First of all, I made a little progress yesterday while at work - I tried to work on my jacket, but the cotton I'm using for a pattern / mock up / interlining despreately needed ironed, so I couldn't cut it out. I did however get a little bit of embroidery done. Progress!
There's been a lot of drama in Miss Wilde's life recently -- I didn't want to go to a convention. Then I decided I would go to hang out with friends. And just as I'm starting to look forward to costuming, I realize I don't have the money for a badge. So I decide I'll just stay home and sew all weekend. After all, just think of all I could get done! Start Scarlet Spider, have Miss Von Stoup over and work on our Confederate uniforms, clean my sewing area and maybe even work on my mystery costume jacket. So I make a little list and happily go on my way. Then my friend who was coming into town for the convention and staying at my house for the weekend calls and offers to buy my badge. So there went all my sewing plans for the weekend.
So when I got home from work, I readied the apartment for guests with a quickie cleaning. I did manage to get a little done -- I tidied my sewing area so its a little more controlled chaos instead of just chaos. And I ironed my cotton, which I cut out last night and pinned together this morning.
I'm already contemplating cutting out Scarlet Spider after work before I head back to the convention...
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Friday, July 8, 2011
July 4th DragonCon To Do List Progress II
Miss Von Stoup was under the weather yesterday and unable to attend our meeting. However, Prof. Watt and I DID go shopping so I have yards of spandex with matching thread and zipper sitting on my table at home for when I have time. So at least some progress was made.
My mystery costume skirt is finished! Yesterday, I put the zipper in, put the waistband on and sewed on a hook closure. Then I finished the back edges of the top layer and attached a white grosgrain ribbon waistband that will tie in the back.
I tried on what I have together so far and Miss Dashwood commented that I need more green. My current thoughts are leaning towards just wearing a green cami under the jacket and leaving the blouse off. My reasons for this are (1) it would satisfy the need for more green (2) the blouse doesn't really allow a jacket to go over it very well and (3) I made the sleeves just a bit too snug and its not very comfortable to wear.
As for the jacket, I did make a post regarding it yesterday. And I have decided (I think) to go with the Victorian jacket option - shortened to make the most of what fabric I have, lined in black sateen (if I have enough) and with a collar made out of an as yet to be determined fabric. I like the idea of pink on pink, but the shades may not compliment each other. I could go black or white or I could go with pink and white stripes. I have a large pink and white stripe in my stash. Another option would be a black sateen collar and lined in the stripes. So we'll see how that turns out.
In other mystery costume news, I found some large jewelry charms on clearance yesterday and snatched them up as they matched my inspiration for this costume. I'm not sure where they will go yet, maybe a necklace, maybe on the hat.
So the mystery costume is approaching completion and I have the materials to start my next major commission for DragonCon. I feel pretty good about the current situation.
In non DragonCon news, I made a pair of sleep / lounging shorts. I used the Colette mini bloomer pattern (free for download) and cut out the largest size. The fabric was about a yard of this loud paisley print in bright pink, turquoise, yellow, black and white. I just did an elastic waist and hemmed the legs without any drawstring or elastic. However, they kind of ended up looking like a full short skirt. I think I need to take out some of the width in the legs... But they are pretty comfy.
And since its related to the blog, I'm wearing my walkaway dress today. I went between this dress and another retro dress. I like the other one just a little bit more (its more flattering I think), but the walkaway just just a touch more comfortable to wear.
My mystery costume skirt is finished! Yesterday, I put the zipper in, put the waistband on and sewed on a hook closure. Then I finished the back edges of the top layer and attached a white grosgrain ribbon waistband that will tie in the back.
I tried on what I have together so far and Miss Dashwood commented that I need more green. My current thoughts are leaning towards just wearing a green cami under the jacket and leaving the blouse off. My reasons for this are (1) it would satisfy the need for more green (2) the blouse doesn't really allow a jacket to go over it very well and (3) I made the sleeves just a bit too snug and its not very comfortable to wear.
As for the jacket, I did make a post regarding it yesterday. And I have decided (I think) to go with the Victorian jacket option - shortened to make the most of what fabric I have, lined in black sateen (if I have enough) and with a collar made out of an as yet to be determined fabric. I like the idea of pink on pink, but the shades may not compliment each other. I could go black or white or I could go with pink and white stripes. I have a large pink and white stripe in my stash. Another option would be a black sateen collar and lined in the stripes. So we'll see how that turns out.
In other mystery costume news, I found some large jewelry charms on clearance yesterday and snatched them up as they matched my inspiration for this costume. I'm not sure where they will go yet, maybe a necklace, maybe on the hat.
So the mystery costume is approaching completion and I have the materials to start my next major commission for DragonCon. I feel pretty good about the current situation.
