Janet's Costume Mess

Gray Elizabethan

2011-12-30T12:21:00.000-08:00

Well, after nearly 15 years away from any Ren Faire participation, or costume creation for that matter, I have embarked on creating a few Elizabethan and Tudor Gowns. But first up is the Gray Elizabethan.

Fabric
I found an elephant/pewter gray tone cotton velveteen piece of cloth and have created the hoops, roll, underskirt, starter corset(yes, it's a working corset, it needs replacing with better). This weekend, the New Year, I am beginning work on the bodice. I figured it was the closest to period I can get and well, velvet in cotton is costlier and so thick. Not to mention that it is so hard to find a cotton velvet.

Stay tuned for the struggles with trims. I may even get some basic beading done on this one.

Now, the hunt for the best faires in California!

Stash pull out

2011-08-08T19:39:00.000-07:00

I am plotting for this new years costumes already. I found myself wanting to get ready for some Teens and Titanic costumes this year. I figure that they will be easier than most to manage at CoCo next year.

I was so mad that I hadn't had the chance to really costume much this year. Sp, I better get cracking to make next year better. There were some fabulous costumes I saw. Maybe next year I will qualify for someone to take pictures of me.

CoCo2011-The Meet Up

2011-07-29T10:40:00.000-07:00

Last night we had a blogger meet up at CoCo and well, I was embarassed that I wasn't in some cool vintage outfit or Tiki recreation. You know, all year long I have been trying to find the time to make something. So this coming year,I need to get a 1930s and a teens dress knocked out.

I am in my room on the first day of Con, lacing up costumes I brought. I even had to procure tape for that, what a surprise. I have to shop for ribbon tonight to be the right color for a costume, of course, and drool over hats!

Well, better get this done! Eep.

Le Petit Trianon Event

2011-06-21T17:27:00.000-07:00

Okay, what have I set myself up for? I thought, oh, I haven't been to a Guild even in a while. I really should challenge myself and get some costuming done. What was I thinking. I have started to work on the costume, but made the mistake of going to Kindra's Demode site and looking at the pouf demo page since that workshop had been sold out. Wow. Okay, can I do this. I could try to mangle a wig.

Okay, I guess I better get off my butt and start. I put some underpinnings on the mannequin and will be looking over the patterns and start drafting the underskirt. Ack.

It's Summer and Time to Create

2011-06-16T17:53:00.001-07:00

I have been drudging away all year, running the business, working, having to work on the teaching credential. It's time to create.

I have three costumes stuck in my head and it's time to get them out.

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!

Back at Creating: Natural Form

2008-02-23T10:58:00.000-08:00

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

2008-01-30T13:58:00.000-08:00

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?

2008-01-30T13:43:00.000-08:00

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.

Pictures of Graveyard Tour

2007-11-23T11:19:00.000-08:00

Sorry this took so long, you can see more on my Flikr account, but here are the pictures of me at least at one tomb being sufficiently glooming I suppose. Got rather warm that day, the picnic was great, too.

Black silk mourning dress using Laughing Moon Patterns Shirt Waist and an antique veil I found.

Back In Town, Costumes on the list

2007-10-23T15:44:00.000-07:00

Finally catching up after such a long time at southern cal visiting family. Then these terrible fires start up and my heart goes out to all in the south being driven from their homes.

I have three costumes I am working on, it always seems to be this many doesn't it??? I have pictures to unload of my visit to a grave yard in full mouring, and it is nice finally seeing the dress out on the town, well, so to speak. I have also got the first pictures of the silver and green Natural Form costume begun. The ruffles of doom! Then, there us the horendous smocking I am doing on a dress for Dickens Faire. So, I will unload the pictures over the next few days and get them up on here and in my flicr/yahoo account as well.

A 1840's Day Dress, or A Romance of the Fabric

2007-09-28T15:23:00.000-07:00

After sitting in on Lynn's class at Cos Coll , and seeing the museum pieces she had from this time period, I must make one up of her new pattern. The 1840's Round Gown is quite lovely and with my strange facination with day dresses. Well, they are sickeningly sweet and geeks should just not be into this froo froo ness of them, but I do get sucked into them. I hope to make one for Dickens if I can break away from other projects. But what to make it of??? I have been looking at cottons, of course wanting to be brave enough to do silk. But at least my budget doesn't allow for such frivolities right now. Maybe a miracle will happen.

