Viking Apron Dress and Tunic for Nancy-Raven

For those of you who also follow me on Facebook, you may remember that in late June / early July, I was working on a Viking Apron dress and a Tunic for Nancy-Raven’s birthday (for the rest of you, what are you waiting for to Like me? Just teasing). Because she is pregnant, she did not feel well enough to party at the time (ah, the first trimester and its lovely all day morning sickness), so it was over a month after her birthday that I finally gave her her present and by then, I was so busy with Otakuthon I did not find the time to post anything about it. But since she wore it recently to Les Médiévales internationales de Lachute (formerly La Fête Médiévale de Saint-Colomban), I figured it was more than time I display my work here.

(P.S. I was unable to attend the Fêtes Médiévales this year so I will not be able to do my yearly review of bad LARP garb. I hope you are not too disapointed and you understand and forgive me.)

A Viking apron dress is actually quite easy to make. Just like most of the clothing of that time period, it is constructed from very geometric pieces. Once you know how to assemble them, all you have left to do is hems and you are done. I used the instructions and pattern from Vigdís' Viking Apron Dress page.

Vigdís' Viking Apron Dress Pattern

Vigdís' Viking Apron Dress assembling diagram

One of the numerous great things about Nancy-Raven and I is that we wear the same size everything, from every layer of clothing down to shoes. So to make her a costume that will fit her perfectly, I only need to measure myself! To compensate for her current bust enhancement, I took that measurement wearing a bra that fit me perfectly at the time I was still breastfeeding. I made the bodice just a little shorter to ensure her baby belly would fit comfortably, and a little tight around so it will still fit after her son is born. This way, she can wear it for years to come.

Nancy-Raven's Viking Apron dress and Tunic

The fabric I used is heavy gabardine in a dark navy colour. To tell you the truth, I was aiming for black, knowing Nancy-Raven’s taste for the colour, but this is the darkest I could find.

Nancy-Raven's Viking Apron dress and Tunic - Close-up

For the tunic, I used the same T-Tunic pattern that I always use. (One day I have to make a tutorial for it.)

Basic T-Tunic Sketch

Usually, I like to make the gores on my t-tunic about waist height, but the truth is, in period only men wore their tunics tailored this way. Women, who were often pregnant, as is their biological role in the survival of the race, wore tunics with gores that came up to the bust level, leaving ample room for growing bellies. Regular tunics and maternity ones were one and the same; only the position of the belt changed. Following this principle, I made Nancy-Raven’s tunic with bust level front and back gores. As the fabric seemed a bit fragile at the top of the gore, I added a rectangular patch to solidify the junction, not unlike the ones found on extant clothing of the time.

Nancy-Raven's T-Tunic

Since I was going to use trim to decorate the neckline, I finished it with bias tape instead of a facing the way I usually do.

The fabric I used for the tunic is light linen in deep blue sky colour. I washed and dried it before cutting it to shrink it, which also made it incredibly soft.

Nancy-Raven's T-Tunic - Close-up

The trims were both hand woven by yours truly using my lovely tablet weaving loom bought in Pennsic back in 2007 (Lady Jeanne, please remind me once more from whom?), some tablet weaving cards I made from an old pack of playing cards and size 10, mercerised cotton crochet thread. The patterns I used are by Eqos on DeviantArt.

Tablet Weaving patterns by Eqos

I used Andred which is a 25 cards pattern for the apron dress’ trim and Melynai which is a 14 cards pattern for the tunic's trim. I choose colours that would come alive on the fabric from the assortment of thread spools I already had.

My Card or Tablet Weaving loom set up for the dress' trim

I made the apron dress’ trim first. Because the pattern was quite complicated to set up on the loom, it took me a whole evening to do so. The next day, when I began to weave, I realized I had made mistakes in the set-up, so I had to take everything apart and begin anew. After the second set-up, I was good to go and it took me about three evenings to complete the trim.

Viking Apron dress' trim on dress' fabric

The second trim was easier and also took but a few evenings to complete. All in all, I would say it took me maybe 10 days to make both trims.

