Wednesday, August 24, 2005

Details of the Tails at Peacock Event















1870's Underskirt
I made this pattern up originaly to go to the Japonesque event and ended up with a very easy to put together costume, but still it took a lot of time. Of course, I learned the hard way to really measure the lengths of hems because it seems every pattern for skirts with Truly V is made for someone 5'6" height max. Once I determined thatI had to make a false nem, which is period to make a street hem and such anyway. It is very important to find out any period correct excuse that you can when correcting boo boos.

I found this a very simple throw together skirt. It does span a number of years and works well with 1870's Bustle or even a later one. I have used it with a Polonaise and th French Vest Bodice and I think that as long as the upper bustle is period correct for whatever time, it doesn't matter.
Pros: Not hard to work with the pattern pieces and there is a generous waist band.
Cons: The placket side closures is a bit tricky, but if you have been sewing and making plaquets, this technique is usefull to try on other projects. The side closure makes it hard to umm, expand if there is any weight gain. But, anything can be adapted.

Bustled Apron Overskirt
Curtains away! This pattern is one of the easier bustles I have done, I had to think Roman shades a bit with it. The directions are typical of TV, some diagrams and lots of written steps. But really, these basic bustles are very easy to throw together.
Pros: The tie system she uses is very good for results, however I think I would have to ad that using either smalls d rings or the roman shade rings on strategic places on the skirt near bustle top, may help in keeping the shifting from happening when using slipery fabrics..or any for that matter. Some people swear by huge pop snaps. The waistband is generouse again and I would secure the apron to the skirt waistband using snaps or hooks.
Cons: slipage of snotty slick fabric. Attaching d rings to the skirt will help the slippage of the skirts. Well, as much as can be expected. Also, the netting wasn't feasable at the time for me, but you may want to try it if your fabric is not picable.

1884 French Vest Bodice
Okay, this was very well fitted but I did have some issues, some of which being my silly "not paying attention" issues, or working black fabric late in the day. I started this vest pattern when it came out and intended to make it to the Peacock Event. I had to not work on it for about 3 months and picked it up again in the spring. The TV sizing system was great for when I first started but, well, there was expansion. These things do happen. So, the details:

I made this up and as I said, the expansion happened later. I decided with the vest part to be in this really cool, but easily fraying oriental faux silk stuff, I would wait until I had really gotten most of the bodice done before cutting it. Good thing I did as I rechecked the fit and went, hmmm, next size up in the front bit.This got me when I forgot to size up in the collar as well to make it fit and rubber chickened myself over the head. So, I did size up and adjust and was able to get to a wearable point with it, but then had two problems:
Cons:
1. when sizing for the bodice, I had made measurements over skirt and petticoats and such for the hip measurements, but I did not allow adequate for the front hip area. So, really check this. I know, I had been working on all items at once and trying to get things fitted in the right order, but blew it still.

2. the front closure. I have been working a lot with hook and eye tape because well, I just can't do the fine details anymore. So I had a poofing problem happen because the brocade was very thick and well, wanted to poof when closed. So I had to do a second set of hooks...well, so much for making it easier on myself with the hook and eye tape. If you have a better machine than mine, you can do the button holes as suggested, but it would be hard in the fabric I chose.

okay, I mixed eras, bad me!!! Well, it survived the day.

By the way, these ladies made me sick with those frills and such attention to details...I am quite green with envy on these ladies and their fine trims...off to pout now.

Saturday, July 23, 2005

New Insanity, Bodices Galore

Or, how to start several projects at once and when you get stuck, work on the other. I have been working on 2 1830's dresses, one using the Sense and Sensibility Romantic gown with a early 1800's retro print, and a re make of the original gown I first made, many years ago, well my first attempt outside Renaissance costumes anyway, the 1830's High Waisted Full Gown by Past Patterns. I made it in another bargin bin fabric of a butterscotch background with little buds all over. So, I will probably reference them as 1830's Butterscotch and 1830's Beige.

So, I have also gotten some pictures of different stages of the costumes and also have two Regency Projects to finish up...and yes, I do have the Ren costume mostly done. I may actually get it out and about this Fall.

Monday, June 13, 2005

About the Only Good Thing in losing summer employement

....is that you can finish all those projects youve put off for months. I mean, I should be used to it by now with the school district. Being told that a job is there and well, something goes Kablam. So, I am looking at my pelise and being pleased about it. Th fabric is scrummy and maybe with this time that I suddenly have off, I can get some actual pictures up!

You are all shocked I am sure.

So, off to do battle with the evil lung disease I will now call the plague...otherwise known as the doctor's haven't a clue. I will dive into some fabric boxes this week and see about those costume projects that have been locked away.

Monday, May 16, 2005

New Costume Ideas for 2005

Ah, What to Create For 2005?

Spencers and Pelise, Gowns
For one, I am going to try to get my Pelise done, it's cut out. The student teaching has just sucked out all of my creative time. I would like to get this item done so if I have any life left in me after BayCon, I can go to the Regency Picnic and relax. I see myself falling asleep under a tree or something. I would like to get my Pelise in Paisley done, but may not be able to in time. If I get the top portion done, I could wear it as a Spencer, then attach the bottom later. Then there is the silly hat! I have a bib gown that needs some completion, so I hope to wear that.

Finish that Ren Faire Costume, right?
I hope to touch this a few times this summer and get it at least wearable. I am sure the first time I get it mobile, I will regret mistakes. I hope that by working part time in the summer I can finally get it done. It is a plush green and has some great trim going on. But I fear that my storage was not the greatest of things and need to get it out and aired.

Mourning in Victorian, and Dickens
Ooh, and let's not forget the two dresses I would like to get done, one very silly frilly one, or well, just the basics done first and then make it nice with trim later. I also hope to make a mourning dress out of my super WallMart Fabric, you know, the spooky stuff I found for like $3.00 a yard;-)

Next Installment: Ears at Last

BayCon 2005

The Dealer's Room I go..
It is just around the corner, BayCon 2005. This is my first attempt at selling in a bigger venue. I hope that after what I experienced at Costume Academy, this will be a success too. I have been gathering more products and some fun feathers and such to sell, and hope if I can sell 2/3 of what I bring, I can break even. This will also give me some feedback from live customers and see how reactions are to products. While selling on line is a wonderful thing, and keeps prices down, real time feedback is good.

I do expect that there will be some rivalry in the merchants room, there ususally is. It's sad, but I guess I have concerns about it. On the other hand, why shouldn't I have a chance? I think maybe there is room for all and would love to see a lot of us successful. I am hoping to have great combacks for the typical, shall I say, stir ups that occur in some situations like this. I hope it can be a fun thing to do for all, I hate it when everything is so negative.