The bodice is the thing. to be con't

New Projects, Fall 2007 1870's Natural Form Grey Costume

2007-09-28T14:49:00.000-07:00

1870 Day Dress- or An Experiment in Taffeta Terror
Goal: (Oooh, I hate these) To create a dress in the Natural Form style (1870-1880)and have a day bodice and evening bodice done by Costume Con 26, or the latest, Cos College 2008.
(I know, I should really keep this easy, since Regency theme is running for this event, but why be simple???)

The challenge, I had experienced my first CosColl this August and just been flabbergasted by seeing costumes all day, many being changed, and thinking about what a pain the shipping or carrying of costumes was to get the measly 3 I got there. I had to find a better way to get to wear some of the costumes that I bring to such and event. So, when I saw the huge sale on the gray fabric, and of course there was much of it(not being a popular color) I wanted to make a costume with which I could do day and night options. So, the challenge began.

The Reality
Okay, already faced with the flu this week, and being of crazed costume mind and body, I do declare I must press on with my Victorian Natural Form costume. I have been doing battle with some very dark gray acetate taffeta, spending huge amounts of time really fussing with a ruffle on the Fantail Skirt by Truly Victorian. I know, acetate is not historical, but it is all I could find here in the dreary north.

I have actually got the first layer of ruffle on which I did the old fashioned way, and now I vow not to do it again. I have located a ruffler and I am determined to make the trim in a better more professional way. Experiments in using a ruffler shall commence this weekend.

I have started to create the over skirt, which is a very large piece of rectangle that must be fashioned into poofs. The problem with some of the poofing, is that it is directly at the hips. Now lovely draped swags in those areas does not bother me, but this poofing is like, here, wind yards of fabric to show where your hips really are. I know, it is natural form, but I already know where the hips are. I don't need a banner for it.

I shall prevail, I am determined to finish this costume by Costume Con 26, but of course, being I will be selling at this thingy, I need to get some more practical day wear for the table in the dealer's room, hmmmm, I am thinking of finishing the 1830's High Waisted I started and adding a silly floppy cap and apron. It's period and practical.

Anyway, I digress. What to do for the bodice? I want to do a day bodice and hope to get an evening done out of it as well.

So, here I go...but will have to set aside this project for the Cemetery Walk in two weeks time. Then, to do a new Dickens or not???

Costume College 2007

2007-08-13T18:34:00.000-07:00

Where to begin? It has taken me a week to catch up with myself and when we were there, it was just sooooo much fun and to think, there's costume con in the spring. EEP. I had some fun classes, but did not make it to the ribbon folding class. I will next time.

Hmm, we started a long list of what not to forget for next time. I think I will have to get some retro dresses up an running as well, that way I can go to class in style. That is, if it's not a messy class...wait, this is costuming.

I came away with some fun photos you can see on the flickr account.

I did get the Fantasy Renaissance Costume I did for BayCon 2006, up and running finally. I was so feeling like a stuffed sausage in the arms. I have to rework them again. But here is the photo.......

Yeah, Summer School is out

2007-07-29T08:59:00.000-07:00

And now for some time as a Costume Fiend.

I have been looking at some photos I had meant to get up and well, I can finally have some creative time for me...I can only hope.

I will be going to Costume College and for the first time and I get to take classes!!! will wonders never cease???? I am sure that I will be exhausted after one day of looking at all the fun and creative things people have come up with.

Wow, what a week

2007-06-04T12:52:00.001-07:00

Got back from BayCon and took me a week to recover and find everything again. So, now, I finally got my new sewing machine out of layaway. I have just started learning the computerized gizmos. I was hoping to start on my Harry P dinner costume, but it may be a bit before I find the fabric. I have got a pattern for a hat in mind and would like to work on that first. Then I can just use bits and pieces to create my character.

The last Bits of the Sickeningly Sweet Gown

2007-05-14T09:39:00.000-07:00

Gads, it's been all weekend it seems. I have been doing stupid fastening by hand loops for the front of the bodice. I have to do them for the back of the skirt fastening, but that may end up being safety pinned just to get through this darn picnic. Grrr.

Well, the trim won't be happening either until later this summer, just selling at too many shows this summer.
More to come about the bodice. Front and back views pics and hopefully some actual event photos.

