The Singing Costumer

I’ve started a new job as a preschool teacher. It’s a lot to handle. And I’ve had no energy after work. Now, I’m on Christmas break and needing a creative outlet. My sewing machine has been so lonely. Let’s change that! Simplicity S9846 is a 1960’s reprint, and still available. I’ve made 2 vintage-inspired specifically Christmas ensembles. One is a burgundy plaid 1960’s dress and coat from last week, and the other is a true red 1950’s dress. So I decided it was time to use green. The fabric is from Fabric Wholesale Direct. I’ve always had good experiences with them. https://fabricwholesaledirect.com/products/lino-italiano-polyester-viscose-linen-fabric?variant=39878267699315 This 70% polyester and 30% Viscose fiber “linen” in the color forest green was very nice. Essentially, it’s a poly rayon made to look like linen. The price isn’t bad at all. I would love to use true linen, but this is so much cheaper. Once I perfect some patterns and I know that they fit, I might splurge. This mate...

My first medieval fair dress was made in maybe 2010 or 2011? I don’t really remember. I was part of the cast for the local Medieval Fair for many, many years, and this was my first costume. I wore it for several years and it served me well.  But by 2015, it was looking a little worse for wear. The trim around the neckline was getting ruined by this one particular necklace I often wore with it. (I know, I know. Be sensible and quit wearing jewelry that destroys costumes.) I was going to be walking in a Christmas parade with the Medieval Fair cast, and I just thought it needed a bit of an upgrade. And if I could give it a bit of holiday pizazz and bling, all the better.       I first removed the damaged trim. At Joann Fabrics, I found some really pretty red and gold brocade. It complemented the red main fabric and the gold lining of the sleeves rather well. So I bought a few yards of it and got to work. I decided to use the brocade as a trim, basically.  I do...

     I first watched Tim Burton's Nightmare Before Christmas as an adult. It's so charming and sweet. I was inspired in 2019 by Sally's signature patchwork look. It's more of a Disneybound rather than a cosplay. A full cosplay will be coming someday, but for today, I present my Sally-inspired sweater. I decided to make a sweater to coordinate with my future costume. Most years in Oklahoma, October 31 is cool enough to at least require a light sweater. And I can't wear a mundane, everyday coat or sweater with my costumes. Oh no.      I bought 4 sweaters at the thrift store. They were carefully chosen to have different textures in the knitting, and also to match a specific color palette of muted traditional “fall” colors. From the beginning, I knew I wanted a pumpkin orange, a mustard yellow, and a green. Funny enough, those are all also my least favorite colors. But the more I thought about this project, the more I convinced myself that no other colors would...

I have had the idea to sew a special Christmas dress the last few years, but I never found a fabric and pattern combination that really spoke to me til this past year, 2016. I've been wanting a matching dress and coat for several years. You don't find these sets in stores very often, though you can find patterns to sew your own. And that's exactly what I did. My inspiration was the classic sets from the 1950s and 1960s. Also, the Duchess of Cambridge has recently worn several beautiful ensembles that I have really loved.  Here's a couple patterns I found in my stash. This is from the '60s. So cute, but I don't like sleeveless dresses. I get too cold. Ok, so I couldn't wear this one, but I had to include it anyway. PRECIOUS! A modern pattern. I like the dress.  This is the pattern that I eventually chose. It is a vintage reprint, Simplicity 1284. And my version I made the short sleeve dress and the coat. I had this burgun...