tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15181102751562568772024-03-13T07:06:10.268-06:00Adventures of a Wanna-Be SeamstressThe life and times of an
obsessive costumerAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18113977337426132549noreply@blogger.comBlogger579125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1518110275156256877.post-58089588117639454682014-04-29T12:46:00.000-06:002014-04-29T12:58:09.647-06:00Some pictures of the sewing room (finally?)I took a long weekend and turned this:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6lHO8nF9FAw/U1_v0SoeMRI/AAAAAAAATpw/G1OP0LjWrok/s1600/20140421_223440.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6lHO8nF9FAw/U1_v0SoeMRI/AAAAAAAATpw/G1OP0LjWrok/s1600/20140421_223440.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
Into this:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cqtkCEulrU8/U1_v0XyqNpI/AAAAAAAATpw/G4ABowiSlIM/s1600/20140429_112903.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cqtkCEulrU8/U1_v0XyqNpI/AAAAAAAATpw/G4ABowiSlIM/s1600/20140429_112903.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the doorway</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
To be honest, there are still a few boxes hiding out behind the cutting table, but for all intents and purposes, it is a functional room!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A pseudo-panoramic view of the shelving; looking left from the doorway, starting off with silks and brocades, then next shelf to the right is cotton & scraps, then the corner, in which tall, skinny things are stored, like yardsticks, zip ties & giant clamps, then the linen, lace, and "other" shelf. The last two shelves are machines, tools, notions, & patterns. I've put boxes of "in-progress" projects across the top of the shelves. One day, I may get some coordinating boxes, but for now, the hodgepodge works.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-humq5h6tqEs/U1_v0TIs1AI/AAAAAAAATpw/wt6ihu1Opl8/s1600/20140429_112921.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-humq5h6tqEs/U1_v0TIs1AI/AAAAAAAATpw/wt6ihu1Opl8/s1600/20140429_112921.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yHtQwR-2uiw/U1_v0b6WLjI/AAAAAAAATpw/vYyGLcMOYEE/s1600/20140429_112928.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yHtQwR-2uiw/U1_v0b6WLjI/AAAAAAAATpw/vYyGLcMOYEE/s1600/20140429_112928.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RoIsj40bIlc/U1_v0SUvLmI/AAAAAAAATpw/xUX_Ga86-ls/s1600/20140429_112931.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RoIsj40bIlc/U1_v0SUvLmI/AAAAAAAATpw/xUX_Ga86-ls/s1600/20140429_112931.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The cutting table is accessible from 3 sides, and lives next to the window. I've also stored pattern making supplies, ironing & pressing tools, as well as the Big Sewing Machine. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And then, turning completely around, on the other side of the door, I've gutted the closet, installed a large bookcase and cobbled together some shelves for the empty space, and have stored all my "non-sewing" crafting supplies. (Mostly card/scrapbooking & clay)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-osQAQvOEeoA/U1_v0UW7ymI/AAAAAAAATpw/-tBxm5UHleo/s1600/20140429_112939.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-osQAQvOEeoA/U1_v0UW7ymI/AAAAAAAATpw/-tBxm5UHleo/s1600/20140429_112939.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BP52Pawt58A/U1_v0UcneeI/AAAAAAAATpw/F-bkVZg0kaM/s1600/20140429_112956.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BP52Pawt58A/U1_v0UcneeI/AAAAAAAATpw/F-bkVZg0kaM/s1600/20140429_112956.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
All of the plastic tubs are sorted, organized, and labeled. <i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(whew!)</span></i> I still need to go through the canvas bins and properly sort and label the narrow wares, but is more or less somewhat functional.</div>
<br />
More importantly, I need to go through my patterns and organize them and put everything back together in packets - I'm really bad about returning pieces to their proper location!<br />
<br />
All the yarn lives on a bookcase in the guest room <i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(aka "Princess Room", if you ask my niece)</span></i>, as there really isn't an inch to spare in here! <span style="font-size: x-small;"><i> </i></span>Now I just need to get the rest of my house & yard back into shape <i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(again)</span></i> and it will be time for some sewing!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
TTFN!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18113977337426132549noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1518110275156256877.post-20176128214601311662014-04-28T09:51:00.002-06:002014-04-28T09:51:43.209-06:00Sewing room complete, and personal update<span style="font-family: inherit;">WHEW! The sewing room is complete -- I neglected to take pictures, but I will grab some this afternoon. I'm getting excited to start working on some sewing again.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">In other news, <span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">within a few short months of losing my Mo, Precious is not long for this world. Taking care of elderly dogs is heart-wrenching, but they deserve as much love and attention that puppies do!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br style="background-color: white; color: #404040; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">I don't think Tiny will deal with losing his buddy very well - they have lived together since he came to me as a puppy, and they have been completely inseparable. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">It's been a very rough few days, on top of a very rough few months.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br style="background-color: white; color: #404040; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">I love you my Precious Tank Girl!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;"><br /></span></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m4ooK8g4V50/U154hwUjRKI/AAAAAAAATlk/IsFFZNB_Zps/s1600/IMG_20121231_131135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m4ooK8g4V50/U154hwUjRKI/AAAAAAAATlk/IsFFZNB_Zps/s1600/IMG_20121231_131135.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;"><br /></span></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_LoAf0DFXkc/U154f7b_u_I/AAAAAAAATlU/6NaTO4A3bp4/s1600/IMAG1395.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_LoAf0DFXkc/U154f7b_u_I/AAAAAAAATlU/6NaTO4A3bp4/s1600/IMAG1395.jpg" height="191" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hMQFC98L-vo/U154b3cUT7I/AAAAAAAATj0/snf042s-aok/s1600/IMAG0312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hMQFC98L-vo/U154b3cUT7I/AAAAAAAATj0/snf042s-aok/s1600/IMAG0312.jpg" height="191" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xtXSZvp0aRs/U154bzhs2jI/AAAAAAAATjs/DJlC43XWDOo/s1600/IMAG0490.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xtXSZvp0aRs/U154bzhs2jI/AAAAAAAATjs/DJlC43XWDOo/s1600/IMAG0490.jpg" height="191" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VlOyTVYee30/U154ce9kAmI/AAAAAAAATkA/YEKYXMbZuIU/s1600/IMAG0494.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VlOyTVYee30/U154ce9kAmI/AAAAAAAATkA/YEKYXMbZuIU/s1600/IMAG0494.jpg" height="191" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m_nMcIpqFCY/U154cQxdBAI/AAAAAAAATj8/a8B02yhVRDM/s1600/IMAG0497.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m_nMcIpqFCY/U154cQxdBAI/AAAAAAAATj8/a8B02yhVRDM/s1600/IMAG0497.jpg" height="191" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XlKCH5IAXmw/U154c9KcKaI/AAAAAAAATkY/9WYGuMzgfRc/s1600/IMAG0576.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XlKCH5IAXmw/U154c9KcKaI/AAAAAAAATkY/9WYGuMzgfRc/s1600/IMAG0576.jpg" height="320" width="191" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vQNeIR-cfH8/U154dFpkDyI/AAAAAAAATkM/Flom22tdrh4/s1600/IMAG0584.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vQNeIR-cfH8/U154dFpkDyI/AAAAAAAATkM/Flom22tdrh4/s1600/IMAG0584.jpg" height="191" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fdudHvTQ9ko/U154dWOwrPI/AAAAAAAATkU/3WyRtU2rk9o/s1600/IMAG0644.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fdudHvTQ9ko/U154dWOwrPI/AAAAAAAATkU/3WyRtU2rk9o/s1600/IMAG0644.jpg" height="191" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rsSLfmDpfmw/U154gbYOXFI/AAAAAAAATlM/zmwmvOGPPl8/s1600/IMAG0645.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rsSLfmDpfmw/U154gbYOXFI/AAAAAAAATlM/zmwmvOGPPl8/s1600/IMAG0645.jpg" height="191" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2bEsdNHrjvQ/U154eDjHKpI/AAAAAAAATkk/pAfXS46b-C8/s1600/IMAG0898.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2bEsdNHrjvQ/U154eDjHKpI/AAAAAAAATkk/pAfXS46b-C8/s1600/IMAG0898.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HK6RbBRZA3U/U154edbtFHI/AAAAAAAATko/_oYwvc-mYyM/s1600/IMAG1125.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HK6RbBRZA3U/U154edbtFHI/AAAAAAAATko/_oYwvc-mYyM/s1600/IMAG1125.jpg" height="191" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fuLy-K1-4Q0/U154e-kNgzI/AAAAAAAATk0/iyeg2F3yOxY/s1600/IMAG1354.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fuLy-K1-4Q0/U154e-kNgzI/AAAAAAAATk0/iyeg2F3yOxY/s1600/IMAG1354.jpg" height="320" width="191" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BIiuz_jBAj8/U154fIiRoQI/AAAAAAAATk8/paJmZMjRf9I/s1600/IMAG1390.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BIiuz_jBAj8/U154fIiRoQI/AAAAAAAATk8/paJmZMjRf9I/s1600/IMAG1390.jpg" height="320" width="191" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jUQDepDgpTs/U154gDy-soI/AAAAAAAATlQ/9EHAEl3SvX8/s1600/IMAG1411.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jUQDepDgpTs/U154gDy-soI/AAAAAAAATlQ/9EHAEl3SvX8/s1600/IMAG1411.jpg" height="320" width="191" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DFwZ5Mvcnuw/U154hIf5McI/AAAAAAAATl4/qalpPrf9Kas/s1600/IMAG1445.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DFwZ5Mvcnuw/U154hIf5McI/AAAAAAAATl4/qalpPrf9Kas/s1600/IMAG1445.jpg" height="320" width="191" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hMu30bSNqoE/U154haiW3GI/AAAAAAAATlc/4j-a44i8g8A/s1600/IMAG1541.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hMu30bSNqoE/U154haiW3GI/AAAAAAAATlc/4j-a44i8g8A/s1600/IMAG1541.jpg" height="191" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wj5kgQRg-mM/U154iE5KC_I/AAAAAAAATlw/jqJz58CqMIA/s1600/IMG_20130210_112128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wj5kgQRg-mM/U154iE5KC_I/AAAAAAAATlw/jqJz58CqMIA/s1600/IMG_20130210_112128.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;"><br /></span></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tcHvCytgu7M/U153yvLpHuI/AAAAAAAATis/_mZF5hFhSmU/s1600/DSCN0052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tcHvCytgu7M/U153yvLpHuI/AAAAAAAATis/_mZF5hFhSmU/s1600/DSCN0052.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LCZw7rb9MRw/U153ydZ_kWI/AAAAAAAATiw/NLlpJNKOv7E/s1600/DSCN0054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LCZw7rb9MRw/U153ydZ_kWI/AAAAAAAATiw/NLlpJNKOv7E/s1600/DSCN0054.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u3XePWGCX-Y/U153ym6SREI/AAAAAAAATio/9OOHYMOsW_E/s1600/DSCN0192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u3XePWGCX-Y/U153ym6SREI/AAAAAAAATio/9OOHYMOsW_E/s1600/DSCN0192.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fovtfpTMmMw/U153zTPXF1I/AAAAAAAATjI/TsNn7JFyrPA/s1600/IMAG0308.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fovtfpTMmMw/U153zTPXF1I/AAAAAAAATjI/TsNn7JFyrPA/s1600/IMAG0308.jpg" height="191" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uQKexmZu-6Y/U153zS7htVI/AAAAAAAATjE/J99_w3Pqw6o/s1600/IMAG0403.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uQKexmZu-6Y/U153zS7htVI/AAAAAAAATjE/J99_w3Pqw6o/s1600/IMAG0403.jpg" height="191" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o5bAEMLwE3U/U153zm55IdI/AAAAAAAATjA/LSdj4of7RbU/s1600/IMAG0405.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o5bAEMLwE3U/U153zm55IdI/AAAAAAAATjA/LSdj4of7RbU/s1600/IMAG0405.jpg" height="191" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4nOhnzS4R04/U1530veDF1I/AAAAAAAATjc/5BXJonWk9Fg/s1600/IMAG0509.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4nOhnzS4R04/U1530veDF1I/AAAAAAAATjc/5BXJonWk9Fg/s1600/IMAG0509.jpg" height="320" width="191" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kKCvUrs3sDM/U1530pThyYI/AAAAAAAATjY/5RmfVJehRRk/s1600/IMAG0542.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kKCvUrs3sDM/U1530pThyYI/AAAAAAAATjY/5RmfVJehRRk/s1600/IMAG0542.jpg" height="191" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;"><br /></span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18113977337426132549noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1518110275156256877.post-50499868678310245582014-04-23T10:01:00.001-06:002014-04-23T10:01:55.304-06:00More organizationStick a fork in me! I am SO ready for this to be done!<br />