Now, to get that LM dress done

2007-05-03T14:14:00.000-07:00

I have been finally getting the rest of the tiny green checked fabric into skirt form and I am almost to a trying on point. I had to mend a grommet hole on a corset this week and have got all the under pinnings together. I hope to try it on tomorrow and get the length right.

The bodice is finished accept for putting in the spiral stays. I had hoped to trim it out using the new machine, but I still have a bit to pay on it. I guess I will have to work on Harry P as the breaking in project. Of course, as luck will have it, I am really having a hard time finding the fabric I would like for the robes.gggggrrrhhhh.

I have some photos I hope to have up soon for the blog here. The newer camera has been so much easier to use and I don't feel like I am fighting it too much. I still have to use all the features in it, which I have not tried them all yet. Ahh, gotta dig out that straw hat and get it trimmed up.

$99.00$ to go, new machine

2007-03-26T11:26:00.000-07:00

I have gotten very close to freeing my new machine from the hidden depths of layaway. I have been waiting to use it maybe on the LW dress I am working on. I hope to get some pictures of more in progress of where I am at with it all. I am sad about not being able to cartridge pleat as planned, had to quick guage. Grrr. Don'tike this getting old stuff.

Little Women and Surving Sewing of

2007-03-15T16:00:00.000-07:00

Okay, so the Little Women Picnic will be very silly. I have started the costume out of a tiny spring green check. It is sickeningly sweet, and sometimes the checks just want to make me puke. But I do not make these things for myself, I make them for Sally to use in her many dangerous expositions and fashion shows.

So, I hope to have the skirt panels cut out and work on them this weekend, need to take some time to let the stress out.

It Seams a Mountain...Small Spaces Big Style

2007-03-15T15:40:00.000-07:00

I have been recovering from selling at Costume Academy in Berkeley this past weekend and feel the need to be creative for me. How do I get this going?

Well, I have started spring cleaning early. After handling all my supplies this last week, I realised I had soooo much wasted space. I have room I have never had before to be creative, yet I find I work all over the place in that room. Sometimes it's a great creative feeling, but others I feel that I am blocked by not really having the flow through I would like to have. So this last trip, we got some things I hope to use for organizing and as they say on all the clean it up , neat nick cable shows, release myself from fabric prison!

I have to share with you some of my viewing pleasures in this area. I have watched some shows in the past, like Clean Sweep, and it is encouraging to see that there are other people more cluttered than I am get better with organizing. Of course, I don't have a behind the scenes crew to help...you know those minions of cleanliness. And the show Neat has inspired me a few times, but still seems unrealistic.

So the one show I found that has really got me to think creatively about organizing, is Small Spaces, Big Style. Seeing what people can do with a house that is half our size, or even a dorm room makes me think, I have so much more space than that, I have no excuses.

So my spring cleaning has begun, and rearranging my sewing and stock space is the priority this week. I have to have the space to create!

So, PHASE I
Create better storage for back stock of patterns
I have got another double filing cabinet and I will be setting the two up as a desk/shipping area.
Create better sewing area.

I have begun both of these and it is really a matter of getting some things better utilized. By swapping out the current space I use for shipping, a closet, I can store so many things in there and not have outside clutter. This frees up some movement room in the space.

Business Expansions, New Camera

2007-02-06T15:24:00.000-08:00

I have been slowly getting the business side of things in order, and have decided to expand patterns to wearable art and Asian influences. I have been searching for a way to incorporate the art side of things for customers. I know myself to feel inclined to wearing things that remind me of retro influence, and also I have many people contacting me about Sci Fi/fantasy costuming. I think the many new independent pattern companies have some great lines in the patterns that could be great garb for an alien.

Okay, we took the plunge into one of the newer digital cameras. I know, I need to get more pictures up on this blog and in my online store. The camera I have had is so terrible that no amount of editing with Photo shop will fix them. I hope to chronicle my costuming and get more things up that are way easier to see, not so muddy. I am still intimidated by the the actual setting up of shots, learning about how not to use the memory stick up with one shot...

I Must Have New Computer Sewing Machine

2007-02-06T15:10:00.000-08:00

After months of allowing myself to think of a new machine(of course many of the hindrances of $ aside) I have put down a deposit on a Husky Star. I realized that it was time, I will not completely desert my Phaff faithful, it still does many layers of fabric at once. But it is time.

