I love the photos I have of my great grand parents dressed up in tux and amazing frocks, shoes, hats and gloves. Even their toned down clothes were so glamorous. When I first turned 18 and headed to clubs etc, there were dress codes, mainly for men, but certain shoes, collars required, pants not jeans. Definitely not runners and a tshirt!
A few years ago my grandma broke her stainless steel teapot which she loves, we told her we'd buy her a new one, but she refused and got it repaired by a local welder instead. As a sewist I mend a lot of my own and other people's clothes but I didnt even think of that as an option... We need to bring that habit back in everything, along with simple, repairable designs and materials. Consume mindfully
I love that so much! Thanks to vintage I’ve met so many trades people. When we restored our bar cabinet. The mirrors were in the worse shape. We searched and found a local glass cutter that also did mirrors and we took in the original mirrors and he cut brand new ones to match. I have to get some more glass cut to cover the bulbs in my oven and possibly to replace a side panel window on my Corvair and I’ll be giving him the work.
@Microplastique... I've been mending and repairing my belongings forever. My mother in law teased me about the time the plastic handle on my rubber scrapper broke, and I stuck a table knife into it so I could still use it. I think she told that "dumb" daughter in law story to everyone she knew until someone said it was a clever idea.
We were brought up 20 years after WW2 in a small village in Norfolk UK where you HAD to make do and mend and reuse. Not having much can really inspire and give energy to a project. There is just too much stuff and tat in the shops. I havw bought most of my clothes fron charity shops and ebay, better quality fabrics and easy to reshape.😊
This! My high school offered home ec but with all the class requirements I didn't have room in my schedule for it and I wish it had been required. Meal planning and house keeping are such a struggle for me at times. Also because both of my parents worked I feel like they didn't have time to teach us those skills either. I feel like if we had worked together growing up those things wouldn't be such a chore now!
Our local community education has classes in sewing, knitting, crocheting, cooking, etc, so not completely home ec, but bits and pieces for $10-50 per class, some are for one night for a few hours, some are for one night a week for a month or the entire semester.
The reason we don’t have more repair shops is because modern manufacturers don’t want us repairing our products. They make contracts with their factories to not sell parts to 3rd parties and then refuse to make the parts available themselves. Where I live there are appliance repair but they all have to have many donor appliances because some parts just aren’t available to buy new. If something breaks on your fridge that is a common broken part and the manufacturer doesn’t provide a replacement part it’s impossible for them to fix. Also modern parts are not made of wood or metal or any material easily created by someone with skills. Maybe with 3d printing becoming more accessible that will change, but for now we need to pressure the companies we buy from to make their products repairable.
I totally agree with you... but also this desperately needs to change. Simply put, we can no longer afford to be so wasteful. Consumers hate it and it's terrible for the planet.
@@traceybenna4150 More precisely, *all* countries (arguably especially the G20) need to have another look at producing locally again. Some things will be more expensive, but some things will be cheaper. Also, thanks to the rise of things like automated factories and 3d printers, what a "factory" needs to be has changed dramatically. You can do short runs of 3d printed objects in the spare room of a house -- attach a conveyor belt and a bin for the items to drop into, and you just need to check it once in a while.
My friend bought a house that had a hidden ironing board and I BEGGED her not to get rid of it! It's such a great piece and speaks to the history of the house.
I have that! I just wish it wasn't in my basement, but it is wonderful. Because the sink is a big utility tub, I've also been able to use it to dye fabrics. It is absolutely worth looking for that space in a house when home searching, even if it's something you have to repurpose from something else.
I would love to see the artistry brought back for everyday things. I love the beautiful curves of vintage items like telephones, record players, radios, kitchen appliances, TVs, etc. I have a gorgeous Bakelite record player from the early 1940's, as well as a telephone & radio from the era, & they are absolutely gorgeous little individual works of art.
They made stuff to be a focal point, an eye catching display of what you could afford, worthy of becoming an heirloom, and now, they just make stuff cheap, disposable, and designed to use as little material as possible.
It's interesting to see how we've moved to combining nearly all electronics into our phones yet we've moved toward separating out most of our appliances and furniture.
@@1MSally1965 I get mine from Fabric Mart Fabrics (which is a fabric store located in Pennsylvania with lots of deadstock & good quality fabric) and Mood Fabrics.
I definitely agree with your comments about dressing up. I think we've lost a bit too much of our formality. I am still surprised by seeing what some people wear to the theatre, place of worship, funerals, weddings, etc. In terms of bringing something back, how about Customer Service?
I am an America First person. We need to go back to appliances and clothes being made in America. I miss the old console stereo with the record player and radio . I also miss console TVs . We only had ABC, NBC, CBS, PBS and one or two local TV stations that aired reruns of old TV shows . I also think technology has made us a lazy society . People used to get dressed up to go to church. Women and little girls used to wear dresses and gloves to church and men wore suits . Stores were closed on Sundays. Sunday used to be a day where families gathered at Grandmas with all the aunts ,uncles and cousins . I also miss glass bottles.
I would love to see linoleum flooring make a comeback. It's eco friendly (made with natural materials) easy to clean and lasts a long time as long as you take care of it. Not to mention it's beautiful and nice to walk on,
In the very early 20th century, linoleum was valued so expensively that it was called the 'millionaire's tiling' - hence why it was used for the Grand Staircase onboard the RMS Titanic in 1912.
Back in the day, there was an abundance of places to purchase fabric. My mom and I would go to Cloth World, Hancock fabrics, Remnant House, and other fabric stores. Also, most department stores had a fabric department, and there would be wools, silks, and linen sold there, not just synthetics. I totally agree with you on that. Now, other than JOANN, there's only quilt fabric shops. I also agree that there is hardly anywhere to go where people are dressed up.
Companies making money is the reason why many things are not made to last. In the beginning of the industrial age, it was a goal to make things as long lasting and high quality as possible. That’s why my grandparents never had to buy a replacement refrigerator. With design and material innovations (plastics) companies began to see that they could cheapen the product and offer it for less, realizing that the item could be replaced often and they could profit again and again. This has effectively eliminated the need for local repair shops. It’s cheaper to buy it again. I remember those high quality products..and I miss them. That’s why I buy vintage. Every piece is a work of art.
I love that you are voicing your opinion, ever since they have taken out home economics from school, young women don’t learn how to sew, and cook, clean, and manage a home. The Feminist Movement declared that women working in the home was sexist. But, check it out, men are still expected to marry and provide for a spouse and family…no matter how independent women feel they are. Women should have a choice to be at home or work, but, I feel they have forced generations of women to put being homemakers last. And, they have made domestic skills a privilege not a necessity. If you are privileged to have had a mom or grandmother who knew how to sew or cook, then you learn. My mom did neither, so I had to learn on my own, because I did not live close to my grandmothers on either side of my family, but both of those ladies knew how to keep house beautifully, cook, sew, and…they worked! Women from the forties are a resilient and resourceful generation 💕 Great comments, I love your perspective. And, counter top space, see I got interested in baking, and try doing that in today’s kitchen. They are for entertaining, but when you are working with a big batch of dough, we had to buy additional counter space, to really be able to cook❤
I totally agree with the garment fabrics needing to come back ETA: i agree with all of this! I hate our "made for obsolescence" society. I want to be able to keep things and repair them. I want multi functionality in my furniture! I want formica tables and counters. I want '50s-looking vehicles.
Yes to everything you mentioned!!! Would love to see conversation pits make a comeback. Colored appliances. Aluminum Christmas trees. I'm sure there's more but my brain is toast.
I’m so tired of ugly stainless steel appliances. As much as I detest avocado green and burnt orange from the 70’s, I will take them over the drab stainless steel “smart appliances” any day. Smart appliances? Heh, with as quick as they break down-more like STUPID appliances!
What a great topic for a video! It made me think. There are two things I would like to see coming back. The first is cobblers. In my area, it is now almost impossible to have shoes repaired. Nobody is training to be a cobbler these days. When I spend money on good shoes, I want them to last for many years. The second is cars. I miss my 1995 Honda, a great car that I got to enjoy for 17 years. But newer cars have so many electronic circuits that can go wrong, and do! Not to mention all the information they are collecting about us. I just want to get from A to B!
