Rather getting over being intimidated by the embroidery machine! I've figured out how to sew regular stitches, fill the bobbin, thread the machine, how to use the pre-programed fancy stitches, and how to set it up for embroidery.
Yesterday I stitched a one color decorative design, then managed a FIVE! color pattern. I think I may invest in one of those thread stands that sit behind your machine and hold several spools of thread at once.
Yesterday I also downloaded a bunch of free designs thus leading to my next set of challenges. The first being how to use the ATA PC card! Took me a bit but I figure out how to pull up the stored files.
It wasn't until this morning when I went to unzip the new freebie files that I realized they were in the wrong file format. A quick Google search and I have a freeware program that will convert the different machine formats. Woot!
My sweetie Doug is coming over this afternoon to watch 'Westworld' (can't believe he hasn't seen this fabulous early 70's Michael Crichton staring Yul Brynner, Richard Benjamin, and James Brolin! it's the cheesiest!) so I'm putting my aside my shiny new toy to tidy up house and myself.
After his visit I'll probably play with the machine some more. I think I want to try embroidering on a piece of chiffon, with the appropriate stabilizer. Creating 'appliques' may be the best way to get designs onto the hats. But I won't know until I've tried both ways.
Off to be domestic :)
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Getting over my fears
Rather getting over being intimidated by the embroidery machine! I've figured out how to sew regular stitches, fill the bobbin, thread the machine, how to use the pre-programed fancy stitches, and how to set it up for embroidery.
Yesterday I stitched a one color decorative design, then managed a FIVE! color pattern. I think I may invest in one of those thread stands that sit behind your machine and hold several spools of thread at once.
Yesterday I also downloaded a bunch of free designs thus leading to my next set of challenges. The first being how to use the ATA PC card! Took me a bit but I figure out how to pull up the stored files.
It wasn't until this morning when I went to unzip the new freebie files that I realized they were in the wrong file format. A quick Google search and I have a freeware program that will convert the different machine formats. Woot!
My sweetie Doug is coming over this afternoon to watch 'Westworld' (can't believe he hasn't seen this fabulous early 70's Michael Crichton staring Yul Brynner, Richard Benjamin, and James Brolin! it's the cheesiest!) so I'm putting my aside my shiny new toy to tidy up house and myself.
After his visit I'll probably play with the machine some more. I think I want to try embroidering on a piece of chiffon, with the appropriate stabilizer. Creating 'appliques' may be the best way to get designs onto the hats. But I won't know until I've tried both ways.
Off to be domestic :)
Yesterday I stitched a one color decorative design, then managed a FIVE! color pattern. I think I may invest in one of those thread stands that sit behind your machine and hold several spools of thread at once.
Yesterday I also downloaded a bunch of free designs thus leading to my next set of challenges. The first being how to use the ATA PC card! Took me a bit but I figure out how to pull up the stored files.
It wasn't until this morning when I went to unzip the new freebie files that I realized they were in the wrong file format. A quick Google search and I have a freeware program that will convert the different machine formats. Woot!
My sweetie Doug is coming over this afternoon to watch 'Westworld' (can't believe he hasn't seen this fabulous early 70's Michael Crichton staring Yul Brynner, Richard Benjamin, and James Brolin! it's the cheesiest!) so I'm putting my aside my shiny new toy to tidy up house and myself.
After his visit I'll probably play with the machine some more. I think I want to try embroidering on a piece of chiffon, with the appropriate stabilizer. Creating 'appliques' may be the best way to get designs onto the hats. But I won't know until I've tried both ways.
Off to be domestic :)
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Last week I received my millinery kit from JudithM but today is the first day I've had to start making something. I'm using the book that came with the kit and the classic 'From The Neck Up' to create a boater style hat.
So far I've drafted the pattern, and cut it out of buckram. I originally made the brim 3" all the way around but then adjusted that to suggested mesurements from the kit book. I'm afraid the new brim might be a bit narrow for my taste but I'm reserving judgement until it's completed.
I've wired the tip and the inner brim. I'll wire the brim edge when I get home from work. Then start covering it with fabric.
I went on a cleaning and organizational binge Sunday and Monday. I made a lot of improvements to my studio room. One of the perks of having re-organized is re-discovering a bunch of deeply colored feathers. I had used them several years ago on some holiday ornaments. These will come so in-handy!
