Pink Jumper Pictures and Crazy Quilt Skirt News!

First up, some pictures of my new pink jumper that I wore yesterday:


As full length of a photo as I could get and I do apologize for the obligatory bathroom cell phone picture, I figured it was better than nothing.


Close up of the hem, where I used polyester horsehair braid to give it some body.


Close up of the neckline with hand done decorative topstitching in gray thread to match the pinstripes.

Now I just need a gray blouse...

In other news, I finished ANOTHER panel of my crazy quilt skirt:


And it's nowhere near as purple as it looks in this picture...Stupid lighting.

Besides finishing panel #2 last night, I also worked on my corset. All the pieces (except the lining) are cut out. I decided that what I used for the pattern was not sturdy enough for the lining. It is going to become interlining for the silk, then I'll have a layer of denim then black broadcloth as the corset lining.

What's in Miss Wilde's Sewing Basket for the weekend? (aka my weekend to do list)
1. Pattern, fabric and pompoms for Harley Quinn collar.
2. Teal silk corset, including broadcloth to cut out for the lining.
3. Crazy quilt skirt.
4. I also packed some little bits (such as fake coins) that will be used on my gypsy steampunk costume somewhere.

A bientot mes amis and Happy Thanksgiving!

More To Do List Progress - Fall / Winter Sewing and Gypsy Steampunk

The navy jumper is DONE. The zipper went in well, the jumper fit pretty perfectly, and while the neckline / armholes / hem took a while, it went fine as well. I plan on wearing it tomorrow and I'm wearing the pink jumper today!

I didn't work on the Harley Quinn collar. I decided I'd rather pack it for the trip to my parents' this weekend. Also packed will be the corset and the crazy quilt skirt.

I actually started on the corset last night. I combined three patterns: McCalls 6097 for the back (which I then cut in two to give me a side back seam), a modified underbust version of McCalls 4107 for the center front, and Simplicity 3618 for the side front. I trimmed pieces as needed to fit together more smoothly and clipped the front strap of the side front in half to give me a spot for it to buckle / snap. I then took apart the pattern which will likely become the lining of the new corset and double checked to see that I had enough silk (which I do) and I also found some denim to use as the interlining. It's not as heavy as I'd like, but it will do.

With me today is the corset to cut out and the crazy quilt skirt, I started panel number two last evening after working on the corset.

I feel like I'm making good progress on my December 31 to do list.

• My fall / winter sewing is DONE.
• The gypsy steampunk crazy quilt skirt and corset are well underway.
• The Harley Quinn collar and cuffs are in the planning stages.
• I'd like to make a hat of some sort for my elf-punk dress, but its wearable as is.
• And I've sorted out a lot of fabric for some stash sewing.
• Also I have fabric for a couple Christmas presents that I need to work on, but neither will take much time.

A bientot!

Progress on Fall / Winter Sewing To Do List

As you all know, my Keeper of the Keys skirt is finished.

And today I worked on both jumpers (which were already cut out). The pink pinstriped full skirted version is DONE. I just finished hand sewing the bodice lining in place and put a little decorative top-stitching around the neckline.

The navy jumper is to the hand sewing point. First I need to put the zipper in, then do a fitting to make sure I like how it fits. Then comes doing the hem, neckline and armholes by hand. There is no way I'm going to stitch any of that on a machine with that wide wale corduroy. It would look awful I'm sure.

And as I posted yesterday, panel one of the crazy quilt skirt is complete.

I pulled out the blouse for the gypsy steampunk outfit and the teal silk I wanted to use for a corset and I think it is going to work. The color is good and I have one yard of the silk which should be plenty. First step of that project is making the pattern. I'll probably base it off of several corset and bodice patterns and combine the different pieces to get what I want.

Tomorrow I'll finish the navy jumper and hopefully work on the Harley Quinn collar and maybe even the crazy quilt skirt. I need to decide what I'm packing for my trip home and get that packed no later than Monday (work a double Tuesday and leave Wednesday right after work).

