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.
Showing posts with label Christmas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christmas. Show all posts
Friday, November 13, 2015
Monday, December 15, 2014
Christmas Dress
I promised a post on my Christmas dress, so here it is!!! :D
I started with around 5 yards of uncut corduroy. Not enough for the pattern, but I decided to do a contrast collar and cuffs to cut down on it, and shorten the skirt if I had to. Which I frequently do with my 1950s dresses because they were LONG to allow for the petticoats. So I start cutting out the bodice. And as I go to cut out the second part, I realize that I'd cut without paying attention to the nap.
*face palm*
Okay, so how do I handle this? Knowing I'm already short on fabric, I decide just to keep the mistake going. Maybe no one will notice, right? So I finish cutting everything out, including lining for the bodice and interfacing and pack up everything to take home to my parents' house for Thanksgiving.
I start sewing. I try on the bodice and look down. You can totally see the nap. I ask my parents if they can tell, mom can't at first, but dad can. We decide that I might as well keep going, so I work on the skirt. After sewing together several panels and putting in the pockets I realize that I only cut two sides instead of four.
*face palm*
At this point, I hate the dress and my mom pretty much just looked at me and said we're going to the fabric store.
Christmas dress take two: I bought the right amount of fabric (black crepe) and lining (a pretty black and white houndstooth) as well as a yard of white satin to do the collar and cuffs.
By the way, at this point, I have two weeks to get the dress done to wear to The Nutcracker which is why I started making a new dress for Christmas to begin with. After I got home on Sunday, I cut out the collar and cuffs, to get it out of the way. So my goal on day one (the Monday after the fabric store) was to get everything cut out. I got the black cut out, and part of the lining. The second day, I finished the lining, washed the interfacing (I just used muslin) and started sewing. Day three: finish the bodice, except the collar and cuffs.
Day four: fixed a fitting issue and got the collar on.
Day five: collar and cuffs on and with fancy stitching on the edges. Started pinning all the skirt panels together.
By the evening of day six, I was working on pinning the lining in place. At that point, all that was left was the zipper, stitching the lining down and then hemming the lining and the dress itself.
On day seven, I hung up the dress to let the skirt settle before hemming.
Day eight, I was really tired and didn't work on my dress. As of day nine, the dress just needed the lining finished and the both the lining and dress hemmed. The overskirt was underway, but the petticoat hadn't been touched yet.
Day eleven: I finished hemming the overskirt, with a satin stitch. And stopped for the night because if I knew that if I didn't every single seam was going to end up with a satin stitch. So all that was left was the gathering and the waistband. And the petticoat.
By the Friday before the event (day twelve), all that was left was the petticoat so I spent my Saturday cutting and gathering yards and yards and yards of netting.
But it all got DONE on time!!!
And of course, I ended up deciding not to wear the overskirt. I just liked it better without it. Maybe I'll just use it as a Christmas tree skirt.
I started with around 5 yards of uncut corduroy. Not enough for the pattern, but I decided to do a contrast collar and cuffs to cut down on it, and shorten the skirt if I had to. Which I frequently do with my 1950s dresses because they were LONG to allow for the petticoats. So I start cutting out the bodice. And as I go to cut out the second part, I realize that I'd cut without paying attention to the nap.
*face palm*
Okay, so how do I handle this? Knowing I'm already short on fabric, I decide just to keep the mistake going. Maybe no one will notice, right? So I finish cutting everything out, including lining for the bodice and interfacing and pack up everything to take home to my parents' house for Thanksgiving.
I start sewing. I try on the bodice and look down. You can totally see the nap. I ask my parents if they can tell, mom can't at first, but dad can. We decide that I might as well keep going, so I work on the skirt. After sewing together several panels and putting in the pockets I realize that I only cut two sides instead of four.
*face palm*
At this point, I hate the dress and my mom pretty much just looked at me and said we're going to the fabric store.
Christmas dress take two: I bought the right amount of fabric (black crepe) and lining (a pretty black and white houndstooth) as well as a yard of white satin to do the collar and cuffs.
By the way, at this point, I have two weeks to get the dress done to wear to The Nutcracker which is why I started making a new dress for Christmas to begin with. After I got home on Sunday, I cut out the collar and cuffs, to get it out of the way. So my goal on day one (the Monday after the fabric store) was to get everything cut out. I got the black cut out, and part of the lining. The second day, I finished the lining, washed the interfacing (I just used muslin) and started sewing. Day three: finish the bodice, except the collar and cuffs.
Day four: fixed a fitting issue and got the collar on.
Day five: collar and cuffs on and with fancy stitching on the edges. Started pinning all the skirt panels together.
By the evening of day six, I was working on pinning the lining in place. At that point, all that was left was the zipper, stitching the lining down and then hemming the lining and the dress itself.
On day seven, I hung up the dress to let the skirt settle before hemming.
Day eight, I was really tired and didn't work on my dress. As of day nine, the dress just needed the lining finished and the both the lining and dress hemmed. The overskirt was underway, but the petticoat hadn't been touched yet.
Day eleven: I finished hemming the overskirt, with a satin stitch. And stopped for the night because if I knew that if I didn't every single seam was going to end up with a satin stitch. So all that was left was the gathering and the waistband. And the petticoat.
By the Friday before the event (day twelve), all that was left was the petticoat so I spent my Saturday cutting and gathering yards and yards and yards of netting.
But it all got DONE on time!!!
And of course, I ended up deciding not to wear the overskirt. I just liked it better without it. Maybe I'll just use it as a Christmas tree skirt.
