tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30031693884359049862024-03-05T13:02:21.055+01:00Upcycled Wardrobe, Costume and ClothesHow to refashion and upcycle clothes and textiles to make wearable, useful and decorative items, including costumes, animation sets, upholstery and help reduce landfill and waste throughout our PlanetPavlovafowlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11578592110340773950noreply@blogger.comBlogger12125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3003169388435904986.post-54988219732264022292019-07-21T19:12:00.003+02:002019-07-21T19:12:37.833+02:00WELCOME TO UPCYCLED WARDROBE, COSTUME & CLOTHES<div style="text-align: justify;">
The
challenge I have set myself to design a whole host of useful, wearable
and decorative items born of my passion for collecting textiles and
the pressing necessity to re-create.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">LATEST ARTICLE</span></h2>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A
two part article sharing how I got started in needle felting in order
to make additional characters for our stop motion animation project:</div>
<br />
<h2 style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg75VkIMvzMPtQme6DbTUilPKxGQcaan5175yMOaMYhVOB_iv5CiDFoUGByLb5beB7k5eMPQ8oX1roep5AXd1o5svxBqVvqW5KK-WNgV3neEzcOsS5xDekWIwp_emP33reCvdvgmKZyipY/s1600/IMG_2835blog.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg75VkIMvzMPtQme6DbTUilPKxGQcaan5175yMOaMYhVOB_iv5CiDFoUGByLb5beB7k5eMPQ8oX1roep5AXd1o5svxBqVvqW5KK-WNgV3neEzcOsS5xDekWIwp_emP33reCvdvgmKZyipY/s320/IMG_2835blog.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="color: #674ea7;"><b>Getting Started With Needle felting & Making Miniatures</b></span> </h2>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This is part of an ongoing project of making props and extras for our
stop motion dolls' house film. The animation centres around an Edwardian
dolls' house...<b><a href="https://upcycledwardrobecostumeandclothes.blogspot.com/2019/01/getting-started-with-needle-felting.html#.XTSBzywv6V4" target="_blank">read more </a></b></div>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi604NTuvjXSndAdzAy03XR_3WPwHofRQ6wC0MfcdYNS_NW7dy7eyyxJxVCT2akoFzWq8kpJiVbODVP1LZ4fOSAMiTvhucsny_yuqtkCfPzcy980TVR31CpuVLSh9_-mu43L7KWGtjl7OQ/s1600/IMG_6181cropblog.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1218" data-original-width="1600" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi604NTuvjXSndAdzAy03XR_3WPwHofRQ6wC0MfcdYNS_NW7dy7eyyxJxVCT2akoFzWq8kpJiVbODVP1LZ4fOSAMiTvhucsny_yuqtkCfPzcy980TVR31CpuVLSh9_-mu43L7KWGtjl7OQ/s320/IMG_6181cropblog.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #674ea7;">Making a Teeny Tiny Teddy for a Dolls' House Doll</span> </h2>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I really loved making this project, it is always challenging to work in
miniature, not just because it is physically more demanding but also
because it is less forgiving when it comes to mistakes..<b><a href="https://upcycledwardrobecostumeandclothes.blogspot.com/2019/07/make-teeny-tiny-teddy-or-itty-bitty.html#.XTSFhiwv6V4" target="_blank">read more</a></b></div>
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<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The above
articles cover the techniques for creating 'sculptures in wool' that with the
addition of armature can be made to move and come alive on screen.
Below is the prototype for the two Collies I have now made in needle felt
and which I have uploaded onto my second YouTube channel, which is still
in its infancy!<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mE8Mnuk1i84" width="560"></iframe><br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
...and this is what they look like now they have been fed with woollen comestibles...</div>
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<br />Pavlovafowlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11578592110340773950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3003169388435904986.post-13934699248720243772019-07-21T18:01:00.001+02:002023-12-30T20:06:08.556+01:00Make a Teeny Tiny Teddy or Itty Bitty Bunny for a Dolls' House Doll or Brooch<div style="text-align: justify;">
I really loved making this project, it is always challenging to work in miniature, not just because it is physically more demanding but also because it is less forgiving when it comes to mistakes. I remember Andy telling me once that at the beginning of a lesson the art teacher at his school made them work in ballpoint pen to make them more observant when sketching, well this is the needlefelt equivalent! If you are new to needlefelting, as I am, then you can refer back to this article in which I share how I got myself up-to-speed on initial easy to follow projects.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0rPWQi4cTlmSjCDOw-aPLZNFB4gEB2rrgJspt2v1aJDDKDqv2JWdtpLYIKnpAnr-P08_HAmoibgNPIGqlcJdQJ-rMPGHF1P9SA4McNF2psxX4ufQkUFHdoR9rKgHcPD3lWOvOZegdqx4/s1600/IMG_6181cropblog.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1218" data-original-width="1600" height="497" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0rPWQi4cTlmSjCDOw-aPLZNFB4gEB2rrgJspt2v1aJDDKDqv2JWdtpLYIKnpAnr-P08_HAmoibgNPIGqlcJdQJ-rMPGHF1P9SA4McNF2psxX4ufQkUFHdoR9rKgHcPD3lWOvOZegdqx4/s640/IMG_6181cropblog.JPG" width="655" /></a></div>
<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></h2>
<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">Creating the Teddy</span></h2>
BODY
- Take a small piece of fine roving or fairy wool, approximately 1" (2
cm) long, tease it out to around double its length and then tie a knot
in the middle.<br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Taking
the wool at one end start to wrap it around the knot with a diagonal
motion, you may need to stop and needle felt it slightly by just gently
felting (jabbing) the wrapped wool onto the knot with a fine needle.</div>
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-9raFiBsVj-pPHXLnhb0sfxB0YflrPWRlQ1TXbpUffFSqBNpiEPthuPMmkYo2CXS52JBlMTMDCukFAJtJdS6Z4iB7ZYjn9edtCBtQxm9BRSipPpM5lsnckwpX9smOrmrZyssCgTkeiCA/s1600/IMG_6136.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-9raFiBsVj-pPHXLnhb0sfxB0YflrPWRlQ1TXbpUffFSqBNpiEPthuPMmkYo2CXS52JBlMTMDCukFAJtJdS6Z4iB7ZYjn9edtCBtQxm9BRSipPpM5lsnckwpX9smOrmrZyssCgTkeiCA/s640/IMG_6136.JPG" width="655" /></a></div>
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<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Than
take the other end and repeat to achieve an egg shape for the Teddy
Bear's body. Needle felt (lightly jab) all over the egg shape to firm up
the body. If you are worried use a pair of tweezers to hold the work.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
HEAD - Take a length of roving or fairy wool half the size of the amount you took for the body and repeat as for the body</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9-KU4e-R5eeXIoK2vRsoV9_25iCmSpiwcZIlQHL1F45QbhoYd0JEFzSeR7MR4k0aLh_0qoVF48qLizbLKyV5cfJrFKe9eJHGzefBcQrGi06KsOejjogQDFnPkXfxAzzqJneCgIoEVaPk/s1600/IMG_6145blog.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1077" data-original-width="1600" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9-KU4e-R5eeXIoK2vRsoV9_25iCmSpiwcZIlQHL1F45QbhoYd0JEFzSeR7MR4k0aLh_0qoVF48qLizbLKyV5cfJrFKe9eJHGzefBcQrGi06KsOejjogQDFnPkXfxAzzqJneCgIoEVaPk/s640/IMG_6145blog.JPG" width="655" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
EARS (pictured above)
- Pull off two short ½" or 1cm length fine sections of wool and then
gripping each end firmly pull it apart and restack it several times so
that you have a flattish, even square piece to work on with the fibres
in the same direction. Repeat with another piece of wool, so that you have the two ears ready
to work on at the same time. Stab a vertical line with your needle (illustrated above with black dots) all
the way down the ear and then stab a small ear shape, leaving enough
wool at the bottom unfelted, this will allow us to attach the ear. Then
start rolling the wool inwards around the ear shape and felting with the
needle to create a hollow in the middle where you can add a little
contrasting wool. I just rolled a tiny amount of darker Jacob wool in my
finger tips and then felted it in.</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz65jsJtOY-kKZdHa-q5vCWIsiYGlHoO5OVnxgZMaIFDFGOGkS9LGavUeWm7Ju40Hx7L6W17izSI2i0b8T7780XL83beEXqSAs-sRUfuPODIgNqwPmDrR6KtI9FfmrAkLkbgwbWnNKYYU/s1600/IMG_6153blog.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz65jsJtOY-kKZdHa-q5vCWIsiYGlHoO5OVnxgZMaIFDFGOGkS9LGavUeWm7Ju40Hx7L6W17izSI2i0b8T7780XL83beEXqSAs-sRUfuPODIgNqwPmDrR6KtI9FfmrAkLkbgwbWnNKYYU/s640/IMG_6153blog.JPG" width="655" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
FACE - When you use the fine needle over and over in the same place
it will pull in and affix a round ball of wool to make a very handsome
eye. The more you felt, the smaller the eye will become, so this is a
great technique for getting the eye to the exact size. Roll a piece of
dark wool into a ball and then do as above. On a larger subject you can
also add highlights and/or coloured irises in the same way. Similarly
for the nose. Again if it is too thick use the fine needle stabbing
technique to make it thinner.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-eu.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=GB&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=thegrelev-21&marketplace=amazon&region=GB&placement=B00CCFJPQG&asins=B00CCFJPQG&linkId=846518908a8adbee2f87b091f55916a1&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-eu.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=GB&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=thegrelev-21&marketplace=amazon&region=GB&placement=B00K2YSUUG&asins=B00K2YSUUG&linkId=9c5658071660c2a7a1bc97d104142fc6&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-eu.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=GB&source=ac&ref=tf_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=thegrelev-21&marketplace=amazon&region=GB&placement=B00JZMADYW&asins=B00JZMADYW&linkId=4cc492830a3b669862516a58dbbc8dad&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true&price_color=333333&title_color=0066c0&bg_color=ffffff" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;">
</iframe><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-eu.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=GB&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=thegrelev-21&marketplace=amazon&region=GB&placement=B07JBBT49C&asins=B07JBBT49C&linkId=5782be3d19b40f4f3a497de8b7a0de76&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-eu.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=GB&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=thegrelev-21&marketplace=amazon&region=GB&placement=B009RQHZQU&asins=B009RQHZQU&linkId=a9d21ccd2d93ec247fb2ae86d8a6f454&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKpqfB4OYVDpBb000BiPfkoxZH1DVl_LLrxx05eWVll7_mV-uH4X2P8QGCNTEit1l1V-LYLI5zjKg-J1Gb4O4jwOYmbf7-4nj1QTYXbI0LMDjCDXqB-j7Y1tnLzgCBDHJbjRtPCuAxHAU/s1600/IMG_6159blog.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKpqfB4OYVDpBb000BiPfkoxZH1DVl_LLrxx05eWVll7_mV-uH4X2P8QGCNTEit1l1V-LYLI5zjKg-J1Gb4O4jwOYmbf7-4nj1QTYXbI0LMDjCDXqB-j7Y1tnLzgCBDHJbjRtPCuAxHAU/s320/IMG_6159blog.JPG" width="320" /></a>LEGS
& ARMS - These are made from short sections of wool, ½" or 1cm
lengths but unlike the ears take treble the thickness. As with the ears,
grip both ends and pull out the fibres and restack them so they are all
going in the same direction. Then stab a vertical line down the middle
of the piece and at right angles to the fibres, after which you should
roll up each end to create the paw and shoulder/top of leg. Then roll in
the wool from one side into the centre line to make a cylindrical shape
and needle felt lightly to hold together. Gently lift the piece off the
mat and then roll in the wool from the other side. For the arms flatten
the paw end and add a touch of darker wool. Do the same with the bottom
of the feet. Repeat three times to make the four limbs.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0XlXp6oRjNw3H6NG0ccPqYtTHEeH9VGVWdvxCu0tgAiByX7NWpGcJm7qyJgGa_rd3WWjFnbiCp2odBhAdbOll-rSctCcdN9KQwMkGPvCX0meWvWTJAw2IKFXlwfhfrv3YSSUXBrG6NMI/s1600/IMG_6165blog.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1385" data-original-width="1600" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0XlXp6oRjNw3H6NG0ccPqYtTHEeH9VGVWdvxCu0tgAiByX7NWpGcJm7qyJgGa_rd3WWjFnbiCp2odBhAdbOll-rSctCcdN9KQwMkGPvCX0meWvWTJAw2IKFXlwfhfrv3YSSUXBrG6NMI/s320/IMG_6165blog.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
TO
JOINT THE BEAR - Thread a sewing needle with a double length of fine
cotton of a similar shade to the bear. Run it through the body from the
bottom to the top leaving a good length of surplus cotton. Then thread
the needle through the head. Make a small stitch at the top of the head,
this will be hidden by the ears and then following the same vertical,
back through the head and body. Knot the two ends of the cotton firmly
together and cut off the excess.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Needle felt the
non-paw end of the limbs to fit snuggly to the body. This time run the
cotton through the shoulders into the body and back again, tie off and
neaten.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEhHUs6AJJVOvPFkoT8EMiVi6Jqhd4AGYFyx_ZcnG2Ex_BVke-ownMtumDNtlCLYgNdZh1n6XiQJIdHhj0JPWccgYJrgC1Ihas9psQxDwNVf0GIQrZ3mbZ1g2HSEnzSZi9yFcIZJG2sgo/s1600/IMG_6208crop.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEhHUs6AJJVOvPFkoT8EMiVi6Jqhd4AGYFyx_ZcnG2Ex_BVke-ownMtumDNtlCLYgNdZh1n6XiQJIdHhj0JPWccgYJrgC1Ihas9psQxDwNVf0GIQrZ3mbZ1g2HSEnzSZi9yFcIZJG2sgo/s640/IMG_6208crop.JPG" width="655" /></a></div>
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Do the same for the legs.<br />
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SCARF
- Using large sewing needles, such as for sacking or tapestry work,
cast on one stitch with one strand of tapestry wool. Knit a scarf for
your bear.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_eL5PCr2steuvZJuvEbeD7fnTWdS6AyMHHDUMpnTdc7UPaNs1FoUpQgzYFdSm3EuUwuv86L7nsEUUYNJ7XCODp7USZr0OhTpG8zygNOhAmrnlYwwfefHCQ5WbB27Xq3vrcxHKpu7ZFKY/s1600/IMG_6163blog.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_eL5PCr2steuvZJuvEbeD7fnTWdS6AyMHHDUMpnTdc7UPaNs1FoUpQgzYFdSm3EuUwuv86L7nsEUUYNJ7XCODp7USZr0OhTpG8zygNOhAmrnlYwwfefHCQ5WbB27Xq3vrcxHKpu7ZFKY/s640/IMG_6163blog.JPG" width="655" /></a></div>
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TRIM - If
you want to you can give your teddy a trim with a pair of nail or hair
scissors, just maybe to tidy up around the eyes, nose, paws but actually
for the rest I really like the 'Airedale' look!</div>
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Here's another version plus Itty Bitty Bunny I made for my sister's Birthday.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAW_Drk9m1glNFen6F8KVF9s3tbqHFv7vpBMdn6Ur0GxfTbnmBLNeTGUdjWjpcyzyowxlQrfTaBmaag7eRIIVyAhCo0OneJFc8ntl-Kb6FKsTSJkVmDaG_tlXEdq6jwCmcA-rz51heaLM/s1600/IMAG0432blog.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="905" data-original-width="1600" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAW_Drk9m1glNFen6F8KVF9s3tbqHFv7vpBMdn6Ur0GxfTbnmBLNeTGUdjWjpcyzyowxlQrfTaBmaag7eRIIVyAhCo0OneJFc8ntl-Kb6FKsTSJkVmDaG_tlXEdq6jwCmcA-rz51heaLM/s640/IMAG0432blog.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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As an extra idea this design could be made into a brooch.<br />
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Hope you enjoyed this project as much as I did and hope to see you again soon.</div>
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All the very best,<br />
Sue <br />
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<h2>
RELATED ARTICLES</h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg75VkIMvzMPtQme6DbTUilPKxGQcaan5175yMOaMYhVOB_iv5CiDFoUGByLb5beB7k5eMPQ8oX1roep5AXd1o5svxBqVvqW5KK-WNgV3neEzcOsS5xDekWIwp_emP33reCvdvgmKZyipY/s1600/IMG_2835blog.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg75VkIMvzMPtQme6DbTUilPKxGQcaan5175yMOaMYhVOB_iv5CiDFoUGByLb5beB7k5eMPQ8oX1roep5AXd1o5svxBqVvqW5KK-WNgV3neEzcOsS5xDekWIwp_emP33reCvdvgmKZyipY/s200/IMG_2835blog.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="color: #674ea7;"><b>Getting Started With Needle felting & Making Miniatures</b></span> </h2>
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This is part of an ongoing project of making props and extras for our
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dolls' house...<b><a href="https://upcycledwardrobecostumeandclothes.blogspot.com/2019/01/getting-started-with-needle-felting.html#.XTSBzywv6V4" target="_blank">read more </a></b></div>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1nUdxYk6uhYdHmhjgRJYdcNHM54CVNpIichtAZGqo-kD4-kt6P3IV5KyNzU6Df67KdzaYnL8z-HvVZTluSfipH6N14fvKWEuB9Yz5wAlnvbYO8zs90OvIgb-SEY323cj7LMGHK-lgnN4/s1600/IMG_5020BLOG.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1nUdxYk6uhYdHmhjgRJYdcNHM54CVNpIichtAZGqo-kD4-kt6P3IV5KyNzU6Df67KdzaYnL8z-HvVZTluSfipH6N14fvKWEuB9Yz5wAlnvbYO8zs90OvIgb-SEY323cj7LMGHK-lgnN4/s200/IMG_5020BLOG.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="color: #674ea7;"><b>4 Homemade Gothic Vampyre Costumes for Chickens</b></span></h2>
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do here is a lot of fun...<b><a href="https://holistic-hen.blogspot.fr/2016/10/halloween-costumes-for-chickens-anyone.html#.WA0ScLWli1E" target="_blank">read more </a></b></div>
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<span class="st">© 2019 Sue Cross</span><br />
<br />Pavlovafowlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11578592110340773950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3003169388435904986.post-28032298608186710142019-01-10T13:44:00.002+01:002023-12-30T20:13:19.114+01:00Getting Started with Needle felting & Making Miniatures for a Dolls' House Animation<div style="text-align: justify;">
This is part of an ongoing project of making props and extras for our stop motion dolls' house film. The animation centres around an Edwardian dolls' house. This contains original mainly Arts and Crafts fixtures, fittings and furniture and dolls and toys from the Victorian era and up to the 1920s. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZCcADHZnGeR4LFfNoDRWDBxRfDxCcqfIIdP78z16G3y9qoIK7ZigOC7dSIOegZEp4E8JaaokjbqJQhY5VEm5jMRfPzp7DUkuZUkG1WtTqNjAO-OYn1ELsomYqjnHhnfwvFPhyZUAy1K8/s1600/Teeny+Tiny+TeddyIMG_6181crop.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Gaultier Mignonette dolls' house doll and teddy" border="0" data-original-height="1354" data-original-width="1600" height="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZCcADHZnGeR4LFfNoDRWDBxRfDxCcqfIIdP78z16G3y9qoIK7ZigOC7dSIOegZEp4E8JaaokjbqJQhY5VEm5jMRfPzp7DUkuZUkG1WtTqNjAO-OYn1ELsomYqjnHhnfwvFPhyZUAy1K8/s640/Teeny+Tiny+TeddyIMG_6181crop.JPG" title="Gaultier Mignonette dolls' house doll and home-made teddy" width="655" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim74M04m5436pDA7IN1QBk5O1VaGSSfRAe0PbhM_pKZ8bKuPy45tj8DDVS5MNqCKII92SeMiqpBbmKhSHZwL9Qg_pLtxW1LwIFSSvJd1lqmpF6RilfjMgv7sdLhTei6_Yt-jFqowzrU3A/s1600/IMG_5988blog.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Needlefelted Collies" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim74M04m5436pDA7IN1QBk5O1VaGSSfRAe0PbhM_pKZ8bKuPy45tj8DDVS5MNqCKII92SeMiqpBbmKhSHZwL9Qg_pLtxW1LwIFSSvJd1lqmpF6RilfjMgv7sdLhTei6_Yt-jFqowzrU3A/s400/IMG_5988blog.JPG" title="Needlefelted Collie dogs" width="266" /></a></div>
In order to supply the narrative, I am adding characters and at the
moment I am using needle felting to do this. I have already made a
collie cross dog, who is to be one of the major characters and his stunt
double who is also the director of the film. This dog replaces the one I
remember being in the dolls' house in my childhood but which over the
years has 'gone walkabout'.<br />
<br />
The new Teddy bear is for the doll we have identified as being manufactured by François Gauthier (later Gaultier) and from the mark as being made between 1887 and 1900. Although it is quite difficult to see without a hand lens, the doll carries the company's scroll mark ‘F.G.’.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></h2>
<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">Foreword & Provenance - Our Dolls' House Dolls</span> </h2>
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<a href="https://i-h1.pinimg.com/564x/fb/fa/1d/fbfa1debeb77c1bd0f02702f33c6cac9.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="409" height="320" src="https://i-h1.pinimg.com/564x/fb/fa/1d/fbfa1debeb77c1bd0f02702f33c6cac9.jpg" width="260" /></a>
<a href="https://i-h1.pinimg.com/564x/43/4c/60/434c60ed443d4354d43c98bf16798cb6.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="778" data-original-width="564" height="320" src="https://i-h1.pinimg.com/564x/43/4c/60/434c60ed443d4354d43c98bf16798cb6.jpg" width="231" /></a>
Gautier started in dolls’ head production in 1860 on the outskirts of
Paris, along with the usual fashion and baby dolls he made bisque heads
for the small dolls' house dolls, known as <i>Mignonettes</i>. </div>
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Left: Gaultier-headed Bridal Fashion Dolls (Pinterest - Muriel B and Angélique Sablayrolles, respectively)</div>
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Fashion dolls were the way in which potential customers, particularly
those who lived abroad, could view the latest Paris fashions on mini
models. It was important that the dolls should look their best and the
inclusion of real wigs and glass eyes was crucial. Fashion dolls were
such a key commodity and passion, in particular for the aristocratic and
royal families of Europe, that even during wars and trade embargoes
they continued to be exported under special passports and often armed
guard! </div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Gaultier perfected and patented a process for making the moulded heads with the eye sockets already cut out, an otherwise tedious process and which gave him an advantage over his competitors. </div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Our doll (below) is in definite need of a make-over! She has obviously been very much loved but it has definitely taken a toll on her appearance. She is also in need of a new pate - this is the moulded cork 'stopper' which goes inside her head and supports the wig. Luckily we have a recycling solution from our seasonal festivities</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrIDBhJw5-qWhsayJik_l_cyUdvq4Pp8BU494E8LM_wodeHuLB1lxEmMRG_KJs2ndYTRRxVS-mw1msV3Vcq8SyWUFMB6HJiqp0z5gAO-w1mMEB9shcJlkM0HexjKRXRcg7tAFseJJGyXc/s1600/IMG_3461blog.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Gaultier Mignonette dolls' house doll" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrIDBhJw5-qWhsayJik_l_cyUdvq4Pp8BU494E8LM_wodeHuLB1lxEmMRG_KJs2ndYTRRxVS-mw1msV3Vcq8SyWUFMB6HJiqp0z5gAO-w1mMEB9shcJlkM0HexjKRXRcg7tAFseJJGyXc/s640/IMG_3461blog.JPG" title="Gaultier Gaultier Mignonette dolls' house doll needing attention" width="655" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Needle Felting the Teddy Bear - Design, Technique and Materials</span></h2>
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The technique used in needle felting is to get the wool, which is naturally barbed to pull itself together into a shape or flatten itself out with the motion of the needle thus by felting (or in the vernacular, stabbing in and out of) the wool. It is actually very much like using the pressure of your fingers to shape clay. Leaving an unfelted fringe-type end to a shape allows you to join elements of your design together, such as the head to a body but in this case I am going to 'joint' my bear by running a thread through the main elements, i.e., the body, head, arms and legs.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_c-CsE4cr5sn3Ch7ooT9iUlkJrLu9apONeUf6VKqLG1orYCP-Ow_GEBGj4NZblM3ZVJ6Dy4IIYMc-EkLIkeL7dyNLRP2ejIC-0UL7Gcy807Nz8F8k0SYMRH1tMP2j2uwqRzI7pSx43P8/s1600/IMG_2711lores.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_c-CsE4cr5sn3Ch7ooT9iUlkJrLu9apONeUf6VKqLG1orYCP-Ow_GEBGj4NZblM3ZVJ6Dy4IIYMc-EkLIkeL7dyNLRP2ejIC-0UL7Gcy807Nz8F8k0SYMRH1tMP2j2uwqRzI7pSx43P8/s640/IMG_2711lores.JPG" width="655" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi2tBOYmw-69H2XBd-jJkam0aDKkFcEwiemSVasQwlwKfsiCtUhJZzKs5znyoVu9e1RiurBVeZfh4ple7xTA-uc0VuhVkLH3IpiKZSwr-6D4SkpDVy-Q1Zy2EeeOTKDEgQljXeY_cYedM/s1600/IMG_2715blog.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi2tBOYmw-69H2XBd-jJkam0aDKkFcEwiemSVasQwlwKfsiCtUhJZzKs5znyoVu9e1RiurBVeZfh4ple7xTA-uc0VuhVkLH3IpiKZSwr-6D4SkpDVy-Q1Zy2EeeOTKDEgQljXeY_cYedM/s320/IMG_2715blog.JPG" width="320" /></a>For the Teddy Bear I've decided to use the 'knot and wrap' method to make solid shapes for the body and head. I am then going on to make some simple individual, folded and/or rolled needle-felted shapes to construct the arms, legs and ears. This is a technique I learned from watching a needle felting professional. If you are new to needle felting, as indeed am I, then I suggest at some point you head over to the YouTube channel of Serafina Fiber Art and take a look at her tutorial 'Bunny Puff', which is a great starting point and one of her signature designs. This is the first project I tried out when I started to learn the craft/process and I liked her work because she uses the wool much as a sculptor uses clay. Above you can see the starting point, of my bunny project, above left the head and body joined and below the outcome. For the bunny I used Organic Merino Top, White Jacob Sheep Top and a bag of Scoured Mixed Jacob Fleece Wool, which I sourced from Cumbria in the UK. Jacob Fleece is a great way to get some nuanced shades of natural wool.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYZmX1de8L_vsowxmIZIdxT250p8nVDqfCzJD1lvn8_VEriYoNInjQ9iewEiaIz8sFADKSqKSF2rWjhCSNH6U3Jab3m-puA_Q7RFtqiKpUztU6FGMLRp0m4Q4MlXbOY4RcZnWpw4OvZI0/s1600/IMG_2835blog.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="My first needlefelt project" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYZmX1de8L_vsowxmIZIdxT250p8nVDqfCzJD1lvn8_VEriYoNInjQ9iewEiaIz8sFADKSqKSF2rWjhCSNH6U3Jab3m-puA_Q7RFtqiKpUztU6FGMLRp0m4Q4MlXbOY4RcZnWpw4OvZI0/s640/IMG_2835blog.JPG" title="'Bunny Puff' made by watching Serafina Fiber Art" width="655" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLGGEju2Int_1-vEK7COPm9fP6RV3IyItASCM-1q4606YZ7LlOStBDu47Cgd7Z5puV-jr2s2-6qXymCW0fn1f1JzZXL_Yp9iwLhqKOBSKWOwdgKdr8SjOXYJYR6KSmxjEBxAM5_6rMrfA/s1600/IMG_3960crop.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Needlefelted Collie dog project" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1432" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLGGEju2Int_1-vEK7COPm9fP6RV3IyItASCM-1q4606YZ7LlOStBDu47Cgd7Z5puV-jr2s2-6qXymCW0fn1f1JzZXL_Yp9iwLhqKOBSKWOwdgKdr8SjOXYJYR6KSmxjEBxAM5_6rMrfA/s200/IMG_3960crop.JPG" title="Needlefelted Collie dog armature" width="213" /></a>
I'm using what is often referred to as Fairy or Magic wool. This is organic plant-dyed wool in suitable wispy bits of carded wool that are easy to pull off in very small amounts and often used for making fairies and small dolls. I have only two colours of this which I bought in a sale years ago and have been languishing at the bottom of my wardrobe. One is a deep Burgundy red and I have used a little for the interior of my dog's mouth and the other is an eminently suitable fawn for the Teddy. As you can see from the above, I also used a little of the fawn in the Puff Bunny.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDufnWxC3S40zMF-i3bHKKUfTiUQ8OoaB2tON2T8ftBQRPu0xZ9QMaOXj7LvcFDcRLndLpfhfTtsNM4rRDnTzKzuWh3GZCaC-y_6lvohFm4uU0_ArEGuK7P0fopipAGkmEUbIRvjIbtPw/s1600/IMG_5971Blog.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Making Stop Motion Characters in Needle Felt" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDufnWxC3S40zMF-i3bHKKUfTiUQ8OoaB2tON2T8ftBQRPu0xZ9QMaOXj7LvcFDcRLndLpfhfTtsNM4rRDnTzKzuWh3GZCaC-y_6lvohFm4uU0_ArEGuK7P0fopipAGkmEUbIRvjIbtPw/s320/IMG_5971Blog.JPG" title="Collies - Work in progress" width="213" /></a></div>
For the above design, I used as directed, core wool, which as the name suggests is for building the interior 'skeleton' or 'carpentry' of a character or for wrapping armature, such as in the Dogs (left). However, as the Teddy is such a tiny character it needs very small amounts of wool to be easily broken off the main piece, such as in <br />
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To make this project I'm using a fine, 36 gauge triangular needle felting needle held by hand but many people prefer to use a pen style needle felting tool.
