tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32924586046842434682024-03-05T06:02:09.252+00:00Mother of ReinventionPlus-Sized Sewing Scientist with a Love of Corsets, Kittens & Cake! Vintage Seamstress, Novice Knitter and All-Round Crafty Type.Mother of Reinventionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14409826036412353940noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3292458604684243468.post-89493661424040023432018-01-04T20:28:00.000+00:002018-01-04T20:28:04.558+00:00Book Review: Draping: The Complete Course<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Hello Lovelies! I was packing up some stuff to bring from home when I came across this book. I thought that I had reviewed it but can't find the post anywhere. I must have been having a senior moment. Doh!</div>
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The book in question is "Draping: The Complete Course" by Karolyn Kiisel, published by Laurence King Publishing. The book itself is a pretty weighty tome, standing in at a very informative 320 pages plus a DVD with 32 video tutorials. </div>
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I don't know how many of you have tried your hand at draping or even want to give it a go but are a bit clueless where to start. If so then this might just be the book for you. The main body of the text is preceded by an introduction outlining all the tools that you need, followed by three sections covering Beginning, Intermediate and Advanced Draping. </div>
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Each of the main sections is broken down into several subsections all covering draping theory along with some projects as examples for each technique. Each section is illustrated with a mixture of full-colour photographs and diagrams.</div>
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The Beginning Draping Section covers:</div>
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<li style="text-align: justify;">Draping the Woven Panel</li>
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<li style="text-align: justify;">Dresses (Like this copy of Audrey Hepburn's iconic Givenchy dress from <i>Breakfast at Tiffany's</i>)</li>
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<li style="text-align: justify;">Corsets (my favourite section and a garment that I have draped many times. This one is Lacroix, Darlings).</li>
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Intermediate Draping covers:</div>
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<li>Skirts</li>
<li>Blouses </li>
<li>Trousers</li>
<li>Knits</li>
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All of the above in every variant you can think of including bodice variations, seaming, darts and dart positioning and sleeves all all kinds. It is really, <i>really</i> comprehensive. I love the two blouses below, especially the Gibson Girl style.</div>
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Look at these bonkers Harem Pants as worn by the glorious Nijinsky in the <i>Ballet Russes</i>. </div>
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Advanced Draping Covers:</div>
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<li style="text-align: justify;">Coats and Jackets</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">The Grand Gown</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Draping on the Bias</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Improvisational Draping</li>
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My favourite are the grand gowns and there are some great ones as inspiration, everything from Lady Gaga, Glinda from the <i>Wizard of Oz</i> to Vivienne Westwood frocks.</div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">I am going to caveat this review by stating that I have't had a chance to do many of the exercises in the book (except the corset ones) but am hoping to give at least a couple of the others a go this year. </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">So to round up, this book has pretty much <i>everything</i>. Even if you will never give draping a go then the information on darts, </span>grain lines, seaming and a wealth of other topics contained within would provide you with a better understanding of how garments are constructed and how patterns are made. There is also good information on fashion history. This along with the colour illustrations makes for a lovely book and a really interesting read. I think that this book would be invaluable if you want to design and make garments to your own designs or where no commercial patterns exist, like historical costuming or cosplay, and would allow you to create or copy just about anything. If draping is something that you fancy giving a bash then I can't recommend this book enough.</div>
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Have you ever tried draping or designing your own garments? Do you make your own patterns or think that it is all too much of a faff when they are so readily (and cheaply) available?</div>
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Hope that you are having a great week!</div>
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<b><span style="color: magenta;">K xx</span></b></div>
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<i>Disclaimer: I bought this book with my own money. All opinions are most definitely mine.</i></div>
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Mother of Reinventionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14409826036412353940noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3292458604684243468.post-50877668363761470672017-11-19T18:39:00.002+00:002017-11-19T18:39:28.804+00:00(New) Look of Love - K6471. A TNT in the Making.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Hello lovelies, The last few weeks have seen a bit of a transformation in the way in which I am feeling. Gone is the bad case of the blue meanies that has been hanging round for months only to be replaced with a reawakening urge to create. The fact that Sprogzilla has moved in with me for Sixth Form college is no coincidence, methinks (although you would think that since she is doing photography she would have jumped at the chance of taking some photos for the blog, but no. There was grumbling and a big huff. She did it though). </div>
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The only downside recently has been that my back has been playing up again and I am really struggling with sitting or walking, making sewing very difficult. This top has been cut out and partly sewn for an age but it took me a few attempts to get the hem finally stitched (and even longer to get photos).<br />
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One of the things that I have realised is that I desperately need some new clothes that could work in my day job. Normally I would gravitate to the sort of <strike>sad 80's goth</strike> rock chick/boho-vibe garments that I love but needs must and a posh new(ish) job means that I have to up my office game. </div>
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Whilst browsing in WHSmith to see if I could find a copy of Burda Style (not locally - boo) I chanced upon Sew magazine with <a href="http://www.simplicity.com/new-look-pattern-6471-misses-blouses-and-tunic-with-neckline-variations/N6471.html" target="_blank">New Look K6471</a> stuck to the front in a US 10-22. Normally I avoid these kind of magazines like the plague - the attached patterns are always in the smaller size ranges and they are just chock full of adverts and very little content that appeals to me. I don't think that this one is any better than the others but I did want the pattern as all four views fitted in with my work wear plans.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWx61CLNQPkVJTsovH58GepkalYOEiIzPP3VnwLYZQigM3dVNgNLJwFi53sJmBHAj_9snIGG947Y3UlbHI_AC385_xEDAZkQ66r6p9STk_31Qjj9VCpsLC3mxKEqfZodBzj6wDlCZpkdU/s1600/NL6471_BK1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWx61CLNQPkVJTsovH58GepkalYOEiIzPP3VnwLYZQigM3dVNgNLJwFi53sJmBHAj_9snIGG947Y3UlbHI_AC385_xEDAZkQ66r6p9STk_31Qjj9VCpsLC3mxKEqfZodBzj6wDlCZpkdU/s640/NL6471_BK1.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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I did the usual pattern adjustments, adding 4" to the bodice length and a monster FBA. This top was originally dartless but I added in a bust dart. It had quite a lot of ease so I didn't add in as much of a FBA as normal, meaning that I didn't have to split the dart (I just altered another top pattern and rotated the darts into three as one was just way too big).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1DwnF82pTZ2iovVB_jvqPxsvhqIaLq3YcvyU_wsNgahtd0DOtVmwAckIaM2YJT2RA_0WYtZSC59sSrc9vjkUfS0J29X35JAfs3ZHTIJA-Jfoh2yn5bsx9qKwHsEgOF23yDmqLg5PXEZs/s1600/NL6471_FRONT3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1DwnF82pTZ2iovVB_jvqPxsvhqIaLq3YcvyU_wsNgahtd0DOtVmwAckIaM2YJT2RA_0WYtZSC59sSrc9vjkUfS0J29X35JAfs3ZHTIJA-Jfoh2yn5bsx9qKwHsEgOF23yDmqLg5PXEZs/s640/NL6471_FRONT3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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I picked up this fabric years ago when I moved back to Newcastle for work. It was on a roll outside one of the Asian fabric shops close to where I was living and was about £4 a metre. No idea of the fabric content maybe a viscose mix, but it has a lovely drape and doesn't crush. Absolutely no thought of pattern matching by me, plus I only had about 2m, but it has worked out really well and it is hard to see the join over the sleeves or at the back seam. I used the long hem from View D for the back and just pinned it up in the mirror to the most flattering length at the front. I used my french curves (another eBay purchase as I couldn't find my old ones) to draw a nice curve from front to back. The pic above has made me think that I might want to try a peplum.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYsmdQvntevLU1I1ld-kEOAu8du_Aoq8dSwJSUpAYVWYXBKOfUVINV-mm_E9Ff0FSCfazB5O7XkFu_CXdYq1MefcrdOW1_LxPE7pS4Jo0Q0NQ91xgUw1viJeTCsMXd3nHuyUjmzbvTC9c/s1600/Front+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1193" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYsmdQvntevLU1I1ld-kEOAu8du_Aoq8dSwJSUpAYVWYXBKOfUVINV-mm_E9Ff0FSCfazB5O7XkFu_CXdYq1MefcrdOW1_LxPE7pS4Jo0Q0NQ91xgUw1viJeTCsMXd3nHuyUjmzbvTC9c/s640/Front+6.jpg" width="636" /></a></div>
