Black Beauty - Just a Taste

            Hey there Patterned History Readers!  I've been beading on Black Beauty off and on and I felt I should throw a picture up to tide you over for a little bit.  I've been adding some beads to the bodice to mirror the beads trickling down the skirt.  So far it's looking pretty rad.  Let me know what you think.

Philip - In Brooklyn

It May Be Cold Outside...

            ... but these vintage illustrations are broiling hot!  In the first episode of the 4th season of "Mad Men" featured Jantzen coming to get some ad magic from Little Donnie Draper.  But as we all know they passed on his work and returned to they're old stand by campaigns.  With illustrations like these why WOULDN'T you!?  Which reminds me I am no where near ready for 2 piece Resort Wear!

 

 

Here is some actual Jantzen ads from the late 50s. 

Thanks to Tom and Lorenzo for finding and posting them.

 Philip - Brooklyn

Mad About Joan!

            So me and the mans have been catching up on the “Mad Men”.  So far Season 2 disk 3, and let me tell you I am in LOVE!  She is a vision in her tight, tight wiggle dresses, and her sassy up-dos and no nonsense office politics send shivers up my spine.  Of course I am talking about Sally Draper.  Oh I can’t lie to you…   I love Joan!  Joan, Joan, Joan Holloway.  I wish she would slink on over to my side of the bench seat of my 1959 Plymouth.

            In the words of Warren McKenna, “She’s so much woman."

Philip - in Brooklyn

Progress Report on Black Beauty

            So I’ve been beading every moment I can on this sassy lady.  So far I think she’s lookin pretty good.  I mean she’s far from being done mind you.  My little container with the beads still has about half a pound of beads left in it.  Did I fail to mention I plan on using every bead I got on this lil’ sucker?  Oh yeah… she’s gonna look THAT good.

            Enjoy the pictures guys!  I’ll be posting more as she's coming along.

-Philip in Brooklyn

Front View of the Special Lady.

A nice side view

A detail of the hip drape and beading.

BLACK BEAUTY – A Little Black Story

            So a while back I was going through a box of vintage patterns that was given to me by my stepmother and sister that was collected over the years.  Ebay is a hell of a drug.  Anywho…  So I came across this little gem, a sassy little number by Ceil Chapman from 1961.  How could I not!?  So I quickly went through my fabric stash and landed on a black poly-satin.  Nothing too flashy let the design speak for itself.  Then inspiration blindsided me like Sandra Bullock’s adopted son in that movie she won the Oscar for, “Speed 2”.  What is the only thing that could make a frock like this better?!  BEADS!  Mass quantities of seed beads! 

            Now she’s all sewn up, and I am currently in the process of strategically covering her in seed beads in Matte Black and Shiny Raven hues.  So far she’s looking great!  I’ll post pictures soon!

            Many people have asked me what I’m gonna do with her when I’m finished, I've named her Black Beauty, (don't judge).  My answer always is, “Show it off to people and force them to compliment me on how awesome I am, until they become uncomfortable.”

-Philip in Brooklyn