Work is pretty slow tonight so I may be home earlier than normal. I'll decide on sleep or hats then :)
So far I've drafted the pattern, and cut it out of buckram. I originally made the brim 3" all the way around but then adjusted that to suggested mesurements from the kit book. I'm afraid the new brim might be a bit narrow for my taste but I'm reserving judgement until it's completed.
I've wired the tip and the inner brim. I'll wire the brim edge when I get home from work. Then start covering it with fabric.
I went on a cleaning and organizational binge Sunday and Monday. I made a lot of improvements to my studio room. One of the perks of having re-organized is re-discovering a bunch of deeply colored feathers. I had used them several years ago on some holiday ornaments. These will come so in-handy!
Work is pretty slow tonight so I may be home earlier than normal. I'll decide on sleep or hats then :)
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Steampunk Costume #1 - The basics
Recently I was gifted two big garbage bags full of clothing. The Fabulous Gift-er had lost some weight and no longer fit into them. I was delighted to take them off her hands. In going through and selected what I wanted I came across three items that individually didn't strike me, but when I glimpsed them laying together in a pile - Inspiration Hit!
I realized the three separates were perfect, with a little tweaking, for a great Steampunk costume. And really, who amongst us can't be improved with a little tweaking? ;)
Sadly, I've mis-placed my camera so shoddy camera phone pics will have to suffice for now.
The basic blouse and skirt:
The blouse is a 100% cotton, white, princess cut with short sleeves. Shaping is very important especially when boobalicious like myself. I originally thought to tea dye it but decide to keep it white for now. I can always dye it once if it gets stained. I plan on using button covers to cover up the plain buttons with steamy bits of beads & gears.
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrDcqxELnIcnNi3FpOgZQAF_tNYxro9kH3vNHKICJ1NNZmyk85z_5dU-rmzY8bfrL5Jsr13dILHG5HrcnTl0xUMWe2evkaECXfCe9eSdsCwkhknue4Y98Ko8L3KsWG2fHfUCnqvKNENMQ/s1600-h/skirt1.jpg">
The skirt is also cotton in the quasi-military style. I hate elastic waists but I can deal with it. I may add bits of old cotton lace scavenged from linen napkins to the pockets for just a touch of femininity. You can't tell from this picture but it's mid-calf length and A-line in shape. Kinda reminds me of the stuff Banana Republic put out in the day.
Ahh, the stodgy, grandmother-ly cardigan. Soon to be a sexy steamy cover-up! I have two ideas for this piece. One idea is to re-sew the front so it is more fitted and shape the back to almost a bustle. The second idea is add a ribbon along the top of the lacy part and use that to draw up to the waistline. Maybe to add some additional lace. I can see wearing this over a sexy bra :D
I realized the three separates were perfect, with a little tweaking, for a great Steampunk costume. And really, who amongst us can't be improved with a little tweaking? ;)
Sadly, I've mis-placed my camera so shoddy camera phone pics will have to suffice for now.
The basic blouse and skirt:
The blouse is a 100% cotton, white, princess cut with short sleeves. Shaping is very important especially when boobalicious like myself. I originally thought to tea dye it but decide to keep it white for now. I can always dye it once if it gets stained. I plan on using button covers to cover up the plain buttons with steamy bits of beads & gears.
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrDcqxELnIcnNi3FpOgZQAF_tNYxro9kH3vNHKICJ1NNZmyk85z_5dU-rmzY8bfrL5Jsr13dILHG5HrcnTl0xUMWe2evkaECXfCe9eSdsCwkhknue4Y98Ko8L3KsWG2fHfUCnqvKNENMQ/s1600-h/skirt1.jpg">
The skirt is also cotton in the quasi-military style. I hate elastic waists but I can deal with it. I may add bits of old cotton lace scavenged from linen napkins to the pockets for just a touch of femininity. You can't tell from this picture but it's mid-calf length and A-line in shape. Kinda reminds me of the stuff Banana Republic put out in the day.
Ahh, the stodgy, grandmother-ly cardigan. Soon to be a sexy steamy cover-up! I have two ideas for this piece. One idea is to re-sew the front so it is more fitted and shape the back to almost a bustle. The second idea is add a ribbon along the top of the lacy part and use that to draw up to the waistline. Maybe to add some additional lace. I can see wearing this over a sexy bra :D
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Success and Setback
Gosh darn it! I was feeling pretty good about the hat project. Trust me, I've stitched, picked out, and re-stitched it a couple of time, but it's been a steady forward movement. so I've been riding that wave as I diverted my attention to adding LEDs to my friend's Burning Man costume.
