The Art of Clothes

February Project: Maid Marian Gown

2012-02-01T04:00:00.000-08:00

For my February costume challenge I hope to finish my Maid Marian gown replica from the BBC series Robin Hood. I finished all the beading (at least that I am going to do for this particular project) and have some of it sewn together...but there is still a lot to do and figure out!

So I guess that means I will just have to watch lots of Robin Hood this month to stay inspired!

What are you working on this month?

2012 Challenge: January, Share What You've Made!

2012-01-31T13:56:00.000-08:00

Can you believe that January is already at an end? How are those challenges coming? I'd love to see what you've completed! Feel free to share a link to your blog post of your finished project(s)! I know my challenge is to complete a costume each month, but if you're doing a different challenge still feel free to share! I think it will be inspiring to see whatever you're working on!

♥ Anna Kristine

The Mystery of Edwin Drood

2012-01-29T18:10:00.000-08:00

Another Dickens film is coming out, The Mystery of Edwin Drood. Here are a few photos! I recognize Tamzin Merchant (Georgiana Darcy in the 2005 Pride and Prejudice) and Alun Armstrong (Flintwinch in Little Dorrit) but otherwise I not too many familiar faces to me.

The costumes look pretty!

This will be interesting as it is based on an unfinished novel of Dickens. I haven't ever read it, have any of you?

Snow White and the Huntsman

2012-01-27T04:00:00.000-08:00

It seems shortly after the Snow White inspired 'Mirror Mirror' hits theaters, another darker retelling will hit theaters. Snow White and the Huntsman is a version in which, instead of killing her as the queen orders, the huntsman trains snow white to fight the evil queen. This version stars Kristen Stewart as Snow White and Charlize Theron as the evil queen.

The movie is from the same producer of Alice in Wonderland and you can see similarities such as her armor is similar to Alice's and the mushrooms in the poster above remind me a lot of the Alice in Wonderland poster.

It does look as though the costumes are really well done though. Colleen Atwood (also known for Alice in Wonderland, Sweeny Todd, A Series of Unfortunate Events) designed the costumes.

It will be interesting to see how this version turns out. I'm hoping it's not too dark. I read somewhere it would be somewhere along the lines of The Lord of the Rings. But I have a feeling I will prefer the more light version with Julia Roberts. However the costumes in this do look neat.
I love what they've done with her sleeves to give her the Snow White look in a more authentic historical way:

I'm interested to see if she wears any other dresses in the film. It all looks beautifully done so far!

2012 Costume Challenge: ~January~ Georgiana Darcy Regency Gown

2012-01-25T12:52:00.000-08:00

I finished my first month of costuming for my 2012 Challenge! This is a costume that has been in my project box for a very long time. Mainly because I outgrew it so I had no motivation to finish it. But I decided I would go ahead and finish it, one day soon it will go into my Etsy shop.

As I was working on this Regency dress, I thought about who it reminded me of...and I kept coming back to Georgiana Darcy. Although I'm sure if it really was her dress it wouldn't be made of cotton and would probably be much more grand. But something about the soft cream color made me think of her.

So...here are the photos...I am in great need of a better camera...and some skill! So, sorry for the not so great photos. :P

The sleeves on this dress are detachable so it's perfect for winter or summer!

Back View:

I used shell buttons for the back closure and the sleeves.

On to February's costume...maybe I can get a bit of a head start! :)
How are some of your challenges coming?

Treasure Island

2012-01-25T07:11:00.000-08:00

There is a new Treasure Island airing on television this year starring several familiar faces! And it looks like lots of fun pirate costumes!

Elijah Wood plays Ben Gunn, you can watch an interview with him here about playing his character. Love these plaids!

The movie also stars Rupert Penry-Jones (Captain Wentworth in the 2007 Persuasion) as Squire Trelawney.

The costumes look very detailed and incredible.

Donald Sutherland plays Flint.

And Keith Allen (the Sheriff in BBC Robin Hood) is playing Pew.
I'm excited to see it! I'm not sure when it's coming out, I think it may be playing on television in England or already have played there. I hope it comes to the US soon!
Also here is the trailer.
Makes me want to read the book again! I do love a good pirate movie!

Academy Award Nominees for Best Achievement in Costume Design

2012-01-24T07:29:00.000-08:00

'Anonymous'

Costumes Designed by Lisy Christl

'The Artist'

Costumes Designed by Mark Bridges

'Hugo'

Costumes Designed by Sandy Powell

'Jane Eyre'

Costumes Designed by Michael O'Connor

'W. E.'

Costumes Designed by Arianne Phillips

Which do you think should win? Vote on the poll in the side bar!

Project: The Holiday Fireside Sweater

2012-01-17T12:31:00.000-08:00

I've always loved this sweater Cameron Diaz wears in the movie The Holiday and for my birthday my friend bought me the Fireside Sweater pattern based on this sweater!

I love the look of this sweater....it's so cozy and has so many cables!

My husband ordered yarn for me to make it (his birthday present to me) so here it is so far:

Don't look too close...I've already made a couple mistakes with cables overlapping the wrong way in a couple places. But I can't bring myself to rip it out and start over. It's not that noticeable to me to maybe no one else will notice either? And it is my first sweater...so it will have some imperfections I'm sure.

Can't wait to finish this and snuggle up and wear it! Hopefully I can finish it before the weather turns warm!
Off to knit I go...
Keep warm!
~Anna Kristine

Great Expectations: Herbert Pocket

2012-01-16T09:06:00.000-08:00

I was able to watch the new Great Expectations and although it was really well done and the costumes and sets were beautiful, it wasn't my favorite, a little too creepy and depressing for me. But...I am a sensitive movie watcher. I get easily creeped out! I would still like to read the book one day and maybe see the other version coming out with Helena Bonham Carter. (Thanks Kiri for telling me about this one!)

However, the redeeming point for me was getting to see Harry Lloyd (the beloved Will Scarlett in BBC Robin Hood) play a role that, in my opinion, suited him perfectly! His character, Herbert Pocket, is the brightest part of the movie and made it worth everything else. Not to mention, he's a direct descendant of Charles Dickens himself which just makes him all the more deserving of the role. He should be in more period drama, it suits him.

2012 Challenge

2012-01-12T13:51:00.000-08:00

I have always wanted to do a challenge of some kind on my blog to hopefully have a support group behind me helping me reach some of my goals. When I set challenges with other people I'm more likely to reach them.

My goal for 2012 is to finish twelve costumes! One a month, for 12 months. It is the year of twelve! I have a pile of fabric that is all intended for costumes and I need to finally make myself sit down and make them as well as a few unfinished costumes I hope to finish.

