The Garret Corner

My Sewing Kitty...

2011-10-10T21:21:00.000-07:00

1904 Vest and Blouse

2011-09-30T08:00:00.000-07:00

I can't seem to get enough of this blue swirl silk (previously it was made into an 1880s polonaise). I love how this picture shows it's many characteristics. From some angles it looks bright blue, from others it is brown. I believe they call that "shot" silk because the warp and weft use different colors.

Above is a late 1800s vest made from a Folkwear pattern. It went together easily and is line with cotton. It is made to be worn over the cotton blouse pictured below:

This is a cotton muslin from the home dec section that has diamond pin tucks all over. the front gathers at the neckline and it buttons down the back with some antique shell buttons.

Although the designs on these fabrics may not be perfectly accurate, the fibers are, and the styles are. It's two out of three, and for me that is enough. Always an interesting question though. As my reader, what is your opinion on historical accuracy? Are you a purest? An "accurate as you can be within reason"? Or a "don't really care, just want to sew and dress up"?

Careful...

2011-09-28T21:37:00.000-07:00

...someday you just might get the urge to pipe everything in red. I did. But don't worry, it's historically accurate. Linda, my friend at the museum found an extant 1905 blouse with blue check fabric like the one above--piped in red.

This blouse is for Linda actually. The living history program she curates (is that a word...the living history program she is curator of?) just made the switch from 1880 to 1904 so she gets a new wardrobe! This is a work blouse incorporating as much detail as possible so it feels *slightly* more like a nice blouse.

I used a Rocking Horse Farm pattern, botched the cuffs--I'm sure of it, and piped everything. The buttons were an amazing find from a 50 cent clearance rack at the fabric store.

I've got many more 1904 garments to post. I suppose I should even make a new category for them. Now isn't that fancy!

Wally Pops

2011-09-27T08:00:00.000-07:00

Some girls I love run the Etsy shop, Pretty Wit. Marguerite is the designer and creator of the irresistible Wally Pops. Morgandy is the little guy who lives with me.

He is a frequent resident of my rear view mirror, and while at school last semester, my friend Kami fell in love with him.

For Kami's birthday I commissioned Marguerite to make a wally pop perfectly suited to my friend and she didn't disappoint! Gabrielle arrived beautifully crafted with the sweetest smile! The only things I told Marg were that Kami loves pink, Paris, and cupcakes. Below is the description that was impeccably penned on Gabrielle's birth certificate:

"Bonjour! This is Gabrielle. She loves to bake sweet things and always takes time to make everything beautiful. She is often found sitting at sidewalk cafés sipping Perrier and having long conversations with friends. She loves to ride her bike over the cobblestone streets and stop at all the old bridges to listen to the music drift over the river and fade into the pink sunset beyond the sparkling lights of Paris"

If you're looking for a gift for your bestie, I suggest you check out the Pretty Wit shop to adopt a Wally of your own!

A Friday Link

2011-09-23T23:00:00.000-07:00

Hello my friends! I think Friday is a good day to share links. Because now, you have all weekend to go off and enjoy it. Today it is a show. I think you all will really like it, it is a fascinating glimpse into Victorian farm life.

Victorian Farm, Episode One

I discovered this link from the Sense and Sensibility forum. It was a television series produced in the UK in 2009. I love how it is done by people genuinely interested in history. This isn't one of those lets-throw-them-out-of-their-comfort-zone-and-see-how-much-drama-we-can-get kind of shows.

Enjoy!

p.s. see the snazzy new widget on the sidebar that shows what I'm working on? That's to keep me accountable and make sure I actually finish my work!

Dorset Button Tutorial

2011-09-03T23:09:00.000-07:00

A fellow blogger shared this link several months ago. Although this blog was inactive, I didn't want any of my fellow costuming friends to miss seeing it, so have saved it in the drafts until this perfect occasion.

The link is from Burda Style, on making Dorset buttons. They are so lovely, and just the perfect touch for a historic costume. They are especially great as shirt buttons for men and women. Enjoy! Dorset Button Tutorial

The Three Spinsters and I (the unofficial fourth spinster)

2011-08-26T14:13:00.000-07:00

Three of my very dear friends are Genevieve, Marguerite, and Aimee from The Three Spinsters.

Earlier this month we had a lovely soiree, which included clothing that has been out of fashion for at least 100 years*, a dip in the pond, and stories around the campfire.

*they included that lovely bit in the invitation, which gave me much amusement!

One afternoon, while lounging on the grass doing handwork, we happened on the idea of imitating a painting. In essence, finding a painting with four girls in it, making the dresses, and posing for a replica photograph. I have seen it done very well before with Portrait of the Empress Eugenie Surrounded by her Maids of Honor

Picture from demodecoture.com

Lavender's Green also did one, The Croquet Game, by Winslow Homer.

Picture from mauicroquetclub.org

So, the T.S.S. and I are on the lookout for paintings with four girls. The only one I have found so far is below. It is a little dull, with three matching dresses and one black one, but Jeb could even have a part in it!

Oh the fun we will have!

Forgot to mention...

2011-08-22T16:37:00.001-07:00

It's GarretCorner (dot!) com now.

We have our own domain. It's exciting.

Your browser should automatically redirect, but I still wanted to share.

~A

Have Dress...Need Event

2011-08-20T08:00:00.000-07:00

The newest dress in my collection has been in progress since May 2010! Normally I do not let things drag on that long, but I wanted this one to be perfect. I was also hand sewing it, and the sleeves required several trial versions. The last few stitches were added while visiting my aunt and when I finished we had a photo shoot in her parlor.

Original inspiration came from a dress picture on the Sense and Sensibility England Blog. It was a snapshot from a museum, of a sea foam colored dress covered with ornate trimming. I attempted to find the exact color, but was unsuccessful. This silk I found on sale for $4 per yard after Christmas, but there was only 2.25 yards left. This is the most precisely cut dress I have ever made, and I was left with about 10 square inches of fabric left!

Eventually I think I will add more trimming. Typically my dresses get a little something new added every time I wear them and as this post suggests, I am still looking for the perfect event.

A Reintroduction

2011-08-18T09:31:00.000-07:00

I'm back! Hello to my old friends, hello to new ones.

Six months have passed since I needed a break from the internet world, and a lot has happened:

In December I completed a Senior capstone project, designing clothing for women who have undergone mastectomies and need clothing suited to prosthesis.

In January, February and March, I designed and constructed a line of clothing that was showcased in the school fashion show.

In April I graduated!

In May I moved 5 states away to do a costuming internship.

In June, and July, I constructed 70 garments for the museum, helped with historic demonstrations, and learned a little bit about collections work.

Now it's August. I'm enjoying the sun, doing some interesting projects, and looking forward to reconnecting with Garret Corner readers once again.

So, I am really back. The Garret Corner is inhabited once again.
Cheers!
Heidi

Adieu and Farewell

2010-12-26T10:05:00.000-08:00

I'm sad to say that the day has come when I officially declare this blog ended. It has been a wonderful journey, and I thank everyone who has read and commented. My life is moving in a different direction, and I cannot stand the idea of a blog that is updated monthly. Enjoy the archives, and perhaps someday I will venture up into the Garret Corner again.