I'm adding LEDs to the wedding dress that I previously added el-wire on to. I tried out the soft circuit pattern. Worked on the first try. I start stitching on the dress... nada zip zilch. Phooey! It's either the soft battery pocket or I'm goofing up the stitching pattern. I've stitched one circuit of five LEDs three times now with no success.
I'm going to try using the hard battery holder. Hopefully I can figure out a way to attach it.
I'm adding LEDs to the wedding dress that I previously added el-wire on to. I tried out the soft circuit pattern. Worked on the first try. I start stitching on the dress... nada zip zilch. Phooey! It's either the soft battery pocket or I'm goofing up the stitching pattern. I've stitched one circuit of five LEDs three times now with no success.
I'm going to try using the hard battery holder. Hopefully I can figure out a way to attach it.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Note to self: LED soft circuits
Negative lead to negative battery.
Positive Lead to Switch. Switch to positive battery.
Positive Lead to Switch. Switch to positive battery.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Funny how much I'm getting done now that I no longer have cable! I love me some tv but it's saving me money and giving me more time by not having it currently. Smart move on my part, I think :)
I've solidified my Steampunk costume and persona. I'm thinking she's a bawdy, rowdy, flirty, itinerant dancer providing entertainment & bit of respite for the hardworking airship mechanics and scientists. Why nothing like me at all, huh? ::evil laugh::
The basic clothing choices will be a Ghawazee coat over harem pants or ruffly bloomers. I'm going to use Madame X's Adjustable Ghawazee Coat & Turkish Vest pattern. I can see using grommets, eyelets, washers, d-rings, and assorted hardware for the loops, with keys and compasses hanging from the lace ends. I could even wear a dainty lace blouse under it for a bit more modesty and decorum. I've come up with a design idea for the bloomers that are basically split open up the sides almost to hip line and then lined with increasing width ruffles. The appearance, standing still, would be of a skirt with the sides tucked up, like we did with our big flying skirts.
Not sure yet what fabric I want for the top yet. I'm thinking a white & color stripe for the bloomers and ruffles. I do know I want to make a 'night' or 'performance' version of this. The coat would be cut under the bust line, and sheer, sparkly black. Sparkly bra with gears & brass. The bloomers would be dark dark burgundy red. I'm thinking Steam-Theda Bara.
Footwear is a stumper. Probably sturdy comfortable ankle boots for day. Or maybe even my old bellydance ghillies. I wonder if I could add embellishments to them? I'll have to keep an eye out for appropriate shoes or boots.
It's a start, and I'm looking forward to seeing how it evolves.
I've solidified my Steampunk costume and persona. I'm thinking she's a bawdy, rowdy, flirty, itinerant dancer providing entertainment & bit of respite for the hardworking airship mechanics and scientists. Why nothing like me at all, huh? ::evil laugh::
The basic clothing choices will be a Ghawazee coat over harem pants or ruffly bloomers. I'm going to use Madame X's Adjustable Ghawazee Coat & Turkish Vest pattern. I can see using grommets, eyelets, washers, d-rings, and assorted hardware for the loops, with keys and compasses hanging from the lace ends. I could even wear a dainty lace blouse under it for a bit more modesty and decorum. I've come up with a design idea for the bloomers that are basically split open up the sides almost to hip line and then lined with increasing width ruffles. The appearance, standing still, would be of a skirt with the sides tucked up, like we did with our big flying skirts.
Not sure yet what fabric I want for the top yet. I'm thinking a white & color stripe for the bloomers and ruffles. I do know I want to make a 'night' or 'performance' version of this. The coat would be cut under the bust line, and sheer, sparkly black. Sparkly bra with gears & brass. The bloomers would be dark dark burgundy red. I'm thinking Steam-Theda Bara.
Footwear is a stumper. Probably sturdy comfortable ankle boots for day. Or maybe even my old bellydance ghillies. I wonder if I could add embellishments to them? I'll have to keep an eye out for appropriate shoes or boots.
It's a start, and I'm looking forward to seeing how it evolves.
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