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Faire Garb => Sewing => Topic started by: willin on May 30, 2008, 06:43:03 AM

Title: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: willin on May 30, 2008, 06:43:03 AM

  here. . .

  yack it up till your finger tips go numb

Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: ladiedragon on May 30, 2008, 01:59:59 PM
thanks willin, so is this gonna be a sticky thread?
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: willin on May 30, 2008, 03:00:21 PM
   someone with the power would have to formally make it 'sticky'.
i'm not a moderator for this thread.

lets see if it gets any use.
[/size]

Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Kate XXXXXX on May 30, 2008, 05:46:24 PM
OK, first question...

Not mundane, still costume related, but out of period for ren-fair!

I'm looking for a long (6"-8") glass beaded fringe made with seed beads, to put on a Regency shawl.  Needs to be old ivory or pale amber in colour...  I'd obviously prefer a UK source, but as I've already spent several months trying to find this, right now anywhere in the world would be good!
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: willin on May 30, 2008, 06:03:19 PM

these might help. . .   maybe not?

http://dragonflyfringe.com/Glass/ulthm2.htm

http://www.tasselnfringe.com/Crystal-Bead-Fringe.htm

http://www.numerospeaks.com/beaded-fringes/index.html

http://www.theperfectsolution.com/beafri.htm

http://www.tasselnfringe.com/crystal-bead-fringe.html

http://www.crystalbeadbazaar.com/czech_glass.asp
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Kate XXXXXX on May 30, 2008, 06:21:14 PM
Pretty things!  A couple of them might be getting close...  THANK YOU! ;D ;D
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: gypsylakat on May 30, 2008, 06:28:15 PM
Leona posted this in response to questions I had about how the heck you make a tutu for a little girl in a dance class... I'll be using this to probably make a few skirts to sell at a craft fair as well

So here's what I've done for contless spirit days at school! Easy and Quick!
Go out and get some tule (the stuff with really small holes that's not super stiff but more fabric-y) in what ever color(s) you want, I usually do 2 but you could do more or less. Also pick up some satin ribbon, maybe 3 yards. What you want to do is find the length you want the tutu to be (just measure from where you plan for the waist to sit to the desired length) and multiply this by 2. Then cut about a billion strips of tule that are about 4 ices wide and as long as the number you got when you doubled the length. Grab your ribbon and start tying the tule on! just fold the strips in half and thread the ends through the loop over the ribbon! repeat that last step about a billion times and viola... a tutu!  here's the link with better instructions and pics   

             http://www.flickr.com/photos/ambrosialove/522118984/
be warned this will be poofy!
if you want stripes tie on 2 or 3 of each color next to each other, if you want it to look more blended just do 1 at a time! Good luck!
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: John on June 11, 2008, 10:16:57 PM
Quote from: ladiedragon on May 30, 2008, 01:59:59 PM
thanks willin, so is this gonna be a sticky thread?
This topic has been stickied.
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: CaraGreenleaf on June 11, 2008, 11:42:43 PM
Yay for John!  :D

So, who here has tried mending jean pockets? I've got a friend who consistently destroys the back pockets of his jeans. Any hints on patching that would last more than a couple of days?
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: LadyStitch on June 12, 2008, 10:42:39 AM
Our wardrobe shop got hired by the tech's to figure out how to patch their work jeans.  We eneded up patching them with pieces from old jeans and using tight, nearly darning, stitches.

I think a big question would be,"where are the back pocket's wearing out?" Where I work in my mundane job I have to answer  customers complaints about why their pants are wearing out so quickly. If the cornors of the pockets are wearing out/ tearing away from the jeans  themselves that is due to 'wallet syndrome'. Typical wallets 'should' only be no thicker than 1 inch.  Over the course of 10 washings the cornors should not fail.  If your wallet is larger than that you are putting extra stress on the anchor points and they WILL fail alot quicker.

FYI common complaints I get:
back seam rip :  less than 10 washings and it splits, I'm sorry but you may need a size or two larger pant.  You are stressing the seam
Hem is fraying:  The back of the pants leg is fraying is less than 10 washings. Check to see if your pant legs are dragging in the back, if so you need shorter pants. Please hem them or buy a shorter pair.
Inner upper thigh wearing out:  Less than 10 washings and they fray/wear out.  They are failing due to abrasion.  Every pair of pants has this issue, but yours are under more stress than average.  Try a larger size, or sturdier material.
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: CaraGreenleaf on June 12, 2008, 03:52:46 PM
Unfortunately, none of those (while still very useful!) are none of the issues he has.

The fabric between the back center seam and the back pocket wears thin...about a half inch up and over from the inner pocket corners towards the belt line. If it were just a seam, Id just patch it up with upholstery thread, unfortunately, it's actually worn fabric. Stick with the "patch it with a butchered pair of jeans" solution?
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: LadyStitch on June 12, 2008, 04:39:53 PM
Sounds like patch with a pair of butchered jean solution.  That is a very odd spot to wear out  ??? Does he do anything that requires a tool belt or anything that might remotely rub against that area?
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Athena on June 12, 2008, 08:19:17 PM
Does anyone know where I can find vintage fabrics or fabrics with vintage prints? I'm interested in making clothing in 1930s and 40s styles and I'm not getting that feel from the inventory at the fabric stores I usually frequent.
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: CaraGreenleaf on June 12, 2008, 10:27:20 PM
Quote from: LadyStitch on June 12, 2008, 04:39:53 PM
Sounds like patch with a pair of butchered jean solution.  That is a very odd spot to wear out  ??? Does he do anything that requires a tool belt or anything that might remotely rub against that area?

Not really....that's why I'm mystified. Though it could be the tail of his backpack....professional student right now.
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Lady L on June 13, 2008, 01:52:28 AM
Quote from: Athena on June 12, 2008, 08:19:17 PM
Does anyone know where I can find vintage fabrics or fabrics with vintage prints? I'm interested in making clothing in 1930s and 40s styles and I'm not getting that feel from the inventory at the fabric stores I usually frequent.

I have seen many of those prints at quilting stores. Try www.equilter.com
They have cotton prints.
Or were you thinking of a different type of vintage fabric?
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: LadyStitch on June 13, 2008, 07:21:45 AM
I know there are vintage style fabric stores out there.  Try also looking for "rockabily" fabric.  Don't laugh that is a style that is designed around that time period.  I think it is just a matter of searching online fabric stores. They are out there  :-\
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Athena on June 13, 2008, 11:48:36 PM
Quote from: Lady L on June 13, 2008, 01:52:28 AM
Quote from: Athena on June 12, 2008, 08:19:17 PM
Does anyone know where I can find vintage fabrics or fabrics with vintage prints? I'm interested in making clothing in 1930s and 40s styles and I'm not getting that feel from the inventory at the fabric stores I usually frequent.

I have seen many of those prints at quilting stores. Try www.equilter.com
They have cotton prints.
Or were you thinking of a different type of vintage fabric?

Thanks Lady L, I never would have considered a quilting site. They have batik, which I've been searching for! Yay!

A friend sent me a link to this neat site: http://www.reprodepot.com/ They've got cool reproduction vintage prints.
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Lady L on June 14, 2008, 12:44:59 AM
I LOVE batik! I never know what to make with it though, so I end up not cutting into it. Hancock's of Paducah had a lot of batiks  too.
www.hancocks-paducah.com
Not to be confused with the other Hancocks Fabric...they are related though. www.hancockfabrics.com
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: willin on June 14, 2008, 07:48:04 AM
Quote from: Athena on June 12, 2008, 08:19:17 PM
Does anyone know where I can find vintage fabrics or fabrics with vintage prints? I'm interested in making clothing in 1930s and 40s styles and I'm not getting that feel from the inventory at the fabric stores I usually frequent.

   worth a look. . .

www.rickrack.com/3001.html

www.revivalfabrics.com/detail.aspx?ID=458

www.bluevelvetvintage.com/Vintage-Textiles-p-1-c-16.html

www.bluevelvetvintage.com/1940s-BARKCLOTH-FABRIC-FLOWERS-SWAGS-p-348.html

Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Pascal on June 14, 2008, 08:28:09 AM
Quote from: Lady L on June 13, 2008, 01:52:28 AM
I have seen many of those prints at quilting stores. Try www.equilter.com
They have cotton prints.

Big recommendation for eQuilter -- they have a great selection and really good quality.  I've bought RockaBilly type fabric from them before -- I normally use them for wierd strange interesting prints for Hawaiian type shirts.  Be sure and check out their Clearance section as well.

I was in Boulder a year or so back and decided to go by their address to check out their store.  Alas, they're a mail-order only outfit -- the "store" is just a warehouse/shipping arrangement.
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Athena on June 14, 2008, 11:43:57 PM
Willin, thank you! Authentic vintage prints! SQUEE! I think my fabric stash is about to expand!  8)
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Elennare on July 28, 2008, 12:01:47 PM
I have a question for all of the sewing people.

I am getting married in October.  I have not been able to find a suitable undergarment that actually fits me and is comfortable, so I have decided to give up on trying to buy one and just make a corset. 
Now, here is my question:  can anyone recommend a good pattern for making one?  Here is a link to a dress that is similar to mine: http://www.davidsbridal.com/bridal_gowns_detail.jsp?stid=318&prodgroup=10  For some reason, they don't have my dress on their website, but this one has the same silhouette.

Thanks for the help!  :)
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Trillium on July 28, 2008, 12:11:47 PM
I've seen undergarment patterns for victorian and civil war costumes from McCalls and Butterick, I believe.  I don't know how good the pattern is, but the corset shape is probably closer to what you would need than an elizabethan corset.
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: LadyStitch on July 29, 2008, 08:30:51 AM
A good victorian Corset you can buy is from Scarlett's Corsetts http://www.scarlettscorset.com/about_us.html
I love these and they are reasonably priced. She will fit people from a size 2-42.

I haven't made a victorian corset myself, but 4 of my freind have in a corset class.  They said it was VERY difficult especially to make it look and fit right. They had to use spring steel to get it to fit and look right.
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: LadyStitch on July 29, 2008, 09:29:40 AM
And now for a question of my own....

Since this isn't ren related I thought I should post this here. Hopefully the other's see it. 

I just got hired to costume a production of a Sweeney Todd Melodrama. Thankfully I know the director  (my hubby got hired as director, it's going to be intresting me working for him :P )
I'm looking for a good place to get 19th century suggestions and assistance. does anyboy know of any good news groups who specialize in this area? Thanks for the help.
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Elennare on August 18, 2008, 12:53:35 PM
The corsets at Scarlet's Corsets look lovely, but they are too tall in the back to work under my dress.  I may have to invest in one just because, they're so pretty!
So, I made my corset.  I used Simplicity 9769 for the pattern.  I also found a store that sells busks (and steel boning!), but they were closed, so I couldn't pick up a busk in time.  Since I couldn't get the busk in time, I decided to just make a muslin of the corset, sew the front closed, put the boning in it (I used cable ties) and finish the edges and wear that to the fitting, then make the real one when I get the busk. 
I had to take the bust in about 2 inches (will probably take in slightly less in the final version).  I have no idea how they expect the top of that corset to support anyone as-is.  I wear a D cup, and it wasn't close to supporting me before I took it in!  It also ended up about an inch shorter on my hips than I would like/then it appears in the pattern picture.  So, I will need to correct that when I make the final one.  I also need to lower the top of the back 1.5 inches or so, so it doesn't stick up past my dress.  I may try making the bottom of the back a bit longer to help off-set that.  To the experienced corset people, will that do anything, or is that a stupid idea?

BUT!  I successfully made a corset that fit me!  I'm happy, since this was my first attempt at making a real corset.  I don't have any pics, but I'll try to get some of the final one.  :)
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: sealion on August 18, 2008, 01:38:17 PM
Quote from: Elennare on August 18, 2008, 12:53:35 PM
The corsets at Scarlet's Corsets look lovely, but they are too tall in the back to work under my dress.  I may have to invest in one just because, they're so pretty!
So, I made my corset.  I used Simplicity 9769 for the pattern.  I also found a store that sells busks (and steel boning!), but they were closed, so I couldn't pick up a busk in time.  Since I couldn't get the busk in time, I decided to just make a muslin of the corset, sew the front closed, put the boning in it (I used cable ties) and finish the edges and wear that to the fitting, then make the real one when I get the busk. 
I had to take the bust in about 2 inches (will probably take in slightly less in the final version).  I have no idea how they expect the top of that corset to support anyone as-is.  I wear a D cup, and it wasn't close to supporting me before I took it in!   It also ended up about an inch shorter on my hips than I would like/then it appears in the pattern picture.  So, I will need to correct that when I make the final one.  I also need to lower the top of the back 1.5 inches or so, so it doesn't stick up past my dress.  I may try making the bottom of the back a bit longer to help off-set that.  To the experienced corset people, will that do anything, or is that a stupid idea?

BUT!  I successfully made a corset that fit me!  I'm happy, since this was my first attempt at making a real corset.  I don't have any pics, but I'll try to get some of the final one.  :)

Apparently the larger your cup size, the more "squish factor" there is. I've only made one corset so far but ended up taking the bust in about four inches. I am a DDD cup and my corset squishes me about six inches. When I am wearing it is the only time I feel somewhat normal!  :D
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Elennare on August 18, 2008, 02:41:30 PM
It was more an issue of "cup size" (well, corset equivalent since it doesn't actually have cups) too big, not lack of squish.  It touched the bottom of my chest, and then stuck straight out.  So, shaped as it was, there was no way it was going to provide any support.  It couldn't squish, because the top was bigger around than I was.

Sometimes I wonder if the picture on the front of Simplicity patterns was actually made from the pattern inside the package.  I've run into issues like this with their stuff before, where it doesn't fit close to how it's depicted on the packaging (bodice with 4 INCHES of ease in the bust?!?).  They must modify the patterns to fit the model, instead of making it to size as on the pattern. :/
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Elennare on August 28, 2008, 12:18:25 PM
Finally got pictures of this costume and I thought I'd share.  It's not strictly faire-related, so I put it here.

Was made for a costume contest, which I ended up winning. :)

(http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg246/Elennare1/DSC00096-1.jpg)(http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg246/Elennare1/DSC00098-1.jpg)
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: renren on August 28, 2008, 01:15:23 PM
Congrats,Elennare!
That's a nice costume!
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: TiaLD77 on October 10, 2008, 01:22:12 PM
Quote from: Elennare on August 18, 2008, 12:53:35 PM
So, I will need to correct that when I make the final one.  I also need to lower the top of the back 1.5 inches or so, so it doesn't stick up past my dress.  I may try making the bottom of the back a bit longer to help off-set that.  To the experienced corset people, will that do anything, or is that a stupid idea?

BUT!  I successfully made a corset that fit me!  I'm happy, since this was my first attempt at making a real corset.  I don't have any pics, but I'll try to get some of the final one.  :)

Congrats on gettgin the first one done! a note on makign the back longer....be carful you dont get it to long because when you sit it will push up, in the back & under your arms, it can be very uncomfortable by the end of a long day.
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Bugsy on November 05, 2008, 11:34:23 AM
..
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Elennare on November 13, 2008, 02:30:51 PM
Based on looking at that picture, here's what I think.

Doesn't look like it would be too hard to remove the train.  Unless there's some sort of embroidery or such on the back, they should just be able to hem it, I would think.

What sort of lacing do you want?  You could punch holes and add grommets.  I don't think that would look very good, though.  You should be able to add lacing rings and do it that way.  Either of those options would be fairly easy, if you left the existing closure and added the lacing over it.  If you wanted to remove the existing closure and/or use small loops of fabric to lace through (as is often done on fancy dresses), you would need to completely (or close enough to completely) re-work the bodice.
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Bugsy on November 13, 2008, 03:17:38 PM
Quote from: Elennare on November 13, 2008, 02:30:51 PM
Based on looking at that picture, here's what I think.

Doesn't look like it would be too hard to remove the train.  Unless there's some sort of embroidery or such on the back, they should just be able to hem it, I would think.

What sort of lacing do you want?  You could punch holes and add grommets.  I don't think that would look very good, though.  You should be able to add lacing rings and do it that way.  Either of those options would be fairly easy, if you left the existing closure and added the lacing over it.  If you wanted to remove the existing closure and/or use small loops of fabric to lace through (as is often done on fancy dresses), you would need to completely (or close enough to completely) re-work the bodice.

Thank you for responding, Elenore.

Honestly, I'd be happy with whatever would work the best. 
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Elennare on November 14, 2008, 12:47:46 PM
Quote from: Bugsey on November 13, 2008, 03:17:38 PM
it says there is hand beaded trim on the hem line.  but, I suppose I'll have to let that go anyway because I'm so short I know the whole thing will have to be hemmed a LOT, lol.

looking at the picture again, I think I see the trim.  It looks like it's on the underlayer of the skirt.  So, if you wanted to keep it, you could probably have the tailor hem the outer skirt normally, but shorten the underskirt by removing the bottom edge, shortening the skirt and then sewing the strip of trim back on as an extension.  If this was done high enough up under the outer layers the seam would not show.
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Richard de Graeme on November 14, 2008, 12:54:51 PM
Whilst participating in a Samhain ritual around the fire I, unwittingly, set the sleeve of me robe on fire. Two holes were burned, each approximately 4 inches in length. The robe is heavy cotton weave. How may I repair said burn holes? I seek the guidance of all those skilled in garment repair. Help!
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Bugsy on November 19, 2008, 09:43:23 PM
Thank you Elennare.  You see what I do not see  ;D  you're a big help, thank you.
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Aiacha on November 26, 2008, 07:31:23 AM
I've had a friend at work here ask if I can make her a hoodie which has a woman's shaping.  The only sewing I do is really from patterns, but I can't find one that is specifically made for a woman.  I have found :

Simplicity 5362
McCalls 5538
McCalls 5252

Does anyone happen to know a way to alter these slightly, or even if there is an existing pattern which is geared specifically toward women?

Thanks!!
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Manwariel on February 08, 2009, 03:44:11 PM
This isn't exactly mundane, but it's not festival garb, either. I made this medieval dress for my younger sister:

(http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk18/manwarielserin/Project%20365/Copyof019-1.jpg)
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Hoowil on February 15, 2009, 04:16:19 PM
Well, I made this (cape and hat) for a present for somebody in my wife's moms' group:

(http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c154/squisheez/IMG_4005.jpg)
and I've been offered a commission to make two more for a pair of twin girls for next fall. I'm fairly stoked about the idea, but haven't made anything for money before, and am trying to figure out pricing and such. I know some of the folks around here do commission work, and I was hoping to get some input. How much to charge for my time? I still have the patterns I made, so that should save me a little time over the first one, which took me about five hours for the set, including making Patterson and a full mock-up of the hat. Do I have the lady supply all her own fabric and notions? If not, what about a materials mark up?
Anyhow, any input would be appriciated.
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Manwariel on February 18, 2009, 09:59:50 AM
Very cute :)
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: tigerlilly on February 28, 2009, 10:06:26 AM
Quote from: Aiacha on November 26, 2008, 07:31:23 AM
I've had a friend at work here ask if I can make her a hoodie which has a woman's shaping.  The only sewing I do is really from patterns, but I can't find one that is specifically made for a woman.  I have found :

Simplicity 5362
McCalls 5538
McCalls 5252

Does anyone happen to know a way to alter these slightly, or even if there is an existing pattern which is geared specifically toward women?

Thanks!!

It may be too late now, but have you seen McCalls 4261 (http://www.mccallpattern.com/item/M4261.htm??tab=sportswear_suits_jackets_coats&page=2)?  Stumbled across it accidentally yesterday.
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Lady Rebecca on May 20, 2009, 06:21:37 PM
Quote from: Hoowil on February 15, 2009, 04:16:19 PM
Well, I made this (cape and hat) for a present for somebody in my wife's moms' group:

(http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c154/squisheez/IMG_4005.jpg)
and I've been offered a commission to make two more for a pair of twin girls for next fall. I'm fairly stoked about the idea, but haven't made anything for money before, and am trying to figure out pricing and such. I know some of the folks around here do commission work, and I was hoping to get some input. How much to charge for my time? I still have the patterns I made, so that should save me a little time over the first one, which took me about five hours for the set, including making Patterson and a full mock-up of the hat. Do I have the lady supply all her own fabric and notions? If not, what about a materials mark up?
Anyhow, any input would be appriciated.
I sort of look at it as how much your time is worth. I don't own my own sewing machine, but I work in a costume shop. If I have to take time off work to work on my own stuff for other people, then I charge them the same I would be making in the shop (which is about $6.50/hr) and add up the hours. I usually charge about half that for hours that I'm just hand sewing or cutting fabric, because I do it in front of the TV. I also have only made things for friends so far, and I know that we're all college students, so I don't make them pay too much.

I have worked both ways as far as fabric goes. For one person, who had supplied their own pattern, I went with them to the fabric store. That way, they were able to pick out and pay for their own fabric, but I was able to guide them in the types of fabrics they should be using. Another person didn't have time to go to the store, but told me colors. I was just making them a simple Ren shirt and pants, so I estimated the amount, and then just added the cost of the fabric to the cost for my time.
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Elennare on September 01, 2009, 11:42:31 AM
Does anyone know where I can find a pattern for a Victorian corset with straps (built-in, not tie-on)? 

