Since I did not do all of my clothing in the first go around, I did want to go through them again near the end of the Konmari process. So here it is!
I did end up getting rid of a few more things and ended up with about 40 items in my closet and perhaps another 10-15 in my drawer plus underthings and pjs. Yay tiny closet!
The next video will be my sentimental items and photos! Since we're near the end, I'm taking questions to go in my wrap up video. If you have any questions about this process or what I thought about it, please leave it below.
Wednesday, March 30, 2016
Monday, March 28, 2016
Italian Renaissance Costuming Challenge 6
I've been an avid follower of the Italian Renaissance Costuming Challenge (IRCC) for several years and have decided that this is finally the year to enter it! I'm strongly considering making my Adrian persona Italian because Italian garb is so pretty (and because picking a late period English name would be rather boring). So I do need some more Italian outfits.
I really love the high waisted look of 1490s styles like those who inspired the fashions on Ever After and The Borgias. And I've got a bit of cold feet at cutting into my silk for my Borgia dress in an untested pattern. I'm hoping that this project will help me get some kinks out of the dress pattern before cutting into my pricy silk.
My first layer will be a camica or Italian chemise. I've already made one for my Borgia dress but one can never have too many pairs of underthings for costuming. The second layer will consist of a gamurra or gown which will be front laced with a pleated skirt.
The third layer will be a giornea which is a pretty draped over dress that is open at the sides like this lady is wearing. I'm hoping this will be a nice easy layer to throw on to make my outfit look pretty pretty for events such as court during Adria but that can be left off for most of the day when it's just too hot for that.
Lastly will be accessories. I'm planning on making some jewelry and another pocket ( because pockets rock). Italians also have such pretty jewelry! If I have extra time at the end and I'm feeling ambitions, I may throw in a few extra accessories but who knows.
Once the challenge begins on April 14th, I'll be sending in monthly updates which I'll also share here. Now off to do some fabric shopping!
I really love the high waisted look of 1490s styles like those who inspired the fashions on Ever After and The Borgias. And I've got a bit of cold feet at cutting into my silk for my Borgia dress in an untested pattern. I'm hoping that this project will help me get some kinks out of the dress pattern before cutting into my pricy silk.
My first layer will be a camica or Italian chemise. I've already made one for my Borgia dress but one can never have too many pairs of underthings for costuming. The second layer will consist of a gamurra or gown which will be front laced with a pleated skirt.
The third layer will be a giornea which is a pretty draped over dress that is open at the sides like this lady is wearing. I'm hoping this will be a nice easy layer to throw on to make my outfit look pretty pretty for events such as court during Adria but that can be left off for most of the day when it's just too hot for that.
Lastly will be accessories. I'm planning on making some jewelry and another pocket ( because pockets rock). Italians also have such pretty jewelry! If I have extra time at the end and I'm feeling ambitions, I may throw in a few extra accessories but who knows.
Once the challenge begins on April 14th, I'll be sending in monthly updates which I'll also share here. Now off to do some fabric shopping!
Saturday, March 26, 2016
Historical Sew Monthly #3: Protection
So I went on my very first costuming camping trip! It was definitely a kiddy pool level event since it was about 20 minutes from our home (which was great because Rachel bird was sick and needed injections twice a day) and we used modern camping stuff. But there was costuming!
I decided to rock an Italian look for Saturday. This decision was mostly so I could wear my only historical make of 2015-an Italian chemise (or camica as they would have called it). And I whipped up a quick project just for camping that just so happened to fit in with this month's Historical Sew Monthly challenge!
The challenge was "protection" and I made one of the most basic types of protection items-an apron. Way to be boring, I know. But I did want a really functioning apron and not just a pretty Sunday best apron with all of the camping and nature and stuff. (Yeah... see my Great Outdoors entry)
So I scrounged up about a yard of blue wool and quickly hand sewed this little apron right before the event. Wool is a great choice for an apron because it has a bit of a water repelling quality (great for spills) and will smolder and put itself out if caught on fire rather than just burning like linen (although we didn't actually cook anything over a fire).
The Challenge: Protection
Fabric: about a yard of blue wool left over from another project. I think this was one that I got on the cheap so $6ish
Pattern: it's a rectangle gathered to a rectangle
Year: mid to late 1500s (although it could be worn in a lot of periods)
Notions: thread
How historically accurate is it? I have to admit that I didn't do a lot of research on pattern here but it does look like the pictures from the period. Wool is a great fabric for a working apron and dark colors are great for hiding stains.
Hours to complete: 4ish
First worn: Adrian Empire camping trip and colleguim
Total cost: $6
I rocked my American Duchess Stratfords. Yet again, they performed marvelously proving themselves to be not just another pretty pair of shoes but quite well suited for actually wearing and trudging through nature.
