tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17815203916271688552024-03-12T20:50:44.573-07:00Crafty BugglesA blog of Katey's costuming, sewing and crafty projects... with varying degrees of success!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1781520391627168855.post-38661637954251234402008-12-25T00:17:00.000-08:002008-12-25T00:44:00.218-08:00Party dress and hairclip<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/SVNGOBSO2PI/AAAAAAAAA3w/202Fvl2y2UI/s1600-h/IMG_3419.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 254px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/SVNGOBSO2PI/AAAAAAAAA3w/202Fvl2y2UI/s400/IMG_3419.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283643994512742642" /></a>Christmas present #553: Party dress for my ten-year-old niece, who loves pink and hearts and little skulls and all the things girls her age seem to dig right now. It's fully lined and (fairly clumsily) hand-ruffled (oh, how I revile the ruffle foot!). I drafted the pattern and designed it myself (not very original, but I thought she'd love it - and she did!). :)<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/SVNGN6dI_rI/AAAAAAAAA3o/XZjqBAjdGmo/s1600-h/IMG_3423.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/SVNGN6dI_rI/AAAAAAAAA3o/XZjqBAjdGmo/s400/IMG_3423.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283643992679448242" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/SVNGNq0ujnI/AAAAAAAAA3g/GO6sW4zOX3o/s1600-h/IMG_3421.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 248px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/SVNGNq0ujnI/AAAAAAAAA3g/GO6sW4zOX3o/s400/IMG_3421.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283643988483411570" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1781520391627168855.post-91945960395216073892008-12-24T19:16:00.000-08:002008-12-24T00:21:16.462-08:00Buckwheat heat bags<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/SVB0Yqca67I/AAAAAAAAA1I/KfxKFOwsD4M/s1600-h/IMG_3369.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/SVB0Yqca67I/AAAAAAAAA1I/KfxKFOwsD4M/s400/IMG_3369.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282850329964768178" /></a><br />So while facing another skint Christmas I decided to combine frugality and home made love by making crafty gifts for the family. For the oldies (Mum, Dad and Aunty El) I pinched an idea from the lovely Dachelle, a friend of mine from Melbourne - microwaveable aromatherapy buckwheat heat bags with removable (washable) covers. <br /><br />I started with a length of black calico and three kilos of buckwheat (bought from Goodies and Grains in Central Market). First I grabbed some essential oils and stirred a few drops in with the wheat. Smells GREAT! After throwing together a quick paper pattern from scratch and cut the calico into rectangles and sewed together on three sides, filling three-quarters full with the buckwheat mix. <br />The tricky part was sewing up the top of the bag whilst holding the wheat at the bottom and folding the seam allowance in - it may or may not have gotten a little messy... :D<br /><br />After the inner bags were done I went about making the covers with fabric scraps from my remnants bag, sewing together pillow-style and fastening with a loop of satin cord and a matching button. <br /><br />I made a 'mashup' one (also at top of post) for Ellie:<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/SVB0oyk5TlI/AAAAAAAAA1Q/S28E7GTEhvY/s1600-h/IMG_3370.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/SVB0oyk5TlI/AAAAAAAAA1Q/S28E7GTEhvY/s400/IMG_3370.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282850607025704530" /></a><br />...a manly Chinese jacquard and corduroy for Dad:<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/SVB0ycn0BxI/AAAAAAAAA1Y/Tb-hhFUcNP4/s1600-h/IMG_3371.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/SVB0ycn0BxI/AAAAAAAAA1Y/Tb-hhFUcNP4/s400/IMG_3371.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282850772931053330" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/SVB08nVC0xI/AAAAAAAAA1g/uZtYT_nZ4mY/s1600-h/IMG_3372.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/SVB08nVC0xI/AAAAAAAAA1g/uZtYT_nZ4mY/s400/IMG_3372.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282850947603813138" /></a><br />...and an African-themed one for Mum (she lived in Africa for years and loves anything remotely connected to it).<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/SVB1VftFEZI/AAAAAAAAA1w/kKIQpfbl4_8/s1600-h/IMG_3373.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/SVB1VftFEZI/AAAAAAAAA1w/kKIQpfbl4_8/s400/IMG_3373.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282851375053869458" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/SVHuNMgoC5I/AAAAAAAAA24/jOPeyLm1DJk/s1600-h/IMG_3377.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/SVHuNMgoC5I/AAAAAAAAA24/jOPeyLm1DJk/s400/IMG_3377.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283265748346080146" /></a><br />Clearly due to the floppy nature of the wheatbag they neither photgraph or wrap well (SUCH a pain!) but I think they turned out nicely. I guess I'll know tomorrow how well they go down with the olds! :)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1781520391627168855.post-20085028737533935632008-12-24T00:25:00.000-08:002008-12-25T00:47:06.101-08:00Fabric frame brooches<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/SVH0NPdbojI/AAAAAAAAA3Y/F2NUWprKC3A/s1600-h/IMG_3363.