Everything Old is New Again

My husband and I like to visit thrift and antique shops from time to time. This weekend, he was on the hunt for turntable because, for whatever reasons, he likes to buy records (yes, vinyl - when my soon-to-be-16 year old niece was 4, my dad was cleaning his record collection and she exclaimed, "Grandpa! Those are HUGE CDs!") but he didn't have a turntable to play them on.

So, we went to St. Vinnie's and on the way to the Goodwill we saw signs for an estate sale, so we thought we'd pop in. My husband found a variety of 45's (Diana Ross, The Doors, Simon and Garfunkel - I have the MP3s...) and I found a trove of vintage patterns AND...

Ta dah! This is the exact iron my mom has, which used to belong to my grandma. So, I'm not sure how old it is, but I'm guessing 70's? We went on the last day of the sale, so it was half off at $2.50.

I tell you, this iron can press a serious seam! It's heavy and it could definitely brain my little dog. It also doesn't have that newfangled safety shut-off and this thing can heat an entire room. So, like all old electronics, it can definitely be a hazard. But with a little caution and foresight, it can be awesome, too. I'm so happy I finally found one.

I also picked up these patterns from the 60's and 70's for 25 cents a piece! They are one size per envelope (I guess that's how it was done then), so they are already cut out and everything! No need to trace.

You can tell how popular that yellow was, since it's in four of the pattern pictures (it's in the one below, as well).

I love, love this striped dress.

I'd like to do it in a solid color or chambray with a contrasting bodice but I found this great Little Lisette striped lawn at JoAnn's on red tag for 50% off - $2.50y. Score!

It'll be a pretty wild muslin, but with the authentic 1977 feel :) Once I get the sizing down right, I will be able to make a kinder, gentler version. It's a 12 and I'm guessing it might be a little small, except for the fact that it is a pullover and ties in the back, which leads me to believe there will be ample wiggle room.

That little square on the bodice isn't just for looks. It's functional, too: it's a pocket! I am not sure what you'd need to keep in your under-bust pocket, but I think it's pretty awesome.

I think I have one more clothing post this week and then I'm off to MN on Wednesday, so I will be doing some quilting while I'm there. Oh, I also finished up my pot holders, so I'll post those, too.