Man, have I ever been productive this month. Sure, I don't have any job interviews yet but I managed to finish off two projects within a span of a week.

The first project I finished was my Datemaker cardigan, which I started on right after Christmas.


It wasn't the fastest knit in the world, but I love it! The pattern is great and very easy to follow. While I was intimidated by it at first, I was relieved to realize it was just diagonal ribbing.


I didn't resize the pattern because according to my gauge match it would fit me perfectly. However, I ended up not seaming in the belt all the way so I could cinch it up a little more. This makes the cardigan "wrap", and I also sewed in a snap with invisible thread so it stays closed. I also put a hook on the belt end so I could catch it in a stitch and it wouldn't flap around.



If you're going to make this cardigan, I highly recommend doing the cuffs BEFORE the sleeves so you can pick up stitches from the cuff instead of sew them on after. I followed a lot of Tasha's tips from her Briar Rose knit-a-long when doing this sweater. As always, by gum, by golly! is a great resource. I also did the three-needle bindoff for the first time, as well as the crochet slip-stitch seaming
method. I love how my seams turned out! So neat and tidy.




The second project was Butterick 4790, aka Misses' Wrap Dress, aka I hope you like binding with bias tape because that's the bulk of this project.



Before starting the dress, I heard a lot of complaints about the fit of the dress, so I went looking for reviews and tips on what to do. The best one I found is from Edelweiss Patterns, who notes that the reissue is actually a different bodice shape than the original drawings on the envelope, and provides a fix. I was going to do the fix but then forgot during my cutting out. Oops.




 Katrina also notes that the dress should be worn with the proper undergarments (I'm wearing a WKD bullet bra here) and a petticoat (which I'm not wearing because I'm the only vintage girl in the world without a long one).



However, I'm really happy with my results. This is only my third sewing project, so it's quite rough around the edges, but I'm pretty proud. I'm sure in a year or two I'll look back and hate it, but for now, I love it.

I've had a fabulous weekend, and I hope you all have had one too.
I went to go see Star Wars Identities with Ian, I finally finished my Datemaker cardigan (which will get its own post shortly), had a great dinner at Miss Bee's abode, fixed my borrowed vintage sewing machine AND will be getting a newer one and had a wonderful birthday tea to celebrate Jill, the proprietress of Adeline's Attic.

I've been following Jill's blog for as long as I've been dressing vintage, and when I saw that she moved back to Edmonton I (being the vintage fangirl that I am) hoped that I would see her out and about on the town. I'm even more excited that we have become friends and that she invited me to celebrate her special day.

The guest of honour

In case you didn't know, March is still winter in Alberta but we all forewent the sensible footwear

As well as some new faces, Charly and Nicole, whose photos I forgot to snap (but they're up there in the group shot) as well as Jill's lovely mother Linda.

I also forgot to take some food photos because I was much too busy eating to take photos. Story of my life. In lieu, please accept this photo of us posing in front of a china cabinet.

My outfit: Scallop dress: a re-buy from Krista Dee Shoes: Rowena Hat: borrowed from Bee

I regret not snapping a better photo of my outfit, as it's only the second time I've worn the dress. It's a gorgeous scalloped dress with pearl buttons down the front. Krista Dee bought it for herself but it didn't fit, so I happily took it off her hands.

....alternate title: More proof my boyfriend and I are huge dorks

Last week Edmonton got a tonne of snow. 30cm (11 inches) worth, in fact. And Ian had one of those snow days off, so we decided to head to Star Wars Identities at the Telus World of Science to take in the exhibit before it left Edmonton.

Despite never seeing Star Wars in its entirety (but I get all the references, don't worry), this was my second time going through the exhibit, as I got to go to the media preview. But it was much more fun the second time around, being with someone who loves the films and getting to take my time going through the exhibit.

The exhibit just isn't a display of the movie costumes, but also a journey into what shapes our identities - through life events, genetics, up-bringing and the choices we make. You go in, choose a character and throughout the exhibit it asks you questions, revealing your Star Wars character at the end of the exhibit.

Ian was Mon Calamari, while I was an Ewok (because I was wearing my fur collar and am tiny and squeak a lot).

Ian took over 90 photos, but I'm only sharing a select few here.

Can't you see the resemblance?!

Jabba's eyes, which are practically the only remaining part of the puppet.

And thus our snowy science date! It was a very welcome reprieve from the stormy weather, until we had to drive back home in it.  XO Laurie

Once upon a time, I was a lot heavier than I am now. And, seemingly like magic, a lot of my weight disappeared (seriously, I did nothing. It just melted off I guess).

Therefore, some of my clothes are getting pretty huge on me, but instead of just giving them away to Goodwill I am hoping that some of my readers are willing to give them a good home.

If you're interested in any of these items, please email me at laurie[at]retro-reporter.com (instead of a comment) to discuss!

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PUMPKIN SKIRT






PRICE: $15 + Shipping. Item sold as-is

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I was delighted to get an email earlier this month from the fine folks at Calgary's Vintage Affair, asking me to promo an upcoming event they're involved in, which takes the whole “vintage wedding” trend to a new level.



A Spoonful of Vintage is a Calgary-based wedding expo, featuring several vintage-based businesses, including:

• A Vintage Affair, showcasing vintage fashion & accessories
• Blush Vintage Rentals, with their handpicked vintage décor & styling
• fresh & modern floral design from Sarah Mayerson Design
• Tara Whittaker Photography, promoting her boutique photography studio
• Toe Tappin' Swing, with swing dance lessons & vintage music DJ services

Now, I must admit that I hate bridal shows. Maybe it's just because I've only ever gone as a reporter and never as a bride, and it's always to shows that push Hummer limos, tanning salons and loud dance music with crazy lights. But A Spoonful of Vintage sounds right up my alley!

The show will focus on a range of vintage wedding trends, from art deco to mid-century modern inspired themes and everything in between, encompassing looks from the 1900s to the 1960s.

"Our mission is to provide brides and grooms a vintage inspired and innovative touch to their modern wedding celebration, while providing personalized and top notch customer service,"  said Tara Whittaker of Tara Whittaker Photography.
"Our clients are people who have a unique charm, whether it is quirky, creative, sentimental or truly off-beat."

Highlights of the show include a Vintage Décor Challenge,  where Calgary's top wedding planners compete to design the best vintage inspired table tops with movie/tv themes, as well as a wedding gown fashion show at 1 pm, 2 pm and 3 pm and swing dance demonstrations. It all takes place at the Mount Pleasant Community Centre (602 - 22nd Avenue NW. Calgary) from 12 pm to 4 pm.

Tickets are $10 until March 31, and then $12 and can be purchased at A Vintage Affair (638 - 11th Avenue SW Calgary), through Eventbrite  or at the
door.

This sounds like a great event, even for a non-bride like me. If you're based in Calgary or can swing a road trip and happen to be heading down the aisle, I strongly suggest swinging by.