Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Behind the patch




Costumes are the rage. . .now that it is October.
I had high ambitions to create costumes for the horde as we planned to attend the Portland Pirate Festival (see my travel blog). And I think I was successful.
The Civil War corset was the hardest to construct. But the skirts with all those ruffles was the most time consuming.
Here is Mine and Cameron's skirts. Hers has umpteen ruffles down the back only. I was inspired to create this from a foto I found on the net. the fabric was originally pink heavy cotton gauze. After dying it Green which came out mint green, I then tried brown dye. And finally Grey. This created a wonderful "dirty" effect. Perfect for the pirate skirt. Cameron's coat was a thrift store find. She adores the ruffle on the peplum in the back. I took out the shoulder pads and the sleeves and now it fits her like a glove.

My skirt has a built in story for my character. Every place I land, I find a new material to add to my skirt. Thus the different ruffles. Lace, silk, velvet. I hate ruffles. . .did I mention that? I like to wear ruffles, but making them is a pain.

I now have on my plate a paid costume. . . the pink bunny pajama suit from "A Christmas Story" for an 18 year old boy. Can you believe that?
I also have the Corpse Bride gown to make for a 9 year old. That one will be easy.