor and stared at it for some time. The skirt was so straight that it was very difficult to get an a-line out of it despite the fact that it was quite large.
I cut the top piece away from the bottom and then cut the bottom into two side-by-side triangles that made a rectangle using as much of the skirt material as possible.
I then pinned the pieces to my dress form but still came up a little short of an a-line on either side. So I cut out two more smaller triangles from my leftover skirt and filled in the gaps to make a perfect a-line.
I then sewed the gathered tulle to the skirt and the combination of those two pieces to the waistband. I had to take the top in on the sides. After I did that I sewed the top of the waistband to the bodice.
Finally I cut a ballerina neckline into the top and hemmed the skirt and sewed in a zipper. VOILA! A new dress!! Chan looks ready for a New Year's Eve Soiree.
I really liked how the tulle filled out the look of the skirt. I wanted a full a-line. The skirt underneath was not quite as full as I would have liked but with the overlaying tulle the look was exactly what I was going for.
All together I spent $2.50 on this dress. Not bad. See a similar one on Modcloth here.
Since I had little material to work with I'd say this dress would fit a size 2-5. Quite skinny.
Many of you said that you would like to enter more giveaways, but have various issues with linking. Of course, I want anyone that is interested in entering a giveaway to be able to do so.
Therefore, from now on, giveaways can be entered in three ways:
1) By linking (to your blog, facebook, myspace, or any other site)
2) By leaving a comment without a link or
3) By linking and leaving a comment (this will be worth 2 entries which will better your chances of winning). Find more info under the FAQ page.
If you are leaving a link just use the 'create a link' at the bottom of this post or simply creating a post on your blog and including this link.
If you use blogger just use the "create a link" link at the bottom of this post. If you don't use blogger, that's fine too. Just create a link on your page as you normally would and I will see it using Technorati.Create a Link
I saw this fabric at the JoAnns and couldn't resist. It was my favorite color, cornflower blue or "estate sale" blue. At the time, I wasn't quite sure what I was going to do with it but I knew that whatever it was it would be modern and stylish.
Since, I had no intention of making another maternity dress I opted for a top for Molly. Plus the fabric was kind of expensive so I could only afford one yard.
The collar of this top can be worn either up or down. When worn up the look is very couth. In the photos it is folded down. The back of this blouse has one wood colored button at the top so it is open down the back, sort of like a smock. I put a white ballerina's leotard on Molly underneath the blouse.
You may not be able to tell from the photos but the bottom of the sleeves are bell shaped with a small gather below the elbow.
The pattern and cropped look seemed very 'french' to me. I imagined if I went to Paris I'd see little toddlers carrying red balloons in tops like this.
I wish I had taken more pictures of her shoes. They were just perfect for this little outfit, navy blue with little white bows and white trim. I bought them at the Salvation Army but originally they were from Baby Gap. Since they are dressy, with the cold weather I haven't had much of a reason to have her wear them but they were quite a thrift store find!
Molly enjoyed dancing in the little top and jumping up and down which caused her hair to come undone. I tried to pull it back in a cute little ponytail but her bangs kept falling in her eyes. Her hair is in this in between stage where there is almost nothing I can do to make it look neat. I might break down and have her bangs cut but I'd like to try and keep everything long.
Some people said it looks sort of like a backwards jacket and I happily agree! I think I've subconsciously always liked the look of backwards painting smocks. I couldn't quite put my finger on it but there it is! I should have called it the Petite French Painter's Smock Blouse.
You may have noticed that my posting has become a little sparse at times. I still manage to post every weekday but obviously I'm very close to the end of this pregnancy. I could not be happier! I'm super uncomfortable in many, many ways. I don't remember being this uncomfortable with either of my other two children. I'm actually looking forward to post-surgery.
Speaking of that, I am scheduled for a c-section next Thursday. So for a while I will be recovering. But I will try to be scheduling posts in that time so please stop by for sewing and fashion goodness.
Many of you said that you would like to enter more giveaways, but have various issues with linking. Of course, I want anyone that is interested in entering a giveaway to be able to do so.
Therefore, from now on, giveaways can be entered in three ways:
1) By linking (to your blog, facebook, myspace, or any other site)
2) By leaving a comment without a link or
3) By linking and leaving a comment (this will be worth 2 entries which will better your chances of winning). Find more info under the FAQ page.
If you are leaving a link just use the 'create a link' at the bottom of this post or simply creating a post on your blog and including this link.
If you use blogger just use the "create a link" link at the bottom of this post. If you don't use blogger, that's fine too. Just create a link on your page as you normally would and I will see it using Technorati.Create a Link
With each of my children I've had an adorable dress bought for and packed when we were admitted to the hospital.
