Timeline For Projects

Also known as the 'GET IT DONE!' list.
This is going to be somewhat of a challenge this Spring, since there are a lot of events going on to eat up my time, but I will try my best.

So, without further ado, here is my first stab at an actual schedule:

- Velvet frock coat, waistcoat and breeches for Anders - Finish date of March 18th

- Georgian stays, bumroll(s) and shift - Finish date of April 20th

- 18th century gown of some kind and hat - Finish date of May 20th

- New Victorian corset (1850s-70s), hoop and bustle - Finish date of June 31st

- The V&A 1870s gown & bonnet - Finish date of July 31st

- **Free project time frame for anything else I want/need to make (finishing the Sisi velvet ensemble, 1930s, 1830s, burlesque costume?)** - August 1st through August 30th

- **BEGIN THE DICKENS FAIR SEWING** - by August 31st

- 1850s day dress (skirt and bodice) - Finish date September 20th

- 1850s mantel and bonnet - Finish date September 31st

- Ladies 1850s-1860s military inspired ensemble - Finish date October 31st at the latest

So, let's see how that actually pans out amongst my real life, re-enactments, burlesque performances and day job work schedule. I'd definitely like to have at least one new ensemble completed for Dickens Fair, before the workshops begin in late October (?).

Yes, I could just start the Dickens stuff now, but the Rococo/18th century stuff must come first. It's been on the back burner for too many years. YEARS. I'm sick of having to shove aside all my 18th century ideas, patterns, fabrics and trimming stash for other era event sewing.
I need my RocoCocaine(tm) fix!

Deco Delights...

Some of you on Facebook may have already seen these photos, but here are a few shots of our mini 1930s flash mob at the Elmwood cafe. It's an historic location in Berkley CA, originally a soda shop built in 1921, that now serves as a great cafe. The coffee and teas is wonderful, and their pot pies served on Thursday evenings are to die for!

Left to right: Daniel Silveria, Autumn Adamme, Anders Hudson, Vienna La Rouge (me), Masha Sergeyeva, Frank Slade, Thena MacArthur, Laura Erlich, Jeffery Mosher

Current Doings...

No gown sewing just yet, but I have had time to make a new hat!
Some friends and I are putting together a casual meet up at a historical cafe in Berkley, CA...but dressed for the 1930s ;-) This inspired me to finally get on a smaller project I've been meaning to do. I have a lot of black hats from the 1930s, and I just needed something different. Since I have just enough time, I might as well get a new one done for this little shindig.

A few years ago, I found a really basic hat at a thrift shop in Santa Cruz for about $20.
The label was a semi-high end designer, but the hat was essentially an unblocked capeline (for the 'boho' look, I'm sure) of exquisite burgundy velour felt. I grabbed it with the intention of either blocking it, or cutting and stitching it into a new creation, and it has been in my stash until now.

I chose to make a mid 1930s look by using the crown of the original hat, and cutting pieces from the remaining felt to make a sculpted brim, in a style that sits close to the head with a nice swoop to one side.
A little stitching and a dig through my random findings stash for the little arrow pin, and voila! I have a new hat that looks like a never-worn vintage design.
I think I will be doing a lot more of these hats! Keep an eye on my Etsy shop too ;-)

I apologize for the 'un-done' hair and horrible photos. Hopefully better ones will follow soon:

 I love the little dove tail effect that happened in back.