I already feel as though I am going to fail at this...but I'm going to give it all I've got and even if I finish the year off only having made half that many, I'm way ahead of where I was last year.
So what do you think? Do you have a similar goal? Maybe yours isn't costumes but quilts, or something knitted and so on. But even a knitted projects could work as a costume...depending what it is. :)
I'm not sure what costumes I will make yet but the collage here is an inspiration board for things I've always wanted to make. I have already been working on my first costume which you will see here soon!
If you want to join this particular challenge then leave a comment and every month post photos of your finished costume and share the link!
Look forward to seeing what you all will make in the new year!

Hugo

2012-01-11T11:39:00.000-08:00

I really want to see this movie! I've never read the book so I don't know much about it but the movie trailer looked interesting and the costumes and the whole look of the movie just looks wonderful.

Have any of you seen it? What did you think?

Diary of a Wedding Dress: Part 2

2012-01-09T06:03:00.000-08:00

The last post I did on my wedding dress progress wasn't anywhere near where I ended up. I didn't use any of the motifs I made. My original plan was to create a netting overlay to give my dress that dreamy floating look, but once I got there I thought it was too much and went back to the basics of the dress. In the end all I ended up doing was adding straps and a sash and taking up the hem. I think it had enough detail already and I liked the simplicity of it.

Here is a front view of the dress before I added the sash and straps. It's in the process of being hemmed here.

Back view: the buttons down the back and the way the back splits open are what made me fall in love with this dress! I don't think I got any pictures of it bustled up but it looks amazing bustled. It reminds me of a ball gown from the late 1800's when it's bustled.

While sewing a wedding dress one must watch Disney princess movies! While hemming we watched Tangled. I adore this movie!

The hem had all these beautiful beaded lace motifs...which had to be carefully taken off and hand sewn back on.

But I am a very lucky princess...I have fairies you see...they helped me. :)

Here is the strap and sash mock up out of muslin:

And now on to pictures of the finished dress on my wedding day! All pictures from here on are by Marina Koslow.

The sash and straps were made out of a piece of vintage satin a lady gave me awhile ago. Upon furthur inspection the the scrap of fabric I realized it was a panel from a vintage wedding dress...it still had the button loops on it and everything! So that is my something old. :)

And there is is! I loved how it turned out which I am so glad...there was a point I was afraid I wouldn't and you can't have that when it's your own wedding dress! In case any of you are curious about the designer it's an Alfred Angelo dress, and yes that's the same company that makes the Disney princess wedding dresses. :)
Looking back, as fun as it would have been to make my dress starting from scratch, I'm so glad I didn't. Planning a wedding is stressful enough and I also made 6 of the 9 bridesmaid dresses so it would have been overload! And besides...this dress was perfect. :)
More on the bridesmaid dresses later this week!

BBC Great Expectations 2012

2012-01-04T04:00:00.000-08:00

There is a new Great Expectations coming out that looks interesting. I haven't ever read the book or seen a movie of it so I don't really know the story but I love Charles Dickens and the costumes look wonderful! It looks a little on the creepy side, but then it is Dickens.

I really like this dress:

It will be interesting to see what it's like! And I'm interested in seeing more costumes!

The Hobbit Trailer

2012-01-03T04:00:00.000-08:00

I can't wait for this!

Mirror Mirror

2012-01-02T05:31:00.000-08:00

I saw the trailer for Mirror Mirror (the retelling of Snow White) yesterday and I have to admit...I kind of want to see it. I love fairy tales and I think Julia Roberts looks really funny in this. But the main reason I want to see it is for the costumes.

They look incredible with a lot of detail!

Some of them are over the top...but it's a fairy tale and besides...that's what is so fun. :)

The queen's costumes look amazing, just what a vain queen's wardrobe ought to look like.

I think this costume is amazing:

The Prince is played by Armie Hammer:

Hmm...I can't wait to see it. Sean Bean is also cast as the king but I can't find pictures anywhere.

Christmas

2011-12-29T22:50:00.000-08:00

I've been enjoying the holiday, doing some knitting, watching movies, and playing games with my husband. I got him Dominion for Christmas with the Seaside extension so we have been having fun with that.

And guess what he got me? Well just look here...

That's right...The COMPLETE Robin Hood series, North and South and Little Dorrit. Gosh, I feel so spoiled. Does he know me well or what? Now I can give the librarians a rest from putting these on hold all the time. :)
I think there may be some costume studies in the near future! :)
I also pulled all my costume fabrics out the other day to do some costume planning...I ended up getting overwhelmed! I don't know where to start! But one of my New Year's resolutions is to use as much of my fabric stash (that is already intended for something) as I can so here is a start.

Well, I must be off to bed. How were your holidays? Do you have any New Year's resolutions, sewing or otherwise?
~Anna

What I am up to this holiday season...

2011-12-21T13:04:00.000-08:00

Christmas 2011 by theartofclothes featuring super skinny jeans

I'm done with the making urgent Christmas presents now it's time to sit back and relax and enjoy Christmas! This set is a reflection of what I'm in love with right now. Comfy clothes, good books, knitting, and tea. LOVE. <3
What does your holiday feel like? I hope it's relaxing!
Merry (early) Christmas!

A Toasty Christmas

2011-12-15T12:03:00.000-08:00

Toast's winter collection is sure to keep you warm and comfy. All these photos have left me inspired for the holidays!

Shop Toast online .

The Great Gatsby

2011-12-14T13:41:00.000-08:00

I've been watching the progress of The Great Gatsby ever since I heard Baz Luhrmann bought the rights to make a film of it. Baz Luhrmann is one of my favorite directors! He directed Australia as well as Moulin Rougue and Romeo and Juliet. I know this will be a stunning film, but besides that...I can already see the costumes are incredible!

I read somewhere that Tiffany's is doing some of the jewelry and Baz's wife Catherine Martin is designing costumes once again, as she's done on all of his films. Her work is so incredible!

The film also stars Carey Mulligan, Leonardo DiCaprio and Tobey Maguire.

I'm excited to see more!

Under the Greenwood Tree

2011-12-13T12:52:00.000-08:00

I'm watching Under the Greenwood Tree while working on Christmas presents and I always forget how much I love this movie. I love the the simplicity of it and the costumes are so pretty!

I really want to try and make a corset one of these days!

I love the lower waist dresses and smaller skirts and sleeves of this era much better than Civil War era.

Alright....I must get back to present making. But I'm so inspired for costumes right now.

The Best Invention

2011-12-02T06:43:00.000-08:00

I think one of the coolest inventions is the bias tape maker. I never had one of these until last year it was on sale and I decided to give it a try...brilliant! So much easier than using a seam gage and burning your fingers with an iron. (I would know)
I used it yesterday to make a casing for a Regency shift. Can you believe it? I'm back to costuming!
You can see more pictures of the shift here: http://pemberleycouture.blogspot.com/2011/12/regency-chemiseshift.html

(I don't know why but bloggers link button isn't working on my computer)
Hope you're all having a wonderful day! I'm off to do some more sewing!

