This Week

What I’ve been working on this week:

003

A full Kahlan, Mother Confessor replica.  This includes the full overdress (done), a long skirt (done) and a custom bustier (in progress).

008

018

First time through for the bustier–I’ve draped the pattern, altered it, and am now sewing it up.  I’m working with a faux leather (yes, I know, but it sure does keep the cost down, and until I have an actual LEATHER MACHINE, I’ll be working in pleather) and cotton twill.  I’m excited for the end product–just have to remember to keep good notes, as I do plan to offer this in the shop after this project is complete.

025

020

Beginnings of a bustier and ruffle bloomer look for a burlesque number.

013

Which meant a trial run for some boy shorts–these will be altered, but I kind of love this cut and am thinking of offering these in the shop soon, too.  Just need to do a fitting on a model first.

010

Shipping completed items out every couple of days.

026

And getting a package returned to me from the post office.  Apparently the large envelopes I’ve been using for over 2 years as a flat rate are NOT ACTUALLY FLAT RATE.  But, somehow, no one ever picked up on this.  *sigh*  So, until I get myself a postal scale, I’ll be taking the long way round and bringing all my packages to the post office, paying there, and coming home to note down how much certain things weigh so that the NEXT TIME I can just prepay.

Measuring

howtomeasure

As I get caught up on orders, I wanted to post an image of how/where to measure that I can easily reference for future customers.  Accurate measurements are so, so, SO important in my line of work.  I would, of course, prefer to be able to take measurements myself, but until I have unlimited funds and enjoy air travel, you’re on your own.

How fabulous is this vintage lady?

Mother Confessor

Wanted to share a couple of images by the amazingly talented Teresa Yeh Photography of my Kahlan, Mother Confessor gown.  I’m actually in the midst of creating two more of these right now for customers.  One is pretty much identical to that pictured, the other is altered a bit–detachable sleeves, and made in a raw cotton that is actually turning out quite lovely.

These were taken last year, and I just absolutely love them!

Bringer of Light

You can find my shop listing for the gown here:  https://www.etsy.com/listing/58332058/kahlan-dress-mother-confessor-medeival?ref=shop_home_active

Legends

And definitely take a moment to check out Teresa Yeh Photography’s page–it’s SOO worth it!  Truly beautiful images–I hope to get the chance to work together in the future.  http://www.teresayeh.com/

Eep

Business has picked way up in the last couple of weeks, and I’ve been sewing my fingers to the bone (when I’m not working the part time job, getting the Spring garden up and running, cooking yummy meals, sleeping, or explaining to the kitties I just can’t play right now).

Just popped in to share these two glorious images from my recent runway show.  Chip Kennedy is the photographer.

Here is Mary Andrus:

mary

And here is NancyJane:

nancy

I’m in love!

Swing of Things

Sorry for the silence this week.  I’ve been busy settling back into the regular routine.

006

Custom orders are rolling in again.

002

Ideas are bouncing around my head at all hours.  (but that’s nothing new)

061

I listed a few new items in my shop, including the giraffe print tunic that I mentioned awhile back.  (you can find it here, in my shop:  http://www.etsy.com/listing/126929190/tunic-tunic-dress-tunic-pink-dress-pink?ref=shop_home_active)

I have a shoot this upcoming Monday, and am looking forward to playing dress up with two fabulous models (who also happen to be sisters) as well as spending some time with an amazing local MUA and hairstylist.

Reflecting a bit and re-grouping.  Trying to gain focus again.  I feel I lost my focus a wee bit in all the craziness of the show prep.  Needing to remind myself of my vision and my goals–and understanding that just because they are different than what people may think they should be, they’re still valid–and, best of all, they’re mine.

groupraw

Have a beautiful weekend!

Already?

022

The show is over?  It’s come and gone?  But…..but what do I do NOW?

raww

Seriously, I keep falling back on the same thought I’ve had for the past 2 months:  “Okay, so what do I need to do for the show today?”.  Then I realize:  nothing, there’s nothing to do for the show anymore!

elizabeth

It went so amazingly well–I had a blast, and the models, hair, make up and photographer were all just the most fabulous people to work with.  I couldn’t be happier with the end result.

014

To see a (somewhat blurry) video of the runway, check out my business facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/trappedintimedesigns  I’ll hopefully have something with better quality visuals soon–but this gives you the general idea.

023

I’ll be getting better images soon, too.

For now, I’m back in the saddle, taking custom orders and setting up a few photo shoots.

Working on a Steampunk Carmen Sandiego costume right now–how cool is my life?  The customer saw this skirt, and we’re building from there.

_MG_5289

Heading Out

Heading out for an Asian-inspired shoot today.

WP_000435

I played around with mixing prints after doing a little research on Japanese geisha-looks.

WP_000431

They mix prints so beautifully.  While I like how this turned out, I would have liked to have been able to spend a wee bit more time on it to fully flesh out the ideas I had.

Can’t wait to see the final images!

Bustier, Bustle, Skirt and Obi Belt (image shows it just pinned on–final obi is prettier and has trim/ribbon detailing) by me, Kimono style short robe is vintage.