<br />
But I bet you didn't know I actually had a window in my sewing room, did ya?! Still looks like a disaster area, but compared to yesterdays post, I think there has been some significant improvement! (Thanks again, sis, for helping me out!)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-57KZ87aRTz0/U1fiaGkgPbI/AAAAAAAATbA/rS5YzrdGfA0/s1600/20140423_002514.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-57KZ87aRTz0/U1fiaGkgPbI/AAAAAAAATbA/rS5YzrdGfA0/s1600/20140423_002514.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Nearly all the fabric has been put away on shelves. <i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(whew!)</span></i> Although I keep uncovering more, somehow....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ayjv5SMlg94/U1fiolvDGhI/AAAAAAAATbI/LgtIc0WGWO8/s1600/20140423_002537.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ayjv5SMlg94/U1fiolvDGhI/AAAAAAAATbI/LgtIc0WGWO8/s1600/20140423_002537.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ibQq4MnW0Mw/U1fioqGq0SI/AAAAAAAATbI/skSjL-LRDBQ/s1600/20140423_002526.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ibQq4MnW0Mw/U1fioqGq0SI/AAAAAAAATbI/skSjL-LRDBQ/s1600/20140423_002526.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I think I'm going to be taking <span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(at least)</i></span> Friday off so I can put my house in some semblance of order; it seems like every time I organize one room, the rest of the house turns into a tip! But the deadline is approaching, it has to be done!!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18113977337426132549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1518110275156256877.post-59976354057070092682014-04-22T10:40:00.004-06:002014-04-22T10:48:07.958-06:00Took longer than I expected...........as do most things, to be honest! I thought that it would take 1 day to paint furniture and 1 day to unpack & organize the sewing room. HAHAHA!<br />
<br />
2.5 days later, I finally have some more furniture in my house:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nikN-dbO-IM/U1aY6YShBpI/AAAAAAAATX4/JOjhI-52Oc0/s1600/20140421_084151.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nikN-dbO-IM/U1aY6YShBpI/AAAAAAAATX4/JOjhI-52Oc0/s1600/20140421_084151.jpg" height="320" width="179" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bPZlWl9egCQ/U1aY6tY-_1I/AAAAAAAATX8/TKwG12Ebjgg/s1600/20140421_084156.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: right;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bPZlWl9egCQ/U1aY6tY-_1I/AAAAAAAATX8/TKwG12Ebjgg/s1600/20140421_084156.jpg" height="320" width="179" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
But.......my sewing room looks like this: (brace yourself!)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hSPskRSfV60/U1aZNrzSwwI/AAAAAAAATYI/GsWXKg49q94/s1600/20140421_223440.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hSPskRSfV60/U1aZNrzSwwI/AAAAAAAATYI/GsWXKg49q94/s1600/20140421_223440.jpg" height="640" width="358" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The whole room doesn't look like this, thankfully! That corner has been piled high because the other two corners are slowly coming together:<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9XoKRl7jgS4/U1aZ1cAFvXI/AAAAAAAATYY/uCUxKAx-_Ko/s1600/20140421_223446.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9XoKRl7jgS4/U1aZ1cAFvXI/AAAAAAAATYY/uCUxKAx-_Ko/s1600/20140421_223446.jpg" height="320" width="179" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uW1D8Gc3Jfc/U1aZ1Skrx2I/AAAAAAAATYU/Hyxk2h6ERIQ/s1600/20140421_223511+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uW1D8Gc3Jfc/U1aZ1Skrx2I/AAAAAAAATYU/Hyxk2h6ERIQ/s1600/20140421_223511+(1).jpg" height="320" width="179" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm hoping to fit one more of the narrower shelves to the right of the fabric shelves....and to be able to somehow fold space and time to get it all to fit in said shelves!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My lovely and patient sis came over last night and helped me build one more set of shelves, and organize fabrics - she's amazing, thank you seester!!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm holding one more <strike>yard</strike> sale to try and free up a little more room - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/796968793664038/" target="_blank">so if there is something that you may like, let me know! </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18113977337426132549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1518110275156256877.post-41174083599221342802014-04-15T11:40:00.001-06:002014-04-15T14:02:16.829-06:00Hello, 2014......Things have changed so much in the last 4 months - so I figure, why not one more change? Let's get back into the costuming swing of things?!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Despite mounting social anxiety, I forced myself to go to <a href="http://www.gryphonslair.org/bgl/content/southern-regional-collegium-2014-class-listing-0" target="_blank">Southern Regional Collegium</a> this past weekend, and attended some classes taught by the fabulous, kind, talented, beautiful, knowledgeable, <span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(and a whole bunch more adjectives)</i></span> <a href="http://www.modehistorique.com/blog/" target="_blank">Tullia da Ferrara</a>. Even though I showed up late <span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(thanks a lot, Best Buy)</i></span>, and had to leave early <span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(thanks a lot, anxiety)</i></span>, I had a wonderful time seeing some friends I have not seen in a Very Long Time.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It's a bit late for new years resolutions, but mine will officially be <b>"make more stuff</b>", and "<b>do more things</b>". Which doesn't sound like that big of a deal, and very vague but really, I promise, it is. <i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(A big deal, that is. But also vague.)</span></i></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Right now, I'm planning on:</div>
<div>
1) Generally attending more <a href="http://artemisia.sca.org/event-calendar/" target="_blank">SCA events</a></div>
<div>
2) Go to SLCC - <a href="http://saltlakecomiccon.com/" target="_blank">Salt Lake Comic Con</a></div>
<div>
3) Go to <a href="http://129.121.107.232/~costumer/college/" target="_blank">Costume College</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
With all the upheaval recently, I'm in a new house which means, I have to start all over with my craft room. I have <u style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">plans</u>. Hopefully cunning ones. <i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(I may even post pictures. Brace yourself)</span></i> I'm hoping to get my sewing room squared away this weekend, in preparation of "<i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/ical/event.php?eid=796968793664038" target="_blank">The Return of Serafina's Stash Unlock'd: Part 3</a></i>"</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LgyiFMoLB1E/U01tL7PaxOI/AAAAAAAATTk/zPlSOlyBJMk/s1600/1601338_10200784273288951_4543108277202196771_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LgyiFMoLB1E/U01tL7PaxOI/AAAAAAAATTk/zPlSOlyBJMk/s1600/1601338_10200784273288951_4543108277202196771_n.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Quite a bit of the SCA garb is spoken for, but there is still a whole lotta Victorian, Romantic & 18th c stuff, as well as so many hats and veils, I don't even know what to do with myself! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The fabric stash barely looks like it's been touched after the last two sales, and I still have way too much -- so if you are interested, and are not able to come in person, drop me a note & I'll post pictures & have an online sale. :)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18113977337426132549noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1518110275156256877.post-73609712494670604552013-09-09T12:55:00.001-06:002013-09-09T12:55:21.800-06:00Quilting Sidetrack<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eMtQ4aVeGkA/Ui4YF9zQl2I/AAAAAAAAO9k/adahYkTEJH4/s1600/IMG_20130908_220207.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eMtQ4aVeGkA/Ui4YF9zQl2I/AAAAAAAAO9k/adahYkTEJH4/s320/IMG_20130908_220207.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
We had a family dinner for my moms birthday yesterday - and being the fidgety person that I am, I lugged along my quilting project to work on while we sat around and chatted. Within minutes of breaking it out, my mom disappeared and came back with a whole stack of quilt blocks that my grandma had made. When she passed away, the unfinished project has moved from place to place, but no forward momentum made on this cute little project!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IUZrzaJehdc/Ui4YGHk9QtI/AAAAAAAAO9o/C8moDXRHPCo/s1600/IMG_20130908_220243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IUZrzaJehdc/Ui4YGHk9QtI/AAAAAAAAO9o/C8moDXRHPCo/s320/IMG_20130908_220243.jpg" width="300" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IUZrzaJehdc/Ui4YGHk9QtI/AAAAAAAAO9o/C8moDXRHPCo/s1600/IMG_20130908_220243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
We could tell that she was planning to make a HUGE quilt, by the sheer number of little squares cut out (all of fabric from projects she had worked on over the years). There are 12 mostly-finished 12 pane squares. I'm thinking of finishing them up as-is, and instead of joining them (as they were originally meant to be), I'm probably going to add some sort of decorative sashing and finish the quilt up that way. (Any quilters out there have an opinion??)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n3D8WTzo6rg/Ui4Y2q-grPI/AAAAAAAAO94/vJYWk1xd6QM/s1600/IMG_20130908_215803.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="182" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n3D8WTzo6rg/Ui4Y2q-grPI/AAAAAAAAO94/vJYWk1xd6QM/s320/IMG_20130908_215803.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
