Finished the pockets - they are big enough for wallets, digital cameras - anything basic you can think of. I sure wish women's costumes could be so useful!
Friday, April 8, 2011
et voilà!
Finished the pockets - they are big enough for wallets, digital cameras - anything basic you can think of. I sure wish women's costumes could be so useful!
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Pirate frock coat almost done.
Smooth sailing today (yes, pun intended!) and all is well with the project again. Finished the lapels, buttons, and even serged and hemmed it today. Lookin' good! It's really coming together now. All I have to do is the pockets - they are just pinned on casually just for show, not measured yet.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Pirate Frock coat - getting there
There's been a big hold-up with the matching pirate frock coat lately. There wasn't enough velvet to begin with, and even when I had enough, it gave me trouble all the way, especially with the trim. The trim is a golden yellow gimp, and it shimmies every which way when you try to sew it on the machine to the velvet. I also found out that this type of velvet (probably poly or some other man-made stuff) acts a lot like leather when it's sewn - once you sew it, there are holes forever. *sigh* Had to make the right cuff twice over, but it's all good now. I had to resort to hand-sewing the trim on after machine-sewing the ends. Good thing he only wants the trim on the cuffs, or I would lose my sanity for sure. :-P
Another thing that happened was that I had one lapel all done (buttons and all) and while sewing on the buttons, I realized, to my horror, that there was a small bald spot where there wasn't any velvety fuzz. *sigh* I really can't blame myself nor the guy who sold it to me on eBay, because it is black and hard to notice, but definitely noticable now that it was on the coat. So I had to cut out more and remake the right lapel all over again.
On the flip side, the basic part of it is easy. I used the same pattern (Simplicity 4923) for Richard and Nita. However, he wanted different wider lapels and no gold trim or embroidery on the lapels. (YAY!)
The only thing I have yet to tackle is the pockets. Welts are always tricky, but after struggling with the lapels and trim on the cuffs, I'm thinking it will be a breeze. I've only made real pockets on the vest for Richard and another client, but it shouldn't be much different on the coat.
This costume set will be very useful in the respect that both the trousers and the coat will have fully functional pockets. What a luxury to have at ren faire! I wish my costumes could have pockets! :)
Another thing that happened was that I had one lapel all done (buttons and all) and while sewing on the buttons, I realized, to my horror, that there was a small bald spot where there wasn't any velvety fuzz. *sigh* I really can't blame myself nor the guy who sold it to me on eBay, because it is black and hard to notice, but definitely noticable now that it was on the coat. So I had to cut out more and remake the right lapel all over again.
On the flip side, the basic part of it is easy. I used the same pattern (Simplicity 4923) for Richard and Nita. However, he wanted different wider lapels and no gold trim or embroidery on the lapels. (YAY!)
The only thing I have yet to tackle is the pockets. Welts are always tricky, but after struggling with the lapels and trim on the cuffs, I'm thinking it will be a breeze. I've only made real pockets on the vest for Richard and another client, but it shouldn't be much different on the coat.
This costume set will be very useful in the respect that both the trousers and the coat will have fully functional pockets. What a luxury to have at ren faire! I wish my costumes could have pockets! :)
French Fly Breeches complete!
Tonight I just finished the French Fly breeches for a client of mine. I used the pattern from . It was a pretty simple pattern except for the pockets - the pattern I had used before was a mainstream one and didn't have the pockets, so the natural construction tripped me out completely for a bit, but I figured it out. Very interesting way of having pockets back then.
Didn't have to change much except for the fact that he wanted them changed into full-length pants instead of knee-length breeches. A little nerve-racking making sure they were long enough when I was cutting the fabric, but they came out perfect.
BTW - Out of the few gold buttons that I found appropriate, my client chose some really cool faux gold coins with the motto "Ludovicus Rex plures non capit orbis." I Googled the meaning of this and found out it means, "There is no room in the world for more than one King Ludwig." I didn't even notice in the picture on eBay that there was writing on them, never mind Latin! Found out these are remakes of Bavarian military buttons. The picture on it is his coat of arms. You can find out more about him at .
Meh, even though it's not from the appropriate period, I still think these buttons are pretty cool, and the fact that they look like coins is even better. After all, why wouldn't a fancy pirate want to show off his wealth?
