When I first started this blog, I was an unemployed costumer attempting to create period gowns and costumes with very limited means. Although now employed, I still try to be as thrifty as possible. I am still "The Broke Costumer"!

In addition to posts about the outfits I make on a budget, this blog includes short research articles on fashion, history, accessories, styles, or whatever interests me at the moment.


I hope you enjoy my journey into the land of inexpensive costuming and short articles.




Tuesday, April 28, 2015

Get Your Kicks on Route 66


I have always loved this song, written by Bobby Troup in 1946 and sung by Nat King Cole.

If you ever plan to motor west,
Travel my way, take the highway that is best.
Get your kicks on Route sixty-six.

It winds from Chicago to LA,
More than two thousand miles all the way.
Get your kicks on Route sixty-six.

Won't you get hip to this timely tip:
When you make that California trip
Get your kicks on Route sixty-six.


Two things happened to get me more excited about the famous highway.  California Adventure opened Cars Land, a Route 66 themed land full of memorabilia and attractions based on the movie Cars.  The other thing is I found awesome fabric I just had to make a dress out of. I previously discussed the pattern and construction in my post from Tiki Day at Disneyland
                                                                                                                                           
This post is more of a photo shoot dedicated to the "Mother Road" than anything else. My daughter and I went to California Adventure, and she took some shots of our time there. I added a vintage vibe to the coloring.  Here are some of them.  Photo heavy!

 
 
































My Route 66 bracelet from Etsy
Me, Tow Mater, and Amy

My Buick Parasol



Sunday, April 12, 2015

Stash Projects

I have a problem, probably the same one as a lot of sewers.  I love to hoard fabric.   I can't pass by a fabric sale, a $2 pattern or a cute print.   I buy between 2-4 yards of 100% cotton prints because "someday" I will make something out of it.  Sometimes all that is left on the bolt is a scant 2 yards.   I get it and worry about what to do with it later.  Well, my stash is now a mountain. Its time to make a few things!  

I am currently in my "I don't want to make another costume for awhile" mode.  Summer is coming and I realized my everyday clothing for work consists of mostly polyester tops that absolutely do not breathe.   I also don't want to fall into the boring, look alike clothes from Kohls or Target, rut.  I LOVE PRINTS!

Here is what I will start with.

 I fell in love with this 40's print from Rosie's Calico Cupboard, and have to make this retro blouse! Not cheap at $8 a yard, but 2 yards for a blouse is not bad!  Will need buttons, but less than $20 for a cute top!

 Here is a summery fabric from Rosie's Calico Cupboard.  Again, $8 a yard, but will finish under $20.

 Big sale at Joanns Fabric.  Bought four yards for a total of $18.  Now that's a bargain!

A different sale at Joanns, maybe 2 years ago.   3 3/4 yards for I think $14.   cute floral for work.

This retro print I just couldn't pass by.  Joanns again, 4 yards for around $20.


The last three prints I haven't decided on yet.  (1) The red, white and aqua is 2 yards, so either a blouse or a skirt.   I am leaning towards a skirt, so I can wear a red or white blouse with it.  From Rosie's Calico Cupboard. $16   (2)  Yellow and black print is four yards, so definitely a dress. From Joanns. $18  (3)  retro like pink, grey and white.  4 yards.  I really liked it when I bought it, but now - meh.   Will have to think on it.  Joanns. $16