Thursday, December 12, 2013
Christmas Sewing #2 - Almost Finished
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| Almost finished Veggie Tales fleece pajama pants for my cousin's two boys |
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| Finished travel size pillowcases for my cousin's two boys |
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| Finished Where The Wild Things Are pajama pants for my brother and almost finished matching pajama pants for my nephew |
Monday, November 18, 2013
Christmas Sewing #1
I finished my mom's scrub top yesterday!
I had issues with the neckline, and eventually just decided that it would have to do after the third try even though I'm still not happy with it.
And I may have also made myself a little triangular headscarf out of left over fabric to wear during the Christmas season.
I had issues with the neckline, and eventually just decided that it would have to do after the third try even though I'm still not happy with it.
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| The scrub top is penguin tested, penguin approved. |
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
To Do List - Deadline December 31, 2013
1. Hand quilting my embroidered quilt. Obviously, I don't really expect this to be done, but I might surprise myself. Hand quilting is addictive, people! I sit down almost every night and do a few lines.
2. Purple corduroy skirt. This just needs a zipper.
3. Christmas circle skirt. I think all this needs is hemmed.
4. Christmas sewing: Scrub top for mom (the deadline on this one is actually Thanksgiving). Pj pants for my brother, nephew (I'd like these put together by Thanksgiving as well, for fitting) and my cousins two boys. And probably an apron for my father, because Joanns has Clifford the Big Red Dog fabric! (his name is Clifford, thus my excitement). Oh and an apron for my cousin but that doesn't need finished til January. And a little pillowcase out of train fabric for one of my cousin's boys.
I think that's everything! Man, I really need to get on this Christmas sewing thing...Maybe I can get some done this week since I took time off from job number two. I want to get the house decorated as well.
2. Purple corduroy skirt. This just needs a zipper.
3. Christmas circle skirt. I think all this needs is hemmed.
4. Christmas sewing: Scrub top for mom (the deadline on this one is actually Thanksgiving). Pj pants for my brother, nephew (I'd like these put together by Thanksgiving as well, for fitting) and my cousins two boys. And probably an apron for my father, because Joanns has Clifford the Big Red Dog fabric! (his name is Clifford, thus my excitement). Oh and an apron for my cousin but that doesn't need finished til January. And a little pillowcase out of train fabric for one of my cousin's boys.
I think that's everything! Man, I really need to get on this Christmas sewing thing...Maybe I can get some done this week since I took time off from job number two. I want to get the house decorated as well.
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
To Do List Update - Fall Convention Prep
Since convention season is starting, and the weather will be turning cold soon, here's my current to do list:
White eyelet lined and trimmed in lilac cotton 60s shift - DONE
Two quilt tops and backs - DONE. Next up is the pinning this weekend.
Lolita commission. Deadline is mid October for Teslacon. - Coming along well.
Jacket commission I started months ago for a friend. Deadline is mid October for Pandoracon - This still needs worked on.
Finish my green and gold outfit - Natural Form, steampunk style. I need to make a natural form-esque petticoat and underskirt, both with ruffles, and also a long green overskirt trimmed in fringe. Deadline - Pandoracon -- I've started this. The petticoat is cut out and I've started construction. It's going to have a removable under section of crinoline with a ruffle to give it some extra ooomph. I bought black satin for the skirt (about 7 yards of it) as well as some black mirror organza, which will likely become ruffles on the overskirt. Currently, I'm working on the ruffles on the petticoat train.
Purple corduroy skirt - This is prewashed but I still don't know what pattern I'm using. I'm tempted to do a full skirt over a pencil, if I have enough. It's a large wale corduroy and I just don't know if that'll work in a pencil skirt.
Striped Echino skirt - This is cut out. I went with a Vogue skirt pattern that has a ruffle at the bottom. So the stripes are vertical on the skirt itself and the ruffle was cut so the stripes start horizontal and get chevron-y towards the side seams.
Turquoise corduroy - I cut out another 60s vintage pattern, a vneck jumper.
If possible, a new mask for Diamonds are Forever.
When I purchased the black satin and organza, I also picked up a couple other things...cream corduroy for a skirt along with lining (pencil skirt) and navy corduroy for another pencil skirt. There was a clearance sale. And I love corduroy. And I want to phase out wearing pants. Okay, I'm done justifying my fabric shopping. lol Also I somehow remembered to get thread to match the cream and navy, but no zippers for either of those or for my striped fabric.
And here's what I bought when I got the petticoat fabric --
White eyelet lined and trimmed in lilac cotton 60s shift - DONE
Two quilt tops and backs - DONE. Next up is the pinning this weekend.
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| Finished UFO mystery quilt top |
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| Embroidered quilt, it now has a pink border. |
Jacket commission I started months ago for a friend. Deadline is mid October for Pandoracon - This still needs worked on.
Finish my green and gold outfit - Natural Form, steampunk style. I need to make a natural form-esque petticoat and underskirt, both with ruffles, and also a long green overskirt trimmed in fringe. Deadline - Pandoracon -- I've started this. The petticoat is cut out and I've started construction. It's going to have a removable under section of crinoline with a ruffle to give it some extra ooomph. I bought black satin for the skirt (about 7 yards of it) as well as some black mirror organza, which will likely become ruffles on the overskirt. Currently, I'm working on the ruffles on the petticoat train.
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| Hand sewing lace onto the bottom ruffle of the petticoat train. |
Purple corduroy skirt - This is prewashed but I still don't know what pattern I'm using. I'm tempted to do a full skirt over a pencil, if I have enough. It's a large wale corduroy and I just don't know if that'll work in a pencil skirt.