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I am also using a home-made mat from double thickness jute sacking and filled with organic rice. You can buy these but they are really fun to make. The mat is needed for two reasons one to support the work and the other to stop you from breaking needles. When the work is felted on the mat it will start to adhere to it but you can gently prise it away. When you are needle felting you should keep lifting the wool from the mat to stop it from getting embedded too far as this could damage the work when you lift it off, in particular with a tiny object like this.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEittK-NaEw8YA_dMRPTRgX2gPAGxzSDO7Yr1d8rIcwYRbdBFGlIqhspCJnVYTUF3DmBHYGB_ZfUBlw0DgbthTI4vJxrlNnqabGVuANwY3Y5od_vWaQDMPa3vncHyvk5FCQeIWi8ZgOMFcI/s1600/IMG_2693blog.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Home-made needle felting mat" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEittK-NaEw8YA_dMRPTRgX2gPAGxzSDO7Yr1d8rIcwYRbdBFGlIqhspCJnVYTUF3DmBHYGB_ZfUBlw0DgbthTI4vJxrlNnqabGVuANwY3Y5od_vWaQDMPa3vncHyvk5FCQeIWi8ZgOMFcI/s640/IMG_2693blog.JPG" title="Mke your own needle felting mat" width="655" /></a></div>
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<b>N.B. I needle felt very slowly and carefully particularly on a tiny subject like this but if you are in any way worried about hurting your fingers then you should either invest in or make some leather finger and thumb protectors.</b><br />
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One extra item you will probably also need is a magnifying glass on a stand. We have a simple home made one but you can get professional looking type of craft magnifying glass on a stand.<br />
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In the next part of the article I will share how I made the teddy. Hope to see you there. All the very best,<br />
Sue<br />
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<h2>
RELATED PROJECTS</h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi604NTuvjXSndAdzAy03XR_3WPwHofRQ6wC0MfcdYNS_NW7dy7eyyxJxVCT2akoFzWq8kpJiVbODVP1LZ4fOSAMiTvhucsny_yuqtkCfPzcy980TVR31CpuVLSh9_-mu43L7KWGtjl7OQ/s1600/IMG_6181cropblog.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1218" data-original-width="1600" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi604NTuvjXSndAdzAy03XR_3WPwHofRQ6wC0MfcdYNS_NW7dy7eyyxJxVCT2akoFzWq8kpJiVbODVP1LZ4fOSAMiTvhucsny_yuqtkCfPzcy980TVR31CpuVLSh9_-mu43L7KWGtjl7OQ/s200/IMG_6181cropblog.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #674ea7;">Making a Teeny Tiny Teddy for a Dolls' House Doll</span> </h2>
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I really loved making this project, it is always challenging to work in
miniature, not just because it is physically more demanding but also
because it is less forgiving when it comes to mistakes..<b><a href="https://upcycledwardrobecostumeandclothes.blogspot.com/2019/07/make-teeny-tiny-teddy-or-itty-bitty.html#.XTSFhiwv6V4" target="_blank">read more</a></b><br />
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<h2>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1nUdxYk6uhYdHmhjgRJYdcNHM54CVNpIichtAZGqo-kD4-kt6P3IV5KyNzU6Df67KdzaYnL8z-HvVZTluSfipH6N14fvKWEuB9Yz5wAlnvbYO8zs90OvIgb-SEY323cj7LMGHK-lgnN4/s1600/IMG_5020BLOG.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1nUdxYk6uhYdHmhjgRJYdcNHM54CVNpIichtAZGqo-kD4-kt6P3IV5KyNzU6Df67KdzaYnL8z-HvVZTluSfipH6N14fvKWEuB9Yz5wAlnvbYO8zs90OvIgb-SEY323cj7LMGHK-lgnN4/s200/IMG_5020BLOG.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="color: #674ea7;"><b>4 Homemade Gothic Vampyre Costumes for Chickens</b></span></h2>
Although I am serious about organic agriculture and sharing ideas about forest garden poultry, most of what we
do here is a lot of fun...<b><a href="https://holistic-hen.blogspot.fr/2016/10/halloween-costumes-for-chickens-anyone.html#.WA0ScLWli1E" target="_blank">read more </a></b><br />
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<span class="st">© 2019 Sue Cross</span></div>
Pavlovafowlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11578592110340773950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3003169388435904986.post-73804260175971966322016-10-16T13:25:00.001+02:002016-11-28T16:09:46.680+01:00How to Make a Gothic Witch's Hat from Remnants and Found Objects<br />
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This project was a great deal of fun because although I had the design firmly set in my mind when I started, I still allowed it to grow organically in front of my eyes. The costume was one of a set I made for the independent film company 'Climb the Ivy' and as with the others, was inspired by a living creature, in this case on of the witch's traditional companions; the Raven. The main function of the 'familiar', apart from in its literal sense, as a servant or companion, is as a communication channel. The direction of flow of information depends very much upon country and region. In some cultures, the familiar exists to carry out the witch's bidding, whereas in others, the familiar transfers information and orders to the witch from a higher command. Having once re-homed one of the crow family I can testify that never
before have I come across a bird so intent upon and gifted at, getting
its own way. The Raven was an ideal starting point for my design and so
everything grew from the Black Bird! Thus the idea of the hat, was to me, an extension of the witch herself.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilBdOjUuzsReIWupP-YJLcPF-_Lr9_-FYPUYqhj1D88ETpIW-3GLUc6D9_3ElALyubJXM-p7sp5YxJUoc1mz6S9YBixQlJ1Ma2EBuqhFIzVVsaFaazFFdymzwZgKpYAwSXA9Ih7mK31nY/s1600/Noir+Witch.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Gothic Witch's hat and veil" border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilBdOjUuzsReIWupP-YJLcPF-_Lr9_-FYPUYqhj1D88ETpIW-3GLUc6D9_3ElALyubJXM-p7sp5YxJUoc1mz6S9YBixQlJ1Ma2EBuqhFIzVVsaFaazFFdymzwZgKpYAwSXA9Ih7mK31nY/s640/Noir+Witch.png" title="Rosie Willis in full Gothic mode" width="640" /></a></div>
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The characteristic low light, almost <i>film noir</i> levels in the film allowed me to play about with fragments of colour, textures and movement in my hat design and matching 'crow' collar. Within the confines of a short film it is often difficult to work detailed characterisation into the narrative, so the costume can be designed to complete that function. As with all fairy tales the characters in the film had a certain duality of purpose, being complex in motivation, neither wholly good nor wholly bad so it was an interesting challenge to portray that in the costume. To my idea, when design is used to portray character traits, it should be subtle even obscure, there is no need to hit the viewer over the head with ideas of characterisation. These should grow upon the audience as the film progresses, or if you are wearing this as a costume, throughout the evening.</div>
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<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">DESIGN AND FURTHER INSPIRATION </span></h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho174S9tsbu84CP1STqZiBdoRRdlPRvGxZ3HVYygbYwI_ET2-yFDGPOs0GUvo0-pj0WM3CQDS8d6bBq9Ni2zu9FXRyYPP1e2zjFQ-J_BcWiJinbHMpnqHOTaijnU4WAqgCD7SEAkNsDPw/s1600/IMG_8870BLOG.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Gothic witch's hat from remnants and found objects" border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho174S9tsbu84CP1STqZiBdoRRdlPRvGxZ3HVYygbYwI_ET2-yFDGPOs0GUvo0-pj0WM3CQDS8d6bBq9Ni2zu9FXRyYPP1e2zjFQ-J_BcWiJinbHMpnqHOTaijnU4WAqgCD7SEAkNsDPw/s400/IMG_8870BLOG.JPG" title="Completed hat" width="400" /></a></div>
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The other inspiration for my witch was the idea of the veil, which has such an interesting social history and folklore attached to it, in particular the full mourning veil. I felt that this particular piece of hat furniture, with its connotations as a protection against the Evil Eye, was a 'must have' for my witch. So much so, that I gave her two; with a simple eye veil, as well as the full mourning version. I also needed to consider the film script, i.e. the witch required to run through the forest, thus I planned the veil so that it could be either worn pinned up or flowing loosely. </div>
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<a href="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/3f/08/fa/3f08fab25ba6eb44fc81de92e270bf76.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/3f/08/fa/3f08fab25ba6eb44fc81de92e270bf76.jpg" width="208" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgkZst05C6LxfQjOS9aHPrfyAxl0oIDoZ5SfRTgJYobD9habHJi0P4c-NntcCFWc2GsLMI8D4BUTUcNLMfU5996k3Xct7l5jJRVhQbHEBjOiY_pr9tU9M4A8SIupcSZkYpYuhjYQkF3_I/s1600/IMG_8864.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Gothic witch's hat from refashioned items and remnants" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgkZst05C6LxfQjOS9aHPrfyAxl0oIDoZ5SfRTgJYobD9habHJi0P4c-NntcCFWc2GsLMI8D4BUTUcNLMfU5996k3Xct7l5jJRVhQbHEBjOiY_pr9tU9M4A8SIupcSZkYpYuhjYQkF3_I/s320/IMG_8864.JPG" title="with veil pinned up at back" width="213" /></a>One
of the inspirations for the headdress, was a Pinterest pin, 'The
Fortune Teller', actually this is a
contemporary piece by Christine Elfman from her series: Cabinet Cards
(Storydress II). I love the idea of the visiting card and that her work is a
fascinating mix of sculpture, writing and photography.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7wYNCJPNKqCHz_0rRLkYlhq7Vz__GGoNHQ50jD-Q5Uq_KaJsuLS7rmUb2xiXhJnxOfzcdCXiSGbvW51neegp5HObXnXY72GTtEOpfmGty28Y2b1LyDVDsd-woN18eESf3GQx_Q2q5xN8/s1600/IMG_8676BLOG.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Gothic witch's hat repurposed feng shui coins" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7wYNCJPNKqCHz_0rRLkYlhq7Vz__GGoNHQ50jD-Q5Uq_KaJsuLS7rmUb2xiXhJnxOfzcdCXiSGbvW51neegp5HObXnXY72GTtEOpfmGty28Y2b1LyDVDsd-woN18eESf3GQx_Q2q5xN8/s640/IMG_8676BLOG.JPG" title="Feng-shui emperor coins" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIrejdWaeNA-SqTytRmbJYqA0vR44T1N6mDe_UKhU1x0z5GZB9_BGpeAVW6Xw7dD9yDHlh4KIR2w4MYF5sw5FHaOIk2XFcGkj0j330Gf1j42hivdR2omukH_kfI6w_M6XgX6ISFCUsoeI/s1600/IMG_8672BLOG.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Making a mourning veil for a gothic witch's hat" border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIrejdWaeNA-SqTytRmbJYqA0vR44T1N6mDe_UKhU1x0z5GZB9_BGpeAVW6Xw7dD9yDHlh4KIR2w4MYF5sw5FHaOIk2XFcGkj0j330Gf1j42hivdR2omukH_kfI6w_M6XgX6ISFCUsoeI/s320/IMG_8672BLOG.JPG" title="The Black Bird and motifs for the veil" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-nwzNjU-E4gqloC__f0q4Jz9zODaRi6X37sBcrFPo2IPX8XhmSAO_OxtLhNE6daRX9ohNCEqeliP8huJq_prqferId0MEpuXRteYy57pWn9tWNdB_awG-A6wuUwJZkOSkWpncQYgXdFg/s1600/Witch+Hat.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Gothic witch's hat project" border="0" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-nwzNjU-E4gqloC__f0q4Jz9zODaRi6X37sBcrFPo2IPX8XhmSAO_OxtLhNE6daRX9ohNCEqeliP8huJq_prqferId0MEpuXRteYy57pWn9tWNdB_awG-A6wuUwJZkOSkWpncQYgXdFg/s320/Witch+Hat.png" title="Rosie Willis on set" width="320" /></a>To continue the theme of the fortune teller I was very pleased to have picked up, in a lucky bag from my local Haberdashery, a bikini scarf made of Feng Shui Emperor coins. I decided these would make excellent embellishments and also add to my Raven/Witch's love of finery and shiny things. I also decided that they would be attached in the traditional way with red silk or glass beads, this also gave my witch a hint of blood red, also to be referenced in my dotted veil. Furthermore, to continue with my Witch/Fortune teller theme, I also created a version
of the traditional chenille dotted veil but instead of dots, transposed
symbols of suits of playing cards.<br />
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Finally I love the old early horror movies and their use of Expressionism's skewed vision to suggest that something is not quite right, so I made my hat totally asymmetrical, starting with the basic shape and going forward with the embellishments<br />
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<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">MATERIALS</span></h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixy8lT22zfP4q1EpZlXp5jZY_oNpHLAmJJi3bjKAJVDNFUWBI4BHfhS0aI-kWxmychW9z3DFjQmDrh-Z9Tn7OUCiyf010wpe75F7PgjEr6Ta-A9OMynEpqtSEITyrD_JOAFbcKcBiDG5U/s1600/IMG_8186BLOG.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixy8lT22zfP4q1EpZlXp5jZY_oNpHLAmJJi3bjKAJVDNFUWBI4BHfhS0aI-kWxmychW9z3DFjQmDrh-Z9Tn7OUCiyf010wpe75F7PgjEr6Ta-A9OMynEpqtSEITyrD_JOAFbcKcBiDG5U/s320/IMG_8186BLOG.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEyFKQv4XXqVig7Ho7C9wX-__3NFJvIwHWYXdm0zjPc1uQy9dKjx4x0v80UUNP8GUUsnc41VRNm5nMqP6B6fJ4o3wepMgXbuddUapWmB865F_FojdQ3ZCZKymOqAO2NuPYn5KZ4SqN5gM/s1600/IMG_8339BLOG.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEyFKQv4XXqVig7Ho7C9wX-__3NFJvIwHWYXdm0zjPc1uQy9dKjx4x0v80UUNP8GUUsnc41VRNm5nMqP6B6fJ4o3wepMgXbuddUapWmB865F_FojdQ3ZCZKymOqAO2NuPYn5KZ4SqN5gM/s320/IMG_8339BLOG.JPG" width="320" /></a>From the conversations I had with the Director at the start of the project, I interpreted the overall theme of the Witch as grunge bohemian. I used materials I had at hand, for example the bikini scarf of Feng Shui coins is not something that turns up everyday but you can find packs of coins easily on line. However, my main suggestion would be; the more outré your found objects, the better and above all you need well-worn fabric, so this is a great refashioning project and a chance to upcycle that old garment from the bottom of the wardrobe.<br />
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<b>Found objects</b>: various feathers from our garden from moulting poultry<br />
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<b>Refashioned fabrics</b>: old skirt ruffle, remnants from a wool cape, old skirt lining, the upper from a modern Turkish slipper, bikini scarf, black angel wing Christmas decoration. Red and black felt from another project<br />
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<b>Purchased</b>: 1m black tulle, half a metre of simple black lace trim.<br />
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<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">FABRICATION</span></h2>
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As the overriding inspiration for the costume was the black bird I decided to start with that. Beginning with the main theme to a costume puts it firmly into the centre of the project and I find, everything else falls into place once I have that.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdSc7NrKwL-fsytXbptl5h63N72GQ0sUp5poYq_RVYiNqKnAnMJnsYTF2fk9qMvXkFj48Vs4kmjhswDLyo19xJjHB7AnUypN6upatIMXJ4ruGmzLkUl2ZO6_p-mzXphd0Z8ZI0iYj9ZDk/s1600/Bird.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Making a bird motif gothic witch's hat" border="0" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdSc7NrKwL-fsytXbptl5h63N72GQ0sUp5poYq_RVYiNqKnAnMJnsYTF2fk9qMvXkFj48Vs4kmjhswDLyo19xJjHB7AnUypN6upatIMXJ4ruGmzLkUl2ZO6_p-mzXphd0Z8ZI0iYj9ZDk/s320/Bird.JPG" title="bird motif" width="320" /></a></div>
I started by working on my central motif of the Black bird. I
took the quill of a flight feather and opened it
up to make the beak. I then cut out a simple head and neck in black felt and started to attach my feathers. This
can be done by hand stitching or using a glue gun. I did both. If you sew the feathers you can actually sculpt the individual barbs, as here to create character, with an unkempt look to the top of the head.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmbiBdRyFHB8y6fAJGEaFfHFIGdPJAFIC-53l_KZbYFf-fcrSiKS2FvFBLca2Ll6maY08xJnDh5kxjvcVFo65b3XYUcNhO3Z2y7LX3GdVDtWl92r-C8ddfFxEJNDs1lvUWsM51e24dgaA/s1600/IMG_8434BLOG.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Making a bird motif gothic witch's hat" border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmbiBdRyFHB8y6fAJGEaFfHFIGdPJAFIC-53l_KZbYFf-fcrSiKS2FvFBLca2Ll6maY08xJnDh5kxjvcVFo65b3XYUcNhO3Z2y7LX3GdVDtWl92r-C8ddfFxEJNDs1lvUWsM51e24dgaA/s320/IMG_8434BLOG.JPG" title="Bird motif in progress" width="320" /></a></div>
The bird was worked on until it was complete and ensuring there was enough space and overlapping feathers at the bottom of the neck to attach it invisibly to my Angel wings Christmas decoration with glue. The Angel wing cost me 25 centimes in a closing down sale but it is a really easy shape to make from scratch.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8QsuVl79y7m6gdEv6jVv29bZu8efLgXiiU7iFGWu2tfeSTZXPytXTuI_P62Ej8Nr1j2WLiyc0w2oKH8NtQoD0r-5TAjFDyZjNiDM1e01iGPr9zmiTav8dhEDx1qpaHUBjD9DJXBy-2cc/s1600/IMG_8393BLOG.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Gothic witch's hat project in the planning" border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8QsuVl79y7m6gdEv6jVv29bZu8efLgXiiU7iFGWu2tfeSTZXPytXTuI_P62Ej8Nr1j2WLiyc0w2oKH8NtQoD0r-5TAjFDyZjNiDM1e01iGPr9zmiTav8dhEDx1qpaHUBjD9DJXBy-2cc/s320/IMG_8393BLOG.JPG" title="Planning Gothic witch's hat" width="320" /></a></div>
Then I started on the hat proper, cutting out a band of fabric to fit the circumference of the head. I needed a hat that would stay on the actress and if you are going to be partying in this headdress then it is a good idea to make it an exact fit. As already mentioned, I like anything that suggests trickery to be asymmetrical, so I cut my hat shape with a peak to the side. I then planned to fold this over and sew down to make the crown. I then mocked up the design, to check how the whole thing would look.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRVl0FA49YcWJMlS7hj9ZsU-PZBuf0Em-NjnFYsfnO8rMSDM0qsdCY2tLUHzEnwXeM7dViHsXI5prBuSqG4V9lOJpnR_xayhQHtv7iXOQwy6uEOXr_ofiuU2ddF5YPiAybDtM2anVd_WI/s1600/IMG_8397BLOG.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Gothic witch's hat work in progress" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRVl0FA49YcWJMlS7hj9ZsU-PZBuf0Em-NjnFYsfnO8rMSDM0qsdCY2tLUHzEnwXeM7dViHsXI5prBuSqG4V9lOJpnR_xayhQHtv7iXOQwy6uEOXr_ofiuU2ddF5YPiAybDtM2anVd_WI/s640/IMG_8397BLOG.JPG" title="Gothic witch's hat in progress" width="640" /></a></div>
I neatened the top edges of my hat with a simple running thread of red silk and trimmed the seam back with pinking shears. I then cut a second piece of softer lining fabric to make a hat. At the same time I started to add some of the coins. You will see what I meant by the hat growing organically, it's like cookery, you need to be constantly checking to see that you have the right ingredients. The lining was purely pinned and tacked in at this stage so I could keep opening it up to add embellishments as I went along. I always line hats because then you can go to town on the decoration and cover all the 'workings' within the lining. This not only gives the hat a much more professional look but also makes it comfortable to wear. This is really important with a close fitting hat.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDKTI_J4dGeCjjBmCeV9jTj4vtOw6IrRE_DGARy5VDBhkJOr-3atISGXj5FOZ3K6MZXWdoRb9I5c7VWsFSRpj0JDldsYg6ygl-1mHl7H-dcEyzE6JR8B5g5vZEbbSEDXz_oHjIk3wJa_k/s1600/Andy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDKTI_J4dGeCjjBmCeV9jTj4vtOw6IrRE_DGARy5VDBhkJOr-3atISGXj5FOZ3K6MZXWdoRb9I5c7VWsFSRpj0JDldsYg6ygl-1mHl7H-dcEyzE6JR8B5g5vZEbbSEDXz_oHjIk3wJa_k/s320/Andy.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I then tested the look on Andy, who fortunately had the same head size as the actress. At this point, you will notice that I have not joined the hat seams together and that I have removed the lining, it is much easier to work on a design in the flat and unhampered by lining fabric.<br />
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I ripped rather than cut the outer hat band, this gives it a good grunge feel and I added some sequins cut from my Turkish slipper.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEFw7-HWnzG1IMS87XB503Z8w3jOl-XyJmDykcmHEUS1-PZCfVUuffO_OxX94aXLcShhf4Mh4kF_lwDJy0I6srK-k40LFlCBbO4MKwPUMuq59FfJcZc-vkTTgWL1rKkxFJwf_7SrVzmLE/s1600/IMG_8431BLOG.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEFw7-HWnzG1IMS87XB503Z8w3jOl-XyJmDykcmHEUS1-PZCfVUuffO_OxX94aXLcShhf4Mh4kF_lwDJy0I6srK-k40LFlCBbO4MKwPUMuq59FfJcZc-vkTTgWL1rKkxFJwf_7SrVzmLE/s320/IMG_8431BLOG.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
As I had planned in my mock-up I placed the toe part of the Turkish slipper onto the hat band, where it would lie behind the bird's head, to give it a Byzantine halo touch and sewed it down.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZCU5QMjWDVec1vqk86NaCOZMSjskY0gCxMTJ-FfLcTWM5u8bm0bvxYqJshXf31u5_QoodB_I2hgZWTFs9M_GCL5tJ4a6WMTzKRBREDOZDA0kwN4nb7MTDCtjNA_rKGsJ7SMJkppgnFXY/s1600/Wig+stand.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZCU5QMjWDVec1vqk86NaCOZMSjskY0gCxMTJ-FfLcTWM5u8bm0bvxYqJshXf31u5_QoodB_I2hgZWTFs9M_GCL5tJ4a6WMTzKRBREDOZDA0kwN4nb7MTDCtjNA_rKGsJ7SMJkppgnFXY/s200/Wig+stand.JPG" width="133" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcK2FHLr5_x3o6ASpCZ8RMX-R2M7d0xSjsH8fMH2PoYAQ66MqD4UZLp_I6l50oseKGoGFHguv0u9FfilsNCu39R5yDKp1fgNmjDDTEf1agB_KmGwEZ37BhrGhzxJ79R1k3y1eGwQHGT_Y/s1600/eye+veil.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcK2FHLr5_x3o6ASpCZ8RMX-R2M7d0xSjsH8fMH2PoYAQ66MqD4UZLp_I6l50oseKGoGFHguv0u9FfilsNCu39R5yDKp1fgNmjDDTEf1agB_KmGwEZ37BhrGhzxJ79R1k3y1eGwQHGT_Y/s320/eye+veil.JPG" width="320" /></a>I then added my bird and with Andy's help positioned the eye veil. At the same time I used a piece of black chiffon to work out the positioning of the mourning veil and again to test what the final look would be. I have an old wooden wig stand, on which to try out designs, it is a really useful item if you can get hold of one!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZwPOsaNkM937UHLHaQm6RIh3lxYIdh6h9mHoahdrZ7dplrC3KbPnko77uxY9s5aGrAfI_kFrJjhYvc9yz12MZXAVatLKAbY1IbKjB5FcFB3OS7X698sV44tx0eQmsASX5EAA562p0R90/s1600/IMG_8673BLOG.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Bird detail on Gothic witch's hat" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZwPOsaNkM937UHLHaQm6RIh3lxYIdh6h9mHoahdrZ7dplrC3KbPnko77uxY9s5aGrAfI_kFrJjhYvc9yz12MZXAVatLKAbY1IbKjB5FcFB3OS7X698sV44tx0eQmsASX5EAA562p0R90/s640/IMG_8673BLOG.JPG" title="Gothic witch's hat detail" width="640" /></a></div>
I then started to add the details to my hat, sewing a coin into my bird's beak and another run of coins to make a fringe. I added a double ruffle to one side of the hat to balance the folded section. With all the hat decorations and details finished, I was now ready to refit and sew in the lining material, fold over the
section of the hat band to make the crown and hold it in place with a
coin.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6MB7peq2NR4ospTeOlPU_37Y46AjDHFi21XM0d__m8pgc2DD2kD1-5fZ57fyz9HPxErreQ2Xc0Es4mtl7FXmXJceSuxIL5gC6_I3U5LUZNHIWV8nalRCIzZwgHaWuivagWJnY9LjJZfQ/s1600/Hats2.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Gothic witch's hat from 3 angles" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6MB7peq2NR4ospTeOlPU_37Y46AjDHFi21XM0d__m8pgc2DD2kD1-5fZ57fyz9HPxErreQ2Xc0Es4mtl7FXmXJceSuxIL5gC6_I3U5LUZNHIWV8nalRCIzZwgHaWuivagWJnY9LjJZfQ/s640/Hats2.JPEG" title="3 views Gothic witch's hat" width="640" /></a></div>
I was now ready to make the full mourning veil. This was probably the most arduous part of the whole project, cutting numerous tiny spades, diamonds, hearts and clubs from red and black felt. Half way through I really wondered if this was a good idea and as for sewing black on black... but the end result really made me so happy that I had persevered! I gathered one end of the tulle together and tied it up with a bow and pinned it to the hat. I then pinned on and hand sewed each motif, whilst on the dress form, that way I got a better idea of where to place each one.<br />
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Here's a little snippet of the hat in action:<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='640' height='360' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzaZoW0f5IW_srtL4eFhU3sfVm7th7MRjEOBWefY2oDM0-8bLihkdy5qC-xv40fzPuKb5Jp3qqckUvnjF2iHQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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My hat was seen for some minutes on screen and I had such fun designing and making it and most unexpectedly, these projects earned me a costume credit on IMDB! With your version of a Gothic witch's hat, I am sure you will make a great entrance and cast a spell over the whole assembly!<br />
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Hope you have enjoyed this and if you did and found it useful then why
not share it and or think of joining this or any other of our blogs and
youtube channels? I also love getting feedback to please feel free to
comment, ask questions and/or share your own experiences in designing
and making witch's hats. I forgot about Halloween and still have the crow cape to write up but after that I will post the organic knickers project! <br />
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All the very best from Normandie,<br />
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Sue<br />
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<h2>
RELATED ARTICLES</h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYyq18LBh_FUiFX52Eb7BYRBcGvx9Ji1TSxgKe53jnecqlfHGDfpeUAbuie7FNMsvv7dE7s-ZRYSS1JoQKQTVV-G9k4a1KYQQDH6MP4gIQZQE7XeGp-YFm5CxmL9VF6xZM0hp0maY7HdM/s1600/Gothic+Witch.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYyq18LBh_FUiFX52Eb7BYRBcGvx9Ji1TSxgKe53jnecqlfHGDfpeUAbuie7FNMsvv7dE7s-ZRYSS1JoQKQTVV-G9k4a1KYQQDH6MP4gIQZQE7XeGp-YFm5CxmL9VF6xZM0hp0maY7HdM/s200/Gothic+Witch.JPEG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><b>Refashioning Project - Boho Chic, Ethnic skirt and sheath dress fusion</b></span></h2>
