owl obsession

This month's craft blog is devoted to the big (and well-deserved) hype of the month: Watchmen. I will be seeing it again soon for the third time in 2 weeks (but this time in IMAX. So. Excited.) And I loved it. (You either do or don't) But probably the reason that keeps me going back is the overwhelming amount of man candy in a single movie.

PATRICK WILSON AS NITE OWL = SEX ON LEGS
...even with the weight gain and retro haircut! Dan was always my favorite in the graphic novel (underdog? nerdy? gentleman? multiple costumes? awesome ship? HELLO FANTASY BOYFRIEND) and the movie just cemented the crush.

On that note- which Nite Owl fan doesn't have an obsession with the infamously cute snowsuit from the graphic novel? (look it up in the book if you don't know what it is- don't have a pic to post) Inspired by posts of fan plushies across the internets (mostly of Rorschach) I knew it MUST be done.
Time: 9-10 hours / Material: Felt, Fleece, Faux Fur, Acrylic paint, stitchwitch, plastic buttons

This is my very first attempt at making a custom plushie (entirely self-drafted pattern). Considering it was about 90% handsewn I think it came together extremely quickly (there is also a strong motivation aspect when being propelled by fandom)
The coat is not removable and the legs are only continued up to the waist. (where they are then sewn to the coat)

I call it "Version 1.0" because I definately plan to make another one to perfect the design- although the prototype was definately necessary to test the effectiveness of the pattern.
Version 2.0 will include:
- felting the brown "feathers" detail into the fleece, instead of paint
- refining the sewing and stuffing
- more ovalish eyes
Because it was such a success, I did consider making an entirely separate doll to be encased in the coat but it would simply be too much for my skills (and wouldn't get the desired cuddly chubbiness that this plush boasts)

Of course, I lamented this version was not in the movie (probably cause it looks like the kind of coat grannies wear) but I appreciated the high-tech version with zip-up snuggie sleeves. Perhaps he could have put the hood up- but then the chorus of "awwwws!" would have drowned out the soundtrack.

Next in the plan: Rorschach plushie with changeable masks!!!

Another month, another costume party

This month I got creative with a "Mobsters and Dames" themed Masq as a 30's cabaret dancer. I am accompanied by Meaghan, who used awesome makeup skills to perfectly emulate a silent movie actor, a la Clara Bow.

The craft aspect was the sequined bustier (custom-drafted pattern, fully lined, fully boned). It is a MESS but it looks great because the fabric was so forgiving and hid all the mistakes. It was my first time working with stretch sequins.

I have learned:
- stretch fabric is stretchy and needs to be made smaller than normal clothes. (so often i neglect this fact)
- industrial fishnet tights are incredible- they conform to your legs perfectly, retain their shape, and are immune to picks and runs. They are also extremely uncomfortably itchy and feel like fishing net.
- I would like to start designing panties.

P.S: I am spending all my knitting time at Ravelry which is taking significant attention away from this blog- oh my.

P.P.S: I fly to Yellowknife in exactly a month and must now face the dilemma of bringing a sewing machine and tons of fabric and supplies up there, oh lordy.

** photo credit goes to Paul Smith

Repo! Costume Awesome and then some...

Wow, monthly update.
Okay- I was going to keep this a secret but supposedly I was to finish a project a week and feature it immediately thus update around once a week. That's um.....you know. not gonna happen.
I got some things accomplished.... including (yes, they are in bullet form)

• house cleaning
• remaking Mattie the mannequin (updated pattern and the padding is sewn more-or-less into place so she can now be stripped off the mannequin with padding relatively intact)
• a strange felting attempt (not featured)
• designing a new tattoo
  
• party hosting
• knitting

-- this was actually completed before Christmas- it was a present for my sister.

she loved it, by the way! It looked so good I wanted to jump on the tam-o-shanter bandwagon myself.

*jump*

... oh yeah. and

• REPO! the genetic opera costumes!!!!!!

