To Do List Update - Almost have a couple projects done!

Here's where I currently stand on my sewing:

The 1880s Paris outfit is almost done. I finished binding the edges, and decided on buttons with snaps behind them for the closures. Sleeve lining has been sewn in place and visible basting removed. I sewed five buttons to the front of the bodice and two to each cuff to hold the cuffs in place. By the way, the outfit kind of makes me feel like a pirate -- huge cuffs and tails. All it needs is the snaps.

The playsuit is also almost done. I put in the zipper and pinned the hem. So all I need to do is hem it and its done.

Went through my stash and found a couple things for shorts to wear around the house (some knit, leftover jumper fabric, and some black and white polka dots). Also pulled out fabric for the eyelet sundress bodice and bodice lining, found some black and white striped fabric that was passed on to my friend Pepper who needed it for a project, as well as the Halloween pinup fabric and nativity print fabric.

Eyelet dress plans: Eyelet collar on a lime green bodice with a gathered eyelet skirt. The eyelet collar and the bodice have been cut out but not the lining.

Sewing plans for this week: Finish the playsuit. Set aside the Paris bodice til I buy snaps. Work on the commission.

What I did this weekend...

Well, I didn't really end up sewing in the order I thought I would...

I started out working on the playsuit. I took in the non-zipper side. Next up would be a fitting, but it was so hot in the apartment (no AC) that I didn't want to mess with it. So next up is fitting, hemming and zipper-ing. Actually I'll probably baste the zipper in before the fitting...

Then I tackled the vest basque bodice. Which is approaching completion. I finished and attached the collar. Put the sleeves together and attached them to the bodice. Then came the lining, which is going in a little weird... Following the instructions I sewed the lining to the bodice along the front edges, not following the instructions, I then flipped it and basted the bottom edges of the bodice and the lining together. I'm trimming the edges with bias tape cut from the Paris fabric, which is started. I have buttons picked out, I'm thinking they'll be faux with snaps underneath. Or I make it so it closes with a zipper. I haven't full out decided yet. Buttons will be going on the cuffs to tack them in place. I may also add a little bit of black braid to the front... Next: Finish the binding. Figure out the closure. Decide about the braid. Almost there!

The commission wasn't touched.

I also started plans for my first sundress of the summer -- white eyelet skirt gathered to fit the waistband of a bodice made with one of my Retro Buttericks.  I also want to make some little shorts to wear around the house, the stash has not yet been raided for this purpose but that's in the plans!

Progress on 2012 sewing goals - May update

Now for the sewing goals -- costuming.

1. Finish my gypsy steampunk ensemble. DONE
2. 1875 Square Overskirt (Truly Victorian) in black and silver plaid. DONE.
3. Pink and black steampunk ensemble. Progress: Overskirt's done. Bodice is about halfway there.
4. An underbust corset out of left over key print flannel to wear with my Keeper of the Keys skirt and a blouse for steam casual events - Started. If I remember correctly, it's cut out but not assembled

No deadlines:

1. 1884 Wash Overskirt.
2. Sari inspired head to toe Victorian ensemble.
3. Female Joker. Probably going to be a high waisted skirt with a jacket. I think a suit is the best course of action.
4. Natural form Victorian costume.
5. An 18th century costume.
6. A French Huguenot costume

Other sewing goals:

1. Baby quilt for my new nephew. Deadline: sometime between September and Christmas. The current idea is to make a quilt for Minnow to grow into, so there's no rush to have it done by the due date.
2. New retro sundresses.
3. A playsuit with removable skirt - Almost done. Although it currently does not have a matching skirt.
4. Flannel quilt
5. I have some Spiderman flannel that wants to be pajama pants. - DONE
6. Nativity printed cotton dress or skirt
7. A circle skirt out of Halloween pin up fabric.
8. A high waisted skirt from my retro jumper pattern. - probably will be combined with the Joker costume mentioned above.

Petticoat of Doom

Well, friends, after hours of gathering, hand sewing, and decorative machine stitching of dozens of yards of fabric, the petticoat of doom is DONE. Which means of course that (except for accessories) my steampunk Roma costume is also DONE.

*pause for rejoicing*

And now....pictures!


The completed petticoat (of doom)


A close up of the hand stitched hem with lace.


