In preparation for Fetes Galantes 2020 (yes, the one the pandemic canceled), I made a robe à la française, or sack-back gown, mock-up to wrap my brain around the confusing construction of this garment that had intimidated me at first sight. I hand stitched, machine stitched, and learned a lot along the way. I ended up finishing […]
petticoat
Disneybounding Darth Vader
Last year on my second trip to Orlando for RunDisney’s Wine & Dine half marathon and Taste of Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, I Disneybounded for the first time. I Disneybound as Ursula and my beautiful flawless friend, Melissa, Disneybound as Darth Vader. This might look familiar to you if you’re no stranger to the blog, as […]
Disneybounding Ursula
Last year on my second trip to Orlando for RunDisney’s Wine & Dine half marathon and Taste of Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, I Disneybounded for the first time. And since I have two Ursula costumes, Disneybounding Ursual just felt right. Disney villains fit my personality, and my eyebrows! Here’s how I put together the outfit, and […]
Oktoberfest Dirndl, but Make It Witchy
How many dirndls are too many? What started with one dirndl to wear to a wedding reception in Germany became several to wear to Texas Renaissance Festival and Oktoberfest events here in Texas…so why not make one a little more witchy for a dirndl group at Costume College? Following yesterday’s post on my 1950’s McGonagall […]
My First Foray Into Steampunk
My first foray into steampunk started with boots and a corset. And as I worked my way through items and supplies I already had, patterns I could download and print at home, and playing dress-up on the mannequin, my Steampunk Seamstress was born. Here’s how the outfit came together, with links to previous posts on […]
Steampunk Seamstress: The Utility Belt, etc.
Following my last Steampunk Seamstress on my arm bracers, I’m sharing the so-quick-I-barely-took-any-pictures build for my undercorset utility belt and optional fan holder, parasol holder, and belt bag. I say optional because until I put everything on and head to an event, hopefully Dickens on the Strand in Galveston this December, I won’t really know […]
Steampunk Seamstress: Arm Bracers
More steampunk updates! Following yesterday’s post on my Steampunk Seamstress bowler hat, I’m sharing the build on the arm bracers. In my steampunk research, I found that all or most accessories are usually leather. I’m not particularly great at leatherworking, and I felt like fabric accessories would be more appropriate for a steampunk seamstress (and way more comfortable). […]
Steampunk Seamstress: The Bowler Hat
Following yesterday’s post on my Steampunk Seamstress thread spool bandolier, I’m sharing the build on the bowler hat. The hat presented three challenges: making a child size hat fit and look feminine, using only items from my surplus craft supplies, and honoring the principle that all steampunk accoutrements be functional. With an exception of the hat itself, […]
Steampunk Seamstress: The Bandolier
I’ve never given much thought to costuming in the steampunk realm, until I did. My sewing fairy godmother once told me that steampunk costumes should have a theme or purpose, and while that might not be the rule for all, it stuck with me. So for my steampunk character, what’s the one hobby I’m pretty […]
Costuming Claire from Outlander: Season 2 (& the Red Shoes)
As a huge fan of Outlander (books and show), I coveted Claire’s red dress from season 2. Having many other unfinished projects in bags just begging for attention, I purchased the red dress from Jessica’s Dress and spent almost a year making the undergarments (stays, pocket hoops, petticoat, etc.) and shoes before I could even wear it […]