I made this as part of a witch's costume but it is eminently suitably streetware or a party frock.. <b><a href="https://upcycledwardrobecostumeandclothes.blogspot.fr/2015/08/refashioning-project-boho-chic-ethnic.html">read more</a></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizquDU0GXbmKydJoxZdpid9I4cTwELBr7ZpYmfnvszw5DJag2QCXnAMkF4QApN2ogq023M1ToEWrThs3PaXH2nsa8pvab0Gxnv_l_yxmaOxa3Zs1AK_3FQagaYL__76xJY-ZPjusXQn_Q/s1600/IMG_8376crop.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="145" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizquDU0GXbmKydJoxZdpid9I4cTwELBr7ZpYmfnvszw5DJag2QCXnAMkF4QApN2ogq023M1ToEWrThs3PaXH2nsa8pvab0Gxnv_l_yxmaOxa3Zs1AK_3FQagaYL__76xJY-ZPjusXQn_Q/s200/IMG_8376crop.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<h2>
<b>How to make a chatelaine for a witch costume - refashioning project</b></h2>
All the essentials for the best dressed witch from refashioning and recuperated materials<b>...<a href="https://upcycledwardrobecostumeandclothes.blogspot.fr/2015/08/refashioning-project-boho-ethnic.html" target="_blank">read more</a></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvoXllmmc5PCXX2PkfibFJnUVc6j4bjUkIMh7yf4_0lCV2cSfc65yN5K6xL0zrD88uOIZxqXml7883ohYIszEZqf1EFr4RLSMuj26klqUh6ho5o-9HMIlII2-wSyxFN3ePlK297ce_yN8/s1600/IMG_9622BLOG.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Home-made wedding tiara from recuperated items" border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvoXllmmc5PCXX2PkfibFJnUVc6j4bjUkIMh7yf4_0lCV2cSfc65yN5K6xL0zrD88uOIZxqXml7883ohYIszEZqf1EFr4RLSMuj26klqUh6ho5o-9HMIlII2-wSyxFN3ePlK297ce_yN8/s200/IMG_9622BLOG.JPG" title="Tiara" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><b>Home-made jewelled tiara, shoe clips, bracelet and wrap</b></span></h2>
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The materials I used were; for the band, a left over scrap of faux fur
from a hat I had made. For the crown I used various bits of broken
necklaces, beads and buttons recuperated from .. <b><a href="http://upcycledwardrobecostumeandclothes.blogspot.fr/2016/03/home-made-jewelled-tiara-shoe-clips.html">read more</a></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_m1o0Mh9wMt_unR1NeOY5Sacp6-kU_KujnA98lGppYhuZf-W2-iU9lpN4JSN8zLPglrNeO-oPDQ0nYk7NB1E0jZMpmpP0Y_kohKP2TeNw6Gqk9Relu2t-JIAY1mvrVBHmkmNWYmaXmeE/s1600/IMG_9352BLOG.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_m1o0Mh9wMt_unR1NeOY5Sacp6-kU_KujnA98lGppYhuZf-W2-iU9lpN4JSN8zLPglrNeO-oPDQ0nYk7NB1E0jZMpmpP0Y_kohKP2TeNw6Gqk9Relu2t-JIAY1mvrVBHmkmNWYmaXmeE/s200/IMG_9352BLOG.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<h2>
<b>DIY Kokoshnik Tutorial, Wedding Headpiece or Costume </b></h2>
A step-by-step design and construction of a Kokoshnik plus accessories and ideas refashioning and recuperating materials<b>...<a href="http://upcycledwardrobecostumeandclothes.blogspot.fr/2016/09/make-your-own-kokoshnik-tutorial.html" target="_blank">read more</a></b></div>
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Pavlovafowlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11578592110340773950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3003169388435904986.post-73646805357614377982016-09-17T17:43:00.003+02:002016-11-28T15:09:07.585+01:00Make your own Kokoshnik Tutorial - A Perfect Wedding Headpiece or Costume Accessory<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbJUy6vbVKX54uaypw7IT__Ho_WAmJp8QjwCn_xNt32VtuFKWYjwXMDzz7OUeKJ_WGDEeRy56PsVWz2HzAnF874uc9cZ30kMKBYHdZATztvMjZ7_cqpfM-od-lnVOk4uB3SBUO4AQrwR0/s1600/Faerie+Queen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbJUy6vbVKX54uaypw7IT__Ho_WAmJp8QjwCn_xNt32VtuFKWYjwXMDzz7OUeKJ_WGDEeRy56PsVWz2HzAnF874uc9cZ30kMKBYHdZATztvMjZ7_cqpfM-od-lnVOk4uB3SBUO4AQrwR0/s640/Faerie+Queen.jpg" width="208" /></a></div>
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In the first part of this project I looked back at the history of the Kokoshnik and at some of the inspirations and ideas for my own design. Here I'm sharing a step-by-step, detailed account of both the design and construction. As mentioned in the previous article I was making the Kokoshnik as part of a costume design for an independent film company with the attendant minimal budget, so much of the materials I used were upcycled, remnants or refashioned from other projects. For the Kokoshnik, I favoured an elongated shape, which gave the actress the necessary dominating height, elegance and a hint of menace, to reflect her own characterisation of the Faerie Queen but you can alter the basic shape to suit your own requirements. As embellishments, even though this was essentially a costume, I knew that close-ups, camera angles and movement would require substantial and detailed work. This Kokoshnik was hand embroidered and beaded in detail and is meant to stand the rigours of use. I also think if you are going to create this for your own or perhaps a friend's wedding day it would be important to sew something that can be kept as a work of art! I liked the traditional Northern Russian use of freshwater pearls in Kokoshnik design and I had just the materials suitable to create this look in a Primark beaded cardigan, which my sister had given me some years back and which I had worn every Winter since to destruction! I also had several other bought or recuperated sewing notions and items, which gave me a basis for the design and I will detail how I used them as I go through the tutorial. As I also explained previously, the whole costume was based on a refashioning of an embroidered silk dress I had designed and made as an alternative colourway to my own Wedding dress. Luckily, although perhaps not as I am an inveterate hoarder, I had kept all the remnants from that particular project and thus had material with which to match the dress to the headpiece.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">KOKOSHNIK - MATERIALS</span></h2>
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<b>Heavy Duty Interfacing</b> - this would be the kind normally used to line hats. You can buy iron-on if so required but it is not necessary. The old Kokoshnik makers often used stiff card or cardboard to line their creations and this could also be an option, however, as I am always designing and making hats, I have interfacing to hand. Measure the circumference of your head and fix the height of your design, double that amount and that is how much you need!</div>
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<b>Ribbons</b> - These I used in appliqué to create flowers, as bead fringing and to make the traditional fastening for the headpiece. Most were purchased in a closing-down sale as high quality gift ribboning and garlands. It is an idea to pick these up when you see them as they will serve for a multitude of refashioning projects.<b> </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlhPuO87zU18GhhGxxrDzhS_OLKB-YHawfrGBJTjy2LNFdLrWUL9mo_eGS_y_rWIKXSR7-NxJIW6WGK65RsiJ4C8FNtz7axLJ5sf4rHFZx_1SGg-ychxzdC9HIyLCGqPgzDV6_GPNLr7o/s1600/IMG_8957BLOG.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlhPuO87zU18GhhGxxrDzhS_OLKB-YHawfrGBJTjy2LNFdLrWUL9mo_eGS_y_rWIKXSR7-NxJIW6WGK65RsiJ4C8FNtz7axLJ5sf4rHFZx_1SGg-ychxzdC9HIyLCGqPgzDV6_GPNLr7o/s320/IMG_8957BLOG.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiznupSDhJSSl1XvauR89KxDlUfL00eCVJbX_K59pkgdbfNHceeCQUhyphenhyphen3EmJfJlr8_9rI6TIWshP0EHGf_QMWzvepSOgXdd85r3sAztKdUyXkmCLRKWDEBoke6p00pxhnDiXg6aNpmN9jY/s1600/IMG_8981BLOG.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiznupSDhJSSl1XvauR89KxDlUfL00eCVJbX_K59pkgdbfNHceeCQUhyphenhyphen3EmJfJlr8_9rI6TIWshP0EHGf_QMWzvepSOgXdd85r3sAztKdUyXkmCLRKWDEBoke6p00pxhnDiXg6aNpmN9jY/s320/IMG_8981BLOG.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrowtu5Tn4UtEaaQrOeoYKqmqthdadmTHoFfgmMEM9GXKPk7ihzMU82Z9fHqtpk7AkIfZhYRHsBHZIN7mv9tKms0QmE5bIbMnGgAD64YwhyphenhyphendvWKJ6O8HN7D18BdcstZ1f4NuDsWtjAqf0/s1600/IMG_8244BLOG.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrowtu5Tn4UtEaaQrOeoYKqmqthdadmTHoFfgmMEM9GXKPk7ihzMU82Z9fHqtpk7AkIfZhYRHsBHZIN7mv9tKms0QmE5bIbMnGgAD64YwhyphenhyphendvWKJ6O8HN7D18BdcstZ1f4NuDsWtjAqf0/s320/IMG_8244BLOG.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<b>Beads</b> - These I recuperated from beaded cardigans, broken or discarded fashion jewellery, of which I was given a whole bag by kind relatives. Many of these pieces although artificial in themselves actually take on a whole new look, when applied to a different setting. I particularly liked these metal bead holders, which I modified and used as the centre of my fabric flowers. You can buy these bead holders in various designs and of course many other types of bead in bulk on-line.
Again, as with the faux jet fringing pictured above some of these beads came from my gift ribboning and garland haul. They were originally threaded onto plastic thread but with the addition of thin ribbon from the golden garland above left and some 'seed pearls' from my Primark cardigan, they took on a whole new life. As with most items in a
refashioning project I always try to imagine what they can become rather than what they look like when I buy or upcycle them. As with house purchase in refashioning it is always a question of location, location.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQQy7rUoFo5PcsMAr6O4rknkdpsHhYLQABcpeZWVwcy8Anw0CLqYTfqOtdny7aqenaPJTvzH57N_RH8WzD0HZjvdOoVBdQ-O8zLEmDq99Fzk00bRa5vVaqKt7KZm2oFPbtwzL8h8eH6ac/s1600/IMG_9071BLOG.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQQy7rUoFo5PcsMAr6O4rknkdpsHhYLQABcpeZWVwcy8Anw0CLqYTfqOtdny7aqenaPJTvzH57N_RH8WzD0HZjvdOoVBdQ-O8zLEmDq99Fzk00bRa5vVaqKt7KZm2oFPbtwzL8h8eH6ac/s320/IMG_9071BLOG.JPG" width="320" /></a><b><br />Haberdashery Notions </b>- One thing that turned up in a 'lucky bag' I purchased a couple of years back from my local fabric shop, was a golden net neckline appliqué for a full petticoat or slip (see images left and above). I decided to use this as the basis of a beaded embellishment to form the 'vase' for my planned appliqué flowers.<br />
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<b>Fabrics</b> - As mentioned the background material for the Kokoshnick was an embroidered gold silk remnant from the dress, this was lined with a dull golden lining fabric, again this is easy to purchase on-line. The fabric to make the flowers needs to be artificial otherwise the process I use for curling the petals and giving the flowers shape, will not work. I purchased a half metre of organza and the rest I made up from remnants of lining fabric from my other costume, which was a golden ball gown (link at end of this tutorial). Many pieces of dress lining fabrics end up in the remnant bin, so its
worth a search through, as these are eminently suitable for making fabric flowers and come in a whole range of fabulous shades. Small
bridal shops, i.e., those that make, refashion or do alterations, are
great places for remnants of lining and similar fabric.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">KOKOSHNIK DESIGN</span> </h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMqdOv4AYm8tu9UTcVCRp-dw1CbMJ4G2rTqCtVXyG8h0hY8Q8Y2bN-stqC7CTPTr9glHHjWYOP5sEkNlvhW3sPwsZ51LPqW-uCRRnEa0gWq_ShRhyX5OoyhXJgj7pogrGwm3aWikfFvCQ/s1600/11103129_350733791796305_5588592594389501027_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMqdOv4AYm8tu9UTcVCRp-dw1CbMJ4G2rTqCtVXyG8h0hY8Q8Y2bN-stqC7CTPTr9glHHjWYOP5sEkNlvhW3sPwsZ51LPqW-uCRRnEa0gWq_ShRhyX5OoyhXJgj7pogrGwm3aWikfFvCQ/s320/11103129_350733791796305_5588592594389501027_o.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW69dbhLbS0SZ6KdxqqffUGArdY_UpjvhEv6rTJMaraL315_YrIlfGmn-4jkYJ3IY83YZvIBY3199T2rLe456WBM4YvOgDkXwqcot6K0MzWCkD0u_iJaLQEX-x1G2p73ZTWrr3DquHx38/s1600/IMG_9327BLOG.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW69dbhLbS0SZ6KdxqqffUGArdY_UpjvhEv6rTJMaraL315_YrIlfGmn-4jkYJ3IY83YZvIBY3199T2rLe456WBM4YvOgDkXwqcot6K0MzWCkD0u_iJaLQEX-x1G2p73ZTWrr3DquHx38/s200/IMG_9327BLOG.JPG" width="200" /></a>It was also in line with the organic nature of the design that the shape of the final Kokoshnik naturally 'grew' from this golden neckline appliqué. It is sometimes very difficult when starting a hat or headdress design from scratch to imagine exactly what the shape or height should be, so having a 'set piece' as it were to inform on the final look, can sometimes be most useful! I had also discussed with the film's creator what the inspiration behind each costume should be and we had both loved the idea that each should be based on a wild animal, bird or insect, the Faerie Queen was a golden butterfly and I also made many of these to alight on the appliqué flowers I attached to the costume. Yellow gold is not an easy colour to carry off but I think you'll agree that Kerry Browne did this with beauty and éclat.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">KOKOSHNIK CONSTUCTION</span></h2>
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The Central Motif </h2>
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Although you will want to create your own central design for your Kokoshnik, in the following I'll share how I made mine because the techniques could be useful. I started by pinning down my golden neckline appliqué onto a piece of linen. This made it easier to see and thus to work on! I then went on to create a ribbon rose on the base and used small glass beads from my beaded cardigan to highlight the edges of the petals and give them more form. I didn't buy any special needles for this, I just found the thinnest gauge one that would thread through the beads I had. I then highlighted sections of the neckline appliqué with my 'freshwater pearls' and a sprinkling of crystal beads with mounts that could be sewn into the net and sit flat.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi__XtHOii8FiS1t4-f_cTlVn3zb5EmUL9WqbsjGy0jtKiHmwAc2dzk4pd6IVzcNWIH7zUPCtAsA-N3PAiN-XAv2yyeh4rEKUQa574wqjZAwUrtU2JpqMRwqzM3LirgHrPS_ndXJbA8Dzg/s1600/IMG_8227CLOSE.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi__XtHOii8FiS1t4-f_cTlVn3zb5EmUL9WqbsjGy0jtKiHmwAc2dzk4pd6IVzcNWIH7zUPCtAsA-N3PAiN-XAv2yyeh4rEKUQa574wqjZAwUrtU2JpqMRwqzM3LirgHrPS_ndXJbA8Dzg/s320/IMG_8227CLOSE.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcF0mZu-AYIJ65lX0sOB5I343I3udTVf6GXLamDAl9DHYOWWaSyBoTCcIBjA7gARP-lUMhzw1dksgKt6Lvf-sVVRfzFHNIaDGIuwV70ov2zwRUfL3lVTbF4UDyjKailfYfzVuGBe34IGM/s1600/IMG_8232BLOG.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcF0mZu-AYIJ65lX0sOB5I343I3udTVf6GXLamDAl9DHYOWWaSyBoTCcIBjA7gARP-lUMhzw1dksgKt6Lvf-sVVRfzFHNIaDGIuwV70ov2zwRUfL3lVTbF4UDyjKailfYfzVuGBe34IGM/s320/IMG_8232BLOG.JPG" width="320" /></a><b>Making Ribbon Roses</b> I made three in all on the neckline appliqué. I started by creating a five pointed star in plain gold cotton, which would be invisible beneath the folds of the 'petals'. Then secured the end of my golden ribbon with a glass bead and sewed it to the middle of the star to make a neat start to the centre of the rose. Then threading the other end of the ribbon onto a large eyed needle, I wove it in and out of the points of the star, loosely forming the petals. Before you start it is a good idea to plan out how much ribbon you will need, by just approximating the form of the rose. I finished off the rose by tucking the end underneath the last petal and sewing it down. I then highlighted several petals of the rose with glass beads.<br />
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Making the Crown</h2>
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I had decided that in order to give more height, depth and rigidity to my headpiece, without losing the traditional Kokoshnik shape, I would make a double crown. I used my central motif to create the outline of the outer crown with the inner following the same contour at either side but with a higher curved middle section to support the fabric flowers.</div>
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To this end I cut the the outer crown from my iron-on interfacing (left) and fused it to my silk fabric with the aid of an iron and a protective cloth. </div>
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I then cut the silk following the contour of my interfacing leaving a seam allowance of around 1cm or ½". I then tacked this onto the interfacing.
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I then followed the same procedure with my second piece of interfacing using a piece of my lining fabric. However, before I tacked it to the interfacing I added a gusset of silk in the middle section of the crown...</div>
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...sewing it right sides together to the lining material. I, then went on to sew all the fabric to the interlining. This gave me a fully lined crown (front and back) and a matching silk piece which neatly covered the centrepiece and used the last piece of yellow gold silk that I had!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNnAIYnwBWWevz78H0IVf0gyfNJREUNJT51QwCroGLXFkJqxWS4kqOTP6cu2rHKPRbIp1l2yUpC-U8zs3ns0eRhfb1ZkRxZOirILRGx3g1bhw8nwe4fJ4tM6MWxuYkgZvXG1xSF4RP5PU/s1600/IMG_9393BLOG.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNnAIYnwBWWevz78H0IVf0gyfNJREUNJT51QwCroGLXFkJqxWS4kqOTP6cu2rHKPRbIp1l2yUpC-U8zs3ns0eRhfb1ZkRxZOirILRGx3g1bhw8nwe4fJ4tM6MWxuYkgZvXG1xSF4RP5PU/s320/IMG_9393BLOG.JPG" width="320" /></a>I was now ready to embellish my outer crown with the central motif, the faux jet fringing and a piece of organza formed into a veil and which matched the flowers which were to be set in the second (inner) crown). I also neatened the ends of the thick gold ribbon which was to be used, as per tradition, to fasten the Kokoshnik on the head.<br />
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<b>Making the Fabric Flowers</b>: I have already provided a step-by-step detailed tutorial on how I made the flowers, on my ball gown article, so I will provide the link for this at the end of this post.</div>
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Finishing The Construction</h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHePXGoZFdysdFA2dLSfpS7rPr2GaIU8iKs-2HRgKLeGybtGbHTVX4JAm9kXOvG6SGcWwIKVUQ7IF_9TJWRuPwWBVkaT8KqdbUiW3VdcYUK5f6usls7Pe5w8XdpmvohbGw4RmBMUClGno/s1600/IMG_9395BLOG.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHePXGoZFdysdFA2dLSfpS7rPr2GaIU8iKs-2HRgKLeGybtGbHTVX4JAm9kXOvG6SGcWwIKVUQ7IF_9TJWRuPwWBVkaT8KqdbUiW3VdcYUK5f6usls7Pe5w8XdpmvohbGw4RmBMUClGno/s320/IMG_9395BLOG.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The flowers were then added to the golden silk section of the inner crown and the two crown sections were placed wrong sides together, with the ends of the thick silk fastening ribbon sandwiched between them. The Kokoshnik was then sewn together, thus all the stitching with which I had attached the embellishments was on the inside of the Kokoshnik, not only hidden from view but making the headpiece comfortable to wear. To this end I also lined the ribbon rose section of the central motif which would sit on the forehead.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLHIqaGfJo81XTnQkD8xbIYYZCNXBdoKEC5daGjboyELv1TMXB5b03ocdfc34iLZsyHs8IEuU4cDzBqMhYf_Epi54j1zRZ6lqY0RsGWJmVEEqLLI-ToQZv3DoXIMFvq4RgCg8EOcM5R_g/s1600/FQ3a.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLHIqaGfJo81XTnQkD8xbIYYZCNXBdoKEC5daGjboyELv1TMXB5b03ocdfc34iLZsyHs8IEuU4cDzBqMhYf_Epi54j1zRZ6lqY0RsGWJmVEEqLLI-ToQZv3DoXIMFvq4RgCg8EOcM5R_g/s640/FQ3a.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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Extras</h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK_nnuQV7t-7d_DfGcAFVfXvG4pt3tdBO7QubbUba031fa1_zMJ4p0Fk9K2r3GoZ76_77bxmqBYt24BFIvuyoF34QssqQX7amRud-xvG8mnqM2iEu3e2p8kIeXMMIbEArkoaEPEJvprtE/s1600/IMG_9420BLOG.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK_nnuQV7t-7d_DfGcAFVfXvG4pt3tdBO7QubbUba031fa1_zMJ4p0Fk9K2r3GoZ76_77bxmqBYt24BFIvuyoF34QssqQX7amRud-xvG8mnqM2iEu3e2p8kIeXMMIbEArkoaEPEJvprtE/s320/IMG_9420BLOG.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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If you are thinking of making this as a bridal headpiece than you might be interested in adding these two very easy accessories which I made to match. These are ribbon bracelets and shoe clips. The latter were again part of my bargain closing down sale haul and comprised two feather wing decorations to which I added two of my home-made fabric flowers.</div>
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Or you could just add two matching single feathers - I have plenty after this brilliantly hot Summer, when all the chickens have been in a heavy moult! </div>
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Hope you have enjoyed this and if you did and found it useful then why not share it and or think of joining this or any other of our blogs and youtube channels? I also love getting feedback to please feel free to comment, ask questions and/or share your own experiences in designing and making Kokoshniks. </div>
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Hope to see you next time when I will be making knickers, which are refashioned from brand new, bargain basement, organic T-shirts.</div>
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Until then, all the very best from,<br />
Sue<br />
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RELATED ARTICLES</h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-VaEn9-0gytGgphdezlU7oHEJgtfNtzQ9q1kYwu5-XYEw0qPTvCacNMn4LKhBjMAOJxZNpJGjdipwvO8gwjq2687rGML4DcyQ0xvcWdCx91V9o_lPIDYvL0kRv4fWViol4_5Rn_pYIlA/s1600/fqb.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-VaEn9-0gytGgphdezlU7oHEJgtfNtzQ9q1kYwu5-XYEw0qPTvCacNMn4LKhBjMAOJxZNpJGjdipwvO8gwjq2687rGML4DcyQ0xvcWdCx91V9o_lPIDYvL0kRv4fWViol4_5Rn_pYIlA/s200/fqb.png" width="200" /></a>Traditional Kokoshnick Design & History</h2>
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A wonderful eclectic mixture of so many
cultures, being influenced by and having influence upon styles of
women's folk dress and court fashions throughout the ages...<a href="http://upcycledwardrobecostumeandclothes.blogspot.fr/2016/08/make-your-own-kokoshnik-perfect-for.html"><b>read more </b></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvoXllmmc5PCXX2PkfibFJnUVc6j4bjUkIMh7yf4_0lCV2cSfc65yN5K6xL0zrD88uOIZxqXml7883ohYIszEZqf1EFr4RLSMuj26klqUh6ho5o-9HMIlII2-wSyxFN3ePlK297ce_yN8/s1600/IMG_9622BLOG.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Home-made wedding tiara from recuperated items" border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvoXllmmc5PCXX2PkfibFJnUVc6j4bjUkIMh7yf4_0lCV2cSfc65yN5K6xL0zrD88uOIZxqXml7883ohYIszEZqf1EFr4RLSMuj26klqUh6ho5o-9HMIlII2-wSyxFN3ePlK297ce_yN8/s200/IMG_9622BLOG.JPG" title="Tiara" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><b>Home-made jewelled tiara, shoe clips, bracelet and wrap</b></span></h2>
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The materials, a left over scrap of faux fur
from a hat I had made. For the crown I used various bits of broken
necklaces, beads and buttons recuperated from .. <b><a href="http://upcycledwardrobecostumeandclothes.blogspot.fr/2016/03/home-made-jewelled-tiara-shoe-clips.html">read more</a></b><br />
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<b>...and for the fabric flower tutorial </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEUoClCsLKYov1bmC7F6eikCZtMqSob_wnd_ICsBVWHqAI1dzJ4HByjuOF3IBE2hF1m1BoPjlJ4kzybzLVnGnVmvTvKLFca8-KAGxtvDOrwfPpjw3noPMtJHW8BcfLp9dTiUXLai332io/s1600/ElsaSTART3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEUoClCsLKYov1bmC7F6eikCZtMqSob_wnd_ICsBVWHqAI1dzJ4HByjuOF3IBE2hF1m1BoPjlJ4kzybzLVnGnVmvTvKLFca8-KAGxtvDOrwfPpjw3noPMtJHW8BcfLp9dTiUXLai332io/s200/ElsaSTART3.JPG" width="200" /></a>Home-made Ball gown, Prom dress, Bridal or Party frock for pennies </div>
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Not quite pennies but it's very cheap for what you get, a unique
piece of wearable Arts and Craft. Even if you had to buy all the fabric
new and off the roll, it would still not cost much more than $10...<b><a href="http://upcycledwardrobecostumeandclothes.blogspot.fr/2016/03/home-made-ball-gown-prom-dress-bridal.html" target="_blank">read more</a></b></div>
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<span class="st">© 2016 Sue Cross</span>
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Pavlovafowlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11578592110340773950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3003169388435904986.post-12881338557123504552016-08-30T12:34:00.000+02:002016-09-19T12:02:28.385+02:00Make-your-own Kokoshnik, perfect for a wedding headpiece or costume.<div style="text-align: justify;">
This is my take on the Kokoshnik, a design that was initially created for a character in a film, the narrative of which was based on an Estonian folk legend cum fairytale; 'The Magic Maiden'. However, I love the idea of it being used as a wedding headpiece and in particular for an Autumn or Winter celebration, when you can really go to town on the heavily encrusted, bejewelled Byzantine style.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ndnT9xcmaaGLZsT_YQA0cWHDo9kCUVOYrfT6KmNqRfq8aUz9OJS9pecWCT5ORuyLy8rWz3ZY9MaDtwuLLM7iM4wZuSU8m6sDi8JBCvknLIeMWTdlESFAJSANpnUXk-86hUBW5xnhBZw/s1600/FQ3aa.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Home-made kokoshnik as a wedding headpiece or costume" border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ndnT9xcmaaGLZsT_YQA0cWHDo9kCUVOYrfT6KmNqRfq8aUz9OJS9pecWCT5ORuyLy8rWz3ZY9MaDtwuLLM7iM4wZuSU8m6sDi8JBCvknLIeMWTdlESFAJSANpnUXk-86hUBW5xnhBZw/s640/FQ3aa.png" title="On set" width="640" /></a></div>
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Kerry Browne the actress on set and in the dressing room in full costume.<br />
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Kokoshnik could be translated as a tiara, diadem or half crown but the etymology of the word is said to have derived from the old Russian kokosh, kokoš, in Serbian, which means chicken. Hmm, I wonder why that would be?