Tunic's trim on dress' fabric

A Viking apron dress as two shoulder straps that are attached to the front with what are called Turtle brooches. I already owned a pair from Fettered Cock Pewters and they are really lovely and relatively inexpensive, so I ordered a set for Nancy-Raven as well.

Viking Turtle Brooches by Fettered Cock Pewters

I am no Viking garb expert, but from what I have seen, a necklace of beads hangs between the brooches. Using mismatched pottery and glass beads (from the craft section of my local Dollar store), and modern jewelry tools (nylon thread, metal rings), I made this piece of jewellery to complete the ensemble. Of course, the first on broke as I was trying to take pictures (crimping beads are apparently not that solid), and I am still finding beads all over my sewing room’s floor, but the second I made better, with two strands of beads (instead of one), knots and crazy glue.

Nancy-Raven posted a picture on her blog (Nancy-Raven's attic) of herself wearing her present at Les Médiévales internationales de Lachute (as well as pictures from the event, and I am sorry to have missed it - see them at The international medieval festival).

Nancy-Raven in her custom made Viking outfit, complete with black low top Medieval Mocassins and self made headwear

Doesn’t she look lovely? I always think so anyways.

Now you know what comes next don’t you? I want one too! Yep, the next Viking apron dress is for mig.

Winter Themed Yukata

Some of you may know that I am also on DeviantArt. One of the groups I belong too, KimonoDreams (for Kimono lovers!), was holding a design contest around the theme “Winter”; entries had to be original creations or design, for Kimono or accessories, of any medium. Many entered drawings, a few entered Kanzashi and one entered a doll. The contest had been running since November 20th, and I wasn’t going to enter, but when I received a “5 days left” reminder last week, something clicked and I changed my mind. I figured it would be the perfect kick in the butt for me to start a prolific costuming year – and clean out my project bin.

Winter Yukata and Obi fabrics

So on Saturday night, with 2 days to go, I cut both my Yukata and Tsukuri Obi, I sewed the Yukata on Sunday afternoon while my daughter was napping and made the Tsukuri Obi on Sunday night, after she had gone to bed (yes, being a parent, you have to work around your child’s sleeping schedule to work on your costumes). Monday, I took pictures and sent my entry in (1h30 before Contest closing – reminds you of anything?), and today, I am sharing my first 2011 project with you.

I used Printed Quilter’s Cotton to make my Yukata: it is a lovely two tone blue chequered print with snowflakes in each square - Perfect for the Winter theme. And of course, I got it on sale! As for pattern, I used the same one I always used, a modified version of Simplicity 5839 (I used the pattern as a block long ago, made my own pattern and have been using it ever since for all my Yukata – I should post instructions one of these days).

Winter Yukata - Flat

For the Tsukuri Obi, I found white tone-on-tone chequered jacquard in the decoration section – on sale too! Since I own a Tsukuri Obi, I measured it and based my own on these measurements. The bow is made of two rectangles, overlapping at the center fold and loosely tacked together in the middle. The ribbon to tie the bow around my waist was tacked to the bows. For the hook, I used an old metal hanger which I cut with bolt cutters (breaking a nail in the process). I then bent the ends and inserted them in my top bow’s fold. Finally, I wrapped the knot band around the bows and hook and hand sewed it tight and shut.

Tsukuri Obi Belt and Bow

In my second attempt at Kitsuke, I put both Yukata and Tsukuri Obi on last night for a quick photo shoot.

Winter Yukata - Front

Winter Yukata - Back

Please excuse my bare arms; I have yet to make a Yukata Juban.

(Note to self: must make more under things for all projects to be worn correctly).

Pretty Snowflake

It is a winter themed project after all!

Kneeling - A Japanese Must!

For those of you who have watched the making-of of Memoirs of a Geisha (2005), I concur with what the actresses said: it is an art to learn to kneel (and walk) in a Kimono.

Of course, as my entry for the contest, I made a lovely montage:

This has got to be the fastest costume project I have ever made: 48h from cutting to photo montage! Let’s hope it is a sign of projects to come.