Daydreams...

2011-12-01T06:19:00.000-08:00

I think the Regency era is my favorite. I love many different periods in costume but I always seem to come back to Regency. It's comfortable to me, like an old friend. If I were to choose any era in history I could be from I think this would be the era I would choose.
This is what I am daydreaming about today...

What is your favorite era?

The Three Musketeers

2011-11-29T05:45:00.001-08:00

I'm really excited about the new Three Musketeers movie, I haven't seen it yet but I love a good swashbuckling film packed full of action and costumes. And, this movie stars Mathew McFadyen and Orlando Bloom. All the pictures make me want to do some costuming AND see the movie.

Have any of you seen it?

Off to unpack my sewing room...

Patterns

2011-10-20T11:43:00.000-07:00

My husband and I just found out we are moving across the country for a new job! So I have been going through all my stuff and did some major destashing on my patterns. I put tons in my shop for a limited time. I'm not taking them with me so they are only available until we leave! (next Thursday) So take advantage and grab any you want!

SHOP HERE

Knitted Wrist Cozies Pattern

2011-10-12T19:16:00.000-07:00

I finally finished writing up my pattern for fingerless gloves! Available now for purchase!

$5.00

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

2011-10-05T14:33:00.000-07:00

I'm getting more and more excited for The Hobbit to come out. I am rereading the book and have made some notes on costume descriptions from the book which has been interesting. The costumes in the film look nothing like I pictured but I think they are incredible.

Gandalf looks like he did in The Fellowship of the Ring as far as I can tell. My husband wants me to make him this costume so maybe someday I will have some study notes on it.
The Dwarves:

Thorin:

Kili and Fili:
Gloin and Oin:
Dwalin and Balin:
Dori, Ori and Nori:
Bombur, Bofur, and Bifur:
Hobbit holes are so cozy. I think I would love to live in one!
Aren't you excited?
Are any of you planning on making any costumes from the movie or inspired by Lord of the Rings? I haven't decided if I'm going to make myself anything but I think it would be fun! And Britton wants a Gandalf costume so...

Pixar's Brave

2011-09-30T06:00:00.000-07:00

I'm really excited for this movie to come out! I don't even know what it's about really but it just looks amazing.

And even though it's animated...the costumes look awesome!
I can't wait to see it! Almost anything with medieval costumes and bow and arrows makes me happy! :)

~Anna Kristine

Coming Soon

2011-09-28T13:03:00.000-07:00

I've almost completed the knitting pattern for my fingerless gloves! I'm going to have a friend or two proof it to make sure I didn't forget anything or make it utterly confusing for you all.

I'm excited to share it with you! It will be in my shop and on Ravelry as soon as it's ready! I will let you know when. :)

~Anna Kristine

Wedding Photos

2011-09-16T16:23:00.000-07:00

I posted wedding photos over on my blog Simple Thread. Go have a look! :)

Genevieve Scarf

2011-09-06T14:36:00.000-07:00

It's getting to be that time of year. Slowly the days are getting shorter, and before you know it the leaves will start falling and there will be frost in the morning. My friends from Pretty Wit are now offering this beautiful chunky hand knit scarf in their shop which is the perfect way to take off the early morning chill while you're on your way.

And it's available in 9 different colors so you can match it to your favorite Fall outfits or buy a few! See their listing HERE.

Back to Business and a Sale

2011-09-06T12:29:00.000-07:00

I finally got my Etsy shop up and going again. I'm looking forward to making some cozy things for this winter!

Right now I've put all my hair clips and crocheted flower pins on sale for 20% off!

I'm so excited to be making stuff again. I don't have room for costuming stuff yet and all my costuming supplies haven't been moved over yet. But I'm excited to get going on all that soon as well!

~Anna Kristine

Jane Eyre 2011

2011-09-05T19:52:00.000-07:00

I haven't seen it yet, but I'm sure loving pictures of the newest adaption of Jane Eyre. I'm going to watch it with a friend soon so I will most likely have more thoughts then. But for now I am enjoying the beautiful photos.

I love it when they take drab fabrics and make them into something so romantic and stunning with details.
I'm also excited because one of my favorite actors, Jamie Bell, is in it. Looking forward to seeing him in period costume again!
Have any of you seen it? What are your thoughts?

~Anna Kristine

Sneak Peek

2011-08-18T07:24:00.000-07:00

I haven't gotten all my pictures from our wedding photographer yet but she did share these few which have me just dying to see the rest! I ended up hardly adding anything to my dress, just satin straps and waistband from a panel of a vintage wedding dress. (something old) But I loved it just like that. I can't wait to show you more details of my dress...it's my favorite wedding dress ever... :)

*sigh* now I just have to be patient for the rest of the photos.

Photography by Marina Koslow

I'm so inspired....

2011-06-28T17:45:00.000-07:00

I really want to make costumes right now. I always seem to get in the mood when summertime comes to get out my fabric and plan some sewing projects. But this year I'm just too busy with wedding plans. So I just look at these pictures and dream...

I love this apron Elinor wears in Sense and Sensibility. I want to make some!

I'm always so inspired by Jane's wardrobe in Pride and Prejudice. I love the pastel color pallet.
I love Mary's dresses in Cranford!
I love Elizabeth Bennet's costumes in Pride and Prejudice as well. I still want to replicate some of them!
I'm also so in the mood for some 18th century costumes. I really want to make a dress from this era and the costumes in the Duchess are always so inspiring to me!
What sewing projects are you dreaming about?

Pretty Wit Rose Heart Rings

2011-06-28T16:36:00.000-07:00

Browsing on Etsy today I noticed my dear friends over at Pretty Wit have added these lovely vintage inspired rings to their lovely shop.

I'm in love with the mint one! Such a fun accessory for summer! Click HERE to buy your own!

And check out the rest of their shop for lovely accessories, paper goodies and wee little owls.

Elizabeth Swann Camisole Progress

2011-05-24T22:14:00.000-07:00

I recently made a check list of all my unfinished projects, which is longer than I like to admit, and it has helped me see what exactly I have already started and need to finish, which leads me to working on projects I forgot about.

I started this replica of the camisole Elizabeth Swann wears under her corset quite a long time ago but I somehow made it too small so I lost motivation to finish it. But I decided to pick it up again despite it not fitting me and I will figure out something to do with it. Besides, it's good practice for making myself a proper fitting one someday.