It was to be their 'going home' dress. This time around I think it will be too cold for a dress. So I'm looking for something warmer but still charming.
On top of that, every dress I've bought for my newborn girls have been disappointingly WAYYYY to big. I bought an adorable 0-3M embroidered Gymboree pale yellow frock and hat for Molly's 'Going Home' and she didn't end up wearing it until more like around 6M.
After seeing how tiny she really was my mother went out and bought a last minute Carter's NB dress instead but it just didn't hold a candle to my original:( Fortunately Molly looked really sweet in anything:)
Take this adorable sweater one piece I fell in love with from Baby Gap. The smallest size available is 0-3.
When Molly was born she was only 5lbs 12oz and despite my best efforts I believe this baby will also be a little peanut. Unfortunately, I don't think this Baby Gap outfit will work for my newborn but I still want something as unique and cute. (ie, not just a printed cotton sleeper).
I've been looking on preemie clothing sites but have found myself less than impressed with what I've found. Does any one out there have any good suggestions for me?
If you peruse my sponsors you might have come across a very interesting shop, The Pajama Squid.
Tiffany King, owner of The Pajama Squid has been kind enough to extend a giveaway to Grograin readers in the form of three very creative and charming gifts starting with the little turtle on the left.
Tuttu Turtle is a unique wooden pull toy because as you pull its shell rotates. Such an adorable toy! For ages 18 months and up, by Maya Organic, with a strong emphasis on safety, quality and the use of natural dyes.
The second is Robot Self Assembly Paper Toys.
New from Israeli design house PaperCat comes, The Return of the Robots.
The Return of the Robots is filled with self-assembly toys that comes in the form of a colorful booklet with 4 paper toy Robots, which can easily be popped out of the page, no need for scissors. Each toy has fun comic-style instructions, you only need to have glue, and string.
Each toy is beautifully, and colorfully illustrated. After constructing, these super awesome robots are ready to have an adventure.
The third are these quality Upper Lowercase/ABC blocks.
A perfect starter set. 14 blocks with big, bold lettering and bright colors to match. One complete embossed uppercase alphabet and one complete printed lowercase alphabet with some extra vowels thrown in for name spelling.
Dimensions: 1.75" For Ages 2 years and up. Made by Lindenwood Incorporated. The wood they use is farm planted and harvested on industry-managed land around the Great Lakes. Their manufacturing process minimizes waste, both in their production and packaging. They use only child-safe, non-toxic inks. Their toys are continually tested and are always well within the safety guidelines of the ASTM and more stringent European EN-71.
And check out The Pajama Squid's 30% off sale of clothing, toys and accessories!
These little mushroom boots are part of the sale as well as the navy striped layette below. Both are my favorites.
Many of you said that you would like to enter more giveaways, but have various issues with linking. Of course, I want anyone that is interested in entering a giveaway to be able to.
Therefore, from now on, giveaways can be entered in three ways:
1)By leaving a comment or
2) By linking (to your blog, facebook, myspace, or any other site)
3) By linking and leaving a comment (this will be worth 2 entries which will better your chances of winning)leave comments about the site/their favorite items. Find more info under the FAQ page.
If you are leaving a link just use the 'create a link' at the bottom of this post or simply creating a post on your blog and including this link.
If you use blogger just use the "create a link" link at the bottom of this post. If you don't use blogger, that's fine too. Just create a link on your page as you normally would and I will see it using Technorati.
Last summer I spent most of the best part of the season indoors sick with pregnancy. I had been looking forward to buying a new beachy bicycle and going on rides with the kids. Unfortunately, I could barely force myself to leave my living room.
This next summer I hope to be outside often. If I do, I hope to be wearing one of these.
Looks like a equestrian helmet but it's really a bicycle helmet.
They have so many good looks to choose from. It will definitely be on my July birthday wish list.
You can buy them here but they're kinda pricey. Did I mention you can remove the hat from the helmet and put a different one on. So once you have one helmet, buying additional hats becomes less expensive.
You may have seen my recent post about Magpie Lovely. Well, you were right. I was buttering you up so that you could be extra excited about today's giveaway sponsored by, of course, Magpie Lovely.
Here is one of her newest selections by designer Eliza and Axel. This light pink, dip dyed tee features flowing petals and ribbons cascading up and down the front of this super soft tee. A walking piece of art! Velvet embellishments.
As I mentioned in my previous post. All of Magpie Lovely's items are handmade by various designers.
Here's another one of my favorites by designer Mette.
This amazingly simple yet gorgeous A-line, linen dress features a handgathered ruffle in front with bias trim and row of buttons. It is classic, feminine and so pretty. Offered in six color choices and is fit by the bust size.
I also loved this child's dress. Classic yet modern, this A-line dress is made of lovely linen fabric and features bold color blocks of ivory, brown, ornage and pink. It is fully lined in ivory voile and has an invisible back zipper.
