Author Archives: Noile

Thrift Store Rescue: Jacket Repair

Posted on April 28, 2010 by Noile

Sometime back in 2008, I saw this jacket at a thrift shop, and fell in love with it.  Why?  Because it’s weird, that’s why.  It’s a kooky variation on what used to be a classic Columbia winter jacket.  This one … Continue reading →

Posted in Jackets, Tips | Leave a comment

TSA-Friendly Belt

Posted on April 27, 2010 by Noile

Ah, TSA.  How you’ve changed our lives.  How difficult you’ve made it to travel in normal, human, clothing.  For an upcoming trip, I am wearing a t-shirt tunic and leggings on the plane because that will get me through screening … Continue reading →

Posted in Accessories, Tips | 2 Comments

Vogue 8657, Judi Dench, and Me

Posted on April 22, 2010 by Noile

OK,  so there are several problems here.  The first is what I have in common with Judi Dench.  Dame Dench has been quoted as having said (either to Charlie Rose or to USA Today, I can’t seem to track it … Continue reading →

Posted in Tops | 4 Comments

Cuffing Travel/Trekking Pants

Posted on April 20, 2010 by Noile

Every pair of travel/trekking pants I own has a bunch of features I really like, but no one pair has every feature I like.  The particular pair I’m posting about here are nearly perfect, but the legs are much wider … Continue reading →

Posted in Pants, Tips | 2 Comments

Vogue 1088 and Burda 7658

Posted on April 17, 2010 by Noile

I love the look of Vogue 1088, but the back of the top, not so much. That’s because there is no top at “back of the top”.  Although my hatred for bras exceeds nearly every other prejudice I hold, this … Continue reading →

Posted in Dresses | 2 Comments

Five Fingers — Yes, Baby!

Posted on April 15, 2010 by Noile

OK, this is a controversy I can’t avoid.  Five Fingers!  Lsa, of As I Said . . . , has been scarred by an encounter with my favorite kayaking shoes: Now, I agree with Lsa’s main point — even I … Continue reading →

Posted in Adventure/Travel, Fun, Kayak Stuff | 4 Comments

“My Double” Instruction Booklet

Posted on April 14, 2010 by Noile

Miss Bedelia was originally shipped with an instruction booklet, which I was lucky to find on eBay.  It’s got very complete directions for fitting the dress form, and is, all in all, a marvel of clear English.  Which is more … Continue reading →

Posted in Tools | 28 Comments

Miss Bedelia: My New Dress Form

Posted on April 12, 2010 by Noile

Miss Bedelia is my “new” dress form:  she is a gift from my dear aunt, who was kind enough to name her, too, thus sparing her the ignominy of an anonymous existence.  I’ve always wanted one of these, partly because … Continue reading →

Posted in Tools | 10 Comments

Smith-Owen – Grand Rapids, Michigan

Posted on April 9, 2010 by Noile

Smith-Owen were the people who repaired my Pfaff 1229, but even if you don’t have an ailing machine, Smith-Owen is well worth a long visit. The staff is incredibly nice and very helpful — one person even went through a … Continue reading →

Posted in Stores | Leave a comment

Early Olfas

Posted on April 8, 2010 by Noile

The US Park Service maintains a printing office and bindery at 320 Market Street in Philadelphia.  Using replica presses, Park Service employees demonstrate 18th century printing presses and discuss printing in the era of Benjamin Franklin.  It’s a fascinating look … Continue reading →

Posted in Tools, Vintage | Leave a comment