Finished Project: Discordia Underbust Corset

As I continue on my corsetry journey, which has basically been trial and error with a bit of help from books and helpful tidbits from the internet, I think I am now finally getting a really good grip on the pattern cutting aspect of it all.  This corset was another step on the ladder.

It's a long underbust cut to be very flat across the centre front but with lots of defintion on the waist.

 I made this one out of recycled gold furnishing fabric with a pale blue lining, binding and ribbon.  Then I added an extra bow to sit on the front for added prettiness.

Friday Eye Candy: Snow White and the Huntsman

Colleen Attwood has been hard at work again and I'm super excited about seeing Snow White and the Huntsman when it's released.  There is a fantastic interview here where she talks about her processes and how she went about costuming this movie.

Ravenna's costumes look particularly interesting and gorgeous (my favourite combination).

Soooooo many feathers!

These gowns look so decadent especially next to Snow White's, as she spends most of the film in warrior mode.

Finished Project: Dusky Pink Gown

Recently I was invited to a murder mystery evening which was so much fun.  A few weeks before we were given a costume brief and mine was to be a socialite who should wear a full ballgown.  I couldn't find anything in the local charity shops so naturally came to the conclusion that two weeks is plenty of time to design and make a gown from scratch!!!

Luckily I had this fabric in my stash, it's lovely pink chiffon and I used black satin that I had lurking around for the underdress/lining.

I just about got the thing sewn in time and then realised I had just enough fabric left over to make a sash to tie around the waist.  It's funny how last minute ideas like that can really complete a project in a way that surprises you.

These photos were taken the day after the murder mystery, when the British weather decided to behave itself  for once and the blossoms were at their prettiest.  Good timing all round!!

Friday Eye Candy: Underwater Photography by Zena Holloway

For this weeks Eye Candy I thought I would show you the very special photography of Zena Holloway.  She originally started out as a scuba diver and gradually perfected her technique of taking underwater photos.

So pretty - I love the way the fabric comes to life.

Holloway is a master of bringing an ethereal, dream-like quality to her photos.

How gorgeous is this crinoline?  Lovely, lovely, lovely.

Finished Project: Red Obi Belt

I've been really naughty about blogging this year and I have fallen behind on my posts.  Don't worry though I have given myself a firm telling off and promised I won't do it again.  What this does mean is that I've made lots of lovely things to talk about, starting with this...

I made this belt when I had a sudden urge for a quick sewing project.  I love the labour of a corset but sometimes it's nice to make something that you can whip up in an hour!

I happened to have red habutae silk on hand and it works well enough but I think it would be better in a richer/deeper colour.

Friday Eye Candy: Eiko Ishioka

A few months ago I was saddened to hear that the incredibly talented and inspirational designer Eiko Ishioka had passed away.  She is mostly known for her work designing the costumes for Cirque du Soleil and Bram Stoker's Dracula for which she won an Academy Award.  I am a big fan of all her work but I'm only going to show you my most favourite of her designs,  Mina Murray/Harker's red bustle gown.

Eiko's original concept sketch.

Front view

View of the back.

The beautiful, elaborate bustle.

The last film Eiko worked on before her death was Mirror Mirror, a charming retelling of Snow White, which has just been released in the cinemas.

Finshed Project: Purple and Gold Underbust Corset

Just a quick post about a new corset I made.  I cut it to come down nicely over the hips wtith simple, no fuss panels so I thought I would have some fun with the colours.

The finished corset has a 24" waist.

 As you can see I finshed this one with black ribbon and bias binding.  I'm very happy with this one and I am planning to grade it into different sizes.

Friday Eye Candy: Glass Dresses by Diana Dias-Leao

Yes that's right - glass dresses!!!  Diana Dias-Leao decided to take her established career in the fashion industry down a more fine arts route when she took up glass making at the age of sixty.




















Not designed to be worn although they have been for the purpose of photo shoots, these magnificent pieces are more sculptures than clothes.




















So intricate and pretty.

Not to mention ingenious - I can't work out how this one is holding itself together!

I think I saved the best one until last, I love the subtle blue-green tones.