SPRING BREAK SALE!

It's Spring Break somewhere! My step-daughter is out on Spring Break this week, my son is out next week, my sister in Dallas has Spring Break the following week, so for the rest of this month, I'm having a SPRING BREAK SALE. Save 15% off plus my usual shipping discounts:
FREE SHIPPING OFFER!!! Buy 3 patterns or more and I will ship for FREE!!!
Offer good in USA only!

Buy 5 Sewing Patterns and get 5% OFF + FREE SHIPPING
Buy 10 Sewing Patterns and get 10% OFF + FREE SHIPPING
Buy 15 Sewing Patterns and get 15% OFF + FREE SHIPPING
Buy 20+ Sewing Patterns and get 20% OFF + FREE SHIPPING

INTERNATIONAL:
Buy 1-2 patterns = $5.00 shipping
Buy 3-4 patterns = $7.00 shipping
Buy 5-6 patterns = $9.50 shipping
Buy 7-9 patterns = $12.50 shipping
Buy 10 patterns = $20.00 + 10% off
Buy 15 pattern = $20.00 + 15% off
Buy 20 patterns = $20.00 + 20% off
Buy 25+ pattern = FREE SHIPPING + 20% off.

Must pay from one invoice for Paypal payment.
Mention "SPRING BREAK SALE" in the message to buyer to get the sale and I'll either send you a new invoice or refund you through Paypal.
Happy Shopping!

My 1000th Sale

Simple to Make 1950s Simplicity 4682 Wrap-Around Dress

I've never seen this Wrap Around Dress before and I have to say, it is my favorite. Many are in love with the 50s Butterick Walk Away Dress, but I've read reviews about how difficult it was to make. This one looks simple to make and it even reads: "Simple to Make". You can find it here:
Simplicity 4682

Pre-Spring Cleaning Sale

OK. It's not like I just woke up this morning and said, I've got too many unlisted boxes of patterns...but I do! They have taken over my office, my garage and several other places. There not enough hours in the day to list all these patterns and I'm expecting several big shipments of patterns this week. So help me make some room. Take 20% off now through the end of Feb. HELP!

Found! LARGE Vintage Sewing Patterns.

They are always hard to come by and they fly out the store. Here are some good size patterns and lovely dresses and a coat, at that.

Find them here:

My Etsy Pattern store

Spotlight on 5erg/Silja's Giftshop on Etsy

What is your shop's name and where are you located (url)
5Erg's. http://5erg.etsy.com

How long have you been in business?
About a year. I am pretty new with this, it was my first holiday season this year. Wrote everything down I need to think about if I make it to the next holiday season. You need to be prepared for November-December :D For example, think about buying more bubble envelopes and stamps and not spending 40 minutes packaging time on one order.

What motivated you to go into the crafting business?
There happened to be people interested in some of my craftwork and that made me think about it.
About starting an Etsy shop, I just tried it out without thinking about where I am going with this. If I would of done a proper estimate for the year, I wouldn't of tried it out for sure. So I guess it worked out well.
I like the idea that someone wants my stuff more than hoping to make a fortune on this, so I started with really low prices. I think that helped.

what's is your favorite item you've ever made?
Huh, this is a hard question. I have to think about what HAVE I done, haha.

There is this portrait I like. I sent it to New York for a show, but hopefully they will send it back too. In April or so. It usually hangs near my desk, it is a really happy portrait and it makes me want to do chores. I don't know why. So I am making a use of this phenomen and keeping it near. I guess I won't be doing any house work until April then. :D

It's a good day when ...
I liked it when we were removing stoves from out house. Whole summer full of breaking brick constructions. Great workout! So, my point is, it is a good day when there is something real to do.

Do you have any advise for someone who wants to open a shop on Etsy?
Yes, head off to forums right away. Check out some business topics. Then check out some red hot topics and see how it looks when someone is ranting, calling out or whining(whining too much. some whining is OK!) and then make your conclusions if you would like to sound the same way or not.
And do not worry, most of the etsyans are routing FOR you! So if you feel like handicraft is something you need to do, try it out! :)

My favorite item from her store:

Happy Valentine's Giveaway!

Starting today 2/9 and ending Sat. 2/14 , anyone who purchases from my shop will be entered into a a giveaway of a $25 Gift Card to use in my store. Each pattern you purchase will give you one entry. I will have my 7 year old draw the name and then announce here. Good Luck.

Thank You to all my Entrecard Droppers and Blog Readers

Dropper # of drops Alteredevents 31 Parental Instincts 31 My gypsygoods 30 theysaY 30 Silver Sachet 29 Three Fates Design - Beaded Jewelry 27 More Than Sew So 26 BeadedTail 26 Dunia soer 24 Favorite Online Shops Blog 24

I'd also like to Thank everyone who reads my blog and purchases PW ads.
You are the best.
If any of my Top Droppers is in need of a vintage pattern, come by my store and take 20% off and mention TopDropper Discount!

Looking for my 900th SALE!

If your my 900th sale, you'll get a surprise.
My Etsy Pattern store

Vintage 30s and 40s Lingerie Patterns

New York 470 Advance 4331
I came across a bunch of great 30s and 40s sewing patterns and these two lingerie patterns are my favorite. Look how long and lean they look. Exquisite.

Saying Goodbye!

