Miss Wilde's Year in Review

Well, I started off my year with a couple quick projects, including a dress to take to Florida to visit my grandmother.

A couple weeks after I saw her, she passed away.  And it was like all my sewing mojo disappeared.  I managed to make a couple things, including a dress for her funeral, and as soon as she was buried (which was actually a couple months after she passed, she was cremated), I had all of this inspiration.  And only a few weeks until the International Steampunk Symposium.  But I managed to make a new outfit in three weeks, corset, petticoat, skirt and vest. 

Over the entire year, I managed a total of fifty two projects.  Some were major, like the new outfit for ISS, and some were minor like modding something or binding a quilt for my cousin.  But still fifty two projects, which for those of you who aren't math savvy, means that I averaged a project a week.

That's kinda crazy.

I accomplished a few goals, made a winter coat for the first time, made a swimsuit for the first time.  I started sewing with knits.  I started sewing for kids.  I completed a few of those projects under tight deadlines.

I also accomplished pretty much nothing that was on my original to do list.

But hey, that's life, right?

Now it's time to look ahead, and make a 2016 to do list, so that I can make completely different stuff. :D

A bientot, mes amis.

2015 Completed Projects - As of December 30 2015 (EDITED)

1. Harley Quinn dress (January)
2. Took in a tshirt for a more feminine fit. (January)
3. Reversible Pepsi print apron for my father
4. 1930s Pepsi print skirt for myself
5. 1950s butterfly funeral dress and jacket (March)
6. 1880s brown and cream bustle ensemble (April)
7. Modded denim jeans into a skirt (May)
8. 1960s Dalek print dress
9. High waisted leopard print shorts (June)
10. Knit dress with kimono sleeves and a drapey neckline
11. Bird dress
12. Purple butterfly dress for my little cousin
13. Speedy cosplay from Arrow (August)
14. Bound two small quilts for my cousin
15. 1960s wrap dress out of Pepsi fabric (September)
16. Retro style swimsuit (September)
17. Hooded snake dress (September)
18. Hooded cardigan for my mom (September) 
19. Two retro style shrugs (September)
20. Flower power dress (September)
21. Tiered purple and green skirt (September)
22. Star Wars scrub top for my mom (September)
23.  Cream microfleece hoodie (October)
24. Finished blue leggings started last year
25. Tshirts for my little cousin: grey, pink, white.
26. Jumpers / dresses for my little cousin: pink hooded fleece dress, penguin hooded jumper, purple flannel jumper, Disney princess flannel jumper, Frozen jumper
27. Grey and pink striped tshirt (November)
28. 1930s Paris print skirt (November)
29. Super quick and easy Christmas print cotton skirt (November)
30. Recovered the family Christmas stockings (November)
31. Hooded sweater fleece cardigan (November)
32. Pink and aqua workout leggings (December)
33. Bath wrap for my dad for Christmas (December)
34. Brown leggings (December)
35. Coral corduroy 'jacket' (December)
36. Three wise men costumes for the church musical (December) 
37. Winter coat (December) 
38. Pajamas for my nephew for Christmas (December) 
39. Two tshirts for myself, one cream, one purple (December)
40. Mid 19th century aka American Civil War chemise and drawers to go with the corset I made earlier this year (December) 
41. Hooded tshirt from fabric left over from making my mom a hooded cardigan (December) 

For those of you playing along at home, that's 52 projects for the year. 

Fall Winter Sewing Update. Again.

1. Wise men costumes are basically done.  I just got their head measurements so the hats are still unfinished, but everything else is in my car to pass off to the pastor tonight at choir practice.
2. Winter coat: Still not finished.  The buttonholes are done, just need to sew on the buttons.
3. I re-covered the family christmas stockings when I was home for Thanksgiving.  My mom actually helped and did a little hand sewing on a couple of them.  
4. The bath wrap for my dad is finished. Hopefully it works for him!
5. I have the fabric and pattern for my nephews pajamas but haven't started them yet.  I went to the other day and realized my pattern was the wrong size so I started something else lol  Now I do have the right size so once I finish the wise men, I'll work on that.
6. I finished the jumpers for my cousin.  I also fixed the first one I made her and fixed the penguin fleece jumper as well.  I have a little pair of sleep pants that I'm redoing the elastic in, but they're not done yet.
7. Brown leggings are DONE.
8. Work out leggings are DONE.
9. 1930s vest is finally all cut out (I think) but I still haven't started it.
10. I have however started the American Civil War undergarments.  The chemise is almost finished, just needs a closure! And I've ordered bone casing, hoop connectors as well as bought twill tape.  So I should have all the supplies for the hoop.
11. Sweater fleece hooded cardigan is DONE  I'm still debating about lengthening the sleeves, they only come to about mid-forearm.  
12. I cut out a stack of tshirts for myself. 

