Subversive Lesbian Anarchic Femme!

FO: Lavenda Jumper, from A Stitch in Time Volume 2

2012-01-29T15:10:00.000-08:00

Or as I like to call it, my Strawberry Pips Jumper because the bobbles look like strawberry seeds.

Yarn: Merino Bambino, 7.8 balls.
Time: 6 weeks.

I can't wait for winter (or even autumn) to wear this number out - I might even take it to the USA as Chicago is going to be pretty cold I hear.

The sleeves are more puffed than in the pattern photo - but I like puff so that was fine by me. It was a pretty easy knit too. The yarn is a baby wool, and its such an intense red that my camera kept blurring the photos - these were the only ones that came out ok. Very bizarre.

Mods: The only real mods I made were to knit the sleeve and waist ribbing on 3mm needles so they didnt look so tight.

Anchor Brooch, self made.

The pattern is very straightforward, the style is flattering and its cute to boot.

I think this is my favourite thing that i've knitted to date!

Lady Luck Festival, Katoomba

2012-01-29T14:45:00.000-08:00

How much do I love the Lady Luck Festival!?

This was the second year it's been on, and it was definitely bigger and better. The weather was typical Blue Mountains - cold, rainy and misty - hence no outside photos. It was a delight to be able to wear a cardigan in the middle of a muggy Sydney summer.

It was held in The Carrington, a grand old hotel in Katoomba. It was great to see rockabillies and vintage-folk parading around the lovely grounds and through the historic rooms.

Our friend Sam, and Jakk looking spunky as always

It wasn't till the day was over (and I was dishevelled from dancing) that I realised I failed to get a photo of what I was wearing! It's my new favourite dress, a graphic mid-century printed cotton dress from The Vintage Studio.

Dress, Etsy. Cardigan, op-shop. Dance shoes, Kmart.
Brooch, Newtown markets.

And then we drove back home through the mist, and fell promptly asleep!
I you all had a fabulous weekend too...
x

Cable stitch - and a touch of Angora, c. 1947

2012-01-24T21:09:00.000-08:00

Today's free vintage knitting pattern comes from the Woman's Knitting Book, 1947 (I think this is actually the Women's Weekly Knitting Book).

The grey fluffy sleeves and the pink cables - bizarre to our sensibilities, yet oddly attractive at the same time... I love her casual scarf too!

Blue Lagoon

2012-01-21T13:41:00.000-08:00

Photo credit: Natalie Rogers

Dress: Raleigh Vintage on Etsy

Shoes: Pink Leopard Print, by Leg Avenue

Necklace: Vintage mock-pearls, from my Nan

Bracelet: Diva

Kitty Lamp: Southern Antiques Centre

Vintage Print: Vinnies Sutherland

Inspirational Aspirations

2012-01-19T14:14:00.000-08:00

Clockwise from the upper left:
- Faux forties embossed wedge heels, Shellys of London
- Amazing 1940's plaid playsuit
- Kalandra Jane's new geisha inspired fascinator
- Brooch made by Italian prisioner's of war during WWII
- Simplicity 3457, circa 1940.
- Cherry Red peeptoe shoes, I wish I was a size 5

Giveaway Winner

2012-01-18T18:12:00.000-08:00

Congratulations Kate from Vintage in a Modern World! I'll leave a message on your blog.

And thanks to everyone who entered, I got to check out a lot of new and interesting blogs.

Arlene twin-set from the Women's Weekly, c. 1951

2012-01-16T21:14:00.000-08:00

I love the Australian Women's Weekly knitting books to death.

They are crammed with fabulous advertisements and interesting knitting patterns, its a shame most of them are only sized for a 34 inch bust.

I've been planning my next knitted object (the Lavenda Droplet jumper should be finished soon), and I really need a plain, round necked cardigan knitted in a 4-ply.

This twin-set is adorable and plain, but spiced up with a little tie-neck on the jumper. Plus it's sized to fit a 38-40 inch bust.

Presenting,
"Arlene, the twin-set chosen by the well-groomed matron of today."

Wait, what?

Well, I dig her glasses at least!

'New Year, New Projects' Giveaway

2012-01-11T17:15:00.000-08:00

Its time for another giveaway, and this is my biggest yet! I want to say thankyou to all my fabulous readers for the support over the past year.

Every year we make resolutions (or evolutions), and i'd love to hear about yours.
Are you planning to sew more? Learn a new technique? Spend more time on the couch?

To win this giveaway, all you need to do is tell me what your plans are!

Clockwise from the left:
Kooba Knits - late 1950's/early 60's sweaters (very Marilyn Monroe)
Anne Adams weskit in large size (late 1940s)
Butterick side button wiggle-skirt, size 30 (1950s)
Advance weskit and circle skirt, size 12 (1950s)
1930s style Shanghai-style printed notebook
Sun-Glo Knitting Book Series 77 (1940s). Want to see inside? Click here.
2 x Strutt's Milford cotton blouses (1950s)
Marriner 156 yoked blouse (1940's)
The Australian Women's Mirror, 1953
Patons Knitting book (1950s)
Villawood Knitting Book (1960s)

PLUS
A vintage handpainted rose celluloid brooch
Revlon's fabulous matte lipstick "Really Red". The most perfect, vintage coloured, matte lipstick around.

Sun-Glo Series 77 is one of my all-time favourite knitting books, the styles are pure fabulous forties. I was lucky enough to find another copy to giveaway on my blog!

Please leave your comments by noon, 19 January (Sydney, Australia time) and i'll select a winner at random.

Good luck!
xxx

Stitchcraft Magazine Flickr Set

2012-01-09T21:08:00.000-08:00

Hello Vintage-lovers!

When I first started collecting Stitchcraft, I wished there was a resource showing me what the issues looked like so I could drool a bit.

So here's my attempt to create that resource, I hope it proves helpful to fellow knitters and vintage-lovers. I'm trying to scan up all from Stitchcraft covers from 1933 - 1954. A lot of the Australian editions just had numbers, so if anyone knows the date for sure please do let me know!

xxx

Sydney Festival First Night - Trocadero Dance Palace

2012-01-08T15:15:00.000-08:00

Cowboy, some friends and myself braved the crowds on Saturday night to check out the Sirens Big Band playing at the Trocadero Dance Palace. (It was Sydney Festival First Night, where everything is free)

Best. Night. Ever. So much dancing!

The Troc was a dance hall that ran in Sydney from 1936 - 1970, which had a full brass band that played swing, lindy, cha-cha and rockabilly. It was closed and demolished in 1971, but every year as part of the Sydney Festival they bring it back to life with a series of dance nights.

Last year we saw The Royal Crown Review, but due to increased costs I don't think we'll make any paid events this year.

The Sirens Big Band is an all-female jazz brass band, and they went off! The dancers they had out the front were so acrobatic, I don't know how they managed to dance all night. A lot of people in the crowd were dancing and energy was so joyful and fun.

