The Blue Gardenia learns to sow her blossoms

Channelling Catherine: How to highlight those hips in plaid.

Pants that fit perfectly:

Desirable.

Spider mums: Spikey.

Marc Jacobs plaid at Mood: Yummy.

Vogue's Basic Design 2172 at The Blue Gardenia: Classic.

Serenity now: It's "me" time. You deserve it.

Well. She has done her duty today. Church. The minister delivered a lovely, uplifting message. Lunch with a dear elderly friend from church. Mopped the floors. Unloaded the dishwasher. 

And, now, to use that trendy phrase, it's her "me" time. She's put on her gorgeous caftan — she made it last weekend from a pattern she purchased at The Blue Gardenia — Vogue American Designer 1027, designed by Oscar de la Renta. She's made a cup of hot chocolate — and, no, she did not spare the marshmallows. And now she's headed to her favorite wingback chair and she's going to get cozy and read Die a Little by Megan Abbott. She's read it twice before, but it is a fave. Obviously.

Ahhhh. Bliss. Indeed.

And yes, my lovelies, this gorgeous pattern can be yours. Just drop by The Blue Gardenia, where the patterns are counted, the jewelry is sparkling, and domestic shipping is free. (And, yes, we happily ship abroad for a fee — just what the post office charges, in fact.) So rush on over. Do. Snap this one up. Don't delay.

We've added a plethora of vintage patterns. Wanna see?

We know you're exhausted, buying all those snazzy presents for friends. So. We have added glamorous new patterns at The Blue Gardenia. Because. You deserve a treat just for you. A few favorites:

1935 McCall 8130 — She loves the neckline. So unusual. She loves the shirring. So flattering. In fact, she loves this frock. Period. End of story. She must have it. After all, it is truly multipurpose: She can wear the short sleeve version for church on Sunday. How fetching it will be with the big-brimmed, rose-trimmed Lilly Dache she bought last year and still hasn't worn, except to prance in front of the mirror. And the long-sleeve version will make a lovely New year's frock. Perhaps with a silk organdy collar in peach and the body in navy silk charmeuse. Goosebumps. She feels them at just the thought.

1945 Simplicity 1306 — Angeline has been looking for the perfect ensemble for Christmas shopping. She always shops late. She always shops small businesses, either in Tacoma or online. Online, of course, a snuggly chenille robe will do. But among the excited shoppers at the shops, she likes to look smart. But she must also be comfortable. And Simplicity 1306 is exactly what she's searching for — wide-shouldered weskit, pleated pants. It will look great over that 1980s Anne Klein cashmere sweater she snatched elatedly at the vintage store last week. She knows what she'll be doing this weekend, and it has to do with fabric, scissors and a sewing machine. Yes indeed.

1955 Vogue 8486 — She needs a new suit for that all-important, long-awaited job interview in January. And she has found a pattern that says it all: Serious. Fashionable. Smart. Independent. And it is so memorable, with the boxy jacket and radiating tucks. Perhaps she'll make it in alpaca. Yes, alpaca. She'll find some. Somewhere.

1960s Vogue Couturier Design 1687 — Elouise has been fretting. Nervous. This is her first New Year's Eve with Joshua, the man of her dreams. And she does mean dreams. Not nightmares. He's kind. Well-mannered. Dignified. Respectful. And he is the sharpest Crayon in the box. And she's talking about the box of 400! She's found the perfect dress to wear to the bash at his parents' swankienda: VCD 1687, designed by John Cavanagh.

And, yep, these fabulous patterns — as well as many other new vintage additions —  are available at The Blue Gardenia, where the patterns are counted, the jewelry is sparkling and domestic shipping is free. (We happily ship abroad, for less than the cost USPS charges us.) And do recall: We put new patterns at the start of each category. Enjoy!

We're doin' it. We are. A Cyber Monday sale!

Normally we like to sashay to the beat of our own drummer. But we decided this year to offer a Cyber Monday deal. Spend $50 bucks — or more — and get 20% off your total order. But shop fast — the deal ends at midnight PST. This is good for gift certificates, too. Joyful shopping, readers!

And may we suggest Butterick 6819? Perfect for dancing and canoodling with that special someone on New Year's Eve.

And, of course, this elegant pattern can be yours. Just drop by The Blue Gardenia, where the patterns are counted, the jewelry is sparkling, and domestic shipping is free. But you knew all that, didn't you? Of course you did. (And, yes, we do ship abroad. Absolutely. With enthusiasm. Shipping fees do apply.) 

Hard, fast and fashionable: Bare midriff, PJs, petals in her hair.

This is one of my favorite Ida Lupino images. I came across it years ago at an estate sale in Houston, Texas. Naturally, I was looking for patterns or sparkly rhinestone beauties, but what I found were several images torn from magazines and pleated crepe scarfs in every color imaginable.

I left the scarfs and bought the pictures and a 1970s harvest gold ottoman, which I had reupholstered in a lovely green and black Maharam print. A fabric worthy of gardenias and glam jams. Very Odalisque in clothes, you might say.

The house was beautiful — one of those lovely and large and vaguely Craftsman style homes in Montrose, not far from our home. The woman who owned these things had obviously had quite an eye for fashion and all things beautiful. There were, alas, no pictures of her, nor any sign of a man or companion. She had one sewing pattern — a Butterick from the 1950s. I was so curious about her story. Did she lead a glamorous and love-filled life? Did she party at the legendary Shamrock Hilton and dance the nights away in carefree abandon? I hope so.