So here's what I need to work on, in some order of priority:

1. Finish the wise men costumes 
2. Finish my winter coat
3. Finish the jacket I started for myself when I couldn't work on my nephew's pajamas. It's McCalls 7291, I just fell in love and thought a learn to sew pattern would be relatively quick to stitch up. And I found coral colored corduroy which was impossible to resist.
4. Christmas gift pajamas for my nephew
5. Tshirts
6. American Civil War undergarments, including starting the hoop over Christmas break.
7. Pajamas for my cousin's kids
8. Paris 1930s vest
9. Jeans 

Fall/Winter Sewing Update -- Trying to Prioritize

The current priority is making three wise men costumes for the church musical.  I honestly wanted to say no when I was asked, but then I thought "God gave me this talent, I should use it FOR Him." So I'm making them.  The worship pastor seems thrilled and keeps bragging to the choir about me making the costumes so I guess I'm doing alright with them so far. lol

Current status: Both collars are at the hand-sewing portion for the trimmings as well as the Velcro closures (might machine that actually).  Both belts are cut out.  One tunic and one coat are cut out, not for the same wise man of course.  Two tunics will be cotton, those will wait til Thanksgiving because I need to iron the fabric first and I don't have the ability to iron several yards of fabric at my place, my ironing board is too small.  In total I need to make: two collars, two belts, three tunics, two coats, one cape, a crown, a fez, and a turban.

After that, finishing my winter coat is probably the next priority.  It just needs the buttons and buttonholes.  I'm actually wearing it unfinished, I figured I can either belt it or just wear it open. 

After that, Christmas projects are probably the next priority.  I need to redo our family stockings for my mom (I've got them cut out and pinned, just need to sew and then do the felt cuffs).  Then I've got the bath wrap for my dad (which is cut out), pajamas for my nephew, and then pajama pants and a nightgown for my cousin's kids. 

After that, it's finishing other in progress / cut out projects, which might get worked on if I need a break from the wise men.  I've got two jumpers for my cousin that just need the shoulder buttons.  Brown leggings cut out for me.  Lining the top section of my new workout leggings, they're done but the fabric is rather more see thru than is acceptable so that needs fixed.  1930s Paris vest, I finished the skirt but the vest is still mostly cut out.  I bought more fabric so I can finish it since I ran short.  I also have my mid 19th century chemise and drawers cut out but those aren't a major priority.

Actually, the undergarments might need to be a priority, my deadline to finish that outfit (undergarments, hoop crinoline, and dress) is early April, which is only a little more than four months away...

Rest of my to do list (roughly) in order of importance:

1. Sweater fleeced hooded cardigan: Fabric is prewashed and pattern purchased, haven't started yet. I obviously need this for the winter so it needs to get done sooner rather than later.
2. T-shirts:  I bought myself more knit the other day -- black and grey striped, cream, purple/pink (there was a remnant left, took that to make mini-me a matching tshirt), and grey and navy striped. And a green knit remnant for mini-me.  I just want more actually wearable tshirts.  Then I could get rid of some of the lower cut ones and older ones that I have now.
3. Jeans from a Burda download pattern: fabric prewashed and pattern printed but not put together. Obviously having another pair of jeans that (hopefully) fit is a priority.


Recently finished projects:

1. Penguin hooded jumper and two tshirts for my little cousin.

2. T-shirt for myself. And I love love LOVE that pattern.  The neck is high enough, the sleeves are long enough and the shirt length is practically perfect.  Which is why I bought more fabric for more t-shirts. :)
3. Workout leggings (kind of since they still need work to be wearable in public)
4. 1930s Paris print skirt.

Other projects in pretty much no order of importance:

1. I'm thinking a coordinating workout top, out of left overs plus a remnant I picked up.
2. Cinderella dress
3. 1930s dress
4. Simplicity knit dress
5. Another scrub top for my mom.
6. Slips -- I need these by spring/summer at the latest
7. Wrap sweater from a Burda download pattern
8. Bought a 1970s reprint Simplicity skirt pattern that I think would be perfect for the denim skirt I was wanting to make.

