Hydrangea Love

Posted by & filed under Daily Life, Vintage.

My beautiful blue hydrangea finally started blooming about two weeks ago.  Yes, in August.  I am really not much of a gardener; I mostly just leave all the plants, bushes, and trees in my yard to do their own thing, with little assistance from me.  So I really don’t know when things are supposed to bloom.  But if memory serves me correctly, my hydrangea usually blooms around May or June.

This has been no ordinary summer in Seattle.  A long, gray, rainy, cold spring has melded into a long, gray, rainy, cold summer.  Most days the temps have barely managed to get out of the 60s.  I realize that, compared to the rest of the HOT country, it may seem like somewhat of a paradise.  But not being able to wear cute summer clothes and bask in the sunshine is akin to torture for me – at least once in awhile!  I’m getting a bit weary of wearing jeans, sweaters and wool socks.

As a result of the summer that never was, my hydrangea took its sweet time in blooming.  Due to all the rainfall in the past year, my hydrangea plant grew massively.  I didn’t even have to water it once.  And now all the gorgeous blue puff balls are popping out all over!

There is just something so poignant about hydrangeas.  Their glorious splendor evokes a deep nostalgia in my heart.  I love looking at my hydrangea that sits just outside my office window; its cheerful blue beauty cheering me up.  My son, Alex, took these great pics of my hydrangea.  I think he did a splendid job capturing their essence.  May you bloom where you are planted.  🙂

“Blue thou art, intensely blue; Flower whence came thy dazzling hue?” ~James Montgomery

~Marilyn Huttunen

Vintage 60s ‘Kate’ Shawl Knitting Pattern

Posted by & filed under Fashion, Vintage.

I found this really lovely vintage 1968 knitting pattern for a shawl quite similar to Kate Middleton’s green shawl she wore out grocery shopping.   It is really large, has a nice open-work pattern, and is heavily fringed.  It measures 56 inches across the long edge and 28 inches long at the center back, excluding fringe.  Knit in standard 4-ply yarn using a circular needle.

I love how shawls really stand the test of time.  They never completely go out of style, but they do seem to surge in popularity every 5-6 years or so.  Kate seems to be bringing back the shawl right now.  The last shawl resurgence was in 2004 when Jessica Simpson wore Cecilia De Bucourt’s crocheted flower petal shawl, catapulting Cecilia’s and similar shawls into the fashion stratosphere.  I actually crocheted up several of the flower petal shawls in different colors.  They are really pretty, but to be honest, not too practical.  There is way too much air space to keep you from being warm!

This shawl seems like it would be very warm to wrap up in, while retaining a feminine edge.  The heavy fringe is super cool too.  I think I’m going to actually knit this one up.  I’ve been cleaning out the spare bedroom (AKA the depository of stuff), and I found a HUGE bag of yarn.  Hmmm…I was wondering where it all went -ha!  Looks like I will have no excuses not to be busy knitting this winter.  I promise I will post pics of the finished product, and I hope you will send me pics if you do the same.  🙂

Download Shawl Pattern Here: Shawl Knitting Pattern

~Marilyn Huttunen

 

Vintage 60s ‘Nonchalantly Smart’ Mohair Sweater Knitting Pattern

Posted by & filed under Fashion, Vintage.

I love this oh-so chic and elegant vintage 1963 knitting pattern for a fluffy mohair sweater coat!  It has a big collar and an open front, and would be just perfect for snuggling up in this fall and winter.  It’s a great style that stands the test of time.

More importantly, I love this photo!  The model is just way too Euro-hip in her green stretch pants and black ankle boots.  The black leather gloves are awesome, as is the black hat.  But I just adore her sunglasses.  Gawd, they are just about the coolest sunglasses I’ve ever seen, I covet them!

I also like the suave and debonair man as a backdrop too…nice eye candy. 😉

Anyway, I digress…I hope you enjoy the knitting pattern!

You can download the pattern here: Mohair Sweater Coat Pattern

 

~Marilyn Huttunen

Kate Brings Back the Sheer Nude Stocking

Posted by & filed under Fashion, Vintage.

I find that one of the more interesting fashion trends sparked by the chic Duchess of Cambridge is the wearing of nylon stockings.   More specifically, sheer nude pantyhose with a slight sheen.  I, for one, am glad to see this sartorial comeback.  It is an elegant fashion touch that has been sorely missing for some time now.

