Monday, January 21, 2013

Shaking Things Up

This costume has a really funny story involving me wearing a pillow case, but I'm a little frantic trying to read 200 pages of homework, so here's some brief commentary and a picture dump. At some point, I decided I wanted a 1480s Florentine gamurra. And then Katie said "Hey, wanna go to a wedding in a castle where the couple are Rennies and will be in fun costumes as well?" Um, YES.

So on top of planning to wear this to my university's Renaissance ball in March, I figured I'd knock this out and wear it to the wedding as well. You may have noticed I called this a costume. Because this isn't an era I do regularly (or, EVER), I just wanted something fun and representative of the era. It's not bad, but it's not meticulously researched, either. I wanted a quick and fun project, and this was the result. I think the camicia sleeves are a little ridiculous, and make the sleeves overall look pretty sloppy. I might try to reduce them for March to make it look a little neater. A giornea is also on the drawing table...

One awesome thing about this costume is that EVERYTHING came from the stash, except for the camicia sleeve fabric and lacing rings. You might recognize the silk damask from my 1560s English fitted gown and the velvet from my RPFS court gown.

There are a couple more photos over at my Livejournal. 





Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Tickled Pink--An Award!!




The wonderfully talented Caroline at Dressed in Time gave me the "One Lovely Blog" Award! Thank you! Time to pass on the love... :)

1. Thank the person who nominated you.
2. Add the ‘One Lovely Blog Award’ image to your post.
3. Share seven things about you. 
4. Pass the award on to seven nominees. 
5. Include this set of rules.  
6. Inform your nominees by posting a comment on their blogs. 

Hmmm... seven things about me?? 

1. I love my goldfish, Lucy/Goldie (a fantail) and Ricky/Blackie (a black moor). I never thought I'd feel so much affection for fish, but I can't imagine my life without them! They have distinct personalities and always make me laugh. But proper care of goldfish is a lot of work, which is why so many goldfish perish soon after you get them from the pet store or county fair. 
2. I'm getting married in July! I have the most amazing fiance and I am so excited to spend the rest of my life with him! 
3. I got a tattoo right after Christmas. "Hapa" means "half" in Hawaiian and has come to mean people of mixed racial heritage.


4. I'm half Chinese. Here's my beautiful family!


5. My birthday is in April. April 4th, to be exact.

6. I was born and raised in California, go to school in Michigan, and will be living in Virginia after my wedding. 

7. I became a Christian on July 18, 2010. I am amazed at the blessings God has poured out on me in just two short years. I hope my life glorifies Him, and that I can be a light to others!

Okay, the seven recipients I choose are.....!

1. Katie Jacobs: I might be a little biased, but Katie is pretty awesome! She has some really helpful tutorials and lists on her blog, along with great costumes. 
2. Gwendolyn Basala: Gwendolyn recently made some truly awesome steampunk ensembles! Plus she is an incredible artist.
3. Sabine: Sabine has some of the most incredible Regency garments I've ever seen. Her construction techniques are flawless and every garment looks like an original!
4. Natalie Garbett: Natalie also makes the most realistic and beautiful Regency garments. A real inspiration to those of us doing this era!
5. One More Stitch: Mostly dedicated to historical KNITTING which is just awesome because it's something I absolutely cannot do but wish I could! Really wonderful historical pieces from original instructions. Sewing is only one aspect of historical clothing and accessories!
6. Sarah Jane Meister: Sarah originally started in Civil War reenacting, but has now branched out to many eras, all of which she does so well! I especially love seeing what she makes for her sweet children.
7. Daisy Viktoria: Absolutely stunning fantasy and medieval gowns! All beautifully photographed, too!


Sunday, January 6, 2013

You Know You're a Crazy Costumer When...

You instantly recognize a package of napkins as being based on the famous Eleanor of Toledo gown.
HOLY COW!!!!





Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Cap for Sale!

If you need a fabulous 18th century cap for your latest outfit, buy this one! 

It is completely hand sewn, with meticulous rolled hems on the ruffles. Made of ivory silk organza and trimmed with lilac silk satin ribbon (completely removable).

$100