I think that my first project after testing out the bells and whistles, will be the lovely green Victorian I have been dreaming about. I have many yards of taffeta with embroidered bits all over that I have been afraid of trying for two years now. It must come out of the bin of storage and finally get made!! Now to decide which patterns to use for this wonderful project.

Practice....
I am thinking I may make another Polonaise but pick some fabric that is not so spendy and start with that, get used to the pattern I choose. I do like to test run and heh, if it's wearable, take it for a spin.

Do I need a new Camera?

2007-01-25T08:30:00.000-08:00

Yea, I do. I hope that this month we can finally order one, I really need to get some work in progress picts up on here. I spent yesterday re-cooping from the evil teeth monster and did get some bodice cutting out and done with. I have a paisley to start that is brown and green...yuck, what a combo, but great paisleys on it.

I have been watching the latest Jane Eyre on MPT. Great dresses, men's coats. It is one of my favorite periods, and the main dress she wears is very like the blue one I had some years back. I guess I will just have to remake one.

I started up on some bodice pieces and I need to get the over-lock oiled and re-threaded. I am having a hell of it with the blades I think getting dull ish. I hat the prospect of re-threading all the threads.

New Color, New Year

2007-01-23T15:40:00.000-08:00

This year I will continue with green themes in the costumes. I did get a bit burnt on the black silk I used for some Widows Weeds. Hopefully Sally will have those pictures soon.

I am just so sick of black at this point.....
What, Janet sick of black? Well, I think I need a break from it. The color that I want to work with again this spring is green. Yea, how original is that? I have plans for some embroidered taffeta I got for holidays last year. I have some ideas about doing a new Victorian of the bustle era. I finished the mourning dress using the LM patterns for skirt and bodice. Drove myself insane trying to sew at every possible momment with the daylight to finish the main body of this costume. I realised I had to get it done, no trim or fancy things, just done. I was blocking on finding trim locally, and did not find any on my last trip. So, hopefully with the next Mourning Event being in October, I will have time to buy trim in the off season.

But Why Green?
It's alive? Well, kinda. The main reason being that greens are what I am finding locally in suitable weights to sew.I have re-watched some dramas like Deronda and The Way We Live Now and would like to try something from this era, however, I don't want to have to make the monster bustle so I am weighing me choices. Make a smaller bustle, lobster tail, or buy one. I can't really afford that so I may attempt one of the smaller ones.

Another Green Project
So, a Little Women event is planned for spring. I have the perfect little spring green check I found locally. It is supper soft and I am sure that the only thing to keep me from falling asleep in it is the corset! Hmmm...

Finally, The Uniquely You is Unique

2007-01-23T15:28:00.000-08:00

After months of waiting and refitting and reworking, V carved the Uniquely You form with me on the weekend. However, I noticed that things had gotten a bit tight on the cover...hmmm, that holiday bulge. I have begun and increased excercise program and eating more veggies.

I was able to get the short corset and chemise on it and try to get the silk Regency ball gown solidly on it. After months of trying to get this one thing done, it is just amazing how much more possitive I can think about creating now. It's like having a blank canvas almost.

I hope to get our new Digital Camera after V calms down about his new iPod. Then I can get these projects done. I have to make something for the events coming up and I do hope to go to the Cyprian's this year, to make up for missing it two years back. Hope to get some pictures up with the old camera this weekend.

Uniquely You...the challenge

2007-01-05T15:32:00.000-08:00

After much waiting, I finally got the Uniquely You dress form this fall and I am well, with trepid anticipation, getting ready to carve. Yes, with electric knife.

Prep
I have spent several weeks grinding my teeth over the fitting the cover to my body. I had to first stablize the rather flimsy fabric with cotton duck and literally pull it all apart. To save on trying to sew the massive back zipper, I sewed over the existing piece with the stronger fabric. I could not think of any other way to retain the massive zipper and not kill my machine. When I did that, I decided to slowly take apart the whole cover, re size it to me, adjust each piece, use that as a lining piece, and remake the whole thing. Heck, why waste the flimsy fabric, turn it into lining. The project took about three weeks, doing one panel at a time. It would not take this long had I not been grinding my teeth the whole time. I would run out of patience after each piece and have to go back to it after working on something else for a bit.

