Tuesday 6 November 2012

Yeah, I Made It Myself - Curtain Couture & Some Vegan Brownies


If there's ever a dull moment around here I'll just whip up something new to wear from my stash of vintage patterns and retro curtains, entertainment and clothes for (almost) free. I don't need money to make me happy.


I made this blouse from the 1971 pattern I bought at Friday's jumble sale and the barkcloth curtain was a remnant from last month's 1970s cube revamp, seen HERE.


Sleeves! I can get my thermal vest under them so you can stop nagging.

Multi-strand cuff and dragon ring (Krista), Mint Green nail paint by Barry M
Jewellery takes people's minds off your wrinkles. Sonja Henie
Arthritis can take a running jump, I'm not sacrificing my 6 inch heels.

I was clearing out the kitchen over at Dad's over the weekend and found some still-in-date cocoa powder, plain flour & vanilla essence so thought I'd have a bash at making a recipe my mate, Suzanne, sent me.


 I'm a Crazy Mixed-Up Chocolate Cake 


You'll need:

 4 tablespoon Cocoa sifted
1 1/2 cups Flour sifted
1 cup Sugar
1/2 teaspoon Salt
1 teaspoon  Baking Soda 
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
1 tablespoon Vinegar 
5 tablespoons Vegetable Oil 
1 cup Water (I substituted half a cup of the water with rum, 'cos I'm a bad ass)


Mix all ingredients together at once until well blended. 


Pour into an 8" square (or as close as damn it) pan. 


 Bake at 350 Fahrenheit (170 Celsius) for 30 minutes.


Allow to cool and cut into small squares.


It went down a treat, I even demolished a few squares myself (and you know how I don't "do" sweet stuff.

Retro-tastic curtain (courtesy of Valerie) blouse worn with 1970s C&A Maxi (75p, car boot sale), 1960s Lucite chain belt (50p, car boot sale), Alexis ankle boots (£20, Topshop sale, 2010)
Linking to Ta Dah! Tuesday because I'm a regular little domestic goddess, ain't I?!

Thanks for all the wonderful comments on the last post, if you've got a blog and I haven't visited you yet I promise that I will do very soon.

See you soon.

70 comments:

  1. Good grief, you and your curtain clothes! They are bloody brilliant. Fabulous sleeves. Delish choccy cake too. I really must improve my baking repertoire which currently consists of chocolate fudge and apple and cinammon flapjacks. I am definitely not a domestic goddess! xx

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  2. the brownies look yummy. and so does the blouse. I'm always blown away with the things you make from not fabric fabric: curtains, sheets, tablecloths, tea towels. I keep looking, but only find meh.

    PS: you look like autumn.

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  3. Fabulous blouse, I wish I had time for more 'dull moments'! We only nag 'cause we love you x Six inch heels, you go for it! The brownies look lovely, will definitely give those a go. Would love to try your south Indian curry recipe if you're willing to share it x

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  4. wish I had the skills to whip up a blouse. I don't stretch further then a rectangular tablecloth on the sewing front sadly.
    Six inch heels forever!!! x

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  5. Gorgeous blouse, just perfect for Autumn. And the brownies look divine. You really should write a book you know. M x

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  6. The thriftiest domestic goddess ever. Even your ingredients are second hand!
    I added up the cost of my outfit today, and because most of it was given to me, the total cost was three quid! That left me feeling positive about the tenner I spent on gifts in Wales Air Ambulance shop. The Welsh air ambulance service isn't in great financial shape at the moment and I wish more people would consider shopping second hand. There were Monsoon party dresses for £2.50 today, some people pay more than that for postage.
    Well, I'm certainly preaching to the converted with you, just look at that top, unique, fits like s dream, and you're keeping readers happy with a bit of warmth featuring on a garment!

    No baking for me, I've decided to cut down so that I can wear some of the 'new' St Michael's clobber I've picked up. That stuff is definitely cut on the small side.

    Looking forward to seeing what you picked up on.Thursday, I was in a right sulk imagining you all having a laugh in Wetherspoons!