All I can seem to find are Elizabethan with and without straps and Victorian without straps.  It doesn't even actually need to be a historical pattern.  Modern corsets are close enough in shape (for my purposes, anyway.  I'm not enough of a h/a person to know if they're actually the same shape or not) that I'd take one of those as well.  It's for a costume, so close enough is close enough. :) 

I know exactly the style I want, so if people need a picture of what I'm talking about in order to recommend a pattern, let me know and I'll dig up a picture.  Heck, if the pattern can just get me in the ballpark, I can modify it to what I want.  Any help is GREATLY appreciated.

Thanks!
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: sealion on September 01, 2009, 02:36:25 PM
I don't have the links handy at the moment but try googling Laughing Moon patterns and/or Truely Victorian patterns.
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Elennare on September 02, 2009, 01:36:02 PM
Thanks for the suggestions Sealion.  Sadly, I didn't see any patterns with straps at either place.  :(

Maybe what I'm after is actually a modern pattern?  I'll find a picture so you can see what I'm after.
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Elennare on September 04, 2009, 12:09:21 PM
http://www.mccallpattern.com/item/M4109.htm?tab=list/evening_prom_bridal&page=all

View A/B is the kind of thing I'm after.

This pattern isn't a corset, but with some modifying I think I can make it one.  Unless anyone knows where I can get an actual corset pattern that has this style, I think I'm going to pick up this pattern and work from there.
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Sabrina Black on September 19, 2009, 12:30:03 AM
I have just started a sewing blog and made my first post on a dress that I've been trying to get back around to finishing for a while now.  If anyone wants to check it out, I'd love to get input. :)  I'll probably be doing both mundane and faire projects on the one blog, but I may create a separate blog for garb stuff. 

http://jensewing.blogspot.com/
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Butch on October 02, 2009, 10:24:42 AM
Has anyone seen a "Twilight" (from the movie) print of ANY sort?  I want to make a set of scrubs for a friend.  I haven't seen it at any of the local fabric stores, and don't see it online anywhere.
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: CelticOne on November 06, 2009, 10:01:30 PM
Quote from: Elennare on September 04, 2009, 12:09:21 PM
http://www.mccallpattern.com/item/M4109.htm?tab=list/evening_prom_bridal&page=all

View A/B is the kind of thing I'm after.

This pattern isn't a corset, but with some modifying I think I can make it one.  Unless anyone knows where I can get an actual corset pattern that has this style, I think I'm going to pick up this pattern and work from there.
It looks like page 5 has some corsets like what you are thinking of. Hope this helps.
http://www.agelesspatterns.com/corsets_5.htm (http://www.agelesspatterns.com/corsets_5.htm)
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: sitarserpent on March 12, 2010, 02:41:13 PM
anybody know where i can get bullet-shaped metal beads? they should be hollow or at least not to heavy, since I'm intending to make earrings...
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: CelticOne on March 12, 2010, 06:29:44 PM
Quote from: sitarserpent on March 12, 2010, 02:41:13 PM
anybody know where i can get bullet-shaped metal beads? they should be hollow or at least not to heavy, since I'm intending to make earrings...
Have you checked firemountaingems.com? They have a huge selection of stuff.
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: sitarserpent on March 13, 2010, 03:55:34 PM
 
[/quote]
Have you checked firemountaingems.com? They have a huge selection of stuff.
[/quote]
thanx, but unfortunately yeah and no cigar
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: LadyStitch on April 01, 2010, 11:13:57 AM
This is a my most recent completed project that is not Ren Related. Tell me what you think  ;D
(http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n212/shanntarra/Sherlock/FrenchMaid-Jade.jpg)

Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Lady Catherine on April 12, 2010, 06:31:27 PM
LadyS, that is tooo stinkin cute!
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: LadyStitch on April 12, 2010, 07:54:30 PM
I love working with some of my actresses.  As long as their puppies noses are covered, and the girls are supported they are up for anything.  Funny enough, she drew the neckline on the mock up where she wanted it.  Oh and her husband asked if they could buy the costume after the show.  I don't know what she will do with it .... ::)

Actually the whole outfit is just an altered basic butterick block pattern.  If I posted all the stuff I've made in the past year that was NOT ren related I'd crash the site.  I have to say this is one of my faves so far.  She is just so ....cute. 
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: LadyStitch on July 06, 2010, 11:43:41 AM
(http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n212/shanntarra/Star%20Trip/101_0437.jpg)

This is what I have been up to for the past month.  I learned how much a pain that pleather is to work with but I ALSO found out how fun it is as well. 
I think they turned out well. Don't you?  ;D
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: auntiegiggles on July 08, 2010, 08:43:10 PM
Fun!   :D
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Sabrina Black on October 28, 2010, 01:57:27 AM
Just completed this little satin bolero to go with my younger sister's Senior Class Presentation dress.  The school is strict on dress regulations (neckline, shoulder strap width, etc) and her dress is spaghetti strap.  So she talked me into making this for her lol.

(http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll320/JenJen100784/Samsbolero.jpg)
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Stasiakatt on November 19, 2010, 09:59:04 AM
Does anyone know of a good source for TALL children's patterns?? I can't find pants for my tall and skinny 5 year old son. He is a stick with no hips to hold up his pants.And we can't find pants with the waist small enough to fit but that fit thru the groin. If we were an adult I would say that he is long waisted as well as long legged, but they don't seem to make kids clothes for that. His current pants all ride so far below the waist that everyday I wait for a call from the school about them. And the last time I looked for patterns locally the waist measurement matched toddler sizes...which would be way too small....
Thanks,
Ann
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Elennare on November 19, 2010, 10:49:02 AM
Hmmm...I don't know much about children's patterns, but could you maybe buy the same pattern in multiple sizes and piece together the parts you need from each to get the right size? 

If the waist is too big, but the hips/groin fit, you can add some darts to the waist to take in the extra.

As for the length, if the pants legs are straight, you can always cut the pattern and add in the extra length you need.  If they're not straight, you might need to do that in a couple of places, and be sure to adjust as necessary to keep the shape.  Or, find some sort of trim or something that he likes and just add it to the bottom of the pants?  I've seen that on girls pants, not sure if it would work for boys or not...
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Stasiakatt on November 19, 2010, 01:06:42 PM
I hadn't thought about getting the toddler and then the bigger kid sizes of the same pattern and seeing if I could figure out how to make it work. I'll have to look at that next time I get to the fabric store...Thanks!
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: LadyStitch on November 19, 2010, 04:47:32 PM
There is an alteration that shows how to increase the "rise" measuremnt.  This would allow him to wear the toddler waist size and not feel like is he being cut in half because of the rise.  You could also increase the length on the pants legs.  There 'should' be an alteration point on the pattern to allow for the increase. 


http://sewing.patternreview.com/cgi-bin/sewingclasses/board.pl?t=11160 (http://sewing.patternreview.com/cgi-bin/sewingclasses/board.pl?t=11160)
This is a link to a tip on how to increase the rise on hot pants.  I think the principal.
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Stasiakatt on November 19, 2010, 05:28:10 PM
Thanks for the link about increasing the rise...I wasn't sure what to even look for when trying to search for info. Hopefully I get something figured out since he always looks like he's about to lose his pants.
Ann
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: LadyStitch on November 22, 2010, 03:06:05 PM
When in doubt, post on that site.  Those ladies are amazing on there. 

It's one of those things of I  know how to do what you want to do, but not sure how to describe it. :)
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: LadyStitch on November 23, 2010, 10:31:54 AM
Yay... It's been moved to where it belongs. 

Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Lady Kathleen of Olmsted on December 02, 2010, 08:37:41 AM


I have been busy in between Alterations doing my Christmas gift sewing.

I made a set of reversable quilted Placemats and table runner for my friend/neighbor, 3 Men's shirts for my Brother, Son, and friend, along with crocheting doilies for my sister in California. I have 2 pairs of Jammie Bottoms cut out for my Granddaughter. After those are finished, I have some fabric for Jammie Bottoms for my son-in-law.

I enjoy sewing Christmas gifts. Seeing the joy in the eyes of the receiver is plenty gift for me.
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: LadyStitch on December 10, 2010, 03:48:38 PM
I wanted to tell everyone about a pattern both to warn and to say it is fun to do.  The pattern I'm talking about is Vogue 2401. It is a vintage designer 1955 reprint.  I can honestly say this is the HARDEST pattern I have ever done, putting some of my elizabethan bodices to shame.  It is fabric oragami!  I can typically do a dress bodice in 1-2 hours, if that long.  This took me at least 4-6 hours to do.   
Vogue marks it as adverage, but I will say this is a drive you to drink pattern if you are not careful.  Does it come out looking great, heck yeah!  ;D  But making it, ::shakes head::  it will test your skills to say the least.  If you are an expert seamstress, I would say try it, you will get a challange out of.  If you are a begining sewer, or even intermediate.  Don't try it unless alot of alcohol, and crying is involved. 
I will post pictures this weekend of how it looks on my actress. 
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: gem on December 15, 2010, 05:49:10 PM
Ok, we're still waiting for those pictures, Lady S!!

**
I am wanting to make a Christmas tree skirt. Our current skirt is simply a circle I cut from pre-quilted red fabric, thinking someday I would add a border and finish it. I never did, but now I have a new (bigger) tree, new fabric, and am looking for guidance. A couple of years ago, Milord gave me this fabric:

(http://pic50.picturetrail.com/VOL417/1033223/4707019/394058617.jpg)

It's synthetic velvet with gold painted scrolls (they're dimensional, like puff paint or something) I have one yard of it, and it's only 45" wide--not *quite* wide enough for a tree skirt by itself, so I'm going to have to add a border of something. I'd like it to be pretty basic, sort of like these:
http://www.howdididoit.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/11/ts7.jpg (http://www.howdididoit.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/11/ts7.jpg)
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ezJq9TJGJv8/R1QYBhvzo4I/AAAAAAAACig/JzeRMD5hkao/s1600-R/img62m.jpg (http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ezJq9TJGJv8/R1QYBhvzo4I/AAAAAAAACig/JzeRMD5hkao/s1600-R/img62m.jpg)

...But I've also given thought to a ruched edge, or an edging of fluffy white Santa suit trim. Haven't found any fabric I love yet, though.

Ideas, links, enabling appreciated!!
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: LadyStitch on December 16, 2010, 09:33:42 AM
Right now I'm in morning over that first dress.  The first dress I had looking really nice and hand to hand it over to our distressing person, yes you heard that right I had to let them take my beautiful dress and rip it to  shreds. They need it to look like she ran through the much and the swamp while wearing it.  Not to mention busting out of it into the great she werewolf.
They wanted to know if I would do it, and I just couldn't do it.  The actress who was wearing it at the time said I looked like some one had kicked my puppy AND cancled Christmas. My baby was going to get ripped to pieces.

HOWEVER, I have to make the second one.  I am working on that one tonight. Lord willing I'll have it done by tomorrow night. Since I already made it once I know what to expect.
This is just the bodice to the first dress. The ties in the front are the wrap front part.  It is Dorman sleeved, and the collar section is actually part of the front piece.
(http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n212/shanntarra/IMG00015-20101209-2311.jpg)

Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: LadyStitch on December 17, 2010, 12:35:22 PM
Had to pull a "Hail Mary" out of the stash last night.  The PP had sold one of my Santa's hat to a friend of his, only it had to be in black velvet.  Turns out I had black Velvet, and left over white fur from the PP's.  1 hour of work and it was done. Payment was a $25 gift card to Outback so I am not going to complain too loudly.

Gem had asked to see pictures of the hats in the other area, I only have a back shot of the PP's. Oh and the furry suits that some of my actors are wearing for the show.  BTW the blond suit girl, has requested I make her the same pattern in flannel, and add feeties onto it.  She likes how furry and snugly it is.
(http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n212/shanntarra/Furrysuitsandhat.jpg)
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: gem on December 18, 2010, 06:16:38 PM
Lady S, I'm finding I have a strange attraction to nontraditional Santa hat colors! I saw a fellow at a Christmas concert last year in one that was IIRC black and red, and it looked really sharp!

And thanks to you, I've finished my tree skirt!! Milord gave me the velvet two or three years ago, hoping I could use it for garb. I think he'll find this a worthy alternative:

(http://pic50.picturetrail.com/VOL417/1033223/4707019/394110479.jpg)

(http://pic50.picturetrail.com/VOL417/1033223/4707019/394110623.jpg)

I just love how the Santa trim looks with the velvet (it's *so* Milord and me!), and I'm stoked because this was my first time doing three things:
1.) Sewing velvet
2.) Sewing faux fur (I dove right in and sewed them to each other! LOL)
3.) Using my walking foot (I've had that foot for two years and didn't even realize it came in a set with two other specialty quilting feet and seam guides!)
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: LadyStitch on December 20, 2010, 12:58:13 PM
I had to go into Joann's this past weekend to pick up some last minute stuff for the show.  #1 the PP had to nearly forceable drag me away from the $2 patterns,  and #2 I had to drag him away from the nice vlevets.  He is determined to have not only his new Sir Roland garb next year, but he wants the vintage Santa coat in velvet.  Am I glutton for punishment, or what?

I think the christmas tree skirt is lovely.  Do do realize that now that the PP has seen yours he is now asking for one himself.  ::)

Funny enough one of my first big projects was working with velvet.  I love making stuff with it.  My only problem was doing layout, I found with it until I realized something. Instead of positioning it with the fuzz together, why don't you just do it with shiney side together.  That way they don't stick together.  After HOW many years did this finally occur to me??? ??????
I learned how to work with faux fur making teddy bears.  I have to say that is something that drives me nuts about the hats.  The pattern calls for them to be zigged zagged on, but it is a 'witch' getting it go through right.  Never thought about pulling it out my walking foot.  I used it the other day when sewing tulle onto my massive petticoat. Helping me manuver 6 layers of ruffles it was a god send.
The PP didn't understand why I would needed it until he saw hat it can do.  He has yet to put up too much of fight when I ask for a specialty foot ever since.
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Auryn on December 20, 2010, 01:31:24 PM
gem- love the tree skirt
I have that exact same fabric in dark blue with silver designs.
I love it so much I have been delaying making something with it, but after seeing yours I think it would look beautiful as a skirt- funny enough I always thought that fabric should be trimmed with white fur too- originally I was going to make a winter cloak out of it.


Love the Santa Hats ladystitch- no wonder they are so popular
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: LadyStitch on December 20, 2010, 02:02:56 PM
Auryn:  I'm glad you like them.  ;D  Simple as they may be, sometimes the simple things are what make people happy.

Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: gem on December 20, 2010, 02:11:23 PM
Auryn, I think I know the fabric you're talking about! Or I have something *very* similar--dark blue crushed velvet with silver scrolls. I only have a remnant (bought for doll clothes), but I've been using it for Christmas ornament backs.  I have also seen a gold-on-green version of the stuff online (like in a JoAnn project ad), but never actually saw the fabric IRL.

Last night Milord was saying how much he'd like it for a Father Christmas costume, but I doubt we'd ever find it again.

Lady S, I think you and the PP could whip out a glorious tree skirt in pink velvet and pink marabou trim. LOL
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: LadyStitch on December 20, 2010, 03:17:47 PM
I'd say that is taking his Flamingo thing a little far  but..... ;D
One of his friends got him found a pink flamingo wearing a santa hat, and white beard.   She got it as a joke, not realizing how appropriate it was for him.  It was hillarious.

I think I may put the Christmas Tree skirt on my "Christmas in July" sewing list with the santa hats.

Now I was informed that there has been a baby boom in the PP's office and he needs shower gifts.  Thankfully I make these wonderful washcloth/ hand towel infant toddler bibs.  They have a T-shirt rib neck ribbing so no dribbles down that way. When done slip it off, and into the washer like any towel.  Works great for droolers. Also make a great gag gift for 50 year olds. :)
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Adriana Rose on December 20, 2010, 06:56:17 PM
It seems you created a monster with the Pink Pirate!

OOh put little Pirate duckies on the bibs! I made a shirt like that for my son when he was an infant and he looked soo cute!
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: LadyFae on December 20, 2010, 10:29:25 PM
Quote from: LadyStitch on December 20, 2010, 03:17:47 PM
Now I was informed that there has been a baby boom in the PP's office and he needs shower gifts.  Thankfully I make these wonderful washcloth/ hand towel infant toddler bibs.  They have a T-shirt rib neck ribbing so no dribbles down that way. When done slip it off, and into the washer like any towel.  Works great for droolers. Also make a great gag gift for 50 year olds. :)

I have to say, these are the BEST types of bibs out there!  These are really the only type I have ever used for my three girls.  LOVE them!!!!!  =D  They cover pretty much everything and so I never really have to be worried about food stains on their clothing.  =)
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: LadyStitch on December 21, 2010, 08:56:52 AM
Have I created a monster in the Pink Pirate....  that would be a yes.  I figured that out a few years ago.  He has become more so since he discovered he can show me a picture of something and be able to make it.  ::)

Every mum I have given the bibs to , at first is skeptical,  after using them....  well I have orders for more.   ;D They love that they can just peel them off and toss in the washer.  To be honest they are not that hard or expensive to make.  It all depends on how nice to towel/washcloth you want to use. I stumbled onto the pattern in an old sewing for children pattern book.  Loved it since I tried it. ;)
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Queen Genevieve on December 21, 2010, 07:12:17 PM
Does an Irish Step Dance solo dress count as mundane? ???
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Adriana Rose on December 21, 2010, 08:00:45 PM
My mom has a TON of Christmas craft books, and those things have a lot of really cute and fairly easy things for kiddos. I made a herd of dinosaurs out of one of the books for all the kiddos in my family. The funny thing is that my mom made one of them for my sister when she was a baby.
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Kate XXXXXX on December 23, 2010, 04:33:34 AM
Quote from: Queen Genevieve on December 21, 2010, 07:12:17 PM
Does an Irish Step Dance solo dress count as mundane? ???

It's pretty mundane for this group...  Compared with fairy wings, faun legs, pairs of bodies, ruffs, court dress, pink pirate dress...   ;D

Got pix to share?
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: LadyStitch on December 28, 2010, 09:04:05 AM
Here are a few shots of what I have been up to.  I *hope* to get shots of the leading ladies two gowns tonight but we shall see.  With how nutty things have been, we shall see.

The first is a "Hail Mary Pass" from the stash.  The dress we got back from the seamstress helping me turned out not so good, so we had to make a new one, in a night... Anyway, this is made up of a UFO object from the wardrobe, the skirt from a bride's maid dress, left over purple fabric sash from another bride's maid's dress, and the feather's off a tattered 80's prom dress, oh and a white fabric rose I had.  Would have like more roses, but hey, when it is 2:30AM and you have to be awake in 4 hours to take it to the theater.  You do NOT get picky.
(http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n212/shanntarra/Etheldress.jpg)

The second photo is our Werewolf.  No I didn't do the head, but it is pretty cool. It has a working jaw.  I did the shirt.  It was my first attempt at body shaping with batting and foam.  Isn't great but doesn't look bad.
(http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n212/shanntarra/Werewolf.jpg)

Lastly is a quick shot of my she wolf.  The other shots I have of her didn't turn out well.  They are very blurry. The dress she is wearing is the "ripped up " version of the pattern I was describing earlier in the discussion. Also she is wearing the fake claws I asked about in the other thread. They turned out well.  I swear the actress is going to loose 15 pounds by the time the show is over.  She has on a body padding shirt to give her a hump back, then the fur suit, then the dress, and the werewolf head. Oy!  (http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n212/shanntarra/nate-shewolf.jpg)
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Auryn on December 28, 2010, 09:43:29 AM
Ladystitch
the werewolves look fantastic- well done.

I actually sewed something and finished it this week.
I made a couple of sweaters for my parent's dog. They turned out really cute, I will try to take a picture of them today.

Its the first thing I have sewn in basically a year
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Lady Rosalind on January 05, 2011, 02:34:26 PM
Excellent werewolves!!!! I was hoping you'd post a pic of the ripped dress being worn! Excellent work!

I am currently in the midst of costuming a production at our community theatre, for the FIRST time ever. Here is a short list of the things I have to MAKE before Tech week, which begins the last week in February. This is an challenging play to costume, as you'll see when you glance down the list.

1. Scarlett O'Hara green curtain dress and matching hat (hat is finished, thanks to finding a green wool hat that I could pin to the right shape, and finding the stash of 5 billion feathers stuffed under the table in the costume room). The mockup of the bodice has been made and fitted, and I am redrafting the pattern tonight, before going to the theatre for pictures (WHY, oh why, do they want crew photos for the programs???). I found tassels and cord at Hobby Lobby on clearance, for under $6, but this costume is sucking up the majority of my budget, even doing everything on the cheap. We're borrowing a hoop skirt and curled wig from a costume shop in a neighboring town. We're hoping to get the rentals for free, in exchange for a larger ad in our program (fingers crossed).

2. Two Mammy dresses, with aprons. Luckily, they don't have to be identical, because to save money, I'm using a dress and apron from the theatre's costume stash for one of the dresses. I'm trying to figure out how to get the other dress out of 3 yards of a fabric piece I found in the theatre fabric stash. Probably not going to happen, but I can dream... We need two dresses because chocolate pudding will be thrown into the actress' face, and it will probably get on the dress. While one is being washed, the other can be worn.

(Did I mention that the actress wearing the Scarlett dress will be having flour thrown in her face? Stuff of nightmares, let me tell you...)

3. Two witches' cloaks. One is finished, the other won't take long. I found two round tablecloths at Walmart for $2.25 each, and I'm just following circle skirt instructions to make the cloaks, and hemming the open edges. Not sure what to do about the matching hats yet... For a community theatre, we have a distinct lack of witch hats in storage...

