Gallery of In Progress Projects

[gem]

No pix, but I've made a little progress, now that my book is turned in (and all my mundane mending is finished!).

--Cut out the pattern for Milord's Gimli tunic and am getting ready to dive in to the mockup.  Milord needs to decide on sleeves. The pieces for this are *huge* and the pattern is really confusing. Wish me luck. 

--I have lost my head and decided to make another corset (let's not talk about the fact that I don't have any actual *garb* to wear with any of the corsets I already have.). I'm trying a hemp-corded version of the Simplicity 2621 corset I made in the fall. I have the canvas pre-washing right now, and I'm already dreading the ironing job.  I could have just cut out a yard of it and washed that, but no. Threw the whole four-yard cut in there. Sigh.

[lady serena]

Those dolls are amazing!!! 

I do have a a couple of question though. Did you make the patterns yourself or did you use a printed pattern? If it was a printed pattern was it from here?     http://www.amazon.com/Italian-Renaissance-Chemise-Clothes-Pattern/dp/B001D9E0S0/ref=pd_bxgy_t_img_c

I would like to make my nieces some of these and Im have a really hard time making my own patterns and I usually throw out whatever I make as it turns out very badly. (Im just wondering about the clothing) Thank you for your help and time. Serena

[ladylissame]

I absolutely love those dolls! Your nieces are very lucky!

[gem]

Lady Serena, I believe Lady Rosalind said she made the dolls (and clothes?) from Lynn McMasters's patterns.

[lady serena]

Sorry missed it, but Thank you for pointing it out to me.

[Lady Rosalind]

Thanks, Gem, I did make the dolls from those patterns (I spend way too much money on her site!). The bodice is modified from the doll clothes from Lynn McMasters. I shortened it by an inch, gave it a square neckline, narrowed the straps, made it back-lacing, and used flat-binding techniques so that I didn't have to turn it. I made hand-bound eyelets to close the back. I basically just used the pattern for the bodice as a guide, as I wanted something more Italian than Irish peasant.

For the skirt, which I attached to the bodice, I knife-pleated two rectangles of fabric to fit the waistline of the bodice (about 7 inches, iirc), basted each separately, then added the waistband. I then attached the waistband to the bodice.

I may go ahead and make a new thread on the dolls, since people are so interested! 

[gem]

Jennifer, YES! We want a dolly thread!!
**

Well, Milord's Gimli tunic mockup is cut out, but not yet tried on.  It's hanging there, waiting...

...So while I'm waiting, I've cut out the pieces for my corded corset. (faint)  I'm using the Simplicity 2621 pattern I used for the pink damask corset, so cross fingers that things go as smoothly this time around, too!  I'm using a soft sage/khaki canvas, and some pretty sprigged calico for the binding:



I think it'll be really pretty when it's done.  I plan to do machine-sewn eyelets, and I have some variegated embroidery thread to stitch them in (I think Kate uses silk embroidery thread for hers). It's one of the tone-on-tone creams/taupes ones; Parchment or Natural Taupe, maybe.

...And one of these days, I'm going to have to make something to wear over these corsets. 

[Lady Kathleen of Olmsted]

Great work on the dolls.

I have the same patterns. I have been wanting to make some of the dolls, but I have been so busy with other sewing. One of these days.

I am in the process of cleaning up my sewing area, putting fabrics into clear storage bins, labeling them, so I can make more room for working.

[Lady Kathleen of Olmsted]

Kinda sorta Ren related. This is the ensemble I plan to make for myself this year....THE RED QUEEN from 'Alice In Wonderland' I bought the stockings today at HOT TOPIC!!  I am so glad that I did. I am not sure I will have it finished by the time the movie comes out. But by Halloween 2010, for sure!!





I already have a red wildish wig. The makeup will be easy enough to do. It will be fun matching the fabrics as close as possible. The hearts for the front of the skirt will probably be made out of felt and sewn down

[Tixi]

The blue eyeshadow actually will probably give me nightmares, but the rest (especially bodice and sleeves) are HOTT with two T's

[Kate XXXXXX]

Scary eye shadow!  But the rest looks fun.

Gem, I like your colours.  I think that will make a great corset.

[gem]

Lady K, I can *totally* see you in that ensemble!

[Lady Kathleen of Olmsted]

Thanks gem!!!

I am going to Reno, Nv. for a couple of weeks in February to visit my mother. I plan to have this project well started before I go and take it with me to work on while I am there.

[Adriana Rose]

Ooooh that skirt is fun!

Curse you spiffy costumer of Alice in Wonderland!

[Dinobabe]

Helena Bonham Carter rocks!