I've been following this site for several years now. This young lady is an amazing costumer and I'm in love with her Steampunk Fairy costume. Check it out!
Showing posts with label 2012. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2012. Show all posts
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Steampunk Fairy Costume
I've been following this site for several years now. This young lady is an amazing costumer and I'm in love with her Steampunk Fairy costume. Check it out!
Monday, July 9, 2012
Blue & Pink & Pretty!
(As always, click the pics to make them larger.)
Today's offering is a Lolita/50's era inspired mashup dress. I say Lolita because It has all the basic lines, but is a little longer than normal aka 50's era. (It really looks fifties when she wears her super poof petticoat and high heels, which she was neglecting in the pics.)
I had the blue fabric floating around and never could find something to compliment it. Miss H was in love with it and one day suggested I use the leftover pink lace from her Irish dance dress with it. This is a Cynthia Rowley pattern #1873 from Simplicity.This was view A. I drafted a peter pan collar for it and shirred the back, instead of adding the zipper.
I don't think I'm completely in love with the shirring on this one. She likes it because it's comfy. Anyway, the pattern was easy to follow, but beware of the ten thousand darts! The bodice front has under bust darts as well as side darts. The sleeve is full of darts too, on both the fashion fabric AND the lining fabric.
I was cussin' em under my breath while in progress. They've grown on me and I really like the result now. It wouldn't take much cajoling to get me to use this sleeve again. (It's kinda like labor...you forget all the work involved as time goes on!)The bodice panel is edged in pink eyelet lace with daisy buttons.
There was just enough blue fabric left to make the trim for the hem ruffle.
This dress was super economical. White sheet from the thrift store for the lining and white fashion areas = $1. Pink overlay lace, leftover from another project = Free! 4 Daisy buttons, been in my stash for 10 years = Free! Pink eyelet lace, came from a garage sale with just enough for the sleeves and panel = $0.25. 2 yards blue fabric, been in my stash for more than 3 years = Free! (I know I bought it new, but am sure I didn't pay more than $3/yard.) Interfacing for the collar, leftover scraps = Free! Yay, a nearly free dress AND another finished project out of my basket!
Today's offering is a Lolita/50's era inspired mashup dress. I say Lolita because It has all the basic lines, but is a little longer than normal aka 50's era. (It really looks fifties when she wears her super poof petticoat and high heels, which she was neglecting in the pics.) I had the blue fabric floating around and never could find something to compliment it. Miss H was in love with it and one day suggested I use the leftover pink lace from her Irish dance dress with it. This is a Cynthia Rowley pattern #1873 from Simplicity.This was view A. I drafted a peter pan collar for it and shirred the back, instead of adding the zipper.
I don't think I'm completely in love with the shirring on this one. She likes it because it's comfy. Anyway, the pattern was easy to follow, but beware of the ten thousand darts! The bodice front has under bust darts as well as side darts. The sleeve is full of darts too, on both the fashion fabric AND the lining fabric.
I was cussin' em under my breath while in progress. They've grown on me and I really like the result now. It wouldn't take much cajoling to get me to use this sleeve again. (It's kinda like labor...you forget all the work involved as time goes on!)The bodice panel is edged in pink eyelet lace with daisy buttons.
There was just enough blue fabric left to make the trim for the hem ruffle.
This dress was super economical. White sheet from the thrift store for the lining and white fashion areas = $1. Pink overlay lace, leftover from another project = Free! 4 Daisy buttons, been in my stash for 10 years = Free! Pink eyelet lace, came from a garage sale with just enough for the sleeves and panel = $0.25. 2 yards blue fabric, been in my stash for more than 3 years = Free! (I know I bought it new, but am sure I didn't pay more than $3/yard.) Interfacing for the collar, leftover scraps = Free! Yay, a nearly free dress AND another finished project out of my basket!
Saturday, July 7, 2012
We're off to see the Wizard....The Wonderful Wizard of OZ!
Ha! Caught ya with my title, right?!? Here's the scoop. We're not reeeally going to Oz to see the wizard(unless you count the magical lights in the sky). We're moving. Where? Somewhere magical, of course. Isn't anywhere more magical than where you are?
Why, you ask. Oh, lots of reasons. The biggest would be my husband's job...or lack of one. He was laid off and we are now jobless. So we thought...why live where we don't want to be without a job when we could live where we DO want to be without a job? Logical, eh?
Are you CRAZY? Yes, well, we've known for about two years that we weren't happy in our current state. It's on the opposite side of the country from our friends and family. We've known for about 9 months that he was going to be laid off. 9 months. Ironic isn't it? It really feels like we've been in labor for the last month.
