BubbleDust

2011-03-24T20:52:00.000+13:00

Well I am finishing off my Spring Challenge projects... not got to make all of the items but least I still have a plan to follow. I have been wearing my linen navy maxi skirt and I love it, it swishes so well and in the Australian sun it provides some shade for my pins (yes it is autumn here, but still hitting a sunny 33, phew). Will post pictures soon of all my finished items.

In the meantime the simple lovely-ness of ric rac roses. They are so cute. I was brought to the attention of these lovelies while browsing Wardrobe Refashion blog, which lead me to twobutterflies blog and I saw this lovely image.

So lovely, I am sure that you would want it... well pop over to twobutterflies blog before the 31st of March and leave a comment to be in for winning this ric rac rose necklace. Sweet.

If you want to attempt some ric rac roses yourself I looked for some links. On Pintangle there are instructions for two types of roses, and the link that twobutterflies links too Nostalgic Needle Art. If you want your rose to have a flat bottom Crafty Pod worked it out by ripping it up, ah yea!

I see a ric rac rosey future.

In finishing check out this super duper video from Swonderful in Wellington, NZ.

Papercup - Alphaville - Winter 2011 from Micah Sargisson on Vimeo.

xx

Colette Spring Challenge: In Progress

2011-02-23T19:17:00.001+13:00

Hiya.

Well I have been trucking along with my pieces for the Colette Spring Challenge. There are a few items that have changed. I have not made the long linen bias skirt from the new look pattern. Instead I made it from the 1970's pattern I found at the op-shop for 50c. I made the long skirt on the right. Easy peasy.

Don't they look happy, maybe its because they are wearing fashionable clog shoes, ha ha.

Below is the nearly finished article, just got to hem the mammoth hem and put in a hook and eye...
and an iron.

Then I did a toile of the vintage 1970s blouse pattern in a fabric that I have had in my stash for ages, it fitted really well! So it is a wearable toile, yes! Just going to tone down the puff on the sleeve cap a wee bit.

The purple skirt is finished. I have made this skirt before so it was easy to get it together quick smart. I used a wonderful breathable purple linen.

I really love the patten for the godet skirt, it swooshes wonderfully. Whooooooooo!

So now for some hemming, hook and eyeing and erm more sewing of godet skirt.

The wrap skirt I wanted to make may be cast aside. I am trying to stash bust with this challenge and the material I wanted to use is not enough.

Just wanted to say to any New Zealand readers that my thoughts go out to you at this time, such a terrible time for those involved in the earthquake. Hope you and your loved ones are safe.

Colette Spring Challenge: The Patterns

2011-02-15T14:37:00.000+13:00

I looked at my inspiration board and then at my wardrobe. What I really need is casual separates. So then I raided my patterns and fabric stash, as I don't really want to buy an thing for this challenge.

New Look patterns are quite cheap and on the up side I never really have to make many changes to the patterns so I have quite a few of them. I am going to make the t'shirts from some fine cotton knit that I have, stitch them with cotton thread and then dye them. The shorts are going to be made from a cotton sweat knit that I already have in the dusky pink colour.

The faux warp skirt is from a lovely slinky poly fabric in the coral peach. The vintage blouse is going to be from white cotton Swiss dot fabric. The godet skirt is going to be made with the material in the swatch, which is silk.

Both the skater and long bias skirt will be made in a cotton/linen blend, which I do have in navy. i have a purple colour but it is a bit dull so I will dye it a deeper purple.

Right better get cutting out... think I will make the godet skirt first :)

xx

Spring Palette Challenge

2011-02-07T18:40:00.000+13:00

I have decided to take up the Colette Spring Pattern Challenge . The idea is to collect inspirations, fabric and patterns and make these into clothes or accessories by March. I am a little behind but here is my design board and colour palette.

My main inspiration is from some images I took when I was in Scotland this year, I love the contrast between the white of the snow and the amazing pastels in the sky (main background picture).

I also went to see the Ballet Russes exhibition at the V&A while in London, it was incredible and I loved the detailing one costume in particular (second image from bottom right). Even the garments in the poster were very sweet (second image from top left).

Out of my Japanese fashion books I loved this Suffolk puff headband (top right) and cowl neck drop waisted dress (second image from bottom left). I also love the detailing on the red drop waisted dress (bottom right image).

I think Michelle Williams has great style and I have had this skirt in my fashion folder for a while now ( middle image bottom).

The floating images of the two tops in the upper left are techniques I would love to try. Beading and ribbon detailing. On the sleeves of the bow blouse the stripes are made by making thin tubes of the main blouse material and then sewing it on to the plain sleeve fabric.

Lastly the vintage Dior Cloche, love the colours and feather detailing. Want to make a hat as an accessory within this challenge.

Right, now I am going to get on a select fabrics and patterns!

xx

Knitting, snow and Lomography dreaming

2011-01-14T12:47:00.000+13:00

Hello. Well I have returned back, to Brisbane, from my trip home to Scotland. You may know, or not, that floods of an epic scale have hit Queensland over the last week. Fortunately we live on a hill out of the reach of the muddy water. Of course others are not as fortunate and now the big job of cleaning up begins.

When I was in Scotland there was big disruptions with serve cold weather and snow. So from one end of the scale to the other. I did really enjoy my trip home, seeing family and friends was great. I mostly just hung out with my parents. It must be in my blood to enjoy wrapping up warm and walking about in the cold!

One of the only semi- reliable and safer ways of getting around was by train. So took my knitting needles out of my case and got on with my cardi while the winter landscape went flying past. I am quite new to knitting and its a slow process. I also worked out that I have been adding extra rows on, duh. My Nana assures me that once you have knitted your first garment that you get faster.

I got heaps of lovely presents, mostly costumes pattern books. But on thing I did get was a Lomograpghy Diana camera. You can see it in the picture above. I have taken some photos with it, but they still have to be developed. You may remember my post when I day dreamed of having one... well I do now and it is aptly named 'Dreamer'. Plus the fact that it is sherbet mint is very agreeable.

xx

Modern knits with a vintage look

2011-01-01T01:26:00.000+13:00

Hello, Some of you will be in 2011 already, I have still got 12 hours to go as I am back home in Scotland! I arrived early December and have been having a jolly good time with my family and friends.

Not much sewing has been done, but I have made some fabric place mats and coasters with my Mum, as she is an amazing quilter. One other thing that I have been doing is knitting. I purchased the Paton's pattern book because I like the vintage feel of the finished items. I really liked the one below.

But its way pasted my current knitting skills! So instead I am knitting the second one from the left on the top row instead (in the same colour as the one above).

I do have expert guidance while I am at home as my Nana was an outstanding knitter. In fact I am taking home the Shetland Lace shawl she knitted for me when I was born back with me to Australia.

Nana approved of my knitting a said that I was a fine firm knitter. Because she can't see that well anymore, she is 89, she is giving me all her knitting paraphernalia, including what will be vintage patterns. I am going up today to sort them out with her.

I have only knitted about 10 inches of the back pattern... will show you when I achieve more.

Well have a great start to 2011. I think its going to be a good one.

Japanese sewing books

2010-10-27T22:59:00.003+13:00

Phew. I am working at the Queensland Theatre Company right now. Making costumes for Grimm Tales. The costumes are amazing and if you are around Brisbane I would recommend going to see the show.

One thing about sewing all day is that you don't really feel like sewing all night when you get home. So tonight I thought I would post about Japanese sewing books and imagine that I have a magic sewing fairy in the cupboard. My three sewing wishes would be...

The first one I have is Feminine Wardrobe and I love this sleeveless bow top!

The second book I have is Sweet Dress Recipe and really like the pin tuck details on the skirt and dress (two wishes in one?)

Finally I have an accessories book and I love, love, love this back draped (deceptively simple from the front) cardi. YUM.

So where to get them if you are interested!

I go to Pompadours Craft cafe on Esty to look inside them and I have bought two recently(she also runs a Ebay store and often has more pictures of the inside pages there). The postage can work out to make it more expensive than the second option which is yesasia (I have linked to the Pattern Magic book, if you scroll down it gives you other pattern book options)

I could not get one of the books I was looking for on yesasia so that's why I ordered from the esty shop. But if you buy from the yesasia over a certain amount you don't pay postage, so it can work out cheaper.If you want to navigate to the endless scroll of Japanese craft books on yesasia here this is the route via mouse clicks:

Japanese>Books>Lifestyle>Home Arts

I found it useful to get the authors name from the esty store and then put it into the search on yesasia

If you can't be bothered and want to pay about $10 more per book plus $10 delivery go to Tessuti, but the others are cheaper.

Alrighty, if you do order some here is a site that gives you translations for simple sewing terminology.
I have read that the clothes patterns are for those up to 160cm tall and you have to add 1.5cm seam allowance to all patterns.

Plus if you want to get your hands on some english versions of these pattern book The Book Depository has Pattern Magic for $22.92, much better than the $45 dollars in some of the shops in Brisbane. There is free delivery too. yes one is winging its way to me now... naughty.

Phew! Hopefully the weekend will free me up to draft my undies patterns and get cutting.

Undies update - trim time

2010-10-19T21:21:00.001+13:00

I went shopping on the weekend to get some trim for my first project from The Undies Book. I decided that I wanted to put some lace on the camisole, not just as trim but integrated in to the cups and then use the eyelet cotton trim as straps.

I found an good article on threads website entitled 'Create Couture Lingerie' by Alexandra Armillas. She used to make lingerie for Dior, so I reckon she knows a few things. I had been thinking that I am using non-stretch fabrics and might add some buttons to the centre front, but in the pictures on the article the buttons are to the side and it looks very sweet.

Alexandra recommends photocopying the lace and placing it on your toile to preview the design and I will do this. I am getting quite excited by this project and I think my sewing mojo as returned! Yipeee.

Here is the fabric and trim together. I tea dyed the cotton eyelet to give it that vintage feel and blend with the lace better. Next step is to make the patterns.

xx

Q versus Q

2010-10-17T18:33:00.001+13:00

One the Collette Patterns blog a few posts a go,Sarai wrote the entry Sewing and your Wardrobe . It was a very interesting post and made me think about my reason for sewing items for my wardrobe and do I really wear the items I sew. I then read a comment from Rachel on Very Prairie's blog from her entry on the pattern magic bow dress (it is divine). The part of the comment stood out was,

You do exceptional sewing work. I love how you seem to concentrate on quality instead of quantity.

The initial starting point of this blog was to cut back on excess clothes buying and plan to sew items for my wardrobe that were missing. So I did in fact have quality over quantity. Yet when I look at my sewing room I see heaps of material, lots of to be refashions and heaps of patterns... I am over consuming in an indirect way?

I like to reevaluate the things that I do ever now and then and these two posts have made me do just that. I dunno what my actions are yet but Sarai's steps of planning, taking time to make an item will be on my sewing menu.

That in mind I made up a toile today for a pair of silk pants that I have planned to sew for ages! The pattern I am using is McCalls 5983 view E.

Sewing up a toile is a pain in the bum. BUT its so worth it. From my toile pictures below you can see that I have to take out length at the hip.

I also had to take a vertical wedge on the back leg as it was WAY too baggy.

I will now mark these adjustments onto the pattern piece. I don't like using the toile for a pattern as the fabric can stretch out of shape and therefore my final adjustments can be wrong. Plus, I have to true them so the pattern will match up perfectly when I sew it.

