vintage sewing

I saw a quote one of these days saying that vintage clothes are just a fancy word for old and smelly clothes. lol Well, vintage clothing is a very hot topic and always will be, that’s for sure. But you have to agree with me about the amazing talent and workmanship that goes in to detailing clothing.
Most people use the words "vintage" and "antique" interchangeably. There are, however, several periods of time which are defined.
According to wikipedia, antique is defined as:

An item which is at least 100 years old and is collected or desirable due to rarity, condition, utility, or some other unique feature.

A rough definition of time periods and definitions is as follows:
Gregorian: pre- 1837
Victorian/Edwardian: 1837 - 1910
Art Nouveau/Art Deco: 1895 - 1925
Retro/Vintage: 1940 – 1980

Last week, a friend of mine invited me to her place because she inherited a TON of vintage sewing and craft things from her grandparent. So, after taking what she wanted, she organized a swap. I felt I was in a garage sale back in 1963: there was patterns, pins, thread, buttons, some costume jewelry, some fabric and other flotsam. Well, I just brought a couple of things with me but don’t get me wrong… I wish I just know how to sew! 
I hope you like it!

Kiss,kiss
JB*

Silent night

Maybe because I thought really hard about the snow, it really happened this time! Yesterday Richmond had a snowy evening...such a blast! The silence and the beauty caught together in the same night...

Kiss, kiss

JB*

Men & Horses

"Atlanta has Coca-Cola and 'Gone With the Wind.' Seattle has the Space Needle. Houston has oil. Richmond has Monument Avenue. Even people who haven't visited know about Monument Avenue." said Edwin Jr.

I agree: you just have to drive down Monument Avenue to get to know Richmond's most emblematic place. It was originally a upper-class residential area and it still is, where you can find many huge mansions! During the American Civil War, Richmond served as the capital of the Confederate, and the Monument Avenue was the chosen place to honor Virginian soldiers in Civil War. 
There is a particular set of statues, representing 4 important men, that comes with a curious trick: some people say that if the statue faces north, it means that he died in the war, If they survived, they face south. Well, it seems that the formula is correct but is it really true? Some argue that the position and pose of each statue only correspond to the sculptor's creative impression. Plus, according to G. Campbell, the equestrian statues usually follow a distinct pattern:

• When the horse had one hoof off the ground, the rider was wounded.
• When two hooves were off the ground, the rider was killed during the battle.
• When all four hooves were on the ground, the rider was unharmed in the battle.

Isn’t that neat? I’m not a huge fan of horses (and dolphins! - I'll explain later...) but I find equestrian statues so powerful, so strong! 

Kiss,kiss

JB* 

PS: Do you remember the post about the Victorian houses? The photos were taken in this neighborhood near from Monument Av.

 more photos with men and horses and muscles:

some *snowflakes*

Ok, I get it. We are not going to have snow. Tu-ru-ru

Last year it was so fun! In Portugal, I've got to ‘travel to the highest mountain (named Star) if I want to see some snow’. Here, the snow comes to the city and paints the buildings in white... My lack of experience in snowstorms makes me a snow lover... I'm still fascinated, that's why. Poor Europe that is now struggling under a record cold wave. Some with too much snow, others with none! Please, don’t get me wrong, I just want a couple of inches ok?

Although I’m not a huge fan of winter sports (I know my boyfriend would love to) it’s really cool to walk the streets and to feel the snowflakes on my face (that´s my winter sport). I love to watch the landscape all covered in white, the water frizzing turning into ice crystals and to see the buildings with that funny white hat... what about the white capital house? Does it gets whiter?

For me to remember last year, I took some pictures. Do you want to see them?

Kiss,kiss

JB*

February's quote

Feel free to save the pic and set for your desktop background :)

the longest January ever!

I'm so sorry January but I'm not sure if I'm in love with you or not. It's been 21 days from my vacations but it seems like 21 weeks. bah! Plus:

• You didn't bring me any snow! I mean, just for fun, man! common! -.-'
• You didn't bring me any sunny and warm days to ride my bike either
• You brought me just a few moments to be inspired with.

At least, are you going to work with me in my resolutions for 2012? Please be gentle this time and ask February if I can have some more energy and have more fun this time! And ok, ok I have to behave and be a better student, I get it! ;) Well, I think it's going to be a good year though. I will be unstoppable with my black lab gloves and laundry detergent approved by Chuck Norris. I will fight every stain I will find on my way. haha

Check the posts from January here:

Coimbra tem encanto

one month ago   January quote