YAY! I finished something this break! A Rebel Symbol Scarf!!!!!!!
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| Awwww, isn't he adorable?! |
Rebel Symbol Scarf
Christmas 2010!!!!
I hope you all had a Merry Christmas equipped with all the festivities, family and fun. I had a very blessed time with my family and I got a lot of awesome things this Christmas that I'd like to show you all :)
BOOKS
The past couple of years, I have been receiving books for the majority of my presents. I have an Amazon Wishlist and from it I received:
BOOKS
The past couple of years, I have been receiving books for the majority of my presents. I have an Amazon Wishlist and from it I received:
The Seventeenth and Eighteenth-Century Fashion in Detail by Susan North
and
The Nineteenth Century Fashion in Detail by Lucy Johnston
Both these books are from the Victoria and Albert Fashion Museum collection and are really fascinating. I love being able to see individual stitches, minor flaws (that make me feel better about my work), and simply the wonderful detailed photographs/descriptions of the garments. The only thing to make them better would be to have photos of the whole garment instead of really up close ones. The book is great though. I'm soooo glad I have them now!The Cut of Men's Clothes: 1600-1900
and
Corsets and Crinolines both by Norah Waugh
These books are just wonderful. I got a used/older version of the Cut of Men's Clothes and a new version of Corsets and Crinolines but I couldn't be happier. These are definitely must-haves.
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| Isn't it pretty? |
Lawn Dress
It's long past due for a new post. My Red Dress is fitted, now only the sleeves need put on. The Regency Bodiced Petticoat only needs buttons. The Darth Maul Amigurumi hasn't been picked up yet. I haven't even thought about my quilt. But, I can post about an old dress I bought a while back at an antique store.
The dress is called a Lawn Dress. I have pondered the reasons why it would be called such; wearing it for garden parties (on the lawn. harhar), the fabric being called lawn, or some other crazy reason that no one would ever have thought of? Well, I've never really found a good explanation, and don't know enough about fabrics to say if it is in fact lawn or not.
Regardless of my prattle, I'm sure you want to see some pictures, right? Yes, you do!!!! So, here is the ca. 1910 Lawn Dress snatched for $60 at an antique store.
Disclaimer: Yes, that is me wearing the dress, 3 years ago, the day it was bought. At the time, I had never read anything about human oils deteriorating antique fabric. I was very careful and only wore it for about 15 minutes.
The dress has a lot of rips and tears. It used to have a lot of stains, but my mom read up and found a way to clean antique fabrics without damaging them. It worked like a charm.
So, yeeeah. There's a new post !!!!!!!!
The dress is called a Lawn Dress. I have pondered the reasons why it would be called such; wearing it for garden parties (on the lawn. harhar), the fabric being called lawn, or some other crazy reason that no one would ever have thought of? Well, I've never really found a good explanation, and don't know enough about fabrics to say if it is in fact lawn or not.
Regardless of my prattle, I'm sure you want to see some pictures, right? Yes, you do!!!! So, here is the ca. 1910 Lawn Dress snatched for $60 at an antique store.
Disclaimer: Yes, that is me wearing the dress, 3 years ago, the day it was bought. At the time, I had never read anything about human oils deteriorating antique fabric. I was very careful and only wore it for about 15 minutes.
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| These are the only two photos of the entire dress |
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| stupid look on my face.. I know |
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| torqued off Amber? Maybe. |
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| The details are much better seen in Black and White |
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| CrAzY picture of my face |
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| the back of the dress is pretty too! |
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| and this is a cool pic of the sky I happened to take that day |
So, yeeeah. There's a new post !!!!!!!!
Devil in a blue... I mean RED dress. Oh nevermind
Hooray! I am happy to say that I am officially done with Fall Quarter 2010 and am off to my wonderful 5 week break. I received 3 A's and 2 B's for the quarter (of which I'm quite surprised to see I did so well).
Now that my break has begun, I'm delving into new projects each day. Right now I'm dealing with a red dress that's being fussy.