These were completed in my free time over a few days- I was seriously bootin' it.
There was a seriously bastardized version of costume construction going on with every corner cut possible- barely any tracing of pattern (cut the fabric directly around it instead) modifying the pattern during cutting, draping after initial construction and by the very end... some double-sided tape.
from left: Nathan Wallace, Not-quite-Blind Mag, Amber Sweet and a Genetic Opera-goer.

I made the jacket ("Legal Assassin") for Nathan from a modified bathrobe pattern. Got the exact buttons from the button jar at work. After some searching, the glasses were bought at Ardene (stop laughing)- they were super-cheap and had fake lenses (better than screwing up Mr. 20/20's vision with real glasses) but had a really terrible tortoiseshell pattern. Solved with a coat of acrylic paint. Dress pants and authentic Anthony Stewart Head hairline already owned.

The hooded dress was merely inspired by Mag's "Chase the Morning" outfit-- how could I afford/what would I do with a holographic snakeskin coat? Instead, the total materials cost $30. The lace was on sale for buy-one-meter-get-three-free and the stretch velvet underlay was sent to me by accident by a fabric company and well... free.

I gotta give props to Meag's Amber Sweet ("Extra scene during the credits") costume as well. That shit was goddamn authentic, down to the knotted necklace and the white contacts (so creepy!).

Yeah, the party was pretty awesome. Blue curacao (sp?) Zydrate shooters (I can't feel nothing at all!) incessant sing-alongs to the soundtrack and BIG SCREEN PROJECTION (see the window behind me? not a window covering. movie screen.) with surround sound. For someone who never got to see it in theatres, it was the closest I was ever going to get.

Wasn't sure what to do with myself once it was all over (kinda been hyped up for weeks). Now that I've seen it 3 times in a row, I can pace myself now.

Luckily there is the 1st Haliblogaknittas gathering to be psyched about- will most likely report on that next. If not- you know- in another month or two.

Cutopia Aprons Launch!!

BEHOLD!! The first lineup of subversive-yet-adorable aprons from the producer of all that is cute and sinister: Cutopia!

Cutopia is my brand name for all my handcrafted things, by the way- based under my not-yet-existing company: Dotworks (insert copyright sign here). Branding your image is very, very important if you want to be any sort of professional- it's one of the first things you learn in art school. Although I couldn't be arsed to make brand labels with my logo at this point... anyway...
All aprons are made from cotton/poly broadcloth and lined with flannelette, unless otherwise stated. They are One-Size only with a fixed neck strap (adjustable upon request), have tie-backs (to be tied at the waist) and look great on many sizes of women and flamboyant men alike!
All are handmade and are therefore "imperfect"- each slightly different from one another!

By the way- these prices are for friends-only and only when referred to from my blog!
(click the pics to make them big)You will remember the Sweet Cherries apron from my first post- This is the first prototype that has also been machine-washed and dried (see Care Instructions)
Sweet and domestic, totally classic. Looks fantastic with a pair of panties and nothing else, for those of you who like to branch out with your functional wardrobe. (okay well- all of them do. Just so you know.)
ALSO. After the wash test, the cute cherries patch with its felt surface and puffy texture became very pilled. This style of patches probably won't be used again.
Price: (original prototype, slight flaws & prewashed condition) SOLD

If you love to beat out male competition in kitchen or just beat men in general, the Man's Ruin apron is for you. Featuring white polkadots-on-dark blue print and tattoo-like lettering on the patch-- men will see you and know their undoing.
Price: $35

So camp and fierce! Which is more vampy- the leopard print or the "Hot" patch that shows you know your way around the stovetop/oven combination?! Hot Mama is for bold ladies that aren't afraid to show it.
This was a fabric experiment, with printed polyester fabric and an all cotton twill base in dark brown. It turned out exceptionally sturdy.
Price: $35