That's it for now my dearest friends! A bientot!

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:

• 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

Progress so far and plans:

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.
  

Next, fall/winter sewing:

• I have two jumpers cut out and started pinning them.
  
• And I finished the Keeper of the Keys skirt.

As for my Christmas sewing...

• I finished the elf punk bustle.
• I'd like to make a hat for the elf punk ensemble.

And my gypsy punk costume is coming along.

• 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.

I've made no progress on Miss Von Stoup's sewing. Nor have I started any of my planned stash sewing, although I did set aside a couple things -- the cream and black flocked satin is sitting with the pattern I plan to use and I bundled some black and silver plaid with the leftover flocked chiffon from the underskirt. I have more plaid somewhere.

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.
  

Progress on my Fall / Winter Sewing To Do List

This weekend, I trimmed my Diamonds are Forever jacket with the tiny white pompoms. I also pinned the darts for both jumpers and pinned together the Keeper of the Keys skirt. And went shopping with my mother and bought fabric for the gypsy steampunk crazy quilt skirt as well as a couple other projects.

Today, I finished the elf punk bustle (snaps and a waistband) and trimmed the Diamonds are Forever skirt (I had extra trim!). I ran a few inches short on the skirt, I'm hoping it doesn't show because of the bustle but if it does, I'll have to buy more trim.

Gypsy Steampunk skirt: I cut out the base fabric, using my walkaway skirt pattern, out of black broadcloth. Then I cut it into six gores, roughly the same size. I started a collection of fabrics to use -- teal crepe, silver brocade, deep orange crushed velvet, burgundy velveteen, gold lace, green velveteen, brown faux silk, purple linen with pinstripes, teal paisley brocade, gold faux silk and black / burgundy iridescent taffeta. My mother said she would help with the embroidery, which is why I went with gores. I can finish one, take it to her and she can embroider it.

Musings on Sewing I'd Like to Do Over the Next Year

After finishing my current fall / winter wardrobe sewing (two skirts and two jumpers and maybe something in plaid...high waisted skirt for work / play perhaps...) and after finishing my elf-punk ensemble (I still need to sew some snaps or hooks on to attach the bustle to the apron as well as make a hat), I need to start thinking about next year's convention schedule and what I want to make.

First up is sewing for Miss Von Stoup. I know she wants something out of a black and silver fabric we purchased on our summer shopping trip, but I need to sit down with her to discuss it.

Current convention plans for next year:

1. Ohayocon in January. Primarily an anime convention, but there is always a steampunk presence.
2. Steampunk Empire Symposium in April. I'll be staying at my parents' house to cut costs so I'll have to really think about each outfit I take and its drive-ability.
   
3. World Steam Expo in May.
4. DragonCon in September.
   

At least one of the steampunk conventions (and maybe even DragonCon) will be done with only taking things that will go with my black underskirt. It's an effort to 'pack light' but a lot of my wardrobe could go over that skirt. And I may just make more that will go with it as well.

For Ohayocon, I want to revamp both of my Harley Quinn outfits. (1) The comic book body suit needs a new collar and cuffs. I already have some white taffeta I can use for the collar, I just need to make the pattern and then add the fluffy balls (which I may have in my stash). The cuffs I plan to make out of trim from Joanns -- it's white pleated ribbon. I think two or three rows of it will give the perfect look. I'd like to make both the collar and the cuffs removable. If possible, I'd also like to make shoe covers and purchase a pair of red gloves. I'm striving for a more accurate costume. (2) I want to add white braid along the jacket edges of my steampunk version and maybe also at the skirt hem, so it flows. This will take some time, because it has to be sewn on by hand. Maybe I'll purchase some braid this weekend with my extra discount so I can work on it over Thanksgiving...I need to measure how much I'll need first.

Other projects in the planning stages:

• I still really want to make an 18th century costume, either a robe a l'anglaise or a petticoat and jacket combination. This will be a lengthy proposition though, as I need to start from the skin out with stays and pocket hoops or a bumroll.
  
