I have this weird déjà vu feeling I’ve posted this photo before – is it true?  Oh well, it’s the first photo that came to mind when I thought of this post so it stays.  Spoo Kee loves to watch the house finches flit and tweet about the eaves of our roof.  I think they like to watch him too.

Last week I got laid off from my job after about 3 and a half years.  Wow!  It was shocking and a little sad though I think I took it pretty well, especially after I confirmed it was not due to poor performance, compatibility, etc.  Anyway, I have spent the last few days trying to get my ducks in a row wrapping up projects, inquiring about insurance and all that kind of stuff.   But I’ve done some fun things too.

You know what they say: when a door closes, a window opens.  Spoo Kee and I are both on the lookout.

Sometimes Spoo (aka The Muffin Man) insists on sitting in my lap in the morning, even when I have a ton of work to do. I can’t help but humor him sometimes.

Yippie for 2011, pleased to meet you!  I’ve kicked off the new year with a cold of sorts and have been lying low with a gray & white cat and a never-ending supply of roasted barley tea.  Today I feel more normal and have been working on some new shop things, and dreaming of sewing projects including some for me – some spring dresses (is it a bit early for that?).   I’ve also been contemplating taking down the wee tree although I’m feeling rather reluctant; it’s so nice to have a little forest friend in the house, especially since it’s been so cold and rainy, and I don’t think I’m ready to part with it yet.

The remainder of the week promises to be full of sunshine.  I hope this coming year is bright and sunny for you, and full of wonderful things!

I’ve had this dress for almost a year, picked it up for $15 at the antique market.   It is almost a relief to have finally done my fixes on this dress; clothes are really moving from the to do rack to the closet!  I really love this dress, I feel really at home in it.

Here’s a look at the before:

A 1970s version of a 1930s dress.  You can’t see it in the photos but the little flowers are flocked which I love (not much flocking left but still counts for something).  There’s absolutely nothing wrong with the style, only it needed some repairs here and there.  But for the most part I don’t like high necklines; I feel too closed up.  And the sleeves were shortened in a slapdash fashion by its previous tenant (Hmm, I sense a trend) so I had to do something about that.

This is what I did:

• Cut out and lowered the neckline; removed neck facing that was clearly visible under the sheer fabric.
• Added a pleated Petersham collar that I tacked down by hand. (The stitches seem very obvious to me even though I tried my best to not sew too tightly; I might redo it but it’s fine for now.)
• Cut the sleeves down, leaving a little bit of the previously gathered fabric which I hemmed creating little ruffles.
• Fixed some general wonkiness around the bust seam.
• Cut off the lace and ruffle at the hem and shortened the skirt.  I considered fixing and re-attaching the ruffle but decided I liked the simplicity of the plain hem.
• The ties were very much uneven so I shortened one. (I did not match the lengths exactly as I don’t see a problem with them being off just a little.)
• Fastened a little brooch to the neckline (from Seventh Muse).  I’ve fashioned other things like a yellow velvet bow and such which I can switch out at will!

I have to say I quite enjoy detailing all the repairs and alterations I do to my vintage finds and I hope you do too!  I think so, and I find your comments very kind and encouraging.  Thank you.