Glad the project is over, and I can focus on the matching frock coat that's been giving me hell lately.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
French pirate frock coat
Wow, I haven't blogged for a long time! Been busy with work this year. I'm making a French style frock coat and matching breeches for a client of mine. Will post more details when I have the time, but here are some pics.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
TRF plans for next year
While I'm making lists online for myself, I might as well publish one for TRF. Christian's really happy with his Pendragon doublet and all, and even got a new baldric he got there that holds his weapons nicely. I accessorized with a metal tube you put ice in that helps you cool off. I also got a really cute set of sheers that are fancy, and they double as a "dagger" when you close them. Got them at the Black Cauldron. I wear them sticking out of the top of my gown - never knew there'd be that much extra room there!
So, basically what I need to do is make 2 chemises for my Tudor gown and make some jewelry too. The gown got a lot of looks, but I think I'd get even more if I accessorized. Also need to find just the right gold trim for the French hood. Never did find it, so I had to resort to buying 2 different floral crowns. :(
Also would like to make some bloomers to wear under my gown. Not historically accurate, but I'm not a big fan of the heat, either.
Christian says I need to loosen up a bit and wear something not so fancy when it's hot. Not sure what to choose, as everything pretty much was made for much cooler weather. Would love to have a corest like from Casta Diva's.
Lastly, I just remembered that I need to make Christian an alternative shirt to wear - it just makes me cringe when he had to wear the shirt twice. Eww.
So, basically what I need to do is make 2 chemises for my Tudor gown and make some jewelry too. The gown got a lot of looks, but I think I'd get even more if I accessorized. Also need to find just the right gold trim for the French hood. Never did find it, so I had to resort to buying 2 different floral crowns. :(
Also would like to make some bloomers to wear under my gown. Not historically accurate, but I'm not a big fan of the heat, either.
Christian says I need to loosen up a bit and wear something not so fancy when it's hot. Not sure what to choose, as everything pretty much was made for much cooler weather. Would love to have a corest like from Casta Diva's.
Lastly, I just remembered that I need to make Christian an alternative shirt to wear - it just makes me cringe when he had to wear the shirt twice. Eww.
2nd Place in the Family Costume Contest at Dickens!!!
Yes, my family won 2nd place. My dad videoed the whole thing, so hopefully I will get it up on YouTube soon enough and on my website as well. My mom, husband, and three cousins (same as last year) participated and we got a very warm reception! Finally we're "somebodies" at Dickens! People remembered us from last year, and even some remembered 2 years ago and congratulated us on our anniversary!
Very happy with 2nd place, but I'm making a list of how I can make it even better for next year. I'm going to be quite busy this summer, making at least 2/3 girls new dresses, if not for all 3. (I might be able to get away with just new pantalets, chemises, and new white sleeves if they don't grow much wider.)
Also, I found that my costumes fit BETTER this year than last year! My corset fits nicely, and I don't have that "shelf" that I had at my wedding! I even tried on my first Dickens costume and it still FITS! So now I have a choice between 3 dresses!
Here's a list of stuff I need to do before next Dickens:
1. change trim on original Dickens dress (it unraveled in the dry cleaning process, and I never changed it because it didn't fit - but luckily I kept it anyway!)
2. make a wool cloak/mantle or buy a fur one (if I can find one). I'm looking at this pattern: http://butterick.mccall.com/b5266-products-7605.php?page_id=385
3. make some type of cold weather garment for the 3 kids, either a little fake fur wrapper or something else that is warm.
4. also need to buy formal gloves for the kids - will try to hit the Easter sales so I won't have to buy them online.
5. also bonnets for the kids? Need a pattern.
6. make or buy a vest for Dad - his was a little too short and tight.
7. make a new blouse (or rather, two) for Mom because the old one is stupidly designed and hooks in the back. Pain in the butt! Also, the interfacing turned peachy colored, so no great loss there.
8. make a new hoop or fix mom's old one. Her hoop is crappy and was a temporary fix for me until it got passed down to her. It's just a bridal hoop. I'd like to either make a new, lower casing for the drawstring and even use elastic if need be. It never sits right on her, and the last thing I want is to constantly fix her skirt. It did better this year than last, but it still bothers me.