A close up of the decorative stitching along the hem of the bottom ruffle

As for accessories, I'm attempting to decorate this little clip on purse, that just happens to fit perfectly onto the D rings on my corset. This was actually on accident, I didn't even know I had this little purse when I was putting the D rings on!



I don't really like the black braid that's pinned on here, so I am taking suggestions. Current ideas include a white lace rossette with a large silver button in the middle, a small pocket on the outside for my calling cards, and lace or fringe instead of (or in addition to) the braid.

Any other suggestions?

I'm also planning to do something with some fake coins I have, jewelry or trim on something. And I've been gathering together jewelry together, so far I have huge hoop earrings and lots of bangles to wear, as well as a few necklaces. I also think I'm going to add some more D rings to my corset.

In other news, the basque bodice is ready for the next stage of sewing as is the playsuit. My plan this weekend is to tackle the playsuit first and get it to the zipper stage. Then work on and hopefully finish the bodice before the Symposium.

To Do List (in two weeks from tomorrow for the most part):

• Finish the accessories for steampunk Roma
• Finish putting together the playsuit: stitching lines on the back, elastic, sewing sides to back and front, then sewing the bodice to the shorts.
• Blanket stitch the fleece blanket edges. I think I found some thread in my stash
  
• Fix the basque lining, then sew the shoulders of the lining and the outside together. Fix the vest pieces (basting showed when I turned them) and sew those onto the bodice, then try it on. Finish the sleeves. Finish and attach the collar. Attach the sleeves. Insert the boning, attach the lining. Cut yards of bias from the Paris print and use it to trim out all the raw edges. Add false buttons to the front and some kind of actual closure, thinking snaps.
• Make a mask for one of my costumes for the masquerade.
  
• After the Symposium, put a zipper in the playsuit.

You know I'm really wondering if the bodice is going to be finished or not...So much left to do...Idea: wear it as a vest now and add the sleeves later...

Easter Sewing Progress!

The petticoat: Is almost done. The black ruffle is attached, hemmed and even has a decorative stitch in white around the hem. I need to reinforce the yoke (I think the petticoat is too heavy for just a one layer yoke), redo the waistband, and add a hook and eye and then it'll be done. I've nicknamed it the 'petticoat of doom' because there is so much fabric involved.

The Basque: I finished cutting out the lining and started putting it together. I got the lining sewn together, the outer fabric sewn together, the sleeves sewn together in both lining and satin, the cuffs sewn together and the collar sewn together. Next up is assembling all the pieces. And fixing the lining because I somehow sewed one front upside down.

The blanket: Is put together. All I have to do is blanket stitch the edges. I need to buy some embroidery floss I think.

The playsuit: Is well on the way to being done. The bodice front is together and lined. The bodice side backs are lined. The legs of the playsuit are put together. I need to sew channels on the back, insert the elastic, finish putting the bodice together, attach the bodice to the legs and then insert the zipper.

I actually feel like I just might be able to finish all this on time...This afternoon I'm going to call for an estimated time for getting Fern back.

What's In Miss Wilde's Sewing Basket

I packed a lot to work on this weekend, since it's my only sewing machine access for a while:

• The petticoat. I just finished sewing the hem by hand, but I need to add the black ruffle, so the black broadcloth is packed. I also packed the crazy quilt skirt so we can measure the petticoat length for the black ruffle.
• The basque bodice. I need to finish cutting the lining from the broadcloth and start putting it together.
• The blanket.
• The playsuit. Everything's cut out just need to start putting it together. I found lilac thread to use! And I think I'm just gonna with a white zipper.

I'm hoping to get the petticoat done, the blanket sewn together and ready for hand work and the playsuit and the bodice at least started this weekend. I might concentrate on the playsuit first, because I don't see it taking a lot of time.

Here's hoping I get Fern back from the doctor soon...

April To Do List -- My Deadlines are Approaching!

April To Do List:

• Gyspy steampunk by April 27th for Steampunk Empire Symposium
• Paris steampunk by April 27th for Steampunk Empire Symposium
• Playsuit / skirt combo by May 3rd for Florida trip

Current progress:

Roma Steampunk (the Captain berated me yesterday for using the term 'gypsy')

• The crazy quilt skirt is DONE. I finished the hem and tacked down the closure opening at Build Day yesterday and sewed a closure on after I got home.
• The petticoat is approaching being finished: The hem and lace are pinned and ready to be sewn. By hand since my sewing machine is in the shop.
• And the headscarf is done, unless I decide to tack some trim on.

