Half-Price Book Sale Findings

Well, yesterday was our library's half-price day. So of course, we went. I found even more treasures! Some of what I bought will be featured as scans on my other blog: A Girls Guide to Home Life.  =)

1. Christmas Carols and Hymns (1959) Piano Songbook - I bought this for Gabrielle as I can't read a note. 2. Sabrina (1954) VHS - I can't wait to see this movie with Audrey Hepburn & Humphrey Bogart! =)

1. David Copperfield by Charles Dickens (1867) - I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw the copyright on this book, 1867!!! This is the oldest book I own personally. 2. Familiar Quotations (early turn of the century 1900s) - I love looking at books filled quotes and this is one of my favorites.

 1. When We Were Very Young by: A. A. Milne ( 1927) - A fun collection of poems by A. A. Milne, the author of Winnie-the-Pooh. 2. The Book of Good Manners by: Frederick H. Martens (1923) - One can never have too many etiquette books and I have several. ;-)

 1. The Five Little Peppers by: Margaret Sidney (1950) - This was one of my series during my teen-years, well they still are. =) Have any of you read this wonderful series?  2. All-Of-A-Kind-Family Downtown by: Sidney Taylor (1972) - Another favorite series of mine. I think what I like about this series and the Peppers is that we are like both families. =)

1. Color Me Beautiful by: Carole Jackson (1984) - I've seen my friends talk about this book and I have wanted to learn about people's seasons - including my own. 2. Collection of Crocheting Patterns pulled from magazines and booklets (1940s - 50s) - Two file folders filled with crocheting patterns for only $1!!! What a deal! Now, I just need to learn how to read these patterns as I know how to crochet.

1. LOOK Magazine (December 26, 1944) - A fun Christmas edition. It includes a review of one of my WWII movies, Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo. And just have lots of fun pictures of the era. Some of you might recognize the magazine name from an episode of I Love Lucy.

1. Woman's Day (September & October 1954)  & Every Woman's (August & October 1954) - Both magazines are filled with how-to's, recipes, fashion articles, adds, stories, and lots of fun vintage stuff!

1. Family Circle (August 1954) - Another fun vintage magazine.

I can promise you that, there won't be another book sale post for awhile. =)

~Ashley 

Movie Quote Quiz

It has been awhile since we have done this and I thought it would be fun to do it again. =) First off the rules.

1. Pick 20 of your favorite movies.

2. Go to IMDB.com and find a quote from each movie.

3. Post them for everyone to guess.

4. Strike it out when someone guesses correctly, and put who guessed it and the movie.

5. NO cheating.

Are you all ready? I will give you all until Friday to guess. Have fun! Ready. Set. Go!


1. Character 1: The iron fist has a glass jaw! (Desperate Journey) - Maggie 


2. Character 1: They're running! They're getting away! 

Character 2: No they're not. We're going after them! 
Character 1: Hey, wait a minute! They outnumber us three to one! 
Character 2: Well, if it makes you nervous, don't count 'em. (Santa Fe Trail) - Achaia

3. Character 1: Excuse me lady, but that upon which you sit is mine. 

Character 2: I beg your pardon? (It Happened One Night) - Kristin 

4. Character 1: At midnight, I'll turn into a pumpkin and drive away in my glass slipper. 

Character 2: And that will be the end of the fairy tale. (Roman Holiday) - Lily Litten 

5. Character 1: Men, if you're willing to fight for our people, I want you! (The Adventures of Robin Hood) - Achaia

6. Character 1: William Shakespeare. 

Character 2: I never heard of him. What part of Texas is he from? 
Character 1: [surprised at Rusty's ignorance] Stratford-on-Avon. (Dodge City) - Achaia

7. Character 1: It's a conspiracy, I tell you. The minute you start they put you on the all-American sucker list. You start out to build a home and wind up in the poorhouse. And if it can happen to me, what about the guys who aren't making $15,000 a year? The ones who want a home of their own. It's a conspiracy, I tell you - -against every boy and girl who were ever in love. (Mr. Blandings Builds his Dream House) - Caroline and Kristin

8. Character 1: Oh, Stanley. I don't know how to explain. A wedding. A church wedding. Well it's, it's what every girl dreams of. A bridal dress, the orange blossoms, the music. It's something lovely to remember all the rest of her life. And something for us to remember too. (Father of the Bride) - Vicki

9. Character 1: I've got a friend that ... 

Character 2: Oh, I bet that isn't true. 
Character 1: What? 
Character 2: You said you had a friend. I bet you have *lots* of friends.