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 313px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/SVH0NPdbojI/AAAAAAAAA3Y/F2NUWprKC3A/s400/IMG_3363.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283272346207756850" /></a><br />I've been making these brooches for the past few weeks with a view to maybe adding them to our market stall in the new year, but decided to run a couple off as extra Christmas gifts for mum and Aunty Ellie. I won't go into too many boring details about how I made these, but I'm refining the process and am starting to improve the look of them (particularly the back view). I picked the African fabric for mum (not really my style, but for reasons stated in the 'Buckwheat heat bags' post) and a crafty quilting fabric for Ellie ('cause she's an eclectic soul at heart). I'm planning on making more with some of the American and Japanese craft fabrics I bought in Tokyo last month. Lots of fun to make and I think they're starting to look quite pretty! Yay!<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/SVHyatH4giI/AAAAAAAAA3A/IS9Suqm3Nf8/s1600-h/IMG_3362.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/SVHyatH4giI/AAAAAAAAA3A/IS9Suqm3Nf8/s400/IMG_3362.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283270378485482018" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/SVHybZkHVWI/AAAAAAAAA3Q/dLq_SgbhWbg/s1600-h/IMG_3365.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/SVHybZkHVWI/AAAAAAAAA3Q/dLq_SgbhWbg/s400/IMG_3365.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283270390415054178" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1781520391627168855.post-88643582882669949702008-12-23T22:55:00.000-08:002008-12-23T23:09:53.661-08:00Wristband For KyleI was in a pinch as to what to get Enken's boyfriend Kyle for Christmas... he is a major wristband/arm wrapping fan with a penchant for gothic anime stylings, so I decided to run him up a quick wristie in time for the House of Awesome Chistmas party. He loved it, it fit like a dream and he's a man who can definitely rock a button. Woo!<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/SVB1nQwjY4I/AAAAAAAAA14/vI8ATVwRM5g/s1600-h/IMG_3380.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 197px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/SVB1nQwjY4I/AAAAAAAAA14/vI8ATVwRM5g/s400/IMG_3380.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282851680279552898" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/SVHf5T8ZoBI/AAAAAAAAA2A/y6gcjGWwKtA/s1600-h/IMG_3385.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/SVHf5T8ZoBI/AAAAAAAAA2A/y6gcjGWwKtA/s400/IMG_3385.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283250013581451282" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1781520391627168855.post-17202843118384401412008-09-22T01:10:00.000-07:002008-09-22T01:30:23.199-07:00Plushie Ninja<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/SNdT7rTh37I/AAAAAAAAAYA/-Oc4B2HOQfg/s1600-h/CIMG1378.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/SNdT7rTh37I/AAAAAAAAAYA/-Oc4B2HOQfg/s400/CIMG1378.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248756175425626034" /></a>I'm not proud. I shamelessly pinched the idea of a plush ninja from <a href="http://shop.shawnimals.com/product/wee-ninja">Shawnimals</a>, a fantastic company who make very, very cute things (if I say enough good things, do you think they'll forgive me? Hope so!). This was a patternless job, using three pieces of felt (black and beige), two buttons for eyes and a piece of silver card for the mad shuriken (a last-minute addition but well worth it for the rad factor). I knocked him up by hand one afternoon for my friend Jack's birthday (you can see him stealthing his new owner in the bottom photo). I was ultimately inspired by my sis-in-law's astounding plush creations - when she has her own website I'll link you up. Gorgeously quirky, beautifully made stuff. *sigh* I'll get there one day, right?<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/SNdT69PJn5I/AAAAAAAAAXw/-6-7tARiW8Q/s1600-h/CIMG1377.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/SNdT69PJn5I/AAAAAAAAAXw/-6-7tARiW8Q/s400/CIMG1377.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248756163059228562" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/SNdT7VE53FI/AAAAAAAAAX4/38NADtOJvNA/s1600-h/CIMG1375.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/SNdT7VE53FI/AAAAAAAAAX4/38NADtOJvNA/s400/CIMG1375.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248756169458703442" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/SNdT71tkP1I/AAAAAAAAAYI/2irkOq53gLw/s1600-h/CIMG1407.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/SNdT71tkP1I/AAAAAAAAAYI/2irkOq53gLw/s400/CIMG1407.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248756178219188050" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1781520391627168855.post-39797126862758982352008-09-22T00:53:00.000-07:002008-09-22T01:09:17.529-07:00Mongol Slippers<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/SNdQrt3QDAI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/_9Tjl3BXP4w/s1600-h/IMG_3077.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/SNdQrt3QDAI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/_9Tjl3BXP4w/s400/IMG_3077.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248752602699533314" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/SNdRHrsgstI/AAAAAAAAAXo/R8ND9wpX9_I/s1600-h/IMG_3081.