4. Chef's jacket. Luckily, this is pretty much going to be the same as my son's Dr. Horrible coat. Rectangles. Easy.

5. three additional aprons. One sequined, two with designs relevant to the show. I nearly cried when they suggested raffling off the special aprons every weekend... That would mean making 6. Oh, and the design hasn't been made yet, and I'll probably have to do that as well.

6. Ukrainian folk costume. Which reminds me, I'd better actually look this one up. I've been in denial.

Like I said, this is just the stuff that I have to sew, not the entire list of costumes needed. And my budget??? $100, and the directors bought a $20 wig out of pretty much before I even knew I'd be doing costumes.

I'll post pics when I get them... At least I won't be bored!!!
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: LadyStitch on January 05, 2011, 03:35:36 PM
Quote from: Lady Rosalind on January 05, 2011, 02:34:26 PM
Excellent werewolves!!!! I was hoping you'd post a pic of the ripped dress being worn! Excellent work!
Why thank you  ;D We didn't do the masks but I think they look cool.  All of the onstage costume shots are currently being held until after one weekend of shows.  So many people are excited about the show that they don't want to see spoilers posted everywhere. I'm just glad everyone likes what I have done.  When the lighting person comes to you and says, "Working with you mean I get more fun stuff to play with."  Makes my day.  :)

1. That doesn't surprise me in the least. Just the fabric has bound to eat it up. I wish you luck. As for flour being tossed at her, try using a lint roller to get the worst off, just don't let the dress get wet with the flour on it.  And PLEASE put the fear of all things holy into the actresses & actors about this dress.  If anything happens to it , their guts are yours.  I say that because if the cast knows that it could be $50 bucks to clean the dress out of THEIR pocket if they ruin it, they will be nicer to it and around it.
2. I have to say that is doable to get done.  When I had to do something similar I just did a very basic block bodice with 3/4 sleeves, and used the rest of the fabric in the skirt.  It worked for the character, and has since been used many, many times.
3.  Good luck with the cloaks.  For the hat, depending on how nice you want it you can go cardboard, OR you can check out "Buycostumes.com" They have great deals on stuff, and you can find very nice coupons
4. Yes they are simple to make, also McCalls has a pattern for them.  Another thing you might try is craigs list. Someone might be getting rid of their old uniforms.
5. Ok, I would have been after some one if they wanted to raffle off the apron's each weekend.  However if you had time to make a new set after each weekend, it MIGHT work.
6. Ukrainian folk costume? Been there done that, and good luck! 

All of that out of $100, sweetie my heart goes out to you.  And yes I would have strangled my director if he spent 20% of my budget before I even seen it.  I had a designer spend $90 of my 300 on some evil scientist gloves they didn't even use in the show!  We were so hacked!

If you need to vent send me a message. Trust me I can understand.  ;D
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Kate XXXXXX on January 06, 2011, 01:46:43 AM
My toile for the funeral suit:

(http://pics.livejournal.com/katexxxxxx/pic/003w0fpr/s640x480)  (http://pics.livejournal.com/katexxxxxx/pic/003w2ksd/s640x480) 

(http://pics.livejournal.com/katexxxxxx/pic/003w301a/s640x480)

I've done some minor adjusting and experimented with the sleeves (I have big upper arms: All that book and sewing machine lifting!), and will try the collar today. The black wool should arrive today and I can get onto the real thing.  Meanwhile, there's a lot of gold Russia braid and some pearls to sew onto a couple of Abu waistcoats...  Px if those later!
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Taffy Saltwater on January 06, 2011, 11:58:14 AM
I am always in awe of everybody's work and pretties.  Thanks for sharing.
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Lady Rosalind on January 07, 2011, 10:42:16 AM
Both capes are finished, as is the base of one apron, and the scarlett hat. Hopefully I'll be able to get more finished this weekend, as time is running short!
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: LadyStitch on January 07, 2011, 10:53:46 AM
Sounds like you are plugging away.  Keep up the good work! :)
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Lady Rosalind on January 08, 2011, 03:37:46 PM
Pics of finished pieces:

Scarlett's hat

(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1379.snc4/163172_836847893120_16925321_45828414_7931365_n.jpg)

The two witches' cloaks:

(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1362.snc4/163456_836847967970_16925321_45828417_5854042_n.jpg)
(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1387.snc4/163902_836848022860_16925321_45828420_4196539_n.jpg)

I need to get more done this weekend!
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: LadyStitch on January 11, 2011, 12:22:42 PM
Good job so far
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Dinobabe on January 11, 2011, 01:08:47 PM
Quote from: LadyStitch on December 21, 2010, 08:56:52 AM
Every mum I have given the bibs to , at first is skeptical,  after using them....  well I have orders for more.   ;D They love that they can just peel them off and toss in the washer.  To be honest they are not that hard or expensive to make.  It all depends on how nice to towel/washcloth you want to use. I stumbled onto the pattern in an old sewing for children pattern book.  Loved it since I tried it. ;)

Would you mind posting how to make them?  Maybe a pattern if you have it?  Thanks!
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Auryn on January 11, 2011, 01:26:04 PM
I would love it if you could share the pattern also.
I don't have any little ones but I have a few friends that are expecting and it sounds like it would make a wonderful gift.
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: LadyStitch on January 11, 2011, 03:33:32 PM
Sure I will look for the actual direction tonight.  They are surprisingly easy.  The only "hard" part, is making the templet for cutting the neck hole, but using a compass makes a little easier.

Here is essencially the directions I use. The only difference is that I just buy t-shirt ribbing, and use bath style hand towels and wash cloths (no smaller than 13x13).   I will need to look at my actual directions to get the neck measurements right.  I can't remember if it is 7" diameter for the infant, and 9 " for toddler or not.  This matters for head size.
Edit:  might help if I post the link huh? ::)
http://www.mormonchic.com/crafty/dsh_twl_bibs.asp (http://www.mormonchic.com/crafty/dsh_twl_bibs.asp)

This site is closer to what I do, only I don't do the slit in it. http://sewing.about.com/od/sewingforbabychildren/ss/towelbib.htm (http://sewing.about.com/od/sewingforbabychildren/ss/towelbib.htm)
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: LadyStitch on January 12, 2011, 01:39:58 PM
They finally posted a few more photos. 
This one is the 1958 Vogue pattern dress I made with the 1.5 circle skirt on it.  There is a VERY full petticote under it.
(http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n212/shanntarra/Obrother/168723_155664214483397_100001194579356_272354_1957513_n.jpg)
(http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n212/shanntarra/Obrother/168514_155664174483401_100001194579356_272353_4201617_n.jpg)

This one is my "shreaded" blue dress.  The actress is wearing a wearwold head, and the dress, all over a fur 'teady bear' style fur suit, and then a body shaper t shirt to give her the hump back look.  The Sceneic designer helped air brush the head to match the body and the body to blend back to the head.
(http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n212/shanntarra/Obrother/163851_155664284483390_100001194579356_272356_5356068_n.jpg)

I am currently waiting on a good shot of one actress in the "regular"  blue dress.
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Lady Rosalind on January 12, 2011, 02:13:41 PM
I LOVE that flowered dress!!!!! Nice work!
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: LadyStitch on January 12, 2011, 04:06:56 PM
I originally wanted to do it in a white with green print, but I think this White dress with the magnolia's, and the poofy skirt seems to sell the "Scarlet"  aspect of her character well.  AND she is so cute in that out fit.  First thing she did was twirl in it.  ;D  Most girls never trully grow up.  ;D

Me being nit picking, I think I really needed a 1" wide black belt on the white dress.  :-\  Regardless I like how she looks.
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Lady Rosalind on January 17, 2011, 09:45:01 PM
Finally, progress to report on the costumes I'm sewing for a play.

This one is the "Hungarian" folk costume. It's an old, repurposed ren-faire combo, with trim added from the stash at the theater. I have to come up with a way to "rip" the smock to reveal the actresses "bra", without actually flashing the audience.

(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/hs264.snc6/179199_840469001390_16925321_45909673_5465666_n.jpg)

Closer look at that crazy trim:
(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1380.snc4/163244_840469116160_16925321_45909676_1148376_n.jpg)

And the green curtain dress!!!! Just needs fastenings for the bodice, and a hem on the gown and underskirt. The cape part of the left sleeve will actually be an existing cape (provided I can make it work).

(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/hs040.snc6/167078_840469225940_16925321_45909681_4035415_n.jpg)

Now, I just need to make the chef's coat, if the one I found in storage won't fit, and put together all of the normal clothing they'll wear on stage. Oh, and put the finishing touches on the goth girl, plus fixing the huge rip she tore in her pants last week. We open in three weeks, they want to start using costumes this week (which I found out SATURDAY!!!!!!!). I gave the directors the lecture about the green gown. I hope they'll listen.
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: LadyStitch on January 18, 2011, 09:50:24 AM
Nice work so far on the costumes. You are doing great.   As for having a dress rip and not flash the audience I would recomend a section of trim or something almost decorative that when "ripped" the tention woudl let go and it appears as if "more flesh" shows to the audience but not actually flash them.  I did that when I had an actress who was to be assalted by an evil pirate captain.  He "tore" a piece of a decorative collar I had on the dress which opened up the neck line on her dress, thus showing more of her but not actually showing more of her.  It also gave a good sound effect of the velcro letting go.

I wish you luck with the director.  In my opinion the director set's the tone of the show.  If the Director doesn't respect you the actors won't either.
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Blushing on January 18, 2011, 01:16:23 PM
Those costumes look fun. =)

Out of curiosity ... are there any quilters here?
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: LadyShadow on January 18, 2011, 01:21:35 PM
Lovely Lady Rosalind. I like the colors of the green dress.

Blushing - I do some quilting, but not too much. Lacking time for sewing right now.
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: LadyStitch on January 18, 2011, 02:31:51 PM
Quote from: Blushing on January 18, 2011, 01:16:23 PM
Those costumes look fun. =)
Out of curiosity ... are there any quilters here?
I quilt as well but I'm always so busy with theater & renn stuff I rarely get time to do it.  I've got so many quilts plotted in my head, but never time to do them. 

I would love to see what you have made blushing. :)
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: gem on January 18, 2011, 10:49:06 PM
Lady R, those are SMASHING!!!

I am taking my first quilting (piecing) class tomorrow night. It's actually Part 1 of a hand embroidery class, but for some reason the instructor felt we needed a crazy quilt top to embroider on!

Well, I've been working in my office/stash room all night, and I got all the fabric off the floor and into the closet. I'm still not happy with how I have things, and honestly it doesn't really *look* like much of an improvement, but at least it's a start. Still hoping to get that tall bookcase for the fabric on bolts, which WILL help a lot.
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Blushing on January 19, 2011, 12:28:11 AM
I'm just starting, again.  I've handpieced a few doll quilts (that have vanished in my moves, sadly).  I have some planned to work on, so I can play with my new-to-me Featherweight.  I will soon be starting a t-shirt quilt.  I needed something to do with tons of t-shirts with memories attached!

I will post photos, eventually.  Thanks!

Sometimes I feel like I have TOO many crafts and such to play with ... sewing, scrapbooking, garb-making ... yeah, I need more time and funds!   ;D
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Lady Rosalind on January 23, 2011, 10:00:29 PM
Update on the costuming for the play from hell:

I have just the hem left for the last Mammy dress, then everything is DONE! I have had a hell of a bad week, and it is nothing short of a miracle that let me finish nearly everything in the last three days. I'll post pics from rehearsals this week. We're a week from tech week, and I will be seriously glad when this whole thing is over. Thank heavens two of our most experienced costumers happened to be at the theater working on painting sets yesterday! They were able to talk me down off my ledge, and gave me some great advice, and helped me find some gems in storage to help out with the "normal" clothes for the actor and actresses.

Now I just have to figure out how to clean flour off of the green Scarlett dress, and out of the wig and hat she'll be wearing in that scene. I'm going to be at the theater until midnight every night, I just know it. It'll be worse than the oatmeal I had to clean up every night during the last play...
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: LadyStitch on January 24, 2011, 08:17:38 AM
{{{{{{{{{Hugs}}}}}}}}}  I feel your pain.     Try those key board vacs to help get the worst of the flour out, and maybe the sticky lint remover things. That might help.
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: gem on January 24, 2011, 10:41:43 PM
Do they have to use actual flour? I wonder if something else might be easier to clean up (baby powder, maybe)?
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Lady Rosalind on January 25, 2011, 08:46:42 AM
Quote from: gem on January 24, 2011, 10:41:43 PM
Do they have to use actual flour? I wonder if something else might be easier to clean up (baby powder, maybe)?

Yes, they are using actual flour. Nothing I have said will change that, or the amount of flour being used. Honestly, last night at rehearsal, I wanted to just walk away from the whole thing. They have decided to not use the capes that I made (that they raved over LAST WEEK), nor the brown dress that I made (that THEY WANTED), and for the love of God, they almost decided last night to not use the GREEN DRESS! I backed them down off of that one, but I very nearly threw a temper tantrum at that point, as pretty much the last straw (LOTS of stuff like this). I also stopped caring at that point. They can do whatever they want to the damn dress. They open next Friday, and as far as I can tell, they are still changing things in the actual play. I won't work with these directors again. Things are out of control.
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: LadyStitch on January 25, 2011, 10:00:01 AM
Yeah I have to say this sounds like a play I would walk away from myself.  I've had one, well technically 2, bad directors  in my life, and one just bad cast.

I had a director that it says in the script that the girls are to show off cleavage, and extrude sentuality a la those old cave man/girl shows.  Did she do that?  No.  All girls had to have loose fitting, cover their collar bone type dresses. Each had to be different fabric, different style. So 8 dresses, none identical.  It was the most unsexy, sexy show I have ever seen.  BTW all the actresses were willing to show off as much as I wanted as long as the girls were supported, and the puppies noses were covered, but NOPE no dice. 
The other was when we had a director tell the set designer to paint the set burgundy, because it was her favorite color.  What she forgot was that she threw a tantrum to have this burgundy suit on the leading lady, not dress, SUIT.  We were 2 days from opening when the actress walked out onto the painted set and... disappeared.   I had to find a dress to fit her and would look good with the rest of the cast.  I ended up finding her this cute little black dress which fit her perfectly.  HOWEVER the director picked out of her own closet a 1980's oriental print dress that I wouldn't even look at in a thrift store.  (The play was set in 2002, btw)  I told her I would run it past the actresses.  The look on the cast's face when I walked in with it was somewhere between horror and disgust!   Add in that on OPENING NIGHT , after 6 WEEKS of rehearsal she told one of the actresses to use a texan accent not the british she had been working on.  Oh it was a train wreck!
The bad cast was a group of High school kids, that just didn't belive in dispiline, respect, or pride in their work.  They started taking it seriously when we fired 3 of them during tech week and brought in 3 other people.  The parents threw a fit but after they heard what their kids were doing. They backed us up.   I would work with that director again, but that group... not so much.
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Lady Rosalind on January 26, 2011, 01:38:08 PM
Well, so far things are perhaps evening out... I am going to use scotch guard to protect the green dress, and the other garments that will be in the way of flour or pudding. Last night, we realized that the actress who gets pudding in the face needs someone else to get her out of her costume, or she will get chocolate pudding on her hands, then on the head kerchief, and apron. It's amazing how far that stuff travels!

I also got a look at the dress they thought would be a suitable "back-up" for the green dress. Pink. Sequins. Beads. Poofy skirt, and cinderella sleeves with lace. Not even close to civil war era. Honestly, all I could do was just shake my head, and reassure my fellow dresser and the producer that it was a backup we were using for practice, and that it will NOT be seen on stage during the actual performances, since I was going to be the one dressing her. This actress, while good, has no concept of the fact that these things should not be changing at this point unless it's an actual emergency. The replacement capes are firmly Halloween capes, complete with spiders, webs, and bats. It that's way they want, fine. It's the opposite of what the script calls for, but whatever.

We did have a not-so-minor wardrobe malfunction. At one point, one of the actresses grabs the shirt neckline of the other, and it tears away a bit to reveal the top of her bra. Well... when the actress grabbed it, the other turned away too fast, and the entire left side was revealed. This was after me warning that the rip needed to be controlled carefully to avoid this specific problem. Oh well. I am going to reinforce the bottom of the torn area, so it doesn't rip further, and she's going to wear her hot pink bra instead of a nude one, so it's obvious that nothing is really showing.

Now, if I can just keep them on track, things should go a little better from here on out. 
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: LadyStitch on January 26, 2011, 02:01:37 PM
i wish you luck and i send much alcohol your way :)
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Lady Rosalind on January 26, 2011, 04:10:53 PM
Quote from: LadyStitch on January 26, 2011, 02:01:37 PM
i wish you luck and i send much alcohol your way :)
LOL, I'm bringing just a titch in for after the shows, while I'm doing laundry and helping the food prop master clean up.
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: LadyStitch on January 26, 2011, 04:29:40 PM
Heh one theater I worked for gave each actor a vouchure for 1 free beer for the pub next door, and two for the techs.   ;D It was in the contracts.  They knew how to spoil their people.
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: LadyStitch on January 27, 2011, 09:50:53 AM
BTW the PP is a director and after telling him of your plight he wanted me to express his appologies from all the good directors out there who know how to talk to their techs and respect them.  IF he ever got a chance he would love to have you help costume a show with him just so you can know what a good director does. :)
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Lady Rosalind on January 27, 2011, 11:41:20 AM
Quote from: LadyStitch on January 27, 2011, 09:50:53 AM
BTW the PP is a director and after telling him of your plight he wanted me to express his appologies from all the good directors out there who know how to talk to their techs and respect them.  IF he ever got a chance he would love to have you help costume a show with him just so you can know what a good director does. :)

That's so sweet!!!! Tell him "Thank you!" It really does make me feel better.  :)

Tonight is the Director Review (which is happening about 3 weeks later than the previous show). Should be interesting.
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: LadyStitch on January 27, 2011, 04:38:02 PM
Have your flask of strong alcohol ready.  The first show I did our director threw out half of what we had done. 5 pitchers later, and a good night's sleep, we were ready to fix it but, it wasn't pretty ....

I will pass your comments along to the PP.  ;D  For every bad director out there, there are those directors who do take care of you, and respect you. To be honest of all the shows I have done I have only had 2 really bad directors. If you need to vent just come here, or even renmail me.  Trust me I will understand.
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Adriana Rose on January 27, 2011, 07:18:58 PM
I have found that doing ANTHING for theater or involving too many theater people has the feeling of herding cats.
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Syrilla on January 28, 2011, 07:54:17 AM
I feel your pain Lady R, and hope for the very best of runs!
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: LadyStitch on March 04, 2011, 11:02:04 AM
Hey how did the show turn out?

I start my next show this weekend. I am already designing since costumes are due 3/27!  I'm hoping I don't have to make alot of things.  Thankfully I have a WONDERFUL guy as an assistant who is great at wigs and makeup.  Wish me luck!
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: LadyStitch on March 07, 2011, 12:43:11 PM
Ok I'm posting this here because I'm geting 'Jack schmit" from my other sources. 
My director is wanting me to 'possibly' make Simplicity 2648 View B out of spandex for 3 of my actresses. I'm trying to figure out how to do it. 
He would want the dress hugging thier curves, so I assume going 1 size smaller and using a 1/4" seam allowance might work.

Any suggestions would be appreciated....
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: gem on March 07, 2011, 01:30:06 PM
Wouldn't it be easier to find a princess seamed sheath that's made for knits? (Will see what I can dig up.)
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: LadyStitch on March 07, 2011, 01:43:01 PM
I've been digging and haven't found any in the big 3, vogue and Kwik Sew. Like I said, any help would be appreciated.
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: gem on March 07, 2011, 02:22:37 PM
What about Butterick 5554 (http://butterick.mccall.com/b5554-products-13447.php?page_id=155&search_control=display&list=0)? The only difference seems to be that it lacks the seam at the waist:

(http://mccallpattern.mccall.com/newsletters/img.sewingtoday.com/cat/10000/add_img/B5554.gif)

Vogue 1218 (http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v1218-products-13636.php?page_id=311&search_control=display&list=5) has different seaming, but it's a stretch knit sheath.

Another option would be to use a fitting shell pattern, since they're designed to have hardly any ease and have exactly the seams you need (waistline, princess, etc). You'd just need to draft the proper scoop neckline.

Good luck!
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: LadyStitch on March 07, 2011, 02:41:33 PM
Hmm that might work. I'll run that past the director with my other options.  I'm trying to go for simple dress, with decorations added later so it looks like it is from "under the sea". Especially since costumes are due in 20 days!
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: gem on March 07, 2011, 02:53:07 PM
Don't show him the pattern photo--just the line drawing. He'll be distracted by the weird contrast panel, plus you don't want to give him any ideas!
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: LadyStitch on March 07, 2011, 03:31:22 PM
Heh, I don't want to give him any MORE ideas.   ::) I want to make as little as possible for this show, but still not break the bank on it.
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: LadyStitch on March 08, 2011, 09:38:36 AM
He actually decided to go with option 1 which was Simplicity 2648 view B but made with satin, not stretch. Yay!  Thankfully all the girls are the same size so it shouldn't be too bad.  They will all have different fabrics, but simple pattern 'hopefully' will mean painless construction.  He decided on grecian dresses for the two queens which is fine with me, as it is a relatively simple pattern.  I'll be making 5 dresses but they are to be 'simple' dresses. 
I still say the hardest thing is going to be making the Giant mutant turtle  costumes, and no it isn't a teen age one.  ;D
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: LadyStitch on March 21, 2011, 09:42:04 AM
This is somewhat a pattern review but I wanted to pass it along to all of you.
Simplicity 3647 It is a nice looking Greek/Roman costume pattern. It is classified as easy, but I would beg to differ.  Technically the techniques to make it are not difficult but the sizing will drive you nuts.  I made a dress for one girl that her measurements came out to  needing an XL.  It looks great on her.  However the other dress I made from it turned out terribly fitting.  #1 you need wide shoulders to wear it. #2 because it has a faux wrap front  it will show alot of cleaveage if you are not careful.   My actress measured to a 34 bust so I made her a size S just to be on the safe side since this pattern has ALOT of ease in it  It swallowed her.  Soon as I took it in  I actually should have made her at least an XS to start with.  The bust on the size XS was 37"!  I ended up making it even smaller than an XS so it wasn't falling off. 

