Progress on January 2012 Sewing To Do List 4

Our impromptu build day at the house was quite successful this weekend.

1. Harley Quinn cuffs - are DONE. I stitched on the velcro and elastic so there's no chance of losing them
   
2. Star Wars pillowcases for Beau - are DONE and on the bed. They were a quick project, even with finishing the edges with a zigzag.
   
3. Spiderman pajama pants for myself - are DONE and waiting to be laundered so I can pack them for Ohayocon. Again, a quick project, but pajama pants usually are.
   
4. Star Wars nightgown for myself - is DONE. I finished cutting out the pattern, then put it together, which was a fairly quick project. I used black quilt binding, cut in half lengthwise, for the neck binding; added a band of black flannel to the sleeves because they were too short; and used snaps instead of buttons because I didn't feel like messing with buttonholes and buttons.
5. I also helped a friend with her Catwoman costume, and moved the ears to a better placement.
   

So the Current State of the January To Do List is:

• Finish the steampunk gypsy corset: This is pretty much done except for the D rings I want to add. - Deadline: ASAP
  
• Make a bodice for Gemma Fletcher of the Archon: DONE
  
• Harley Quinn collar and cuffs: DONE
  
• Make Beau a bag for his closet to keep his unmentionables in: Haven't started this yet. - Whenever it gets done.
  
• Make Beau and I both pajamas for Ohayocon: Spiderman pajama pants: DONE. Star Wars nightgown: DONE. Star Wars pajama pants for Beau: not done, because he doesn't seem like he wants them. Star Wars pillowcases: DONE - Deadline: January 27 (Ohayocon)
• Make my plaid square overskirt: This is DONE (except for the decorative pocket, but its currently wearable). And I decorated the hat. - Deadline: January 27 (Ohayocon)
• Concert tshirts throw: Started, still needs a lot of work. - Deadline: February 4

So all that's left is Star Wars pajama pants if Beau wants them, his unmentionables bag that has no real deadline and the concert throw which I need by the 4th.

To do list for Ohayocon:

• Laundry
• Pack
• Go to Sally's for a hair piece
• Work on tshirt throw
• Finish a friend's Catwoman (the eyes need fixed)
• I also want to sew those D rings onto the gypsy corset so its fully finished
  

Projects in the Pipeline - January 19 2012

As of right now, this is what I've got in the 'pipeline' as it were.

1. Harley Quinn cuffs - They still need the Velcro and elastic
   
2. Star Wars pillowcases for Beau - Cut out and pinned together. I'm using a green / black / white Star Wars flannel with black solid flannel for the flap.
3. Spiderman pajama pants for myself - Cut out, including pieces of black flannel to lengthen the legs which had to be cut short due to lack of fabric.
   
4. Star Wars nightgown for myself - Partially cut out of the green / black / white flannel, the fabric I brought to work with me today only had enough for the skirt front and back and the bodice front. I still have the sleeves and the bodice back left to do out of the fabric left at the house.

Star Wars flannel

Progress on January 2012 Sewing To Do List 3

I made a lot of progress this weekend.

Saturday, at the Build Day:

I finished my steampunk gypsy corset, except for my little D ring decoration. I found another D ring that I may add as well. I laced it using an interesting lacing technique I found via Diary of a Renaissance Seamstress.

I sewed a closure on my new plaid square overskirt and decorated a little hat to go with that outfit. Plain doll hat found on clearance + silver lace + black lace veil + black elastic cord + a plaid fabric flower = awesome new tiny hat! I didn't work on the pocket though.


The hat to wear with my new plaid overskirt.

Speaking of the plaid overskirt...


The apron spread out, pre-assembly.


A close up of the trim.

I didn't work on the Harley Quinn cuffs.

I did get Miss Fletcher's bodice cut out, all three layers (outer, interlining, lining) plus neckline alterations. I also cut out a pair of Spiderman pajama pants for myself, had to cut them a little short due to lack of fabric. I did not cut anything from the Star Wars fabric yet.

Saturday, post Build Day:

I worked on Miss Fletcher's bodice: I ironed the lining pieces, spray starched and ironed the satin outer layer. Then I put the lining together and flatlined the satin with the interlining, a heavy purple cotton (from what I can tell).