How? Movers, of course. We've been saving up, scrimping everywhere since we learned of the coming lay off. We've sold off and pared down our belongings by 75%. Yes, I said 75%! It was quite a feat with 4 pack rats and 20+ years of stuff. But leaving this place was more important to us and our long term goals than keeping excess stuff. It's amazing what you can live without and don't even miss.
When? VERY soon. WAHOO! Oops, sorry. Just get a little excited at the prospect. We've sold our house. Another big hurdle in this economy and we took a 28% loss, but we've planned ahead and we'll be okay.
Why are you sharing this? Because I want you to be encouraged. You can make your dreams come true and live the life you want. You only get one chance at it. When the news is nothing but doom and gloom, there is always a beacon of hope out there. We rely on our faith in God to bring us through. We plan ahead. We spend wisely. You can do it too.
We're about to be homeless, jobless, and untethered...at least for a little while. It looks like an adventure waiting to happen!
Why, you ask. Oh, lots of reasons. The biggest would be my husband's job...or lack of one. He was laid off and we are now jobless. So we thought...why live where we don't want to be without a job when we could live where we DO want to be without a job? Logical, eh?
Are you CRAZY? Yes, well, we've known for about two years that we weren't happy in our current state. It's on the opposite side of the country from our friends and family. We've known for about 9 months that he was going to be laid off. 9 months. Ironic isn't it? It really feels like we've been in labor for the last month.
How? Movers, of course. We've been saving up, scrimping everywhere since we learned of the coming lay off. We've sold off and pared down our belongings by 75%. Yes, I said 75%! It was quite a feat with 4 pack rats and 20+ years of stuff. But leaving this place was more important to us and our long term goals than keeping excess stuff. It's amazing what you can live without and don't even miss.
When? VERY soon. WAHOO! Oops, sorry. Just get a little excited at the prospect. We've sold our house. Another big hurdle in this economy and we took a 28% loss, but we've planned ahead and we'll be okay.
Why are you sharing this? Because I want you to be encouraged. You can make your dreams come true and live the life you want. You only get one chance at it. When the news is nothing but doom and gloom, there is always a beacon of hope out there. We rely on our faith in God to bring us through. We plan ahead. We spend wisely. You can do it too.
We're about to be homeless, jobless, and untethered...at least for a little while. It looks like an adventure waiting to happen!
Monday, July 2, 2012
Borrower's House
I managed to snap some pics of my daughter's Borrower's house. She and I crafted this glorious borrowed mansion 9 years ago for a school project after reading the book.
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Just Shoot Me Now!
This is a confession.
I'm sure I'm not alone in committing such a sewing faux pas. Just thought you'd get a chuckle out of my folly whilst I put "pen to paper" to document this so as to remember not to do it again!
Sewing Lesson #1:
DON'T SEW WHEN YOU'RE TIRED! You WILL make stupid mistakes, causing you to befriend your seam ripper. You'd think I would have learned this lesson well over the years. Apparently, I'm either quite dense or in need of a refresher coarse.
Sewing Lesson #2:
DOUBLE CHECK YOUR PROJECT BEFORE FIXING THE MISTAKES FROM THE NIGHT BEFORE! 'Nuff said.
On to the inevitable confession....I'm whipping up a basic 3 gore walking skirt for my daughter's friend before she goes home to Germany. Simple project, right? You'd think so. I've made this exact pattern about 10 times. Suffice it to say, sewing on a zipper (which I've done a thousand times) doesn't go well at 2am. I managed to sew it in backwards, with the zipper pull toward the inside of the skirt. Duh. I was at least wise enough to give up and go to bed.
This morning, I ripped the zipper out and put it in correctly. Again, simple. It was beautiful. A perfectly executed installation. And, I used a regular presser foot instead of a zipper foot so I could show her how it's done. *Sigh* The only problem this time? I didn't double check my seams from the late night stitchery and managed to put the zipper into the seam at the hem instead of the waist....both times! Double Duh!
So, out comes Mr. Seam Ripper...it really should be permanently attached to my hand. You'll be relieved to know (I certainly was) that the zipper went in correctly on the third try.
Annie, get your gun and get me away from the sewing machine!
I'm sure I'm not alone in committing such a sewing faux pas. Just thought you'd get a chuckle out of my folly whilst I put "pen to paper" to document this so as to remember not to do it again!
