Birthday-New Fabric

Okay, so the idea was to get the fabric cleared out, and I am working on 3 things with stash fabric. But, well, this historical fabric I had been eyeing for 6 months now, it was such a good deal. I really would like to make another day dress for 1700's, but I am also hoping to make a lovely evening dress from that peiod, some day. So since I have been good about getting some fabric used up, I thought I would use some of my birthday money for some period chintz.

Polonaise 2

Wow, it's been hard getting to work on this this week, oh, and the corset to replace the corset I damaged. I have gotten most of the tunic part done on this but I am still getting stuck on what to do about the skirt, can't seem to find anything that will work for underneath. Argh. Well, here is what it is looking like so far and yeah, $2.00 yard stash fabric.

Brown multi-color stripes? The search on the internet is on.

What Shall we Do With The Stash This week?

This week I have been working on the 1880's Polonaise of scary browns and orangy paisleys. Okay, it was 2.00 a yard and part of the stash, so it counts. I have also cut out miles of pinked edged ruffles for the top tunic part. The skirt I think I will do in a cream or something like that, then I could wear it with the other polonaise I may do in the dark green paisley stash item. Can you tell I was on a paisley roll two years back? So tomorrow I will sew in the am and the afternoon.

I hope to get to the gym and walking dogs when I take breaks. Much needed breaks. The love of paisley can be a curse, one's eyes go all crossed and such.

Stay tuned for a riveting exploration of the Evil stash project as it continues. Same stash cave, same stash time......

Chemise a la Reine

My all consuming passion this Sunday, is very white indeed. I have been sewing the chemise gown pattern using Rocking Horse Farm pattern but of course making changes along the way. The white is making me dizzy. I have been finally figuring out the sleeves, but not sure what to trim the neckline with, do I want to make flounces. To keep in line with the Costuming in Evil Econ theme, I used Ikea curtain panels from 5 years back. I wanted to ad some interest an not just have straight boring filmy gauze. It has a plaid pattern running through it and although I haven't found a picture with a plaid, I have s een stripes and dots and such.

Well, back to puffy sleeves of doom. Oh, and finally watching Moliere.


Coco 2008, 90 + degrees and just sweating like crazy.

Frantics about Cos Col 2008

How does one costume in this bloody heat! I have been really working on selling out old costumes from the closet so I can get more of the costuming in this evil economy challenge costumes going in my crazy attempt to at least have two costumes done by Costume College 2008, in three weeks. Insane in all this heat. I hope to have the Chemise Gown cut out by this evening and sewing on it.

I have a Regency ball gown I am trying to get done by the end of this week. I am not too happy about the back and think that I need to go up a size in this pattern line(Sense and Sensibility Elegant Ladies Closet), even though my measurements have not changed. Grrrr. Guess I could blame it on the heat. I hope to use this pattern for the other two stash Regency Projects I have. We'll see how it goes.

Now, planning on packing all of this crap for Cos Col 08

Corset 1880's and 18th C from the stash

I have been actually getting the 1880's corset done! I have been using the Truly Victorian 1880's corset pattern and so far, I had just one fitting to tweak with it and it's doing pretty good so far. I may get the corset finished on the weekend. This was made with stash for the Costuming in The Evil Econ challenge.

My 18th Century Undress costume is coming along. I feel more like stripes can be conquered and may incorporate them in more costumes. Hip buckets are needing some tweaking too, reenforcing mainly.

Black Corset 1880's lining

1880's Corset Black

Yeah, I hate making corsets. I have had to re think the whole thing because it's time for new ones. I need one in beige and darker for reenactments.
One of the stash projects this weekend actually got started, despite my migraine and having to be at a wedding! I had started the fronts and backs of the corset pieces(grommeting being so exciting you know. I got the busk inserted and I must say that after taking the class last year, it's a lot less intimidating making these parts and now I feel better having a way to do a test run on fit with the linings before cutting into second level fabric. The Pattern is Truly Victorian's 1880's Corset pattern. I have made the Laughing Moon One and yes, the new white corset I have to make, because of expanding, will probably be that one again. But I do need to check the other patterns I sell...another expanding list I couldn't possibly finish in this life time. I hope to have pictures tonight or tomorrow of the lining attachment to the pieces if I can get the other back piece grommets in place.

