I've decided I need a sewing version!
"NaNoWriMo" stands for National Novel Writing Month, and it's an annual event encouraging people to get over their fears and insecurities about writing by writing a complete novel in 30 days. (My new book actually began life as a NaNo project). The goal is to stop fussing and just produce, and the mantra is "quantity over quality."
Well, I am hearby declaring September NaCoSewMo! National Costume Sewing Month! LOL
I've spent all summer futzing with getting the bodice of Promenade absolutely perfect. I'm still not there yet. I don't regret it at all, because I want it to be perfect, but do you know what I've gotten sewn this summer as a result of all that futzing?
Absolutely. Nothing.
You know what I got sewn *last* summer, because of futzing with Promenade? Yeah. You guessed it.
So about a week and a half ago, I spontaneously decided to switch gears, and make something totally different instead. Something in which I had not invested two years of research, planning, and shopping for the perfect material. I just dove in, decided to follow the directions as written (instead of endlessly tweaking the patterns), and hit the ground running.
Wow--it's FANTASTIC! This weekend I've made a partlet and half a corset! I feel so liberated, and I'm excited about sewing in a way I haven't been in months and months.
I know most of the people on these boards actually sew like this all the time, and a few of you actually make everything perfectly every time you pick up a needle... but for anyone else who gets caught in endless planning and puttering but never gets anything *made,* join me!!
It all reminds me of one of my favorite sayings: Perfect is the enemy of finished. ;D
gem, I will join you in this crusade.
I am definitely not one of these people
Quotea few of you actually make everything perfectly every time you pick up a needle
.
I worry so much about screwing up that it takes forever to finish something.
I know exactly where you're at - I'm so indecisive I can't get anything done. I spend a lot of time planning and choosing fabrics and colours and testing patterns and I never get anything done. And I never want to sew anything I haven't planned well, so it's hard to do a spontaneous sewing project.
I've actually started working like this. It's glorious. Last year I decided to make a doublet for my boyfriend for his birthday, and it took me nearly a full year. I was so worried about cutting into fabric and messing something up that I did nothing.
In the past month, I said "screw it" I have remade a shift that didn't fit properly, half sewn a bodice for a Tudor kirtle, and EVEN MADE A FARTHINGALE. I'm so proud of myself!
I'm pretty sure next weekend I can get the bodice finished.
Joining! Esp as TRF starts in about a month!
I have faerie to finish, and hubby's gloves, and also would like to make him a fur lined cape... and take in some of my garb...
Does it have to be faire garb, or can it be any costume? If it doesn't have to be for faire, I'm in with my halloween costume. And if I somehow have enough time, maybe I'll throw in the doublet I have been planning to make for my dad.
Need to make a skirt, corset, garters, and trench coat for halloween. And possibly a shirt as well, if I can't find one like I need. I'll likely have to mod the shirt a bit anyway, and I'll have to make/mod some goggles as well.
So should we set goals, a list of projects we plan on finishing, that we try to stick to or just wing it??
Me personally I am a list person. If I see things on my to do list that aren't completed it makes me focus and put my nose to the grindstone.
Quote from: gem on August 30, 2009, 08:19:36 PM
It all reminds me of one of my favorite sayings: Perfect is the enemy of finished. ;D
So very true!!
I'm only an occasional perfectionist (I call it 'selective anal-retentiveness'). But more often, my problem is staying on track. If I become too frustrated on a project, it gets tossed in the corner to reflect on what it's done wrong.
But this is a GREAT idea! I'm on board!
I am so new to sewing... well... I can't say that... My dear departed mother was a master seamstress. Evidently I absorbed something when I was a kid, sitting on the couch watching TV while she laid out her cardboard and started pinning tissue to fabric, all the while swatting at friendly dogs, curious cats and oblivious children with a mouthful of pins... or maybe I'm channeling her... Whatever the case may be. I think I'm in on this.
I just found a Singer 401A Slantomatic with all of the goodies in the original Hide-away "Desk"... at Goodwill... for $20. The machine and the Desk are in Awesome Shape. While looking around on the interlink for tips on cleaning up/Tuning up the machine i found out just how good of a deal I got. These machines are going for $450 without the desk.
Anyway... M'Lady and I are both itchin' for some variety in our garb so we ended up at Joann Fabrics this past Saturday and picked up some Patterns and Some fabric.
I have 2 Renaissance Shirts and a pair of Breaches to make for myself and two Overskirts to make for M'Lady. I'd like to get at least 1 shirt, the breaches and 1 skirt done before Labor Day weekend.
I'm diving in tonight after work and see just how much I can get done before Satrurday.
Should we post project progress pics? or ????