~Adelheide

Halloween Costumes

2010-11-12T18:12:00.000-08:00

For Halloween this year I went to a swing dance in Portland and got the chance to wear my Dirndl for the first time. My friend Jeff wore the Robin Hood Tunic that I made him earlier this year. I added the apron for my dress the day of, because I thought it was too plain without one. I simply took a rectangular piece of fabric and used 4 rows of gathering stitches to give it the classic dirndl look.

It's too hard to see in the picture, but a wonderful friend also gave me an Edelweiss pin that I wore on my blouse.

Here, There, Everywhere.

2010-11-05T18:50:00.000-07:00

I found this picture the other day and I think it is so lovely. Although, now that I live in a rainy climate, the rain isn't such a novel thing anymore. Its just cold and wet.

It is November already. The schoolwork never lets up. I am working on a project for a clothing company that designs for women who are recovering from, or have had, breast cancer. Above is a simple pair of shorts I made as the prototype for a pajama set. The tops are more complicated and are still in progress.

Something to look forward to is a Seven Brides for Seven Brothers ball in March! I've started draping my dress. I think that over Christmas break I'll spend some time sewing for me again. It's been a long time since I've been able to do that.

This was a random post.
Thanks for reading.
Heidi.

Cream 1880s Gown

2010-10-01T18:28:00.000-07:00

Here is the final gown I made this summer. It was for Rendezvous, the big event I worked on last summer as well. Unfortunately I was not able to attend the event, due to a funeral, or else I would have had to make a new dress for myself as well. It is imperative to have a new dress for every fancy occasion, is it not?

This dress was also inspired by a picture. The museum has decided that most of its garments will be done that way from here on out. It makes it fun for me since the piece really comes to life. This was made from a gorgeous silk damask, with burgundy velvet accents. The back is worn over a full tea tray bustle, but without an overskirt.

Burgundy Travelling Dress

2010-09-24T20:30:00.000-07:00

I began working on this gown right as summer started. The Association for Living History Farm and Agriculture Museums (ALFAM) was having its annual meeting and attendees were invited to wear their finest raiment for the evening event. The original inspiration came from a picture I have included below. The fabric is a lightweight wool, and cut velvet curtain panels.

The tails are such a unique addition to this dress, along with the buttons, which are all originals. Along the front are rectangular glass ones with a gold detail, and on the back are two large brown ones. The skirt was the most complicated part for me. With its ruched front panels it was incredibly heavy and unwieldy.

This is the pattern I used, although I altered the front to have an asymmetrical opening like the original below. I also took some fullness out of the tails so there were not as many pleats as shown.

My Weekend

2010-09-20T08:03:00.000-07:00

My weekend consisted of a visit in Seattle with my Aunt, and old episodes of Project Runway...

What can I say? It was the first time I had ever watched an entire episode, and while I wasn't hooked, I did enjoy them. The drama shows are really not my type. I hate the cruel banter, and the out of control emotions, but what I did like about this show was the inside look at creating a high end garment in a short period of time. Some of the things I make take an embarrassingly long amount of time, but these designers often had less than a day to design, drape, shop, sew, fit, and finish. Wow! Now I'm inspired to finish the dress that's been in progress since May...

Building Inspiration

2010-09-14T21:38:00.000-07:00

I am designing a clothing line. I am also discovering how challenging it is to design a clothing line. And I am finding how often my clothing designs are inspired by interiors.

These neutrals are spiced up with a splash of bold color, and the richness of the gilt mirrors.

And then here is a room full of color and energy, yet still grounded with neutrals.

This is my favorite, the texture of an old house paired with the smooth wood and glossy silver.

--I suppose inspiration can come in many forms

Lowell Mill Dress

2010-09-10T21:20:00.000-07:00

This is the Lowell Mill dress, by Past Patterns. I shared its construction earlier, but finally I have some nice pictures. It really was amazing to sew. The fabric was lovely, and it was the first time I have done leg o' mutton sleeves. Much of this dress is topstiched, and a garment becomes so much more dear after hours spent handstiching.

The Pelerine is the only thing that varies from the pattern. I copied it from a gown in the Tasha Tudor collection. In my opinion it's extra large scallops are striking.

Regency Frock Coat

2010-09-09T18:07:00.000-07:00

Finally I am ready to share many of the things I was working on this summer. School has started and my sewing has been pushed on the back burner.

This Frock coat is made from a medium weight black wool. It will be very warm for its owner, but it sure looks dashing. The buttons are going to be hand done by its owner, so straight pins are my substitute in this picture.

Something I did not know about Regency Coats: there is actually boning in the collar to hold it upright and give it body. Using the welt pocket tutorial, I made functioning pockets on this pattern which just had fake flaps.

Wall Art

2010-09-05T22:34:00.000-07:00

Here is the finished wall art! My inspiration came from a tutorial on How About Orange. These are about 12 inch squares painted and monogrammed with sharpies. They are actually cardboard too... basically its the ultimate in frugal wall art.

Hello

2010-09-02T18:47:00.000-07:00

Hello Friends, I am here I've just been preoccupied. School is back in session and I've moved back into my little apartment.

The walls are shamefully bare though, so I'm looking for decorating ideas. Any advice is appreciated.

Happy September!
~Heidi

When you're sick of sewing...

2010-08-23T20:19:00.000-07:00

I recommend making Raspberry Lemon Glazed Scones. With fresh raspberries from our garden, and tea with our Grandma, these were quickly polished off!

Blue Silk Polonaise

2010-08-10T09:47:00.000-07:00

This is the 1880s gown I have been working on for the last few weeks. The lady it was made for will be going to a formal event at the museum next weekend, and hired me to make her dress.
The blue silk was so lovely. It is soft and drapes, but there are no slubs like dupioni. Along the neckline is a ruffle made from silk organza.

The back has these cute little tails which we trimmed with a beaded fringe. The flash on my camera made them appear very shiny, but they are much more dull in person.

The back of the skirt is drawn up in lovely drapes which will go over a skirt and bustle. The bottom edge is trimmed just like the peplum.

The sleeves are 3/4 length, and there is a pleat at each elbow. The buttons we used on each pleat are replicas from 1880.
Here is the inside of the skirt showing the tapes that draw up the skirt. They are just tacked in place and could be adjusted to make it more or less full.

The skirt that goes under this polonaise is made from a lightweight wool woven in a houndstooth pattern. It is hard to see in these pictures, but the weave does have some of the blue from the bodice, and so it matches quite nicely. For the trim on the skirt, I copied an original dress. It helps tie the two pieces together, but it could also be removed for a more basic skirt. Right now I am making a second bodice for this skirt, out of the wool. This way it can also be worn as a less formal dress, and during the winter when it gets cold.

Mastering the Welted Pocket

2010-08-03T15:08:00.000-07:00

Since I have been venturing more and more into Men's clothing, I knew it would eventually come up... the Welt Pocket.

Most patterns allow you to cheat, and sew fake little flaps on, which imitate pockets. However, since I frown upon such cheats, and sew for someone who actually likes to wear his clothing, it finally became time for me to learn this skill.

The very moment I had decided upon this course of action, a wonderful blog devoted to 18th century costuming posted a tutorial. I think the Widow Black read my mind, for her incredible Welt Pocket Tutorial revolutionized my pocket sewing.

In less than twenty minutes I had a beautiful looking welt pocket, just like the example pictured.
And that is all I had to say. Happy sewing to you all!

