Fall for Cotton Finished Dress

September just flew by!  I had grand intentions of sewing a new dress for myself from a vintage pattern with vintage fabric for the Fall for Cotton Sewalong, but with doing two shows this month, it just wasn't going to happen.

I did, however, whip up another swirl dress at the beginning of this month and never got around to sharing it.  It's made of 100% cotton, was made in September, and of a vintage/retro design so I think it fits the bill.   ;)

I was lusting after this fabric in the clearance section at Joanns and stopped in during their Labor Day sale and scored 4 yards for half off!  I feel like it looks a bit retro and with it being a new fabric I won't worry so much about washing and wearing the heck out of it!

The dress went together much better this time around.  I attribute that to having a better idea of how much room to leave while cutting out and just doing a better job cutting out the dress in general.  Next step is to trace the pattern pieces with the correct seam allowances.  And make more dresses!

Fabric: Clearance Quilting Cotton for Joann's, $12

Pattern: Original Swirl Design

Hours to Complete: 9

Total Cost: $15

This was such a fun sewalong to be apart of!  Thanks to Tasha and Lucille for coming up with and hosting this!

A Follow Up on the Swirl Dress | How to Spot a Swirl & How to Date a Swirl

I had a few questions about yesterday's post and thought a follow up was in order.

The Swirl dress is both a label and a style.  Like any idea that catches on, copies are made and it was no different with Swirl.

The basic defining factor that separates this type of wrap dress from another is how it wraps -- around the back instead of the front.  See how the woman in the ad slips her arms into the front, buttons the back, and then brings the ties through to the front?  That's what makes a Swirl (or a knock in this style) a Swirl.

I have many dresses in my collection that are made by a different label, but are essentially Swirl dresses; they have the same cut and style, just a different label.  I have some that were even homemade, likely with some of the patterns I posted yesterday.

So what distinguishes a Swirl from a knock off?

Other than the label, which you can see all of them HERE on the Vintage Fashion Guild's label guide, Swirl dresses have a trademark button, seen above.  This is an easy way to spot a Swirl brand dress.  Now, not all of my Swirl brand dresses have this button (some might have been lost/replaced and I don't think the button was introduced until the 50s), but most of them do.

Some other defining factors for spotting a Swirl (or knock off):

-big patch pockets

-bodices that have the sleeves attached (dolman style sleeves)

-rick rack, appliques, and novelty fabrics

-cross over or wrap back 

-skirt that gathers above the pockets (see below)

 | image from Susan's Diary |

Dating a Swirl Dress

The best way to date your Swirl is with the label guide posted above.  The Swirl label changed over the years and is a great way to help date your dress.  Keep in mind that there are some known dresses from the 60s that have the 40s Neat 'n Tidy label in them.  It is thought that an old box a labels were found and used rather than thrown out.

Since most Swirl dresses you find have this label (above), here are some other ways to help date you dress:

The Length

Later Swirls, those from the late 50s and all throughout the 60s have a shorter hem line.  The earlier dresses will fall below your knee, while the later ones will fall just above your knee or at your knee. (earlier on left, later on right).

The Pockets

Earlier Swirls (40s) will have side seam pockets, 50s Swirls will have two big patch pockets, and 60s Swirls normally have just one pocket, or smaller pockets.

The Ties

All pre 60s Swirls will have a sash tie made out of the fabric of the dress about an inch or two wide.  Many Swirls dating to the 60s have cord ties, often out of a solid color fabric. See dress below.

The Fabric

Yellow and Pink colors seem to be popular for all eras of Swirls, but here's a few tips on what fabrics were used when.  50s Swirls have feminine color schemes, while 60s Swirls have deeper/darker color tones.  The 60s Swirls also have the two toned look, with a solid color top and patterned skirt (see above). 

Hope this helps answer your questions!

Making a Swirl Wrap Dress and a Brief History

As many long time readers will know, I love Swirl wrap dresses.  I started collecting them about three or four years ago and have amassed an embarrassing amount since.  I wear them year round -- even in the snow -- and they really are my favorite type of vintage dress.