Fall Winter Sewing Plans

Vacation sewing is done, and I'm all packed! I head to my parents' after work today and then Mom and I are on the road again in the morning.

I actually finished my sewing last Friday, and then made my mom a new scrub top:

Mama's new scrub top.  The Force is strong in my family.

Then I was bored so I turned my attention to fall and winter sewing plans.  This was prompted by someone I follow on Instagram: sewhotmommi.  Last week she posted a picture of patterns and fabric that she is planning to sew for the fall and winter.  I loved the idea! Here's what I came up with:

From left to right, top to bottom we have:

1. Civil War undergarments.  I've decided that I need a complete mid 19th century outfit by Symposium next year, so I have until April.  Up first are finishing the hoop, and making a chemise and drawers and then petticoat.

2. Cinderella dress! I found Cinderella only print cotton at Joanns recently and couldn't resist it.  She's my favorite! I'm thinking the same 1950s pattern I used for my yellow Easter dress a couple years ago, but with sleeves (of course) and probably a white or other solid colored collar.

3. Leggings.  Because I always need leggings. I actually finished a pair of bright blue ones I started last year!

4. Work out clothes.  I fell in love with one of McCalls new patterns, that has a hoodie and awesome pieced workout leggings so I picked up some microfleece from the remnant bin to try out the hoodie pattern.  It's currently in progress, and will be finished post-vacation.  I have some brown knit that will either be these leggings or just the plain leggings from #3

5. Another scrub top for my mom.

6. Winter coat! This is the next project I plan to tackle post vacation because I need it the most.

7. 1930s skirt out of a black Paris print cotton I picked up several months ago.

8. 1930s vest to go with the Star Wars 1930s skirt I already have.  If I like it, I may make more vests.

9. 1930s dress.  When I took this picture I wasn't sure what fabric to use, but now I'm thinking it might be the Tardis print lurking in my stash...

10. Tshirts! This is another priority.  I need some more good layering tshirts, especially since I have decided to stay covered to my elbows.  Elbow length tshirts are one of my favorites and I've decided just to learn to make them myself.

11. I couldn't resist this knit dress pattern from Simplicity, no fabric for it yet.

12. Christmas gift for my dad -- a bath wrap for after he showers.  I just happened to find a pattern for one in my stash.  Who knows how long it's been there! lol

13. and 14. Sewing for my little cousin! Her mom (my first cousin) picked out some patterns she liked and I hit up the remnant bins for some fabric.  Oh the joys of sewing for a toddler! :)  I've finished the hooded fleece dress from the first pattern, and the tshirt from the second, the jumper from the second just needs the buttons on the shoulders.

15, 16, and 17 are all jumper patterns I've made before that I may tackle again.

18. I would like slips to wear with a few dresses but they're expensive! So I'm going to try making my own.

Not pictured: I just downloaded two BurdaStyle patterns during their 50% off sale on the first day of fall: a wrap sweater and denim trousers.  I've been wanting a wrap sweater for a while, and I really need to learn to make jeans because it's IMPOSSIBLE to find ones that fit me.  But I've had no luck patternwise because I want high waisted not skinny jeans.  These look like a good bet.  Plus, they're 1970s, which is in this season.

I obviously need to pick up some more fabric (I should make a list just in case we end up in any fabric stores during vacation...) but I have a good start, just from my stash!

2015 Completed Projects as of May 7, 2015

1. Harley Quinn dress: stash pattern and thread, gift fabric, purchased black solid and buttons and zipper

2. Taking in a tshirt so it has a more feminine fit

3. Reversible Pepsi print apron for my papa: purchased fabric that I couldn't resist, stash pattern

4. Pepsi print 1930s skirt for myself: purchased fabric, I think the pattern was already in my stash

5. Butterfly dress for my grandmother's funeral: purchased fabric and thread, stash pattern and belt buckle

6. Crazy sewing project for ISS: stash almost everything, I think the only think I purchased were the closures for the jacket and the muslin to flatline the skirt.

Miss Wilde's Crazy Project 2

I did it!

Okay, mostly.

First up, the corset: Like I said before, this was finishing an already started corset.  It's a Simplicity Civil War era style, which is probably why fitting it was such a pain.  I cut and recut it several times before I was happy with it and when it was all said and done, I still had to put in a little dart at the bottom to get it to fit better.  But, I think it turned out pretty good. :)

Getting everything cut out and ironed.

