HSF 2015 - Challenge #12 - Redo

What the item is: Bodiced petticoat/supportive kirtle

The Challenge: #12 re-do

What Challange/s are you re-doing?: 1# foundations

Fabric: Melton wool/cotton 100%

Pattern: Tudor tailor kirtle

Year: 1510s

Notions: Eyelets lacing

How historically accurate is it? The pattern is right but i compromise on fabric for budget reasons

Hours to complete: Approx. 10 i lost track.

First worn: Several times for fittings...as I'm making an over gown for it.

Total cost: As I was using up my stash guesstimate £35.


So this kirtle took me a while to make so I didn't manage to start/ finish it in time for the challenge I wanted to do this for hence it became a redo project.

I drew out the kirtle bodice pattern from the tudor tailor book straight onto the fabric. Initially using my dress form to pinch out the excess for the first version of the toile. Then I recut and tried pinning it on myself with the sides basted. I ended up changing the straps, waistline height and taking in at least an inch off all the sides. This resulted in a curved front pattern.

 So then I decided to cut the result out in the lining, interlining and wool fabric.

 Here's a secret I didn't use the usual fabrics as I could only use my stash. So it was made with wool outer fabric but cotton lining and interlining.

I reinforced the CF with and extra panel of cotton fabric (the lilac in the photo). Just for extras strength.

 I chalked on the waistline so I knew where to attach the skirt and where the eyelets should go.

Cheated with the eyelets as by this time I just wanted it done. So I used metal eyelets. As this will be under the gown no one should see that they are metal not hand done.

No I don't know why its gone sideways

I also tried it on for a fitting with my 18thC petticoat over the bodice to help with judging the skirt placement.

I pleated the skirt to the bodice by eye. Then I hemmed it. Then I put it aside for a bit as I had other things taking my time.

I then added a guard to the bottom of the kirtle and it was finally finished.

HSF 2015 - Challenge #11 - Silver Screen

What the item is: 1920's day dress

The Challenge: #11 Silver Screen

What's your onscreen inspiration?: I took inspiration from Miss Fishers Murder Mysteries. I love her frocks but they are a little to 'glam' for me. So I made one more suitable for Dot her assistant. 

I like the purple and black combo

Fabric: Poly Rayon/Viscose

Pattern: I used the 1 hour dress pattern from festive attire Its a very customization pattern.

Year:1920s

Notions:Bias binding

How historically accurate is it? viscose/rayon is acurate not sure about the poly side but the pattern is good.

Hours to complete: About 3 hours in total.

First worn: To check the fit. Haven't had an event for it yet.

As you can see like thoroughly modern Millie my beads won't hang straight. lol!

Upcycling a Jumper

So I've been working on a few cosplay's lately and an element of one is a jumper with holes in. But I didn't want to cut holes in a perfectly good jumper. My solution sequins.
I bought a cheap £6 Primark jumper. Just plain black.

I then followed the instructions from American Duchess blog on how to make a retro jumper. To get my basic and more flattering shape. Then I started sewing on sequins.

I'm quite pleased with the result.

MCM Comicon London - October 2015 (Saturday)

Another comicon report. I'd been working on a Historical/Steampunk Ariel cosplay....well it started off steampunk but turned out more HA.

 First off the accessories. Green ribbon and gold shell necklace. Red wig styled with plaits...

 Trident made from a broom handle, craftfoam and cardboard.

Tiara - modified a cheap one with craft foam, shells and pearls.

The bodice was made from truly victorian pattern, the skirt was a S&S pattern I heavily modified, and my apron was draped from scratch.

 I popped over to the Crankrats stall (a steampunk comic book). Always interested in whats new and have a chat with Katherine the author.

 Then more steampunk had a brows round the steapunk area...there was a distinct star wars theme this year.

 Found these great steampunk cosplayers.

 Then headed to the Disney photoshoot. Met up with Whatsername's cosplay. The disney photoshoot was huge. Lots of other Ariel's including this brilliant one.

There were some HA Frozen characters.

1830's I belive.

Oh no! King Triton got zapped by Ursula.

Also met up with these ladies who I had been corresponding with about HA disney. It was lots of fun but I was sooo tired and my feet were throbbing by about halfway through the day. I think I need a cosplay with built in seat or at least one I can sit on the floor in. lol! I didn't buy anything this time, well except for food and drink.

HSF 2015 - Challenge #9 - Brown

What the item is: tudor/elizabeathan coif

The Challenge: #9 Brown

Fabric: Printed cotton

Pattern: Tudor Tailor pattern for coif 1, Patterns of fashion for coif 2

Year: 16th century

Notions: Ribbon, wire (yes really)

How historically accurate is it? the shape and order of construction is historical. some of the materials aren't BUT these are just a first attempt and a stopgap. I hope to make some in linen in the future.

Hours to complete: 1 could have been less. Surprisingly quick to do.

First worn: Today to test out fit and see how forehead cloth worked with it.

Total cost: Practically nothing as all from my stash. (used a fat quarter for both coifs)

Ariel goes Victorian!

So I know I've been a bit quiet lately but I've had two projects to complete. I thought I would give you a taster of my cosplay for mcm london. Historically accurate disney is the theme so I chose Ariel. Already started a steampunk ariel then I found a group doing HA disney and well...I had to go for that, very me. It only took a few modifications to go from steampunk to victorian, 1870's to be exact.

my original steampunk design

I swapped the goggles for a tiara. Made from a cheap toy crown, craft foam, shells, beads and spray paint.