The Swirl dress, originally called Neat 'n Tidy, was created in the early 40s by the L. Nachman and Sons Company.  First conceived and marked as an apron, by the 1950s, the Swirl was being sold as  a quick and easy dress for the busy homemaker to slip into.  Ethel on I Love Lucy was famous for wearing several different incarnations of the Swirl dress and undoubtedly inspired many other homemakers to do the same.  Into the 60s and 70s, the Swirl label added different styles to their line (like zip front dresses) and by the late 90s was on the decline, finally closing up some in 1999.

As with all popular trends, knock offs were made and even home sewing patterns were created for the skilled housewife to stitch up her own.  Last summer, I unearthed a severely tattered Swirl in the basement of a Detroit home and couldn't leave it behind.  At first, I was going to try and rework the hem to make it wearable, but it became clear that wasn't a viable fix.

Instead, I decided to take the dress apart, making my own pattern, and recreate it.  The dress fit perfect and would allow me to make several others.  It went together extremely easy -- the hardest part was figuring out the neckline since I didn't have a Swirl in my collection with a similar neckline to look at how they put it together.

I decided to sew in the label from the roached dress (since this is for me and I have no intentions of selling it or trying to pass it off as a factory produced Swirl).  I used a pocket pattern from a vintage apron and ric rac to jazz up the neckline and pockets.  I -LOVE- the final outcome and plan on making many more!

Fabric: Joann's Clearance, $3.50/yard

Pattern: Original Swirl Dress Design

Hours to Complete: 12-14 

Total Cost: $13

I've already bought some more fabric for another dress and am working on drafting a different style top!

**********

Like the Swirl, but can't sew?  Here's a few on etsy, including one from my personal collection!

 1  | 2  |  3

And here's some patterns for all you seamstresses!

 1  | 2  |  3

Tulips on a Swirl

Hi, I'm Emily and I am addicted to Swirl dresses.

Another Swirl? Yes, but this one was just so cute, I just couldn't pass it up. I could just live in these dress...... oh wait, I kinda do! ;) Whenever I am not feeling like getting dressed or picking out an outfit, I always turn to my trusty Swirl dresses. They are flattering and you only have one piece to put on -- which I love. And, the major bonus is these dresses almost always have pockets, which I am a huge fan of. Whoever designed this was a smart person!

Emily

50s Swirl Dress: eBay

White Tennis Shoes: Target

The Wild

It's not very often that I score really collectible vintage stuff in the wild. Finding bakelite, lucite purses, and Swirl dresses normally requires searching the good ole interwebs. However, occasionally I get lucky and find one of these such items while out thrifting, a.k.a in The Wild.

This Swirl was such a find. While combing the racks at a booth at the Midland Flea Market, I came across this dress, realized it was a Swirl and was super giddy at my luck. There was, however, no price tag and I was sure the seller was going to say some crazy number. Instead she held up 5 fingers. $5?! Ummm.... Yes!!! Seriously, the best deal I have ever gotten on a Swirl and I am sure I will probably never get this lucky again. Isn't the print just darling?

Emily

50s Swirl: Midland Flea Market

Sweater: Target

Old Navy Jelly Flats: Plato's Closet

Sabrina at The Redford

Last weekend, Jesse and I went to see Sabrina (1954) at our local historic theatre, the Redford, which plays classic films all year long. Detroit is lucky to have a few theaters that pay tribute to their past by playing old films. I love that at the Redford, they have the ticket booth outside the theatre. I always feel a bit like I have transported back in time when I there.

You also might have noticed that I have dyed my hair. I had been toying with the idea of going red for weeks, many even months, and I finally took the plunge. I really liked the dye I used and will be posting a review on it soon.

The only jewelry I wore that evening was my newly acquired vintage watch, which I had gotten the day before for the mere sum of $3.75. I always check out the jewelry tables at estate sales because you never know what you will find. I normally don't purchase a lot of jewelry at estate sales because lately they have become quite expensive (anyone else noticing this?). Anyway, I spotted this watch, gave it a quick twist at the side and hear it running, so I figured it was worth the $3 gamble.