Miss Fletcher's bodice, with heavy alteration of the neckline plus a zipper instead of the laces.

Yesterday (Sunday):

I put together the outside of Miss Fletcher's bodice, set up a fitting then headed to the fabric store.

At the fabric store: A zipper for Miss Fletcher's bodice. Three yards of black Paris print calico for my pink satin costume (I decided on a Paris theme). Almost seven yards of the same Star Wars flannel I picked up from another store last week. A little over a yard of black flannel, to use with the Star Wars flannel and to lengthen my Spiderman pajama pants if necessary. And two Simplicity nightgown patterns because I've been wanting to make some old fashioned sleepwear.


Nightgown pattern 1.


Nightgown pattern 2

I'm planning a Star Wars nightgown, probably the first pattern, and hopefully before Ohayocon. I'm also planning some Victorian-esque nightgowns.

Miss Fletcher came over for a fitting. The neckline needed altered a little more and a couple seams needed taken in. After she left, I took in the seams, finished altering the neckline and stitched the lining to the outer bodice along the sides and bottom. All that's left is hand stitching the rest in place.

Current State of the January To Do List:

• Finish the steampunk gypsy corset: This is pretty much done except for the D rings I want to add. - Deadline: ASAP
  
• Make a bodice for Gemma Fletcher of the Archon: All that's left is hand sewing. - Deadline: January 20
  
• Harley Quinn collar and cuffs: Collar's DONE, just need to add velcro and elastic to the cuffs - Deadline: January 27 (Ohayocon)
  
• Make Beau a bag for his closet to keep his unmentionables in: Haven't started this yet. - Whenever it gets done.
  
• Make Beau and I both pajamas for Ohayocon: Spiderman pajama pants have been cut out for myself, but they may be set aside in favor of a Star Wars nightgown and pajama pants for Beau. He's also requesting pillowcases asap. - Deadline: January 27 (Ohayocon)
• Make my plaid square overskirt: This is DONE (except for the decorative pocket, but its currently wearable). And I decorated the hat. - Deadline: January 27 (Ohayocon)
• Concert tshirts throw: Started, still needs a lot of work. - Deadline: February 4

That's all for now!

A bientot!

Miss Leah J Wilde

Mid Ohio Con 2011

I spent most of the weekend in my Imperial Officer's uniform representing the 501st Legion. Thankfully, I was allowed to wear my skirt. However the skirt is just a smidgen too short and shows one of my leg tattoos.


Photo by Matthew Wells. Even though I spent most of the weekend in this costume, I have very few pictures of it. Oh well.

I spent a few hours Saturday as steampunk Harley Quinn, hanging out with my friend Nin Ja (aka Jesse) who cosplays as Joker.


A solo shot of Steampunk Harley by my friend Corielle Riddell.


With Nin Ja (as steampunk Joker) from his camera, taken by a nice con attendee. (I asked her to take our picture by complimenting her Star Wars tshirt. lol)


Another with Nin Ja, taken by the same con attendee. I seriously love this photo by the way. I look just a touch devious, which I think is appropriate for such a Victorian Harley Quinn.

Sadly, you can't see my awesome stockings in any of these photos. They are the Harlequin and Heart Thigh Highs from Sock Dreams (best website EVER by the way). I could NOT resist mismatched red black and white thigh highs especially when harlequin diamonds were involved.

DragonCon To Do List -- Week of August 15th

Progress on last week's (Aug 8) to do list:

1. Post apocalyptic jacket was fitted, pinned and hemmed. So its DONE. Up next: the skirts, once the hoops are done.

2. I worked on the vest and one side is done! Now to do the collar and the other side...

3. The Ottoman bustle is DONE.

4. The Persian pants are almost done. I just need to sew closures onto the waist. I did end up putting elastic in the cuffs, it was just easier plus it ensured a good fit and the ability to get the pants on and off easily.

5. While I worked on the Time Traveler hat band, it is not finished. I'm going to seek outside help with the watches and I need to add some trim and ribbon to the hat.

