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The week sure went by quick. I had a lot more planned but didn't have the energy to do it. My hands are still sore from woodcarving, and so I've had to lay off the knitting and crocheting. I'm looking forward to the weekend. My daughter may visit. We'll see.

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Stylehive

I just found my friend listed on Stylehive so I joined too. It's that little flashing orange icon over there>>>>>>>>>>> if you want to join too.

How to Self-Lace a Corset

I just loved this video.
It's fascinating to watch and she is lovely.

Cherry Halter Top

A cherry halter top I made a few years ago.

I'm halfway done with my purple corset

Yay, progress at last.

Belts help define your curves.

Today the costume designer for the new Sex in the City movie said that belts are going to be really important this year. I believe she said,"Suck it in and cinch it up." So I was thinking maybe I could be sewing up some belts to define what is left of my waist. And I include in that category hip bands, or belts that you wear slung low on your hips which make you look long waisted. And of course I would like to lose some inches around my waist.

Make a Gypsy Skirt

I just added more to my article on making gypsy skirts here: Make a Gypsy Skirt
They seem to be more popular than ever.

Corset cont.

I was happy to find the cable ties for boning at Home Depot just as the article suggested. I did have some already cut out corsets, but I have the feeling that I'll have to start from scratch because I've gained weight since I cut those out. Of course I could finish those for my etsy shop, but for now I want one for myself so it's ready to wear in my pirate show. So clothe the witch first and then on from there.

I do have some gold velvet I could use. I have some raw silk I could line it with too. What I don't have right now is the room to sew because my boyfriend is working on a massive arrow making project and the shafts are everywhere. And I have a gig March 22 so I'm going out of town anyway. But I do want a corset to wear before summer hits so I can't put it off too much longer.

Corsetry Boning

I just found a great page explaining all the various pros and cons of materials used for corset boning. http://www.modehistorique.com/elizabethan/boningtypes.html
It was very encouraging. Maybe I'll actually finish a corset now.

Patterns Galore

No doubt motivated by the success of the Pirates of the Carribean movie, pirate costume patterns are now in abundance. So today I plan to scoot over to Joann's where they have Simplicity patterns on sale for .99 (limit 10) and see what they have that I might need for my pattern collection. This sale is particularly good because there is a 10% off coupon in the flyer that you can use whether what you are buying is already on sale or not. I just have to remember to take it to the store this time.

Pink is a boy's color

Did you know that traditionally pink was considered a boy's color until the 1950's? Here is an excellent article on that very topic. http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=238733
Blue was considered a girl's color because it was quieter and gentler.

Sewing for Girls

If you are sewing for girls, check out these cool twirly skirts and tiered pants: http://www.youcanmakethis.com/
Alas my little darlings are grown now. But someday I may have granddaughters to sew for.

Shopping the sales.

I got myself over to Joann's for their after Christmas sale. They had McCall's patterns on sale for $1.99. And I found two I am dying to make. One is M5235 and is a Empire Top that will match my witchy gypsy style just perfectly. The other is M5230 the BOHO dress. Truly a pattern for someone who loves all the details of sewing. Not for the faint of heart as it has set in sleeves, a zipper, lots of trim, and all those time consuming tricky fabrics. Still, if you are going to sew, why not make it a showpiece.
I also found some crushed green velvet looking velour on the clearance aisle for a mere $2.50 a yard. It's gorgeous. I haven't been on a fabric shopping spree in a long time and it was making me a little nervous. But how could I resist cordoroy for $1.99 a yard. I bought enough black to make 2 pirate coats and some red just because I love that color and I'm sure I'll use it for something. This was one of the best sales I've seen. Beads were on sale, patterns, trim, books, yarn, scrapbooking stuff, all at least 40% off. And I still have my coupon for 40% off any one item that is not on sale. I couldn't use it because everything I bought was on sale, except the Pirates of the Carribean valentines, and those were only $2.99. I save it because it's good until Jan. 11 and I may just have to go back for more fabric since I bought 11 patterns.
I don't drink so instead of going out for New Year's Eve, I'm going to sew.

Tribal Style Pattern

I just got a majorly cool pattern from Folkwear. It's a tribal belly dancing costume pattern put together by Fat Chance Belly Dance.
It is a very complete pattern with everything from the choli to the skirts and pantaloons. Can't wait to pick out the fabric. Go take a look at the pattern: http://www.folkwear.com/144.html
Also, I paid for it with paypal and got it as quickly as could be expected.

witch

witch
Originally uploaded by fyrefantasy.

I'm planning to make velvet witch hats one of these days.

witchy toes

witchy toes
Originally uploaded by fyrefantasy.

A girl can't have too many striped socks.