On Buttons

Buttons come in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors, and materials. They can be functional or decorative, providing one with a way to keep something fastened or providing one with a nice accent for a pillow. As a small child, buttons may serve as playthings that fascinate and keep one occupied for many a happy hour. And as an unintended risk, can lead to a lifetime fondness of old buttons.

In sewing, buttons can have a great impact on how quickly a project will be finished. Because one will be wearing the buttons attention should be paid to how well matched the buttons are to the type of project. One, for example, would not use gold buttons with anchors on a pink gingham square dancing dress (which leaves the new owner with the task of replacing them). In finding the right buttons, button holes are then to be considered and from there the attachment of the buttons to the garment. In creating button holes, especially of the bound button hole variety, size of the button should always be considered least the button prove too small to stay in place once buttoned. Attachment of the button should also be carefully carried out to avoid incorrect placement, which would be nearly as bad as the button being too small, and to avoid them being too tightly or too loosely attached.

So, while one may take buttons for granted, they are indeed most important. And even if one is not using them for sewing or some sort of craft, one may find themselves recalling fond childhood memories of playing Button, Button, Who’s Got the Button? on a rainy day or being reminded of a fairy tale character’s confusion over the shiny yellow buttons buried in the garden. ♥

On Dressing Up For No Particular Reason

Another interlude from this blog’s regular writing style…

Sometimes one feels the urge to dress up for absolutely no reason and this morning, despite the fact that I am not going anywhere today, I decided that I wanted to wear my most formal and one of my most favorite of my vintage dresses. This then led to a whirlwind search for items to create the perfect outfit in places ranging from in the closet, under the bed, and in the dresser.

While I have worn this dress before, I have never gone through the effort to add all the accessories that I did today. They are a bit a mixed in as far as time period goes— I’m guessing the dress is probably 60’s, gloves are 40’s or 50’s, sunglasses are 60’s, and hat and shoes are present day--but in this case I don’t think it looks all that bad and it is all the same color scheme. The only things I think I’d do differently next time I wear this is to skip the earrings (one can only wear clip-on earring so long) and maybe try to find a hair style other than a doubled up ponytail because while cute my hair likes to loosen itself from the hair band. All in all, though, I am happy with the overall look and now that the weather is cooling down I will certainly be wearing this dress more often!

Proof that I have been watching too many film noirs lately,
although I suppose femme fatales don't normally wear sunglasses. 

Outfit details

Jo Lester dress: Thrift store find (a very exciting one at $6, I might add!)

Sunglasses, clip-on earrings, and ring: Formerly my grandma’s

Pearls: Gift from my grandma when I was little

Crescendoe Leather Tailored gloves: Gift from my grandma’s friend to play dress-up with when I was little

Hat: Amazon

Photos taken by my mother

♥

On Scarecrows

With the arrival of autumn come thoughts of crisp air, leaves changing colors, pumpkin patches, and, often in the nature of decor, scarecrows.

The variance among types of scarecrows is vast and the images that one might conjure when thinking of them equally so. The popular likeness that comes to one's mind is that of a set of patched clothing stuffed with hay and a floppy hat stuck atop a head made of a sack, all, of course, balanced atop sticks connected to make a cross-like frame. In seeing one such as this, one might think of the ever popular scarecrow going in search of brains or one might think of a creepier scarecrow, such as that brought to life by Mother Rigby.

Furthermore, in purpose, they may serve as an attempt to keep the birds away, which may or may not work dependant on one’s scarecrow. In the event that it fails to keep the birds aways, though, one should not feel discouraged, but should think of it as an opportunity to start the hobby of bird watching and quite possibly as a means of exercise if one decides not to take up this hobby.  Aside from the more purposeful use, they also can be a delightful addition for a pumpkin patch, inviting all ages for a day of country fun along with the possible tractor and hay.

Be they cute or scary and for whatever purpose, though, it is undoubtable that during the next few months one will see scarecrows gracing lawns and gardens, as well as adorning various decorations that go up with the coming of autumn. ♥     

On Ice Cream

July 1947

When the weather becomes unbearably hot and sticky as it has been of late, there are few foods that hit the spot quite as nicely as ice cream! And undeniably, this delectably cold dish is one that offers a tasty relief from the heat of summer!

While a wonderful treat by itself, there are a great variety of ways that one can use ice cream, such as for making sundaes, pies, and milkshakes. At the time the above picture was taken, The Good Housekeeping Cook Book offered a number of ways to serve it ranging from Ice Cream Shortcakes and Ice Cream Ginger Ale (also known as a Boston Cooler despite originating in Detroit, Michigan) to, on the more unique side, Pineapple Minted Parfait and Spiced Grape Sundae. Although the latter two lack the appeal of the others with some rather interesting ingredient combinations, they certainly provide one with an example of how ice cream can be used in just about any way imaginable!

Hence, with so many varieties to choose from and with so many ways to add to it, ice cream is and will remain popular among all ages allowing everyone to indulge in whatever their fancy may be! ♥