I grew up in my father's childhood home, built in 1960. It was quentisential mid-century: formica countertops, all the old appliances, the colored tile in the bathrooms, that strange green color they loved for the walls and carpets, and even the speaker system in almost every room of the house. My parents would wake my siblings and me up by playing the radio through the speakers (it was both an intercom system and radio - so cool). My parents did a little work on the house, like ripping up the carpet and refinishing the floors, painting the walls, etc., but most of the house remained unchanged from when it was first built. All of my grandparents' things were stored in the attic as well. They died young, in their 40s, only a month apart when my dad was 6 years old, so I never got to meet them. But man, did that attic tell some stories. There were tap shoes, bowling balls, monthly subscription novels, mid-century furniture, game sets, luggage, and even prom dresses from the 50s that belonged to my two aunts, complete with structured bodices and tulle skirts. I absolutely love your content. It really takes me back to when I was a kid exploring that huge attic.
You'd think with today's technology we could take an image into a countertop store, and they could laser cut or print the design onto a counter top for you. Then they wouldn't have to stock anything other than basic colors. This seems like a great idea. Someone please make it happen.
Most of my sewing is quilting, and I agree with you about having more access to non-synthetic garment fabrics. I would love to go shop for wool, linen, and other natural fabrics in person, instead of ordering online and hoping it is really what I want when it arrives. I also agree it would be great to have more places to go dressed up. Nowadays, the only time people get dressed up is to go to church or a funeral. I wish the built-to-last-a-lifetime quality of manufactured goods would return. I collect and maintain vintage and antique sewing machines. My oldest is a treadle over 100 years old in its beautiful original table, and it still sews wonderfully. If that machine and table were built now, the machine might last 10 years, if the table did not fall apart first.
I have my great Grandma's treadle sewing machine and it's in beautiful condition and still works great. If it's not 100+ years old, it's awfully close. I've promised it to my granddaughter when I go see Buscia again.
I think a strong starting point is to have sewing classes again. None of the fabric shops in our area has any garment sewing classes. Every class is some quilting project or some home decoration project. I love well-fitted classic clothing. The fabric shops have very little garment fabric to offer those of use that want to continue sewing clothing.
I’m a cancer survivor. I learned from that experience get out and wear your pretty things. Put on your make up do what’s gonna make you feel good. I keep my head basically shaved or in a fade. I started doing it in 1997. I was a hair stylist at the time and was testing out hairstyles. The super short look works best for me. I wear my make up. I don’t get the wear it every day because where I work at is not for that look. I still wear my dress clothes because when I’m not at work I want to look nice. You don’t have to be going anywhere to dress up. I do get stares at times but I don’t care. I feel good. I absolutely love watching your videos. I’m learning to sew, and I hope to become as good as you. I purchased several vintage patterns and I’m about to start working on some of them. Fortunately, my mom knows how to sew so if I need help, I can consult her.
You are absolutely right! I grew up with a grandmother and mom that were Amazing Seamstresses. My favorite thing to do in high school was to go into my mom’s fabric room pick out a pattern and fabric and spend the day making an outfit for myself. However my most favorite thing was to wake up to a brand new perfectly pressed outfit waiting for me. Best thing ever! Thank you for what you do and for sharing your talent. 🙏🏻♥️🥰
I am in agreement with you!! I have 6 vintage sewing machines, there was a man who used to fix my machines for $50 but last year he retired at 90 years old. My Dad God Bless him used to tell me that things like fridges and washers etc are made nowadays with built in obsolescence. The manufacturers need to make their appliances built to last and built to be fixable. There is too. much waste and too much goes into the land fill. If I can figure out how to fix things I will fix them myself. I like dressing up as well. No one dresses up where I live and when I dress in 1950's 60's attire people complement me like crazy. I think people may want to dress up but they are a little too apprehensive to have their own style.
I make this comment as my 5 year old top of the line oven electronic control panel has malfunctioned. I have to get a new circuit board to repair it (just outside the warranty period, of course), which costs nearly as much as a new stove. I would love to have a stove/oven like yours. My husband's grandparents had one similar to that and it was so classy and reliable. As for something to bring back, i vote for ladies to start wearing hats and gloves again.
I definitely understand the synthetic material issue. I refuse to wear synthetic fabrics because I hate how it feels. I have a dresser from the 60s that weighs like a million pounds, but somehow it's been moved all over the midwest since my grandparents bought it. We want to get rid of it but nobody wants to move it. 😂
I 100% agree! I lived with my grandparents for a portion of my childhood in the home that my grandpa built for his first wife in the 60s and it was so amazing, I wish homes were built like that still.
I agree on the dress code. I remember mum always having us dress nicely when ever we went out of the house. In Ontario , The Keg was once a dress up dining experience. Now it is a family , come as you are. I miss eating out with just adults in a fine dining. Not to say that kids mustn't eat out but having a time and day or theme for adult dining would be an awesome idea. Oh and yes, the music. Low and soft , not loud and pop. It is hard to have a nice conversation over the loudness of music and big screens. Absolutely no pj pants. Oh dear I just realized that I sound like my mum. tehehehehe
Not sure if you've heard of them: "Wilsonart" has it's retro countertops still available from the 50's and 60's, and several home improvement stores or countertop makers will carry that brand. That's how I got my turquoise countertops in my retro-style kitchen.
I definitely agree about weddings today. It's such a shame. We did black tie optional at ours and it was amazing! Almost everyone dressed in black tie. It was so lovely.
All of that. Plus pretty colored appliances and tubs and toilets. I'm tired of everything being boring and drab. And Joann Fabrics seems to mostly be aimed at plebian no-sew projects.
I feel like it would be nice if we at least got pretty colors in those appliance specific spray paints. There’s already so much beige and grey everywhere, why would I want to add that to my appliances?? I want yellows and blues and turquoise!
We bought a 1960s home it has a yellow and blue bathroom. We did update the toilets though because the old ones flushed A LOT of water. The rest is still as is, even has a nice heating light in each bathroom works awesome in the winter ❤
Always love your videos! First off, I love your sweater. The contrasting button holes and the collar facing and the buttons were stellar! Here in Greeley Colorado, we lost our Jo-Ann's fabric store. Our only alternative is the fabric department at Hobby Lobby or the crafts department at walmart. Also, in Greeley, we have a beautiful concert hall, but no one dresses up anymore. I guess because this is the West we go everywhere in jeans and Jean jackets. What happened to the days when we all dressed "up to the nines" for a concert? And don't get me started about people who wear flannel pajama bottoms to the grocery store. Maybe I could wear a nice Peignoir.
I agree with you 100% about everything.. OMG the dress codes, can we please? I absolutely love the vintage night gowns.. really like I said just absolutely everything ❤❤
It may come down the vintage community to throw high fashion teas complete with beautiful hats and gloves. The vintage community may have to steal a page out of the Lolita community's book and throw high fashion dinner parties to strut their stuff. The Lolitas world wide can show you a thing or two on creating fashion functions for a genre of dress.
with environmental issues gaining priority; More people making, repairing, altering, upcycling clothes. Hopefully that will enhance sewing shops and general interest in creating and restoring items as well. Love the idea of forwarding the things you love through time and/or enhancing them versus just dismissing things prior
My mom owned a local fabric store back in the early 80s, and she catered to bridal and dress fabric. Mom carried next to no quilting fabric, but then back in the day brides (We were married in 86, and mom had kept fabric for a dress for me when she sold up) were having their and all the bridesmaids gowns sewn. Moms friend used the saved fabfric, and donated her labllor to sew my dress as her gift. Cost me $220!
Breeze blocks! I guess Lowe's/Home Depot have them very occasionally, but I've never been able to find them locally. In addition to appliance repair stores (which I agree with), doing away with planned obsolescence. It creates so much waste when things aren't built to last and can only be replaced instead of repaired. And totally agree on fabric stores! If I want anything that's nice, I have to order online (so, price on top of shipping fees) or hope that I find something at a thrift store.