I suppose I'll have to give it back to my mom when it is complete, but I can already tell, I'll be loathe to part with it! The consolation to all of this is, I am keeping the box full of pre-cut squares! I had a fun time guessing the origin & dates of some of the fabrics....they're really quite varied!<br />
<br />
<br />
I started grabbing out some coordinating colors -- I can tell already I'm going to have fun with them! It is fun having a sort of crafty connection with my grandma!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fy-s16g8l30/Ui4Y2kEjYGI/AAAAAAAAO90/fgidPu8qNq4/s1600/IMG_20130908_220113.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="158" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fy-s16g8l30/Ui4Y2kEjYGI/AAAAAAAAO90/fgidPu8qNq4/s320/IMG_20130908_220113.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18113977337426132549noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1518110275156256877.post-3822755334342513412013-09-06T12:21:00.001-06:002013-09-06T12:21:42.702-06:00After years and years of threatening, I'm finally quilting!Some of the projects that I've had in the que for the last.....foreeeeevers have been put on semi-permanent hold for a whole variety of reasons, but I'e been itching to do *something* crafty/sew-y. I've gone through crocheting blankets, making <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=plarn+bags+crochet&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=bhoqUr38JcGCjAL58YHIDw&ved=0CEoQsAQ&biw=1920&bih=995" target="_blank">plarn bags</a>, making <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=plarn+bags+crochet&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=bhoqUr38JcGCjAL58YHIDw&ved=0CEoQsAQ&biw=1920&bih=995#q=rag+rug+crochet&tbm=isch" target="_blank">rag rugs</a> etc etc, until I realized, "Oh yeah, I've been saying for <i style="font-weight: bold;">years</i> now that I want to do a quilt again. So, after nearly a week of bed rest and going absolutely stir crazy with the itchy crafting fingers, in the wee hours of the night, I dragged my sister to the only place that sold fabric at that ungodly hour. (WalMart. I know. I know! But when you <b>have </b>to start a project <i style="font-weight: bold;">right now</i>, what are you gonna do?!) and got some quilting cotton - as that is one of the things that I am sorely lacking in my fabric stash. I've been semi-obsessed over quilting the last few of weeks!<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Anyway, I absolutely do not claim to be a quilting, or <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quilt#English_paper_piecing" target="_blank">English Paper Piecing</a> expert, but this is what I'm up to......</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QSkQD8r19jc/UioKVJyW0CI/AAAAAAAAO68/cTHODIuSLhM/s1600/IMG_20130906_103340.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="234" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QSkQD8r19jc/UioKVJyW0CI/AAAAAAAAO68/cTHODIuSLhM/s320/IMG_20130906_103340.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cute little travel quilting kit, masquerading as a makeup bag!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
First, the supplies! Because, let's face it, one of the very best things about all things crafty and sew-y are all the tools and accouterments! I have a 'home kit' and a 'away kit' - and first up, the 'away kit'!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I scoured the crafting and make-up sections of multiple stores before I settled on this one - it's really quite perfect. A little smaller than a lunch bag, and pockets and separators to keep everything somewhat tidy.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GeaiPDq8L-k/UioKVKw0K_I/AAAAAAAAO6s/otNGOuzhBfg/s1600/IMG_20130906_103320.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GeaiPDq8L-k/UioKVKw0K_I/AAAAAAAAO6s/otNGOuzhBfg/s400/IMG_20130906_103320.jpg" width="341" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Et voilà! A travel sewing kit small enough to take pretty<br />
much anywhere, but packed full of hours and hours worth of sewing supplies!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Miraculously, everything that I need 'on the road' fits in this nice little 8x5x5 case!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The top zipper compartment stores all the tools, save the basting thread and the glue. Technically, I can fit them in there, but they work nicely to prop up the 'to be glued' squares on the right! The main body of the bag is split up between a rotating stack of squares that are glued (which eventually evolves into squares that are glued and trimmed), and naked squares. <i><span style="font-size: x-small;">At any one time, I have any combination of the different steps of the hexie process! (I like to 'assembly line' construction, and switch to some other process when the one I'm currently working on gets a little stale -- it helps somewhat to avert the 'burnout'.)</span></i></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The left pocket holds the cut hexagons, the right pocket holds the finished octagons (which I just emptied out last night!), and the front pocket holds mini clothes pins) (which I use instead of straight pins) Some people use paperclips, which I don't find hold quite tightly enough, and lead to slippage, some people use specialty quilting clips, which I find a mite too expensive for my taste -- at least at the level I'm at right now!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zzJ_5C5aJkQ/UioKV5Dv4zI/AAAAAAAAO60/3pHYYuKQJKU/s1600/IMG_20130906_103555.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="376" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zzJ_5C5aJkQ/UioKV5Dv4zI/AAAAAAAAO60/3pHYYuKQJKU/s400/IMG_20130906_103555.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Tools:<br />Basting thread, glue, seam ripper, mini clothes pins, measuring tape, mini thread snips, Thread Heaven, magnetic needle case, quilting tape, extra quilting sharps (not pictured: leather thimble & general-duty scissors with retractable lanyard)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A few notes on the supplies - I researched <i style="font-weight: bold;">the heck</i> out of EPP (English Paper Piecing) before I started, and have refined what I can only called 'my technique' during the whole learning process. (And I'm sure there will be a lot more to come!)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Pinning vs. Gluing</b> - I was pretty sure from the outset that I didn't want to bother with pinning. Because I'm somewhat of a klutz, I could see myself getting poked all the time, losing pins like mad, and I'm pretty sure that the warp that pinning the cardstock makes would drive me absolutely crazy. I was originally looking for fabric glue sticks mentioned by a few quilters, but couldn't find any in my local craft/fabric stores (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dritz-C31-Fabric-Glue-Stick/dp/B00114TCS0" target="_blank">spend $10 and wait for shipping?!</a> No way!)- I decided to spend the 1$ to test out some regular old glue sticks, and found that the crummier/cheaper, the better. Seriously, find the cheapest school glue stick you can! I don't know if it will matter in the long-run, but I opted for the one that was branded 'washable'. The glue un-sticks pretty easily, especially if it is a few days old. If there's a super stubborn bit, I just poke a needle through fabric and wiggle it back and forth between the cardstock and fabric and it'll pop right out.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Trimming/Squares</b> - A lot of the tutorials I've read on EPP, show cutting out the squares one by one. (Again, my tendency to 'assembly line' things just does not want to do this!!) I can see that if I were trying to capture a specific portion of the print for a particular pattern, that would be a good way to go, but since I'm kind of aiming for the 'haphazard' look, I figured I'd just cut strips and make a whole bunch 'o squares all at once. So far, so good. I have tried to make them as close to the size that I needed, without going too big or too small, though I could probably have managed to get a lot more precise had I spent the time, but honestly, it hasn't seemed to matter. RE: Trimming. Pretty much every tutorial I read said to trim to an approximately hexie-shaped piece of fabric. Later on, I found that some people just use the whole square. I haven't tried that yet, but it does seem like it would go faster, but may make each hexie a little bulkier. I may test out not trimming on a small project and see how it goes.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Template Cutting/Precision</b> - Kind of the opposite of hacking out a few hundred squares of fabric, I spent an inordinate amount of time making sure each one of my hand-cut hexies were as close to perfect as I could get. I haven't really run across an issue with imperfect/hack job hexies, but with my sewing experience, I know that having just a tiny error, multiplied by hundreds - dare I say <i>thousands?! - </i>of seams could prove disastrous in a final result. So. Take extra care if you're cutting out your own templates. There are plenty of places that sell die-cut templates, but again, because I'm honestly trying not to spend <i style="font-weight: bold;">too</i> much money, a $5 ream of cardstock seemed like the way to go.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Basting</b> - There are a multitude of ways to handle basting; from no basting, to glue basting, to going all the way through the template, to only grabbing the fabric around the template. Much like seat belts, I believe in basting, so I don't think I could have ever gone without, but basting with glue seemed like a messy disaster in the making. I started out running my basting stitches all the way through the template. While this seemed to make it easier to get the precision on the corners, I started to doubt I liked that method. I messed around with basting just the fabric, and while it is a bit more fiddly, it does seem to be more practical in the end. (Each piece is more structurally sound with the basting in place, and wouldn't have to go back through and remove all those hundreds (and hundreds!!) of basting stitches. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Now that I've finally posted again, and I have a project in the works, I will hopefully keep updating, at least for a little while! ;) I'm sorry to the folks who read (if there is even anyone left!) that is here for the costuming, but that's on hold for a while! Will hopefully get back to it sometime soon-ish.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dBULcPooYYo/UioKVGH2GWI/AAAAAAAAO6o/TK7tPw9nFV0/s1600/IMG_20130906_103132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="196" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dBULcPooYYo/UioKVGH2GWI/AAAAAAAAO6o/TK7tPw9nFV0/s320/IMG_20130906_103132.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Assembly line-ing hexies</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18113977337426132549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1518110275156256877.post-61536927817297182562013-04-21T14:24:00.000-06:002013-04-21T14:24:11.123-06:00Artisans Promenade Fascinator ClassDespite being crazy busy with work yesterday, I was able to make good on my promise to host a fascinator making hour at the Artisans Promenade. The ladies that attended were super fun and creative, and I had a great time!<br />
<br />