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Anyway I do love this top. I love the skimming fit and it feels very comfortable although looking at these photos I can see that it would probably look a bit better with a belt, that there is far too much fabric above my cartoon boobs and that the excess below gives me that "is she or isn't she?" maternity top vibe. The joy of having ridiculous fitting challenges. The length is great though and it hides my bingo-wings. Win-win.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv-aqMVMAFaEyLWWENKC8JJbi4Uf_pRAobL904jkcExrsM-qRYgDyyjUIuA64jvmcDZZhts4B-xmacm5FpZBpDPMkfAGO830gBjsbtO88siJi5bgJGccE6MVXFXOsF1ou8xw2PviCjjh0/s1600/TNT_Month.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="748" data-original-width="748" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv-aqMVMAFaEyLWWENKC8JJbi4Uf_pRAobL904jkcExrsM-qRYgDyyjUIuA64jvmcDZZhts4B-xmacm5FpZBpDPMkfAGO830gBjsbtO88siJi5bgJGccE6MVXFXOsF1ou8xw2PviCjjh0/s640/TNT_Month.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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If you follow the Sewcialists' blog then you will know that <a href="https://sewcialists.wordpress.com/2017/10/02/november-2017-is-tnt-month/" target="_blank">November is tried "n" true (TNT) sewing month.</a> I didn't have a TNT pattern but think that this top fits the bill. I will definitely make this again, addressing the fitting challenges as I go. In fact I have another one cut out to make View A with the tie neckline but in the spirit of TNT's I have changed this to be a longer pussy-bow style because I like them. I have fabric for number 3 looked out and washed too. <br />
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So do you have a favourite sewing or knitting pattern that you keep going back to? Or a favourite style of garment? Are you taking part in the Sewcialists' TNT month? </div>
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Have a lovely week. </div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><b><i>K xx</i></b></span></div>
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Mother of Reinventionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14409826036412353940noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3292458604684243468.post-17000523424459822072017-09-23T18:28:00.001+01:002017-09-23T18:28:10.478+01:00Gay Cats Rock! <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Hello, Lovelies! I can't believe it has been a whole month since I last posted. Lots has been happening though. I have been out and about with some friends from work. We went down to London to see the last day of the the Grayson Perry Exhibition, "The Most Popular Art Exhibition Ever!" at the Serpentine Gallery.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRd-gab4LKGa0jhMM7Ta71vf_flYhCHS8SMbSh_3tBktFN5NpLsFA0pLpcrC7HR3RnxU30trZ7YubOnkidZkDifHwVdOhVWX8AwnaC7A2-Lp7fm1urDdQPOiURsvq3KGkWIBXJX92oZbA/s1600/GP_GayCatsRock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="655" data-original-width="1200" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRd-gab4LKGa0jhMM7Ta71vf_flYhCHS8SMbSh_3tBktFN5NpLsFA0pLpcrC7HR3RnxU30trZ7YubOnkidZkDifHwVdOhVWX8AwnaC7A2-Lp7fm1urDdQPOiURsvq3KGkWIBXJX92oZbA/s640/GP_GayCatsRock.jpg" title="Sketch from one of Grayson Perry's Notebooks " width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sketch from one of Grayson Perry's Notebooks</td></tr>
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More about that later. Most excitingly <a href="https://vintagevixon.blogspot.co.uk/2017/09/kinky-boots-weekend-at-londons-classic.html" target="_blank">I met the gorgeous Vix and Jon </a>who were trading at the Classic Car Boot Sale in King's Cross. Such style! I was gutted that it was only a flying visit on my part but I had split off from the rest. I still made it to the gallery before they did though.</div>
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Before we all met up, the advance guard were persuaded to go for quick detour to Walthamstow Market. Stupidly, I didn't take any photos while I was there but I did make a pilgrimage to the legendary "Man Outside Sainsbury's" (#TMOS). He had some great fabrics but I went for a wander and ended up not going back to the Tube the same way so never bought anything from his stall. I did buy 3 fabrics though. One from one of the shops on the left (didn't catch the name) and two from The Textile Centre.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirFjXanA0THNXfhaFR9neSrBG12elF74JqevApJh2_-tdEo_gW3Gx-FA9oz83wQ-tbgsS25_DKH3QJrzwTpiXLemD-H0EJzD-bqfn2x3zCMTRUjx7FjMHHVHthxGUOUp_tt4jlss_aTjc/s1600/Camera_Fabric.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirFjXanA0THNXfhaFR9neSrBG12elF74JqevApJh2_-tdEo_gW3Gx-FA9oz83wQ-tbgsS25_DKH3QJrzwTpiXLemD-H0EJzD-bqfn2x3zCMTRUjx7FjMHHVHthxGUOUp_tt4jlss_aTjc/s640/Camera_Fabric.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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The leopard chiffon and the camera fabric are from The Textile Centre. I bought 4 m of each. It wasn't even a tenner. Walthamstow may be my new happy place.</div>
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This gorgeous African wax fabric was £6 for 6 yards. There were so many there but funnily enough not too many designs that I liked. I was looking for yellow colours to go with some that my friend brought me back from Senegal but didn't find anything suitable..... this time. :)<br />
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I did take a few photos at the Serpentine. Speaking to the people at wok, Grayson Perry is a bit of a "Marmite" artist but I really like him and his work.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuWgFuu7_7yEfpc-cbr4iKXPfukB9hV5mNLM7lQk_mHgqg-5FPp7YsmTkzxxC2VK1WgtPvBRxTs5VbFOuFPNRNakv0kjayhoT609Md5GtSx2UeGP-K0vTjNB9UTmYTyXXZPtiCZWOFp2Y/s1600/GP_Crows.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="509" data-original-width="1200" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuWgFuu7_7yEfpc-cbr4iKXPfukB9hV5mNLM7lQk_mHgqg-5FPp7YsmTkzxxC2VK1WgtPvBRxTs5VbFOuFPNRNakv0kjayhoT609Md5GtSx2UeGP-K0vTjNB9UTmYTyXXZPtiCZWOFp2Y/s640/GP_Crows.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Detail from "Animal Spirit". I loved the crows.</td></tr>
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He has a very perceptive view of life and a great sense of wry humour. as well as such technical skill in a wide range of media. Look at this ace quilted wall hanging.<br />
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I really enjoyed the Exhibition and was taken with the abundant cheeky squirrel population in Hyde Park and the flocks of parakeets. Quite surreal. It was a beautiful day.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAnfQ8MUlb2CuxgprPR5ePuimMcuMZm3mMThxtGQuUePMAtuprlEEFHgUeb0LwiwesV1eBD4kXrDWJSnEaP2tZSfxqmHU2MDHZnqyXlcwqpIUjiq92AO_XSGoDMBF4uRwfGTwcvRpN4GM/s1600/GP_Icons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1445" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAnfQ8MUlb2CuxgprPR5ePuimMcuMZm3mMThxtGQuUePMAtuprlEEFHgUeb0LwiwesV1eBD4kXrDWJSnEaP2tZSfxqmHU2MDHZnqyXlcwqpIUjiq92AO_XSGoDMBF4uRwfGTwcvRpN4GM/s640/GP_Icons.jpg" width="530" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marriage Shrine - A beautiful homage to the Grayson' Perry's wife. I thought that this was so touching.</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: left;">I have been sewing, ACTUAL sewing and have been spending any free time (haha!) between juggling work with trying to catch up with some creative things. I have bought my own body weight in vintage buttons and crafty stuff. Going to post more on that soon as I have BIG plans to update my work wardrobe with new me-made things. I have a pile cut out and ready to go so watch this space.</span></div>
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So have you got any sewing plans? Been out to any good exhibitions?Or have a favourite artist you would like to share? </div>
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Later, Lovelies. I am getting back to my sewing while I am on a roll!</div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><i><b>Kxx</b></i></span></div>