We need to get as much dance practice in as possible before we hit Viva Las Vegas - can't believe our trip is only 11 weeks away!

Next event up, Lady Luck Festival, Katoomba 28 January 2012.

Nightingale blouse from Patons No. 218, c. mid-1940s

2012-01-02T13:58:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year all!
I'm going to be putting up a new year's giveaway really soon to celebrate, so keep your eyes peeled if you want some AMAZING vintage knitting patterns.

Today's free vintage knitting pattern comes from Patons Knitting Book No. 218, which I believe is mid-late 1940s. I just love the round yoke neckline and that draping, I hope you enjoy it too.

In the unlikeliest of places

2011-12-28T14:35:00.000-08:00

But first, I have to shamelessly self-promote the hankies I embroidered for a Xmas present for Jakk.
I bought some men's white hankies from an op-shop, bleached them, and used some transfers from Sublime Stitching.

I'm pretty damn happy with how they came out! So was she.

Last weekend I had the chance to fly up to Darwin to see my family (and uber cute niece).

Whenever I go I always prepare myself for heat, humidity and limited shopping choices.

But this time was different!

Well, its still really hot and humid, but the shopping culture has changed dramatically since I was last there.

There's a shop called Vintage Twist that sells real vintage (I found a few 50s frocks) as well as Stop Staring and Bettie Page.

My standout favourite has to be Viva La Body. My sister insisted on taking me there before catching my flight and I'm really glad she did. I found this dress that looks really similar to a 1940's house dress (its called the Crawford).

Belt, self-made. Scarf, op-shop. Necklace, op-shop.
1940's celluloid broch, Etsy. Shoes, Bleyer.

Pockets! Self covered buttons! And it goes great with my new Bleyer dancing shoes, courtesy of Cowboy for Xmas.

Spotlight currently has 30% off all fabrics at the moment, which meant I was able to splurge on some great feed-sack style prints.

My plans are (from the left): circle skirt, another Wearing History blouse, cute 1940's dress, maybe the Horrockses dress from V&A for the last one?

How did you spend your holidays? And have you nabbed any bargins?

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-20T18:57:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone has a fantastic time off (if you get holidays) and I hope all your Xmas Crafting is finished - just one more pair of cowboy print boxer shorts and i'm done!

I thought i'd leave you with a taste of Christmas in 1942, a handmade Xmas tree and decorations, plus food.

I'm not sure about the Xmas lobster, but the paper chain is awfully cute.

Not to mention tasty Christmas food ideas from the Ministry of Food

Some other tasty food ideas could be Victory Sponge (made with grated potato and bread crumbs) or an uncooked chocolate cake. Yum!

Happy Festivus/Xmas/Giftmas everybody!

Crochet a Sailor Cap, Stitchcraft December 1942

2011-12-13T15:51:00.000-08:00

Today's free vintage knitting pattern (well, crochet), is from Stitchcraft No.124 (December 1942).

I love how the model is leaning through a porthole and has a looking glass. Her hair and makeup are very good examples of 1940's style too. Couldnt you imagine this with a little sailor dress, or the the Wearing History Sailor Playsuit?

San Remo, Italian-inspired sweater c.1950s

2011-12-08T18:09:00.000-08:00

Today's free vintage knitting pattner is from a random Villawood Knitting booklet, sadly missing it's cover....

I love the perky collar!

A Stitch in Time, Volume 2

2011-12-06T17:54:00.000-08:00

Excuse the iPhone photos and shakiness, I was pretty excited!

So excited that I cast on for the above pattern (Lavenda Droplet Jumper) last night!

The book itself is beautifully made, and paper is a lovely matt texture. I'm really happy with the patterns inside (that yellow bolero is next on the list), my only wish would be for more Forties patterns - but the amount of Fifties patterns is great!

Sewing: Smooth Sailing Blouse from Wearing History

2011-12-04T15:34:00.000-08:00

I can't begin to describe how much I love the Smooth Sailing blouse from Wearing History!

The fit is really good, and the shirt looks great with a lot of high waisted pants ansd skirts I own (yep, I tried it on with everything). I made the size 22 (40 inch bust) and added a little extra width at the hip.

The Good:
It only takes 2 metres of fabric to make!
There's ample fabric in the blouse and button hole placement to stop the 'gape' at the bust.
Puff sleeves!

The Bad:
None. I'm making many versions of this shirt.

The Meh:
Forwarned is forarmed.
This shirt is cut from a vintage block, so the arm holes/sleeves are tiny! I made a muslin so I could cut the armholes deeper (about 3/4 of an inch). I also added width to the sleeves because there was no way it was going to fit around my bicep.
The shoulder is quite wide (the sleeves heads were well onto my arm) so I reduced them by half an inch also.

All in all, I love it to death. I wasnt sure about the trim but who doesnt love ric-rac? The buttons are vintage (1950's I think) from my Nan's old stash. The fabric is some quilting cotton I picked up, I think its Michael Miller?

And this is what I wore to Shaking All Over.

Freddies of Pinewood 1940s Work Pants, Bloch Shoes

You can't go wrong with comfy jeans and dancing shoes.
I can't figure out the Freddies of Pinewood sizing - the Dungaree Dolls and 1940's Work Pants fit perfect, but the Side Button Jeans are much too small? (note to the pear-shaped girls out there).

Anyway, Cowboy and I danced for hours to the bands - i'm still recovering from my blisters this morning.

Hope you crazy cats all had a good weekend too!

xxx

1940's Style for You - Vintage Knitting Pron

2011-11-28T16:29:00.000-08:00

There's nothing better than stumbling on vintage knitting pr0n!
1940's Style for You knits 1940's jumpers from original patterns, and are a goldmine for lovely knit-wear images. And she blogs over here...

All of these images are from their Facebook site - I believe the owner knits the jumpers to order, but only in the original size.

I recognise some of the patterns because I have them in my own collection/Etsy store - I really like the 5th one with the bow-tie neck. Maybe one day I can pay someone to knit for me, but right now i'm slogging away...

...on the Jumper of Doom. Seriously, I'm knitting the Travelling Man Jumper for Cowboy and its taken me a month just to do the shawl collar.

I'm itching to start something for me, but she want's a grandpa-jumper so bad that I promised I wouldnt start something else until its done.

Bettina, 1950s multi-sized cardigan

2011-11-23T21:34:00.000-08:00

Today's free vintage knitting pattern is from Patons 283, circa 1950s.

Nothing beats a plain v-neck cardigan - especially when it's all sizes 32-41 inches!

Short Hair Aspiration - Vintage Style

2011-11-20T21:38:00.000-08:00

On the weekend we braved the crowds (and a Royal visit) to check out Sculpture By the Sea. It was so hot, muggy and packed with people - even at 9am!

I would love these Easter Island heads - arnt they tiki-tastic?