In non DragonCon news, I made a pair of sleep / lounging shorts. I used the Colette mini bloomer pattern (free for download) and cut out the largest size. The fabric was about a yard of this loud paisley print in bright pink, turquoise, yellow, black and white. I just did an elastic waist and hemmed the legs without any drawstring or elastic. However, they kind of ended up looking like a full short skirt. I think I need to take out some of the width in the legs... But they are pretty comfy.
And since its related to the blog, I'm wearing my walkaway dress today. I went between this dress and another retro dress. I like the other one just a little bit more (its more flattering I think), but the walkaway just just a touch more comfortable to wear.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
DragonCon Mystery Costume - The Jacket
As promised, a look at my thoughts for the mystery costume jacket.
First up, the original inspiration photo. I love the sleeveless cropped jacket (if you haven't already noticed from photos I've posted, I love cropped jackets and have several of them) And the collar is just fabulous.
(http://mydisguises.com/2008/05/19/deconstructing-steampunk-designing-your-own-costume/)
Then I was browsing the FIDM Museum Blog (Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising) and found this amazing bolero style jacket from the 1890s. Again its cropped and has that awesome collar. What's even better is they show a back view so that one can see that the collar does not extend across the back but instead stops at the shoulders.
(Check out http://blog.fidmmuseum.org/museum/2011/06/bolero-style-jacket-1894-1898.html for the article)
So with inspiration taken care of, I started thinking about patterns. There are two contenders. First up is McCalls 3033, a standard that I've used for several shrugs. My worry is that it is too small in the front to allow for a large collar like I want.
Another option is Butterick 5232, which I've also used for several jackets. Its a historical pattern for a cropped Victorian jacket. And it has two collars to choose from! However, even in a sleeveless version, it requires more fabric that I have left of the pink silk. I could do it if I cropped the jacket by another few inches, which would probably be more of what I want anyways.
So my options are this: (1) I use the shrug pattern and enlarge the front to allow for a large collar. The collar itself would likely come from the jacket pattern. OR (2) I shorten the jacket pattern and use one of the collars.
If I go with option (1) I might be able to use the pink silk for the collar. If I go with option (2) I will definitely have to do a contrast collar, for which I have several options -- white, black or maybe even a pink satin that might look interesting.
The lining will likely be the rest of the black sateen from the skirt (I have about half a yard, maybe) and I will be interlining it with white cotton to give the silk some body.
Right now my plan is this -- once the skirt is finished, I'm going to try on the outfit (blouse, corset, skirt) and try a couple jackets with it to see how they look style-wise. I know I have a sleeveless version of the shrug I've already made (its the black and silver plaid) but I don't have one of the jacket. The next step will be cutting my chosen pattern out of white cotton, then fitting and adjusting it before I use it as my pattern and interlining.
I think the jacket may be the most complicated piece of this outfit. After the corset of course.
Speaking of corsets, you should check out this article on how to wear a Victorian corset: http://us2.campaign-archive2.com/?u=d7d7ea251b760f56e4afa10bf&id=3bd90b856b
That's all for now! Feel free to comment and give your opinion on my jacket ideas.
First up, the original inspiration photo. I love the sleeveless cropped jacket (if you haven't already noticed from photos I've posted, I love cropped jackets and have several of them) And the collar is just fabulous.
(http://mydisguises.com/2008/05/19/deconstructing-steampunk-designing-your-own-costume/)
Then I was browsing the FIDM Museum Blog (Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising) and found this amazing bolero style jacket from the 1890s. Again its cropped and has that awesome collar. What's even better is they show a back view so that one can see that the collar does not extend across the back but instead stops at the shoulders.
(Check out http://blog.fidmmuseum.org/museum/2011/06/bolero-style-jacket-1894-1898.html for the article)
So with inspiration taken care of, I started thinking about patterns. There are two contenders. First up is McCalls 3033, a standard that I've used for several shrugs. My worry is that it is too small in the front to allow for a large collar like I want.
Another option is Butterick 5232, which I've also used for several jackets. Its a historical pattern for a cropped Victorian jacket. And it has two collars to choose from! However, even in a sleeveless version, it requires more fabric that I have left of the pink silk. I could do it if I cropped the jacket by another few inches, which would probably be more of what I want anyways.
So my options are this: (1) I use the shrug pattern and enlarge the front to allow for a large collar. The collar itself would likely come from the jacket pattern. OR (2) I shorten the jacket pattern and use one of the collars.
If I go with option (1) I might be able to use the pink silk for the collar. If I go with option (2) I will definitely have to do a contrast collar, for which I have several options -- white, black or maybe even a pink satin that might look interesting.
The lining will likely be the rest of the black sateen from the skirt (I have about half a yard, maybe) and I will be interlining it with white cotton to give the silk some body.