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Mother of Reinventionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14409826036412353940noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3292458604684243468.post-302962330602624552017-08-27T13:24:00.000+01:002017-08-27T17:05:45.644+01:00 Vintage Lingerie: My Sewcialists' Tribute in a Book Review plus How to Scale Up the Patterns and a Me-Made 1930's Girdle<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Are you a <a href="https://sewcialists.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Sewcialist</a>? No matter what your answer is to that question it's been a whole lot of fun looking at the wonderful garments made by everyone taking part in August's Tribute Month. I really enjoyed the "Inspiration Post" series that ran in July and how those have panned out into some great garments. Lots of new-to-me sewing bloggers with such a wealth of talent. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6lrocycsB02_JA_6oR22IFiyRQpbedQ1W1R-l3W0fGXNX2g9fQm5akASklAjuz3873VDDVgr-iKJHioZkSAuxYJoaZErEo4M5BKpJLlQI-4FuF-JjEbRTRCq1NJD8G_fVw8v6TuJWTB8/s1600/Deco_SD1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1488" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6lrocycsB02_JA_6oR22IFiyRQpbedQ1W1R-l3W0fGXNX2g9fQm5akASklAjuz3873VDDVgr-iKJHioZkSAuxYJoaZErEo4M5BKpJLlQI-4FuF-JjEbRTRCq1NJD8G_fVw8v6TuJWTB8/s400/Deco_SD1.jpg" width="322" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYxzW5nUTUOQAG5lcSjBYKwoDLX4NjG6C0DaDPHkaBKb16_zraxUNA6Xxs8zBfuLJUOu7j4hgs5k3_1Brtd0NGUTX8WNhpHs3h2qK0kGTQYPy8p-krV7TDqOEpemBlYgT_J1DOuA0_nhE/s1600/Silver_SD_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1163" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYxzW5nUTUOQAG5lcSjBYKwoDLX4NjG6C0DaDPHkaBKb16_zraxUNA6Xxs8zBfuLJUOu7j4hgs5k3_1Brtd0NGUTX8WNhpHs3h2qK0kGTQYPy8p-krV7TDqOEpemBlYgT_J1DOuA0_nhE/s400/Silver_SD_2.jpg" width="290" /></a></div>
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I am absolutely snowed under with work, even on this Bank Holiday weekend (which is why I am procrastinating writing a blog post) and just don't know just how much sewing I will be getting done any time soon so I am going to dedicate this book review as my Sewcialists'' Tribute to Elaine over at <a href="https://thedementedfairy.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">The Demented Fairy</a> who makes the most bonkers, wonderful Steampunk-inspired costumes and "muggle" clothes. Honestly, I would kill for half this woman's wardrobe. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPg1AEoSVQwwjGDOy9ANbgCn5PE3TP84lE-slBDuWh-1koJs3J2S4A9V2MesSmEX-DvwTnWMmWpBwthSuVRBh3T4CmnJlKTZS4NcxdYIgyULwKwryrsjfAGR2noHQXRRWnn5xk-9rZfAQ/s1600/VL_JS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1438" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPg1AEoSVQwwjGDOy9ANbgCn5PE3TP84lE-slBDuWh-1koJs3J2S4A9V2MesSmEX-DvwTnWMmWpBwthSuVRBh3T4CmnJlKTZS4NcxdYIgyULwKwryrsjfAGR2noHQXRRWnn5xk-9rZfAQ/s640/VL_JS.jpg" width="534" /></a></div>
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It was her <a href="https://thedementedfairy.wordpress.com/2017/08/16/coblowrimo-16-small-project/" target="_blank">recent post on lingerie </a>that got me thinking, so with my best multi-tasking hat on I will be reviewing Jill Salen's wonderful book, "Vintage Lingerie", sharing the resource that enabled me to scale-up the patterns to a wearable size and showing a couple of me-made girdles drafted from the pattern for a 1932 girdle in this book in a tribute to her "smalls"-making skills. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiavdWWwBDrBxTk1EqKuovwIOrh0EZ-9rCcEcK4yMjcqU_VWrvNni3NQw3N_TssZ8bk499zUcrV71OVrCLZu3xx09sbc5lohKuL5butW91ETtBlA3FXu3byP5NytYKOoWtvTQe_CUDF9g/s1600/combinations.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiavdWWwBDrBxTk1EqKuovwIOrh0EZ-9rCcEcK4yMjcqU_VWrvNni3NQw3N_TssZ8bk499zUcrV71OVrCLZu3xx09sbc5lohKuL5butW91ETtBlA3FXu3byP5NytYKOoWtvTQe_CUDF9g/s640/combinations.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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This book, Jill Salen's "Vintage Lingerie: Historical Patterns and Techniques", and her corset one, are my go-to books if I want to sew some lingerie. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2gAuXBuYREOqmATWv0PhKbyhG8KHixaM6aepIueFpMTP9JkdrHrSvOrsPqj1re8kggkxERy8CVbaLtyOsms93XoX6IDlt3QzwIk7XErxbYil8LQsk5JhE0GIHq9miqU49W_B1KvmMROA/s1600/Khiva.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1367" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2gAuXBuYREOqmATWv0PhKbyhG8KHixaM6aepIueFpMTP9JkdrHrSvOrsPqj1re8kggkxERy8CVbaLtyOsms93XoX6IDlt3QzwIk7XErxbYil8LQsk5JhE0GIHq9miqU49W_B1KvmMROA/s640/Khiva.jpg" width="560" /></a></div>
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The contents are in the format of an introduction followed by projects laid out as gorgeous colour photos of the garments which are culled from her own collection or from museums. The book ends with some very useful techniques.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZRF3D6dn_5jxw1Fbfy-Qz6FfOO8fUMnNlV3NCnuQj3IuBh9JuLn-ND5_zzUiBw5FKRVqHDebRYGsvEaY9CJOWwrcgIM1XMDHcy-V4V3ASP8fS5IdqBYEn_N5th2kwrluP9pboD9GO9P0/s1600/suspender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1200" height="568" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZRF3D6dn_5jxw1Fbfy-Qz6FfOO8fUMnNlV3NCnuQj3IuBh9JuLn-ND5_zzUiBw5FKRVqHDebRYGsvEaY9CJOWwrcgIM1XMDHcy-V4V3ASP8fS5IdqBYEn_N5th2kwrluP9pboD9GO9P0/s640/suspender.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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There are 27 different projects in the book which makes this a very good buy even if you only make 2-3 of them as it is a wonderful resource.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh06mgATZGlqCeJQSKkteUfqvRajdPt-vxZ0NRPbKF700HVmbrUYF6PoKKKSS0u-XLRuE7M2ol_eb7VyB6u2_gKYDyLn_-0zRn0FwrURrPd8jqLd55tx0glV8sh8dwjoS2iNE0uMt-XJDo/s1600/Corselette.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1505" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh06mgATZGlqCeJQSKkteUfqvRajdPt-vxZ0NRPbKF700HVmbrUYF6PoKKKSS0u-XLRuE7M2ol_eb7VyB6u2_gKYDyLn_-0zRn0FwrURrPd8jqLd55tx0glV8sh8dwjoS2iNE0uMt-XJDo/s640/Corselette.jpg" width="510" /></a></div>
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Along with the photos are descriptions and a little history of the garments written in an informal, entertaining style. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0jGTTJtvdbEzX8egQbAcnZd1KJ7OILZDlVZojEp1jrYoHhg1Q_n9G_DtCe_aKZEisZ376KEgajZphWDIvAC688g9qexF9RxDvhbqaf9oY-u1MovCrLCqfUtzRldyxZsi6D0AYv10aqq4/s1600/Petticoat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0jGTTJtvdbEzX8egQbAcnZd1KJ7OILZDlVZojEp1jrYoHhg1Q_n9G_DtCe_aKZEisZ376KEgajZphWDIvAC688g9qexF9RxDvhbqaf9oY-u1MovCrLCqfUtzRldyxZsi6D0AYv10aqq4/s640/Petticoat.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Each garment comes with a double-page layout of the pattern drawn to a scale at either 1 square: 1 inch or 2:1 and require scaling up to the required size before use. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1eF2ADnbtRV_l711u4OHScIMQouRuPFWkV6V79dsMy9VJOoxiID41MKxOboAVjudFTBo4E2RKcc_WBhC6WdLdV0d243ks179NAX4ooJin3uKXyIUmSSPlaqC4ZeZnL67_pIJBCzg5M9Q/s1600/Girdle_Bk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1293" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1eF2ADnbtRV_l711u4OHScIMQouRuPFWkV6V79dsMy9VJOoxiID41MKxOboAVjudFTBo4E2RKcc_WBhC6WdLdV0d243ks179NAX4ooJin3uKXyIUmSSPlaqC4ZeZnL67_pIJBCzg5M9Q/s640/Girdle_Bk.jpg" width="592" /></a></div>
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This is the tricky part and will take a bit of patience, a decent ruler, french curves and <strike>a lot of swearing</strike> pattern paper. I drafted up the 1932 girdle pattern above to a modern size 8 using the measurements outlined in "Metric Pattern Cutting" by Winifred Aldrich as I was fitting models but you can use your own stats just as easily. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWmDGlIGpkxe1E1WC24kTvrjfzq1vEm70ZzJ2xjO8-aDlphYKP9ixXLYKVIR3dzDXCaOgUA2MsEO6-ZPohRaAQTPlRhnHYChWO_EhM4dlRNcspHKdWUNl6AYrIkxl_seEqzBdOybT6NEk/s1600/Pattern.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWmDGlIGpkxe1E1WC24kTvrjfzq1vEm70ZzJ2xjO8-aDlphYKP9ixXLYKVIR3dzDXCaOgUA2MsEO6-ZPohRaAQTPlRhnHYChWO_EhM4dlRNcspHKdWUNl6AYrIkxl_seEqzBdOybT6NEk/s640/Pattern.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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I used the method of enlarging based on percentages that is found over at the Foundation Revealed website. <a href="https://www.foundationsrevealed.com/index-of-articles/corsetry/corsetpatterns/68-the-new-corset-drafting-masterclass" target="_blank">The link can be found here</a>. Seriously, this is probably the most useful thing that you will <i>ever</i> learn if you need to scale up these kind of patterns. This technique could probably be used to size-up just about anything. I really must have a go with a "proper" sewing pattern.</div>
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Definitely, owe the author, Cathy Hay an eternal debt of gratitude for writing this guide.</div>
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The two things that are massively important: grain lines and balance points. Very handily marked on the patterns so remember to transfer them over. It will make a massive difference to the success of your garments. </div>
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Also, boring I know but you will need to make a toile, unless you are very brave and trust your drafting (or very lucky and fit into the original garment measurements).</div>
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So how did my attempts turn out? I think pretty well. I loved sewing these girdles. They are made of an outer fabric of silk duping flatlined to corset coutil and lined in my trademark quilting cotton colourful linings.</div>
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I still haven't finished these girdles as they need their suspenders on the bottom so could be considered UFO's. I also have no idea where to buy the little hooks and eyes that are stamped through the front of the girdles so the bottoms still need some sort of closure above where the suspenders are. I could have used eyelets but they might be a bit of a faff to get on and off then. A longer busk would have been very unfortunate when you sat down.... ooft!</div>