Sewing Lesson #1:
DON'T SEW WHEN YOU'RE TIRED! You WILL make stupid mistakes, causing you to befriend your seam ripper. You'd think I would have learned this lesson well over the years. Apparently, I'm either quite dense or in need of a refresher coarse.
Sewing Lesson #2:
DOUBLE CHECK YOUR PROJECT BEFORE FIXING THE MISTAKES FROM THE NIGHT BEFORE! 'Nuff said.
On to the inevitable confession....I'm whipping up a basic 3 gore walking skirt for my daughter's friend before she goes home to Germany. Simple project, right? You'd think so. I've made this exact pattern about 10 times. Suffice it to say, sewing on a zipper (which I've done a thousand times) doesn't go well at 2am. I managed to sew it in backwards, with the zipper pull toward the inside of the skirt. Duh. I was at least wise enough to give up and go to bed.
This morning, I ripped the zipper out and put it in correctly. Again, simple. It was beautiful. A perfectly executed installation. And, I used a regular presser foot instead of a zipper foot so I could show her how it's done. *Sigh* The only problem this time? I didn't double check my seams from the late night stitchery and managed to put the zipper into the seam at the hem instead of the waist....both times! Double Duh!
So, out comes Mr. Seam Ripper...it really should be permanently attached to my hand. You'll be relieved to know (I certainly was) that the zipper went in correctly on the third try.
Annie, get your gun and get me away from the sewing machine!
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Fabric Rose Tutorials
Good morning blog friends! I'm working on yet another dress and needed a fabric rose for the hair accessory. So, a-searching I have gone. There are several tutorials out there in the aether. I liked these best and there's one for just about any look you want.
Friday, May 25, 2012
A&G Ohio
In March, we zipped over to a great con we've been going to for 4 years. Shiho, our first of 6 Japanese exchange students, came back to visit and we dragged her a long. I don't think she was prepared for American Otaku! (Otaku in Japanese is an over the top fan of Japanese comics(called manga) and cartoons(called anime). The difference between here and there is that otaku nerds in America brandish the term like a medal of honor. Where as, Japanese use it as an insult. Funny how things get lost in translation!
Here is Shiho on the left, with Miss H dressed in her Suu costume, The Doctor (11th)(he was an impressive character...always on the ball with the right lines), and Miss G on the right. She offered to be a companion, but Amy and Rory were already waiting in the TARDIS. ;)
I went in my travel outfit on Friday and didn't feel like wearing the hat, so I just plopped the goggles on my head.
Shiho went shopping with our neighbor on Saturday, and we went back to the con. Miss H wore her Sakura costume from Tsubasa River Chronicles, and Miss G wore her cherry Lolita dress.
The girls love mochi...which is a rubbery, slightly sweet, rice flour blob stuffed with a slightly sweet red bean paste. I don't mind the mochi, but the red bean paste is kinda disgusting. They love the melon flavored mochi and always get a big box in the dealer's room to share. It's their con tradition.
I completely forgot to take pictures as we roamed around the con! Finally, I forced the girls to do a mini photo shoot just so I'd have something to post. First up, is Miss G in her black cherry Lolita dress...
Next is Miss H in her Sakura outfit. She made this herself and won first prize in her division at Sugoicon. Unfortunately, we missed costume judging for this one but it's still a great costume!
The girls decided it wasn't fair if I didn't get in on the fashion show, so here we go. This is my purple and brown Steampunk costume.
There are tiny keys and clocks stitched all over the bustle.
They insisted I had to get a "twirl" picture too.
Thought I'd throw in a couple of hair pictures too. This started as a ponytail in the center back of my head. I made several pin curls and plopped them all over my head. Since I was going for am elegant messy look, I left an end poking out here and there. I wove in a silver necklace, a large medallion, small jeweled barrettes & hair pins, and a feather pick to finish it off.
Miss G couldn't join us on Sunday and Master G had never been to a con. He isn't allowed to go until he turns 14. I made an exception because he's die hard Brony and there was a My Little Pony panel that day. (Guys who are fans of MLP are called Bronys and girls are called Pegasisters in the fandom at large...goofy kids.) We loaded up Shiho, Miss H, and Master G and headed to the con.
I gave Master G my pass and went to lunch with Lord McCormick while they attended the Pony panel. Miss H is big fan of MLP too. Lord McCormick and I snuck into the panel near the middle and I was amazed that the guy to girl ratio was about 50/50.
They watched the new episode, talked about the evolution of the series, gave away pony related prizes, and discussed pony traits. Master G LOVED the con. He dressed in his Steampunk attire. I think Shiho had a good time overall and thinks Americans are waaay too excitable when it comes to anime!
