Project - Re-make my 1884 French Vest Bodice

While I'm waiting for the dummy head to arrive so I can continue with King Thranduil's circlet, I am re-making my 1880s bodice. I am part of the 19th Century Society Sweden and this May, we are going to visit Österlens Museum and the event 19th Century is Back again (page in Swedish, scroll down to 17th of May). 

I purchased the pattern from Truly Victorian about 8 years ago. Back then, I didn't know what a toile (fabric mockup) is. It was also the very first vintage pattern I've ever bought and thought it was as easy peasy as sewing a simple modern top. Since then, I have sewn several 1800s and 1930-1940s frocks, skirts, and tops and learned the importance of trying out and re-sewing over and over again. 

The bodice has always had a somewhat "not optimal" fitting and I haven't had any clear ideas on how to make it better. I still don't but I will give it a try :) 

To be adjusted

• The sleeve to the right in the photo is hanging down too low on the arm compared to the left sleeve
• It's too tight in some places and too loose in others
• The collar is really messed up; does not fit whatsoever
• I misread the pattern and never understood how to button/hook it at the front. I tried with hooks on the side, as seen in the photo, but apparently, it's supposed to be simple fabric buttons in the middle. However, I hate everything that has to do with buttons, but I will do my best :D
• My upper body is longer than "normal" - I always have to lengthen back pieces on everything I sew. The waistline is too high at the back of the bodice, making the overall look odd and the bodice is also very uncomfortable to wear since it's tight over my lungs and not the waist
• It's too much loose fabric on the neck. I am usually more narrow on my shoulders than patterns are designed, so I need to make the back piece more narrow.

I know how to adjust some pieces, but the collar part is quite tricky. I have now disconnected all the pieces and trying to figure out how to fit the collar. 

I decided to ditch the Truly Victorian patterns and use more of the "original source" - diagrams from that time. Had to read a lot to understand how to create a pattern from a diagram, but eventually, it worked. I also created my skirts (under + over skirt) from the diagrams. I used the book Bustle Fashions 1885-1887 by Frances Grimble. 

The result didn't turn out exactly as I wanted (still have some issues with the shoulder parts and I think the bodice ended up slightly too short), but it's a good start: 

Unfortunately, no camera caught my pretty bustle part at the back. Hopefully, it will, next time :) Oh and btw, guess where the fabric is from? It's curtains from Jysk that were on huge sale :D 

The Journey Begins - Creating Thranduil's Circlet

Hi ladies and guys!

So, I watched "The Hobbit" some weeks ago and was completely hooked on King Thranduil's circlet. You know, this beauty:

I thought: "How hard can it be?!". Well. Now when I have been trying for weeks, I realise, it's pretty complicated. Esp. since I am not that super crafty when coming to creating jewellery. I have made several hats (actually, a new one coming up shortly, stay tuned!) and Fimo clay jewellery in my life, but that's it. 

First, I tried out with metal wire and it turned out to be a nice circlet, but not Thranduil's circlet, of course. 

I googled, a lot. I mean, other people must have created this. Yep. Plasticard could work. Worbla also could work. 

I bought some plasticards (sort of) and started drafting the pattern, which wasn't that easy with perspective and size. After some days, I got it right. 

Next challenge: how do I cut plastic? I bought a small saw, but it was wobbly, tricky and inconvenient. 

Then I tried out with a Drevel tool and cutter blade, which worked very well. Took some tries to get the piece out. Also trying not to melt the plastic while cutting. 

I continued with the Drevel tool to cut out hollows and vines, with different bits. It required lots of elbow grease indeed. I also bought needle files to get a smoother finish, even though getting it perfectly smooth seems impossible. 

Then time to bend the pieces. I first tried with a smaller plastic piece in the oven, but it just melted altogether. Not a good idea. I read on someone's blog that the pieces can be melted by dipping them in hot boiling water for 10 seconds. I tried - nothing happened. I even left smaller pieces in hot water for 60 seconds, no luck. Then I used a heating gun instead - et voilá. Super convenient. 

Then primer spray in grey. I also used all-around-glue to even out irregularities and to repair the pieces when they broke, which happened a few times on brittle parts. Gluing them together was quick and easy. 

And then black colour spray. And on top of that, silver metallic paint. 

That's where I am at currently. It still has some adjustments and painting to do. And of course, to create a nice crystal for the front part. Haven't figured that out yet. I tried with hot glue and created a little crystal shaped "lump", but it looked more like melted cheese, haha. I will also mount the pieces together in some way. I have ordered a head dummy, waiting for it to arrive for easier mounting of the pieces. Hard to see the back of my own head :D So stay tuned for more :) 

Tools I have used so far

Plastic board from Biltema 

Primer spray from Clas Ohlson

Silver metallic paint from Panduro Hobby 

Mini saw from Jula

Loooots of patience and sweat :D 

Inspiration sources

Imajica Archangelo Cosplay

Emmamurilega Cosplay

Lucretia Cosplay

Gothy-Victorian minidress in the making

 I wanted to create something gothy for a New Year's party. I googled for some nice goth clothes and found this:  

(Image source: the-gothic-shop.co.uk)

I didn't feel like paying 500 SEK + shipping + customs + PostMord's fee and I didn't like the bare part at the back or the frilled sleeve ends, so I decided to make my own. I already had the basic pattern (downloaded for free at MoodPatterns) and lace fabric, at home. So I went to SelfMade for some velvet-inspired fabric but couldn't find any at a reasonable price, so I decided to use ordinary stretchy +  ornament-patterned fabric. 

I also wanted to make some adjustments to it - to make it more like a dress, so I decided to extend the front and back pieces. When I came home and started planning the pattern with the fabric, I realized that the ornamented fabric wasn't stretchy enough to live up to my thoughts on a tight little dress. I decided to make it into a Victorian-styled dress instead and used some Victorian patterns as a foundation for the front and back pieces, adding lots of darts. And to give extra attention to the waist, add a belt. 

The result: 

It might not look much on a mannequin and I am pretty bad at being caught in party photos. But I will upload some more stuff when I get the opportunity to be caught on camera :D 

This Blog is Born!

Howdy How everyone!

I have been creating crafts, sewing, doing Fimo clay stuff and more handy work since ever I can remember. I have not really documented much. And I have always thought that I am not "as good as those with crafting blogs". Well, perhaps I am not, but I'd like to show off my creations anyway :D 

And perhaps pay back some of all help I have got from people online, you know, these tips and tricks. And when I come up with patterns for cool stuff, I'll publish it here. Free stuff is awesome and sharing is caring :) 

This blog will look quite empty in the beginning as I create content. 

Enjoy!