The heat really made me think about what to do with my hair (hello head scarf). I would really love to grow my hair into the hairstyle below - isnt it divine? It looks pretty easy to maintain as well.

She's from Stitchcraft June 1949. I think I'm going to take the picture with me when I go see my hairdresser in a few weeks.

And here's the knitting pattern for the top as well...

Tristan, striped angora jumper - Patons c.1950

2011-11-17T17:36:00.000-08:00

Today's free vintage knitting pattern is from a 1950s Paton's Knitting book.

I just love fuzzy angora stripes! Her hair's pretty stylin' too...

Open Work Jumper, Lincoln Mills c. late 30s/early 40s

2011-11-12T17:57:00.000-08:00

Today's free vintage knitting pattern is from Lincoln Mills Knitting Book 667.
The designs seem to be from the start of World War Two (early 1940s) however, there is something unusual about this knitwear model.

I think she may be of Asian or Japanese heritage, which is very uncommon for older knitting publications (anglo-caucasion mostly). I don't think Lincoln Mills would have used her as a model once Japan allied itself with Germany in September 1940 - most ethnic Japanese were rounded up and interned in Australia during 1941. Part of the reason i'm sharing this pattern is to show a non-caucasian vintage image.

Enough history - onto the knitting!

I love how airy and comfortable this jumper looks, not to mention a neck bow tie. Puff sleeves are always a winner too!

Snow Train, Monarch Yarns circa. 1942

2011-11-07T17:25:00.000-08:00

Today's free vintage knitting pattern comes frm a Monarch Yarns Booklet - but I can't remember the name, apologies. Its from 1942 and is for a lovely ski-set.

I WISH it got this cold in Australia - imagine wearing a little fair-isle head band to keep your ears warm?
*swoon*
I do think you'd get sweat band hair very quickly though.

This pattern is for all you see here - knitted cardigan (32-34-36 inch busts), head band, scarf and matching mittens.

Freddies of Pinewood - Dungaree Dolls

2011-11-06T17:07:00.000-08:00

After seeing these in person a few months ago, I knew I had to have a pair!

I was a bit worried about the sizing as they were very expensive to get sent to Australia, only to have to return them for a different size. I neednt have worried - my waist is (currently) 34.5 inches, so I got the 34 and they fit perfectly.

The only issue was the weird excess fabric on the bib. I think they sized them up for busty girls with football player's shoulders.

Whats with that excess fabric??

I ended up pinching out the excess, and moving it down to the sides of the bust - then carefully sewing darts on the sides, matching their topstitching lines.

Viola!

I am utterly in love with them, and even wore them yesterday when it was 32 degrees!

The above outfit is what I wore to see Lanie Lane on Friday - if you havent heard her music, you're missing out! Here's a clip of one of my favourites, "Thats's what you get for falling in love with a Cowboy"...

And the winner is....

2011-10-30T16:06:00.000-07:00

Spinneretta!

If you can just reply to this post with your email address or someway to contact you that would be great. I'll post them out to you this week.

Thanks for letting me know what's on your needles, it always interesting to see what others are knitting ;)

x
Bex

How much difference can a good hair cut make?

2011-10-23T16:22:00.000-07:00

A big one!
I used to always see my dykey hairdresser at Justcuts (cheap and good for short hair) but now my hair's getting longer I really needed to get a proper style cut and plan for the future.

I had some trepidations about going after the disaster hair-do I got from Leopard Lounge (I won't go on about it, lets just say she doesnt do 'real' vintage, and leave it there).

I'd heard a tonne of good things about Stirlings, and here is the final result. Thank-you James!

Clip from Mimco

Its hard to see in this photo, but he set some really cute curls behind my ears (my fringe looks huge, but its the angle of the photo).

I'm hot, tired and need a coffee

James explained how I should do three layers of curls for my fringe, and really took his time discussing where to take my hair from here. It was also the first blow-dry i'd had in about ten years.

Did I mention their salon is vintage-mazing?

And the next day - my hair still looked ok and the cut was managable. As you can tell, i'm pretty happy!

Top from Dangerfield

Loving the back!

Not sure why it looks asymmetrical, but its
not!

Knitting Giveaway Time

2011-10-20T17:10:00.000-07:00

With the temperature rising down here in Australia, its time for another giveaway. Its getting much to hot to knit garments (31 degrees today) but its not too hot to dream of shoulder pads, intricate cables and general vintage goodness.

This collection of knitting patterns is from the mid-late 1940s, and includes designs with sizes ranging from 34 to 42 inches.

1. A lovely cabled cardigan (with long or short sleeves) from Copley's (34 inch)

2. Woman's Weekly Home Knitting Booklet, for all the family (34 inches generally)

3. Cardigan in Bell Stitch (38 inch and 42 inch)

4. Embossed stitch jumper, from Bestway (34-36 inch, and 37-39inch)

To enter, just reply in the comments that you would like them, and maybe tell me whats on your needles right now (or what you wish was on your needles).

Entries close noon, 28 October (aussie time). Winner is chosen at random.

Love Vintage fair round up

2011-10-16T19:21:00.000-07:00

This is my absolute favorite Vintage Fair to go to, and I'm really glad that I finally got to attend the opening night. It's always a toss up between getting in first on the Friday, or looking for possible reduced prices on the Sat/Sun.

Kim (my partner in crime) contemplates some repro-
jewellery.

My inner barginista normally chooses the latter option, but I think my opinion's changed after last night - no crowds!

Please excuse the iPhone shots, it's hard to get decent photos inside there...

I did wear that cardigan! 1940s beret off Etsy. Scarf, opshop.
Bracelets, Mimco.

My favorite stall for nic-nacks has to be Barnhouse Antiques - loved their stuff, and they're awesomely friendly people too! (hello again!).

There were some great clothes stands (Love Me or Leave Me, and Classic Vintage were the standouts) and some really over priced ones as well. I'm always amazed people are asking for $300+ for a printed cotton 1950's dress when you can find them on Etsy/online for much cheaper.

Vintage Tip - look for something you're familiar with, i.e a 1950's white beaded cardigan, and see how much the seller is asking for it. If the price is reasonable, odds are the rest of their stuff is too.

I didnt get anything on my vintage shopping list (wicker 1950's handbag, black beaded cardigan or vintage western belt) but I did come away with some lovely finds.

I wish I could have bought a whole set of those pin-up playing cards! I'm going to frame these ones. Just like Andi, I love Gayware and couldnt go past some teal cannisters. I bought the 1920's xylonite 'Studs' box for Jakk, it matches her 'Ties' one.

Couldnt go past the super-cute crocheted shopping bag - Art deco? Forties? Not sure.

The green carved plastic bracelet is my current favourite and I havent taken it off all weekend.

My shopping adventures wouldnt be complete without a knitting pattern purchase - or seven. I've been chasing Hollywood Knitting and the Madam Weigels "Cushions and Doilies" for ages - very happy i've got them in my collection now.

xxx

Bex

FO: (Not so) Cherry Cardigan, c.1939

2011-10-13T17:12:00.000-07:00

*please excuse the 'arty' photos, I got Fin to take them and he loves angles*

Shoes, Endless. Skirt, me! Belt, opshop. Necklace,
opshop.