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvUqG7QcinryqXKLpf87wPuk0uNWZB_DG8qxhEbziVOQeq6dunlPzWIEA1ExrTG5Kt2_2Lw11djlu7lHCxG5rEE0FTMbblrYSPDnkTZzYxgBTOR7xQxxXdsSTcUKDLuUXFGk5dIVWrxu8/s1600/IMG_9759BLOG.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Polish crested Tolbunt hen in our organic forest garden" border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvUqG7QcinryqXKLpf87wPuk0uNWZB_DG8qxhEbziVOQeq6dunlPzWIEA1ExrTG5Kt2_2Lw11djlu7lHCxG5rEE0FTMbblrYSPDnkTZzYxgBTOR7xQxxXdsSTcUKDLuUXFGk5dIVWrxu8/s640/IMG_9759BLOG.JPG" title="Prof. Hermann" width="640" /></a></div>
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Above is our beautiful Tolbunt Polish hen Professor Hermann in her forest garden setting.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Historical aspects and design notes </span></h2>
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<a href="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/53/93/4e/53934e994c428db5e26ea19655813346.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/53/93/4e/53934e994c428db5e26ea19655813346.jpg" width="296" /></a></div>
Kokoshnik come in many shapes and sizes and although in the flat mine has very much the traditional half crown look, when worn the shape elongates. I always think there is a certain ambivalence in the nature of the fairy so I wanted an effect of height and elegance but also with just a hint of menace.<br />
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I also liked the Northern Russian use of river pearls and I had some I'd recuperated from a beaded cardigan which mimicked these smaller fresh water varieties. I had also seen designs, as here left, where the beads fell down onto the forehead and I added that nuance as well.</div>
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There was also a Russian rural and pagan tradition of flower wreaths which I also incorporated into my design</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyAp84Szzp7is7DTAQuyTXJOyGe8bhpA_PTJj043qcnupDgQ6Rm6Yb04rhBWDTNhDdzthv9pA_dFYJwtVfA2oG6rc4G-wmOzVSJEovTqF4OwXA0Pi2a8PW4metKVMkijc5jm3OXgpCB3U/s1600/IMG_9352BLOG.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="make your own kokoshnik russian wedding headpiece" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyAp84Szzp7is7DTAQuyTXJOyGe8bhpA_PTJj043qcnupDgQ6Rm6Yb04rhBWDTNhDdzthv9pA_dFYJwtVfA2oG6rc4G-wmOzVSJEovTqF4OwXA0Pi2a8PW4metKVMkijc5jm3OXgpCB3U/s640/IMG_9352BLOG.JPG" title="work in progress" width="640" /></a></div>
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The Kokoshnik symbolises a wonderful eclectic mixture of so many cultures, being influenced by and having influence upon styles of women's folk dress and court fashions throughout the ages. In Russia it was originally worn by both young girls and married woman but at several times in its history it was either outlawed or confined to festivals. In the early 20th century it was adopted and adapted by Hollywood and thus entered the World of Haute Couture, often as the headpiece of a wedding dress. Witness the pictures of the Tsarina below or 1916 bride Eleanor Lothian Clay (left), as to how well this beautiful style of headdress can be adapted as an elegant support for the dreaded veil.<br />
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<a href="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/bb/e7/dd/bbe7ddd5a15a710ba37d0ae4f770e20f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/bb/e7/dd/bbe7ddd5a15a710ba37d0ae4f770e20f.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/65/fd/eb/65fdeb6efd87b46a3c46de9c77b9cf1f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/65/fd/eb/65fdeb6efd87b46a3c46de9c77b9cf1f.jpg" width="241" /></a></div>
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Above on the left is the Tsarina, Maria Feodorovna (1847-1928) in full court dress, wearing a diamond encrusted kokoshnik and right is the brilliant Chinese American actress Anna May Wong in the 1925 silent comedy/drama 'Forty Winks'. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4zNsggIyyO2JWC4dWEMNM4GvAo0hGseD3yjOF8PcTdCNO8nTk6dF3bjn7CsB0AtJhNf2_Wx-CLKy0XVe9unMm6X2KegPpTXoOJJRcSDqxUCcc2mMOifCEJNX1nI5cSBdipbsZAm6IBgg/s1600/11103129_350733791796305_5588592594389501027_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Home-made kokoshnik a refashioning project" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4zNsggIyyO2JWC4dWEMNM4GvAo0hGseD3yjOF8PcTdCNO8nTk6dF3bjn7CsB0AtJhNf2_Wx-CLKy0XVe9unMm6X2KegPpTXoOJJRcSDqxUCcc2mMOifCEJNX1nI5cSBdipbsZAm6IBgg/s400/11103129_350733791796305_5588592594389501027_o.jpg" title="The Faerie Queen" width="266" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrwB_j375VckLQpXQnqAJYeC6E0c8v8iu4HymnHlKVCTyh7AVox0FZT4KtdBxH_J1qxICPUys8HmNkNKcoDngjUgCKwD86LvlY-UgEauicLdRWiBS1a7BFIIAzXyjGdwtUiHtggq9cw3M/s1600/Faerie+Queen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Home-made upcycled Russian style costume" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrwB_j375VckLQpXQnqAJYeC6E0c8v8iu4HymnHlKVCTyh7AVox0FZT4KtdBxH_J1qxICPUys8HmNkNKcoDngjUgCKwD86LvlY-UgEauicLdRWiBS1a7BFIIAzXyjGdwtUiHtggq9cw3M/s400/Faerie+Queen.jpg" title="Dress rehearsal" width="130" /></a>Here is Kerry Browne as the Faerie Queen wearing the whole concept in dress rehearsal and looking every inch the reigning monarch of Fairyland. The Kokoshnik gives height and presence and an impressive silhouette when worn with the classic 'A' shaped sarafan, traditional Russian pinafore dress.<br />
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As an aside the dress itself was an upcycle of a second colourway version I made of my own wedding dress, designed in embroidered silk. As you can see I got around my own problem of the veil, anathema to those of us with fine hair and who are not keen on wiglets, toppers and faux buns, by designing and creating a hat in the same figured silk.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4325GB_qo02SFMq_oOo_JeX02EAZwwYSRpJW4nlzQJ7X18_NymmamMZ5EFIAkbGJMX-0AoeNbLYU-jwNI2JDhkHW9ZWLaa2j_I4vG0GiZPrNZAuRs5sQGVHkXGRuDXiqtptiOtpsZJzQ/s1600/Wedding+Kew+sittingBLOG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Home-made silk wedding dress, hat, veil and wrap" border="0" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4325GB_qo02SFMq_oOo_JeX02EAZwwYSRpJW4nlzQJ7X18_NymmamMZ5EFIAkbGJMX-0AoeNbLYU-jwNI2JDhkHW9ZWLaa2j_I4vG0GiZPrNZAuRs5sQGVHkXGRuDXiqtptiOtpsZJzQ/s640/Wedding+Kew+sittingBLOG.jpg" title="My home-made wedding frock" width="640" /></a></div>
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In the next article I will give a step by step account of how I created my kokoshnik from remnants and recuperated 'gems'. In the meanwhile I hope you enjoyed this dip into the history of this fascinating headdress, including (below) this incredible contemporary design in bobbin lace!</div>
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<a href="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/51/83/9f/51839f05584e54514f00d8fea147054c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/51/83/9f/51839f05584e54514f00d8fea147054c.jpg" width="288" /></a></div>
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If you are interested in our organic forest garden poultry then please take a look at my blog The Holistic Hen (direct picture link in the right-hand column). </div>
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All the very best and hope to see you next time,<br />
Sue<br />
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Thanks to the following Pinterest boards in order of appearance:</div>
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russianblackwork.blogspot.com bunkycushing.com, misjoyasreales.blogspot.com.es, liveauctioneers.com, kufer.co.uk. </div>
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You can find these and more on my Pinterest board: <b><a href="https://fr.pinterest.com/pavlovafowl/inspiration-for-costumes/">Inspiration for Costume</a></b></div>
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<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>RELATED POSTS</b></span></h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvoXllmmc5PCXX2PkfibFJnUVc6j4bjUkIMh7yf4_0lCV2cSfc65yN5K6xL0zrD88uOIZxqXml7883ohYIszEZqf1EFr4RLSMuj26klqUh6ho5o-9HMIlII2-wSyxFN3ePlK297ce_yN8/s1600/IMG_9622BLOG.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Home-made wedding tiara from recuperated items" border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvoXllmmc5PCXX2PkfibFJnUVc6j4bjUkIMh7yf4_0lCV2cSfc65yN5K6xL0zrD88uOIZxqXml7883ohYIszEZqf1EFr4RLSMuj26klqUh6ho5o-9HMIlII2-wSyxFN3ePlK297ce_yN8/s200/IMG_9622BLOG.JPG" title="Tiara" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><b>Home-made jewelled tiara, shoe clips, bracelet and wrap</b></span></h2>
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The materials I used were; for the band, a left over scrap of faux fur
from a hat I had made. For the crown I used various bits of broken
necklaces, beads and buttons recuperated from .. <b><a href="http://upcycledwardrobecostumeandclothes.blogspot.fr/2016/03/home-made-jewelled-tiara-shoe-clips.html">read more</a></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_m1o0Mh9wMt_unR1NeOY5Sacp6-kU_KujnA98lGppYhuZf-W2-iU9lpN4JSN8zLPglrNeO-oPDQ0nYk7NB1E0jZMpmpP0Y_kohKP2TeNw6Gqk9Relu2t-JIAY1mvrVBHmkmNWYmaXmeE/s1600/IMG_9352BLOG.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_m1o0Mh9wMt_unR1NeOY5Sacp6-kU_KujnA98lGppYhuZf-W2-iU9lpN4JSN8zLPglrNeO-oPDQ0nYk7NB1E0jZMpmpP0Y_kohKP2TeNw6Gqk9Relu2t-JIAY1mvrVBHmkmNWYmaXmeE/s200/IMG_9352BLOG.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<h2>
<b>DIY Kokoshnik Tutorial, Wedding Headpiece or Costume </b></h2>
A step-by-step design and construction of a Kokoshnik plus accessories and ideas refashioning and recuperating materials<b>...<a href="http://upcycledwardrobecostumeandclothes.blogspot.fr/2016/09/make-your-own-kokoshnik-tutorial.html" target="_blank">read more</a></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEUoClCsLKYov1bmC7F6eikCZtMqSob_wnd_ICsBVWHqAI1dzJ4HByjuOF3IBE2hF1m1BoPjlJ4kzybzLVnGnVmvTvKLFca8-KAGxtvDOrwfPpjw3noPMtJHW8BcfLp9dTiUXLai332io/s1600/ElsaSTART3.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEUoClCsLKYov1bmC7F6eikCZtMqSob_wnd_ICsBVWHqAI1dzJ4HByjuOF3IBE2hF1m1BoPjlJ4kzybzLVnGnVmvTvKLFca8-KAGxtvDOrwfPpjw3noPMtJHW8BcfLp9dTiUXLai332io/s200/ElsaSTART3.JPG" width="200" /></a>Home-made Ball gown, Prom dress, Bridal or Party frock for pennies </div>
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Not quite pennies but it's very cheap for what you get, a unique
piece of wearable Arts and Craft. Even if you had to buy all the fabric
new and off the roll, it would still not cost much more than $10...<b><a href="http://upcycledwardrobecostumeandclothes.blogspot.fr/2016/03/home-made-ball-gown-prom-dress-bridal.html" target="_blank">read more</a></b></div>
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<span class="st">© 2016 Sue Cross</span>
Pavlovafowlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11578592110340773950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3003169388435904986.post-22731450288326175382016-03-14T16:03:00.001+01:002016-03-15T14:16:20.523+01:00Home-made jewelled tiara, shoe clips, bracelets & wrap. Bridal, Ball, Prom & Party Accessories<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">These are the extras I made to go with the evening gown, bridal, prom dress or party frock I wrote of in my previous post. If you have just landed on this page and haven't read the latter then you might want to go back and read about it <b><a href="http://upcycledwardrobecostumeandclothes.blogspot.fr/2016/03/home-made-ball-gown-prom-dress-bridal.html">here </a></b>as it also contains the tutorial on how to make the fabric flowers for the tiara, shoe clips and ribbon bracelets. I am mainly using repurposed materials and at very little cost.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeseplflZo5q2yAzmAHDNv-2rGrCKwk2vNM9q2rKzbgATEq6jnK5icCiEzkKytKQg-FBJTUdmI8OiMiXlt8rfZCW1bI2qyIFEYfnJ-XD1rKc3p1a0tU2se6pPjaciVeFHEszv8L_j9Ef8/s1600/IMG_9622BLOG.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="How to make a beaded tiara - refashioned recuperated material" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeseplflZo5q2yAzmAHDNv-2rGrCKwk2vNM9q2rKzbgATEq6jnK5icCiEzkKytKQg-FBJTUdmI8OiMiXlt8rfZCW1bI2qyIFEYfnJ-XD1rKc3p1a0tU2se6pPjaciVeFHEszv8L_j9Ef8/s640/IMG_9622BLOG.JPG" title="beaded tiara" width="640" /></a> <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg5RWHlOmfZZ6q0FS670LvqNVG5GINhhPBDjrog3st6aIyZts3Sb8hZKWpRQwTsxJy-v-mRITgpOvVaJkFhkGn_ggF-WXS4pV7pVZLUySO-2KSA8C_hIyw5F9mt2dRCGmnoOn8zW6vUKI/s1600/Elsa+in+Mirror.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="actress wearing a refashioned beaded tiara" border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg5RWHlOmfZZ6q0FS670LvqNVG5GINhhPBDjrog3st6aIyZts3Sb8hZKWpRQwTsxJy-v-mRITgpOvVaJkFhkGn_ggF-WXS4pV7pVZLUySO-2KSA8C_hIyw5F9mt2dRCGmnoOn8zW6vUKI/s400/Elsa+in+Mirror.png" title="beaded tiara on set" width="400" /></a>Rebecca Tierney as Elsa, the Magic Maiden, in a scene from <i>The Golden Goblet </i>wearing the tiara. It is formed on a cushion, like an old European crown and the hair goes up through the centre. It also can give a trompe l'oeil effect of a bun with a tiara on top. <br />
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<a href="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/ea/cc/57/eacc578245655b162af2ad555354f757.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/ea/cc/57/eacc578245655b162af2ad555354f757.jpg" width="158" /></a></div>
Thus if you have short hair but want to have a different look, you can
achieve it by pulling your hair back à la Holly Golightly. As I wrote in my previous post this ensemble was made on a very limited budget for a film company, with the whole costume, dress and accessories, costing around 10 Euros/dollars/pounds. The tiara in fact was made for very little, being mostly upcycled cheap or old broken jewellery. As with the dress, the cost is in the time taken in the design and creation.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Tiara Design, Inspiration and Materials</span></h2>
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<a href="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/cf/54/1f/cf541fcca4fc29cfaec6339dc5c4ff4b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/cf/54/1f/cf541fcca4fc29cfaec6339dc5c4ff4b.jpg" width="171" /></a></div>
<a href="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/36/ab/ca/36abca8bfe2a0b64869712c3342d638a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/36/ab/ca/36abca8bfe2a0b64869712c3342d638a.jpg" width="170" /></a>I was asked to make a golden crown for the character of Elsa and I toyed with the idea of using fabric (in this case lace) and a PVA glue and paint mixture. I had used this method before when making hundreds of fabric roses for a department store window display. However, as this was to move and be affixed to an actress's head rather than be immobile, I thought I should make something along the line of a royal crown, complete with faux ermine band and half-arches of 'gems'. The design on the left is by Dior. I also wanted to continue my original inspiration of the swan and the ballet and create something delicate and filigree in nature. The crown above right is interestingly a Wedding cake topper made of rhinestones!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWDJxLY_gHBdIU-s7ommyTfMb-g6wi2fzZBK5DHjjFyWrjLwYhbDqhyqMK9bzT1Xtm_mtjJRGkllOp9s0I7wiCbKX9xkesnpmg4RHSnQ0xQycBjlY1TSolZz7CcdBnEMhKAsVW6tNUClg/s1600/IMG_1485BLOG.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWDJxLY_gHBdIU-s7ommyTfMb-g6wi2fzZBK5DHjjFyWrjLwYhbDqhyqMK9bzT1Xtm_mtjJRGkllOp9s0I7wiCbKX9xkesnpmg4RHSnQ0xQycBjlY1TSolZz7CcdBnEMhKAsVW6tNUClg/s320/IMG_1485BLOG.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
The materials I used were; for the band, a left over scrap of faux fur from a hat I had made. For the crown I used various bits of broken necklaces, beads and buttons recuperated from a defunct Primark beaded cardigan, a very ugly late 50's beaded bodice and a contemporary chain and bead belt my cousin had given me. I also had some feathers from a Christmas garland. I used quite a fine gauge of jeweller's grade brass/bronze wire, which meant that I could finish my tiara with some tear drop beads which would move and shimmer suspended from the visible fine wire, with a pleasing effect. Using gold or silver coloured wire allows for a filigree tiara, where the wire looks like an integral part of a golden or platinum/silver crown!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Tiara Construction</span></h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaqGn68NaCGVW9GyLLXNUbZlGzS4uMXKKlB_Ya9i_wXF7SYlzMybGfh2p_BDz-MKZzUvquOz8_yD7yxi8lFIXLego-fIszODSxpswWjNuO2z_frzWZ8NvL5byfKPsMfmFanTgu8tGcLWw/s1600/IMG_8979crop.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaqGn68NaCGVW9GyLLXNUbZlGzS4uMXKKlB_Ya9i_wXF7SYlzMybGfh2p_BDz-MKZzUvquOz8_yD7yxi8lFIXLego-fIszODSxpswWjNuO2z_frzWZ8NvL5byfKPsMfmFanTgu8tGcLWw/s400/IMG_8979crop.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
I started by getting all my 'gems' sorted and where needed, broken down into individual elements. I also used what I had available to plan my design, rather than the other way round. I began by sorting out the main signature beads and the spacers I needed to make the circlet and then working out how many beads and in what combinations I needed to finish the remainder of the tiara. I had decided to create my circlet or base, out of the beaded belt previously mentioned and then build onto that five crown half-arches which would finish in my tear drop beads at the top. It is much better to plan how many and of what you need first, rather than work the tiara out as you go along and then find yourself short of key elements! In effect, I had more beads than I needed laid out for use, just in case. As I was breaking up a chain belt, I also had a handy pair of long-nosed pliers to help open up the links.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkISvFq0NZ3_AgWMQGReev6CEFqcCtVVTS7s_lebkZ9UAi3BnXa7pOhrQgad0mWUKHlPLNifxMAYYdM_o3EZs1q4DVxbc0n97Rjee9P8ZMTED1d9L6598woEkbmZj1P53NEOJkkUFToEE/s1600/IMG_9515BLOG.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkISvFq0NZ3_AgWMQGReev6CEFqcCtVVTS7s_lebkZ9UAi3BnXa7pOhrQgad0mWUKHlPLNifxMAYYdM_o3EZs1q4DVxbc0n97Rjee9P8ZMTED1d9L6598woEkbmZj1P53NEOJkkUFToEE/s200/IMG_9515BLOG.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
The circlet was created from six strands of wire to make a good strong band, I checked to make sure that all the beads would thread through this. I also verified that the five amber beads, which formed the base of each half-arch, could be threaded with an additional strand of wire. I worked out how much wire I would need to make the half-arches and cut that in readiness, five single thickness lengths in all. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGjvXMsmsBFTTd4CfVFc7EdFFT0BWONQcN9P43f2vZdKZ5SdD3aTLb4VmWPH8fT3Jwq4mgio6gdZQS-0b53c1-M-gL6e9-74LLnSC7XwSrOsYHLGpbtOn4UuWm879F6394ehyNYzxH6tw/s1600/IMG_9516BLOG.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGjvXMsmsBFTTd4CfVFc7EdFFT0BWONQcN9P43f2vZdKZ5SdD3aTLb4VmWPH8fT3Jwq4mgio6gdZQS-0b53c1-M-gL6e9-74LLnSC7XwSrOsYHLGpbtOn4UuWm879F6394ehyNYzxH6tw/s320/IMG_9516BLOG.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I designed more symmetry into the tiara to contrast with the total asymmetry of the dress. I also wanted a graduation of dark to light within my crown, so was using a scale of amber and gunmetal colours, following up to crystal and amethyst. To help with the illusion, I chose beads to mimic the colour of real gem stones and of course, pearls! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEgiPcllZlWUBQOQaExZsRU7lOrZH_31wPyBrb3feGI3DbBlMyCxb3jRm53tYIQs8UbUD0UKsFhzy8yj1VspKogFZLKdUOlVz7uMFEXgK1sKwxAy2GTA8AVrLMAF_yQ_Uu9RaOEVJHa14/s1600/IMG_9518BLOG.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="making a circlet for a tiara" border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEgiPcllZlWUBQOQaExZsRU7lOrZH_31wPyBrb3feGI3DbBlMyCxb3jRm53tYIQs8UbUD0UKsFhzy8yj1VspKogFZLKdUOlVz7uMFEXgK1sKwxAy2GTA8AVrLMAF_yQ_Uu9RaOEVJHa14/s400/IMG_9518BLOG.JPG" title="work in progress circlet" width="400" /></a></div>
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I could now go ahead and form my circlet and then set up my wires, ready to create the half-arches of the crown.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcN3O9VFvZ8lVIPsH-4f8tdwhRpJKdb0oa8rHovnhtD1zCfaxis2fLru6lKaHBryO2rYwpqLPlfPTClikNyPjJ2vVbnKf3UxH_IqlFPwiteaPWFc6Hj6UKDgXV6dOG5EqswfT-RwbjsSo/s1600/IMG_9556BLOG.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcN3O9VFvZ8lVIPsH-4f8tdwhRpJKdb0oa8rHovnhtD1zCfaxis2fLru6lKaHBryO2rYwpqLPlfPTClikNyPjJ2vVbnKf3UxH_IqlFPwiteaPWFc6Hj6UKDgXV6dOG5EqswfT-RwbjsSo/s320/IMG_9556BLOG.JPG" width="320" /></a>
With this now complete I went on to construct the faux fur band. I measured the circumference of my circlet and then worked out the rectangular piece of fabric I needed.<br />
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With right sides together, I sewed this at one end and down the main seam and then turned it inside out.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDyfqKhWao8cFjlyI19cq-W3AFnQoLvRxSWVFNi4OmjspfzLol3NR4oYunEgAmmAe7rfxoDG6voKy1FCHmWO1P0TkMC_MAiu4_1n3eqHzXIweSLGxqLE11kdVFCJJuvwA1cf_Yb6QaK2I/s1600/IMG_9552BLOG.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDyfqKhWao8cFjlyI19cq-W3AFnQoLvRxSWVFNi4OmjspfzLol3NR4oYunEgAmmAe7rfxoDG6voKy1FCHmWO1P0TkMC_MAiu4_1n3eqHzXIweSLGxqLE11kdVFCJJuvwA1cf_Yb6QaK2I/s200/IMG_9552BLOG.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
Using a handy wooden chopstick, I stuffed this tube with all the bits of fabric I had left over from my fabric flowers.<br />
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I then finished it off by adding a Mediaeval touch by winding some gold filigree and beads or rather a piece off one of the strands of the Christmas ribbon I had purchased in a final 'everything must go' sale.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbm-uBJsOd2ebLBRV0_WgYnos5Kau5KE5lzk8wPFUTeuvWxiAY2M1P3zK9lOYWcchbiJqOhg-HLVMd-_N4e9gYf5QA8-O6S9ROjZxnvaDCeai-7Ij4bdmc8ssim8eMIckFypFiY0Hqxbs/s1600/IMG_9562BLOG.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="how to make a tiara - faux ermine band" border="0" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbm-uBJsOd2ebLBRV0_WgYnos5Kau5KE5lzk8wPFUTeuvWxiAY2M1P3zK9lOYWcchbiJqOhg-HLVMd-_N4e9gYf5QA8-O6S9ROjZxnvaDCeai-7Ij4bdmc8ssim8eMIckFypFiY0Hqxbs/s320/IMG_9562BLOG.JPG" title="Faux ermine band" width="320" /></a></div>
This also meant that I would then have a handy anchor to affix my feathers and flowers.<br />
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I then folded in and sewed the two ends of the tube together to form my crown band.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYUy6N-WPNmcNwaJM2dQq-mLlfYqkLiZtx6mJAgKnZy8zjCj-gIheVRW-giRgVvtjsh-NkIGTjvRtYfGoG5GmHXwDBKQ7KVGitLbR8QE0nNjDbbqB0IqL9aPQUxRI9KuWwihMeUq_9vng/s1600/IMG_9519BLOG.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="How to make a beaded tiara from recuperated materials" border="0" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYUy6N-WPNmcNwaJM2dQq-mLlfYqkLiZtx6mJAgKnZy8zjCj-gIheVRW-giRgVvtjsh-NkIGTjvRtYfGoG5GmHXwDBKQ7KVGitLbR8QE0nNjDbbqB0IqL9aPQUxRI9KuWwihMeUq_9vng/s320/IMG_9519BLOG.JPG" title="building crown" width="320" /></a></div>