The Monster Gift

You may remember a Threadbanger video I posted a while back on how to make yourself a Monster Hoodie (see Costume Monster Hoodie, posted on January 16th, 2010):

Based on their instructions, I made one for my friend Stu. It was supposed to be a Christmas present, but we only got to visit this Week-End. So that is why I am only showing it to you now, even if it has been made for months. Stu was really happy with it. I can tell you that although it was horribly hot, he did not want to take it off.

Stu's New Monster Hoodie

For this project, I bought a hooded vest on sale at Walmart (can't tell you how much because the gift recipient might see it). The video suggests the use of felt for the teeth and eyes, but I had leftover pieces of Polar Fleece, so that is what I used. And of course, I used my sewing machine instead of fabric glue.

The Monster Hoodie's Sharp Teeth

I actually cut two layers of the teeth strip and used the zigzag stitch on my machine to assemble them together. Then, I fixed to the hood's opening by sewing over the original seam, making it as invisible as possible.

I see you!

For the eyes, I began by fixing the pupils to the whites with a zigzag stitch, than I fixed the eyes to the top of the hood, still with a zigzag stitch.

It was a very easy project to make. I'll have to make myself one eventually.

Gum Wrapper Prom dress

Did you hear about the Junior high school girl who made her prom dress (well, the corset part of it anyways) out of hundreds if not thousands of Gum Wrappers? And not just any gum: Wriggley 5 – for the colour of its wrappers. Now that is what I call DIY fashion!

Elizabeth Rasmuson's Gum Wrapper Prom Dress

Elizabeth Rasmuson of Garner, Iowa, got the idea when she heard hearsay of another DIY fashionista who had made her Prom attire out of Duct Tape. Liz got her friends involded too; she bought the gum, distributed the pieces around and gathered the wrappers. Since such a project requires planning, she started right at the beginning of the school year. And so her date wouldn’t feel out of place (or clash, which would be worse), she made him a matching vest.

Elizabeth Rasmuson and her Date

The technique for weaving wrappers is fairly easy and it can be applied to other materials such as magazines and chip bags. All you need is to cut pieces measuring 2” by 4 ½”, fold them a certain way and begin weaving.

I found this a blog on the subject, Wrapper Purses - Made completely from recycled potato chip wrappers. There is even a tutorial to make a hand bag from woven chip bag and I have to say, I am loving this idea. Finally, something I can do to recdycle my weekly bag of Lay’s!

But back to the Gum wrapper dress, I looked into it and a pack of Wriggley 5 contains 15 pieces and costs 1.26$ CAD before taxes: that means to get 1000 wrappers, it cost her 84$ (CAD), not including dentist fees for cavities and jaw problems developped from chewing all that gum. Not bad for such an original bodice; plus, she made it to Tele!

Making and Wearing a Medieval Veil

Crown Tourney is coming to my beautiful province of Québec! Really! Now for those of you who don’t know what that is, it is a bi-annual SCA event where the new king is chosen through combat known as heavy fighting (full armour and rattan weapons). It’s a big deal! Usually it happens in the USA, but this may, it will be held in St-Hernénégilde, QC and I have every intentions of going.

Now ladies, if you do wish to go to a medieval event with a proper costume you should include a veil: it is not only period, it is practical a practical head covering. I’ve had my hat fly off in the wind more than once, but it has never happened to my veil.

First things first, you’ll need your own veil. You can buy one if you like, but they’re really easy to make. Start with one metre (100 cm) of light fabric (I prefer cotton veiling, but linen and silk are of course more historically accurate). Fabric usually comes in 115 cm width which is perfect for this project.

"Cutting Diagram for a Medieval Veil" by Gwenyver

Following the cutting diagram I lovingly made for you, cut a circle which is 100 cm in diameter; that will be your veil. You will be left with a band of fabric measuring 15 cm by 100 cm; cut it in half to get two pieces measuring 15 cm by 50 cm. These will be the headband and barbette (should you choose do wear one).