So, now after many fittings, I have the cover fitted to me. Now, I have to be brave and actually carve out the dress form. I have taken all the measurements and will try to find some cheaper foam in town and practice with the knife. I see this dragging out a bit, but I must show my patience.

Woo, New Year and New Messes

2007-01-05T15:21:00.000-08:00

Wow, has it been that many months? Really? Okay, well it's that time of year for making promises and trying to keep them and I think I have done pretty well with the costuming ones.

I made it to Dickens and spent what little time we had there talking with friends and bonnet bumping galore. Trystan had a very nice picture of us and I will be uploading this later.

Wow, I have been working on my pledge of last year to use up some fabric I already have. This spurred the, I must clean my costuming closet mess...some of it, this year. So I have actually bought boxes for organizing hats and I am taking inventory of business items for sale and hope to utilize my space better. I realized by using some rather helpful items from Ikea that were meant for the kitchen, I can now organize my actual sewing supplies better. By doing this, I have more room in the cabinet!

Amazing, all this room you never knew you had because things weren't organized. So, all those HGTV and DIY shows finally inspired me. My goal is to create more room for saleable stuff in my business to somehow get to where I can make money. So, I am organizing away.

Of course, organizing while I am in the middle of making a spooky mourning outfit(black thread everywhere) and a regency Ball Gown...it's silk, eek! Actually, both have ravel potential and much pre-sewing and finishing must occur to have some actual fabric left to sew with for the costume. So, planning away for my two first projects of the year.

Georgian Costume, under skirt

2006-08-05T18:45:00.000-07:00

I have been working for weeks on this costume using the Figleaf Pattern 101 that I sell on my website. I have been trying to make at least one pattern of each line to better understand the pattern line and how they work.
I have finally got to a point where I can sit back and think about this costume. The underskirt was a challenge in that I realized after years of doing costumes, that I needed to not have huge amounts of bulk under the over dress. I wanted the lines to be smooth. So I decided to try the side opening version of the underskirt and used pleating on the from and back tie tapes.

Attaching the skirt to the tapes, I did a temporary measure of zig-zag stitches to hold the pleats flat, and make it easier to do fittings that just pins. With the amount of fabric and weight, I did not trust the hand basting to work. I find that the zig zag has helped in many skirts to flatten and keep in control the waistline while covering the stiches and then sewing with a short length stich on the machine. I also think this is a great way to seam rip if I need to re-adjust the pleating.

Actually Making it to a Guild Event...

2006-07-26T17:36:00.000-07:00

Oh my, I actually made it to this summer Romantic Poetry outing. I am waiting for some pictures of me in a boat. Of course, I dropped my camera in the leaky boat...Hope I can rescue the pictures.

What did I wear!
Only the green paisley I had been slaving over off and on for months. The sad story of the ruined first attempt at the bodice part, then luckily finding another yard or two left on the bolt at the local fabric place. It is just such a wonderful paisley. I will have to get some better close ups of it and the pelisse.

Pelisse
I finally got to wear this project that started two years ago! I loved this print from the moment it and decided to do a very late Regency coat with it. It was more of a Jacobean print maybe that may have been popular, but I liked the floral patterns so much. It had a bit more orange in the print than I would have liked.

Bonnet
I finally made up that silly little bonnet I had bought like 10 years ago , it seems. I put some plum feathers and purple ribbon on it, more of what you would call a autumn color scheme, but back in the Regency, they did wear some very odd colors together as it was fashionable to them.

What next, a 18th Century Robe .....

BayCon

2006-06-05T13:57:00.000-07:00

Well, it was great that I kept up with my costume and worked on it weekly until the Con, but it's still was last minute sewing Friday while working my table. Then there was the trying to get to the Masqarade. Wouldn't you know it, when I have finally got my hair up where I wanted it to be and was fluffing the sleeves puffs, the fire alarm went off and we were asked to go down the stairs and not use the elevators. This was a headache. I was not going to do it, I had a train on my costume and didn't want to pick the hembroidery on the stairs.

Suffice it to say, everything was resolved and the Masque went on. I will have to pull out my costume and do some fixing and fluffing to get a picture of it. I finally finished my first fantasy piece in ten years. I will have to create another one for next year! I hope to have something done for SiliCon, thinking if I can get done during the Summer months. I think the theme for costumes is going to be green this summer. Good time for it. Easy when threading the machine too.