So. Fucking. Punk. The badass patch tells everyone you are here to "fuck shit up", whether you bring chaos and break rules whenever you enter the kitchen or generally promote anarchy in your everyday life.
This apron was constructed with the flannel fabric on the outside, and the tartan is a loose weave and possibly prone to fraying. So the apron will look more worn and punkish the more you use it. The tartan fabric was horrendously difficult to deal with and will likely be only re-used ever again by special request.
Price: $35

I love this- it's like a nega-version of the sweet cherries apron. Blazin' Cherries uses the same racing-checkers pattern but couldn't be more different. If you are a speed demon at anything, this apron shows it in every aspect.
Price: $35

Care Instructions:

All aprons and their patches are machine washable (in cold water), dryable and ironable. They tend to get very wrinkled when tumble dried, and softer with every wash. Do not bleach, dry-clean or otherwise attempt to sterilize the fuck out of these aprons, you crazy bitch. The patches are reinforced with stitching- don't worry about them peeling off. However- as they are each unique and come from various sources I am unsure of their durability and construction. But they are pretty darn nice.

Most of the aprons are constructed with flannelette so know this: It appears smoothly brushed and soft when new, but pills after you wash it. Like a flannel shirt- it becomes a lot more textured. After much consideration, I decided that I didn't want to change my fabric choice. It's still lovely and soft and perfect weight for backing. With the exception of some aprons where the design permits it, it's only used for the lining anyway.

Customization:

Any of these aprons can be remade with your choice of patch (or none) Though-- many of them are found items or very limited availibility so no apron will be the same! The base color can be changed as well (extra cost beyond solid black or white). The patterns will have a limited run of 2-3 aprons each. I am happy to use any fabric that you supply to completely customize your apron (using this template).

Winter Bloomers

It's finally cold enough to break out those warm winter socks and tights- lots of layering, here I come!
I love love love socks of all kinds: knee-high, over-the-knee and thigh high especially- and wearing skirts and dresses to show them off!
But there is a specific problem one encounters when the temperature dips below zero- no matter how warm your socks and thick your tights (and don't enough think about pantyhose!) cold wind goes right up yer skirt and chills your poor panty-clad bottom! So how to solve this problem?
Not a pair of shorts. No pair of shorts- no matter how woolen or fleecy- can stop the cold air sneaking around your thighs.

No- the answer is bloomers... made of the softest and coziest fleece!
This one-hour project was a direct result of wanting to wear my big collection of wonderful thigh-highs, but suffering all day long of cold wind blowing up my skirt. Bloomers are the only answer because they are cut fuller than shorts (more fabric = more warmth) and they are gathered/elasticated at the leg opening so your bottom half remains contained and cozy. Thanks to the elastic, they can even be hitched up to a boyshort length or pulled down halfway to the knees.

As soon as I slipped these babies on I felt warmer instantly. Can it be that I can wear skirts with impunity now- no more chilled bum when I sit down, no crossing my knees and shivering when a breeze goes by? Even if they won't stop my legs turning blue, they'll make a difference.

Next I'll make a version with heavier weight fleece. Experiment with the trim. Maybe a version with a built-in garter belt on the inside?? I'm totally bringing bloomers BACK.

Li'l Red

Hello yo,

Just a little update to show off this morning's stitchin'... and my 2nd backup Halloween costume.
YES. I have a SECOND Halloween costume. Though I have worn Tim Burton's Catwoman for the last Halloween and a FanExpo, it is simply too good a costume to not wear as often as possible.

Surely you must agree. (see Fig.1)

...Also, due to extenuating circumstances (Europe trip) I had no time or money to make my ambitious $400+ costing 18th century French court gown.
Next year, okay.