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I do love the lines. They look much better on. If they look a bit collapsed in the rear on my dress form this is because they need a rounded bum to fill them out. These girdles would give you an fantastic shape and would look ace lengthened into a corset dress. No idea how comfy they would be wearing them all day but shaped like that who would care?</div>
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So have you taken part in Tribute Month? Do you admire someone's sewing skills or (bonkers) pattern choices? Do you like historical sewing?</div>
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Hope that life isn't totally pants, lovelies! (groan)</div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><i><b>Kxx</b></i></span></div>
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<i>N.B. Just for the sake of clarity I don't own the pics from the book. I bought it with my own money and would gladly recommend anyone with a passion for vintage lingerie to do the same. I also made my girdles a couple of years ago...... but hey who is counting?</i></div>
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Mother of Reinventionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14409826036412353940noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3292458604684243468.post-41469167057376001192016-06-09T20:43:00.000+01:002016-06-09T20:43:10.568+01:00Book Review: "The Great British Sewing Bee: From Stitch to Style".<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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You would have to be living underneath a rock to not know that the new series of TGBSB is back on the telly (or BBC iPlayer if you are like me). And as with every popular BBC series there is also an accompanying book - "From Stitch to Style".<br />
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This book follows the same format as the last, a hardback book supplemented with a separate cardboard pack containing all the pattern sheets.<br />
After comparing the contents there is a little repetition - basic sewing kit, how to use the patterns and some fitting advice. Considering that this book would probably be used as a stand-alone then this is not really an issue.<br />
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Apart from the intro, the book is divided up into three chapters:<br />
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<b>Chapter One:</b> <b>Foundation - </b>which covers some core sewing skills (simple seams and seam finishes, interfacings, elastic casings, exposed and surface mounted zips, appliqué, sewing with sticky/slippery fabrics and fabric ties and Rouleau loops) and includes patterns for the "Bias Cut Top" featured on Episode One of the new series, and A-line child's skirt, a pretty natty jumpsuit (as modelled by a very lovely older model), the babygrow featured on the show, a child's cape and a unisex kimono.<br />
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<b>Chapter Two: Inspiration</b> - Which has a load of patterns and their corresponding hacks and some additional core skills (invisible zips, blind hemming, pleats, lapped zips, bias binding, lining and darts)<br />
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<b>Chapter Three: Exploration</b> - Which has even more patterns, including the soft-cup bra pattern and a very nice "Drape, Drape" -style asymmetric jersey top, related hacks and more core skills (snap fasteners, sewing with stretch fabrics, sewing with lace, pin tucking and buttonholes).<br />
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The sizing is quite inclusive and goes from a size 8 to a size 20, which is about a 45 1/2-inch bust so lots of FBA-action for me! It's even got a page of style advice broken down into rectangles, pears, inverted triangles, apples and hourglasses. Don't know if I agree with all that nonsense as I think you should be able to wear what the hell you want but it is there if you fancy a look-see.<br />
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There are a few children's patterns, a couple for men (shirt, cycle top), with the majority for women including some lingerie.<br />
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To round up, this book is really well worth the purchase price. I paid a tenner for it in our local big supermarket chain but it is available on Amazon for the cost of a Big 4 sewing pattern (unless you are in the US of course. Damn those 99 cent sales!). You get a whole <a href="http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Wheen" target="_blank">wheen</a> of patterns, some good ideas to hack them and some simple and well-illustrated sewing techniques and advice. I was so underwhelmed by the first two books in this series but am so happy to have bought this and the last book, "Fashion with Fabric". Between the two of them you have some great patterns and enough info to hold your hand.<br />
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In other news, Sprogzilla and I have been out and about taking advantage of the lovely weather and the festival that is on in the West End of Glasgow at the moment. I love this pic of my wee chicken, she is rocking her mermaid hair.<br />
Hope that you are all having lovely weeks and enjoying life wherever you are!<br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><b><i>Kxx</i></b></span></div>
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<i>DISCLAIMER: Just for the sake of transparency I bought this book using my own hard-earned. All comments are most definitely personal ramblings of my stitch-crazed mind. </i></div>
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Mother of Reinventionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14409826036412353940noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3292458604684243468.post-22971795219763879992015-04-23T19:43:00.000+01:002015-04-23T19:43:27.082+01:00Me-Made Corset as shot by Christeeny<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I am the luckiest woman alive to have so many uber-talented friends. One of them is the lovely Chris Patterson, who is a fabulous photographer and all round artistic genius based in the North East of England and fellow studio resident. Last week she was shooting with the very beautiful Lucy Bennison from Tyne Tees Models and I loaned her a few me-made bits and bobs for the shoot. Just look at the result! Isn't this image just amazing? </div>
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<b>Team</b></h3>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><b>Model :</b> Lucy Bennison </span><a data-gt="{"entity_id":"29930922615","entity_path":"\/ajax\/pagelet\/generic.php:PhotoViewerInitPagelet"}" href="https://www.facebook.com/tyneteesmodels" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;">Tyne Tees Models</a></div>
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<b>Make up :</b> <a data-gt="{"entity_id":"320144531485976","entity_path":"\/ajax\/pagelet\/generic.php:PhotoViewerInitPagelet"}" href="https://www.facebook.com/josephinebirkettmakeupartistry" style="background-color: transparent; color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;">Josephine Birkett - Makeup Artist</a></div>
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<b>Corset & Head Piece :</b> <a data-gt="{"entity_id":"141445286435","entity_path":"\/ajax\/pagelet\/generic.php:PhotoViewerInitPagelet"}" href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bad-Kitty-Corsets/141445286435" style="background-color: transparent; color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;">Bad Kitty Corsets</a></div>
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<b>Hair :</b> <a data-gt="{"entity_id":"171638141114","entity_path":"\/ajax\/pagelet\/generic.php:PhotoViewerInitPagelet"}" href="https://www.facebook.com/tonyartshair" style="background-color: transparent; color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;">Tony Arts Hair</a></div>
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<b>Photo Credit: </b><a href="http://www.christeeny.com/" target="_blank">Christeeny.com</a></div>
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I know that Chris was trying to go for a painterly feel and the use of light in this shot, to me, is very much like Vermeer or Rembrandt. I was so pleased that one of my me-made (and designed) corsets could be of use along with this 1920's/ early 30's wax flower bridal crown and veil from my rainy day collection of "stuff that might come in handy for a photoshoot". The tulle is so delicate, almost disintegrating to the touch but very beautiful.</div>
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Anyway, I was bursting to share this image with you but had to wait until Chris very graciously said it was okay. If you would like to see more of her work then please click on the link above to her website or find her on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Christeeny.Photography" target="_blank">Facebook</a>.</div>
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Not forgetting of course the amazing team of MUA and hairdressing whose links can be found above too.</div>
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Apparently there are more images to come (using other me-made corsets) and I hope to be able to share those with you too sometime. If you are interested the corset design is derived from an original line drawing in "Corsets & Crinolines" by Norah Waugh. I have used this pattern a few times now, most notably for my dip-dyed silk corset that I must get some pics of too.</div>
