Gallery of In Progress Projects

[Lady Renee Buchanan]

I have learned the importance of ironing while sewing, so I don't plan to skip that step.

And I even found out something cool.  When my friends who made stuff for me gave me the patterns back, I just stuck them in a gallon size zip lock bag with the outer envelope, cause I never could get all the pieces back into the bag.

Well, this sewing instructor friend ironed the pieces first, and they all were flat and straight and went right back into the envelope.  I was impressed!

Regular clothing?  Forget it.  I don't buy it if it gets too wrinkled out of the dryer.  Although we hang everything up once it comes out of the dryer and they look pretty nice.

[Valencia]

I love ironing, it makes a HUGE difference in sewing projects, that's for sure.  And like Gem, I find ironing out wrinkles and ironing seams to be hugely satisfying.  Of course, I also own very few items of clothing that require ironing.

[Rani Zemirah]

Oh, I iron when I sew!  I've learned my lesson with that... but I still don't enjoy it. 

[Lady Rebecca]

Here's some pictures of the Frankensmock, bodice, and bum roll taken a few days ago. The bodice has since been finished with binding, the bum roll has had ties added, and the smock has had its buttonholes and buttons added, but I haven't taken those pics yet. Also pictured is the overskirt, and forepart (on the underskirt). The overskirt needs a hem (and about 5" taken off), the underskirt needs a hem and hooks and eyes, and the forepart needs a backing, more pearling, snaps to attach it, and finished edges.

[Rani Zemirah]

Lady R, I would like to ask you a huge favor.  I'm fascinated by cartridge pleats, but I'm very timid when it comes to actually trying them.  Would it be possible for you to turn your overskirt inside-out and put it on the dressform so I can see what the pleats look like from the inside?  I'm pretty sure I have an idea of what they should look like once they are attached, and I've seen illustrations, but I'd like to have a visual reference before I attempt it.  Please?

[Lady Rebecca]

I can't put it on a dressform, (since I don't have one) but I can take some pictures for you tomorrow!

[Rani Zemirah]

Oh, duh... I wasn't even paying attention to the fact that you are wearing everything in your photos...    heheh  Sorry!  That would be wonderful of you!  I'm in no huge hurry, so just whenever is convenient for you.  Thank you for being so accommodating!  

The fabric of your forepart is gorgeous, btw!!!

[Auryn]

Lady Rebecca,
it looks wonderful.
Is it weird that I can't help but giggle every time I see a bum roll?? I don't know why I always imagine the person getting stuck inside a pool floaty.

Your pleats are really nice- so even

[Anna Iram]

LOl...pool floaty. 

Really pretty Rebecca and yes nice pleats. I'm scared to death of cartridge pleats. Hate hand sewing. So box or knife pleats for me, but I love the look.

[ArielCallista]

The one time I did cartridge pleats they turned out super bad where they were attached to the waist band...I'm pretty sure I did it wrong...

[DragonWing]

Very nice Lady Rebecca. The colors are wonderful

[DragonWing]

Well you thought my doublet was done. No.... Mi-Lord decided it needed more and well,... I agreed. Pearls were chosen. So here is the changes so far.







He was inspired by seeing a doublet at MDRF with chevrons on it.

[Lady Catherine]

dragon wing, I LOVE the changes! He was right!

here is my latest: Italin inspired courtesan for my cousin who decided Saturday she wanted new garb! i am very pleased! still not happy with the skirt, so back to the drawing boards!

[Lady Isabella]

DW, I am loving the pearls!!!

[Lady Rebecca]

LOl...pool floaty. 

Really pretty Rebecca and yes nice pleats. I'm scared to death of cartridge pleats. Hate hand sewing. So box or knife pleats for me, but I love the look.

They are actually sooo easy! And I feel like they come out so beautifully - way better than knife pleats (though I have to admit I've become a sucker for box pleats too). But seriously, that gingham method is a cinch!