Striped Echino skirt - This is cut out. I went with a Vogue skirt pattern that has a ruffle at the bottom. So the stripes are vertical on the skirt itself and the ruffle was cut so the stripes start horizontal and get chevron-y towards the side seams.
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| Cutting this out made me nervous...I ended up basically cutting one layer at a time. |
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| Vintage pattern and the turquoise corduroy. I even remembered to buy matching thread and zipper! |
When I purchased the black satin and organza, I also picked up a couple other things...cream corduroy for a skirt along with lining (pencil skirt) and navy corduroy for another pencil skirt. There was a clearance sale. And I love corduroy. And I want to phase out wearing pants. Okay, I'm done justifying my fabric shopping. lol Also I somehow remembered to get thread to match the cream and navy, but no zippers for either of those or for my striped fabric.
And here's what I bought when I got the petticoat fabric --
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| L to R: pink flannel for the back of the mystery quilt, white crinoline, white muslin and Christmas fabric for my mom's Christmas gift - a new scrub top (she'll get it early, obviously) |
Monday, October 29, 2012
Weekend Happenings and Ohayocon Planning
This weekend I worked on the embroidered quilt - only three more blocks to go before assembly time! - and finished my Christmas nightgown! I may still add some lace to the nightgown, but I kind of like it as is. I also prewashed fabric for Pepper's leggings that I'm going to start for her. I bought fabric for the pajama pants that Harley wears in an issue of Gotham City Sirens (I think that's what comic its from...) And...started my Suicide Squad Harley Quinn.
Here's the plan for Harley Quinn:
Here's the plan for Harley Quinn:
- Shorts using Simplicity 2317, with the left side black and the right side red. I may have to alter it a little, but not too much
- Corset using McCalls 3636, with the front left side red and the right side black, colors reversed on the back of the corset. The corset is going to be drastically altered from the pattern, but I think it'll make a good starting point.
- I'm working with left over spandex from my bodysuit, which will work perfectly for the shorts but the corset is going to be stabilized with some heavy sturdy fabric.
- The corset is going to take some engineering and will likely contain interlining and lining along with boning and bra cups (once I figure out what kind of bra cups to use)
- I'll also need to make a neck ruffle and gauntlets, one red, one black
- I need to buy two pairs of socks, one red, one black
- And figure out what I'm doing with my hair and my shoes...
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Sorry for the lack of posts, my friends. I've been rather busy.
Let's see....My last to do list is not done. I basically ran out of time.
After throwing aside the tunic, I pulled out my Christmas nightgown. Which went together pretty much without any issues. All that's left is to hem the ruffle and I'll have a super old fashioned nightgown to wear at Christmas time. Woo hoo!
Next up is another attempt at the "Eat drink and be scary" tunic, then I'm moving on to Ohayocon sewing - Suicide Squad Harley Quinn as well as a new collar for my comic Harley Quinn bodysuit. And maybe new cuffs as well, because mine are almost unwearable.
Let's see....My last to do list is not done. I basically ran out of time.
- I did sew ribbon onto my "I believe in pink" tunic. Unfort. I used seam binding and it did not survive being washed after I wore the tunic so that will have to be replaced with actual ribbon.
- I finished the waistband on my "Wilde Side" leggings but left them unhemmed
- "Eat drink and be scary" tunic is STILL not finished. I ran into a lot of problems and ended up basically throwing it to the side. It was that, or start crying.
After throwing aside the tunic, I pulled out my Christmas nightgown. Which went together pretty much without any issues. All that's left is to hem the ruffle and I'll have a super old fashioned nightgown to wear at Christmas time. Woo hoo!
Next up is another attempt at the "Eat drink and be scary" tunic, then I'm moving on to Ohayocon sewing - Suicide Squad Harley Quinn as well as a new collar for my comic Harley Quinn bodysuit. And maybe new cuffs as well, because mine are almost unwearable.
Monday, September 10, 2012
September 10 2012 To Do List
- Nursing cover is DONE!
- Miss Joker suit and blouse - Almost there! I need to sew a closure onto the elastic on the blouse, and make the shoe clips. The skirt is hemmed and the tie is ready!
- Tour Wear leggings - This is my next project. I need to get the cream leggings made to see if the pattern is going to work before touching the other fabrics I bought for leggings. Although they're Tour Wear I don't think the cream leggings are going to get a name...
- Tour Wear 'I believe in pink' tunic is also ready for construction. I decided to rename this, "I believe in pink" is an Audrey Hepburn quote.
- Tour Wear "Eat, drink and be scary" Halloween tunic is ready for construction.
- My embroidered quilt
- The embroidered quilt for my nephew - This is as done as I can get it until I buy some grey, brown and black floss.
- Halloween skirt - Still need to finish the waistband.
- Christmas nightgown is ready for construction.
- Keeper of the Keys waist cincher
- Quilt blocks are still waiting for me to start my Ohio Star blocks.
Monday, August 20, 2012
What Miss Wilde Did This Weekend
- Finish the commission. - DONE and will be handed off tomorrow
- Halloween skirt - Still need to finish the zipper and closure, but its not a priority. Deadline: October.
- Femme Joker - Lots of progress here! Tried on the skirt and took it in. Also made the zipper larger because there was no way to wear that slim of a skirt without a longer zipper. It still needs taken in maybe another half inch. It's also too long. The base of the jacket is put together, but I think it needs some darts in the back to help it fit better. Then comes the collar and the lining (still need to buy lining fabric...) The blouse is cut out, but I haven't started assembly yet. Deadline: end of September
- Nursing cover for my sister in law - Fabric has been bought and prewashed. Deadline: probably October-ish.