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Hope that you are all having a great week!</div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>Kxx</i></b></div>
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Mother of Reinventionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14409826036412353940noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3292458604684243468.post-16892003384442493622014-11-27T20:27:00.005+00:002014-11-27T21:03:31.217+00:00Vintage Book Review: McCall's Sewing in Colour (1964)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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To be honest my life is overrun with books. Since I was a tiny child (I learned to read very early) I have been a voracious reader, devouring every tome that I could lay my grubby little hands on. Since then not a lot has changed - still got the grubby hands - except I no longer scare myself with books of ghost stories just buy mostly sewing books. I have quite a few now and like to pick them up on my travels as often as I can. </div>
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<b><i>McCall's vintage sewing - written when brown polyester ruled the world</i></b></h3>
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My copy of "McCall's Sewing in Colour" is from 1964. I picked it up on eBay for a song. It is quite a thick hardback book, about 300 pages, and as the tag line states covers " Home Dressmaking, Tailoring, Mending and Soft Furnishings". There are lots of line drawings and several colour plates with great photos.</div>
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<i>60's sheets for the win!</i></h3>
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The contents of this book are a bit different to some others that I own from the same period. There is a lot of emphasis at the beginning of the book on picking the right pattern for your lifestyle and figure type which just goes to show that nothing much changes, even from 50 years ago. We were still fretting about whether a pattern would be right or not. There is even the age old discussion about stripes. I love a horizontal stripe and wear them often. Ain't nothing going to make me look smaller so might just go with it. I want to be stripey!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuE5EAUOA60N0QoncUirdx904rxMQpBEfacpYBqBWqyenlxlWFCbN7BW9ZhN3A_ophHW4YPSF-Ozin5feFJ2tSZ1X2SN8F9pQUTmoMFZtLTCr-S9cX_xTq8hDy6RhCNfSAsjOehLwprq0/s1600/dress.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuE5EAUOA60N0QoncUirdx904rxMQpBEfacpYBqBWqyenlxlWFCbN7BW9ZhN3A_ophHW4YPSF-Ozin5feFJ2tSZ1X2SN8F9pQUTmoMFZtLTCr-S9cX_xTq8hDy6RhCNfSAsjOehLwprq0/s1600/dress.png" height="640" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
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Would our bums look big in those spots?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFed5W7ZbxpweZQ0SOitoAXpKqFpwkWB5-c3nANC4RqGvGsVAAFY0IKK7V-V30O9uEnlcpCceWdyJ1ORKAcvJr4VE081JUTO_M-jp_LyNPZlvx_WCACWKfA1-TPDRADcLeqiWwsX_V830/s1600/chart.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFed5W7ZbxpweZQ0SOitoAXpKqFpwkWB5-c3nANC4RqGvGsVAAFY0IKK7V-V30O9uEnlcpCceWdyJ1ORKAcvJr4VE081JUTO_M-jp_LyNPZlvx_WCACWKfA1-TPDRADcLeqiWwsX_V830/s1600/chart.png" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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There is quite a lot of pages on choosing fabrics. This is useful and I suppose that apart from fit it is one of the major culprits in pattern failure. Plus a section on colour.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7aCsoAMch9Pp5uNMa04e1DIbuTZNdpSj1Nxl77waQM3hIE0zJGy5M_QZTBE22fN_VdkHRaKbGlaeNmUIEWi2n_wmLGAaZQDv9KT-4_ZPPRD0eGxv7ZXhgFQikWU1wEoKV5d_4XyYvss8/s1600/colour.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7aCsoAMch9Pp5uNMa04e1DIbuTZNdpSj1Nxl77waQM3hIE0zJGy5M_QZTBE22fN_VdkHRaKbGlaeNmUIEWi2n_wmLGAaZQDv9KT-4_ZPPRD0eGxv7ZXhgFQikWU1wEoKV5d_4XyYvss8/s1600/colour.png" height="640" width="371" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h3>
<i>I am in love with this colour palette. No black too. Very strange</i></h3>
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To give you a flavour of the book the chapters headings are listed as:</div>
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1) Building a New You</div>
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2) Keystone to Fashion</div>
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3) The Raw Materials</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho_9wtR0hobjl9L8vERseq101ZT_MuHB7iPu_3BUrUtbMgrM3sN4mh9CbXdcjPRIijM3QuI_BYrQbyhblp4rRVcSLMDAul5cwv3TMZClwk5DXBcaGSIOHrc-K5oOEHNmj0ecdrtoSq9NM/s1600/habi.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho_9wtR0hobjl9L8vERseq101ZT_MuHB7iPu_3BUrUtbMgrM3sN4mh9CbXdcjPRIijM3QuI_BYrQbyhblp4rRVcSLMDAul5cwv3TMZClwk5DXBcaGSIOHrc-K5oOEHNmj0ecdrtoSq9NM/s1600/habi.png" height="640" width="388" /></a></div>
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4) Fabric Facts</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxe5fYD8xLS8dyifbM2O0NxtuUMIKeAVIp9EIyuzI-PP5NgKj8ZwC8x1mZFqZfNMh5DBqFGPvsu_NihwZL9z2A8zlDBj7jycHBxxU2h0HlVSOpjCwSeIHDCWf9wWj6-eRxycwhwUGqfcc/s1600/spice.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxe5fYD8xLS8dyifbM2O0NxtuUMIKeAVIp9EIyuzI-PP5NgKj8ZwC8x1mZFqZfNMh5DBqFGPvsu_NihwZL9z2A8zlDBj7jycHBxxU2h0HlVSOpjCwSeIHDCWf9wWj6-eRxycwhwUGqfcc/s1600/spice.png" height="640" width="414" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h3>
<i>Yes, I keep my stash in my spice cupboard.</i></h3>
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5) The Tools of the Trade</div>
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6) The Easy Rules of Pattern Alteration</div>
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7) Groundwork for Action</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6MYsKx_of3jisfS54GoRUqM1E33ejeh-_GefJVuXC4mqHl_t6afWKtAohxEcDkNwqP2-XznrRJJMa1T5KIUJJ25cT08W0jOx3-gicC28YFau-3yUgXJLAHzlEHO0e86pSFbZ6DlUZ7Ho/s1600/flammable.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6MYsKx_of3jisfS54GoRUqM1E33ejeh-_GefJVuXC4mqHl_t6afWKtAohxEcDkNwqP2-XznrRJJMa1T5KIUJJ25cT08W0jOx3-gicC28YFau-3yUgXJLAHzlEHO0e86pSFbZ6DlUZ7Ho/s1600/flammable.png" height="640" width="366" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h3>
<i><b>Feelin' hot, hot hot!</b></i></h3>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
8) Blueprint for the Professional</div>
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9) Construction Data - Stitches and Seams</div>
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10) Construction Data</div>
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11) Design Details</div>
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12) Important Closings</div>
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13) The Personal Touch</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0pN1X9s8Rvpuqr4bPNgaOHjZlIjrIFViJmBKeas83Y6qu9vdFnPRnWYA3lVEYE8VTh4HhMJ1pUWjHI6TWvV26Fp-8YHfyfeUBfbskT4sqBOFCxzHYZL6M8qYXRnW1HgK7I6KtEvdCLfw/s1600/childrens.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0pN1X9s8Rvpuqr4bPNgaOHjZlIjrIFViJmBKeas83Y6qu9vdFnPRnWYA3lVEYE8VTh4HhMJ1pUWjHI6TWvV26Fp-8YHfyfeUBfbskT4sqBOFCxzHYZL6M8qYXRnW1HgK7I6KtEvdCLfw/s1600/childrens.png" height="392" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
14) Tailoring Talk</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
15) The Three R's- Repairing, Remodelling and Remaking</div>
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16) The Decorator's Touch</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQk8oY3F0PKWL2YlRAZTp45yT4RiD16apa6kU8NAVw31ayVglHW37Y8q3D0soR4EWghyG0F4E9JPiDlfZD6SDTp1S6B8QccHcm-kHUT4gPUncKtb_oXxY3Vl76zvd_U0vDh2KI2hsT3U0/s1600/bedroom.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQk8oY3F0PKWL2YlRAZTp45yT4RiD16apa6kU8NAVw31ayVglHW37Y8q3D0soR4EWghyG0F4E9JPiDlfZD6SDTp1S6B8QccHcm-kHUT4gPUncKtb_oXxY3Vl76zvd_U0vDh2KI2hsT3U0/s1600/bedroom.png" height="640" width="394" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h3>
<b><i>My eyes! It burns my eyes! Could you sleep in this room?</i></b></h3>
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So the big question is would I buy this again? The answer is yes. There are better books with regard to sewing process tuition and the styling is obviously from the land that Pinterest forgot but it is a nice read and I am glad that I bought it.There is something in this book for everyone, beginners and seasoned hands alike and not a "how to a make a pillowcase" or pair of PJ pants to be found. Something a lot of modern books should keep in mind. There is a lot of info to be had in sewing books from this era, especially if you want to take your techniques to the next level, and you could easily buy two or three for the costs of one new one. Plus, I think reading these old books is fun but then again I read sewing patterns on the train!</div>
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Hope you are having the best time.</div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><b><i>K xx</i></b></span></div>
