Working on my skillzzzz-Raining Lollypops

     Part of the reason I wanted to start this blog, was to document the new skills I am learning. I have always loved costuming, but my preferred method was to Frankenstein elements from the thrift store to make something else. This had a twofold benefit; saving money, and not involving patterns and sewing. As much as I loved doing this (and still do), it was always a little disappointing to me that I wasn't making things truly from scratch, I do have basic sewing skills, both hand and machine, but I haven't used them in a long time. Historical sewing has combined all the things I love; history, crafting, sewing, reading, computer research, and socializing with people with common interests.
     But I also want to increase my style in my day to day life. I love fashion, and I've always wanted to make my own clothes. I think I have an eye for it, so it's really a case of developing the skills. At some point, I would like to learn to drape and draft my own patterns but.......baby steps.
   I've been reading a great book, "Gertie's New Book for Better Sewing" It has invaluable advice for sewing vintage clothing, using both reproduction retro patterns and actual vintage patterns. It even includes patterns you can use, with directions on how to sew them in the book.

You can Purchase here

     Not only have I been reading her book, I have been reading her blog. I like to go into the archive of the blogs I like and read them from the beginning. Sometimes it can be intimidating to read about such talented sewers, but when you read them from the beginning, you can see how their skills have developed along the way. This is definitely inspiring.

Because I never like to start in the shallow end of the pool. One of my first sewing projects for my actual wardrobe is this bit of loveliness.

Buy here

I haven't decided which view Im going to make. I really like the boatneck of the yellow, but because I am *ahem* gifted, if you know what I mean, "nudge, nudge, wink, wink, say no more, say no more", The black and white number may be more flattering. I'm going to make up a muslin mockup for each top to see what looks best. Right now, I'm thinking of using the bodice of the black and white, without the shoulder bows, but with the cute litte bow from the yellow dress added on. We'll see.

It's quilting cotton, which is not necessarily recommended for clothing, since is is not quite as drapey as cotton made for clothing, but since my dress is more tailored and I want to skirt to flare out, I think it will work fine.

I bought this lovely retro looking fabric at Hart's Fabric , which I'm lucky enough to have right up the street. They also have an online store and a great selection of cute fabrics.

Watch this space for more details on what I shall call the Raining Lollypop Dress.

GBACG Raffle Score

On Saturday, Ken and I went to the Greater Bay Area Costumers Guild open house. As well as being the yearly guild meeting, there was a really fun Fashion Show and a raffle. Here are some great picture photos from Georgia McKenzie Photo's from GBACG. I scored big time, thanks in no small part to Ken using his raffle win to scoring me this beauty...

11 yards of orange and blue plaid silk..What?!?

I don't know what I'm going to do with it, but it may end up looking something like this

There was another bolt, but that was scored by the lovely Melissa. This could have resulted in fisticuffs, but since she's obviously a pretty awesome person with great taste, we may become great friends instead.

Here are some of the other tasty treats I won.

Now I can make something to wear over my Dickens gown

I love the Romantic Era!

I can use this to make some kind of awesome period hairpiece

I think this was originally a sheet, and it's definitely a polyester blend, but I think some kind of groovy 60's thing needs to happen here

Dicken's Fair is calling

Okay, now that the prohibition pub crawl is done, it's time to start getting ready for Dicken's Fair. I need to make; a corset, a chemise and drawers, two petticoats, a skirt, a blouse and a jacket. All by hand. Luckily Dickens runs through December 22nd. So we will go, when I get the outfit ready. I've decided I need to be really organized if I'm going to pull this off, so I started by putting my pattern in order. I also have one leg of the drawers finished. I'm off and running.

Keep patterns in order by using a binder with page protectors.

The pages of directions are put int the binder so they can be read like a book.

All the pieces for each part of pattern are kept together in a page protector.

Since this is a muslin mockup, I marked each piece in the seam allowance.

Prohibition Pub Crawl

For my first blog post..Hi! I wanted to start out with something fun, that would introduce me to some local people who are in love with fashion and costume and historical sewing like I am. I've been binge devouring every blog I could find. Flashing between inspiration and intimidation at the amount of skill I'm seeing. My lovely and very game boyfriend( who is really joining in the spirit of play with me) and I are going to join the Greater Bay Area Costumers Guild in their Prohibition Pub Crawl. Although, I feel about 25, I'm, um, not, so I didn't really want to go full on flapper. I decided on this as my inspiration.

Boue Soeurs Robe de style

Since we are going to be outside, in San Fransisco, it's bound to be a bit chilly. So I am using the Folkwear Pattern, Poiret Cocoon Coat Pattern.

I'm also not wealthy, so I try to not buy new fabric when I can help it. Unfortunately, that means I can't always use 100% historical fabric. But I try to hit as close as possible. Maybe for Costume College (eek) I will splurge, but while I'm just beginning, I'd rather experiment with curtains, sheets and other assorted items from the thrift store. Here are some of my scores for the coat.

I was gifted a lovely, but very small embroidered indian shirt. I believe it is silk, but there is no label.It's very small, so I'd like to use it for the collar. I may have to do some careful piecing.

This is a coverlet or tablecloth, not sure which. The label was cut out, so I don't know the exact makeup. My best guess is cotton and rayon. I'm going to use this for the main fabric of the coat.

Subtle striping for lining. Taken from a duvet cover. %70 Silk %30 Polyester. This will be the lining fabric of the coat.