If you use this pattern do a fitting on the bodice. Or at least do a tissue fitting on it before you  cut good fabric other wise you are going to be unhapy with the fitting on it.
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Auryn on April 21, 2011, 08:35:57 AM
I figured I would post this here since its definitely not ren but definitely sewing,
I am in love with this skirt,
Does anyone have any kind of reference that could enlighten me on how to go about creating something like this?? I am sure there isnt an exact pattern but anything that helps with the high waist and or the layered look would be much appreciated.


I am sure I would have to create a petticoat for it to give it the fluffy look and thats no problem
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/enseign/DR00062S_02.jpg)
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: LadyStitch on April 21, 2011, 09:47:00 AM
It looks like a 3 layer skirt. The bottom layer is a long ruffle attached to as skirt , with another shorter skirt with a ruffle on it that's bottom hit's 1/2" over the bottom ruffle.   Then a top ruffle.  Then a contrast circle skirt over the top, with  a section cut out. 
The petticoat under it seems like a square dancing petticote, IE one made to stand out.
The waist band, just seems like a 6 inch one.  Just remember when you make a wider waist band, you will need a longer band than normal.  Just as Gem  ;)

When I had to make an extra poofy petty coat I used a walking foot to help me pull all the layers throughmachine.  I aslo set the lower layer at the bottom of band, then next above it on the band, and eat additional layer above the previous.  This helped with bulk under the machine, and with the waist band.  That is propbobly why the waist band is so wide, so you can have ALOT of layers on it.

Hope that helps a little.
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Auryn on April 21, 2011, 10:19:13 AM
Thanks LadyStitch
that does help.
Do you think it would work to create one base skirt and then add the 3 layers of ruffle onto that singular skirt?? that way its less yardage of material needed and you only need to make one skirt??
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Elennare on April 21, 2011, 10:22:26 AM
I know one of the big 3 makes a pattern that's pretty close to the underskirt.  I want to say it's McCall's?  The waistband on it isn't as high, and I think it might be a bit shorter than the one in your picture, but it might be a good place to start.  I used it for the skirt of my airship pirate costume, and it wasn't that difficult to do.  If I have time later today, I'll see if I can find the pattern number for you.
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: LadyStitch on April 21, 2011, 11:12:27 AM
Quote from: Auryn on April 21, 2011, 10:19:13 AM
Thanks LadyStitch
that does help.
Do you think it would work to create one base skirt and then add the 3 layers of ruffle onto that singular skirt?? that way its less yardage of material needed and you only need to make one skirt??
I think you could make a base skirt, but keep in mind the weight.  Why I say that is that if you have yards of ruffle weighing down on that base fabric, and pulling at the waist band connection, there could be stress on that point.  If you go that route, make sure you reinforce that area, and use a stirdy fabric  (IE broad cloth vs tulle)
A thought I had was to make a base skirt with the bottom ruffle on it. Then attach the upper ruffles to say, tulle or something, but then again, you would have to worry about ruffle weight.

The long and the short of it is, "Watch your stress points, where weight might be a factor."
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: CaraGreenleaf on April 21, 2011, 01:30:05 PM
Quote from: Elennare on April 21, 2011, 10:22:26 AM
I know one of the big 3 makes a pattern that's pretty close to the underskirt.  I want to say it's McCall's? 

Simplicity has a series of patterns that are "sexy costumes" with really short fluffy skirts and a bodice or vest.

http://www.simplicity.com/p-1942-costumes.aspx
http://www.simplicity.com/p-2085-costumes.aspx

That will give you somewhere to start and you can look at the others in the series! Hope that helps! :)
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Auryn on April 21, 2011, 01:32:49 PM
thank you everyone
caragreenleaf- thank you for that.
I am 90% sure I have both of those patterns at home from back when I first started sewing and thought those were great outfits for faire- i know i know
dont worry I havent made let alone worn any of those
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: LadyStitch on April 21, 2011, 04:53:53 PM
Ok, am I being weird or pro active.  At lunch, between cutting out pieces for the PP's new garb, and me a new chamise, I've cut out, and almost have finished.  A pair of maternity pants. 
As I'm cutting out the pants a couple people stopped by to ask what I was up to.  They didn't bat an eye lash at the ren stuff, but soon as I said I'm making me some summer maternity wear, they looked at me  like I grew another head. 

The alteration is just a large Full abdomen adjustment on regular patterns.  I also have a couple regular maternity top patterns, and legging patterns.  Why are they thinking I'm nuts wanting to make light, cotton materity wear?  Is there something I'm missing?
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: gem on April 21, 2011, 05:09:03 PM
Maybe b/c they know you can't BUY the Renwear, but maternity pants are something a lot of people (like me) would not put the time and energy into making.
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: LadyFae on April 21, 2011, 06:07:41 PM
Ah, these must be people who have no idea how difficult it is to find maternity pants that actually fit you properly!  (Or at least fit you the way you want them to, there CAN BE a difference!)  Heck, finding ANY maternity clothes that you like and fit you nicely is always a challenge!
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: LadyStitch on April 22, 2011, 10:02:34 AM
Quote from: LadyFae on April 21, 2011, 06:07:41 PM
Ah, these must be people who have no idea how difficult it is to find maternity pants that actually fit you properly!  (Or at least fit you the way you want them to, there CAN BE a difference!)  Heck, finding ANY maternity clothes that you like and fit you nicely is always a challenge!
I got the maternity cotton pants done.  The fact that I made them out of the left over chemise fabric so I could wear them to faire, was not a coincidence  ;D  Or that I'm using the last 2 yards of the bolt to make a matching maternity sleeveless top.  The pants turned out OK but the waist band feels funny, but then again it has you do your current waist plus 5 inches.  Then sew 1 inch, bites in the 5 inches so that as you grow you can let it out.   They are nice otherwise.  Might just be the elastic I used. /shrug.
I've had a devil of a time finding summer maternity wear that is NOT a cami, or that doesn't cost a fortune. It isn't hard to make.  If you can make a pair of PJ pants you can make basic maternity pants. If you can make a chemise or scrub top you can make a basic maternity top.  I'm not asking for high fashion, I'm asking for nice comfortable, non knit clothing that won't make me look like a walking circus tent.

On a side note, I can't wait, in 2 weeks I find out if I need to make dresses or little suits for the fuzzlet.  I swear I have made everything else in the sewing catalog, just need to add baby cloths. :)
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Adriana Rose on April 22, 2011, 10:46:28 AM
I have been volenteered by my brother in law to sew some bandages for the local Mine Rescue team ( think firefighters/emts for underground rescues for coal mines ) They need 75 in like 2 days! They leave at 6am in sunday for a compition! He brought me the fabric and the things that I am going to use as a pattern on Wendsday night and I had a meeting on Thursday so I wasnt home all day. So holy sewing today batman!  Wish me luck!
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: PollyPoPo on April 22, 2011, 11:14:39 AM
Go, Go, Go, Adriana Rose!

Oh, and if you're reading this post before 5:59 a.m. Sunday morning, then get back to work, lady. 

:D
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Dinobabe on April 22, 2011, 11:59:57 AM
Just remember to do it in assembly line manner, it will go faster.  Good luck!!!
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Adriana Rose on April 22, 2011, 11:23:39 PM
Luck was with me! They were packing up and they found a bunch that was stuffed in a hidey hole so I only had to make 20. My mom and sister helped too and it only took 6 hours and that was with wrangling her 2 kiddos and my little guy. So I think we did pretty good.

But if he does this to me again I am going to shave his head while he is sleeping!
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: LadyStitch on April 25, 2011, 10:50:15 AM
Ladies, I need your suggestions.  A friend of mine just told me she is getting married this July and August.  By then I'm going to be 7-8 months pregant.  Every dress but my ren stuff looks terrible on me.  I'm thinking of making another empire waist tea length dress, that is sleeveless. 
Or, do any of you have any suggestions for a dress for a summer semi formal  wedding?
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Auryn on April 25, 2011, 11:10:37 AM
LadyStitch
is the wedding going to be indoors or out (some people are crazy and have summer weddings outside so they can kill all their guests).??

How formal is semi formal?? I ask because I went to a "semi-formal" wedding and it turned out to be a lot closer to casual- I wore heels and was over dressed.
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Elennare on April 25, 2011, 11:37:03 AM
Quote from: LadyStitch on April 25, 2011, 10:50:15 AM
Ladies, I need your suggestions.  A friend of mine just told me she is getting married this July and August.  By then I'm going to be 7-8 months pregant.  Every dress but my ren stuff looks terrible on me.  I'm thinking of making another empire waist tea length dress, that is sleeveless. 
Or, do any of you have any suggestions for a dress for a summer semi formal  wedding?

Well, if you look good, or think you'll look good wearing a dress that just hangs off the front of your belly, I'm betting you have no trouble finding something nice to wear at the stores.  If you want something that's more fitted, and doesn't look like you're wearing a tent, I'd recommend trying to find a nice skirt and shirt to go with it (try the juniors section for shirts.  you won't currently find anything but the tent shirts in the maternity stores, at least for anything but t-shirts).

Or, if you've got a nice ren pattern that you like, why not start w/that and "update" it so it doesn't look "old-fashioned"?

Also,
Quote from: CaraGreenleaf on April 21, 2011, 01:30:05 PM
Quote from: Elennare on April 21, 2011, 10:22:26 AM
I know one of the big 3 makes a pattern that's pretty close to the underskirt.  I want to say it's McCall's? 

Simplicity has a series of patterns that are "sexy costumes" with really short fluffy skirts and a bodice or vest.

http://www.simplicity.com/p-1942-costumes.aspx
http://www.simplicity.com/p-2085-costumes.aspx

That will give you somewhere to start and you can look at the others in the series! Hope that helps! :)

I think this is the pattern I was talking about:
http://mccallpattern.mccall.com/m6289-products-13592.php?page_id=113
Looks like they've updated it slightly since I made it, but it's the same idea.
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: LadyStitch on April 25, 2011, 11:47:20 AM
Quote from: Auryn on April 25, 2011, 11:10:37 AM
LadyStitch is the wedding going to be indoors or out (some people are crazy and have summer weddings outside so they can kill all their guests).??
How formal is semi formal?? I ask because I went to a "semi-formal" wedding and it turned out to be a lot closer to casual- I wore heels and was over dressed.
She hasn't decided it if is indoors or out yet. They have a venue, but depending on the weather they may have it inside or outside.
Semi formal is sports coats, and ties. She doesnt' want everyone in full suits and tuxes.  Collared shirts, ties, no denim.  She is letting the PP wear his kilt with a shirt, tie, vest, gillies, and flashes.  I just dont' like some of the junior style stuff out there right now.  And it is hard to find juniors stuff to fit my size.
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Rani Zemirah on April 25, 2011, 12:13:19 PM
LadyS, I think you would be lovely in something simple, flowing and elegant like this wrap front dress... and it could easily be made sleeveless for summer wear. 

(http://g.nordstromimage.com/imagegallery/store/product/Large/12/_5607652.jpg)
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: gem on April 25, 2011, 01:22:26 PM
I think a pretty dress sounds fabulous. You know how to make a maternity adjustment to a pattern, but if you want to skip that, I know Kwik Sew has at least a couple maternity dress patterns. This one (http://www.kwiksew.com/catalog/cat_detail.cfm?pid=3486) is cute:

(http://www.kwiksew.com/catalog/images/3486.jpg)

You, of course, would make the sleeveless version out of some fabric that was actually pretty.

Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: LadyStitch on April 25, 2011, 02:09:04 PM
Quote from: gem on April 25, 2011, 01:22:26 PM
I think a pretty dress sounds fabulous. You know how to make a maternity adjustment to a pattern, but if you want to skip that, I know Kwik Sew has at least a couple maternity dress patterns. This one (http://www.kwiksew.com/catalog/cat_detail.cfm?pid=3486) is cute:
(http://www.kwiksew.com/catalog/images/3486.jpg)
You, of course, would make the sleeveless version out of some fabric that was actually pretty.

::Give gem the 'silly question' look::  ;D  I've actually got a simular really nice sleeveless pattern that is designed for different cup sizes, so that would be simple to do.  Then just do the adjustment.  I'm sure I can find something cute in my stash. :) Or I might bat my eyelashes and see if I can 'talk' the PP into going to Joanns.  :D
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Rani Zemirah on April 25, 2011, 03:02:15 PM
Must be nice to have a hubby who can not only be sent to pick out fabric, but can also be trusted to return with something perfectly suitable!  Lucky woman...  ;) 
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: LadyStitch on April 25, 2011, 03:52:52 PM
What can I say, he has far better tastes than I do in mundane clothing.  ;D  Seriously I saw some yummy dark lavender linen that was on sale this past week at Joanns.  A nice dress out of that is calling me.  Or at least a top and pants suit thing.
I got 'cursed' by one lady at church.  She didn't think it was faire that I could make my cloths and she was out $30-50 a item for herself.
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Rani Zemirah on April 25, 2011, 04:57:55 PM
I bet if you offered to teach her how to sew them herself she'd say no, and she'd still complain about it not being fair...  ::) 
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: gem on April 25, 2011, 05:20:20 PM
Dark lilac linen sounds smashing! If you weren't pregnant (for which you get a pass on many things), I'd probably go with something a *little* dressier for a semi-formal wedding, but because you ARE pregnant, you DO get a pass, particularly because we know you have far more important things to be sewing right now! Garb for you, and darling little smocks and biggins for Wee Stitch.  ;D
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: LadyStitch on April 26, 2011, 11:01:31 AM
wee stitch is cute, but my MIL calls the baby "Fuzzlet".  If you have seen pictures of the PP, you know how fuzzy his face is, hence 'Fuzz-let'. :)

I was looking through the stash and I found some yummy red & burgundy velevet which would be great for garb or something Christmas for Fuzzlet. I however do NOT want to be wearing velvet in July/ August.  I would hope that the bride would forgive me for the linen because of the heat.  If I wasn't expecting, I would do my turcoise satin vintage 1950's dress with peticoat.  ;D

Rani: I have offered but she is so busy with her work she never has time to sew.  I would be more apt to have her hubby sew than her.  Though the fact some of my fave maternity tops are actually maternity scrubs patterns 'might' entise her to buy a couple from me. hmm.....
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Rani Zemirah on April 26, 2011, 11:08:48 AM
Maybe you should start your own line of maternity wear!  Women are always looking for cute things to wear when they're pregnant, and it's obviously not easy to find, so your market is ready and waiting!
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: LadyStitch on April 26, 2011, 11:11:45 AM
I keep being baggered to just start a etsy account so I can start doing my bibs, ruffle socks, mundane materity stuff, and  maternity Ren stuff.  I mean seriously, how many of us wouldn't mind something that didn't cost a fortune to wear while expecting at faire.  Or at least get the maternity bloomers.  Those are already making me happy.

BTW keep your fingers crossed.  I'm hoping to cut out a new maternity top at lunch today.  I really want to freak out a coworker how I can cut it out today, and have it ready by Friday.  ;D
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Auryn on May 11, 2011, 09:23:42 AM
Ok I have kind of a weird question.
this isn't really mundane stuff, its for cosplay but it doesnt fit into ren stuff so I figured I would ask here.
I want to turn a one piece catsuit (with a full back zipper that goes basically below the butcrack up to the base of the neck) into two pieces- top and pants.

My first thought was to remove the entire zipper, reinforce the edges and add grommets to lace the thing closed. Then cut in the middle where I want to separate it and add bias tape to the edges- to create a waist on the pants and a waist on the top.
This is the catsuit I am using. What do you think??
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/enseign/KGrHqYOKiIE13kgypfcBNi-WC98w0_3.jpg)
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Rani Zemirah on May 11, 2011, 10:04:43 AM
Can't you buy stops for zipper tops?  The things at the top that are just basically crimped onto the teeth to stop the pull from going beyond a certain point?  That way you could keep the zipper for the pants and lace the top...
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Elennare on May 11, 2011, 10:31:18 AM
Alternately, you can just sew back and forth across the top of each half of the zipper to make your own stop.

Sounds like you have a pretty good idea, but I'd be worried about it gaping in the middle.  Since there won't be any seam allowance, the top and bottom will only overlap by however much you add on with the bias tape.

Depending on what the fabric is made of, you might want to consider buying some hook-and-eye tape and sewing on the "eye" side for lacing, instead of punching holes and adding grommets.  It looks like it might not hold up too well to having holes added?
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Auryn on May 11, 2011, 02:30:51 PM
Rani, I'm not sure, I will go look it up. Having the pants still zip up would be nice and definitely facilitate going to the restroom.

Elennare,
is the hook and eye velcro or hooks and eyes like what we have on bra straps?? I like your idea of not punching the fabric, its thin and stretchy and I definitely don't want a grommet popping.
I'm ok if it gapes a little in the middle because it will hopefully help me keep cool, and I've been working out for 2 months- have 3more months of intense working out ahead of me, so hopefully a little skin showing won't be too horrendous to a passer by.
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Rani Zemirah on May 11, 2011, 02:48:32 PM
You could also sew small lacing rings onto a piece of tape that matches the trim that's already on the suit, so it all sort of coordinates. 
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Elennare on May 11, 2011, 04:06:09 PM
It's pretty much the same stuff as on bra straps.  Here's a picture, randomly pulled off the net:
(http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.wmboothdraper.com/TapeLace/images/hook_eye.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.wmboothdraper.com/TapeLace/tapelace.htm&usg=__O7xuTVWfq9trw6UM-L1wsB5Yer8=&h=493&w=131&sz=12&hl=en&start=0&zoom=1&tbnid=MQiNrqYlJYs-CM:&tbnh=117&tbnw=31&ei=6PnKTd78JIHJgQePvfiGBg&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dhook%2Band%2Beye%2Btape%26hl%3Den%26biw%3D1077%26bih%3D530%26gbv%3D2%26tbm%3Disch&itbs=1&iact=hc&vpx=235&vpy=29&dur=1204&hovh=394&hovw=104&tx=89&ty=260&page=1&ndsp=19&ved=1t:429,r:7,s:0)

hmm...pic's not working on my screen for some reason, so just in case, here's the link: http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.wmboothdraper.com/TapeLace/images/hook_eye.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.wmboothdraper.com/TapeLace/tapelace.htm&usg=__O7xuTVWfq9trw6UM-L1wsB5Yer8=&h=493&w=131&sz=12&hl=en&start=0&zoom=1&tbnid=MQiNrqYlJYs-CM:&tbnh=117&tbnw=31&ei=6PnKTd78JIHJgQePvfiGBg&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dhook%2Band%2Beye%2Btape%26hl%3Den%26biw%3D1077%26bih%3D530%26gbv%3D2%26tbm%3Disch&itbs=1&iact=hc&vpx=235&vpy=29&dur=1204&hovh=394&hovw=104&tx=89&ty=260&page=1&ndsp=19&ved=1t:429,r:7,s:0

Or, if you can't find the tape form of it, you can make your own by sewing the eyes from a box of hook and eye fasteners onto bias tape.  I've used that method (well, I just sewed the eyes right onto my fabric, but I'm thinking the tape will help stabilize them in your case) a couple of times, and it works really well.
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Auryn on May 12, 2011, 09:47:34 AM
Thanks for the link Elennare
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Auryn on May 31, 2011, 02:47:45 PM
Ok
semi update- ive managed to get all those black lacing things off the front of the suit.
I am going to be undertaking the cutting this week.

My thought process was to get a nice piece of suede and create an exaggerated edge on each exposed side- on the back and on the cut edges of the waist- for two reasons
1- on the back it would give me the extra inch or so I need on each side to be able to attach grommets directly to the leather and still be able to close it- no skin showing
2- at the waist it would allow me to add draw strings or some such with which to tighten both waists so the stretchy fabric doesnt stretch up or down.

What do you think??
I hope that makes sense

I made a quick little graphic that hopefully makes more sense than my hair brained explanation ( I can't spell today for some reason)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/enseign/Graphic1.jpg)
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: LadyStitch on June 07, 2011, 02:49:01 PM
Ok, am I TOTALLY out of my mind thinking I might be able to make say, 10, Santa hats during my Maternity leave.  They are simple triangle hats, with the bottom edge bound in 2" wide pre cut fur trim. Then a hand sewn on pre made Poof ball?  I can get 4-6 per yard of velvet.   Do you think that is do able with a new born in the house?

I've got family members who think I should be able to crank out 2 royal gowns with underpinning in the 6 weeks of maternity leave I have.  I say they are freakn nuts!   
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Auryn on June 07, 2011, 03:29:49 PM
Why are you making santa hats??
Arent you going to be making clothes for your new little one??

