Gucci and Pucci

In line with the latest trend, I, too, have fallen prey to the allure of vintage clothing. I have found myself, over the last few months, searching more and more for vintage patterns, vintage clothing, and appreciating more vintage styles.

On that note, I had to share these lovely vintage finds I discovered while perusing a few websites for inspiration.

The first is this 70s Gucci metallica silver and black blouse with a ruffle on one side.




I adore the high collar (I'm a sucker for mocks and mandarin collars) and the way it comes down straight over the hips is sure to be flattering on almost anyone. I'm not sure if the ruffle is part of the front closure or it is an extension of the collar, perhaps in a drop scarf. I wish I could get my hands on it to study it!

Next, I found this gorgeous 60s Pucci blouse in a diagonal stripe.



I love the front placket created from almost a Native Indian styles triangular design. The same design is repeated on the collar, sleeves, and the bottom of the blouse. Some may think it a bit busy, but I believe it is just right for the bold personality (like me!). I'm sure I will never see this kind of fabric, or anything even close, in my lifetime, since I'm sure it was made exclusively for Pucci, but the pattern for the blouse is very simple and I'm sure, easy to recreate. I may have to look for a few bold prints the next time I hit the fabric store!

If you are looking to purchase these lovely confections, you can find them here at Rice and Beans Vintage Clothing

Le Crueset Giveaway

One of my favorite blogs, Some Like it Vintage, is giving away an adorable Blueberry Petite Casserole. I can already picture this dish on my dining room table filled with steaming roast stew or brimming with homemade tomato soup!

Here is the link to enter the contest for yourself: Le Crueset Giveaway

New Year

Ok, so I haven't written in here in like, forever. I have a busy life, including my sewing life. Since my last post, I have made several sets of pillowcases (Snoopy, Winnie the Pooh, and Debbie Mum) for my partner. She adores novelty pillowcases. I think she now has one set for each holiday plus a bunch extra. I made her four sets this last holiday. I've also made a linen and ultrasuede button down shirt with a military style mandarin collar. I'm still finishing the hand sewn buttonholes, but it is pretty much finished. I will try to have pics soon, but this computer's SD card slot is broken and that makes it more difficult for me to get off my lazy butt and upload the pics. I've also made several fabric covered boxes for storage around the house, plus two pairs of pajamas for Xmas gifts. Oh yeah, and a visor organizer for my partner's truck. I got the organizer pattern from the book Sew and Stow. I love this book, and had bought it last year, but this Xmas was the first time I'd made anything out of it. I am also working on the six pocket wall hanging storage right now from the same book.

One thing I realized while making these items was that I have sooooo many sewing and knitting books and I probably only make one or two items from them a year. How many other people do this, too? Or is it just me?

On another note, still no luck getting a full time teaching job. My student loans started coming due last month and it has been difficult making the payments, especially around the holidays, but I've been trying to get as many substitute teaching jobs as I can. I'm a bit discouraged, though, since hiring at schools is usually only in the summer and I did put out 39 resumes and applications this last year. I just don't know what else to do. I have three certifications and they don't seem to be worth the paper they are printed on. Sigh.

The weather here has been depressing, as well. Cold, cold, cold. And lots of snow. Every day we've gotten about two inches. I can barely take the dog for a walk in the back yard. She has to jump over the snow or risk getting lost forever. And we're getting more snow tomorrow, another 4 inches or so. I think I should go sew and not look out the windows for the next few days... how does that sound?