The 1770's Stripe Jacket

Started this one up too. I feel like I really got somewhere with getting this started, and only a couple of weeks after CC26. I am using the Tailor's Guide Pattern for the Two jackets. I must admit, the directions are pretty darn good, and make sense so far. Great! I try to get to each pattern line and try some out to see how well this goes. The fabric is a red, indigo and black striped homespun type cloth. I think I may have enough to make the jacket, skirt, and another bodice for it, and if I make it inter-changable with other skirts I can make..like the quilted one I would really like to do for interchanging. So, I have started the lining in another stash piece of fabric that actually went quite well with the color choice. I think I need a better thread color for the parts that will be showing. I now need to get some pictures for this blog and to share in the group.

It's Official, The Costume Evil Economy Challenge

I created a group on Yahoo groups now that allows for quicker conversation, but we will have links from here(flickr) and back. The interface may be easier for some, but it's the same group. the yahoo group is listed as: evileconstashtaming · Costuming in this Evil Economy Thanks and we'll see you in both places, and please tell us this weekends stash crazy story!

Stash Diving: Surviving the Second Plunge

After coming up with this must do plan a few months back, I surveyed my stash. What can I work on in the coming months that I already have fabric for? How scary is that stash? Oh, it's two tubs of Holloween colored plastic, scary in and of itself.

So, then you unfurl the stash? No, it's better to try to pull and untangle the pieces , get them sorted out. So, I started to explore just one tub. Hmmm, there is definately enough there for at least 4 costumes. I am eyeing the silk striping in blues and greys for a pic nic coming up in June. This picnic is for the GBACG

Victorian Artworks Afternoon Sunday, June 22nd, 2008

So, I know have a sewing project for the memorial Day Weekend and I will see if I can find a skirt to go with it. I may have to use one I already have, that way I can still qualify for my own challenge.

Back to That Challenge- The Costuming in This Tough Economy Challenge

After getting through the post CC26 unpacking and cleanup, I finally got back to plotting costumes and digging into my existing fabric stashes. That's right, it's time to get this challenge in high gear. In the process, I found about 90% of what I need to do a 1750's Jacket and skirts, including lining. So, all I need is thread and closures stuff I think.

The other ongoing project: Get corsets ready for all of my projects. I have had to bite the bullet and just start working on getting some newer corsets made up to fit. After I was soooo upset at CC26 with my evening bodice and not being able to dress myself the way I wanted, I am going to get a better corset and see if I can get the bodice to work a bit better. Running around with the front mid section not quite what I wanted, made me just plain mad. Relying on older corsets that really didn't work for me just frustrated the blank out of me. So, I have started an adventure in the Truly Victorian 1880's Corset pattern and I am currently working on the lacing panel. I am actually using some of the dull black grommets I sell and so far the effect is great. Only problem is I really need to work on it when the sun is out, the lighting alone doesn't show enough and my eyes are just getting way too old.....

Pictures! I have pictures to get up from CC26 and hope to do that by the weekend. Sooo, much to doooo

The Costumer Who Lived

Feeling blitzed by the last death throws of the dealer's room, I am alive today and functioning. I am still mad about my 1870's evening bodice, but yeah, I was sewing up to the last minute.

Saturday Night
It isn't easy selling and trying to cram into a bodice that well, the front would gap a bit because I couldn't get the corset on by myself that it was designed to go with. So, my new project: black corset that fits me now, with opening front. After swearing on saturday that I didn't want to touch a sewing machine for two weeks, which is still true. But I am determined to get into it! The skirt and train actually did well, even if I was sewing the dust ruffle until the end. I think I may also make a green polonaise that could be worn over it as an option.

Then there is my challenge, to boldly costume with fabric one already has!

Oh, soon as I can edit all the pictures I took, I will get some up here and on my flickr account.

CC26-It's almost here

I have spent hours on a costume I may never wear at this con, because I have to work the dealers room, I may not get to don it. I am so tired by the end of a day of selling, that changing costume seems a mountainous task.

The Bodice
Finally got to a point on the gray bodice where is had structure, and I can get the boning in and wear it mostly finished. MY hands are killing me and the rain outside makes them throb even more. But it is mostly complete. I did a rush job on a lot of it and well, it will never win an award. Got some sickeningly sweet ribbon roses to put in it and will try to finish the sleeves off. Hope to get a picture of it tonight to put up here.