I now started to work on the half-arches of my tiara, it is an idea to keep
the wire reasonably taut and you can achieve this in your design by
having certain key fastening points such as I did with a pearlised button. However, just by twisting the two wires together you can also keep your design in place.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMnLLrhqz5r-G8xRcxZUsrizOpe2IslfsVPqO1eTx9ATrkE_wlEPGavWEkXUezWMcbVXDLZNkNV0YifUcQ0Cvdv0FR6ScMrbJZXF3VxhzqgbjkgMya_56aSVklxV1WdH-adhPyjlOs23E/s1600/IMG_9560BLOG.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="How to make a beaded tiara from recuperated materials" border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMnLLrhqz5r-G8xRcxZUsrizOpe2IslfsVPqO1eTx9ATrkE_wlEPGavWEkXUezWMcbVXDLZNkNV0YifUcQ0Cvdv0FR6ScMrbJZXF3VxhzqgbjkgMya_56aSVklxV1WdH-adhPyjlOs23E/s320/IMG_9560BLOG.JPG" title="almost finished beading" width="320" /></a></div>
Don't worry if it moves out of line as you are working on it and building the half-arches. Part way through, mine began to resemble rather colourful spaghetti. However, as long as the wires are kept taut, the tiara will pull itself 'square' at the finish.<br />
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I then built up the rest of my design, using the 'ermine' band as a touchstone to check how the finished tiara would look.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh97d7Ff849xQCedSXBUyIdQE4-5WeGup2foRmbXCbr1T15IeCLGiJkndqHu4UGTLhF32zng3GSMGhOhRNTvgi42HzU9R8ME546mjw42VGERzrrEgeBour3xX9OGAeGED6yikOYmdbCj3s/s1600/IMG_9579BLOG.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="How to make a beaded tiara from recuperated materials" border="0" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh97d7Ff849xQCedSXBUyIdQE4-5WeGup2foRmbXCbr1T15IeCLGiJkndqHu4UGTLhF32zng3GSMGhOhRNTvgi42HzU9R8ME546mjw42VGERzrrEgeBour3xX9OGAeGED6yikOYmdbCj3s/s320/IMG_9579BLOG.JPG" title="top of the tiara" width="320" /></a></div>
I finished off the top of the tiara with my tear drop beads, twisting the wire that held each of these beads into a large loop to allow for movement. I was then ready to sew the circlet on to the 'ermine' band. This was then decorated with two fabric flowers and two faux swan's feathers from a Christmas garland.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDfHvIN_oMKH4qciUt90qLxpzkjrHgUWso-lkBLVKKPbFvNfnAOQUOvUc6QVkOngTjZEeU4i4frcjQpwICAm2TpmO3JJw7XMwnOSpbnJUsDR63nSGVFIL6xJxLzGSOxRL9Wvra21Lrwx4/s1600/Screenshot+from+The+Golden+Goblet.mp4+-+11.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Actress wearing beaded tiara from recuperated materials" border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDfHvIN_oMKH4qciUt90qLxpzkjrHgUWso-lkBLVKKPbFvNfnAOQUOvUc6QVkOngTjZEeU4i4frcjQpwICAm2TpmO3JJw7XMwnOSpbnJUsDR63nSGVFIL6xJxLzGSOxRL9Wvra21Lrwx4/s640/Screenshot+from+The+Golden+Goblet.mp4+-+11.png" title="on set" width="640" /></a></div>
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If you are making this as a present, or as I was sending it through the post, or even just putting it away after you have worn it, it is a good idea to stuff the inside of the crown with tissue paper to keep everything in place. Most vintage, costume jewellery tiaras I have come across have suffered badly from 'metal fatigue' by being repeatedly crushed and then formed back into place.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Wrap</span></h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfnO8DhGdih-noncl2aZaT_-8UXVjT09bdRWZLoi1RNDvrz7I8Uese_bs4JdJYuKyFeGeaM2HXyV7QDd42FEtSkbeoBXpz4BKTaFswiYTsy5OTnehFc6CZwzfGGTY3Nivdb3bLXityNXs/s1600/IMG_9584BLOG.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfnO8DhGdih-noncl2aZaT_-8UXVjT09bdRWZLoi1RNDvrz7I8Uese_bs4JdJYuKyFeGeaM2HXyV7QDd42FEtSkbeoBXpz4BKTaFswiYTsy5OTnehFc6CZwzfGGTY3Nivdb3bLXityNXs/s200/IMG_9584BLOG.JPG" width="133" /></a></div>
I chose a piece of spider web tulle, I just bought a half metre for a couple of Euros and then drew the ends together and finished each with a tassel from my cut price Christmas decorations. This looked really delicate on film but might look too garish for a wedding or party, however there are some really fine sequinned tulles which would work perfectly with the gown and I also made a wrap for my own wedding with a piece of devoré velvet. The great thing about wraps or stoles is that you need so little fabric you can actually get some really good quality fabrics for a few dollars/pounds/euros.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Shoe Clips and Ribbon Bracelets </span></h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG7HM5zketM9mKY-di6aiPUArE0CHfPda7Y4_wBr_osWmd437UCtiRApoHg8f5vJ8KLR-iP3Mtk5DRnBJpLO_Lt4aB-mTXF-5MRtciDztWLiM21Z9yiB0tk_V51gm_qCGAxHdh1cH1_no/s1600/IMG_9434BLOG.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="shoe clips made from recuperated materials and scraps" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG7HM5zketM9mKY-di6aiPUArE0CHfPda7Y4_wBr_osWmd437UCtiRApoHg8f5vJ8KLR-iP3Mtk5DRnBJpLO_Lt4aB-mTXF-5MRtciDztWLiM21Z9yiB0tk_V51gm_qCGAxHdh1cH1_no/s640/IMG_9434BLOG.JPG" title="shoe clips" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-2wF6AzKunLNqj1W1s6Kh0NYxO7KKJTTmYib3ST0Gk-VlTiPe2_KavTIuAh_SLCVVXTGx010E6McNxErSWUGfMJCGggUI51SjkEqpUZcRY2dx-rXJTRs-aKGSEenslVJ1twM3vjKrzUE/s1600/IMG_9420BLOG.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="flower bracelet refashioning project" border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-2wF6AzKunLNqj1W1s6Kh0NYxO7KKJTTmYib3ST0Gk-VlTiPe2_KavTIuAh_SLCVVXTGx010E6McNxErSWUGfMJCGggUI51SjkEqpUZcRY2dx-rXJTRs-aKGSEenslVJ1twM3vjKrzUE/s320/IMG_9420BLOG.JPG" title="flower bracelet" width="320" /></a></div>
The shoe clips were based on pairs of 'angel wings' I bought in the last day of sale Christmas decoration bonanza and two more 'swan' feathers from a garland. I made two sets, one for Elsa and one for the Faerie Queen. I simply added a fabric flower to each and they were sewn on to the ballet shoes in Scotland. The flowers were also used to make simple ribbon bracelets, I had first seen these in France many years ago at a friend's wedding where she had them made up in the heavy silk of her wedding dress. She gave me one to wear later at my own wedding as my 'something borrowed'.<br />
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Sometimes it does us good to have a little whimsy in our lives and even if I don't go out to feed the chickens in my tiara, well perhaps that's because I just can't be bothered to make the effort. Who's to say though that sometime in the future, I just might.<br />
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If you have enjoyed this piece and found it useful think about sharing it and also about joining this blog to be assured of new posts.<br />
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Above, Deborah, Duchess of Devonshire feeding her chickens in a ball gown. Photographed in 1995.</div>
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Please also feel free to ask questions or make comments in the section below.<br />
All the very best,<br />
Sue
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Thanks for Pinterest board images</div>
- In order of appearance: arts-wallpapers.com, r1ma.blogspot.com, decoratingstudio.com and sotherbys.com<br />
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You can find these and more on my Pinterest board: <b><a href="https://fr.pinterest.com/pavlovafowl/inspiration-for-costumes/">Inspiration for Costume</a> </b><br />
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<span class="st">© 2016 Sue Cross</span>
Pavlovafowlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11578592110340773950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3003169388435904986.post-90248007033843209772016-03-07T16:13:00.001+01:002016-03-18T12:57:41.416+01:00Home-made Ball gown, Prom dress, Bridal or Party frock for pennies including accessories<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Well maybe not quite pennies but it's very cheap for what you get, a unique piece of wearable Arts and Craft. Even if you had to buy all the fabric new and off the roll, it would still not cost much more than 10 Euros/Dollars/Pounds. It was originally designed and made for a small independent film company with a minuscule budget. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">T</span>he brief was for a golden ball gown, <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">thus,</span> a real challenge to make on <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">such limited funds but <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">inspired <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">me in my quest <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">to </span></span></span>refashion!</span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMrOgODzx72FozoBROE8L7oqQtGQaHkonjgouf1JOgGpBkCGw5RRbgyYPDiqxeVwdaemL_nWnQldAFtUERVTMzpuEEWZWZoHiYLxH8TfUOh9_TKfweA-VZNCbgyMY64tpvxvnw0d2rydE/s1600/Elsa1Screenshot+from+The+Golden+Goblet.mp4.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Film costume made from cheap lining fabric" border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMrOgODzx72FozoBROE8L7oqQtGQaHkonjgouf1JOgGpBkCGw5RRbgyYPDiqxeVwdaemL_nWnQldAFtUERVTMzpuEEWZWZoHiYLxH8TfUOh9_TKfweA-VZNCbgyMY64tpvxvnw0d2rydE/s640/Elsa1Screenshot+from+The+Golden+Goblet.mp4.png" title="Fairy gown on set" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQBIUPv_J3mbiSM0ZQOcheRwVSHSMArsj0ZWPJ-ix85WApPDiHsHII8QxjvRdjPtDUxdkGFEYHk8QoJayJMPeXujupYvdlz17Lie6HDih5EJXRm_AU6Tucy4GUajrUXGkGPncin31ku40/s1600/ElsaSTART2cropa.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQBIUPv_J3mbiSM0ZQOcheRwVSHSMArsj0ZWPJ-ix85WApPDiHsHII8QxjvRdjPtDUxdkGFEYHk8QoJayJMPeXujupYvdlz17Lie6HDih5EJXRm_AU6Tucy4GUajrUXGkGPncin31ku40/s400/ElsaSTART2cropa.JPG" width="315" /></a>Elsa 'the Magic Maiden', played by Rebecca Tierney, in two scenes from 'The Golden Goblet. </div>
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The major outlay for this frock is time, that is the labour (and fun) involved in creating it. The material I used was low-end lining fabric and what might be classed as cheap but very cheerful organza and tulle. So, lots of sparkle and not much solid substance but ironically the decorated appliqué sections of this gown can not be made with anything but light-weight, artificial fabrics. I also liked the wispy look of the final ensemble - it had an ethereal quality which so suits a special occasion, it should be magical.<br />
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<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">Inspiration</span></h2>
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<a href="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/d0/2f/5a/d02f5ac1498339beb528381af12cac0b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/d0/2f/5a/d02f5ac1498339beb528381af12cac0b.jpg" width="186" /></a></div>
<a href="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/9b/ec/59/9bec5929b3e0a0493e0b9581c9482288.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/9b/ec/59/9bec5929b3e0a0493e0b9581c9482288.jpg" width="150" /></a>As this dress was originally a film costume, I had some mood boards from the director but I was given free reign as to design. One of the ideas we discussed was to base each character around a wild creature animal/bird. For Elsa I chose the swan and I also wanted to explore the ballet theme as I knew there was a short section in the film. Although I had the design ideas in my head, I also wanted to add to it with some classical and historical references, so I set up a Pinterest board (link at the end). As an added bonus I also found some interesting tutorials on making artificial flowers.<br />
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Left is the oil painting 'Mademoiselle' (1876) by Gustave Jean Jacquet. Right is the <i>Dying Swan</i> costume worn by Anna Pavlova in the four minute ballet choreographed by Mikhail Fokine and first performed in St Petersburg in 1905. It was captured on film in 1925 and is on YouTube! <br />
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<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">How much fabric, where to source it and the embellishments</span></h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHzGh8FUclcnfJ69HaVPFn3mCnp-in6nCpvszJVsE6gGefogOcaLoLS_vQQBhYpH6anuiWvp-Km2mOfEyIa_kKVALkSSuORFjVGQ7jYgWP1GOQDsl23pRg57CM2UVcm8B9u3x9lpwbLig/s1600/11154652_352187958317555_1050520210301087742_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Fairy costumes made from refashioned fabrics and accessories" border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHzGh8FUclcnfJ69HaVPFn3mCnp-in6nCpvszJVsE6gGefogOcaLoLS_vQQBhYpH6anuiWvp-Km2mOfEyIa_kKVALkSSuORFjVGQ7jYgWP1GOQDsl23pRg57CM2UVcm8B9u3x9lpwbLig/s320/11154652_352187958317555_1050520210301087742_o.jpg" title="on set" width="320" /></a></div>
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For this dress, which was made for a size 6/8 UK, (US 4/6), I bought 3 metres
of lining fabric and half a metre of organza to make the fabric
flowers, plus half a metre of gold metallic 'spider web' tulle for the
wrap. By the time I had finished there was nothing left but 'tippets for
mice'. However, I did manage to make a matching doll's costume to fit with the
doppelgänger plot of the film and I stuffed the tiara with all the tiny remnants I could find. (More of this later). In general for a long shift dress you will need enough chiffon to go twice around yourself. This to allow for a skirt that gathers well at the waist and doesn't look as if you skimped on fabric. If the chiffon is sold in short widths, as will be the case for sari scarf material, then you can do as I did and make 2 tiers of fabric. I also wanted the rich gold lining fabric of the skirt to show through when the light was on it, thus turning what was essentially a very modern and artificial looking fabric into something more subtle and interesting. The gown above on the left, I refashioned from an embroidered silk dress I had made and worn myself at a wedding. It was a Georgian style, A-line and fitted well with the Estonian influenced Faerie Queen, played by Kerry Browne.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiStFJa10RgWXpflHNIIHcUoYM0XW_RPqmmi4lbcnX55bVZJJgPopw_SCxMFLlBG0LzqunZ6sLu60ax0qpjV8QXsMRXYXs-MtqpcfqGJHdmtbUusSwzNJPOskk7yTdcBtvolmIf7FxGVe4/s1600/Elsa+Fabric.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiStFJa10RgWXpflHNIIHcUoYM0XW_RPqmmi4lbcnX55bVZJJgPopw_SCxMFLlBG0LzqunZ6sLu60ax0qpjV8QXsMRXYXs-MtqpcfqGJHdmtbUusSwzNJPOskk7yTdcBtvolmIf7FxGVe4/s400/Elsa+Fabric.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Many pieces of dress lining fabrics end up in the remnant bin, so its worth a search through. However, even sold from cut lengths or a roll they usually cost less than one Euro/dollar/pound a yard or metre. In fact, I just checked and there are two meters of champagne coloured (old gold) fabric identical to the one I used, going now on-line for 99p (just over a dollar) a metre, which is the same price I paid. Small bridal shops, i.e., those that make, refashion or do alterations, are great places for remnants of lining and similar fabric.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-KSMDMvgYYnboT7AIXfXQaRJmw-BCLWAvXDG91w-Xvmj6nF1YWgWcQkDjsWP7LO11vlDoF9eqpa2EWsbGt4XrWnZTJLylVM-PvnTQ7sY5TKq6pAa1QKl-kUfe-obnGyzgtfYe1HKTV6E/s1600/IMG_9128BLOG.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-KSMDMvgYYnboT7AIXfXQaRJmw-BCLWAvXDG91w-Xvmj6nF1YWgWcQkDjsWP7LO11vlDoF9eqpa2EWsbGt4XrWnZTJLylVM-PvnTQ7sY5TKq6pAa1QKl-kUfe-obnGyzgtfYe1HKTV6E/s400/IMG_9128BLOG.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
The chiffon I bought at a jumble sale/yard sale in the U.K., it was a half-finished home-made petticoat for a fifties style dress and cost me 50p but you can pick up chiffon for just a few Euros/Pounds/Dollars. I did check again and there are 2 yards of wedding chiffon (60 inches wide) going on-line at the moment for just below 4 dollars. Chiffon can also be sourced very cheaply and in wonderful colours at Indian sari fabric shops, some of this fabric is even fine silk and if you are lucky, as I was when I lived in the West Midlands, you can also find vintage scarf lengths in the rag markets. The rest of the materials I used were ex-Christmas stock, ribbons, garlands, tassels and feathers, bought in the first months of the year. I got some really superb quality and truly for pennies in a 70% off and then a further 50% off, sale. These were often 3 ply so each component, metallic thread, ribbon and beads made a separate usable element. It pays to shop around and if you miss the sale at the original store, the same bargains will end up at Easter in the discount/thrift shop! Last but not least, broken and/or discarded costume jewellery. I get given a lot of this but even if you have to buy it new, you can pick up some really nice pieces, which of themselves may look cheap and cheerful plastic. However, by the time you've refashioned them, will at least look like glass, if not quite semi-precious! I particularly liked these metal bead caps, which I opened out to make the centres of my flowers. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCRCGFZZxBwBjoDvEkpXtw0DPkt-_Ond4afxRXmP3RoRIWJ5VyNeNKAFH30bz-nQh_eKOKtOD_thRAIrl-tSA0x2TLe_a6-fNAcBrPiYEwTEasMBywezowngQDC1PMoBv4MIbdNf0MJP0/s1600/Jewels.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="refashioning broken jewellery " border="0" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCRCGFZZxBwBjoDvEkpXtw0DPkt-_Ond4afxRXmP3RoRIWJ5VyNeNKAFH30bz-nQh_eKOKtOD_thRAIrl-tSA0x2TLe_a6-fNAcBrPiYEwTEasMBywezowngQDC1PMoBv4MIbdNf0MJP0/s640/Jewels.JPG" title="second life " width="640" /></a></div>
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<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">Cutting out the Bodice and Planning the Fabric Flowers</span></h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsD8eu_5Ik4MmuY1qOIca-57SDTlTaAsrFxpY1iLP7pHl8huEvODPE5eH7-pTzFiPBWN3TiB-zPN1yb0Gh6t2YlmSfmNt8wG1zcL5pRyFEICtqnsLZd6wBV6ux9Zr1ah0HjO16bJphhKM/s1600/IMG_9615BLOG2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="fabric flowers refashioned from broken jewellery" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsD8eu_5Ik4MmuY1qOIca-57SDTlTaAsrFxpY1iLP7pHl8huEvODPE5eH7-pTzFiPBWN3TiB-zPN1yb0Gh6t2YlmSfmNt8wG1zcL5pRyFEICtqnsLZd6wBV6ux9Zr1ah0HjO16bJphhKM/s400/IMG_9615BLOG2.JPG" title="work in progress" width="266" /></a>We're going to start with making the flowers, as these are to be sewn onto the bodice early in the process. This way all the workings will be neatly hidden in the lining of the bodice. If you are creating this gown for yourself, then you are going to need a dress form of some sort to make it and I include below a link to our own pallet wood adjustable dummy. There are also some great 'how tos' for simple duct tape and paper dress forms on-line. Even if you can try the garment on a live model, they will still have to be very patient as you need to keep checking how the bodice is lying. This is because of my use of the technique of fabric manipulation to create a sculptured line around the figure. It also is much easier to work using a form, particularly with embellishments, so as to see how and where they should be placed. Furthermore, it makes me feel more professional and gives me the illusion I am Edith Head reincarnated! However, as I was working to a budget and just so as I knew how much fabric I had left to make the flowers I cut out the major pieces of the bodice first.<br />
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Choose a pattern or garment you really like the shape of, I modified the one I had, making it longer at the front and also shaped in a curve to give it a draped look. <br />
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With right sides together, fold the lining fabric in two, lengthways. Pin the pattern for the bodice front to the fabric with the centre line of the bodice to the centre fold of the fabric and cut out, preferably using pinking shears as this fabric frays. <br />
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Cut a second bodice front in the same way, this will be the lining. When you come to put these two pieces right sides together and before sewing up, you will need to pin them carefully avoiding catching the flowers. But it also means that you won't have to bother with facings as the bodice will be fully lined. <br />
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Set aside enough fabric to cut pieces which will be used as inserts between the front and back of your bodice, this will allow you to make a ballet style corset shaped bodice. It also allows for any loss of width incurred in the fabric manipulation. You should leave enough fabric for two straight pieces each measuring double length of the side seams of the bodice and of a width of around 10cm (4"). These are to be folded in two lengthways and sewn together along one short seam and the longest seam and then turned right sides out. This will then be folded over and made narrower or wider to create the fitted bodice. If you look at the above picture of this piece made up you will get the idea.<br />
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Cut out the pieces for the back, (I'm cutting all four at once here) with the centre back, where you will put the zip, placed in line with the selvedge. I needed to cut an extra allowance to allow for the fact that I was using a tunic pattern so had to add a seam allowance for the zip. </div>
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Press all these pieces of fabric under a piece of linen using a steam iron or by dampening the linen cloth.<br />
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<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">Making the fabric flowers</span></h2>
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I used the remaining pieces of the champagne coloured lining fabric, a little amount cut off my gold lining fabric and the organza I had bought to make the flowers. I started by cutting out rough circles of fabric in various sizes. I used pinking shears both to prevent initial fraying but also to make a natural shaped edge to my petals. You can cut several thicknesses at once if you want to achieve flowers of similar size.<br />