To my surprise it kept (and keeps!) really good time. An added bonus was discovered when I was looking on the back for a hallmark to look the watch up online. It said it was 10kt gold face and when I flipped it over to look more closely, I discovered two tiny diamond chips that I didn't notice when I purchased the watch -- they had just looked like part of the scroll work at the time! This is probably one of my best bargains in a while!!

Emily

50s Swirl Dress: eBay

50s Watch: Estate Sale

Red, White, and Swirl

Have you seen The Help yet? I am a sucker for any kind of costume drama or period film, so I just had to go see The Help. IFrom a vintage fashion standpoint, it was really good! I thought the costumes and sets were very spot on. I even have some of the glasses that they used in the bridge scene! I'm not surprised at the execution of the costumes, Sharen Davis was responsible for them. Davis has worked on other period films such as Ray (2004) and Dreamgirls (2006). I would totally recommend you check out this film if you are into vintage fashion. My favorite character from the film was Celia. I love her look and think she was a sweetie, even if it wasn't totally realistic. If you have seen the film, who was your favorite?

Emily

50s Homemade Swirl: etsy

Tennis Shoes: Target

Swirls and Stripes

When I spotted this Swirl on eBay, I knew I had to have it. And, fortunately, I was able to score it for a song!

In other news, as summer approaches its end, so does my summer vacation. For the first time in a long time, I am not excited to return to school. Although, the good thing about this fall is that it will begin my last year of graduate school. In April, I will graduate and will hopefully have found a teaching job. I am hoping that by that time there will be some openings here in Michigan so I can stay in the state. April cannot come soon enough! ;)

Emily

50s Swirl Dress and Carved Bakelite Bracelet: eBay

Sandals: Kohls

Take a Peek into my Room....

Things are slowly starting to come together over at Retroville. For the most part, I have my bedroom set up and even though I am still tweaking things, I am pretty pleased with it. Plus, I am in love with my new closet! I am sure some of you would love to take a peek, so......

I love being so organized! And I love having a big closet; it's something that I have always wished for! Moving all my stuff to one defined location made me realize how much "stuff" I really had and gave me a chance to really get rid of a lot of things. And while this photo may not prove that statement, I don't do seasonal closet, so that is pretty much all of my clothing, minus sweaters and jeans. I also realized how many wicker purses I had and made the beau promise to not let me buy another. I mean, how many wicker bags does one girl need?

Emily

50s Carol Brent "Swirl:" eBay

Nine West Sandals: Plato's Closet

A "Swirly" Skirt

So, this photo is also a month old, but I am super excited to share this outfit with you all. I had been longing to wear this skirt which I scored at a flea market for only $1, but didn't have the right top to wear with it. In comes this 60s homemade top, found at my church's rummage sale. The two compliment each other nicely and since they are also separates, I can pair them with other tops and bottoms. I am really on a separates kick lately.

So this skirt.... It once upon a time was a Swirl and someone along the way chopped off the top (tear!) and modified it to be a wrap skirt. I'm sure that when it was a dress, it was quite the Swirl. Butterflies and yellow piping!!! Anyways, enough longing for what was... it was a deal at a dollar and I knew I would really enjoy wearing it since I love Swirls so much. And I do enjoy wearing it. Probably my favorite skirt!

Emily

60s Top: Church Rummage Sale

"Swirl" Wrap Skirt: Midland Flea Market

Auburn and Green

Red it is! I decided to dye my hair a red auburn color. It didn't come out as red as I was hoping for, but it is a great change and I am really enjoying it. Maybe next time I will opt for a redder red.

This is what I wore on Saturday on my weekly trip with my beau to the farmers' market in Detroit. I have another swirl exactly like this one and I really love this style from Swirl. This outfit was quite the hit on Saturday.... I received a few compliments from passer-bys. :)

After the market, Jesse and I stopped by the grand opening of the second location of my favorite resale shop, Regeneration. We didn't know that they were opening a new location, so we were both excited to look around and see what they had to offer. I found an amazing 50s mexican dress and a cute 50s day dress for only $1!!! These finds will be pictured in my next edition of my Michigan Vintage Shopping Guide.

What did you find this weekend?