Pattern: Grandstand Cardigan

(the original from here, the reproduction here).

Yarn: Spotlight Basics Merinos

The Good:

I love this! Its a relatively easy but long knit (hello rib), and has puff sleeves. Puff sleeves with little shoulder pads!

I'm really happy with the fit and length as well. I can't go on enough about how much I love the shoulder pads.

Despite being from Spotlight, the yarn feels really nice and I think it'll wear well.

The vintage buttons are from Etsy, and are nice and heavy.

The Bad:

The Red Heart version of the pattern is shocking. Its badly written and has annoying mistakes, such as:

- gauge. The RH version gives the gauge for rib thats slightly stretched, but if you calculated the amount of stitches used by the gauge, its much too big. Try 8 inches of positive ease too big! I made the size 36, but could have gone a bit small I think. TIP - make the next size down if you're going to do this.

-armhole depth. Much too deep, I shortened the overall depth by 1 1/2 inches front and back. Didnt need to adjust the sleeves as they were fine.

- button hole placement. They didnt change the space between the buttonholes to compensate for larger sizes. I ended up adding another button hole but that was fine.

Mods:

Armhole depth (as above), extra button hole (as above) and added in a grosgrain ribbon backing to the button holes.

I made up one cherry for the shoulders, but didnt like how it looked - a bit too arts and craft for my taste.

Overall, I love this cardigan. The miles of boring rib paid off, and I know i'll wear it heaps more next year with high waisted skirts.

I won two free tickets to the Love Vintage Fair tonight at Canterbury (thanks Circa Vintage!), and instead of wearing a 1950s outfit i'm contemplating doing a 1930's look just so I can wear that cardigan...

Coming soon... Cherry Cardigan!

2011-10-11T19:50:00.000-07:00

Thats right - its in the process of being sewn up! Pics to come soon...

1950s Hairpin Lace Scarf from Minerva

2011-10-11T17:40:00.000-07:00

Todays free vintage knitting pattern is actually hairpin crochet - I love the expression on the model's face!

Its from Minerva Hair Pin Lace, circa 1955.

Knitted Vest and Panties, c.1950s

2011-10-06T21:12:00.000-07:00

Todays free vintage knitting pattern is also from Sentinel Knitting for Winter, circa 1950s.

I just think these look so delicate I had to share - to fit a 34 inch bust and up to a 38 inch hip.

Fashions for Summer, October 1953

2011-10-03T22:42:00.000-07:00

These are from a copy of the Australian Women's Mirror, 1953, that I picked up on the weekend.

The one on the right looks like a Horrockses inspired number
- and loving the men's anchor shirt!

Hope you can find some inspiration from a brief peek into a 1950's Australian Summer...

Knitted Lace Evening Shawl, Sentinel Knitting c.1950s

2011-09-29T23:26:00.000-07:00

Todays free vintage knitting pattern comes from Sentinel. I've never come across that pattern brand before, but I believe its British.

Its a lovely shawl - but I wonder how someone would actually keep it on like that all night!

Fido the pin-hound, from Stitchcraft February 1933

2011-09-22T20:07:00.000-07:00

Today's free vintage knitting pattern isnt knitting at all - its a pin and needle keeper for your dressing table! I'd love to make one of these for myself, lord knows I keep losing my sewing needles everywhere.
If only I had a dressing table to put it on...

The body of the poodle is made with sawdust, and the pins are hidden under the long coat.

This pattern featured in Stitchcraft February 1933 - this makes it the fifth issue of Stitchcraft to be published - they started printing in October 1932.

Hope you enjoy it!

Short hair styling - adventures in growing out my hair

2011-09-21T16:53:00.000-07:00

I can't get over how long my hair is now, and i'm alternating between loving it and wanting to cut it all off again.

My main issue is what to do with the back besides just bobby-pinning it down or wearing a scarf.
And don't get me started on how difficult to manage it is when i've washed it - I forgot all about that! Having short hair for the last 12 years means remembering the hard way.

*excuse the morning face*

I re-coloured my hair last night (once a week I use Hot Chili Fudge as a stain to keep the colour vibrant), and set the front and sides in fingerwave clips. I wish I could do the back, but its really hard and I think sleeping in the clips would be really annoying anyway.

I set one side in waves down behind my ear, and the other side in a wave down my face ending with a curl over my ear.

Clip from Mimco, Scarf from OpShop

I'm not sure that fingerwaves are the most flattering for my round face, but at least my hair is tamed for another day.

Gingham Summer Dress, Rock and Roll Markets

2011-09-18T18:46:00.000-07:00

Wow - yesterday got up to 30 degrees, which is 7 above average for early spring. This summer is going to be a scorcher!

It was also the first Rock and Roll Markets of the season, so I got to try out my new gingham halterneck dress.

Dress, Etsy. Belt, myself. Shoes, Endless. Necklace, op-
shop. Umbrella - Cotton On. Shrug, Target.

I'm not normally a fan of halterneck dresses (big bust + halterneck bra = neck pain) but this one is so much fun to wear! I think may take it Las Vegas next year.
I think the audience in the front row may have got an eyeful of my knickers when I was dancing though.

Land Girl Sweater KAL

2011-09-13T20:18:00.000-07:00

Tasha over at By Gum By Golly is thinking of doing a KAL for Debbie Bliss's Land Girl Sweater.

This one has been in my queue since it was first published, and I missed out on getting the magazines it was available in. Then I found a copy of Debbie Bliss Knitting with the pattern at Vinnies for 50c, which was an amazing score.

Tasha is looking at knitting it in the round and doing steeks (scary!), over 3-4 months. I wonder if I can fit it in between everything else i'm knitting at the moment?

I wonder what colours to use?

I do like the colours in these ones (from The Vintage Knitting Lady)

Maybe I could take follow the inspired colour combinations the original owner wrote out for this pattern (from here)

Jamaica, Pacific, Alpine Green, Geisha and Corsica ?

Black as a base for sure, but the other colours?

Ideas anyone?

Shortie Gloves, from Lux Knitting 1951

2011-09-07T23:28:00.000-07:00

So cute! These are on my list for next winter for sure.

Today's free vintage knitting pattern comes from the Australian version of Lux Knitting, 1951.

So what's been happening in August?

2011-09-06T20:34:00.000-07:00

I realised that I havent really said what i've been up to in a few weeks, so here's a quick update:

- Halfway up the back of my 1930's-inspired Cherry Cardigan (yep, thats the floor of my office). The rib was a killer until I got to the armhole split, but now its flying off the needles. I MUST finish it by the end of September so I can start Cowboy's Xmas present.

