Hi and welcome to my sewing blog. I got my start in sewing as a historical reenactot, mainly focusing on Elizabethan men’s clothing. At times, I’ve been a professional, now I just sew for the love of it. I’m a stay-at-home mom to two boys, two collies and a cat. I’m also an occasional belly dancer, doumbek player, adult piano student, lover of pies and all around 50′s housewife.

pssst, Andrea, can you e-mail me please or msg me on yahoo (wednesdayaddams60).
fedora has been down all weekend but i need to ask you a questions please
taking piano as an adult? bravo!!!!!
I am a piano teacher. Check out
my site:
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Your dresses are hands down some of the most beautiful vintage recreations I have ever seen. You look beautiful in everything you make, and you seem to fit and tailor the patterns to perfection on your figure. How lovely!
If you have time, I would love to have an email conversation and learn more about how you grade patterns and what adjustments you make to achieve such a lovely fit. I have been sewing diligently for about a year now, with the ultimate goal of creating dress like the ones you sew. From reading your posts, I think we may share some body shape/fitting similarities (full bust, short waist), and I would LOVE to know more about what you look for in a pattern and how you grade to fit your shape.
You can see images of what I have sewn on my blog at http://sincerelyyours-kate.blogspot.com/ to give you an idea of my size, shape, and fitting issues.
Again, you look so lovely! Keep sewing, I can’t wait to see what else you create!
I just found your blog and would like to say WOW! I, too, am a lover of all things from the past. I think I was born in the wrong time! I also “suffer” from being overly chesty. The fashions out in stores these days make me furious. Nothing ever fits. I have been sewing a bit here and there but only for my 2 year old. You have encouraged me to try something new!
Thanks! Laura
Your blog is an inspiration! I was given a sewing machine this Christmas and your advice on grading patterns is a godsend.
ok. where did you get that fabulous bra?
There’s nothing fabulous about it. It’s just your basic Playtex bra that comes in a box at most mid-priced department stores.
Thanks so much for writing this blog. I’ve gotten sick of not fitting into the lovely vintage dresses I find at thrift stores and decided to try to sew some of my own. Your blog has been a major help to me as well as an inspiration. Thanks for showing us the “failures” too. That makes me feel less bad about my own mistakes and keeps me trying.
I author a classic movie review site. I love your work. I would love to have a peter pan collared button up shirt made. I am a size 44 bust!! There would be no rush. I you are not wiling to make one, could you refer me to someone who can? I can provide fabric. THX
I am a retired professional. I no longer sew for others. However, a simple peter pan collar would be easy enough to sew up for any seamstress. I highly recommend supporting local businesses. You can start by looking in your local yellow pages or by asking for recommendations from your local fabric stores.
wow @ your clothes. i’m roughly your size, not that i sew but just seeing someone plus in such great vintage outfits is inspiring.
Hello Andrea,
I just discovered your site. I like clothing and furniture from the 50′s a lot. I am pretty much your shape so it was very inspiring to see you wearing all these beautiful dresses. I just got myself a brand new sewing machine with the intention to sew for myself so, here I go! Many thanks to you