- AAR Tour Wear: I have a leggings pattern picked out, just waiting for it to go on sale. I also have some tunic plans, but will need to purchase fabric for said tunics. Deadline: September / October
- Hellhound cosplay: Realized I already have part of it - a blue scarf! I have a jacket pattern picked out but am unsure right now if it'll work or not. Currently thinking jeans, boots, tshirt, scarf and a cool jacket. All I'll probably have to make is the jacket. Oh and a wand. Definitely gonna have to make a wand. Deadline: Don't have one. Maybe end of September, maybe not til January for Ohayocon.
- Christmas nightgown: Pulled the fabric and patterns out the other day. I'm going to have to get a matching print to do part of the nightgown in because I definitely don't have enough of the nativity print cotton to do a long nightgown like I want to. Deadline: Christmas (obviously)
Saturday, June 23, 2012
Nativity Fabric Idea
A Christmas nightgown! I have two Simplicity nightgown patterns - Option A. Option B. I really think I should do a Victorian Christmas nightgown with lace and everything. I wonder how much fabric I have...
That is all.
EDIT 6/25 - My mama LOVED this idea. Now to see if I have enough to do it. And finish the other projects I have waiting for me...
That is all.
EDIT 6/25 - My mama LOVED this idea. Now to see if I have enough to do it. And finish the other projects I have waiting for me...
Monday, December 26, 2011
Christmas Weekend Sewing
One -- the Harley Quinn cuffs are finished. Beau disapproves of my snaps, and wants me to have a back up of velcro and elastic underneath. I may take his suggestion, but it would have been nice to have said suggestion BEFORE I messed with the snaps.
Two -- I washed all the materials for my gypsy steampunk scarf: black bandanna, several kinds of black lace and two colors of ribbon. Should be fun to put together.
Three -- I finished panel number FIVE of my crazy quilt skirt.
Four -- I went through my new patterns (Beau gave me two more for Christmas! The wash overskirt and the asymmetrical overskirt) and thought about what I wanted to do with them. I have some plans percolating in my mind.
Of course, I'm rather tempted to abandon the gypsy steampunk for the time being and move on to the new patterns. All I really want to get done at this point is the last gore for my crazy quilt skirt and probably the corset. The scarf is an accessory and can wait, the petticoat can also wait. After all, there's little reason to finish everything when the skirt is going to take weeks, if not months, for mother to embroider. So if I at least finish the skirt gores, I'll feel like moving on. But I probably should finish the corset before I start tackling the complicated patterns.
I also sewed a loose button back on my brother's coat. He shows up for Christmas., hugs me, tells me he loves me, then asks if I can fix his button. lol
Two -- I washed all the materials for my gypsy steampunk scarf: black bandanna, several kinds of black lace and two colors of ribbon. Should be fun to put together.
Three -- I finished panel number FIVE of my crazy quilt skirt.
Four -- I went through my new patterns (Beau gave me two more for Christmas! The wash overskirt and the asymmetrical overskirt) and thought about what I wanted to do with them. I have some plans percolating in my mind.
Of course, I'm rather tempted to abandon the gypsy steampunk for the time being and move on to the new patterns. All I really want to get done at this point is the last gore for my crazy quilt skirt and probably the corset. The scarf is an accessory and can wait, the petticoat can also wait. After all, there's little reason to finish everything when the skirt is going to take weeks, if not months, for mother to embroider. So if I at least finish the skirt gores, I'll feel like moving on. But I probably should finish the corset before I start tackling the complicated patterns.
I also sewed a loose button back on my brother's coat. He shows up for Christmas., hugs me, tells me he loves me, then asks if I can fix his button. lol
Monday, December 19, 2011
Corset Progress and Other Things
I did finally make that freaking toaster cover! Easiest Christmas gift ever by the way, I just hope my papa likes it.
I've been working on my gypsy corset vest. I finished stitching the eyelet pleather trim to the brown binding and have stitched most of the layered trim on. I picked out buckles but they only had one so I need to get another. The buckle I purchased is attached, so one side of the corset is pretty much done!
What I still need to do: Purchase and attach the second buckle. Put a zipper in the front. Stitch the lining to the outside at the center back and at the shoulders. Make boning channels along the center back and insert bones into all the channels. Make the binding and bind the remaining edges. Put in eyelets in the back (and Beau found a set of eyelet pliers at the house!)
I've also been working on my comic book Harley Quinn improvements: The collar is put together and just needs hooks and eyes to hold it on and the pom poms attached. It's not perfect, but its the best I'm gonna be able to do for now. I put together the cuffs -- white taffeta base and five rows of pleated trim -- so all I need are closures of some sort. I'm thinking snaps.
There has been no progress on the crazy quilt skirt.
So my to do list:
1. Finish the corset.
2. Finish the Harley Quinn collar and cuffs.
3. Make a Santa coat sleeve for Beau.
4. Finish the last two gores of the crazy quilt skirt.
And once all that's done, I can start working on the patterns Beau got me for my birthday. He got me two Truly Victorian patterns I asked for: the vest basque and the square overskirt. Current plans are to make them out of bright pink satin trimmed in black to wear with my black underskirt. However, rumor has it I have more patterns on the way, so those plans may change. I really really really wanna start on them, but I know that the other projects come first which is why I spent time working on them this weekend. :)
Beau bought me the square overskirt
and the vest basque patterns.