Emily

50s Swirl Dress: eBay

60s Tennis Shoes: Value World

Vintage Bakelite Bangles: Estate Sale

It's Finally Spring Time!!!

Finally!!!!! Some warmer weather has hit Michigan!!!! I can't even begin to express how excited I am about this!!! This winter, I have complied quite a large new spring/summer wardrobe which I am so giddy about!

This is one such outfit. It is a handmade vintage knock-off Swirl dress in the sweetest daisy novelty print. I just love red and yellow together! The bakelite I am wearing in the post will be shown sometime next week, as I am preparing a bakelite post.

Hope you're experiencing some lovely spring weather too!!

Emily

50s Knock-Off Swirl, Vintage Bakelite Earrings, & Vintage Carved Bakelite Bangle: eBay

Tennis Shoes: Target

It's Still Kinda Cold Here.....

This past weekend, Jesse and I ventured into the city (Detroit that is) to enjoy an evening at a cute little bar and grille. One of the best parts of the evening was selecting music off the jukebox, which was filled with lots of 60s - 80s music. It was a nice change of pace to hang out at a place that doesn't play top 40.

Since it was barely 40 degrees outside, I had to do the tights and boots route with my outfit. While I am glad I embraced this look this winter, I am ready for the warmer days ahead, where all that is needed is a dress and tennis shoes and we can walk places. :)

Emily

60s Swirl Dress and Bakelite Earrings: eBay

Cardigan: Target

Tights: Gap

Boots: UGGS

60s Bracelet: Backroom Sale at a Closed Down Vintage Shop

Snow Snow Go Away

Over the weekend, we got another batch of snow. While it was just a dusting, it brought with it ice and colder temperatures. Tonight we are suppose to get more snow; again just a light dusting, but I am sure it will bring ice and cold. I wonder if Mother Nature knows it's March? I am really anxious now to get back into the swing of wearing dresses and flats. I love the spring and summer time. I find it such easier to dress and look cute with little to no effort.

Above is my kind of winter effortless outfit. I paired the dress with leggings rather than tights because I find them much easier to deal with and my uggs because they are comfy and sort of matched. I have done a lot of experimenting this winter season and have been trying hard to wear more vintage rather than just a hoodie and jeans. I'm not sure how I feel about these boots with the dress and leggings, but it kept me warm, which is rather the point, isn't it? ;)

How do you keep warm but still have a vintage feel to your outfit?

Emily

50s Swirl: eBay

Boots: Uggs

Leggings and Sweater: Target

Putting Some Color into Winter

I don't you know about anyone else who is experiencing all this SNOW and SLUSH, but I am SO beyond ready for SPRING and some warmer weather. I want to wear my bright springy dresses and cute shoes again. I don't know how those gals in the 30s, 40s, and 50s wore dresses and heels (cute shoes) everyday! Maybe it didn't snow as much back then.....

Anyways, the other day I was in need of something to brighten this dreary weather and pulled this Swirl out of my closet. I decided I could keep it "winter appropriate" by sticking with black accessories. I also got a chance to wear this awesome little clip I got a few months back. One thing's for sure, dresses and tights sure do fight the cold way better than jeans!!

Don't forget to enter my giveaway and/or get your extra entries in. Up to four are allowed. Giveaway closes tomorrow at midnight.

Emily

Dress: eBay

Sweater and Flats: JC Penny

Tights: Target

Hair Clip: Etsy

Swirls and Snoods

I can't believe how fast September has flown by! Life sure has gotten crazy now that I am back in school, teaching, and working all at once. I hardly have had time for estate sales lately, well at least not on the first day that they open. I am super excited for this weekend; there is a HUGE flea market in Midland, MI that is seriously the biggest flea I know of in the state. They hold it three times over the summer and this weekend is their final date for the season. I have gone the last two years and always come back with lots of goodies!!

On another note, Wednesday was the last official day of summer and I wore my newest addition to my Swirl collection. I just had to have this one because of the yellow in it -- my favorite color! I am also still trying to get use to setting my new cut. It didn't really turn out as expected this particular day, so I opted for a snood to remedy the problem. Don't you just love snoods? They are better than a ponytail, in my opinion.

