Daily Archives:

May 31, 2011

Huntington Library and Gardens

This Memorial Day weekend we invited Lauren and her husband to come up and go to the Huntington Library with us. I swear, this place is the best kept secret in Los Angeles – if you have any interest in art, history, or gardens, it’s not to be missed. We were blessed with beautiful weather – only a slight bit of wind, but with a firm grip I managed to keep my hat on!

The site was originally the private home of Henry Huntington, a major businessman of the early 20th century, so there are buildings interspersed in between the gardens instead of one giant art complex. The Huntington’s 1911 Beaux Arts mansion is now the main art gallery, and it’s lovely wandering from building to building through the gardens. We were there for about 4 hours and probably only got through half of galleries and gardens – and we were hurrying!

There were loads of people who were interested in how we were dressed, and we were surprised at how many people knew we were wearing 30s/40s styles. Not a single flapper or 50’s comment! (Although we did overhear one “Night at the Museum” reference in the art gallery, which I thought was pretty funny.)

Sitting on the bridge in the Shakespeare Garden

Lauren is working hard to avoid my hat! It kept banging into anyone who came near, but it was great for keeping the sun away!

Sitting in front of the Judy Garland roses.

Chris and me in the Rose Garden.

Walking from the Rose Garden to the Mansion/Art Gallery.

Sitting on the back railing of the mansion. 

The boys relaxing on the porch. Any minute now, a mummy is going to rise from the tomb behind them.
Photo Effects by Lo-Fi App

Make & Mend Month

I’ve signed up to participate in The New Vintage Lady’s Make & Mend month. It runs from June 1 – July 11, and the goals are to make new projects using our existing stash, and mend garments that need some TLC. I’ve got a pile of mending that I never get to, and of course I’ve got supplies up the wazoo that need to be used. Excited to have a deadline for finishing the unfinished! You know you want to join, too. đŸ˜‰

I’m heading out in a little bit to look at a dressform I saw on Craiglist. I’ve been sewing for 18 years, and never had one at home before. (I’m getting old…) She’s a Uniquely You squishable form, so I’m hoping I can make her my size and shape, and be able to put my new corsets on her for fitting historical garments. I’m already thinking up names for the new addition to the family.