9. make Mom some new pantalets, chemises, and (gasp!) even a corset. I've asked her in the past if she wanted these. She always refused to wear any of them until this weekend when she started to whine that she didn't have any. By God, you just can't win.
10. I have half a mind to make period pants and shirts for Christian, but since it's only 2 days, and his costume is already nice enough, I can't really give myself a real reason to do this. If I had the extra time and money, sure, but I'm not gonna put myself out on it.
11. Same as above, except he wants a steampunk outfit. We've got plenty of vintage junk from the attic in which to make cool accessories, but I don't know money and time-wise. If he does it, I might too. We decided if we were to do it, we'd still go historical on Saturday and do steampunk on Sunday as our "fun and wild day."
12. Eventually I'd love to use the Butterick pattern for parasol covers for Mom, but I'm not sure if I'd have the time or money. Would be nice though and unique.
13. Christian says I "need" a new gown, but I don't think so. Especially since I found out that the old green one really does still fit. He wants something different, like 1830's-1840's, or late 1860's-1880's. Not so sure if I'm going to do this, as the closet is limited. If I'm going to make anything at all, it's going to be a ball gown, or something made of period cotton for the heat.
14. need to paint Christian's cane. It's chipping.
Got a full year of costuming ahead of me, and that's not even including clients!!!
Very happy with 2nd place, but I'm making a list of how I can make it even better for next year. I'm going to be quite busy this summer, making at least 2/3 girls new dresses, if not for all 3. (I might be able to get away with just new pantalets, chemises, and new white sleeves if they don't grow much wider.)
Also, I found that my costumes fit BETTER this year than last year! My corset fits nicely, and I don't have that "shelf" that I had at my wedding! I even tried on my first Dickens costume and it still FITS! So now I have a choice between 3 dresses!
Here's a list of stuff I need to do before next Dickens:
1. change trim on original Dickens dress (it unraveled in the dry cleaning process, and I never changed it because it didn't fit - but luckily I kept it anyway!)
2. make a wool cloak/mantle or buy a fur one (if I can find one). I'm looking at this pattern: http://butterick.mccall.com/b5266-products-7605.php?page_id=385
3. make some type of cold weather garment for the 3 kids, either a little fake fur wrapper or something else that is warm.
4. also need to buy formal gloves for the kids - will try to hit the Easter sales so I won't have to buy them online.
5. also bonnets for the kids? Need a pattern.
6. make or buy a vest for Dad - his was a little too short and tight.
7. make a new blouse (or rather, two) for Mom because the old one is stupidly designed and hooks in the back. Pain in the butt! Also, the interfacing turned peachy colored, so no great loss there.
8. make a new hoop or fix mom's old one. Her hoop is crappy and was a temporary fix for me until it got passed down to her. It's just a bridal hoop. I'd like to either make a new, lower casing for the drawstring and even use elastic if need be. It never sits right on her, and the last thing I want is to constantly fix her skirt. It did better this year than last, but it still bothers me.
9. make Mom some new pantalets, chemises, and (gasp!) even a corset. I've asked her in the past if she wanted these. She always refused to wear any of them until this weekend when she started to whine that she didn't have any. By God, you just can't win.
10. I have half a mind to make period pants and shirts for Christian, but since it's only 2 days, and his costume is already nice enough, I can't really give myself a real reason to do this. If I had the extra time and money, sure, but I'm not gonna put myself out on it.
11. Same as above, except he wants a steampunk outfit. We've got plenty of vintage junk from the attic in which to make cool accessories, but I don't know money and time-wise. If he does it, I might too. We decided if we were to do it, we'd still go historical on Saturday and do steampunk on Sunday as our "fun and wild day."
12. Eventually I'd love to use the Butterick pattern for parasol covers for Mom, but I'm not sure if I'd have the time or money. Would be nice though and unique.
13. Christian says I "need" a new gown, but I don't think so. Especially since I found out that the old green one really does still fit. He wants something different, like 1830's-1840's, or late 1860's-1880's. Not so sure if I'm going to do this, as the closet is limited. If I'm going to make anything at all, it's going to be a ball gown, or something made of period cotton for the heat.
14. need to paint Christian's cane. It's chipping.
Got a full year of costuming ahead of me, and that's not even including clients!!!
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