• I also really want to do a steampunk gypsy costume. I spent time yesterday pouring over Miss Kagashi's post on "The Roving Roma" (http://thesteamerstrunk.blogspot.com/2011/03/cylthe-roving-roma.html) and developing plans.
• And I want to look through all of my fabric and see what I can find to make new costumes. And probably new corsets, maybe even to sell.
• I'd love to make some new corsets. I have tons of ideas, I just need to sit down and execute them.
  

Steampunk Gypsy plans: I already have a white peasant blouse with embroidery. I want to have layered skirts, I'm thinking of using a two tiered white eyelet skirt as the bottom layer and a tiered patchwork skirt over top. I have an entire bin full of fabric scraps for the patchwork skirt project -- I've been planning it for months. Inspiration: http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=259659.0 I may do a crazy quilt version a la Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.

I might incorporate my pink shawls from my Ottoman steampunk: one as the bustle, the other as a drape or headscarf. If I don't wear the shawl over my hair, I'll wear some sort of scarf or bandanna that coordinates with my outfit. I plan to wear a lot of jewelry: a steampunk necklace a friend gave me, a watch locket from my grandmother, a purple and black necklace of plastic jewels bought from a street vendor in Amsterdam, and maybe my black beaded choker as well. Along with lots of bangles, hoop earrings and probably some rings as well. I have a coin belt that I'll likely wear and I have some coin jewelry charms that I'd like to use as trim somewhere or to make a necklace. Corset wise, I could wear the pink one, my black and silver waist cincher or I could make a new one.


Crazy quilt skirt from Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. I just love Howard Keel, don't you?

Stash sewing ideas: I know I have some cream and black flocked satin that might make a nice polanaise if I have enough OR it could work for an 18th century jacket then all I'd need would be a black petticoat...I also have a length of black and silver plaid left from my black and silver costume, maybe I could make a new skirt so I could be plaid head to toe. Oh I really like that idea. It would probably have to be a shortened skirt because I know there's not enough for a full length version. Although there is always the possibility of a shortened black underskirt trimmed in deep black and silver plaid ruffles. I know I have some purple linen as well...And a ton of other stuff. I really need to go through all my bins. Oh and there's a ton of bright pink satin, maybe that should go towards my 18th century outfit.

How to make an 18th century petticoat links:
http://www.koshka-the-cat.com/18c_petticoat.html
http://www.18cnewenglandlife.org/petticoat.htm
http://americanduchess.blogspot.com/2011/02/how-to-make-18th-century-petticoat.html (btw I follow this blog and recommend it highly)

I'm actually rather tempted to adapt patterns in my stash or that are easily purchase-able patterns to make something vaguely 18th century but not 100% accurate. After all, I am a steampunk. Can I steampunk the 18th century?

Corset Ideas:

A ribbon corset. This is a corset made of ribbon instead of fabric. I'm thinking I could adapt my underbust corset pattern to make one of these quite easily. Now do I have any ribbon in my stash...


A ribbon corset from an awesome corsetry blog, Bridges on the Body.

A corset based on Dr. Warner's Sanitary Corset from the late 1870s. It just looks so very steampunk-able to me.


The front buttons...


And the back has elastic. (Photos from the Antique Corset Gallery)

A corset based on the Kabo Girdle 801. This is a wrap around corset which is so unusual and amazing.


Front view



Back view. (Photos from the Antique Corset Gallery).

And now for my newest corset obsession, the corset with shoulder braces. I want to make a high backed, underbust corset with straps that fasten over the shoulders. I've been collecting some denim that might work well with this...or maybe I should do it for my gypsy costume...


From Ageless Patterns

Summary:

• 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

I have a lot of plans don't I?

A bientot!