Well, I finally feel like I got somewhere

2006-03-17T12:49:00.000-08:00

Well, after braving torrential rains and snow, I made it down to CA this last weekend. The place was cold and well, of course I came back with a sinus infection and ear infection. So, after getting put on evil meds for that, I am plotting spending the day in front of the fire sewing and finishing up the fantasy piece I have got as far as the skirt to. The gathered 1856 dress is nearly finished, I just have to figure out what about trim and such. Yes, Sally, I will send the review when my head stops pounding.

I may actually meet my goal of getting this costume done by BayCon.
No, I will not be going to CC again, hopefully when they have it here I will. Just don't have that kinda doe.

Fantasy Renaissance Costume Takes Shape

2006-02-25T12:31:00.000-08:00

Yes, it's an amazing thing. I actually am getting this costume done. I have been using the Simplicity Ren Fantasy collection pattern 9929. I say fantasy, because the pieces may look Renni, but they are not really. Still, if you are doing a fantasy, this costume could get knocked together in two days easy. Of course, I had to add onto the costume because, well, I had to make it a little be less flimsy.

So, my thoughts so far. The Bodice has gone together very easy. I chose View B as it could be adjusted up or down is size with a few darts or what not if needed(hint, if you plan fantasy costumes like this, you won't do huge weight fluctuations because you planned ahead)

The shoulder rolls cam out looking like our Banana Slugs do in the yard, but they are purple in this costume. The fabric is a shot taffeta with weird orange purple hue and leaf scroll all over. I have decided to ad a skirt to the bodice, make it look a little bit more real Ren. Of course, the padded rolls were about as fun as banana slugs to sew with, but I endeavored to finish them.

Notes: If you use a lightweight taffeta or other fabric for rolls. Don't over stuff them. It will try to stay straight while you fight to get your arm through it.
Also, the under chemise(which is actually the whole dress, but I had to ad more layers) runs a bit large, and I found that the bodice ran a bit small, so, don't go by your standard measurements. Make the chemise first then take measurements for the bodice over it.

Okay, now, the other purple item
The Truly Victorian 1856 Gathered Front Bodice Dress
Boy, have I gotten sucked in by the new Bleak House Series. I like the costumes very much and have been drooling over the fan fronts and wishing my mid-section was back at 25". I am working very hard on the situps and weight machines and if I get it at least to 29" I will be happy! So, since I have been drooling, I decided to use this fabric of really scary paisleys in purple. I have been fussing over this one, but all in all, it is very straight forward. But, yet again, I needed to remember that the skirts are at a height for 5'5" in height, and I needed to remember to add onto the fabric amount. So, buy two yards more than you think you will need.

Wet Weather and Fantasy Costumes

2006-02-01T11:55:00.000-08:00

So, the long and miserable days of winter are still happening, despite the strange early spring we are having. Daffadils in January? yes in my yard they are. But hey, we had a bearded iris come up at xmas.

So, after my tragic leaving of really awful teaching program I now have some of my creativity coming back at me, with me, and around me. I have actually begun a fantasy costume! It's been a while, and I must confess I have been drooling over bodices in Bleak House(PBS). But, since I had fabric from a gift certificate last year that was drooling over taffeta with embroidery, I am working on one of the Ren patterns from Making History, McCalls I think. Anyway, it's a pure fantasy piece with gold trim. You know, trim is amazing at deptracting from body flaws if done correctly.

I am actually very happy about sewing with this pattern so far. I have a cotton poly blend with gold print chemise and I have the loverly purple orange shot taffeta. I may have enough left over for a Victorian bustle, hmmm.

Hope to have some pictures soon.

Details of the Tails at Peacock Event

2005-08-24T14:37:00.000-07:00

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.

New Insanity, Bodices Galore

2005-07-23T10:13:00.000-07:00

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.

About the Only Good Thing in losing summer employement

2005-06-13T19:40:00.000-07:00

....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.

New Costume Ideas for 2005

2005-05-16T12:08:00.000-07:00

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

2005-05-16T11:57:00.000-07:00

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.

Dickens and Holidays, way to early

2004-12-01T14:03:00.000-08:00

It's been insane the last few months with doing the teaching. My business is finally taking off a bit, but now it's end of year so I will be selling things at huge discounts!