Linen Frockcoat

2010-07-27T17:00:00.000-07:00

Here is a linen frockcoat that I just finished. It is a light gray/brownish color, hard to describe. It doesn't photograph well because, even though the picture below makes it look like a long trench coat, it actually has a well defined waist seam. We'll blame it on the hanger.
This was the pattern I used, and it worked very well. The instructions were very confusing though, and I wouldn't recommend them. Also, the guy this is made for is very tall so I had to alter the length of all the pieces.

We changed it to single breasted for variety. No one likes to go to an event and look exactly like everyone else. In the back view you can just barely see the back vent and side pleats.And just for fun, some candy stripe linen as lining. The buttonholes will be hand done by the proud new owner, as well as topstiching and other final details.

An Original

2010-07-23T19:46:00.000-07:00

A fellow member of the Sensibility forum found this lovely painting of an 1880s scene. Notice the two ladies in the background and what they're wearing? Yes, it's almost identical to the dress I just finished!

It is so nice to see an image that makes the design come alive. And now I can probably assume that the style would be appropriate for older ladies too.

On another note, I am working away on another 1880s polonaise. The two I made last summer are here and here. I would rather do a grand reveal and show the entire dress rather than bits and pieces, but unfortunately that creates a rather boring blog.

I have realized that making a dress is rather like building a house. There are so many decisions to make...fabric, pattern, lining, buttons, trim, hem length, neckline finish, hat decorations, the list goes on! These decisions are made infinitely harder when you have three people who must agree. When I work for the museum I decide what works best construction-wise, the volunteer gives input on style (and if they are paying for it, material) and then the museum curator must approve everything historically. It gets to be a complicated mess that greatly prolongs the process.

That isn't to say I don't like it. Usually everything comes together and we end up with an amazing product... one of which I should hopefully be revealing to you soon!

Thus ends the journal entry,
~Heidi

Striped Linen Waistcoat

2010-07-18T16:05:00.000-07:00

Of course, to go with a new shirt another waistcoat is needed... This one is in a lovely striped linen. Much less formal than the silk one I made earlier.
Typically the back panel is made from a lining fabric rather than the fancy fabric used in the front. However, for this waistcoat I was running short on lining and had plenty of the linen. And once again, there are no buttons yet because the man I sew for likes to hand do them himself.

A Checked Shirt

2010-07-16T16:56:00.000-07:00

My goodness, it looks like I've gotten into the shirt making business! For every one I show you there are usually two others you don't see. What can I say... they're easier assembly line style, and the only reason I am showing you pictures again is because this fabric is different and fun.

It's cotton this time, unlike the previous linen ones. A black and cream check--so soft I think I want one for a nightshirt.

The style is similar to the Robin Hood tunic. Someday soon I'll have to dig up a tutorial because it's so easy I think I could convert many of you to my shirt making club. *I just realized that the first picture makes the shirt look really strange. It's not that short, I just folded it to fit on the table. These shirts are so large and unwieldy, they don't photograph well.

New 1880s Dress!

2010-07-06T12:51:00.000-07:00

Yay, I finished something! Can you believe it? This dress is for some of the new volunteers at the living history museum I work at. Out at the homestead, the daughter's name is Cora, and this year we have two new teen volunteers to play the role.

This dress is perfect for the two girls because they are close to the same size, but just different enough to make a normal bodice tight on one, and baggy on the other. Since this dress belts at the waist it can work for each of them and we get Cora looking consistent without making two dresses.

I drafted the bodice using a diagram from Fashions of the Guilded Age, Volume 1 by Frances Grimble. There is a commercial pattern for this bodice available but I was too impatient to wait for it, and too frugal to buy it.
Typical 1880s pleating on the cuffs, and piping along the shoulders and along the top of the pleats. Other than that, there is no trimming because this is another work dress.

Robin Hood Tunic - complete

2010-06-22T14:45:00.000-07:00

And here it is! Modeled on, The One Who Shall Remain Faceless...

For the fabric, I wanted to use linen, but due to the high cost (and the inability to get it anywhere in town) I ended up using a secondhand green sheet. It was in like-new condition, and it is thick enough to hold up well as a tunic. I used a basic 18th century shirt pattern as a base. I've been making a lot of shirts for a client of mine so the pattern was still fresh in my mind. The hood I drafted using an old hooded cape as a reference. For the parts that lace up I used narrow ribbon to make little loops for the leather cord to go through. The hood has lacing up the back so when you wear it down the quiver fits through the gap. Some of the pictures in my previous inspiration post do a good job of showing this detail.

The sides lace up too, which I think is a fun touch. Around the hood and sleeves is a trim detail that I made by tearing two strips of fabric, leaving the edges raw, and sewing them on top of each other.

It's only two months late for my friends birthday, but I'm sure he won't mind! Now, if I've inspired you, go check out the wonderful BBC adaption of Robin Hood.

Sunday Thoughts

2010-06-20T09:00:00.000-07:00

So acknowledge today and take to heart that the Lord is God in heaven above and on the earth beneath; there is no other.

~ Deuteronomy 4:39 ~

Sontag

2010-06-18T10:14:00.000-07:00

The last part of my green 1860s ensemble is a knitted Sontag. I've never actually used it while reenacting, but it seems like it would be good on chilly mornings.

I used a pattern that I found somewhere online. Unfortunately I can't exactly remember which one. Here is a pattern from Ragged Soldier that is something similar if you wanted to knit one yourself.

Summer... please!

2010-06-17T16:31:00.000-07:00

This morning I was browsing through my favorite recipe site, Taste Spotting, and I came across a recipe for fudgesicles. Feeling spontaneous, I mixed up a half recipe and put them in the freezer before I left for work.

When I got home this afternoon, they were frozen perfectly, and made a tasty afternoon snack. Of course, it would be nice to have summer weather to go along with this frozen snack... this week it has been cold and rainy, and we've been told to expect snow on Sunday! I will definitely make these again this summer though, with raw honey and organic cocoa powder I think they are a superior version to any fudgesicle available in stores.
I mixed up a half batch and it was just enough to fill six molds. We have had these molds since I was in elementary school and I had forgotten how fun it is to make popsicles! Of course you could use small paper cups and popsicle sticks if you didn't own molds.

For some reason mine separated during the freezing so I was left with a dark/light chocolate popsicle. It didn't hurt the taste and texture though.

Fudgesicles

Ingredients:

3/4 cup of milk (any kind, the original recipe used coconut milk, I recommend low fat)

1/2 cup of honey (or other sweetener)

1 cup of water

1/2 cup of cocoa (hot chocolate mix works too, but adjust the sweetener you add)

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 tablespoon butter

Preparation:

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine all the ingredients and mix until well blended - about five minutes. Cool for about 15 minutes, or until it's close to room temperature. Add the mixture to popsicle molds and freeze for at least 3 hours.

1860s Jacket

2010-06-11T10:13:00.000-07:00

This is another garment from my 1860s wardrobe. It is a wool jacket that I made from a wool tablecloth and a Simplicity pattern. It isn't the most accurate garment, but it was made on short notice for a cold weekend event in late September.

Robin Hood Tunic

2010-06-09T15:56:00.000-07:00

My next project is to make the shirt Robin Hood wears in the BBC miniseries. It is a shirt/tunic, with a hood, made in a medium weight cotton or linen. The following are pictures I have gathered from the internet that show the best detail. Enjoy!

