(old) inspirations

being an avid thrifter, lover of old objects and design, and a person always interested in fashion and form, i have long been a collector of vintage craft books, magazines, and pamphlets. stacks and stacks of the aforementioned clog my bookshelves, fit into magazine organizers, and boxes. it almost goes without saying that much of what came before makes sense in the context of today. my collection contains crafty goodness that hails from disparate decades that span from the sleek 1930s to the over-the-top 80s. somehow it all makes sense in the mixed up fashion soup that constantly cooks inside my brain.

granny square afghaninspirationspolar yarns crocheted collars 1930s

i particularly love these crocheted collars from the 1930s! they look very staid in the photograph above, almost nun-like, but i can see them in riotously bright hues over a modern, almost 60s-esque tent-style or a-line dress, also in a bright color. perhaps colors that are eye-splittingly contrasting. something of that nature, as is my nature and my aesthetic.

more here: http://flickr.com/photos/pintuck/sets/72157594560308539/

mixing it up

some simple refashions (hems and the like):
all thrifted! all thrifted! v.2 orange and acid yellow age of empires sweardress over striped thrifted dress

i'm really grooving on the look of layering skirts over skirts or dresses over skirts at the moment, especially those that are a little full. makes me think of the myriad of layers of skirts worn by women in previous centuries and the looks from that amazing long time fave of mine, project alabama, particularly from their spring 2006 collection. i love the way layering in this way allows for mixing of patterns and colors in a fun way, and actually, in a practical way, it also helps to provide warmth for those living in colder climes.

patch (entranced)

i'm overflowing with patchy love for the following: this strip patch tote that goes by the name spring fever by jenny of frecklewonder! it exudes a lovely vintage charm. the bright colors are more than ace!:

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this patchwork tote by cyn contemporary over at etsy is a bit more subdued and not my typical colors, but i love the octogons, the wooden handle, and the tabs at the top edge that add a little extra detail:

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i covet these patchwork blankets and pillows by mes textiles, out of the netherlands. i'm actually going to amsterdam at the end of april. i'm hoping to seek out their work when i'm over there...

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i'm not into metal, but i think these handmade patchwork blankets by seattle quilt artist boo davis (aka quiltsryche...killer name!) rock:

i love the juxtaposition of something sweetly homespun with something some might consider devilish. awe. some.

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