Here are pictures of the original camisole worn in the film:
Here is my replica, made from what I was told is 100% linen (a friend gave it to me so I'm not sure) and all carefully hand stitched. I also made all the bias tape out of the same fabric the camisole is made out of.
All it needs is some hand sewn eyelets and some lacing and it's done!
It's so satisfying to nearly finish a project that has been sitting around so long! Now to decide which thread to use for the eyelets...

A new skirt

2011-05-19T23:01:00.000-07:00

I've been busily sewing away all day and have two completed projects to show for it. One is this skirt:

I hemmed it with deep blue bias tape and feather stitched on top with my machine:
I love my sewing machine!
It's too late to take pictures of the other project I finished...maybe tomorrow. :)

~Anna Kristine

The Hobbit

2011-05-19T12:12:00.000-07:00

Is anyone else excited about the filming of The Hobbit? There's a tiny peek of the costumes in this video, as well as sets and weapons. The costume department alone is enough to inspire me to make pull out my costuming projects.

Goodness I want to go make something Hobbit-ish now.

A Royal Wedding: Kathrine Middleton's Wedding Dress

2011-05-04T19:08:00.000-07:00

I know I'm late in posting this, most likely all of you have seen millions of pictures of Prince William's bride, but I still had to post about her dress. At first glance of it I wasn't too impressed but after watching 4 hours of The Royal Wedding with my fiancée', I fell in love with this beautiful, graceful design. Perhaps some of it had to do with how graceful the wearer is.

The dress is made with great resemblance to Grace Kelley's wedding dress.
The embroiderers had to wash their hand every 30 minutes to make sure to keep the lace pristine and needles were renewed every 3 hours!

Read more about how the dress was made HERE. So inspiring!

Diary of a Wedding Dress: A Tiny First Peek

2011-04-28T22:33:00.000-07:00

The Journey Begins...

I have been having ever so much fun today pulling out my wedding dress (with Disney's Cinderella movie playing in the background) and beginning work on adding the little bits of 'me' to it. The first thing I'm doing, which may be the only thing you get to see until after the wedding, is adding some sparkle to some motif decorations I bought. Everything fits perfectly on my new wood tray, a wedding present from my parents. They made me a set of three, dad built them and mom did the painting. I love it so much!

But back to the dress...my fiancée was with me when I bought these tiny glass beads and a bag of sequins. "You're putting sequins on your dress!?" He asked me. I don't think he trusts me. heehee I told him to trust me...it's going to be perfect. :) And I know he does, he just likes to tease.

Here is a close up of what the trim looks like before I added my touches.

Then I cut the flowers apart, this one gets just one silver sequin behind two glass beads. The sequin, you see, works as a mirror to give the glass beads a more stunning reflection. :)

This poor piece got snipped in the middle. I'm much more careful when cutting these apart now.
I'm going to try to use each little piece...they are all so pretty. :)
This is just one of the little touches I am adding to my dress. But you'll just have to wait, I'm afraid, to see just where and how they go.

One more thing I will tell you about my dress is that the designer is Alfred Angelo, the designer of the Disney Fairy Tale Weddings line I posted about awhile back. :) I knew I liked that guy. How can you not, with a name like Alfred? ;)

I hope you have a happy weekend!

~Anna Kristine

Patterns for Sale

2011-04-27T15:55:00.000-07:00

I'm going through my patterns...everything from knitting and crochet pattern books to sewing patterns. Right now it's mostly wedding patterns I've stocked up on but there may be more to come! Check out my SHOP.

Bella's Mittens

2011-04-21T01:09:00.000-07:00

I finished my Bella mittens this evening! :) I don't know if there's anything quite so satisfying as binding off a knitting project. What has seemed like a never ending project suddenly seems like I only started it yesterday and I have to catch myself before I get too ambitious and cast on another pair. The pattern was easy enough, but the cross stitch palms are time consuming and can get tiring after awhile. I will try to take better pictures tomorrow in the daylight.

But for now...I must go to sleep...

Feeling Persuaded

2011-04-12T16:16:00.000-07:00

I watched Persuasion the other day and it has done nothing to help cure my Regency mood. :) I'm even more desperate to pull out my fabric stash and make something. Maybe I will do that today....

I really love Anne's pale blue dress.
I love the sleeves and the neckline...
It's just lovely. :) And now I'm in the mood to read the novel again. There's time for all that aside from all the wedding stuff I have to do, right?

Regency

2011-04-05T20:24:00.000-07:00

I've been in the mood all week to make Regency clothes. I don't have time right now to take on a huge project...but I'm trying to dream up something small that I could make to satisfy me until I can make a dress or something.
What era are you in the mood for lately?

Having Some Fun...

2011-04-05T13:22:00.000-07:00

Talking a little break from wedding plans to update the shop with new spring accessories. My how I love Spring!

More to come...

Back in Business

2011-04-03T16:49:00.000-07:00

After two months of wedding dress idea hunting, bridesmaid dress fabric shopping, tux shops, etc, I am back home with enough stuff to keep me busy until the wedding. :) I ended up finding a wedding dress that I LOVE and was on sale so cheap I bought it and I'm going to add some stuff to it. So, although I'm not going to make my dress from scratch, I still get to add some 'me' to it and I'm much more satisfied with that. The concept of making my own wedding dress was getting a little overwhelming so I'm glad I was able to find something so perfect! I'm still going to keep a photo diary of the changes I'm making to the dress which I will share on here after the wedding. :) In the meantime, I opened my shop up again and the 50% off sale is still going on a little longer! I'm hoping I will have some time here and there in between wedding sewing to add some new things. And now that I'm home....maybe I will blog more. I'm hoping I will because I miss it and all of you. How is your Spring going? ~Anna Kristine

Disney Inspired Wedding Gowns

2011-03-10T17:08:00.000-08:00

In all my wedding dress research I ran across this collection by Alfred Angelo...it took me back to my girlish dreams of being a princess. :)

Don't you want to wear one of those? See the complete collection HERE.

And the winnder of the Academy Award for Best Costume Design goes to...

2011-03-01T09:28:00.000-08:00

Alice in Wonderland. :)

50 % OFF SALE!

2011-02-01T19:48:00.000-08:00

I'm having a really big sale in my Etsy shop! Everything is 50% off! Visit HERE to shop! :)

I'm not sure if I will keep it open during the summer while I'm working on my wedding or if I will close it temporarily until I'm settled into my new home. I'm also looking forward to spending some time making things for our new home so I may not spend much time on things for the shop for a little while. But we shall see how it goes.

~Anna Kristine

Where I've been Lately...

2011-02-01T13:30:00.000-08:00

Planning my wedding...

Yes, I'm getting married! You can read my story here: The Story.

