Black Corset 1880's lining

1880's Corset Black

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

The 1770's Stripe Jacket

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

It's Official, The Costume Evil Economy Challenge

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

Stash Diving: Surviving the Second Plunge

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

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

Victorian Artworks Afternoon Sunday, June 22nd, 2008

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

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

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

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

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

The Costumer Who Lived

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

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

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

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

CC26-It's almost here

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

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

The Over Skirt

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

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

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

Two Weeks Count Down to CC26-The Grey Taffeta Bodice

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

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

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

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

New Web Page

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

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

Yep, That Butterscotch Dress

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

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

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

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

The Challenge: Costuming in This Ugly Economy

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

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

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

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

Yes, you are using resources you already have.

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

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

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

What to Wear at CC26

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

Back at Creating: Natural Form

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

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

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

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

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

Taffeta Terror 1870's

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

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

And What New Year Costumes Are You Planning?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pictures of Graveyard Tour

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

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

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

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

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

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.