Personally, if I were you, I would tell anyone that is expecting anything from you from here until your bebe is 1yr old to take a flying leap.
I don't have kids but I remember when my aunt had my cousin 10 years ago- time to do stuff for other people was the last thing she had.
You are going to be working on a nursery, working on bebe clothes and garb- which in your house im sure will be one and the same  ;D.
Thats all if you don't get crazy tired- which my aunt did.

When the newborn comes around your sleep time is going to be limited and zilch free time.

Like I said, I would be telling them to go take a nice long walk on a short pier.
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Kate XXXXXX on June 07, 2011, 04:03:56 PM
Wot she sed!

I was totally wiped for months: the only sewing I did was for me and the cherub.
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: LadyShadow on June 07, 2011, 04:09:07 PM
Yeppers, all productivity in the ways of sewing went dang near out the window.
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: LadyStitch on June 07, 2011, 04:51:08 PM
Yes sewing for the kiddo is a priorety, but making a few santa hats along the way is simply to fill in lost income to be honest.  Plus I need something to keep sanily, as an escape. 
I've already told people that after my show opens 4th of July weekend, that I'm off the clock.  I'll be sewing for me and the fuzzlet, no one else.   ;D  I've got some projects I would 'like' to do but if they don't get done it is not the end of the world.

I just dont' get my family member , who have kids, but think I will have all this "free" time to do things.  I be honest If fuzzlet has clean clothing, is not crying, and the house in one piece I will be happy.
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Adriana Rose on June 07, 2011, 07:03:47 PM
You need to snooze when the baby is snoozing. I didnt have any time for sewing until my kiddo was like 4 months old
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: arbcoind on June 08, 2011, 08:08:58 AM
I second that.  You will have to sleep when the baby is asleep.  You will certainly be awake when baby is!  You WILL be tired.  You will not be able to concentrate on anything but baby.  This is only for the first few months, it gets better once baby is older and sleeping a little more.

Gina
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: LadyStitch on June 27, 2011, 10:42:17 AM
As my show is opening soon, I'm itching to do some 'fun' stuff.  Have I lost my mind that I already have the stuff to make Fuzzlet's Halloween costume, her first Ren outfit, and a new black and white pokadot dress with white alice collar on it sitting ready to be cut out on my sewing table? 
Add in that I discovered much of the baby size stuff only takes 1-1.5 yards of fabric to make? Am I doomed, or have I begun my turn into the mom, who's child has a new dress for every day of the week?
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Rani Zemirah on June 27, 2011, 11:53:47 AM
You're nesting... and you're a seamstress.  What could be more natural than to have your nesting instinct take this form?  :D 

And I'm not saying that you WON'T be that mom... but you might want to enjoy all this creative urge while it lasts, because once she's here things WILL change...  You will be amazed at how little time you have for things like this in the first year. 
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: LadyStitch on June 27, 2011, 01:10:33 PM
Well fuzzlet's Halloween costume, and the pattern for her Ren costume footwear is cut out.  The way I see it, if I'm nesting sewing it keeps me from wanting to move big heavy stuff I shouldn't.  Besides what kind of seamstress would I be if she didn't have a wardrobe of cloths waiting for her that I MADE?
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: LadyStitch on June 30, 2011, 09:16:13 AM
The PP asked if I would put my making of baby stuff on hold.. /sigh... long enough to make a special project for him.  He has taken up making muppet style puppets. His first one is being made to match a paticular person, and it needs a special shirt.  Last night, using a new born size baby shirt pattern I made the pattern for the back of the shirt. I still need to do the , front, collar, and sleeves. If I hadn't made teddy bear clothing before I would think I would have gone out of my mind. 
If you have any suggestions on how to do this easier I would appreciate it, but this certainly has been a challange.
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: LadyStitch on July 05, 2011, 08:57:53 AM
Like I said over in the other area, I was a "wee bit" productive over the weekend. 

The black and white dress was made from a rement I picked up at Joann's last week for 2 bucks, the white fabric was stash, so was the ribbion.  I did have to go "splurge" and by a little zipper for it, but I think it is just plain cute.  I've got the black bloomers with white ruffles waiting to be sewn on my table.
(http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n212/shanntarra/Fuzzlet/Fuzzletlucydress.jpg)
This is a little jumper that she can wear with a blouce/ top during the cooler weather, and as a sun dress when it get's warmer. I've been making size 3-6 months. 
(http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n212/shanntarra/Fuzzlet/fuzzletjumper-pinafore.jpg)
I'm thinking the more I make out of stuff from my stash now, is less I have to make in a panic and between napps next spring. :) besides it keeps me from going batty. (Well more than I already am.  ;D )
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: PollyPoPo on July 05, 2011, 09:33:55 AM
So, where were you when I had my babies - oh, that's right, you weren't even born then. :D

Beautiful work! 

I do have one small suggestion - make some more in the 3-6 month range, then go ahead and start working on the 6-12 months now.  Babies grow so fast and as many have pointed out, you're going to be real busy after she's here.   

Best wishes,

Polly PoPo
(aka Grannie)
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: LadyStitch on July 05, 2011, 09:40:19 AM
I'm thinking at least 2-3 more dresses/ jumper type items, then switch to the 6 months and make at least 6  6-12 month summer outfits. 
The fact that I can make the sundresses and such for less than a half a yard is nice to crank out and honestly don't take much time.  I'm getting a lot of "Not fair!"   from some people around me.  They don't think it is fair that my kiddo gets the nice outfits and they have to "settle" for store bought. Wasn't it 50-75 years ago it was a big deal to get a store bought outfit?
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: peacewing on July 05, 2011, 05:56:53 PM
@Lady Stitch - I agree with PollyPoPo... I was very intent on sewing for my new niece - however, she is so large that at 6 months she wears 18-24 month sized clothing! Everything I made was too small! Sewing larger sizes, always a good idea!

Love the dresses =D Have fun!  :D
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: LadyFae on July 05, 2011, 06:25:31 PM
Or it could go the other way...  My girls are all so small that they wore their NB, 0-3 month, and 3 month clothing until they were 6 months plus!  Right now my 21 month old is wearing 12 month clothing and some 18 month if they run small.  The great thing with dresses is that even if it is cooler when they wear them you can add tights or leggings under and either a sweater over or a long sleeve top under.  We LOVE dresses in this house!!!!
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: LadyStitch on July 06, 2011, 08:31:30 AM
Every one at my work loved the little jumper dress.  I think I'll make a few of those.  By adding a long sleeve top and leggings under it you make it warmer, No top and it is a sundress and she can run around barelegged. I'm finding it fun that I can make these easily, and clear out mystash at the same time.  ;D
My UFO projects haven't gone down much BUT my stash IS getting smaller.  That is an improvement, right?
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: LadyStitch on July 11, 2011, 10:55:10 AM
Ok the PP threw a challange at me.  Another sewing site is having a sewing for children contest.  The winner get's a $100 Gift card to a sewing for children web site.  The stuff is ok. I'm sure I could find something I would want there, but that is besides the point. 
The challange is that I am making all these really nice stuff for the Fuzzlet. (She got  another jumper in size 6-12 months this weekend.  Would of had more but I made myself finish 3 small UFO's for my nieces and nephew, that I had promised them for months.)
I've got 3 items on the cutting table ready to go.  1 of these the PP wants me to enter in the contest.
#1=  A denim short all that has a pattern of cherries and cherry blossoms woven into it.  I'm thinking of making a white, with lace collar blouse to go with it, and put red cherries on the collar.  Size 6-12 months.
#2=  Found some Sesame Street printed fabric.  I'm debating making her a romper out of that in 6-9 month size.
#3= A church/ special dress from lavender satin with white lace trim, and possibly a white chiffon over skirt. Trying to decide if I want to make this as her "Easter" dress, or just as another dress for her to wear  for church on Sundays. She currently has alot of 3-6 month stuff, and about 6,  6-9 month size spring dresses.

I can't enter the baby pirate outfit since I started on it before July 1st.
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: LadyStitch on July 25, 2011, 08:54:31 AM
I was a 'slacker' this weekend the fuzzlet only got 3 new outfits this weekend.  I photos of 2 of them, and of the little boy's outfit I made for the co-worker's baby shower.

I think this one is just plain adorable.  The PP is putting this one 1 step behind the baby PP in his list of favorites.
(http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n212/shanntarra/Fuzzlet/Fuzzlet-Greenduckie.jpg)
I still think I need to add something else to this one.  The buttons are snow flakes, but I feel it needs...something. Not sure what.
(http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n212/shanntarra/Fuzzlet/Fuzzlet-Redvelvet.jpg)
This is the little boy outfit.  It has a zipper in the back, but also the legs have snap tape so she can easily change his nappy.  She loved it.
(http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n212/shanntarra/Fuzzlet/Lisasoutfit.jpg)

I will try to get a shot of the Blue denim shortalls with the cherries applique as soon as I can.
Other than finishing the "I love grandma" outfit I'm going to start on my Santa hats. :) Keep the PP happy, and keep me sane... well as much as I was already.
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Auryn on July 25, 2011, 09:00:55 AM
That is sooo cute
your fuzzlet is going to be the best dressed kid in town.
Loves it.
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: LadyStitch on July 25, 2011, 10:56:11 AM
The fact that I have spent maybe $20 bucks on everything fuzzlet related (outside of the halloween costume)  and she will have 7-8 outfits out of it.  I'm NOT going to complain.  Funny enough 10 of it is just buttons an baby appliques.  ;D
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: LadyStitch on August 02, 2011, 09:32:58 AM
My other side projects.  Yes I know, between stuff for the fuzzlet, my santa hat for craft faires, and getting ready for the fuzzlet,  what do I have the time?  i am still asking myself that.

The PP has been making his own 'muppet' style puppets.  As they are custom sized there are no patterns out there to make clothing for them. 

This is Big guy.  I did his shirt, and helped the PP with the wig and beard.  The PP now understands why working with fur makes me sneeze.  ;D  The shirt is based off a new born size "hawaiian" shirt pattern I found.
(http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n212/shanntarra/Puppets/BigGuyPuppet-Complete.jpg)
Then a local theater group is starting a puppet group and they want the puppets to have matching panel shirt 'uniforma' as the actors.  The muppet is is an actual Whatnot from FAO Shwartz.  I actually made the pattern for this by using a shirt that came with the puppet, and adding a collar. 
(http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n212/shanntarra/Puppets/LOCWhatnot.jpg)
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Auryn on August 02, 2011, 08:46:36 PM
Lady Stitch I love the puppets

You guys have been so instrumental in helping me finish my victorian blouse I figured I would post the results.
I am very happy with the outcome- now I just need to figure out how to get green seamstress chalk off the white fabric



I am contemplating going over the button holes with a bright lime green embroidery thread to match the lime green thread on the pin tucks.

The sleeves look green because I put a layer of green organdy between the outer sleever and the internal sleeve- it makes the poofyness better and I liked the color contrast

Sorry if this is too picture heavy

(http://i1120.photobucket.com/albums/l487/AurynsLair/steampunk%20mockups/224483_255650171114764_100000093488652_1153463_1594425_n.jpg)

The buttons that I used- german glass buttons I got on clearance at joanns
(http://i1120.photobucket.com/albums/l487/AurynsLair/steampunk%20mockups/steamyblousebutton.jpg)

I havent decided yet if I will wear the collar open or closed- if closed I have a beautiful broach to go on it
(http://i1120.photobucket.com/albums/l487/AurynsLair/steampunk%20mockups/steamyblousecollar2.jpg)

(http://i1120.photobucket.com/albums/l487/AurynsLair/steampunk%20mockups/steamyblousefront.jpg)

details of the lace on the cuff and collar
(http://i1120.photobucket.com/albums/l487/AurynsLair/steampunk%20mockups/steamyblouse-sleeve.jpg)

this is the lace that i put on the camisole I will wear underneath it
(http://i1120.photobucket.com/albums/l487/AurynsLair/steampunk%20mockups/steamcamilace.jpg)
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: arbcoind on August 03, 2011, 08:08:50 AM
Very nice Auryn.  I vote for wearing the collar closed with the broach.  I also like your idea of lime green around the button holes.  I think that would pull in all the green.

Gina
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Auryn on August 05, 2011, 09:08:29 AM
Thank you arbcoind, I am very proud of myself, I did several new to me techniques on this blouse and I am proud of how well they turned out.

I do have a new question especially for those that sew costumes.
I need to sew some superhero emblems onto a very stretchy spandex shirt.
The emblems will be made of a silky taffeta reinforced with 'heatnbond'.
Should I pin them onto the shirt while it is stretched out or while it is in  a 'relaxed' state??

One of the emblems is just a letter with some decoration, but the other is a line that goes across the chest from above the shoulder to under the arm.

Id love any suggestions as I need to get it done asap
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: LadyStitch on August 05, 2011, 09:21:07 AM
Quote from: Auryn on August 05, 2011, 09:08:29 AM
I do have a new question especially for those that sew costumes.
I need to sew some superhero emblems onto a very stretchy spandex shirt.
The emblems will be made of a silky taffeta reinforced with 'heatnbond'.
Should I pin them onto the shirt while it is stretched out or while it is in  a 'relaxed' state??
One of the emblems is just a letter with some decoration, but the other is a line that goes across the chest from above the shoulder to under the arm.
Id love any suggestions as I need to get it done asap
When I had to make my "Captain Phantasum" costume I made my applique out of spandex and hand stitched it over a streched chest.
Now according to James Acheson (The guy who designed and made the spiderman & daredevil movie costumes for the actual movies) he said the best way to put appliques onto super hero outfits is to do it on a streched body suit (Preferably on a dress form.  The costume will look "wrong" off body, but will look right soon as it is on body. Just baste it VERY good, so it won't shift when you take it off, and then take it to the machine to sew. 
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Auryn on August 05, 2011, 10:16:35 AM
Thank you LadyStitch
I was hoping you would see this.
Unfortunately I cant make the main emblem in spandex because we couldnt find the right shade of purple at all.
We did get the white in spandex so that should help.

Thank you for the tips
I guess I know what I am doing this weekend
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: LadyStitch on August 05, 2011, 11:34:40 AM
You can make the applique out of anything, but just make sure you applique over a STRETCHED area.  That way it is is 'locked' in that area when they put it on.  If that makes any sense.
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: LadyStitch on August 14, 2011, 02:24:07 PM
I found I had some 6-9" wide fabrics that were still 45" wide. As I was going through the fuzzlet's things I found she had ALOT of oneies but vew bottoms.  I have a thing that I just don't like seeing a kiddo in just a oneie.  I started making her all these little skirts to go with them.  I know she will be adorable no matter what but hey best way to use of my stash. :)
(http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n212/shanntarra/Fuzzlet/IMG00058-20110814-1016.jpg)
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Auryn on September 16, 2011, 05:38:15 PM
I need a little expertise help to supplement my little brain library of knowledge.

I have been dying to make the Alice in Wonderland Um dress since I saw the movie in the theatres.
The hold up has been trying to find a fabric to simulate the black and white (with hearts of course) organdy that is the top layer.

Well it seems that I might be able to get my hands on the remnants of the actual fabric that they used in the costume shop for this movie. It is retarded expensive but I might be able to trade for it.
The question I have is- how much of it do I need?
I am 5'11" and a size 10-12.
The available fabric is 27 1/2in. wide X 4 1/3 yards

would that be enough??
Alternatively, do you know of any place that might have a fabric that is 'close enough' and wouldn't break the bank.

If anyone is interested he also has the remaining fabric from the blue dress as well as about 3.5yds of the mad hatter's tartan.
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: LadyStitch on October 25, 2011, 09:47:01 AM
Here is the latest thing for the fuzzlet.  The only thing missing is the girlie skull and cross bones on the bodice.  My SIL calls it her 'Abby' dress  ;D  Since my niece saw it she is now wanting one.  I fear every time I make something for my girl, she will want one too.
(http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n212/shanntarra/Fuzzlet/AbbyDress.jpg)
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Auryn on October 25, 2011, 09:58:41 AM
sooo cute
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: LadyStitch on October 25, 2011, 11:06:54 AM
My mum is razzling me saying I'm making "doll cloths" for her.  The way I see it, as long as she is cute and isnt' screaming, go for it. Besides, more black mail for when she is a teenager.  ;D
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: PollyPoPo on October 25, 2011, 11:59:50 AM
Hee, hee, hee, LadyStitch, enjoy it while you can.

She might turn out to like the same things you like for her, or she could do like mine and absolutely hate pink as soon as she could talk.  It was blue jeans all the way for her.  That is until her prom at 17 when she realized a pink ball gown looked really great on her.
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: LadyStitch on October 25, 2011, 01:19:16 PM
I never minded my grandmother making stuff for me,  EXCEPT she made me a dress of red broadcloth, and lace on the collar cuffs and bodice. It looked identical to what my christmas dress when I was 11 months old looked like. I was 12 years old at the time !!!  Yeah I told her I appreciate it but, I'm sorry but no.  Love ya to bits but, no not for some one who is in middle school. 
I was actually nice about it, granted she shouted at me, 'If you dont' like it, make it yourself!"  Which I did which irked her all to heck, but she got the idea. 
The dress didn't go to waste though.  My mum loved it, and was just a little bigger than me at the time.  She wore it at her work christmas party.  She did this whole skit of a little girl waiting for Santa claus. Very cute.

I'm not going to keep her in pink, but I will say she may be sick of purple/ lavander by the time is a teenager though.  ;D
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Adriana Rose on October 26, 2011, 11:04:56 AM
Or she could be like my little neice. If she sees something pink she thinks its hers, then again she is a fiery 2.
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Adriana Rose on November 18, 2011, 05:29:00 PM
Ok guys I have a question.

My nephew has brought me home a project for the Thanksgiving holiday. In his class room they have a bear that reads stories with the kids. Bear Bear is missing an eye and has a hole in his bottom. The hole I can fix no sweat the eye is another story.
I have safety eyes but there is a thing inside where the eye was that is hard, and the eyes that I have are way bigger than the one Bear Bear has. I am thinking that I have to replace both eyes but the question is that how do I go about it? I was thinking that I could cut the old eyes out with a razor knife and put the new ones in.

It just gives me the sweats beacause I dont want to mess him up and have a pack of kindergarteners getting mad at me if I mess up Bear Bear.
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: isabelladangelo on November 18, 2011, 05:57:09 PM
Does Big Bear want to be a pirate? :D

On a serious note, do you have a Michael's/A C Moore/ Hobby Lobby/ect near you?   They should have an eye that is "close enough" in their doll department. 

Do you have a picture of the bear?   Are they button eyes or inset?
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Adriana Rose on November 20, 2011, 11:30:12 AM
They are the inset ones.
I have some of those eyes, I use them for my monsters. I had to order them because the closest Michaels is a 4 hour drive away no joke.

I did ask my nephew if it would be ok if Bear Bear was a pirate bear and he gave me the look that said " Auntie are you crazy?

I'll get a picture up later today
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Adriana Rose on December 02, 2011, 12:46:17 PM
Bear Bear was fixed without a hitch!

Now on to another question..

What would you write on an apron with firefighters on it? I am making one for my brother in law and I want to put one of those fun sayings on it but I cant think of anything that works. Oh and he is a firefighter hence the pattern.
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: LadyStitch on December 02, 2011, 03:18:37 PM
Maybe something along the lines of ....

"The Smoke alarm is NOT the sign that dinner is done."
"Where there is smoke, there is sometimes BBQ"
"It's the company, not the cooking, that makes a meal. "
"Blaze with the fire that is never extinguished. "
"Fire is the test of gold; adversity, of strong men. "
"Q. How do you put out a fire? A. Take away one part of the fire tetrahedron, or the chief."
"Q. What does CHAOS stand for?A. The Chiefs Have Arrived On Scene."

I'm staying busy sewing I'll post pictures of my daughter's christmas dress as soon as I can.  She is looking down right adorable in it.
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Adriana Rose on December 02, 2011, 06:39:03 PM
Thank you Lady Stitch the only ones that I could think of were not apropriate coming from me.

You better post pictures of her in her Christmas dress!
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Rani Zemirah on December 02, 2011, 10:56:24 PM
Firemen do it with a big hose...  ;D


Oh, wait... you said appropriate.  Sorry...  :o  LOL
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Adriana Rose on December 04, 2011, 10:18:57 AM
Oh I know lol
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: LadyStitch on December 05, 2011, 11:53:36 AM
Ok I promised I would post pictures of the fuzzlet's christmas dress. She was so happy after we finished decorating the christmas tree we had to take photos. :)

I'm afraid she may have stole Daddy's Santa Hat at some point. (BTW I made the hat too.)

(http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n212/shanntarra/Fuzzlet/101B3411.jpg)
(http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n212/shanntarra/Fuzzlet/101B3261.jpg)
(http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n212/shanntarra/Fuzzlet/101B33702.jpg)
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Rani Zemirah on December 05, 2011, 02:47:38 PM
Awwww... she's adorable!  Gorgeous dress, also! 
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Adriana Rose on December 05, 2011, 07:31:36 PM
Such a pretty little girl!
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: LadyStitch on December 06, 2011, 10:12:19 AM
Quote from: Adriana Rose on December 05, 2011, 07:31:36 PM
Such a pretty little girl!

Why thank you.  We plan to keep her around for a while.  ;D

I really like this pattern. It does run a little on the large size but I'm getting alot of mileage out of it.  It makes a great drafting block for infant's outfits. I'm thinking of making her a faux Scottish highland dress for scarby or TRF next year. I got my hands on some cute small size tartan plaid.  Hopefully by then she will be able to toddle a bit wearing her lamb backpack/harness thing.