    Lucy x

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  7. I'm not vegan but definitely trying this recipe!
    I love your blouse, it's so beautiful. Such a wonderful pattern! xxx

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  8. Thank you super Vix for the delicious recipe, my younger daughter is intolerant to eggs, so every vegan trick is welcome, she loves baking (and leaving a mess in the kitchen)!
    I'm really inspired by your crafty attitude, the shirt is fabulous and the pleasure of making instead of shopping our clothes is priceless!!
    Lots of Love
    xxxxx

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  9. That blouse came out perfect and of course the colour looks amazing on you! I'm so glad you like the recipe, its so easy isn't it? How did it taste putting the bit of rum in it? I think I might have to experiment, it seems like that would be a good holiday hostess gift! Oh forgot to mention it also tastes amazing with either chocolate (real chocolate, not that canned crap) or cream cheese (again, the real stuff) icing. I love it too, and I'm like you, don't go for sweets either -- give me savoury over sweet anytime! I hope the arthritis pain subsides, that sux I know how painful it can get. Healing vibes to you! XXX

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  10. Wow what an amazing top! You're very skilled Vix! As for those heels.... how do you walk? I'd be toppling over constantly. You're a domestic goddess in Miss Whiplash heels!

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  11. You are a Domestic Goddess, but definitely not your average Domestic Goddess. You are the Queen of them :)

    I'm a sugar freak, so those brownies look very delicious.

    Your sewing projects came out wonderfully as usual. I want to set up my sewing machine to make some skirts and a vintage inspired dress.

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  12. Beautiful blouse, Vix! You have quite a talent. :) The brownies look wonderful too - I have been vegan for many years and make a similar recipe for my chocolate cake. I'm a new reader of your blog but am enjoying it very much! Keep doing what you do. :)

    Jamie

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  13. Hello,
    I have enjoyed your blog for a while now, and those vegan brownies sound delightful, I will be giving them a try soon, including the rum. ;) Blessings.

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  14. You ARE a domestic goddess! I'm so impressed, Vix xx

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  15. gosh you amaze me. that blouse is killer. the brownies look and sound amazing and i'll be making them and linking back to you when i do.

    love from sunny and hot california!

    xo

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  16. Gorgeous top and boots *hubba hubba*

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  17. IMO far better as a blouse than a curtain - almost sensible for you if you're really wearing that thermal vest ;)

    However thank goodness for those heels - we can't have Vix being all grown up ;) I just fall over looking at them!

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  18. Mmm brownies. They look fab Vix.
    DX

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  19. I love that blouse in you vix!! That outfit is very 70s, lush! And screw your arthritis!!

    I so wish I could have some chocolate cake right now.... Lush!!!
    XO

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  20. I love me some curtain couture and that's turned out a treat!

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  21. I think I may just have to borrow that recipe and have a go myself! Looks so tasty!

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  22. love your pretty print blouse, and its fabulous sleeves!, and always love your bijouterie!
    Very interesting recipe, it seems easy&tasty and these are qualities I love when cooking!, also love when some cocoa and liquors are involved!
    besos & rum

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  23. You are fast on the sewing front, Vix. That curtain was born to be your blouse! Seems you are a domestic goddess after all! Not just a regular one, but one with a with a twist or two, and on the rocks. So you ran out of water and had to add rum for a substitute? Quick thinking on your part! Way to go, girl.

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  24. Cor they look good - like the thinking on the rum! Anything vegan is handy to keep hold of, my mind always goes blank when I'm suddenly required to cater for different diets. Although that said me and the kids are having vegan lentil curry for dinner - meat loving man is away in India! (and probably living off pizza)

    I've never seen anyone make curtains look as good as you do - another cracking outfit from your own fair hands.
    xx

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  25. I can't wait until I can get my foot in some killer heels again! And oh my those Brownies look so good! x

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  26. Another fantastic quote, 'Jewellery takes people's minds off your wrinkles.' I'm going to have to start writing them down!

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  27. It's like the Sound of Music over at your place, running up clothes from curtains! Though I doubt Maria would have added rum to the brownie recipe...
    An inspired use of that fabulous fabric, Vix, the blouse looks beautiful, and so do you. The belt is perfect, and just look at those fuck off heels!
    You most certainly ARE a goddess, domestic or otherwise. I might even give the brownies ago for the school Christmas fair. I'll let you know!
    Love you more than licking cake mixture off a wooden spoon! xxxxx

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  28. Two of my very favorite things YOU and SWEETS! This blouse has me spinning with it's gorgeous colors and flouncy sleeves! Fabulous job yet again! It looks beautiful too with that maxi. I have to say I am loving the green eye shadow on you especially how you also put in under your eyes, you look extra sexy today sweetie!