Aren't they just beautiful?
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Weekend Sewing and What I'd Like to Get Done this Week
This weekend: I worked on panel number four of my crazy quilt skirt and it is almost finished. I also worked on my corset - I basted the front seam of the lining for fitting and fitted the corset. It is much to large. I'm going to have to take several inches out of the center back seam.
A trip to Joanns yielded two yards of black pleather ribbon with eyelets for my corset straps, two yards of white ruffled grosgrain ribbon for my Harley Quinn cuffs, and a few things for my elf punk fascinator hat. I tried to find something brown for my corset, but didn't find anything I liked.
I made my elf punk hat -- I started with an old CD and cut two pieces of padding, one for each side. Then I cut two circles of the bustle fabric a little larger than the CD size and stitched them down to cover the padding. Next, I added two white taffeta flowers, a large red poinsetta, red tulle and green feathers. I tried to add some white and or gold beads, but I couldn't figure out where to put them or how to attach them. The final step was to add some white elastic cord to hold it onto my head. I'm planning to wear it tilted on my head.
Elf punk hat, sitting flat but will be worn tilted.
I finished my Christmas stocking and hung both it and Beau's stocking up.
To Do List for December 4, 2011:
1. Toaster cover for my father's Christmas present
2. Find the embroidery thread for my mother
3. Finish panel number four of my crazy quilt skirt
4. Take in the corset to fit
It's a conservative list, but with my work schedule and with going home next weekend, that's all I can probably manage over the next week. If possible, I'd love to work more on the corset, the skirt and maybe even start my Harley Quinn cuffs and collar.
A bientot!
A trip to Joanns yielded two yards of black pleather ribbon with eyelets for my corset straps, two yards of white ruffled grosgrain ribbon for my Harley Quinn cuffs, and a few things for my elf punk fascinator hat. I tried to find something brown for my corset, but didn't find anything I liked.
I made my elf punk hat -- I started with an old CD and cut two pieces of padding, one for each side. Then I cut two circles of the bustle fabric a little larger than the CD size and stitched them down to cover the padding. Next, I added two white taffeta flowers, a large red poinsetta, red tulle and green feathers. I tried to add some white and or gold beads, but I couldn't figure out where to put them or how to attach them. The final step was to add some white elastic cord to hold it onto my head. I'm planning to wear it tilted on my head.
Elf punk hat, sitting flat but will be worn tilted.
I finished my Christmas stocking and hung both it and Beau's stocking up.
To Do List for December 4, 2011:
1. Toaster cover for my father's Christmas present
2. Find the embroidery thread for my mother
3. Finish panel number four of my crazy quilt skirt
4. Take in the corset to fit
It's a conservative list, but with my work schedule and with going home next weekend, that's all I can probably manage over the next week. If possible, I'd love to work more on the corset, the skirt and maybe even start my Harley Quinn cuffs and collar.
A bientot!
Friday, December 2, 2011
To Do List Update - Gypsy Steampunk and Christmas
Steampunk Gypsy:
Three of the six crazy quilt skirt panels are finished and at my mother's house for embroidery. I need to find some of my embroidery threads to take to her for her to use on them. Panel number four is well underway.
As for the corset, I've reached the construction point. After hand basting the cotton interlining to the silk for support and stability and also hand basting the broadcloth lining to the denim interlining, I started sewing everything together. Both sides of the silk outer layer and lining / denim inner layer have been stitched together. I need to baste together the front for fitting purposes, probably take it in some, and then move on to sewing the layers together. I'm planning for this to be lightly boned, probably just at the center front, side front, side and center back with no boning on the curved side back seam. I'm also only planning one bone per seam as opposed to the usual two bones per seam that I usually follow.
The back will fasten with lacing and eyelets (I'm contemplating stitching over the eyelets to give them a prettier look, but haven't decided for sure) while the front will likely close with a separating zipper. I want to have straps of some sort that go up the front to the buckles at the shoulders, my mother suggested brown would look pretty with the teal. I agree but wonder about how that will look with the planned black petticoats. I also need to find buckles. Brown pleather straps would be rather lovely though, and I have some brown faux silk that may work for the binding...
I'm also planning to make a tiered black petticoat to wear underneath the crazy quilt.
Christmas presents:
I started my other Christmas sewing. I made a pillowcase for Beau and used the left over fabric to trim the stocking I made him from left over red taffeta from Diamonds are Forever. My stocking is the same base fabric and will be trimmed in some University of Cincinnati cotton I have in my stash. Other than finishing my stocking, the only other thing I have to sew is the toaster cover for my father's gift.
Harley Quinn body suit improvements:
I know how I'm going to do the cuffs, but I haven't started them yet. I did cut out the collar but its too small and needs to be recut at a slightly larger size.
Elf punk hat:
I'm thinking of some sort of fascinator style hat, covered with clip on Christmas decorations, fabric flowers, red tulle, and some gold beads.
Stash sewing:
If I don't get any commissions, this will probably be the next project tackled. I'm planning something vaguely 18th out of a cream and black flocked taffeta (if there's enough fabric); and a new skirt for my black plaid outfit that is more plaid, probably a shorter skirt with a wide plaid ruffle or pleated ruffle at the hem leaving little of the actual skirt exposed.
Speaking of commissions, I am taking them again. I've had some interest from a few people but nothing firm yet.
Three of the six crazy quilt skirt panels are finished and at my mother's house for embroidery. I need to find some of my embroidery threads to take to her for her to use on them. Panel number four is well underway.