I ended up adding some feather pads and a buckled bow to a customers hat during the event, and of course I forgot to get pictures, but it ended up super cute, IMHO.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zkcwpmBtog8/UXRJn3EWHwI/AAAAAAAANTA/6xzL_KgP8dE/s1600/IMG_20130420_144628.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zkcwpmBtog8/UXRJn3EWHwI/AAAAAAAANTA/6xzL_KgP8dE/s320/IMG_20130420_144628.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OdSed18G3Bs/UXRJn2KaB7I/AAAAAAAANTA/vuSojiA-z80/s1600/IMG_20130420_144622.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OdSed18G3Bs/UXRJn2KaB7I/AAAAAAAANTA/vuSojiA-z80/s320/IMG_20130420_144622.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0JgYRir7zkQ/UXRJn8XgM1I/AAAAAAAANTA/fFpmr9VQKi4/s1600/IMG_20130420_144439.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0JgYRir7zkQ/UXRJn8XgM1I/AAAAAAAANTA/fFpmr9VQKi4/s320/IMG_20130420_144439.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p33_hU7wtUk/UXRJnwEkbAI/AAAAAAAANTA/uWrXBkhPuHY/s1600/IMG_20130420_144434.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p33_hU7wtUk/UXRJnwEkbAI/AAAAAAAANTA/uWrXBkhPuHY/s320/IMG_20130420_144434.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gqL5y68oaps/UXRJn8e_oEI/AAAAAAAANTA/HgMexNsABBU/s1600/IMG_20130420_141317.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gqL5y68oaps/UXRJn8e_oEI/AAAAAAAANTA/HgMexNsABBU/s320/IMG_20130420_141317.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J26CEFB76Ds/UXRJnz4m1GI/AAAAAAAANTA/i4pHSPw_uQM/s1600/IMG_20130420_141329.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J26CEFB76Ds/UXRJnz4m1GI/AAAAAAAANTA/i4pHSPw_uQM/s320/IMG_20130420_141329.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18113977337426132549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1518110275156256877.post-68706172975135101192013-04-21T14:17:00.002-06:002013-04-21T14:17:57.186-06:00Small costuming updateMy sister gave me this awesome brass ball pocketwatch which will become part of the outfit. The lid is empty, so I may come up with something awesome to put in there. :D<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-axg5qlm9710/UXRGm_c0RfI/AAAAAAAANS4/Xxk8PmWVXt0/s1600/IMG_20130421_135414.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-axg5qlm9710/UXRGm_c0RfI/AAAAAAAANS4/Xxk8PmWVXt0/s320/IMG_20130421_135414.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sX_eTOV_YSU/UXRGm9bUa1I/AAAAAAAANS4/wdJepjoGfzY/s1600/IMG_20130421_135352.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sX_eTOV_YSU/UXRGm9bUa1I/AAAAAAAANS4/wdJepjoGfzY/s320/IMG_20130421_135352.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My ties came in the mail the other day, and I like them a lot more than I thought I would! I'm excited to figure out how I'm going to end up using them. Decisions, decisions!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I also found leather wings at the <a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/the-artisan-s-promenade-a-crafty-steampunk-event" target="_blank">Steampunk Artisans Promenade </a>yesterday - It's down to those, or a pair of white doll wings my sister spotted at JoAnns the other day. I'll paint both of them, and once the hat arrives, I'll figure out which one looks better.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f_Q2mUoPRDM/UXRGm9ZOboI/AAAAAAAANS4/ds4NPbq0Zw0/s1600/IMG_20130421_134601.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f_Q2mUoPRDM/UXRGm9ZOboI/AAAAAAAANS4/ds4NPbq0Zw0/s400/IMG_20130421_134601.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Just now I went through my stash to find some fabric for the bustle, and wouldn't you know....I can't find fabric that I'm totally in love with. I found a few options that will work in a pinch, but since we sold some fairies over the weekend, I might take that money and see if I can find <i style="font-weight: bold;">the fabric</i> on sale.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
To Be Continued........</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18113977337426132549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1518110275156256877.post-76751514624655032822013-04-13T19:34:00.000-06:002013-04-13T19:40:51.475-06:00Steampunk(ish*) Genderswapped Cosplay<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9_YKUmbUb48/UWnUrhOu75I/AAAAAAAANKs/o5badtPQdjE/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9_YKUmbUb48/UWnUrhOu75I/AAAAAAAANKs/o5badtPQdjE/s1600/images.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">“What kind of man would put a known criminal in charge of a<br />major branch of government? Apart from, say, the average voter.” </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">― </span><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1654.Terry_Pratchett" style="background-color: white; color: #666600; font-family: georgia, serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">Terry Pratchett</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">, </span><i style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/1636617" style="color: #666600; text-decoration: none;">Going Postal</a></i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Despite the slightly disturbing title, I am pretty excited about this project! There are a few events coming up this year that would call for a victorian/steampunk outfit, so this may fit the bill. (Also - my intense desire for yet another bustle.....!)<br />
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: center;">To bring it all up to speed, I'm planning on doing a femme version of </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moist_von_Lipwig" style="text-align: center;">Moist von Lipwig</a><span style="text-align: center;"> - specifically, the </span><a href="http://sky1.sky.com/going-postal" style="text-align: center;">2010 British TV version</a><span style="text-align: center;"> (It's fantastic - watch it ASAP!) </span><a href="http://www.fantasy-fan.org/files/Discworld/Richard_Coyle_as_Moist_Von_Lipwig.jpg" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank">post-dastardly con man Spangler; pre-suit of gold Post Master</a><span style="text-align: center;">. To that end, I've been shopping!</span><br />
<br />
The exact design of the jacket/vest/skirt is still on the 'to be determined' side, but to give me a head start, I ended up purchasing a selection of Truly Victorian patterns to hack and slash and smoosh together to (hopefully) come up with something that'll work: <span style="font-size: xx-small;">(.....and has nothing to do with the fact that these have been on my wish list forevs...!)</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ThbbF8iRLsg/UWndq1NvErI/AAAAAAAANLU/--ufWy1jh80/s1600/IMG_20130413_163159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ThbbF8iRLsg/UWndq1NvErI/AAAAAAAANLU/--ufWy1jh80/s200/IMG_20130413_163159.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.trulyvictorian.net/tvxcart/product.php?productid=121&cat=3&page=1" target="_blank">TV163<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>1887 Imperial Tournure</a><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
<a href="http://www.trulyvictorian.net/tvxcart/product.php?productid=119&cat=2&page=1" target="_blank">TV403<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>1872 Vested Bodice<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.trulyvictorian.net/tvxcart/product.php?productid=56&cat=5&page=1" target="_blank">TV290<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>1889 Draped Skirt</a><br />
<a href="http://www.trulyvictorian.net/tvxcart/product.php?productid=53&cat=4&page=1" target="_blank">TV428<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>1880 Jacket Bodice</a><br />
<a href="http://www.trulyvictorian.net/tvxcart/product.php?productid=80&cat=5&page=1" target="_blank">TV560<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>1880s Late Bustle Coat</a><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
<a href="http://www.trulyvictorian.net/tvxcart/product.php?productid=77&cat=5&page=1" target="_blank">TV464<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>1883 Riding Habit Bodice</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
As far as the hat goes, I've been torn between taking a pre-made hat and gold-ing it up, or making one from scratch. I've been perusing<a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=victorian+fashion+plate+hat&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=k95pUfhowobIAcDJgfAJ&ved=0CDMQsAQ&biw=691&bih=753" target="_blank"> victorian-era hats on teh interwebs</a>, and haven't found an appropriately feminine version that I like yet, so I may just go with it! I'm particularly concerned with the hat, as it is most likely going to be the one defining characteristic between "eccentric female explorer/victoran catlady" and actual cosplay.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img alt="Chauffeur Hat Black Police Hat Taxi Conductor Cap Gatsy Adult Mens Costume" class="click" id="imgMedium" src="http://www.costumesinternationalshop.com/media/4/a20792a13a47d39c488e21_m.JPG" style="text-align: start;" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LMmTjaQk9FQ/UWnUqs_y9jI/AAAAAAAANKc/O4Rl3AU-_7M/s1600/Going-Postal-005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LMmTjaQk9FQ/UWnUqs_y9jI/AAAAAAAANKc/O4Rl3AU-_7M/s400/Going-Postal-005.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
I ended up purchasing a plain black cap from <a href="http://www.costumesinternationalshop.com/servlet/the-3574/Chauffeur-Hat-Black-Police/Detail" target="_blank">Costumes International</a> - if it doesn't work out, I'm only out about $20. I'm probably going to be making the medal out of Sculpey or something similar. I'm still trying to find a close-up of the front of the cap from the movie, or 'official' badge, so I can get a better idea of what the badge actually looks like, but so far, no dice. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img class="rg_i" data-sz="f" name="IgcjFVE5hBTVPM:" src="https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR22YPjELU0LNmk-on_A9BAxiedUi7lqqeZioJxYiPwcA6LfTzo" style="height: 168px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; width: 300px;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'Going Postal' movie poster art</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="The City Watch Badge" border="0" height="170" src="http://www.paulkidby.com/images/cmot/citywatch-1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="168" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'Official' City Watch badge</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://postalheritage.wordpress.com/2009/09/25/badges-of-the-gpo/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Some of the many badges worn by GPO and Royal Mail employees over the years" class=" " height="320" src="http://postalheritage.files.wordpress.com/2011/05/82-gpo_badges.jpg?w=251&h=350" title="Some of the many badges worn by GPO and Royal Mail employees over the years" width="228" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">Badges of the GPO</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Post Office Regulation Keyfob" id="image" src="http://www.discworldemporium.com/image/cache/data/Home%20and%20Hearth/ampo%20keyfob%201-250x250.jpg" style="margin-bottom: 3px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Post Office Regulation Keyfob" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'Official' Post Office Regulation Key fob</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
If I do end up making something up, I'll be using this collection of real Royal Mail badges, the 'official' badge of the Watch, the 'Going Postal' poster art, and the 'Regulation Post Office' key fob (which I may need to complete my outfit anyway...) as a starting place...<br />