All put together and putting the boning channels in.

One thing I wished I had done differently: I followed the instructions for the boning channels but ended up only using like half of the boning I purchased for the corset because I couldn't do all the boning channels.  Several of the panels were supposed to have boning down the center but mine was so small that I couldn't really fit them.  So next time two boning channels per seam. I think that'd work better and give me more support and compression.

Busk in, eyelets next.

Almost done! And looking pretty good, don't you think?

Half bound. I wasn't going to line it, but decided that I couldn't deal with icky insides, so I used left over fabric from my butterfly dress to line and bind them.  I think the purple looks pretty with the yellow stripes.

Once the corset was done, it was time to start on the petticoat.  This is the 1880s view from Truly Victorian's petticoat pattern.  I had actually cut it out last year but never put it together.

I really really hate tucks.  They're easy but very monotonous.

Petticoat's not fancy, but it's done. And I think it looks pretty good.

Finished corset and petticoat worn over my lobster tail bustle and bustle pillow for extra lift and support.

After the undergarments were finished, it was time for the outfit! First up was the skirt, because I figured it'd be easier.  I had brown silk already and debated about flatlining it for support and structure.  I asked a couple seamstress friends and they were both like "oh it'll be fine, don't worry about it".  My mom (who doesn't sew, but understands sewing and more importantly me) told me to flatline it because I wouldn't be happy otherwise.  Flatlining was also the advice from Historical Sewing when I asked via Facebook.  So I bought some cream muslin and flatlined the silk, following the instructions from Historical Sewing's blog.

Everything cut out.

Once the skirt was together, I realized I had a couple snags: the waistband was too small and the petticoat too long.

 I ripped apart the waistband, remade a new slightly longer one, and resewed it.  I also ended up hemming the petticoat a little shorter, the night before the convention.

Hand hemming the skirt while visiting my parents and watching Smackdown! (wrestling) with my dad.

Once all that was taken care of, it was time to tackle the worst part: the jacket.  After measuring myself, and having a friend remeasure me, I set to work.

First up, cutting out the pattern. This is Truly Victorian's Riding Habit bodice by the way.

Mock up, front.

Mock up, back

This is actually mockup number two. The front was too small on the first one so I had to cut another at a larger size.

The weekend before the convention, hand basting time!

Trying to decide if I wanted a contrast collar or not.

Cutting out the lining.

Good thing I keep a sewing machine at my parents' house! I was able to get the jacket....

And the lining put together while visiting over a three day weekend.

Good thing about that leftover boning from my corset? It worked pretty perfectly to bone the jacket.

Spent an evening hand sewing in boning casings.

 And now for the bane of my existence, sleeves.  I did sleeve #1 three times, decided it was okay enough and did sleeve #2 and....they didn't match.

I hate sleeves.

 This was Monday night before the convention, that started on Friday. I called my  mom almost and tears and she told me just to make it a vest, at least for now. Wasn't worth the stress.

Two days before the convention

Two days before the convention and my to do list was: finishing the bias trim which had to be hand sewn on with all the corners and tricky bits. Sewing the arm holes and neck edges.  Closures on the jacket and the skirt. Oh and finishing packing.

Only the closures to go!

I totally sewed on the last two closures for my jacket on my lunch break at work the day the convention started but I finished my crazy sewing project!

FINISHED!

And a close up.

Next time, I need to lengthen the skirt (which is Truly Victorian's four gore 1880s underskirt)  It was a good walking length, which was perfect for the traveling outfit idea I was going for, but it really should be just a touch longer because you could see my boots.

First projects of 2015!

My birthday / Christmas gift from my brother was 6 yards of Harley Quinn fabric from Spoonflower! His only request was that I make something that he could see me wear, and not just something like pajamas.  So with an upcoming trip to Florida to see my grandmother, I got to work!

I apparently like tight deadlines lol

FABRIC! Which is actually more orange and black than red and black, but at least it's a very red orange.

Trying to decide on a pattern. The left one won!

Starting the bodice!

And the skirt!

 I ended up having to go to the store for a zipper, buttons and facing fabric.

Putting it all together!

Almost there! Facings, buttons and hem to go!

Just needs buttons!

And DONE!