I am making my wedding dress so I'm going to be super busy the next few months. (The wedding is in August) And I wont be able to post pics for fear my fiancée will see them! But I'm planning on keeping a photo diary to share when it's all over. :)

I plan on continuing to post now and then...but I just wanted to let you all know what I'm up to and why I may not be posting as often.

Hope you're all having a happy Tuesday!

~Anna Kristine

Academy Award Nominations for Best Achievement in Costume Design

2011-01-25T11:59:00.000-08:00

Alice in Wonderland

Costumes Designed by Coleen Atwood

I am love

Costumes designed by Antonella Cannarozzi

The Kings Speech

Costumes Designed by Jenny Beavan

The Tempest

Costumes designed by Sandy Powell

True Grit

Costumes designed by Mary Zophres

Who do you think should win?

How to Train Your Dragon

2011-01-22T20:07:00.000-08:00

I really should be working on my Maid Marian dress...but instead I'm listening to the soundtrack to 'How to Train Your Dragon' and daydreaming about making Hiccup's costume.

I mean come on...look at that fur:

I guess fur is a viking thing? Except for Astrid...she's too cool for fur. ;) But she does wear fingerless gloves....yeah, we know what's in. ;)

I love Hiccup's flying harness too, and look at those cool leather cuffs, makes me think of Robin Hood or something. :)

Yeah I'm pretty much obsessed right this moment.
And just one more reason that fur boots are rad:

Okay okay....I'm going to go get my sewing.

Pixie Bell on Etsy

2011-01-10T10:31:00.000-08:00

I've just fallen so in love with this shop on Etsy...

Aren't you in love too? Visit them HERE!

Hmm...I need to go finish up the hat I'm knitting now. I hope you all have a grand Monday!

~Anna Kristine

Maid Marian

2011-01-08T20:20:00.000-08:00

One of my goals in the new year is to finish up some projects that have already been started. One that has been in progress for a few months is my replica of this dress Maid Marian wears in the BBC Robin Hood series.

Today I got most of the front and back sewn together except for side seams and started on the beading.
I'm going a lot lighter on the beading as I don't have as much time to invest in it but here it is so far:
It's good to be back to sewing again. :) Feels good to be getting somewhere on a projects as well. :)

Today

2011-01-07T10:05:00.000-08:00

I wish I could stay home in my little sewing corner and dream up something lovely to sew...but alas I must be off to work. I have the day off tomorrow though. Maybe I can dream then. :)

I'm also in the process of organizing...once I get everything sorted I'll make a list of all my unfinished projects. *sigh* I really must change my habits and learn to finish things.

Hope you're all having a lovely Friday!

~Anna Kristine

A New Year

2011-01-02T20:43:00.000-08:00

Hello Friends!

I know I have long been absent from blogging and I do apologize. Life has been busy! But I'm hoping to get back into semi-regular posts as I still love doing costume studies and want to finish the Robin Hood studies. By the looks of it, it's going to be a very busy year so I'm not sure just how regular I can post but I'm going to try to keep up better!

I haven't done much sewing lately...mostly it's been knitting...knitting...knitting. :)

I made this cowl for my sister (she picked the yarn and buttons) as a Christmas present:

(sorry about the crummy picture) :P

And I've also made a few other things which I'll post pictures of eventually. :)

Well, I must be off to bed...but I wanted to pop by and tell you all Happy New Year! And let you know this blog isn't abandoned. :)

~Anna Kristine

In love..

2010-10-31T15:11:00.000-07:00

With this Pinafore Pullover from Anthropologie. Can I make one now please??? :)

Urban Renewal

2010-10-26T19:32:00.000-07:00

I've been busily making gloves and finishing up tags the past few days to take down to this lovely shop in downtown Grants Pass, Oregon. It's such a satisfying feeling to have them all neat and ready to go with little descriptions on the back of each tag.

My friend Aimee from Pretty Wit helped me design these tags...aren't they awesome? I love that elephant so much.

So far I have 8 pairs down there...I nearly cleaned out my etsy shop so tomorrow it's all about getting my shop back up and going. :)

If your ever in Grants Pass, be sure to check out Urban Renewal! It's a really awesome shop, I end up buying something every time I go in there...

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides

2010-10-24T14:41:00.000-07:00

I wasn't a huge fan of the last Pirates movie...and I have a feeling the next one might not be any better...but I'm still excited for the 4th movie, coming out in May, because I just love seeing those awesome scruffy pirate costumes...and as long as Johnny Depp and Geoffrey Rush are involved...it has to have some element of entertainment to it, right? ;)
Here's a few pictures I've come across so far...

Robin Hood

2010-10-10T09:15:00.000-07:00

I finally got to see the new Robin Hood the other night! As soon as it started I regretted not getting out my Medieval costume to work on because it was so inspiring. So I confess, I missed part of the movie while I went and gathered my sewing. ;)
The costumes were GORGEOUS. I feel like it's been ages since I've watched a costume film and this movie was like a breath of fresh air with all the beautiful Medieval costumes.

Cate Blanchett was wonderful as Maid Marion and her costumes were so beautiful.

Robin Hood's costumes were really awesome too....I may have to continue my Robin Hood costume studies after I finish the BBC costume studies. :)

Just look at Robin's sleeve....sooo amazing. :)

Are you inspired yet? :)

Elizbethtown...

2010-10-09T23:12:00.000-07:00

...is what I like to call this hat because it reminds me of the red hat Kirsten Dunst wears in the movie Elizabethtown. :)

Sorry about the poor photo quality...and the little gold safety pin is holding onto a stitch I dropped somewhere. What can I say...I'm not perfect! ;)

This was my first time knitting a hat so I'm pretty pleased with how it turned out even though I did drop a stitch (or two or three). It's a little snug for my big head though...so somebody may end up getting it in their Christmas stocking this year. ;) I love knitting...

My new baby...

2010-10-06T09:06:00.000-07:00

So far all I've done is some quilting...but there's mending to be done, jeans to hem, a billion projects to finish. This little machine will be well used and loved. :) Oh how good it is to have a sewing machine again!

Durango

2010-09-27T08:50:00.000-07:00

I used to watch this movie all the time when I was younger...but it's really hard to find now for some reason. I finally found a used VHS copy online and I watched it for the first time in years the other night...and yep, I still love it. And I still love the costumes. Now I want to knit a sweater even more!

These are the only pictures I could find online:

I hope they come out with a DVD one of these days...Have any of you seen it?

I just love the clothes in the 1940's. Especially in Wales and Ireland. We need to bring this style back. ;) I'm going to do it! Sweet knitted cardigans with skirts. I think it might already be in style... but I'm so out of the fashion loop these days I don't even know.