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Mother of Reinventionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14409826036412353940noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3292458604684243468.post-54209388710622988382014-09-28T15:02:00.002+01:002014-09-28T15:03:36.518+01:00Review/Tutorial: Prym Bias Binding Tool, Me-Made Corsetry Plus Some Sneaky Sewing Time<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Bear with me sewing people. This post is going to be quite long as it has some sewing with loads of pics plus a product review for a tool that I find to be one of the most useful that I own. Now to start off I was at the Studio yesterday and managed to sneak in a little sewing time, in between moving furniture and mini-meetings.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9LWIjMRRnZF7c8SunX1qS0olz8RD8kv3XCWBMPk33O2q30W7zO8sIuNl9JwBzASFsc3qfvpn0x7aR_oVDHUKJHsKjM1HA7sz8NHJc-rWh52SanvnpTvAfuk9J28zDIPendWZsANxE6NY/s1600/lois.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9LWIjMRRnZF7c8SunX1qS0olz8RD8kv3XCWBMPk33O2q30W7zO8sIuNl9JwBzASFsc3qfvpn0x7aR_oVDHUKJHsKjM1HA7sz8NHJc-rWh52SanvnpTvAfuk9J28zDIPendWZsANxE6NY/s1600/lois.jpg" height="640" width="489" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h3>
<i>Totally rocking shot of Lois Wetherup by the awesome Tom Farmer @ <a href="http://glasgowphotographer.com/" target="_blank">Glasgow Photographer</a>, Knickers and fascinator by the super-taleneted Marie @ <a href="http://www.amuse-bouche.co.uk/" target="_blank">Amuse Bouche</a>. Corset by me.</i></h3>
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There is much going on at the moment, everything is in a state of flux, so loads to do.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVexOJ3dbtOgv5mUWX3_u9EbQc7-9VF1ZVXKJnQN61fDVlLUIcqH_3uxu3yV5A07v2hP0_QtEoMDzhdlooSLRl48SMlpSj8pDqHURQ6edcn0r9YbBXvSj6zz2N5rWyiaf4LfaXQcU9ybY/s1600/ORG_LINE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVexOJ3dbtOgv5mUWX3_u9EbQc7-9VF1ZVXKJnQN61fDVlLUIcqH_3uxu3yV5A07v2hP0_QtEoMDzhdlooSLRl48SMlpSj8pDqHURQ6edcn0r9YbBXvSj6zz2N5rWyiaf4LfaXQcU9ybY/s1600/ORG_LINE.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h3>
<i>Recognize this fabric? Yep, it is the leftovers from my Flea Market Fancy shirt. Nothing wasted in Kitty Towers.</i></h3>
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More on that when it is all finalized. However despite all the too-ing and fro-ing I managed to complete the lining for the orange neck corset and make the outer and lining for a red one.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbt8Us2-CpBJApxgvKRWJhtUzMEnyBorE8OqpP0ASUNM6BnZThzNeLfi3-pA3Nwsa3AA0A0500-qCaj6kfAHhJKGTHHmj_p0pJC3fwOtJj9p4uxBEx25QHcP9ws4uST-QnvsFzE8WLgYA/s1600/RED_SLK.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbt8Us2-CpBJApxgvKRWJhtUzMEnyBorE8OqpP0ASUNM6BnZThzNeLfi3-pA3Nwsa3AA0A0500-qCaj6kfAHhJKGTHHmj_p0pJC3fwOtJj9p4uxBEx25QHcP9ws4uST-QnvsFzE8WLgYA/s1600/RED_SLK.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h3>
<i>Lovely super thick silk, so many pieces.</i></h3>
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The red one will match the corset above that I was commissioned to make for a Miss Scotland to be featured in a Christmas-themed shoot for The Sun newspaper a year or so ago. I am trying not to look at my wrinkly fabric. Nice fit though for only having the rough measurements.<br />
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I am going to use the two of these in the upcoming photo-shoot and am looking forward to getting them finished. I have to say that making a neck corset probably takes me as long as making a bigger one. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmC0JLUKNpJedW8v2vDGHH97wP54NlmlqGCzC25_iLl0I4JRtEqhjUiw7jtDuv0hWeAzGNKaveWExDBltjDSo41FV5t8a3KzOdXw1W8TeMjZmkFsOufBbpPJeK3hCKJlxm70tlDBwLalU/s1600/RED_LINE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmC0JLUKNpJedW8v2vDGHH97wP54NlmlqGCzC25_iLl0I4JRtEqhjUiw7jtDuv0hWeAzGNKaveWExDBltjDSo41FV5t8a3KzOdXw1W8TeMjZmkFsOufBbpPJeK3hCKJlxm70tlDBwLalU/s1600/RED_LINE.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h3>
<i>I always line in quilting cottons. They are so pretty and the cotton is nice to wear next to the skin.</i></h3>
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My pattern has 12 pieces to cut out in the outer silk fabric, interfacing, corset coutil and then a lining. the shell is sewn up from the interfaced silk flat-lined to the coutil. The boning is sewn to the shell and the lining will be hand-stitched onto that to keep it in place. They don't lie flat as they are both shaped to be three-dimensional. Plus I will steam them into shape and leave them to cool down in the same way that you would do a coat collar.<br />
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Once that is done I will tidy up the edges and cover them with bias binding, sandwiching all the layers together and unpicking the holding stitches. This is where one of my favorite wee gadgets comes in - my Prym bias binding tool.<br />
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<i>NB.To be fair I also have ones from Clover and they are equally as useful but this is the one I will always reach for first as I like the little handle and the size.</i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc9FVp37KBfILDLdTvVQVV_LBPzgjQDJnh42jfEyaVqbnX58i12n5aluRGW8D70_HaljxTIpv2oDm5cqPx2cOz1CMRI-3FV2kL93N11NwM1wVOvt3yMA0Sey31okwPt5JWCxq4Cj66qOw/s1600/BIND1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc9FVp37KBfILDLdTvVQVV_LBPzgjQDJnh42jfEyaVqbnX58i12n5aluRGW8D70_HaljxTIpv2oDm5cqPx2cOz1CMRI-3FV2kL93N11NwM1wVOvt3yMA0Sey31okwPt5JWCxq4Cj66qOw/s1600/BIND1.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h3>
<i>One of my favourite tools, ever!</i></h3>
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The tools are simplicity itself to use and they come with pretty good instructions but here is my method.<br />
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<i>Here are my bias strips. I have ironed them flat. Look how the grain is on the diagonal. That is the bias and will allow it to curve round edges easily.</i></h3>
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You will want to cut out strips ON THE BIAS that are twice the width as stated on the tool e.g for a 12mm tool cut 24mm, for an 18mm tool cut 36mm, etc. If I am using silk (as I am here) I cut out 40mm strips instead of 36mm just because they will shrink widthways when you pull them through the maker. You won't need to do this with a thicker fabric like cotton.<br />
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Plus you need to be quite accurate in your cutting or your will get wonky binding.<br />
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<i>The back of the tool. Right side of fabric facing this way.</i></h3>
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An easy way to get your first cutting line is to fold over one end of your fabric so that the selvedge is at 90 degrees to the selvedge on the other side to form a right-angled triangle. Give this an iron and, hey-ho, your cutting line. The pointy ends of your strips make it easy to push through the maker but if they don't you can pull it through gently with a pin.<br />
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To make your binding you will need to push your fabric through the tool with the right side facing downwards. The fabric will be folded round as it goes through to create the little flaps on the back of the bias as illustrated below.<br />
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<i>Please ignore the stray thread. Never noticed that one when I was taking the pic.</i></h3>
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It helps to secure the end of your strip to your ironing board with a pin so that you can pull against it gently when you are ironing. Use loads of steam (test your fabric first) and keep the point of the iron quite close to where the binding comes out. you should then end up with beautiful "single-fold" flat binding that you can either use as is or iron over double to create "double-fold" tape.<br />
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Easy peasy! Now you have no excuse for finding matching binding, plus the design options are endless. I really recommend buying one of these if you use binding at all. They come in lots of widths too and are only about £7 or £8 depending on size & brand.<br />
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Apologies for the wonky photo editing and hopefully will have a few more things to show next week.<br />
Take care, lovelies!<br />
<b><i><span style="color: magenta;">Kxx</span></i></b><br />
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<i>P.S</i>. I won a sewing pattern giveaway from the brilliant "<a href="http://pendlestitches.com/" target="_blank">Pendle Stitches</a>" blog so will be making a much needed bag at some point. Huge thanks for the pattern. Am chuffed to bits. xx<br />
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<i>Disclaimer: The views above are totally my own and this is definitely not a sponsored post.</i><br />
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Mother of Reinventionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14409826036412353940noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3292458604684243468.post-2324182681702390482014-06-01T21:33:00.000+01:002014-06-05T21:40:48.460+01:00A Dreaded Sunny Day So I'll Meet You at the Cemetery Gates..........<div style="text-align: center;">
OK, sorry not to have posted last week but I was not at home. Traveled over to Edinburgh to see Mum as she was a bit poorly. Also the last couple of weeks have been a bit crazy with some major changes going on and no internet! <span style="text-align: start;">As a consequence I have done no sewing (again). This is a bit of a recurring theme on this blog but yesterday one of the massive changes was that I finally got the studio back to myself. Today I have been hard at it sorting things out, shifting furniture and generally changing things round so that I can finally have a space to work in that is clean, (reasonably) clutter-free and my own again. It feels great.</span></div>