Wow, I was talking about Formica today. I would love for this to comeback. Also I agree with you about the lack of fabric stores. I wish domestic sewing machines were made out of metal. I really hate the plastic sewing machines. I use a 1970s Bernina.
I agree about the sewing machines. I have 2 older Singers that are metal, strong and sturdy! I have a good modern Singer “Tradition,” too-it’s mostly plastic, ha-ha!
A Bernina 831 is my every day machine. I totally refaced and painted its cabinet to look more 50's vintage than 70's, and had to add peg legs for fun. It folds away when not in use and has tons of storage, so it was worth doing a ton of work to bring into more my style, especially considering the amazing quality of that machine inside.
Oh,my goodness yes. I love night gowns and housecoats to match! I was born in 1957 and wore crinolines under my dresses. My grandmother always wore a house dress. Ladies looked like ladies. Clothes would not have to be expensive just provide them and people would buy them,I know I would
I'm much older than you, but EVEN AS A CHILD, My style was stuck in the 20s-70's, EACH DECADE perspectively. With THAT said, there were a few shows that I always said "When I grow up, I'm gonna have a seamstress make Me EVERY OUTFIT" on three particular shows. And one of them was IloveLucy....... So although I was always a tomboy & never had the domestic desire to make them Myself, THE VINTAGE STYLE WAS DREEEEEEEAMY!!! So needless to say, I'm quite *ADDICTED* to your style and I SWOON over your commitment to the OG vintage Energy as you wear them so eloquently.
Sewrena, I agree 100 💯 percent with each item on your bring back to today list. Thank you for your wonderful channel. And you are very inspirational. ❤️❤️
Wow, SewRena! I grew up with most of these things, having been born in 1958. I don’t miss when my parents smoked, though. Yuck. Everyone seemed to smoke back then, so we didn’t think about or even notice the smell. Like you, I wish things were more repairable. I actually had a blow dryer repaired by a local electrician in around 1977. Now I throw things out and buy replacements, much to my chagrin. Love your channel!
I wish food companies would put out recipe booklets again. I like the recipes they print on containers, like chocolate chip cookies on the butter package, and I know they have a ton online, like Betty Crocker, but it’s not really the same. Dunno how to explain it but I really like the only booklets and pamphlets you’d get when you send them tabs from the box and twenty five cents 😊 I agree on sustainability and being able to replace parts or repair appliances. I had a mini food processor and the lid fell and broke and I couldn’t get a replacement, had to buy a new one. I kept the old one and just used the lid on both but it would’ve been nice to be able to buy a new lid.
Those are all amazing ideas! We live in a disposable world! I remember getting new heels and soles put on my shoes rather than discard them. We had a small appliance repair man that fixed our toaster and mixer multiple times. Now we just throw them out. Kind of sad!
Cruise lines have “formal nights” where the dress code is fairly loose but a significant number of people dress formally. That concept at nice restaurants would be great. I think that’s what you had in mind
All wonderful suggestions for recreating a gentle and kinder world. As my teacher once said “we act like we dress ” and when we’re well dressed we show respect for ourselves and others. Also can’t wait to see your new fabrics. Thanks and HAPPY NEW YEAR!
I totally agree with everything you said. My husband and were just talking about wanting some vintage things to come back. We especially want to have places we can dress up and attend. We are seniors and we still love vintage. It just seems like people just don’t care to take the time in caring for themselves. They see dressing up as a burden. Heck, there’s a politician, I’m not going to name him, that has been wearing sweat clothes and very dumpy clothing when he is at political events. Women are such beautiful creatures. And when a woman (or man) actually takes the time to care about their appearance, they’re stunning. I hope what I’m trying to say makes sense. Not very sure exactly how to say what I think. But I have it a shot. I absolutely love the things you make. Just stunning.
All of this! Also, I hate it when people refuse to dress up or make their kids dress up for special occasions. My BIL wore jeans to my college graduation!
Love this video! Reminds me of a book that I once read called Lets Bring Back...or something like that. Lets bring back courting, slips, and crystal candy dishes.
I agree with a lot of what you are saying. I hate the throwaway movement. I also think the vintage houses had so much cool gadgets and hideaway things. It was so cool! I am not a clothes sewer, I mainly do straight lines, haha, but would love to start. You are so talented and I love your projects. :)
yes , yes, yes!!! I agree on all of the things you mentioned! Lovely peignoir sets, gorgeous dressing gowns (instead of the sloppy wrap around styles available now). The built-ins, yes! I love your built-in appliance center. The house I grew up in had an intercom system, I hope to find a home with a functioning system. I also would love to have one of those stoves that had the option to use one of the burners as a slow cooker. Clothing made out of quality fabrics, not chemicals. I work from home full-time and also wish I had more opportunities to dress-up. I think if you just start showing up at a restaurant on the same day every week, or a few times a month, maybe let a couple friends know what you're up to, there's a chance more people would do the same. Call it "Wear it Wednesday" or "Fabulous Friday", "Ladies Who Lunch Thursday", or "Magnificent Monday", you get the idea. There's a chance the restaurant will be supportive because you'll be increasing their business, especially if you choose a normally slow day. If all of us want to do this, then there are probably plenty of other people who also want the same thing.
I am 61 a Baby Boomer and my mom made all my clothes until I started high school in 1977. I totally agree about how hard it is to find fabrics of natural and high quality, especially holiday fabrics. It’s very frustrating. There is a lack of tradition in style and design and quality so much so I have looked into designing my own holiday fabrics and it can be done but it’s costly. I dislike that dressing down is usually preferred. I’m in California where anything goes but mostly yoga attire even for church!! I love what you do - keep it up. You are vintage elegant!!
I'm in total agreement with everything you mentioned. It's sad to me that clothing is always casual. I miss dressing up for something special. It always added to the excitement of the event. I also think the Nutone and builtin appliance centers were a great idea that should have stayed around. We have much better technology now to really make them great. If someone creates something like that now and made it a Smart appliance center, I'm sure it would come back. Great ideas, Rena. And amen to more garment fabrics in stores.
You are so talented. Love your postings. Thank you for taking time to do. Living in midwest we are lucky to have supper clubs and a few still have dance floors yet. Yes I wish people cared more how they dressed.
I redid the countertop at my summer cottage about 15 years ago and I was able to find a turquoise Formica like in your pictures there. The only problem was I had to buy two sheets, and I only needed a quarter of one sheet, lol. The other thing that I wish would come back is the oven with the lift door. I think that is such a fantastic idea, and much safer than what we have today. I agree with you about electronic repair shops. There weren’t very many around before the pandemic, but I feel like it’s even worse now. It’s like they all went out of business. I just found you today, UA-cam algorithm recommended you I think because I’ve been watching other period sewing channels. Mostly 1850s through 1910, so I can see why they thought I might be interested in you. And I am! And may I just say that an awful lot of those videos of 1950-60 styles clothes that I skimmed thru? At least on you they don’t look old-fashioned. They just look classy. Well that poodle skirt was pretty dated, lol, but in a fun way.😂 Glad I stumbled on your channel.
I love the idea of dress code nights out! I don't know of any places like that near me and whenever I go out to dinner, everyone else around in the place is so casual so I feel like I stick out like a sore thumb in there and it just makes me anxious. I love dressing up and never get the chance to do it comfortably. I also love vintage looks but can never feel comfortable doing that and have never done it properly because of that :(
I only stumbled on your videos recently but I really enjoy all your beautiful creations. Fast fashion has become so exhausting and I feel like I have a wistful nostalgia for an era I never knew where people made their garments thoughtfully & carefully & valued them for years. Also this awesome wallpaper is the BEST thing I’ve seen in 2024 to date!!!! 🍄🌼
Great video! There's a real movement for right to repair with appliances and electronics. I think the EU has just passed laws making it mandatory for appliances to be able to be repaired. I wish there were more tailors and dressmakers around for those who want to purchase custom-made clothing. Also I wish fewer things were made out of synthetics. Oh, and department stores! I love a good department store and I wish they'd be more popular and maintained. Strangely, it's nice to be able to find everything in one place (yes I know online shopping is a thing but you can't try anything on without hassle or paying shipping) and good department stores often have good quality basics, so if you want to buy a cardigan or something you can usually get a good store brand.
