Grommet press and tapered awl and all these new toys! Friday, Dec 18 2009

I got off to a pretty slow start today, but I ended up getting around to my corset eventually. I was up to putting the busk in, and I was procrastinating it a little bit (okay, a lot).

Awls might be a pain when it comes to grommets, but omigawd, they make busks a lot easier! It went in like a dress, without all the tedious messing around and Fray Stop and things like that. I bought a tapered awl a little while ago, planning to use it for grommets. But trying to get it through coutil and two layers of brocade just didn’t work.

When it came around to doing the grommets, I used my new Homepro free-standing grommet press for them. My favorite part was the way that it cuts the grommet holes without messing around with awls and scissors (I have a scar on my left index finger from working sewing shears through the fabric, and slicing my finger open in the process.). I had a little trouble getting it to work properly, but once I figured it out, they went in like a dream! I did about 20 grommets within just over half an hour (normally it’d take me an entire evening!). I’d previously used eyelets from Spotlight, using a little hand press tool, but it hurt my hands too much, and didn’t press the eyelets in properly.

Tomorrow, I start on the boning! Woo hoo! I’m nearly there!

xxBella

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Bombshell dresses – how I love thee! Tuesday, Dec 15 2009

It’s been nearly a week now since I recieved my first consignment request. And, up until today, I’ve been pretty lazy with it. I cut out all the pattern pieces on the weekend, but just left them sitting in a pile. My main problem was that I was having trouble with my new overlocker, but I took it in today and got help threading it. I also grabbed some better cottons that make it run a lot smoother than the cheap-o ones I picked up at Spotlight.

So tonight, around 9, I got off my ass and started to sew. Three hours later and I have a new size 12 pinstripe bombshell sitting on my dress form. Tomorrow, though, I have to head out to get some zippers (the one thing I always forget) so I can finish it off. And then I need to shorten the skirt. Since this is one for consignment in an alternative store that I frequent, I know the market pretty well, and a below-the-knee dress isn’t going to fly that well.

Since I got the pinstripe at an absolute bargain, this dress cost me little to make. I’m now on the hunt for a fabric to make another one out of (also for consignment at the same store). Apart from that, I’ve also had a few commission interests coming my way in the past week or so. And on top of that, I still need to fix the sizing on my 1886 corset mock-up, and then get started on it.

All of my shipments arrived last week. Enough boning for roughly three corsets, casings, tips, grommets, my shiny new grommet setter, two vintage patterns from eBay, three new corset patterns from Ageless, coutil, and many more pretty sewing things!

I’m absolutely stoked that things are coming together so smoothly. Early 2010, I’m going to grab a domain and put together an online portfolio, as well as a proper host for this blog, which will hopefully generate some more traffic for comissions.

For now, I’m off to hunt around for fabrics and watch DVDs – woo!

xxBella

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Sewing stuff is set up! Tuesday, Dec 1 2009

I’ve been using the study as my writing room for the past couple of years, but now it’s a hybrid sewing/writing room. It’s only a small room, but it makes do for what I need.

My new machine, cabinet and overlocker.

My new dress form, next to my bookshelf.

My new drawers, aswell as more storage underneath the cabinet.

I’m about to get back to work on my 1880s walking skirt (up to the fun – meters upon meters of ruffles!). I’ll take some progress pics as I go.

xxBella

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Supplies, supplies everywhere! Sunday, Nov 29 2009

I’ve just ended a mini shopping spree on fabrics, supplies, notions and books.

On Thursday, I bought two books at Dymocks in Swanston St – Corsets: Historical Patterns & Techniques by Jill Salen and Nineteenth-Century Fashion in Detail by Lucy Johnston. Then, on Friday, I ordered a book from Angus & Robertson (which I’m expecting sometime this week) – Patterns for Theatrical Costumes: Garments, Trims and Accesories from Ancient Egypt to 1915 by Katherine Strand Holkeboer. As well at a freestanding grommet press from CorsetMaking.com

Yesterday was my new machines and cabinet (expected tomorrow), along with all the goodies. I also bought a black rose brocade, black cat halloween quilting fabric, a patterened black European fabric, and a cream satin with black lace overlay (also European) from Joys Warehouse.

And, today, I bought overlocking cotton, quilting pins, tailor’s chalk and 12 pattern storage boxes – all those for under $50! And now I just ordered enough corset supplies for a new overbust for myself, an overbust to commission/make to sell, and an underbust (not sure who/what I’ll make that for yet).

I just remembered I need to order a new pattern *facepalms*, but that may have to wait until next payday!

xxBella

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New Sewing Setup Saturday, Nov 28 2009

So, I’ve always used my mother’s machine and overlocker. Since I’ve found a severe passion for sewing (mainly costuming), she saved up and is getting me my own set up for Christmas.

We headed down to Geelong Sewing Centre this morning, and came out with a Brother Innovis QC-1000 machine and a Janome MyLock 644D. The guy also threw in a free quilting bag (with wadding, cutting mat, ruler and rotary cutter), dressmaking scissors, 5km of black thread, and an 80pc Gutterman thread case! The cabinet is being delivered on Monday, and I can’t wait to get it all set up.

For now, though, I’m gonna set up my new baby on the coffee table in the lounge room and have a play around with it (oh, the features!). I think I’m going to have to get out the book and a few meters of scrap fabric until I figure out how to use it.

Off, off, and away!

 

xxBella

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