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<i>I have tons of vintage notions.</i></h3>
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So with nothing hot from my machine to show you I am kind of at a loss what to post. I was going to write about the recent interesting "<a href="http://www.coletterie.com/wardrobe-architect/making-style-more-personal" target="_blank">Wardrobe Architect</a>" series on the <a href="http://www.coletterie.com/" target="_blank">Coletterie blog </a>but although I was pinning like mad on my Pinterest Board which you can see<a href="http://gb.pinterest.com/badkittycorsets/wardrobe-architect/" target="_blank"> here</a>, I still don't have a clue what to sew or wear. Wardrobe Architect is a great series, it has really made me think about what I like and my personal style. The big problem, no pun intended, is that all the styles I like are for skinny boho 70's groupies and vintage glamour pusses and I am none of the above. So what do you do when your person can't match up to your personal style? I need to regroup I think.</div>
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So with nothing to show you I will leave you of some pics I took at the Necropolis in Glasgow.</div>
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<i>In a Julia Margaret Cameron Stylee! (Hurrah for Photoshop)</i></h3>
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I used to work in the hospital close by and go there for a wander at lunchtimes. </div>
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It is a beautiful Victorian cemetery, opened in 1833, and filled with loads of statues and forgotten graves designed by the likes of Alexander "Greek" Thompson and Charles Rennie Mackintosh.</div>
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<b><i>Cheer up love. Bah, and I thought "I" was a bit of a Goth!</i></b></h3>
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If you are ever in Glasgow it is well worth a visit and you can get stunning views across the city from up on the hill where the Necropolis stands. I have a bit of a thing for graveyards (and Photoshop, can't you tell). They are always so peaceful. Great places to take a book and real havens for wildlife. You sometimes used to get deer in the Necropolis and loads of beautiful bunnies.</div>
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Anyway, have a great week people. Happy June!</div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><i><b>K xx</b></i></span></div>
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Mother of Reinventionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14409826036412353940noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3292458604684243468.post-15938484075714350002014-05-12T21:35:00.002+01:002014-05-12T21:36:20.129+01:00Sewing for Newcastle Fashion Week<div style="text-align: justify;">
Well this weekend was a bit hectic. Lots of sewing going on. However, this will be a short post as I can't show you anything.....yet that is.</div>
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I made a little waist-cincher and some other random bits of sewing. It is really tiny, about 20 inches closed but it is for Newcastle Fashion Week. As you know, some of us at F6 Studios are collaborating for Fashion Front Row, the "young designers" showcase (I feel it may be stretching the definition a bit with me) but it is looking good. FFR is on Wednesday night and I will post pictures as soon as I have them but I am sworn to secrecy until then. I do have to say that everyone has worked so hard and produced the most amazing things. I am so proud of them. I will do a proper post about all the things and the designers after the event.</div>
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We have all been sat in the sewing room working together and it has been really invigorating to spend time with such creative people. I am really missing my sewing machine now.</div>
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<i>Image totally stolen from the NFW Facebook page... Oops :) But hey, it is advertising, right?</i></h3>
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If you are in the Newcastle area you should pop along to some of the events which are running from the 9th May until the 17th. If you are interested in seeing the program you can <a href="http://www.getintonewcastle.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/NE1-NCL-Fashion-Week-2014.pdf" target="_blank">click here</a>. Newcastle is a pretty stylish city. People really make an effort when they go out (even if it is a bit OTT with the fake tan sometimes) and take clothes fairly seriously. There are some great colleges and universities in the area too with a very high standard of work from the students.</div>
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Anyway, I won't rant on and will post some pics as soon as I have them.</div>
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Hope the sun shines on your week!</div>
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<b><i style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: magenta;">K xx</span></i></b></div>
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Mother of Reinventionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14409826036412353940noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3292458604684243468.post-89427256887732652132014-03-31T21:29:00.000+01:002014-03-31T21:31:28.011+01:00Sheets, Shirts and Wardrobe PlanningThis blog is a little late as I was recovering from the weekend. No drink was consumed, just the usual amount of running around like a headless chicken. Sprogzilla had a friend sleepover Saturday night- they were really great to be honest- but I was too knackered yesterday to think about anything much bar some mindless iPad scrying. Well not totally "mind"-less, I spent a lot of time reading the <a href="http://into-mind.com/" target="_blank">Into Mind website</a> which is all about personal style and wardrobe building prompted by the recent "Wardrobe Architect" posts on <a href="http://www.coletterie.com/" target="_blank">The Colleterie blog</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTojleBHc_-ZScIokABise-cAwEWXyl3boImRIB2K4XJPDZtYDOfjKSATCodCI6_kI4LlLC5S9ACSPFZtCzJTAOGpQ9rl-pf_P-0qbX-WgvlPC3_UYaZzUEvRe1DQYLPi1AUh0nzcCvS0/s1600/2339.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTojleBHc_-ZScIokABise-cAwEWXyl3boImRIB2K4XJPDZtYDOfjKSATCodCI6_kI4LlLC5S9ACSPFZtCzJTAOGpQ9rl-pf_P-0qbX-WgvlPC3_UYaZzUEvRe1DQYLPi1AUh0nzcCvS0/s1600/2339.jpg" height="400" width="278" /></a>Those of you that know me in real life can stop laughing now as yes, I do resemble the Cat Lady from The Simpsons on most occasions (nor do I care) but recent changes in my day job mean that I am going to have to bite the bullet and start dressing like a sensible adult. However, I hate with a passion most of the baggy, shapeless tents that pass for plus-sized clothes, plus I don't want to look like a corporate Stepford Wife. Is it possible to retain a bit of individuality and still toe the party line? I am going to give it a good try.<br />
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I have cut out the pattern this week for Simplicity 2339. This pattern is one from their "Amazing Fit" range which has different sized pattern pieces for A, B, C and D-cups. All well and good but a bit of a non-event for me as I still have to do a 4-inch FBA over and above the biggest size, plus a broad back adjustment. I am really taking my time doing the flat-pattern alterations and am using both my Fast Fit book from Sandra Betzina and the "Sew Busted" Maria Alto DVD to help with the FBA and lowering the bust dart. And people ask why I never make myself anything!<br />
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I actually have muslin to make a muslin up in. I am taking this really seriously as I would like to have some smart, well-fitting shirts for a change and a TNT pattern would be nice. However, I am not sure that my fabric choices are serious. First off on the left I have a lovely vintage cotton sheet, the fabric is beautiful, and on the right is some quilting cotton "Flea Market Fancy" from Westminster Fibres that I bought in John Lewis. I am hankering after polka dot button plackets and collar/cuffs with these but might just play it safe. The quilting cotton is quite thin so I thought it would be OK for a shirt. I will get the final adjustments cut out tomorrow night. Hope that it fits after all the changes.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h3>
<i>Excuse me Miss but your shirt is sheet. Well! There's no need to be rude.</i></h3>
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I managed to get a half hour of wandering round the shops on Saturday and managed to pick up a couple of nice necklaces in a blue colourway. I bought a lot of vintage turquoise beads a couple of weeks ago and am looking to layer them up so need to add to the collection first. I love the colours and the owl is so cute.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h3>
<i>Fashionable? I don't give a hoot.</i></h3>
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Anyway, do you plan your wardobe? Is it a bit organic or set out with military precision? Do you ruthlessly cull the old and sick or just keep adding and still have nothing to wear (like me)?<br />
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<b><span style="color: magenta;"><i>Kxx</i></span></b><br />