Anyway- see Mattie model my own version of Li'l Red in da Hood. (once again, the lighting in my apartment and my camera make the lovely dark reds look orange)

I guiltily enjoy "adult" versions of fairytale costumes but the ones you can buy look so terrible- not because of design but poor fabric choices and horrendous construction. Better get a cute or sexy outfit that you would actually wear, and get creative with the accessories. It looks way better, and you will not see anyone else wearing the same costume (how many identical girly pirates did I see last year? argh.) It's not hard to find a non-costume circle skirt or a real bustier, guys.

Honestly, I tend to love craftsmenship over creativity when it comes to costumes. It's a time to raise the bar and kill 'em dead with your costume-making skillz. (okay- for just me, then) Then again, I really love the Halloween costumes that come together with items thrown together from your own closet! (yes, my wardrobe is that freaky!)
I just grabbed fabric and little metal fastener for the cape on Sunday and put it together today. Yay! A costume I can wear when I don't feel like struggling into a skin-tight, heat-and-moisture retaining vinyl catsuit! This is probably an outfit I would wear out any night of the week!

Vampire coat

Major success on the sewing front today as I have completed a project that has been 4 years in the planning (ever since Costume Studies, oh boy) and spanned nearly 5 months in the making- an 18th century-inspired winter coat that I have dubbed my "vampire coat", suitable for all my gothy needs in cold weather.
Time: Lots of hours, I suspect- spread out over several months. Aaaargh.

Material: The black wool was a fantastic find- on clearance at buy-one-get-two-metres-free. The lining is my pride and joy- beautiful, plush, fleece lined kasha lining. It is thick, silky soft and warm- one of the main reasons this jacket ended up becoming a winter coat.
Plastic buttons- at least until I get my hands on a vintage set.

Okay- so I cut a lot of corners and yet it still ended up taking a long time- but I didn't expect it to be any other way. Since making a coat is a rather new experience for me I opted to buy a pattern (Butterick 4665) and alter it... a lot.

Let's just say the intructions came in handy (as I don't have very concise notes on putting together a jacket- and will tend to forget steps or the order in which to do them) but I probably would have been better off drafting my own pattern.

Like most patterns, the sizing turned out to be way too big all over! The shoulders were the worst part- as I have narrow and sloping shoulders, I had to reshape the entire armhole (I still haven't got it quite right). The waist had to be taken in a full 8 inches for the fitted look that I wanted. The princess seams were reshapen, the sleeves and hem shortened and frockcoat vents, a center seam AND slit were added to the back. All that alteration time that could have been
spent on a custom-drafted coat- but oh wells- I didn't have a mannequin at the time of starting.

I had to bring this sucker in to my work at the tailor shop to press the thick, stubborn wool after hours with the big industrial steam iron.

The coat is very "relaxed" due to light interfacing and much warmer than it looks- though it is more a fall/mild winter jacket and will not stand up to the challenge when temperatures dip below zero.
To be honest, it was designed for the express purpose to be worn with impressive knee-high boots. It would also look best dressed up with many accessories.

Pictures simply don't do justice to this gorgeous lining- it is a deep, blood-red crimson but very shiny (it has no trace of orange)

Anyway! I looks like I won't debut the wearing of it for a couple of days as it is raining. Gross!

Coming up next: learning to crochet (bought a book and ever-ay-thing), Halloween MADNESS
omg omg omg halloween anyone???

Did you think I forgot about you?

You thought I made two posts and lost all interest, didn't you? Nawwww.
Not that I don't lose complete interest in what I am making at times (knitted yoga mat bag, "all-thumbs" mittens, and dozens of clothing alterations languish at the bottom of my projects pile)
Although it is better than the projects I complete and THEN lose interest in (lolita dresses and skirts, "knitted" chainmail, dozens of animal hats prototypes).
Perhaps my favorite kind of crafting forgetfulness is buying specific supplies and eventually forgetting what they were intended for. (sea-foam green yarn, 0.5m of beige charmeuse silk, 24 d-rings?)