Paris Steampunk

• The bodice is mainly cut out and the interlining and outer layer have been basted together. I still need to finish cutting out the lining.
• The overskirt is done, as you all know.
  
• Unless I get my sewing machine back soon or borrow one from a friend, this is likely to not be finished for the Symposium.

Playsuit

• The fabric and the lining are both cut out. But I can't start putting it together without a sewing machine.

Fern picked a fine time to need a trip to the doctor didn't she?

What needs done:

• Hem the petticoat.
• Add the black ruffle to the petticoat.
• Cover pocket w something for the Roma steampunk.
• Gather jewelry for the Roma steampunk.
• Pin together the basque and the playsuit.

I also need to...

• Make a sarong to take to Florida with me
• And make a blanket before I go to a concert on the 25th
  

March / April To Do List:

• Gyspy steampunk by April 27th for Steampunk Empire Symposium
• Paris steampunk by April 27th for Steampunk Empire Symposium
• Playsuit / skirt combo by May 3rd for Florida trip

Current progress:

Gypsy Steampunk:

• My skirt gores are embroidered and two are basted together. Mother has two skirt gores done. I'll be getting them from her no later than Easter.
• The petticoat is mainly done. Three tiers have been gathered and stitched to a yoke.
• The headscarf is wearable unless I decide to trim it.

Paris Steampunk:

• The bodice is mainly cut out.
  
• The overskirt is finished.

Playsuit:

• The outer fabric is cut out.
• And I'm thinking it'll match a skirt in my wardrobe, so no need to purchase more fabric.

What I still need to do:

Gypsy Steampunk:

• Skirt: Put all the gores together, add a waistband and a closure (probably a hook and eye, center back closure). Hem it with polyester horsehair braid.
  
• Petticoat: Rinse and dry bleached lace, then apply to tier #3. Add a waistband and side seam closure. Add the last (black) tier and hem it.
• Headscarf: Trim the black lace triangle with black lace trim if necessary. Otherwise, it's currently usable.
  

Paris Steampunk:

• Finish cutting out the bodice lining.
• Put the bodice together.
• Check my button stash for buttons.
  
• I'm probably going to need to purchase a few things, maybe buttons or snap tape...
  

Playsuit:

• Cut out the lining. I'm going to use white cotton, since it's already in my stash.
  
• Check to see if it does in fact match my clockwork skirt like I think it will.
• See if I have a zipper and thread that I can use, purchase them if I don't

Week of March 19, 2012 To Do List:

• Rinse and dry bleached lace, then apply to tier #3 of the petticoat.
  
• Add a waistband and side seam closure to the petticoat.
  
• Decide if I'm trimming the lace headscarf or not.
• Start putting the basque bodice together.
• Check my button stash for buttons for the basque.
  
• Cut out the lining for my playsuit.
  
• Check to see if the playsuit does in fact match my clockwork skirt like I think it will.
• See if I have a zipper and thread that I can use for the playsuit
• If I can, start putting the playsuit together

No rest for the wicked!

Progress Update - March 19 2012

Cut out the rest of the bodice: I did what I could. I cut the cuffs and collar out of the Paris print, and cut what I could out of black broadcloth for the lining. Beau is borrowing another piece of black broadcloth I have next weekend, so once I have that back and wash it, I can cut out the rest of the lining.

Finish gathering tier 3 of the petticoat and sew it onto tier 2: Done! I checked the length by pinning the petticoat to my dress form and then pinning two gores (basted together) over it to see how everything looked. Which is so far, so good. Right now, the petticoat is a couple inches longer than the skirt. My current thinking is that I sew lace to the bottom of the petticoat, and then add the black ruffle (attaching it to the seam where tier 3 is attached) so that it comes to the top of my boots. Another idea: I add a narrow ruffle of eyelet and attach it as well as the black ruffle to to tier 3...


Petticoat on my dress form.


Skirt pinned over the petticoat, I'm thinking I'll need to wear a net petticoat underneath for more fullness...


Length of skirt versus petticoat.

Of course, I don't have 10 yards of white lace in my stash but I did have a massive amount of a cream lace. So it's currently in a water and bleach bath in an attempt to lighten it. We'll see how that turns out.