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I then snipped inward across the fabric vaguely toward the centre of the 'flower' and from five fairly equidistant points on the circumference of the circle, in this way you are creating five separate and non-symmetrical petals. The longer the cut, the more your petal will curl inwards, so as I wanted several layers of petals on each flower, I varied the length of my cut on each circle. However, there is no problem with being precise about this, Nature isn't after all and any 'mistakes' can be hidden by another layer of petals.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpcykhH9ar8FpQBeifoktw_C4D_d5rDv2fiu2S83GPHArsuYeKLTrsqCsDhShfuE8rhC3N8DJjBuVFVKULb_iPn-qzaDzXXsRJMAiGvHC_-ddI3YCn7iWH9sKJ9xis7f9ASvW738PEhXw/s1600/IMG_9039BLOG.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpcykhH9ar8FpQBeifoktw_C4D_d5rDv2fiu2S83GPHArsuYeKLTrsqCsDhShfuE8rhC3N8DJjBuVFVKULb_iPn-qzaDzXXsRJMAiGvHC_-ddI3YCn7iWH9sKJ9xis7f9ASvW738PEhXw/s640/IMG_9039BLOG.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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This is the clever part, using a candle I now held the edges of the fabric close to the heat of the flame for just a moment and I rotated the circles to get an even heat. If you are worried about this you can hold the fabric circle with a wooden clothes peg or a pair of metal tweezers and you obviously need to be cautious when using a naked flame, so clear away all other flammable material from the vicinity. I also had a bowl of cold water near at hand in case of conflagration. This is why the fabric needs to be artificial, the heat melts the material and makes the 'petals' curl inwards in a very pleasing manner. I also left some of my petals in the heat for longer, this actually gave them a change of colour, which I found an added bonus!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1HUyMXHNJ1EKDif1PZI-KtMwUWQCicGHHSVBHpqXvV2-sMZ_sQIRIMwm0CQV4hM0_RmhspLMIE-DMdMCiOCHwYC6brFSh0LSqQNogKGls1qMQZSXXcZB317aNXGtmVXysCAer7qeG9Hg/s1600/IMG_9061BLOG.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1HUyMXHNJ1EKDif1PZI-KtMwUWQCicGHHSVBHpqXvV2-sMZ_sQIRIMwm0CQV4hM0_RmhspLMIE-DMdMCiOCHwYC6brFSh0LSqQNogKGls1qMQZSXXcZB317aNXGtmVXysCAer7qeG9Hg/s640/IMG_9061BLOG.JPG" width="640" /></a>I planned a whole raft of flowers at once, choosing centres and colour combinations. This allowed me to make subtle differences in shading across the gown.</div>
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It is also useful to get all your beads and jewels ready, so that once you are inspired you have everything to hand . I also planned to use pearls as one of my themes in this dress and in particular as part of my fabric manipulation, again I sorted out some darker shades of pearls to add to the sense of movement across the dress.<br />
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<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">Making the Bodice - Fabric Manipulation</span></h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1LWqzHQNEgvi-S_Wwm_vtKlkO3EDxDA1f70sC8WY_dtUy70w1D1iv8C1nejIsoLvOjs2-kett2vfgd6jgzJtUGowjzwT1ouaEnsZF2Tjb5bViOsOSkrLP5JqhO_48lCLCOGKMiDPTbo4/s1600/IMG_9448BLOG.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="using fabric manipulation to create a shaped bodice" border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1LWqzHQNEgvi-S_Wwm_vtKlkO3EDxDA1f70sC8WY_dtUy70w1D1iv8C1nejIsoLvOjs2-kett2vfgd6jgzJtUGowjzwT1ouaEnsZF2Tjb5bViOsOSkrLP5JqhO_48lCLCOGKMiDPTbo4/s320/IMG_9448BLOG.JPG" title="lining material manipulated" width="320" /></a></div>
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I started with pinching the fabric between my finger and thumb and then pinning it in place. I did this by eye rather than measure it because I wanted a natural organic feel rather than a geometrical pattern.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjejEEYNCWdXCdd6WBNoWyhTFL5_30pvXg6oqa-k5r5nz8VuHQHnrnMUKYBLLlZJl_qY6BnJkobS8Kys8o2w3t8fx0LMPfxR2Gcea3aqYccrQjcCg3a23cAm62HPXrAifho-lF3b6o1dqE/s1600/IMG_9451BLOG.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Fabric manipulation on a bodice" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjejEEYNCWdXCdd6WBNoWyhTFL5_30pvXg6oqa-k5r5nz8VuHQHnrnMUKYBLLlZJl_qY6BnJkobS8Kys8o2w3t8fx0LMPfxR2Gcea3aqYccrQjcCg3a23cAm62HPXrAifho-lF3b6o1dqE/s640/IMG_9451BLOG.JPG" title="manipulation" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/b9/c7/36/b9c7360e8e19b4b954f48dd3165a320f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/b9/c7/36/b9c7360e8e19b4b954f48dd3165a320f.jpg" width="213" /></a>I continued to 'pinch and pin' until I had achieved the look I wanted, checking my bodice front against my dummy à la Dior (right). This is why I mentioned before that you either need to make a dress form or have an incredibly patient friend!<br />
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I now sewed one section of tucks in place using pearls and the others using my fabric flowers. I checked the flowers several times, pinning and then viewing them on the dummy. This way I could see how they caught the light when viewed vertically. It's a good idea to make tests using differences in size and nuances of colour to carry the theme of movement and shadow but the main thing is to have fun and make a unique piece!<br />
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Once I was happy with the look of the bodice I sewed everything finally into place and then with right sides together, sewed the second bodice piece, to the manipulated section, leaving the whole bottom of the bodice open, I then turned it and using my thumb and index finger rubbed all along the sewn seams to get a sharp line.<br />
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I then pressed the edges and ran a tacking stitch all along them, so they would remain crisply in place whilst I continued to work on the bodice.<br />
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I then made my two back bodice pieces by sewing each of the previously cut backs, right sides together, leaving the bottom open to enable me to turn them. The two bodice back pieces were then pressed and tacked to maintain shape. I was now able to join them by pinning and sewing a zipper and I covered it using some of my Christmas ribbons and added pearls. I did this because in the film I didn't want any modern fastenings to be obvious. I also added a hook and eye at the top and a bow.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXnU5TeRYhccgTpEfVz0mtRek9uTmJ_8_C-EyBTzc4cCDtGIG5XCkD3b2-br92xt_QaZOgWXJnEi-DRt2grKnz5gkj_AywBdGsHC8Oul-6bg9tLa0PlrYDoRk7gw5l35fgPQNSCUULQ5s/s1600/IMG_9511BLOG.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXnU5TeRYhccgTpEfVz0mtRek9uTmJ_8_C-EyBTzc4cCDtGIG5XCkD3b2-br92xt_QaZOgWXJnEi-DRt2grKnz5gkj_AywBdGsHC8Oul-6bg9tLa0PlrYDoRk7gw5l35fgPQNSCUULQ5s/s400/IMG_9511BLOG.JPG" width="266" /></a>
I was now ready to join my front and back bodice together using my adjustable fillets of fabric, as mentioned above. I pinned and measured it so as to get the corset cum ballet tutu look I wanted for the top. My zip at the back was sewn to continue down into the skirt, thus I could fit my extended bodice to fit snugly at the hip.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3fEgN2bijXJq9y5IIlXQooqDZhhG2y890on7_i0brOmb1ETI2-1_wnfaziUketxizVHg7kO6yzinqPWLksn2Z-vhDt2m5oQEGIEAdWZ4KNyZek5N0AJUis7RDoMXe9Q5vqz2DqdRX8RU/s1600/IMG_9567BLOG.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3fEgN2bijXJq9y5IIlXQooqDZhhG2y890on7_i0brOmb1ETI2-1_wnfaziUketxizVHg7kO6yzinqPWLksn2Z-vhDt2m5oQEGIEAdWZ4KNyZek5N0AJUis7RDoMXe9Q5vqz2DqdRX8RU/s400/IMG_9567BLOG.JPG" width="332" /></a><br />
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I finished the bodice by adding a touch of swan, in the shape of some white feathers I had scavenged from one of my discount Christmas garlands.<br />
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<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">The Skirt</span></h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXGFLHlJ-cA4DGUQpy60iyOngusOpSmY_Kte0ZTbscRUM86nGH7I5nyd1YE5gd1V8OVw1ieapsMd3gozSd9jvl9RIPEbRQ6_33S8OqPUUT3JABgftlEOeBcq59RaBJjKWD6_swA4uSGzw/s1600/IMG_9497BLOG.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXGFLHlJ-cA4DGUQpy60iyOngusOpSmY_Kte0ZTbscRUM86nGH7I5nyd1YE5gd1V8OVw1ieapsMd3gozSd9jvl9RIPEbRQ6_33S8OqPUUT3JABgftlEOeBcq59RaBJjKWD6_swA4uSGzw/s320/IMG_9497BLOG.JPG" width="320" /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjznQSo6vZ1U9DhFx5x1efCL5z-ma_Z2hx_yGPZn8m69A5dlVLaFZOpdl0Wy9YszKbPNrm-0eM3VR8LAev4EUsWFRPIH20WLzRtg_1sz7SWpu_4_fu-s3a_T0nUPoLk5AkYc1f5r2cJelw/s1600/IMG_9513BLOG.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjznQSo6vZ1U9DhFx5x1efCL5z-ma_Z2hx_yGPZn8m69A5dlVLaFZOpdl0Wy9YszKbPNrm-0eM3VR8LAev4EUsWFRPIH20WLzRtg_1sz7SWpu_4_fu-s3a_T0nUPoLk5AkYc1f5r2cJelw/s320/IMG_9513BLOG.JPG" width="115" /></a>This was a very simple long A-line type design with a kick pleat or slit in the back for ease of movement. I cut it from my heavier golden lining fabric. I added to this the unpicked lengths of chiffon from a 1950's half-made, home-made petticoat. I had unfortunately washed this after finding it in a rag market years ago and it had shrunk rather badly but it was ideal for this job. Being silk chiffon, when pinned to the bodice it followed its uneven contour and formed the draped look I wanted. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU5uYK1E3c2SV3xqbr0PerNG9TDv3vKy_nDgq2sOIsJ6Ntp5ocCWs14lSlgKEIC8yo55Q3NsZZ1XPfHCDvEBB08NFHY4LhPJ08n9ZJuaDFzOquL0g8g5CeqCdSNJ3dcP6P-cjk_gDLVgM/s1600/IMG_9537BLOG.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU5uYK1E3c2SV3xqbr0PerNG9TDv3vKy_nDgq2sOIsJ6Ntp5ocCWs14lSlgKEIC8yo55Q3NsZZ1XPfHCDvEBB08NFHY4LhPJ08n9ZJuaDFzOquL0g8g5CeqCdSNJ3dcP6P-cjk_gDLVgM/s320/IMG_9537BLOG.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZpyHrtCLCmleTAgPsZMTseApij_QzwQvGuiAt42_Ox7EU4xzXJVGMmUE8H8m3sPzzkmTk6SSRvkbOaeB_ArmTdltT3rp8v2BhTTuoYrWqhji8zJjthDmn-zDPoWXqj3KIx4og1oYz-f0/s1600/IMG_9610balanced2BLOG.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="how to make an elegant evening gown on a shoestring" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZpyHrtCLCmleTAgPsZMTseApij_QzwQvGuiAt42_Ox7EU4xzXJVGMmUE8H8m3sPzzkmTk6SSRvkbOaeB_ArmTdltT3rp8v2BhTTuoYrWqhji8zJjthDmn-zDPoWXqj3KIx4og1oYz-f0/s400/IMG_9610balanced2BLOG.JPG" title="finished" width="266" /></a>Once I was happy with the look of the skirt and bodice, I hand sewed them together. I had already planned that the flowers should continue down the skirt and had placed flowers along the edge of the bodice. <br />
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The dress was finished and now there were just the accessories to make and they are in the next article <a href="http://upcycledwardrobecostumeandclothes.blogspot.fr/2016/03/home-made-jewelled-tiara-shoe-clips.html"><b>here</b></a>.<br />
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All the very best,</div>
Sue<br />
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<span class="st">Left detail from <i>The Roses of Heliogabalus </i>(1888) by Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema</span><br />
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Thanks for Pinterest board images</div>
- In order of appearance:<br />
impedanceoflocomotion, surlalunefairytails, leboudoirdemademoiselle and the-garden-of-delights.<br />
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You can find these and more on my Pinterest board: <b><a href="https://fr.pinterest.com/pavlovafowl/inspiration-for-costumes/">Inspiration for Costume</a> </b><br />
and there you will also find the original fabric flower tutorial from the Polka Dot Closet.<br />
You can find our project and video on: 'How to make a pallet wood dress form'<b> </b> <b><a href="http://thegreenlever.blogspot.fr/2015/03/pallet-wood-dressmaking-and-display.html#.Vt2O5UJVK1F">here</a></b> <br />
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<span class="st">© 2016 Sue Cross</span>
Pavlovafowlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11578592110340773950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3003169388435904986.post-23062651025043222132016-02-01T20:48:00.001+01:002016-02-02T18:41:36.300+01:00Vintage patchwork unisex jacket from thrift shop hobo shoulder bags <div style="text-align: justify;">
On occasions I have regrets about living in the middle of the French countryside where there is a dearth of theatre, museums, concerts, art galleries and the more prosaic antique, flea and rag markets. Outside of Bath, Cheltenham, London, Manchester and Paris, one of my favourites was Birmingham. It wasn't that this latter had a huge amount of 'stuff', it was just that it had a wonderful treasure trove of what could come under the loose banner of sari fabric. Imagine my delight therefore when I came across several items made from such fabric and vintage to boot, at my local thrift shop.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiebOQ6XiZXMtaz_KGmFalUDhrOxW3OntPAWqKZtwmUlBDWyr4-RnxIWyzI0_Wi4k9USZoHEEhxg1Zcb-POaZ9LLH1NyR5zmT0-TKrcEdthBct1qm8oAetM7Qt_Qb0LuE4X1mE7vUV6lyc/s1600/Grimaldi+on+set.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="hobo bag refashioned - vintage patchwork jacket tutorial" border="0" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiebOQ6XiZXMtaz_KGmFalUDhrOxW3OntPAWqKZtwmUlBDWyr4-RnxIWyzI0_Wi4k9USZoHEEhxg1Zcb-POaZ9LLH1NyR5zmT0-TKrcEdthBct1qm8oAetM7Qt_Qb0LuE4X1mE7vUV6lyc/s640/Grimaldi+on+set.jpg" title="on set" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrlc8Q1HNwS2GtksrY4U28CHG2zh6aFlI1QgN6I_LChri3j0z9HUTEtrOrZBcxss1Bv4cnsYdbFf_Lm92gVUWHtmouhemgSu-vdXBAGk_ZsfrIEZzAB3IaAw0A82W2fGgXHvlWwtmq-Qk/s1600/IMG_9673.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="jacket from refashioned patchwork hobo bag" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrlc8Q1HNwS2GtksrY4U28CHG2zh6aFlI1QgN6I_LChri3j0z9HUTEtrOrZBcxss1Bv4cnsYdbFf_Lm92gVUWHtmouhemgSu-vdXBAGk_ZsfrIEZzAB3IaAw0A82W2fGgXHvlWwtmq-Qk/s400/IMG_9673.JPG" title="Andy' models the magician's costume" width="266" /></a></div>
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I made this jacket for the magician's costume for the film company I was working with. However, it is something I would wear, though possibly minus the feathers, bells and velvet appliqué and in fact I had a hard time convincing myself to send it off! These sort of fabrics are not the kind you often come across here and they cost me so little, just a couple of Euros for each item. I also found a miniskirt too in similar vintage fabric, made by Uttam of London, which I used in making the pantaloons. This same design would also make a great waistcoat.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Background & Influences </span></h2>
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Grimaldi, the magician in the film's narrative is a shadowy, enigmatic figure. All good costume should carry and even enforce information about the character as well as advancing the storyline. I chose the midnight blue velours fabric to contrast the vibrancy of the Indian patchwork, for several reasons. As with Harlequin from the Commedia dell'arte, which I referenced for my costume, the definitions in early theatre of dark and light, good and evil, fool and king, servant and master are often very much blurred. In the theatrical symbol of the double masks of comedy and tragedy, they might be seen, as with the Roman god Janus, to be two sides of but one face. I also wanted to bring in a hint of Pan, with the solid wooden walnut buttons, to tie the mercurial Grimaldi to the Earth. The brash artificiality of the velvet fabric also contrasted strongly with the worn, naturally aged cotton of the patchwork.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrXhyphenhyphend7gSmVAZpboBC17htOkADSdtYYo4FZHHzSqOAB7XKJOOdHjBsg0N_wmDZLh2b9lVLScA8QAS2fb2OAvaNgIuGB5YPpkY5ykmMjMSdHg68zdUYaJKx6UG_TWCZBtKs-XW4O97u2r4/s1600/Grimaldi+head2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Magician's costume from refashioned hobo bag" border="0" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrXhyphenhyphend7gSmVAZpboBC17htOkADSdtYYo4FZHHzSqOAB7XKJOOdHjBsg0N_wmDZLh2b9lVLScA8QAS2fb2OAvaNgIuGB5YPpkY5ykmMjMSdHg68zdUYaJKx6UG_TWCZBtKs-XW4O97u2r4/s200/Grimaldi+head2.png" title="film still of Grimaldi" width="200" /></a><a href="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/78/e8/64/78e86403ae931032a3783236548b98db.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Jester - Victor Nizovtsey" border="0" height="320" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/78/e8/64/78e86403ae931032a3783236548b98db.jpg" title="Inspiration for costume" width="230" /></a>
<a href="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/1c/75/09/1c7509a169be50018b8919721652d567.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Portrait by Pierre-Louis Pierson" border="0" height="200" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/1c/75/09/1c7509a169be50018b8919721652d567.jpg" title="La Castiglione" width="150" /></a></div>
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For my mood board on, which you can find on Pinterest (link at end), I took an eclectic mix of images. Works from painters, such as Victor Nizovtsev, tarot cards, serviettes, jewellery and photography such as Pierre-Louis Pierson's amazingly contemporary-looking portrait La Castiglione taken circa 1863.
For this costume as with the others, there was also a reference from nature, in this case I chose the peacock, a bird associated with the sun and the moon, which is said to have the look of an angel and the voice of a devil. I used actual peacock feather's for Grimaldi's mask (above right). The Peacock is also associated with Argos, the all seeing instrument of the Greek Goddess Hera. When he was slain, she took his hundred eyes and placed them in the tail of the peacock. For this reason perhaps in Europe, unlike within other cultures, peacock feathers are considered unlucky and associated with 'the evil eye' or bad fortune.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_E38kaFldRbz51Zy4zZb5suaxEO2gDvYsLohjufU8g9womtYz6XmTrpDRuzxzsM291Uhjt_qP9TlMniwN6I-jfOHuvKzB_9DXhPvt5SAhrmDH9RQyRTa78z4GPbBZkeop08dxovJU9Dw/s1600/IMG_0884aa.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="68" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_E38kaFldRbz51Zy4zZb5suaxEO2gDvYsLohjufU8g9womtYz6XmTrpDRuzxzsM291Uhjt_qP9TlMniwN6I-jfOHuvKzB_9DXhPvt5SAhrmDH9RQyRTa78z4GPbBZkeop08dxovJU9Dw/s640/IMG_0884aa.JPG" width="640" /></a>
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<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">Design and Construction/Confection</span></h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2_41nysaVVloIsLPYmX5WQineCgPxdUUbiYRTlApk3HscsSHebqwuvHaxpJXY9JVLnyEliEEDDOW5yLna_9TJNNGN0OcCJMFocgGQqi_drZQJnIjdmLLYocpN7izZg_hgnQ6hAkbgeZ4/s1600/IMG_0882a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Vintage indian patchwork hobo bag" border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2_41nysaVVloIsLPYmX5WQineCgPxdUUbiYRTlApk3HscsSHebqwuvHaxpJXY9JVLnyEliEEDDOW5yLna_9TJNNGN0OcCJMFocgGQqi_drZQJnIjdmLLYocpN7izZg_hgnQ6hAkbgeZ4/s320/IMG_0882a.JPG" title="Raw materials" width="320" /></a></div>
I felt both these processes to be very organic because the actual shape of the hobo shoulder bag informed on the design. With its long shoulder strap, half moon opening at the top and square cut base, it cried out 'waistcoat' to me when I dug it out of the bottom of my wardrobe. In fact the jacket just seemed to grow out of the fabric as soon as I opened it up.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigLw_1c1RkRradgyu1TQwbCAoplPQUvFQX9NZRvax0dG7dqqs4ERKaBYzjk7b5qSfs851vD5x4YBtGDzNw7-wP9wH1l6YKAM_EOEUrdnBEidTSHlrHLK5p3ijVUAzy7JhBOey-yi82Fe8/s1600/IMG_0880a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Vintage indian patchwork hobo bag" border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigLw_1c1RkRradgyu1TQwbCAoplPQUvFQX9NZRvax0dG7dqqs4ERKaBYzjk7b5qSfs851vD5x4YBtGDzNw7-wP9wH1l6YKAM_EOEUrdnBEidTSHlrHLK5p3ijVUAzy7JhBOey-yi82Fe8/s320/IMG_0880a.JPG" title="hobo bag ready for unpicking" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh43l8JHYKLjD5rGW2or1GmnOEtsgOrsllQR7Aje67dC0-pnQjhDdDGGX4nMPpdH9ulGkUv4X27hcV7PTRawpfCRKfLJylE6TcgSrS-3uqJHYqFSXPwDgXahC4_DQiYlmF4vp6E-NJak5k/s1600/IMG_9628.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="refashioning a waistcoat or jacket from patchwork hobo bag" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh43l8JHYKLjD5rGW2or1GmnOEtsgOrsllQR7Aje67dC0-pnQjhDdDGGX4nMPpdH9ulGkUv4X27hcV7PTRawpfCRKfLJylE6TcgSrS-3uqJHYqFSXPwDgXahC4_DQiYlmF4vp6E-NJak5k/s400/IMG_9628.JPG" title="cutting fronts and lining" width="263" /></a> </div>
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These patchwork shoulder bags were already lined with a thin dark blue cotton but as I wanted a strongly defined line to my jacket body I removed it. This revealed the interesting original sewing beneath and also gave me a better view of the fabric I had to work with. The actual shape of the shoulder bag, when completely undone and trimmed to size gave me a very close approximation to the shape I wanted, for my jacket front, as you will see from the photo. I also referenced the line of one of Andy's linen waistcoats, which I particularly liked and a 1930's gypsy waistcoat, this can be found on my Pinterest board. I used a thick red felt I bought as a remnant and had used on other projects, to line the front of the jacket. Not only did this reinforce the shape I wanted but also made the jacket exceedingly comfortable to wear.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3cn_Kbkzv-0ZBIWpSGBrzbLqr8I_CktnMle5VC_BNuyzbDOSpNgYBvbFWnZ4HsnFE0Fpk5xJt88JNH7j_0uqxTNqA0Vn1hSrsp5UcI1lQ1LTVllzXqwuz34u9oJLL0zMc7oMkomEEw_4/s1600/IMG_7891.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="vintage indian patchwork jacket tutorial" border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3cn_Kbkzv-0ZBIWpSGBrzbLqr8I_CktnMle5VC_BNuyzbDOSpNgYBvbFWnZ4HsnFE0Fpk5xJt88JNH7j_0uqxTNqA0Vn1hSrsp5UcI1lQ1LTVllzXqwuz34u9oJLL0zMc7oMkomEEw_4/s200/IMG_7891.JPG" title="front of jacket" width="200" /></a>Once I'd decided on the shape of the patchwork piece for the front, I then used it as the pattern to cut the other pieces from <a href="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/99/64/81/99648107d470f127da25b6a0c54cb471.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Venice carnival" border="0" height="200" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/99/64/81/99648107d470f127da25b6a0c54cb471.jpg" title="Carnival costume" width="128" /></a> the velours (right front and the single piece for the back). A word here about this velours fabric. Climb the Ivy Films is a new, small independent company with consequentially a very small budget. This suited me well, as I was intending to refashion most of the costumes and when I needed to buy I bought cheap. France is great for this because many of its fabric shops or should I say emporiums, are like Aladdin's caves. Fabric is often sold in cut lengths, some is end of line, bankruptcy or unwanted orders from other shops. There is also a big tradition of carnival in Europe, with the most famous being Venice. There is thus a wide choice of costume fabric, such as velours, sold in great widths (150cm or 60"), for around 5 Euros (5-ish dollars) a metre. If I was making this jacket again for myself, I would make it either in quality velvet or organic linen. It would also be easier to sew! For Grimaldi though who was a mercurial spirit and to be filmed in low light, the velours was perfect!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR-oxoV-SqsZyH13NEY1b_IemiLisS0zBfK8mlM3xAN9XBFJ5pBFboNmOQswryNh0biPtUdL1lxXK5xSKneA9j0LB-wrgNbwUMnLJ7DyeCkP0rJFThxc6t2cNKlnGW-DZxfs7PMitFhZM/s1600/IMG_9641a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="refashioning a patchwork waistcoat from a hobo bag" border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR-oxoV-SqsZyH13NEY1b_IemiLisS0zBfK8mlM3xAN9XBFJ5pBFboNmOQswryNh0biPtUdL1lxXK5xSKneA9j0LB-wrgNbwUMnLJ7DyeCkP0rJFThxc6t2cNKlnGW-DZxfs7PMitFhZM/s320/IMG_9641a.JPG" title="work in progress" width="320" /></a></div>