Fall/Winter Wardrobe sewing

I cut out the pink jumper yesterday and started to pin the darts but got tired of it. There are A LOT of darts in that pattern. I also sorted out zippers for my sewing, none of which are perfect matches but if its using a purple 22" zipper in a navy jumper instead of spending the money on a new zipper, then I'm okay with it. The pink jumper is getting a white zipper and the Keeper of the Keys has a white zipper but its actually a separating one.

I brought my elf-punk bustle with me to work so I can sew on the closures (snaps).

I work both jobs today so no sewing after work. Tomorrow, Beau wants to work on fixing one of his costumes. Hopefully, we can get that out of the way fairly quickly and I can work on my sewing.

Elf-Punk and Fall/Winter Wardrobe sewing

Christmas Steampunk Bustle aka "Elf-Punk": For those of you who are uninformed, I love Chirstmas. As in I am obsessed with Christmas. My usual modus operandi is to decorate on November 1st because in my mind once Halloween is over, it's Christmas time. So when the Airship Archon started planning a holiday tea for December (which I may not be able to make it too because of family obligations *sad face*) and I found an old Christmas tablecloth in my Christmas things that was pretty unusable as a tablecloth because it had been ruined in one spot by children with paint (yes, it was me and my brother, the Luke to my Leia, the Jacen to my Jaina...okay I'm done with the Star Wars twin references lol), I knew that I had to do a Christmas steampunk outfit.

The tablecloth: White background. Trimmed in white fringe. Border pattern of poinsettas, bows and leaves in greens, reds, and burgundies.

I started off by cutting the tablecloth in half. Then I cut out the middle of one half to have a half circle to use as the apron:

Apron: Stage One

I created the top of the bustle with a half circle of white taffeta cut to roughly match the top of my bustle pillow. I edged it in white lace then started building the bustle. I removed the damaged portion of the center-less tablecloth half, finished the ends, ran a gathering stitch along the top edge and gathered it to fit the top of the bustle.


Bustle: Stage One

Next, I took the complete tablecloth half, found its center and the bustle top center, pinned the centers together then pinned along the bustle top. The remaining edge was finished as I stitched the two together.

Bustle: Stage Two

Now I went back to the apron. I used my trusty Simplicity 5457 (OOP) to make the apron back which I cut out of black cotton. I finished the lower edge of the apron with lace to match the bustle lace and a bit of fringe taken from the damaged section of tablecloth. Then I finished the top edge and sewed the apron back to the ends.

All that's left to do is sew on some closures. I plan to wear the bustle and apron with my black underskirt, a white blouse and either my burgundy bodice or a red corduroy bodice that I have never worn. I also plan to make or decorate a hat to match, probably with some poinsettas and maybe some other Christmas-y decorations.

With my elf-punk out of the way for the time being, I moved on to cutting out some patterns for my fall / winter wardrobe sewing. I need new work clothes!

First up, the keeper of the keys skirt. I used Vogue 2429, a sundress pattern that I love. I just cut out the skirt for view I. I think I have a self drafted waistband somewhere to use. There was about a half yard of fabric left over, I'm thinking I may need to make a waist cincher for when I wear the skirt for play and not work.


Vogue 2429, I used the skirt from View I, the green plaid

Keeper of the Keys fabric: the light makes it look yellow but in reality it's a white background with black keys.

Next, I cut Simplicity 3673 (retro jumper) out of dark blue wide wale corduroy. I went with View A (the blue one on the right) but I'm not making the belt. Since it's a jumper, I cut the largest size on my pattern, just to be on the safe side.

Simplicity 3673, the staple of my winter wardrobe.

I'm planning to cut view C (the full skirted center option) out of pink and grey pinstriped shirting tonight after work.

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!

Fall / Winter Sewing Plans

Now that Dragon*Con has come and gone, it is time to start planning my fall and winter sewing.

First of all, I recently received the news that I will be leaving the Companion's Shuttle and moving to other quarters aboard the airship (perhaps into my beau's?). Obviously, I will not be starting or working on any projects until this move is completed.

There are four things I'd like to focus on over the next several months: 'normal' sewing for my wardrobe; working on an 18th century costume; working on a Mara Jade costume; and finally sewing for Miss Von Stoup.