Check the lilac linen: DONE! Not only did I have enough linen, but I washed (light), dried (low and only for 40 minutes) and ironed (linen setting, sprayed with water as I went along) it! Then I cut out the pattern.


Laying out the playsuit pattern...

I didn't start putting the bodice together, mainly because I really didn't feel like it.

What Miss Wilde Did This Weekend...And this week's to do list

Some sewing for Beau: Replaced a zipper in Beau's vest. Sewed Velcro onto some patches. And helped him put grommets in a banner.

Worked on my projects:

• Worked on my crazy quilt skirt. I now have a mere 5 seams standing between me and my last gore being finished.
  
• Started the petticoat. I used a petticoat pattern from Simplicity for the yoke and cut it from some white broadcloth. I laundered the muslin and cut it into strips: two 45" pieces for the first layer, two 90" pieces for the second, and one 90" plus six 45" pieces for the third. The first layer is a little narrower than the other two. I also pulled, washed and deconstructed my eyelet skirt, but I haven't cut it up yet.
  
• Worked on my basque. I laundered the interlining fabric, re-did the pattern pieces in a larger size, and cut out the satin and the interlining. I also pinned the interlining to the appropriate satin pieces because it's going to have to be hand basted.
• I looked for fabric for the playsuit / skirt combo, but failed. I might try to squeeze the playsuit out of a piece of lilac linen I have, I'm only 1/4 yard short...
  

Week of March 12, 2012 To Do List:

• Finish my embroidery. EDIT -- I finished my third gore and my mother finished her second. Pictures tomorrow!
• Work on the petticoat. EDIT -- This is probably on hold til the weekend. The 'gathering' thread I used doesn't want to pull through and gather. I'm going to have to re-do it.
  
• Baste the interlining to the satin for my basque bodice. EDIT -- Started the hand basting tonight. I have two pieces finished.
  
• Finish cutting out the basque bodice (I still need to do the contrast cuffs and collar as well as the lining)
• See if I can use the lilac linen for my playsuit.
  

Progress Update - March 8 2012

Gyspy steampunk by April 27th for Steampunk Empire Symposium

• Skirt gore #1 is already embroidered, thanks to my mother
• I just finished skirt gore #2 so...we're 1/3 of the way done!!!! EDIT gore #3 is about 1/2 way finished.
  
• And I bought some more muslin for the petticoat yesterday (it was a remnant, too good to pass up)
• Plans: Work on the embroidery and probably start the petticoat this weekend. I can wash the fabric and at least start cutting the tiers, if not gathering. I can't do the length, but I can work on the upper sections.

Skirt gore #2, completed!

Paris steampunk by April 27th for Steampunk Empire Symposium

• We fit my bodice yesterday and it's too small: The front doesn't close at all and then Edwina noticed it was pulling pretty much everywhere. We're thinking I should go up a size to account for the lining, interlining and boning. So I get to re-trace the pattern.
• Plans: Retrace a larger size of my basque pattern and start working on it, hopefully this weekend.

Playsuit / skirt combo by May 3rd for Florida trip

• Bought Simplicity 2401 yesterday but didn't find any fabric I loved.
  
• Plans: Start by checking my stash and seeing if I have anything I can use. Maybe that lilac linen would work for the playsuit or the skirt and then all I need is a coordinating fabric for the other.
  

I also need to put a new zipper on a vest for Beau this weekend, but that shouldn't take long.

Adding to my immediate sewing list...

The first weekend of May, my mother and I are taking a trip to see our family in Florida. My beloved grandmother (the one I'm named after and who taught me to sew), moved down there earlier this year. As you can probably imagine, I've been thinking of what to pack because yes, I do plan ahead that much.

Today, I randomly wondered via Twitter if I should sew something, like a new sundress. A friend commented that I should and we discussed our mutual love of retro fashion. And inspiration struck: I should make that playsuit / skirt combination that has been on my to do list for a year. So I start thinking about combining patterns, like was my original plan, and I do some Google-ing. Low and behold, Simplicity has a decent playsuit pattern. It's not perfect, and it'll need some modification, but it'll be easier and quicker than franken-patterning my own.

Planned alterations: A shorter length, the legs of the playsuit look a little long. Maybe a different neckline, more like this one from one of the retro sundress patterns I got from Diary of a Renaissance Seamstress a while ago. And I'm probably going to change the zipper to a back zipper and get rid of the way that back looks, I think it has elastic in it.

