Bustle Dress and The Future...

So recently I finished my Specialist Practise unit, my first project of my final year of Costume-etc-etc. As mentioned in a previous post I was making a Victorian Bustle Dress for the University's Costume Store. I was given the character of Lady Bracknell from Wilde's 'The Importance Of Being Earnest' and was let loose! It was nice to once again not have to pay for materials, but I'm sure that's to act as a nice big reminder on how much we'll probably spend on EMP.

I really enjoyed draping on the stand once more...it gave me a bit of a confidence boost from my flop in a previous project. This project acted much as a boot up the backside - whilst I felt a tad cocky when it came down to timescale I found that I was cutting it close to the deadline after 9 weeks of work.

As I didn't have any time to take proper photos of the costume I plan to grab my model in the new year for a quick photoshoot, she's looking forward to wearing the completed version!

On to EMP...I have the rather cunning plan of making two Steampunk costumes! It is a genre I have slowly been creeping towards, attracted to the period, the aesthetics and the mechanics that Steampunk is solidly stapled to, and I thought that EMP would be the perfect excuse to do 1- something I've designed myself, and 2- costumes that compliment and co-ordinate with one another. At London Expo this October I managed to talk to the likes of Miss Ladybird, Herr Doktor, Vincent Shaw-Morton and so many other wonderful Speampunkers to get an insight into this world. I felt so welcome by each individual I spoke to! I seems that the Steampunk world is very character and plot driven - each person had either a character that they had created or even used themselves and placed that individual within the genre, be it a Tea Purveyor, a Mercenary or a Fairy Collector.

Over the Christmas period I want to work on the story behind my two characters and develop their personalities before I begin the final steps towards an ultimate design. The costumes will be for myself and my boyfriend, allowing a larger chance for varying costumes.

Watch this space!

More ideas (and mis-ideas) for the future!

...and so I come crawling rather slowly towards the end of Candide. Two weeks to go to until the second fitting (top fabric, huzzah!) and a further two weeks to the dreaded hand-in...well, it's time to make typed promises to make more STUFF. I'm sure this time I should be able to keep to these plans, or I'll give whoever permission to break all of my fingers...or something horrible like that.

First things first, my Self Directed Project! (Huzzah for University!).

What I hope to achieve in SDP is to broaden the skills that I will be needing and using in whatever area of work I will be throwing myself into. There are a couple of options of working under a couple of companies that sound interesting - one making shirts, chemises and whatnot for the hiring department at the National Theatre, another making an entire suit for another production company. I'll probably use these as backup ideas, as I'd really like to make a corset.

The Trapeze by Erte

Thanks to my parents for buying me an Erte calender for Chrimbo. This image really stuck out for me, and reminded me of one of my original inspirations for costume - Burlesque. This would be a perfect oppurtunity to sharpen my corsetry skills and to even have a go at hand embroidery or beading for a more impressive look.
With a tutorial on Wednesday to look forward to I guess it's time to hit the books!

Here ends anything that my tutors may need to read!

A couple of smaller projects are slowly looming for me as well. First up is a friend's 21st birthday with a set theme of general 'Fancy Dress'. With an earlier thought of '1920s' I lept on the chance to hopefully make an outfit from Tracy J. Butler's wonderful Lackadaisy. Being a fan from a while ago I'd fallen in love with her character Ivy so what better chance to make myself into Ivy! Time to dig out Janet Arnold.
Next up will be a fight between making a costume for Jessie from Toy Story for London Expo and an 18th Century Polonaise costume for my own 21st. Hmm...those will probablt run alongside one another. Here's hoping they'll both be successful!

So onwards I will roll. I raise my invisable glass to more making! But for now, back to The Subtle Knife.

A Little To-Do List...

This is more of a physical notating of what I aim to at least start over Christmas, but it's always good to let others know of your plans as it helps speed you along if you drop behind!

Another Expo is creeping up on me already, though I'd say it's a good thing considering it's not for me! Goal number one is to start a Blood Dupre costume from 'Alice In The Country Of Hearts' for a friend for May. As far as I'm aware it's just the coat and waistcoat I need to take care of, and considering I'm just finishing a waistcoat in tailoring it's a perfect excuse to practise!

Goal number two...make myself a corset! This is probably down to the fact that the corset I'm currently making will go to the costume store at Uni so I'm sure I deserve my own one! The tough part will be choosing the material - green leather or silver fleur-de-lis?

Number three? At least consider making a sack-back dress. Once again for myself. I have plans~~~...

Anything beyond is probably a bonus. I know my Dad and sister's boyfriend both want waistcoats made for them too - more work, more practise...horray!

A Summary. Enjoy.

Well...what an eventful Summer it's been...yet I feel as though I've accomplished so little! My plan to do lots of sewing has shrunk to two projects (somewhat overtaken by my other plan to get a job, resulting in me working 4/5 days or nights a week where - frankly - all I want to do after working on a bar for at least 5 hours is sit with a glass of wine or something slightly stronger!). My goal to buy various books to aid my course was taken over by saving up to go to Prague in July (£500 should cover it), and on top of it I got no week of a crazy road trip with the boyfriend...I'm rubbish at sticking to plans!
As for the two sewing projects, at least my completed one was successful! I'm one dress up in my wardrobe now, and while I recieved more than enough help whilst making it, it was nice to have a reminder on how to do things properly (yes, I probably HAVE forgotten a considerable amount over summer, whoops!).

Success!

Next up is a more miniature project for London Expo, another dress but this time a bit more of a simple make. As much as I'd love to make an underbust corset from scratch, I'll just make do with covering the one I already own and pulling together some straps and whatnot. Hey, I already own the PVC gloves and stockings, and with a pair of boots I'm almost be halfway!
...don't talk to me about the wings though, I'll cry over those later!

Angel Sanctary's Alexiel...eep!

Summer is almost up, back to Uni in two weeks! Happy times!