I agree with all of the things you said!! Every time I watch an old movie and see everyone dressed up to go have dinner in a restaurant, I'm super jealous. It's good that people can dress comfortably and casually nowadays, but I wish there was the possibility to also do black tie now and again. It's never stopped me from dressing up, but it's annoying when people stare. Not enough to prevent me from doing what I want, but it's still not nice.
I wish things were built to last. I’d love to see aesthetic touches to even the simplest things. I know factory built items have made items less expensive, but I miss the embellishments and even the mistakes that say some one cared and crafted something.
I totally agree with everything you mentioned and I would like to add bringing back beautiful shoes and slippers. I have such a hard time finding elegant and affordable shoes, especially for winter! And I also don't buy new leather so that makes it even more difficult! Happy new year Serena 🥰🥰❤
I am so with you about dressing up to go out. It's so sad that people don't like to put in that effort anymore. Restaurants that do a reservation night with dress code would be awesome. Then the waite staff would also be dressed. That would be nice.
I was working on a crochet blanket while at the salon and of course that brought up all kinds of conversation, and one lady said she feels like people are starting to move towards making things themselves. I told her I think that would rock. Not just knitting and crochet, but clothing and such. I feel like we are so disconnected from each other now, and there is a desire in communities to share handmade things as well as just make them for yourself. I'm middle aged and taking up sewing because I've found my Gothic 50s House Witch style and only I can fulfill that. Plus, fast fashion needs to die. Yeah, more dress makers shops! More fancy nights at restaurants! Special occasions should be special!
I agree with everything you said in the video. I want all those back! I also want houses with separate rooms to come back. Open floor plan is not always best. I also want furniture with intricate details back or curved shapes. I don't like that all modern furniture is a square box. If cars could come in more colors again besides if you get a custom paint job.
Maybe off, but an attendant to pump gas, terrazzo floor technicians, nice slips (undergarment), nice heavy bedspreads that cover the entire bed chenille ❤
Honestly I absolutely love NJ. I live in east central Pennsylvania and it’s just depressing as heck. People dress like bums, just boring pajama pants and dirty T-shirts and slippers to the grocery store. I dress in 1950’s fashion 99% of the time and I get a lot of angry glares and snide remarks from women who are dressed like they’re homeless drug addicts here. But in NJ, at least in northern New Jersey, dressing up nicely seems to be very popular, and I get a lot of cheerful compliments on my shoes especially (Eastland saddle shoes and kitten heels especially). There’s a vibrant mid century subculture that is very much thriving across the state line, lots of swing dances and vintage car shows, not to mention the diners are just delightful! Don’t get me started on how lovely it is to get your gas pumped for you 😊 and there’s a lot of old fashioned grocery stores too (Bishop’s, in Clinton, Hunterdon County was established in 1954 and they have really good prices and all antique fixtures in the store!)
Whilst it would be lovely to have appliances that last/are more repairable and more fabric stores are we really prepared for the cost? A mid century good wool coat would have been saved for and cost a lot more than we tend to spend today. My sewing friends complain about nice wool suiting costing £25-55/metre but this is a more realistic price when we compare the price of wool in the mid century. We have got used to the cheaper price of stuuff and that would need to change. But yes! I too would love to bring stuff like this back especially more formal wear options.....and HATS! ❤❤❤❤
Happy New Year. I used to be part of a mid century home group on facebook where all those formicas, chromes, appliances would come up. Pricey though. Have you tried Emma One Sock for natural fabrics. I so get you. I am tired of only quilting cotton. I do recommend fabrics-store for linen. Joanne sells one weight only of linen but FS has all sorts of weights. And they explain what each is used for. Lots of bright colors. Decent price. Plenty of suits can be made of linen. I agree about dressing up. Luckily our church still has a dress code. But that is about it. Gentlemen's Gazette is focusing on men's vintage styling. They have black tie events but involves travel. Seems only fancy dress are galas that want you to donate money to their fundraiser.
3:30 have you considered hosting a night at a local restaurant with a dress code?? That way it would be a semiprivate event you would have a say and I think you would be an amazing hostess 😊
I cannot wait to see your new creations! In a famous Canadian Novel, "Man Descending", the author talks about living in a small town. There was only one fabric store . A high school girl was devastated when she realized her new skirt her mother made her was the same fabric as her best friends mother's kitchen curtains. .
Lol, when I was pregnant 32 years ago, my mother in law made me a maternity skirt and top, so sweet of her. Then I walked into her den and found out she had made herself new curtains and used the leftover fabric for my outfit! I wore it to her house a few times, but didn’t wear it out in public because I felt like I was wearing, well, curtains (much like Carol Burnett as Scarlett O’Hara, funniest sketch ever - “I saw it in the window and just HAD to have it!).
I agree with bringing back a few night clubs that require dressing to the nines, cocktails and Harlem Cotton club floor style shows with an updated twist on the dances.
I know a shoe repair shop, but it’s far from my house and the gentleman is getting on in years. He does excellent work. He’s older and I’m sure he’ll wanna retire one day and I don’t know what I’ll do then!
I would like to add bringing back wearing gloves & hats. So classy and elegant.
More dressy occasions! I think we should bring back old fashioned supper clubs.
Yes!!! That would be so nice
Amen
Oh, yes. Like Kim Novak in Vertigo, how beautiful to look that amazing just to go out to dinner🌹
And dancing.
I love the photos I have of my great grand parents dressed up in tux and amazing frocks, shoes, hats and gloves. Even their toned down clothes were so glamorous.
When I first turned 18 and headed to clubs etc, there were dress codes, mainly for men, but certain shoes, collars required, pants not jeans. Definitely not runners and a tshirt!
A few years ago my grandma broke her stainless steel teapot which she loves, we told her we'd buy her a new one, but she refused and got it repaired by a local welder instead. As a sewist I mend a lot of my own and other people's clothes but I didnt even think of that as an option... We need to bring that habit back in everything, along with simple, repairable designs and materials. Consume mindfully
I love that so much! Thanks to vintage I’ve met so many trades people. When we restored our bar cabinet. The mirrors were in the worse shape. We searched and found a local glass cutter that also did mirrors and we took in the original mirrors and he cut brand new ones to match. I have to get some more glass cut to cover the bulbs in my oven and possibly to replace a side panel window on my Corvair and I’ll be giving him the work.
@Microplastique... I've been mending and repairing my belongings forever.
My mother in law teased me about the time the plastic handle on my rubber scrapper broke, and I stuck a table knife into it so I could still use it. I think she told that "dumb" daughter in law story to everyone she knew until someone said it was a clever idea.
We were brought up 20 years after WW2 in a small village in Norfolk UK where you HAD to make do and mend and reuse. Not having much can really inspire and give energy to a project. There is just too much stuff and tat in the shops. I havw bought most of my clothes fron charity shops and ebay, better quality fabrics and easy to reshape.😊
I wish they had home economics classes, but for adults…for those of us who made the mistake of not learning that stuff in HS.
This! My high school offered home ec but with all the class requirements I didn't have room in my schedule for it and I wish it had been required. Meal planning and house keeping are such a struggle for me at times. Also because both of my parents worked I feel like they didn't have time to teach us those skills either. I feel like if we had worked together growing up those things wouldn't be such a chore now!
I think I'd sign hubby up for that class, though he might have to do a few courses😂
Bringing back Home economics in high school would be lovely
Omggg yes please!
Our local community education has classes in sewing, knitting, crocheting, cooking, etc, so not completely home ec, but bits and pieces for $10-50 per class, some are for one night for a few hours, some are for one night a week for a month or the entire semester.