<div>
<br />
<div>
For the wings, an extremely important part of the whole ensemble, I'm going to try to find at a craft store for a (not necessarily a <b><i>real</i></b>) wing set, but something that <i style="font-weight: bold;">looks</i> like wings. If not, there are plenty of more options of the real/taxidermy variety (albeit most likely more expensive!) on <a href="http://www.etsy.com/search/supplies?q=taxidermy%20bird%20wing&order=most_relevant&view_type=gallery&ship_to=US" target="_blank">etsy</a> - so all is not lost, I think.<br />
<br />
I've been on a mad hunt for the <i style="font-weight: bold;">perfect</i> fabric or tie for the neckerchief for quite a while, but have come up empty. The closest I've been able to find (at an affordable price, that is!) is this one:<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" height="320" src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/24e27b9427ef2595d0c552f7879cd600/tumblr_mk3k7o5hsp1qhiah7o2_250.gif" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 245px;" width="196" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">...the underdog can always find somewhere<br />soft to bite.<br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">― </span><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1654.Terry_Pratchett" style="background-color: white; color: #666600; font-family: georgia, serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">Terry Pratchett</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">, </span><i style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/1636617" style="color: #666600; text-decoration: none;">Going Postal</a></i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qVx48ir4NL4/UWnUq6bv7pI/AAAAAAAANKU/_oFPdK8repE/s1600/$(KGrHqZ,!rQFDH8ccCZCBRFOE4jhkw~~60_14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qVx48ir4NL4/UWnUq6bv7pI/AAAAAAAANKU/_oFPdK8repE/s320/$(KGrHqZ,!rQFDH8ccCZCBRFOE4jhkw~~60_14.JPG" width="273" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://stores.ebay.com.hk/goodmakers" target="_blank">An ebay find - from 'Goodmaker'</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I wish the dots were bigger and /or paisley, instead of dotted, but alas and alack, it is not to be. I'm getting 2 ties to franken-tie into the final neckerchief. Not too bad for under $20!</div>
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pipivoK6bKw/UWoAe-ruelI/AAAAAAAANOE/Su9Qr7MkWVE/s1600/IMG_20130413_181443.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pipivoK6bKw/UWoAe-ruelI/AAAAAAAANOE/Su9Qr7MkWVE/s200/IMG_20130413_181443.jpg" width="150" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
Strangely enough (or not, since I cannot throw out old clothes to save my life), I already have a bright-ish yellow shirt that may fit the bill, as long as it doesn't clash terribly with the yellow of the tie. (I'll find out once the ties arrive) If it doesn't work, I am unsure of whether I'd go looking for a pre-made shirt, or if I'd actually go through the trouble to make one. (I'm thinking.....not)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Sn7s94IF9Y0/UWoEaRfRW-I/AAAAAAAANOc/FXRZGpAifNo/s1600/Richard_Coyle_as_Moist_Von_Lipwig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Sn7s94IF9Y0/UWoEaRfRW-I/AAAAAAAANOc/FXRZGpAifNo/s400/Richard_Coyle_as_Moist_Von_Lipwig.jpg" width="343" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NDSPLK-bC5c/UWoCnFxFEUI/AAAAAAAANOU/BF6SmGUHigE/s1600/IMG_20130413_181315.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NDSPLK-bC5c/UWoCnFxFEUI/AAAAAAAANOU/BF6SmGUHigE/s400/IMG_20130413_181315.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Shirt: Some sort of button-up yellow shirt from the depth of my closet<br />Waistcoat: Red brocade with a slight diamond pattern and chenille warp<br />Jacket collar: Purple velvet from the depth of my stash<br />Jacket body: Brown wool with slight pattern & flecks of red and purple<br />Skirt/Pants: Lightly striped brown linen</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>(I'm not quite sure on this one! If I find a different fabric I like better,</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>I have another project in mind that will be <span style="font-weight: bold;">perfect</span> for it, so I don't feel bad having it in the stash!)</i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Now, to actually start working on things! I have the patterns and the fabric, now I just need to figure out some solid designs and find the time to start working on it!**<br />
<br />
And, finally, for your viewing pleasure.......(I dare you to watch this and not smile, at least a little bit!)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/3Vffl7NWmso?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
*The exact nature of the 'Steampunk' element is yet TBD. It will be something clever and fabulous. I hope.<br />
**This post brought to you by being stuck on the couch working all Saturday long. Win? (At least I'm almost done - I may have Sunday free and clear! Too bad there are a million other things I ought to be doing before digging in to a personal costuming project.......</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18113977337426132549noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1518110275156256877.post-39960181576225408252013-01-22T11:04:00.003-07:002013-01-22T11:08:27.854-07:00Dickens 2012 Recap<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I realized that I never posted here about Dickens, other than the<a href="http://adventuresofawannabeseamstress.blogspot.com/search/label/Dickens"> "Oh crap! Got LOTS TO DO!!!" posts</a>. Long story short, it was really fun spending that much time with my sis, Holly ended up hanging out with us for most of it (thank goodness! It was so nice to have a third person!!!), and we won "Best Womens Costume".....we didn't even know there was a contest! Lol!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fNvjKBy8oZo/UP7NIrf7eJI/AAAAAAAAL9E/yMY0udjVT4s/s1600/IMG_20121215_142624.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fNvjKBy8oZo/UP7NIrf7eJI/AAAAAAAAL9E/yMY0udjVT4s/s320/IMG_20121215_142624.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Holly ended up wearing my <a href="http://adventuresofawannabeseamstress.blogspot.com/search/label/Red%20Velvet%20Gown">red velvet gown</a> and my <a href="http://adventuresofawannabeseamstress.blogspot.com/search/label/Cranford%20Dress">purple 'Cranford' gown</a> (Although I only have pictures of the red velvet):</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B0jIRQM12dc/UP7NIgfJzKI/AAAAAAAAL9U/sHROktaA1Ao/s1600/IMAG1748.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B0jIRQM12dc/UP7NIgfJzKI/AAAAAAAAL9U/sHROktaA1Ao/s320/IMAG1748.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Both Melia and I wore my <a href="http://adventuresofawannabeseamstress.blogspot.com/search/label/Civil%20War">'old' green plaid gown</a> (at different times, obvs!), and Melia ended up wearing her <a href="http://adventuresofawannabeseamstress.blogspot.com/search/label/Melia%20Wonderland%20Costume">'Red Queen' gown (minus crown)</a> quite a bit:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S3G5GbMuHlo/UP7NImWfvoI/AAAAAAAAL9I/-OzGmkj-7ks/s1600/IMAG1749.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S3G5GbMuHlo/UP7NImWfvoI/AAAAAAAAL9I/-OzGmkj-7ks/s320/IMAG1749.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I mostly wore the <a href="http://adventuresofawannabeseamstress.blogspot.com/search/label/Dickens">red plaid gown that I made specifically for Dickens</a>, although I still regret making the sleeves smaller than they ought to have been! The last-minute apron (seriously Last Minute!) worked well enough, but one day, I want to go back and make a better version.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
All in all, we had super good fun! Melia and I were quite silly the first few days (we entertained our neighbors with silly sing-alongs and crazy dancing....don't ask......), but our collective energy waned as the days passed. :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OdVEfo_0E3w/UP7NIughK4I/AAAAAAAAL9Y/bxzCnWeTmGk/s1600/IMAG1752.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OdVEfo_0E3w/UP7NIughK4I/AAAAAAAAL9Y/bxzCnWeTmGk/s320/IMAG1752.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Let this be a lesson to myself - take more pictures, and post in a timely manner!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
p.s. The power went out multiple times on the last night, and that was quite a bummer. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18113977337426132549noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1518110275156256877.post-24483127629750718082013-01-21T12:23:00.000-07:002013-01-22T11:06:07.007-07:00Pinterest and the New ProjectI have seriously found my favorite use for Pinterest! (my least favorite* being the addictive, hoarders-esque gathering of all the 'beautiful people' blogs and all their darn talent that I'll never be able to match!)<br />
<br />
In the past, I've made excel spreadsheets, made folders of links, printed out lists, made electronic and physical inspiration boards, kept mental checklists, and any and all of the combinations of the above to make an 'inspiration board' for current and future projects, but Pinterest just blows everything out of the water. (I wish reorganizing the location of things were easier, but alas, some bad with the good!) <br />
<br />
Visual references, direct links to the products I'm looking at buying - pretty much all 'round awesome. (It also doesn't hurt that I can bring up Pinterest on my phone while out fabric shopping to do some easy reference work!)<br />
<br />
Anyway, all this to say, I'm thinking about starting a new (non-SCA, not-period-at-all) cosplay/steampunk-ish outfit. I'm kind of excited! But first, before I continue - have you seen <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1219817/">Going Postal</a>? You haven't?! I'll wait. (It can be found on Netflix. If you don't have Netflix, it's worth a one month subscription just to see that one movie!)<br />
<br />
Ok, back? It was AWESOME, right? <br />
<br />
As much as I love '<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__7s9GUTM-oY/S_fHxIv28VI/AAAAAAAAQro/psIDxgNedEw/s1600/tc04.jpg">Ms. Cripslock' and her fabulous hat and awesomely ridiculous puffy-sleeved patent-something purple dress</a>, I am obsessed with doing a femme Moist von Lipwig. <a href="http://www.fantasy-fan.org/files/Discworld/Richard_Coyle_as_Moist_Von_Lipwig.jpg">Specifically the post-dastardly con man Spangler; pre-suit of gold Post Master</a>.<br />
<br />
I'm pretty sure I've seen other blogs have a pretty little link (with pics) to specific boards, but I'm having a hard time figuring it out at the moment.......<a href="http://pinterest.com/vitriolpoisoned/going-postal-femme-moist-cosplay/">Anyway, here's the board I'm using for Lipwig</a>. With any luck, I'll actually get some traction on this project, and have updates soon!<a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
