Disney TV Icons in Skirt Form

Over the last few weeks, my friend Katie and I have been working on our first (of many) felt circle skirts.  While we came up with many ideas, we chose to make our first ones of our favorite 50s TV heroes, Davy Crockett and Zorro.

Katie has the same passion for Davy Crockett as I do for Zorro, and since they were on TV at the same time and both produced by Disney, we felt they were perfect companion skirts.

We’ve already started on our second skirts, and hope to pound out quite a few over the next few months, including some hand painted ones.

Stars and Stripes at the Drive-In

Last night, Katie, Pat and I went to the 99W drive-in for a second viewing of Captain America.


One of the things I really enjoy about the drive-in is the pride the Francis family takes in their ownership of such a nostalgic novelty.  After opening the gates, third generation owner Brian Francis stood near the ticketbooth, fists on hips, a slight smirk on his face as he watched cars roll in.  You could tell he is really proud of this place.


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Remembering My Grandmother

Earlier this month I posted that I visited my grandmother who was in ill-health, and this morning she passed away.  We were expecting this and began the planning, including the photo slide show for her memorial service.  This was passed onto me and my husband.  So I’ve been scanning away at old photos of my grandmother, her family and photos of my mom as a child.  Here are some of my favorites.

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A Little Help…?

Yesterday Katie and I went on a little thrifting and fabric trip, hitting up various thrift stores and the fabric store to begin our circle skirt sewing extravaganza.  One of my purchases was this little purse…

Now, I’m not ashamed to admit that my knowledge tends to taper off after 1940.  I have some knowledge of turn-of-the-century furniture antiques, and of Egyptian Revival jewelry of the 1920s, due to my fascination with ancient Egypt, which is why I was drawn to this purse…

More photos after the cut!

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Atomic Scans

Last week, a glorious package arrive – a scanner! So, this means I am finally able to share with you portions of vintage ephemera collection, including pin-ups, menus, photos (including some of my own family) and much, much more! And since there is so much to share, I have decided to start a tumblr.

Certain images carry with them special stories, which will still be shared here though.  I’ll be linking to newly posted images via Twitter.

A Family Treasure

Well, I have returned from visiting my grandparents in Idaho.  It was rough, but I think my grandma will pull through.  During our stay, my mother and I went through family albums gazing at old photos of my mom’s family.  Included in the pictures were ones from my grandparent’s wedding.

When they tied the knot in 1947, my grandfather said “If you want a big wedding, you better marry someone else.” But she didn’t, and they had a very small ceremony at their pastor’s home with just a few family members.  My grandmother opted for a simple, store bought dress for their ceremony that she purchased with one of her sisters in Boise.  When looking at the photos, I asked my mom if the dress was still around, and thankfully it was, tucked away in the guest room closet.  Though faded, it was still in good condition, and I tried it on (with my grandmother’s permission of course) and it fit wonderfully.  The next day, I wore the dress to the hospital to visit her, and she said I looked lovely, and asked if I liked it, “Like it? I love it!” I said.  She then asked me if I would like to have the dress.  It was hard to contain my excitement at her offering me her dress, since I did love it and it fit so well. When the time came to leave, I carefully tucked it away in my suitcase, and it now hangs in my closet.

 

 I am very thankful that my grandmother entrusted me with her dress.  I just wish she had kept more of her clothes from the 40s and 50s.

A Short Hiatus

Hey there! Well, I have finally wrapped up my Grand Jury service, which is something I highly recommend if you ever are selected and have the ability to serve – I know it’s time consuming, but it is extremely educational.  However, while that is over, my return to “normal” life has been put on another hiatus.  I am currently packing my vintage Samsonite suitcases and will be gone and without internet for the next few days.  Where to, you ask… My mother and I are flying to Idaho to visit her mother who is in lesser health, and will be returning on Monday.

So, how may this effect you except that you will be without my words of wisdom for this weekend? It means I will not be able to take care of any Etsy orders! I will not be putting my shop into Vacation Mode, but have put a notice on my banner regarding the dates I am gone.  So, any purchases made between Friday, August 12th and Monday, August 15th, will not be taken care of until either the 16th or 17th.  Please take this into consideration when making purchases.  Speaking of shops though, Portlanders can visit my booth at Antique Alley where I currently have a sale going on – 20% off regular items, and 10% off “ND” items!