As for the corset, I've reached the construction point. After hand basting the cotton interlining to the silk for support and stability and also hand basting the broadcloth lining to the denim interlining, I started sewing everything together. Both sides of the silk outer layer and lining / denim inner layer have been stitched together. I need to baste together the front for fitting purposes, probably take it in some, and then move on to sewing the layers together. I'm planning for this to be lightly boned, probably just at the center front, side front, side and center back with no boning on the curved side back seam. I'm also only planning one bone per seam as opposed to the usual two bones per seam that I usually follow.
The back will fasten with lacing and eyelets (I'm contemplating stitching over the eyelets to give them a prettier look, but haven't decided for sure) while the front will likely close with a separating zipper. I want to have straps of some sort that go up the front to the buckles at the shoulders, my mother suggested brown would look pretty with the teal. I agree but wonder about how that will look with the planned black petticoats. I also need to find buckles. Brown pleather straps would be rather lovely though, and I have some brown faux silk that may work for the binding...
I'm also planning to make a tiered black petticoat to wear underneath the crazy quilt.
Christmas presents:
I started my other Christmas sewing. I made a pillowcase for Beau and used the left over fabric to trim the stocking I made him from left over red taffeta from Diamonds are Forever. My stocking is the same base fabric and will be trimmed in some University of Cincinnati cotton I have in my stash. Other than finishing my stocking, the only other thing I have to sew is the toaster cover for my father's gift.
Harley Quinn body suit improvements:
I know how I'm going to do the cuffs, but I haven't started them yet. I did cut out the collar but its too small and needs to be recut at a slightly larger size.
Elf punk hat:
I'm thinking of some sort of fascinator style hat, covered with clip on Christmas decorations, fabric flowers, red tulle, and some gold beads.
Stash sewing:
If I don't get any commissions, this will probably be the next project tackled. I'm planning something vaguely 18th out of a cream and black flocked taffeta (if there's enough fabric); and a new skirt for my black plaid outfit that is more plaid, probably a shorter skirt with a wide plaid ruffle or pleated ruffle at the hem leaving little of the actual skirt exposed.
Speaking of commissions, I am taking them again. I've had some interest from a few people but nothing firm yet.
Friday, November 18, 2011
To Do List to Complete by December 31, 2011
I think December 31 will make a lovely due date, don't you? Since I have no events to count down to until January.
My basic to do list:
First up, Harley Quinn revamp in two parts:
Oh and I need to make a toaster cover for a Christmas present. But I forgot to measure the toaster...
What I'd like to get done this weekend:
My basic to do list:
- fall/winter sewing
- elf punk
- sewing for Miss Von Stoup
- Harley Quinn revamp
- patchwork skirt for gypsy-punk
- stash sewing: cream and black satin, black and silver plaid, purple linen, bright pink satin
- corsets
First up, Harley Quinn revamp in two parts:
- Comic book version: Made a pattern for the new collar. I need to make the new collar and make the cuffs.
- Steampunk version: Finished sewing trim around the jacket edges and to the skirt hem. I may need to purchase a little more trim.
- I have two jumpers cut out and started pinning them.
- And I finished the Keeper of the Keys skirt.
- I finished the elf punk bustle.
- I'd like to make a hat for the elf punk ensemble.
- Patchwork crazy quilt skirt is started.
- And I'm thinking of doing a teal silk high backed corset vest if (1) I have enough fabric and (2) the silk coordinates well with the blouse.
Oh and I need to make a toaster cover for a Christmas present. But I forgot to measure the toaster...
What I'd like to get done this weekend:
- Pink full skirted jumper.
- Navy slim skirt jumper.
- Harley Quinn collar.
- Work on crazy quilt skirt.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Adventures in Quilting - The Final Post and What's Next for Miss Wilde
I finished my mother's wall hanging and Beau's quilt yesterday. The binding of the quilt seemed like it took forever due to the size. But its DONE and he's happy and I'm sure mother will be as well. I passed on putting on a hanger, because I don't know what kind of hanger to put on there. I may add it sometime between now and Christmas, when I can talk to her about it.
I went shopping yesterday. What I bought: white flannel with black keys on it for a skirt (suitable for work and steampunk), pink with a grey pinstripe shirting for a jumper (Simplicity retro pattern mentioned in previous posts), the binding for both abovementioned projects, some white blizzard fleece for Beau to use in a costume, and some comic printed fabric for something for Beau for Christmas. Currently I'm thinking a Christmas stocking with matching pajama pants trimmed in the leftovers (there's not enough for pajama pants, maybe for boxers but I don't know if he'd wear those and I've been thinking about making us stockings so I think that's the best route).
I also started the bustle for my Christmas steampunk outfit (I'm calling it "elf-punk") -- I cut the tablecloth I'm using in half and started assembling the bustle with the aid of my dressmaker's dummy. I fastened the bustle pillow on her butt and went to town. Once the bustle's done, I'm planning to make a fabulous Christmas-y hat / fascinator to go with it. I just need to figure out what to use as the base to pile on flowers and other fun stuff.
After the elf-punk dress is finished, I will move on to the normal work clothes: Finishing a skirt that's already cut out. The keeper of the keys skirt. The retro pink jumper. And retro out of some wide wale blue corduroy, either a jumper or a skirt. And then of course the Christmas stockings. I think I may need to pick up some Tinkerbell fabric for my stocking / pajama pants combo. EDIT I also have some UC Bearcats fabric left over from a remnant I bought earlier this year (I made myself a bandana). If I have enough, I might use this for my combo instead.