I've also got a matching blue velvet vintage style bonnet to go with her christmas dress.  It has been getting cold and this will keep the cold air off her little head.  Besides she will look even cuter in it. :)
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Adriana Rose on December 06, 2011, 10:19:04 AM
You are lucky with a little girl, you get to make frilly dresses. With boys its pretty basic, dont get me wrong I love sewing for my son but when I get to sew for my neices I have so much fun!
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: LadyStitch on December 06, 2011, 11:01:26 AM
Simplicity 2264 is the pattern I use. There is a couple cute stuff for boys there and like I said a great block to make stuff for them.  And yes it is fun to make frilly stuff.   ;D
I'm enjoying making stuff for her.  Her classmates at day care's parents  have a fit over everything I make her.  I think that is why one of them was so appreciative of the little fleece hat I made for their son's first birthday.  The fact it was 34 degrees this morning might also have something to do with it too.   :D
Half the stuff I made her she can't fit into it yet.  Since she was so tiny to start with, and that the patterns run large makes for a bit of descrpancy.
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Adriana Rose on December 06, 2011, 11:17:00 AM
Haha thats t-shirt weather  ;D Its -2 up here right now :o
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Adriana Rose on December 07, 2011, 05:50:31 PM
Ok another question. How in the devil do you use blanket binding? Is it the same a bias tape? I need to bind the edge of a quilt and I have never used the stuff.

Help Please!
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Sitara on December 07, 2011, 07:55:30 PM
http://www.wrights.com/wrights/class/sewing/blanketbinding/blanketbinding.htm (http://www.wrights.com/wrights/class/sewing/blanketbinding/blanketbinding.htm)
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Adriana Rose on December 08, 2011, 05:57:44 PM
Thank you <3
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: LadyStitch on January 11, 2012, 12:54:37 PM
Well I got on a mundane sewing roll in the past week. Right now I'm waiting on funding so I can go do some serious shopping at Joanns. I've got some thread and other 'basics' I need to get.
In the mean time I've...
From Simplicity 2905
Made a Snoopy Valentines ruffled jumper - fabric bought for $2.50, every thing else stash
Cut out & to be sewn up a seasame street jumper- fabric bought $3.75 every thing else stash

From Simplicity 2264
Made a pastel pink with white dots cotton flannel dress- stash fabric, & trims- just bought zipper
Cut out to be sewn up -A Pink minnie mouse style pink with white poka dots dress - bought the fabric with a 50 off coupon.

From Butterick 4052 , Just need to get the right thread and the buttons on and the baby smock outfit will be done.

From Simplicity 2330, I got cut out the skirts and sleeves of a matching dress to my daughter's 'Abby' dress. Basically I'm making in a size 8 the same dress for my niece. All black and pink.  ;D
Yeah, when the baby likes watching me sew I can get ALOT done. :) As long as she is talked to she is a happy camper.
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: isabelladangelo on February 11, 2012, 06:23:42 AM
My latest project:
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7181/6855003793_b3a2bc730c.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jubileel/6855003793/)
004 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jubileel/6855003793/) by jubileel_insaneone (http://www.flickr.com/people/jubileel/), on Flickr

I needed a new apron.   ;)   The one I have is my favorite color - turquoise- but it's only a half apron.  So, after work yesterday, I ran over to Walmart and looked through their fabric collections.  I originally wanted Strawberry Shortcake fabric but I saw these and how well they coordinated (there also wasn't any Strawberry Shortcake fabric other than some fleece, grr).  The lace was stash, the gold bias trim on the pockets was also stash.   (Not sure if you can see those in the photo)   The rest took me about a half hour to get at Wally World because they don't have anyone specifically for the cutting table anymore. 
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Tammy on February 24, 2012, 12:25:14 AM
Love the apron! I have some of the pirate fabric too!

I need some assistance. I'm making a ritual robe for a dear friend, out of Simplicity pattern 9887 view B. The material is a silky feeling fabric (he bought it, so I'm not sure of the content). He also bought some black silky feeling fabric for a lining. He's hoping to add weight to the garment, and have it be reversible. The pattern says nothing about a lining, and I've never done a lining before.
I'm assuming I'll just make the lining identical to the outer robe, then turn them wrong sides together and attach them. Is this correct? Where all should I attach them? I'm thinking at the sleeve hems, neck, hood opening, across the shoulders, at the line across the chest to help hold the weight, and the bottom hem. Sound good?
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Auryn on February 24, 2012, 09:02:53 AM
Love the apron
especially the concept of having the front go all the way up.
It always seems like if I get splashed with grease its always higher up where 'standard' aprons dont go
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Elennare on February 24, 2012, 12:19:02 PM
Quote from: Tammy on February 24, 2012, 12:25:14 AM
Love the apron! I have some of the pirate fabric too!

I need some assistance. I'm making a ritual robe for a dear friend, out of Simplicity pattern 9887 view B. The material is a silky feeling fabric (he bought it, so I'm not sure of the content). He also bought some black silky feeling fabric for a lining. He's hoping to add weight to the garment, and have it be reversible. The pattern says nothing about a lining, and I've never done a lining before.
I'm assuming I'll just make the lining identical to the outer robe, then turn them wrong sides together and attach them. Is this correct? Where all should I attach them? I'm thinking at the sleeve hems, neck, hood opening, across the shoulders, at the line across the chest to help hold the weight, and the bottom hem. Sound good?

If I was going to make that reversible, without seeing the pattern pieces/instructions, this is what I would do:

Cut an "outside" and a "lining" of everything.  If there are interfacing pieces, I'd skip those.  Maybe baste the edge where it's supposed to go.

-Put the sleeves together first.  Sew the cuff end together, wrong sides together.  Turn right side out and baste the shoulder ends together.
-Hood next.  Sew the "face" edge together inside out, turn, baste the "collar" edges together.
-Assemble the 2 bodies, but don't sew them to each other yet.
-Now the tricky part starts.
-Start with the outside body.  Put the sleeves in as normal.  Sew the hood to the outside body, right sides together.  Turn this all inside out. 
-Sew the lining to the sleeves in a way that when you turn it right side out the seam edge will be inside the fabric (sorry, can't figure out how to explain this better w/o having it in front of me.)  Turn everything right side out. 
-Flip the lining up, such that you can sew the collar seam with right sides together.  Fold it back down.  I'd topstich along the collar and across the shoulder seams to help hold stuff together, but it's not necessary.
-Turn everything inside out and sew together the front edges and most of the bottom hem.  Be careful not to catch the hood or sleeves in this.  Make sure any seams you have (like the chest one) are lined up when you sew everything together.
-Turn it right side out through the hole you left in the hem.  Fold in the seam allowance and sew the hole together.
-Topstich where you think it's needed for strength and/or looks.

Keep in mind that there might be something about the pattern that this won't work for, so you may need to modify a bit.  I also have had very little formal training in sewing, so I'm sure there's all sorts of stuff "wrong" with the above, but I've done stuff like this before and it works, at least for me.  Hope it helps!
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Ms Trish on March 10, 2012, 08:06:13 AM
Figured this would be the best thread to post a question - since you guys are all so very clever! :)

I need to attach a jute webbing strap (3.5" wide) to leather and it needs to support considerable stress. The only thing I can think of myself is an industrial type stapler (which I don't have). Sewing isn't really an option as my machine can't hack it and I don't have the patience to do it by hand.  Thoughts and opinions?

Thank you kindly! :)
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: isabelladangelo on March 10, 2012, 12:00:36 PM
How much stress?  Like enough to hold your average adult?   Or enough to hold Mom's purse of stuffs? 

You probably need an awl and will end up having to do it by hand.   Your basic awl can be found at any craft store and then tend to be great later on for making eyelets in bodices.  ;-)
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Kate XXXXXX on March 11, 2012, 05:42:00 AM
And remember that for THICK leather, you can always use a craft drill and drill the stitching holes...  Far less stress on your hands, that.
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Ms Trish on March 11, 2012, 07:54:25 AM
Thank you! I'll poke around at it with those ideas in mind. I appreciate the assistance!
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Elennare on March 16, 2012, 01:46:18 PM
Hi Ladies and Gents.

I need some advice for a skirt I am planning on sewing tonight.

It's going to be more-or-less A line, but with a bit more volume, and hit a little bit above my knee.  It's also going to be 2-layered.  The top layer is going to be shorter than the bottom layer, and with a petal-style overlap/gap to let the bottom layer peek out.

My question is, how much overlap do you think I should have?  I know I've seen this style for sale, but now that I want to recreate it, I can't find any pictures.

Thanks!
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Elennare on April 03, 2012, 10:33:39 AM
Well, I got the skirt made.  If I have some spare time (ha!) I think I might take it apart and tweak it a bit before next year.  There's a little bit too much material in the back, and it ended up a couple of inches shorter than I would have liked.  Both fairly easy to fix, though.  And at the rate I'm losing weight, I'll have to take it in before I can wear it next year anyway, so I'll be pulling it apart for that.

All that said, I was still pretty happy with the result, and if it wasn't perfect, it WAS fun. :)
(http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg246/Elennare1/100MEDIA36IMAG0077.jpg)
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Auryn on April 04, 2012, 09:31:29 AM
Great job Elennare
you look super cute
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: LadyStitch on April 13, 2012, 08:00:16 AM
I've been sewing up a storm for baby stuff.  I'm also selling these on my kids clothing store. 

My MIL wanted matching dresses for all 3 of the youngest grand kids, here are 2 of the 3 dresses.
(http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n212/shanntarra/Sewing%20images/101_3938.jpg)
(http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n212/shanntarra/Sewing%20images/101_3940.jpg)
My 3.5 year old niece wanted more play clothing, so I made her a new jumper for her upcoming birthday.
(http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n212/shanntarra/Sewing%20images/101_3939.jpg)
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Elennare on April 13, 2012, 10:31:32 AM
Very cute! :)
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Elennare on July 10, 2012, 02:50:15 PM
Been a bit since this thread's seen anything, so I thought I'd show off the baby carrier I made!

Finished sewing:
(http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg246/Elennare1/IMAG0232.jpg)

And in use:
(http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg246/Elennare1/IMAG0242.jpg)

It reverses to a leafy pattern, modeled by the teddy bear (this was right after I finished sewing it, late at night after the baby had gone to sleep and I wasn't about to wake him up for a picture. :))
(http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg246/Elennare1/IMAG0231.jpg)
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: CenturiesSewing on July 10, 2012, 09:40:01 PM

Did a bit of modern sewing today, a purple knit "infinity" dress, which can be worn about 20 different ways, Just need to let the hem drop. I used this tutorial: http://sewlikemymom.com/little-red-infinity-dress-tutorial/ (http://sewlikemymom.com/little-red-infinity-dress-tutorial/) with a few tweaks.

(http://centuries-sewing.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/purpleknitdress.jpg)

Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: isabelladangelo on July 10, 2012, 09:43:36 PM
Looks lovely!  I adore the color and the drape. 
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Pinn on July 19, 2012, 07:58:33 AM
I have an issue I am hoping someone here can help me with. I am working on a double breasted vest and it gaping horribly under the arms.. If I adjust for that..it doesn't fit like it should in the front.. what am I doing wrong?

I don't have access to photos right now.
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Elennare on July 20, 2012, 11:08:21 AM
Is it for a man or a woman?  What does it do in front when you adjust for under the arms?
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Pinn on July 20, 2012, 01:49:51 PM
for a man ..if I take in the side it shortens the front... I am thinking I may have to put darts in to get the correct fit.

https://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/4483/to-get-the-right-armhole-fit-the-bodice/page/all
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: gem on July 20, 2012, 03:53:41 PM
Yes, but the happy news is that you don't have to put the darts into the final garment! You can pinch them out in the muslin, then trace the new darted shape as if the darts are not there onto your pattern/muslin/fabric, and it should fit. It will affect the shape of the armscye--it will look weird (probably L-shaped instead of a U or a J), but you won't be able to tell when it's being worn.

(This isn't mundane--or male--but that's how I finally eliminated the armscye gaping in this bodice (http://pic50.picturetrail.com/VOL417/1033223/17691164/275717822.jpg). It works best on things like vests, because you don't *also* have to adjust a sleeve to fit the new armscye.)

****
Jenn!!! Ohmigosh, you look *gorgeous!* That dress is just scrumptious. Is it rayon jersey?
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Pinn on July 21, 2012, 06:35:11 AM
 Gramercy... I had a "Douh" moment.
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Sabrina Black on September 18, 2012, 12:13:50 PM
Thought I'd get this thread going again with a few recently finished projects.  I made these for my niece's baby:

(https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/s720x720/557341_4645515424150_1611511549_n.jpg)
(https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/s720x720/539392_4645517424200_1072048183_n.jpg/img%5D%3Cbr%20/%3E%5Bimg%5Dhttps://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/s720x720/419208_4645542264821_401703095_n.jpg)
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Sabrina Black on September 18, 2012, 12:15:56 PM
Third picture didn't show up for some reason:
(https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/s720x720/419208_4645542264821_401703095_n.jpg)
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Auryn on September 18, 2012, 12:42:03 PM
super super cute, and I love the elephant
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Sabrina Black on September 18, 2012, 09:53:46 PM
Thank you!  I had a great time making them :D
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Elennare on September 20, 2012, 10:54:52 AM
Very cute!  :)
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Kate XXXXXX on September 21, 2012, 08:00:33 AM
Love the heffalump!
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Nissa on September 21, 2012, 03:31:37 PM
I've been going to a new class at the Gym called Hot Hula.  The instructor has been bringing lava-lavas for everyone to wear, but she doesn't have enough for everyone, so I'd like to make one of my own.  All the instructions I've found so far are kind of confusing- Does anyone know where I can find easy to follow instructions for a lava-lava (preferably with pictures)?

Something like this is what I have in mind: http://www.etsy.com/listing/51838664/pareo-solid-color-full-size-rayon?ref=sr_gallery_13&ga_search_query=lava-lava&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=ZZ&ga_min=0&ga_max=0&ga_search_type=all (http://www.etsy.com/listing/51838664/pareo-solid-color-full-size-rayon?ref=sr_gallery_13&ga_search_query=lava-lava&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=ZZ&ga_min=0&ga_max=0&ga_search_type=all)

Thanks!
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Trillium on September 21, 2012, 06:30:39 PM
A lava lava or sarong or pareo (just depends on island you are on) is just a long rectangle of fabric.  Get a measurement from one at your class. All you need to do is hem edges. 
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Nissa on September 22, 2012, 11:57:19 AM
Sounds simple enough.  I'll have to see if I can get to class early enough next week to get a good look at one. 
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Trillium on September 22, 2012, 01:10:07 PM
also, if you live in an area where stores are still selling bathing suits, you may be able to buy a sarong, probably on clearance  ;)
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Margaret on October 12, 2012, 06:48:36 AM
I have some 'normal' sewing to do for a party coming up. 

This.  I.  Want.  This.

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/Sweete-Ladye/Garb/grace-kelly-rear-window-edith-head-dress.jpg)
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/Sweete-Ladye/Garb/grace_kelly_as_lisa_fremont.jpg)

There is a Vogue pattern there that I can do this out of (V1172).  I am just wonderin how much tulle I will need to get to make the skirt go "poof" or should I make a crinoline as well.

I think I am voting for making a crinoline, but I'd like some feedback.
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: isabelladangelo on October 12, 2012, 07:10:42 AM
The skirt looks like silk organza over a satin layer.  Beneath that, you'd want a petticoat that has a thin layer of tulle around the waist but doubles up around the hem, broomstick skirt style.  This will allow you to cut down on yardages.  Also, Double up the bottom layer of the tulle petticoat for fullness.  Something like this (http://www.buyweddingdressesonline.com/petticoats/5724-free-shipping-nylon-and-tulle-three-tier-floor-length-a-line-wedding-petticoat-with-lace-hemline-accents-wedding-petticoats-wedding-accessories-pt-0009.html) but shorter.
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Margaret on October 12, 2012, 07:50:36 AM
According to the website Clothes on Film, it's a "Full skirt to mid-calf, gathered and layered in chiffon and tulle, spray branch pattern on the hip, narrow black patent leather belt, nipped in waist."

It never states what is under it.

Material wise, I am going to have to go with what I can afford and still get a smiliar look.

There is a Simplicity pattern I can get for a petticoat too, so I will be nabbing that along with the Vogue.
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: PollyPoPo on October 12, 2012, 12:29:21 PM
For the Grace Kelly look - we used what were called can-can slips. 

There was an elastic waist, a small section of 1 or 2 layers of tulle, then multiple layers of tulle dropped from about 4-5 inches from the natural waistline.  To get a fuller circle at the bottom, the layers could be tiered, but the overall look on the outside is a smooth skirt fluffed out at the bottom. 

The more layers of tulle, the larger the fluff at the bottom.  The tulle was very stiff (after it was washed, had to starch and iron it to get crisp feel and volume back).  A separate slip was worn underneath the can-can; a real pain in the @#! without the underslip. 

The tulle in stores nowadays does not seem to have the same stiffness.  Perhaps this is because it was extremely uncomfortable to wear those dresses for long (try sitting in one during the school day!).  You might try experimenting with heavy starching to get the crispness. 

I've seen some dresses with tulle sewn in, but these were basically one-time-wear only because any washing or dry cleaning softened the crisp tulle. 
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Dinobabe on October 22, 2012, 10:20:05 AM
Quote from: PollyPoPo on October 12, 2012, 12:29:21 PM
I've seen some dresses with tulle sewn in, but these were basically one-time-wear only because any washing or dry cleaning softened the crisp tulle. 

One-time-wear dress... wow. :P
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Rowan MacD on October 22, 2012, 01:07:48 PM
Quote from: PollyPoPo on October 12, 2012, 12:29:21 PM
For the Grace Kelly look - we used what were called can-can slips. 

There was an elastic waist, a small section of 1 or 2 layers of tulle, then multiple layers of tulle dropped from about 4-5 inches from the natural waistline.  To get a fuller circle at the bottom, the layers could be tiered, but the overall look on the outside is a smooth skirt fluffed out at the bottom. 

The more layers of tulle, the larger the fluff at the bottom.  The tulle was very stiff (after it was washed, had to starch and iron it to get crisp feel and volume back).  A separate slip was worn underneath the can-can; a real pain in the @#! without the underslip. 

The tulle in stores nowadays does not seem to have the same stiffness.  Perhaps this is because it was extremely uncomfortable to wear those dresses for long (try sitting in one during the school day!).  You might try experimenting with heavy starching to get the crispness. 
I've been finding a few of these stiff tulle crinolines at thrift shops lately.  I picked one up last year for $5.00 in the wedding section.
   It has an elastic/drawstring waistband with a 6" smooth, fitted  nylon drop over the hips. The fullness of the netting started about hip bone level (more or less) and ended very full (though not as amny layers as the can-can).  It's about 8 layers of mega stiff tulle sewn over a full, nylon inner slip, to keep the scratchy stuff off your legs.
  It definitely goes poof, and seems to be pretty much crush proof.
How much 'lift' you get will depend on the lightness of the overskirt material. 
  I found it on a hanger with a floor length light satin petticoat and lace overskirt, but the slip actually comes to mid calf, so I'm not sure if it came with that dress.
   I don't think I could buy the materials for $5.00 so it was a decent deal. 
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Kate XXXXXX on October 22, 2012, 01:52:57 PM
You need an Alice Lon style petticoat: one layer of dress net, but the hem is 48 yards!

(http://www.pettipond.com/lon3.jpg)

For how to make: http://www.pettipond.com/lon.htm

Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Auryn on October 22, 2012, 01:59:26 PM
I made that style petticoat a few months ago.
All I can say is Praise the heavens I have a fantastic ruffling foot on my old Singer 15
It took FOREVER to ruffle the trim and then to gather everything.

I should have taken a picture of my large drafting table work area when I made it. It was like the material was eating the table.