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/SNdRHrsgstI/AAAAAAAAAXo/R8ND9wpX9_I/s400/IMG_3081.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248753083153953490" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/SNdQryswKvI/AAAAAAAAAXY/cFcGUK0x3zo/s1600-h/IMG_3071.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/SNdQryswKvI/AAAAAAAAAXY/cFcGUK0x3zo/s400/IMG_3071.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248752603997678322" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/SNdQsGfZAzI/AAAAAAAAAXg/LteXF6-ohIw/s1600-h/IMG_3076.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/SNdQsGfZAzI/AAAAAAAAAXg/LteXF6-ohIw/s400/IMG_3076.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248752609310343986" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1781520391627168855.post-43736429468585366672008-09-04T20:15:00.000-07:002008-12-23T20:23:10.286-08:00Puss in Boots<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/SNdblGtbokI/AAAAAAAAAZA/gy3lkboUzB8/s1600-h/IMG_5113.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/SNdblGtbokI/AAAAAAAAAZA/gy3lkboUzB8/s400/IMG_5113.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248764583738057282" /></a><br />This is another thrown-together number I made for Tom, getting its one and only outing at Enken's Fairy Tales party. Everything (except the pants) was made from scratch a few days before the event. The man loves cats, so Puss in Boots was the obvious choice (not sure he'd admit it, but he doesn't need much of an excuse to wear kitty ears!). <br />I started with the ears, using leftover fur from Enken’s <a href="http://craftybuggs.blogspot.com/2008/09/mongol-slippers.html">Mongol Slippers</a>, with inspiration from <a href="http://www.costumewardrobe.com/anime/21-cat-ears.html">this tutorial</a> on <a href="www.costumewardrobe.com">costumewardrobe.com</a>. The paws/gloves gave me a bit more trouble. I had JUST enough fur for the opposite sides of each glove, and promptly cut out three of one side and one of the other. This happens alarmingly often to me - wonder if I'll ever learn to check my orientation before I cut? *facepalm* Eventually I remade the inner section with black stretch fabric, handsewing felt circles to make the pads of the paw. Salvaged! <br /><br />Next up came the Seinfeld-worthy puffy shirt. These are seriously easy to make! A member of the Costumers' Guild once told me it was just "made from squares and rectangles", so I played it by ear, using a very light cotton lawn. I cut two large rectangles for the body of the shirt, sewing up three sides and hemming the bottom. I then cut generous arm holes, and attached a 'tube' of fabric (just a long rectangle sewn down one side) to each, ruffling at the top. I finished each arm with some elastic about three inches from the hem. As it was a total rush job I just zipped a hem on the bottom of the shirt (it was being tucked in anyway) and cut and hemmed a round hole for the neck (as the tabard was going to cover it). And that's it!<br /><br />The tabard was just red drill with gold ribbon trim, and the motifs were freehanded in gold fabric paint (sadly I have zero artistic talent, but I did what I could!). I attached a false collar on the outside - this is my least favourite part of the costume - it looks really rushed and crappy, and doesn't sit right, but we had ten minutes 'til the first guest arrived! <br /><br />The boots were a great success - mostly inspired by <a href="http://www.finkbuilt.com/blog/make-boots-for-your-costume/">this costume boots tutorial</a> and using a tape mould of Tom's legs. I cut on the basis of the mould, sewed the brown vinyl pieces together (adding a cuff on the top) and attached some elastic to hold the cover onto a pair of Tom's black dress shoes. Finally, we secured the edges by using a bit of double-sided tape (the costumers' best friend!). <br /><br />To top it all off, we slung Chris' old belt around the middle and tucked in one of my fencing swords (a sabre, to be precise - inherited once upon a time from my ex-competitive fencing brother). The whole thing was finished with a jingling cat bell around the neck. Instant kitty! Kawaii!! =^_^=<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/SNdblCEKxYI/AAAAAAAAAZI/wNihb_yPsmQ/s1600-h/CIMG1523+-+Copy.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/SNdblCEKxYI/AAAAAAAAAZI/wNihb_yPsmQ/s400/CIMG1523+-+Copy.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248764582491243906" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1781520391627168855.post-18840060581371590272008-08-21T06:24:00.000-07:002008-08-21T06:29:30.260-07:00Little Miss Muffet - The dressIn progress...<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/SK1tTWAdqxI/AAAAAAAAAWI/-kEkGmUUZBg/s1600-h/IMG_3023.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:left;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/SK1tTWAdqxI/AAAAAAAAAWI/-kEkGmUUZBg/s320/IMG_3023.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5236962120794221330" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/SK1tTfmbm2I/AAAAAAAAAWQ/m5zd9TJ48Hc/s1600-h/IMG_3031.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:left;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/SK1tTfmbm2I/AAAAAAAAAWQ/m5zd9TJ48Hc/s320/IMG_3031.