But I must admit- I didn't complete any projects this week.... well, except for this pair of silver stockings.
Intended to be worn for a retro-themed masquerade party (thrown by Masq Halifax) I gave up my electro-slut idea to opt for a more elegant cocktail dress remniscent of swingin' ladies of the 50's.
I did need an iconic pearl necklace to complete my ensemble the night of the dance though. After trolling the mall and being appalled by the prices they were asking for a bunch of plastic beads string onto an elastic (like- $10 to $15) I went home, dug out my bead containers and rustled up a pearl necklace in about 50 beads and 20 minutes. Money-saving result!

Unfortunately, the party was geared mostly towards the 70's, 80's and 90's (err hello? The 90's aren't retro!) and I discovered that I'm not particularly fond of dancing to music of any of those eras, preferring instead the sweet sounds of current, modern-day synthesizer-produced music the likes of industrial metal and EBM.

But I digress from the aim of this blog... but who cares! It's my blog! So I might end up writing about my weekend every so often.

And so long as the subject is still about me, I can do this MEME!

The Rules:
1. Link to your tagger and list these rules on your blog.
2. Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird.
3. Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blog.
4. Let them know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

As I was tagged by both La Belle Ecrivaine and The Dartmouth Soundsystem my participation is not only required, it is vital.

My factoids:

1) I have a severe addiction to magazines- I buy/receive via subscription about 5 a month. I think it is because I read so quickly and am in constant need of reading material and visual stimulation.

2) I like to get really close up to paintings and drawings (like, nose to the surface- close enough to set off alarms) to discern the marks that were used and every little subtlety of color, texture, pressure.... I can stare up-close at art like this for a really long time without getting bored.

3) I can't do crafts (i.e create anything that goes on this blog!) or even get motivated to begin unless I have music playing. Then I can usually go for hours without stopping.

4) Alcohol is poison to me- I don't like being drunk and don't think I will ever like the taste. As a result, I feel a bit of an outcast at most social events. It's a shame that I live in a town (nay, a society) with such a strong drinking culture.
That said, I love pot.

5) I recently got engaged to my boyfriend of 7 years and many people have asked me to take pictures of my ring. So here it is.

But the fact that accompanies it is this:
I am not a rings person (though I like and own lots of other jewelry). I generally never wear them because they feel cumbersome on my finger and becoming accustomed to wearing one is awkward when I am dependant on my hands. If I go about my daily life with a ring on, I will bump it on things constantly, fidget with it, take it off and forget to put it back on, etc.
Honestly, my preferred type of ring would be as thin as possible and have a completely smooth and unadorned surface. It would need to be a very good quality metal and be able to withstand being exposed to countless washings so I wouldn't have to bother removing it, ever. No bling for me, thanks.
So I love this ring to bits for what it represents, but you won't ever see it on me except for special occasions. P.S! Check out my pinky finger- it is crazy (the one on my right hand is worse) I think they were both broken at one point though X-rays reveal nothing)

6) That said, I can't stand the word "fiance/fiancee". I just hate the way the word sounds. I will continue introducing him as my boyfriend, thankyouverymuch. Or even better- "extra-special" or "totally exclusive boyfriend"

7) Annnnnd- I never wear makeup 90% of the time. Again, it is only worn for special occasions (mostly costumes~!) and only if I remember to apply it.

......I am not tagging anyone, therefore breaking the rules :( I don't know enough people in the blogsphere yet.
So- if any strangers happen across this- I invite you to do this meme!

Meet Mattie

Yaaaay-- I did it! I was on a roll this Thanksgiving weekend.
(see previous post for how the mannequin looked before)
It is easily accomplished in four steps of varying difficulty:
1) Prepare a basic block. Ok- not many people know how to do this. I would have put off the whole thing a lot longer had I not already had a pattern for my measurements drafted.
The only other way to can think of if you wanted to wrangle this on your own is to find a pre-existing shell top (non-stretch, with a full separating zipper- just because it makes things easier) a size too big to be fitted with.

