Time Traveler Entry #23 and moving onwards

Well the time traveler costume is pretty much complete. I finished sewing the roman shade tape on (although I am contemplating adding a little more to it) and I attached the ruffle to the hem. I decided that one ruffle was enough so all I have left to do is hand sewing on some wide green ribbon over the top of the ruffle to finish the edge. And moving the waistband hook and eye because the skirt is a little too big on me. I do still have the prop to do as well, but I believe my beau and one of his friends might be aiding me with that this weekend...

And... moving onwards...

Miss Dashwood's outfit: I have cut out both the skirt and bloomers. I did part of first out of some extra fabric first because it was my first time really enlarging a pattern. It turned out well so I took it apart and used it as the pattern. So far I hemmed the apron front and gathered the sides and attached them to the apron back. I hemmed the sides of the poufs then sewed the top pouf to the bottom pouf for the bustle skirt, including putting a drawstring in to attach the bustle to the apron (they tie together). I need more fabric before I can finish the bustle, and I'm buying that tomorrow. I also need ribbon for the waistband. As for the bloomers, I enlarged the pattern and cut it out. Then I sewed the inner leg seam before sewing the legs together at the crotch. As of right now, its all basted together. That way I can alter them easily if its necessary. I haven't done the casing and the elastic yet because I wish that Miss Dashwood try them on first, nor have I hemmed them for the same reason.

Pajama pants - I cut out both my pair and the pair for Miss Dashwood. Then I sewed together the inner leg seam, the outer leg seam and the crotch seam of mine. I plan to finish them tonight - the casing is in progress, the elastic is laid out and then all I have to do is hem them. Then I shall tackle Miss Dashwood's and we shall have matching pajamas to wear when we share accommodations at Marcon.

The countdown is down to 26 days but I'm feeling very prepared at the moment. If all goes well, my beau shall have a new kilt to wear for the event.

Well I must get back to sewing! I want to finish my pajama pants this evening.

A bientot!

Miss Leah J Wilde

Time Traveler Entry #22

The 'time traveler' is almost complete! I hand sewed the waistband onto the underskirt, including gathering the back by hand. Hooks and eyes have been sewn onto the apron closure, the waistband closure, and to the waistband tabs and bustle waistband so that the two can be connected. I cut the sleeves of the jacket to above the elbow and finished the edge. I thought about trimming them but decided that I liked them better plain, plus the lace I have been using as trim would be rather scratchy right up against the skin. I also started sewing the roman shade tape to the underside of the bustle.

What is left to be done (1) finish sewing the roman shade tape and (2) add the ruffles to the bottom of the underskirt. And of course the prop.

I'm feeling rather accomplished and on top of things at the moment. And my accomplishment quickly fades when I realize that I only have 30 days to (1) finish 'time traveler' (2) make Miss Dashwood's items (3) make a hat for Harley Quinn (4) make a belt for Leia and (5) make matching pajama pants for me and Miss Dashwood. The last isn't a requirement but I'd really like to do them before the convention.

A bientot mes amis!

Miss Leah J Wilde

Time Traveler Entry #21

I started to put together the prop! Just a tiny thing, and I've begun gathering bits and bobs for it. I really should go shopping...but I really don't know where to go...

As for my dress, the bustle is for the most part finished. I sewed the outer bustle to the lining tonight. Then flipped it and topstitched along the top of the ruffles. Then I basted at the top before pleating it and attaching the waistband, partly by machine, partly by hand. All that's left to do is sewing the hook part of the hooks and eyes and figuring out how to bustle it.

I also sewed the tabs that the eye part of the hook and eye get sewn onto and pinned them to the skirt waistband. My plan of attack is to finish the skirt next - gather and attach the two ruffles and do the waistband, including the eyes - before tackling the bustling problem.

I'm almost done, fair readers! Then it'll be onto Miss Dashwood's new outfit. The fabric is prewashed and the patterns are just sitting there waiting for me to work my magic.

A bientot mes amis!

Miss Leah J. Wilde

Photos of the bustle waistband

Time Traveler Entry #20

Dears,

Today I - basted the purple ruffle onto the bustle, gathered pinned and then basted the white ruffle onto the bustle and started pinning the lining to the outer bustle. Unfortunately I ran into a couple problems and so decided to set it aside for the evening - as it is fastly approaching midnight, oh dear! - and head to bed for some much needed slumber.

I also purchased the first two components of the prop that will accompany this costume. So excited to actually make a prop!

I feel quite productive. Despite the lost argument with my bustle. Tomorrow is another day after all.

A bientot!

Miss Leah J. Wilde


Ruffle attachment in progress. I was amused by the image of my bustle stuffed into the drawer of my desk.

Time Traveler Entry #19

My dearest darling readers,

Progress has been made! I finished sewing the green ribbon onto the second ruffle today. I also hemmed the white satin bustle ruffle and stitched gathering stitches into the white and purple satin bustle ruffles. I trimmed the white ruffle so it narrows at the end - that way the ruffle can taper out on the ends and not interfere with the gathering of the bustle to the bustle waistband. I also started pinning the purple ruffle onto the bustle.

Next up:
finish attaching ruffles to bustle
sew lining to outer bustle
sew ring tape onto the underside of the bustle
attach bustle waistband, add hooks
attach waistband to underskirt, add eyes
attach ruffles to underskirt
sew hooks and eyes onto the apron where it fastens over the bustle pillow
finish sleeves of jacket

I am going to do my utmost best to finish this costume this week! Then I can begin the lovely Miss Dashwood's 'conductrix' costume!

Bonne nuit, mes cheris. Dormi bien.

Miss Leah J. Wilde

White satin ruffle in progress:














Purple and white satin ruffles in progress:

Time Traveler Entry #18

Hello dears,

Good news - I have finished stitching the green ribbon onto one of the ruffles for the underskirt! And started sewing on the second.

I also cut out purple satin and white satin for the bustle ruffles. Both have been stitched together into long strips and the white has been pinned for hemming. I think I'm going to have a wide white ruffle w a narrow purple on top of it. I shall also have to 'play' w the ruffles when I attach them to make the bustle work right.

That's all the progress I've made - And time is getting short - MARCON is next month! Yikes! Better get to sewing!

Bisoux

Miss Leah J. Wilde