2017 Costuming Year in Review

[mala_14]

OK, this is really late, but I've been busy and preoccupied. I really like doing these recaps though. And I sewed some things last year that I am really proud of and that I love.

To start with, I finished up my 1883 plaid and velveteen ensemble. This involved making the skirts, a bonnet, and a faux fur capelet and muff.


Then it was time to get started on sewing for CoCo. I figured it would be smart to start with the stuff for the Gala first so I'd have that done and out of the way and not have to worry about it. It's a good thing I did. It took me forever. I made a lobster tail bustle for the first time. The gown involved an underskirt, a bodice, and an overskirt. My work was documented by the talented llyrafantasyfae and I'm so happy to have nice pictures of this gown, like this photo below:


Undocumented was a white Regency petticoat that I made to go under my striped chemise dress. It has tucks at the bottom and twill tape straps.

I also made an ensemble to go with the suffragette group at CoCo. It involved a green silk-cotton underdress, a lace and net overdress, and a REALLY big hat.


The rest of the year was kind of a bust for sewing. I made my boyfriend a pair of pj pants that I never took picture of, but that involved some creative piecing because I hadn't bought enough yardage. I also have most of a pair of grey shorts put together that will probably get finished some time this year.

Things that worked well for 2017:

• upping my game by focusing on details in order to get a better overall look, this included making time for accessories, hair, and trim
• trying out draping to figure out the 1883 plaid overskirt
• getting some good pictures of some of the things I made

Thoughts for 2018:

• keep on trying new things with sewing, new techniques, new materials, etc.
• get a couple of solid bodice patterns figured out, ones that fit really nicely and that I can just use whenever I want to make something from that era
• get some 18th century things made, especially finishing up these stays and other undergarments and making some gowns and millinery to go over them
• make some modern clothes, preferably of a professional-looking nature for when I have to look like a grown up

Comments

[starlightmasque]

<3 love <3 love <3 love <3 You looked so gorgeous at CoCo! Love your big smile!

[mala_14]

Thanks! I had so much fun I probably didn't stop smiling the whole time. :D

[quincy134]

All of these are wonderful--the details especially!

[mala_14]

Thank you Gloria! Over the past couple of years it has been a focus of mine to pay more attention to the little things and try to get a better overall look.

[elizabeth_mn]

Your big hat was amazing. You made some lovely stuff!

Getting solid, well-fitting bodice patterns figured out is THE DREAM. I feel like I am so close right now but not quite there.

[mala_14]

Thanks! The big hat is so much fun. Makes me feel super fancy!

It totally is! I hear that. I almost have a perfect c.1880 pattern, but it still needs a couple of tweaks here and there. Having a bodice block for every era is The Pipe Dream!

[marianme]

Creating a whole really makes you shine in these outfits. Hurrah!

[mala_14]

Thanks! It's been something I've been slowly working up to over the past couple of years. :)

[theladyrebecca]

I sooo love your gala dress! I think it might be my favorite thing you've ever made! :)

[mala_14]

Aww thanks Rebecca! I really loved getting into early bustle, so expect more in the future!

[totchipanda]

Ahhh everything you did make is beautiful! I really love the photo from coco. Stunning <3

[mala_14]

Aw thanks! I managed to really step up my game in 2017 in a way I hadn't before. The photos that Amy Lee got of me are amazing! She's so talented!

[howlgirl]

Everything is really well finished! You captured the look and feel of the different eras really well.

[mala_14]

Thank you! :)