Taking your time on a sewing project can be annoying when you want it now and you still have your whole life to fit in... but if you want quality over quantity it the best way to go.

Undies update

2010-10-14T11:12:00.001+13:00

Today (well tonight) I dyed my fabric for my undies project. I decided to use plain cotton voile. I wanted the colour to be like pale pink rose petals so that I can add cream lace and darker dusky rose ribbon. So I set to work.

I have a great 19L stainless steel pot that I keep just for dyeing, plus a little jug to dissolve the dye.

I used a Dylon dye called Pairs Rose that I have had for ages. I only put in one quarter of the dye as I wanted a really pale pink colour. I got the colour that I wanted after much stirring of the pot. I know this kind of dye is not the best to mother nature. So instead of pouring it down the drain and into the sea, I will let it cool completely and research other ways of disposing of it.

I also decided that I would make an under garment set rather than just the petticoat and settled on the Slip Style-style camisole.

Now to draw up those patterns and look for some lace and ribbon.

xx

Flying shortcake

2010-10-10T23:08:00.004+13:00

About approx 365 moons ago I posted that I was inspired to make a quilted jacket. Below is the blog image I put up.

Reading through this blog I realised that I have many UFO projects (un-finished objects). So I made a list of them (made my cheeks blush) and I am working my way through! I did buy material, the bamboo/cotton wadding , pretty backing material and cut it out... and well that was that... until now. I have been busy tacking the layers together.

I did ask one of the ladies at work about my tacking and she said I would have to redo. I am to start from the middle and work my way out on each piece. This is so that I do not get any fabric bubbles when I latter quilt them. I am only quilting the body and main part of the hood. I should have remembered this technique from tailoring class, but a jog of the memory cells is always good.

So why I am making a quilted jacket for the Australian summer? Well that's because I won't be here for most of it... I am going home to Scotland for the festive season! Yipeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

In celebration of this news I made a yummy afternoon tea. Strawberry and rhubarb shortcake. There was enough of the fruit left to make some jam too.

In celebrations of this news I made a yummy afternoon tea. Strawberry and rhubarb shortcake. There was enough of the fruit left to make some jam too.

Yum, yum for my tum.

xx

Prints and shows

2010-09-26T17:53:00.002+13:00

I am so excited. I am the owner of another Audrey Kawasaki print, whoo hooo! What makes it sweeter is that all the proceeds of my purchase go to the Red Cross Appeal for the Canterbury Earthquake.

Tony and Amber from the amazing store Pop Up in Wellington, NZ, put up the limited edition print for a silent auction with all proceeds going to the appeal. I won the auction, yipeeee. Thanks to Tony and Amber for raising funds to help out with what must be a frightening and stressful time for people affected by the earthquake. What great people who own an amazing store.

So here is the print I will be receiving shortly.

One other thing to add is that the two shows that I have been working on are due to start their season very soon. The Queensland Ballet are due to perform in an amazing show about the life of legendary dancer Dame Margot Fonteyen, in Fonteyen Remembered. I did some making and millinery for one of the many, many beautiful costumes. To read more and book tickets click here

The show I am currently on is Aida at the Queensland Opera. The costumes look amazing and in the workshop we had a sneak peek of them on two of the performers when they went to a photo shoot. I really can't wait to see and hear this Opera. You can find out more here.

I was considering going into my sewing room to sew away, but it is more the case of reality that I need to go in there and erm tidy...but maybe a cuppa first :)

xx

Minnie not so minksy

2010-09-22T21:25:00.001+12:00

Hello. Do you remember me? Probably some vague memory in the shadows of your mind. I have not been posting due to a lack of anything very interesting to say and a real dip in my creative mojo. But I do have one thing on my side, continuity. To follow on from my last post I did make that 1970's pattern from the fabric and well here it is (sorry for the no so great pic). I have made another dress and a skirt but have not got around to snapping them yet.

It is hard for you to tell if I look like a retro pottery vase in this top and skirt combo, as I am not in it, but rest assured I do not, in fact I look more like a retro printed glass vase, as Doug pointed out that (while I was standing in the sun lit door way asking 'Do you like it, do you, really do you?') that it may cover my body but you can still see my bra and knickers, tres see through.Oh faux pas!

So I have decided to remedy this by making a cotton petticoat out of my Undies book. Oh yes, the first project out of the book. Here it is in all its illustrative glory.

I have to find some suitable fabric for this project and so will go a hunting. In the meantime I have been enjoying reading this blog Tilly and the Buttons and its on my blog roll from now on.

Ta ta xx

Return of the minks

2010-08-02T21:47:00.000+12:00

Hello. I have not been blogging because I have been, unpacking all the boxes for the house, gone to a wedding, gone on holiday, looked after a sick dog (who is all better now) and well I have been working as a costumier!!! Yipeeee.

I am currently working at the Queensland Ballet for their 50th Anniversary Gala Performance. You can book tickets and see the fantastic line up of performances. I can't tell you what I making, but it is so pretty.

I have been planning my next sewing project now that I nearly have my new sewing room organised. I really adore Danish Royal Copenhagen retro pottery. My favorite pattern is on the little dish below.

It just so happens that I found some material that really looks like the pattern above and I plan to keep the retro theme by using a pattern from my stash that I picked up in an op-shop in New Zealand.

I am going to make the separate skirt and top so that I can wear them with other tops and bottoms. Yipee for retro goodness, but lets now hope that I don't turn out looking like a retro pottery vase!

xx

Swings and Roundabouts

2010-06-16T16:29:00.001+12:00

I can now officially work and live in Australia as I got my visa! I just had to go back to New Zealand to get it... so that's were I have been! It was a chance to see friends, drink cups of tea ( and the odd cocktail), get some wonder op-shop finds and add to my material stash.

I took the plunge a couple of weeks ago and bought two Collette patterns, Macaron and Ceylon. I had made the Mini Madeleine bloomers from the free pattern on the Collette website and the pattern was fun and a great fit. The Ceylon dress is so pretty and Casey made such a great job of hers that I really wanted to get down to it and make my own version.

The pattern itself is soooo pretty!

It is an envelope that turns into a bound book with the instructions and the pattern in the back sleeve.

I have some material in my stash that will be perfect for this 1940's inspired dress, I just have to wait until the stash clears Aussie customs along with my sewing gear... oh how I miss it all.

One other book to add to my library is The Undies Book by Nanette Rothacker. I got mine on Esty.

What a plethora of under wear patterns. I have really wanted to be able to create my own camisoles, bras and slips as I always hanker after luxury ones I can not afford. I reckon from all my left over pieces of silk etc I can make some panties and lounge bras. Whoo hoo, before you know it I will be wearing fluffy feather mule slippers and Doug will think he is living with a Hollywood starlet of yester year.

Now in reality, one other thing about this edition of the book is the illustrations. I just love the them, art nouveau with a dash of folk loving 1970s style.

So cute! There are 25 patterns in this book and I intend to make every single one of them, even the Crocheted Victorian Valentine Undies and the Knitted Ski Snuggies ...so I will add a category called The Undies Book to my list. This may turn in to be my life's work, haha, finally finishing those snuggies for my 60th birthday, te he.

I got some rather nice op-shop finds while in NZ, but I will leave that for another day. Have fun.

Sunshine state

2010-05-20T17:11:00.002+12:00

G'day! My first post from Brisbane, Australia where I now reside. Its been quite exciting so far and I have made friends, caught up with old friends and have generally been enjoying a warm winter.

One other thing that I have been doing is checking out some local op-shops *surprise* Well with no work visa yet and time on my hands what is a lady suppose to do (apart from house chores).

So here is my first lot of Aussie op-shop finds.

We have this really nice line of coloured glass windows in our new pad and I thought it would make a pretty backdrop, but it just makes everything a bit yellow... anyways...

First up a wonderful china tea set for one and novelty spoon with a butterfly motif... great for sipping cold tea on the veranda while contemplating the city views...

Bags, oh how bags and shoes are addictive... the antidote to the 'it' bag is the woven bag ladies, its true, honest!

Then for a bit of lovable tat, the New York compact mirror with hologram effects, this mirror as the State of Liberty, a big red apple and I Love NY on it depending on how you angle it... a tad over done, nah.

Lastly, Guide to Modern Clothing c1962. It is a gem and worth of useful advice.

For example in the section, Planning Your Wardrobe, it has this advice, which for me is relevant being a lady of leisure/house fiancee.

Clothes for home... For house work, such as Saturday cleaning, wear simple, washable clothing which is comfortable and will not get in your way as you work...When you dress neatly and comfortably for the job of housework, you are more attractive to your family, and you help yourself to get at the work and get it done.

Oh dear... I don't think daggy pj bottoms and raggy t-shirt would qualify as attractive to my family, least it explains why Doug greets me with indifference as I hand over a duster to him.

The book deserves a blog of its own really. The pictures in it are awesome. Here are some of my favorites.

I wish I had the time to put bows on the top of all my hangers... really I do.

I also want to look this stylish when exercising...

Kinda love this outfit...

Kinda think this one is in the 'working in the garden and looking attractive to the gnomes' section...

Lastly, what colours do I suit, why let me think...

I could go on and on with this book but I shall depart and leave you to ponder on your new fabulous cleaning outfits, toddle pip.

xx

Farewell to mountains that lead to the sea

2010-04-14T22:48:00.000+12:00

This is the last time that I will write my blog while I live in New Zealand. Plus a little while until I will write another post... have to find a house and get Internet... most important!

Doug, myself, Isla and Floyd all fly out on the same plane, Brisbane bound tomorrow. It does feel odd leaving what has become my second home, Wellington, New Zealand. Lucky for me then it is only 4 hours away :)

So, its never good bye, its see you later xx

Drum roll please...

2010-04-04T14:53:00.003+12:00

Thanks so much for all your very sweet comments on my refashion and engagement. The winners of the give away are BagQueen and Amy, picked at random by Doug who closed his eyes and aimed at the screen twice :) I really like doing the give away, so expect more in future posts!

I will be making up your envelopes of craftiness as soon as I get back from a short break next week, I shall post them to you :) Just need your addresses, email me at minnietheminks(at)gmail.com

Here is a pic of some of my other recent op-shop finds.

These shoes are so sweet on and I plan on making one of the 1960's tops from this cute pattern I picked up, I think view two below...

Love her hair and lippy! One other great find was a book of the first 10 years of fashion in the life of Princess Diana. The book is jam packed with pictures, which can be great reference for me if I ever make costumes for a production of her life, te he. But they are also quite funny too, lots of bad 1980's fashion going on.

There is still some fashions that I really liked...

Cute flats, yummy pink dress and a huge overcoat!

Big belt, printed top... maybe ditch the match-y shoes!

I love this whole outfit from the sunnies, bag, collar on the blouse, big chunky bracelet, stripey pants and you know she does get away with that hairdo!

I will be absent from the blog for the next 5 days as I am off on my last holiday in New Zealand for a wee while. Looking forward to soaking in the natural spas, bliss.

xx

A dress for buttons

2010-04-01T18:21:00.002+13:00

While reading all my favorite blogs this morning I skipped over to Frankie and read some old posts.

I now have to own my own house because I need, yes not want, really need this wallpaper! Its button wallpaper, how sweet!

Loving it.

Plus on the Frankie website there was a link to The Package Project. A very sweet idea to connect us craft-arty bloggers. You sign up to be partnered with another crafter somewhere else in the world and then send each other up to five items of loveliness in one ickle envelope. The sign up date is closed for this session. So I thought that I would use this as inspiration for my first ever give away.