The Over Skirt

I have to get foofy done on the overskirt, but somehow I think I will be lucky if I get the overskirt done at all..I mean it's mostly done, but the cool trim is not. I am going to be sooooo embarassed to wear this in the halls. I almost hope I do pass out after dealers room closes, just so I don't get all frustrated trying to get into the darn thing.

What, Me cranky!
Yeah, I think that after hours with evil synthetic snot fabric that qualifies getting cranky...no really. I am so glad I am wearing opera gloves because I could do a commercial for crack cream with my hands. The blood letting just gets more frequent, the godess must be pleased by now, right!

At the Con
I hope to have the digital camera and cables with me to take daily picts and put them up here and on flicr site while the con is going on. Of course, it'll be hard to go through and pict costume of the day. I will also be hoping that participants of the costume challenge I put forth will come by and share their creations if they started already. Then I will have some grand examples of how using fabric from the stash can finally be a beautiful creation.

Two Weeks Count Down to CC26-The Grey Taffeta Bodice

Whew, just got the fashion fabric and interlining sewn together and pinned up on me this am. Really tired. The bodice will need much finishing work over the next week. I really have to get the lining with the boning figured out by the end of the week.

Bodice Problems
Of course I knew that working with synthetics was going to be a twisty affair. Having underskirt, apron and the bodice of snot fabric doesn't help. I know I have to put anchoring hook and eyes and snaps maybe to get the items to all stay put, but it all seems soooo much to do. ack. I am hoping to get most of them done.

Skirt
The train is a bit top heavy with the ruffles and I still have some more stuff to do on that. I have to get a lining kick done in back in satin so it will glide on carpet....we hope. I will still have to get someone to help with a running start on it I guess to make an entrance, but there will be so many other people with trains and such, how to navigate. Hmmmm, I suppose I could get really anal and look at the floor plans of the hotel and plan things that way.

Apron
Kinda happy the way it's turned out. But thinking even with the ties underneath, may not anchor it enough. Slip and slide. I will just have to congregate for the bustle poof adjustment committee and perhaps have a meeting time. If we all get each other in a row, perhaps we could get the skirts going right.

New Web Page

Yarp, got a new web page I am putting up on my .Mac account, so I am going to link from this site to that site, and on and on.
Grring today because I can't get to see the new John Adams Film by HBO until the release it on DVD.

Oh, yeah, much interest has been shown in my contest/challenge. I have been sending off guidelines to many people and hopefully we can meet up in 2009 to see all the creations.

Yep, That Butterscotch Dress

Finally, after selling at CA 2008, I can get back to finishing up a project from two years ago. I have made a challenge to all of you, get out your stash, use up scraps, actually make the costumes you've been planning for years. Eek, isn't that scary.

The truth of it is, we all have hoards of fabric in containers and bins. It's a spring cleaning project, it's a bad economy project, that's right, it's even green. Use and recycle what you got! Finish up that costume, and stop people from yelling that you need to stop spending money on your passion. Use the passionate fabrics you already bought!

Wait, this means you cannot procrastinate...but it's good you use the resources you already have. So, here you go:

• Instead of going out to movies, dinners and things that cost money, costume.
• Use fabrics and supplies you already have
• go to more sewing circles with friends, brainstorm
• carpool to events...saves gas
• attend more garage sales, find stuff for costumes and recycle old clothes and items

The Challenge: Costuming in This Ugly Economy

I am making an official challenge to all costuming fiends I know!

Okay, so I am sure many of you have partners who do not sew and have
been cranky at you about your costuming($$$$$). I have had this happen
lately and trying to get in the spirit of doing things on a budget, I
am giving myself the challenge: Make costumes for this year from
fabrics you already have.

The challenge: After CC26 or May Day, you must make costumes for the
rest of the year, or at least one costume, from fabric you already
have. What, actually use your stash? That's right, planning on going
to one of the events coming up, use fabric you already have!

I know, it's shocking, but when the economy is soooo baaadd the
partners are cranking...what, more fabric! No, dear, I am using fabric
I have been hoarding for 3 years. I thought you wanted me to go
through my stash????

Yes, you are using resources you already have.

Are you interested in this challenge? This way you are using resources
you already have. But we may have to make some official rules like,
yes you can buy thread you don't already have. what do you think guys,
up for the challenge?

Hmmm, I think I have at least three hunks of fabric that would work
for this year.....

So yeah, you better buy up all that sale fabric you have drooled on
this month, because if it's in your residence by May 1, I guess it counts.