2) Fit the block. No matter how well you have drafted it, it has to be majorly altered and it must fit skin-tight. This is impossible to do on your own and required me to scream for my mom's help. The darts are still not in the right place and the armholes are rather inaccurate (check out those ugly tucks I added to compensate for a thin neck and shoulders- haha) but I was sort of impatient, ok.

3) Resew the block and refit as much as necessary. Mark the neck, armholes and waist (at the very least) with contrast thread as reference points (and to prevent stretching)

4) Now the fun part- padding her up! It is actually a lot more time-consuming than one expects.
Amazingly, the mannequin was closer to my size than I thought, so it took less material than expected. First I covered it all with a thick layer of fleece so the surface would be pinnable (the skinny bitch needed lots of wraps around the waist and gut).
Then I zipped the block on and broke out the polyester batting (pillow filling) and padded out the squishy bits- boobs, gut, and love handles all. I even padded out the upper back a bit to better replicate my usual posture.
Padding out requires you to be terribly honest about your body- to be intimately familiar with your stores of fat. After wasting some time trying to pad out my hips (which pulled the block in the wrong directions) I had to admit that most of my curves come from my belly, and that I have very little in the way of a defined waist. Then the block began to lay smoothly.
I think I've got it right when I feel 'er up and it seems creepily familiar.

Finally, grab the measuring tape and compare your measurements. The mannequin is slightly bigger (maybe by 1/2") and a lot firmer (of course) so I would not trust it with anything painstakingly fitted but I can now fit most clothes with impunity, drape something crazy, let it hold a garment while I add buttons and other details, display and photograph outfits- the possibilities are endless!!

And unless you are happy with the all-purpose name "Judy" every custom-mannequin needs its own name. The more matronly and rhyme-y it sounds, the better. Mine at school was "Lucy" but "Mattie" short for Matilda popped into my head for this one. So Mattie it is.

Hello, new blog!

Let's keep this short, shall we?
This is my new blogging endeavour. Do not read too closely into the title- it is basically the first thing that popped into my head.
The purpose: To showcase completed projects of the textile variety, primarily but not limited to sewing and knitting. (occasional artwork, jewelry or any other type of craft work may be involved). It is mostly intended to be viewed by people I know IRL, but nice to be seen by new people. I am highly interested in helping people with their own projects or creating custom and commissioned work.
The goal: To challenge myself to complete more craft projects and pursue more craft varieties, and to keep record of my progress and/or skill development.

yeah- I'm not in school anymore but still feel a need to have an "artist's statement". Everything to follow need not be nearly as formal.

SO this is something I made today- an adorable girly apron that is just... adorable.
Time: 4 hours (if there is one thing you should know about me, it is that I'm a speed demon at sewing)
Materials & Cost: only about 1/2 m each of white broadcloth, white fleece and checkered cotton (maybe $15?), one cherries patch ($3)

Every girl needs one. They are both cute as pie and foxy as hell. But it's hard to buy one that fits your style and your needs. Simplicity won out in designing an apron to be cute-as-possible but also functional. As a result, this one is simple as hell to make. All it needs is the right amount and combination of pattern and ruffles.
The light fleece backing makes it possible to rest a hot dish against you as well as prevents the apron from riding up.
It is fully lined, something I rarely manage to do.

The only problem is that you have to bring yourself to get it dirty. We'll have to see how it survives the washing machine test.

COMING UP:

I got this mannequin (including the stand!) from the GAP at a clearance of their old store fixtures for $30!
When fate sends you a message like that (even when you are broke from a recent trip) you do not resist, especially when you've been considering dropping $300 on a dressmaker's form so you can drape a goddamn skirt.
I didn't really need the legs but they twist off at the thigh so in case I never have the need to display pants I can use 'em for blugeoning.

She is like a size 2, though. So my next project is padding this mannequin out to real-girl dimensions with pinnable fleece, polyster filling and cotton batting!
(at least it's better than a duct tape form...)