Right now my plan is this -- once the skirt is finished, I'm going to try on the outfit (blouse, corset, skirt) and try a couple jackets with it to see how they look style-wise. I know I have a sleeveless version of the shrug I've already made (its the black and silver plaid) but I don't have one of the jacket. The next step will be cutting my chosen pattern out of white cotton, then fitting and adjusting it before I use it as my pattern and interlining.
I think the jacket may be the most complicated piece of this outfit. After the corset of course.
Speaking of corsets, you should check out this article on how to wear a Victorian corset: http://us2.campaign-archive2.com/?u=d7d7ea251b760f56e4afa10bf&id=3bd90b856b
That's all for now! Feel free to comment and give your opinion on my jacket ideas.
July 4th DragonCon To Do List Progress
Progress!!
1. I have arranged to meet with Miss Von Stoup tomorrow to fit our jackets and figure out jacket and sleeve length. I may have also discovered a solution to the sleeve issue in a pattern from my stash...
2. I have worked on my mystery costume skirt, in fact its almost finished. The bottom tier has been hemmed. In fact the lining was hemmed twice as it was too long the first time. All the layers were basted together and then the back seam stitched together, leaving room for the zipper and the lining was stitched separately to allow for it to cover the zipper on the inside. I also cut out the waistband. So all I need to do for the main skirt is put the zipper in, attach the waistband and sew on hook closures. The top layer needs the seam done, the waistband put on and a closure attached. I may just do a ribbon waistband that ties, might be easiest.
3. I've been contemplating the mystery costume's jacket. In fact, I may just do a separate post containing inspiration photos and pattern ideas. I'll try to post that tomorrow.
4. And I've arrange a time to fabric shop for the Scarlet Spider. It is tomorrow actually. Miss Von Stoup is going to accompany us and then she and I shall work on our costumes at the Shuttle.
I'm feeling rather on top it. I do however need to work on that Ottoman vest embroidery...that really needs finished...
And me being me, I'm already thinking ahead. There's a comic convention here in October. I'm wondering if I'll have time after DragonCon to make myself a new comic costume. I'd love to do a Rogue...
1. I have arranged to meet with Miss Von Stoup tomorrow to fit our jackets and figure out jacket and sleeve length. I may have also discovered a solution to the sleeve issue in a pattern from my stash...
2. I have worked on my mystery costume skirt, in fact its almost finished. The bottom tier has been hemmed. In fact the lining was hemmed twice as it was too long the first time. All the layers were basted together and then the back seam stitched together, leaving room for the zipper and the lining was stitched separately to allow for it to cover the zipper on the inside. I also cut out the waistband. So all I need to do for the main skirt is put the zipper in, attach the waistband and sew on hook closures. The top layer needs the seam done, the waistband put on and a closure attached. I may just do a ribbon waistband that ties, might be easiest.
3. I've been contemplating the mystery costume's jacket. In fact, I may just do a separate post containing inspiration photos and pattern ideas. I'll try to post that tomorrow.
4. And I've arrange a time to fabric shop for the Scarlet Spider. It is tomorrow actually. Miss Von Stoup is going to accompany us and then she and I shall work on our costumes at the Shuttle.
I'm feeling rather on top it. I do however need to work on that Ottoman vest embroidery...that really needs finished...
And me being me, I'm already thinking ahead. There's a comic convention here in October. I'm wondering if I'll have time after DragonCon to make myself a new comic costume. I'd love to do a Rogue...
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
DragonCon To Do List - Week of July 4th
With DragonCon less than 60 days away, its time to start weekly to do lists again!
This week I would like to:
1. Meet with Miss Von Stoup to fit our jackets and figure out jacket and sleeve length.
2. Finish the jackets and get them to the handsewing point - both need hemmed, the sleeves need hemmed / shortened / have cuffs added, Miss Von Stoup's needs the sleeves stitched (they're just basted at the moment) and the topsitching done.
3. Finish my mystery costume skirt - the bottom tier needs basted together and hemmed, then all the layers need put together, the seam stitched, the zipper inserted and the waistband added. The top tier will actually be a separate skirt, probably with just a waistband and a couple hooks and eyes to close it. The reasoning behind this is that the rest of the skirt is washable, the top layer is not, so a separate skirt makes the most sense.
4. If there's time, work on my vest embroidery, my beau's quilt, and perhaps start the jacket for the mystery costume.
5. At least arrange a time to fabric shop for the Scarlet Spider if not do the shopping.
Long term DragonCon to do list:
Musts:
1. Confederate Vivandiere uniforms.
2. Scarlet Spider.
3. My mystery costume. - The top and corset are finished. I need to finish the skirt, then work on the jacket. Everything after that is all accessories - decorating the hat, ribbons for my mitts, maybe making straps / spats for my boots.