(1) Wardrobe sewing: I'd like some new, professional but fun, clothes for work. I definitely want to make Simplicity 3673, which is already in my pattern stash. I'm thinking a cute plaid that would coordinate with a few of my blouses. I'm also tempted to use the same pattern to do a high waisted skirt with suspenders, a skirt that could be worn to work or as part of a steampunk costume. There's a cute little retro dress pattern (New Look 6000) that I really love and would like to make, maybe out of a nice suiting. And I have a skirt I start several months ago that I'd like to finish. Also, I'm sure I have several UFOs (unfinished objects) that I could finish as well. I may actually work on some of the UFOs over the next few weeks before I move. EDIT I remembered that I have some wide wale corduroy in a teal blue color. I'm thinking it would work for the jumper or for the high waisted skirt.

(2) 18th century costume: I am dying to make and wear a robe a l'anglaise. Of course, the first thing I need to do is make a pair of stays. Thankfully, Butterick has a pattern that is rumored to be fairly accurate so I can at least get one inexpensive pattern. I know I can make a petticoat without a pattern, and probably the chemise as well. Once the underwear is done, I'll move on to making the actual robe a l'anglaise. No idea what I'm going to use to make any of this, by the way.

(3) Sewing for Miss Von Stoup: I still have several lengths of fabric to use to make her some new costumes. Black and silver damask for a polonaise (probably), some more of the Asian print and of the cream,...that may be it.

(4) Mara Jade: I really need to buckle down and just make this costume, I just dread sewing with stretch material as well as doing the quilting and piping.

PS This may sound strange but I really want to make a Christmas steampunk outfit. Elf-punk? I have an old Christmas table cloth that I'm dying to make into a bustle. Its all white and red and green and has this awesome fringe on it. And I already have a red corset I could wear with it...

Pink Suedecloth Skirt

I started my pink suedecloth skirt tonight. It has been cut out and a few things stitched. I had to be creative with the cutting. I unfolded the fabric and then folded up just enough to cut out the front and back along the fold (it has a side zipper). Then I had to cut out the ruffle one piece at a time instead of both at the same time to make it fit. I managed to get one facing cut out fine, but the second facing had to be cut in two pieces instead of along the fold and then seamed together.

I pinned and sewed the darts in the front and back pieces. I stitched together the facing that had to be cut into two pieces. I also stitched the side seams of the flounce and stay stitched the top of it.

Hmmm I need to name this skirt...Pretty in Pink? Maybe not, too cliche. Oooh I know - its my Think Pink skirt! Cute, catchy and references one of my favorite movies of all time -- Funny Face with Audrey Hepburn and Fred Astaire.

So my skirt is started. Next up will be the side seams, the zipper, attaching the flounce and facings and then hemming it. I very well might finish it on my next day off.

A bientot!

Miss Leah J Wilde

Ice Storm = Sewing

I'd actually kind of thought that I'd spend MORE of the day sewing than I did, but...oh well.

My knit tunic is DONE. I used a Simplicity pattern and lengthened it a few inches so that it'd be long enough to cover my bum. I think it turned out well, and Miss Dashwood agrees.

I attempted to start my corduroy skirt but the pattern / fabric would not cooperate. I'm beginning to think its the fabric since I had the same problem with another pattern.

Then I thought I would work on my pink skirt, but realized I probably don't have a zipper so why bother starting it when I can't finish it? And since its going to be a work skirt, I should probably go shopping and pick up thread and a zipper that actually match instead of my usual "oh this is close enough" approach.

I looked at my pretty blue and white cotton print, but since its a pattern that goes selvage to selvage, I need to cut it in half lengthwise to give me enough fabric for the gathered waist skirt, but then its going to be above the knee aka not long enough for work this summer. So I'll need to look through my stash / buy some white or blue solid cotton to make a band at the hem so its long enough.