6. While I didn't get the muslin made and fitted, I did cut out the Time Traveler ballgown bodice muslin. As well as thought about my trimming plans for it.

7. The pocket on the red and black kilt is DONE.

8. And I started his new kilt. I cut and hemmed the fabric last week and backed it with the denim over the weekend. I pleated it, fitted it, and shortened it by about 4 inches (it was rather long) before hand stitching the pleats down, attaching the waistband and working on hand stitching it into place. All that's left to do is finish stitching the waistband in place, make and attach belt loops, add D rings to the kilt, clips to the finished sporran, and closures to the kilt.

And now for this week's list:

1. Hopefully start on the post apocalyptic skirts, but that depends on whether or not Miss Von Stoup finishes her hoop skirt.

2. Continue working on the vest. I think my goal for this week is going to be getting the collar done. Then I'll have about two weeks to finish the other side of the front.

3. Sew closures on the Persian pants waistband.

4. Finish the Time Traveler hat band. I need to meet with a friend to deconstruct the watches, then sew them onto the band which I think is going to be decorated with a little green ribbon and white lace...

5. I'd like to at least get the Time Traveler ballgown bodice muslin put together and fitted. I'd prefer to get it made out of the satin so I can start decorating it.

6. Finish the new kilt: Stitch the waistband in place. Belt loops. D rings and clips. Closures.

7. And over the weekend with the beau's help -- He needs a new RFT vest. He knows how to do it and just needs me to help with a little sewing. It shouldn't take long. I hope.

Although I don't if I'll get to it this week, if I have time I'd like to make myself a little skirt to wear to conventions out of the rest of the kilt fabric...

Updated DragonCon To Do List UPDATED 8/16/2011

With less than three weeks to go, my current DragonCon to do list:

Musts:

1. Confederate Vivandiere uniforms. -- Mine is DONE. Miss Von Stoup's is coming along and the rest of the work is in her hands, not mine.

2. My mystery costume is DONE.

3. Post apocalyptic costume for Miss Von Stoup. -- Jacket is DONE, skirts are waiting til she finishes the hoop skirt.

4. Ottoman vest and bustle improvements. -- Bustle is DONE and I'm still working on the vest.

Hopefullys:

5. Pants for the Persian costume. -- These are almost done.

6. Time Traveler hat band. -- The band itself has been made. Just trying to figure out the embellishments.

7. Sleep shorts are DONE.

8. Time Traveler ballgown bodice -- Muslin has been cut out and put together

9. Kilts for my beau -- Put a pocket in the red and black plaid one I made last year. Started a new one along with a sporran.

10. And he needs a new vest for his RFT costume. He needs to quit adding to my list!!

11. Star Wars skirt to match the beau's new kilt.

And of course packing. That's definitely on the to do list. Along with shopping for a few things (food, makeup, hair dye, etc).

17 days!

MARCon photos!

First up, an outfit and person I came to admire: Jess from Ties that Bynde corsets. Isn't she pretty-ful? (photo by Jeff Carlisle)


The following photographs are all from Miss Dashwood's camera:

First up, the three musketeers of multicultural steampunk: Miss Von Stoup is on the left in her Asian inspired jacket (by me), I'm in the middle wearing my Persian steampunk ensemble (with a very curly black wig) and Miss Dashwood is on the right in her new rajpunk outfit, inspired by Buddist nun's robes (also by me, with a corset she special ordered).


Next, a single shot of me:


Of Miss Dashwood:


And of Miss Von Stoup:


All of the above photos were taken Friday at our Steampunk Around the Globe panel.

On Saturday, I decided to wear my Persian vest with a black tank top and leggings. You can sort of see it here as Miss Von Stoup and I molest a stormtrooper.


From Saturday night, Miss Von Stoup and I as Poison Ivy and Harley Quinn. We wore these for the steampunk fashion show.


The following photographs were taken by Corielle Riddell.

Me as Harley Quinn, showing off the necklace my beau bought me. It's a claddagh pendant with an amethyst as the heart.


Miss Von Stoup and I as Ivy and Harley with Captain LaGrange.


Miss Von Stoup showing off her Ivy makeup that was done by Miss O'Hare from the Archon.


