Since I've Been Away

 It's been quite a while since I last visited this blog, and I'm sure it feels like a neglected stepchild. Hopefully I'll be able able to reconcile my absence, but we'll see how that goes.

       Since I've been away I made this dress for a semi formal dance. It took me two days and consisted of ten tulle circle skirt alternating red and black bound together by a red, blanked bias tape-ish ness and wasn't too difficult to put together. The top is actually in two pieces a basic medieval-top simplicity pattern altered to include a "petal" which you hasn't been added yet in the construction photo. Then to complete my vision of the dress  added a second "petal" in the shiny red fabric that helped the top and the skirt blend into each other a bit better. I was happy with the outcome, I hope I can find another chance to wear it again!

    This is the last project I worked on before leaving behind my machine. This is from a newer simplicity steampunk pattern which ended up not being too challenging to make. I used some left over gold material I had around and cut up an old velvet-ish black skirt I found at a thrift store a quite a while ago. In this picture it isn't completely finished, but I ended up finishing the lower edge with black lace.

    Since I've been away from this blog I've been sewing but, of course, not nearly as much as I would like to. Now that I've started college I've been separated from my much beloved sewing machine. Now I'm excited that I actually get to hand sew a few things without the constant temptation of the super fast and efficient force that is my sewing machine.

   I just started working on an elizabethan chemise. My first hand sewn project and my first elizabethan project! I can't wait to post it for a bit more show and tell, but for now I'm off to class. Ta ta, loves!

Red Skirt

Hello, hello. I've finally delved back into my sewing. Thanks in part to $2 patterns at Hobby Lobby. I recently finished a lovely petticoat from Patterns of Fashion. The near-by fabric store just recieved a new set of fabrics. In these I found my perfect material; however, to my dismay, I have no way of knowing what kind of material this is. rough woven, and not at all synthetic. it keeps a very nice color and is quite strong. And this is what I made my petti from.

I've, also, developed a crush on a new period. After whatching Mists of Avalon I reliezed how beautiful medieval dresses can be. I dearly love the simplicity of the panneled dresses which remind me an aweful lot of a kirtle.Hopefully I will soon find a pattern and can do some research on the period.

Back to School

Bla. This will be our first full week back in school and we've already been out one day do to a water main break, had a mini break down because I just realized the majority of my friends have gone on to better places of learning, and found my one and only refuge at that dreadful place has been infiltrated. Don't I feel special. On the bright side I just figured out I have and hour and a half that I can dedicate to sewing. That's a definite Woo! I recently finish my mini tricorn and am about to start boning an 18th century stay with reeds. I must say I can't believe I've never used them before. They're just flexible enough but in a bundle are plenty strong, and they're cheap! Now how can anyone argue with that? I promise to have pictures of some of my work soon.
With my deepest sincerity I wish you enjoyable experiences until we meet again.

A Plume and a Stay

Finaly I'm semi-productive again! I just went out and picked up some buckram and small beads. To play around I've made up an off the sleeve mini tricorn. It is definantly one of the cutest things I've made. And right along with it comes a corset! In my opinion one could never have too many corsets. There are so many different types and they're all so lovely (even though it does begin to get a little over the top for me in the late 19th century.) My only problem, though, is figuring out how to make the clothes that go with them. But I'm inspired now. Do you think attempting the hindi wedding rehearsal dress and bolero would be to over reaching? By the way, I can't really fgure out what kind of stay goes with it. I do believe that's what I will try. Until next time, adeu.

Regency Pattern Review

I've almost finished with a patterned white regency gown from Butterick. With minor adjustments it fits quite well and captures a very nice look. Being a beginner myself, I do believe it's a great pattern to start out with and to get an idea about a style the regency was going for, and though it doesn't use period techniques in its construction the over all look is very nice.
My favorite part in the Butterick packet is a pattern for an over-dress. And I must say Don't be discouraged by the packet's cover picture. As long as you choose a good color you'll have a fine dress.