The reason we don’t have more repair shops is because modern manufacturers don’t want us repairing our products. They make contracts with their factories to not sell parts to 3rd parties and then refuse to make the parts available themselves. Where I live there are appliance repair but they all have to have many donor appliances because some parts just aren’t available to buy new. If something breaks on your fridge that is a common broken part and the manufacturer doesn’t provide a replacement part it’s impossible for them to fix. Also modern parts are not made of wood or metal or any material easily created by someone with skills. Maybe with 3d printing becoming more accessible that will change, but for now we need to pressure the companies we buy from to make their products repairable.
I totally agree with you... but also this desperately needs to change. Simply put, we can no longer afford to be so wasteful. Consumers hate it and it's terrible for the planet.
Right to repair!!!
America needs to start making everything in the United States. Alot of things are cheaply made, and almost everything comes from China .
@@traceybenna4150 More precisely, *all* countries (arguably especially the G20) need to have another look at producing locally again.
Some things will be more expensive, but some things will be cheaper.
Also, thanks to the rise of things like automated factories and 3d printers, what a "factory" needs to be has changed dramatically. You can do short runs of 3d printed objects in the spare room of a house -- attach a conveyor belt and a bin for the items to drop into, and you just need to check it once in a while.
@@traceybenna4150
👏 👏 👏 👏 👏 👏 👏
My friend bought a house that had a hidden ironing board and I BEGGED her not to get rid of it! It's such a great piece and speaks to the history of the house.
I love seeing tv shows and movies from the 50s and 60s; men wore suits and looked so handsome and women’s dresses looked classy and elegant.
I’d like to bring back laundry rooms with a sink for soaking, etc.
I have that! I just wish it wasn't in my basement, but it is wonderful. Because the sink is a big utility tub, I've also been able to use it to dye fabrics. It is absolutely worth looking for that space in a house when home searching, even if it's something you have to repurpose from something else.
My house has this & it’s awesome
Interesting. All the houses, including brand new, that I've ever been in (excepting the few) have actual laundry rooms.
I would love to see the artistry brought back for everyday things. I love the beautiful curves of vintage items like telephones, record players, radios, kitchen appliances, TVs, etc. I have a gorgeous Bakelite record player from the early 1940's, as well as a telephone & radio from the era, & they are absolutely gorgeous little individual works of art.
They made stuff to be a focal point, an eye catching display of what you could afford, worthy of becoming an heirloom, and now, they just make stuff cheap, disposable, and designed to use as little material as possible.
It's interesting to see how we've moved to combining nearly all electronics into our phones yet we've moved toward separating out most of our appliances and furniture.
Yes! It would be wonderful to have more opportunities to dress up!!! I love that idea of a “dress up” night at a local restaurant.
You are correct about today's fabric stores catering to the quilting community. I have been ordering my fabrics for clothing online.
Where?
@@1MSally1965 Mood Fabrics has a wonderful selection of wool and wool blends plus many other types of fabric.
@@1MSally1965 Mood Fabrics, Denver Fabrics, Vogue Fabrics and Etsy.
@@1MSally1965 I get mine from Fabric Mart Fabrics (which is a fabric store located in Pennsylvania with lots of deadstock & good quality fabric) and Mood Fabrics.
Same! I get my linen online. It’s cheaper and so much better quality than the fake or linen blends that Joann sells.
I definitely agree with your comments about dressing up. I think we've lost a bit too much of our formality. I am still surprised by seeing what some people wear to the theatre, place of worship, funerals, weddings, etc. In terms of bringing something back, how about Customer Service?
Amen!
I am an America First person. We need to go back to appliances and clothes being made in America.
I miss the old console stereo with the record player and radio . I also miss console TVs . We only had ABC, NBC, CBS, PBS and one or two local TV stations that aired reruns of old TV shows . I also think technology has made us a lazy society .
People used to get dressed up to go to church. Women and little girls used to wear dresses and gloves to church and men wore suits . Stores were closed on Sundays. Sunday used to be a day where families gathered at Grandmas with all the aunts ,uncles and cousins .
I also miss glass bottles.
Somebody please bring back the butlers pantry and the broom closet! Finding a good place store my vacuum, broom and mop is such a pain.
Oh yes!! I’m fortunate to live in an old house so I have a broom closet and coat closet it’s so nice
I would love to see linoleum flooring make a comeback. It's eco friendly (made with natural materials) easy to clean and lasts a long time as long as you take care of it. Not to mention it's beautiful and nice to walk on,
Yes!! Or at least flooring with more fun patterns
@@marief9858 Yes! Ceramic tile is so cold, and anything I drop on it immediately shatters or dents.
I just found Marmoleum and had it installed. It’s eco friendly and easy to clean plus so soft to walk on. I looked for linoleum forever!
In the very early 20th century, linoleum was valued so expensively that it was called the 'millionaire's tiling' - hence why it was used for the Grand Staircase onboard the RMS Titanic in 1912.
Back in the day, there was an abundance of places to purchase fabric. My mom and I would go to Cloth World, Hancock fabrics, Remnant House, and other fabric stores. Also, most department stores had a fabric department, and there would be wools, silks, and linen sold there, not just synthetics. I totally agree with you on that. Now, other than JOANN, there's only quilt fabric shops.
I also agree that there is hardly anywhere to go where people are dressed up.
Companies making money is the reason why many things are not made to last. In the beginning of the industrial age, it was a goal to make things as long lasting and high quality as possible. That’s why my grandparents never had to buy a replacement refrigerator. With design and material innovations (plastics) companies began to see that they could cheapen the product and offer it for less, realizing that the item could be replaced often and they could profit again and again. This has effectively eliminated the need for local repair shops. It’s cheaper to buy it again. I remember those high quality products..and I miss them. That’s why I buy vintage. Every piece is a work of art.
Tried of seeing people in PJs at the grocery store.. I Still dress up to go out . Especially to eat. No bluejeans or T-shirts
I love that you are voicing your opinion, ever since they have taken out home economics from school, young women don’t learn how to sew, and cook, clean, and manage a home. The Feminist Movement declared that women working in the home was sexist. But, check it out, men are still expected to marry and provide for a spouse and family…no matter how independent women feel they are. Women should have a choice to be at home or work, but, I feel they have forced generations of women to put being homemakers last. And, they have made domestic skills a privilege not a necessity. If you are privileged to have had a mom or grandmother who knew how to sew or cook, then you learn. My mom did neither, so I had to learn on my own, because I did not live close to my grandmothers on either side of my family, but both of those ladies knew how to keep house beautifully, cook, sew, and…they worked!
Women from the forties are a resilient and resourceful generation 💕
Great comments, I love your perspective. And, counter top space, see I got interested in baking, and try doing that in today’s kitchen. They are for entertaining, but when you are working with a big batch of dough, we had to buy additional counter space, to really be able to cook❤
I totally agree with the garment fabrics needing to come back
ETA: i agree with all of this! I hate our "made for obsolescence" society. I want to be able to keep things and repair them. I want multi functionality in my furniture! I want formica tables and counters. I want '50s-looking vehicles.
Yes to everything you mentioned!!!
Would love to see conversation pits make a comeback. Colored appliances. Aluminum Christmas trees. I'm sure there's more but my brain is toast.
I’m so tired of ugly stainless steel appliances. As much as I detest avocado green and burnt orange from the 70’s, I will take them over the drab stainless steel “smart appliances” any day. Smart appliances? Heh, with as quick as they break down-more like STUPID appliances!
What a great topic for a video! It made me think. There are two things I would like to see coming back. The first is cobblers. In my area, it is now almost impossible to have shoes repaired. Nobody is training to be a cobbler these days. When I spend money on good shoes, I want them to last for many years. The second is cars. I miss my 1995 Honda, a great car that I got to enjoy for 17 years. But newer cars have so many electronic circuits that can go wrong, and do! Not to mention all the information they are collecting about us. I just want to get from A to B!
I agree with both! I would invest in higher quality shoes if I could get them repaired locally. Thats a great suggestion for sure
Yes to cobblers! And yes to real shoes that can be repaired.