M'Lord when you are in sewing mode I truly believe Mom is there.and surely she so very proud of you. :-*
Shoot, I'd love to participate, but September is just too busy for me. :(
I look forward to seeing what everyone else produces, though!
The last few weeks, I've started declaring that!!!
I have a super long list of stuff to get accomplished, but it all depends on how much free time I have at work (since I don't own my own sewing machine). But on my to-be-completed list is:
-finish 18th cent stays
-16th cent gown
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v723/bgirl781/P1090405.jpg)
-victorian corset
-new ren garb
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v723/bgirl781/P1090404.jpg)
I also have sketches done for an 18th cent gown, a steampunk inspired ensemble, and some more ren garb that i would make to sell. But all that will be later.
I'm working on a couple of quick 'dane projects right now, but I'd love to do a fast period piece to get back into my sewing groove. Any ideas? I attend a 12th century faire and a 1526-7 faire (one weekend each). I'm also pretty big on H/A so I wouldn't get much enjoyment from or have much use for a faire bodice/petal skirt/pirate coat etc.
One of the things that really slows me down is getting fabric - buying fabric for me means either an 80 mile drive on an incredibly congested freeway or ordering it online. Not easy, so spur of the moment projects are pretty much non-feasible.
Sarah, what's in your stash? A kirtle is a pretty quick project--bodice + skirt; goes *very* fast if you have a corset to wear with it, OR a properly fitting bodice pattern already. I made the Margo Anderson partlet in a couple of afternoons (and that included massive fiddliness with the collar, which I totally modified). Hats go quickly--you could surely find use for a coif/caul. What about a rope petticoat? Use whatever skirt pattern you already have, add channels for the rope from anything (I used ribbon), and pick up some rope at the local hardware store.
So: fitted the new Simplicity corset tonight--it's going to be great! Sewing instructor showed me how to bind it by stitching in the ditch (after 8 tabs, I'll be a pro). I definitely *do* want to widen the straps. Hope to get all the new pieces cut out tonight!
I finally made a list of small "to make" items for all the bits of fabric in my closet. "Bits" being less than 5 yards. I'm putting my mild stress project aside for this month to create, create, create!
I'm new to the forums, but I am definitely up for this challenge! I recently knocked out a late 15th century gown within a few days. Definitely not perfect (I cringe at the hem), but done. If I can get somethings done, then go back and do a few bits of clean up (if needed), I think that would help me out with some of my sewing issues. And my sewing/worry/obsessions. Count me in!
I would love to participate as well. I have my daughters kirtle pouch and hat to finish by the 12th. My new bodice, a skirt rework and hat for myself by then as well. It's one busy week for me!
Well, I'm moving right along on the corset! All of the sewing except the binding is done; I just need to cut and Dremel the bones.
ETA: Finished cutting all the bones, and everything is on hold while the Dremel charges. I think I'll clean stuff up a little and maybe move on to a different project for a bit.
After that: the skirt that goes with the corset, then I'll start on Milord's Gimli tunic.
I have been trying to finish a Venetian Gown for Margo Anderson's Iron Dress Competition on the Yahoo group. I am still needing to finish my Hubby and kids clothing for Faire, which will be in about 3 weeks. So I will join in and hopefully another limit of the last of the month will help me get that goal done as well.
Ever notice I seem to need a limit to make something finished otherwise I will sit on the dratted thing and change an fiddle until my brain falls apart!
Cilean
who just recieved a fancy shamancy new PURPLE laptop for her 18th Anniversary!!!
Squee almost as good as a new machine
I'm all for NaCoSewMo, but I think I'd rather participate in it off-season, since I'm stressed enough with MNRF during September.. ;) Perhaps May? Or some time in winter, like January or March..
Gives one time to produce a bunch of stuff, then worry about making it better in the months before your chosen Fest.
In general, though, woot!
(And I suppose August was already my NaCoSewMo, as I've made 3/4 of a frilly white shirt, one curtain, and will be finishing up a petticoat soon...) ;)
Soo... If anyone with a fabric stash needs help for some inspiration... I'd be glad to be that inspiration... Or if you just want to practice long distance sewing...
Woohoo daughters kirtle, hat and pouch finished. My bodice need just a hook and eye and the gable (kinda) hat just needs to be embellished.
Here is her kirtle. Sorry for the bad pic, someone decided that making silly videos on my camera was fun and ran the batteries out. Pic was taken on the iphone.
(http://i564.photobucket.com/albums/ss89/Genievea/photo.jpg)
Progress so far:
Patterns procured, colors chosen.
Next step:
Messing with patterns until they do what I want them to. Then, I shall aquire fabric!
Not so far along as everyone else, but it's progress. :)
Well I'm proud that I've made some progress this weekend.