*Least favorite in the manner that too much of any one good thing is!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18113977337426132549noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1518110275156256877.post-17686131078887014772013-01-09T10:44:00.002-07:002013-01-09T10:44:36.582-07:00Val's Gown - Bethany and Robert Investiture<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://adventuresofawannabeseamstress.blogspot.com/2012/12/new-project-for-bethaval.html">Remember this?</a> It did, eventually become a gown! Many, many thanks to everyone who pitched in (Melia, Gypsy, Astrid/Theresa, and even Val herself!) to get everything done!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I did not stay for the entire event, but the Investiture went smashingly well - I do hear tell the remainder of the event was equally as awesome! I keep saying it, and one day it will actually happen, but I really do intend to be around more....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Look! It really *did* get finished!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lyvYP9nBW2Y/UO2qMLybZfI/AAAAAAAAL0Y/5nDPSCeQ6zc/s1600/IMG_20130105_112107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lyvYP9nBW2Y/UO2qMLybZfI/AAAAAAAAL0Y/5nDPSCeQ6zc/s640/IMG_20130105_112107.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Yv09bUUwYfM/UO2qMNEXNII/AAAAAAAAL0Y/aYKPNhnCtC4/s1600/IMG_20130105_112258.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Yv09bUUwYfM/UO2qMNEXNII/AAAAAAAAL0Y/aYKPNhnCtC4/s640/IMG_20130105_112258.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hZHPK0utKZY/UO2qMIe3-WI/AAAAAAAAL0Y/4Rf9P5lqekA/s1600/IMG_20130105_112541.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hZHPK0utKZY/UO2qMIe3-WI/AAAAAAAAL0Y/4Rf9P5lqekA/s640/IMG_20130105_112541.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18113977337426132549noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1518110275156256877.post-5423263971624785912012-12-19T20:39:00.001-07:002012-12-19T20:39:49.416-07:00New project for BethaVal<p dir="ltr">One day very, very soon, this pile of fabric will become an investiture gown....</p>
<div class='separator' style='clear: both; text-align: center;'> <a href='http://lh6.ggpht.com/-NnJyj6oQzzM/UNKIhPsXhfI/AAAAAAAALVw/4ixvSj8yIzg/s1600/1355974625409.jpg' imageanchor='1' style='margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;'> <img border='0' src='http://lh6.ggpht.com/-NnJyj6oQzzM/UNKIhPsXhfI/AAAAAAAALVw/4ixvSj8yIzg/s640/1355974625409.jpg' /> </a> </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18113977337426132549noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1518110275156256877.post-63321099973003612332012-12-06T09:14:00.000-07:002012-12-06T09:15:48.051-07:00Dickens - Down to the Wire<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EoVg2dv4xJo/UMC9IrR1CVI/AAAAAAAALGM/SRuMFCRrZDk/s1600/IMAG1738.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EoVg2dv4xJo/UMC9IrR1CVI/AAAAAAAALGM/SRuMFCRrZDk/s1600/IMAG1738.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I did end up piping the waistband....and I really like the way it looks!</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>If I'm ever in the market to do this type of dress again, </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I'll certainly be doing piping everything!</i></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Because the universe has conspired against me in the last two weeks, I'm not going to be able to finish nearly as much as I had originally planned, but we both should have new dresses! Last night I finished up the buttons on the bodice (still need to do the wrists, though), and started attaching the skirt. I dug out my petticoats, and decided that re-doing the waists and properly starching everything is a project for another day. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6QZhZWGgcJ0/UMC9IkbGrxI/AAAAAAAALGM/HoHSsJ1knYo/s1600/IMAG1737.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6QZhZWGgcJ0/UMC9IkbGrxI/AAAAAAAALGM/HoHSsJ1knYo/s1600/IMAG1737.jpg" width="380" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I cut the sleeves much narrower than I would have liked,</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>because I was worried that I would not have enough fabric for the skirts.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>What I ought to have done was to leave the sleeves for <b>very last</b>....as I </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>had <b>plenty</b><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span>of leftovers, I could have made the sleeves any way I wanted. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Oh well. Lesson learned!</i></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My good friend Strid is letting me borrow her boufty wedding petticoat instead. Not the best solution, but certainly the easiest. I'll re-do the waistbands after Dickens so they'll be ready for the next time I need emergency petticoats!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wgtUnBFnB-0/UMC9Ilz76XI/AAAAAAAALGM/S-bDUxTt5ho/s1600/IMAG1736.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wgtUnBFnB-0/UMC9Ilz76XI/AAAAAAAALGM/S-bDUxTt5ho/s1600/IMAG1736.jpg" width="382" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I ended up piping the curved back seams, the waistband, collar, </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>and the sleeves. I think it gives it a nice finished look.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>(And also somewhat hides some of the less-than-perfect </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>pattern matching...)</i></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'll also probably re-do the buttons at some point, they're too big and white - and too closely spaced for my taste. I think they'll look a lot better as something darker that will blend in, rather than 'pop'. But that's a project for another day....my goal is to be able to put the dang thing on!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I really want to get a lace collar and cuff done, but if it is not to be, I'll be OK. I'm not particularly worried about someone <a href="http://adventuresofawannabeseamstress.blogspot.com/2012/10/costume-ponderings-re-dickens.html">snarking my garb</a>, I would like to be as accurate as time allows, if nothing else, for my own satisfaction!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W84i3p-6tsE/UMC9Ij56bFI/AAAAAAAALGM/QpKuoTDnWow/s1600/IMAG1735.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W84i3p-6tsE/UMC9Ij56bFI/AAAAAAAALGM/QpKuoTDnWow/s1600/IMAG1735.jpg" width="382" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">....And here is the whole bodice - before buttons and skirt attachments.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Melia and I also raided my hat stash last night, and came up with a cute lace cap & bonnet combo. As much as I wish I had a bonnet as well, I have a <a href="http://adventuresofawannabeseamstress.blogspot.com/search/label/Lace">pretty spiffy antique lace cap</a> that I am going to wear instead. Not the right time period, but <a href="http://adventuresofawannabeseamstress.blogspot.com/2012/10/costume-ponderings-re-dickens.html">considering the suggestions for headwear in the vendor packet</a>, I don't think there is any room for complaints!<br />
<br />
We also found my old black <a href="http://www.raggedsoldier.com/sontag.html">crochet sontag</a> for Melia to use - I have the feeling that it is going to be pretty bitterly cold in there!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18113977337426132549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1518110275156256877.post-39699610471767678422012-11-26T08:41:00.002-07:002012-11-26T09:42:17.216-07:00Dickens Gown 2012I would say <i style="font-weight: bold;">my</i> Dickens gown, but since Melia and I have such similar measurements, we're going to be trading off gowns throughout the fair. I'm making one new gown, and refurbishing my<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/IOSWc8Ucc5PZVBXzKZdo0tMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=directlink"> green gown</a> so we both have something to wear. <br />
<br />
I haven't quite decided which seams will be piped (at least sleeves and back curves and neckline - maybe waist and wrists as well?), so I just made a whole <i style="font-weight: bold;">load</i> of piping, so I would be ready for whatever I decided to do down the road......<br />
<br />
I used 2" wide strips of bias, and using a zipper foot, sewed against a core of cotton cord (some cheap white off-brand cone of cotton crochet yarn I bought about eleventy-billion years ago, like Sugar & Cream, but cheaper!)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bg48InnnPm8/ULOEmG-beuI/AAAAAAAAK8M/AqmImZw_U2I/s1600/IMAG1733.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bg48InnnPm8/ULOEmG-beuI/AAAAAAAAK8M/AqmImZw_U2I/s320/IMAG1733.jpg" width="191" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QZZ5uKMPmc8/ULOEmGjaqJI/AAAAAAAAK8M/RQStgBO8RZE/s1600/IMAG1732.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QZZ5uKMPmc8/ULOEmGjaqJI/AAAAAAAAK8M/RQStgBO8RZE/s320/IMAG1732.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l5uMynhufR8/ULOEmNafu7I/AAAAAAAAK8M/tBTSA9mKrQI/s1600/IMAG1734.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l5uMynhufR8/ULOEmNafu7I/AAAAAAAAK8M/tBTSA9mKrQI/s320/IMAG1734.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;">I ought to have taken pictures while I was doing it, but here is some </span><i style="text-align: left;">awesome</i><span style="text-align: left;"> paint illustrations... :)</span><span style="text-align: left;"> The easiest way, I've found, to cut a moderate amount of bias is to open up the fabric:</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JSHiU7J9Iag/ULOJPBaufgI/AAAAAAAAK8s/uf9fmhRgfPo/s1600/fabric1.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="197" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JSHiU7J9Iag/ULOJPBaufgI/AAAAAAAAK8s/uf9fmhRgfPo/s320/fabric1.tif" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
and fold so the cut edge is matched up to the selvedge:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0ziwkCX_PAk/ULOKjc01jTI/AAAAAAAAK80/W-WI7Ufz-uE/s1600/fabric2.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="143" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0ziwkCX_PAk/ULOKjc01jTI/AAAAAAAAK80/W-WI7Ufz-uE/s400/fabric2.tif" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And at this point, you can cut the bias starting on the fold. If the fabric is thin enough, you can fold one more time, and cut through 4 layers. (Cutting bias is <i style="font-weight: bold;">SO MUCH</i> easier with a rotary cutter. I'd highly suggest using one!) The first cut on the fold should be 1/2 the width of the total width of the bias strip. Every cut thereafter should be cut the full width.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--ccOkjVONMI/ULOMZDfLAzI/AAAAAAAAK88/EG5UjE5Dcec/s1600/fabric3.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="163" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--ccOkjVONMI/ULOMZDfLAzI/AAAAAAAAK88/EG5UjE5Dcec/s400/fabric3.tif" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18113977337426132549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1518110275156256877.post-34898095985037828032012-11-15T08:52:00.001-07:002012-11-15T08:53:36.131-07:00Alice in Wonderland Tea 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Finally, some pictures of the Tea! I was awfully sick, and should not have gone (I hope no one caught my cold!!), but I am so glad I did! It was so fun to have a large group of friends there, including Jannean all the way from CA, and Holly, even though she had so many other obligations that day!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here are a couple of quick pics from my phone:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cOihTHDW9zc/UKUIUAov8tI/AAAAAAAAKKo/EmriRaDvNrc/s1600/IMAG1722.