Costume Problems

I sewed those buttons onto those kid's dresses 5 times each AND used tapestry thread and they still lost a few. I was thinking on bringing some extras but I second-guessed myself and said it should be fine. :-P

Not sure how else to better sew buttons on. Richard never complained that anything fell off his coat or vest, but maybe I should ask and see if it was just a fluke, because of the kid's activity or picking, or because I need to sew them on more than 5 times.

I also had the problem of having to wear long underwear under my gown. Wearing the extra shirt was fine, although I could not wear my chemise with it because it didn't work. Plus, I couldn't wear the pantalets because of the warm pants and tights I had to wear. I also wore some thick white knee socks ($2 at Wal-Mart!!!) and I was still cold. The skirt also tried slipping down a lot because I made it a bit too big as I wasn't sure what number of layers I could have to fit under it. I'm going to have to make it a bit smaller.

The dang white ribbon from my bustle kept poking out for some reason - something that was not an issue last year with either gown. I think I'm going to cut it and if it looks like it's going to do it again, I'm going to have to put the whole petticoat over it and the hoops in the back will have to deal with the higher hemline.

Wish I could find a pattern for a REAL blouse, not a faux dickey. I hate dickies and false sleeves. All they do is create problems.

So maybe my goals for next year will be:

1. Create warm cloaks and muffs that can be worn at TRF or Dickens for the whole family (except for Mom who already has a wool paletot.) Christian will probably need separate ones due to the change in men's cloak styles but I think girls' and women's are pretty much interchangeable.

2. Maybe look for a real fur muff (antique, not new) online like the one the nice lady at the costume competition let me try on. It was so damn warm I could swear she was keeping some of those heating packets in there!

3. Make a thick underpetticoat for myself. The same lady said layers of tulle would be a great insulator between the hoop and my legs. I personally hate tulle because it's scratchy, but if I'm careful and sew in a thick enough liner, then it should work.

4. Get something together for Jenny and Mike (the little girls' parents)

I think that's about it, except for the goal Christian set for me due to the fact that it seems like every year it's a bustle that wins: Spend all year on the BEST BUSTLE EVER. I really hate bustles, and they don't go with Dickens as he died by 1870. If anything, I'd go 1840's. I also can't spend all year on a single garment as I have client work to do and warm clothes to make. But I'll think about it.