It is a bit like lucky dip. I will make up two 5 item envelopes of crafty goodness to give away. Just leave a comment and then I will randomly select two people to send the goodies too :)

Well today I found a cute dress in an op-shop for $7. The shape was tent like but the fabric so bright and happy. The details of the shoulders reminded me of my Vogue 1940's costume too. So I decided to do a quick refashion using shirring. Yay!

Here is what it looked like before its morph via elastic...

I measured just under my bust and then just one inch on to my high hip (and just before the pockets on the dress, yes a dress with pockets, for mini Easter bunnies).

I then loaded my bobbin with shirring elastic and sewed in parallel lines half and inch apart from the line at the high hip to the line just under the bust. I also chopped of ten inches to make it a fun flirty length. Here she is...

Ahhh, so satisfying! Minimal work for a new dress. I got some other op-shop goodies but I will show you them soon! I still have a major amount of packging to do for our move and erm I am finding the most incredible bargains, plus, te he, hehe, te he... I got engaged!!! Whoooooooooooooooooooo!

xx

Baggy Lady

2010-03-23T12:11:00.003+13:00

Hello. Looking through my posts it has been a looooooooooooooong time that I did a show and tell of something I have made. So ta da here is something that I have never made before, a bag.

I bought a lovely bag before I started my costume course and it was my faithful friend all through those two years. But alas it was looking a tad scruffy and the zips had broken and it made me sad. Yet I could not throw it out, instead I gave it a make over!

I downloaded the Anna Boho Bag pattern from Burdastyle and taped it all together. I had some fabric from a sale in a textile shop in Welly, called D Alexander (which is were I got my material for my major work corset, amazing textile shop!) and I thought they would work well together.

Close up of the old bag fabric, can you see why I did not want to put it in the landfill to un-perish, so pretty.

I cut out the largest section and found that it was too small for the base of the Anna Boho Bag pattern. I decided to just put a big ole box pleat in the middle of the floral material I was using as the bags main body.

I cut up my ole bag and was able to reuse the strap and 95% of the existing outer material, yay! I used an old plastic folder to reinforce the bag bottom and some waterproof material from my stash for the lining.

I then I sewed it all up, the instructions are ok and I found it that it went together really easily. Because I had my own strap I did not make the fabric one from the pattern and made loops instead.

I used extra strong thread that you use to sew jeans material with. I then made the draw string tops using thick chunky cord and toggles from my stash.

My old bag material is used on the base of the bag and the corners, I think it complements the material I used well. You can see my box pleat in the middle.

I love the pockets on this bag, very handy for mobile and keys without endless rummaging!

Here is the final result in all its glory!

I did add the tassels from the pattern but they just looked a bit naff as my ole bag material is plastic vinyl erm they looked cheap so I took them off. I love it! The inside does not have any pockets but the pockets on the outside are great for me as I tend to lose small things in bags no matter how good the pockets are inside the bag.

I rated this pattern and one of my friends already wants one!

xx

I will miss you the way you miss the sea...

2010-03-15T19:59:00.006+13:00

The reason that I have not been around this blog is because I have had to make one of those life decisions with Doug... we are moving to Brisbane, Australia! In erm like 4 weeks...

He got a job offer to good to refuse and a sub tropic winter sounds alrighty. I have been a bit of an emotional fair ground ride because I will miss Wellington and New Zealand soooooooo much. I really love it here and have so many great friends... yet on the positive that means I have so many reasons to come back and visit.

So apart from packing the house, getting the dogs over there and applying for my visa I have been freakin out in wardrobe terms. I was coasting through this summer with not a large selection of summer wear. I thought during the long winter I would make my summer wardrobe but hey its kinda summer all year round in Brisvegas... well to a Scottish lass it is :)

Which means I have to get snappy and sew some suitable tops and erm skirts. Phew!

So I leave you with pictures of my dress and hat from the Wellington Cup and ask you to bear with me on irregular posting while I move countries (again).

Ok, I should have ironed the dress but I did when I wore it. I wanted a 1950's shape with swag pockets and I added a deep sweetheart neck line because I suit them. I drafted from the waist up and used a retro 1980's pattern for the lower half. I love the fabric...a tad rococo don't ya think?

The fabric on the dress was so strong that I keep the natural look of the straw, but lowered the crown for a more 1950s shape. Then I added bows, bows, bows and of course some veiling dharling!

Here is me on the day with Amy and her entourage...

Amy is the lady in the middle picture wearing her fantastic creation! Want a close up of her hat...

Is it not fabulous?! Here is another of her wonderful outfit... outrageous!

Catch you soon
xx

And the winner is...

2010-03-01T16:28:00.004+13:00

Hello, hello! There has been a lot going on in my world some of which is all a bit hush hush (very mysterious) but here it is at last, my round up of the Wellington Cup... which was a few weeks ago now but hey better late than never :)

First up was the Couple of the Carnival. In the picture below the couple in the left won this category. I get that they match but for me the outfit looks a bit like funeral directors wear not sunny race day wear. My pick , on the right, is this delightful couples outfit, wonderful colour combinations, eye catching detail and they looked like a race day couple enjoying the sun!

Next was Designer of the Carnival, of which I entered! So the outfit on the left won. I like the modern fabric used, but was not a fan of the black asymmetric fabric across the torso or the lace fingerless 80's gloves. I thought the outfit on the right stood out, I really loved the hat, twisting spiraling feathers!

Moving on now to Man of the Carnival. There was lots of men is smart suits, which was great to see, oh yes it was :) The winner of this section is on the left but I just think the guy on the right looked a lot sharper in his suit... more Don Draper

Can not really remember the exact order but up next is Mature Lady of the Carnival. There was lots of well dressed mature ladies who proved that style lasts longer than fashion. The lady on the left won but I have to be complete biased and say I think my mum rocked black and red with more razor sharp style.

Classic Lady of the Carnival. So many to choose from. The winner wore a lemon, grey and black combination that just did not inspire my senses. It was the lady on the left that I thought looked amazing! I love, love, love the use of the black lace on the jacket and her skirt was draped beautifully. From her shoes to her hat it was classic, classic, classic.

Last but not least was the Contemporary Lady of the carnival. The winner is on the left, the photo is not that great but I thought it was quite a safe choice for this category. Much more fun and alive is the entry on the left. How super amazing is that hat! It picks out the detail from the dress amazingly well. The hat won the peoples millinery award and was made by no other than Amy Jansen-Leen... of course!

So there you have it. If you want to see more pictures of the Wellington Cup fashion in the field click here to go to Snap Star where I got all these photo's.

You may be thinking what did I wear, but that's for another post, hopefully tomorrow!

xx

Sometimes love just ain't enough

2010-02-18T16:37:00.003+13:00

I did go and sew and I had a little disaster too. What seems like another century ago I downloaded and started to cut out the Ute pattern from BurdaStyle, as I mentioned yesterday. What I did not mention is that I printed it wrong. I never checked the square to see if it had printed out the right way.

Hence the sizing was way out. So I fiddled and meddled (with much frustration) and I was going great guns and it was looking pretty cute, cue pic below...

Then just at the last moment it ripped! In the armhole, beyond the seam line. So, so, so ANNOYING.

Yup I got mad and decided that sometimes, very rarely you have to make the decision to give up and move on. I have just enough to cut a new panel... but its back on the UFO pile and ... erm ... right at the bottom.

To smooth out my nerves and make me feel like downloading and taping A4 sheets of paper in to a pattern are worth it I made up the Madeleine Mini-Bloomers from Colette Patterns. It was a free download and by golly I they wiped themselves up in a thrice.

I have been wanting to try one of these patterns for a while and this little item of lovely makes me want to try out the Sencha and Ceylon patterns. I will use these for night time pursuits but intend to make more as they are ideal for under a skirt in windy Wellington.

While rummaging around the gallery on Collete Patterns I linked to Casey's site (she made a divine Ceylon) and it is rather yumsious. One more to add to the blog roll.

I am now going to assemble some pictures of my Wellington Cup outfit for another post.

Ta ra for now.

xx

Budget style from the pros

2010-02-17T14:24:00.000+13:00

My parents have gone back to Scotland...* sniff*. It is kinda weird being on the other side of the planet from your family. I took a good few days to feel sad and eat chocolate. But now its time to get back in to things I have been neglecting and well this blog is one thing that has been suffering.

I don't seem to be in the groove for sewing right now, maybe my two years of intense study has just thrown me off track. Do you ever get that? It's like a mental block every time I look at my sewing machine.

But the need to make stuff is nibbling at me. I did start to finish off the Ute blouse that I downloaded from BurdaStyle ages ago yesterday so that is a start. I do have a lot of UFO's (Un-finshed Objects).

In the meantime I have been reading a rather good book that I picked up. Elizabeth Craig's Needlecraft (War Time Edition c1948). She was a fellow Scot too.

I love it. In her foreword she writes:

With clothes, as with other things, it is only when we find ourselves having to "make do" that we realise how wasteful we used to be.

I thought that was so appropriate for the reason that I started this blog.

It has great chapter titles, the best being Dressmaking without tears. One other great thing about old books is the inscriptions in the inside covers.

Prudence Jackson! What a name. There is one project I am going to try, making a women's blouse from a mans shirt. My Dad left a linen shirt behind and I am going to convert it rather than post it back to him (he is cool with that). There are heaps more too.

So I am going to sign off now with the up most resolution to go and sew... yes I will!

xx

Have you heard of Glee?

2010-02-02T13:41:00.003+13:00

I have not been doing much blogging of late as my parents are here visiting from Scotland. I am however still reading the blogs I am interested in everyday with my morning coffee.

I have mentioned Gertie's New Blog for Better Sewing before and while reading it today Gertie linked to a site called What Would Emma Pillsbury Wear? which I found quite entertaining. From what I can gather Emma is a character from a show called Glee in the USA. Anybody seen it?

I did go to Fashion in the Field for the Wellington Cup Races on Saturday and it was a scorcher of a day. I will devote a blog post to it soon. Promise!

Until then, have fun in the sun (or snow, rain, wind).

xx

High tea

2010-01-26T23:52:00.002+13:00

My AWOL behaviour has deplorable, I do apologise. The hat making and creating my own dress to wear at the Wellington Cup this Saturday has overtaken my time.

Yet don't think that there has been no play time. Life would be very dull with no play time... as it would be without cakes. Step in high tea at Martha's Pantry with my Mum.

It was a wet and windy Wellington day and we decided that a high tea was just the ticket.

Even the water decanter is charming!!

My Mum with our full stack of goodies... loving the tea cosy.

Mum's are so great, she could tell I really wanted the cake with rose buds.

We had such a fabulous time and it was so scrumptious... I only wish sewing burned as much calories as running.

xx

Musing muses

2010-01-14T21:27:00.000+13:00

Hello :) Another day of delightful millinery was had... berry danish and lemon tea too. Yummy. Even more yummy is the fact that tomorrow my mum and me are having a girly day.

We are going to the birth house of celebrated female NZ author Katherine Mansfield. I have often pasted in the van on the way to purchase fabric and wanted to stop and go in, but tomorrow is the day. The house has been restored to what it would have looked like during Katherine's era. That will be great to see.

Katherine did live in the UK and was part of the infamous Bloomsbury set. How exciting! I read a book not long ago on the Bloomsbury set and they didn't mind sharing lovers, of either sex, the odd drink and it seems a far bit of art went on too in all its forms.

