A Word About Historical Accuracy...

It's hard to find fabrics that are historically accurate or at least reasonably close that aren't incredibly high priced. Lately, the best I've found is actually in the "Home Decor" section. That is where I find the most natural fiber and classically printed fabric. The fashion section of the fabric store seems to to be mostly spandex, sequins, bold prints and poly blends.
I suppose I should also be more mindful taking down the serial numbers and the companies that create the fabrics I especially like, it's so hard to find them again once I've used them up. Unfortunately, I find myself in a difficult position with the fabric I made the Country Maid chemise and blouse out of- it was made from some fabric a friend gave me, so I have no idea of where or when she got it or who makes it. I'm starting to run low on it now, but I adore it. It has a beautiful texture and a nice natural color.
My quest to find more must now begin...

Works in Progress and New Inspiration

I'm still waitng to set up a photo shoot for all of my new creations, my brother has a friend taking belly dance classes that may be willing to model my gypsy skirt and belt for me. I also have people lined up for other recent projects. I managed to take a few decent photos with my remedial camera of some of my finished and still in progress pieces: My new chainmaille and pearl necklace- looks a bit like the face of an owl or something, doesn't it? It looks very nice on.

My men's chainmaille cuff laid out. I want to dabble more in men's clothing and accessories.

A segment of my gypsy belt. I think the tassels give the right amount of color and the gold bells contrast the silver links well.

This bundle is my almost finished gypsy skirt. It has great movement, I'm very excited to see it be danced in.

A simple unboned bodice made from black satin- it will be the ideal companion to my "Black Satin Lady Floor Length Skirt" on Etsy, in fact I cut it out from leftover satin shortly after I finished the skirt, but haven't gotten back to working on it until now.

My new inspiration is the mini-series Pillars of the Earth. I've never read the novel, but I caught the first few episodes of the series on the Starz website (it's upper tier cable, which I don't have the time or money for, so online is my only option). It's set in the 12th century during a difficult time in the English monarchy when Stephen seizes the throne from his cousin Maud.

The costumes and accesories are fantastic. I'd really like to make a few items, especially men's items, based off of the designs from the film. When it finishes airing in five weeks, there will likely be a demand for items inspired by it. In five weeks time I could have several pieces finished.

New Sewing Project Photos

Above: Molly Pitcher Carry All Bag, made from toile print cotton with a cream colored strap and an antique bone button closure. I just listed this one on Etsy, I love this bag, it's so cute and it's a great size.
Above: Black Satin Lady Floor Length Skirt. A simple black satin skirt with a drawstring waist, perfect for any costume or evening wardrobe. Also just listed on Etsy.
Above: Green Rose Upcycled Tote Bag. Not yet listed on Etsy, but my favorite Upcycle project so far. Every piece was harvested from one (very loud) skirt, but I think that it's much better suited to its new role as a tote.
I have been keeping busy! This weekend I will be experimenting with some new soap recipes, I'll record my progress.

Upcoming Ensemble and Shoulder Bags

I have finished the skirt portion of this new sewing project, it's a simple floor length black satin skirt with a white ribbon drawstring. Right now I am working on the bodice of the outfit. It's also made of lightweight black satin with peplums of the bottom and if I find my grommet maker, it will be lace front. If not I may turn it into a vest and make it button front. That will make it a bit more steampunk in style.
It has a decorative panel along the front and accents on the shoulders as well as peplums. it will be unboned for comfort on hot days or for those ladies that simply cannot stand constraint. Now I just need to think of a clever name for it all...
It should be finished by Monday and I will have two models wearing it for me (not at once). Then I will be posting it on Etsy.
I also made two new bags in the last week. One and Upcycle tote that is very fun and funky, probably the brightest colors and patterns I've ever worked with, and one based off a picture of a reproduction from the Revolutionary War Era, so I'm going to call it the "Molly Pitcher Bag." The body is made from a light toile print cotton and the flap closes with an antique bone button, the strap made of muslin can be worn across the body, or tied up for a single shoulder carry. Pictures of these are forthcoming.

Whimsical Woodland Tutu Skirt on Etsy

I had a fun photo shoot yesterday for my Whimsical Woodland Tutu Skirt. Though the skirt has been finished for some time, I wanted the weather to be warm and sunny enough for an outdoor shoot with my friend Zoya wearing my creation. I found a gorgeous location in and around an outdoor theatre space I've been working in for the shoot. Here are some of the shots we took:



There are several others on Etsy to show the skirt from a variety of angles and Zoya in many poses.

Sale!

I just sold my Antiqued Gold Quill Necklace (look down two posts). I had just mentioned about my Etsy to a friend I went to drama school with last week when I saw her. Apparently, she went on and was taken with it. I'm glad she got it, it's one of my favorite pieces.
My "Puck" skirt is finished, though now I'm thinking of calling it the "Whimsical Woodland" tutu skirt. It took longer than I expected because I didn't like the drape of the skirt, so I went back and added more tulle and adjusted some things. Once I find a drawstring for it, I'm having a photo shoot. I'm torn bewteen using a ribbon and using something more rustic looking. I want it to have that lovely surrealistic quality, but I've worked hard to make it look random (much harder than it sounds!) with lots of bits and pieces, layers of scraps I painstakingly shredded. Some in darker bark colors, others in greens with even a bit of plum and extra white gossamer for depth. I'll just keep looking I suppose.

jewlery week

I've also been making some jewlery this week that is very hard to photograph, but I need to sell some so I can afford supplies to make more. Here are some of those pieces:

Fleur de lis pendant with amethyst accents on a silver chain.

A new design of mine, wire twist cage with beaded center.

A (I believe) Jasper stone pendant on a hemp cord with twist closure.

Busily Working

I have been working all weekend on new ideas. So far I have made a few more pouches, a new style of tote bag, and I have begun work on my first piece of apparel to sell. I've done costumes for plays and have mended and made various garments before, but this is the first thing I've made with the intention to sell. It's called the Puck Skirt, a fantastical tulled skirt for little girls of all ages with an adjustable waist and layers of fun woodland colored fabric. It is on the short side, so older girls would be advised to wear it with leggings or even over a pair of jeans for a festival, a costume party, or any time whimsy takes you. I hope to finish it tomorrow and have a friend model it so I can post pictures.
I have also recently aquired some red tulle, so I'm contemplating making a gothic version if this one goes well.
I've been burning some delicious incense, alternately lavender and honey vanilla to freshen up the stale indoor air. I hate not being able to have the windows open. In spite of the cold, I cracked one open for a few minutes today.

Other Uses for the Scholar's Tote

Here is an example of the teal velveteen Scholar's Tote being used as a charming hat by a young woman named Becca. The extra fabric also made a fetching cape to complete the ensemble.