The dress is finally looking good, but now I have all the finishing bits, like hooks, snaps, bottons. The buttoning down the front just got too intemedating for now so I did the hook and eye thing and will just sew on the buttons, collar and the removable cuffs. I haven't got the pattern for Vaughn's vest yet so I am not sure about it, getting it done before Dickens is asking too much. We may have to make it up for next year.

I wish that this school stuff wasn't taking up so much time, I have things I would like to work on . I have planned for at least finishing the Ren costumes, doing an Italian Ren, and of course trying to do that first LOTR dress. I still have to rescue my other ear from Trystan's cats.

Movie Review, Vanity Fair

2004-10-04T14:32:00.000-07:00

I think the color palette was amazing and wild, lots of fun...but the historical side of me says:
1. What was she doing scrubbing the floor in that dupioni!!!! The dress would have been plainer, even if Becky was leaving that day.
2. What of that lack of bonnets? Now, the headwear was quite silly and faciful in the time period, but still there is something to be said of keeping that skin protected while traveling. Of course as Becky rose in the social ladder, her hats could be just as outrageously silly, but still a fashion statement.
3.Parting in the rain without shaperone or gentlemen's escort, unheard of even if people didn't like the little minx.

Now, a lot of the hair showing off was quite wonderful for the Apollo Knots and head dresses, still, when it was raining, head covering was very important.
Oh, I forgot, they had an American Starlet in the lead. Oh, silly me.
Now, I did like the outer layers of the Pelises and such, great amounts of silk and layering in colors were devine. I look forward to some feather and hairdoos from this film showing up at the Cyprian's Ball. The Bollywood number from the Marquis of Steyne's performance would be very entertaining.

It was interesting to see Natasha Little who played the Sharpe character in the A@E production as Lady Jane in this production. Wonder how that was on the set?
All in all, I would get it on DVD for the costumes alone, but that is what we do anyway;-)

My 40th Birthday was filled with blue gooo....

2004-09-30T15:33:00.000-07:00

Well, I can say that it was one really great way to do something fun with friends and some strangers and live to tell the tale! I went to the GBACG's Ears workshop taught by Jay Hartlove. We learned how to make plaster casts of our ears. The first part is really eery as we had to have a cup placed on our ears and then had blue goo poured over my ears. It was rather bizare to have to lie with our heads on the table and trying to keep the body propped up while we were at such odd angles. The hours went by in various stages as we poured ears and had others keep it straight and then swapped with each other. The molds started with a dental mold gel, then we poured plaster and started the long process of building up the ears.

The purpose of all these stages, is to build a plaster mold of your ears so that you can then make a mold for latex or gel ears. The next step is to sculpt clay onto the tips to make elven ears, or whatever your character may be. I hope that over the holidays I will be able to do this as right now the next two months is just chaotic.

And Yes, I Still Hate Bodices

2004-09-14T14:26:00.000-07:00

Whew, this last three weeks has been murder trying to get time to be creative, all the student teaching has been draining me. I have slowly gotten my bodice to just about the next phase. Then I found out the dies for the grometer won't be available until first week of October. This is really making my costume drag out until the bitter end. I hope to do the length on the skirt tonight if I can get Vaughn to help with a fitting, I guess I can do the tedious work on heming and then some of the other adjustments. Last night I started putting small faux pearls on the fore part. I have to do it in a way so that it is reversable, so it's of course going to take longer. The comes the trim placement. I have been agonising over this for quite a while now. I have trim I want to use, and I know it's really cool looking stuff, but I still think it could be overblown. What, Elizabethan over blown...yee jest surely.

Vaughn's doublet is starting to take shape. I got the lining done but the outter fabric is so thick that I will have to have him do the deed. I love the color of burgundy, and it has a cool brocade on it. But still, it twill be stiffling possibly.

AVP Movie Review

2004-09-02T15:42:00.000-07:00

Okay, we knew it would be strange and well, you know the last sequel wasn't so great. Here's what I had a problem with. Warning, spoilers rules don't apply, they just don't.

I had to admit that the costuming was great for the creatures, lotsa scary goo and all. The Predator weapons were really fantastic and well done. Well, accept for when they suit up the heroine with a Alien Head shield and the lance made of tail, those looked pretty bad. Also, the whole,"yeah we chose to be on the Predator side as a lesser of two evils", didn't really do it for me. Pretty flat.