Costume Studies

2010-09-26T09:40:00.000-07:00

I know I said I was going to start doing two costume studies a month (one Elizabeth Swann, one Robin Hood) but I just can't seem to find the time around moving into our new house and working. So I'm putting them on hold a little while longer until I'm settled.
My sewing corner is coming along nicely though! I'll post pictures when I finish moving everything in. :)
And then, hopefully, I'll start having some fun sewing projects to talk about. :)

Things I hope to try...

2010-09-14T12:52:00.000-07:00

With no sewing machine working it's been all about knitting lately. I really want to try to make a sweater this winter...but I'm a little intimidated by the thought. But I think I can maybe do it...
I also think it would be fun to try to make some socks. They intimidate me too.

I've been making fingerless gloves like mad. I got a little tired of them so I took a break last night and started on a Christmas present. But you can't see that until after Christmas. ;)

I'm getting excited about making things to wear this winter. Don't you just love warm things?

A Series of Unfortunate Events...

2010-09-08T13:30:00.000-07:00

Hello Friends!
I'm sorry I've been so absent lately...it seems when one thing decides to break, everything does. Thus my lap top is not working and I've somehow offended the feeling of two sewing machines resulting in neither of them working for me. So I have been knitting here and there but mostly getting our new house ready to be moved into. I'm really quite excited about setting up sewing in a more permanent place. I'm trying to figure out just how I'm going to set it up. But that's all part of the fun. :)

So at the moment I'm up to my elbows in painting my bedroom and I shall hopefully be able to show lovely pictures one of these days. It's quite different from my usual style but I think it's going to be quite nice in the end.

Hopefully I'll get sewing machine working as well so I can get back to some projects I was in the middle of. Oh dear. Now you see why I hand sew. ;)

Pirate Shirts back in the shop!

2010-08-23T21:59:00.000-07:00

Get your orders in early for Halloween or just simply because you want one. ;)
Order yours HERE.

The day has come...

2010-08-14T11:08:00.000-07:00

Can you believe it? After two years of aching wrists, Pirates of the Caribbean marathons, late nights and hot cups of strong tea, the infamous corset is DONE.

In-fa-mous: having a reputation of the worst kind : notoriously evil

A grand total of 79 hand sewn eyelets...40 pieces of boning...
Okay...so I do still need to find lacing...and have some proper pictures taken.
Keep a weather eye on the horizon...

Costume Studies

2010-08-10T19:27:00.000-07:00

I'm thinking about starting some costume studies on Elizabeth Swann's Wardrobe in the Pirates of the Caribbean trilogy. I would still finish my Robin Hood costume studies but break it up with some girly clothes so I don't get so burnt out on boys all the time. Even though their costumes are fun!
My starting goal is to do one costume study of each per month to give me some time to do research and see how it goes from there.
There's such a variety in Elizabeth's costumes I don't think I'll get bored!
I'm also going to try to organize the costume studies I've already done a bit better so they're all easier to find.
Also, what are some costumes you'd love to see studied? I would like to make a list of costumes you would like to learn more about and every now and then I'll pick one from the list to study.
I look forward to hearing your ideas!

Mittens so far..

2010-08-09T11:20:00.001-07:00

Almost there...:)

Inkheart and Knitting

2010-08-08T21:08:00.000-07:00

I can't stop watching Inkheart. I'm watching it for the third time in three days right now, it inspires me. I love the clothes, the sets, the actors...it's my cup of tea. :)
But I've been getting a ways on my Bella Swan mittens while I'm watching it! I'm almost half done with the second mitten! However, I'm babysitting a friend's kittens and they sure do make knitting a challenge what with keeping them from running off with a mitten or a ball of yarn, not to mention climbing curtains and drinking out of my glass. ;)

I'd post a picture of my progress but I don't have my camera with me at the moment. But my how good progress feels!

Pictures soon, I promise!

Finishing up...

2010-08-06T08:16:00.000-07:00

I've decided to be good and finish some costume projects I've already started before starting new things...among the list is my Elizabeth Swann corset. Yes, I STILL haven't finished it. But it is so close to being done! So I'm going to try to finish it up along with a couple other projects I've been working on.

One thing I've learned from making this corset so far, I never want to do a corset by hand again. (I say that but...you know how I am)

Also, that even after looking at this corset for so many hours...(days, months, years) I still love it. :)

Hopefully I'll have some corset updates along with some other project news in the next few weeks. :)

PS: To those of you who asked about the yellow dress in my last post, it's from the movie Eragon. Isn't it lovely?

In the mood....

2010-08-02T09:53:00.000-07:00

To do some costuming....

But I have no idea where to start...

Back for awhile...

2010-07-31T22:36:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone!
I'm finally less busy and will hopefully be able to get back to blogging. Blogging is like an inspiration board for me, I throw all my ideas out there and it helps me pull together something creative. I've missed that...and I've missed all of you.

I've had an amazing and very busy summer, but as much as I love the warm weather, I'm really looking forward to Fall! I miss my hot tea and cozy fire. Also my new found obsession with knitting has me looking forward to an occasion to pull out my needles and yarn. I love making mittens and things, maybe this year I'll attempt a cardigan?We'll see...
We've sort of moved again...we're in the same place but switching houses so everything is a bit unorganized at the moment. But our new house should be in by the end of August, hopefully! I'm looking forward to setting up a new sewing space and getting back to making things. All I've worked on this summer is knitted dish cloths and a doily. Easy portable stuff. :) I want to make some quilts and things for my Etsy shop. I have so many ideas stored up.

I hope your all having a great summer! What fun things have you done so far?

~Anna Kristine

Inspired...

2010-06-27T10:10:00.000-07:00

It has been far too long since we've talked about Robin Hood. One of these days I'll get around to doing more Robin Hood costume studies, but in the meantime...check out this amazing Robin Hood Tunic my friend Heidi made. I want one! Makes me want to finish up my Maid Marian costume. Maybe in August? :)
Hope your all having a lovely weekend!
~Anna Kristine

Downsizing and a Perfect Match

2010-06-19T19:16:00.000-07:00

I've been seriously downsizing as we're moving again (same spot, just switching houses) and I just don't like having lots of stuff anyway. I like simple. But anyway...one other way I have been needing to downsize is my purse. Last year I bought a big bag at Forever 21 (see here) which I have loved dearly and has served me well by fitting all my lunch and books and such for work in one bag, but it's so much bigger than I really need now and I've been on the hunt for a good small purse for quite some time with no success in finding just the right thing.