10. Character 1: Do you ever feel like a chess piece yourself? In a game being played against your will. (The Young Victoria) - Polka Dot and Caroline.

11. Character 1: How can you read this? There's no pictures! 

Character 2: Well, some people use their imagination. (Beauty & the Beast) - Polka Dot and Old Fashioned Charm.

12. Character 1: No one of our age has ever taken power. 

Character 2: Which is why we're too young to realize certain things are impossible. Which is why we will do them anyway. (Amazing Grace) - Polka Dot, Caroline, and Old Fashioned Charm.

13. Character 1: Reckon I'll leave my brains at home, then. (North & South) - Polka Dot, Caroline, Nzkiwigirl, and Old Fashioned Charm.

14. Character 1: You didn't let me finish. I was going to say 'turn right here left'. 

Character 2: Turn right here left? Have you any conception how much room it takes to turn this thing around? We may have to go on for miles. (The Long, Long Trailer) - Lindsay 

15. Character 1: One day the war will be over. And I hope that the people that use this bridge in years to come will remember how it was built and who built it. Not a gang of slaves, but soldiers, British soldiers, Clipton, even in captivity. (The Bridge on the River Kwai) - The Warrior 

16. Character 1: Sextus, you ask how to fight an idea. Well I'll tell you how... with another idea! (Ben-Hur) - Maggie

17. Character 1: I regard the crime of desertion as a sin against the army of the Lord. Duty is ours, the consequences are God's. (Gods & Generals) - Caroline 

18. Character 1: But just remember: a woman's like a rose; if you treat her right, she'll bloom, if you don't, she'll wilt. 

Character 2: Where'd you get that? 
Character 1: Counseling. (Fireproof) - Melinda 

19. Character 1: Houston, we have a problem. (Apollo 13) - Caroline

20. Character 1: Oh, my goodness. Everybody behave naturally. (Pride & Prejudice 2005) - Caroline, Old Fashioned Charm, and Kristin. 

~Ashley

Our Trip to the SAICFF . . . .

Here is the post you are all waiting for our trip to the San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival. =)

Dalles, Texas - The end of the first day of driving. 

Our hotel in Dallas, Texas. 

The area where President J.F. Kennedy was shot.

The Municipal Auditorium  

Waiting for the opening ceremonies to start. 

Mr. Phillips & Virginia 

The River-walk

The River-walk

Mallards along the River-walk

Seege Family - Their movie was "The Runner from Ravenshead." Which is one hilarious, fun movie! And really good! 

The Alamo

The Alamo. picture taken by my sister, Hanne-col.

Flowers at the Alamo.

A charming Starbucks along the River-walk. 

Me on Awards Night. (a better picture of our dress will be coming sometime soon.)

These are the movies I saw -

Divided - Simply wonderful! 

Divided from Leclerc Brothers Motion Pictures on Vimeo.

The Runner From Ravenshead - Very funny! You must see it! 

The Penny - Very exciting! You will never think about a penny the same way. =)

The Penny Trailer from Filmweavers LLC on Vimeo.

Sybil Ludington - This was ok. The costumes were great and so was the idea. But the movie was lacking. 

Sybil Ludington Full Length Trailer from KICKS Ministries on Vimeo.

Standing Firm - A really good film. The acting was really good. 

Ace Wonder - The highlight of the whole trip!!!! =D I LOVED it! I can't wait to see the movie when it is finished! 

_________________________________________________________________________

Gabrielle and I also got together with Atlanta and went vintage shopping. Lots of fun! =) 

~Ashley

Introducing.....

my newest blog, Musings of a Vintage Girl: Old Hollywood Movie Reviews. I have been having so much fun writing reviews for movies I've seen, that I decided to have a blog dedicated to all my reviews. =) Not only will I post movie reviews, but I will post things related to old Hollywood. Hope to see you there!

Oh! Don't forget that tomorrow our fall fashion week starts!

~Ashley

In the Good Old Summertime {1949}

After the recommendation of one of our readers I taped In the Good Old Summertime {1949} off of TCM.  And today I watched it for the very first time. I loved it!

Starring Judy Garland & Van Johnson. In the Good Old Summertime {1949} is a musical remake of The Shop Around the Corner {1940} with James Stewart & Margaret Sullavan.  Can you believe it!?! They made a remake only nine years after the original.