Very inspiring.One other lady that is inspiring me is Elinkan from Sweden. She sure knows how to put an outfit together. The images are lovely too, check out her flicker, but below are some of my favorites.

xx

Summer lovin...

2010-01-09T16:48:00.000+13:00

It seems that I had my best OpShop day for ages the other day but it seems that my other half, Doug, has the knack himself. Right now I am assisting Amy Jansen-Leen with her orders for race day hats (btw if you need one better make the order quick not long until the Wellington Cup). I came back from a day of wondrous hat making to find an outside oven in my back yard and a beaming Doug.

Wellington has a pretty good dump shop and he went up there with the feeling there was a bargain to be had. He found an outside oven for $50 (well $42 really as the guy throw in a $8 sandwich toaster, nice).

So today we cooked and had an outdoor summer fish lunch, flinging the fish in the new outdoor oven.

I managed to sneak in some more of my french chocolate tort, mmmmmmm.

Ok this post has nothing to do with costumes or fashion but I am proud and wanted to show off Doug's bargain prowes, not to mention cooking skills.

I have put the green silk dress aside and start making my race day outfit... I don't think I will ever get that green dress finished, maybe it is to be a UFO forever!

xx

Planets align

2010-01-06T18:43:00.000+13:00

You know when you have been thinking about something and then whammy in the next few days it happens... like somebody you never hear from and then you think about them, then they ring. Well I have had a sewing related version.

In my sewing tool bag the one thing that lacks is pinking shears. I was saving to get some. I was researching the perfect pair. Then yesterday I took my parents on one of my Opshop hunting days and there waiting for me were a pair of pinking shears.

I gasped and asked the lady if she had some spare material I could cut. I looked at the label, Mundial, I looked at the price $10!!!!!! I held my breath, I cut the fabric, they worked beautifully. I smiled a smile only fellow sewers would understand.

Then while my glow was at its zenith I looked around and found some vintage tapestry covered buttons, could this day get any better? Hell yeah!

When I came home a parcel awaited me... from my dear friend Kelly Pringle... inside was Cadbury Wispa's, Dairy Milks, Chocolate Buttons and Monster Munch crisps, I smiled a smile only those far away from home would understand :)

But wait there is more! Wrapped inside some gold star covered paper was a most amazing book, Vintage Fashion, collecting and wearing designer classics, so perfect, so well timed and from such a great friend.

I don't think days like that happen very often and I am still smiling now, I just had to tell someone.

xx

Once upon a zine

2010-01-03T13:13:00.002+13:00

It is rainy ole Welly today... so I have been rummaging on the Internet for something new and interesting. I love Wellington library and so while checking out the website I looked in to their blog section on Zines and then stumbled on a zine from Canada called WORN. I am going there tomorrow to check it out pronto.

In their mission statement they say;

"WORN discusses the cultures, subcultures, histories, and personal stories of fashion."

That's enough to want me to read it. You can buy copies from their ESTY store or maybe your library as a copy of their Zine too.

I am still trying to sew my green silk dress together, but now that it is raining and there is no sunshine to tempt me out doors its the perfect day to sew. I am also thinking of having a clear out of my closet or is that just procrastination? Mmmmmmmm.

xx

Happy Hogmanay

2009-12-31T11:31:00.000+13:00

This is my veiw from where I have been blogging for a whole year in blog land. Who would have thought it. My reason for starting this blog was to see if I could buy no unethical clothes for a year. Did I do it?

Truth be told, no. Right at the last hurdle I gave in to temptation and bought a rather lovely top on sale in a high street chain... darn those Xmas pre-sales.

It did get me thinking though... if I can go nearly a whole year without buying mass produced garments and recycle and make my own clothes maybe I can do that again and again... I do now feel no real joy in shopping as an activity. I used to almost get high from it and then crash and burn with a wardrobe full of mismatched hardly ever worn clothes.

So this year as made a vast improvement to my out look on shopping, I don't think it is cool at all to be a shopaholic. I have made vast leaps in defining my person style too and well it is always great to know yourself a wee bit better :)

I think the focus of these pages widened also to include my passions in life as well as my quest for the local over the global shop, the handmade over the mass produced and the refashioned over the landfill. Plus my studies in costume and desires in Anthropologie, haha.

I hope that you have enjoyed reading my blog in 2009 and join me for more Bubbledust related goodness in 2010. Not the smoking kind either... I searched for my blog online and was amused to see that you can not only read Bubbledust but smoke it too... yikes!

Well I will sign off for this year and leave my seat at my computer and sewing machine empty as I get ready to go over the mountains and celebrate Hogmanay with my friends and family in the warm summer night.

Thank you for reading and have a great Hogmanay and 2010. Bring it on.

xx

Square Stitch

2009-12-28T16:29:00.003+13:00

I just went for the longest walk to try and work off some Christmas cheer. Trifle seems to last the longest... well if you have had nearly 5 servings over 3 days it does tend to want to stick around.

I have not gone near my sewing machine and I have heaps of refashions and make news to do, but I am feeling really lazy. I thought I would show you a little item that I picked up when I was away on my little holiday after I graduated.

That is one of the best things about holidays, new op-shops!

The bambi, the bowl of flowers, the jug of flowers reflecting in the mirror, its so super cutey. It is in fact a fire guard and I use it to hide the little mess pile that seems to appear when I start to sew something in my studio.

Right now I am trying to sew a green silk dress that I cut out ages ago but the sun keeps on luring me out and about, but at least it gets to hide some where in style when in between construction stages.

Maybe I should sew it up right now...

Festive hello!

2009-12-26T17:34:00.003+13:00

I hope that you all had an amazing Christmas Day, ate well and were merry. I had a lovely day with my family and friends and ate lots of yummy food. I also got amazing gifts. I wrote about one of my favourite artists a while ago and lamented how a print of one of her works had eluded me.

Well no longer. I received an authentic, signed print of a work titled 'If only you were here' by none other than Audrey Kawaski ... and here it is.

I love it. I can sit on the sofa and stare at it with my full belly and glass of wine.

xx

Summer shorts...

2009-12-22T20:20:00.001+13:00

In between all the studying I did manage to make some shorts for summer! Yipeeee, I got to wear them on the weekend for some very stylish gardening. I bought the material ages ago as a remnant for $15 and I got the pattern in an opshop trip.

I made a tolie out of some flannel and made them into winter PJ's, you can read about that on Wardrobe Refashion. They brighten up my white and pastey legs, he he.

I was also lucky and won a giveaway. Emily from This Is Emily Kate was giving away a spare copy of Burda World Of Fashion and I won. The sun is shining. Thanks Emily :)
Check out her blog as she is always making wonderful garments and collecting very sweet ceramics. Plus her kitty cat Edie is very cute indeed and her Procrasintation Station is amazing.

xx

Costume Creation: The final Installment

2009-12-20T18:55:00.002+13:00

Last time the costume had changed and breakdown had begun! If you have missed out (or don't know what I am writing about) click for Part One and Part Two.

Under the lighting the costume did not look old and dirty enough. It was suppose to belong to an old judge that had been hung and then enjoyed the breeze for a couple of weeks, lovley! Plus at this point Emma really wanted to mess this costume up more at the ends. Here is the final stage of breakdown, which I did with a tints of dark grey paint.

I covered the dummy again with a black bin bag to stop the next person who used it from cursing me forever.

This seemed to do the trick, Emma was happy with the costume under lights and then I handed over the costume to Shadon Meredith. This is when you have to let go of that costume and go watch the performer use it on stage, very exciting.

Hope you enjoyed the little journey through my final student costume creation. Hopefully the 'for real' costume creation is not so far away.

Back on track...

2009-12-19T00:25:00.008+13:00

I gave my blog a festive present and birthday treat all in one... a little make over. I got some cards made up and now my blog matches my cards. Still little bits to do but they will get done without you noticing too much :)

I was going to go through all my old blog images and change the border colours but well... I have got better things to do, like day dream over presents I would buy myself.

First up would be a Retro Glider by Raleigh, ok there are more expensive versions but I had a gold Raleigh when I was a nipper and I LOVED it.

Then of course Anthropologie needs a visit, this wonderful blouse, dress and top would be my current top picks... but I would wear the dress. Then as I rode on my new bike in my new dress I would stop and snap away with my LOMO Diana... ahhhhh daydreaming.

Hope yours come true.

xx

Make over

2009-12-18T16:06:00.001+13:00

Hiya, Bubbledust is going through a make over, so it may be a bit chaotic for 24 hours!

xx

Costume creation : Part Two

2009-12-17T17:49:00.003+13:00

In the first post called Costume Creation: Part One, I went through the process of receiving the design from the designer, research, consulting, making samples, and starting the build. If you did not get to read part one, click here.

The next stage of the process is to keep on keeping on and make that costume! I organised fittings through the wardrobe supervisors and consulted the designer throughout this process. Below is the costume before I started breakdown.

Before I started breakdown, the performer wore the costume in a rehearsal. This is where you find out if any changes need to be made to the costume. The performer may have introduced new movements that the costume does not allow for etc. In this case the wig was to restricting and so was not used (well it was for spare parts) and more movement had to be incorporated in to the overall costume.

So the costume may of looked like the design, but in the reality of performance it just needed to be changed. So you change it. It may seem a tad heart breaking after hours of work to cast something aside or cut another thing up, but you want the costume to not only help the performer with their character but ensure that the designer gets the feel and look they want. Its your job and it is these challenges that make it enjoyable :)

So I cut into the waistcoat at centre back and made a split that gave more movement and snipped in to the rolls and messed them up a bit. Then on to my first phase of breakdown!

I covered the dummie to protect it as it was going to get dirty. From talking with the designer Emma the wigs where to look old and dusty. So I did some more samples with different products and methods and the one that seem to sink into the rolls and give depth was a mixture of talc and dye. I made up some diluted dye and then mixed it with lots of talc and dry brushed the solution on. I concentrated on the bottom more than the top of the costume as this was to look more ragged and old.

In the final installment there will be more breakdown and then da ta, the costume on stage dharling!

Until then check out the interview from costume designer, Janie Bryant who designs the wonderful costumes for Madmen, what a dream job!

Vintage style

2009-12-16T10:30:00.001+13:00

Swoon. I love the pattern above. What a lovely little number from the 1930s. I found this pattern on Vintage Fashion Library via blog A Dress A Day. It is a reproduction of an authentic pattern so there is more than one up for grabs.

One other blog that I am following is Gertie's New Blog for Better Sewing. Gertie found a copy of a 1952 Vogue Sewing book that made the claim if you could sew all the garments in the book, 14, then you would become an expert home seamtress. So that is exactly what she is doing!

Her blog charts her progress along with other interesting blogs posts and vlogs. Gertie also gives vintage sewing advice on BurdaStyle too in her guest column.

I really love the late 1930s style, but really it is hard to pick an era. So I ask that question, what is your favorite fashion vintage era?

Until next time.

xx

Costume creation : Part One

2009-12-15T13:09:00.002+13:00

So what is it that I do, what are my skills? Mmmmmmm. Well I make costumes, ok... but how does that happen... why don't I give you an example. I will use the last costume that I made for a production at Toi Whakaari.

Righty, the first thing that comes my way is the drawings from the costume designer. In this production Emma Ransley was the costume designer and I was allocated the design that I was to build.