1860 Ensemble

2010-06-08T10:11:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I helped out at an 1860 event at the museum. Before it started I had the chance to finally photograph most of the garments I have for the civil war era. Almost all of these were made two years ago when I spent a season reenacting.

My dress was made with Past Pattern's Dart Fitted Bodice Pattern. The sleeves are bishop sleeves that I drafted using Elizabeth Stewart Clark's book, Practical Prinkery. The skirt is simply three widths of fabric gathered onto a waistband. The hat was made last year, and I detailed its construction here.

This apron is made from a very tiny homespun check. It is made from the out of print, Simplicity 7212 pattern, but I added the straps for convenience. I know straps are not very period correct, but I really dislike pinner aprons.
And finally, here is a picture of how I did my hair. It gives a slight impression of poufs over the ears, and it what I've found that works best. I part my hair and put up a ponytail in the center back of my head, leaving the hair down that frames my face. Then, I twist and pull that hair back and over my ears, and put up all the hair together into a bun.

Today...

2010-06-03T14:19:00.000-07:00

I sewed on pointe shoe ribbons. I've sewn a lot of them in my 12 years of ballet, and it's become as easy as pie. 6 minutes a shoe. Done in 12 minutes.
These were my first pointe shoes, in all their worn-out glory. They look so tiny now.

Introducing:

2010-05-27T08:41:00.000-07:00

I would like to introduce you all to my new companion, Viola Wolf. She has come home with me for the summer.

She is in need of some clothing and so I hope to get started on her wardrobe next week. Still trying to choose an era though :)

Have a great weekend
~Adelheide

Sunday Thoughts

2010-05-23T21:33:00.000-07:00

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another -- and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

~ Hebrews 10:23-25 ~

Hello

2010-05-22T17:20:00.000-07:00

I am here. I know it's been awhile, but the break was nice.

After school ended I went into a hibernation of sorts. I caught up with family, rested, unpacked, and got back to work sewing for friends and clients.

Lately I've been doing a lot of underthings. As any good seamstress will tell you, the most important part of historic costumes are the underthings. However, linen shirts, cotton shifts, and petticoats of all shapes and sizes are not the most interesting things to photograph.

Soon I will share pictures of the new gown I am working on. "Mrs. Blair" a rancher's wife from 1880 is paying a visit back east, and was in need of a new traveling gown. It will be a lovely wine colored wool with velvet accents.

Until then, cheers and happy sewing!
~Adelheide

Deerstalker Pattern and Tutorial

2010-05-14T22:43:00.000-07:00

This is a pattern for a basic Deerstalker Hat. It fits an average head, measuring 23" around. Of course, the seam allowances could be altered, or the pieces sized to fit any shape or size head.

The pattern pieces are on two 8.5x11" sheets. Follow the links below and print at full scale.
Pattern Sheet 1
Pattern Sheet 2

Step by step instructions follow, all seam allowances are 1/2", except where noted.
1)

Cut out all pieces:
4 fabric brims
2 buckram brims
4 fabric ear pieces
6 fabric crown pieces
6 lining crown pieces

2)
Sew the ear pieces together then grade and clip seams.

3)
Turn ear pieces inside out and press.

4)
Lay two brim pieces right sides together and one buckram piece on top of that. Sew all three layers together.

5)
Trim the buckram as close as possible to the stitching. Grade and trim the fabric seams.

6)
Turn inside out and press the brim pieces flat. The buckram should now be sandwiched in between the two layers of fabric.

7)With two of the crown pieces right sides together, sew from the bottom of one edge to the dot on the pattern.

8)

Press this seam open.

9)

Repeat, adding on each crown piece until it is a full circle.

10)

Repeat with all the lining pieces. The seams may need to be trimmed where the top points meet in order to reduce bulk.

11)

With right sides together center the brim pieces over the front and back crown seams, and center the ear pieces on the side crown pieces. Baste around the entire hat 1/4".

12)

Flip the ear pieces and the brims to the inside of the hat and attach the lining right sides together with the crown. Sew around, leaving a 3" opening on one side.

13)

Turn the hat right sides out and press the crown away from brim and ear pieces.

14)

Sew around the crown, 1/8" above the brim and ear pieces. This keeps the lining fabric in place.

15)

Sew a button on top to tie up the ear flaps. Lastly, sew a ribbon to the bottom of each ear flap to tie it up and out of the way. (Ribbon is not pictured on the hat made in this tutorial)

---This is a free pattern, created for Garret Corner readers. Do not sell this pattern or any hats made with this pattern. Please do not distribute this pattern, but instead, refer people back to my blog so they can download it themselves.---

Designing a Deerstalker

2010-05-08T18:50:00.000-07:00

My sister is having a costumed birthday party next week. Each guest was requested to come dressed as a certain character and I get to be Sherlock Holmes... deerstalker hat and all!

After scouring the internet for hat patterns or ideas, the best I could come up with was some cheap costume ones, pictures, and Simplicity 2517. Unwilling to buy a pattern at full price, I decided to design my own hat. It would have been much easier to buy the pattern instead of wasting an afternoon, but I think it was worth the creative challenge.

Yes, my little lamp is modeling these hats :)

Summer Blouse

2010-05-03T13:28:00.000-07:00

I have been in a draping class over the last semester, and one of our projects was to create an original design. This is the shirt that I designed and made. As part of the project we also had to make a complete pattern and presentation board.
I draped on a size 8 dress form, and sewed my finished garment out of a slate blue bamboo fabric. It felt like a heavy weight cotton and was lovely to work with.
It fits my sister perfectly and already she has commandeered it to wear to school!

Wednesday Thoughts...and tulips!

2010-04-28T21:25:00.001-07:00

Let your roots grow down into Him and draw up nourishment from Him. See that you go on growing in the Lord, and become strong and vigorous in the truth you were taught. Let your lives overflow with joy and thanksgiving for all he has done. Do not let others spoil your faith and joy with their philosophies, their wrong and shallow answers built on man's thoughts and ideas, instead of on what Christ has said. For in Christ there is all of God in a human body; so you have everything when you have Christ, and you are filled with God through your union with Christ. He is the highest Ruler, with authority over every power.

~ Colossians 3:7-10 ~

A wonderful lady shared this verse with me this morning. She had no way of knowing how important it was for me to hear these words today. So these thoughts are not my own, but I hope that the Holy Spirit will speak to you through them, and you will find comfort in his word.

Creamsicle tulips! ^

On another note, last weekend we took a drive to the tulip festival! It was so beautiful. Along the roadside a sign was posted saying, "God loves you. He gives you flowers every spring!" Cheesy isn't it? But in its simplicity it is still a wonderful thought.

Coming soon!

2010-04-26T20:06:00.000-07:00

I've got seven finals in four days, so while I take a deep breath and try to keep my head above water, I hope that all you lovely people have a wonderful week!

After that I'm going home and looking forward to creating many lovely things! Already I have orders for shirts, shifts, waistcoats, dresses, and ballgowns in every era, so hopefully this blog will liven up a bit.

~Adelheide

Thursday Thoughts

2010-04-22T08:32:00.000-07:00

Who may ascend the hill of the Lord?
Who may stand in his holy place?
He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
who does not lift up his soul to an idol
or swear by what is false.
He will receive blessing from the Lord
and vindication from God his Savior.
Such is the generation of those who seek him,
who seek your face, O God of Jacob.