The dress is a performance dress for the choir I am the accompanist and assistant director of. Our school colors are Red, Black and Grey; which was all I had to choose from. I bought my red dress from a consignment shop for $19 bucks and I figured I could just alter it to fit me, add some sleeves and be done with it. At the time I was a size 6 (the dress being a small 9/10 wouldn't have been that hard to alter) Well, not to toot my own horn, but I've lost a little bit of weight, bringing me down to a solid size 4. Oh goody for me. As you see in the picture, it is now quite gappy in a few areas.
I also want to add sleeves to the dress since I am technically a representative of the school and probably shouldn't be too revealed. Though, I'm not sure what kind of sleeves just yet. The girls in the choir said I should do a sleeve like this:
Yet my mom says I should do something more like this:
but maybe bigger drape thing like this:
What do you all think I should do? I'm at a loss
Now that my break has begun, I'm delving into new projects each day. Right now I'm dealing with a red dress that's being fussy.
The dress is a performance dress for the choir I am the accompanist and assistant director of. Our school colors are Red, Black and Grey; which was all I had to choose from. I bought my red dress from a consignment shop for $19 bucks and I figured I could just alter it to fit me, add some sleeves and be done with it. At the time I was a size 6 (the dress being a small 9/10 wouldn't have been that hard to alter) Well, not to toot my own horn, but I've lost a little bit of weight, bringing me down to a solid size 4. Oh goody for me. As you see in the picture, it is now quite gappy in a few areas.
I also want to add sleeves to the dress since I am technically a representative of the school and probably shouldn't be too revealed. Though, I'm not sure what kind of sleeves just yet. The girls in the choir said I should do a sleeve like this:
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| the sleeves would be slightly smaller in width |
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| A much more matronly look |
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| EVEN MORE MATRONLY :D |
What do you all think I should do? I'm at a loss
*insert HUGE sigh of relief*
Finally, my 1780's Servant Ensemble is done and turned in! I don't know what the grade on it will be, but I'm anticipating a high B or low A. BUT!
~Behold~
The bodice went together pretty well, I'm very proud of the back:
The class this is for is Costume Pattern Tech. The goal is to create your own pattern for the garment based on a rendition provided by the designer. There were 15 people in the class; all making the same dress; in different fabrics. Since we each created our own pattern, there was a lot of variety in style lines. In the entire class, there were only two people who created a more complicated back to the bodice. Though I love the style lines I hate that I did the piping on each piece. It created a lot of bulk in one spot and made the piping uneven, but now I know what not to do.
And so you can see the cute bump at the back :)
And now, I have 3 more final until I am officially on my 6 week break! Woo. Wish me luck, the sooner those get done, the sooner I can work on more of my projects for you to see. YAY
Almost..... therrre.....
I have been sewing like a mad woman to get this project finished. Currently I am done with the dirty work of the bodice and only have to insert the grommets at the front and tack down the seams of the sleeves. Next on the to-do-list is the skirt, of which I have the panels sewn together and need to make the placket for the opening and the waistband. The skirt is almost entirely cartridge pleated... oh joy. I have a long couple of days ahead of me.
Since I've been up until 5am most nights this week, I felt the need for a little entertainment. My mom and I dressed my brother up in my nearly finished bodice and took pictures. I hope you enjoy these as much as I do.
Since I've been up until 5am most nights this week, I felt the need for a little entertainment. My mom and I dressed my brother up in my nearly finished bodice and took pictures. I hope you enjoy these as much as I do.
Isn't he beautiful?
Latest Happenings
Lately, my posts have been about everything under the sun except sewing. This is partially because I have had a fair share of homework and have not been able to work on a lot of my own projects. Lucky for you, I have been working on a project for our Period Construction class. Here's what I have so far:
Yes, it's too large for Mathilde. The mannequin I used for the pattern is very busty and a size 8-10 (as Mathilde is right under a 5) Anywho, we are to construct a Maid's outfit in the theme of the 1780s. Since it's for the theatre, we have to sew it much differently than I'm used to. The Piping for instance. I am NOT happy about how it looks
The piping is all uneven because piping is on each pattern piece; and that's hard to line up. UGH. It's done this way so that if the piece needs altered, the piping does not need to come off. Lovely for those to come, suckola for me. Despite the annoyingness of the construction, the color of the piping is pretty against the tan herringbone.
