I get sick of seeing everything from the period being "Frenchified." It's pretty and all, but just not the right look for me and what I want to achieve, usually. However, I stumbled across this blog entry on Mrs. Bell's designs in La Belle Ansemblee, a British publication that ran from 1806 to 1868. The blog entry makes fun of them, but I like all ( Read more... )

You all probably think I'm some sort of working class reverse snob with all my snark against those who want to be "uppity" in the hobby. Not true! I love to be a pretty, pretty princess, but alas! I am (a) practical at heart and (b) terrified to cut lovely pretty silk because I fear ruining it with a bad cut. This is ludicrous, I know, because ( Read more... )

Well, at least it functions. Even if it is ugly. :P( TO HIDE THE UGLINESS! )

• #0 (the bonus challenge): Starting Simple - due 31 December NZT.  Finish a project, make a very simple garment, or something you have made before. Since I'm currently knitting a hat/scarf/glove set for Jim (more on that at the end), I need to keep this REALLY simple. I've settled on hemming a checked handkerchief to replace the one I lost sometime ( Read more... )

 On Thanksgiving, my husband's cousin, Holly, asked me for guidance in making an 1861 ball gown. She and her husband will be attending a Sesquicentennial Ball for the founding of Vineland, and she wants to make an authentic as possible gown. She knows how to sew already and just needs some help in knowing what to make, what materials and colors are ( Read more... )

Pretty much settled in here at the new apartment. It's a little messy, so that must mean it's home. I'll probably clean up a bit on Saturday...

I had made many a-trip to Goodwill's donation center before and after the move, and now I've discovered I got rid of some things I kinda wish I hadn't. Like hangers. I had a million, now I don't have enough ( Read more... )