Janet's Costume Mess

How I Hate Button Holes, Let Me Count The Ways

2009-09-22T14:50:00.000-07:00

So, yet again I have another fear blockage happening. I have got the skirt done for the new Steam Punk outfit for Steam-Con, mostly done. I guess I count done as all the main seams and just need to finish hemming. But I have been working on a shirtwaist, the 1909 Beatrix Shirtwaist by Sense and Sensibility, which so far has gone together fairly quickly. I only had to adjust on a seam a bit on the puffed sleeve, unlike other patterns of theirs where I have had to do a lot of adjusting.

Anyway, it's coming down to doing the bazillion button holes down the front. I dread this every time I have to do something like this. Why? Well, I have got a fairly new and good machine. It has a button hole feature. It is easier to do the button hole than on the old Pfaff. I guess it's the button hole gremlins. What is a button hole gremlin you may ask? It happens when you have done all the necessary prep for the perfect button hole. You find that after you have made up your practice pieces, you have perfectly wound up your bobbins so you can be consistent, go slow and all. And you will get a mutant button hole right in the middle of the blouse! Right where you will notice it. Or near the neck. The slubby monsters attack. The button hole mutates and then you must spend hours, if not days, picking it out.

So then, you procrastinate. You sew all the other bits that you can, you start several times, then walk away. I know, it is ridiculous. But it's blocking me right now. I only have a few weeks and gotta get it done. Now of course this migraine is not helping either.

Okay, I will practice with the practice bits, I will get past this road block. I will go forth.

Costume College 2009-Saturday Interview

2009-08-01T17:35:00.000-07:00

Here at last with roomie Jennifer from Ruby Raven. Having a blast, finally got into a costume after being here 3 days. Just tee shirts and jeans, sewing, making wigs and general mayhem. So, the story so far....an interview with Jennifer

Janet:What has been the most exciting part of CoCo this year for you?

Jen:Being able to experience costumer's work first hand is an invaluable experience. You know many costumers from the net and actually seeing it, you can learn so much more seeing and feeling than just from photographs.

Janet: What is good about the classes, what needs improvement?

Jen:One of the things that could improve the costume college experience is if they would classify the costume college workshops by skill level. This would help keep the novice costumer from getting in over their heads in some of the more advanced classes. Costume College offers so many great classes, that they do offer plenty of opportunities for costumer's of all skill levels. It would be helpful if class descriptions included more information about pre-requisites.

Janet:Would this benefit new costumers by having them enjoy the experience? You and I have been doing this for a while, but there is something to be learned at all levels?

Jen: Yes, it would be helpful to everyone, at all levels to know what they need to know before the class.

Janet: Do you think it would be a good idea for CoCo to have more remedial or say skill building classes say on the first day, progress on the next day?

Jen:Yes, there was some programming for basic sewing techniques, but maybe break that down into over several days.

Janet: So, perhaps the answer is to have a structured class that would be like, the skills for " Before you take that Corset Class", minimum skills you should know before you plunge into the first corset class...

Jen: Yes, that would be great. The the student could enjoy the class!

So, we progress into the 3rd hot day here in L.A.

The LA Garment District, an experience not to be missed.

For as long as I can remember, in costuming all the costumers I have know have driveled on about going to the fashion district in LA. Streets filled with fabric, buttons, trim, you name it. I decided this year that I had to get there. I own a costume related business, I need to check out new suppliers, and really see what they have to offer.

So, it was hot, 100 plus and we were in trim mania land. Wow, what an experience! Exhausting to say the least. I need to come down again in like 6 months and do some more exploring for product to sell. I have also made some good networking happen so I am quite pleased. And...

I finally got the Caraco mostly done, enough to wear. And got some pictures of it. So I will have something new up here, hopefully this weekend!

www.costumecollege.org

BayCon 2009 Saturday 23rd May, 11:35

2009-05-23T11:33:00.001-07:00

Here I sit, waiting for crazy costumes to go by. I have seen some fun ones. This morning, I met Glitch from "Tin Man". Hoping to see many more. Sales have been slow. I was not able to finish up the Tudor so that I could wear it today. Tragically bummed about that.

Operating on very little sleep. I zonked out early but woke up expecting fur kids to be bugging me. Took a while to realize I was at the Hyatt.

So, feeling a bit old today. missing wearing a costume, but getting some ideas on what to venture into next. I should finish up that Tudor, have a day or two to just finish the bloody thing up.

