Ch...Ch...Ch...Changes! New site address!

I have some news for you all! Bobbins and Bombshells has moved! 

I've spent some time consolidating my shop and blog all into one site. 

This blog can now be found at http://www.bobbinsandbombshells.com/blog/

If you already follow on bloglovin' the new blog address will transfer. If you follow via email, feel free to sign up to the new bloglovin' email function! Sign up widget is on the new blog.

See you there and thanks for all of your support during my Blogspot years.

xo,

Karen

Shop News: Miss Sailorette Series

I have finally put my heavy winter accessories away but there are still those days when I wish I had lighter gloves to keep my hands warm. For this Spring transition, I have created the Miss Sailorette Series for my Etsy shop The Sparkling Cocktail. 

Made in a soft Merino wool the open work lace pattern is perfect for the transitional seasons. Ribbing on the top and bottom keeps them snuggly and there is a side opening for the thumbs. Decorating each wrist is a pretty anchor button sewn with red thread. 

Miss Sailorette is available in: 

Red

Marine Blue

Sail White

My Projects: Gray Day Scarf

I finally have photos of this open work scarf I finished about a month ago. It's perfect for these brisk days in March where it feels like it's warming up yet the chill still gets to your bones. 

I call it Gray Day Scarf.

We went for a walk along New York Harbor. The sun was trying to come out yet winter is not ready to let go.

Made from a an easy open work pattern on large needles, this scarf is a quick knit. I used two strands of bulky yarn in two shades of heather gray. 

The pattern is from the same designer as my Asphalt Infinity Cowl I finished not that long ago.

Pattern: Misti Net Scarf from Knit1LA. This pattern is free and easy! 

Yarn: Knit Picks Biggo in Dove Heather and Cobblestone Heather. One skein of each. 50% Merino and 50% Nylon. Super soft!

Needle: Size 19. 

Verdict: Love Knit1LA's patterns! Large knits that are easy, fast, and stylish. Also love the fringe! Will remake in other colors. Also great for quick last minute gifts. 

On My Wishlist: XXXtian

Christian Louboutin and Dita Von Teese have collaborated on a small capsule lingerie line. It's cleverly called XXXtian and is available exclusively at the french site glamuse. 

I love everything about this, the print, the touches of red, and well, every piece! Especially the gown on the right. 

I need this robe, too. 

My Vintage Vanity: Sewing Patterns

Signing up for the Vintage Sewing Pledge 2015, meant I had to go through my collection of vintage and retro sewing patterns. I thought it would be fun to share a little glimpse!

In my sewing room I store them in a bin on my bookcase. All of my commercial patterns are vintage or repro/retro and are stored in the red bin. In the black bin are my own drafted patterns which I tend to use more often. 

What I love about the vintage pledge is that it is forcing me to use my collection of purchased patterns and not just collect them. 

These are some of my repro and retro patterns. I love that the pattern companies are re-issuing old hard to find vintage patterns. I've chosen most of these for my pledge!

A small sampling of my vintage dress patterns. I really need to utilize these more!

Vintage lingerie, nightgowns, and bed jackets. Love!

Vintage jackets and coats. 

The possibilities are endless! Do you collect vintage sewing patterns? Do you use them or are they more for inspiration? Have you joined the vintage pledge?

Retro Looks in the Modern World: Amber

As much as the modern fashion world looks forward it also continually looks back in time. Here we explore Retro Looks in the Modern World.

Amber Heard sizzles in retro lingerie and pin curls in last December's Russian GQ. 

Photographer: Ellen Von Unwerth

via fashiongonerogue.com

Fashionable History: Gear Up For Valentine's Day

The commercialization of holidays is nothing new. Let's have a look at some wonderful Valentine's Day related products from old vintage ads. 

"The gift of dreams"! For the whole family!

" more pleasure" 

Love this. Mother daughter favorites. 

This is actually the best! Matching swim!

Of course, lingerie!

And we can't leave him out! 

Happy Valentine's Day everyone! 