As most of your know, I lost my Mom back on Nov. 22 and yesterday I got a call from my 86 year old Aunt Henrietta, who I called "Aunt Yetta", telling me her days were coming to an end and she wanted to say goodbye. This lady has been my second Mom and I told her so (but she already knew) She told me that I was the daughter she never had. We actually laughed about days gone by and cried about my Mom, who was her youngest and closest sister. They were eight years apart, just like my sister and I are. My Mom dying has really taken a hard toll on my Aunt. She felt she was suppose to go before my mother. Even thought I was extremely sad after I talked with her , I felt really good and happy she called me. SHe told me she would say Hi to everyone and hold the door open for me. I found this poem after my Mom died but I really hope I have the strength to read it at my Aunt's funeral.

God's Garden:
God looked around his garden and found an empty place.
He then looked down and saw your tired face.
He put his arms around you and lifted you to rest.
God's garden must be beautiful, He always takes the best.
He knew that you were suffering.
He knew that you were in pain.
He knew that you would never get well on earth again.
He saw the road was getting rough
and the hills were hard to climb.
So He closed your weary eyelids and whispered
"Peace be thine".
It broke our hearts to lose you, but you didn't go alone.
for part of us went with you
The day God called you home.

Inaugural Gowns

Watching the Inauguration Ceremonies yesterday, made me want to look back at the gowns other First ladies wore on this day. I know I didn't show all the First ladies but I choose the gowns I liked best.

1953 and 1957: Mamie Eisenhower
by Nettie Rosenstein, Inc.


1961: Jacqueline Kennedy
Her own concept; made by Ethel Franken at Bergdorf Goodman



1965: Lady Bird Johnson
by John Moore



Michelle Obama's inaugural dress by Jason Wu.


Michelle Obama is wearing an ensemble by Cuban-born designer Isabel Toledo for the ceremony.

Weekend Sale

3 Day SALE
1/16/09 through 1/18/09 at midnight. Take 20% off your order and you may combine with the Free Shipping offer, but no other offers. Mention "3 day sale" in the message box and either wait for a revised invoice or you can pay and I will refund you through Paypal.

Prom Season

Prom season is upon us ~why wear the same old boring dress EVERYONE is wearing. Make your own from a FABULOUS Vintage pattern like this:

Here is the description:
Junior Misses and Misses Evening Dress and Daytime Dress with jacket: View 1 has an overdress of net and underdress. Boned Bodice features ruffles and ribbon trim above midriff. Full overskirt is detailed with self ruffles and ribbon bows. Kimono sleeved jacket ties above midriff. View 2 daytime dress has bias shoulder ties. The brief jacket is fully faced.

Simplicity 4968

Kittens are hard to come by

My seven year old son (and me) have been wanting a kitten since before Christmas. There are hardly any to be found and when there are, the waiting list is long! We found two at our local animal shelter Tuesday and we were third on the list but we didn't get one. I use to have a beautiful Himalayan cat name Toby:,
who I gave to a co-worker when I moved here over seven years ago. I was pregnant and we were moving into an apartment and didn't have the $300 pet deposit. Oh, how I wish I still had him. I've been looking into buying one again but I can;t believe how much they are. I paid $300 back then and they are $600 and up these days. I've even seen these Munchkin kittens that are super cute but they are pricey too. Hopefully, we will find a kitten when "kitten season" hits in March.

50's Pattern Haul

It's hard to pick my favorites, but this is a third favorite! Listen to the description:
Junior Misses and Misses One-piece Dress adn Jacket: The sleeveless, figure molding bodice is cut in one with the center skirt sections. Upper front edge gathers to the neckband. Softly pleated side skirt billows from below long lone bodice. The cropped jacket, View 1, features short kimono sleeves and is detailed with bands at center front and neck edges. The ends fastening in a bow add interest to the jacket.

I love that word ~ "billows"
Simplicity 1571

Another favorite 50's Dress.

Here is another one of my recent patterns that is a fave! I adore the High waist ans turn up collar. I remember Lucy wearing one of these in her I Love Lucy show.

Oh! that 50's era

I'm listing a slew of 1950's patterns in the next couple days. I just love this dress pattern, I'm thinking this is what was called a shelf bust. Don't you just love it too!

Top Entre Card Droppers

Dropper	# of drops
Alteredevents	31
More Than Sew So	29
My gypsygoods	29
Tialey Vintage Clothing	21
The Certified Fashionable Chic	21
Ruth's Creations	19
Let's Jump Together	18
Photography by KML	18
time2cre8	18
Montana Moods	17

Guitar Hero and Wii Addictions!

We have had our Wii for quite some time, we probably got in within a year of it coming out. My now seven year old son has quite a few games, and got some great new ones for Christmas. He got the Wii Nerf and Lego Star Wars, which he loves. He got Bloom Box and he seams to like but hasn't played very much yet. My husband and I talked him into using his Christmas money on a Guitar Hero World Tour and Oh MY GOSH, I can't get him off the Wii now ~my husband too for that matter. I could easily loose a couple hours if anyone would let me play, but I really suck (but if anyone would let me practice!) My son got a real electric guitar last year for Christmas from his brother-in-law who plays, but we don't have anyone in this little town who gives lessons~so in his room it sits. I think he really could have some talent with a guitar. Watching him master this guitar hero tells me he'd be good at the guitar. He's only had it three days and he can close his eyes on some of the songs and get it right!

Some other Wii games we enjoy are Wii Sports and Wii Play. My favorite is Mario Party 8 and my sons use to be Super Mario Galaxy but I think Guitar Hero just took over that spot!