What to Wear at CC26

So many crazy things to think about. I have to sell at CC26 which is intimidating enough, but everyone will be in costume of some sort, and since I have to sell, I should wear costume. The answer for me is to get some of the regency day wear projects finished and the Romantic Era dresses are 90% done, so I guess I will have to go with that. I actually roughed out the 1830's bustle pads yesterday, and will start hemming some things today. Finally, get to wear the silly things! So, here goes to actually taking them out of a spin. I think I may make some aprons for the Regency and Romantic period if I can squeeze it in. HMMMM, much to do. Oh, and the silly floppy caps must be made!

Back at Creating: Natural Form

It's been a series of unfortunate events since the holidays that have kept my creative self just hiding under a rock. After digging out of computer death and taxes, I have finally had time to get back to the Natural Form Victorian project and look at where to pick up. Some many months back, I began working on the project of turning two swags of sale taffeta into an interchangeable ensemble from the Natural Form Era.

Silver and Dark Green
The fabric was a deal, and I said to myself, I have liked these two colors together and don't see them much together. I also wanted to be able to bring something to say, CC26, and be able to interchange the pieces. So, I had begun with the skirt and was determined that since I had enough fabric for once, I could do a train. So, I embarked upon the train of doom.

Ruffles
Yeah, love the effect but really hate the labor. I basically, one of the many reasons I found the project intimidating, and on the back burner for years, is just the sheer overwhelming power of ruffles that go on for days. Literally, in order to do ruffles, and on such fun fabric the snot type is,I had to say that it's a daylong project where you do as many as you can and that's all you do. So, after two rows of silver and green alternating, and doing the bustle up, I had to set it aside before the holidays and finally get it on the dummy this week and really look at it. I got pictures finally, and feel like I really accomplished something.

Skirt
Considering I hadn't done a train in a while, the whole time I have been making it, I have had to think of the weight dragging and how to keep the skirt in good shape. Hmmmm, the period way to do it would ad too much weight, so I may opt for a bias strip of cotton flannel instead of wool. I had lined the skirt, so it is very heavy already.

Over Skirt
I decided after many drooling moments, that I wanted to do the Split Pannier Skirt front Truly Victorian that I sell on my web store. It was a bit of a challenge working with the fray prone synthetic taffeta....sadly, could not find silk taffeta, let alone afford it. After much wrangling and weight considerations with lining, I opted to finish off the ends rather than line. Natural form is not to be too bulky. This weekend I shall be working on the ties for the underskirt, and putting some drapery rings in to tie down with. So, I have most of the practical things covered, but shall I trim with fabric flowers? I have had this idea of doing calla Lilies out of fabric and I am getting stuck on how to do it. I will have to look at some of the live plants in town and see what I can do, then there is the question, white white or off white???? Decisions!!!!

Taffeta Terror 1870's

Well, it is a long slow process with this one. The first time with a pattern is always so. It sits mournfully on the Uniquely you, waiting for attention. I have been working on the lace for the overskirt and hope to finish it this weekend and maybe get some photos of the project so far. I lost some of the other pictures I had when the computer went kablam. So I hope to get some more soon.

Taffeta..synthetic...ick. I know, silk taffeta is more appropriate but I just could not pass up this sale fabric to work with. So I will make a silk purse of sow's ear.

And What New Year Costumes Are You Planning?

Yes, while it's still January, well, for one more day anyway, I have to plan these out. It was a challenge not to give up all together before starting this years plotting.

Every year around the holidays, I plan out several costume projects to finish up and get started. This is the time I normally have a bit of a break. This holiday season transpired plots against me.

Plot One
Too many customers at my business..This must have been the first year, even with a rather bleak economy, that I had such craziness with shipping. So crazy and then trying to make physical room to even sew was a challenge. Then when xmas came about, my computer dies...

Plot two
Yes, the computer dies and then I have to spend all my planned sewing time trying to get it fixed. I had at least three days planned to just spoil myself and sew! I was a wreck. To do my business I have to make money, to do that, there needs to be a computer. Buying new computer means less money and time for sewing!

Plot three
They say the fates conspire against me, and the next wammy was the power outage of several days that the rest of my holiday meant rescuing house and not being able to even do hand sewing.

So, with that start to a year, I decided to work on the sewing/business offices by organizing more and cleverly hiding things I sell behind fabric covers. I hope this will help when I do get to sew this weekend, artfully hiding distractions from myself helps a bunch.