Another shot of Miss Von Stoup and I as Ivy and Harley.


And another shot of me in my Persian steampunk:


And finally, a picture of me as Gorgo!

Progress on My To Do List aka Corset Commission 3

Last night I...

1. Put a new collar on my Imperial Officer uniform. It just needs a couple hooks and eyes to close it but I don't have any with me so that'll wait til tomorrow or later this week.

I pulled off the old collar and figured out how much I needed to add so it fit right. I cut out two new collars (inside and outside), but I had to cut them in two sections with a back seam -- fabric wasn't big enough to cut on the fold. I stitched the center back seams, then stitched them together at the top and sides. Pinned it into place and tried it on and it was too big. So I marked where it needed to meet in the front and redid the collar, making it a pinch smaller. Pinned and tried it on again and it worked. So the next step was to sew it on, which I did by hand so I could manipulate it easier around the curves. I did a little more tweaking today, but now its just about perfect. Or as perfect as I can get it at least.

2. I put together Bob's corset, except for the eyelets.

Here's all the pieces laying out, the ones on the top are right side down, the ones on the bottom are right side up. This was so I could keep everything straight when I started putting it together.


Here's both sides put together before I put the zipper in. The center is the center front, the sides are the center back of the corset.


And here's the corset with the zipper put in. We're gonna do another fitting, then I'll be making the boning channels, sliding the boning in, finishing the edges and putting in the eyelets. Plus any changes that need done after the fitting. But all in all, I think its coming along well.


3. However, I did not work on the Joker pants this weekend. I meant to, but somehow my Sunday afternoon just disappeared.

A bientot!

Miss Leah J Wilde

501st News

I checked my email tonight and guess what was lurking in my inbox?

My approval from the 501st Legion!

I am now a proud member of Vader's troops!

Say hello to ID 6349!


Sorry, I'm just a touch excited. Next week will be my first official event instead of just going as a handler.

A bientot!

Miss Leah J Wilde
aka ID 6349 (!)

Update on my Imperial Officers Uniform

I put together my IO pants today and my beau took photos of me wearing the uniform for my application to the 501st. I registered online and submitted my application. Next up is sending them my photographs when they contact me.

Corset Commission 1 and other sewing

As previously mentioned, I'm making a corset for a male friend of mine, Bob, for a drag show. I'm excited and nervous to be entrusted with this, as its a charity show and of course my first time sewing female clothing for a male. It will also be my first time using cable ties as boning, something I've been wanting to try.

We picked out a Butterick pattern 3906 -- its a nice underbust corset and came in plus sizes which was a bonus for grading the pattern up to fit him. The only major change to the pattern was taking off the straps so it was more of a waist cincher.

Last night, I cut the pattern out of muslin. I added one inch to each side of each pattern piece and lengthened them about an inch as well. Then the pieces were pinned together.

Today, I stitched together all pieces with a machine basting stitch and also basted in the zipper. The finished corset with lace up the back, but as I told Bob, I can't reuse eyelets so those are going to be saved for the final corset. After I put the zipper in, I realized how HUGE it ended up, so I went through and took an inch out of each seam. On one panel, I took a little out of the middle of the panel, thinking it might work better fit wise if I increase the number of panels. We'll see what he thinks at his fitting.

Now all that's left of this step is to have said fitting and see what changes need made before I tackle the pleather.

Other things I did last night / today -

I measured how much lace Miss Dashwood needs to purchase so I can trim out her black bustle. I was hoping I had some in my stash, but alas, I don't have nearly enough.

I hemmed my City Bluescape skirt. Then put in the casing and the elastic so that's DONE.

I started sewing the cotton underlining to the fabric for the Joker trousers - tabs and waistband are underlined.

I cut out the pants for my Imperial Officer uniform. I think we're going to try to get me approved before an event that's coming up.

And now I'm off to see my beau!

A bientot!

Miss Leah J Wilde

Imperial Officer Uniform Photos

My dear readers, I bring you photographs!

I'm hoping to add more pictures at some point, but I at least have one I can post now. This was taken by one of the photographers at the event. I'm dancing so its not the best photo, but at least its something.