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5236962123369388898" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/SK1tTnJRjBI/AAAAAAAAAWY/BP57mBAd8Ms/s1600-h/IMG_3024.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:left;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/SK1tTnJRjBI/AAAAAAAAAWY/BP57mBAd8Ms/s320/IMG_3024.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5236962125394578450" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1781520391627168855.post-22328524660720942782008-08-17T18:09:00.000-07:002008-08-20T07:52:05.843-07:00Little Miss Muffet - The petticoat<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/SKwuW-GtL6I/AAAAAAAAAVI/4t08DcJkGFg/s1600-h/IMG_3035.JPG"><img style="float:center; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/SKwuW-GtL6I/AAAAAAAAAVI/4t08DcJkGFg/s400/IMG_3035.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5236611438888169378" /></a><br />The petticoat is such a vital foundation component of a lolita dress, and I really wanted to make one with lots of... 'ow you say... 'poomf'! It seems the difference between a pretty dress and an EGL dress lies (mainly) in the <a href="http://www.babyssb.co.jp/shopping/skirt/132527/132527-p.jpg">bell-shaped skirt</a>, made possible by the sturdy and voluminous petti. <br /><br />So I set about making my first ever loli petticoat. I used a combination of the Gosurori petticoat pattern, advice from Enken (who has made one before) and a very handy tutorial on <a href="http://www.costumewardrobe.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=16:lolita-petticoats&catid=24:lolita&Itemid=65">costumewardrobe.com</a>, a great site I found through the Australian Costumers' Guild <a href="http://www.australiancostumersguild.org.au/forum/index.php?">forums</a>. Very handy!<br /><br />So I started off wrestling with 3 metres of heavy tulle (netting), using Enken's <a href="http://www.brother-usa.com/usaimages/AccessoryImages/Large/sa143.jpg">ruffle foot</a> (a notoriously cantankerous, but (in this case) very handy piece of machinery) to wrench it into pouffy submission, leaving me with three generous lengths of pre-ruffled netting. I cut the underskirt (or base) by eye, using the Gosurori pattern's shape as a guide, pinking the edges and folding over the top to sew in a waistband. <br />Before marking the lines where the ruffles will be placed (as per the costumewardrobe.com photos) I decided to aim for extra 'oomph' by adding a third later of tulle. Using the regular machine foot, I attached the netting (upside down ie, with the width of the tulle pointing towards the waistband - when it's sewn on it falls over itself correctly to give extra 'lift' at the seam) along all three lines. <br /><br />I tried it on and was thrilled with the extreme puff-osity, but the bottom of the 'underskirt' was so light compared to the heavy layers of netting it wouldn't hang flat, instead riding up and refusing to behave itself! At this point I decided (for cuteness as well as functionality) I'd make a cotton ruffle in the same fabric and attach it to the bottom of the 'base' (but still sitting under the layers of tulle, not poking out from underneath). <br /><br />You'd think this'd be a simple final task, but noooo - this is where the ruffle foot decided to stage a revolt and chew up every single piece of fabric I placed within biting distance. I eventually gave up and decided to try ruffling the hemmed length of cotton fabric by 'hand'. Why didn't I try this before??? It worked an absolute charm and went along a lot faster than I imagined. I slowly fed the fabric under the regular foot, folding the material in on itself every centimetre or so and going over it with a straight stitch. It was a really successful operation and saved me the drama of dealing with the poisonous ruffle foot!<br /><br />After all the ruffling was done and dusted I threaded some elastic through the waistband and tried on the finished product, squeeing all the while over it's kawaii pouffiness. It still needs a 'haircut' (evening it up over all lengths) but this can wait until I see how it sits under the skirt. I'm well happy with its colour, its shape and its mega-volume. All hail the 'poomf'! :D<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/SKwuXt1SoEI/AAAAAAAAAVY/RFYZkEWUnhk/s1600-h/IMG_3033.JPG"><img style="float:center; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/SKwuXt1SoEI/AAAAAAAAAVY/RFYZkEWUnhk/s400/IMG_3033.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5236611451700027458" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/SKwuXUBtZbI/AAAAAAAAAVQ/ByYsSTlDAkM/s1600-h/IMG_3036.JPG"><img style="float:center; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/SKwuXUBtZbI/AAAAAAAAAVQ/ByYsSTlDAkM/s400/IMG_3036.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5236611444772791730" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1781520391627168855.post-56286511637715887062008-08-11T22:51:00.000-07:002008-09-22T01:42:20.443-07:00Little Miss Muffet (Elegant Gothic Lolita-style)<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/SNdaLyQGNsI/AAAAAAAAAYg/8-sB4v-lWhc/s1600-h/IMG_5082.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/SNdaLyQGNsI/AAAAAAAAAYg/8-sB4v-lWhc/s400/IMG_5082.