I also got the opportunity to wear my pocket on the outside of my gown since it is Italian too! So so handy! Usually, I hide it between my petticoat and gown for English looks since it's so handy to have.
My hair is most assuredly NOT long enough to do Italian looks but a hair piece and a snood do wonders for making a period appropriate looking (even if not quite accurate) hair do. Especially since the Florida sun has lightened my hair enough to match my hair piece.
The event itself was quite fun. There were classes all day Saturday so I got to learn a lot of cool stuff. There was also combat and an arts competition. I'm very excited to get to do arts competitions and show off all of my pretties.
Plus some of the ladies are trying to organize a sewing night so that will be so fun! Yay for hanging out with other nerds!
Overall, we had a very fun time and I can't wait for the next event!
I decided to rock an Italian look for Saturday. This decision was mostly so I could wear my only historical make of 2015-an Italian chemise (or camica as they would have called it). And I whipped up a quick project just for camping that just so happened to fit in with this month's Historical Sew Monthly challenge!
The challenge was "protection" and I made one of the most basic types of protection items-an apron. Way to be boring, I know. But I did want a really functioning apron and not just a pretty Sunday best apron with all of the camping and nature and stuff. (Yeah... see my Great Outdoors entry)
So I scrounged up about a yard of blue wool and quickly hand sewed this little apron right before the event. Wool is a great choice for an apron because it has a bit of a water repelling quality (great for spills) and will smolder and put itself out if caught on fire rather than just burning like linen (although we didn't actually cook anything over a fire).
The Challenge: Protection
Fabric: about a yard of blue wool left over from another project. I think this was one that I got on the cheap so $6ish
Pattern: it's a rectangle gathered to a rectangle
Year: mid to late 1500s (although it could be worn in a lot of periods)
Notions: thread
How historically accurate is it? I have to admit that I didn't do a lot of research on pattern here but it does look like the pictures from the period. Wool is a great fabric for a working apron and dark colors are great for hiding stains.
Hours to complete: 4ish
First worn: Adrian Empire camping trip and colleguim
Total cost: $6
I rocked my American Duchess Stratfords. Yet again, they performed marvelously proving themselves to be not just another pretty pair of shoes but quite well suited for actually wearing and trudging through nature.
I also got the opportunity to wear my pocket on the outside of my gown since it is Italian too! So so handy! Usually, I hide it between my petticoat and gown for English looks since it's so handy to have.
My hair is most assuredly NOT long enough to do Italian looks but a hair piece and a snood do wonders for making a period appropriate looking (even if not quite accurate) hair do. Especially since the Florida sun has lightened my hair enough to match my hair piece.
The event itself was quite fun. There were classes all day Saturday so I got to learn a lot of cool stuff. There was also combat and an arts competition. I'm very excited to get to do arts competitions and show off all of my pretties.
Plus some of the ladies are trying to organize a sewing night so that will be so fun! Yay for hanging out with other nerds!
Overall, we had a very fun time and I can't wait for the next event!
Wednesday, March 23, 2016
My Konmari Journey Part #19: Knitting & Embroidery
This is the last section of the hobby Kimono! Woohoo! I'm tackling knitting and embroidery supplies since I don't have much of either.
All that's left is sentimental items and photos and then we're done with Konmari! Yay!
All that's left is sentimental items and photos and then we're done with Konmari! Yay!
Tuesday, March 22, 2016
Pattern Sale Part 2
More patterns for sale! Just like yesterday, all patterns are complete unless otherwise noted. Prices do not include shipping from the US.
Advance 7015 1950s evening dress pattern size 12 bust 30 $15
Simplicity 3750 1950s dress pattern size 14 bust 32 $10
McCall 7259 1950s blouse and skirt pattern size 12 bust 30 $5
McCall 7580 1950s dress pattern size 14 bust 32 $10
Butterick 6943 1950s dress pattern size 32 bust 14 $10
McCalls 8918 1950s day dress size 14 bust 32 $10
If you would like to purchase one of these patterns, email me at girlwiththestarspangledheart[at]gmail[dot]com and I can get you a shipping quote.
Advance 7015 1950s evening dress pattern size 12 bust 30 $15
Simplicity 3750 1950s dress pattern size 14 bust 32 $10
McCall 7259 1950s blouse and skirt pattern size 12 bust 30 $5
McCall 7580 1950s dress pattern size 14 bust 32 $10
Butterick 6943 1950s dress pattern size 32 bust 14 $10
McCalls 8918 1950s day dress size 14 bust 32 $10
If you would like to purchase one of these patterns, email me at girlwiththestarspangledheart[at]gmail[dot]com and I can get you a shipping quote.