    Those friggin heels sleigh me every time. You inspire me to give heels another go even if it kills me.
    I love you!!!!
    XOXO

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  29. I love the new top, and I'm sure I lusted over those boots when they were in store! xo

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  30. I bow at the goddess's 6" heeled feet!! i'm not much on chocolate but YUM those brownies made me want to lick the screen!

    The new blouse is absolutely gorgeous and perfect for fall!! I love how the belt picks up the colors!

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  31. Thermal state, brownies and still looking amazing... You make cold sound not so bad at all, Vix. xo

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  32. That blouse is so gorgeous dear ! Love the pattern ! And the chocolate cake looks yummy ! XX

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  33. Dearest Vix, your sewing endeavors have inspired this mama bear all the way in California. I have been taking lessons and I'm loving it. Going to work on some crushed velvet circle skirts today. I just love looking at your projects.

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  34. Oh so yummy, your gorgeous curtain top and that wickedly delicious looking slice.

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  35. I love that blouse Vix, the sleeves are fabulous!! I LOVE sweet things and that brownie looks delicious. I love getting sneak peaks of you kitchen too xoxo

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  36. What a pretty blouse!

    Rum! What a great addition to brownies!

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  37. What a lovely blouse, I don't know how you run these things up so quickly. Damn, I could just eat those brownies now. x

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  38. You're the queen of curtain couture and a better woman than I for being able to walk in 6-inch heels. Stunning blouse and I am glad it is something that will keep you warm.
    As an ethical vegan, thanks for plugging delicous vegan chocolate treats. Everyone should have a Crazy, Mixed Up Chocolate Cake recipe in their repetoire since it's so practical as well, being made from long-lasting ingredients everyone usually has in their pantry.

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  39. Only you can make curtains glamorous!
    That 6 burner stove is pretty awesome too & I have been thinking the same thing about my heels lately too (except back problems). What am I delirious?

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  40. Oh this is my favourite curtain couture creation of yours yet. That blouse is so wonderful, the colour, the print, the style - it ticks all my fussy blouse boxes! I love it! It goes so perfectly with that maxi skirt and belt too.
    Your chocolate cake looks divine!

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  41. Rum and chocolate? Yellow curtain and Vix? Talk about matches made in heaven!

    Love the blouse on you the colour really suits you.And being always drawn to black like a moth to flame love the skirt you are rocking today too! Love the boots and the heels, well if you are a shorty like me you something to hike ya up.

    Mmmmm chocolate brownies, when I was younger much like yourself I wasnt all that bothered by sweet things and would take savoury everytime. But now I am older I do have an awful sweet tooth.

    You even make domestic goddess look rock chick!

    P x

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  42. Feck ME I love that blouse!!!
    You've done a smashing job, the fabric and style are amazing!!! Looks sexy as with that sleek skirt....YUMCIOUS, I say!
    You are quite the domestic Goddess! Your stove is my dream stove,darling! that's the one I want when I get my new kitchen!!!
    I don't do sweets much either; this does look nice, but it's not likely this savoury tart (!) will try it!
    Love Helga! XXXxxxXXX

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  43. My stomach's rumbling I want some crazy chocolate cake!! *lol*
    Love the frock! Every time you show us new outfits you made I think to myself... I NEED to start sewing more. But I never seem to actually DO IT! *UGGG* I frustrate myself!

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  44. I'm thinking today you are the perfect Stepford Wife! I love everything about this post! Especially the belt. XXX

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  45. Your blouse is wonderful - I love the curtain couture, beautiful results.
    I think I'll give the brownies a go. They look delicious.