~ Psalm 24:3-6 ~

Seafoam Stripe Sundress

2010-04-11T20:07:00.000-07:00

Presenting....the first of it's kind, designed-by-Adelheide-dress! It was designed, draped, drafted, and sewn by me! Although I typically modify patterns to match my designs, this was the first garment I have every created by draping on a dress form.

Lately I have been inspired a lot by Anthropologie clothing, and their latest catalog had a cute sundress made from black and white checked seersucker. While at the fabric store I had a black and white stripe picked out, but my sister encouraged me to go for the green and white since I need some more cheerful colors in my wardrobe.

A college class I have about pattern draping has taught me a lot about making patterns so this design was relatively simple to create. There is a midriff band, a gathered bodice piece, a simple gathered skirt, and narrow straps. It is lined on top, and closes in the back with a zipper.
The straps are actually the selvage edge from my fabric. I noticed that they had a wide green and white stripe so I turned them under and topstiched a 1/2" strap. The midriff band has 1/5" wide stripes topstiched on with the fabric stripes going in the opposite direction. The edges of these are left raw, and they have frayed to look fuzzy in the wash (it is impossible to see in the picture).

Although it took much longer to make this dress than if I had used a pattern, I love having something I made entirely on my own. Looking back, there is nothing I would have done differently except have a friend on hand to help with the fittings! My summer wardrobe is looking cheerier already!

More Easter Baking

2010-04-03T19:31:00.000-07:00

Today I baked our traditional Easter cookies. I'm kind of missing my family now, so it was fun to hear that my Sister was baking them at home at the same time I made these.

The recipe is pretty basic, they are called Almond Macaroon Easter Nests. Typically we like to use pastel colored m&m's, but sometimes they can be very hard to find. The regular kind are just as tasty!

Yesterday I made a new dress, so I'll get back to my normal sewing blogging soon. I've just been so inspired lately by my food blogging friend, Kami!

Celebrating Good Friday

2010-04-02T15:49:00.001-07:00

With hot cross buns! Apparently it is traditional to share hot cross buns with people on Good Friday as a way to share the Easter story. I've only made them once before, but I think it will be a nice tradition to start. We had the day off of school today which is how I had the leisure time to make these slow rising rolls. The recipe I used is from Joy of Cooking, but I'm sure there are plenty of other good ones on the Internet.

An easy project - Portfolio

2010-03-31T19:14:00.000-07:00

Inspiration was in short supply for my blog this week. School is getting harder, and life is getting busier. However, because I like a diversion, I will leave you with one of my old, old projects.

It's a little art portfolio, made for a friend's birthday out of some of my favorite fabric.
It was made from Amy Butler's free pattern here. Very simple to sew up, and I used two pieces of cardboard for the cover. Back when I first made it I planned on making one for myself eventually, but that has obviously not happened yet.
The contrasting fabric was actually much more purple in person and matched some of the pansies. For some reason it photographed strangely.

Rising Sun

2010-03-24T17:06:00.000-07:00

With the satisfaction of finishing my last quilt, I pulled out these quilt squares from my hope chest and finished this quilt up as well. They are all scraps from other projects, and I just love the memories it brings back. This pattern was designed my some good friends of mine and they call it the Rising Sun. I did Civil War reenacting with them for a season, and we all worked on our squares together on a blanket in the shade. Each square has 53 pieces, and is entirely hand sewn.
This is a small quilt, but it is a good size for picnicking. It would also make a very cute little baby quilt. Right now it is just basted together, but eventually I will hand quilt it.

A Wagonmaster's Shirt

2010-03-22T19:20:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I finished this shirt, using Period Impressions 754, Bib Front Shirt. It is for a client who builds period wagons.
The pattern went together easily, despite the instructions being very vague. However, it is all rectangles, and can be assembled almost entirely by looking at the pattern illustration.

I love sewing men's clothing because it is so simple. There are no frills, and everything is so straightforward. Of course, this can get very tedious, but sometimes I welcome the break from female clothing. I have a few more men's shirts on the horizon, and then I get to try my hand at designing a Robin Hood inspired garment for a friend!

A Lesson I've Learned...

2010-03-22T14:31:00.001-07:00

If you are anything like me, and have the habit of putting pins in your mouth as you sew, I would caution you against also trying to eat while sewing.

Sometimes, when under intense concentration, it is easy to forget what is currently in your mouth and start chewing reflexively. Now, of course you would not do something as odd as eat pins would you? No, of course not... that would be silly!

Sunday Thoughts

2010-03-21T21:19:00.000-07:00

But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in God's love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.

~ Jude 1:20-21 ~

Saint Patrick's Day

2010-03-21T14:35:00.000-07:00

St Patrick's Day also happened to be my roommate's 21st birthday (she's amazing by the way). A large group of us jammed into 2 cars and headed into downtown Portland to have dinner at the famous Kells Irish Restaurant and Pub. It was jam packed, but we all had our fill of their fabulous corned beef and cabbage! My mouth waters just looking at this picture and remembering how good it was.

Happy Pi Day!

2010-03-18T17:58:00.000-07:00

Did you celebrate? It was March 14th! If you didn't, I'm telling you early so you can celebrate next year!

We made a lot of pie! 10 in 5 hours to be exact.

Berry, apple, apple-cranberry, cherry, chocolate, peach...

and pi squared, and pumpkin!
There was a lot of pie.

But there was also a lot of people to eat the pie!

So a happy belated pi day to you!

An Impatient Quilter

2010-03-15T14:02:00.000-07:00

I really don't like to quilt. Every time I finish a quilt I remind myself that I never want to make another. But then my scraps build up, and somehow, I find myself quilting. It's a curse, I'm sure of it...
But I've realized that the main reason I don't like quilting is because I'm an impatient quilter. I want to cut out the pieces, and have a finished quilt by the next day. In reality, quilting doesn't work like that. It is a long process, and one that (when rushed) brings about undesirable results. So I have to slow down sometimes, and realize that it is okay for a project to take weeks (months even, when school gets in the way), and enjoy the creative process to its fullest.
This quilt has been in progress since last summer. I hand sewed the top in a two day frenzy, and then it sat waiting in my trunk. I pulled it out over Christmas break, and with leftover batting pieced together, and a bleached muslin back, began to quilt it. I machine quilted, and after additional time during my weekends home, it is finally finished.

The fabrics are some of my favorites. They all remind me of 1940s flour sacks. The yellow was from a cute dress my Mom made, the binding was from an adorable apron (which I really should show you pictures of) and the green was from this dress. The blue has cute little girls in Dutch caps herding ducks :)
I have no idea where the quilt will go, but I do know that I never want to quilt again!

Twelfth Night Feast

2010-03-12T09:42:00.000-08:00

This post is long overdue, but it was too much fun to be forgotten. During Christmas break I had the chance to attend a twelfth night feast hosted by the Oregon Regency Society. I traveled there with my good friends Lieutenant Armstrong and Lady Simpson, and we had a wonderful evening of food, dancing, and whist.
The feast was held in the lovely McLean house in West Lynn Oregon. Its immaculate grounds were beautifully decorated for the season.
I was very pleased to meet the honorable Lord and Lady of Portland house, and they patiently taught our party the intricacies of whist. Despite it being three months ago (!) I still have very fond memories of our evening celebrations on the twelfth night.