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248763049237952194" /></a><br /><p> <blockquote><a href="http://craftybuggs.blogspot.com/2008/08/little-miss-muffett-elegant-gothic.html">The beginning (background, fabrics and pattern)</a><br /><br /><a href="http://craftybuggs.blogspot.com/2008/08/little-miss-muffet-petticoat.html">The petticoat</a> <br /><br /><a href="http://craftybuggs.blogspot.com/2008/08/little-miss-muffet-dress.html">The dress</a> <br /><br /><a href="http://craftybuggs.blogspot.com/2008/08/miss-muffett-accessories.html">The accessories</a></blockquote>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1781520391627168855.post-57798251741612221282008-08-11T22:49:00.000-07:002008-08-12T04:26:13.467-07:00Miss Muffet - AccessoriesIn progress...<br /><br /><a href="http://lilyandagathe.blogspot.com/2007/01/mob-cap-vintage-craft.html"><em>Lily and Agathe</em> Mob Cap pattern</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1781520391627168855.post-76095804329007700342008-08-11T20:03:00.000-07:002008-08-21T06:19:01.102-07:00Little Miss Muffet - The beginningWell, here begins the record of my epic struggle with Little Miss Muffet (my costume for Enken's Fairy Tales party), which is really just a thinly-veiled excuse to make an Elegant Gothic Lolita (EGL) dress. I've been wanting to make one forever, but (for the usual reasons - cost, and body/age-appropriateness being foremost of these!) I've never gotten around to it. I recently interviewed a group of lovely Australian lolitas for a story I was writing about the Adelaide Anime and Video Convention (AVCon) and I was struck (again) but just how adorable, feminine and flattering their gorgeous <a href="http://www.avantgauche.co.uk/Links/brands.html">brand</a> dresses were, and it made me want to go nuts and frill it up big-styles. :D<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/SKEkDgWAlhI/AAAAAAAAATg/YXiTOqiE1zM/s1600-h/lolidress.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/SKEkDgWAlhI/AAAAAAAAATg/YXiTOqiE1zM/s200/lolidress.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233503884621682194" /></a>So my plan is to make a dark tartan lolita dress from a Gosurori (Japanese lolita fashion magazine) pattern. I could be wrong (and it's SO easy to be with EGL) but I understand that if you're not buying actual 'brand' (which many lolitas consider to be the most desirable scenario) a dress made (well!) from a Gosurori pattern is the next best option. I've chosen <a href="http://craftybuggs.blogspot.com/2008/08/gosurori-pattern-miss-muffett.html">this one</a>, and I am completely enamoured of everything about it - the trim on the hem of the skirt, the apron, the collar... totally gorgeous and perfect for the costume*.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/SK1rHyS2G7I/AAAAAAAAAVo/UyLRZd1Q13Y/s1600-h/IMG_3029.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/SK1rHyS2G7I/AAAAAAAAAVo/UyLRZd1Q13Y/s200/IMG_3029.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5236959723205827506" /></a>I was hugely lucky to find a gorgeous tartan suiting half price at the Lincraft sale... but that's about all I've saved money on! There is NOTHING worse than a lolita dress made with cheap lace and fabric, and even if I'm not wearing this for everyday, I'd still like it to be the best it can be. So I went all-out on buying lovely cotton lace (with thread-though ribbon) and a beautiful white quilter's cotton for the apron, collar and mini mob cap. May as well do it right (but ouch for the Hello Kitty wallet!! :s)!<br /><br />Anyway, I'll make separate posts for each element of the costume, then a final one with pictures of the end result. Cross fingers for me! :)<br /><br />*To the lovely EGLs out there - I am fully aware that lolita is most decidedly a fashion and not a costume, but as I am using this 'fashion dress' as a basis <em>for</em> a costume I feel I'm okay in calling it just that. To base a lengthy disclaimer on semantics is a bit silly - suffice to say I am respectful (and envious!) of those who wear lolita in their everyday lives, and recognise its validity as a fashion. 'Nuff said! :)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1781520391627168855.post-48640913376909983552008-08-10T08:25:00.000-07:002008-08-12T04:26:52.228-07:00Gosurori pattern (Miss Muffet)Click on images to enlarge :)<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/SJ8I7w-3IVI/AAAAAAAAATI/agWHlg3TgXk/s1600-h/glb19.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/SJ8I7w-3IVI/AAAAAAAAATI/agWHlg3TgXk/s320/glb19.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232911114881671506" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/SJ8I8FMMPEI/AAAAAAAAATQ/Uy4OXSt6WB8/s1600-h/glb20.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/SJ8I8FMMPEI/AAAAAAAAATQ/Uy4OXSt6WB8/s320/glb20.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232911120306289730" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1781520391627168855.post-67409628452451188912008-08-09T19:44:00.000-07:002008-08-11T22:32:28.701-07:00Bag of Holding<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/SJ5WwbtQG4I/AAAAAAAAATA/OMeCvnzZeJw/s1600-h/IMG_3694.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/SJ5WwbtQG4I/AAAAAAAAATA/OMeCvnzZeJw/s400/IMG_3694.