Emma's costumes were based on the premise that you are made of what you do. So for my design of the characters costume is a cape of wigs from old dead judges that have gone before.

The first thing to do is research. I went to see if I could find images of real judges wigs and saw different types and the history of them too. Then asked Emma lots of questions. What does it looks like from the back? Real wigs or materials that just reference wigs? Is one wig sitting on his hand? Is the wig on his head separate? Colour to be the same as the drawing? Level of break down?

You ask these questions until you feel that the designer is comfortable and you now what you have to get done! Then you would assess what materials you have, time for completion and of course the needs of the performer.

I went to rehearsals to see how much movement the performer was to do, did they use the costume in any other way apart from wearing it? What would help their performance or hinder and how to minimise the later.

Your costume supervisor for the production helps with questions and answers heaps too, they are so important!

The materials that were available to me was Dacron... pillow stuffing... unspun wool...spray glue calico...organdie and paint. Real wigs would have been very expensive and after talking to Emma this is not what she wanted. Big, bold shapes. The first thing I did was to make a small sample, a mini wig if you like and then I made a base waistcoat.

I decided on the base waistcoat to provide some way for the performer to easily get this costume on and off. Plus it would act as a base to layer my fake wigs. I tried the waistcoat on the performer and then set to work on my Dacron rolls.

During my samples I found the best way was to get a thick Daron sheet, split it into three layers. I would take one of the layers and run the iron over it with steam (with press cloth on top). This made it flat and provided me with a base layer to attach the rolls onto and hide the calico and organdie waistcoat.

Then I went and laid the other sheets flat, sprayed them with spray glue and then placed thin layers of wool strands over the top and pressed down! I waited for them to dry, turned them over and then spray glued in sections then rolled up to the thickness the rolls needed to be.

I made lots of these. Some I used to make the head wig and I secured the ends with stitches before I put them on to a Dacron fused base shape.

I then started to attach the Dacron rolls onto the waistcoat layer. I started slow and took Emma into view my progress regularly so I knew I was still going in the right direction.

Below is my first real stage of development that really looks like the design I was given.

That's the end of part one. I did this in parts, three altogether, so its not a scroll-a-thon for you. Plus I may get you show some of the new garments I have been making myself, at last!

Lovely

2009-12-14T15:25:00.001+13:00

I live in a wonderful spot in Wellington, Island Bay, and to get into town I have to drive along a looooong road... lucky for me then at my first set of traffic lights I get to gaze into the windows of the shop and studio of Emma.

I have gazed and I finally went in. Beautiful clothes by fashion designer and director Emma Wallace. Sumptuous materials, stylish prints and quirky detailing. Check them out for yourself at the shop or online at Emma Collections. Not only is there clothes but a very great collection of accessories. Plus Emma is lovely too. Perfect.

Up and coming is a chance for you to get some local hand made gifts for the holidays. From the 18th to the 24th of December at the Thistle Hall Gallery, Upper Cuba Street is JUST GOOD STUFF. Check out the blog for a preview of some of the good stuff on offer.

Some good stuff for me was noticing that my major work dress was project of the week on BurdaStyle, sweet as. I got lots of very kind comments too, thank you.

Today I have been listening to Kings of Convenience and then watched some of their videos and here is one of my favourites.

xx

Lazy, hazy days

2009-12-13T15:47:00.009+13:00

My oh my I just looked at the last entry date for my blog and was a wee bit surprised how quickly time has speed past... but the sun has been around... I have no more studies... erm... I have been on holiday... I am a slacker... so sorry for the lack of posting.

This post is about my graduation dress that was inspired by vintage Lanvin and Christopher Kane.

I used my pinking tool to create scalloped edges on black silk organza and then used this to create a modern texture, inspired by Mr Kane. I placed this on top of a black drop waisted dress with petal sleeves, lined in dusty light pink. I used pink silk organza to make a small detail on the sleeve to lift the garment.

The black material that I used for my dress was vintage inspired Japanese cotton. Now I have removed the black silk organza (ready to pop back on of course if needed) I have a wonderful LBD.

I also made a head piece to go with my outfit and a small clutch. On my wrist strap for my clutch I placed a vintage button that I picked up from Salvage in Auckland, it is so cute with two swallows and I plan to make a print for a t'shirt from it.

In our graduation ceremony instead of a black cloak and mortar we receive a cloak made by a fellow student and we get to keep it! I received a stunning cloak made by one of the now second year students in the costume course Michelle. It was perfect and has the most adorable bunnies in faux fur as decoration, with black feathers to top it all off.

That's Doug my partner too, he needs to get some posing lessons :)

See you soon-er.

xx

If I could paint a picture...

2009-11-30T16:57:00.010+13:00

What handsome couple... they are in fact my two amazing fur babies Floyd and Isla painted by the very talented Rins Dekker. This painting was commissioned by my dear friend and collaborator on the Light Dress, Karen Curley as a gift to me for my graduation and I LOVE IT to pieces.

I love the costumes, the nessie in the background the colour and falling blossoms from the trees. I have never meet Rins but just through some images of the dogs and my blog for reference she created the perfect painting for me. I am a very, very. very lucky lady. I gave such a belly laugh of glee and contentment when I received it and unwrapped it from its wonderful wrapping paper, also by Rins!

Thank you! xx

So just to finish of my major work pictures here is the final one with a link to my workbook (in which the fabric samples are empty, I printed the journal out then added actual samples).

Click on the PDF icon to download and view my journal for my major work. Leave a comment if you have any problems.

xx

Image heavy... but not in a bad way

2009-11-24T23:53:00.013+13:00

Hiya... well I am still no longer a student and I have just been on my first holiday for ages! My parents are here from Scotland so I went on a bit of a road trip with them round the north island of NZ. It was great and I feel a little more relaxed.

Apart from giving my house a good spring clean (which includes my sewing room, yikes) I have been looking at my list of Bubbledust post ideas and its loooooong! But that means there is lots to post, yippeee. So lets start with the last promise of more pictures of my major work... well what about those after some pictures of my fellow costumiers work... yes that sounds good.

Sorry but you may have to scroll for a bit as I want to make the images as big as I can. There are 6 fellow costumiers works to get through! You can click the images and they should load up bigger!

First up Helle's work.

Helle created a witch, but not any ole witch she created Baba Yaga, the witch of Russsian origins. The witch transforms on stage with the inner beauty of Baba the final exit.

Now Miss Tara's bad ass bride.

Tara was inspired by Christian Dior and the myth of the runaway bride... smokin!

Next up Jane's work.

Jane hand screen printed every singe fan, the print on the skirt and gown. A masquerade dress inspired by Japanese patterns.

Now for Eliza's beautiful Edwardian gown.

Quite simply her character's name of Florence says it all. Inspired by Charles Fredrick Worth and of a sublime green this dress had some fabulous undies too!

Now for Liz or as I like to call her Luz who has a love affair for Erte.

Oh those feathers! Oh those painstakingly hand sewn beaded chains and gem encrusted everything. I salute all things Luz :)

Lastly, Kellys work, my 18th century man!

The hand quilted waistcoat (click the image for more detail), the self fabric covered buttons, the pleated stock the wonderful detail and skill, amazing!

And finally another two images of my work from the photo shoot. In my next post I will post the final image and upload my work book of my major work for anybody that may be interested in my research etc. See you soon.

xx

Major Work

2009-11-15T17:48:00.006+13:00

I return to the pages of this blog no longer a student... I graduated. Whooo! I have a few things to show you that I have made but the first thing has to be my major work. Remember my post about my inspiration all those moths ago... well here is the final dress that I made.

I am very lucky to have had my dress used in a photo shoot by Derek Elvy, director of Buoy Hairdressing and for the king avant-garde to create the wig to go with my major work for costume showcase.

In the photo shoot Derek used the dress as the backdrop to his wonderful hair sculptures and the photography was taken by Yoshi Su. My model Kathryn was amazing as ever, she graduates herself in a few weeks from The New Zealand School of Dance. The photographs are so opulent and I could not of wished for a better end to a long project.

I am so pleased with my work and will pop up more pictures from the photo shoot when I get a chance... along with pictures of my fellow costumiers work.

xx

Its love!

2009-10-20T20:32:00.002+13:00

Oh golly gosh perfection does exist after all... I love this dress from the colours, to the modern lace work, to the shape, the graphic quality, yum, yum, yum! It is from Alexander McQeen's 2010 resort collection.

I am busy, busy finishing costumes for the graduation show, The Caucasian Chalk Circle, and tailoring, then waiting for graduation... which means making my grad dress... but hey I may find a couple of thousand hiding in an old shoe under our house and be able to get the dress above *sigh*

I will be finished school this week so expect some bumper updates in the next couple of weeks. Until then make a date and check out CRAFT 2.0 this Saturday, 24th of October and make room for Fabric-a-brac, Saturday 14th of November.

xx

Fringe benefits

2009-10-02T10:55:00.001+13:00

I needed to make something for my night out at World of Wearable arts... WOW in another word. The dates for the show are half way over and I can't think why I have never mentioned it before for in a Make a Date post! I went on awards night and the array of costumes or really works of art are quite amazing. But I needed some thing quick to go with my Graphic Ruffle skirt and black shirt (from my $20 bag) that I was going to wear... accessory time.

I saw a similar necklace on online magazine N.E.E.T via a post from Sally Jane Vintage and I thought I would attempt to make one. Here is what I did.

1. I got my supplies together. Some upholstery fringing in different colours and lengths. Length of gold chain and links from the bead shop (but you could reuse and existing chain) and got out and needle and thread and jewelry tools!

2. I arranged the fringing the way I wanted it for the finally placement and sewed them all together... with invisible stitches. I then made up my chain but forgot to take pictures, sorry.

3. The next step was to attach the fringing to the chain. To do this I doubled up a thread in a colour as close to the blue fringing (the one at the back) as I could find. Then I whip stitched it to the chain.

It worked and looked really good with my skirt and I think it will work well the a white tee and jeans too. Now for the finally hat installment, it is Make do and Mend, yippeee!

Click to download the pages from my workbook for my Make Do and Mend Hat. Just leave a comment if you have problems.

xx

In the pink

2009-09-30T10:05:00.011+13:00

I do have another hat file for you to look at but its short so I thought I would update you with some of my recent-ish opshop finds. In Wellington it is raining... as I type... and what could be more delicious than banishing rainy days in the pink. I found this raincoat in an opshop and apart from the lining having seen better days and no matching belt it is GReaT. I adore the little hood at the back with its button to keep it in place when not in use, or you can just take it off.

The little woven bag was another steal, it is made in Italy and will be perfect for summer days with floral dresses. It had a rather ugly plastic cord on it but I swapped it with a chain from another bag I have.

I bought a skirt via an auction site not that long ago and I think its the perfect companion for these two lovely items.

Mmmmm, well, well as I promised here is another hat installment. We all had to make a straw hat. I saw a lovely picture of a Lanvin hat c1910, in the amazing Lanvin book and decided to recreate it. The book as also inspired my graduation dress along with fellow Scot, Christopher Kane but that's another post altogether :)

Click the PDF icon to download my workbook page for my Lanvin-esque straw hat. Any problems just leave a comment.

xx

First up... felt

2009-09-23T21:25:00.008+12:00

I did promise, so I shall deliver. I have taken photos of my visual diary for the felt hat and then placed them in to a PDF. I typed in all my notes as I don't expect anybody to read my hand writing :)

Find out what the door above has to do with my hat and more insightful insights. I have just put up my design process so this is not a 'how to', sorry. I hope it will be interesting enough to peek into the inner working of my mind.

