denise calhoun's Profile

I completed a sewing challenge! Let me share my Mad Men dress.

So. Here it is: My interpretation — or rather Vogue's – of a Joan Holloway dress, made for Julia Bobbin's Mad Men Dress Challenge. I chose not to make mine quite as figure-revealing. And I can hardly take credit for... Continue reading

Posted Apr 21, 2013 at The Blue Gardenia learns to sow her blossoms

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Sew how? Marie's odyssey has been successful. Absolutely.

Marie of A Stitching Odyssey is as delightful as the blog she writes, as cute as the clothes she makes. And she was kind enough to share her experience. Take the trip with me. How long have you been sewing?... Continue reading

Posted Apr 1, 2013 at The Blue Gardenia learns to sow her blossoms

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Shame? What's that? It's my birthday. I have the cake to prove it.

It is my birthday. It is. And I know I should be a quiet little mouse, and keep it a secret, but I love birthdays! And I love birthday blessings. So. I say, bring them on. Don't be shy. I... Continue reading

Posted Mar 26, 2013 at The Blue Gardenia learns to sow her blossoms

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Shameless plug: Pucci culottes, sassy shorts, bias slips, and more.

It's true: We've been lazy lately. So very. But we finally took a break from eating chile cream chocolates and reading Ruth Rendell novels, and got together an update. Hope you love it. Hope, in fact, you just can't resist... Continue reading

Posted Mar 25, 2013 at The Blue Gardenia learns to sow her blossoms

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denise calhoun is now following Fiftydresses.wordpress.com

Mar 3, 2013

denise calhoun is now following Callalil27

Mar 3, 2013

Learning to sew: My Gertie coat. What do you think?

Finally. My Gertie coat. Sure. It took time. But I am pleased with it. It's made of wool flannel. And lined in 3-mummy ice blue silk charmeuse. I did not make bound buttonholes. My one regret. My sewing teacher encouraged... Continue reading

Posted Mar 3, 2013 at The Blue Gardenia learns to sow her blossoms

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An overflowing cornucopia of style at the Oscars. Doncha think?

As always, my favorite thing about the Oscar ceremony was the fashion. This year did not disappoint. My tip-top selections: Perhaps not the popular choice — I noticed while trolling for pics that this made some worst-dressed lists — but... Continue reading

Posted Feb 24, 2013 at The Blue Gardenia learns to sow her blossoms

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I'm back. As Elvis and Chris Isaak say "It's Now or Never."

I've rediscovered a truth about blogging for me. If I take a break, it's easy to procrastinate about starting again. So easy. Very. I find there are so many things to do: painting my nails, rearranging magazines, making nearly every... Continue reading

Posted Feb 21, 2013 at The Blue Gardenia learns to sow her blossoms

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Baby, it's cold outside . . .

but, alas, you can't stay inside by the fire, listening to Johnny Mercer and Margaret Whiting. No. You have errands to run. Lots of them: Costco, Petco, Whole Foods. But you will be snug and toasty warm: jeans over tights,... Continue reading

Posted Jan 16, 2013 at The Blue Gardenia learns to sow her blossoms

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The countdown begins: The Blue Gardenia sale ends tonight!

So. You have mere hours to take advantage of The Blue Gardenia's terrific sale. And you want to, don't you? I want you to, and so do our little canine pals. They like their treats. They do. Absolutely. And treats... Continue reading

Posted Jan 7, 2013 at The Blue Gardenia learns to sow her blossoms

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Now's the time to sew that sleek, chic Valentine's Day number.

Valentine's Day seems so far away. But. She's got a very busy January and February. Business trips to New York, San Francisco and Brazil. So. If she is going to make a special dress for her special date with her... Continue reading

Posted Jan 5, 2013 at The Blue Gardenia learns to sow her blossoms

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Breaking news: The Blue Gardenia extends its end-of-year sale!

Yes, dear readers, it's true: Due to the sale's success (and my laziness and His Bertness's recent health fright) we're extending the sale through Sunday at The Blue Gardenia. The scoop: Spend $50 - $99, get 15% off. Spend $100... Continue reading

Posted Jan 3, 2013 at The Blue Gardenia learns to sow her blossoms

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And sew to dress: Debi of My Happy Sewing Place

Oh, how I love this feature. Pretending I am stylist to the sewing blogger stars. Today, I shall focus on Debi of My Happy Sewing Place. She is a major fan of vintage McCall patterns (as am I). And I... Continue reading

Posted Jan 2, 2013 at The Blue Gardenia learns to sow her blossoms

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What a long (and short) strange trip December has been.