Hoping to make it to the masquerade tonight. I would like to see the creations. But getting so tired lately. It's just a hope I have that I can work on some costumes for the Costume College soon. I think once school gets out, there will be a little more time. I have to get brave enough to make the 18th Cent silk costume I want. Got the silk, just have to get brave enough. Hmmm. And then, English or French? Such things to decide.

Starry Steam Punk

2009-05-06T18:19:00.000-07:00

Can't believe it's been two weeks, but we made it to the event, and went all over the place at Chabot, and met this really weird group of people. They seemed rather lost. So we chronicled how lost they looked. It was fun wandering the space center at night.

so tired, but want so much to just sew

2009-03-27T07:30:00.000-07:00

Ever have a day you just want to sew or create and you have to wait and you just hate it? I have to do all my life chores and hope I can have 2 hours or more to sew tomorrow. Of course, I have to sew the mock ups for the bodice first and then there is just so much to do. Argh.

Okay, think positive. It's Steam Punky, so steam on. Well, I am also making it so if I just change up the hat to more historical, it can go that route. I need to look up pith helmuts, see if I can girlify it a bit.

Stash Splash

2009-03-23T08:50:00.000-07:00

I have cut most of the bodice lining out of stash material last night and got the placket done on the skirt. Of course now to hem everything. Hate this part, think it's what keeps me finishing most costumes.

I hope to have the bodice done by the end of next weekend. Still aiming for a 98% of the costume coming from stash. So far so good. The mystery fabric is a bit hard to figure out how to best get the wrinkles out. I have the outer fabric for the sporting Basquine bodice to cut this week as well. So much to do.

So far the Beatrix Skirt from Sense and Sensibility Patterns is still one of the fastest throw together walking skirts. I would also recommend the 5 gore by Laughing Moon Patterns. The bodice will be from the Laughing Moon Sporting Costume. I decided I didn't want to tackle doing the bloomers just yet, there is still a lot of fabric and I could ideally get a pair out of that too, but right now the time crunch is at hand. Also, very facinated by the gaiters/leg treatments. Besides, I find it best not to learn a new pattern when under such a time constraint...as was evident with the Tudor costume. Which still needs finishing. Hope to have done by BayCon.

I Pledge To Use More Stash Fabric This Weekend

2009-03-18T16:32:00.000-07:00

I will continue work on my traveler costume, and hopefully add some from the stash for lining!!!! There, I may also get my butt in gear for the Polonaise Victorian to get back to completion. Oooh, can I do it. As Obama sayz, Yes I Can....

Mystery Fabrics and Oh my Back

2009-03-18T16:04:00.000-07:00

Yes, I have completed 80% of the skirt for the Steam Punk event next month. The mysetry fabric is definately some synthetics derivative. It's such a lovely shade of dull green herringbone. I have got the skirt mostly done. Now to plot and plan the sporting bodice. So much to do before the event in April. I am sorry I didn't get to go to the steam punk ball that is happening in this month. I hope to go to the chabot space center tour. Wish I could spend time on it during the week.

Hmm, the bodice sporting costume will use the pattern from Laughing Moon I think. Such a drab color, but perfect for traveling gear. I thought about doing the short skirt and I do indeed have the fabric for it as well I think, but the leggings gaiters have a bazillion buttons and I just don't have the time to produce that right now. Hope to have pictures of the construction up soon.

Then, I must sew some colonial stuff again....sigh. My back has been giving me grief lately, sewing not an option. Hmmm, speaking of back, to corset or not corset under this. Perhaps Boning is in order, lots of it. Hmmm, where is that pith helmut. Time for me to get a real one, the one I have is not what I would truly see as a pith helmut.

Birthday-New Fabric

2008-09-15T13:02:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-07T19:09:00.000-07:00

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?

2008-08-15T14:30:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-13T15:29:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-10T07:36:00.000-07:00

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

2008-06-03T09:01:00.001-07:00

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

2008-05-12T13:19:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-12T13:12:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-06T12:33:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-05T11:19:00.000-07:00

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

2008-04-29T12:26:00.000-07:00

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

2008-04-22T12:46:00.000-07:00

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

2008-04-07T12:13:00.000-07:00

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

2008-03-17T19:12:00.000-07:00

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

2008-03-12T14:03:00.000-07:00

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

2008-03-12T13:59:00.000-07:00

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

2008-02-23T11:34:00.000-08:00

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!