Click the PDF icon to start download of the felt hat file. Is 8.86MB, post a comment if you have trouble downloading and I will sort it out pronto.

xx

What I did next...

2009-09-21T19:21:00.008+12:00

Hello... well, well, well Costume Showcase has been and gone. It was a really great night. I hope to get quite a few photos to show you what treats where there to be found. Our class was really happy and that's what you want to be... not to mention have a good ole boogie after the main event :)

I have promised a lot from previous blogs namely along the lines off 'i will show you this when I have finished' and now I may find the odd spare hour to get some of those things on the move. In the meantime I have been asked to see the hats. So I thought yup I could post just pictures but how about if I did a 'mini series'. Having meet some of you now and knowing that if you are either/all, crafty, arty, technical and are prone to day dreaming a little you like to know how the end result became the end result.

So I thought I will show the pictures of all finished three hats... all at once... but then my next few blogs will have pictures of my visual diary for each, development images and written accounts of my thought processes. I will make these available in PDF downloads.

So here are the finished hats.

This weekend was also really great. Karen (of lightdress fame, amongst other things) and I had a day out on Saturday. Its been so long since I had a day to wander around and do exactly what I liked (just like Audrey in Roman Holiday).

First we went around town from Aro Valley towards Te Papa. We stumbled into a few places along the way, namely Swonderful. WOw! I love their clothing label Papercup. Elegant, contemporary and fun. Then on to Te Papa to see the interactive architecture, I loved the umbrella digital light reactive flowers and the reactive music table. Then we walked around Oriental Parade, got gelato, and some great photos.

Then I went to see the film Moon with my guy. I really loved it, the music is amazing, fantastic acting, it looks stunning and oh gosh I wished I had designed the poster, a touch of Bridget Riley.

Anyways, I'd better go I have some hat blog entries to get organised!

xx

You gotta go!

2009-09-07T21:13:00.008+12:00

Its just under one week until my 18th century costume and other fantastic costumes by my lovely classmates are on show... in a show!

If you are in NZ you can book online here, or call 04 381 9253 (automated line). It is a bargain at $10. Not only is there a show but an exhibit of three years of costume students work and light refreshments, so well worth it.

I am finishing up my 18th century dress, nearly there. Here are some shots of my petticoats mid construction. They have quite a lot of decoration on them now.

Thank you to all those who have left very kind comments after finding my blog via my featured member spot on BurdaStyle and those who read it that I don't know about :)

I will be pretty busy up until the 17th but I will post pictures of my finished dress on stage asap. Wish me luck.

xx

Dreams can come true...

2009-09-03T18:54:00.003+12:00

... I am a featured member on BurdaStyle! How cool. You can read all about it here
I am wearing some of my recently made hats in my pictures on BurdaStyle and in the one above. Will post about them very soon, until then happy sewing.

xx

Its that time of the season...

2009-08-25T22:51:00.003+12:00

Oh! winter is nearly melting into Spring! Yippeee! Over the last few months sewing for myself has become a long forgotten affair... but I have managed to sew up some UFO's that have been languishing in the corner. One summer ruffle top and a ruffle skirt too.

The bib and ruffles in the top are of my own design but the basic pattern is from Built by Wendy 3835 view C, I love that pattern.

The skirt is also from a Built by Wendy basic pattern from the Sew U book. The inspiration for the ruffles came from a skirt on the beloved Anthropologie site. I used a digital print fabric for the skirt and it turned out very yum.

I still have to sew up so many clothes that I have cut out, including my graduation dress... but more on that later, I still have to finish my 18th gown with more ruffles (I think ruffles are catching) ... phew someone pass the chocolate, he he.

xx

Mad lady milliners

2009-08-23T17:59:00.003+12:00

I have started millinery (hat making) recently too and I LOVE it. Our tutor Amy Jansen-Leen (far left in picture) is so much fun and I am learning so much. The start of our class was an inspiring visit to her studio and then for tea at Martha's Pantry.

This Thursday is the hand in for all of our three hats, one felt, one straw and one make do and mend. After we hand in our journals we head off for our Glamour for You photo shoot to document our wonderful hats in a lady like fashion, what fun!

xx

Blanket hat

2009-07-29T18:23:00.000+12:00

I have knitted another hat and this one is like wearing a cosy blanket! I love it. I downloaded the pattern from Parallax Knitting and the pattern is called Russian Princess in Exile, which seems to fit as one of my friends thought it looked Russian on first viewing.

This is a replacement hat for an old bought cream hat that got melted chocolate all over it and well brown stains don't look good. I was so tempted to go and buy another hat as I have never done cables before and I made mistake after mistake. I arranged a craft circle (my nice term fro stitch and bitch) night in my house and Kelly helped me out with the pattern. The next day I just sat down and within 2.5 hours it was done and dusted.

Glad I held out as it means I still have not bought anything mass produced this year, its made of NZ wool and the 12mm needles I got from the opshop.

xx

Pocket Hoops

2009-07-26T18:13:00.004+12:00

To make a waist seem tiny make your undies big! Mmmmmm, well that's what pocket hoops seem to do. I have been working on my 18th century costume and even though I have now moved on to my petticoat and trim here is a quick look at my pocket hoops (yes with unfinished corset, darn).

I used dyed drill and then silk dupion for the casing which I think looks quite pretty. The slit in the top of each hoop is for the ladies pockets, which would hang around her waist and then drop into each hoop, handy for that fan or knotting shuttle.

I seem to eat, sleep and dream my course at the moment, but have made a special effort to download at the pictures from my camera so more up dates soon.

xx

Japanese Shibori

2009-06-22T17:53:00.013+12:00

This blogger has been an unwell blogger, blah! The deeply uncool thing about this episode is that it is during my holidays, boo! Anyways... before I got sick I did some Japanese Shibori on some super soft jersey as I wanted to make the t'shirt on the right from my Burda World Of Fashion 02/2009 and although the colour is not me I thought the interesting pattern spiced up the shape.

I am very interested in using natural dyes but I am only learning about it at the moment and so went and bought some Dylon Cold Water dye in Moon Blue

I found some strong linen thread at the Wellington dump shop last year and I used this to sew in my patterns. For a quick overview look at this How To on Burdastyle

I used a ball point needle as I did not want to hole the jersey and make it run.

I stitched semi-circles on the fold and then alternated with straight lines and semi-circles until I got to the selvages.

You do have to pull really hard to get it to scrunch up. Mine kinda looked like a washed up jellyfish.

Then it was time for the dye bath. I have a huge tub we use for washing our dogs! I gave it a good clean and then placed in my damp fabric and poured in the dye solution.

I swished it around for a while and then left it to absorb! I then chucked it in the washing machine on a rinse cycle to get all the excess dye out, it came out looking like a blue washed up jellyfish... until I cut all the threads (and saved them for next time) and opened it out.

I really like the pattern in the middle! I now have to cut out the pattern and sew it... sometime soon I hope.

I had a lot of fun doing this and I can see how you could do quite precise patterns if you have the patience to sew them.

I think I may have to put some time aside to cut out a lot of patterns that I want to sew and then slowly find the time to sew them... plus all my refashions that are waiting for me too.

I have however made a start on my quilted jacket! Yahoo!

xx

Coco

2009-06-10T15:18:00.004+12:00

No, its not me or the girls from the costume room, it is a scene from a movie I am really looking forward to, Coco Avant Chanel (Coco before Chanel). A film about Coco Chanel's rise to fashion fame. I can't wait to see the costumes.

You can see the French trailer here and read more about it on IMDB

Right now I am catching up with my 18th century corset, remember that all those months ago! Well, hand sewing binding on tassets is a wee bit time consuming, so back to it!

xx

Sweet light

2009-06-04T10:07:00.004+12:00

Hi folks! Well here is a video from Karen Curley of the lightdress in action! So far we have had a mention on both the Fashioning Technology and CRAFT blog, no bad me thinks!

Bachelorette Light Dress

I am very happy!

xx

I will never lose you!

2009-06-02T09:37:00.002+12:00

Since I have been knitting I have found that dogs think knitting needles are yummy or they get lost real quick. So I made a case using a pattern from Lupinbuuny's blog. I used recycled materials and you can read all about it on Wardrobe Refashion.

Now I am on to knitting my second hat... later!

xx

Put it all together...

2009-05-30T16:54:00.001+12:00

I would like all these things to wear under my cosy velvet jacket, but since I made a pledge to not by new for 6 months and the fact I have zero dollars to spend on off the rack clothes I will have to dream a little... or make similar things myself!

The hat, cargo pants and bag are all from the heavenly Anthropologie *sigh* and the shoes are from my favorite shoe shop back home in the UK, Office. The top is from Arden B , ain't it sweet!

I think I will have a go at creating similar pants as I have a deep thick purple silk fabric in my stash just waiting for such a project. When I get back to do some crochet the top could be possible... if only father time would allow for such fanciful things. Its still study work all the time at the moment.

I do however love day dreaming...

xx

Wardrobe Refashion Runway

2009-05-28T16:11:00.000+12:00

My first runway garment! You may remember that I sent over my Scrappy Reflapper dress to Nikki who runs the fabulous Wardrobe Refashion site to feature Wardrobe Refashion's runway show at Australia's The Stitches & Craft Show. Well here are some pictures from the Melbourne show of my dress, the model is a bit smaller than me so the dress is a tad to big for her but hey I am still as pleased as punch. Whoop whoop!

You can check out the other great garments sent in by other members too here One of my favorites was Veronica Darling's wiggle dress made from a tablecloth! If you live in Australia the last date for the show is from the 19th-23rd of August in Sydney. Nikki has a refashion zone there and is at the Burdastyle stall too, keep an eye on the Wardrobe Refashion site as she often is looking for helpers. I would totally help out if I lived in Sydney!

I have been slack as on my Wardrobe Refashions of late but I am still upholding my pledge.

xx

In a Space

2009-05-26T21:47:00.004+12:00

My latest costume creations have been for The New Zealand School of Dance Choreographic Season, which this year is entitled In A Space. My contribution is just one of the many to this years show. Choreographers, dancers, designers, fellow costume designers/constructors, lighting students, stage management students, marketing and tutors (phew) all put 110% in to the creation of the show.

If you are going to be in Wellington come along and see the performance at:

Te Whaea Theatre
11 Hutchison Road
Newtown
Wellington

7.30pm, Friday 5 & Saturday 6 June
2.00pm, Sunday 7 June
7.30pm, Tuesday 9 – Saturday 13 June
Tickets are $18, or $15 concession.
Bookings: 04 381 9254 or www.nzschoolofdance.co.nz

I will put up images of my costumes after the show so they are a surprise! In the meantime check out Florian Teatiu one of the dance students (and this year one of the choreographers) perform the piece to be performed outside the theatre before the main event starts. This was uploaded to YouTube by Rebeeca Galloway the school of dance's marketing tour de force :) Enjoy and see you at the show!

xx

Tip the velvet

2009-05-26T16:00:00.001+12:00

For a rather long time I have been looking for a velvet jacket in my secondhand browsing and not come up with very much at all... until a couple of months ago I found this lovely tailored example for $15. Most of the ones I ever find are one buttoned closer affairs which do nothing for me so I was stoked to find this fitted three button lovely. On the same day I happened upon a 1950's petticoat in really good condition and some sweet Maryanne's! Awesomeness!