I have the vest for my boyfriend's pirate persona all cut out, fitted, pinned and basted. Now I just need to get it sewn with the sewing machine and it should be good to go. I think I will have it finished by tonight.
I have his pirate shirt all cut out and ready to be pinned.
This weekend at Joann's awesome red tag fabric sale I actually found red suedecloth that is going to be perfect for my pirate justacorps, so now I don't have any more excuses for not making it.
Decided the hood looked awkward on me and looks much better displayed on the dresser. Made a flat cap instead matching the new bodice and trim. Just needing to * cringe* cut some ostrich feathers( they are so beautiful and long, the thought of cutting them is causing me pain).
I finished a new skirt and made a shirt for the husband, hoping to start a slew of quick projects for this month. However, I flip flopped so much on what the next project would be that I started on the next part of a pre-planned project. I'm currently in the dreaded fitting stage. Oh well, at least I'm sewing something.
I got a little bit more work done on my stays today. Unfortunately, after inserting three pieces of boning, I ran out of what I had brought with me to the costume shop. So hopefully, I'll at least be able to finish this whole piece next week. I just wish I had my own machine. I feel like I could make the whole thing in a day if I did...
This week I've just been popping in Muppet Show DVD's (don't judge me!) and hand sewing away. The way I did the waist on my kirtle is too many layers for poor Betty, my sewing machine, so hand sewing it is. However, I've got only another few inches to go, then there's just the hem and the back seam on the skirt and it's done!
It goes so much faster when I actually sew stuff instead of just buying fabric and patterns and leaving them uncut.
QuoteThis week I've just been popping in Muppet Show DVD's (don't judge me!) and hand sewing away.
Does that work? Because I have the whole Time-Life series that was released a few years ago....
Random, off-topic aside: There's a new musical group at KCRF this year, and opening weekend was pirate weekend. As we wandered past their stage, they were singing "Shiver My Timbers" from "Muppet Treasure Island!" Forsooth!
It works for me, because I can just hit "play all" and I've got hours before I have to change discs. Just about any TV series on DVD works, but Muppet Show is what I currently have.
I actually got "The Duchess" watched last week that way! Milord was working from home that day (in the dining room, where all my sewing stuff was), and I was discontented with what was on TV, when it suddenly occurred to me that I could pop in this movie we'd had here for ages *and* bring all my cutting-out stuff into the living room to do both things at once.
(That wouldn't work normally, alas; our furry sewing assistants were at the kennel for the week, since we were having work done on the house and didn't want any escapes or anything.)
***
Tonight I'm test-fitting the corset, then I have to sew on the tabs and the binding! Woo-hoo! I may also work on Milord's anniversary shirt (it's our 13th, which is, apparently, linen! How 'bout that?!).
I finished boning section 5 of my stays! I'm hoping to finish the boning sections by the end of this week. But I'm pretty sure, at the least, that I'll be able to finish it all by next weekend. But I think I'm going to need to hit Lowes again for some more cable ties...
I'm really excited to work on this project again, though. I started it in June, but then had no access to sewing machines for July-Aug. And this is my first thing that I have completely drafted my own pattern for!
I finished boning my corset, too! Now I just need Milord for a fitting.
I've hit a slump/snag/something. The last couple of weeks were really crazy, with hardly any time to sew... and the last two days I've had *time,* but no energy. I'm trying to talk myself into ironing the pattern for Milord's shirt, and maybe cutting out the pieces. Sigh.
I made a wedding dress! Six days from cutting the toile (well, toile number three!) to leaving the bride with the hand finishing to do:
6" across the back of the jacket lining where I turned the bagged lining through...
Sleeve ends of the jacket
Slip-stitching the lining to the armholes and down the back of the zip...
The hem.
And I flew to Germany to do it. Does it count as a NaNoWriMo project?
H*ll, yeah!!
Well, I got the pattern ironed, and 4 of the sixteen million pieces cut out. Hope to get the rest cut and the first seams sewn today. After the dentist.
ETA: The shirt is CUT! Wow, that took *forever!* Caffeine helped. :D Maybe tonight I'll get those first seams put in! Wish me luck...
I am going to Toronto to buy some fabric on Saturday, then I WILL sew something! It won't be Ren, the plan is for a 12th/13th century gown and cyclas and a Viking gown and hangerok - I don't know, for some reason I just felt the need to do something Viking.
But THEN! the new and hopefully better quality linen will come and I will make smocks. And perhaps some silk for a petticoat. Then I will be well started on my Tudor ensemble.
Sara, enjoy your shopping trip!
I've made more progress on Milord's shirt. The entire yoke is finished, and the side seams are sewn. Next: collar. I'm hoping to finish this by Monday, because that's our anniversary... but also because I am desperately hoping I'll have a few days to finish the corset before my editor sends her next set of revision notes and I have to go back to work!!
