60's Paper Doll - my first vintage pattern!!

I bought a pattern on Etsy about a month ago. I was nervous to purchase it just because I'd never actually ordered a pattern before. I took my measurements then double and triple checked with the patterns measurements to make sure this wouldn't turn out to be a dress for a size 0. The pattern was originally printed in the 60s and it was designed for a junior/teen size 12. The seller had noted that the pattern pieces had been cut but verified that all were included. That was a relief. For some reason a lot of people who sell vintage or out of print patterns (or any patterns really) never seem to give enough information. Just "size 16, good condition" and that's it!!! What if there are pieces missing? What if it's damaged? How am I supposed to know what the exact measurements are? Ugh, it can be a pain searching for hours for the perfect pattern... but it's definitely worth it once you find one that works for you.

This one works so well for me and I think I'm obsessed. Wait never mind I AM obsessed! I've made 5 of these dresses so far and I can't get enough. It fits me like a doggone glove. As I've mentioned I had already checked the measurements but as with any pattern ever I had expected to still need to take it in or modify it along the way. But nope! I didn't have to do anything! The pattern pieces had already been cut out thanks to the previous owner (which I'm not complaining about. Makes it 300x's easier for me!). I'm not a huge fan of gathered skirts so I just made a circle skirt instead. I made this in mid-December and I've already worn it four times. It is such a fun little dress.

You'll be seeing plenty of dresses with this pattern in the near future :)

A-line skirt obsession

So if you don't already know this, I have been completely obsessed with Ariana Grande since I started watching Victorious back in the day. Anyway I saw a picture floating around Pinterest of her in this adorable orange plaid a-line miniskirt. I think I saw it in November? Anyway I love  short skirts and short dresses so I was immediately drawn to it. I'm more of a full skirt kinda girl because they make me look a lot skinnier and they're just more flattering on me versus anything else but she looked so small and adorable in hers! And after Googling her like a maniac I gather we're roughly the same size. So if she can look nice in an a-line mini so can I.

I put it on my sewing list and amidst all the hustle and bustle of the holiday season I completely forgot about it. This morning I go on Pinterest, only for like five minutes of course, and it seemed like every other outfit pin incorporated a miniskirt. And most of them plaid!

1//2//3//4//5//6//7//8//9//10

Normally I'm not even into plaid! I can only think of a handful of things in my closet that are gingham/plaid: a dress, two shirts, and three skirts. But I guess the more I see it the more it grows on me.Whatevs, it's cute. PLUS there's a few bolts of plaid and gingham fabric on clearance at my job so that helps to make my decision. Sorry I don't have a picture of them but take my word for it- there are really pretty! Word association: Anyone else immediately think of picnics and Clueless when they hear 'plaid'? Looks like I'll be making some miniskirts soon!

Actually now that I'm looking at those last two sentences with my ring finger on the 'backspace' key that brings me to another thought... I would love to go on a picnic. Last one I can remember was 4th of July last summer. Before that I was a sophomore in high school! Y'all know I don't get out much....Does anybody else daydream about picnics? I mean the whole idea is so cute. And like the domesticated girl that I am my favorite part is the matching dish sets, preparing food and packing it up all pretty in gingham patterned baskets and blankets. Although it sounds good in theory I know that I'd get sick of hauling all that mess around. I'm totally cool with grabbing Mickey D's or any other fast food and sitting on a park bench and calling that a picnic.

8 1/2 lessons I learned from boys

LESSON ONE: I

This guy was the definition of uninhibited. He was fun, outgoing, kind, and did whatever his heart desired. A really good guy with a good heart and a free spirit. I was in high school and in the phase of pretending to be whatever the 'cool' thing was just to fit in. I was losing myself and he (unknowingly) reminded me who I was. He taught me to have fun and live in the moment. When we hung out I would forget who was around. I didn't care who was looking and I allowed myself to just be. I was goofy and silly and always looking on the bright side! I remember feeling happier whenever he'd come around. I learned to surround myself with people who bring out the best in me. People who I can truly be myself with.

LESSON TWO: G

Oh boy, I had a crush on this guy since I was 14! I was really bashful then and it wasn't until years later that we actually went on a date. We'd both grown up a bit and even though all the feelings had come rushing back something wouldn't let him get close to me. I want to make it clear that we were never in love, but I did learn a valuable lesson from him. I learned that love means letting someone in. You can't sulk and complain about the lack of love in your life and yet be terrified of the notion of it and run like hell when presented with the opportunity. I'm still learning this lesson: As unlovable as you think you are people do actually love you and want to care for you. And unless you want to be alone for the rest of your life, at some point you have to let them.

LESSON THREE: C1

He and I were very similar. It was almost as if learning about him I was simultaneously learning about myself. We were both two lonely kids who needed love and attention. So when we started catching feelings for each other we just went with it. He was probably the first boy I can remember who gave me any kind of affection and I was over the moon about him! This may confuse you but while we had some really good times hanging out I ended up cutting him out of my life. Partly because I felt like when I would talk to him I was looking in a mirror and I didn't like my reflection. This wasn't really much of a lesson as it was a reality check. Don't get me wrong, he's a great person! And I'm not just saying that, at one point when I really needed a friend he stuck by my side. I will always be grateful for that. But I didn't like who I was at the time. He showed me a side of myself that I didn't like and taught me that I needed to make a change.

LESSON FOUR, FIVE, AND SIX: W, J1 & C2:

"Just because someone desires you, does not mean that they value you.

Read it over.
Again.
Let those words resonate in your mind."

LESSON SEVEN: J2

You set the standards for how you want to be treated. As a woman it is your job to set the boundaries. Things will only go as far (or as short) as you want them to. You don't owe any boy anything. Also, don't let someone sweet talk you to the point that you are compromising yourself. Some boys/men will tell you anything they think you wanna hear. They will butter you up to get what they want; money, control, sex, whatever. Don't fall for it. I'm not saying that you should turn your heart to stone but a little bit of skepticism is good for you. And never, I repeat NEVER ignore your intuition. I learned the hard way not to get sucked in by all the bells and whistles.

LESSON SEVEN AND A HALF: W, C2, & J2

Older does not equal better. Some grown men are just little boys with facial hair and a mortgage.

LESSON EIGHT: H

• Good guys are out there. 
• It's okay to take things slow. I know it may feel that way, but this is not a competition. You don't need to rush anything. 
• Don't let loneliness drive you into the arms of someone you know you don't belong with.
• Also, stop throwing yourself at men who obviously don't care about you in a desperate attempt for reciprocation. It ain't gon happen. Stop being crazy. It's not cute.

Princess Tiana look-a-like // Disney bounding

 

I bought a really cool Disney water bottle from target a few months ago. And I'm definitely going to toot my own horn here and say that I feel like she's my cartoon-twin. I mean c'mon- round face, black hair, brown eyes, brown skin... Yes? No?

I made a green dress out of a couple of remnants (solid ~1yd print ~2yds) and Simplicity 2444. I had a little extra time in the morning so I decided to become Princess Tiana.

I had never heard of 'Disney bounding' until last year. How did I not know about this?!! I was chillin on tumblr and came across THIS and immediately fell down the rabbit hole. Apparently you dress up as whichever character you fancy when your going to Disneyland/Disney World. I've only been to Disneyland once about 4 years ago. And I've NEVER heard of it. That is, until now. Even though I don't think I'll be going to Disneyland anytime soon I won't let that stop me. I mean, I've been playing dress up all these years anyway. Now I now that I'm not crazy. Haha! There's a TON of people who do the same thing all the time!

Disney fanatics UNITE!

Cupcake Craze