I must say, it's very interesting how things are done in the theatre world. Everyt garment is made for versatility and easy alterations. I'm used to just making the garment to fit, and that's that. Fortunately, the last two weeks have taught me to properly flatline pattern pieces, add boning to make a correct shape, without the period undergarment, and learn how to properly do princess seams. Very educational.
Soon to come: The piece is to have an attached peplum and sleeves (that look like she's wearing a white shirt underneath. A skirt is also next on the agenda.
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| It seems Mathilde's bust has deflated. |
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| The back seams are pretty, just not the piping.... |
I must say, it's very interesting how things are done in the theatre world. Everyt garment is made for versatility and easy alterations. I'm used to just making the garment to fit, and that's that. Fortunately, the last two weeks have taught me to properly flatline pattern pieces, add boning to make a correct shape, without the period undergarment, and learn how to properly do princess seams. Very educational.
Soon to come: The piece is to have an attached peplum and sleeves (that look like she's wearing a white shirt underneath. A skirt is also next on the agenda.
Star Wars Amigurumi Patterns
Hello all,
I have had many comments and questions regarding my Star Wars creations. The main question people have being, "Can I have the pattern?!" My answer: eventually....
Right now, the Boba Fett and Jetpack patterns are near done; and I mean all the directions are there, I need to insert the pictures to finish (and that's pretty good considering all the homework I have to do too). But, for all of you "itching with anticipation", let it be known that I have a couple of hoops I have to jump through before I can distribute my ami patterns to the world.
Hoop #1: Lucasfilm Licensing. I have to make sure I am even able to sell Star Wars patterns before I make them available for y'all. I need to make sure that I'm in the clear and won't get sued.
Hoop #2: Copyright. My patterns need a copyright. There's a lot of scheisters our there that may steal my pattern and resell it as theirs or sell the end products, and that's not fair :( I plan to get this done quickly, but I have to hear from Lucasfilm first.
Hoop #3: Figuring out how to sell them in the first place. I've thought about setting up an Etsy site or selling them only on ravelry but I'm not exactly sure how it works I've also thought about doing it by email/paypal, but again, D: I don't know what I'm doing quite yet.
So, my fellow Crafty Star Wars Fans, My goal is to make the Boba Fett and Jetpack Patterns available by the second week of November. Don't hold your breath on it though, as I cannot make any promises on the exact date and time it shall be available. So, check back often and enjoy a lovely picture of a Scalped Darth Maul!
I have had many comments and questions regarding my Star Wars creations. The main question people have being, "Can I have the pattern?!" My answer: eventually....
Right now, the Boba Fett and Jetpack patterns are near done; and I mean all the directions are there, I need to insert the pictures to finish (and that's pretty good considering all the homework I have to do too). But, for all of you "itching with anticipation", let it be known that I have a couple of hoops I have to jump through before I can distribute my ami patterns to the world.
Hoop #1: Lucasfilm Licensing. I have to make sure I am even able to sell Star Wars patterns before I make them available for y'all. I need to make sure that I'm in the clear and won't get sued.
Hoop #2: Copyright. My patterns need a copyright. There's a lot of scheisters our there that may steal my pattern and resell it as theirs or sell the end products, and that's not fair :( I plan to get this done quickly, but I have to hear from Lucasfilm first.
Hoop #3: Figuring out how to sell them in the first place. I've thought about setting up an Etsy site or selling them only on ravelry but I'm not exactly sure how it works I've also thought about doing it by email/paypal, but again, D: I don't know what I'm doing quite yet.
So, my fellow Crafty Star Wars Fans, My goal is to make the Boba Fett and Jetpack Patterns available by the second week of November. Don't hold your breath on it though, as I cannot make any promises on the exact date and time it shall be available. So, check back often and enjoy a lovely picture of a Scalped Darth Maul!
