NYR Day 2

I've definitely met my goals for today, having worked 4 + hours on projects today.

At the shop desk, I worked on a new Steampunk Pin Prototype, but I'm not sure if I'm going to put the piece into production. I also packed a work kit for the weekend as I need to make new Chatelaines and Brooches for 2011.

I finished the hem saver on my blue moire Civil War ballgown and during the weekend I'll hand pleat the waistband and perhaps begin working on applying the ribbon trim (test example shown on the right), though I'm not sure the pattern...straight or curved lines, or perhaps a peyote or scalloped.

Tomorrow is the HT Gala and hopefully both my husband will feel better (bout of either the stomach flu, or flu-like illness) and the rain will hold off until after the new year.

NYR Day 1

I finished two Mary Todd Lincoln Brooch prototypes today. A simple version of the necklace; made of 1 large, 3 medium, and 5 small medallions is progressing well. I've got one more pearl medallion to bead before I begin setting bezels. I also spent a couple of hours getting my work area back in shape to begin jewelry production for 2011. A few pearl brooches and a at least one necklace should be ready for the Gallowglass Booth @ ReenactorFest 7


Tomorrow's project will be working on an bustle inspired from a 1886 Bloomingdale's Catalog (see image at the right) and putting together some more placket pockets, as well as working on the hem savers for two new hoop skirts, before packing my striped silk ballgown for the Timekeeper's New Years Eve Gala.









Photograph of Mike and I, President's Birthday Ball in Rockford, IL 2009

New Years Resolutions...early

If you are wondering why I've not posted to this blog for a while, let me catch up a bit. Back in August I injured my left shoulder and after a bit of medical mayhem the doctor's figured out I didn't have a sprained shoulder or thankfully a rotator cuff injury. Instead, I had to strengthen a whole group of muscles especially my left biceps. Since I'm left handed it made doing many normal things painful and I had to stop sewing until my physical therapy ended in mid-December. I'm still not 100% but I am able to get back to work on "stuff".

I've decided to make my NYR a simple one for 2011 - Sew new clothing and create new jewelry creations for at least 20 hours per week (in addition to the normal course of running the business including going to shows, new sales listings and of course shipping and receiving). It should add up quickly and I have a big list of projects and places to go over during the winter.

Projects for Winter 2011 (and the event deadline)

• Make sure the silk ballgown fits if the new one isn't done. Have the special pearl brooch finished.

• Get my brain in order for the Sharpshooter Winter Meeting (Jan. 9th)

• Make sure my dress fits for 12th Night

• Bead Stringing and Paternoster Class and Workshop to be taught at The Festival of Maidens (Jan 22nd). The class will focus what bead material and shapes would have been appropriate during the SCA time frame of 600 - 1600; while the workshop will focus on bead stringing techniques and period correct findings.

• Blue Moire Ballgown (ACW) with handmade trim by the Midwest Civilian' Conference (Jan 28 - 30). This dress just might get done this week......

• Check the Fabric and Trim Inventory for the Vogue Fabric Trip February 12th

• Burgundy and Floral Day Dress (ACW)
• Civil War Red Wool Soldier's Coat (ECW) - for Mike
  
• Lecture Notes and Examples for Creating a Mid-Victorian Wardrobe for Ladies and Gentlemen
• Lecture Notes and Examples for A Brief History of Lace
• New Stock for the Gallowglass Booth including petticoats, placket pockets, bustles, bustle overskirts, waistcoats, jewelry and hat pins
  
• for Military History Fest (aka Reenactor Fest) 7
  

Anyway enough about goals....here are some recent creations that will be available @ the antinasuniques ebay store sometime in January.