I found them ages ago but I never got round to taking nice pictures of then until now...I think they make a really great outfit, the petticoat is so pretty I would wear it as a summer skirt, so a bit of a wait for that. But right now is just the time for knitwear and velvet jackets.

xx

Knitty hat

2009-05-23T15:21:00.004+12:00

It has been a long time since I have made a post about something not related to costume or the lightdress! I don't seem to have time for much else these days but my studies, at least I love what I study. The lightdress is now complete and on tour to the states with Annabel Alpers aka Bachelorette. Karen and myself went to the gig on Thursday night and saw the dress in action which was great after all our hours or work got some pics and video, but more on that once I select the best pics to show.

I have picked up a new craft though, knitting.

I can crochet not to bad but the click clack of those needles has finally entrapped me. I found a great knitting community called Raverly. It appeals to me as not only does it list great patterns it lets you organise your knitting projects and view other members projects to see what hints and tips they give about what makes a pattern great or just plain blahhhhh. Good for beginners and seasoned pros!

So I found a great pattern, Robin's Egg Blue by Rachel Iufer got some secondhand knitting needles, consulted my Readers Digest Complete Guide to Needlecraft and set to work.

I did unravel countless times but the end product is not bad for my first knitting project ever and first time knitting in the round! It will keep me warm indoors and outdoors in NZ as it is now really cold in ole Welly and sadly my house lacks any normality of insulation, double galzing or central heating (I do miss those three things sooooo much in winter). Even though I did buy the yarn and button new all my tools are recycled, knitting needles, double ponited needles and my Readers Digest Complete Guide to Needlecraft. I now need to make myself a needle case as I think I am addicted! I have to say that my dealer of this knitting drug was none other than my classmate and friend Kelly who is a knitter par excellence, respect!

Until next time.

xx

Upgrade

2009-05-16T17:26:00.002+12:00

From samples to the real thing! Here is the effect of placing organza over the LED lights on the lightdress

Light Dress from Karen Curley on Vimeo.

Photos to follow soon...

xx

This just in...

2009-05-10T14:33:00.006+12:00

I am well again! Yipeeee. I have to catch up with my life and therefore my blog. My clever friend Karen just up loaded some samples of the matrix of LED's she has been working on to put into the lightdress here they are...

LED Matrix from Karen Curley on Vimeo.

LED Matrix from Karen Curley on Vimeo.

Now we sew a bigger matrix into the test dress for Bachelorette to use to see what works and what does'nt... then for the real thing! How exciting.

xx

A for A.P.C

2009-04-24T10:35:00.010+12:00

I do have a little thing for all things A.P.C. and looking on their website I decided in my virtual purse to buy the outfits below. I am feeling a little unwell and a little trip to Paris in the summer to shop at A.P.C. would be the best medicine... along with yummy treats from the pâtisserie.

I like the laid back style, I think if I ever find the time I may use them as inspiration for my refashioning and make new projects. But its finding the time, I am so busy (which is a good thing). Today and tomorrow I am working on the light dress.

Weeks ago Karen and myself did create some samples of a simple circuit and played around with some fabrics on top to refract the light. It was heaps of fun, but this weekend we

are stepping it up and developing a full mock up. Below are some pictures from our light sampling and in the image above you can see the flexible circuit.

Better get on with it! have fun xx

Slash my stash

2009-04-21T09:57:00.006+12:00

On Saturday I went to Fabric-a-brac to sell some of my unwanted fabric stash. My friend Kelly(pictured) joined me and I think our stall looked very inviting. We both were really good too and did not buy anything from any of the other stalls, it was so tempting.

My fabric stash has halved in size, I have a bit more money in my purse and space in my sewing room, plus some other people got incredible bargains. What a great idea.

xx

$20 bag

2009-04-16T09:10:00.003+12:00

Over Easter one of my local opshop haunts had a $20 dollar bag offer. Pick up a bag fill it up with clothes and just pay $20... I got some lovely stuff. Half of my items even had their shop tags on and one silk blouse was from one of my favorite 'I can't afford to shop in there' high street shops Veronika Maine. There are a few shoulder pads to remove from one of the blouses and a quick refashion on a very bright pink silk top but I was very pleased. I even snagged a fine knit handmade cable jumper which is great saying my knitting skills are basic.

Luck was with me again when I spotted a canvas and leather handbag from another of my 'I can't afford to shop in there' high street shops Country Road for $5, I was drooling over this last year when it was over $80. Add to that a fun woolen skirt from Cue for $7 and I have been shopping in all the shops I can't afford to shop in. Better than an Easter egg... mmmmmmmmmm.

xx

Take a bow

2009-04-11T10:03:00.000+12:00

Well one of the reasons I have not been blogging so often was due to a few things, costuming a workshop performance of Her Naked Skin at Toi Whakaari was one of them, training for a dualthon was another and finally making a light dress with my (insanely clever and talented) friend Karen for Bacheolorette (also insanely clever and talented) ... phew. The first two are now complete, yay!

Her Naked Skin was a great experience. I did the design of the costumes as well as source and make them, with the greatest of help from Donna (who is also insanely clever and talented) my tutor (thanks). It was great to work with the actors and director Annie Ruth on what turned out to be a great learning experience.

Jo and myself managed to do the dualthlon together in 1 hour and 11 mins. We were pleased with that as it was so windy in Wellington, at one point I was cycling and not moving! I will be getting some photos and if i don't look like a totally beetroot I may post some evidence.

The light dress is still on going and now its on to designing and making contemporary dance costumes

Make a date

2009-04-09T19:59:00.004+12:00

The blogger has awoken! Well I won't be getting any points for consistency. But if you live in Wellington the next two weekends are full of crafty loveliness. Frabric-a-brac is a genius idea, bring along the fabrics, buttons etc in your stash you don't use and sell them. Others will be too so maybe you might not make any money and come home with just as much stuff... but hey. I will have a stall there so maybe I may meet you.

Make a date for this at

12noon - 4pm, Saturday 18 April

Brooklyn Community Centre, 18 Harrison St, Wellington

If you can't wait for that then hop along this Saturday to Craft 2.0 at the New Dowse in Petone. I went last year and it was SO good.

Saturday April 11th 2009 from 10am till 3pm

TheNewDowse, 45 Laings Road, Lower Hutt

Craft 2.0 also goes to Christchurch too.

xx

Fabric Trees

2009-03-23T20:20:00.004+13:00

Ok so I know that money does not grow on trees... but lucky enough in Wellington, New Zealand fabric does it seems. I spotted the knitted trees the other day and a few weeks earlier the crochet trees in the Botanic Gardens.

I love them, my favorite being the stripey one.

Still working away on costumes for the workshop performance which runs this Friday and Saturday. Maybe after this I will get some of my own sewing done...

xx

DIY shout out

2009-03-20T08:12:00.006+13:00

Just a quick blog today.

My friend send me a link to Spoonflower, a service in the US that will print your fabric, how wonderful! I have really thought about doing this for ages and all you have to do is upload and arrange your pattern image... oh and pay :)

Then in good ole New Zealand there is Ponoko who do a similar thing but they laser cut different materials from your uploaded image. Sweet as.

Then to keep you further amused the Threadbanger episode below is on how to make your own hat mould from and existing hat... cool.

Have fun. x

Her Naked Skin

2009-03-16T20:39:00.004+13:00

One of the reasons that I am so busy and not so blog-e these days is due to four projects running at the same time. My most imminent deadline is costuming a workshop performance of the play Her Naked Skin by Rebecca Lenkiewicz. The period is Edwardian, the year 1913 and the setting is the Suffragette movement in the UK.

Even though a workshop performance is not fully costumed it is still an involved role to design and source. I have been researching lots of different sites and found amazing images. One picture library that our school librarian directed me too was the Mary Evans collections and I found the Museum of London to be really great too.

It really is an amazing time in history and an often overlooked civil rights movement.
If you want to see the performance information on dates and how to book is here

Corset tools

2009-03-12T22:47:00.005+13:00

One great thing about making corsets is that you get to use tools! Specifically heavy duty wire cutters. Instead of whalebone nowadays we use plastic and steal boning for corsets and the cutters nip through them in a jiffy. Then its sanding them on each end to make them smooth (so not to pop through the fabric when under strain).

I finally got the perfect fabric for my 1750 corset and made my own bias binding from a silk scrap that I found in the costume workshop. This is the second item of my mid 18th century costume, I made my chemise a few weeks ago. I will post a photo when its finished.

I am using modern methods to create this for the stage (sewing machine) but in the 18th century it was all made by hand. One blogger Carolyn Dowdell of Rockin the Rococo has finished her masters project where she made all her I8th century garments by hand, she will be exhibiting her items on her site soon so keep a feed out on her site or you can read a quick interview here.

It is hard enough to make them using the sewing machine and tools so congrats to her :)

xx

Return to the house of refashion

2009-03-09T23:05:00.003+13:00

I want to look good when I am dreaming in my day bed... and this refashion may still be around when I actually have a day bed.

If the fabric looks familiar that's because I have already used it in one of my previous refashions, the Scrappy ReFlapper... but i still had some of the floral material left over. So with some fabric from my stash and an opshop pattern, TA DA a nightdress was created. You can read more about it on Wardrobe Refashion and see the comfy pants I made to go with it.

I am now going to wear my refashions and go to sleep and dream of day beds.

xx

Links

2009-03-08T11:17:00.001+13:00

During my research for my major work on my costume course I came across these three blogs that I thought were worth sharing.

Fashion - 18th century blog - Fashion and culture from the 1700s - very dedicated blogger to all things 1700, I love the illustration for her site too (above). Great links and inspiration.

Rockin' the Rococo - not only are the costumes being made in traditional 18th techniques they are being made by either natural or candle light, just like they would have been before the electric light.

Diary of a Mantua maker - see how 18th century fashion items are made reproduced.

My costume is just about past the design stage, will post up pictures once they are ready for the world to see :)

xx

OpShop Delight returns...

2009-03-06T08:46:00.000+13:00

I have not been able to buy much of anything recently due to my return to poor student status. That does not stop me from having the odd visit and rummage in Opshops and the other day I found a lovely corselet style top for $4, so I sacrificed my flat white coffee for the day. It was too cute to pass by.

The top underneath I made a few months ago, I still have some adjustments to do as the neck turn out a tad wonky and being a slight perfectionist, out came the unpick! Hopefully it gets finished really soon as the fabric and style is really great. The pattern I used was from Built by Wendy. I really like these patterns as the fit is always spot on for me, plus they are unfussy and modern.

She has published two great books too, I really liked SEW U when I started to sew as it gave me basic patterns and advice on how to change them.

Until next time xx

Dear fashion godmother...

2009-03-05T17:14:00.006+13:00

... can I please have this
and this...

and this...

... minus the hair do's as it is so windy in Wellington :)

Check out more of John Galliano's ready to wear here

xx

Featured Refashionista

2009-03-04T09:00:00.001+13:00

Hi, my first interview in blog land, read it here

2009-03-02T22:12:00.005+13:00

For a while now I have been designing a warm cozy and stylish hoodie in my mind. I got bored of fleeces last winter and plan to head into the colder months in style and in the pink!

I spotted a pink leather jacket by Diesel in a magazine and loved the cut... then I thought of Chinese quilted jackets... add to the mix bed jackets and some very yummy, 18th century inspired pink material from my stash and hey presto my next project looms.