The hat, belt and rank bar were all provided by my beau. All that I made was the skirt and jacket. By the way, the uniform is definitely not made for dancing.

I'm also contemplating shortening the skirt. Right now it hits below the knee, which is a rather awkward length.

A bientot!

Miss Leah J Wilde

EDIT -- Here is the photograph that Miss Dashwood took at her birthday celebration:

Last Minute Ohayocon Prep 2 and Normal Clothes for ME!

The Imperial Officer was a success last night at Last Night on Alderaan. Miss Dashwood snapped a picture before I left her birthday celebration so hopefully I can update this entry later with it. Before I wore it, I did fix the hem.

I fixed my beau's gloves -- it was a pretty simple repair. They have elastic straps that wrap around the wrist and velcro in place and the straps needed replaced. It was easy and quick to take the old ones off and put new ones on.

Then I put a waistband on my black petticoat. I took a piece of black knit left over from other projects, trimmed it so it was more square on the ends, cut it in two lengthwise and sewed the ends together to form a long piece. I stitched it onto the waist of my petticoat, about an inch or a little more from the top (this was so that the tears and holes in the petticoat would be covered), then stitched again to hold the waistband in place before turning the edges under and stitching it down. I also used narrower strips of the knit along the back opening to finish those edges as well. All it needs now is some sort of closure, probably a hook and eye which I don't have with me.

I also cut out my Kermit pajama pants, put them together, hemmed them and made an elastic casing. They would be finished, IF I had remembered to pack elastic. Also its a good thing that they're just for me -- I accidentally cut out one leg upside down.

Yesterday I purchased a pattern to make a knit tunic and some purple knit (clearance!) for it. Prewashed the fabric today and I noticed I bought the wrong size of pattern. So now I'm trying to decide if I should exchange it or just make it and take it in to fit. I'm sort of leaning towards the latter, but I know I should probably exchange it. Well, I do work tomorrow so it won't be difficult.

I still need to finish my Harley Quinn mask. I really should do that as soon as possible. If not tomorrow, then Tuesday.

A bientot!

Miss Leah J Wilde

Update on Imperial Officer and Last Minute Ohayocon Prep

Imperial Officer

What I've done -- I stitched the collar and facing into place by hand. I also finished some edges by hand. I purchased snap tape and used that along the overlap -- hand stitched on the top overlap and machine stitched on the underneath since it won't show. I hand stitched a couple snaps on the underneath so it fastens to the shoulder. I hemmed the jacket and the sleeves by machine. At some point, I'll need to redo the hem as the overlap ended up a little longer than the underneath, but I'm not worrying about that at this moment in time.

What I have left to do -- I need to stitch a snap to the overlap shoulder to hold it in place better. I also need to stitch a modesty panel on the collar. Somehow the collar ended up too short and I don't feel like re-doing it at this moment in time, so I'm just going to fix the issue with a modesty panel, stitched on one side, likely snapped on the other. I may also stitch a snap or hook to the underneath overlap to hold it to the side seam.

Almost there.

EDIT My Imperial Officer is as done as its gonna be for the moment. So - Imperial Officer DONE

As for Ohayocon...

I think I've figured out my costumes. I still feel like I'm taking too many and may leave one at home, but I don't know. There are only so many hours in the day after all, and really what's the point of wearing a costume for only a couple hours before I have to change for a competition or a photoshoot? Part of me is tempted to leave Time Traveler behind, just based on the volume the dress takes up...but its one of my favorites and its so pretty. And much more likely to garner a response than the Airship Stewardess. One decision I did make was to wear Lady of the Ottoman Empire on Sunday -- its persona heavy and comfortable, so just what I need for that day.

Okay, now for what I need to do.
1. I still haven't finished my Harley Quinn mask so I really need to do that. I would really like to have the Victorian style mask and not just the one I wear with the comic Harley Quinn.
2. A task for my beau - replacing bands on a pair of gloves.
3. I'd like to add some cream lace to my Airship Stewardess, at least at the polonaise cuffs and probably on the pettidress as well. This will likely be my handsewing task for next week while at work.
4. My black petticoat needs a waistband. I've been wearing it and just safety pinning it closed but that habit has torn it in a couple places so I really should add a waistband.

