Saturday, June 25, 2005

Project: DTD Post 2

Back to Amy and Kenn's to work on taping me up for the dummy. Unfortunately, I didn't write any notes on the event. It took much longer than I had anticipated. And I ended up giving Chad a sore shin since I kept kicking him for inappropriate comments in the same spot on his leg.

Thursday, June 23, 2005

Project: DTD Post 1

With some down time at work, I browsed the GSFBCG's site and saw a link to an article on how to create a dressmaker's dummy of your very own. I've been wanting one, but have read the horror stories of the bought versions (i.e. they don't match you and the clothes don't fit either) and couldn't afford it anyway.

That link led to a Threads Magazine article "Clone Yourself a Fitting Assistant". That article led me to Leanna Studios, where I can get detailed instructions for $7. Most of the people who offered comments on the process stayed under $55 for the materials, said it was a breeze to make, and has worked for their clothes.

The project for the weekend. Course I'll have to make another one for the corset and if I lose weight. Another thing I noticed nearly every female said their Duct-Tape Double was great incentive to lose weight.

Saturday, June 18, 2005

Project: Capt. Kate's Red Outfit: the Shirts Post 4

Considering what I'm working on will actually go into one of the 14th Century outfits, using this project title is rather confusing. But until I get the material to start on something else, it will have to do.

The brown paper for the pattern does not work. My boyfriend suggested some type of plastic that I can't remember the name of. I want something more durable than the tissue paper; I'm rough on patterns. Plus the cat.

Today became a sewing day by accident. Chad--the boyfriend--and I got invited to a sewing party at Kenn and Amy's. They are helping some friends new to RenFaire cast get their garb ready. We packed the current projects and headed over.

New current project is Chad wants a coathardie--14th century garb. Problem is Period Patterns are evil. I spent hours just trying to make heads and tails out of their tissue paper and cutting that out. Come to find out most of the reviews on the Great Pattern Review for this company fall under "Not Recommended." Amy had used one of their pattern too, and hated it.

Once I was done with that, I could move onto the ankle-length chemise. I decided since this will be part of one of the 14th Century ensembles, I should go with a simple neck hole. After that was cut out, I got the gussets sewed to the sleeves and the sleeves sewed to the body of the chemise. I was worried because the amount of material for the sleeves seemed so short, but it's fitting my short arms fine so far. [INSERT PHOTO HERE]