Style Icon: Jean Seberg

Jean Seberg went from Iowa to becoming the French New Wave's darling.  While she made movies in Hollywood as well, it is her portrayal of the cool girly-tomboy young American in her French movies that have always inspired me.

She acted from the years of 1957-1976. Her first movie was Otto Preminger's Saint Joan, where she played Joan of Arc. She died in 1979 of an overdose at the age of 40. 

She made the pixie cut chic, well before Mia Farrow. 

Her chicness was in her ability to shine without being over done. 

Capris, chunky knit sweaters, and flats. This was her uniform.

She was truly adorable!

If you haven't seen her in the New Wave classic, Breathless (1960), you simply must! 

My Projects: Vintage Sewing Pledge 2015

The Vintage Pledge hosted by A Stitching Odyssey and Kestrel Makes is back! I'm very excited about it this year, as I will be starting at the beginning of the year. Last year, you may remember, I had only discovered the Vintage Pledge 2014 in May. I was amped up about it and made a peasant blouse but then my sewing machine (that I had had for over 20 years) died. It wasn't a happy time. 

A few months later, I got a new machine. A Janome HD-1000, that I love! I made some items for my Etsy shop and worked on my pencil skirt pattern, but never dug back into the vintage sewing I had set my sights on. The next thing I knew, it was the holidays! 

So here we are, 2015, and I'm ready to pledge again. I have pledged to make 5 garments. I have already decided what they are. Here's my plan! 

Simplicity 6341. 

I have bought some white cotton for this. It's basically a Swirl Dress, so what is not to love? I can see this being made in several summer fabrics and being my essential summer go to! 

Butterick B4919. 

I love everything about this. I want to find a cotton stripe fabric and start with the shorter length.

Butterick B5895.

This is a Pattern by Gertie and I'm sure you've seen this on every vintage sewing blog. Now it's my turn. I hardly ever wear pants, so this should be pretty interesting. I am counting this as 2 entries. The top I will make in red & white gingham and the pants in a red stretch cotton satine. Fabrics already purchased. 

Vogue V8812. 

Can you tell I love summer dresses? I want a floral print for this one. If I love it, I will remake in lots of other fabric choices for sure! Undecided on the bolero. 

Will you join in? I hope so! 

Next week, I will be sharing more of my pattern stash, and hopefully I will start a muslin or two! Well, hopefully at least one. 

Retro Looks In The Modern World: The New Mod

As much as the modern fashion world looks forward it also continually looks back in time. Here we explore Retro Looks in the Modern World.

The Sixties influence is hanging on! This spread from Grazia Germany is channeling swinging London fashion. 

Model: Sophie Vlaming

Photographer: Tina Luther

via fashiongonerogue.com

Shop News: Pink Vintage!

New vintage listings in my Etsy shop; The Sparkling Cocktail, are the prettiest shade of pink!

This lovely Beau Femme 1940's slip has two lace bows! One on the bodice and one at the hem. I'm dying! 

 The bride wore, pink! This is a birdcage veil that has wonderful pink velvet bows! 

I can't even believe I'm selling this one. Hurry, before I change my mind! 1930's Betty Lou bias rayon gown. It's gorgeous!

Retro Looks In The Modern World: Factory Girl

As much as the modern fashion world looks forward it also continually looks back in time. Here we explore Retro Looks in the Modern World.

Warhol's world is always a source of inspiration. This shoot from Vogue Brazil delivers an arty sixties pop! 

Model: Adriana Lima

Photographer: Ellen von Unwerth

via fashiongonerogue.com

Fashionable History: Leopard Print as a Neutral

Leopard print can often be thought of as a racy and tacky print. And there is a place for that! But it definitely has it's high fashion moments. It seems to be worn best when it is thought of as a neutral, or as just an accent. The Mid-Century wore leopard so very well! Here is some leopard print eye candy from the past!

1960's. Jackie. Full on print here and nothing classier.

1940's. Barbara Stanwyck. Sophistication.

1950's Christian Dior. Timeless.

1951. Sunny Harnett. Leopard with tweed. 

1950's. Ladies Home Journal.