Diary of a Costumer

I feel like I'm never able to get much done on weeknights. Last night, I finished the (inner) muff, which involved stuffing it, sewing big ugly quilting lines on it to keep the stuffing in place, and sewing the ends together in a very awkward manner. I've made a muff before, but the process was nothing like this. Honestly, although it makes a nice big muff, I think I would want to try the other process again before doing something like this another time, though I do like the pocket. Sorry, no pictures yet, because the muff cover is still literally one large undecorated rectangle of fabric.

I also started sewing the marabou trim on the cape. That certainly proved to be slow going. I think I have about 2/3-3/4 of the bottom hem of the cape done. I still have to do the front edges and the hood. I hope I get a large portion done tonight, because I'm going to see some theatre shows Thurs, Fri, and Sat nights.

Oh, and after over 24 hrs soaking in bleach, I took the cape fabric swatch out. The color has not changed. The fabric has not changed. After I washed it, I pressed it in a towel for two seconds, and it was already dry. Apparently this is some crazy fabric! Too bad I'm putting marabou on it, because otherwise it would probably be great in the rain. 

2011 was a pretty productive year for me, especially in the first few months.

January: Pre-Raphaelite-inspired linen dress and bodice (which I still haven't worn for anything)
             Chemise a la Reine, with short-sleeve shift, and matching sash and petticoat
           
February: Fully boned stays, which had been a ufo before this because I had never finished the binding
               My 1660s Restoration gown, with accompanying 17th c chemise
               Two pairs of crocheted mitts
               18th c floral striped petticoat
               Refurbished 17th c shoes

March: The beginnings of a hand-quilted petticoat, which I never really worked on again after that month. Maybe someday.
           Petal-shaped bum pad
           16th c escoffion
           Chemise-dress (faire-wear) commision
           I think I also made my short-sleeve chemise blouse in March, but since I never blogged about it, I can't remember.

Nothing in April, since I was busy moving across the country.

May: Floral robe a l'anglaise, with matching floral petticoat, and belt

June: Burgundy 18th c petticoat for the robe a l'anglaise,
        18th c hat (from scratch!)
        18th c cap, fichu, and pockets
      
July: Finally finished the 1950s Jean Desses cocktail dress, with matching shrug
        1940s romper suit w/ skirt
        Jacques Doucet-inspired early Edwardian chiffon and lace gown

August: Late Victorian walking skirt for my mom, w/ shirtwaist blouse
            Huge Edwardian hat
            Laughing Moon corset, started in the class at CosCol
            Short bustle, for Jane costume

September: Petticoat and skirt for Jane
                  Commissioned fish doublet and collar, with matching pants
                  Spats for Jane

October: Jane bodice, with detachable collar and tie
              Dyed the umbrella for Jane, and stitched eyelet lace to the edges
              Refurbished Regency-style shoes
              One black velvet muff and one white furry muff

November: 1860s black lace and ribbon cap

December: Pagoda-sleeved bodice for my mom for Dickens, with matching ruffle and trim added to her skirt from last year


Overall, not too shabby. Tomorrow, I'll post my list of everything I want to make for 2012. Happy New Year!