I ended up using chiffon because all the netting and tulle that I found was a pain to sew and way too itchy for my taste- but then again I live in Florida so the likelyhood of me wearing a slip under the petticoat with everything else on top is 0
You can sort of see it here- this was the end of the night and I had lost most of my own poof but the petticoat was holding up nicely. Just for reference, the purple skirt normally hangs straight down. This was 2 layers of petticoat- 4 layers at the bottom edge.
https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/148902_443838138962632_1195813555_n.jpg

I used a drawstring waist band, mainly because I just don't like elastic much, we don't get along.
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Adriana Rose on October 24, 2012, 08:58:49 PM
im thinking of doing a pyscobilly style poodle skirt. Im thinking a purple skirt (because thats whats in the ol' stash) and a neon green skull.. Any other ideas?
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Mlle de Carcassonne on January 28, 2013, 07:08:31 PM
Does anyone know if you can apply rivets with a grommet tool?
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Butch on January 28, 2013, 08:49:01 PM
Quote from: Mlle de Carcassonne on January 28, 2013, 07:08:31 PM
Does anyone know if you can apply rivets with a grommet tool?
I'm gonna say probably not.  Usually a grommet tool has both the anvil and the top with a centering dimple.  Most rivets are flat on top, and may or may not have a hole on the bottom.  You may be able to just use two hard, flat surfaces.
Give it a try with some spare rivets and some extra cloth.  Your grommet setter may work!
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Kate XXXXXX on June 28, 2013, 12:32:55 PM
The Prom Frock Saga!  http://katexxxxxx.livejournal.com/172098.html (http://katexxxxxx.livejournal.com/172098.html)

This is about as mundane as our sewing gets...   ;D
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: LadyStitch on July 03, 2013, 04:48:59 PM
Last week I tried something new.  A REALLY nice older gentleman was in the fabric store trying to find someone who would listen to him about the cushion he wanted made for his motorized scooter. The clerks didn't know anything about working with Marine Vinyl.   Since my DH does foam, and I know how to work with Vinyl, we offered to help him out.  We told him it was the first time we had attempted upholstery items.  It actually didn't turn out half bad. It still looked a bit too imperfect to be store bought but it turned out really nice.  Sadly this may have given the PP ideas for new projects for me to do.  I swear I learn something new and I get more projects added. :)
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: isabelladangelo on August 16, 2013, 04:26:05 PM
Bumping this tread a bit

(http://u1.ipernity.com/35/12/37/25381237.a28f2949.500.jpg?r1) (http://www.ipernity.com/doc/jubileel/25381237)
DSC03620 (http://www.ipernity.com/doc/jubileel/25381237) par Isabella (http://www.ipernity.com/home/jubileel), on ipernity

(http://u1.ipernity.com/35/12/43/25381243.e84ae9ce.500.jpg?r1) (http://www.ipernity.com/doc/jubileel/25381243)
DSC03621 (http://www.ipernity.com/doc/jubileel/25381243) par Isabella (http://www.ipernity.com/home/jubileel), on ipernity

My new fall jacket!  I took two larger velvet blouses I bought at the thrift store to make something that would fit over some of my thinner sweaters in the fall.  I fell in love with the cut out black velvet but the original shirt was...boxy.  And therefore ugly.   ;D  So, I found another velvet one that matched the highlights in the black velvet, pieced them together to create a fun hoodie jacket for fall.  It is only a month away!
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: LadyStitch on September 10, 2013, 02:10:24 PM
I am working on another theater show, Werewolf of London.  I am having fun playing in the 1880's-90's.  I am trying to be good when it comes to my budget.  When it is 7 yards per ladies skirt I am saving pennies where ever I can.  So far I have re-purposed a cream white with black velvet trim  skirt, and I am using 2 pieces of fabric from my stash.  I have also found several nice dresses that have been hiding in the back of the costume cave because they needed some repair work.  After an after noon of hand stitching and repairs I have 4 beautiful dresses ready to go. 

I will post pictures of the gowns when I finish them. Keep your fingers cross this works.
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: LadyStitch on September 23, 2013, 01:50:15 PM
Well here is one of my gowns. The white skirt is actually a skirt that had been tossed aside because the waist band was bad.  I removed the waist band, and rebustled it onto a wide black waist band. The bolero jacket has 3/4" grosgrain ribbon trim.  The green is actually a sleeveless under-dress that has a pleated waist and 180" hem. People kept telling me the dress would be beautiful with out the skirt but I think you need it all.  She has a black hat and earrings to go with it.

(http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n212/shanntarra/Sewing%20images/8019af45-351c-454f-ab39-1326151f1dea_zpsb75384fb.jpg)(http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n212/shanntarra/Sewing%20images/b20aaaa4-468f-4a87-849c-1302f892ea39_zps00124b2f.jpg)
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Kate XXXXXX on September 27, 2013, 04:21:45 PM
This is about as mundane as it gets round this neck of the woods!  The photo shoot took place at Scotney Castle (http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/scotney-castle/ (http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/scotney-castle/)).  The photographer was John Phipp (my talented nephew), and the models are his fiance, his mum (my sister!), and a recent prom frock customer!

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/1235103_599987293380714_1312279885_n.jpg)  (https://scontent-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/1236190_599987296714047_907140062_n.jpg)

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/1069421_599987330047377_1493823814_n.jpg)  (https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/1382356_599987523380691_2147024677_n.jpg)

(https://scontent-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/1380667_599987486714028_1824767676_n.jpg)  (https://scontent-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/1381769_599987520047358_806632779_n.jpg)

Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: isabelladangelo on September 27, 2013, 09:11:47 PM
Cute, Kate!

Not really mundane but not Renn related at all either so....

(http://u1.ipernity.com/37/89/15/26788915.0dde1d18.500.jpg?r1) (http://www.ipernity.com/doc/jubileel/26788915)
DSC04351 (http://www.ipernity.com/doc/jubileel/26788915) par Isabella (http://www.ipernity.com/home/jubileel), on ipernity

My 1920's party dress I just finished.  :-)  It needs a good iron but other than that, it's done.  I also made period correct 1920's undies (combinations and a brassiere) to go with it so I'll have something of the correct silhouette, I hope!
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Kate XXXXXX on September 28, 2013, 02:20:34 AM
Wish we had 'like' buttons on here!

Dipping into fantasy, the Victorian era, and the 1940's nest!  Hopwe I get time to do the 40's undies...
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: isabelladangelo on September 28, 2013, 01:31:24 PM
Which part of the Victorian?   I'm supposed to be working on my 1863 wardrobe.  ....   I might be done in time in November!  Can't wait to see the 40's!   
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Kate XXXXXX on September 28, 2013, 01:44:59 PM
Generic 'Victorian' steampunk frock coat and waistcoat for a gent of heroic proportions!

40's is for the UK Freeforms run of Cassablanca in February, but we want stuff to display at both the National Living History Fayre and Gothic Consequences (free-form games convention) in November.  I need to make one of my three Cassablanca outfits.  I have a suit, a summer frock, and a ball gown to make!


Customer projects also for November include three fantasy outfits for a shopping mall Christmas Grotto, the Victorian gent, and a Mock Kirtle and Elizabethan shift!  And Su needs a black and silver Mock Kirtle, a gold one, and her 1940's ball gown, all for Consequences games!

I think we may be a LEEEEETLE busy!
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: LadyStitch on September 30, 2013, 01:01:25 PM
I've got my puppet sized Jack Harkness coat I am finishing up.  I have the Morticia drag dress I am doing for a client for Halloween, a Hermione outfit for my daughter for Halloween, AND put the trim on the fuzzlet's  new pirate outfit in time for pirate weekend at TRF.  Oh and somewhere in there put the finishing touches on the Captain Mal puppet outfit for my husband, and make new winter outfits for my daughter, and her christmas dress.  I flat told the hubby NO MORE sewing projects unless they are mine until I say other wise.
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Kate XXXXXX on September 30, 2013, 01:40:44 PM
The two-and-a-half day suit I made for my nephew's wedding last Wednesday:

(http://assets.burdastyle.com/project_images/assets/000/345/047/IMG_7752_large.jpg?1380566004)  (http://assets.burdastyle.com/project_images/assets/000/345/048/IMG_7753_large.jpg?1380566034)

This was my total bargain fabric from Hudderfield cloth, down to £19.95 per meter rather than £134.95!
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: gypsylakat on October 03, 2013, 10:28:08 AM
My guy loves the movie Elf and we've been kidding about a Buddy the Elf costume for about a year. He just volunteered to be Buddy for an event my mom is doing next month. All of the costumes I've found so far SUCK.
So I have Simplicity 4059
(http://images.patternreview.com/sewing/patterns/simplicity/4059/4059.jpg)
And I'm thinking if I draft in a curve at the front and attach the sleeves it might look relatively right once I add fur to the cuff and sleeve.... and draft out the peplum thing on the arm Thoughts? Is there an easier way to do this? A better pattern?
For reference:
(http://www.zillowblog.com/files/2010/12/Elf.jpg)
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: isabelladangelo on October 03, 2013, 11:03:39 AM
http://www.ebay.com/itm/SIMPLICITY-COSTUME-4393-Pattern-Unisex-Mr-Mrs-CLAUS-ELF-OLD-WORLD-SANTA-Xs-S-M/370905686123?rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.m1851&_trkparms=aid%3D222002%26algo%3DSIC.FIT%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D261%26meid%3D1725135271013426581%26pid%3D100005%26prg%3D1088%26rk%3D2%26rkt%3D5%26sd%3D131009191576%26 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/SIMPLICITY-COSTUME-4393-Pattern-Unisex-Mr-Mrs-CLAUS-ELF-OLD-WORLD-SANTA-Xs-S-M/370905686123?rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.m1851&_trkparms=aid%3D222002%26algo%3DSIC.FIT%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D261%26meid%3D1725135271013426581%26pid%3D100005%26prg%3D1088%26rk%3D2%26rkt%3D5%26sd%3D131009191576%26)

Buy the above and use the "old fashioned" Santa coat - just curve the bottom. 
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: gem on October 03, 2013, 12:49:42 PM
The pattern Isabella linked to is still in print; you ought to be able to find it at JoAnn/etc.

The biggest problem I see with S4059 is that the sleeves aren't set in; they're meant to tie on, which means I'm not sure if they're drafted to fit the armscye of the doublet fully, like you'd want for Buddy. 4059 also has no collar, so you'd have to draft that yourself, too.

S4393 uses the same pieces for the elf costume and the Santa view, so it would be easy to adapt the longer Santa coat to get the Buddy look.

IMO, after studying Buddy's costume, I think the most important elements are getting the fabric right (a really nice quality real wool felt--which is $$$), and that machine-embroidered trim around the front.

Good luck!! 

Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: gypsylakat on October 07, 2013, 08:50:47 AM
I actually looked at 4393 when I was in the store, but my brain didn't click over to the long santa coat..
http://sewing.patternreview.com/review/pattern/33440 (http://sewing.patternreview.com/review/pattern/33440)
that review shows someone actually using it as the buddy costume, fixing one of my main issues with the pattern- she used a zipper to get rid of the overlapping front closure...
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: isabelladangelo on October 07, 2013, 08:53:57 AM
Quote from: gypsylakat on October 07, 2013, 08:50:47 AM
I actually looked at 4393 when I was in the store, but my brain didn't click over to the long santa coat..
http://sewing.patternreview.com/review/pattern/33440 (http://sewing.patternreview.com/review/pattern/33440)
that review shows someone actually using it as the buddy costume, fixing one of my main issues with the pattern- she used a zipper to get rid of the overlapping front closure...


....Why wouldn't you just take an inch off either side of the front and use a regular hook and eye at the waist?   
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: gem on October 07, 2013, 12:55:33 PM
Here is the quote from the review:

QuoteThere is a front band that is attached to the front to button the jacket closed. I did not use this band. I added double folded bias tape on all of the edges of the jacket and attached a zipper to the front of the jacket.

Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Elennare on October 25, 2013, 10:36:41 AM
I need some help with modifying a pattern.  Hubby wants to be a jedi for Halloween.  He particularly wants to be a jedi wearing one of the big robes.  So, we're making him one.  Following the pattern here: http://www.rebellegion.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=36267&sid=f1ac81a055e3147b11e7d41a5a9307a7 (http://www.rebellegion.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=36267&sid=f1ac81a055e3147b11e7d41a5a9307a7)

The problem?  The fabric store didn't have enough of the fabric, so he had to go to a second store, where they had enough to make up the balance, but not all in one go.  So, we have a 2-yard piece, a 3-yard piece, and a 6-yard piece.

Obviously, we can't follow the pattern as presented given the fabric we've got to work with.  Trying to avoid funky seams, I'm thinking our best bet is going to be to make the sleeve separate pieces and hide (at least most of) the seams in the shoulder tucks.  Here's my question, though.  Where and how to cut the pattern to accomplish this?  I've done lots of pattern modifying and splicing, but I've not yet tried to create an arm scythe from basically scratch.

Any help is GREATLY appreciated, especially since Halloween is less than a week away and we don't have a lot of time to sew... :)
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: isabelladangelo on October 26, 2013, 11:51:39 AM
I'm not sure why you would need 6 yards for a robe like that to begin with.  I make my Turkish robes - very similar in style- out of 3 yards.  Unless your belt size and height are within a few inches of each other, there is no reason for 6 yards of a 45" - 60" width material.   

You can see my pattern for a Turkish coat here:  http://isabelladangelo.webs.com/turkishcoat.htm (http://isabelladangelo.webs.com/turkishcoat.htm)

Rather than a gore as I have in my pattern, just extend the robe length to the other edge and don't include a waist.  Cut 2 of the robe - one on the fold, one not.  That should be a bit over 3 yards, maybe.  Use the excess to make up the hood.  You could also use a generic t -tunic pattern, just leaving it open at the front. 
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Elennare on October 28, 2013, 12:12:21 PM
Not having had a chance to mess around with it, my guess as to the reason for all the material is that it's a VERY full robe, with giant sleeves that are cut in one piece with the body.  There is also a tuck at each shoulder that is 5" deep in addition to the length.  Given that hubby is right around 6' tall, and wing-span is roughly equal to height, that would make 6' + 30", so 8' 6", call it 3 yards with seam allowances thrown in.  Double that, cuz he'd need the whole 60" width for the height...except, it's done with fold along the shoulder "seam" and the actual seam down the back...so, ~12' in one piece, 4 yards, doubled cuz there's 2 sides, which makes 8 yards max.  Yeah, I have no idea how the guy used 10 yards of material.

I think your Turkish coat is more fitted than what we're trying to make, but your pattern isn't showing right for me.  I strongly suspect it's cuz I'm on my work computer right now.  I'll take another look at it when I get home.  Thanks for the suggestion!

I'll have to play around with it some more, but if hubby's willing to live with seams down the arms (he might not be, because he want's it to be pretty movie-accurate), we might be able to do this in just the 6 yard piece.  Heck, we might be able to fit it on there anyway, if we play around with it a bit.  Dude making the pattern used 1" seam allowances, which he then trimmed way down, for some odd reason.
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Elennare on October 28, 2013, 01:16:33 PM
Also...the only sewing I'm actually likely to get done any time soon...
The little boy's Halloween costume:
(http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg246/Elennare1/20131027_135047_1_zps0555a854.jpg) (http://s250.photobucket.com/user/Elennare1/media/20131027_135047_1_zps0555a854.jpg.html)
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: isabelladangelo on October 28, 2013, 01:20:24 PM
Quote from: Elennare on October 28, 2013, 12:12:21 PM
Not having had a chance to mess around with it, my guess as to the reason for all the material is that it's a VERY full robe, with giant sleeves that are cut in one piece with the body.  There is also a tuck at each shoulder that is 5" deep in addition to the length.  Given that hubby is right around 6' tall, and wing-span is roughly equal to height, that would make 6' + 30", so 8' 6", call it 3 yards with seam allowances thrown in.  Double that, cuz he'd need the whole 60" width for the height...except, it's done with fold along the shoulder "seam" and the actual seam down the back...so, ~12' in one piece, 4 yards, doubled cuz there's 2 sides, which makes 8 yards max.  Yeah, I have no idea how the guy used 10 yards of material.

I think your Turkish coat is more fitted than what we're trying to make, but your pattern isn't showing right for me.  I strongly suspect it's cuz I'm on my work computer right now.  I'll take another look at it when I get home.  Thanks for the suggestion!

I'll have to play around with it some more, but if hubby's willing to live with seams down the arms (he might not be, because he want's it to be pretty movie-accurate), we might be able to do this in just the 6 yard piece.  Heck, we might be able to fit it on there anyway, if we play around with it a bit.  Dude making the pattern used 1" seam allowances, which he then trimmed way down, for some odd reason.

http://padawansguide.com/ben.shtml (http://padawansguide.com/ben.shtml)

There is a seam on the original at the armscye.   So, big trapezoid for the body, two smaller ones for the sleeves, and 2 big squares for the hood. 
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: isabelladangelo on November 01, 2013, 04:55:52 AM
(http://u1.ipernity.com/39/23/85/27752385.76899cbe.500.jpg) (http://www.ipernity.com/doc/jubileel/27752385)
par Isabella (http://www.ipernity.com/home/jubileel), on ipernity

Two of "da nephews".  :-)  Or Link (I'm Zelda, I'm told) and the yellow butterfly.  I made both outfits (and the one year old's who did NOT want to pose) out of fleece for warmth.  It's typically cold on Halloween around DC.  The five year old declared he wanted to be Link - no problem!   T-Tunic and a nightcap hat coming right up!  The 3 year old, however, was insistent on being a yellow butterfly.   

(http://u1.ipernity.com/38/60/59/27636059.7c1bc0fc.500.jpg) (http://www.ipernity.com/doc/jubileel/27636059)
Butterfly (http://www.ipernity.com/doc/jubileel/27636059) par Isabella (http://www.ipernity.com/home/jubileel), on ipernity

Slightly better detail of the butterfly cape.  When I gave him his butterfly cape, he ran around the house with it on yelling "Butterfly!" over and over again.  It was really funny.  The cape is yellow satin in between two layers of black fleece. 

Can't wait until they tell me what they want to be next year!
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: PollyPoPo on November 01, 2013, 07:18:06 AM
THE NEWEST SUPER HERO!  BUTTERFLY BOY!

He overpowers women with his dimpled smile and smashes the bad guys by smearing them with finger foods.

They are both adorable.
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: isabelladangelo on November 01, 2013, 11:15:03 AM
Lol!   Thanks!   Butterfly boy's nickname is the Destroyer.  If you need something broken, just give it to him.   It's why my brother and I found it so hilarious that he wanted to be a butterfly for Halloween.  (All the boys love going to the museum to see the live butterfly exhibit so we are pretty sure that's where he got the idea)  I think he's Mothra's child and will be going after Godzilla next.   ;-)
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Rani Zemirah on November 06, 2013, 12:01:00 AM
Oh, how cute!  :)
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: isabelladangelo on November 15, 2013, 10:12:00 PM
(http://u1.ipernity.com/39/54/69/28205469.4075616b.500.jpg) (http://www.ipernity.com/doc/jubileel/28205469)
DSC03243 (http://www.ipernity.com/doc/jubileel/28205469) par Isabella (http://www.ipernity.com/home/jubileel), on ipernity

It's not really mundane - it's for the 150th Anniversary at Gettysburg next weekend - but it's definitely not Renn either. 
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Mlle de Carcassonne on December 14, 2013, 07:27:49 PM
Could anyone help with a problem that's arisen a couple of times for me? When I've tried to make a dress or a top that is a bit low cut, and have used thick fabrics like denim or stretch sateen, the garment ends up with a significant gap between me and the garment around the neck area. Is it just because I've used such stiff fabrics?
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: isabelladangelo on December 15, 2013, 06:29:46 AM
If you cut the front too deep, what you are really doing is messing with the integrity of the shoulder straps.  Make a mock up of the dress/top out of duck cloth.  Pin it together at the sides (to the waist) and shoulders.  From there, you can "pinch" the duck cloth until you get the desired shape.   -You probably need to pinch it right at the shoulder join on the inside.  Once you are satisfied, cut off any excess and use the duck cloth as your pattern. 
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Lady Kathleen of Olmsted on January 15, 2014, 10:57:39 PM
The first of 2 dresses I am making for myself for various occasions. based on my current set of measurements, I cut out a Size 16, rather than the 20 to 22 I was used to when I was almost 50 pounds heavier. I am down 48 since June.

(https://scontent-a-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/1505410_10152153738066280_1343440759_n.jpg)

The fabric is a Black Knit with a floral design in Red sparkles. The fabric was an impulse buy at Hancock Fabrics last week when I was there to buy Blood Red Velveteen for 70% off for a new Elizabethan gown. I saw the fabric and it jumped out at me. I would have regretted not buying any for a dress.

the pattern I used for this dress was NEW LOOK 6305
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Rani Zemirah on January 15, 2014, 11:00:54 PM
Congratulations, LadyK!  How exciting!  And that is an absolutely lovely frock!  I have no doubt that you are going to rock it wherever you decide to wear it!  ;) 
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: LadyStitch on January 21, 2014, 02:05:24 PM
The PP got me some Truly Victorian Patterns and my brother got me a $50 gift cert to Joanns.  I have already made one 1880's Petticoat and I am not about to embark on making the next most complicated outfit I have ever made in my life.  I made the mistake of thinking I needed more of a challange.  Next time, tell me to keep my mouth shut.  The way I see it when I am done I will have a lovely 1880's victorian gown to wear to dickens fest and to the new years victorian ball next year.  Wish me luck. :)
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Kate XXXXXX on February 01, 2014, 03:38:49 AM
Congrats on the weight loss, Lady K!  (I seem to be going in the other direction...   :'( )

Progress on a couple of personal projects, and about as mundane as it get round here!

Rocking the 1940's!  Toiles for the ball gown and day dress for the Cafe Cassablanca game.  Both drafted from pictures.

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/t1/q80/s720x720/1800444_505964636183647_927179842_n.jpg)  (https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/t1/q79/s720x720/150277_505965056183605_2106534647_n.jpg)

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/t1/q71/s720x720/1798649_506485392798238_229080456_n.jpg)

And the suit...  For once using a commercial pattern!  This tome a Vintage Vogue one.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/t1/q89/s720x720/1491594_652244204821689_1711202445_n.jpg
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Lady Kathleen of Olmsted on February 01, 2014, 10:19:26 AM
You look great, Kate. As does your latest project.

