Castell Harlech

I accidentally fell into this one. I was already halfway done when I realized that the challenge was the colour brown, so why not say I did it, right? At this point, I'm as big as a barn so am not sewing for myself until I can figure out what size I may become after baby comes. But, since I now spend my evenings with my legs elevated and icing my ankles, I can do a bit of hand sewing. I've been meaning to try jenthompson's Regency turban cap tutorial for a while now and I had supplies handy, so went for it.

Here is the results!

( Okay, picture quality is dubious, it looks better in person, really. )

Since Matt laughed so much at the poofy turban look, I also tacked it down in the back a la Jen, so now it is a pleasingly small turban. I like it. The feathers need a bit of work, but it is what I have on hand at the moment. It isn't like I actually have a place to wear it. Hopefully maybe Pumpkin Tea? If I can get away then. We shall see!

The Challenge: Colour Challenge Brown

Fabric: Brown velvet

Pattern: Festive Attyre's Regency turban cap tutorial

Year: Regency

Notions: Straw hat, ostrich feathers, gold trim, brown thread

How historically accurate is it? Methods may not be, but I was pleased with how it turned out.

Hours to complete: 4-6? Not quite sure, I worked on it when I iced my ankles

First worn: Haven't yet had the opportunity.

Total cost: Probably about $5.

Shopping at the new Goodwill in Edgewater, I came across a roll of red stripey silk. It was marked $12, but they magically sold it to me for $10. Now the question is, what should I make with it? There is about 5 1/2 yards of it and about 54" wide. Suggestions?

So, after poking at all of my vintage patterns repeatedly, I think I've decided what my next project will be. The goal being to create something that is work appropriate (i.e. of an era that, while vintage, can still be worn on a daily basis) and has a zipper because I need to learn how to put one of those in. Yes, I know, shocking! I've been sewing for over a year now and I still don't know how to sew a zipper. But, I have yet to foray into more recent eras that actually used zippers. And, really, this lack of knowledge is holding me back. I am going to conquer this and then we'll see what happens.

So, the pattern I am going to use is an Anne Adams pattern from the 40s (#3967). I haven't be able to find a picture of it online, but I do like it and it is, I think, mostly my size. I may need to size down a little bit, but hopefully that won't be too difficult. All the parts are there, except for the original collar. Whoever owned the pattern drafted their own one-piece collar as opposed to the two piece collar of the original. After making a good portion of my niece's mermaid costume, I am feeling the sewing mojo coming back to me. I kind of burned out getting the 20s and 18th century done. Speaking of which, I owe people pictures from that.

But, now I think it is time for bed. More later!

So, the countdown is really starting to build. What is it? Two and a half weeks until the 20s ball and the 18th century tavern day? Well, I feel like I am going to make it (and not have to wear any part of a chain-mail outfit of shame).

Here's the update!

First, the 1920s.

My dress is, for the most part, complete. I still need to trim down the netting layer, and, if possible, add a bit of beading to it. That is kind of my "if I have time" then yay(!), but otherwise, it is ready to wear for the ball.

( Woodland Fairy comparison )

So, here it is in comparison to the original. I don't think I fared too badly, though it appears that as short as the upper skirt feels to me, it was apparently shorter on the original. Well, nobody needs to see me flash anyone, right? No embroidery (for now). I will most likely pick up a flower pin from H&M for my waist, just to jazz it up a bit more and give me a bit more colour (will be orange, hopefully like the orange in the necklace).

Ah, accessories.

I bought a pair of earrings off of ebay (well, that's where I got the necklace and the celluloid hair comb I'll be using. The earrings match very well with the dress. And I now wear my comb on a regular basis (truth, I actually bought two and wear both of them on a regular basis). As for my purse, I believe I will use the one that I got for free yesterday. It isn't from the 20s, but it is a vintage beaded purse. I was in a consignment shop yesterday with my parents and was pointing out this adorable wooden painted purse to my mom when my dad was like "how about this one?". Except, it didn't have a price. I asked and the lady was all "well, today is your lucky day! I'll throw it in for free with what you're buying (it was a scone pan)". So, we like free. Even if it isn't quite right. It is still big enough for my insulin pens. Yay! Oh, and don't want to forget, my American Duchess 23Skidoos!

( Accessories! )

And then I have my 18th century outfit to build.

I have my stays done and a bum roll. My jacket needs eyelets and a stomacher. I'll pretty jazzed about my jacket, actually. It went together like a dream- even the sleeves (and I always say if I created a costume blog it would be called "I Suck at Sleeves"). And it was my first time working with stripes. And, for the most part, I believe I did a pretty good job matching them. Or at least I did the best I could as far as a talentless hack can get. The jacket fabric I got from a seat cover. Not too bad.

( Progress pictures )

Tomorrow evening I am free! Yes, that's right. I dropped my pointe class. And, I really don't feel all that bad. Actually, you know it is a sign that maybe your dancing career is done when you are standing in class thinking to yourself "well, one class down, 39 (or thereabouts) left to go". Yeah, maybe I should just not do it completely. I'm sure it will get better. It just has to.

So, what should I sew tomorrow? My stomacher? Finish my first petticoat? Both? I'm going to be busy on Thursday night, so have to make a great effort to do something because I don't want to fall too far behind mmebahorel in this whole getting ready for a double event weekend (exhausting!). Especially as I won't have Thursday or Friday of this week for anything. I still need to make 2-3 petticoats, my pockets, a cap, a fichu. It almost seems overwhelming, but, I know I can do it, right? At least my feet will look great with my American Duchess shoes even if the rest of me is falling apart.

Now, perhaps to bed as my parents are leaving at 3 in the morning and I said I would see them off.