A New Dress Form for 2012

Last year I decided to make a dress form cover, but this year I decided it would be a good idea to make a new dress form altogether. I find even though in most instances my current dress form is fine, for corsetry it really fails to show the shape correctly. Mostly because the corset makes no reduction to the waist of the mannequin, which of course it does on a real person. So with that in mind I ordered one of Atelier Sylphe Corsets hand drafted 'Victorian Mannequin' patterns from ETSY ('there is no need to reinvent the wheel').

I decided to use some old scrap leather in a lovely buttery skin colour which I was given a long time ago. I also already had some dacron from a previous holiday project so not only did it come together quickly and but it cost very little also (think fabric from your stash and recycled materials, plastic bags etc for filling).

I was pretty pleased with the out come, though maybe next time I'll use something other then leather so I can get cleaner lines and neater points on the darts - but not bad for a first go!

I  decided to enhanced the breast shape by using an old bra and then covered it with one of my dress form covers so I could test it out. I only had a few corsets here that would fit - nothing really heavily boned but even so.......

.....check out that lovely shape!

Why have this?

When you can have this?

Underworld Customer Pics....

I just received these fantastic shots from Megan the customer I made a replica 'Underworld' corset and cuffs for last year, so had to share:-

And I just have to add this candid shot too, because I love seeing the corset out of character - it looks awesome (and I bet it gets worn more often this way too)!!

I am making a couple more of these this year, though as I've mentioned a number of times I like to keep the numbers low so I don't get crazy with the repetitiveness, plus I want to be working more on my own stuff of course.

EDIT 29/04/2012Because of popular demand I am offering 2x Custom Made Replicas, or 'Underworld' Selene Corset Sets via my ETY Store for anyone who's interested:-
http://www.etsy.com/listing/98651399/custom-made-underworld-corset-cuffs

Hand blocking.....

Continuing on with my edits from last weekends photo mission, here is another gorgeous picture of one of my new fascinators on my lovely model Rachel.

This fascinator has a hand blocked felt base with gorgeous lace and beaded motif cover, finished with a dangling jet bead drop......so pretty! Some shots of just the hat.....

 

Weekend Photographer......

I've finally started to make headway on some of my planned projects, with lots of items in waiting my main objective lately has been getting photos done. SO just like a good kiwi girl (queens of the DIY didn't you know), my hat has quickly changed to amateur photographer and editor, this is not a new thing rather another hobby which has had to develop alongside Forge to keep the momentum going between the big stuff......

So with out further ado here's some teaser photos from this weekends shoot with my dear friend Rachel (I'm also still editing pics of another friend Ruth from some weeks back too).

This is one of my 'Basic Curvy' styles with gorgeous beaded lace motif and cameo detailing - quiet a pretty little number if I do say so myself (of course my lovely model really helps too).

 Did you recognise my newly crocheted collar from the previous post making a guest appearance?

Crafty goodness - 'Nana Styles'

On a completely different tangent I've been getting crafty with my crochet hook.....thanks to a good friend to introduced me to Ravelry I've finally found a new recreational hobby (well it was sewing - but that turned into 'Forge' so it kinda lost that crafty feel)!!

I've made quiet a few lovely simple things and am now finally feeling confident enough to try a few more detailed projects......anyway here's my latest endeavour:-

Lacey Capelet

Pattern by Bernadette Ambergen

Since I just used wool I had in my stash already, I would definitely like to have another go with a different weight and colour. I'm also going to attempt a couple of Bernadette's other patterns when time permits (in the mean time though it's hats an practical winter woolies for the family).

PS You can find me on Ravelry under 'Trinitynavar' :)

A collar for Ruby Ruin....

I just finished this lovely collar for Ruby Ruin using the left over fabric from her corset:-

Actually I'm on a bit of an accessories tangent, they're really the perfect thing to fit in between the bigger jobs (my wedding order is underway, but not all consuming at this stage). So right now it's all about planning and making lots of new accessories. Earrings, collars, cuffs, hats, spats and pasties to name a few ......with a handful of samples and finished items already on hand I'm feeling rather productive.

Yay I'll be restocking my ETSY in no time....