Then instead of a net apron draped overskirt made a green one to represent the fins and ruffles for seaweed.

I tweaked my green skirt adding a pocket slit. A slight oversight I'd made when I first made it.

 I also made some shell shoe clips to temporarily decorate my shoes.

Added some ruffles to the sleeves, made a shell necklace and ta da! All I need now is to make a trident, which will be last minute so I don't have to store it for too long.

HSF 2015 - Challenge #7 - Accessorize

The Challenge: #7 Accessorize
Fabric: 'silk' and lining scraps
Pattern: N/A
Year: 1869
Notions: Bias binding, thread, interfacing.
How historically accurate is it? This was inspired by the glasses case posted on the HSF FB page from godeys. I took a few liberties with the design so its close enough for me.
Hours to complete: About 2 hours max. I stopped for tea and lost track of time.
First worn: Today for pics.
Total cost: It was all from my stash so cost me nothing. In fact the fabric was from an old bridesmaid dress.

Shrink plastic broaches!

So I saw 'dawns dress diary' post about shrink plastic jewellry. And I just had to have a go. They were selling small packs of shrinkles sheets for pocket money prices so...I bought myself a pack of the frosted style and some broach backs.

Above was its original size about 15 cm tall. Then I popped it in the oven along with two other ones.

 I superglued the broach pins on the back

Quite pleased with the results. Much lighter than using polymer clay.

Here you can see it pinned onto my femme 6th doctor cosplay.

HSF 2015 - Challenge #6 - Out of your comfort zone

What the item is (and why it was out of your comfort zone): Its a housedress/apron. Its out of my comfort zone because I have not had sucess with wrapover dresses or tops. I've stayed away from them as I could never adjust them to fit. But now my fitting skills have improved decided to go for it.

The Challenge: #6 Out of your comfort zone

Fabric: Floral print cotton

Pattern: McCalls 6959

Year: 1940's (and could even work for early 50's)

Notions: Bias binding, thread.

How historically accurate is it? I based it off the period images I found on pinterest and the sewing patterns of the day.

Hours to complete: Well I sorta lost track, stopping and starting. Took me ages to get the fit right but once that was done it was fairly quick to sew up.

First worn: Today for pics.

Total cost: It was all from my stash so cost me nothing but the fabric was probably around the £5 per metre mark.

 I started with a modern pattern that was close enough to what I wanted. Then I took the narrow skirted view, left off the collar and flared out the skirt into an A-line shape.

I slash and spread the bodice pattern widthwise, and added a little length to the bottom of the bodice.

I used some yellow bias binding from my stash for the ties...but now I think I should have used some self bias fabric. I did change my mind halfway though as I was going to use the yellow to bind the arms and front of the apron but it looked a bit....tacky.

 I even had enough fabric left to make a matching headscarf.

MCM Comicon London - May 2015 (Saturday)

Comicon report time! This was my first time at the May MCM as I'd only done October before. There were a few differences between the two but fundementally the same.

I felt that this was much more busy than in October, but I prefered the layout and the queuing system this time. I had bought in advance a priority ticket, this meant we could be ushered inside pretty quickly collecting the wristband and then moving into the foyer/concorse area to wait for shutters to open on the halls. this was much more civilized affording to wait for the 'doors open' time in relative comfort. I usually spend first 15mins of any con getting a cup of tea and using the loo anyway. lol!
I wasn't planning of seeing any of the guests the only ones I was interested in were out of my budget...so it was primarily a cosplay and shopping trip this time.

The first cosplayer I snapped was this brilliant Ariel. I was really impressed by the cut, fit and finish of the dress and the detail of the 'crown'. So often ariel's pink dress can be a bit one size fits all but this looked just as good in person as from a distance. And I liked it had a more historical feel in the construction.

Next I bumped into this lovely lady. Vintage 50's AND Doctor Who...perfect. It was really clever how the skirt folds back to show the interior and the handbag was genius.

I was looking out for pokemon cosplay's amoungst the sea of misty cosplay's I spotted this cool officer jenny.

Sorry for some reason the computer keeps changing the orientation of the picture.

There was also this spot on Captain America and Peggy Carter.

The emporer and some storm troopers were patrolling the con....better hide...these are not the cosplayers you are looking for. ;)

I finally found a stargate SG-1 cosplay. I always have trouble finding them at UK cons? where are you hiding starge cosplayers?

At 11am the general entry was let in...there was a roar of the crowd and they surged forward...ahh! runaway, runaway! lol! It was a bit scary I ducked behind a column.

after lunch headed outside there were meant to be some meetups/photoshoots but due to a brief shower and me not checking my phone I missed them...still I took a stroll around.

Couldn't help taking this sneaky photo...captain america investigating a suspicious boat base. ;)

Back inside I bumped into Whatersername's Cosplay, VJW Cosplay & Costuming  & Little Fierce cosplay...Ace, Ten and Twelve respectively.

Also spend an hour or so at the board game area playing a few of the games on offer...really liked this game black fleet, lots of strategy potential.

Back outside again after getting a bite to eat as the con was closing soon....I spotted wally from where's wally...twice.

There was a lightsaber v nerf battle at one point which was amusing to watch. I even found this great visas marr.

End of the day I finally found a Loki!

Did Captain america stop Loki's evil plan....well I'll leave that to your imagination.