Finished Dirndl

2010-03-09T07:08:00.000-08:00

My Dirndl is done! It's been in the making for over a year, but with this inspiration, and several sewing days with a good friend, it finally came together. And yes... it does make me look 12 :)
I started with the Burda 4884, and only modified the front pieces. Someday I will probably rework the white blouse because I do not really like the look of huge puffed sleeves. The fabric I used was actually not denim, although I know it looks like that in the pictures. It was a very lightweight cotton, with a loose, very slubby weave. It is almost see through, but I'm wearing a white petticoat underneath. I am sorry that I don't know the exact name of the fabric, but I got it from my Grandmother. I still need to make the apron, and then who knows where I'll wear it... maybe an Oktoberfest dance?

My Mystery Trip

2010-03-07T20:30:00.000-08:00

A few people guessed Seattle, and while that was close, we went further North...

Morgandy was excited!

We were going to the Olympics!!!

Welcome to Canada!

Here is Emi and I on the subway, which we used frequently to get around town (and only managed to get lost in a few times).

Downtown Vancouver was bustling, and on Friday evening everyone went crazy when Canada won gold in the Skeleton.

The Olympic Cauldron was gorgeous. Too beautiful to capture on camera.

It was so fun to see it in person!

We got red mittens!

Yep, we're ballet dancers, and proud of it.

We had tickets to see Ice Dancing.

Ready to cheer for the Americans!

Inside the Pacific Colosseum

The Zamboni drivers worked hard for four hours.

Afterwards we met the skaters Penny Coomes and Nicholas Buckland from Great Britain.

And then our long weekend was over and we headed back to the good old United States!

Sunday Thoughts

2010-03-07T14:04:00.001-08:00

Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.
Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.
Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.

~ Psalm 100 ~

Valentina Lisitsa

2010-03-01T17:37:00.001-08:00

Last week I attended a performance at our school. The music department brought in special guest pianist, Valentina Lisitsa. I went, unsure of what to expect, and I was blown away by her amazing performance.

Valentina is originally from Ukraine, and she is a world class pianist. Just in the week following her performance here, she was scheduled to go on to Paris and London. I am continually surprised by the opportunities offered to me here at school. Sometimes they are easily overlooked, but they always are so enriching.

Here is a video I found. It isn't the exact piece she played for us, but it showcases her amazing talent well. A friend likened her playing to a ballerina dancing over the keys!

Sunday

2010-02-28T10:40:00.000-08:00

Praise be to you, O Lord;
teach me your decrees.

~ Psalm 119:12 ~

Photo from our recent hike along the Columbia gorge, absolutely beautiful!

I've been on a trip...

2010-02-25T16:39:00.000-08:00

And I can't wait to share pictures!

But they're on my friend's camera so I must wait until she burns me a cd, and mails it.

Until then, here are three clues to where I've been:

1) Named for the good Captain George ___

2) Home of 578,000 people

3)

Cheese

2010-02-15T21:06:00.000-08:00

My friend Kami has just started a food blog, I encourage you all to go visit it here, The Fox Foodie. She is doing some wonderful posts about everything relating to food, including our recent adventure in cheese making.

It started when we heard about a local farm that sold cheese supplies. They had a free demonstration at the library two weeks ago, which we attended. There we learned how to make Fromage Blanc, a soft cheese, and a dessert called Coeur a la Creme which tastes like the filling to a cheesecake.

The following weekend, the two of us decided to use our sample culture and make our own cheese. Here it is hanging from my cabinets, dripping whey. All I did up to this point was heat a gallon of whole milk, add culture, and let sit for 12 hours. What's left inside the bags is the finished Fromage Blanc.

--I am glad that my roommates know me well enough by now to not be phased by cheese hanging from the cupboards for 6 hours dripping an unsightly yellow liquid, and reeking of spoiled milk!
Next we seasoned our cheese in various ways. The batch below has sugar and cherries to make a sweet spread. It can be used like cream cheese on bagels. We also made a batch with garlic and Italian seasoning which was amazing on Rosemary and Olive Oil Triscuts. Later I also had it spread on a sandwich with turkey meat--soo good! We also left a little bit plain.
Kami's pink dishes were perfect for photographing cheese in the day before Valentines! We mixed up some of our cheese into a batch of Coeur a la Creme and chilled it in these little heart shaped pans. This one below was flavored with lemon curd and was so amazingly good we didn't have the patience to wait for it to chill. If we had waited longer it would have had a more cheesecake like texture, but as it was, it was very creamy.

With the remaining cheese I made these Fromage Blanc Brownies. They were well appreciated by the college boys downstairs, but I probably wouldn't make them again as the texture turned out strange.

Kami has written an excellent post about our adventures also and I would recommend reading it. All the recipes are there too!

Only One...

2010-02-10T09:47:00.000-08:00

Pretending I didn't write that last post...here is a new hobby that sounds like fun--Extreme Ironing!
If regular ironing was too boring for you, try taking it up a notch. There's a nationwide community doing it here, Extreme Ironing Bureau.

I think we should try starting an extreme sewing bureau, I like my machine much more than my ironing board. Except, however, it's a little heavier...

A Very Bad Book

2010-02-09T17:15:00.000-08:00

A friend of mine was complaining about having nothing to do. So I got him this book from the library.

It was a Very Bad Idea.

Yes, Very Bad with capital letters. I quickly returned it so it wasn't sitting on my shelf asking for my attention.

I DON'T NEED ANYMORE HOBBIES!

There isn't enough time in the day for all the hobbies I have started already! HOWEVER, if you feel the need to add one more to your list, check out this book. I'm sure you'll find some ideas...

-just don't mention them to me!

A New Look

2010-02-07T18:59:00.000-08:00

While I loved the old staircase header, it was very dark so I've decided on a new look. This time it's fresh and cheery!

I've also added an about me page, and some new friends to my links on the sidebar.

It's A Holiday...

2010-02-05T14:03:00.000-08:00

Today is the 199th anniversary of the English Regency.

Lieutenant Armstrong has written an informative history here,

If you need any Regency sewing inspiration check here or here.

Regency Waistcoat

2010-02-04T15:00:00.000-08:00

I constructed this waistcoat for a a friend of mine. The same one who ordered these shirts. The green striped silk came from Mill End in Portland, and the lining is a cotton/linen blend from Fabric Depot in Portland. The pattern was the Men's 1812 waistcoat from Rocking Horse Farm. It was relatively easy to put together, although a few of the seams did not align properly. I had to fudge them. There are no buttons in these pictures because my friend is going to do them all by hand for that perfect period look.

Pita Bread

2010-02-02T17:02:00.000-08:00

I made these in our little apartment kitchen the other night. Somehow, the best baking gets done after 9pm. Hot from the oven + a glass of cold milk = perfect homework pick-me-up!

Someday...

2010-02-01T16:53:00.000-08:00

A little house like this would be nice.

More stunning images can be found here.

Sunday Thoughts

2010-01-31T17:45:00.000-08:00

If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.