Problems: okay, how is it that the larval aliens can transform so quickly into adults? In all the other films, the metamorphose takes several days and yet that also helps build the suspense up a bit. From the time the hosts are attacked in the upper chamber, it seems like a few hours has passed.

Overall, if you like the effects, that's what you watch it for. The creatures had some great costuming. But plot wise, you are left hanging in dead airspace, not suspense.

I started this costume why?

2004-09-02T15:28:00.000-07:00

Okay, so after days of battle with the bodice that a Jedi Knoght would be proud of, I have finally decided to work on the skirting bits. Have I explained how much I hate piping? Even with the new piping foot, it is a daunting task. I think I will use the quilters glue tape I got for another project to help make the piping stay basted on while battling the piping foot. I always seem to get slipage problems. So I will spend a good amount of time preping the pieces and hoping for the best.

Ears!

In a few weeks I will be at a workshop for ear making so I can have the pointy things. I know, it will be a headache trying to learn how to work with them. Then trying to actually put them on for the con will be very strange. I wonder if L'Oreal true match system with work for them, you know with the blending. Well, then there is the costume designing for one of the LOTR background characters I wanted to make. I will have to try to find a fabric that comes close to being the right color even...sigh.

Japonesque Polonaise

2004-08-31T14:42:00.000-07:00

japonesquepolinaise
Originally uploaded by janetscostume.

I made this with the Truly Victorian Polonaise pattern and after sizing it according to directions, I may have to move the frog closures over and create a third dart on both sides. I still have to attach the back of the bustle to the underskirt with big hooks. The interlining while helping to hold the shape, did indeed make it very hot to wear.

I like the way it looks and it is nice to ba able to step into it. I may make another one in a lighter fabric in the spring of this year.

Victorian Mourning Gown

2004-08-31T14:36:00.000-07:00

Victorian Mourning Gown
Originally uploaded by janetscostume.

I miss this costume. I finally outgrew it so I had to adopt it out to a slimmer person than me.

This was made in 1991 using the Past Patterns reform 1880's dress. I liked it alot because you could bone it a bit and it looked like you were corseted, but you weren't. The dress celebrates the dress reform movement where a doctor of the time decided that yes, all this corseting and heavy clothing may not be good for a woman's body.

argh, lost the blog

2004-08-30T15:58:00.000-07:00

I really hate Ren Bodices Now, I just lost my blog. Argh, I lost all the work and I hate having to do it again.

So, the redo on the bodice was hell. I had to keep sizing it down. I had to convert to a back openning from a side opening bodice. I really hate that I went one way and the fit decided another. Grr. And I don't care if the piping is right at this point, it's a miracle it happened at all. I will have to hide a lot of mess with the killer trim of doom I got.

Argh, this was some mess. I hope if I figure out the picture upload on this I can get some photo's in the blog.

The Dicken's Costume idea I had seems a piece of cake at this point.

No Time to Sew, Sigh

2004-08-27T13:12:00.000-07:00

It's a weekend that was stolen yet again. I have to somehow creep in some work on the bodice and cutting out Vaughn's doublet. The house finally got cleared of some debris from the evil kitchen that ate our lives, and sorted out some of the cyclone in the costuming room.

Now, I know I labeled and organized tubs full of the current project, but now I feel lost. Like, where is it, you labelled it, but I knew where it was before. Can you see why I watch Clean Sweep on TLC? Or is it the other network, whatever. It's good to see that other people can be worse at clutter than me.

Welcome To My Costume Madness

2004-08-27T12:52:00.000-07:00

Faire-Ly Speaking, it's right into faire season and I am still slaving away at bits and pieces of my and Vaughn't costumes. Of course, everyting has just gotten in the way, life keeps seeping in, the main evil doer being the Ikea Kitchen From Hell. More on that terrible experience later.

So, where are we at?

The bottom portions of the costumes are mostly done. After re-doing catridge pleating twice, fiddly bits, and trying everthing on, I discovered I had already ripped a gusset just doing fittings. So, I have to go and fix that bit. If we make it to Northern or Folsom Faire with the bare basics not including sleeves, twill be a miracle.
J