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| Scalped Darth Maul!!! D: |
Halloween 2010
Happy Halloween Folks!
I slept in until 11:00am this morning because of the festivities last night. Devin and I went to the Athens Block Party. Unfortunately I have been so busy this quarter that there was no time to make a good costume for both Devin and I. Devin put on a straw hat and I finagled a "gypsy" costume together. A lot of people didn't know what I was... but oh well. At least I didn't look gross. Here's some pics of my costume.
I had on 6 skirts, a long sleeved black sweater, 2 pairs of thigh length socks and my corset (laced with different colors of ribbon). I was pretty warm actually.
I also carried around a black/gold shawl that I used as a head covering at times. I love that piece of fabric.
AND I HAVE A BINDI!! I love bindi's and whenever I have an opportunity to use one, I jump on it.
Here's to the end of another October and a Happy November!
I slept in until 11:00am this morning because of the festivities last night. Devin and I went to the Athens Block Party. Unfortunately I have been so busy this quarter that there was no time to make a good costume for both Devin and I. Devin put on a straw hat and I finagled a "gypsy" costume together. A lot of people didn't know what I was... but oh well. At least I didn't look gross. Here's some pics of my costume.
I had on 6 skirts, a long sleeved black sweater, 2 pairs of thigh length socks and my corset (laced with different colors of ribbon). I was pretty warm actually.
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| a tad blurry but oh well |
Here's to the end of another October and a Happy November!
Running in the Rain
As some of you may have heard, the midwest is in the middle of a pretty good storm. Although most Ohioans don't consider themselves part of the Midwest per se, we are... apparently. Anywho, this storm was pretty bad and we Athenians got hit pretty hard today.
So, back on track (haha. I made a funny)... I recently decided to start jogging 3 times a week, in hopes not be winded when I walk up a flight of stairs. Today was the first day of my weekly regimen and I was excited. The day was beautiful, un-seasonally warm (76 degrees F) for October, and wonderful gusts of wind that though powerful, felt incredibly soft and comforting.
I had a piano lesson at 10am and it was there I learned from my instructor we were expecting a nasty storm anytime from 3pm-6pm. My break between classes being just that, I was saddened but resolved that it was too nice outside at the moment (being 10am) and that the storm would simply be a later one; after my jog.
As my class ended at 3pm, I noticed the clouds being very dark over yonder and thought "Oh WOW. That's a little nastier than I was expecting." but since there was no rainfall in view I enjoyed the walk to my car, taking my good ol' time. I got to my car to change into some gym shorts and put on my shoes when a few raindrops started to fall on my car. Determined as I was, knowing the storm wouldn't start until after 4pm when my jog would be over with, I started on my jog. I decided to take the route I always had because I know it well. Guess what!? This route happened to be directly toward the storm.
I started running. Again, I was very happy with myself for running in the first place and secondly deciding to go on such a lovely day. The women's lacrosse team was running towards me, pretty darn determined to go way past where I was and in a hurry. What could this mean? Hmmmm.... I took no warning, shrugged my and resolved that it was only because the winds were too gusty for their lacrosse practice. I continued. I got to my first landmark, far away from my vehicle; and the sky DUMPED on me.
When I say DUMPED, I mean DUMPED. And here I am, way too far from my car to sprint to it. Wonderful. I've been completely soaked to the bone in less than 10 seconds. But being as wet as a person can possibly be, I tried to enjoy the sloshy experience and turned back; despite being peppered by the HUGE raindrops and little acorns tossed about by the wind.
Finally I got to my car. The sky is still dumping. I look in my car for some sort of drying tool... Nothing...No towel. What do I do now!? I don't want to drive my car anywhere because the seat will be drenched and I don't want a wet bottom going home! What do I do? What do I do!?!?!? Unfortunately, I had no other choice. I had to dry off somehow. So I hopped in my car and drove to the nearest building with a bathroom close to the main entrance. I luckily had an extra shirt and jeans in my car, so not all hope was lost. BAM. I sprinted to the bathroom.