In other news, I still haven't started my sewing for me! I am quite sad about this. Hopefully I can get some of this done or at least started while finishing my last minute Ohayocon preparations. After all, its almost February, when I'm supposed to start commissions again! Maybe I can do a commission, sew something for me, do a commission, sew something for me...Might be the only way to keep everyone happy.

Today I would like to
1. Finish my Imperial Officer (kinda have to since its for tomorrow!)
2. Finish my HQ mask for Ohayocon. Need to wrap the handle with ribbon and attach it to the mask, so hopefully it shouldn't take long.
3. Cut out my Kermit pajama pants.

I think that's reasonable. EDIT All that got done was finishing my Imperial Officer. Seamstress fail.

A bientot!

Miss Leah J Wilde

PS Just had a brilliant idea for Lady of the Ottoman Empire! I'm going to pin my sundial pin (birthday gift from my grandma) to it as decoration. It has definite steamy vibe to it, its silver so it matches and most importantly it's sparkly! Must remember to pack this!

Update on my Imperial Officers Uniform

The jacket is mostly finished and passed my beau's inspection. You've all seen the basic pattern, military style jacket with a front overlap.

Changes I made
1. Length. The original pattern gives a waist length (too short) and a knee length (too long) so I held the pattern up to myself and cut it off at about hip length.
2. Code cylinder pockets. This was pretty easy. I just cut the side front pieces about halfway down the armhole, separated them by about 7 inches and cut out the pieces. Then I folded the piece so it was back to the original size, but now with pockets. Stitched the pockets together and down so the piece functioned as one and moved on.
3. Front. I cut the center front on the fold because the original only went to the shoulder on one side and I needed it to go to the shoulder on both sides. I also cut three of them out -- the left, the right and the facing.
4. Overlap. The original laps right over left, the standard in female garments. But the IO uniform laps left over right (the masculine standard), so my uniform had to lap left over right.

What I have left to do
1. Stitch the facings in place
2. Hem the jacket and the sleeves
3. Sew in hooks and eyes on the collar to hold it closed
4. Sew in snaps to hold the right and left fronts in place

I should be able to finish it this week. I can do hand sewing (which most of this will be) while at work if I don't have any actual work to do and I have Tuesday evening and Friday evening free to work on it. I do not foresee any reason that this will not be done by Saturday.

Also, a word to the wise, Burda pattern instructions make little to no sense. One of my fellow Archonites also experienced this issue on another Burda pattern so I know its not just me. I honestly ceased to follow them when I could not decipher what they were telling me to do. By now, I know enough that I don't really need the instructions anyways. However, understandable instructions are always nice to turn to if you have issues.

A bientot!

Miss Leah J Wilde

Quickie Update

1. I started on my Quebec scrapbook yesterday! Its coming along quite nicely, I think. I just loaded my things into a bag and carted them to work! lol

2. I also worked on my embroidery. I've almost finished another block. I think all that's left is the border. And I'm going to need floss soon -- I'm almost out of pink, which makes up all the flowers and the entire border of each block.

3. And I'm adding these to my sewing list: http://www.etsy.com/listing/62268342/jasmine-ruffled-side-tie-panties-silk?ref=tre-4d30b299c9668eef1df5c8a8-1 I'm thinking mini bloomer pattern with ruffles. I do like the side tie, but that'll be easy to replicate. Soooo pretty.

4. I started my Imperial Officer uniform last night and finished the skirt. Its an easy pattern -- darts in the front and back, center back seam with zipper, side seams, waist facing and hem. I had to take it in A LOT which surprised me. This afternoon, I'll start on the jacket. Hopefully, I can get it mostly finished today and tomorrow.

That is all.

A bientot!

Miss Leah J Wilde

Ohayocon Prep 29 and an embroidery project

Catwoman is finished! Yesterday I basted the top of the bustle pouch closed and did a bit of hand sewing on the shirt (tacked down the zipper ends at the top, fixed a couple spots that escaped stitching the first time, etc). So it is DONE.