- Moxie posted about getting shoes from Endless - free postage to Australia?! I just bought a few pairs of work shoes including these lovelies. Leather + Oxford + Wedge = WIN!

- Cowboy has decided she doesnt wants the 3-ply jumper anymore, and would like the Travelling Man Sweater from Blue Moon Fibre. On the plus side, its 5 ply and a faster knit.

Downside, I now have heaps of 3-ply wool I probably wont use for anything.

Rights to Ann Berk

- This summer is going to be all about culottes and playsuits (didnt I say that last year?). I finally cut out the pattern for my playsuit, and have the best fabric to try it with. Fingers crossed.

Big Ben Bluebird Sweater, circa late 50s/early 60s

2011-09-04T20:24:00.000-07:00

Big Ben Knitting - Children of the Corn Edition.
Creepy face much?

Today's free vintage knitting pattern seems to be Paton's take on the popular Mary Maxim's bulky graph-knit jumpers from the late 50s, early 60s. I know its a children's jumper, but its still sorta cool in that ski-lodge-kitsch kinda way.

Glenn, men's cabled jumper/vest c. 1950 Patons R.19

2011-08-23T16:42:00.000-07:00

Last night Cowboy and I were discussing what to do about Xmas - we have really limited budgets due to the America trip next year.

She mentioned that she would love a knitted jumper or vest - "like a grizzly fisherman". Cute.

She meant an aran, or cabled, but with a round or polo neck.
A few hours later and we found this one, its from Patons R.19 "Eighteen Specially Requested Reprints". From the styling, I think the majority of the patterns are actually from the 40s, and reprinted again in this 1950s booklet.

And its 3-ply! Cabled 3-ply! What am I thinking?
I'll change the neckline to a polo, and make the sleeved version.

Fifties Fair Day 2011 photos

2011-08-22T19:03:00.000-07:00

It was overcast, but no rain thank goodness.

I spent way under my budget this year, but still came away with some good finds. The eye candy is worth the $25 entry fee alone.

Jakk was happy to find heaps of men's clothes

Amazing chairs and lamps

I wanted this grease-keeper, but $45 was too much.

Dress from Etsy, Hat from Etsy, shoes from Payless,
petticoat from Ebay, necklace my Nan's

Brooch from last year's fair

I finally had my chance to wear the 1950s Koldin taffetta dress I had been saving. Pink piped besom pockets, self belt and piped neckline - so fun to wear! The skirt's swirl is amazing.

I said I spent under my budget, but this is 2011's haul: 1958 Beyer Mode (german pattern magazine, like Burda), two pairs of clip on earrings, a repro-vintage hankie, two sets of vintage buttons and this ultra-kitsch lamp base. I need to find the perfect shade now!

I love shiny things, and those pink ones will get worn heaps i'm sure. The red buttons in the centre I plan to use on my Cherry Cardigan.

I hope everyone else had a fab weekend too

xxx

Fifties Fair - this Sunday, Rose Seidler House

2011-08-17T17:03:00.000-07:00

Its Vintage Christmas once again!

Source

This year, Cowboy and I are going to get there at 10am sharp, and shop til we drop (even though its supposed to rain).

I'm hoping to pick up a nice red bakelite belt buckle, some buttons to match my Cherry Cardigan and possibly a black beaded cardigan (if its a good price).

Source

I know I said I was going to make a dress, but I found the perfect 50s dream dress on Etsy a few months back and have been saving it just for the Fair. I'm not going to post photos yet, but lets just say black and pink textured taffeta, pockets, and a massive circle skirt....

From the website:

The Fifties Fair is the ultimate celebration of all things 1950s, set in the grounds of Rose Seidler House – Harry Seidler’s first Australian commission (1948–50).

This year’s entertainment includes live music that will inspire you to jive and rock‘n’roll along side our rockabilly dancers, a 50s DJ, live vintage styled mannequins, vehicle displays and kids’ activities. Come dressed in your best 50s threads for a chance to win a prize in the fabulous Fifties fair fashion awards. Specialist collectors and dealers will be selling 50's furniture, clothes, kitchenware, records and much more. Take the opportunity to tour Rose Seidler House which boasts one of Australia's most important post-war design collections.

Source

A free shuttle bus will operate between Turramurra train station and Rose Seidler House for the duration of the event.

Swagger Coat from Corticelli, mid 1930s

2011-08-17T16:24:00.000-07:00

I'm chomping at the bit, waiting for Susan's A Stitch in Time Volume 2 to come out (it was pushed back by a couple of months). She has regular updates on her blog, which is barely tiding me over.

She posted a teaser picture of a 1930s Swagger Coat from her book, and I'm pretty sure that I have the original pattern from Corticelli. The original was knitted in 'Scone Beige' - what a fabulous colour name!

Afternoon Jumper, circa mid 140s

2011-08-14T20:09:00.000-07:00

Todays free vintage knitting pattern is from Modern Knitting Illustrated, circa mid 1940s.

Or, you could pay for a copy from the person who stole copies of my freebies to sell on Etsy and Ebay. (Revenge? Payback? Yes, i'm a bad person...).

Anyway, this gorgeous jumper has inset crochet lace rosettes, with matching crochet trim around the sleeves. Sized to fit a 34 inch bust.

Vintage Knitting Pattern Illustrations - Adult Edition

2011-08-09T20:37:00.000-07:00

Well, maybe the first one is a bit adult - as requested by Melonby.

Embiggen for - is that a nipple? Is she naked? Lux Knitting 1935

And here's some more whimsy...

That dog is looking up her skirt? - Lux Knitting 1935

Proof that Goths were around during the 30s
(check out that skull button) - Lux 1938

How does her veil just float
like that?

Lux Knitting 1935

And again in Lux Knitting 1939

Stitchcraft 113 - early 1940s

MakeUp RoundUp

2011-08-08T16:45:00.000-07:00

I love seeing what other people use and recommend, so here's my make-up round-up and what I love:

Clockwise from the left:

DB Beyond Amplifying Mascara in Brown-Black - this stuff is great and cheap! I'm allergic to most stay-proof mascara, but not to this one, and it never gives you panda-eye. When you hop in the shower it kinda peels off if that makes sense?

Illamasqua Illuminator in Halcyon - I'm a sucker for the packaging at Illamasqua, but this eye lid primer is fantastic. I get oily lids but this stuff will keep all my make up there for 12 hours - don't be put off by the 'sparkle', when you rub it into your lids and put matt shadow over the top it turns into a lovely glow.

Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner in Brown-Black - my go-to liquid liner.

Illamasqua Powder Compact, in 133 I think? - my only issue with Illamasqua products is the product number rubs off the bottom of everything! Grrr... Great powder though, so i'll forgive them.

Revlon Matte Eyeshadows - in 001 Vintage Lace, 005 Hazelnut and 009 Sable. I use the Sable on my eyebrows with a slanted brush.

