Making a 1950's Party Dress

I was invited to a 40th Birthday Party, the theme was 'Grease' - the movie.  I decided to make a general 1950's dress, not an outfit that directly comes from the film, because I wanted to create something that I would have the opportunity to wear again. 

Last year I came across Sense & Sensibility Patterns on the net.  I am not an experienced sewer, but they had a pattern that even a beginner could give a go. So I dived in and purchased the pattern and then a pink fabric with white polka dots, and gave it ago.  

Overall I found the pattern a little bit of a challenge because I've never ever constructed pleats, but with the help of a few tutorials on YouTube, I was on my way to completing my first ever dress. 

Overall I was happy with the result, but next time I wont make the sash, I found it kept bunching up and moving. Other than that the dress was perfect for what I wanted.  

Sense & Sensibility Pattern

The finished dress

Squizzy Taylor Costume Exhibiton

I'm not a big fan of the Underbelly TV shows, however saying that I have been watching the Squizzy Taylor Underbelly series, currently screening on Channel 9 here in Australia. Joseph Leslie 'Squizzy' Taylor was a gangster here in Melbourne in the 1920's.

Underbelly Squizzy (2013)

Starring Jared Daperis

Recently I went to the Underbelly Squizzy Costume Exhibition at the Old Melbourne Gaol.  I thought it was a nice touch that this exhibition was being displayed within the Gaol. The costumes are wonderful but I am always surprised how the costumes look more detailed on the TV / movie screen than they do in the flesh. 

Sonic the Hedgehog Costume - My Creative Space

It's been forever since I last took part in Kootoyoo's Creative Space. So here goes.

For those who don't know, I'm deeply immersed into the subject of science fiction in all it's shapes and forms.  Our son has also taken up the interest and of course computer games.  He asked if we could make a Sonic the Hedgehog costume for some up-and-coming science fiction conventions.  I'm not a costumer, my knowledge on sewing is basic, but I thought, why not.  It would be a great challenge.

My son found this amazing tutorial on Youtube .  So basically we are using this as a guide.




Well so far, so good.  Our progress so far.

We purchased wire from Bunnings, made the frame, paper mached it and
placed a bike helmet inside. Fur is purchased from Spotlight and foam from Clark Rubber.

Our next step was making the 6 spikes that appear on the head.

Well it's getting there.  Will keep you posted.

To see more Creative Spaces, fly over to here. 

The Doctor Blake Mysteries

There is currently a new Australian drama being shown here on the ABC at the moment, The Doctor Blake Mysteries, starring Craig McLachlan and Nadine Garner.

Set in the Australian town Ballarat in 1959.  McLachlan plays Dr Lucien Blake, he has come back to take over his deceased father's medical practice. Not only is he the local Doctor, but also the police surgeon for the local police.

I'm really enjoying this show. Scripts, acting, production is wonderful and shows off an old world charm.  Also wonderful to see Ballarat and surrounding areas in all their glory.

Get 'The Doctor Blake Mysteries' look

1. The Doctor Blake Mysteries DVD - ABC Shops

2. Coat Man Import Classic - The Coat Man 

3. Skull - Wunderkammer

4. Christys fur felt Fedora - The City Hatters

5. MicroScience 36 Piece Microscope Set - The Australian Geographic Shop

6. Uber Stone 4 Buttons Plain Twill Vest - David Jones

7. Vintage Black Bakelite PMG AT Telephone 1950s - Vintage Phones

Titanic Style

I've had a strong interest in the White Star Liner the Titanic, for a long time.  I love the history, scandal and of course the clothing of the Edwardian time.  For Christmas I was given a beautiful book about the clothing on the Titanic. The book illustrates and explains in an in depth manner the styles of clothing that were worn by each class.  Also one gets an insight on the history of famous fashion houses in Paris, London and New York of the time.  It certainly is a must read book for anyone who has an interest in historical fashion and history.

Get the Titanic / Edwardian Look. 

1: Titanic Style: Dress and Fashion on the Voyage - Grace Evans - Amazon

2: Belt Long Skirt - MANGO 
3: Silver Filigree Heart Pendant - Past Times

4: Silk lace bodice with bobbles Edwardian 1900s - Circa Vintage

5: Edwardian Boots - American Duchess Historical Footwear

6: Stitches Long Sleeve Ottoman Jacket - David Jones

Blogtoberfest Day 23 - A little Adam Ant

Well I must admit, today I'm a little tired, so the old post is going to be boring.  Sorry folks.  I think I've hit a wall.  Just enjoy this photo instead. 

Original Adam Ant Costume - V& A Museum, London. 2011

The Souper Dress - The costume that didn't happen

Those who know me, will know that Andy Warhol is one of my favourite artists. Recently I had my birthday party which was a costume party, theme '1960's and 1970's'. I couldn't decide on which decade so I choose both.

When I discovered that Campbell's soup made a paper dress called 'The Souper Dress', using Warhol's iconic Campbell's soup artwork, I thought why not give it ago. I knew it would be a challenge seeing I don't know how to sew etc.

First step was obtain the webbing fusible fabric that one can iron paper onto. Then cut out a template of the dress, I tend to use my own clothes as templates. My lovely husband found a Campbell's soup label on the net, he did a little fixing. I printed 24 labels for the back and front and manually cut them out. Then I ironed the labels onto the dress. Ironed on some ribbon (amazing got the same colour from Lincraft). Next step was to sew back and front together. Yes this is where it went down hill. It looked great on the coat hanger, but once it was on me, the whole garment slopped to the right. The garment also started to tear. Yes I was disappointed, but I had a plan B for a costume.

At the party I had a costumer tell me where I went wrong, but they thought I did a great effort, considering I am not a costumer. Maybe I will give it ago in the future.