Next comes sewing. For the veil, use whatever edging technique you feel comfortable with; it could be the “foulard” point on your serger, a special edge point on your modern sewing machine, a narrow rolled edge, or my favourite, using a narrow zig zag point to satin stitch the edge.

For the head and chin bands, take one piece, fold it in half and sew the open side and one of the ends shut. Flip the piece inside out, press it and close the opened end. Repeat for the second piece.

You are now ready to put on your veil. In addition to the items you have just made, you will need some straight pins to put everything on. You can use regular pins from your trusty old pin cushion, or you can get fancier ones. Some medieval stores sell some lovely decorated extra long veil pins. Me? I use these faux pearl studded pins I got at the dollar store (50 for 1$!).

Here is how I do it:

First, if you have bangs, you should pin them back; if you have long hair, I suggest braiding it – two braids long braids on each side of your head is absolutely period for the 12th century! Now, take one of your bands of fabric and fold it in half length wise.

Folded Veil Headband

Wrap that folded band around your head horizontally, keeping it straight on your forehead.

Veil Headband - Front View

Join both ends one on top of the other and pin them together (I know it sounds dangerous, but just have be gentle and you’ll be fine).

Veil Headband - Back View

Then, grab your veil, put it over your head and bring the edge level over your eyebrows (as if you were measuring to cut your bangs). As long as it is level, it will be straight and centered. Flatten the veil over the headband and pin it to the headband at your temple. You want to insert the pin from top to bottom, at an angle, with the sharp end pointing away from your face

Pinning the Veil On

Repeat on the other side and you are done!

Medieval Veil

There you are, you look gorgeous, your veil is just the perfect size, neither too long nor too short, and are ready to pass for a Medieval lady from the 12th century.

Gwenyver as Mórag filia Scayth

But what do you do with the other band of fabric you prepared? You would normally use it as a barbette, or chin band, but it is optional. If you did choose to wear it, you would fold it length wise just like the headband and you would put it on before the headband, wrapping it around your head vertically, passing it under the chin and pinning it at the top of your head.

Of course, there are other ways to put on a veil. One great site is Medieval Clothing Pages: Articles by Cynthia Virtue. Cynthia has a page called Simple Steps to Look Great in a Veil, or Veil-and-Circlet where she shows not only another way to wear a veil (including barbette and circlet), as well as some historical sources.

So should I expect everyone in a veil at the next Medieval event? Nancy-Raven? Marie-Ange-the-Celt?

Ombre dye

Do you remember during the Winter Olympics how I mentioned Ombre dyed dresses? Well, the other day, I was home sick and I watched Martha Stewart: she happened to make an Ombre Dyed scarf the craft of the day.

Ombre Scarf, The Martha Stewart Show, March 2010

This is the technique she used:

Tools and Materials

• 2 1/4 yards cotton gauze or cotton cheesecloth
• Washer and dryer
• Scissors
• Large (gallon or more) plastic bucket
• Soda ash dye fixative
• Glass jar
• Procion MX powdered cold-water dye
• Warm water
• Measuring cups and spoons
• 4-ounce or larger plastic squirt bottle
• Masking tape
• 2 13-gallon white plastic garbage bags
• Latex or plastic gloves
• Permanent marker
• Ruler
• Electric fan (optional)
• Mild laundry detergent
• Sewing machine
• Coordinating thread
• Iron