As I've explained before, with this set of film costumes, I was working at home in France and the actors/actresses were in Scotland. I had detailed measurements from which Andy had been able to design and make an adjustable dress form from pallet wood. In the case of Grimaldi, however, the actor's measurements were the same as Andy's. I therefore used him as my model, in particular for shaping the back of the jacket, positioning the front and sleeves, buttons, feathers, velvet diamond shapes and bells.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ_lt1RvUkm0NAIeXBXsai29-ZClcSHCXUZqalVojFiRQ_uhWDp3xbukY5MjWzcEh05FBdmbC_9JhHdFJnHnQDF43Isez0dRfQWCePUzmR3TWO4es4YzmnDWnBKB0Hn-i9eiaG-XcRuN8/s1600/IMG_9647a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="work in progress refashioned patchwork jacket" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ_lt1RvUkm0NAIeXBXsai29-ZClcSHCXUZqalVojFiRQ_uhWDp3xbukY5MjWzcEh05FBdmbC_9JhHdFJnHnQDF43Isez0dRfQWCePUzmR3TWO4es4YzmnDWnBKB0Hn-i9eiaG-XcRuN8/s320/IMG_9647a.JPG" title="fittings" width="273" /></a></div>
The sleeves I chose to cut from a pattern I already had to hand. It is so much easier if you have a dummy or model to fit this to.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfyAcS6oCp3I9RdFGybuK51S0fRM7i8aLxPS3NEsjvkTHlO0WUSR4_xWUwnmIE1p7LNu3xdjY6o4_BcqNY3QtGnnS8AcLOdkPrwsPqsp5nxi101kfk9dtAO9dYCCqhjP2D3EQ3UZwlRHI/s1600/IMG_9648.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="home-made walnut buttons" border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfyAcS6oCp3I9RdFGybuK51S0fRM7i8aLxPS3NEsjvkTHlO0WUSR4_xWUwnmIE1p7LNu3xdjY6o4_BcqNY3QtGnnS8AcLOdkPrwsPqsp5nxi101kfk9dtAO9dYCCqhjP2D3EQ3UZwlRHI/s200/IMG_9648.JPG" title="home-made" width="200" /></a>So, with the help of the dummy I set my sleeves and also worked out where to put the fastenings. The buttons were cut from a walnut branch from our tree, which had broken off in a storm, been left to dry naturally and then hand sawn into 'slices' and drilled.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3PrKkhadkiUaXr5rmEGF-eE7DWd2J0VLlZ-fWLo9F5688CvTiF-ndYHLBA8wRo4G5wG95Yzje6bkSFi2Srmm6kbkrAM72AZcsEnKXV1FaRmd_3vNYFDRLz_E6AnhTfoDXa_ts-qTFZL8/s1600/IMG_9681a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="refashioned jacket made from patchwork hobo bag" border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3PrKkhadkiUaXr5rmEGF-eE7DWd2J0VLlZ-fWLo9F5688CvTiF-ndYHLBA8wRo4G5wG95Yzje6bkSFi2Srmm6kbkrAM72AZcsEnKXV1FaRmd_3vNYFDRLz_E6AnhTfoDXa_ts-qTFZL8/s320/IMG_9681a.JPG" title="back details" width="320" /></a></div>
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The velvet lozenges in contrasting turquoise to give that hint of the Harliquinade, were cut from some fabric remnants and lined with the same red felt as the jacket. They were then finished with gold bells cut from a rather garish inexpensive braid of bells which was sold in the carnival section of my haberdashers. Once cut off to make separate bells they worked well. It also meant that Grimaldi would have a faint sound as he approached, something I checked with the director before I sewed them on!</div>
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<a href="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/dc/6a/3b/dc6a3bba9643fae6cd25688018729d10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Influence of expressionism " border="0" height="150" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/dc/6a/3b/dc6a3bba9643fae6cd25688018729d10.jpg" title="Batman" width="200" /></a><a href="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/a7/db/37/a7db3727bf190a56e14b98cb360aa70f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Expressionist Art Cinema" border="0" height="200" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/a7/db/37/a7db3727bf190a56e14b98cb360aa70f.jpg" title="The cabinet of Dr. Caligari" width="148" /></a>As you can see from the photos, the other important design<i> </i>criteria I used to convey narrative was that asymmetry should figure
very strongly in the costumes. This again was to reinforce the concept that
everything was not entirely as it seemed. This is a device you will
often see used in <i>film noir, </i>with directors and writers influenced by the early 20th century German Expressionist Movement, in art and art cinema, as with <i>The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari </i>(film still left). It's also often quite subtle and you may not even notice it unless you are looking but it turns up in what you might think are the most unlikely places and gives you a nod of recognition.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgugbwQMsDmOjIsdAtZATMALAzrN2ZW80u83Pxq2sb7RTa4BjCIhR8UBLCZ29ka_XV4Y8V5HaTu3vq_D__ukyFFMkEKWt2BHi1PEiQpYjHHNN22u-jtK-UonTYK7yicCwpNz6A85GrQoJM/s1600/Grimaldi+and+Elsa3.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Refashioned film costume for magician" border="0" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgugbwQMsDmOjIsdAtZATMALAzrN2ZW80u83Pxq2sb7RTa4BjCIhR8UBLCZ29ka_XV4Y8V5HaTu3vq_D__ukyFFMkEKWt2BHi1PEiQpYjHHNN22u-jtK-UonTYK7yicCwpNz6A85GrQoJM/s320/Grimaldi+and+Elsa3.png" title="still from the Golden Goblet" width="320" /></a></div>
Through the whole creative process of film costuming, you are ever aware that your work may only be on the screen for a few seconds. The piece you designed may be reused on other projects or refashioned for streetwear. Whatever, the joy of working in film, for me is that I know what I made, even if, albeit metaphorically, most of it was left on the cutting room floor!<br />
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<a href="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/ca/b6/b3/cab6b3e1c3eb870b1c549afdf116ba1d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="King carnival playing card/tarot" border="0" height="320" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/ca/b6/b3/cab6b3e1c3eb870b1c549afdf116ba1d.jpg" title="Tarot" width="243" /></a>If you have enjoyed this piece and found it useful think about
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Please also feel free to ask questions or make comments in the section
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All the very best,</div>
Sue<br />
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<span class="st">© 2016 Sue Cross</span><br />
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<span class="st">Thanks for Pinterest board images</span> - In order of appearance: artodyssey1.blotspot.ca, Monsieur R, theconstantbuzz.com, imdb.com, Kickstarter</div>
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You can find them and more on two of my boards: <b><a href="https://fr.pinterest.com/pavlovafowl/inspiration-for-costumes/">Inspiration for Costume</a> </b>and <b><a href="https://fr.pinterest.com/pavlovafowl/noir/">Noir</a></b><br />
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<b>Link </b>for home-made dress form<b>: <a href="http://thegreenlever.blogspot.fr/2015/03/pallet-wood-dressmaking-and-display.html#.VP245zWYO1E">http://thegreenlever.blogspot.fr/2015/03/pallet-wood-dressmaking-and-display.html#.VP245zWYO1E</a></b>Pavlovafowlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11578592110340773950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3003169388435904986.post-49300844877372670232015-08-29T17:37:00.002+02:002021-09-18T14:45:38.165+02:00Refashioning Project: Boho, ethnic, romantic skirt/dress fusion Part 2 - Making a chatelaine<div style="text-align: justify;">
I've worked on costume and window display projects in the past and my best friend has always been the glue gun. This includes the time I made thousands of fabric roses for an artists' group working on the Spring windows at Fortnum and Mason and I still have the scars to prove it. This time however, with camera close-ups and strenuous physical movement by actors, I decided I would stitch and often hand-stitch most of the costumes and accessories, which is probably why it took me so long! Being a glutton for punishment, the worst design idea I had was the witch's hat veil but more of that later.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipM92_ZwM9-4i3sAHLBW9Ik-olkFkpYQTZpW40dD2PE8yn5JRTHpuAuARTbLQJe7cO7UAxByf2XOPCl7207uF0G642YfCasgFnhhDJZP3-8YBE_1sKrphWqxtMVQYKiz6QnuPDBs1MkeM/s1600/IMG_8672.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="How to make a hat veil" border="0" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipM92_ZwM9-4i3sAHLBW9Ik-olkFkpYQTZpW40dD2PE8yn5JRTHpuAuARTbLQJe7cO7UAxByf2XOPCl7207uF0G642YfCasgFnhhDJZP3-8YBE_1sKrphWqxtMVQYKiz6QnuPDBs1MkeM/s640/IMG_8672.JPG" title="Hat veiling" width="655" /></a></div>
Hand-sewing black on black, not a good idea, felt on tulle, even worse....<br />
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The Chatelaine </h2>
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I'm starting with this accessory as it is one which certainly should make a comeback into everyday life. It was also a relatively easy piece to source and put together, furthermore it involved a satisfying mix of refashioning and upcycling. The chatelaine, being worn either by the housekeeper or 'lady of the house' carried all sorts of useful items such as keys and scissors but I, imagined the old woman/witch would have a different set of accoutrements.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc4rIlgGjnuWKw1O60JkJThRtiBkHzcMFVQ41IRnzM_FOK0BKe2cU8QHDiCtDJerUgWpTNAX_lVZIgxblyaPKGXbvcr6jbzsLloGnlpx7i0OiEcEABK2LpejBKmfFUPm5HtoS-DeTdUSE/s1600/IMG_8750.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="how to make a chatelaine for a costume" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc4rIlgGjnuWKw1O60JkJThRtiBkHzcMFVQ41IRnzM_FOK0BKe2cU8QHDiCtDJerUgWpTNAX_lVZIgxblyaPKGXbvcr6jbzsLloGnlpx7i0OiEcEABK2LpejBKmfFUPm5HtoS-DeTdUSE/s320/IMG_8750.JPG" title="Finished chatelaine" width="213" /></a><a href="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/67/b8/f9/67b8f96b3debeaeb9c4f21fb0873dfe2.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Example of a fine old chatelaine" border="0" height="320" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/67/b8/f9/67b8f96b3debeaeb9c4f21fb0873dfe2.jpg" title="Chatelaine" width="213" /></a>The chatelaine on the right comes from the Pinterest boards of steclub.ru, which has many other fine examples on show. Instead of silver filigree and chain, mine has as its basis, a surprising find from a French haberdashers. To wit a bikini scarf made from blue thread interwoven between feng shui lucky Emperor coins!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZtzbkNt-J37IsVICqe3fUFVwEAvtUKFrGa_KTLNuDWT-xP0jlbbNcetQ1BLqKg7ze1rvQXrjJDwFAfN8oOuz1zpxzrknMgtpfo5DIJfMh3yDKLJ_C8vSIWB3BJ2esuP02WA5HgdYb3ss/s1600/IMG_8186.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Feng shui lucky emperor coins upcycled" border="0" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZtzbkNt-J37IsVICqe3fUFVwEAvtUKFrGa_KTLNuDWT-xP0jlbbNcetQ1BLqKg7ze1rvQXrjJDwFAfN8oOuz1zpxzrknMgtpfo5DIJfMh3yDKLJ_C8vSIWB3BJ2esuP02WA5HgdYb3ss/s640/IMG_8186.JPG" title="bikini scarf of feng shui coins" width="655" /></a></div>
It's probably not the usual item on a tourist's bucket list but fabric shops in France can be wonderful Aladdin's caves and well worth a visit. Our local one is piled high, from floor to ceiling with folded lengths of fabric, which are sold as whole pieces or you can purchase metre lengths. There are rolls of fabric too, mainly furnishing fabric and also a great deal of carnival and fancy dress material. There are hundreds of metres of lace and ribbons, sequins and buttons and made-up parcels of 2 Euro 'Lucky bags' from which I got the above. The shop owner buys from auction, so you never know what is going to turn up but I've bought 1920's original metal lace pieces and 1930's silk and cotton spools.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqU-82P9iirQdQYpWVzWmv8I9ioRGjA8GlbS82LM3osyNTZL1p7UgVtuHiDDh5npwh6fCxZ-ioDhctY4HOXjoYIxbOYJz-Y0Ne8hR7KFJR7pcLaAfUTJgXfGKjljJPBMyir3kupa4AzmA/s1600/IMG_8335.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="recycling fabrics and shoes" border="0" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqU-82P9iirQdQYpWVzWmv8I9ioRGjA8GlbS82LM3osyNTZL1p7UgVtuHiDDh5npwh6fCxZ-ioDhctY4HOXjoYIxbOYJz-Y0Ne8hR7KFJR7pcLaAfUTJgXfGKjljJPBMyir3kupa4AzmA/s640/IMG_8335.JPG" title="recycling a fake Turkish slipper" width="655" /></a></div>
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The other ingredient in the mix was a Turkish-style slipper. I had bought this for pennies at a thrift shop and worn them to destruction over the previous Summer but had saved the uppers for future use. Seen here above is the remaining piece of one upper after I had cut out the central motif to use on the costume collar. As the upper was lined with a faux silver leather and the top fabric could be split from it, this gave me options to use thinner or thicker sections of slipper, so as to cut out complete motifs (as above) and/or to remove individual beads and sequins more easily. Somewhere in all my belongings resides the actual Turkish slippers I bought in Istanbul, which I was lucky to visit as a child. They are not to be compared with the false ones. Their workmanship is exquisite formed onto a beautifully shaped piece of leather sole and it was this visit which informed on my life-long love of beadwork and embellishment. However, with the magic that is cinema, the witch wore rich rubies from her red slippers.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL2DxINvEnXInZZlho585QbbZsrBbYmHcgPIAbjn5Lm5sn-5OO8LEiufZOjftMYfvHKpU3mlbqLSM-tIwlNftD7p09hilvtE-tEQ0-3mbifq5d0rxDEB4swGNJzOST28ICm9WcrZHfvBs/s1600/IMG_8183.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="making a chatelaine from a bikini scarf" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL2DxINvEnXInZZlho585QbbZsrBbYmHcgPIAbjn5Lm5sn-5OO8LEiufZOjftMYfvHKpU3mlbqLSM-tIwlNftD7p09hilvtE-tEQ0-3mbifq5d0rxDEB4swGNJzOST28ICm9WcrZHfvBs/s400/IMG_8183.JPG" title="the basic chatelaine" width="266" /></a>So having found a suitably narrow, navy blue belt on which to base my chatelaine, one given me by my cousin, I started to deconstruct the thread and tassels of the bikini scarf, so as to rebraid and remake them into the supporting hangers for the witch's paraphernalia. To keep each chain separate and facing forward and also to carry on the theme of fortune telling and introduce a far eastern theme to my witch, I used the emperor coins and held them in place with beads taken from the slipper. Feng shui coins are considered to be even luckier when associated with the colour red and I do like the fact that this detail will, according to the shooting schedule, be picked up by the camera. In reality whether minute detail is seen, is not an issue, I will know it is there!<br />
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Vade mecum or Grimoire</h2>
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I had real fun planning and making this. I had decided to use only one slipper on the whole costume and as most of it already had a designated place in the design, I was down to small sections but these made the finished book look even more ancient and mystical. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfCihKGD6fBzT3g7HezTC0UYDxHES_bESlVbbzJU8W2ZAPcXi4QPtobYL3L4Upr0zUo8bOzIDQ85jQQtnZxGDXW9Rpju0DheMK6w-XG1qGccziTFJDLncaDnrbGu1-MFIX9ayFydNYkG0/s1600/IMG_8355.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="making a spellbook from recycled fabric" border="0" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfCihKGD6fBzT3g7HezTC0UYDxHES_bESlVbbzJU8W2ZAPcXi4QPtobYL3L4Upr0zUo8bOzIDQ85jQQtnZxGDXW9Rpju0DheMK6w-XG1qGccziTFJDLncaDnrbGu1-MFIX9ayFydNYkG0/s640/IMG_8355.JPG" title="reusing a Turkish slipper" width="655" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvxs-9MKqrCxuzPwiS_yca0Je1oxHFW5MTSkaLK8H83FbCdQlvFV0U20Q4DGCIx7Qm1jPfpb5fkDCV6pjGtyD1dsvq174WbPAKt1Y7V9WUZ_HzIDaRzxwk8QcHIRbP0toj2w6y8_SHg88/s1600/IMG_8366.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="how to make a small book for a witch's costume" border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvxs-9MKqrCxuzPwiS_yca0Je1oxHFW5MTSkaLK8H83FbCdQlvFV0U20Q4DGCIx7Qm1jPfpb5fkDCV6pjGtyD1dsvq174WbPAKt1Y7V9WUZ_HzIDaRzxwk8QcHIRbP0toj2w6y8_SHg88/s200/IMG_8366.JPG" title="fruit crate cover" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEVfciXjiJZ76LjLylY0f0vcfmYf309S48pIHz6hqOXLnqTDaUXU39-1gtPCtVZ_GDMo7dA08qSb7-sahYItdHhf7w64-m47pvnPiT1H9fyaqQsGSOB8TM4ftAha4HxtWaQIeCYhjWEYA/s1600/IMG_8361.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEVfciXjiJZ76LjLylY0f0vcfmYf309S48pIHz6hqOXLnqTDaUXU39-1gtPCtVZ_GDMo7dA08qSb7-sahYItdHhf7w64-m47pvnPiT1H9fyaqQsGSOB8TM4ftAha4HxtWaQIeCYhjWEYA/s200/IMG_8361.JPG" width="200" /></a>For the book covers I used one of our standard materials
(other than pallets), fruit crate wood and covered the front and spine
with slipper fabric.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY0vHOxtmORa5pm7mrK6N9W6Vrghegpxw34DPAIi_Uy9B6e981pFtCPKhXH2oJMfEhs1E21qfx8yYFVC7QVk0FBJ7kUGwpkV0hufV_kpXGLtkzddmK2NfJHb0nchHGQDiJoruJJ7MqEMA/s1600/IMG_8369.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="how to make a grimoire for a witch's costume" border="0" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY0vHOxtmORa5pm7mrK6N9W6Vrghegpxw34DPAIi_Uy9B6e981pFtCPKhXH2oJMfEhs1E21qfx8yYFVC7QVk0FBJ7kUGwpkV0hufV_kpXGLtkzddmK2NfJHb0nchHGQDiJoruJJ7MqEMA/s640/IMG_8369.JPG" title="grimoire fabrication" width="655" /></a></div>
The pages were made from a paper napkin, which
had a great mediaeval illuminated manuscript design. The back cover had the same design but in a thicker tissue paper (shown above left) I had found some years earlier and used to cover and upcycle an old dressing table mirror.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjathFgXVmGsgfdnn9icsj4bqy7S6sHr0DSPEvemO7RwQDkX0vRkOc0d9lwvY0sQ4xJPHb8-MWVEcbtoCw-3V1rGqHTlAycbLCUZd0Q40XgrkO0b6A1QRQt_14kErTchK5gOcwA7J3kTsg/s1600/IMG_8515.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="using tissue paper to make refurbish a mirror" border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjathFgXVmGsgfdnn9icsj4bqy7S6sHr0DSPEvemO7RwQDkX0vRkOc0d9lwvY0sQ4xJPHb8-MWVEcbtoCw-3V1rGqHTlAycbLCUZd0Q40XgrkO0b6A1QRQt_14kErTchK5gOcwA7J3kTsg/s200/IMG_8515.JPG" title="upcycled mirror" width="200" /></a></div>
This sort of ephemera turns up regularly in thrift shops for a few cents, relics of defunct craft and card making shops. It is well worth squirrelling away for further use and keeping all the scraps too!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgHvALDYO7MWfQqdvcISvic7lrBZQPkA_3QZlNDNTF52_qkuR5hSYgOszRyUCPgSfjUnrxcYtUERBa_ZCr6Wh5RN9MIBb9CD57Ye8aC1tWaDbkOi9QMdGrtKTiQP6Cobh359O4eeGN5R0/s1600/IMG_8363crop.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="sewing a spell book for a costume" border="0" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgHvALDYO7MWfQqdvcISvic7lrBZQPkA_3QZlNDNTF52_qkuR5hSYgOszRyUCPgSfjUnrxcYtUERBa_ZCr6Wh5RN9MIBb9CD57Ye8aC1tWaDbkOi9QMdGrtKTiQP6Cobh359O4eeGN5R0/s200/IMG_8363crop.JPG" title="beadwork on the spine" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJbdg6jNJXPnILQt5WuJYcyzT0O1wVLASdt1DhA3l_jzbXov0NQMBbSXtRxoAJqvzdMflL9G7Z2Fz24WxI0GQGr1KBFmftvapl6YWPqi-JAl9TRZqvDuHXo7QncQHnkPqJxKQGD9vGB-A/s1600/IMG_8373.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="making a witch's spell book" border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJbdg6jNJXPnILQt5WuJYcyzT0O1wVLASdt1DhA3l_jzbXov0NQMBbSXtRxoAJqvzdMflL9G7Z2Fz24WxI0GQGr1KBFmftvapl6YWPqi-JAl9TRZqvDuHXo7QncQHnkPqJxKQGD9vGB-A/s200/IMG_8373.JPG" title="adding lock" width="200" /></a>I sewed a row of beads from the slipper onto the spine, to both embellish it and define the edges of the book. The whole piece was glued together including adding a 'lock', of which I'm sure the witch would approve.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWNt9mePjaGBDQC2SrWu4uIb5RBQRbkRZ7lbzKTVPlDyhPxklqAcP2c4vPbVbA1ZlfpJucGom61YtZtoTx6JyscgEmpnFtV24y92Xebit8a2k_I1006gYOeg31MahRgr1dTl34zn4d-oc/s1600/IMG_8384.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="making a grimoire or witch's vade mecum" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWNt9mePjaGBDQC2SrWu4uIb5RBQRbkRZ7lbzKTVPlDyhPxklqAcP2c4vPbVbA1ZlfpJucGom61YtZtoTx6JyscgEmpnFtV24y92Xebit8a2k_I1006gYOeg31MahRgr1dTl34zn4d-oc/s320/IMG_8384.JPG" title="grimoire" width="213" /></a> <br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHk6LHS387DA7rfkMMyAA9lPFdVpy1sqif1Dwh4D0R2oGKLudkblEBBqf9bXBeJ4DUqt4SwRjJv82PMdiAhzjmv-3gHL4gepufhyphenhyphenOhdMFfxLA62A0WqOjA2tlsHJO0nf_OHMZcYokOIaU/s1600/IMG_8383.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="making a grimoire from upcycled materials" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHk6LHS387DA7rfkMMyAA9lPFdVpy1sqif1Dwh4D0R2oGKLudkblEBBqf9bXBeJ4DUqt4SwRjJv82PMdiAhzjmv-3gHL4gepufhyphenhyphenOhdMFfxLA62A0WqOjA2tlsHJO0nf_OHMZcYokOIaU/s320/IMG_8383.JPG" title="chatelaine in progress" width="213" /></a></div>
When the character moved it would not matter if she was in close-up as the book would have interest visually from both sides. I also wanted to make the accessories look real. I think costume should help to carry the narrative. This also helps to expand the character, particularly within the limits of a short.<br />
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<h2>
Potion or Poison Bottle</h2>
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Again this was another fun thing to make and used up yet another item from my hoard, this time one of those small perfume bottles that come in duty free collections.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNEixbZOEITGlR51Z-7PQfiwdSmF-hW-mWEZD3jm_KigOWK-Fgg9GYnnjTmpNyMn53z9Wv6ZmMQSNwoV10HEpeW1XHUsZXW0pbMD9cmG4p_oeJi9ATJYBSFCZgKPL4sl_h78mscME4lPk/s1600/IMG_8894.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="making a potion bottle for a costume" border="0" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNEixbZOEITGlR51Z-7PQfiwdSmF-hW-mWEZD3jm_KigOWK-Fgg9GYnnjTmpNyMn53z9Wv6ZmMQSNwoV10HEpeW1XHUsZXW0pbMD9cmG4p_oeJi9ATJYBSFCZgKPL4sl_h78mscME4lPk/s640/IMG_8894.JPG" title="finished potion" width="655" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhsRqB6OyIyaXG_x4f78GbUhJeT0vwJZUvzYs_tKNM9X7tZ7mhW4OapAKQdrnCVlX3fj_AhBMgXmJ6K-1rVPKGJDbgY2OXBiPda42zYIjGy-MLCs1sbpiIvRwU6MRzoVUagPTb-8r4-ZQ/s1600/IMG_8478.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="How to make a potion bottle from upcycled materials" border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhsRqB6OyIyaXG_x4f78GbUhJeT0vwJZUvzYs_tKNM9X7tZ7mhW4OapAKQdrnCVlX3fj_AhBMgXmJ6K-1rVPKGJDbgY2OXBiPda42zYIjGy-MLCs1sbpiIvRwU6MRzoVUagPTb-8r4-ZQ/s320/IMG_8478.JPG" title="Potion bottle fabrication" width="320" /></a></div>
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This was created with the aid of an old wine cork, sculpted to fit, gold thread, beads from the slipper and some purple/violet watercolour paint! This time the glue gun proved invaluable!
