Dickens and Christmas are finally over

OK, I think I can finally take a breath, because between Dickens and Christmas I need a break. Not sure if I'll get one though, as I have some potential clients for Galveston's Mardi Gras coming up soon.

I totally lost track of how much I ended up spending on my mom's outfit, as I like to budget, but I can say I still can get a rough idea of what I had to spend last-minute on trim that I needed. Looks like I easily spent at least $35 between lace and the black trim I needed, which luckily was on sale for 40 cents a yard at HL!

So for the grand total....well it looks like I'm missing the pricing for a few things, but I'm guessing $175-$200. Not bad for a blouse, coat, skirt, and bonnet, using all natural materials. Looking back on it, I'm actually impressed with the low price. But then, it doesn't include any of the underthings, since she didn't want them and she certainly did not want a hoop skirt, even though I thought one would be fun and would perhaps give a better silouette. But I do think with the A-line bridal petticoat with the jacket did look slimming.

Usually I look very forward to Dickens, but this time I'm actually glad it's over. Now I can do some recreational sewing, like blankets for the local pet shelters (of which I have currently made 15, with a final goal of 30 by New Year's) and night gowns and pajamas for my nieces. It sure is fun to have a challenge, but every once in a while it's good to have something easy to do.

Please do check out my photos on Webshots. They include my clients and my family as well as many others (gotta get some great ideas for next year!!)

I was very glad that Christian, my fiance, enjoyed himself thoroughly in his full Victorian outfit, of which pieces were bought for a fair price at Peggy's Victorian Corner. (Yes, he said he wanted a costume 2 weeks in advance, when I already had projects going!) But this way, it was actually much cheaper and easier than making it myself, with the cravat, tie, and morning coat being retired rentals, and the cane, gloves, and hat new. He bought the dress shoes from Wal-Mart very inexpensively and already had the dress socks, slacks, and shirt from his current modern suit. Came out quite well, and he will have it for years to come.

However, a little travesty happened to my hem that Sunday. It got ripped. So I'm not sure if it's worth redoing or not, since it's kind of getting too small (even with the new corset) and the trim needs to be redone too. I guess I'll see what I'm going to do for next year later in the year. Might have to be retired completely, or semi-retired as a back-up outfit.

Also planning on redoing the hem on the outer petticoat. Had to pin one side up so it wouldn't show. So difficult to make something for yourself....it's so much easier when it's another person, although the ruffle and 5 pintucks and the fact that I made it 2 years ago probably doesn't help either...I have learned a lot since then.

My bonnet died in storage. It's completely flat. It survived 2 Dickens festivals but not a third. So I got my hair done by the Twisted Sisters. Pretty awesome job they did. Felt bad I didn't have a bonnet, but I sure did advertise for them since I didn't cover it at all. So I'll be making a better one for next year, especially since I know the ins and outs of bonnet contruction now.

Well it looks like a good excuse for a new outfit. However, I won't have to make any more underthings, unless I want to make a real tape-and-bone crinoline to be historically correct (which I might). Also thinking of making one more chemise and another pair of drawers, especially for the heat, since it is 2 days and not just one. (I just cannot imagine how they must have worn underwear for so many days back then....ew....)

Which brings me to the next post, which I will post separately since it's a slightly different subject and probably will be lengthy.