Sigh. Finally, I thought, all is well. Then I realize that a very vital element to my comfort was amiss. The Hand Dryer. D: Ugh. Here I am, soaked to the bone with no way to dry before I get back into my dry clothes. What did I do, you ask? Funny story actually...Ahem....I ended up standing in one of the bathroom stalls for 10 minutes, using toilet paper to dab the extra wet spots dry. .....yeeeeaaaah.. :-\ ...Finally, after all that, I pulled on my jeans only to realize that there were 2 decent size rips in some very inconvenient spots. The crotch and the butt. Sigh. My underwear was completely drenched and not on me. Needless to say, this made for a very awkward evening of concealing the holes in my pants for fear of major embarrassment.
The Moral of the story, my friends? Always have extra clothes in your car, including underwear. You never know what will happen to you. :)
So, back on track (haha. I made a funny)... I recently decided to start jogging 3 times a week, in hopes not be winded when I walk up a flight of stairs. Today was the first day of my weekly regimen and I was excited. The day was beautiful, un-seasonally warm (76 degrees F) for October, and wonderful gusts of wind that though powerful, felt incredibly soft and comforting.
I had a piano lesson at 10am and it was there I learned from my instructor we were expecting a nasty storm anytime from 3pm-6pm. My break between classes being just that, I was saddened but resolved that it was too nice outside at the moment (being 10am) and that the storm would simply be a later one; after my jog.
As my class ended at 3pm, I noticed the clouds being very dark over yonder and thought "Oh WOW. That's a little nastier than I was expecting." but since there was no rainfall in view I enjoyed the walk to my car, taking my good ol' time. I got to my car to change into some gym shorts and put on my shoes when a few raindrops started to fall on my car. Determined as I was, knowing the storm wouldn't start until after 4pm when my jog would be over with, I started on my jog. I decided to take the route I always had because I know it well. Guess what!? This route happened to be directly toward the storm.
I started running. Again, I was very happy with myself for running in the first place and secondly deciding to go on such a lovely day. The women's lacrosse team was running towards me, pretty darn determined to go way past where I was and in a hurry. What could this mean? Hmmmm.... I took no warning, shrugged my and resolved that it was only because the winds were too gusty for their lacrosse practice. I continued. I got to my first landmark, far away from my vehicle; and the sky DUMPED on me.
When I say DUMPED, I mean DUMPED. And here I am, way too far from my car to sprint to it. Wonderful. I've been completely soaked to the bone in less than 10 seconds. But being as wet as a person can possibly be, I tried to enjoy the sloshy experience and turned back; despite being peppered by the HUGE raindrops and little acorns tossed about by the wind.
Finally I got to my car. The sky is still dumping. I look in my car for some sort of drying tool... Nothing...No towel. What do I do now!? I don't want to drive my car anywhere because the seat will be drenched and I don't want a wet bottom going home! What do I do? What do I do!?!?!? Unfortunately, I had no other choice. I had to dry off somehow. So I hopped in my car and drove to the nearest building with a bathroom close to the main entrance. I luckily had an extra shirt and jeans in my car, so not all hope was lost. BAM. I sprinted to the bathroom.
Sigh. Finally, I thought, all is well. Then I realize that a very vital element to my comfort was amiss. The Hand Dryer. D: Ugh. Here I am, soaked to the bone with no way to dry before I get back into my dry clothes. What did I do, you ask? Funny story actually...Ahem....I ended up standing in one of the bathroom stalls for 10 minutes, using toilet paper to dab the extra wet spots dry. .....yeeeeaaaah.. :-\ ...Finally, after all that, I pulled on my jeans only to realize that there were 2 decent size rips in some very inconvenient spots. The crotch and the butt. Sigh. My underwear was completely drenched and not on me. Needless to say, this made for a very awkward evening of concealing the holes in my pants for fear of major embarrassment.
The Moral of the story, my friends? Always have extra clothes in your car, including underwear. You never know what will happen to you. :)
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