~ James 1:5 ~

A Buttercup Bag

2010-01-29T15:06:00.000-08:00

Last weekend my Mom sent me a picture of an adorable bag she had sewn. It inspired me, so after finishing my homework on Sunday night I went into the sewing lab and made this purse.
I used this Buttercup Bag pattern, and made it out of a grey suiting with plum lining. The black buttons were added on a whim!

Irresistible

2010-01-26T08:34:00.000-08:00

Two more. Because I couldn't resist.

Dirndl Inspiration

2010-01-22T17:57:00.000-08:00

Today I spent the morning with a dear friend of mine sewing German Dirndls. We have been talking about making them for months, so we finally we decided to just go ahead and start. Yesterday I spent some time searching for inspiration, and came up with a large number of wonderful pictures.

First of course, I looked at the Sound of Music. Maria's dresses are truly lovely.

Here are the current von Trapp family singers wearing German Dirndls for their performance.
This one I found up for sale on the German version of Ebay. It would probably be saved for special occasions.
Here's another one from www.ebay.de. Disregarding the unflattering pose, I love the bodice front with the lacing. Here are sweet matching dresses that look easy to make.

As for the accessories, I love the Edelweiss necklaces,

And these amazing stockings!
And how could I not resist sharing these adorable pictures of the children!

Monday Thoughts

2010-01-17T20:40:00.000-08:00

Because on Sunday, life happened.

^{Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my sighing.}
^{Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray.}
^{In the morning O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.}
^{You are not a God who takes pleasure in evil; with you the wicked cannot dwell.}
^{The arrogant cannot stand in your presence; you hate all who do wrong.}
^{You destroy those who tell lies; bloddthirsty and deceitful men the LORD abhors.}
^{But I, by your great mercy, will come into your house; in reverence will I bow down toward your holy temple.}

~ Psalm 5:1-7 ~

1830's Gown

2010-01-13T10:46:00.000-08:00

This is the last thing I finished over my winter break, an 1830's gown for my friend Linda at the museum. Our inspiration was this dress from the Tasha Tudor collection.

We used reproduction fabric from the Sturbridge village collection and the Lowell Mill dress pattern from Past Patterns.

It is hard to see details because of the busy fabric, but here is the finished bodice front. It has a darted and gathered front bodice, a square piped neckline, banded down leg of mutton sleeves, waistband, and a pleated skirt.

I did not use the Past pattern pelerine pattern because we wanted one that was more dramatically scalloped like in the picture. Instead I drafted it, and it is fully piped with a contrasting color.
This pattern was wonderful to work with. It had very clear instructions and fit with only a slight bit of tweaking. There are 17 pages of research included about the original dress, and other similar ones worn during the time period at the Lowell Mill. It was an expensive pattern, but includes all sizes and would be easy to alter for many different 1830s looks.

The Lowell Mill pattern has you put together the dress exactly like the original was done and I found it very unusual. The darts and seams are all folded under and then topstiched together. I imagine that this would be inconvenient if extensive alterations have to be done later. Because of the strange technique, about 75% of this dress was done by hand. Personally I love the appearance it gives on the outside.

Linda and I decided to use a contrasting piping on this dress because it is one of the only decades where we have seen it done on originals. Many of the other eras only have matching piping, but we saw many examples of contrast on Tasha Tudor's gowns and other sources. It also provides visual interest since there is very little trimming done on the gown.

Of course, after making this dress I had to have one in my size--so I'm working on another in all my spare time :) It will make it's appearance eventually and then Linda and I can pose like the cover from Wives and Daughters!

*New* additional photos have been added here

My textbooks are purchased...

2010-01-12T15:31:00.000-08:00

A new bookbag has been sewn....

Tazo's Berryblossom White is brewing...
And 350 pages of reading has been assigned...

~The new semester has begun~

A Spencer Jacket

2010-01-08T13:29:00.000-08:00

This was another project I did for a friend of mine over the break. She already had a regency dress, and hired me to make a jacket. I used the Sense and Sensibility pattern, and it went together smoothly.
We used a navy blue cotton velveteen, with metal buttons in front and on the cuffs.
Now we are both ready to participate in the Oregon Regency Society's 2010 events!

Current Happenings

2010-01-06T20:27:00.000-08:00

Why might a power drill be sitting on my treadle sewing machine?

Only because I needed to wind a few bobbins...

Christmas Gifts

2010-01-04T11:47:00.000-08:00

I did not make very many Christmas gifts this year as I was busy with finals and only arrived home one week in advance. Instead I enjoyed spending that time with my siblings and cooking with my Mom.
The one gift I did make was this computer case for my younger brother.

It closes in the back with velcro and fits his laptop snugly.
He was thrilled with it, which is always a good reward for a homemade gift!

Sunday Thoughts

2010-01-03T12:59:00.000-08:00

"Jesus looked at him and said, "How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God! Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."

Those who heard this asked, "Who then can be saved?"

Jesus replied, "What is impossible with men is possible with God."

~ Luke 18:24-27 ~

Linen Shirts

2009-12-30T20:28:00.000-08:00

I made these two linen shirts this week for a friend of mine. They don't look very good on hangers because they are so big! Apparently shirts in the Regency time period were very loose fitting--and they take so much fabric!

Despite having sewn for years, this was my first time working with real linen. It was wonderful, I loved its drape and its texture, and it was nice how easy it was to sew with.

The first shirt was very plain, with a wide collar and cuffs.

The second was a little more detailed, with ruffled cuffs and a unique collar.
You can't see in the above picture, but the collar is cut to look like the one on Colonel Brandon below.

I didn't do any buttonholes or detail work because my friend wants to do them by hand himself.

Re-fashioned Shirts

2009-12-21T16:55:00.000-08:00

Recently I came upon a lovely blog called My Mama Made It. It is a filled with sewing inspiration. I love all the tutorials on revamping old t-shirts. This is the inspiration I used to re-fashion a plain black shirt.

It was so easy to sew on a wide strip of chiffon, and I think that the result is a great improvement.

Later I used this flower tutorial to make a pin with my black scraps.

I have so many other t-shirts that I hope to re-fashion over the break, thank you Alexis for the inspiration!

Sunday Thoughts

2009-12-20T14:45:00.000-08:00

Do not let this book of the law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.

~Joshua 1:8~

I'm alive!

2009-12-19T19:11:00.000-08:00

I know this blog has been dead, and the only excuse I can claim is that of taking 18 credit hours at school, working, and having finals. However, I'm home for three weeks and I plan on doing a multitude of crafty things. I hope that you all are having a wonderful time preparing for Christmas, and hopefully spending time with family!

My Grandma

2009-11-29T21:32:00.000-08:00

Last week my Grandma died unexpectedly. It was a shock to my family, but we are doing well now. Thankfully I could leave school for a time, and my Mom and I drove together to her house in Northern Washington. We spent the weekend cleaning out her house and looking through old pictures and albums. I came across this newspaper ad she was in and it was too cute not to share. Unfortunately the quality isn't the greatest, but you can still see my young cheery Grandmother and my Mom's oldest brother.

MOTHER Mrs. Norma Peoples, a typical Bellevue housewife, starts her day early. Here, Mrs. Peoples helps son, Dean, get ready for school. A last minute check makes sure everything is all right and now it's time to start the housework.

NEIGHBOR After the morning's work, Mrs. Peoples telephoned her neighbor, Mrs. Selma Otis, to join her in a coffee break. The telephone keeps Mrs. Peoples in touch with her friends and does dozens of little chores for her every day.