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cOihTHDW9zc/UKUIUAov8tI/AAAAAAAAKKo/EmriRaDvNrc/s400/IMAG1722.jpg" width="238" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ap1AAS2bMbk/UKUIUPkAQMI/AAAAAAAAKKo/jt5P95CwbJA/s1600/IMAG1726.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ap1AAS2bMbk/UKUIUPkAQMI/AAAAAAAAKKo/jt5P95CwbJA/s400/IMAG1726.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quite a blurry pic, but honestly the best one of the bustle! Melia makes quite a fine Queen of Hearts, does she not?! Jannean and Holly make an accidentally matching pair - CUTE! Jannean had the most AMAZING hat - she's lucky she made it home with it in her possession, I was planning a <i>liberation.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There was a professional photographer, <a href="http://www.petehansenphoto.com/">Pete Hanson</a> (who is really awesome, btw) hired for the event and he got some <i>really great </i>pictures. (<a href="http://www.petehansenphoto.com/Events/Alice-Tea-Party/Teaparty/26470703_362tp6#!i=2209733892&k=4R8VSDQ">See here for the full album</a>)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here are a few of my favorite pics:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.petehansenphoto.com/Events/Alice-Tea-Party/Tea-Party-FreeWeb/26480676_rBmSbZ#!i=2210937768&k=65Rk7SH"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vxRXUtfBTbM/UKUJZtGaOKI/AAAAAAAAKLk/YVyEXL64lTM/s320/TeaParty-web-8361-M.jpg" width="213" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.petehansenphoto.com/Events/Alice-Tea-Party/Tea-Party-FreeWeb/26480676_rBmSbZ#!i=2210937768&k=65Rk7SH">Marshall as the Frumious Bandersnatch</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.petehansenphoto.com/Events/Alice-Tea-Party/Tea-Party-FreeWeb/26480676_rBmSbZ#!i=2210937839&k=b3KdVX2"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wlh-OLLNf8A/UKUJaLlP2pI/AAAAAAAAKLs/oFPsbRjPgBs/s320/TeaParty-web-8363-M.jpg" width="213" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><a href="http://www.petehansenphoto.com/Events/Alice-Tea-Party/Tea-Party-FreeWeb/26480676_rBmSbZ#!i=2210937839&k=b3KdVX2">Matt as the Walrus</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.petehansenphoto.com/Events/Alice-Tea-Party/Tea-Party-FreeWeb/26480676_rBmSbZ#!i=2210938729&k=wzxK55T"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TohgfkBwdDQ/UKUJbH4CNlI/AAAAAAAAKL0/qp1ZN4nl-8U/s320/TeaParty-web-8399-M.jpg" width="213" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.petehansenphoto.com/Events/Alice-Tea-Party/Tea-Party-FreeWeb/26480676_rBmSbZ#!i=2210938729&k=wzxK55T">Matt as the Walrus, and Melia as the Queen of Hearts</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.petehansenphoto.com/Events/Alice-Tea-Party/Tea-Party-FreeWeb/26480676_rBmSbZ#!i=2210939148&k=ttdqsDz"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EVfmwWjsadA/UKUJb2K1xzI/AAAAAAAAKL8/2W7ynqb0e6I/s320/TeaParty-web-8416-M.jpg" width="213" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.petehansenphoto.com/Events/Alice-Tea-Party/Tea-Party-FreeWeb/26480676_rBmSbZ#!i=2210939148&k=ttdqsDz">Theresa as a Tiger Lily, and Marshall as Frumious Bandersnatch </a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.petehansenphoto.com/Events/Alice-Tea-Party/Tea-Party-FreeWeb/26480676_rBmSbZ#!i=2210941217&k=dPvCDLF"><img border="0" height="195" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LqgjJWFyNA4/UKUJcwr8wTI/AAAAAAAAKME/kcEgFjd2M3M/s400/TeaParty-web-8502-S.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.petehansenphoto.com/Events/Alice-Tea-Party/Tea-Party-FreeWeb/26480676_rBmSbZ#!i=2210941217&k=dPvCDLF">The entire group!</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.petehansenphoto.com/Events/Alice-Tea-Party/Tea-Party-FreeWeb/26480676_rBmSbZ#!i=2210941590&k=CG2mBNX"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hI2iLEMBv7M/UKUJdSlrfjI/AAAAAAAAKMM/_Qvjk9iKdP8/s320/TeaParty-web-8514-M.jpg" width="213" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.petehansenphoto.com/Events/Alice-Tea-Party/Tea-Party-FreeWeb/26480676_rBmSbZ#!i=2210941590&k=CG2mBNX">Holly as a Pansy</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.petehansenphoto.com/Events/Alice-Tea-Party/Tea-Party-FreeWeb/26480676_rBmSbZ#!i=2210941692&k=RVnPL75"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eacTeTIpSMM/UKUJe1w4fhI/AAAAAAAAKMc/Ay-DUcbNnx0/s320/TeaParty-web-8522-M.jpg" width="213" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.petehansenphoto.com/Events/Alice-Tea-Party/Tea-Party-FreeWeb/26480676_rBmSbZ#!i=2210941692&k=RVnPL75">Jannean, with her hat that caused much envy in all quarters!</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.petehansenphoto.com/Events/Alice-Tea-Party/Tea-Party-FreeWeb/26480676_rBmSbZ#!i=2210941968&k=qrcMgFw"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bKOb5Zo2UV0/UKUJhKWDEtI/AAAAAAAAKMw/YTy33MobIvo/s320/TeaParty-web-8532-M.jpg" width="213" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.petehansenphoto.com/Events/Alice-Tea-Party/Tea-Party-FreeWeb/26480676_rBmSbZ#!i=2210941968&k=qrcMgFw">Melia as the Queen - note the rose....half way painted red! (Side note, the photographer kept telling her to smile, and I kept shouting "Angry Queen! Scowl! Off with their heads!".....So I kind of love this picture!</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.petehansenphoto.com/Events/Alice-Tea-Party/Tea-Party-FreeWeb/26480676_rBmSbZ#!i=2210942129&k=K57rGnt"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IaO4lnUDrKU/UKUJiexQdgI/AAAAAAAAKNA/Jn25MlUUjTQ/s400/TeaParty-web-8538-S.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.petehansenphoto.com/Events/Alice-Tea-Party/Tea-Party-FreeWeb/26480676_rBmSbZ#!i=2210942129&k=K57rGnt">And, our entire group!</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18113977337426132549noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1518110275156256877.post-69270207713879297212012-11-14T14:32:00.001-07:002012-11-14T14:32:24.450-07:00The Art of Ironing<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/_ntQIZvHVjU?fs=1" width="480"></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18113977337426132549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1518110275156256877.post-3390260046283045862012-11-10T02:41:00.000-07:002012-11-10T03:19:17.892-07:00The (Short) Tale of the Last Minute Pansy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
This is by far the most <i>theatrical</i> thing I've made in a very, very long time, but heck it sure was fun! I really wish I had occasion to make <b>more</b> pansy hats, as I have some ideas on how to improve the method.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VK9M8GrAzxA/UJ4N5tuV8dI/AAAAAAAAKFQ/QCREA_Vq_mw/s1600/IMAG1719.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VK9M8GrAzxA/UJ4N5tuV8dI/AAAAAAAAKFQ/QCREA_Vq_mw/s320/IMAG1719.jpg" width="191" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fkA1Pv9Va14/UJ4N5pjBiPI/AAAAAAAAKFQ/P7_r3iTajj4/s1600/IMAG1716.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fkA1Pv9Va14/UJ4N5pjBiPI/AAAAAAAAKFQ/P7_r3iTajj4/s320/IMAG1716.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>
<br />
Basically, what I did was this: (And by "I", I mean, directed Melia and Holly on what to cut out, while I sewed button holes and sniffled through a head cold)<br />
<br />
<br />
Cut 2 large petal shapes of one shade of purple<br />
Cut 1 large petal shape of another shade of purple<br />
Cut 2 small petal shapes of yet another shade of purple<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fkA1Pv9Va14/UJ4N5pjBiPI/AAAAAAAAKFQ/P7_r3iTajj4/s1600/IMAG1716.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The pieces look like this:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5-BC555B6ks/UJ4Yv55OR5I/AAAAAAAAKGc/hA4Tr6jX-Tg/s1600/Pansy+pattern+pieces.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="205" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5-BC555B6ks/UJ4Yv55OR5I/AAAAAAAAKGc/hA4Tr6jX-Tg/s1600/Pansy+pattern+pieces.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The pieces, when assembled, should look somewhat like this:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lo3NKgiPn4A/UJ4Z0Pz4sEI/AAAAAAAAKGk/pTSOZUe2ZVw/s1600/pansies+layout.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lo3NKgiPn4A/UJ4Z0Pz4sEI/AAAAAAAAKGk/pTSOZUe2ZVw/s1600/pansies+layout.tif" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I zig-zagged down the center, attaching all the pieces, like so:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XJKRdO5ZDxU/UJ4bR2ob4BI/AAAAAAAAKGs/NGWZy03HlWM/s1600/pansies+zigzag.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XJKRdO5ZDxU/UJ4bR2ob4BI/AAAAAAAAKGs/NGWZy03HlWM/s1600/pansies+zigzag.tif" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I put some hot glue in the center and shaped the flower. After that dried, I put a drop of hot glue in the center of the yellow circle, and squished it all together, and then glued that in the middle of the flower.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A couple of things I would do differently if I ever have the occasion to do felt pansies again: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
-Take the time to stitch the petal shaping, rather than using hot glue (hot glue works, but it's messy, and not quite as exact as I would like)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
-Make the yellow center just a teeny touch bigger</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
-Potentially do more shading on the petals, either with embroidery, markers, or layers of different colored felt layered.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
To make the hat, I glued each flower facing outwards on the outer edge of a fascinator blank, making kind of a 'top hat' shape out of the natural shape of the flowers. I stuffed some green green netting in some empty spaces, and filled in the center of the fascinator with some more of the flowers. As a last-second addition, I threw some green tulle as a veil at the back. (Which totally makes the whole thing, IMHO!)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18113977337426132549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1518110275156256877.post-78096578980303997932012-11-09T00:21:00.000-07:002012-11-09T00:21:15.920-07:00Melia's Red Queen Gown<div>
This is a really quick post, as the construction is pretty much <a href="http://adventuresofawannabeseamstress.blogspot.com/search/label/melia%20masked%20ball%20gown">all old news at this point!</a> :)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
I haven't been posting update pictures of Melia's gown - all we have left is the buttons, and potentially some neckline options!<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Here's the basic gown:<br /><div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sAigr5UwTnA/UJytnkwdRDI/AAAAAAAAKDY/bvJoN7Y9di0/s1600/Queen+FL2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sAigr5UwTnA/UJytnkwdRDI/AAAAAAAAKDY/bvJoN7Y9di0/s320/Queen+FL2.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5WxLSAzECFo/UJytqDpDcSI/AAAAAAAAKDg/eqs2KTbLFcA/s1600/Queen+FL3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5WxLSAzECFo/UJytqDpDcSI/AAAAAAAAKDg/eqs2KTbLFcA/s320/Queen+FL3.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And the gown, with the over skirt (which actually, still needs permanent bustling, come to think of it!)</div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VQk2V-SYg3Y/UJytk125-NI/AAAAAAAAKDQ/HU_U_2QLRZc/s1600/Queen+FL1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VQk2V-SYg3Y/UJytk125-NI/AAAAAAAAKDQ/HU_U_2QLRZc/s320/Queen+FL1.jpg" width="176" /></a></div>