It's the turn of the century America in Chicago when Andrew and Veronica first meet - by crashing into each other. They develop an instant and mutual dislike of each other right away. Which only grows when, later on, Andrew hire's Veronica as a saleslady at Oberkugen's music store. What they both don't know is, at night they both engage in an anonymous correspondence - with each other.  =)

For all you historical, or modern sewers out there. You will be excited to see a turn of the century sewing room. Plus, Judy has some really pretty clothes that she wears in the movie.

Also you can see Judy Garland's daughter in the closing scene. And she is the cutest thing ever! =)

~Ashley

"Strike Up The Band" {1940}

Strike Up The Band {1940} is one delightful, charming, feel good movie. I saw it for the first time this past Friday with Gabrielle and Hanne-col - we loved it! In fact, it was our first Judy Garland & Mickey Rooney film we ever saw. For that matter, it was our first Judy Garland movie we ever saw. =) Needless to say, she is a darling.

Judy was lovely. Mickey was hilarious. They made us laugh and feel oh, so happy. It had great songs and some fun dance routines. Plus, Judy's wardrobe was one I wouldn't mind owning myself. Her wardrobe is great for some 1940s teenage sewing inspiration. ;-)







Some of my favorite songs from the movie were, Our Love Affair, Drummer Boy, and Nobody.




For more information about the film check out these links.

http://www.doctormacro.com/Movie%20Summaries/S/Strike%20Up%20the%20Band.htm
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0033110/

What are your favorite Judy & Mickey films? Or, Judy Garland films in general? =)


~Ashley

Road to Avonlea

A few weeks back at a book sale I found a treasure. Season three of Road to Avonlea. The only problem - it is missing the last disc. How sad. The good news. I have fallen in love the story, characters, costumes, and music! This was my first time watching this old TV show from the 90s.

 

After watching only ONE episode my sewing list grew by leaps and bounds. =) Now what will seven seasons and one reunion movie do to my sewing list?!?!  I can't wait to buy the rest of the series and movie. And of course, the soundtrack!







I want to thank my dear reader, Heather, for recommending this series to me! You have my sisters and I hooked on this wonderful TV show! =)

Do any of you know of sites with good pictures from Road to Avonlea? Or, a site that talks about the costumes?

Do any of you love Road to Avonlea? Who is your favorite character? Which character are you most like? I'm sorry to say, that I'm quite like Felicity - sometimes. I think I need to change. =)

What is your favorite costume(s)? I love Felicity's and Olivia's clothes!






~Ashley
pictures from tumblr.com & roadtoavonlea.com 

30 Day Challenge - Day 1

I am doing this 30 day challenge with a bunch of other blogger girls. But, I will be doing mine in less time, like in eleven days instead of 30. Why, you may ask? Because I will be going on vacation in twelve days. =) So I will be doing several challenges in one day. =)

Day 1 {Favorite Song}

This first challenge is very hard, as I love music!

But I will go with I've Seen Hell - Martin Phipps. It is from the movie, North & South (2004) with Richard Armitage and Daniela Denby-Ashe which by the way, is one of my favorite movies. =)





Day 2 {Favorite Movie}

AHH!! What a question for me! Um, let's see here. I will instead list five of my favorite movies in no order, instead of telling you just one. =) 

1. The Sound of Music (1965)

See trailer here.

2. Mr. Smith Goes To Washington (1939)

3. Emma (2009) BBC

4. Ben-Hur (1959)

5. Fireproof (2008)

Day 3 {Favorite Book}

My favorite book would have to be, The Call of Duty: The Stirling Nobility of Robert E. Lee by Steven Wilkins. A wonderful book on the character and life on one of my many hero's.

Day 4 {Favorite Television Program}

It would have to be between the following.

1. The Dick Van Dyke Show (1961-66)

2. The Rifleman (1958-63)

3. Daniel Boone (1964-70)

If you all like, you can list your favorites in a comment below, or do your own post on your blog.  =)

~Ashley

AOGG Fashion Week Day 2 - A Study of My Favorite "Anne" Costumes

When I first watched Anne of Green Gables (1985) back in 1999, when I was nine years old,  I instantly fell head-over-heels in love with the costumes. It was from the Anne movies that made me want to learn to sew "Anne" dress, someday. We (my sisters and I) would watch the movies over, and over again. We would rent the movies so often from the library, that the librarians would ask us if we wanted to rent the Anne movies when they would come back in, before putting them back on the selves. =) Can you guess our answer? Of course, we would always say, "Yes!" 