My husband didn't know what a cobbler was when I mentioned I needed to find one to repair a pair of shoes. And, we are not that young!
I grew up in my father's childhood home, built in 1960. It was quentisential mid-century: formica countertops, all the old appliances, the colored tile in the bathrooms, that strange green color they loved for the walls and carpets, and even the speaker system in almost every room of the house. My parents would wake my siblings and me up by playing the radio through the speakers (it was both an intercom system and radio - so cool). My parents did a little work on the house, like ripping up the carpet and refinishing the floors, painting the walls, etc., but most of the house remained unchanged from when it was first built.
All of my grandparents' things were stored in the attic as well. They died young, in their 40s, only a month apart when my dad was 6 years old, so I never got to meet them. But man, did that attic tell some stories. There were tap shoes, bowling balls, monthly subscription novels, mid-century furniture, game sets, luggage, and even prom dresses from the 50s that belonged to my two aunts, complete with structured bodices and tulle skirts.
I absolutely love your content. It really takes me back to when I was a kid exploring that huge attic.
You'd think with today's technology we could take an image into a countertop store, and they could laser cut or print the design onto a counter top for you. Then they wouldn't have to stock anything other than basic colors. This seems like a great idea. Someone please make it happen.
Most of my sewing is quilting, and I agree with you about having more access to non-synthetic garment fabrics. I would love to go shop for wool, linen, and other natural fabrics in person, instead of ordering online and hoping it is really what I want when it arrives. I also agree it would be great to have more places to go dressed up. Nowadays, the only time people get dressed up is to go to church or a funeral.
I wish the built-to-last-a-lifetime quality of manufactured goods would return. I collect and maintain vintage and antique sewing machines. My oldest is a treadle over 100 years old in its beautiful original table, and it still sews wonderfully. If that machine and table were built now, the machine might last 10 years, if the table did not fall apart first.
I have my great Grandma's treadle sewing machine and it's in beautiful condition and still works great. If it's not 100+ years old, it's awfully close.
I've promised it to my granddaughter when I go see Buscia again.
I think a strong starting point is to have sewing classes again. None of the fabric shops in our area has any garment sewing classes. Every class is some quilting project or some home decoration project. I love well-fitted classic clothing. The fabric shops have very little garment fabric to offer those of use that want to continue sewing clothing.
I’m a cancer survivor. I learned from that experience get out and wear your pretty things. Put on your make up do what’s gonna make you feel good. I keep my head basically shaved or in a fade. I started doing it in 1997. I was a hair stylist at the time and was testing out hairstyles. The super short look works best for me. I wear my make up. I don’t get the wear it every day because where I work at is not for that look. I still wear my dress clothes because when I’m not at work I want to look nice. You don’t have to be going anywhere to dress up. I do get stares at times but I don’t care. I feel good.
I absolutely love watching your videos. I’m learning to sew, and I hope to become as good as you. I purchased several vintage patterns and I’m about to start working on some of them. Fortunately, my mom knows how to sew so if I need help, I can consult her.
You are absolutely right!
I grew up with a grandmother and mom that were Amazing Seamstresses. My favorite thing to do in high school was to go into my mom’s fabric room pick out a pattern and fabric and spend the day making an outfit for myself. However my most favorite thing was to wake up to a brand new perfectly pressed outfit waiting for me. Best thing ever! Thank you for what you do and for sharing your talent. 🙏🏻♥️🥰
Love how sustainable a lot of these suggestions are!
That copper/bronze coat gets me every time. I’d love to make a 12thC gown or a cotehardie out of it! And I agree on the places to wear things.
I am in agreement with you!! I have 6 vintage sewing machines, there was a man who used to fix my machines for $50 but last year he retired at 90 years old. My Dad God Bless him used to tell me that things like fridges and washers etc are made nowadays with built in obsolescence. The manufacturers need to make their appliances built to last and built to be fixable. There is too. much waste and too much goes into the land fill. If I can figure out how to fix things I will fix them myself. I like dressing up as well. No one dresses up where I live and when I dress in 1950's 60's attire people complement me like crazy. I think people may want to dress up but they are a little too apprehensive to have their own style.
I make this comment as my 5 year old top of the line oven electronic control panel has malfunctioned. I have to get a new circuit board to repair it (just outside the warranty period, of course), which costs nearly as much as a new stove. I would love to have a stove/oven like yours. My husband's grandparents had one similar to that and it was so classy and reliable.
As for something to bring back, i vote for ladies to start wearing hats and gloves again.
More beautiful vintage fashion sewing in 2024❤️
I definitely understand the synthetic material issue. I refuse to wear synthetic fabrics because I hate how it feels. I have a dresser from the 60s that weighs like a million pounds, but somehow it's been moved all over the midwest since my grandparents bought it. We want to get rid of it but nobody wants to move it. 😂
I 100% agree! I lived with my grandparents for a portion of my childhood in the home that my grandpa built for his first wife in the 60s and it was so amazing, I wish homes were built like that still.
I agree on the dress code. I remember mum always having us dress nicely when ever we went out of the house. In Ontario , The Keg was once a dress up dining experience. Now it is a family , come as you are. I miss eating out with just adults in a fine dining. Not to say that kids mustn't eat out but having a time and day or theme for adult dining would be an awesome idea. Oh and yes, the music. Low and soft , not loud and pop. It is hard to have a nice conversation over the loudness of music and big screens. Absolutely no pj pants. Oh dear I just realized that I sound like my mum. tehehehehe
I'm so tired of Sweatpants and flannel shirts everywhere you go. It's gotten so bad I feel overdressed if I'm wearing a pretty top.
Not sure if you've heard of them: "Wilsonart" has it's retro countertops still available from the 50's and 60's, and several home improvement stores or countertop makers will carry that brand. That's how I got my turquoise countertops in my retro-style kitchen.
I definitely agree about weddings today. It's such a shame. We did black tie optional at ours and it was amazing! Almost everyone dressed in black tie. It was so lovely.
I LOVE the nightgowns of the past...they are so dreamy and gorgeous!
I agree with all of these! Especially the idea of a dress up night at restaurants or events.
All of that. Plus pretty colored appliances and tubs and toilets. I'm tired of everything being boring and drab. And Joann Fabrics seems to mostly be aimed at plebian no-sew projects.
I feel like it would be nice if we at least got pretty colors in those appliance specific spray paints. There’s already so much beige and grey everywhere, why would I want to add that to my appliances?? I want yellows and blues and turquoise!
We bought a 1960s home it has a yellow and blue bathroom. We did update the toilets though because the old ones flushed A LOT of water. The rest is still as is, even has a nice heating light in each bathroom works awesome in the winter ❤
@@Krystal_Kitty7 that sounds AMAZING.
Always love your videos! First off, I love your sweater. The contrasting button holes and the collar facing and the buttons were stellar!
Here in Greeley Colorado, we lost our Jo-Ann's fabric store. Our only alternative is the fabric department at Hobby Lobby or the crafts department at walmart.
Also, in Greeley, we have a beautiful concert hall, but no one dresses up anymore.
I guess because this is the West we go everywhere in jeans and Jean jackets.
What happened to the days when we all dressed "up to the nines" for a concert?
And don't get me started about people who wear flannel pajama bottoms to the grocery store. Maybe I could wear a nice Peignoir.
I agree with you 100% about everything.. OMG the dress codes, can we please? I absolutely love the vintage night gowns.. really like I said just absolutely everything ❤❤
Girl! I was just telling my husband today how I wanted more restaurants to have a nicer dress code! At least for one night every now and then!
It may come down the vintage community to throw high fashion teas complete with beautiful hats and gloves. The vintage community may have to steal a page out of the Lolita community's book and throw high fashion dinner parties to strut their stuff. The Lolitas world wide can show you a thing or two on creating fashion functions for a genre of dress.
with environmental issues gaining priority; More people making, repairing, altering, upcycling clothes. Hopefully that will enhance sewing shops and general interest in creating and restoring items as well. Love the idea of forwarding the things you love through time and/or enhancing them versus just dismissing things prior
My mom owned a local fabric store back in the early 80s, and she catered to bridal and dress fabric.