Monday, March 21, 2016
Pattern Sale Part 1
As you may have seen, I recently Konmari'd my sewing patterns and decided quite a few of them needed new homes! I have quite a few patterns that I'll be listing and there will be a second batch tomorrow.
Patterns are complete unless otherwise noted. Prices do not include shipping from the US.
Simplicity 2801 dress pattern late 1940s Size 14.5 bust 33 $10
Simplcity 4759 dress and jacket pattern 1950s size 11 bust 29 $5
Butterick 9274 blouse pattern 1950s size 10 bust 31 $7
Advance 5588 dress pattern 1950s size 15 bust 33 $15
McCalls 5079 1950s/1960s blouse pattern size 14 bust 34 $5
McCall 8423 1950s dress pattern size 14 bust 32 $10
Butterick 4433 1950s gibson girl style blouse size 14 bust 32 $5
McCalls 3973 1950s summer blouse pattern size 12 bust 32 $5
Simplicity 3010 late 40s early 50s dress pattern size 14 bust 32 $10
If there is something you want or if there is something else that you are looking for, please email me at girlwiththestarspangledheart[at]gmail[dot]com.
Patterns are complete unless otherwise noted. Prices do not include shipping from the US.
Simplicity 2801 dress pattern late 1940s Size 14.5 bust 33 $10
Simplcity 4759 dress and jacket pattern 1950s size 11 bust 29 $5
Advance 5588 dress pattern 1950s size 15 bust 33 $15
McCalls 5079 1950s/1960s blouse pattern size 14 bust 34 $5
McCall 8423 1950s dress pattern size 14 bust 32 $10
Butterick 4433 1950s gibson girl style blouse size 14 bust 32 $5
McCalls 3973 1950s summer blouse pattern size 12 bust 32 $5
Simplicity 3010 late 40s early 50s dress pattern size 14 bust 32 $10
If there is something you want or if there is something else that you are looking for, please email me at girlwiththestarspangledheart[at]gmail[dot]com.
Wednesday, March 16, 2016
My Konmari Journey Part #18: Sewing Tools
I'm finishing up the sewing stuff today! We're almost through Konmari and I'm so excited! Check out this video to see how I do in this last category.
Once I finish up my Konmari, I'll owe you guys another sewing room tour. I'm still working on it but I have moved a lot of stuff around. If you missed the first one from right after we moved it, here it is!
Once I finish up my Konmari, I'll owe you guys another sewing room tour. I'm still working on it but I have moved a lot of stuff around. If you missed the first one from right after we moved it, here it is!
Monday, March 14, 2016
Camping is coming!
Way back in January 2015, I blogged excitedly about the potential for period camping trips. After dabbling in the SCA in Ohio, I was ready to dive right into new and exciting costuming opportunities in Florida. Well, it's been over a year but I'm finally getting to go on my first period camping trip this weekend! Huzzah!
And even more exciting, the hubby is on board for joining in on the fun which means I get to make menswear! Yay! :D I'm so excited to get back into costuming. I have so many lovely things that I don't get to wear very often plus you can never have too many new dresses.
One of the new things I'll have to take into consideration when costuming is that pretty much all of our events will be outdoors in summer type weather. Bring on the linen! While it's not very exciting, my first project for me will need to be more linen shifts. I do have some nice cotton ones but Florida summers are going to require linen.
As for my man, I'm deep in the researching phase. He's not at all interested in Elizabethan (too frufru) so I'm digging way back and looking at 12th century menswear while he's starting at the other end and looking at armor. Hopefully, we can meet in the middle with a time period he likes both the armor and everyday clothing for.
Meanwhile for me, I'm dreaming of 1490s Italian loveliness! I still have my Borgia dress to finish plus I'd love a more working class version because it's so pretty!
Can't wait to be more than just a Ren Faire girl!
And even more exciting, the hubby is on board for joining in on the fun which means I get to make menswear! Yay! :D I'm so excited to get back into costuming. I have so many lovely things that I don't get to wear very often plus you can never have too many new dresses.
One of the new things I'll have to take into consideration when costuming is that pretty much all of our events will be outdoors in summer type weather. Bring on the linen! While it's not very exciting, my first project for me will need to be more linen shifts. I do have some nice cotton ones but Florida summers are going to require linen.
1160-1180, England
As for my man, I'm deep in the researching phase. He's not at all interested in Elizabethan (too frufru) so I'm digging way back and looking at 12th century menswear while he's starting at the other end and looking at armor. Hopefully, we can meet in the middle with a time period he likes both the armor and everyday clothing for.
Yumminess! (Portia and Brutus 1486-90)
Meanwhile for me, I'm dreaming of 1490s Italian loveliness! I still have my Borgia dress to finish plus I'd love a more working class version because it's so pretty!