Illamasqua Lip Liner in Fiesty - this colour is the perfect red for me, not too blue and not too pink. Its called a neutral red apparently. Love the consistency, however it tends to smudge a little bit. Max Factor Gold Liner in Fire 12 turns out to be a pretty similar colour, and i'll probably switch over when the Illamasqua runs out cos its super expensive.

MAC Sheertone Blush in Springsheen - it looks pretty apricot here, but is more peachy on the skin with out looking 'dirty'.

Revlon Matte Lipstick in 006, Really Red - the best, cheapest red matte lipstick in my opinion. I wear this nearly everyday. (get it off Ebay, much cheaper).

Illamasqua Matte Lipstick, in ManEater - a great vintage red, not too blue-based. Super matte and pretty drying if you don't use a lip liner underneath it first. This is my special occaision lipstick.

*****************

Everything except for the Illamasqua I bought off Ebay and saved 50-70% on the price - for example the Revlon Matte lipstick retails for about $30 here, and I bought it for $8 including postage.

Kinda makes up for spending crazy amounts on the Illamasqua...

Ferncliff, three piece suit and beret, Minverva 38 c.1934

2011-08-04T17:31:00.000-07:00

Today's free vintage knitting pattern is from Minerva 38 (1934).

This three piece suit is knitted in 2-ply (lace) weight yarn on 2.25 and 2.75mm needles - the beret on a 1.75mm crochet hook (eep). I really like the beret, but i'm not sure I have the stamina to make something that fine.

(PS Size 16 is for a 34 inch bust and 37 inch hip).

Dykes on Bikes in SX Magazine

2011-08-03T19:50:00.000-07:00

Last week I got a phone call from the President of Dykes on Bikes, asking if i'd be interested in being in a photo shoot for SX Magazine (a local GLBTQI magazine).

Sure - why not? It was only going to be a small article, and they needed a photo to go with it.
Little did we know, it was the cover photo!

Full article is here if you want to read it.

I still get excited when people want to take my photo (with consent). I was the fat, awkward girl with frizzy hair at high school, who hung out with the nerds - and I still find it strange that someone would want to take my photograph.

Anyway, this Saturday is the annual Dykes on Bikes 'Black and White Ball' - and the theme this year is rockabilly. Cowboi and I are planning on dancing all night long!

Be wiser, buy Kayser...

2011-07-25T23:44:00.000-07:00

Most of the illustrations in knitting booklets are pretty tame (well, except some of the Lux cartoons prior to 1935) - but look what was in my Australian Women's Weekly Knitting Book 1952!

Striped and Yoked Cardigan, circa 1939

2011-07-18T16:47:00.000-07:00

There's just something about a chevron stripe, a yoke and slightly puffed sleeves that sets my heart a flutter.

I'd love to give this one a go, I think resizing it up to a 40-inch bust would be easier than other striped jumpers as you wouldnt have to worry about matching the sleeves and body stripes - the yoke would hide any mis match.

This lovely cardigan comes from Lincoln Mills Knitting Book No.143 - which I believe is the late thirties. Some of the designs seem earlier than that, some seem early forties - its interesting and confusing at the same time!

Vintage hair and make up - 1930s inspiration

2011-07-14T19:42:00.000-07:00

Its really lovely to see the progression of styles through the 1930s-1950s, as worn by the everyday woman and showcased in knitting patterns.

Lux Knitting 1934 - Joan Blondell

Lux Knitting 1934

Womans Weekly, early 1930s

Stitchcraft 1936

Lux Knitting 1936

Lux Knitting 1938

When we get to the late 1930s, the US and UK/Australian styles started to diverge. I wonder if it was due to the UK joining the War earlier than the US? The makeup becomes more natural looking too.

From Australia-UK, 1939:

Lux Knitting, 1939

Lincoln Handknits, 1939

From the US, 1939:

Handknits are High Fashion, 1939

Chadwicks Sweater News, 1939

I hope you get some enjoyment and inspiration from the hair and makeup images , i'm hoping to do seperate posts for the 40s and 50s.

A Gay Cardigan, c.1939

2011-07-12T22:13:00.000-07:00

Well, I know you're all aware of my love of anything described as 'gay' - so here's a lovely gay cardigan from the Bucilla Booklet "Handknits are High Fashion!", printed 1939.

I've also included instructions for eight different kinds of knitted shoulder pads, just for enjoyments sake.

FO: Petal Yoke Cardigan

2011-07-10T16:33:00.000-07:00

Finished! I'm in love with this cardigan - the fit is good, its lightweight but warm and the colour is rockin'.

1940s brooch, Etsy. Scarf, Op-Shop.

Mods:

I was worried about the arm holes being too low, so I made extra increases and bought the arm-splits up by about 3/4 of an inch. I also made the arms an inch shorter, in retrospect I should have only made them .5 shorter.

I also didnt do as many decreases in the body - basic math said it would be too tight - something to watch out for if anyone else gives it a go.

The Good:

The pattern is dead easy to knit- you just have to trust the instructions. Its also (suprisingly) not a boring knit. By the time I had 400 sts on my needles I was so busy counting yarn overs that I didnt really notice.
Did I mention there are only two seams to sew up?

The fit is really, really good (after blocking). I also think it was a fairly quick knit for 4ply, two months?

I love the vintage glass buttons that I found in an Op-Shop for $2, they are an orange-red but go really well with the cardigan so who cares.

The Meh:

The button band was really floppy and stretchy when it was finished, and blocking didnt really help. I ended up sewing grosgrain/petersham ribbon to the back side of the buttonhole band to stabilise it - worked like a charm!

I wish I had made it a fraction longer, but it is the perfect 50s length so no matter. I was running out of yarn too!

The yarn (Bendigo Luxury 4ply) pills like a biatch. It got fuzzies while I was still knitting it! I'm going to have to make sure I de-pill it before wearings. I also think it would be made better in a tighter twisted or cabled yarn (IMHO). But, since all the yarn for this jumper cost me $22 I cant complain too much - 2 balls is *just* enough for the 40 inch size.

Knitting a cardigan in 4 ply is a bit masochistic too.

The Bad:

None!

Verdict:

Love it - 8/10.

I'm not sure I would knit it again (one petal yoked cardigan is probably enough) but I would recommend the pattern to anyone.

*****

And then I wore it on a day trip to Cronulla Beach with Cowboy.

There were cockatoos everywhere eating fallen pine cones.

We ate fish and chips instead...

Cherry Cardigan inspiration

2011-07-07T17:38:00.000-07:00

My Petal Yoke Cardigan isnt even dry and i'm already looking for inspiration for my next project!

I've been seeing lots of images of lapel pins and brooches from the 1940s, and want to incorporate something similar onto my next cardigan.

I'm really drawn to Sasha Kagan's Cherri Cardi from Knit.1 2007.

The cherry decoration is perfect for inspiration as the cardigan isnt exactly what I want.

Red Heart have done a repro of a 1939 pattern from Chadwick's Sweater News which is more to what I was looking for - I happen to own the original booklet, how nice!