I have been doing the Weight Watchers 360 program and the Simple Start recipies. I weigh in every week and stay for the meetings. I still have at least 13 pounds I want to lose to give me leeway for when I have times I may not get to a meeting.
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: isabelladangelo on February 15, 2014, 01:41:41 PM
Another not so mundane but proves I have been sewing project:

(http://u1.ipernity.com/41/27/55/30432755.2e55cf33.500.jpg) (http://www.ipernity.com/doc/jubileel/30432755)
IMG 0318 (http://www.ipernity.com/doc/jubileel/30432755) par Isabella (http://www.ipernity.com/home/jubileel), on ipernity

My latest Regency gown.  This one is loosely based off of one in a museum.   Tons more at my blog:
http://isabelladangelo.blogspot.com/2014/02/historical-sew-fortnightly-14-challenge.html (http://isabelladangelo.blogspot.com/2014/02/historical-sew-fortnightly-14-challenge.html)
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Epona on February 27, 2014, 02:01:14 AM
How do you guys make holes for the grommets? Last time I did it it involved an awl, scissors, a pocket knife, and strong language, and needless to say it was NOT pretty.  :o
Tips on how to make nice, consistent same sized holes would be appreciated. My next project is going to involve at least 34 grommets (very well might end up closer to 50), so I'd like it to be less of a battle and about 58x more efficient.
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Pinn on February 27, 2014, 06:49:42 AM
I have a punch that I purchased from Tandy Leather.
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: isabelladangelo on February 27, 2014, 08:13:59 AM
I don't use grommets in the vast majority of my outfits - our ancestors didn't use them until the 1820's.   Even then, hand sewn eyelets were still quite common.   Actually, I can't recall a dress that used grommets - only corsets.

Anyway, to create a hole in the fabric for eyelets, I do use a very sharp awl made of bone or a hole puncher depending on if I can find the stupid awl because I'm always loosing the thing the weave of the fabric.  It's going to be harder going through a twill than an organza.   Although the eyelet tool you get at Joanns isn't good for actually setting those cheap grommets, it is pretty decent at punching the hole.
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Rowan MacD on February 27, 2014, 01:57:42 PM
   An additional benefit to using hand bound eyelets:  They are not only harder to spot, but they are very forgiving of different sized aglets. 

  If you have a lacing cord with a decorative aglet on it, you may find the hand set metal grommets can go on kind of wonky, no matter how careful you are.
   If the grommet size is very close to the aglet size, even a slight distortion of the hole will stop you from passing the aglet through it, and much cursing ensues while you search for a rat tail file to even out the hole.   Hand set metal grommets also tend to have rough edges inside which will eventually saw through the laces.   
   Machine set grommets are a bit better, but unless you do this a lot, you probably don't want to invest in a machine.   Lady K sends her grommet projects to a shoemaker to set them.


As for the original question: I use a rotary type belt punch-the kind that look like pliers. If the punch tube is sharp-it will cut fabric like butter.
  You can also use a smooth awl (I use a stainless steel one) to start the hole, then I use increasing sizes of knitting needles to enlarge them to the desired size.   I use the same technique for hand bound eyelets.
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: isabelladangelo on May 20, 2014, 02:20:38 PM
(http://u1.ipernity.com/42/88/37/32748837.23bdfbee.500.jpg) (http://www.ipernity.com/doc/jubileel/32748837)
Downton 321 (http://www.ipernity.com/doc/jubileel/32748837) par Isabella (http://www.ipernity.com/home/jubileel), on ipernity

Okay, so this isn't exactly Mundane....  My latest 1920's dress. 
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: arbcoind on May 20, 2014, 06:02:13 PM
Wow!  You remind me of photographs of my grandmother when she was a young woman.  She was born in 1910. 

Gina
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Rowan MacD on May 21, 2014, 10:56:29 AM
  Loving it!  It just begs for a Cloche; or one of these..
http://www.etsy.com/listing/161069794/antique-french-real-1920-s-straw-hat-for (http://www.etsy.com/listing/161069794/antique-french-real-1920-s-straw-hat-for)
  *le sigh*  ^_^
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: isabelladangelo on May 21, 2014, 11:48:22 AM
Thank you, Gina!  The car is from 1927.  I was trying to go for about 1924 or so.   

Thanks, Rowen.   I can't wear the cloches - I have too much hair.   :D  I did mine up in a very 1920's style though - think Princess Leia but with braids.  Not all ladies bobbed their hair.   ;)
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Lady Kathleen of Olmsted on May 21, 2014, 12:24:43 PM
The csr and you look wonderful together, Isabella.
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: isabelladangelo on May 22, 2014, 09:14:04 PM
Thank you, Lady Kathleen!
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Rani Zemirah on May 22, 2014, 10:52:38 PM
Oh, my goodness!  What a beast that car is... so HUGE!  It's easy to forget that the really nice cars used to be made on such a massive scale... and how really roomy they were, also! 

Isabelle, you look lovely in your sweet little spring frock!  I do agree about the hat, although maybe something with a bit more room for your tresses.  The cloche is one of my very favorite styles of hat, though... so flattering!  I think this one on the top left hand side would be pretty with it, as well, though... since you look like you're on your way to a garden party!  :)  Of course, the parasol adds just the perfect touch without a hat.   

(http://www.artdecosociety.org/gatsby/images_htg/20-30s_hats.jpg)
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: isabelladangelo on June 17, 2014, 12:40:53 AM
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--3evdt3RRDI/U58UHgdz6MI/AAAAAAAAfh8/jfgIG_RDstM/s1600/14409038826_492379a5c0_o.jpg)

My latest creation - 1860's Civil War summer dress.  The skirt kept riding up because I didn't make it completely h/a - which would have had the nice deep hem and kept the stupid thing from riding up!   Gah!   Oh well - lesson learned.  :-)
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Rani Zemirah on June 17, 2014, 12:50:42 AM
It's stunning, though!  How absolutely lovely!  Definitely a very flattering look for you, also...  :) 
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: gem on June 17, 2014, 02:24:36 PM
That candy-stripe pink is seriously the cutest thing ever.
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: isabelladangelo on June 19, 2014, 10:42:46 AM
Thanks Rani & Gem!  I was surprised by how many people liked this relatively simple outfit.   I think the pink stipy skirt might become an overskirt in the future - with a very lacy petticoat beneath the skirt to show off.  ;-)
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Rani Zemirah on June 20, 2014, 07:04:10 PM
Oh, that sounds like fun! 
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: isabelladangelo on July 18, 2014, 10:34:37 PM
(http://u1.ipernity.com/44/13/05/33881305.b7b4bb22.500.jpg) (http://www.ipernity.com/doc/jubileel/33881305)
photo(3) (http://www.ipernity.com/doc/jubileel/33881305) par Isabella (http://www.ipernity.com/home/jubileel), on ipernity

I'm wearing the cardigan/shrug right now but not with that dress.  I made both for work.  The aqua dress beneath the teal shrug is sleeveless- making it perfect for summer.   It was super comfortable with a pink shrug over it.    Perfect for the crazy train ride to NYC.
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Elennare on July 25, 2014, 12:26:27 PM
I have been very busy with life lately, and haven't had much time to do anything fun.  Today is dress up day at school for my oldest, though...

Last night my husband and I were trying to figure out what he should wear.  Halloween costume is probably too small...oh, he has a cloak!  And here's a fun hat that will probably fit him!  At which point, husband turns to me and says, "how hard is it to make a tabard?"

3 hours later...
(http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg246/Elennare1/Mobile%20Uploads/20140725_010929_zpseelyi5ng.jpg) (http://s250.photobucket.com/user/Elennare1/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20140725_010929_zpseelyi5ng.jpg.html)
(http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg246/Elennare1/20140725_090118_zpsty0be34j.jpg) (http://s250.photobucket.com/user/Elennare1/media/20140725_090118_zpsty0be34j.jpg.html)

:)
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: gem on July 25, 2014, 12:28:39 PM
Dude--that's AWESOME!! I've wanted to make one for my FIL. Your son looks very dashing!
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Elennare on July 25, 2014, 12:41:53 PM
Thank you!

After seeing him in it this morning, I've concluded that we are now required to make a trip to the Faire this year.  :)
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: gypsylakat on August 19, 2014, 09:15:20 AM
So, I never did post an update after making that buddy the elf costume last year. We ran into a lot of issues because he lost a ton of weight between measuring to purchase the pattern and actually sewing the project- PLUS the whole issue of this being a santa costume so it's made for some extra cushion. I think I ended up taking in like 10 inches total- Definitely should have just gone down a size or two but eh.

I learned that zippers are hard and furry type fabrics get EVERYWHERE.

(http://i.imgur.com/AnXBL1Y.jpg)
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Butch on September 04, 2014, 08:31:31 PM
Making a "Bog Jacket" right now.  Just got tickets for Sunday's Chiefs game, and tail gating starts around 0800.  The forecast is for the 50s, so something quick and easy!  Got some Chiefs fleece, and should have it done tonight or tomorrow.
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: isabelladangelo on October 29, 2014, 09:35:08 PM
Okay so this isn't the least bit mundane but it's not Renaissance/Medieval/Fantasy either so....

(http://cdn.ipernity.com/146/39/49/35683949.a04e580e.500.jpg) (http://www.ipernity.com/doc/jubileel/35683949)
DSC05241 (http://www.ipernity.com/doc/jubileel/35683949) par Isabella (http://www.ipernity.com/home/jubileel), on ipernity

I'm still working on it.  It's a natural form (1879) outfit for Halloween.  :-) 
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: isabelladangelo on November 15, 2014, 09:10:50 PM
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4n-cGfDOcDg/VGgOUB2RbOI/AAAAAAAAikE/FubJib5nWe4/s1600/DSC05831.JPG)  Mom's new Regency Era dress I made her.  :-)
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: LadyStitch on April 30, 2015, 09:42:51 AM
I've been stuck in a rut for a couple months then out of the blue I suddenly started getting projects done left and right.  Here are the three latest ones.  They are not Ren faire so I am posting them here. 

The lobster tail bustle- I plan to change out the rigaline boning for steel soon as I can afford to place the order.  I am just got getting the "oomph" out of it I want.  The skirts and petticoats are cotton and even just those two layers are weighing it down.  Steel is the next step, and a bustle pad. :)
(http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n212/shanntarra/002_zpsyjupzujj.jpg)

New Petticoat to go over the bustle.  I didn't do the decorative tucks on the back, but I think it turned out well.
(http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n212/shanntarra/003_zpsiwrpysba.jpg)

Here is the underskirt for the gown I am doing.  There isn't a waist band on it yet, and it isn't hemed. ( I am in the middle of loosing weight and don't want to make the waist band just yet.) But I think you can see why I said I think I need steel and a bustle pad for the dress to give it more Ooomph!.   I haven't even added the draped, and decorated over skirt yet. It will be cotton too but it is still pushing it down.
(http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n212/shanntarra/005_zpsm9dlhmnn.jpg)
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: isabelladangelo on May 05, 2015, 09:43:44 AM
Love the bustle!


My WWI outfit.

(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bDrC7DwiwZA/VUfiP__emwI/AAAAAAAAm6Q/7jt3WpulmqQ/s400/17365574672_a43527a7cd_z.jpg)

I am in love with my new blouse.  It was so comfortable in the high 70's low 80's all day.   The skirt is out of cotton twill from IKEA and black linen from Joanns.   I was going for about 1915. 
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: LadyStitch on October 14, 2015, 04:46:19 PM
There is the skirts I have been working on.  I am cutting out the bodice tonight, and I'm very excited.   I added steel to the bustle so it now has the staying power that I hoped for.  In the future I will make it out of canvas not muslin, but live and learn. 
The PP couldn't believe the number of layers it took to get the look I wanted.  Bloomers + bustle + petticoat + under skirt +  Over skirt. 
(http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n212/shanntarra/045_zps6z9sywoe.jpg)(http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n212/shanntarra/cdcaa872-29f2-44ef-834d-ce6586a27288_zpsdfynl7f2.jpg)
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Toua Taru on October 18, 2015, 06:28:45 PM
LadyStitch, I am in love with that skirt. It's putting me in the holiday spirit!!  ;D
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: LadyStitch on October 20, 2015, 09:52:41 AM
Why thank you.  I am hopeful this will turn out really pretty.  I got the bodice 75% assembled this weekend, but I think the more time consuming part will be getting all the trim and such on it. :)
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Lady Rosalind on October 20, 2015, 11:35:03 AM
Beautiful! I love the holly and the pleating, especially!

I am currently working on hammering out an emergency theater costuming emergency (did I say emergency? It's an emergency!). 4 ladies, 6 men, 20 costumes. Charley's Aunt, so 1892-ish, day and dinner wear. Tech week is less than 3 weeks away, and the previous costumer had nothing pulled or rented or created.

I am not quite pulling my hair out yet, but it's a near thing. I've got jacket patterns traced out, and I am hoping to get two mock-ups made tonight for fitting.

I found ONE dinner dress to rent, found an 80's suit dress I can cut into a walking jacket, and some linen that sort of matches for a skirt (and a darker blue satin to make a cummerbund thingy for the waist so I can disguise the non-matching-ness of the colors. So one actress taken care of.

For our girl in light mourning for day, I have violet bridesmaid dress and stole that will be turned into a skirt and matching short jacket. For dinner, I have a horrid prom dress that we may be able to do something with, but I am trying desperately to find something different.

Our other young woman? I have no idea what color even to put her in. I am waiting to hear back from our university theater to arrange to look through their closet for more rentals. The producer has already been out there once, but they were looking for the wrong things. I am hoping I can find more dinner wear, or I'm screwed, LOL!

The men will have to come from our vast collection of suits and jackets. Black tie for dinner, lounge (ditto) suits for day.

The big thing is getting the "Aunty" costume... can't rent, as it has to be modified to enter from the back.

Our closet has a big Victorian gap in it, almost like maybe everything was loaned out and never returned. It is baffling. If I needed 60s couture and furs, we'd be set, though!

Crazy busy!
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: LadyStitch on October 21, 2015, 08:58:43 AM
I have been lucky when I have had to costume in the Victorian era.  Our theater does Christmas Carol every year so we have somethings that can work.  Also they tend to do alot of the Victorian Gothic horror stuff (sweeny todd, frankenstien, werewolf, and dracula).  The only problem is that they get used so much I end up having to make 2-3 gowns each time because everything is wearing out due to 30 years of shows with 30 performances each. 

Lady Rosalind,  You might want to check out.  Myowntuxedo.com   They have tuxedo's that were former rentals they can't rent again, but are in perfect condition.  You can get size 4 T  to men's 72 in both pants, jackets and shirts.  Use the coupon code "Bowtie"  and you can get 10% off.   They have been great to get those victorian era dinner jackets I need for the gentlemen.
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Lady Rosalind on October 21, 2015, 02:19:08 PM
Quote from: LadyStitch on October 21, 2015, 08:58:43 AM
I have been lucky when I have had to costume in the Victorian era.  Our theater does Christmas Carol every year so we have somethings that can work.  Also they tend to do alot of the Victorian Gothic horror stuff (sweeny todd, frankenstien, werewolf, and dracula).  The only problem is that they get used so much I end up having to make 2-3 gowns each time because everything is wearing out due to 30 years of shows with 30 performances each. 

Lady Rosalind,  You might want to check out.  Myowntuxedo.com   They have tuxedo's that were former rentals they can't rent again, but are in perfect condition.  You can get size 4 T  to men's 72 in both pants, jackets and shirts.  Use the coupon code "Bowtie"  and you can get 10% off.   They have been great to get those victorian era dinner jackets I need for the gentlemen.

Love that site! I WISH I could buy jackets, but my whole costume budget is $250. For 10 people needing 2 costumes each, plus one additional costume. I'm heading out to our university warehouse this evening to see what else I can find. They really need to quit copying and pasting budgets without considering the show requirements.
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Rani Zemirah on October 27, 2015, 11:06:43 PM
My only Victorian "make-do" secret is... drapery valances for bustles.  The ornate brocade type that are often scalloped, preferably with fringe or at least braided trim.  I find them in thrift stores all the time, and they are usually in colors that are perfect matches for Victorian era clothing.  Rich claret, plum, emerald or topaz... I have them all... and they make wonderful faux bustles that can be added and removed easily, especially if you can find a matching pair. 
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: isabelladangelo on October 31, 2015, 07:34:04 PM
Happy Halloween!!!
(http://cdn.ipernity.com/200/72/76/40187276.c6ac0093.500.jpg) (http://www.ipernity.com/doc/jubileel/40187276)
DSC09603 (http://www.ipernity.com/doc/jubileel/40187276) par Isabella (http://www.ipernity.com/home/jubileel), on ipernity

Luigi, my nephew.  Bowser, my brother.  Princess Peach, my sister in law.  Mario, my nephew.  Toad, another nephew, was throwing a tantrum in the corner and we were ignoring him so he's not in the photo. 

What you can't see is Bowser's green fleece tail and green fleece turtle shell.   I drafted and sewed up Princess Peach's dress.   My nephews are outfited in either Walmart or Thrift Store finds for the most part.   Those two were thrilled.  The 3 year old didn't believe us that if he dressed up, he'd get free candy. 
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Lady Kathleen of Olmsted on April 14, 2016, 10:09:08 AM
I am currently working on a 1950's wedding dress for a client in Minneapolis. I am making a version of this. the main fabric is a silk taffeta. The Lace Overlay is an Alencon lace that retails for $40 a yard. The Silk, $30 a yard. I am going to make a Pleated belt to break up the lace and give it a more contrasted look.

(https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xat1/v/t1.0-9/12994433_10153992397661280_7871315639921937992_n.jpg?oh=16bf8954224220f907f9e001a63c9b64&oe=5774FBE8)

(https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/12472271_10153999852606280_1493857189608964678_n.jpg?oh=c61fd4720f10a4d0b0e17316967c9af5&oe=57BBA10D)
The Sweetheart Bodice that is fully underlined with a layer of Canvas, lightly boned with Regaline, and lined.

(https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xlf1/v/t1.0-9/12963571_10154002535841280_3477807798919603715_n.jpg?oh=09f3582fe7dcddd6995ceee9fdfe6a31&oe=57C077E6)

(https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpt1/v/t1.0-9/12994534_10154002535936280_5592901899439383558_n.jpg?oh=5141a7730e0f876eed8be6df9b3d6169&oe=57AFE821)
The Lace overlay. I did make mockups of this part of the project to get a good fit and leave no room for any mistakes. I needed to make a few adjustments. I used the silk as a bias strip for the neckline and  sleeves. I am using McCalls 6646 with some adaptations. There will be Buttons and loops in the back for the Overlay, invisible zipper. Now on to the skirting.

I was able to do French seaming on the overlay to not show any serged edges. There will be some in the back, but hardly noticeable.
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Butch on April 14, 2016, 02:17:46 PM
It looks beautiful!  The bride will be so happy!
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: isabelladangelo on April 14, 2016, 05:59:39 PM
It looks like in the inspiration photo that the lace top is connected to a pinch pleated and then flared skirt - very similar to view c of Simplicity Pattern 3673 (http://sewing.patternreview.com/Patterns/16094).  Did the bride want something without the pleats at through the torso?
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Lady Kathleen of Olmsted on April 14, 2016, 07:29:32 PM
Those are darts, Isabella. They blend in with the seams on the bodice.

More photos as I progress.
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Lady Kathleen of Olmsted on April 14, 2016, 07:46:20 PM
The skirting is just pinned on because I was short on the Silk Taffeta for the underskirt. I ordered more to have another section of the back. The Alencon lace is gathered to spread over the under skirt. I made a pleated belt to break up the lace.

The bottom of the lace near the hem edge is a scalloped pattern. The actual hem of the skirt will show off the scalloping.  This is the desired look the Bride wants. The underslip, I have to hem once the dress is finished to determine the new length.

(https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xtf1/v/t1.0-9/12987149_10154004445111280_4732356879782389073_n.jpg?oh=d32d2e50aedac3961a14ba4669437238&oe=57ABFE6A)

(https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/12994300_10154004443841280_5945230972361821627_n.jpg?oh=6e888415422f5b100e44445753fa8272&oe=57BB71D4)
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Butch on April 15, 2016, 12:46:50 PM
Ah!  Now I understand what you meant by "pleated belt"; like a cummerbund!  Are you having the pleats open upwards like a cummerbund too?  For some reason, I was thinking vertical pleats (!) and couldn't imaging that looking good.  I'm glad you showed us pictures!  How beautiful!
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Lady Kathleen of Olmsted on May 23, 2016, 09:14:59 AM
(https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10154854940274829&set=a.10150273430574829.390495.771274828&type=3)

(https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13267870_10154089456846280_2679204638175050473_n.jpg?oh=3705f9ab3592e2e74509b63ddfd6ac4b&oe=57E03D78)

(https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13254315_10154089459171280_5250470895071668041_n.jpg?oh=40925aee0a03df8ab55bdc91e77b8ca5&oe=57E11F01)

The Bride in her custom designed and made Wedding Dress. So many people raved about it. The in-laws, who traveled from France, loved that the overlay was Alencon Lace. It was a lovely wedding and reception at Summit Manor on Summit Avenue in St. Paul.
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Butch on May 23, 2016, 12:48:05 PM
The dress looks beautiful on her! I love the way the lace is shown at the hem!
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Lady Kathleen of Olmsted on May 23, 2016, 01:31:30 PM
I did that on purpose, Butch. :)
Title: Re: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: baronessdevale on February 15, 2017, 11:31:16 AM
I'm hoping some of the experts here can help me. I'm looking for a site where I can order some colorful ostrich feathers on the cheap. My daughter's high school is performing Les Miserables so our budget is slim. We were thinking the feathers would be good for the prostitutes' hair. As such they can look rather tattered and not in perfect shape. I really appreciate any advice!
Title: - Mundane Sewing Discussion -
Post by: Trillium on February 16, 2017, 06:28:48 AM
You may want to try doing a search in the garbing and sewing sections.   It seems like that topic has come up a few times!

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