Scarf How-To

1. Pre-wash cotton and dry on high heat; it will likely shrink to about 2 yards long. Snip a small slit in the center of one of the short sides of the cotton; grasp fabric on each side of the slit, and rip down the length to create two long scarves.
2. Prepare dye solutions: In a large plastic bucket, mix 8 tablespoons soda ash dye fixative into one gallon of warm water. In a glass jar, mix 3 teaspoons powdered dye with 1/2 cup warm water.
3. Soak undyed cotton scarves in soda ash solution for 30 minutes or more.
4. While cotton is soaking, decant dye into a 4-ounce or larger plastic squirt bottle. Mark the top of the dye level on the outside of the bottle with a strip of masking tape; place another strip of tape approximately halfway between the first piece and the bottom of the bottle.
5. Cut two 13-gallon white garbage bags along the seams, and spread out on a flat surface, overlapping the long ends by about 1 foot to create a clean, waterproof work area.
6. Wearing gloves, thoroughly wring out soaked cotton and spread out on garbage bags, folded in half so that the short edges are matched together.
7. With a permanent marker, make a mark on the garbage bag about every 6 inches, from the edges of the scarf to the fold.
8. Begin dyeing at the edges of the scarf, squirting the dye in a zigzag motion along the first 6 inches, until the dye has reached the halfway point you have marked. With gloved hands, spread and blend dye to cover the first six inches.
9. Refill dye bottle to top mark with water.
10. Dye the second 6 inches in a zigzag motion as before, using the dye down to the halfway point and blending into the first six inches with gloved fingers. Refill the dye bottle to the top mark with water. Repeat this process, using half the dye and refilling with water, for each of the remaining sections. Blend all sections into each other with gloved hands and fingers.
11. Allow dyed scarf to sit on garbage bags until about halfway dry (a fan can be used to speed this along). Fold garbage bags and scarf in half lengthwise, and then roll up scarf within garbage bags. Place rolled scarf somewhere warm -- near (not on) a radiator or in a sunny window -- for 12 to 24 hours.
12. Unroll scarf and remove from garbage bags. Rinse excess dye from scarf, starting with hot water and slowly transitioning to cold, until water runs clear.
13. Machine-wash scarf in hot water with a mild detergent; dry on high heat.
14. Hem scarf with a baby hem:
    Turn and press a 1/2-inch hem all around scarf. Machine-stitch around scarf, very close to fold of hem. Carefully trim excess fabric, right up to stitching.
    Turn edges again, this time creating about an 1/8-inch hem. With hem side up, sew all around edges again, following and stitching over the earlier stitch line.
15. Press scarf with a warm iron. Alternatively, create a crinkled look by spraying scarf with water, folding in half and twisting from both ends, and allowing scarf to dry while twisted. Untwist scarf and shake out.

(Source: Ombre Scarf, The Martha Stewart Show, March 2010)

Of course, there are other Ombre dying techniques out there: one is to use a spray bottle (any old household version will do, as long as it is clean).

Another is to use two dye baths simultaneously, soaking each end of your fabric in one.

I can't wait to try these techniques (although I'm sure my Sweetheart can - he's never thrilled with my dyeing experiences). Imagine the beautiful fairy dresses I could make!

Make your own Spats or Gaiters

Although I am watching Memoirs of a Geisha (2005) yet again (this time with audio commentaries), I will try to write about something else for a change. Let's talk Steampunk.

Whenever I look at Alyssa's beautiful creations (she is by far my favourite Steampunk Costumer), I love to look at all the details she has added to her costume. This includes accessories, such as Spats or Gaiters.

Black & White Steampunk Gaiters by Alyssa - Dragonfly Designs

Now you might wonder what the difference between the two is: from what I understand, spats cover the ankle and gaiters can go up to the knee.

Some of you may remember that I own a pair of child size gaiters (see my post Blast from the past), but to make my own, I was a little unsure of how to proceed. I had a vague idea that I would have to use some draping technique, but it's always nice, before starting a new project, when you can find a tutorial. Even better if it is a video tutorial. And if it comes from Threadbanger, you can't ask for more.

Now this is about making spats, but the technique would be the same if you wanted a pair of knee high gaiters. The only thing is, I suggest you drape both sides of your leg to make your pattern as you calf muscle tends to be rounder and larger on the exterior side. Also, it is easier in that case to ask a friend to do the draping for you on your own leg. But hey, if you're flexible enough, I'm sure you can manage by yourself.

Oh Nancy-Raven... Let's go leather shopping! Oh, and I need a little help with this draping...

