Europe Here We Come!!

I am in dreamland at the moment thinking about my European trip in September. I am extremely excited to be spending three solid weeks floating around Spain, London and Paris!! I have never been to Europe before so cannot wait for what will be in store for myself and my girlfriends.Yes that's right folks partners and pets will be left behind while I scoot away with my gal pals for a giggling, girly adventure.
First up I will be heading over to High Rockabilly in Calafell which will be one week of rocking music, the ocean and good times with like-minded people. I have quite a few bands I want to see such as The Dragtones, Wildfire Willie & The Ramblers, The Rimshots and so on. I am also keen to hang out by the beach drinking cocktails while soaking up some warm rays!! Bring it on!!

After Calafell we then head to Barcelona for rest and exploring. So looking forward to eating some great tapas and visiting all the wonderful sites around the city such as the Gaudi architecture, museums (particularly Picasso) and local landmarks.

Then after all that history and excitement we head off to London for three days of rush, rush and rush to get everything in we want to see. I won't bore you with details but it will be the usual touristy stuff with some music thrown in and vintage shopping for good measure.

Paris is our last stop for eight luscious days of Paris, PARIS and more Paris!! I am beaming with anticipation and delight. Of course we will do the usual touristy things but we certainly want to connect with the locals and experience Parisiennes and local culture. Sssh I might even be able to squeeze in a burlesque show as I would love to perform in Paris. Cross fingers!!

Patterns and Books

My sewing teacher who loves to share with me anything related to vintage sewing or fashion showed me this wonderful newly released book by Christine Boydell. A student of hers brought it back from the London V & A museum and I fell in love with every page. Upon skimming the pages I immediately power walked up to my favourite local bookstore and by sheer coincidence they had one copy left, just for me!! Of course I bought it and I think you should too.
This lavishly illustrated book tells the history of British Horrockses Fashions, which was the most popular ready-to-wear label in Britain during the 40s and 50s and was worn by women of all social backgrounds. The fashion was quite distinctive, fresh and had the most divine designs that any vintage loving gal would drool over.
I hope you find a copy of this delightful book and enjoy it as much as I am.

Another book that I love is one I purchased a little while ago by Joanna Chase (2009) called 'Sew and Save'. It is actually reproduced from the original 1941 edition and is cute as a button. I love it!! It has everything from 'Planning Your Wardrobe' to 'Frocks, Blouses & Skirts' to 'Tricks To Smartness. What more could a girl want I ask you??

Speaking of sewing here are two patterns I recently purchased. The first one (B5214) is what I am currently making. Its only in the very early stages of a toile and I need to find the fabric but hopefully it will be finished in a few weeks. I would love to find a great striped fabric but having no luck so far. Any fabric suggestions ladies?
My next project will be the Vogue 1953 pattern (V2961). I want to make the strapless dress No B.
I have added a photo of a girl wearing it. What do you think?

Aussie Burlesque Fest Over and Other News

Hello there,
Sorry for my delay in blogging for over a month but I have an excuse. The Australian Burlesque Festival is now over for another year and gee did it keep me and the team busy. Yowza!! Now trying to finalise admin and the likes. Here's a pix for you to view of me mid-performance in Melbourne.

On another note I am producing a new burlesque event called 'Shimmy Shake' with one of my partners which we are looking forward too. A fabulously glamorous line-up.

Now onto other non-burlesque activities and items of interest.
1. My lovely gal pal Mich put me onto this exhibition which some of you maybe interested in if you LOVE Alfred Shaheen vintage like we do. Check it out.
http://www.sjquiltmuseum.org/exhibitions.html

2. My pal and I also worked out how to thread my brand new overlocker!! I know this sounds trivial but these things are quite technical until you know how. We both felt like we were doing micro-surgery. A great overlocker btw.
Elna 654