But now, I have a confession to make. With the Anne giving me the love of period costumes, I have never recreated any outfits from the movies. I have copied dresses from, "North & South" (2004), "Sense & Sensibility" (1995), and "Pride & Prejudice" (1995). But never my beloved "Anne." I think it is because I want them to be perfect. You know, I have been planning them since I was nine, and now I am twenty. =)

So I thought, why not share some of my notes and research on two of my favorite costumes! I'm sure someone will find it useful, and so will I when ever I find the perfect fabric. =)

First off, my all-time favorite costume of Anne's! The cow chasing dress! ;-)

The dress is made of a blue and white vertically striped material. The collar is a rounded sailor style with white braid trim along the edge and a navy blue tie (which appears to be of a sheer material). The back of the collar has the stripes forming a "v." The neckline is filled with a horizontal striped sheer tucker that shows evidence of having a piece of boning on either side of the neck. The bodice is plain, gathered at the center front, and buttons down the back. It is separated from the skirt by a waistband. The sleeves are ¾ length with fullness at the cap and cuff. The cuff is 1.5" wide and of white dotted material. The skirt is five gores (three in front and two in back) with the center front gore having the stripes cut horizontally, while remaining gores are all cut with the stripes running vertically. There is some fullness at the center back. A 6" ruffle at the hem completes the dress. (Taken from In Timely Fashion which is now down.)

Patterns I though would be perfect for recreating this dress, with minor changes of course. 

B4826 (View A)  You would have to switch the opening to the front. Change the shape of the collar in the back. Change the fullness of the sleeve, length of sleeve, and cuff.   
B4698 (View D)  Take away the ruffle. And smooth out the shape of the collar around the neck. Of course, you would have to adjust the collar so if fits underneath the blouse. 
Sense & Sensibility Patterns: 1909 "Beatrix" Skirt pattern - Just adjust the length. Add ruffle to the bottom of skirt. And have the skirt slightly gather around the waist.

With all of my research, and seeing a gown from around the same era in London last Fall (sadly I can not share pictures for copyright reasons). I strongly believe that, the lace collar has either hooks and eyes (or snaps), along the back of the neck and all around to the front and back. Making the collar removable. Also, I believe that back of the dress buttons up until her sailor middy collar, meaning you would have to slip the dress over your head. But the buttons in the back (plus the collar is removable) would give you plenty of room for you to slip right through.   

Next up, her Vest Outfit (seen in the beginning of the movie).

This is a three-piece outfit consisting of a shirtwaist, vest, and skirt. The blouse is white with light grey dots. It has a stand-up collar, which forms a "v" at the upper edge and opens down the center front. A bar pin securing the collar and a taupe ribbon forming a bow give the collar a more special air. The sleeves are gathered at the cap and cuff, with the cuff being around 2.5" wide. It is hard to see how the bodice is treated, but it most likely has some fullness. The shirtwaist closes down the front with buttons.

The vest is of a grey and taupe plaid and is fitted with darts. It is pointed at the front waist and straight across the back. The vest is secured down the front with six taupe buttons. The skirt is made of a plain brown cloth (likely a medium weight wool or heavy cotton). It is six gores with fullness at the center back and has three large tucks at the hem. It is hemmed at a comfortable walking (or cycling, for that matter!) length.

Let me talk for a moment about this outfit and its wearability for a modern girl. This style of ensemble (shirtwaist, vest, and skirt) was popular at the turn of the last century for the very reason that it was easy to care for (because it was three pieces, one didn't need to launder the whole thing at once), very versatile in that you could change pieces of the outfit to create a new look, and practical. I would not think it amiss to wear something akin to this outfit today. Practical, sturdy fabrics make for a lovely, feminine design that stands up to repeated wear and tear and is tough enough to withstand the dirt and grime we encounter day-to-day. (In Timely Fashion)

Use Sense & Sensibility Patterns: 1909 "Beatrix" Skirt pattern for the skirt. You would just have to add tucks.
For  the blouse, I would recommend using Sense & Sensibility Patterns: 1909 "Beatrix" Shirtwaist pattern for the base of your blouse. As it has many options to choose from in the pattern. 
Now the vest, I would recommend using a basic bodice pattern and adjust for a vest.

I hope some of you will find this helpful!

Now link your post for today below. Or, add your pictures in our group flickr, here, if you don't have a blog.



~Ashley