I am getting a bit weary of the fake tanned, show all your moles, freckles, veins and cellulite legs being presented out there when wearing a nice dress.  It is almost shocking to see Kate’s silky, slightly shimmering legs – just amazingly sexy and sophisticated!  While there is debate on whether the wearing of pantyhose is necessary royal protocol, it is a relief to see that Kate wears her pantyhose proudly!

I am of the age where I consistently wore pantyhose through the ’70s, ’80s, and a good part of the ’90s.  It was just the accepted (and expected)  thing to do for work, church, or any formal occasion.  Pantyhose is great for a number of reasons; it keeps you warmer, it covers flaws, it “holds” you in, and you just feel a whole lot sleeker!

Like with all things Kate, the pantyhose trend has skyrocketed.  The British press has reported an 85% increase in the sale of pantyhose (or ‘tights’), and it is attributed to Kate, and her sister Pippa Middleton, who also is an avid wearer.

I am happy to see the return of nylon stockings.  It is the fabulous finishing touch that is long overdue.

“In olden days a glimpse of stocking was looked on as something shocking, but now, God knows, anything goes.” ~Cole Porter

 

~Marilyn Huttunen

 

The Thrill of Summer Clotheslines

Posted by & filed under Daily Life, Frugal Living, Vintage.

Since becoming a complete and total air-drying fool several years ago, it’s amazing how the little things thrill me.  Now that summer has finally seemed to settle in somewhat in the Seattle area, I have been able to do most of my line drying outside.  Yes.  On a clothesline!

During the loooooooong, rainy winter, spring, and the first weeks of summer, I was feeling quite doubtful that I would ever be able to use my outdoor clothesline again.  Racks of laundry drying indoors filled my kitchen, bathroom, and occasional hallway.  It took days for it to get completely dry.  It was like doing the tango, maneuvering through the maze of drying racks.

It hasn’t been really hot here, but 70 degrees and a nice breeze seem to be the ideal conditions for good drying.  It’s so nice to hang laundry in the morning and actually take it in, dried, in the afternoon.  Everything is so smooth, crisp, and has the intoxicating scent of the sweet summer air. Aaaaaaaah!

Sheets and towels are especially blissful air-dried.  I may be in the minority, but I love a fresh, snappy, stiff air-dried towel!  You will never want to go back to soft, limp, non-absorbent dryer-dried-fabric softener-Bounce kind of towel after you get used to air-dried towels. Fake scented, chemical coated towels are a thing of the past for me, thank goodness.

I am relishing, and have a much greater appreciation for these nice summer days.  It’s great to put the summer weather to work; just hang and go (I am inherently lazy)!  Plus, it’s free, and I think the laundry turns out much better.   Here’s to more great summer weather!  🙂

“After enlightenment, the laundry.”  ~Zen Proverb

~Marilyn Huttunen

 

Kate Wows Canada Day!

Posted by & filed under Fashion, Vintage.

Prince William and Kate arrived in utterly smashing style today, Canada Day, at the Canadian Museum of Civilization in Gatineau, Quebec, Canada.  I have to say that I am ever more impressed with the Duchess of Cambridge’s fabulously chic and appropriate fashions at each outing!  This brings back the days when we all thrilled (well, those of us old enough, that is…) to see each of Princess Diana’s outfits.

Prince William was suitably attired in a navy blue suit, light blue shirt and red tie; the perfect backdrop for his gorgeous wife.  Kate was resplendent in a white Reiss ‘Nanette’ dress with 3/4 length sleeves and an asymmetrical draped neckline.  It was the same dress she wore for the official engagement photo with Prince William.  Hey, I am all for reusing clothes, hurray!  The duchess also borrowed jewelry, wearing the Queen’s diamond maple leaf brooch.  This added a nice regal touch and Canadian flavor to the ensemble.

 

The crowning glory, however, was the bright red fascinator hat by milliner Sylvia Fletcher at Lock and Co.  Adorned with fabric maple leaves, it was a nice nod to Canada.  I love it when the royals add the appropriate whimsical touches to their attire suitable for the occasion!

The finishing touches were a straw and red clutch bag by Anya Hindmarch, and red heels.  The red and white ensemble’s effect was very striking indeed.  Keep up the great sartorial work, Kate, and Happy Canada Day!

~Marilyn Huttunen