As for other Christmas presents, my father has no idea what he wants me to get him and my brother and sister in law have told me that they cannot afford presents this year and so don't want me to spend any money on them.
Okay, I'm going to get dressed (still in my robe and slippers! lol) and head down to the sewing room for a little elf-punk fun.
A bientot!
I went shopping yesterday. What I bought: white flannel with black keys on it for a skirt (suitable for work and steampunk), pink with a grey pinstripe shirting for a jumper (Simplicity retro pattern mentioned in previous posts), the binding for both abovementioned projects, some white blizzard fleece for Beau to use in a costume, and some comic printed fabric for something for Beau for Christmas. Currently I'm thinking a Christmas stocking with matching pajama pants trimmed in the leftovers (there's not enough for pajama pants, maybe for boxers but I don't know if he'd wear those and I've been thinking about making us stockings so I think that's the best route).
I also started the bustle for my Christmas steampunk outfit (I'm calling it "elf-punk") -- I cut the tablecloth I'm using in half and started assembling the bustle with the aid of my dressmaker's dummy. I fastened the bustle pillow on her butt and went to town. Once the bustle's done, I'm planning to make a fabulous Christmas-y hat / fascinator to go with it. I just need to figure out what to use as the base to pile on flowers and other fun stuff.
After the elf-punk dress is finished, I will move on to the normal work clothes: Finishing a skirt that's already cut out. The keeper of the keys skirt. The retro pink jumper. And retro out of some wide wale blue corduroy, either a jumper or a skirt. And then of course the Christmas stockings. I think I may need to pick up some Tinkerbell fabric for my stocking / pajama pants combo. EDIT I also have some UC Bearcats fabric left over from a remnant I bought earlier this year (I made myself a bandana). If I have enough, I might use this for my combo instead.
As for other Christmas presents, my father has no idea what he wants me to get him and my brother and sister in law have told me that they cannot afford presents this year and so don't want me to spend any money on them.
Okay, I'm going to get dressed (still in my robe and slippers! lol) and head down to the sewing room for a little elf-punk fun.
A bientot!
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Project Update!
Beau's Quilt: It's been lengthened. Up next is basting the edges and binding it, neither of which is likely to happen at the moment because I'm going to have to rearrange my sewing area (move a couple things off the sewing table and move the sewing table out from the wall so there's room to work on the quilt).
Christmas: I put the backing of my mother's wall hanging together and pinned everything together. The batting is pieced: one big piece in the middle with a narrower piece at each end (left over from trimming Beau's quilt). After pinning, I started to quilt it. I'm quilting it with a dark orange thread, I think it coordinates well with the fall palette of the applique. After the quilting's finished (which it may be this evening actually), I'll baste the edges and then move on to binding it.
Wall hanging in progress.
Christmas: I put the backing of my mother's wall hanging together and pinned everything together. The batting is pieced: one big piece in the middle with a narrower piece at each end (left over from trimming Beau's quilt). After pinning, I started to quilt it. I'm quilting it with a dark orange thread, I think it coordinates well with the fall palette of the applique. After the quilting's finished (which it may be this evening actually), I'll baste the edges and then move on to binding it.
Wall hanging in progress.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Quilting, Christmas and Halloween
Quilt: I redid the small section of black ties with red. Then I let out the top of the sheet I used as backing and repinned it, trimming off the excess. I also trimmed the excess from one side of the quilt so I could use that at the bottom for lengthening purposes. That is pinned and just needs sewn. I was going to trim the length of the quilt top but then realized that it would ruin the corners which are pillow squares.
So I need to sew the new section of backing to the bottom of the quilt, then I'm planning to baste around all the edges before binding. I haven't heard back from my friend about borrowing her strip cutter, so I may just go buy binding. I calculated that I'll need four packages which'll cost about $12. Making my own would be less than half that, but if that's not an option then its not an option.
As for Christmas, I still need to fix the back of my mother's wall hanging before I start the quilting on it. And then I need to find fabric for my father's curtains.
As for Halloween, I did end up making a quick little tutu for my own version of Harley Quinn. I purchased a spool of red tulle, sewed two lengths together, made a quick elastic casing, slid elastic in and then sewed the back seam. Quick and easy.
I think this is a pretty good (and true) version of Harley: it's not slutty and the blouse gives it a jester / clown feel. The mismatched thigh highs are a good touch. My only wish is that there was more red.
I'll probably be wearing this or something similar if we go out tonight as has been discussed.
A bientot!
So I need to sew the new section of backing to the bottom of the quilt, then I'm planning to baste around all the edges before binding. I haven't heard back from my friend about borrowing her strip cutter, so I may just go buy binding. I calculated that I'll need four packages which'll cost about $12. Making my own would be less than half that, but if that's not an option then its not an option.
As for Christmas, I still need to fix the back of my mother's wall hanging before I start the quilting on it. And then I need to find fabric for my father's curtains.
As for Halloween, I did end up making a quick little tutu for my own version of Harley Quinn. I purchased a spool of red tulle, sewed two lengths together, made a quick elastic casing, slid elastic in and then sewed the back seam. Quick and easy.
I think this is a pretty good (and true) version of Harley: it's not slutty and the blouse gives it a jester / clown feel. The mismatched thigh highs are a good touch. My only wish is that there was more red.
I'll probably be wearing this or something similar if we go out tonight as has been discussed.
A bientot!
Thursday, October 27, 2011
And the sewing has FINALLY resumed!!
First up -- Finishing that quilt I started about a year ago for my beau.