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Mother of Reinventionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14409826036412353940noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3292458604684243468.post-71619108100325707702014-03-04T20:11:00.000+00:002014-03-05T19:10:29.247+00:00Grumpy and Umpty<br />
The last couple of weeks I have been a bit tired and had a lot on at work, so today I am feeling a little bit cross for no real reason. I even ripped down the scarf I had knitted up over the weekend and it was almost done too. Grump, grump, grump!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghLN5KhMhMi4r9P5Cy2jy7vLF5_uh3D7XXbVQXM_4iw0YEohvYkcbkCrODMgx_9j52lO7ZhtlQR15ZewrCnf3s5KfESWIPlf7QV7-JqHLnA61OOBxD25qk4qMSpx8FTdGHYezaS9e4mcI/s1600/20140304_191943.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghLN5KhMhMi4r9P5Cy2jy7vLF5_uh3D7XXbVQXM_4iw0YEohvYkcbkCrODMgx_9j52lO7ZhtlQR15ZewrCnf3s5KfESWIPlf7QV7-JqHLnA61OOBxD25qk4qMSpx8FTdGHYezaS9e4mcI/s1600/20140304_191943.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Don't worry love, I am sure that the Sisters of Mercy will reform.</i></td></tr>
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I managed to get in a quick trip to Knit and Stitch in the Colliergate in York on Friday where I bought a lovely pattern book for Louisa Harding Yarns called "Fade to Grey". Cue 80's soundtrack, and indeed the patterns do have a bit of a romantic, gothic feel. I was particularly taken by the lovely purple wrap on the front.<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><br /></span>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">I also had time to pop round the corner to Ramshambles and bought a couple of balls of wool to knit up a couple of the neck warmers that I knitted for Sprog before Christmas. The pattern for these is so nice and it is free! My favourite kind of pattern. You can find it on the "<a href="http://intheloop.fr/patrons/present/" target="_blank">"In the Loop"</a> blog. The original pattern is in French but if you scroll down you can download it in English too. Several people at work have knitted these and get compliments every time they were them and people are always asking Sprog where she got her's from. It is knitted on 60cm/5mm circular needles and takes about 150m/100g of wool in an Aran weight so it is nice for using up odd balls and makes for a cheap knit.</span><br />
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I bought myself some Aire Valley Aran from West Yorkshire Spinners in a russet/blue grey variegated colourway shade 862"Autumn Mix". I also bought a ball of King Cole Riot Chunky in shade 650- a lovely mix of blues and grey that will suit Sprog down to the ground.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYxYLpADh16wAgTPHAR4oInbk9wg0cJM6ZPtcjeT3chx5YTI5PZu44geqfUj_hcaKlx8EBO7kQiVd7Y7r5onDHXuWOUhqjU1cZ9DcCc6UeTORq0R_TVu7B5I9hBf6CKU6BTi1YpwePrlE/s1600/20140304_191121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYxYLpADh16wAgTPHAR4oInbk9wg0cJM6ZPtcjeT3chx5YTI5PZu44geqfUj_hcaKlx8EBO7kQiVd7Y7r5onDHXuWOUhqjU1cZ9DcCc6UeTORq0R_TVu7B5I9hBf6CKU6BTi1YpwePrlE/s1600/20140304_191121.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>This is such lovely wool. Hope Sprogzilla likes it.</i></td></tr>
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In case you are of a certain age and think that this post title seems vaguely familiar I will leave you with a short video from The Flumps, a fixture of my childhood lunchtime TV consumption when I came home from school for lunch. <a href="http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=vDXMUR7eY_8" target="_blank">Because today I am also under a cloud.</a>Mother of Reinventionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14409826036412353940noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3292458604684243468.post-40054540854307520662013-09-15T12:02:00.000+01:002013-09-15T12:02:40.758+01:00The Blog That Time ForgotOk, well if there were prizes for most neglected blog I would definitely be a contender. As it stands it has been almost 2 years (2 YEARS!) since I last updated this blog. That is bad, even by my standards. My old PC died, taking all my sewing pics along with it which I didn't back up and although I bought an iPad, I am less than impressed with it for doing anything other than emails. So now I have a new PC I have decided to be a bit more disciplined in keeping this up to date and maybe even posting some tutorials now and again.<br />
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So what have I been up to since then? Lots and lots really. Day job is still in Newcastle (at the moment anyway). Have blagged some brilliant studio space in Newcastle City Centre, where I can keep my enormous fabric stash without needing an extension and have sewn my way through two <a href="http://www.getintonewcastle.co.uk/nfw/">NE1's Newcastle Fashion Week</a>s, which were the most hectic and fun thing to do. The stuff they have on is fab-u-lous. <br />
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I worked with Mel from <a href="http://www.lehatnoir.com/">Le Hat Noir</a> again for the 2012 catwalk show. Her hats were amazing. My favourite was this orange silk one show below. The pink and yellow corsets were from this year's show. I made more stuff than I needed so I have some lovely girdles made from the <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Vintage-Lingerie-Historical-Patterns-Techniques/dp/1849940053/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1379239269&sr=1-3&keywords=jill+salen">Jill Salen "Vintage Lingerie" book</a> I talked about in the last post. I don't have any photos of them though.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiy9Z3MslLEifsGnBUtUgfZJ2whdZU54m0VSZc-HAZEobiDOw1Qg5mNiRRoUEO2tnaNYFD6Db4P7lmc6D71oZor0mo0C33x9jzwAqfnbt0rN563ndYKx48KtTgeN5DDJycCsjoR9B5KFU/s1600/NFW.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiy9Z3MslLEifsGnBUtUgfZJ2whdZU54m0VSZc-HAZEobiDOw1Qg5mNiRRoUEO2tnaNYFD6Db4P7lmc6D71oZor0mo0C33x9jzwAqfnbt0rN563ndYKx48KtTgeN5DDJycCsjoR9B5KFU/s640/NFW.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some corsets I made for Newcastle Fashion Week. Photo Credit: NFW (orange) and Peter Reed.</td></tr>
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Currently, I have my <a href="http://www.badkittycorsets.com/">Bad Kitty</a> hat on and am working on a set of four corsets for a shoot sometime in October. They are roughly inspired by the work of Alphonse Mucha, especially the "Gemstones" painting. I am in the middle of making matching neck corsets. I have made one before but I don't think it was a resounding success comfort-wise. I draped this one on a polystyrene head to get the size right (about an 8-10), but as it laces up the back it should be OK. This is prototype B, with hand painted lace and 5 different colours of Swarovski crystals. The others should be fairly similar although I was also thinking of adding in some Steampunk-style boot covers. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikc7ZrOdXXIyiUedVzWGOTrcphGmtkVqWasmUdf2xgxxUeOqHvxrKxlcKl4K5pi3-XsnsS6xMQs-CKc2Sd4NTtd8ARx6XN9NopjseujoLGsiBa_ftUS3p09GpLx0uANtWVfJqxvrTAU9M/s1600/neck+corset.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Bad Kitty Pink Silk Neck Corset" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikc7ZrOdXXIyiUedVzWGOTrcphGmtkVqWasmUdf2xgxxUeOqHvxrKxlcKl4K5pi3-XsnsS6xMQs-CKc2Sd4NTtd8ARx6XN9NopjseujoLGsiBa_ftUS3p09GpLx0uANtWVfJqxvrTAU9M/s640/neck+corset.png" title="Pink Silk Neck Corset by Bad Kitty" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pink Silk Neck Corset with Hand-Painted Lace and Swarovski Crystals (work in progress). I hope that this is a bit more comfy. Boy,does it need a press and the boning put in though.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEwpP9OiU8Axvj0HXFMRwscX6RFig3Jb03Nb0D_jdCWzaLGAy5M06hA3KX4FtdTDxxaXfZ5yZOgDfo5OSSrvSmhoPTmwQ0imQXGrV7-RnRviTv9pHwWCv-gxmjXXfM1ZHBIuYv5nx0_NE/s1600/1f47037f6fda5855228626395f96b33c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Boot Cover and Bag Sewing Pattern" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEwpP9OiU8Axvj0HXFMRwscX6RFig3Jb03Nb0D_jdCWzaLGAy5M06hA3KX4FtdTDxxaXfZ5yZOgDfo5OSSrvSmhoPTmwQ0imQXGrV7-RnRviTv9pHwWCv-gxmjXXfM1ZHBIuYv5nx0_NE/s320/1f47037f6fda5855228626395f96b33c.jpg" title="Simplicity 9553" width="234" /></a></div>
I bought <a href="http://vintagepatterns.wikia.com/wiki/Simplicity_9553">Simplicity 9553</a> after being inspired by Peter from <a href="http://malepatternboldness.blogspot.co.uk/">Male Pattern Boldness's</a> post on ugly patterns on <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/peterlappin/worst-women-s-patterns-ever/">Pinterest</a>. I love this. Must be my bad taste but I want some for me. To be honest, I also have some of the other patterns from there too. Don't know what that says about my taste, style-wise but people used to raid my wardrobe when we had "Bad Taste" parties so that should tell me something I suppose.<br />
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I bought some very practical *ahem* white silk velvet to dye from <a href="http://www.edinburghfabrics.co.uk/">Edinburgh Fabrics</a>. Probably to go with the red corset that I have made. The two bag patterns that are included are really nice too. This pattern is from 1971 and I do have a bit of a soft spot for late 60's - 70's clothing. This kind of swims against the tide for all things 50's and "Mad Men"-inspired which I have <em>never ever seen</em>. Too little time to be watching TV!<br />
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So lots of sewing to do this week. Watch this space!!<br />
<br />Mother of Reinventionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14409826036412353940noreply@blogger.com2