<br />
I need to speak to Melia about it, but here are a couple of neckline trimming options: (I'm leaning towards the lace)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sMM-j-iekK4/UJytrTQA4aI/AAAAAAAAKDo/-cZhQMbLQwE/s1600/Queen+Neckline1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="155" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sMM-j-iekK4/UJytrTQA4aI/AAAAAAAAKDo/-cZhQMbLQwE/s320/Queen+Neckline1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jsVvi5sOkyI/UJytsiBjDgI/AAAAAAAAKDw/pT2uXOy8kqE/s1600/Queen+Neckline2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jsVvi5sOkyI/UJytsiBjDgI/AAAAAAAAKDw/pT2uXOy8kqE/s320/Queen+Neckline2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18113977337426132549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1518110275156256877.post-78181251115053648642012-11-05T10:47:00.000-07:002012-11-05T10:48:14.930-07:00A Cunning Hat Indeed!My brother received his hat this past weekend, and as payment, sent me a picture of himself wearing it.....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MewwUbr3lwU/UJfvutMj5XI/AAAAAAAAKAo/Gt00YHFNNM8/s1600/IMG951588.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MewwUbr3lwU/UJfvutMj5XI/AAAAAAAAKAo/Gt00YHFNNM8/s320/IMG951588.jpg" width="247" /></a></div>
<br />
It kind of makes me giggle with excitement - I think this is the best version yet! (Although the ear flapadoodles are way, way curly....I think (hopefully!) they'll relax over time with some tugging and whatnot!<br />
<br />
I've made massive progress on the <a href="http://adventuresofawannabeseamstress.blogspot.com/2012/10/alice-in-wonderland-tea-melias-dress.html">Alice in Wonderland Tea gown for Melia</a>, but I need to get around to photographing what I've done! Less than a week away, and as a super-bonus, Jannean is coming out to visit that weekend and attend the tea as well!<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18113977337426132549noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1518110275156256877.post-69391771930579387122012-11-01T12:33:00.001-06:002012-11-01T12:35:30.563-06:00Dickens Ponderings - Continued....with pics*<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Dress" height="400" src="http://images.metmuseum.org/CRDImages/ci/web-large/1979.346.35_F.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="223" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://metmuseum.org/collections/search-the-collections/80036134?img=0">Met: Gown 1840-45</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Out of all the gowns, this one most closely resembles <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/110345477478396236793/TeaAndSkate09?feat=embedwebsite#5417744255013898914">a dress I already have</a>. What can I say? I love the checks, and gathers at the waist, and the nice, boufty, comfy sleeves! Nice and simple, not too stuffy! I might have some appropriate fabric in my stash, but would certainly need to check and make sure! The good thing is, that if I decide nothing in the stash would work, it shouldn't take too much out of the budget to procure suitable fabric.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.metmuseum.org/CRDImages/ci/web-large/1999.216.4_F.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://images.metmuseum.org/CRDImages/ci/web-large/1999.216.4_F.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://metmuseum.org/collections/search-the-collections/80003308?img=0">Met: Gown 1840</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Oh. My. Goodness. I <b>L-O-V-E</b> this dress. Everything about it. The jewel-tone color! The sheen of the satin! The cross front! The sleeves! The only satin I have in my stash is cream-colored, and I would certainly want to do this dress out of a nice, heavy satin. No other fabric would do it justice, right?? (That right there may strike it from the list of possibilities!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Dress" height="400" src="http://images.metmuseum.org/CRDImages/ci/web-large/C.I.38.23.14_F.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="250" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://metmuseum.org/collections/search-the-collections/80003509?img=1">Met: Gown 1841-45</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
A simple fan-front may fit the bill - although I'd certainly need to jazz it up with accessories. I have some fabric that I could probably use from the stash for a similar gown. (I think I've seen fan fronts in a plaid/stripe before too....that honestly would be my first choice, I think!)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Dress" height="320" src="http://images.metmuseum.org/CRDImages/ci/web-large/DP102013.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="296" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://metmuseum.org/collections/search-the-collections/80003505?advsrc=true&when-date-end=1850&date-of-creation=1840&date-of-creation-match=Between&all-departments=on&artwork-title-match=any&description-word-match=any&description=dress&rpp=60&pg=1&pos=29">Met: Gown 1841-43</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This one is also kind of fan-front-<i>ish</i>, but mostly put it on the list because I <i>adore</i> the lace collar, and the muted plaid!</div>
<div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<img alt="Mourning dress" height="320" src="http://images.metmuseum.org/CRDImages/ci/web-large/2008.20_F.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="244" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://metmuseum.org/collections/search-the-collections/80077565?img=0">Met: Gown 1850</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And last, but certainly not least, a dress from further out of period than I probably <i>ought</i> to do, but, oh how I do want pagoda sleeves! Delicious, swoopy, <i>awesome</i> pagoda sleeves......nom!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
*<i>Clicking on the caption will redirect you to the source image on the Metropolitan Museum of Art website</i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18113977337426132549noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1518110275156256877.post-50539391129085203702012-10-31T10:25:00.001-06:002012-10-31T10:25:40.572-06:00Costume Ponderings RE: DickensI just found out the other day that my sis and I got into <a href="http://dickenschristmasfestival.com/salt-lake-city/">Dickens</a> this year - and what am I to do?! I don't have anything appropriate (<a href="http://adventuresofawannabeseamstress.blogspot.com/2010/12/oh-what-weekend-tea-and-skate.html">that will fit</a>)! Without resorting to a crash diet, the options are:<br />
<br />
1. See if I can alter either the <a href="http://adventuresofawannabeseamstress.blogspot.com/search/label/Cranford%20Dress">Cranford</a> or <a href="http://adventuresofawannabeseamstress.blogspot.com/search/label/Tea%20and%20Skate">Tea & Skate</a> dress to fit (Boo!)<br />
2. Make a whole new dress (Hurrah!)<br />
<br />
While I've *<i>cough</i>* outgrew the dresses, I think it would be a relatively simple thing to alter the underthings to fit properly. I'm pretty sure that it's not as scary as it sounds to make a whole new dress.<br />
<br />
The other hurdle (at least for me!) is that there are absolutely no guidelines on time period, <i style="font-weight: bold;">at all</i>. And I very much care. (The rules appear so far to be "no tennis shoes, no jeans, and skirts for women.....broad strokes much?)<br />
<br />
In the handout for vendors, there is a page of 'hat ideas' - and each and every illustration is NOT from even a <b>remotely</b> <i>Victorian</i> time period. (Seriously. There is a 16th c ish man and woman, a couple of 18th c ladies, and a .....I don't know what the other one is supposed to be, but it looks early 'teens to me!)<br />
<br />
As soon as the Wonderland costumes are taken care of, I think it's time to tackle the Great Dickens Beast!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18113977337426132549noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1518110275156256877.post-712364090573568102012-10-30T09:09:00.001-06:002012-10-30T09:09:20.128-06:00Alice in Wonderland Tea - Melia's DressSis and I started in on her Tea gown in earnest last night, and got amazingly far! The plans (as they are wont to do) got <i>bigger</i> the more we looked at stash options (we're both still very much on a <i>from the stash</i> kick!), the more ideas came together to make a whole new outfit.....mostly because I happen to have this red silk, and an <i>awesome</i> patterned and textured red and black organza fabric that has been waiting patiently for <i>the<b> perfect</b> project......</i><div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k8Nq3EOovjY/UI_sl3ORRUI/AAAAAAAAJ_I/DZpYo7uZqLI/s1600/IMAG1709.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k8Nq3EOovjY/UI_sl3ORRUI/AAAAAAAAJ_I/DZpYo7uZqLI/s320/IMAG1709.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can you guess who she is going to be?? :D</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
Doing a whole new outfit is less scary than it sounds, as we've already figured out the patterns that we're using, have already gone through all the fitting hullaballoo, and <i>all</i> the underthings are done and ready for wear. Last night we got as far as cutting out nearly all of the bodice, and the entire skirt is sewn together (it just needs waistband and hem!)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18113977337426132549noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1518110275156256877.post-86137029065918403302012-10-28T16:28:00.002-06:002012-10-28T16:28:43.247-06:00Tale of the Cunning Hat - ContinuedSo...I nearly finished up my <a href="http://adventuresofawannabeseamstress.blogspot.com/2012/10/the-tale-of-cunning-hat.html">Mock I </a>version of the Jayne Cobb hat.....and I decided to try the bulkier yarn I had already purchased, on the off chance it looked more Ma-Cobby-looking, despite my lack of correctly sized needles. HURRAH! I ended up liking the outcome much better - but the sizing could do to be somewhere in the middle! I used 64 stitches around, where I could probably do to have 68. Using this same weight of yarn and needle, I would probably say that 64=M 68=L 72=XL.<br />
<br />
If you look at <a href="http://keiylasblog.blogspot.com/2009/01/cunning-jayne-cobb-hat-revisted.html">this specific image</a>, you can see that the outer part of the ear-flapadoodles are knit, and the inside are purl (the underside of the flap by his right ear) - I think that's called stockinette? Anyway, it took me a minute to figure out what stitch would do the distinctive curl at the ends! I did a few rows straight down, and then decreased at either end of the knit side, and then used the end to tie off two strands that I ran through the edges of the flappy parts.<br />
<br />
This hat is due by 6:30 am tomorrow, so I'll probably let this one go as is, but continue the perfection of the Jayne Cobb Hat for a certain brother..... :)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2W7l8fHMxeA/UI2vHHRcIiI/AAAAAAAAJ7g/dLd3yPJhD68/s1600/DSCN1946.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2W7l8fHMxeA/UI2vHHRcIiI/AAAAAAAAJ7g/dLd3yPJhD68/s400/DSCN1946.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="background-color: white; color: #191502; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: start;">“How’s it sit? Pretty cunning, don’tchya think?”</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18113977337426132549noreply@blogger.com5