4. Post apocalyptic costume. - We have a plan for this already in place.
5. Ottoman vest and bustle improvements.
6. Pockets / pouch for my beau's kilt.
Hopefullys:
7. Pants for the Persian costume.
8. Steampunk Rosetta.
9. Time Machine purse.
10. Diamonds for HQ bodysuit.
11. Cover Girl from GI Joe.
This week I would like to:
1. Meet with Miss Von Stoup to fit our jackets and figure out jacket and sleeve length.
2. Finish the jackets and get them to the handsewing point - both need hemmed, the sleeves need hemmed / shortened / have cuffs added, Miss Von Stoup's needs the sleeves stitched (they're just basted at the moment) and the topsitching done.
3. Finish my mystery costume skirt - the bottom tier needs basted together and hemmed, then all the layers need put together, the seam stitched, the zipper inserted and the waistband added. The top tier will actually be a separate skirt, probably with just a waistband and a couple hooks and eyes to close it. The reasoning behind this is that the rest of the skirt is washable, the top layer is not, so a separate skirt makes the most sense.
4. If there's time, work on my vest embroidery, my beau's quilt, and perhaps start the jacket for the mystery costume.
5. At least arrange a time to fabric shop for the Scarlet Spider if not do the shopping.
Long term DragonCon to do list:
Musts:
1. Confederate Vivandiere uniforms.
2. Scarlet Spider.
3. My mystery costume. - The top and corset are finished. I need to finish the skirt, then work on the jacket. Everything after that is all accessories - decorating the hat, ribbons for my mitts, maybe making straps / spats for my boots.
4. Post apocalyptic costume. - We have a plan for this already in place.
5. Ottoman vest and bustle improvements.
6. Pockets / pouch for my beau's kilt.
Hopefullys:
7. Pants for the Persian costume.
8. Steampunk Rosetta.
9. Time Machine purse.
10. Diamonds for HQ bodysuit.
11. Cover Girl from GI Joe.
Sunday, July 3, 2011
DragonCon Progress Always Makes Me a Happy Little Steam-stress!
First of all, I've been working on the beau's quilt! I tie quilted it last night until my fingers couldn't tie another knot.
Today I made a lot of DragonCon progress -- Miss Von Stoup's jacket has the collar, facing and sleeves attached so its ready for fitting this week. The top for my mystery costume is finished and I cut out the bottom tier, the lining and the outside.
Not too shabby for a day's work, huh?
Today I made a lot of DragonCon progress -- Miss Von Stoup's jacket has the collar, facing and sleeves attached so its ready for fitting this week. The top for my mystery costume is finished and I cut out the bottom tier, the lining and the outside.
Not too shabby for a day's work, huh?
Friday, July 1, 2011
DragonCon Progress and Weekend To Do List
Well, I've been spending most of the past couple weeks working on my mystery costume because I left my thread at my beau's home across town and wasn't able to obtain it. So the bad news is I haven't touched Miss Von Stoup's Confederate jacket. The good news is, I made a lot of progress on the mystery costume.
As you already know, the corset is done. The skirt is mostly done - I gathered layer 3's ruffle and hand basted it before stitching it in place. Then I basted layers 2 and 3 together along the waist. Layer 1 is going to be a separate skirt because it is not washable and everything else is.
I also worked on the top. I've been looking at patterns, contemplating blouse versus peasant when I remembered that I have several peasant blouse patterns. So I pulled out one that has a collar as well so I could get that pattern piece for the jacket. The top is mostly finished. Tonight I cut it out, and almost finished putting it together. It just needs a touch more work.
Weekend To Do List
We are swiftly approaching the 60 days to Dragon*Con mark.
Help.
As you already know, the corset is done. The skirt is mostly done - I gathered layer 3's ruffle and hand basted it before stitching it in place. Then I basted layers 2 and 3 together along the waist. Layer 1 is going to be a separate skirt because it is not washable and everything else is.
I also worked on the top. I've been looking at patterns, contemplating blouse versus peasant when I remembered that I have several peasant blouse patterns. So I pulled out one that has a collar as well so I could get that pattern piece for the jacket. The top is mostly finished. Tonight I cut it out, and almost finished putting it together. It just needs a touch more work.
Weekend To Do List
- Miss Von Stoup's Confederate jacket. This is definitely first on my list. I need to get it to a fitting stage so we can get together next weekend and try on our uniforms.
- Finish mystery costume skirt. I need to buy the fabric for layer 4, put it together, then sew the back seam and insert a zipper.
- Finish mystery costume top. I need to make the waist elastic casing, put in the elastic and then hem it. I may trim it in lace, but I haven't decided yet.
- Hopefully I'll be going shopping with Prof. Watt for Scarlet Spider fabric this weekend.
- I may see about fixing my beau's kilt.
- And if I get a chance, work on my Ottoman vest.
- As well as working on tying the beau's quilt
- I'd also like to go shopping for Cover Girl items.
We are swiftly approaching the 60 days to Dragon*Con mark.
Help.
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