Well, I was thrift store shopping with a friend one day and I was just about to settle on a purse that would be okay (I can't even remember what it looked like, that's how unimpressive it was) when I noticed this little cutie hiding behind all the other bags:

*sigh*...Perfect.
Not only is it small and cute...it's GUESS and it was only 2 bucks. Yes, that's right. :) So anyway...I'm super thrilled with my find and then I got home and found a bunch of Italian receipts in the pocket which excited me quite further. The little thing is a world traveler to boot...I think we'll get along great. :)
So anyway...that's my latest accessory love story...
Any of you had any great finds lately?
~Anna Kristine

Updates and Alice

2010-06-11T08:28:00.000-07:00

Hello friends! I know I haven't been a very faithful blogger, life has been so crazy and seems to just keep on getting crazier. I have a couple things I hope to get posted in the next couple weeks but then I'm not going to have much Internet access through the month of July so you may not see much of me until August.
I'm so thankful for all of you who follow this blog, you really inspire and motivate me! So thanks for sticking around. :)

Also, I finally saw Alice in Wonderland the other day. :) It was really well done, the filming and costumes were stunning. Weird, of course. I mean it's Tim Burton....but I like it. I usually like his films.

I must confess I don't like the book very much and never liked the movie growing up. So I'm not the best judge as an Alice fan, but I enjoyed it for what it was and I loved that there was so much of the Mad Hatter. That is the one chapter in the book I really did enjoy and I think Johnny Depp was fantastic.

All the costumes were great but I think seeing the Red Queen's gown on the big screen really took my breath away. AMAZING.
What did you all think of it, if you've seen it yet? Have you seen any other good costume films lately? :)
Hope you all have a lovely weekend,
~Anna Kristine

Leap Year

2010-05-20T21:20:00.000-07:00

I saw this movie a couple weeks ago with a friend and I just fell in love with Amy Adam's wardrobe. SO cute.

Okay...now I want to go to Wales...or Ireland...either will do. ;) As long as I can wear clothes that cute.

Mushroom!

2010-05-18T16:53:00.000-07:00

Okay so I have this thing for mushrooms...I couldn't help putting a giant mushroom on this half apron I made yesterday....

It's now in my SHOP. :)

Regency Progress...

2010-05-17T23:01:00.000-07:00

For my next Regency project I decided to try out the crossover gown from the Sense and Sensibility pattern, The Elegant Lady's Closet. I got all the pattern pieces traced yesterday so I will start cutting fabric soon! I haven't tried this pattern yet so I'm excited to see how it turns out. :) Have any of you made up this pattern before?

I'm also thinking about making the drawstring gown at some point. I'm not sure if I have the right fabric for that one or not...we'll see. :)

Anyway...I'll keep you posted as I progress. It feels good to be working on a historic project...I haven't done one in awhile!

Something Regency....

2010-05-15T13:26:00.000-07:00

Is swirling around in my mind....

I'm digging through my fabric today and have quite a pile of things to make Regency clothes out of...it's so hard to decide what to make first though! Will update soon with my progress. :)

Sale :)

2010-05-15T10:45:00.000-07:00

I'm having a big sale over in my etsy shop! Almost everything is on sale so go check it out! :)

www.annakristine.etsy.com

Fashionable Mothers

2010-05-10T05:00:00.000-07:00

I know I'm a day late...but really, souldn't every day be about mothers? Here are some pictures of just a few cute and fashionable moms.

New Blog

2010-05-03T20:28:00.000-07:00

Hello lovely friends! I know it's been ages but my moving craziness is almost over and I should hopefully not be quite so absent in the blogging world. :) Thanks so much to all of you who offered moving advice and what to wear in rainy weather! I've found one of my favorite things is scarves...they're so cozy when it's damp out. :) And hoods are great for keeping my hair dry when I need to pop over to do the laundry. ;)
In all the chaos of moving it's made me want to get organized though, and so I am working on organizing my blogs and consolidating some of them. I'm keeping this one, so no worries! But I've also moved my regular blog, Thoughts and Daydreams to a new location at www.simple-thread.blogspot.com. I'm hoping to blog about a variety of things from cooking to sewing to traveling...etc. It will be my main blog. I'm also thinking about deleting Pemberley Couture and from now on posting project pictures on here. Maybe make it more organized with links and such.
It will take a bit to get it all sorted out and perfect. But I think it will be so much easier to keep up on blogging with only having two blogs. :) Even this is probably more than I need! haha
I hope your all having a lovely week! I'll be back with a post soon!
-Anna Kristine

Moving...

2010-03-30T11:15:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone!
I just wanted to drop a quick note to let you know I haven't abandoned this blog...I am in the process of moving and so all my time is taken up packing boxes, cleaning rooms, painting at the new house, etc...etc....
We will be moved in next week and once I'm somewhat settled I will be back to posting!
In the meantime, how many of you have moved and do you have any moving advice? Even though we're nearly done I would love to store away any knowledge to make moving easier for the next time. Because I really don't like moving....am I alone in this? ;)
I hope your all enjoying March! I will be back to post in (hopefully) early April.
~Anna Kristine

PS I'm moving to a place where there is lots and lots of rain and mud. Do any of you live in this kind of climate? What do you like to do and wear to keep yourself from looking like a drowned rat? :)

You and the Academy Voted...

2010-03-09T09:12:00.000-08:00

And you both agreed.
The award for best costume goes to...

The Young Victoria

Giveaway!

2010-02-24T18:15:00.000-08:00

Pretty Wit is having a giveaway for this clever bracelet...

Enter to win by clicking on either of the images above! :)

By the way...

2010-02-23T22:51:00.001-08:00

Thanks to everyone for the PDF advice! I finally figured it out so thanks! Once I get the pattern written out in a way that makes sense I'll let you know. :) I just can't seem to take a break from my knitting long enough to do that. *sigh* Maybe tomorrow?

Bronte films

2010-02-23T12:24:00.000-08:00

It looks like there are some new Bronte films in the making. A new Jane Eyre is set to release in 2011 starring Mia Wasikowska (Alice in Wonderland) Michael Fass bender (300), Judi Dench (Cranford) and Jamie Bell (King Kong).

Also in the making to release the same year is Wuthering Heights starring Gemma Arterton (Tess of the D'Urbervilles) and Ed Westwick (Gossip Girl).

There's also an upcoming film about the Bronte sisters entitled Bronte. I'm not sure if this film will come about or not as it's been on IMDB for a few years and is still in pre production.

It's good to know there are more costume dramas on the way! Even if Jane Eyre has been made a hundred times. I'm excited to see what they're like!

Who knew...

2010-02-18T14:33:00.000-08:00

That eyelets don't make themselves?
Well, I finally got all my things out today and finished the eyelets on the Regency Short stays for a lovely customer. They are now done. *sigh* I love that word. Done done done done. Okay.

Other than that I've been finishing the mittens for my friends...maybe I should say they are Valentines gifts instead of Christmas? Oh wait...that's already past.