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZgCBjKdhA2YLUdc0_uOTR3nTK_VKk6meZ96BvQSXwludoUolL6Ec0vx-OTn6YW9VwzJcKt3BNUW_A4T9dCOSQ_9C1F6ysI6qchd56kQQJ84SIOhDQ1zFhKFepZa-WntUGbgeyVxcuemE/s1600/IMG_8375crop.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chatelaine from upcycled materials" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZgCBjKdhA2YLUdc0_uOTR3nTK_VKk6meZ96BvQSXwludoUolL6Ec0vx-OTn6YW9VwzJcKt3BNUW_A4T9dCOSQ_9C1F6ysI6qchd56kQQJ84SIOhDQ1zFhKFepZa-WntUGbgeyVxcuemE/s320/IMG_8375crop.JPG" title="Feathery fan for a witch" width="162" /></a></div>
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I also added a bouquet of feathers both from my own chickens, which I always
collect when they moult and some Guinea hen plumes from my neighbour's
poultry. This I decided was some unexplained aigrette, a totem of the
witches fabrication and gave balance to the chatelaine. I made it from a
bunch of feathers, with the ends enclosed in a piece of slipper. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaKHXIkoqHiEsJ8Od1jddCo-fNWSbfm-_uxFXKZiVULQw6qeDyotbOI2NNWn5E43GVKlL_wVTm09ubqjC-rp3ILd8IDEckj6KX-B3h2wZYgCYIPqQNs6aBP6nqVHBOudzx413Enyn52BQ/s1600/11265754_360942030775481_1582905360_ocrop.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Rosie Willis on the set of the Golden Goblet" border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaKHXIkoqHiEsJ8Od1jddCo-fNWSbfm-_uxFXKZiVULQw6qeDyotbOI2NNWn5E43GVKlL_wVTm09ubqjC-rp3ILd8IDEckj6KX-B3h2wZYgCYIPqQNs6aBP6nqVHBOudzx413Enyn52BQ/s320/11265754_360942030775481_1582905360_ocrop.jpg" title="The witch is on the warpath" width="320" /></a><br />
You can find my Pinterest Costume Inspiration Board <b><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pavlovafowl/inspiration-for-costumes/">here</a></b> and find out more about The Golden Goblet and Climb The Ivy Films <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/climbtheivyfilms">here</a></b><br />
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If you have enjoyed this piece and found it useful think about sharing it and also about joining this blog to be assured of new posts. Please also feel free to ask questions or make comments in the section below.<br />
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All the very best,</div>
Sue<br />
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<h2>
RELATED ARTICLES</h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYyq18LBh_FUiFX52Eb7BYRBcGvx9Ji1TSxgKe53jnecqlfHGDfpeUAbuie7FNMsvv7dE7s-ZRYSS1JoQKQTVV-G9k4a1KYQQDH6MP4gIQZQE7XeGp-YFm5CxmL9VF6xZM0hp0maY7HdM/s1600/Gothic+Witch.JPEG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYyq18LBh_FUiFX52Eb7BYRBcGvx9Ji1TSxgKe53jnecqlfHGDfpeUAbuie7FNMsvv7dE7s-ZRYSS1JoQKQTVV-G9k4a1KYQQDH6MP4gIQZQE7XeGp-YFm5CxmL9VF6xZM0hp0maY7HdM/s200/Gothic+Witch.JPEG" width="200" /></a></div>
<h2>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><b>Refashioning Project - Boho Chic, Ethnic skirt and sheath dress fusion</b></span></h2>
I made this as part of a witch's costume but it is eminently suitably streetware or a party frock.. <b><a href="https://upcycledwardrobecostumeandclothes.blogspot.fr/2015/08/refashioning-project-boho-chic-ethnic.html">read more</a></b><br />
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<h2>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtxbkj6KsPsOmBhkIfmm5BM-5OKkp2xYaVSUI4S7pdjtUfqStdrT3feGVKLemZauSe47_s9Da7SMySPY1KpsTVbTRFmcNKU79kOuPOd9SfJuSNvzKZinWc8zh7YvW9HPj5ydR6l-kvtjo/s1600/Noir+Witchcrop.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="137" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtxbkj6KsPsOmBhkIfmm5BM-5OKkp2xYaVSUI4S7pdjtUfqStdrT3feGVKLemZauSe47_s9Da7SMySPY1KpsTVbTRFmcNKU79kOuPOd9SfJuSNvzKZinWc8zh7YvW9HPj5ydR6l-kvtjo/s200/Noir+Witchcrop.png" width="200" /></a><b>How to Make a Gothic Witch's Hat from Remnants and Found Objects</b></h2>
This project was a great deal of fun because although I had the design
firmly set in my mind when I started, I still allowed it to grow<b>...<a href="https://upcycledwardrobecostumeandclothes.blogspot.fr/2016/10/how-to-make-gothic-witchs-hat-from.html" target="_blank">read more</a></b></div>
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<span class="st">© 2015 Sue Cross</span>
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Pavlovafowlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11578592110340773950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3003169388435904986.post-78233988495092011362015-08-25T15:30:00.005+02:002023-12-06T14:28:43.206+01:00Refashioning Project - Boho Chic, Ethnic Gown. A skirt and sheath dress fusion.<div style="text-align: justify;">
You know how it is, your favourite skirt, worse for wear, is languishing at the bottom of the wardrobe, also hanging on in there, is a long silk sheath dress in a difficult combination of colours and moreover too tight around the hips for comfort. Yes, if like me you are a sucker for quality fabric at knock down prices then fear not, here is a project to accommodate both pieces and get them out of the wardrobe and back on to the street or in my case onto the set.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQdm0tJz6x8GF13Oh9CskCENiaHL-EerZmHLHIe-M8FwlUPHg6Pidcw8FIojynQi3lmFKoLkJksLoFATIvAdxbq9WKgNikPtOKepko4bMjjuSKQciPpYNZEvHt34qne4kHDK8KcnBlE74/s1600/Gothic+Witch.JPEG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Rosie Willis in full costume as the old woman Climb the Ivy Films" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQdm0tJz6x8GF13Oh9CskCENiaHL-EerZmHLHIe-M8FwlUPHg6Pidcw8FIojynQi3lmFKoLkJksLoFATIvAdxbq9WKgNikPtOKepko4bMjjuSKQciPpYNZEvHt34qne4kHDK8KcnBlE74/s640/Gothic+Witch.JPEG" title="Rosie Willis on set and in costume" width="640" /></a></div>
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Rosie Willis in full costume on location filming <i>The Golden Goblet</i> from<br />
Climb the Ivy Films<br />
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<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">The Backstory</span></h2>
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Over Christmas and the New Year 2014-15 my niece, the filmmaker, Vic Lockhart and I discussed her upcoming project for which she had asked me to create the costumes. The inspiration for the above dress was taken from the idea that although the screenplay was based on an old Estonian folk legend, there would be no rigidly fixed geographical or costume references. I just had hints and colour combinations received from mood boards and an idea of each costume being inspired by a signature wild creature. In the case of Rosie's character I chose one of the standard Gothic Witch familiars, the Raven. </div>
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<a href="http://tinatarnoff.typepad.com/.a/6a00e55378e88988340134889ca9e8970c-pi" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Madre by Natalie Shau inspiration for raven costume" border="0" height="320" src="https://tinatarnoff.typepad.com/.a/6a00e55378e88988340134889ca9e8970c-pi" title="Inspiration" width="294" /></a></div>
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I started by building up a Pinterest board. This was fun and I found many images to inspire me, such as <i>Madre</i> by Natalie Shau, via Tina Tarnoff's blog: <i>Thought Patterns</i>. In the spirit of mend and make do - very common amongst independent film companies, I wanted to use fabrics and notions which I already possessed. This not only helped with the tight film budget but also allowed me to get creative with a backlog of materials which needed to be seen. Fabrics should move. I'd boxed mine up for too long, gloating over my hoard like a dragon with its gold.</div>
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<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Skirt</b></span></h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD2SeZNThqCyYEIR0MFyI4YJ_iKb-1yLStSxNq9tSGlI2zmPZULnRvTKfYgfD5Kmv3PJd1t468lSmTPIa190VyHjMpoDI3K0-kQhvXBCgCBRGs47q8X_JT5FG_bjtzhzFrBU7sfj_uUe8/s1600/IMG_8065.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="refashioning an old embroidered skirt" border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD2SeZNThqCyYEIR0MFyI4YJ_iKb-1yLStSxNq9tSGlI2zmPZULnRvTKfYgfD5Kmv3PJd1t468lSmTPIa190VyHjMpoDI3K0-kQhvXBCgCBRGs47q8X_JT5FG_bjtzhzFrBU7sfj_uUe8/s200/IMG_8065.JPG" title="cutting up the old skirt" width="200" /></a></div>
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This was a Christmas present from way back and I had worn it so often, the lining was beginning to creep disgracefully into old age. The fabric design was a vague mishmash of ethnicities, also typically for a mass-produced, machine-stitched skirt it had more embellishment on the front.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmmxAthv1R3IPYQmZls69aKARaKmKtuqaDqm06kLzULMGVNTqpN_aHOqGBCZR6-lSz8DwHgJnH8nvv8PSnJnVJh7vDCozcNCxpHxvgj58LIw0n6Jyeoli8o5oz06pm-rVMbfwzZe-07Rg/s1600/IMG_8903.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="fusion of skirt and dress to man boho party frock" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmmxAthv1R3IPYQmZls69aKARaKmKtuqaDqm06kLzULMGVNTqpN_aHOqGBCZR6-lSz8DwHgJnH8nvv8PSnJnVJh7vDCozcNCxpHxvgj58LIw0n6Jyeoli8o5oz06pm-rVMbfwzZe-07Rg/s640/IMG_8903.JPG" title="detail of panel insert" width="640" /></a></div>
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I calculated that I could get at least two if not three inserts out of it to fill out the skirt of the sheath dress and that there would be enough left over to make reasonably full, leg o'mutton sleeves. An added advantage was the colour which was a great match and broke up
the rigid lines of the stripes and created what I wanted, my take on a
sarafan or Russian trapezoidal pinafore dress.</div>
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<a href="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/dd/ec/6e/ddec6ea27ced16790e5f38e70f0a6774.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mezőkövesd traditional embroidered folk dress" border="0" height="320" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/dd/ec/6e/ddec6ea27ced16790e5f38e70f0a6774.jpg" title="Hungarian 1930's traditional dress" width="170" /></a></div>
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These type of traditional costumes are redolent of many Eastern and Northern cultures. This one I pinned from folkcostume.blogspot.jp and shows a 1930's Hungarian dress from from the town of Mezőkövesd and its environs, famous for their embroidery. I was particularly concerned to get the trompe l'oeil effect of an apron over a skirt aka pinafore dress.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsfqJPe_VU-chyphenhyphenC-xt1wnz0CarM_1ABqHJ_FDb9GrJj5I_w1dxdmhmbq0-S83JXo8gJq9yi6MmK5YxDtW75NErbsa7TzS7uEJ5jEijHn8RbCnzReCvyku1Yljow3rRXe8PDoIouWcnJjE/s1600/11265754_360942030775481_1582905360_o.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Rosie Willis on set in the Golden Goblet from Climb the Ivy" border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsfqJPe_VU-chyphenhyphenC-xt1wnz0CarM_1ABqHJ_FDb9GrJj5I_w1dxdmhmbq0-S83JXo8gJq9yi6MmK5YxDtW75NErbsa7TzS7uEJ5jEijHn8RbCnzReCvyku1Yljow3rRXe8PDoIouWcnJjE/s640/11265754_360942030775481_1582905360_o.jpg" title="Fast moving witch" width="640" /></a></div>
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I was also very happy I had enough material in the seams to open up the sheath dress and to insert three sections of embroidered skirt. Whilst in the planning stages, I contacted my niece to check on how much movement Rosie needed in her costume and found that one shot required her to run through the forest! After that I decided to check with her for each costume but the script revisions and even the shooting dates were posted so well in advance and I could find from the schedules exactly what was required physically of each character. This also helped to inspire the costumes too, as for example, when I found ballet was on the bill, I went off on a whole new tangent.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Dress</span></h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5CHocRJ67Z5MM1S3VlEIGLFzuaG0RBIN2niBA2rtY32iz1g7_iWb_LCKGkSHxda1Ej7HkycWFYMZGLeTv4Xevqq4vljbxUgYPmhEjmGodi6N5Xf_LL6ziUmwmK1k6v4Wr9tuMiSPzCGk/s1600/IMG_8134.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="silk sheath dress for refashioning project" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5CHocRJ67Z5MM1S3VlEIGLFzuaG0RBIN2niBA2rtY32iz1g7_iWb_LCKGkSHxda1Ej7HkycWFYMZGLeTv4Xevqq4vljbxUgYPmhEjmGodi6N5Xf_LL6ziUmwmK1k6v4Wr9tuMiSPzCGk/s200/IMG_8134.JPG" title="silk sheath dress" width="133" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: normal;">One of my weaknesses is that I always buy silk whenever it is at a knock down price. This means I have a plethora of scarves but also items like this silk sheath dress, which I bought two decades ago from Next to Nothing in Birmingham U.K. for a couple of quid. I had Rosie's measurements up on the pallet wood dress form Andy had made me and calculated that to split it along the seams up to the hip would give her plenty of movement and the required full trapezium shape of the sarafan.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Fusion:</span></h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg81GrTfytvUTVGZJfNAKz6Wvatt3WBElzXjkXaNIRpYpv7knYVCYUb1mea3aVFa_rzqoSAb02GQRvt6K5W2RbngA2IzXtmVj3cdTg2hgaeerVSpfWZ7DV0YzKB0GazRVpItEoKRIHO0eU/s1600/IMG_8066BLOG.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg81GrTfytvUTVGZJfNAKz6Wvatt3WBElzXjkXaNIRpYpv7knYVCYUb1mea3aVFa_rzqoSAb02GQRvt6K5W2RbngA2IzXtmVj3cdTg2hgaeerVSpfWZ7DV0YzKB0GazRVpItEoKRIHO0eU/s640/IMG_8066BLOG.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I cut my three inserts from the front of the skirt, thus exhibiting the best of the beadwork for the hem of the dress. Above you can see the raw broken-down skirt skirtfront with one of the inserts in the foreground and before pressing! I then cut the sleeves from the back of the skirt, with the sleeves and the inserts running in opposite directions on the fabric. Thus I used the gathered sections of fabric, which made up the waistband of the skirt to full effect. In the former case this was to create the triangular side and back pleat and in the latter to create the cuff of the sleeve and the leg o'mutton top. </div>
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<h2>
Skirt to Sleeves</h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg9JdiB9pzLL9S18wlDY_5LGQQptEQBmxMtZtQr8-V3_LDp4jeKe8yrIvqhanUdIJkflwZslgF1vSC79hGVO5vIoXnWtQUBPwE1MHz-O4VbKmbH0tP-6473z9A7DUHF-p6YCcc9g251t0/s1600/IMG_8171.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="refashioning sleeves from an embroidered skirt" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg9JdiB9pzLL9S18wlDY_5LGQQptEQBmxMtZtQr8-V3_LDp4jeKe8yrIvqhanUdIJkflwZslgF1vSC79hGVO5vIoXnWtQUBPwE1MHz-O4VbKmbH0tP-6473z9A7DUHF-p6YCcc9g251t0/s320/IMG_8171.JPG" title="cutting the sleeves" width="213" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP0bNHEnrBgC-w3jI6iuIqA2s9I7QkkWX4W6Vg_MuH0lg8LWm-KpwpUzXCBv6TP_dPQdYi-3z-AfZIJCv2twZq8NXaSg3LP79QnqUP7dtAGQeYW-BEvq0rjIrwUMXDaweXHvLVKM9Kdwk/s1600/IMG_8170.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="refashioning an embroidered skirt to a boho dress" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP0bNHEnrBgC-w3jI6iuIqA2s9I7QkkWX4W6Vg_MuH0lg8LWm-KpwpUzXCBv6TP_dPQdYi-3z-AfZIJCv2twZq8NXaSg3LP79QnqUP7dtAGQeYW-BEvq0rjIrwUMXDaweXHvLVKM9Kdwk/s320/IMG_8170.JPG" title="embroidered skirt front" width="213" /></a>
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I just used an old sleeve pattern that I liked but it would have been as easy to cut the sleeve out simply by eye, as the back of the skirt, once folded makes a natural sleeve shape! You can see how the cuff forms by itself and the leg o'mutton top is a natural progression from the shape of the skirt.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_4Mo6CAH-PnFSyRSt0kbI1KjqwI-cuKiR3Dse7FLFSKMjmj-Zr4uSrjTvv1CPh_-Zxi-1EhXrSyT6CZVAMdrw4s9ufpczW5UWv0NatHl9QHAysSp4JscIK0iWQziRptguypHc5cmQjyI/s1600/IMG_8172.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="embroidered skirt refashioned into sleeves" border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_4Mo6CAH-PnFSyRSt0kbI1KjqwI-cuKiR3Dse7FLFSKMjmj-Zr4uSrjTvv1CPh_-Zxi-1EhXrSyT6CZVAMdrw4s9ufpczW5UWv0NatHl9QHAysSp4JscIK0iWQziRptguypHc5cmQjyI/s640/IMG_8172.JPG" title="making sleeves" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAq-Ejvd5HfiLo7PY9vQGMMp3Pr44mDx685CC5672EHyckxqjofUrlRH-toYKrMVEds9ifylwaypafdwbCGsve01JwXXpV18jhyySeh6UHnwe2dDWb8IoPiDAVQfeoXpO840PWvE43wtE/s1600/IMG_8181.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAq-Ejvd5HfiLo7PY9vQGMMp3Pr44mDx685CC5672EHyckxqjofUrlRH-toYKrMVEds9ifylwaypafdwbCGsve01JwXXpV18jhyySeh6UHnwe2dDWb8IoPiDAVQfeoXpO840PWvE43wtE/s320/IMG_8181.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpqGaTX4nU__1f-F6WAp3i6JpUhpGlu-Ub5Smrn-NuSMVui42bqftFGJA9YqRC6MVnkNP6GsQ_z_3HmGR8yGHyuadWBqiEOUM81wVYsfzZ5odOu1VndEP6uAXV4yUwQD5fL6twO51LzFU/s1600/IMG_8174.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="fitting embroidered sleeves refashione skirt and sheath dress fusion" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpqGaTX4nU__1f-F6WAp3i6JpUhpGlu-Ub5Smrn-NuSMVui42bqftFGJA9YqRC6MVnkNP6GsQ_z_3HmGR8yGHyuadWBqiEOUM81wVYsfzZ5odOu1VndEP6uAXV4yUwQD5fL6twO51LzFU/s200/IMG_8174.JPG" title="work in progress - fitting sleeves" width="133" /></a>
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I eased the top of the sleeve into the sheath armholes, neatened the cuffs and embellished them with a hem ruffle from an another defunct old skirt in the same tones. As you can see I toyed with the idea of using a fake fur remnant left over from a wolf puppet but eventually settled for real chicken feathers from my own poultry.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx1TF7bi4vdUDNTM77TKKQQB2ZH31KET5coSEs-Oy0SC88TofREOUTNig3aEVdA7vxrvZwgF9zNqjgc5bW7sELLAlEC-uXOCJO1UtceKLxBYEoaDWcrHD9re_4xqmrmTnNzIc8Jao2_CI/s1600/IMG_8196.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="finishing a cuff on a refashioned boho dress" border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx1TF7bi4vdUDNTM77TKKQQB2ZH31KET5coSEs-Oy0SC88TofREOUTNig3aEVdA7vxrvZwgF9zNqjgc5bW7sELLAlEC-uXOCJO1UtceKLxBYEoaDWcrHD9re_4xqmrmTnNzIc8Jao2_CI/s200/IMG_8196.JPG" title="fur cuff" width="200" /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeeIFGXL9PLYupwxN3JOO0O2EuGoIN_15TBYX_8Su34ktX7wSmOJQP1JXbbTS498NkD06gEVCs0h0F6YWUWlcWxnTY8jfWCUIctZTbjg-Jb_opxDdbc8ro0EZYHhyphenhyphentciZkXZG1IaUTED0/s1600/IMG_8198.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="beadwork on a refashioned gypsy romantic dress" border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeeIFGXL9PLYupwxN3JOO0O2EuGoIN_15TBYX_8Su34ktX7wSmOJQP1JXbbTS498NkD06gEVCs0h0F6YWUWlcWxnTY8jfWCUIctZTbjg-Jb_opxDdbc8ro0EZYHhyphenhyphentciZkXZG1IaUTED0/s200/IMG_8198.JPG" title="beaded cuff" width="200" /></a>However, I did use a fake fur motif on one cuff and on the other one, added a few of the beads from remnants of fabric from the front of the skirt.</div>
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<h2>
<span style="font-size: normal;">Skirt to Dress </span></h2>
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Making your own clothes is just the same as cooking your own meals, you become more aware of how things are put together and thus a better judge of good workmanship. When I buy a dress, for example, I turn it inside out to look at the seams and always check fastenings, in particular zips. In the case of this silk sheath dress, I fully expected it to be cut to the absolute limit to save on fabric and therefore costs, so adding the gussets was an ideal way of modifying it to fit. Here you see me easing these latter into the sides of the dress. As I mentioned before, typically the front panels of the skirt are more luxuriously embellished, here with bugle beads, some of which were missing and I replenished from remnants. These beads also added some weight to the finished frock's hem, improving both the way it hung and the way I envisaged it would look when Rosie moved.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPgptpq7ESJeFmr1yXKm65be90UXVX-FMZL5EW9tH8sh3Wj8a3ryKt7nXZ2mIfjxjzwy-9WR_Qw0DRERN7Z5AXn88Q4FcOyxQf0Vu3sEN8VCLLaraVa2UNnFJTGXfkxfjX_eBGlYDjDlY/s1600/IMG_8255.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="detail of a vintage skirt and silk sheath fusion dress" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPgptpq7ESJeFmr1yXKm65be90UXVX-FMZL5EW9tH8sh3Wj8a3ryKt7nXZ2mIfjxjzwy-9WR_Qw0DRERN7Z5AXn88Q4FcOyxQf0Vu3sEN8VCLLaraVa2UNnFJTGXfkxfjX_eBGlYDjDlY/s640/IMG_8255.JPG" title="side panel insert pinned" width="640" /></a></div>
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As already explained, I had decided to split the silk sheath dress to the hip on both side seams but I found that the length of the gusset or insert made from the whole length of the skirt was just a few centimetres short. I therefore, cut some triangular pieces out of remnants from the skirt back and embellished them with a few beads to match up with the design on the hem. I also added another row of embroidered stitching. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhOAoh_4O9Ia2yjYS0YRMW_UM-_opE8wg2-TUXb1hK6q9yhR4sTsDHQvDwqB8_ieuX7JeX91HttKgz2x3PlyEXNV4l-DiYwmY6y7LLbDZAEHezKW-eC63bsF9_HnaCOKDO-H_Kt8g65rQ/s1600/IMG_8898.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="detail of making a boho dress" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhOAoh_4O9Ia2yjYS0YRMW_UM-_opE8wg2-TUXb1hK6q9yhR4sTsDHQvDwqB8_ieuX7JeX91HttKgz2x3PlyEXNV4l-DiYwmY6y7LLbDZAEHezKW-eC63bsF9_HnaCOKDO-H_Kt8g65rQ/s640/IMG_8898.JPG" title="detail of side panel insert" width="640" /></a></div>
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I then fitted the gusset at the back of the dress buy opening up the back seam, this again added weight and movement to the final costume.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuvOjmUyMo5DY2J8glyYnfp8vQNkwQgosrRbuCGnPEyFd-wMvQ4b5EytyKXjhfH_DoT9lD_AGK5pSNTA4kBUNPEsceJfMRlYxjKyFCAB8_DOlnSECMUDgrH-MT-T2lb1hrcU-Coif-TkE/s1600/IMG_8257.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Creating an ethnic romantic dress" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuvOjmUyMo5DY2J8glyYnfp8vQNkwQgosrRbuCGnPEyFd-wMvQ4b5EytyKXjhfH_DoT9lD_AGK5pSNTA4kBUNPEsceJfMRlYxjKyFCAB8_DOlnSECMUDgrH-MT-T2lb1hrcU-Coif-TkE/s640/IMG_8257.JPG" title="back panel insert" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE20uaPLbLdJBqxrRmdBHW5qSRS_INCPkntbIjr2zEM2LrJh3gdIjAMqKREgKeQRu6UBJh1S4v2CZsLd675K9420_OPLhFPhv9JTUurXkxgM6YtGp9H0gyjT9YryxyoiUFDJS_b_jtm-Q/s1600/IMG_8329.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Refashioning for a gypsy romantic boho dress" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE20uaPLbLdJBqxrRmdBHW5qSRS_INCPkntbIjr2zEM2LrJh3gdIjAMqKREgKeQRu6UBJh1S4v2CZsLd675K9420_OPLhFPhv9JTUurXkxgM6YtGp9H0gyjT9YryxyoiUFDJS_b_jtm-Q/s400/IMG_8329.JPG" title="Work in progress" width="266" /></a></div>
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So here we have this pinafore dress/skirt sheath fusion, before I started adding the elements to make a complete costume but quite ready to be worn out on the street or to a party. The trapezium-shaped shift was also a traditional maternity dress, so
here too you have the chance to make a chic, romantic party frock from
refashioned presently unwearable garments. You can however, see the start of the chatelaine, which can be found <a href="http://upcycledwardrobecostumeandclothes.blogspot.fr/2015/08/refashioning-project-boho-ethnic.html"><b>here</b></a> and it also shows the trompe l'oeil apron look of the sarafan I was hoping to achieve.</div>
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You can find my Pinterest Costume Inspiration Board <b><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pavlovafowl/inspiration-for-costumes/">here</a></b> and find out more about The Golden Goblet and Climb The Ivy Films <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/climbtheivyfilms">here</a></b></div>
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If you have enjoyed this piece and found it useful think about sharing it and also about joining this blog to be assured of new posts. Please also feel free to ask questions or make comments in the section below.<br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
All the very best,</div>
Sue<br />
<br />
<h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtxbkj6KsPsOmBhkIfmm5BM-5OKkp2xYaVSUI4S7pdjtUfqStdrT3feGVKLemZauSe47_s9Da7SMySPY1KpsTVbTRFmcNKU79kOuPOd9SfJuSNvzKZinWc8zh7YvW9HPj5ydR6l-kvtjo/s1600/Noir+Witchcrop.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="137" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtxbkj6KsPsOmBhkIfmm5BM-5OKkp2xYaVSUI4S7pdjtUfqStdrT3feGVKLemZauSe47_s9Da7SMySPY1KpsTVbTRFmcNKU79kOuPOd9SfJuSNvzKZinWc8zh7YvW9HPj5ydR6l-kvtjo/s200/Noir+Witchcrop.png" width="200" /></a><b>How to Make a Gothic Witch's Hat from Remnants and Found Objects</b></h2>
This project was a great deal of fun because although I had the design
firmly set in my mind when I started, I still allowed it to<b>...<a href="https://upcycledwardrobecostumeandclothes.blogspot.fr/2016/10/how-to-make-gothic-witchs-hat-from.html" target="_blank">read more</a></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizquDU0GXbmKydJoxZdpid9I4cTwELBr7ZpYmfnvszw5DJag2QCXnAMkF4QApN2ogq023M1ToEWrThs3PaXH2nsa8pvab0Gxnv_l_yxmaOxa3Zs1AK_3FQagaYL__76xJY-ZPjusXQn_Q/s1600/IMG_8376crop.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="145" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizquDU0GXbmKydJoxZdpid9I4cTwELBr7ZpYmfnvszw5DJag2QCXnAMkF4QApN2ogq023M1ToEWrThs3PaXH2nsa8pvab0Gxnv_l_yxmaOxa3Zs1AK_3FQagaYL__76xJY-ZPjusXQn_Q/s200/IMG_8376crop.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<b>How to make a chatelaine for a witch costume - refashioning project</b></h2>
All the essentials for the best dressed witch from refashioning and recuperated materials<b>...<a href="https://upcycledwardrobecostumeandclothes.blogspot.fr/2015/08/refashioning-project-boho-ethnic.html" target="_blank">read more</a></b></div>
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<span class="st">© 2015 Sue Cross</span>
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<br />Pavlovafowlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11578592110340773950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3003169388435904986.post-89015504134751119022015-03-03T16:18:00.000+01:002015-03-03T21:55:16.918+01:00The Skeleton that is my Wardrobe - Introduction to this Blog<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">As are many with a passion for collecting, I am limited by purse strings and space, although, to be strictly truthful it is the former rather than the latter, which has ever been my greater concern.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">However, with a chance that we may move home in the near future and with the added impetus of being costumer on a new film project, I decided to set myself the challenge of freeing up at least part of my fabric, furnishings and clothing collection. Material and clothes are meant to move, hanging them up in a wardrobe or folding them up on a shelf assures they remain inanimate. It's time to open the wardrobe doors, loosen their bonds and let them escape. The fiat has gone forth for them to be shaken out and/or deconstructed, then re-fashioned to serve a purpose above and beyond being stared at and coveted by me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">From skirt to sleeves. The 'old woman' costume above uses one of my favourite skirts as a trompe l'oeil to create my take on a traditional Russian sarafan. </span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Challenge - Unwrapping the Mummy</b></span></span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I started my collection of fabrics and clothes years ago when I had easy access to some of the great historic markets such as Brick Lane, Bath and Covent Garden. It was also at a time when the UK still had fabric shops a-plenty and the beginnings of cut price fashion such as the Monsoon Sale Shop and Next to Nothing. The main treasure trove though, for serious collectors, was to be found in the jumble sales, charity shops, auctions and the wonderful vintage (and older) clothing emporiums. Finding clothes has been for me a study in social history, just as collecting china would mean a visit to the Potteries, so vintage and 'old' clothes could be traced to the textile centres of the North and Midlands of England.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Above; contemporary lace collar, 1920's beaded and sequined lace and feathered aigrette, 1930's kid gloves, 1950's costume jewellery belt from a Dior frock, Victorian lace pillow case and Regency cut steel removable shoe buckles. It is interesting to note that in previous eras people valued and upcycled parts of their clothing. Collars and cuffs, for example, as these modern versions below, could be removed and laundered separately, thus endlessly re-fitted to the classic subfusc work clothes. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">As someone who has always made clothes, starting as a small child outfitting dolls and working upwards, whenever I look to buy garments I generally turn them inside out, to see how they are made. Even when well-worn and mass-produced, these clothes are now great for upcycling as they are professionally sewn and often have generous seam allowances. I have also bought a few good quality clothes at knock-down prices because they needed mending, so part of my challenge will be to complete these projects too. Other items, such as woollens, where the fabric is worn beyond reuse and good only for rags and dusters, I have now been able to upcycle for fixings, such as beads and buttons.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I only bought/buy natural materials, except on the few occasions, where I have been particularly drawn to a print, so again these have worn well and are suitable for reuse. Over the past 10 years I have purchased mainly organic fabrics, so with some of these, as they are plain and often in a raw state, I will be experimenting with natural dyes and <span class="st" data-hveid="89"> appliqué. </span>(Above modern linen print, 1930's embroidered <span class="st" data-hveid="64">crêpe de Chine, organic flannel, hand-painted 1920's silk peignoir. </span><span class="st" data-hveid="64">Below, from Birmingham rag market, full length of wedding sari and heavily decorated scarf.) </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span class="st" data-hveid="89">In addition to dress fabrics,I have a great hoard of linen, lace and embroidery as well as a reasonable amount of offcuts from furnishing fabrics and curtain materials. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrs-C-RSlwzZsvKbJTIuM1aqfjhhHwf2VCPwZ2wllFWTV7EeEoTGD44vxeV7wQshSASamGUme3kJJXRhvidvxbVq6RQB8kjWNaNL1-M_tZKlIfdNFYxS9lY1hGZbC7xqj5P7q20nyNdTY/s1600/kimonocrop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrs-C-RSlwzZsvKbJTIuM1aqfjhhHwf2VCPwZ2wllFWTV7EeEoTGD44vxeV7wQshSASamGUme3kJJXRhvidvxbVq6RQB8kjWNaNL1-M_tZKlIfdNFYxS9lY1hGZbC7xqj5P7q20nyNdTY/s1600/kimonocrop.jpg" height="276" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span class="st" data-hveid="89">Proving that there is nothing new under the sun, here is an intricate piece of framed embroidery work, which is in fact an upcycled centuries old kimono sleeve.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span class="st" data-hveid="89">Here also another of my collection, not for upcycling but does need some attention, a trumpet banner, a little memento got up in gold thread couched work on a pink silk ground to celebrate a visit from Queen Victoria.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Some of my textiles, including these embroidered roses on this beautiful late Victorian wedding tea cosy, will provide inspiration for my costume work and in particular for my first project which I will now set out below.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><b>The Golden Goblet - Five fairytale film costumes on a shoestring</b></span></span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/climbtheivyfilms">Climb the Ivy</a></b> like many other small independent film companies, has a limited budget for its <span class="st">début</span> onto the film competition circuit. The entry date for the above film is the day before my birthday, May 30th and as the rehearsals proper are starting this month, I have already got to the point where I am sewing in the car. The costumes I have designed and am now in the process of making up, are as follows, the (aforementioned) old woman, the Faerie Queen, a young girl, a Magician/Jester and a doll. As this is a short film and as I have been given quite a free rein on the costumes, I have tried to imbue them with the personality and duality of the characters. Although I pretty much had the ideas forming when I read the script, I wanted some cultural references and also, what the heck, loved making another collection of, albeit digital, fabric and costume. To do this therefore I turned to Pinterest and created a board, which you can find here <b><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pavlovafowl/inspiration-for-costumes/">Inspiration for Costumes</a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>In Conclusion</b></span></span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I will be using my collection of fabrics and clothing in a variety of projects over the coming months. These range from film costumes for both live actors/actresses and the stop motion kind, clothes, hats, shoes, accessories, soft furnishings and upholstery, (dolls' house and animation sets included) to techniques for repairing and refurbishing old textiles. So hopefully there is something for everyone, even the character below awaiting refurbishment.
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">With regard to the World of Haute Couture, I have three claims to a
passing acquaintance with it. Vivienne Westwood once gave me a
square of chocolate, when visiting a shop I was working in. I was temp PA, for a day, to Zandra Rhodes. We live within a stone's throw of the Villa des
Rhumbs, childhood home of
Christian Dior. That over with, we can now forget it and get
on with the blog.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Walter turncoat;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">All the very best,</span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Sue</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Walter turncoat;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Walter turncoat;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span class="st">© 2015 Sue Cross</span></span> </span></div>
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