First the good news: This December, I started out sewing. Made two skirts, a fabulous 1950s dress, McCall 9572, and finished my red jacket. Now, the bad: His Bertness had minor inpatient surgery (planned), my dad was diagnosed with bladder... Continue reading

Posted Dec 29, 2012 at The Blue Gardenia learns to sow her blossoms

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Don't miss The Blue Gardenia's end-of-year sale!

The Blue Gardenia's annual attitude-of-gratitude, our-customers-are-the-best, end-of-year sale is here! Here's the scoop: Spend $50 - $99, get 15% off. Spend $100 - $249, get 35% off. Spend $250 - $399, get 40% off. Spend $400 or more, get 45%... Continue reading

Posted Dec 25, 2012 at The Blue Gardenia learns to sow her blossoms

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Channelling Catherine: How to highlight those hips in plaid.

Pants that fit perfectly: Desirable. Spider mums: Spikey. Marc Jacobs plaid at Mood: Yummy. Vogue's Basic Design 2172 at The Blue Gardenia: Classic. Continue reading

Posted Dec 6, 2012 at The Blue Gardenia learns to sow her blossoms

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Serenity now: It's "me" time. You deserve it.

Well. She has done her duty today. Church. The minister delivered a lovely, uplifting message. Lunch with a dear elderly friend from church. Mopped the floors. Unloaded the dishwasher. And, now, to use that trendy phrase, it's her "me" time.... Continue reading

Posted Dec 2, 2012 at The Blue Gardenia learns to sow her blossoms

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We've added a plethora of vintage patterns. Wanna see?

We know you're exhausted, buying all those snazzy presents for friends. So. We have added glamorous new patterns at The Blue Gardenia. Because. You deserve a treat just for you. A few favorites: 1935 McCall 8130 — She loves the... Continue reading

Posted Nov 30, 2012 at The Blue Gardenia learns to sow her blossoms

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We're doin' it. We are. A Cyber Monday sale!

Normally we like to sashay to the beat of our own drummer. But we decided this year to offer a Cyber Monday deal. Spend $50 bucks — or more — and get 20% off your total order. But shop fast... Continue reading

Posted Nov 26, 2012 at The Blue Gardenia learns to sow her blossoms

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Hard, fast and fashionable: Bare midriff, PJs, petals in her hair.

This is one of my favorite Ida Lupino images. I came across it years ago at an estate sale in Houston, Texas. Naturally, I was looking for patterns or sparkly rhinestone beauties, but what I found were several images torn... Continue reading

Posted Nov 17, 2012 at The Blue Gardenia learns to sow her blossoms

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So many swell dresses. So many places to wear them. Yes indeed.

Dearest Gardenias, it's that time again. Time to enjoy The Blue Gardenia's latest additions. This update, you'll find everything from a hip-stiffened skirt perfect for Dior's New Look to a gorgeous housecoat that will look perfect beside the tree on... Continue reading

Posted Nov 5, 2012 at The Blue Gardenia learns to sow her blossoms

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A moment for something personal: 21st wedding anniversary!

His Bertness and I celebrated our 21st wedding anny this week! Isn't that something? Yes, I think so. Definitely. Naturally, we had cake. Naturally, we shared it with the pups! I would love to share a pic of all of... Continue reading

Posted Oct 26, 2012 at The Blue Gardenia learns to sow her blossoms

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Just sewing along: Ogle the details on a '50s Gertie-style coat!

I know. The details don't show up well in this picture. Black! The bane of neophyte snappers. This is my ace sewing teach Leslie, wearing a coat that was a gift from her mom-in-law. (Now, that's a mother-in-law who deserves... Continue reading

Posted Oct 24, 2012 at The Blue Gardenia learns to sow her blossoms

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Just sewing along: My Gertie coat muslin bodice has a muffin top.

I am — as often — lagging in my sew-along garment. This time, the Gertie Coat Sew-Along. I am not pleased with the fit. Not one bit. I think the front darts need to be brought toward the center a... Continue reading

Posted Oct 21, 2012 at The Blue Gardenia learns to sow her blossoms

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