Now that the Iron Dress is finished, I need a new gown for Ren Faire and I am going to a camping event and I have some awesome damask linen that is already washed so I cut 2 out both of them and I have cut out the layers for the under linings and now onto the sewing. I am hoping to get at least 1 done if not both in the next 3 days or so. Wish me luck.
Cilean
Milord's shirt is finished except for the cuffs! I found some lovely little gold filigree buttons that I'm going to use. Tomorrow I'll break out the buttonhole attachment and learn something new! LOL
After a 2 1/2 month sewing Hiatus, you ladies inspired me to get going again :)
I got a Farthingale put together yesterday, & I redrafted the bodice for the Italian middle class working gown. I also got the fabric for my Fae Idea pulled out , & the working class fabric has been washed.
You can draft a bodice in a day?! How?!
***
Finished Milord's shirt! Will have pictures when the batteries have charged. Huzzah!
Back to the corset...
Okay so I have to finish this gown because I just 2 tickets to the Northern Cali Ren Faire! YEAH me
so with this said? I need to get my gown done so I can finish the Hubby's and my youngest's garb.
That way we can all style!
Cilean
Gem, Not sure if redrafting is the correct term for waht I do,... maybe tweaking the pattern would be better?
I use a bodice pattern I know used to fit,(I have since gained weight *sigh*), so I trace a copy of the old pattern, then I play with the out line Until I think it will work then I cut out a toile. This bodice wasnt far off, just needed more boobage lift.
*sigh* I'm not making nearly as much progress on my sewing as I had hoped. 'course, I haven't had a whole lot of time to sew, either...
I've purchased the fabric to make the skirt. Maybe I'll do that tonight.
I need to go to a different store this week, as the one I went to was out of the fabric I want for the corset, and I have a coupon that is only good this week. Next week, I have one that I will be using to get the coat fabric.
Hopefully I'll get something done this month, and then I will finish it in October. I need to have it finished before the 23rd, since there's a con I'm planning on wearing it to that starts on the 23rd. :)
After finishing Milord's shirt last night, and having no pressing work tasks, either, I took the whole day off! I spent a couple hours stitching instead of sewing, but tonight I finally sat myself down and tackled a bit of the corset that has been terrifying me: binding the tabs. Whew. I did two, and they look... good. This is my first serious binding project, the first time I've used homemade bias tape... and if you've never done it before, I'm going to recommend strongly *against* bright fuchsia fabric and black binding. Go with something a little more... identical. Oh, well--at least it's *forcing* me to get good, fast.
Four more tabs, and then the corset itself. Yikes.
So I did not get my gowns done by the end of September but I got them cut out and worked on! If I had not missed 3 days with a surprise visit with my Aunt and Cousin then perhaps I would have been mostly done with my gowns but I should have them done this weekend and I think I will have them posted as soon as I can get them on!
Thanks for the Push! I need them done and now they are staring at me!
Cilean
Well, I didn't get anything sewed in September. I did, however, get most of the fabric I will need (and washed it, so it will be good to go as soon as I have time to sit down and sew! :) ). I also aquired most of the non-sewn items I will need for my costume, modified my goggles, and got a good chunk of my apartment straightened up.
At least I was productive, and got myself a good foundation for my project. I don't think that would have happened if I hadn't been trying to get something sewn in September. Had I not had to worry about relatives visiting (who, I'm guessing by the lack of their presence, are not arriving until next weekend...that, or my husband is going to get a rather surprising call from his Mom tomorrow. ;)) I would have managed to get some sewing accomplished.
Thanks for the great idea!
I start with my disclaimer:
** I know it doesn't count because it is not Ren related and because it was not in the month of September **
But with that said... You are as always inspiring me I figured I could share this.
I started at 11:00 am on Saturday morning, day of the dance, and was done at 4:45 and that included a trip to the fabric store for buttons! Sarah wanted a dress patterned after a a picture of a dress I had which I whipped up in the costume shop at Kent State University for a banquent in 1986. Twenty years later the style still works. She chose a most unusual color combination but I must admit I hated the fabric when she picked it and absolutely LOVED it when finished. The buttons are hidden by her dates hand but there are 5 grey pearls down the back of the shirred waist.
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2569/3991254333_83afb2e430.jpg)
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2433/3992015318_0190123787.jpg)
She's beautiful! So is the dress! A winning combo, no doubt about it.
Indeed it is. AND she has stunning hair. ;D
I haz a hair envy...
Thank you so much for your kind comments! How nice. As you can tell I am a super proud Mom as almost all my sewing is for her. I wish she got the hair from me... but alas... no luck.