After three sewing fails, I decided to move on to scrapbooking. Finished a page I'd been working on, added a title to the front page since I recently bought letter stickers for that very purpose, and did another page start to finish.

A bientot!

Miss Leah J Wilde
(who is praying that the Companion's Shuttle doesn't lose power because of the ice storm)

Last Minute Ohayocon Prep 2 and Normal Clothes for ME!

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

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

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

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

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

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

A bientot!

Miss Leah J Wilde

Update on Imperial Officer and Last Minute Ohayocon Prep

Imperial Officer

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

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

Almost there.

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

As for Ohayocon...

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

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

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

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

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

A bientot!

Miss Leah J Wilde

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

Upcoming Projects

First, my actual current to do list

Catwoman
1. Bustle / belt - we changed the concept, but I don't think it'll be too big of a deal. On hold for now til Miss Dashwood purchases a belt to which I can add a bustle and pockets.
2. Hat - ears need to be added to her current aviator hat
3. Shirt - zipper needs to be added to her turtleneck

Harley Quinn
1. Finishing the mask
2. Sewing hook onto jacket (in my sewing basket)

Beau's Quilt
1. Finish sewing the rows together to form a quilt top

Joker - after talking to Miss Dashwood, I've decided to at least finish the jacket (since its mainly done) and I may also do the trousers
1. Sew the lining into the body of the jacket (in my sewing basket)
2. Hem the sleeves
3. Maybe do buttons
4. Maybe put together the trousers

Now for what I want to work on during my break from sewing for anyone besides myself. By the by, all of the below projects are fabric and patterns from my stash.

1. Quebec scrapbook - I'd like to start this soon. I'm excited to scrapbook again.

2. Finish a skirt I started a while back (like years) (in my sewing basket) - its coordinating prints, a Michael Miller pin up print and coordinating polka dots.



3. Corduroy skirt


Not sure which pattern to use for this, but I have a couple options --

Option 1: View I, either as just a skirt or somehow make it into a jumper.


Option 2: This unusual wrap skirt, don't know which view though.


4. Pink suedecloth skirt -- not sure if I want to go with a simple basic pencil skirt or one that has a flare or some godets...



5. White and blue cotton skirt



6. Kermit pajama pants -- I've had this flannel in my stash for YEARS, high time I use it don't you agree?



And for my vivandiere, I'm thinking the Burda jacket pattern (probably shortened, but maybe not) with a very full knee length skirt and I'm torn between doing the harem / zouave style trousers underneath or wearing tights / leggings and a petticoat so my skirt is more poofy. Decisions, decisions. Good thing I have plenty of time to think about it, Marcon's not til May.

Updated 2011 Sewing List
In the next couple weeks...
1. Steampunk Catwoman for Miss Dashwood
2. Finishing Steampunk Joker - at least the jacket, maybe the pants
3. Finishing my quilt top
Then, in no particular order, the above sewing for ME in January / February
4. Finish a skirt I started a while back (like years)
5. Corduroy skirt
6. Pink suedecloth skirt
7. White and blue cotton skirt
8. Kermit pajama pants
And then back to sewing for others...
9. Alterations for the Captain, Heather and Bobbie - February
10. Drag show commission - February / March
11. Maybe a commission for one of my beau's friends for a Bill the Butcher costume
For myself,
12. I'd like to finally get ANH Princess Leia finished - whenever
13. Steampunk Confederate Vivandiere for Marcon. - probably April / May
14. Simi costume for DragonCon - sometime in the summer
Maybes....
15. Pink and white steampunk outfit I meant to do in 2010
16. Black corduroy skirt that I started years ago but now is too short for me to wear anywhere except clubbing. I could add a ruffle at the bottom, maybe out of black floral corduroy to match the jacket I have...

A bientot!

Miss Leah J Wilde
Steam-stress of the Airship Archon

Changes in My Sewing Plans

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

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

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



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

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

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

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

Mourning the death of the Joker...

A bientot!

Miss Leah J Wilde
Steam-stress of the Airship Archon