I was going to move buttons on the cuffs for my Middle Eastern outfit so that they'd be a little bit more loose, but decided yesterday that I didn't feel like going to the trouble.

So the next thing on my list is my IO uniform, which I may start sewing tonight if I get out of work early enough, or tomorrow at the latest. I pretty much only have this weekend to work on it. The SW themed party is next weekend, and I work three evenings next week at my part time job. Which I am NOT happy about but considering that I'm taking off five days for Ohayocon, I figured I should work them. Money is money after all. Whatever doesn't get done this weekend, I'll have to finish up either Tuesday or Friday evenings when I'm off. I'll probably be sewing snaps on while I'm at work next week.

Last night at the Captain's, Miss Dashwood and I both took projects to work on during the parlor concert. She worked on crocheting me a new pair of mitts (white ones! If they're finished on time, I'll be wearing them to Ohayocon with HQ) while I worked on an embroidery project that I've been working on for the last few years. For my birthday a couple years ago, my mother bought me enough squares to make an embroidered quilt. I'm about halfway done. Then comes assembling the quilt, adding the border and of course, the quilting which I will do by hand. Its this design from Fairway Needlecraft - http://fairwayneedlecraft.com/zencart/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=65_72_77&products_id=214 How can I not love a southern belle design? There's even pillowcases that coordinate. I have this in my sewing bag today to work on while at work.

Updated Sewing To Do List OR What I'd like to accomplish in the next month
1. Sew ears onto Miss Dashwood's hat - DONE
2. Make Miss Dashwood's utility bustle after she obtains a belt - DONE
3. Finish my HQ mask - still need to do this, or I just go without the mask but I'd prefer to be masked (by Ohayocon)
4. Finish my steampunk Middle Eastern outfit - DONE
5. Make my Imperial Officer's uniform - cut out, ready for sewing (by the 22nd, or Ohayocon)
6. Kermit pj pants (asap)
7. Wrap around skirt (asap)
8. Pencil skirt with ruffle (asap)
9. Blue and white skirt (asap)

I'd also like to work on my Quebec scrapbook. If I can figure out a way to bring it to work with me, that would be fabulous. I'll have to work on that.

And once all that's done, I have alterations to start on for several people in February. The Captain reminded me of it last night and I told him he was on my list.

A bientot!

Miss Leah J Wilde

Ohayocon Prep 28

Catwoman
1. I finished sewing the second ear onto the hat, so that is DONE.
2. Miss Dashwood approved her shirt so all I have to do is some tacking by hand and a bit of clean up.
3. Tonight I put together the bustle for her utility bustle, the pockets and the D rings. I even put snaps on the pockets using a snap tool and a hammer -- that was a new experience. All I need to do is baste the bustle closed. Eventually it'll be a zipping pouch, but for now its just going to be basted closed.

Imperial Officer

I cut out the jacket and the skirt this evening. I'm hoping that everything goes together like I think it will. I cut the front overlap piece on the fold so that it will come up on both sides of the collar instead of just one. I shortened the pattern then felt that I shortened it too much and added a couple inches to each piece when I cut them out. I also did an adjustment to the side front piece that creates the code cylinder pockets. Basically, all you need to do is cut the pattern piece about halfway down the sleeve opening, and separate the pattern pieces about 7.5 inches. Then you cut out the fabric and theoretically fold it so that a pocket is created and the piece is the same size as the original pattern piece. I got the directions from a couple tutorials on the Imperial Officer's message board, so hopefully it'll work out as planned. I didn't cut out the facing, I'll probably have to draft a custom piece to match my front, or just cut another front out and use that as the facing.

The skirt will probably be the first piece I sew. It's a pattern I've used before and it's relatively simple. I also feel that its best to get the easy part out of the way so my full concentration can be on the complexity of the jacket.

In other news, no progress has been made on normal clothes or the Joker. I may work on the pants for the Joker soon, but I don't know. I think I'd rather get my sewing for me done first, so more than likely, the Kermit pants will be next.

Well, I should get some rest. Work and then a gathering in the Captain's Quarters tomorrow evening. And then I'll be visiting my beau.