BUYER This is only one of the many positions held by Mrs. Peoples. And her phone is a big help. Whether it's a call to arrange a trip downtown or order refreshments for an evening's entertainment, her phone is ready to run her errands.

HOMEMAKER Gleaming tableware and a happy smile mark the closing hours of a busy day. Whatever her day includes, Mrs. Peoples finds that her telephone makes the day a little easier because...it does so much and costs so little.

All Things Regency

2009-11-28T10:27:00.000-08:00

I'm in a regency mood now--hence the profile picture change. A new chapter of the Oregon Regency Society has opened in my hometown, and I am looking forward to getting involved.

So far there are three chapters, the northwest, central valley, and cascades region. The new cascades blog is here, and you can find out about all the upcoming events. I hope that all my friends nearby will plan to get involved!

Embroidering

2009-11-13T18:46:00.000-08:00

I just found a blog called Craft Chi, and on it Amy has a download for these wonderful embroidery floss cards. I can't wait to make a set, and it seems like a good gift idea too.

College Sewing

2009-11-08T15:21:00.000-08:00

The weeks speed by here--already it is November and my Mom's birthday. She came to visit me this weekend and we had such a fun time. I gave her a belated birthday gift, a coat I had secretly sewn. Here is an example of college wrapping paper! I think the card added a nice touch, stapled to the front...

It was a corduroy jacket made from Simplicity 2508. She looks scrumptious in the color, if I do say so myself. I especially love how the corduroy is placed on different grain lines to add interest.
Here is the front view with the collar up.
The inside sleeves are lined with satin, and the inside body is lined with wool for extra warmth.

My first time making patch pockets:
Back view with folded down collar

It was also my first time making bound buttonholes. They were easier than I thought, but I could definitely use more practice on them.

I just love making jackets, they are such a rewarding, ready to wear project. With a little care during sewing they can look like a fabulous store bought product.

Kreativ Blogger Award

2009-10-29T15:44:00.000-07:00

Thank you AnnaKristine for the lovely blog award! I've always been bad and ignored these before, but this time I'll play.

The Rules
1. Copy the Kreativ Blogger picture and post it on your page
2. Thank the person who gave it to you and link back to their blog
3. Write seven things about you that we don't know
4. Choose seven other bloggers that you would like to give the award to
5. Link to the bloggers that you choose
6. Let the winners know that they have the lovely award.

1) I love to do dishes--they are stress relieving to me. Sometimes I'd rather clean up than cook a meal so I try to strike deals with my younger siblings.

2) I love fancy kitchen gadgets. The kitchen stores are magical to me and it has been fun getting my own supplies now that I have an apartment with full kitchen.

3) I love all things German, the language, culture, food. Okay, I don't really like sauerkraut, but contrary to common belief, Germans eat more that just sauerkraut and wiener schnitzel!

4) It's taking me a very long time to answer these questions. I can't think of anything interesting to tell you. My roommates suggested I say that I can lift my leg high in the air (it's a ballet thing) and I randomly break into song (but probably not as often as Elisabet!)

5) My dream is to sew this dress of Caroline's!

6) I talk too much during movies. Although, not as much as this Heidi!

7) The Jesse James movie got moved up to November 8th and 9th!!! Here is the release.

Because most of my friends whose blogs I read have been tagged, I'm only tagging Gloria author of In The Long Run. Her blog is filled with beautiful costumes that she has crafted impeccably! She always gives me inspiration.

Sunbonnets

2009-10-25T23:09:00.001-07:00

It's hard to believe, that after so many years of historical sewing I have never made a sunbonnet. Finally however, I got the opportunity!

This is a slat sunbonnet, meaning that "slats" hold the brim out, shading the face. In this case they are cardboard, traditionally I think they would have been thin strips of wood.

Front

InsideSide

Beautiful

2009-10-19T23:13:00.001-07:00

Here is an Etsy listing for some beautiful sky blue, glass buttons. I would love to see how GlassRagDoll creates them! Glass work has always been an medium that I would like to learn someday.

The Secret Ingredient

2009-10-19T22:55:00.000-07:00

In my foods class this morning we learned all about beans and legumes. In the lab my partner and I were surprised to be assigned to make Cinnamon Spice Cake. However, it turns out that there is a secret ingredient in these cupcakes, one cup of mashed beans! They turned out amazing; you can't even taste the beans, and you get the added protein and fiber benefit. The beans and applesauce in this recipe do cause a denser cupcake though. Since there is no oil they won't store very long, but that's not important though since you'll probably want to eat them all hot out of the oven!

Cinnamon Spice Cake
1 cup refried beans, or pre-cooked pureed pinto or navy beans (add liquid while pureeing to produce a smooth consistency)
1/2 cup applesauce
1 yellow or white cake mix
1 cup water
3 eggs
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon cloves

1. Combine and mix all ingredients in bowl. Using an electric mixer, beat batter 2-3 minutes. (refer to package directions for mixing time).
2. Distribute batter among 24 lined muffin cups. Bake according to package directions. Cupcakes may be dusted with powdered sugar before serving, or frosted with butter cream icing.

Mary Cassatt

2009-10-18T19:30:00.000-07:00

I have been studying Mary Cassatt for an art class this semester. These are some of her paintings that I like the most.

The Cup of Tea
The Boating Party

Summertime

Simone in a White Bonnet

Nurse and Baby Bill

Mother Feeding her Child

Mother and Two Children

Maternal Kiss

Lilacs in a Window

Bright Star

2009-10-03T21:52:00.000-07:00

This movie opened on September 18th and I think it looks lovely. It is the love story between John Keats and the girl next door, Fanny Brawne. It is rated PG so hopefully it will be a sweet, appropriate movie.

I like the fact that Fanny is an aspiring seamstress. I think that we can expect a wonderful costumed film. Let me know if you have seen it already!

18th Century Corset

2009-09-27T19:10:00.000-07:00

This corset was the first item I made for an eighteenth century outfit. It was made from Butterick 4254.
The outer layer is silk dupioni from a dress I made years ago. It had grown too small so I recycled it. The lining is a cotton twill, and there is a layer of muslin in between. I purchased the boning from an excellent supply company, Grannd Garb. The steel whitebone is what I have used on this and my 1860's corset.
I sewed this corset by hand while listening to the lectures for an online class. It was very rewarding. After it was finished I had to make a few slight fitting alterations, but overall I fit the pattern exactly which was refreshing.

I had the pleasure to be working on this at the same time Anna Kristine was working on her Elizabeth Swan Corset. You should visit her blog to see her lovely work.

The Elisabet Bag

2009-09-19T17:31:00.000-07:00

One of my new roommates is a lovely girl named Elisabet. When we went to Ikea together she found this fabric called "Elisabet"! Of course we had to get some since it is rare when anything in the U.S. shares her Scandinavian name.

I made her this tote bag using the same design as these bags. It went together quickly, and is now a great school book bag.

Pirate Party

2009-09-18T13:22:00.000-07:00

Here are pictures from the event I hurridly finished the chemise dress for.

Me and my pirate friend

A pirate's lady

Another fierce looking pirate

This one's just in from Madrid

"Walk the plank!"Yes that is my dear sister with a gun to my back. She's wearing a pirate costume I made for a friend years ago

Mutiny!