I would like to quilt the bodice of the jacket and replicate the wide quilted hem too... I don't now when I will find the time for this but I will have to squeeze it in somewhere, the wind is getting cooler already.

xx

Major work

2009-02-23T19:29:00.006+13:00

During my final year of study in Costume Construction I get a budget of $200 NZD to design and make my major work. I have decided to make a mid 18th century women's dress... yes that's right a huge frock out of 200 dollars... mmm.

It really all started with my very girly dreams of being Cinderella aged 5 and then going to vast stately homes in the UK and seeing portraits of women in very beautiful dresses cemented my love for Rococo. Then last year researching I read Dress in Eighteenth-Century Europe 1715-1789 by Aileen Riberio (which is amazing, but at 220 USD is on my wish list indefinitely) and saw this portrait of the Marqise de Lamure, 1745.

What an amazing outfit! I am also using other pictures for reference, especially portraits of Madame de Pompadour, the portrait below being my favorite.

This project will take me until September to complete along with my other modules. So if you happen to find 15 metres of sumptuous silk for 120 NZD dollars of less in a Rococo period colour please give me a shout :)

My course is taking up a lot of my time now that summer is over but I still will be refashioning, op-shoping, sewing and my dualthon is only 6 weeks, you can't say I don't like a challenge.

xx

Bad blogger...

2009-02-17T21:17:00.004+13:00

My oh my, I have not made a blog entry for over a week. I am new to blogging but I would say that may be against the rules, or not quite cricket.

Below is the 1980's dress that I refashioned... I bought it in a store in Brisbane in 2006 when I was still a travelling bum and bit by bit it has been transformed. You can read more about it over on Wardrobe Refashion, lets just say it was not very flattering with its mono-boob boat neck and bloused elastic waist.

It kinda got me thinking about some of the things I wore in the 1980's and how much of that is in fashion right now. Like leggings or footless tights under skirts (keep them for the gym I say, however I did own a pair of pink legwarmers, so really I can't comment), plastic shoes (we called them jellies), huge t'shirts and neon!

Next I am expecting grunge to reappear, now that would make me feel old :)

xx

Cabaret

2009-02-08T20:36:00.005+13:00

Well I have been a little lazy! I went back to study on Wednesday and we have been straight back to it, pattern drafting away for our corsetry and undergarments module. I am making 18th century Pocket Hoops, corset and chemise.

So along with lazy I have been busy :)

Last year in our pattern drafting course we made patterns for 1940's dresses. Then we made the dress for one of the actresses performing in the cabaret. My dress is above. I never got photo's last year but now they are on display, so I snapped away.

I am refashioning an 80's style dress, you know the lovely bloused at the waist with elastic ones (yueech), so I will post photos soon.

x

Costumers are go!

2009-02-03T20:43:00.003+13:00

Over on Threadbanger they have a episode in Parsons Costume Shop in New York. I found it an interesting peek into the making of costumes for Broadway.

Favorite things, bunnyfish and owl wings

2009-01-31T19:39:00.011+13:00

I added Audrey Kawasaki and KozynDan to my favorite things because they are! I studied and worked as a graphic designer (still do freelance) and I love illustrative art.

I have a a few KozynDan hanging up but still desire some more bunnyfish and as yet a work by Audrey has eluded me.

I like Audrey's work as it is always provocative and sensual. Plus its positively beautiful painted on the natural grain of wood.

I am still refashioning with material from my scrappy flapper dress, how can so much material be in one skirt? Working on my Campergirl packing guide too... until next time.

xx

Scrappy Reflapper

2009-01-28T20:51:00.007+13:00

Well holidays were great, I climbed a mountain, swam in the sea, did some cross stitch and relaxed... but after being deprived of my sewing machine I was delighted to spend today refashioning. For the short waisted of us (that includes me) it is empire line or dropped waists. I have so many empire line tops and to be honest its getting BORing!

So I decided to make a drop waisted frock. You can read all the 'I made this earlier' details, as always on the wonderful wardrobe refashion site.

My Mum bought me a wonderful skirt with really pretty material. But alas, too much material on a drawstring waist spelled disaster and instead of a complete body type replacement I thought refashioning was a more pain free option. With the addition of of secondhand material from my stash, here is what I came up with.

It looks like a Great Gatsby meets Doris Day , two of my favorite things x

*The skirt is just tacked to the bodice, I'll sew it on properly, honest!

Wendy house with wheels

2009-01-24T11:12:00.001+13:00

Yippee its holiday time! I read a lot of advice about what to pack for beach holidays, country getaways or city breaks but I am still looking for a guide for the girl who is on the campervan break.

How does one pack with style when very little room is available and every holiday type clothes will be required and hair is to dry au natural (read uncontrollable mop) ... head scarves of course (or as my Nana calls them head squares)!

Whip one on and in an instant you are sleek and stylish, Opshop's are great for these, so I will be packing a few from my collection. If you need more convincing, as always Audrey.

Maybe over my holiday I will compile a 'what to pack' for campervan trips and post when I come back... If you are not convinced about campervanning click here for a lovely little article to open up your mind.

Going in the campervan on holiday reminds me of playing in my wendy house when I was little but this time its got wheels!

I won't be around for the the next few days, take care

xx

My lady...

2009-01-21T15:34:00.001+13:00

Joy of joy I found another rather good secondhand store called Rebound in Petone. I went there with my friend Esther and we shopped like only two girls can do high on caffeine and sugar!

I found a rather lovely silk and cotton cardi for $10, lace topped cami for $1.95 and a pair of shoes for $8.95, whooo. There was lots of great winter coats there too so maybe a trip back at some point...

You will notice a great trench in there too, well it was a online auction score at $25. I don't suit the traditional double breasted trench so I went for a retro single breasted ladies version instead.

Now I can whip it on at a moments notice and look effortlessly stylish like Audrey Hepburn.

xx

Mr and Mrs Peg

2009-01-18T10:10:00.002+13:00

On the Wardrobe Refashion site PumpkinNiki made a rather sweet bag with old rice bags and it got me thinking that we have a few lying around...

I decided to make a peg bag, not so glamorous but functional. I think it turned out ok.
You can read more about it on Wardrobe Refashion

It got me thinking about peg dolls, I used to make them when I was little. On the Red Current there is an old blog entry will heaps of links on how to make them. So sweet.

Drab to Fab

2009-01-14T21:19:00.005+13:00

I am very much into my Refashioning challenge and its making me be tres creative! Yippeeee

You can read my post about the above jumper turns into cardi on Wardrobe Refashion and help me make up my mind if its buttons on or off... I can't decide.

I am researching folk/ethnic costume at the moment for a costume I am designing and making for a musician called Bachlorette, and I came across some really great books. Dress in Detail is a great series and for the costumer an absolute must! So I picked up the Dress in Detail: Around the World and it is stunning. One direction for the costume is to make it and Apron style so I picked up Aprons : Icons of the American Home

Now I want both books myself and to make a new apron! Watch this space

xx

Dirndl days and pearly confections

2009-01-11T15:57:00.011+13:00

Its a mixed deluxe bunch today, recycling, refashioning and make new... a new Opshop has just opened up on my walk to my local library and on my first visit I found a black slinky dirndl and a shiny set of fake pearls.

I have had a wonderful enamelled pendent on a rather uncomfy suede thong for quite some time now and I never wear it, so I decided to do my first refashion. You can read about my refashion over on the Wardrobe Refashion blog but lets just say that the pearly confection is super sweet if I don't say so myself.

I have also just finished making a top from fabric found in the scrap bins in the costume workshop. Very nice white silk and lace no less. I made a light jacket as in the summer sun in NZ you need to slip, slop and wrap to keep you pale and interesting. Its a whole lot more fun if done in style!

Then just like a dream my leather obi belt by Ledthread that I had won on the BurdaStyle site arrived. Its so soft and pretty. So I put a few looks together with the Opshop black dirndl, new handmade jacket and my prize obi.

Dressing up is so much fun, even for grown up girls.

xx

I am a Wardrobe Refashionista!

2009-01-08T21:52:00.007+13:00

I got an email from nikkishell from Wardrobe Refashion and I am all signed up for two months. Let the Refashioning begin. I am pretty excited.

I did a wardrobe clear out today and have a big pile of clothes that I can refashion, I am really hoping that my fabric stash will go down too in the next two months.

It comes as quite a shock to see how random my wardrobe is, no wonder I am always looking for something to wear,as I stare at heaps of clothes. Since one of my goals is to have a more streamline, quality wardrobe it looks to me that i will have to start making basic like white shirts... I don't even own one.

For some wardrobe rebuilding advice I have been reading up, surprisingly the LUCKY shopping manual: building and improving your wardrobe piece by piece did not advocate running out and buying everything, it was just full of good advice. It was more fun to read than others and more visual which I prefer than pages of text.

One other aspect of my refashioning is to get healthy so i can get back into some rather nice clothes that are a tad small. Its getting of to a good start with my friend and i... running! We are going to enter the Real Women's Duathlon and we have been out twice already. The big day is in April, so lots more training days to go...

Minnietheminks xx

OpShop Delight

2009-01-07T15:48:00.010+13:00

I had quite a find in one of my local OpShops today, or should that be five finds! My mum always coveted shoes by Bally and its rubbed off on me, so I was super quick to grab a black pair of Bally courts, they fitted a treat, been recently reheeled and the leather had not a mark. I then went for a wander round the store.

I proceeded to pick up a great long denim skirt that was made in NZ with the coolest buttons, a crochet lace dollie, old leather picture frame and a really lovely pendent on an ugly rubber thong. I then went to the counter and asked how much the shoes were (my heart palpitating as I am on a very tight budget) and the lady replied $3 NZD (roughly $1.80 USD or $1.20 GBP), my heart sang with joy. She only charged me $9 NZD for the whole lot!

So when I got home I took some lovely pictures and rethreaded the pendent on to one of my own silver chains. Who said secondhand shopping is dull :)

Up and running

2009-01-04T16:15:00.000+13:00

Well I have got my blog looking a bit more 'me' and as organised as I can for now. I have been thinking hard about my challenge and I am going to test my will by signing up to wardrobe refashion for two months, I have missed the January round but have sent an email so lets see what happens.

I also took the Handmade Pledge which really got of to a start at Christmas as I hand made soft toys for my two friends babies, in fact I created new animals! I downloaded a pattern from the Burda Style website for a giraffe and lets just say one turned out to look like it had crab claws for legs!

I also made a shirt for my partner Doug from material already in my stash and drafted my own pattern. First time I have made a mans shirt and my Readers Digest:Complete guide to sewing was as reliable as ever, the best secondhand purchase ever!

I also made a necklace of my own design from felt, thread and buttons for my friend.

Well that's it for today, night, night.

All a bit rushed!!!

2008-12-31T17:48:00.000+13:00

Ok, I have been kinda thinking that I want to challenge myself and what better way than to try and buy no unethical clothes for a whole year... mmmmm. I think that I could do it.

I sew and have a huge stash of fabric and patterns and if I got a bit healthier I could fit in those old jeans :) I have just finished reading Green is the New Black by Tasmin Balnchard and found it inspiring.

I love clothes and want to stop trying to edit my wardrobe every few months due to it bursting at the seams! I have not thought out the whole deal yet but thought I better get this up and running before 2009 is apon me in 6 hours.

Happy New Year x