Coincidentally, McDonalds has MLP prizes in their happy meals at the time...so of course, we had to stop there for lunch...and dinner!
Here is Shiho on the left, with Miss H dressed in her Suu costume, The Doctor (11th)(he was an impressive character...always on the ball with the right lines), and Miss G on the right. She offered to be a companion, but Amy and Rory were already waiting in the TARDIS. ;)
I went in my travel outfit on Friday and didn't feel like wearing the hat, so I just plopped the goggles on my head.
Shiho went shopping with our neighbor on Saturday, and we went back to the con. Miss H wore her Sakura costume from Tsubasa River Chronicles, and Miss G wore her cherry Lolita dress.
The girls love mochi...which is a rubbery, slightly sweet, rice flour blob stuffed with a slightly sweet red bean paste. I don't mind the mochi, but the red bean paste is kinda disgusting. They love the melon flavored mochi and always get a big box in the dealer's room to share. It's their con tradition.
I completely forgot to take pictures as we roamed around the con! Finally, I forced the girls to do a mini photo shoot just so I'd have something to post. First up, is Miss G in her black cherry Lolita dress...
Next is Miss H in her Sakura outfit. She made this herself and won first prize in her division at Sugoicon. Unfortunately, we missed costume judging for this one but it's still a great costume!
The girls decided it wasn't fair if I didn't get in on the fashion show, so here we go. This is my purple and brown Steampunk costume.
There are tiny keys and clocks stitched all over the bustle.
They insisted I had to get a "twirl" picture too.
Thought I'd throw in a couple of hair pictures too. This started as a ponytail in the center back of my head. I made several pin curls and plopped them all over my head. Since I was going for am elegant messy look, I left an end poking out here and there. I wove in a silver necklace, a large medallion, small jeweled barrettes & hair pins, and a feather pick to finish it off.
Miss G couldn't join us on Sunday and Master G had never been to a con. He isn't allowed to go until he turns 14. I made an exception because he's die hard Brony and there was a My Little Pony panel that day. (Guys who are fans of MLP are called Bronys and girls are called Pegasisters in the fandom at large...goofy kids.) We loaded up Shiho, Miss H, and Master G and headed to the con.
I gave Master G my pass and went to lunch with Lord McCormick while they attended the Pony panel. Miss H is big fan of MLP too. Lord McCormick and I snuck into the panel near the middle and I was amazed that the guy to girl ratio was about 50/50.
They watched the new episode, talked about the evolution of the series, gave away pony related prizes, and discussed pony traits. Master G LOVED the con. He dressed in his Steampunk attire. I think Shiho had a good time overall and thinks Americans are waaay too excitable when it comes to anime!
Coincidentally, McDonalds has MLP prizes in their happy meals at the time...so of course, we had to stop there for lunch...and dinner!
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Scarlett's Hat
May I present the photographic evolution of the Scarlett's Gone Steampunk hat. It started with a 25 cent straw hat.
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Steampunk Symposium 2012
We headed up town to the Steampunk Symposium last weekend. Alas...I didn't take a camera. :( Lord McCormick accompanied me and managed to snap a photo or two with his phone...which isn't the best. There were workshops, airship races, shopping, and dancing. Not to mention all the mingling and photo ops!
Friday, April 20, 2012
Scarlett's Gone Steampunk Teaser
I found these gorgeous green moire curtains at the thrift store for $24. This much good quality fabric would easily cost over $150 at the fabric store. The green reminds me of Scarlett Ohara's green drapes gown in Gone With The Wind. So, this dress is called Scarlett's Gone Steampunk.
There are four 92" panels with gold tassels along one side. They're lined in white cotton. Then there are 3 huge triangular window scarves that are lined in deep pink moire with the gold tassels along 2 edges. Finally, there were a couple funny little rectangular pieces that could've been tie backs? I'm planning on making myself another Steampunk dress out of it. My goal is to have it finished by the first of November so I can wear it to a convention. We'll see.
Here's a sneak peek at some of the skirt details....
There are four 92" panels with gold tassels along one side. They're lined in white cotton. Then there are 3 huge triangular window scarves that are lined in deep pink moire with the gold tassels along 2 edges. Finally, there were a couple funny little rectangular pieces that could've been tie backs? I'm planning on making myself another Steampunk dress out of it. My goal is to have it finished by the first of November so I can wear it to a convention. We'll see.
Here's a sneak peek at some of the skirt details....
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