Many of you said that you would like to enter more giveaways, but have various issues with linking. Of course, I want anyone that is interested in entering a giveaway to be able to do so.
Therefore, from now on, giveaways can be entered in three ways:
1) For this contest only: by leaving a comment about your favorite item from the store or
2) By linking (to your blog, facebook, myspace, or any other site)
3) By linking and leaving a comment about your favorite item from the store(this will be worth 2 entries which will better your chances of winning)leave comments about the site/their favorite items. Find more info under the FAQ page.
If you are leaving a link just use the 'create a link' at the bottom of this post or simply creating a post on your blog and including this link.
If you use blogger just use the "create a link" link at the bottom of this post. If you don't use blogger, that's fine too. Just create a link on your page as you normally would and I will see it using Technorati.
And remember, if readers go to the Magpielovely Facebook page and become a fan, they may use the code FB20 to receive 20% off of their orders.Create a Link
Speaking of nesting, I still have not gotten my hands on a nursing cover. I saw this tutorial from Prudent Baby and might try it out later if I can find the time. It would definitely come into good use!
I've been wanting to do more nesting for the new baby, but it seems something has always come up. Today I started a project I had been meaning to do.
I saw this wool bonnet pattern on Martha Stewart and wanted to try to make one for the new baby. So at first I thought I'd try one out for Molly.
I embellished the sides by adding an "M" for Molly and a tiny cluster of cherries on the opposite ear as well as adding a blanket stitch along the edges. The pattern seemed easy enough. The only tricky part was enlarging it on my copier to the correct size. If I didn't have a printer/fax/copy combo I don't think I could have done it correctly.
I think a good estimate of a newborn's head circum-ference is somewhere around 13"-14". So my next hat will be for her. That's right. I think I might have given away her gender in one of my last posts but I'm now 'officially' announcing that we are in fact expecting a baby girl. We are so delighted! "I" am so delighted to have three girls. I think a lot of people in our family and perhaps in Grosgrain were hoping for a boy. 
Of course, I would have been happy with a boy but having another girl seems perfect for our family right now. Secretly, I've always wanted three little girls.
I think the new hat I will make will be light grey and orange. It will have an embroidered 'E' on the side and an orange fruit branch on the the other.
For one lucky reader I will make another hat. It will look like the one Molly is wearing but I will not embroider the initial until the winner of the contest can choose what letter they'd like.
Many of you said that you would like to enter more giveaways, but have various issues with linking. Of course, I want anyone that is interested in entering a giveaway to be able to do so.
Therefore, from now on, giveaways can be entered in three ways:
1) By linking (to your blog, facebook, myspace, or any other site)
2) By leaving a comment without a link or
3) By linking and leaving a comment (this will be worth 2 entries which will better your chances of winning). Find more info under the FAQ page.
If you are leaving a link just use the 'create a link' at the bottom of this post or simply creating a post on your blog and including this link.
If you use blogger just use the "create a link" link at the bottom of this post. If you don't use blogger, that's fine too. Just create a link on your page as you normally would and I will see it using Technorati.Create a Link
I've decided to post new winners to the front page of Grosgrain and/or on the sidebar so that more people can see whether or not they've won.
Please email grosgrainwinners@gmail.com.
The lucky winner of the "Storybook Cape and Muff" Grosgrain Giveaway is Joolee of "Richardsonshine".
Please contact me to claim your prize!
I have to admit that I haven't been to the mall recently. For a while I found that a lot of the clothes were the same pieces from last year and none of them appealed to my desire to shine.
Some of the handmade things I've seen recently are quite impressive. Magpie Lovely is a good place to start.
Magpie Lovely features handmade clothing for adults and children, jewelry, accessories and items for the home.
If readers go to the Magpielovely Facebook page and become a fan, they may use the code FB20 to receive 20% off of their orders.
Owner, Holly Craig, loves beautiful things. She is passionate about small businesses and the people who run them. She was tired of spending money on things that are poorly made or that are not unique.
Magpielovely.com was formed to introduce the boutique shopping consumer to the world of handmade, independent artists. The products featured on Magpie Lovely are made exclusively by independent crafters and artisans and are never made in a factory.
These artists love what they do, are making gorgeous products at reasonable prices and are helping to keep our planet green.
When making purchases for ourselves and for gift giving this year, we will all be a little more careful with our spending dollars. Holly wanted to create a place where customers can shop and know that they are purchasing a product made with heart and with a purpose.
In turn, when you are giving a Magpie Lovely product as a gift you are not only giving something beautifully made, but also something with meaning.
Holly loves to hear from customers! Please email holly@magpielovely.com should you have a question, comment or suggestion. Be sure and check back often as they will feature new designers regularly.