Good news: All of the tying is complete! Except for a small section that needs redone: I started tying using black yarn and the black yarn went missing, so I asked if it was okay if I used red instead when I found some red. The beau said it was okay, but now he doesn't like the way it looks so I have to redo about a dozed or so squares (each corner is tied so its a lot of ties to redo). On the bright side, it IS a small section in relation to the rest of the quilt.
I also trimmed off most of the extraneous batting. I'm going to have to get creative with the backing -- It is too short on the ends and too long on the sides. On the top I'm going to take out the hem (its a sheet, so there's lots of extra there) to give myself more fabric. On the bottom, I'm just going to have to sew on a strip to lengthen it. I'm tempted to shorten the quilt instead. I could just take off the bottom row of squares...of course that would negate that row of tying...But I don't know if I want to hassle with adding fabric to the back of an already quilted quilt.
Once the back is fixed, I need to tackle the binding. I either need to buy binding (easier) or make my own (cheaper). If I can borrow a friend's strip cutter, I'll probably go with making my own, but if that doesn't work out, I'll just buy it.
A shot of the quilt
A close up of the quilt. I'm thinking of using that Jedi blue for the binding...
Next comes Christmas presents!
First: A wall hanging for my mother. It's made from the pieces of an applique quilt my grandmother started years (maybe decades) ago. I've already pieced it together, adding pieces of coordinating fabric where needed, and I've started putting the back together. The back needs some more work before it's ready. Once the back's done, I'll pin everything together and start machine quilting it. Then of course comes the binding. I need to ask if she wants me to put some sort of hanger on the back or if she's going to take care of that.
Second: Probably some curtains for my father for his den. Mother gave me the idea.
I have no idea what I'm making / giving my brother or his wife for Christmas this year. Nor do I know what I'm making / giving my beau either. I set the bar kind of high last year when I made him a scrapbook of himself in Star Wars costumes. Damn me for that awesome present.
In other news...
Several things I wanted to make for Halloween haven't happened. I wanted to make a circle skirt out of some Halloween fabric I have to wear to work ON Halloween, but haven't had a chance. And since Halloween is Monday, I don't see it happening. I also wanted to make a tutu for my planned Halloween costume, but again, I haven't had a chance. And since I doubt anyone at the party we'll probably attend would 'get' who I was supposed to be, I don't know if I even want to bother with it. I'm not even really in the mood for Halloween this year, it just kind of appeared out of nowhere and nothing's ready, nor do I really know what the plans are this weekend. So...
I also have some 'normal' sewing I want to work on (work clothes mainly). I may try to improve my Harley Quinn bodysuit for Ohayocon in February. And there's sewing for Miss Von Stoup to do, as usual.
But first the quilt and the Christmas presents. And maybe the tutu for this weekend. Maybe.
A beintot!!
Good news: All of the tying is complete! Except for a small section that needs redone: I started tying using black yarn and the black yarn went missing, so I asked if it was okay if I used red instead when I found some red. The beau said it was okay, but now he doesn't like the way it looks so I have to redo about a dozed or so squares (each corner is tied so its a lot of ties to redo). On the bright side, it IS a small section in relation to the rest of the quilt.
I also trimmed off most of the extraneous batting. I'm going to have to get creative with the backing -- It is too short on the ends and too long on the sides. On the top I'm going to take out the hem (its a sheet, so there's lots of extra there) to give myself more fabric. On the bottom, I'm just going to have to sew on a strip to lengthen it. I'm tempted to shorten the quilt instead. I could just take off the bottom row of squares...of course that would negate that row of tying...But I don't know if I want to hassle with adding fabric to the back of an already quilted quilt.
Once the back is fixed, I need to tackle the binding. I either need to buy binding (easier) or make my own (cheaper). If I can borrow a friend's strip cutter, I'll probably go with making my own, but if that doesn't work out, I'll just buy it.
A shot of the quilt
A close up of the quilt. I'm thinking of using that Jedi blue for the binding...
Next comes Christmas presents!
First: A wall hanging for my mother. It's made from the pieces of an applique quilt my grandmother started years (maybe decades) ago. I've already pieced it together, adding pieces of coordinating fabric where needed, and I've started putting the back together. The back needs some more work before it's ready. Once the back's done, I'll pin everything together and start machine quilting it. Then of course comes the binding. I need to ask if she wants me to put some sort of hanger on the back or if she's going to take care of that.
Second: Probably some curtains for my father for his den. Mother gave me the idea.
I have no idea what I'm making / giving my brother or his wife for Christmas this year. Nor do I know what I'm making / giving my beau either. I set the bar kind of high last year when I made him a scrapbook of himself in Star Wars costumes. Damn me for that awesome present.
In other news...
Several things I wanted to make for Halloween haven't happened. I wanted to make a circle skirt out of some Halloween fabric I have to wear to work ON Halloween, but haven't had a chance. And since Halloween is Monday, I don't see it happening. I also wanted to make a tutu for my planned Halloween costume, but again, I haven't had a chance. And since I doubt anyone at the party we'll probably attend would 'get' who I was supposed to be, I don't know if I even want to bother with it. I'm not even really in the mood for Halloween this year, it just kind of appeared out of nowhere and nothing's ready, nor do I really know what the plans are this weekend. So...
I also have some 'normal' sewing I want to work on (work clothes mainly). I may try to improve my Harley Quinn bodysuit for Ohayocon in February. And there's sewing for Miss Von Stoup to do, as usual.
But first the quilt and the Christmas presents. And maybe the tutu for this weekend. Maybe.
A beintot!!
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