Yes, dear follows (few that you are), the blog has changed....again. It has been brought to my attention that nobody really gives a damn about my interests in the world, so I was going to shut this blog down and go on with my life. But my roommates suggested that I change this blog into an online portfolio, because everybody who is anybody that is going into an art major should have a portfolio that shows off their skills. Anybody who is wise, anyway.
So here it is. The new blog, redesigned to help ME get ahead in life. This blog will be about things that I make or have made. Costumes and clothing design, toys and other what-nots that I can't think of right at the moment.
I will also try to post helpful hints on sewing and other projects that I happen to be caught in.
So here we go!
MarDee's Request, Number 1
As I am still in the process in gathering what pictures I do have, just spread out, this first post will be about my very, very, very first design.
Okay, technically, I didn't design this costume, but it was a from a picture of an original character, given to my baby sister as a gift. She approached me and asked me if I could and would make the outfit for her. After studying it for awhile, I pretty much said, "Sure, I'll see what I can do."
So, the things I needed to make this costume were:
-White cotton fabric
-Blue Satin fabric
-Dark Brown fabric dye
I didn't have a pattern in my collection at the time to make this properly for her. I just "shot from the hip" as the saying goes. I went out and purchased full sized white sheet from a department store, took it home, laid it on my living room floor and took a pencil, said a prayer to whatever deity was listening and went to work.
I was smart enough to take my sister's measurements, but seeing how this was my very first costume I made for someone else and not for myself, I ran into a lot of trouble, most of them I can no longer remember. First, I drew the garment to my sister's size, but after I had cut it out, I sized the costume to me. Whoops.
After realizing my mistake, I started over. Made the measurements bigger and longer, seeing where my baby sister is a full head taller than me. But where I messed up so badly the first time, I didn't have enough fabric to make a lining. Back in that time, I didn't believe in lining, so it didn't really matter to me.
For the hood, I free handed it. No pattern, nothing. Just my pencil and the fabric. I used blue satin I had in my scrap collection for the lining in the hood, but that was something she requested specifically and attached it to the shirt.
So, the garment was finished. I went out and bought a large tan vest from the D.I., dyed it, but the color didn't really stay, but seeing how I was making it and paying for it out of my own pocket, she really didn't have room to complain. (I'd be surprised if she noticed.) I also purchased blue leggings and kept my eyes open for brown boots. The moment they went on sale, I told my sister and SHE purchased them.
For a first time for EVERYTHING, the costume didn't turn out so bad. First time designing, first time commission, a lot of firsts that I can't remember.
I don't think my sister ever got a picture of the whole complete outfit, with the belt, book and staff. Live and learn, I guess, so I'm just glad I got a picture of it when I did.
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