I don't usually wear pins or broaches but sometimes something interesting comes along and I must shout it from the rooftops!
Saw this on Cherry Blossom Girl and loved it!
Very Le ballon rouge.
You can buy it here. Although they are out of the metal ones:( They only have them in wood now.
I've decided to post new winners to the front page of Grosgrain and/or on the sidebar so that more people can see whether or not they've won.
Please email grosgrainwinners@gmail.com.
The lucky winner of "The 8 O'Clock Frock" is Jilliebeanie of "Spoils of Wear".
Please contact me to claim your prize!
When I learned that Betty Draper was expecting another baby I wondered how they were going to keep her glamour. Whenever I saw maternity clothes from the 50s and early 60s I was less than impressed. Very tent-like. Not many details.
When I saw the costume designs on Mad Men I was so very impressed. Yes, she still looked fabulous. Of course, her beautiful face didn't hurt but (speaking as a pregnant woman) her clothing was actually enviable.
So when my friend Cheila announced that she was having a 50s themed New Year's party, the wheels in my head began to turn. Looking back, if I had more time and energy I would have done something with a little more detail. But in the end I was more than pleased with the look.
I found the material for only $2 a yard. It was PERFECT. I noticed that a lot of the dresses from the 50s look more like upholstery fabric now. Very heavy and brocade.
The only thing I would have changed was the color. Originally I was looking for something a little more pink and gold. You might have a hard time telling from the photos but the dress is yellow and gold.
I cinched it just below my bust line with a matching rounded tip band and two antique yellow and gold buttons. The neck line is finished with a slight cowl look. i left the arms sleeveless because it just looked more dressy that way.
I found the earrings at an antique store for only $2 and the surprising part is that the flowers perfectly match the flowers on the dress. What a find!
I also found the gloves at another antique clothing store for only $3. I really lucked out! They are so adorable with a little button at the cuff. They are ALSO included in the giveaway!
I also didn't get a picture of it but a friend of mine lent me an authentic 50s fur wrap. So when I walked in the door I was about as 50s as I could have possible hoped to be.Brian also really went all out and looked the part! He found the three piece suit and skinny tie at the Salvation Army. He bought horn rimmed glasses for the occasion and I quickly serged the pocket handkerchief before we left.
I always look for a reason to dress up. I only wish I had more reasons. It's hard to get enough people together who A. want to dress up and B. have the time and resources to do it right.
The hosts, Cheila and her husband Nate, did a fabulous job with their theme. We had 50s cocktails (well, not me) cigarettes (candy) and plenty of hors-d'oeuvres.
In true Betty Draper style I smoked about two packs of (candy) cigarettes and had about two (virgin) cocktails.
Cheila asked that the guests bring the ingredients for their favorite drink. Sort of like a cocktail potluck.
We brought the ingredients for a gimlet, basically one part lime juice one part gin. I think Betty ordered one on Mad Men once.
I would say that this dress would fit a medium. However, I am pretty late in my pregnancy so it really depends on your stage. You can sort of judge from the photos.
Many of you said that you would like to enter more giveaways, but have various issues with linking. Of course, I want anyone that is interested in entering a giveaway to be able to do so.
Therefore, from now on, giveaways can be entered in three ways:
1) By linking (to your blog, facebook, myspace, or any other site)
2) By leaving a comment without a link or
3) By linking and leaving a comment (this will be worth 2 entries which will better your chances of winning). Find more info under the FAQ page.
If you are leaving a link just use the 'create a link' at the bottom of this post or simply creating a post on your blog and including this link.
If you use blogger just use the "create a link" link at the bottom of this post. If you don't use blogger, that's fine too. Just create a link on your page as you normally would and I will see it using Technorati.Create a Link
Hope your New Year's Eve was glamorous and your 2010 will be better than the last!
Here's a little "sneak peak" at the Betty Draper-esque maternity frock I promised. Look for the full post and giveaway either tomorrow or next week.
The party was fantastic! The hosts were dressed to the nines and thoroughly gracious in classic Emily Post form. I'll have more pics in the full post.
Despite the fact that I couldn't have a gimlet, I had about two packs of candy cigarettes! Very Mad Men! Then again, so would be the gimlet.
By request, I searched for a refashion frock at the Salvation Army last week. The survey I conducted a month ago indicated that many of you would like to see more refashion frocks. I have to admit, I like these because often they are less work.
I bought it for $1.50 and took it home to think it over. I definitely wanted to try and go for the topside tulle look. So I went to the fabric store and bought 3 yards of gray tulle for only 30 cents a yard. What I loved about the tulle I bought was that I didn't even need to cut it. The length and width were already the perfect size I needed. All I need to do was gather it.
Like not spending money? 