Friday, March 11, 2016
Where I do Bible Journaling
Between my Konmari Journey and picking up Bible Journaling, I've done some serious rearranging and reorganizing in my crafting room. (See the before here.) Once I completely finish, I'll do a full video tour but I did want to give you a peak into wear I do my Bible Journaling.
This 50s kitchen table is one of the few vintage pieces of furniture that I have in my home. Vintage is not my husband's interior decor style so I don't think I'll ever live in a perfectly retro home but I do have a few touches here and there. I try to keep a minimal amount of supplies out since this space also doubles as my sewing space.
I keep most of my stamps in a small basket. I adore stamping and I have a lot from my scrapbooking days. This allows me to easily flip through them and find the stamps I'm looking for.
Next to it, I have a small pile of bits from Illustrated Faith that I keep handy incase I want to use them. If I had more of these tip in bits, I'd probably want to keep them in a box or bin but since it's just these few, they don't get out of hand.
In the opposite corner, I have the box my journaling bible came in which I use to hold my Illustrated Faith devos and some other bits that I want to keep handy. I love the print on the box so I'm glad that I found a place to use it since my bible is now too fat to fit in it! I also have my Whatever is Lovely scrapbook paper, my Illustrated Faith daily chart and a book for a bible study I'm taking.
In my Illustrated Faith baggy, I have my most used supplies: washi tape, my faith based stamps and one of each size of my black micron pens as well as stamp blocks and a tape roller. I think of this as my on the go bag. All I'd have to do is throw in a few inks and I can journal on the go. I don't like to store my inks in here since storing them flat is better for them.
My other supplies live in this rolling storage tower. Pens, pencils and colored pencils live in the top drawer. Gelatos, inks and my stamp cleaner in the second drawer and stickers and microns in the bottom drawer. This is not full by any means but it was a storage container that I already have and it works really well for me.
The other things I keep handy on my desk are my journaling bible, of course, my journal where I do my daily written journaling and a list of verses I want to journal on. I get theses verses from loads of places-sermons, bible studies, my daily reading on days when I don't have time to art journal.
One of the biggest changes I made to this room was putting my table in front of the window! I love the natural light I get in the morning and it's great to look out and see all of that Florida loveliness while I'm hanging out with God.
Do you enjoy having a neat and tidy work area or do you prefer a creative clutter for your creations? Do you have a separate crafting space or do you work in a common area of your home? If you've blogged about your crafting space, I'd love to see it so leave a link in the comments!
This 50s kitchen table is one of the few vintage pieces of furniture that I have in my home. Vintage is not my husband's interior decor style so I don't think I'll ever live in a perfectly retro home but I do have a few touches here and there. I try to keep a minimal amount of supplies out since this space also doubles as my sewing space.
I keep most of my stamps in a small basket. I adore stamping and I have a lot from my scrapbooking days. This allows me to easily flip through them and find the stamps I'm looking for.
Next to it, I have a small pile of bits from Illustrated Faith that I keep handy incase I want to use them. If I had more of these tip in bits, I'd probably want to keep them in a box or bin but since it's just these few, they don't get out of hand.
In the opposite corner, I have the box my journaling bible came in which I use to hold my Illustrated Faith devos and some other bits that I want to keep handy. I love the print on the box so I'm glad that I found a place to use it since my bible is now too fat to fit in it! I also have my Whatever is Lovely scrapbook paper, my Illustrated Faith daily chart and a book for a bible study I'm taking.
In my Illustrated Faith baggy, I have my most used supplies: washi tape, my faith based stamps and one of each size of my black micron pens as well as stamp blocks and a tape roller. I think of this as my on the go bag. All I'd have to do is throw in a few inks and I can journal on the go. I don't like to store my inks in here since storing them flat is better for them.
My other supplies live in this rolling storage tower. Pens, pencils and colored pencils live in the top drawer. Gelatos, inks and my stamp cleaner in the second drawer and stickers and microns in the bottom drawer. This is not full by any means but it was a storage container that I already have and it works really well for me.
The other things I keep handy on my desk are my journaling bible, of course, my journal where I do my daily written journaling and a list of verses I want to journal on. I get theses verses from loads of places-sermons, bible studies, my daily reading on days when I don't have time to art journal.
One of the biggest changes I made to this room was putting my table in front of the window! I love the natural light I get in the morning and it's great to look out and see all of that Florida loveliness while I'm hanging out with God.
Do you enjoy having a neat and tidy work area or do you prefer a creative clutter for your creations? Do you have a separate crafting space or do you work in a common area of your home? If you've blogged about your crafting space, I'd love to see it so leave a link in the comments!