Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Sadness

Well, so much for sewing anything new at all for Dickens this year.
That previously mentioned fabric order snafu has thrown the final wrench in the works not only time-wise, but financially. They still have not refunded my money for the fabric they never had in stock, and because of that, I can't order more from another (more trustworthy) source I know.

Maybe the top half?

I *might* be able to crank out an 1850s caraco/jacket style bodice to wear with a skirt I have and a blouse, but I have a burlesque costume to get finished for an upcoming performance first.
Already, I can see this being yet another frustrating year of feeling like my outfit isn't quite hitting the mark, or just plain uncomfortable. I really needed a new, plain cotton corset to wear under all of it this year too :-(
I have a lovely one from Dark Garden but it's so beautiful, and it can get really warm in the Cow Palace. I'd be afraid of staining the silk, and I don't have time to make a sleeved chemise + cover.

Let's see what happens though. I really need to stay positive right now, since it seems just about everything has been working against me this year. Seriously, 2013 has been one of the most craptastic years in a long time.
If anything, I'll be sewing during the Dickens fair run, and might have something before the last 2 weekends.
I can hope, right?

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

And The Wallet Whimpers Again

***Update***
NOPE! Out of stock. Ugh, I hate it when this happens.
Hey Seller, here's an idea; maybe you should update your inventory so your customers don't end up ordering something you DON'T HAVE. Just a thought :-|
And the money is still tied up in Paypal until they refund me...I hope they refund me

(I still need) 10 yards of sapphire blue silk taffeta for my Dickens Fair project.
Renaissance Fabrics has something similar, and probably of better color & quality, but it's an extra $50 after tax and shipping. I may need to go that route though:

The true sapphire blue taffeta at Renaissance Fabrics:


and the other guy's 'light royal' blue taffeta, that is no more:

With this blue kick I'm on, I'm thinking of using a contrast trim of delicate burnished gold or metallic something-or-other. Maybe even silver, in a lightweight metallic fringe or soutache, combined with self ruching from the same silk? Now the question is if I will actually be able to get the darn fabric!

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Trying New Things...at the last minute

Could it be? I'm actually delving into the world of Regency! *gasp*!
A trip to southern California in less than two weeks involves attendance with two of my best friends to a  historically costumed event. It's not only semi-last minute, but also based around an era I usually don't give much thought to. Yet lately, I've been intrigued.

Normally I like fashions that show off a defined waistline, but I have found myself occasionally eying the late 1790s and 1820s.
For this "quick" gown, I'm using two sources; Janet Arnold's illustrations and diagrams for a 1798-1805 example from Snowshill Manor, and Simplicity pattern 4055 as a cutting guide that will be faster than having to scale up the JA pattern from the book.
When all is said and done, it should look more like the first two images. I'm going for a very late 1790s look.


I found a lovely pale ivory cotton voile that has an embroidered and appliqued floral vine pattern, also in ivory, woven through. Perhaps it's not totally accurate for the time period, but it will do for now. As you can see by the sheer nature of the cotton, I will definitely be making that chemise for underneath!
Next on my list to get before next weekend, is a simple pair of pointed toe flats in a light color. I'm hoping for a white or off white, and this will be a great chance to wear my clocked stockings from American Duchess. Even a pair of pastel flats could be nice. I'm just trying to stay away from typical black shoes, as more of the period fashion plates show lighter colors were worn more often with the lighter colored, gossamer ladies fashions of the era.