Mom carried next to no quilting fabric, but then back in the day brides (We were married in 86, and mom had kept fabric for a dress for me when she sold up) were having their and all the bridesmaids gowns sewn.
Moms friend used the saved fabfric, and donated her labllor to sew my dress as her gift.
Cost me $220!
Breeze blocks! I guess Lowe's/Home Depot have them very occasionally, but I've never been able to find them locally.
In addition to appliance repair stores (which I agree with), doing away with planned obsolescence. It creates so much waste when things aren't built to last and can only be replaced instead of repaired.
And totally agree on fabric stores! If I want anything that's nice, I have to order online (so, price on top of shipping fees) or hope that I find something at a thrift store.
BREEZE BLOCK ARE ON THE LIST IM WITH YOU!! Homedepot and Lowe’s usually have it in stores that are in warmer states like Florida (I think)
Wow, I was talking about Formica today. I would love for this to comeback. Also I agree with you about the lack of fabric stores.
I wish domestic sewing machines were made out of metal. I really hate the plastic sewing machines. I use a 1970s Bernina.
I agree about the sewing machines. I have 2 older Singers that are metal, strong and sturdy! I have a good modern Singer “Tradition,” too-it’s mostly plastic, ha-ha!
Formosa is a brand...its called laminate. And wanting it customized by going to a cabinetry shop
A Bernina 831 is my every day machine. I totally refaced and painted its cabinet to look more 50's vintage than 70's, and had to add peg legs for fun. It folds away when not in use and has tons of storage, so it was worth doing a ton of work to bring into more my style, especially considering the amazing quality of that machine inside.
Oh,my goodness yes. I love night gowns and housecoats to match! I was born in 1957 and wore crinolines under my dresses. My grandmother always wore a house dress. Ladies looked like ladies. Clothes would not have to be expensive just provide them and people would buy them,I know I would
Honestly id love to bring everything mid century back
I would like to see modern cars that look like 50's cars.
Yeah, we totally don’t need a planet to live on or anything.
But not the war. That can stay in the 40s.
I'm much older than you, but EVEN AS A CHILD, My style was stuck in the 20s-70's, EACH DECADE perspectively.
With THAT said, there were a few shows that I always said "When I grow up, I'm gonna have a seamstress make Me EVERY OUTFIT" on three particular shows. And one of them was IloveLucy....... So although I was always a tomboy & never had the domestic desire to make them Myself, THE VINTAGE STYLE WAS DREEEEEEEAMY!!!
So needless to say, I'm quite *ADDICTED* to your style and I SWOON over your commitment to the OG vintage Energy as you wear them so eloquently.
Yes, I agree with all of these! Especially the point about appliances.
Sewrena, I agree 100 💯 percent with each item on your bring back to today list. Thank you for your wonderful channel. And you are very inspirational. ❤️❤️
That was a really sweet chatty video! I enjoy when you do that because it feels like we get to know you a little better
Wow, SewRena! I grew up with most of these things, having been born in 1958. I don’t miss when my parents smoked, though. Yuck. Everyone seemed to smoke back then, so we didn’t think about or even notice the smell.
Like you, I wish things were more repairable. I actually had a blow dryer repaired by a local electrician in around 1977. Now I throw things out and buy replacements, much to my chagrin.
Love your channel!
I wish food companies would put out recipe booklets again. I like the recipes they print on containers, like chocolate chip cookies on the butter package, and I know they have a ton online, like Betty Crocker, but it’s not really the same. Dunno how to explain it but I really like the only booklets and pamphlets you’d get when you send them tabs from the box and twenty five cents 😊
I agree on sustainability and being able to replace parts or repair appliances. I had a mini food processor and the lid fell and broke and I couldn’t get a replacement, had to buy a new one. I kept the old one and just used the lid on both but it would’ve been nice to be able to buy a new lid.
Those are all amazing ideas! We live in a disposable world! I remember getting new heels and soles put on my shoes rather than discard them. We had a small appliance repair man that fixed our toaster and mixer multiple times. Now we just throw them out. Kind of sad!
Cruise lines have “formal nights” where the dress code is fairly loose but a significant number of people dress formally. That concept at nice restaurants would be great. I think that’s what you had in mind
All wonderful suggestions for recreating a gentle and kinder world. As my teacher once said “we act like we dress ” and when we’re well dressed we show respect for ourselves and others.
Also can’t wait to see your new fabrics.
Thanks and HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Good point👍
I totally agree with everything you said. My husband and were just talking about wanting some vintage things to come back. We especially want to have places we can dress up and attend. We are seniors and we still love vintage. It just seems like people just don’t care to take the time in caring for themselves. They see dressing up as a burden. Heck, there’s a politician, I’m not going to name him, that has been wearing sweat clothes and very dumpy clothing when he is at political events. Women are such beautiful creatures. And when a woman (or man) actually takes the time to care about their appearance, they’re stunning. I hope what I’m trying to say makes sense. Not very sure exactly how to say what I think. But I have it a shot. I absolutely love the things you make. Just stunning.
All of this! Also, I hate it when people refuse to dress up or make their kids dress up for special occasions. My BIL wore jeans to my college graduation!
Ohhhhh I love Formica countertops!
Love this video! Reminds me of a book that I once read called Lets Bring Back...or something like that. Lets bring back courting, slips, and crystal candy dishes.
I agree with a lot of what you are saying. I hate the throwaway movement. I also think the vintage houses had so much cool gadgets and hideaway things. It was so cool! I am not a clothes sewer, I mainly do straight lines, haha, but would love to start. You are so talented and I love your projects. :)
yes , yes, yes!!! I agree on all of the things you mentioned! Lovely peignoir sets, gorgeous dressing gowns (instead of the sloppy wrap around styles available now). The built-ins, yes! I love your built-in appliance center. The house I grew up in had an intercom system, I hope to find a home with a functioning system. I also would love to have one of those stoves that had the option to use one of the burners as a slow cooker. Clothing made out of quality fabrics, not chemicals.
I work from home full-time and also wish I had more opportunities to dress-up. I think if you just start showing up at a restaurant on the same day every week, or a few times a month, maybe let a couple friends know what you're up to, there's a chance more people would do the same. Call it "Wear it Wednesday" or "Fabulous Friday", "Ladies Who Lunch Thursday", or "Magnificent Monday", you get the idea. There's a chance the restaurant will be supportive because you'll be increasing their business, especially if you choose a normally slow day. If all of us want to do this, then there are probably plenty of other people who also want the same thing.
I am 61 a Baby Boomer and my mom made all my clothes until I started high school in 1977. I totally agree about how hard it is to find fabrics of natural and high quality, especially holiday fabrics. It’s very frustrating. There is a lack of tradition in style and design and quality so much so I have looked into designing my own holiday fabrics and it can be done but it’s costly. I dislike that dressing down is usually preferred. I’m in California where anything goes but mostly yoga attire even for church!! I love what you do - keep it up. You are vintage elegant!!
I'm in total agreement with everything you mentioned. It's sad to me that clothing is always casual. I miss dressing up for something special. It always added to the excitement of the event. I also think the Nutone and builtin appliance centers were a great idea that should have stayed around. We have much better technology now to really make them great. If someone creates something like that now and made it a Smart appliance center, I'm sure it would come back. Great ideas, Rena. And amen to more garment fabrics in stores.
You are so talented. Love your postings. Thank you for taking time to do. Living in midwest we are lucky to have supper clubs and a few still have dance floors yet. Yes I wish people cared more how they dressed.
I redid the countertop at my summer cottage about 15 years ago and I was able to find a turquoise Formica like in your pictures there. The only problem was I had to buy two sheets, and I only needed a quarter of one sheet, lol. The other thing that I wish would come back is the oven with the lift door. I think that is such a fantastic idea, and much safer than what we have today. I agree with you about electronic repair shops. There weren’t very many around before the pandemic, but I feel like it’s even worse now. It’s like they all went out of business.