The original (my image).

What I hope my version will look like, in black.

Best of all, the pattern is multi-sized and uses 5 ply.

Once i've finished some birthday presents (a lace scarf and some socks) i'll be casting on ASAP!

I just found out the release date for A Stitch in Time Volume 2 has been pushed back to August - the video preview on Just Call Me Ruby's blog is such a tease! There is a green cardigan in particular that I think will find its way onto my needles very quickly...

Hope everyone has a grand weekend!

xxx

Stick a fork in it...cos its done!

2011-07-06T19:44:00.000-07:00

(Please excuse the iPhone photos, its all I had on hand!)

Two months of knitting, and my Petal Yoke Cardigan is finished. I'm just blocking the life out of it right now.

Its going to take a few days to dry, and i'll take some proper photos and do a pattern review when its ready...

Crochet Flower Posy, Stitchcraft c1943.

2011-07-05T21:46:00.000-07:00

From Stitchcraft 113, which I believe is circa 1943. (yes, I've fixed the watermark thing! yay!)

I'm really drawn to how neat the stitches are - somehow I don't think mine would be that nice...

A day away

2011-07-03T19:41:00.000-07:00

Cowboy and I love going to the Blue Mountains - almost as much as we love vintage shopping!

We thought we'd visit the Blackheath Antique Fair and maybe see snow....

Umm, it was so warm you wouldnt know it was snowing there last week! We did see some mist creeping over the mountain ridges but that was about it.

Apparently, the Hydro Majestic is re-opening sometime next year! Lets hope the new managers don't drive it into the ground like they did before. I've always wanted to have high-tea there, and it could be a possible wedding reception place for us.

Did I really say that?

We ended up at the Antique Fair, but it was a real fizzer - lots of ceramic dog statues and over priced bric a brac. We loved the drive though, so it was all good in the end.

Our favourite cafe (The Red Door) in Leura has gone down hill - very slow service and not a great atmosphere anymore. I wish I had found out about The Garage before hand, it looks so cool! Very retro - next time for sure...

Cowboy deciding whether to try another place for a coffee

Coming into work today and seeing what was in the mail definitely made up for the lack of vintage finds on the weekend - check these out! 1930s-1950s Stitchcrafts, a bumper issue of Handknit Fashions from Bucilla (1930s) and Good Needlework (1938). Once I get the watermark thing sorted i'll list some select patterns.

Where have they gone?

2011-07-03T17:55:00.000-07:00

Heya vintage-lovers,
Just letting you know, after finding the same person now selling my images on Etsy, i've decided to disable all the free knitting patterns until I can get Cowboy to watermark them (something I really didnt want to do).

Once we've done them all, i'll activate the old posts and i'll start posting new ones again.

xxx
Bex

Crochet Brassiere, from Stitchcraft 150 (Feb 1945)

2011-06-29T21:02:00.000-07:00

Perfect for the cold weather - sensible and practical. Maybe.

I really don't think a crochet bra is going to give me enough support, but its tempting to try making one...

This darling is from Stitchcraft 150 (I believe thats February 1945) which i've just popped over in my Etsy Store. The brassiere was too fabulous not to share though.

Enjoy!
x

Some of these things a lot like the other?

2011-06-28T16:55:00.000-07:00

Hmmm....
Do these patterns look familiar?

Thats because I've listed them here previously on my blog for free?

Looks like a seller on Ebay has got it into their head to appropriate my images and sell them to the unsuspecting public.
I have no issue with someone selling scans of originals (depending on the Copyright expiry) but have major problems with someone nicking images off someone's blog and making out they did the hard work - not to mention the cost of buying all those original patterns.

The thing about being a vintage pattern collector is that you scour Ebay and Etsy for knitting patterns - so listing them on those sites is probably not a good idea.

What a sad way to start the day...

Viva Las Vegas, here we come!

2011-06-27T19:50:00.000-07:00

Its official - we're heading to Viva Las Vegas 15 next year!

I've wanted to go to Viva since I was 19 (wow, ten years ago), and four of us will be heading over next year!

We've just booked our rooms at The Orleans, and apparently its near capacity for that weekend already.

Now to plan out the rest of the journey - we'll be in the US for 4 weeks in total. I really want to see the Hoover Dam, the Grand Canyon and of course the Neon Museum in Vegas.
We're still looking for must-see stuff in the US - any suggestions?
We're hoping to do San Francisco, Las Vegas, New York and Chicago.

Any suggestions for amazing vintage shopping would be much appreciated as well!

...and I know I keep saying I want to make a playsuit - but check this pattern out! Its a top, its a skirt - its a romper! I just got it in the mail today, and its plus-sized. I think i'm going to give it a go for VLV, but wait and see...

Some like it luke-warm!

2011-06-22T18:18:00.000-07:00

Its still freezing here in Sydney, and its snowing up in the Bloue Mountains! Every year I say i'm going to drive up and check it out, and I never do. Maybe this year?

July 2nd-3rd is the Blue Mountains Antique Fair in Blackheath, so maybe that will be my chance!
(its at the Blackheath Community Hall, Great Western Hway 10am-4pm).

I finally watched 'Some Like it Hot', with Cowboy the other day - how does Marilyn's dress stay up?! (or, how does her chest stay put?)

Its gravity defying. I think I spent most of the movie looking at the fashions and not paying much attention to the story line.

Anyway, I loved the flapper-thirties finger waves some of the girls wore, so here's my first attempt at finger waves for a short haired grrl.

Crumpled, on the way to work.
Hairclip - Mimco.

I really need to invest in some pin curl clips, as I just bobby pinned them last night and the back didnt survive. ReVamp Vintage has great instructions on how to fingerwave, as well as authentic hairstyling from 1910- 1940 if you want some good instructions.

The tricky thing was trying to remember which way i'm supposed to wave the hair, I think I did it wrong but its OK for work today. (I try out my hair experiments at work, because no-one really sees me).

xxx

Tourmaline, from Patons No.458, c1950s

2011-06-14T22:32:00.000-07:00

I'm really drawn to this tyrolean cardigan from Patons, it looks so warm! Knitted in an 8ply for speed, i'd love to see it in red with white embroidery...

Heteronormative Privilege and the Femme dilemma.

2011-06-14T22:11:00.000-07:00

Ok, so in my last post I said that people are assuming i'm a 'straight girl', and i'm wasnt happy about it.
I should probably explain what that means for me as a Femme (ooh another class on Queer Stuff 101!)

I'm not saying being Straight (heterosexual) is bad, but when people assume that i'm straight I lose my Queerness and Femme identity.

Suddenly i'm dressing like this/wearing makeup/etc for the male gaze or to attract a male partner (or because of societal expectations), not because its a queer expression of femininity. (I dont presume to speak for all/any heterosexual women here either).

It makes me uncomfortable to have to come out ten times a day.