I'm also writing up another knitting pattern for fingerless gloves. I seriously love writing patterns. If only I could figure out the PDF file thing. I still haven't got it. But once I do, there will probably be lots of patterns to share. :)

Hope you've all had a good week so far!

~Anna Kristine

More Robin Hood Photos

2010-02-17T17:52:00.000-08:00

Here are some more photos from the upcoming Robin Hood movie. I think the costumes look amazing! I love this dress Maid Marian is wearing, it looks like a skirt either over a dress or shirt and a corset on top. I think it's so pretty! I can't wait to see more close up photos of it.

I love these costumes...they look very Sherwood, I think.

And I've always had a thing for flags so I just loved all of these:

What do you all think so far? I'm looking forward to seeing Matthew MacFadyen as the Sheriff of Nottingham. I haven't found any good pictures yet but once I do I'll share. :)

BBC Characters Costume Study Season 2 Part 2 - Much

2010-02-08T07:00:00.000-08:00

Much Costume Study

Robin Hood Season 2

Much's costume in Season 2 hasn't changed a ton from Season 1 except that he's traded in his crocheted jumper for Robin's waistcoat and he has a much simpler scarf. I love this look of Much's. And I think it's cute that he wears Robin's hand-me-downs. :)

Shirt and Waistcoat:

Much's shirt looks different from the one he wears in Season 1. It looks like a henley style shirt made of linen or something. The waistcoat is the same on Robin wore in season 1. It looks like it's made out of some sort of tapestry fabric and it laces up at the sides. There is brownish trim around the arm holes and neckline.

Hat and Scarf

Much still wears the same hat which looks as though it's a piece of knit fabric sewn in a tube with a criss cross seam on the top. He now only wears one scarf which he might have had from season 1.

Cape

Much's cape appears to be the same as he wore in Season 1 only now it has a hood. It might be a different cape with the same buckle from his cape/satchel.

Coat

His coat is the same, made of what could be leather or oilcloth. Silver studs around the shoulder seams and edges.

War paint, leaves, and netting work great if you want to hide in the forest...

And that's it for Much in Season 2! Hopefully I didn't miss anything. There isn't a lot to say as most of what he's wearing is the same as Season 1. But it's fun to see his subtle changes. If you would like to see the images larger just click on them. I thought it would be nicer to upload the pictures small so it doesn't take so long to see everything. I might fix the older costume studies by reloading the photos smaller one of these days when I have time.

Hope you all have a splendid week!

Dreams and Such...

2010-02-07T20:53:00.000-08:00

Last night I had a dream that I was working on a photo shoot with Keira Knightley and Rupert Friend. Weird...I know. Sometimes I dream the strangest things. But it was lovely anyway. :)

I can't remember what the photo shoot was for but I think I remember it being 18th Century or something. They should do a movie together in that era, yes? ;)

Okay...enough of my silliness...I have some news...I finally finished Part 2 of the Robin Hood season 2 costume studies. That will be coming tomorrow, so you can look forward to that. I'll try to get back into the swing of posting those. I rather miss it.

Also, did anyone watch the rest of the new Emma on Masterpiece Classic tonight? If not, you can watch it by clicking on the link on my side bar. I confess I wasn't a huge fan of this one. Nobody can beat Jeremy Northam as Mr. Knightley...but that is for another post on another day. Maybe I will post about it later this week. (or next)

Hope you all had a good weekend!

~Anna Kristine

Academy Awards nominations for Best Costume

2010-02-02T08:10:00.000-08:00

Bright Star

costumes designed by Janet Patterson

Coco Before Chanel
costumes designed by Catherine Leterrier

The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus

costumes designed by Monique Prudhomme

Nine

costumes designed by Colleen Atwood

The Young Victoria

costumes designed by Sandy Powell

I'm happy to see my favorites of the year among those nominated...though I was hoping Sherlock Holmes would be nominated as well. I really loved the costumes in it. But these all are amazing.

Who do you want to see win? Go ahead and vote on the side bar for your favorite!

Scraps

2010-02-01T10:58:00.000-08:00

I get so easily overwhelmed by stuff that is not being used. Therefore scraps have always been a great burden on my mind as they continue to pile up more and more after every sewing project. There are so many pieces left over that are big enough to be used for something but the truth is...I never make anything out of them. They just sit there in their box, which is usually overflowing, and taunt me and I'm left simply feeling guilty.
Thus, a few weeks ago I decided to just cut them all up (saving a select few that I adored for other projects) and I am making a scrap quilt. It really is such a relief to see them all neatly piled in little 3" squares.

I was inspired by THIS POST to simply do squares and sew them together randomly. Saves a lot of headaches quilting could otherwise cause. Someday I may make a more detailed patterned quilt...but for now I just need to narrow down the scrap pile quickly.
And sometimes my daddy brings me home maple bars...which are a necessity when decluttering or quilting...or doing anything really. :)

I will keep you posted as to the progress of my quilting challenge. Hopefully I can get them all cut up before I move....but I'm not going to push myself. We shall see....

Happiness...

2010-01-30T10:02:00.000-08:00

...is going to the fabric store and coming out with only what you needed....

I'm working on some Regency stays for a customer and I ran out of thread and binding. It feels so good to come out of the store with exactly what you needed and is going to get used as soon as you get home.

I also picked up some big clear plastic storage bins so I can get all my crafts organized and boxed up. Only 1 1/2 months until I start moving!

the day has come...

2010-01-28T11:20:00.000-08:00

I've officially designed my first knitting pattern for fingerless mittens...

I'm so very pleased with it. It took a number of tries and figuring but I finally got it basically written down. I'm going to work on making it easier to understand and then I might sell it as a PDF in my shop if I can figure out how to do that. But for now I'm just having fun making them. Pretty soon I might try some variations with cables and such.

*sigh*....I love knitting. :)

Finally....

2010-01-27T12:41:00.000-08:00

I got pictures of this and put it in my shop. See pictures HERE and visit my shop HERE. :)

Masterpiece Theater Oliver Twist

2010-01-27T10:21:00.000-08:00

I was just reading a post about this version of Oliver Twist and it suddenly hit me that I haven't seen it. I missed it last year which is quite sad because Oliver Twist was my favorite Dickens growing up as a child. I like the look of it by all the pictures I've seen and I really want to get my hands on a copy of the dvd. Our library seems to not have it at the moment. I may have to ask them to order it. :)
Have any of you seen it? And what did you think?

Pemberley Couture Sale!

2010-01-25T11:39:00.000-08:00

Now through February 14 I'm having a huge sale in my shop to help me purchase a car as well as clear out some things as I'm getting ready to move. Be sure to pop on over to my SHOP and check out the SALE SECTION. :)
All my hand sewn costumes are on sale and quite a few other things. Enjoy! :)