A bientot

Miss Leah J Wilde

Update on Sewing Projects

Well it looks like my normal clothes will have to be set aside for the time being in favor of the Imperial Officer uniform. If I do the skirt and the jacket, I don't think it'll be too difficult. I should be able to have it completed by the 22nd. I'll just be very busy that day -- Miss Dashwood's birthday celebration then the SW party!

I procured the hat from my beau this morning and took it straight to the fabric store to match the fabric. Unfortunately, the fabric is target, not a very forgiving fabric. Its rather stiff, I'm hoping that pre-washing will help, otherwise the uniform won't be very comfortable to wear. I preferred the weight and feel of suiting, but although it was similar, target was a much better match. I purchased six yards, which will hopefully be enough for the jacket, skirt and pants. Pants are more accurate but a skirt is more my style. And since I am not planning to join the 501st, I'll probably wear the skirt more often than not. The pants will just be an option for more formal events (if I ever do any). The skirt will probably get made first, as it'll be the easy part -- its just a basic pencil skirt. The jacket will need to be converted from a right over left to a left over right overlap, and I need to add code cylinder pockets which will mean lengthening the side front pieces. Fingers crossed that it all goes well!

Updated Sewing To Do List - aka What I'd like to accomplish in the next month
1. Sew ears onto Miss Dashwood's hat (in my basket)
2. Make Miss Dashwood's utility bustle after she obtains a belt
3. Finish my HQ mask
4. Finish my steampunk Middle Eastern outfit
5. Make my Imperial Officer's uniform
6. Kermit pj pants
7. Wrap around skirt
8. Pencil skirt with ruffle
9. Blue and white skirt

Changes in My Sewing Plans

Well readers, as of now (of course this could change), the Joker is no more. I'm quite upset about this, as you can imagine considering that the tailcoat is about half done and the pants have already been cut out, rendering that fabric pretty much unusable for another project. At least I haven't cut out the vest yet, but I doubt I'll use that fabric for anything else anyways. The trouser fabric and the jacket fabric actually I might have used for another project but oh well. C'est la vie, right?

This project has come to an end basically because my beau decided that he did not want to wear the costume. It was something he was doing for me anyways, and he just decided against it. I rather wish that he had made this decision before I got so into the costume, but again - c'est la vie.

Our agreement was that if he did Joker, I'd make an Imperial Officer, so that is also off the table. At least all I've done is purchase one pattern which I rather like anyways. I think it'd make a lovely steamy military jacket or coat. Don't you agree? EDIT I just had an idea -- I'm planning (hoping) to do a Steampunk Confederate Vivandière outfit. I think this jacket will suit that costume perfectly: it has the Civil War-esque, military styling that I'd like, and it'll be a lot easier than altering a man's Civil War pattern (I have one from McCalls) to fit me. I just need to add a shortened Civil War era skirt and trousers underneath.



My current plans are to finish Miss Dashwood's Catwoman costume, finish my beau's quilt and finish the mask for my Harley Quinn. I had a set back on that yesterday actually -- the painted handle broke. I'm going to see about just ribbon wrapping one and seeing how that turns out. Hopefully I can do it without it breaking. If not, I may have to re-evaluate my mask plan.

Then I think I'll take some time for myself until I start sewing for other people again. I've got a few things lined up, but I've been very clear that I'm not available until February, so I'll have some free time. I'm thinking I may actually set sewing completely aside for a bit. I have a scrapbook that I've been wanting to do (and my beau's Christmas gift really made me anxious for it) -- I went to Quebec in May of 2009 and haven't scrapbooked it yet. I have all sorts of memorabilia and photographs and I've even already purchased a scrapbook so all I need is some more scrapbook paper and maybe some embellishments.

However, I do want some new clothes. Normal clothes. For myself. I still haven't made that corduroy skirt so I'd like to do that. And I have some flannel for pajama pants that I could make. I'll have to go through my stash and see what I can find.

So I'll finish my current projects, then scrapbook and make myself some things before I start sewing for others again.

Mourning the death of the Joker...

A bientot!

Miss Leah J Wilde
Steam-stress of the Airship Archon