I hate having to justify being queer to people around me because I look feminine ("but you're too pretty to be a dyke!"). I really hate it when I have to justify it to other queers because I don't look like Justin Beiber.

I get discouraged because sometimes the only time people can read me as queer is when I'm walking down the street with my girlfriend.

It hurts when other queers bring up Heteronormative Privilege, and think thats why i'm looking the way I do. "Heteronormative culture "privileges heterosexuality as normal and natural" and fosters a climate where LGBTQ are discriminated against in marriage, tax codes, and employment". - Wiki.

So, if I act/look straight I get the associated privileges for aligning myself with dominant heteronormative culture. I also get shunned by my own community. Yay me!

The dilemma Femmes have is how to navigate this fine line. Its uncomfortable.

We're not going to get beaten up for looking 'butch' - but our partners have been.

No-one is going to question our right to use the women's toilet - but our masculine-female friends get it all the time.

On the other hand, our partners and friends see how we struggle with our invisibility (its an interesting mix, hyper-visibility and invisibility).

There is no easy way to explain what its like to be Femme, but I hope this ramble might explain the political reasons why i'm umcomforable with people thinking i'm straight.

But I do love you Straighties, my sister's one too!

*tongue planted in cheek*

Tartan-tastic!

2011-06-14T18:32:00.000-07:00

My recent favourite vintage find - an early 60s wool tartan wiggle skirt, in my size! (size W)
I'm determined to wear it, so here I am going to work this morning (it started raining 30 seconds after the photo).

Skirt - Vinnies, Shoes - Bleyer, Scarf - Vinnies, Cardigan - self

I had to balance the camera on the cat ladder, so its a pretty 'special' shot.

The tartan is amazing, red and black with bright yellow accents.

The best part is the label, the pleats are 'Si-Ro-Set'.

Si-Ro-Set was developed by the CSIRO in 1957, as way of making pleats permanent. A brief history is here.

I'm still trying to work out what to do with my hair - its the longest its been for 10 years. Currently i'm doing the 5-minute wonder:

- pin back the sides

- curl fringe with one of those hot roller brush things

- pin fringe

- spray to death with Tresemme medium hold hair spray

I'm off to see my hairdresser tomorrow night, but have no idea what to ask for.

Oh, and apparently I look like a straight girl now.

Great.

Seamed Tights for the Win!

2011-06-07T18:30:00.000-07:00

I was just thinking about seamed tights (or pantihose) this morning, and then Snoodlebug posted some great reviews of ones on her Blog!

Its pretty easy to get thigh high ones (Andi B. Good has mentioned Voodoo Killers Legs Vintage Stockings, which inspired me to get some), and you can always grab the Leg Avenue ones off Ebay for about $10.

Leg Avenue Cuban Heel

VooDoo Killer Legs

Has anyone had any luck finding some decent (and decently priced) ones over here in OZ?

Queer terms you should know...

2011-05-31T19:45:00.000-07:00

Hello lovelies!

Its time for another interesting class on Queer Stuff 101.

Camp Betty Sydney is coming up (June 10-13), with a weekend of wonderful activities for Sydneysiders (CB isn't queer-exclusive, all are welcome to attend). If you want to read about the gay/queer history behind this celebration on the Queen's Birthday Long Weekend, just jump over here...

So perhaps, its time to throw out a quick and dirty guide to some common Queer words you'd probably hear at a panel/talk:

Queer.

An umbrella term for sexual minorities that do not identify as heterosexual.

Cis-anything. (Cis-gendered, Cis-male, Cis-female, etc).

Cis- is generally taken to mean acting as per your gender identity. I.e. my Dad is male and acts like a bloke, he's cis-male. The term is preferred over Gender-Normative, which kinda sounds like anyone who doesnt match that term isnt normal. It also complements the term Transgendered, which i'll get to further on.

Along side this word is Cissexual. In a nutshell it would mean non-transgendered, or your mental and physical sexes match.

Cis- is used to empower Trans- - that is, the assumption that Trans is so different, and matching your gender identity is so normal it doesnt even need to be thought about.

Gender and Sex. There is a difference.
Gender is generally a range of characteristics that distinguish between masculine and feminine, but also depends on the context (its quite often called a social construct). Gender does not have to be related to your biological Sex.

For example, i'm cis-female, and queer-femme. I see Femme as a hyper-feminine gender.

Gender-Queer.
A term for gender identities that do not fit the man/woman identity. It can mean moving between two genders, being third gendered or not wanting to name your gender (and other meanings).

Transvestite.
Someone who dresses up in the other gender's clothes for kicks. Please never call a Transperson a transvestite (or a tranny), or I will have to hurt you. They are not being Trans for 'fun'.

Transgender.
Is the state of some one's gender identity (male, female, both, etc) not matching their assigned sex. It doesnt imply any sexual orientation (i.e. hetero, homo etc), and there can be a million different ways people can identify using term.
Transman - male-identified
Transwoman - female-identified

Transsexual.
A person's identification with a gender that inconsistent or not culturally associated with their biological sex (similar to above). This is normally the 'medical' term, and people who identify as transsexual quite often do not want to identify as Transgender (vice versa too).
(There is a whole melting pot of issues there, but as someone who is not involved in the Transsexual community its not my place to dissect it).

Intersex.
Someone who may have both male and female sexual (biological) characteristics.

Wikipedia is great if you want to read more...

*These explanations are very rough, so please do not use them as a queer bible. I'd also like to add that i'm not a scholar or academic, and if you think that i've missed something please let me know!

*I also mean no offence by any of my definitions, I'm just hoping to broaden people's horizons a bit and make queer-spaces more accessible for people not active within the queer community.

40s/50s Festival, Bligh Park NSW

2011-05-29T19:03:00.000-07:00

I think I forgot to mention, i'm a red head now!

After 4 years of pink, it was time for a change... I bleached the roots, tried to lighten the ends (didnt really work) and put a orange/red stain over the top. Followed up with a blonde/copper semi to give it some tone. If anyone really wants to know the details i'll make a seperate post ;).

50s cardigan, Etsy. Pink sunglasses,
Fifties Fair @ Rose Seidler

Anywhoo - on Saturday, a group of us did a road trip out to Windsor for the 40s/50s Festival at the Bligh Park Tavern.

The festival was tiny, but it was only the first year so wait and see for next year I guess. There was an awesome brooch seller there and her prices were very cheap - she told me where she usually frequents so I think i'll stalk her a little bit!

Kim and I in front of the best vintage caravan!

The best thing about heading out west was being able to visit the op-shops! I've been keeping my eye out for a hair curler, and picked this one up for $2, box included. (it says its perfect for the "Bouffant, Cleopatra and Wing"). The other score was this 50s (maybe early 60s) fabric from the same shop - nearly 4 metres, so enough to make a dress!

Unfortunately, Cowboy couldnt come so we're going to plan a seperate day out so she can visit all the op-shops/vintage shops too...