I just found you today, UA-cam algorithm recommended you I think because I’ve been watching other period sewing channels. Mostly 1850s through 1910, so I can see why they thought I might be interested in you. And I am! And may I just say that an awful lot of those videos of 1950-60 styles clothes that I skimmed thru? At least on you they don’t look old-fashioned. They just look classy. Well that poodle skirt was pretty dated, lol, but in a fun way.😂 Glad I stumbled on your channel.
I’m with you on all these things.
I love the idea of dress code nights out! I don't know of any places like that near me and whenever I go out to dinner, everyone else around in the place is so casual so I feel like I stick out like a sore thumb in there and it just makes me anxious. I love dressing up and never get the chance to do it comfortably. I also love vintage looks but can never feel comfortable doing that and have never done it properly because of that :(
Love your sweater; you're a lovely inspiration!! Thank you & God bless!
I am with you on the more formal attire places!
I would like to be able to order out of the old catalogs! I do sew quite a bit, but ordering some items would be fantastic.
I only stumbled on your videos recently but I really enjoy all your beautiful creations. Fast fashion has become so exhausting and I feel like I have a wistful nostalgia for an era I never knew where people made their garments thoughtfully & carefully & valued them for years. Also this awesome wallpaper is the BEST thing I’ve seen in 2024 to date!!!! 🍄🌼
Great video! There's a real movement for right to repair with appliances and electronics. I think the EU has just passed laws making it mandatory for appliances to be able to be repaired. I wish there were more tailors and dressmakers around for those who want to purchase custom-made clothing. Also I wish fewer things were made out of synthetics. Oh, and department stores! I love a good department store and I wish they'd be more popular and maintained. Strangely, it's nice to be able to find everything in one place (yes I know online shopping is a thing but you can't try anything on without hassle or paying shipping) and good department stores often have good quality basics, so if you want to buy a cardigan or something you can usually get a good store brand.
A symphony, opera, ballet or even a musical is a great place to get dressed up and wear beautiful vintage pieces.
I agree with all of the things you said!! Every time I watch an old movie and see everyone dressed up to go have dinner in a restaurant, I'm super jealous. It's good that people can dress comfortably and casually nowadays, but I wish there was the possibility to also do black tie now and again. It's never stopped me from dressing up, but it's annoying when people stare. Not enough to prevent me from doing what I want, but it's still not nice.
I wish things were built to last. I’d love to see aesthetic touches to even the simplest things. I know factory built items have made items less expensive, but I miss the embellishments and even the mistakes that say some one cared and crafted something.
I totally agree with everything you mentioned and I would like to add bringing back beautiful shoes and slippers. I have such a hard time finding elegant and affordable shoes, especially for winter! And I also don't buy new leather so that makes it even more difficult! Happy new year Serena 🥰🥰❤
I agree with everything you mentioned. Would be nice to see old fashioned values return. Taking pride in looking your best.
It would be very cool to put together a sewists vintage fashion show! 1900s through 1970’s. Participants could pay an entry fee
I am so with you about dressing up to go out. It's so sad that people don't like to put in that effort anymore. Restaurants that do a reservation night with dress code would be awesome. Then the waite staff would also be dressed. That would be nice.
I was working on a crochet blanket while at the salon and of course that brought up all kinds of conversation, and one lady said she feels like people are starting to move towards making things themselves. I told her I think that would rock. Not just knitting and crochet, but clothing and such. I feel like we are so disconnected from each other now, and there is a desire in communities to share handmade things as well as just make them for yourself. I'm middle aged and taking up sewing because I've found my Gothic 50s House Witch style and only I can fulfill that. Plus, fast fashion needs to die. Yeah, more dress makers shops! More fancy nights at restaurants! Special occasions should be special!
Happy New Year Rena - you look beautiful!
I agree with everything you said in the video. I want all those back! I also want houses with separate rooms to come back. Open floor plan is not always best. I also want furniture with intricate details back or curved shapes. I don't like that all modern furniture is a square box. If cars could come in more colors again besides if you get a custom paint job.
I love this list!
I love vintage style it’s beautiful and the appliances
I like them too 💜😊 10:32
Obsessed with your sweater!
Maybe off, but an attendant to pump gas, terrazzo floor technicians, nice slips (undergarment), nice heavy bedspreads that cover the entire bed chenille ❤
NJ still uses gas station attendants, you can not pump your own gas there, love it!
Honestly I absolutely love NJ. I live in east central Pennsylvania and it’s just depressing as heck. People dress like bums, just boring pajama pants and dirty T-shirts and slippers to the grocery store. I dress in 1950’s fashion 99% of the time and I get a lot of angry glares and snide remarks from women who are dressed like they’re homeless drug addicts here. But in NJ, at least in northern New Jersey, dressing up nicely seems to be very popular, and I get a lot of cheerful compliments on my shoes especially (Eastland saddle shoes and kitten heels especially). There’s a vibrant mid century subculture that is very much thriving across the state line, lots of swing dances and vintage car shows, not to mention the diners are just delightful!
Don’t get me started on how lovely it is to get your gas pumped for you 😊 and there’s a lot of old fashioned grocery stores too (Bishop’s, in Clinton, Hunterdon County was established in 1954 and they have really good prices and all antique fixtures in the store!)
Whilst it would be lovely to have appliances that last/are more repairable and more fabric stores are we really prepared for the cost? A mid century good wool coat would have been saved for and cost a lot more than we tend to spend today. My sewing friends complain about nice wool suiting costing £25-55/metre but this is a more realistic price when we compare the price of wool in the mid century. We have got used to the cheaper price of stuuff and that would need to change. But yes! I too would love to bring stuff like this back especially more formal wear options.....and HATS! ❤❤❤❤
Happy New Year. I used to be part of a mid century home group on facebook where all those formicas, chromes, appliances would come up. Pricey though. Have you tried Emma One Sock for natural fabrics. I so get you. I am tired of only quilting cotton. I do recommend fabrics-store for linen. Joanne sells one weight only of linen but FS has all sorts of weights. And they explain what each is used for. Lots of bright colors. Decent price. Plenty of suits can be made of linen. I agree about dressing up. Luckily our church still has a dress code. But that is about it. Gentlemen's Gazette is focusing on men's vintage styling. They have black tie events but involves travel. Seems only fancy dress are galas that want you to donate money to their fundraiser.
What store is FS?
@@marciam7301 fabrics-store as I mentioned above
Many department stores used to carry high-end apparel fabric. You could visit the mall and have several store options.
I am with you on the appliances. I wish they were as well made as the vintage ones.
3:30 have you considered hosting a night at a local restaurant with a dress code?? That way it would be a semiprivate event you would have a say and I think you would be an amazing hostess 😊
I cannot wait to see your new creations! In a famous Canadian Novel, "Man Descending", the author talks about living in a small town. There was only one fabric store . A high school girl was devastated when she realized her new skirt her mother made her was the same fabric as her best friends mother's kitchen curtains. .
Lol, when I was pregnant 32 years ago, my mother in law made me a maternity skirt and top, so sweet of her. Then I walked into her den and found out she had made herself new curtains and used the leftover fabric for my outfit! I wore it to her house a few times, but didn’t wear it out in public because I felt like I was wearing, well, curtains (much like Carol Burnett as Scarlett O’Hara, funniest sketch ever - “I saw it in the window and just HAD to have it!).
On the topic of places to dress up, I wish there were supper clubs. Some place were you could get dinner and a show.
I agree with bringing back a few night clubs that require dressing to the nines, cocktails and Harlem Cotton club floor style shows with an updated twist on the dances.
I know a shoe repair shop, but it’s far from my house and the gentleman is getting on in years. He does excellent work. He’s older and I’m sure he’ll wanna retire one day and I don’t know what I’ll do then!
Fabric Discount Warehouse saves me often. Their rayon is awesome! So is their crepe back satin. They have coat fabric as well.
Is that online?