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232715207122361218" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />This was my very first crafting/sewing project when I returned from Canada, sewn on my first sewing machine (the now-deceased Singer bought for $5 at the St Peter's Rotary Jumble Sale). It's a totally nerdly concept, based on the Dungeons and Dragons <br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bag_of_holding">Bag of Holding</a>. I cut the letters out of felt, using the highly technological 'felt on computer screen' tracing technique used for the kanji on Tom's dice bag. I embroidered the letters on light wale corduroy first, then sewed the bag together. It has awesome red skull and crossbones lining with a covered base insert. I was pretty proud of it at the time, and it's still in use, so that has to count as a win, right?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1781520391627168855.post-61959618398975179382008-08-09T02:11:00.000-07:002008-08-11T22:32:48.389-07:00Charlie Bag<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/SJ1g_zJIh2I/AAAAAAAAASU/_UwTQtTyGR0/s1600-h/IMG_4994.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/SJ1g_zJIh2I/AAAAAAAAASU/_UwTQtTyGR0/s400/IMG_4994.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232444991250925410" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/SJ1hAKp37oI/AAAAAAAAASc/H6GivFXxw_M/s1600-h/IMG_4992.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/SJ1hAKp37oI/AAAAAAAAASc/H6GivFXxw_M/s400/IMG_4992.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232444997562265218" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Found this sensational bag pattern on <a href="http://www.burdastyle.com">Burda Style</a>, a brilliant online sewing community website Ria put me onto. I was really happy with this first attempt (I have since made another version for Sunshine's birthday out of an adorable floral/paisley fabric which turned out well, too) - it is designed as an enviro shopping bag but when made in a great fabric and fully lined it makes a really cute tote bag! Woo!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1781520391627168855.post-51144097142689654462008-08-09T01:36:00.001-07:002008-08-09T02:04:59.893-07:00Midori (Mai HiME)<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/SJ1dYIWg6DI/AAAAAAAAASM/HrxCRVUAnd4/s1600-h/untitled.bmp"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 0px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/SJ1dYIWg6DI/AAAAAAAAASM/HrxCRVUAnd4/s400/untitled.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232441011214542898" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/SJ1aIbBxMGI/AAAAAAAAARc/Eigyyqr9FjY/s1600-h/midori.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 1px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/SJ1aIbBxMGI/AAAAAAAAARc/Eigyyqr9FjY/s400/midori.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232437442815012962" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/SJ1aInuTXwI/AAAAAAAAARk/RWneMLg5Wf0/s1600-h/100_2005.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/SJ1aInuTXwI/AAAAAAAAARk/RWneMLg5Wf0/s400/100_2005.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232437446223027970" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/SJ1aImAJtbI/AAAAAAAAARs/EquPg5CgNFs/s1600-h/100_2000.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/SJ1aImAJtbI/AAAAAAAAARs/EquPg5CgNFs/s400/100_2000.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232437445761021362" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/SJ1cQRRam0I/AAAAAAAAASE/jyvHXZ4khgE/s1600-h/100_2002.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/SJ1cQRRam0I/AAAAAAAAASE/jyvHXZ4khgE/s400/100_2002.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232439776658496322" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/SJ1aI6s2zXI/AAAAAAAAAR0/qZDn7v4ZEbQ/s1600-h/100_1988.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/SJ1aI6s2zXI/AAAAAAAAAR0/qZDn7v4ZEbQ/s400/100_1988.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232437451317235058" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />My very first cosplay, Midori from Mai HiME, made for Manifest (Melbourne Anime Festival) in 2007. I chose her because she is a kickass character, she's a redhead, and the outfit is just so damn cute. It's a pretty simple creation (but patternless, so gave me a few fitting headaches for my first time!) but I was happy with the result, especially the apron and the nametag (which was identical to the one in the series, right down to the 'Linden Baum' logo (restaurant where she works with Mai). I only wish I'd been able to be a little more 'cartoony' with the hair, but I will wear this again at some point, so I'll learn from this time.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1781520391627168855.post-71727306390125652452008-08-09T01:24:00.001-07:002008-09-22T01:51:27.412-07:00Jin Kazama (Tekken 4)<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/SJ1WLX5YOjI/AAAAAAAAARM/HhvL5ZpSqcM/s1600-h/dlnxns.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/SJ1WLX5YOjI/AAAAAAAAARM/HhvL5ZpSqcM/s400/dlnxns.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232433095467612722" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/SJ1U1ZEsDgI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/c8Mt7zDprc0/s1600-h/100_1984.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/SJ1U1ZEsDgI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/c8Mt7zDprc0/s400/100_1984.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232431618314735106" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/SJ1U1dn8TTI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/GSEyMWzm6Vc/s1600-h/100_1983.