 Dress was finished in under a week, with time to spare before my trip! Then I wore it to an NXT event...

And met Finn Balor (Prince Devitt), Charlotte, and Hideo Itami (KENTA)!

AND met my FAVORITE!!! Sami Zayn!!

Second 2015 project? Taking in my Sami Zayn shirt so it actually fits:

2015 Sewing Plans - Post the Second

Dear friends, do you ever just not FEEL it? For example, this year's to do list is full of awesome stashbusting, historical sewing! And I feel like doing pretty much NONE of it.

So what's a seamstress to do?

Rewrite the to do list!

I'm pretty sure that what I actually end up sewing will be a mixture of the two, but c'est la vie! So in no particular order:

1. I do still want to do Civil War, so first up are the undergarments! Corset, hoops, chemise, drawers, and petticoat.
2. Then I'll tackle the clothes.  Probably the cream plaid dress to start, then maybe a ballgown. Or maybe a Garibaldi blouse and skirt.
3. Blue leggings that have been started.
4. A winter dress with sleeves would be nice.
5. A dress for my little cousin Briella. This should be fun!
6. I should probably make myself an Easter dress. Maybe from the blue plaid I have in my stash. I was going to do something historical with it but...
7. 1930s vest to  match my 1930s Star Wars skirt. Probably a nice black cotton, with the Star Wars print as the collar and belt. Yellow lining, and yellow buttons. Or the reverse, yellow vest, black lining and buttons...
8. I have a yard of a fancy gold fabric, I'm thinking a pencil skirt for SES. It doesn't quite match my airship uniform, but if I wore my black bustle apron...
9. I really want a new denim skirt.
10. I have leftover Harley Quinn fabric from another project (posting about that next!) so I'd like a skirt out of that as well. Maybe do another 1930s skirt and vest combo.
11. I need to work on my quilting. I have two current projects and I'd also like to do some Civil War era blocks. I also have a quilt commission I should work on...
12. Retro style swimsuit
13. Winter coat
14. 1940s blouse and trousers.
15. New drindl blouse, I'll need that before Oktoberfest.

So a couple major projects, but a lot easier than the previous list. :D

2015 Sewing Plans

In the process of making a to do to finish out 2014, I of course started thinking about what I'd like to make next year. First of all, I've decided to try to stage a de-stashing, so the first step will really be cataloging and probably reorganizing my fabric and patterns. That may take a while.

But here's what's on my list for next year:

1. Finish the cosplay for Ohayocon. This is NOT a stash project, I'll probably have to buy pretty much everything.
2. A dress to wear to see the Great Gatsby at BalletMet in February. I was planning to use a twenties-esque pattern from my stash, but it doesn't have sleeves so....I'm not sure yet. Another NOT stash project.
3. A dress to wear to see Cinderella at BalletMet in March. I'm not sure but I'm thinking of maybe using the same pattern I used for my Easter dress, but with sleeves and with an overskirt. NOT a stash project
4. A quilt commission for a friend that has been sitting in my sewing room for a really long time
5. The green and blue sari bustle gown that I started for Teslacon. I'll need it done by Steampunk Symposium at the end of April. Most of it is cut out already, but I will need to purchase a few things.
6. Over the winter, I'll be working on hand quilting my embroidered quilt again
7. Brown and cream bustle gown. I have brown silk for the skirt and a cream and brown linen for the bodice both in my stash. I'll probably have to purchase notions and such, along with some bodice lining. Stash.
8. I have eight yards of plaid taffeta. I'm thinking either a plaid bustle gown, or a mid century ball gown. Stash.
9. Speaking of mid century, I need to make my Civil War era undergarments. Will likely need to purchase some muslin for these, my stash is running out.
10. And the cream plaid day dress from fabric I purchased either this year. Stash
11. I have around nine or ten yards of a pink on pink stripe. I should make *something*. Stash
12. I also have several yards of a green and white stripe and a white on white stripe. I was thinking a bustle afternoon gown, but maybe something Edwardian. Stash.
13. I'd like to at least start my charm quilt, although I realize that's a LONG term project
14. I'd also like to start doing some piecing for a Civil War quilt using the book I bought while on vacation
15. Garibaldi blouse and skirt. Probably not a stash project.
16. I really want to make a Maleficent cosplay of some sort. NOT a stash project
17. A winter coat. NOT a stash project
18. New blouse to wear with my drindl. Also NOT a stash project.