Hearts for Christchurch....

Last weekend we took a family trip to the Christchurch Museum and botanical gardens......mostly with the intention of seeing the W.O.W costumes, which we did (no photography unfortunately or I would have taken a hundred pictures). Anyway while we were there we came across the 'Hearts for Christchurch' exhibition, this lovely idea was started by Napier resident Evie Harris which once spread through the crafting community began an influx of handmade hearts from all over the world.....

We strolled through the room admiring all the hand stitching and effort made by so many different people and  it was hard not to feel a little uplifted in the process......

They came in many colours and sizes spreading across the walls in various arrangements, some with written messages, but each individually handmade with love..... over 4,000 in total!!

http://www.canterburymuseum.com/events/

http://heartsforchristchurch.blogspot.com/

Steampunk Wedding Concept.....

I've been playing around with more line drawings, this time as a necessary aid in providing my customer with options for her steampunk wedding ensemble.

This is the initial style Niki picked from my corset collection:-

I think having straps definitely gives a lovely curvy 'bride to be' a little extra reassurance (so the ideal style in this instance).

Starting with the basic style.....

And then the same concept with a few additions......

Now we're getting more of a waistcoat look, which is perfect for that steampunk finish we're after.

And with that done my bride was easily sold on 'Vest B' - yay I will have wonderful challenge ahead (which is much more fun then the typical plain corset which is so often requested).

*I definitely enjoy doing these, they make a great style reference plus they give me a way to work on design concepts via my PC (since I spend so much time on it anyway), I've already created a nice little collection which I imagine  I will keep adding to  :)

Mock ups and flossing samples......

The new 'Dita' style corset is coming along nicely, I've made my first basic mock up for Ruby Ruin......

It's just a basic shell, but it's great getting to this stage because once it's made up I feel more confidence with my drafted pattern and can gage what adjustments I may need (also another collar mockup).

My next move in this case will be making a completed mock up with bones, so I can finalize the fit before I begin on the actual finished corset. We're heading off on a fabric hunting mission over the weekend - exciting, I feel like I haven't been to a fabric store in way too long!

Now onto 'Flossing'.....

I've made a few flossing samplers as I'm super keen to make a corset with lots of flossing detail at some stage over this coming year.

My lovely stock pile of coloured cottons at the ready for further experiments and samples......

*NOTE:- a rather handy tip via Alexis Black from 'ElectraDesigns' which I received after I posted this to my facebook 'try running your floss through beeswax, then passing it under a hot iron before flossing. It will reduce the fuzziness and make it more manageable.' Looks like I might be doing some more sampling :)

Scales, scales and more scales...

Firstly Happy New Year!!
Secondly - why, why, why must the earth keep shaking here in Christchurch!!!
Thirdly - Updates......

What have I to report? well lets see - still making smaller items.......mostly of the scale variety, I had a pre Christmas burst, even got cards to hang them and did some handmade boxes.

My orders are starting to come forward, so have had to start organising my sewing room which hasn't been touched since we moved into the new house. But it's actually fun digging into boxes and refreshing my enthusiasm with long forgotten fabrics supplies.

I've also been having a lovely time with a good friend of mine indulging in some leisure activities, gardening and crochet (well actually lots of learning on my part and teaching on hers). And of course it's school holidays so there are few other creative projects getting done with my little people.