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  46. I love the outfit- Edwardian with a 70's twist! Let me at that cake!!!!!x

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  47. Farking stonking blouse.... that pattern is so lovely. I do like a bit of curtain couture and no one does it better that yerself.
    I'm gonna give the brownies a go. I can cut them up in to wee bits to fit Mothers Biccy Jar and they will be all for me. Curtise has given me the idea of adding a drop of rum.
    xxxxxx

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  48. They must be good if you're scoffing them!
    Fantastic blouse - you are so good at making clothes and even better at acquiring material and patterns. Bloody genius. I wish I could wear 6 inch heels like you. Keep up the amazing work gorgeous lady! I wish I was popping up to Walsall again this Thursday. XXX

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  49. How marvellous Vix! I just adore this curtain couture creation of yours. That belt is also fantastic my dear. xx

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  50. Those Brownies look delish! But that barkcloth blouse most certainly takes the cake (pardon the pun!) Bloody brilliant you are x

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  51. VIx, you've outdone yourself! FABULOUS outfit and you looking gorgeous as always, my dear!
    xxx

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  52. Curtain blouses and baking!!! Pull yourself together! hahah! Sorry poor attempt at humour! Get it though? Do ya? Homepride flour, now that's a reminder of home :D

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  53. I love the blouse for curtain ... Oops, I mean for certain. And your outfit is beautifully photographed in you autumn garden!

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  54. That blouse looks fabulous. Nothing like a curtain for making some new clothing. Those boots are totally badass.

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  55. I have a real sweet tooth and I like baking so I may well make that recipe today Vix. You inspired me to buy a sewing machine (another catalogue "freebie") but with Jake and lack of materials I've not put it into action yet. My plan is to spend the next year stockpiling what I need then by the time he goes to nursery I'll have both time and materials to get going. And you look lovely, and warm! xx

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  56. aahh i don't think i have ever seen a post from you where you have been making cakes ;-) I love it those brownies have made my mouth water i love sweet things i have one chocolate segment after my evening meal its just that little sweet kick i need im good as a big bar will last me a couple of weeks actually im not normal i know ;-)) Loving your blouse you look gorgeous your one very clever lady and lovely with it, dee xxxx

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  57. ok so i never knew that curtains could look so good :) and damn am i craving chocolate now!!! x

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  58. Fabulous blouse! I love making clothes from curtains. Those brownies look so yummy, I'm not really one for baking (I enjoy eating cakes etc but not making them!) but this looks like something even I could do. I might have to give it a try this weekend.

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  59. Hi there!! The blouse is awesome-love the pattern and its so unique and funky!! The chocolate cake looks delicious, thanks for sharing the recipe! xx

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  60. Potentially the worst excuse in the world for not yet making my own clothes... I'm a perfectionist and I a hate to think I'll ruin some perfectly good material! Must be brave and trawl the chazzas for some curtains and duvets! Awesome top, flowers like that are bound to brighten up the grey autumn weather (well at least here in Cov, it's always grey). Still can't get over the fact you're not a fan of sweet things!! x

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  61. Wow! Your hair is extremely long. It looks fabulous. Vegan brownies? Pretty interesting. That's something to look forward to.
    Statues for sale

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  62. You are an undomesticated goddess! I love brownies, so perhaps I'll give that recipe a try. Chances are I don't have any of the ingredients on hand. I love the sleeves on that blouse and that you were able to turn it out in an afternoon. Pretty soon you'll be taking in custom orders from those of us who have no domestic skills at all...

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  63. yay for curtain couture!!!!

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  64. How ever do you do it! I have put a sewing machine onto my Christmas list and will be asking for advice in making things. (I am a real novice and not made anything since back in my school days and thats many years ago!)

    X x

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  65. ooh these colours really suit you, and that brownie looks awesome, as I very much *do* do sweet stuff! You're so right about all the old buggers at the fair sayiing they remembered this and that, honestly if I had a dollar for every time I heard all that I'd never need to sell anything, I could just go and set up a display!

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  66. Ow me is hungry again. Those brownie's are looking very yummie! I don't have anything to do this afternoon.... I am going to try to bake them. :)
    I love your cooker. It is so big.
    That blouse is sweet. Love the colors and the patern. Cannot amagine that that was a curtain....
    The shoes are rocking!
    xxx

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  67. I do love a chocolate brownie :)
    Beautiful outfit x

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Thanks for reading and for leaving a message. Please don't be anonymous, I'd love it if you left a name (or a nom de plume).

Lots of love, Vix