Vintage and Twirl Skirts - Pure Inspiration!

Twice a year a local historical society holds a Tag and Textile sale and I always attend. It is held in a old saltbox colonial house and adjacent barn in a small town in CT. I went first thing this morning despite the rain and it was well worth it. The parking lot was filled with all the other fabric addicts who could not stay away. I found many vintage sewing patterns and ribbon - which I love. I find the shapes and colors interesting on the pattern covers - but I find the look and styling of the women irresistible.

I am working on my Christmas skirt and it is inspired by those vintage pattern covers. I need to get some modeled shots this weekend - so I can list it in my etsy store. I tried to take photos similar to those amazing Japanese craft books - but I really need to get them modeled!

Jessiegirl takes Manhattan!

I woke up this morning and realized I needed ribbon. Not just any ribbon - but a certain ribbon I could only find in a small store on 38th st in NYC. I had forgotten the name of the store but figured I would find it. Since soccer was cancelled due to soggy fields and DH and son were scheduled for a scout adventure - I decided that Jessie and I should head to NYC for the ribbon. Not remebering the name of the ribbon store I tried M&J Trimmings first- this store is amazing! It is like the Willy Wonka Factory of ribbons and trim and it is stocked floor to ceiling.


We entered M&J with samples of our ribbon and surpisingly they didn't carry the same style. So Jessie and I started walking down 38th street in hopes of finding the ribbon store I had originally bought the ribbon. Just around the corner was Joyce Trims - a much smaller store but had exactly what I needed - and to be honest much better prices then M&J (which can get a little pricey).

After I bought up all the ribbon they had left - I knew a trip to NYC wouldn't be complete without a visit to Mood. Any watcher of Project Runway knows this is where the designers go in NYC to buy fabric for the challenges. We watch them race around pulling at the rolls of fabric frantically and then leaving with those really cool Mood bags. Guess what I got?

Jessie and I had so much fun. Mood is actually harder to find then you think. It's located in an office building that just has the number on the front and mood signs in the window which are difficult to see from the front. Once you enter the office building you have to ride to the third floor in one of those old elevators with an elevator operator who manually closes the elevator door. Jessie saw this and went "ooohhhh". Once the doors open on the third floor you are in Mood and it is packed with shelves of fabric and customers.

The fabric is divided by type cotton, denim, knit etc. I was surprised they didn't carry quilting fabric - but there are still some great finds. The rows and rows of fabric can be overwhelming but I found the people who work there very helpful and the line at the register moves super quick. It is also fun to see all the creative people choosing their own fabrics - definitely great people watching.

Here is Jessie checking the rolls of fabric out:

All in all a great day - some people take their kids to NYC for the museums or a Broadway show - I take my kid to Mood!

Make it work!

Im getting back in the swing of things - my sewing things of course! After my great day at the craft show things began hopping! Im sure this would be small scale for some - but for me it's a big deal! I finished the customs that were ordered at the fair and had some etsy sales in my etsy store - Very exciting! http://www.jessiegirlclothing.etsy.com/

Next I am planning for a trunk show with a twist! Women in our town who sell handcrafts, pampered chef etc. are going to set up tables at my neighbor's house and invite everyone we know! There will be munchies , wine
and shopping - what more could a night out with the girls need? I think this is such a cool idea and really looking foward to seeing what everyone is selling.

Now I need to focus on a couple of new things for winter. I love the skirts and have chosen some new cool fabric to mix and match - look for that in future post. However living in CT the cold months are upon us. It was 50 degrees today with a cool breeze and the summer clothes are being put away and long sleeves are coming out - so I want to add some items that girls can wear in the cooler weather.

The first item I am working on is a jumper that can be worn under a long sleeve shirt. This was my first draft and I like it , but it still needs a little tweaking. The best part was Jessie loved it and insisted on wearing it to school today! I am going to work on it this weekend - I love the concept of the corduroy skirt and cool fabric bodice. I lined the bodice with the corduroy which gives it alot of structure. I think it may need some trim on the bottom and a button in the back to make it easier to take on and off.

But as Tim Gunn says "make it work"...speaking of which it's Project Runway time - I was hoping they would finally eliminate Nicholas - but he has immunity this week. How did Epperson not win with that so cool western outfit ...

It's Soccer Time!

It's that time again - Early mornings spent searching frantically for the matching sock or pair of shin guards, grabbing breakfast and a water bottle and heading for the field. Must stop for coffee - of course! In our town all the soccer games are played on one massive field that contains over ten soccer fields. It's crazy on Saturday mornings as kids ranging in age from 4 to 12 descend on the field with parents, chairs, snacks etc. in tow Yet somehow it always works!

DJ is in the older group now and the games can get quite competitive. He plays defense which is a good fit for his temperament. However, it is excruciating to watch him play goalie. It is the worst! There is so much pressure riding on the goalie and it is heartbreaking when he misses it. And let's face it that's my baby!

Jessie on the other hand sees soccer as one big social event. She could use a little more pressure as she sashays across the field waving and chatting with friends on the other team! I have to admit this year is better as she actually seems to understand the need to follow the ball and try to kick it once in awhile, rather then sit back and direct the rest of the team. I'm not sure there is a soccer scholarship in her future - but you never know!!!!

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I survived!

The fair has finally come and gone! The day went better then I had dared to hope! We got to the town green bright and early to check in. Set up went off without a hitch and the whole tent came together in about an hour! I was up to 3am the night before (need to work on better prep planning) but the adrenaline kept me going till I collapsed at home around 5pm.

Within the first five minutes we had our first sale and my beautiful lantern bloom skirt went to a new home! It was so exciting to finally get my work out there. People were so positive and I was thrilled! At this point though the money was definitely nice - the feedback and excitement were even better! I learned that I need more of the bigger sizes. Fours and fives were popular and I think I could have sold 6 and 7 as well.
I work so hard on the pattern and designs of these skirts. However - I do this all on my own in my head! To put it out there was a real challenge for me. But it paid off and I can't wait for the next one! I was so happy to be sharing a tent with my neighbor, part of (kikibonan@etsy.com) - She is so great with customers and makes it look so easy. Her appliqued shirts are adorable and were selling very well also. All in all it was a great day - but I am still exhausted and going to bed - Good Night!

Tomorrow is the big day! I am filled with so many different emotions:

Excitement - I love craft fairs and have always wanted to participate - so I can't wait to see what that is like.

Fear - What if the tent falls down? What if everyone walks by my tent and averts their eyes?

Frustration - I still have 1,000,000 ideas of skirts, ruffles and headbands that I could still create if I had an extra week/day/hour

Calm - the time is here - what's done is done and ready to go!

Pride - I have to admit - there are some darn cute items and I feel they really represent my sense of design

Exhausted - I have been sewing for about two days straight - God bless my DH and kids for their patience and independence!

So I sign off - will definitely post pictures and details tomorrow night!

Two days left!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am only staying for a quick note! I have two days until the craft fair and sooooo much to do! I can't decide if I work well under pressure or if I am a habitual procrastinator. I always seem to get most of the work done right under the deadline. We practiced putting up the tent and it went well...until my DH remarked that I should really make more skirts and ruffles. Easier said then done. So I have been sewing up a storm! In fact I need to get back the machines right now...however Project Runway is tonite and that in my never miss show! I love it! The show reminds me of my days in a NYC costume shop - the hours sewing, gossiping and rushing to get it all done and "make it work". Speaking of which - here are my latest! (The sisboom is from that fabulous sale last weekend)