Emily

50s Swirl and Bakelite Earrings: eBay

Bakelite Bracelets: Estate Sale

Shoes: Converse

My Weekend Uniform

These last few weeks of summer have been keeping me super busy and away from my computer. Since I did not have any classes this summer to take, I have really taken advantage of enjoying a lazy school free summer.

This past weekend was jam packed with lost of estate sale shopping and a trip to Eastern Market, a large farmers market in Detroit. I didn't find anything too spectacular at the estate sales, but the beau did score a really awesome hanging lamp that drips oil. Now we just need to figure out how to make it work..... make the oil start dripping again, that is.

The weekend also gave me a chance to wear my new Swirl, which I got on eBay for the large sum of $5 with shipping included!!! The top is a little faded and there are a few speckles of paint, but it was a great price and is perfect for estate sales and flea markets; for when I want to dress vintage but not have to worry about ruining my vintage clothing. Plus I have having pockets so I don't need to carry a purse around everywhere.

Emily

50s Swirl: eBay

Shoes: Target

40s Watch: Estate Sale

Blogger Meet-Up: Meeting the Thriftaholic

[Outside a historical theatre, where Leilani's grandparents had their first date!]

First off, I should begin this post with an apology for being gone for over two weeks. One of my major goals for this summer was to do some traveling and two weekends ago I went on my camping trip, which was a total blast. More on this later!

This past weekend, my beau and I drove to Chicago to meet up with Leilani from Thriftaholic. Chicago is about a four and a half hour drive from Metro Detroit and it had been about ten years since I had been there. Leilani offered to act as our tour and vintage shopping guide.

Along with some great shopping and eating, we experienced quite a big heat wave. Day one was spent doing some shopping around Ukrainian Village at some cute little vintage clothing stores and eating lots of yummy food. Day two included some estate sales and hitting up some antique shops in the suburbs.

Here we are on day three, posing in our Swirls on some couches at a local thrift store. I found a lot of great stuff, which deserves a post of its own, so look for my finds tomorrow!

The last night in town, Leilani and I got all dressed up and spent the evening sipping some cocktails and took some photos in a vintage photo booth. Check out Leilani's blog for those photos.

Overall, I had such a lovely time in Chicago and want to send a huge thank you out to Leilani, a gem of a gal, for being my personal tour guide and showing me a fantastic time while in town!

Emily

Photo 1 & 2

Red Swirl Dress: eBay

Tennis Shoes: Target

Photo 3

Flowered Swirl Dress & Bakelite Hoops: eBay

Shoes: Love Couture

Photo 4

50s Wiggle Dress: Gift from Leilani

Hat: eBay

Gloves: Estate Sale

Shoes: Mother Fletchers

I Love Yellow!

Have I ever mentioned that yellow is my favorite color? I just love how bright and cheery it is. Putting on something yellow always brighten my day and puts me in a good mood.

I got this dress a while back for a major steal on eBay, but had been putting off wearing it since I am not a huge fan of sleeveless tops and dresses. The hot Michigan weather convinced me to let go of my sleeveless fears and be a little bit cooler.

I am still working on getting down victory rolls. I fear I might never be able to really do them correctly. I have been watching Ashley's videos on how to do a victory roll, and they have been helping. Hopefully I will someday be able to do them with ease.

Emily

Earrings and Shoes: Estate Sales

Dress (knockoff Swirl!!): eBay

Flowers on my Pockets!

Here's my latest addition to my Swirl collection. It's a Carol Brent and I got it for a major steal because it isn't a "real Swirl." I could careless if my wrap dresses are "real Swirls" or not. I just love the style and the fit is always wonderful!!

Tonight I am headed to a beautiful music hall in Detroit to see Sparrows (1926), a Mary Pickford silent. I am super excited!! Not only to see a Pickford on the big screen, but also to wear my new-to-me vintage dress I found at the thrift store. It is seriously the oldest piece of clothing I have ever found at a thrift store. And.... I got it for a major steal. Definitely my "deal of the day" last week (which I totally neglected to post)!!

Emily

Dress: eBay

Shoes: Love Couture

Earrings: From my Great-Aunt