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/SJ1U1dn8TTI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/GSEyMWzm6Vc/s400/100_1983.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232431619536342322" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/SJ1U1slEQzI/AAAAAAAAARE/QqXMJyEUXyc/s1600-h/100_1986.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/SJ1U1slEQzI/AAAAAAAAARE/QqXMJyEUXyc/s400/100_1986.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232431623550812978" /></a><p>This is one of my two first cosplays, made especially for Tom for our trip to Manifest (the Melbourne Anime Festival) in 2007. I cannot describe how many tears I shed over this costume - I learned the hard way that applique is almost more trouble that it's worth, and that double sided tape can do only so much. I was pretty disappointed with the result on the day, as it felt really thrown together. But in hindsight I think it looks really kickass, and I can be really proud of this, especially as I was such a beginner and learned so much making it. Go me! :)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1781520391627168855.post-18766178952428842192008-08-09T01:15:00.000-07:002008-11-18T19:17:38.979-08:00D&D dicebag<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/RqiaHmuhuHI/AAAAAAAAABc/TQx7TvFRCRc/s1600-h/IMG_3676.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/RqiaHmuhuHI/AAAAAAAAABc/TQx7TvFRCRc/s320/IMG_3676.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5091488834187802738" /></a>Posted in my general blog in July '07: <blockquote>One of my recent projects was one of epically geeky proportions - a sweet pouch for my boyfriend's many <span style="font-style:italic;">Dungeons and Dragons</span> dice. He wanted something cool to carry them around from game to game in, and asked me to use my (modest) crafty skills for good instead of evil. We put our heads together and decided than an awesome velvet bag would be the ultimate in ironic nerdly stylings.<p>So after a very simple construction, followed by an inordinate amount of dicking around with the drawstring, the bag was done and ready for gaming. Here are some pix and notes for posterity (sorry about the slight blurriness of the photos! I'm a nub at using Enk's camera)!<p> <br />1) The boyf's nick online is Sen (Japanese for 'a thousand') and he asked me to put the kanji symbol somewhere on the bag. I found a pic online, enlarged it, placed a piece of white felt on the screen and traced it onto the fabric in pencil. It's a weird idea, but it totally works! I cut it out and embroidered it onto the un-sewed velvet.<br /><br />2) The bag is lined with black drill for manly toughness. In fact, the idea was to make this as manly and butch as a little velvet bag could possibly be. Lol.<p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/RqiaIGuhuII/AAAAAAAAABk/nojKK8lh4Bc/s1600-h/IMG_3690_edited.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/RqiaIGuhuII/AAAAAAAAABk/nojKK8lh4Bc/s320/IMG_3690_edited.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5091488842777737346" /></a><p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />3) The drawstring was a real bitch. I started with a piece of shiny braided cord, but the twistiness, matched with the phatty thickness of the fabric, meant that the bag wouldn't close all the way. I ended up buying a $2 multipack of cheapass shoe laces and plaited three of them together, tipping them with some silver leather clasps covered by a pair of dice-style black beads. Worked ok in the end.<p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/RqiaImuhuJI/AAAAAAAAABs/WenSC7DunFI/s1600-h/IMG_3686.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/RqiaImuhuJI/AAAAAAAAABs/WenSC7DunFI/s320/IMG_3686.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5091488851367671954" /></a><p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />4) End result? According to aforementioned Sen, "Heaps pro, Katey!". Zang. :D</blockquote>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1781520391627168855.post-65694228017037903472008-08-09T01:06:00.000-07:002008-08-09T01:12:38.261-07:001-Up Mushroom Cake<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/SJ1Qma94FII/AAAAAAAAAQs/3B-8pFortdI/s1600-h/29-02-08+006.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/SJ1Qma94FII/AAAAAAAAAQs/3B-8pFortdI/s400/29-02-08+006.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232426963078485122" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Posted in my general blog in March '08: <blockquote>In my latest culinary adventure I attempted to craft a One-Up Mushroom cake for Tom's birthday. Christor was witness to the exercise in frustration: Katey pacing the kitchen with green butter cream icing in her hair and chocolate on her face ranting about how 'this f*&@ing cake is going in the bin if one more thing goes wrong'. In hindsight the choice of butter cream rather than fondant icing was a poor one - it's stupidly hard to work with. But in the end it got made, appreciated by the boy and eaten by a room full of D&D gamers. Which is all anyone could want of a nerd cake. Rad! <br /></blockquote>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1781520391627168855.post-71621619155294908552008-08-09T00:44:00.000-07:002008-08-09T01:23:20.817-07:00Sherriff (Cowboys and Indians)<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/SJ1MHyXI3jI/AAAAAAAAAQE/kzYlD8HUOx0/s1600-h/100_2034.