Or maybe I should just franken-pattern it, if I'm going to be making all these alterations anyways...Actually I think altering the playsuit pattern will probably end up easier, because its already meant to fit a certain way, whereas I'd probably run into fitting issues if I tried to combine a bodice from a dress pattern with a shorts pattern.

So I need to pick up Simplicity 2401 asap, and about 5 yards of a nice cotton. I may have something in my stash, but I'm not sure. I'll check clearance today, but if I don't find something it'll be okay -- I've got some time.

New sewing list:

• Gyspy steampunk by April 27th for Steampunk Empire Symposium
• Paris steampunk by April 27th for Steampunk Empire Symposium
• Playsuit / skirt combo by May 3rd for Florida trip

God, I'm a glutton for punishment...

Summer / Dragon*Con To Do List

Yes, I am thinking of Dragon*Con already. My dear mother thinks its foolish, I on the other hand know that there are less than 90 days til Dragon*Con and I have a lot to do. Let the planning begin! This is going to be in some semblance of order. I think.

First up? Projects that need finished and or improved.

• Our Confederate vivandiere uniforms. The sleeves need set into both jackets. All the hems need finished. And then we need to add the trim and buttons.
  
• I need to finish the embroidery (at least the border) on my Ottoman vest so I can wear that costume again. I have been working on it.
  
• I also need to finish fixing the bustle for my Ottoman costume.
• I need to make the pants for my Persian costume. I may take some of the green silk faille from the skirt hem to make the cuffs and waistband. Or see if I can find fabric the same color to use.
• I'd like to finish the Time Machine Purse for my Time Traveler.
• And I also want to add diamonds to my Harley Quinn comic costume so its more accurate.
• I need to finish my beau's Joker costume. The pants need hemmed. The jacket needs buttons and buttonholes. And I'm probably going to have to take everything in.
• And I need to put pockets on my beau's kilt or make him a pouch to go with it.

Okay, now for new projects that need completed:

• My playsuit combo. I think I'm going to change the bodice pattern. Adapting the walkaway dress bodice isn't going to work.
  
• Scarlet Spider costume for Prof. Watt
• Post apocalyptic costume for Miss Von Stoup
• Steampunk Rosetta costume for Miss Von Stoup to go with my steampunk Tinkerbell
• And a couple more costumes for Miss Von Stoup -- a polanaise out of a black and silver damask print and maybe something more out of the blue Chinese print we used for her Asian inspired jacket.
• I may try to make a Simi costume or a Star Trek costume for myself but doubt it'll happen.
  

And what I'm taking to the beau's for the weekend:

• Confederate uniforms.
• Ottoman vest
• Persian pants
• Joker costume
• Patterns for the Scarlet Spider, kilt and playsuit to think about what I need to purchase for each project

I realize everything won't get finished this weekend, but at least I'll have plenty to work on.

I've also been thinking about what costumes to take to Dragon*Con. And haven't been able to decide anything. As usual.

So much to do. And only 83 days left to do it in.

Help.

A bientot!

Miss Leah J Wilde

Just a little progress and weekend sewing plans

First of all, while helping my fellow Archonite last evening, I finished my Persian hat! Huzzah!

Secondly, I packed the following projects in my sewing bag for the weekend (in order of likely sewing, depending on my mood): Miss Von Stoup's Asian inspired jacket, the Captain's last two alterations, and Miss Dashwood's utility bustle. I also packed the patterns and muslin I cut out a few days ago for my playsuit. I am very eager to start on that project.

I plan to use the bodice of the walkaway dress, altered to have side seams and a back zipper / front buttons, not really sure yet. I'll also use the skirt to go over the playsuit, it will definitely have buttons.



And I'm going to use the shorts from this out of print Simplicity pattern that I have in my stash.



Wish me luck! Oh how I love franken-patterning!

And now I'm off to work and then to Cincinnati!

A bientot my dear friends!

Miss Leah J Wilde

UPDATE - Tonight I: (1) sewed the zipper into Miss Dashwood's bustle (2) pinned the Captain's alterations, but I'm not really sure how one is going to work out... (3) cut out Miss Von Stoup's jacket and (4) worked on my playsuit pattern for a bit. Not too shabby for an evening's work.