If you'd like to emulate this Lupino look, I suggest Simplicity 1230, View 2, in rayon crepe. I've had this pattern made up twice, once in a lime linen, once in teal linen. Very sexy, very comfy. And this crepe from Gorgeous Fabrics has 1940s flair

If you'd like to recline in these pajamas with a flower in your hair, you can find this pattern at The Blue Gardenia, where the patterns are counted, the jewelry is sparkling, and domestic shipping is free. (We happily ship abroad, of course, although there is a fee, less than the postal service charges us. You may choose Global Priority or Global Express. We love them both. We do.) And we take American Express, Discover, Mastercard, Paypal and Visa. Isn't that fabulous? Ever so.

So many swell dresses. So many places to wear them. Yes indeed.

Dearest Gardenias, it's that time again. Time to enjoy The Blue Gardenia's latest additions. This update, you'll find everything from a hip-stiffened skirt perfect for Dior's New Look to a gorgeous housecoat that will look perfect beside the tree on Christmas morn. Do let me share a few of my favorites among the many additions:

Have a holiday gala coming up? Then why not whip up Vogue 5704? It's strapless, it's chic, and there's a fabulous back-buttoned jacket you can don if the wind blows chill. You can even do a sexy lace version.

If you're looking for a drapey day dress that can go straight from the office to an elegant dinner, I suggest 1940s Vogue 8969. It has draping. It has shirring. Can you ask for anything more? Well, that winning lottery ticket. Of course.

If you are a fan of the New Look — and who isn't? —  look no further than Vogue 7509, copyright 1951. While this skirt doesn't have padding, it does use hair canvas to make the most of the silhouette. Love it. Hope you do, too.

And Butterick 5375, while labeled a housecoat — and what a beautiful housecoat it will make — can go well beyond such intimate duties. It will also make a smashing dress. It will indeed. And did I mention it is Quick and Easy? So says Butterick, and you know they would never pull your leg.

And, you guessed it, dahlings, each and every one of these delightful styles can be yours. Just drop by The Blue Gardenia, where the patterns are counted, the jewelry is sparkling, and domestic shipping is free. (And, yes, we happily ship abroad for a fee — just what the post office charges, in fact.) Come see all the additions. You'll find them at the beginning of each category. Don't tarry, though. You don't want them to get away.

A moment for something personal: 21st wedding anniversary!

His Bertness and I celebrated our 21st wedding anny this week! Isn't that something? Yes, I think so. Definitely. Naturally, we had cake. Naturally, we shared it with the pups! I would love to share a pic of all of us together. Alas, we haven't unpacked the tripod.

Emma, alas, is not the camera piggy that Atchison is. She's bored with sharing her beauty. Oh. Well.

She did have a small slice of cake. She adores frosting. Never finds buttercream dull in the least. My girl indeed!

Just sewing along: Ogle the details on a '50s Gertie-style coat!

I know. The details don't show up well in this picture. Black! The bane of neophyte snappers. This is my ace sewing teach Leslie, wearing a coat that was a gift from her mom-in-law. (Now, that's a mother-in-law who deserves a very nice and pricey lunch, doncha think?) Very similar to Gertie's sew-along coat. (Although I do prefer Gertie's cuffless sleeves.)

This close-up shot may show some of the neat detailing along the hem. Piping! So classy, so elegant, so unusual. Really sets this design apart.

Leslie, by the way, will be teaching a holiday cocktail party dress class at Nob Hill Fabrics, so if you live in the ABQ-Santa Fe area, do sign up. Details here. You may choose Gertie's sexy design, Butterick 5814. Love this dress. I, of course, am using a real vintage pattern. Surprised? I know you are! I'll share that pattern with you later, natch. One day, though, I'll tackle this Gertie design. It is the cat's. Totally.

 

Just sewing along: My Gertie coat muslin bodice has a muffin top.

I am — as often — lagging in my sew-along garment. This time, the Gertie Coat Sew-Along. I am not pleased with the fit. Not one bit.

I think the front darts need to be brought toward the center a bit. Agree?

The back  seems a bit puffy. What do you think? How do I fix this?

This is a lovely design, and I want it to fit well. Please share your experience and ideas! Please, please, please.

You're going leaf-peeping. What will you wear?

Ahhh . . . a perfect day. The weather is fine. Cool not cold. Sunny. And you, my lass, are going leaf-peeping. A lot of sitting in the car. A lot of oooohing and aaaahing over the magnificent fall colors: sienna, umber, gold. Then dinner in Santa Fe. What, you ask, as you paw through your closet, what to wear that is comfortable, yet smart enough for a very nice restaurant? You pause at your beautiful, sassy Betsey Johnson suit, made last year, but still a favorite: Butterick 3292 from the 1970s. The jacket with its flattering princess lines; the pants with their wide-legged magnificence. This is it! And it's made of a wool knit in the color of the New Mexico sky, so you won't have to fret over wrinkles. 

The skinny: Butterick 3292 Skirt, Jacket and Slacks Designed by Betsey Johnson Bust 36 Complete Circa 1970s $50.

And, of course, this versatile pattern can be yours. Just drop by The Blue Gardenia, where the patterns are counted, the jewelry is sparkling, and domestic shipping is free. But you knew all that, didn't you? Of course you did. (And, yes, we do ship abroad. Absolutely. With enthusiasm. Shipping fees do apply.)