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/SJ1MHyXI3jI/AAAAAAAAAQE/kzYlD8HUOx0/s400/100_2034.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232422038736002610" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/SJ1MH1_NZsI/AAAAAAAAAQM/RHM-WnYbdFA/s1600-h/100_2031.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/SJ1MH1_NZsI/AAAAAAAAAQM/RHM-WnYbdFA/s400/100_2031.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232422039709378242" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Cowgirl costume for Jo's 21st in 2007. I made the chaps from a fantastically cheap cowskin-feel fabric I found at Spotlight. It was a patternless creation, and I'm really happy with how they turned out. Kind of a boring costume, but it did the trick! :)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1781520391627168855.post-38069648806147523392008-08-09T00:15:00.000-07:002008-08-11T22:35:43.638-07:00Gogo Yubari (Kill Bill)<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/SJ1GvFuXGxI/AAAAAAAAAP0/xylmDvB7oyE/s1600-h/IMG_2164.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/SJ1GvFuXGxI/AAAAAAAAAP0/xylmDvB7oyE/s400/IMG_2164.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232416116878809874" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/SJ1GvaN90VI/AAAAAAAAAP8/rU4TPkVkgkI/s1600-h/IMG_2224.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/SJ1GvaN90VI/AAAAAAAAAP8/rU4TPkVkgkI/s400/IMG_2224.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232416122380079442" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Hastily thrown-together costume for my Japanese themed birthday party in 2007. The wig would NOT behave itself (I've since read enough cosplay forums to have a vague idea of how to style a synthetic wig, but in those days I was completely clueless!) and I am wearing a vest instead of her trademark blazer... but the Gogo Ball was SO successful - I made it from a painted polystyrene ball, with various attachments (screws, duct tape, etc) and a metal chain with wooden handle. I've still got it at home (somewhere) and it's held together very nicely. Not accurate costuming, but one of my very first, so you have to look back and laugh! :)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1781520391627168855.post-82873508639595404052008-08-09T00:06:00.000-07:002008-09-22T01:50:21.750-07:00Roman Toga (Thomas Maximus)<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/SJ1CKAkaJNI/AAAAAAAAAPs/035Xsvt1Azg/s1600-h/Thomus+Maximus.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/SJ1CKAkaJNI/AAAAAAAAAPs/035Xsvt1Azg/s400/Thomus+Maximus.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232411081793217746" /></a>Costume for Ria's and my birthday Toga Party in January this year, made for ma gorgeous BF, Tom. I made the very simple undershirt from a square of drill cotton, with a slightly rounded neckline. We used one huge piece of purple rayon for the toga (wrapped and pinned into place). The 'laurel' wreath was made from little branches pulled sneakily from a tree in front of Ria's neighbour's house! :D Tom bought the accessories from a cheapie $2 shop. Very commanding, I say!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1781520391627168855.post-30665976508934372812008-08-08T23:48:00.000-07:002008-08-09T00:43:08.962-07:00The White Witch (The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe)<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/SJ0_bYc0jzI/AAAAAAAAAPU/YxdMnzSRC5o/s1600-h/Costume+party+018.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/SJ0_bYc0jzI/AAAAAAAAAPU/YxdMnzSRC5o/s400/Costume+party+018.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232408081726738226" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/SJ0_bvZ9vVI/AAAAAAAAAPc/oDuCoCKFVX8/s1600-h/Costume+party+021.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/SJ0_bvZ9vVI/AAAAAAAAAPc/oDuCoCKFVX8/s400/Costume+party+021.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232408087888772434" /></a><p><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/SJ0_b5TD19I/AAAAAAAAAPk/8JcA_mnP_68/s1600-h/Costume+party+025.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3qS4espMgKg/SJ0_b5TD19I/AAAAAAAAAPk/8JcA_mnP_68/s400/Costume+party+025.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232408090544166866" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Archive shots of my White Witch costume for Dan's Heroes and Villains party earlier this year. I wore a corsety arrangement underneath on the day which really changed my shape, making the dress too big for me in the waist. I was really unhappy with it on the night - I'll have to really refit it if I ever wear it again...<br /><br />On the other hand, Ria did a sensational job with my hair, and the Turkish Delight box (filled with the real stuff) turned out quite well. It's all a learning experience!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1781520391627168855.post-11023967117467967312007-08-23T21:09:00.000-07:002007-08-23T21:12:50.820-07:00Here we go!Well, with a couple of big sewing projects coming up I really wanted to keep a record of my progress - the highs, the lows and the total cock-ups - so I can learn from them and improve! This li'l blog is really just for me, but if you get something out of it, then woo! :D<br /><br />Wish me luck!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0