Costume Monster Hoodie

I love ThreadBanger. What they call alternative fashion, I call everyday costume. Yesterday's DIY show was about transforming Hoodies into costumes. Usually, when you think Hoodie, you think comfy sweater you can throw on to go to the grocery store. With the Monster Hoodie project, you can do that, and freak out the Soccer Moms! How cool is that?

My Sweetheart walked into my Sewing Room/Office while I was watching the video and he told me that he wants the 'Ragon Head (he also asked if I was going to write that he wants the 'Ragon Head in my Blog - yes my love, I did). But seriously, I want one. And, I want to make one for my daughter. I'll even make one for my Sweetheart if he really wants one. I'll use sewing though, because I'm not a big fan of replacing stitches with glue.

I can see this project becoming a gift for a couple of friends (but I won't say who, or else it will ruin the surprise). Have I mentioned I love ThreadBanger?

Baby Shoe Craft

Post disclaimer: this post is not about costumes per se, but the technique demonstrated to modify shoes could be used for costuming purposes.

I have spent the last two days looking for some nice dressy shoes for my baby. Why? Because today we were getting our picture taken at Sears! As they are Christmas pictures to send to our family and friends, and she was going to wear her fancy Holiday dress, I couldn't have her wear play shoes! (Yes, I am that crazy about proper dressing and presentation).

So for two days, I hit the stores, looking for a nice pair of black patent leather shoe. I really wanted something black and shiny. But, remember I said I was cheap? The most inexpensive shoes I found were 17$. Seriously, she's going to wear them twice. There is no way I'm paying that much for shoes for her (not at her age anyways).

Last night, I had a sudden stroke of genius: last summer, Nancy-Raven bought her a pair of white canvas shoes with a pink and white checkered trim and bow. I know they are from WalMart and I know they were 3$. She had never worn them because they didn't match any of her outfits. White shoes could be cute too, I thought.

So here is what I did: I painted them! That's right, painted.

Painted Baby Shoe: Before and After

OK, I didn't paint the whole shoe, just the trim an bow that matched nothing in my daughters wardrobe.

I was hesitating between silver and gold, so called my mom to ask if there was a metallic accent in the dress she is making my Baby for Christmas. She answered gold, so gold it was.

Painted Baby Shoes with Material

Once upon a time, I had spare time to do tole painting, so I had everything I needed on hand. I used a small round brush (the number faded years ago, but I think it's a number three) and a liner brush to apply the paint, which by the way is Ceramcoat Gleams by Delta (acrylic paint) in Gold.

They will do perfectly for the holidays and they came out great on picture.

Gwenyver and Daughter, November 27 2009

Don't we look cute? Yes, that's me without a costume. Bet you didn't recognize me, eh! And by the way, I did not make my Daughter's dress: her Godmother Nancy-Raven got it for for for, check it out, 3.91$ CAD at Sears. The bodice is green velvet, the skirt is taffeta and the entire thing is lined in cotton so it is comfortable for her to wear.

It pays to be cheap!

Autumn Leaves Mask

Happy Thanksgiving to my readers south of the border! For you today I have an Autumn themed costume craft. No, it is not a papier-mâché Turkey costume (although that might be cool for next year). Today I present to you a quick tutorial on how to make your own Autumn Leaves Mask.

What you will need:

1. A blank canvas mask (from the craft store)
2. Some white liquid craft glue
3. Ribbon to tie your mask
4. Fabric Autumn leaves (mine are from the Dollar Store)
5. Clothespins

First, you want to replace the elastic on your mask with ribbons. Cut two equal length of ribbon, long enough to go around your head and get tied in a bow. Thread them through the holes on each side of your mask and make two or three knots do they don't come out.

Then you can begin gluing leaves to your mask. Apply a good drop of glue to our leaf, stick it to your mask and secure it with a clothespin while it dries. Begin in the center, on the top edge and go around. On the bottom edge, make sure your leaves are not too or it might be uncomfortable to wear. For the same reason, make sure the space for the nose is free so you can breath. Once your first row is dry, add another and repeat until your whole mask is covered and you are satisfied with the result.

Then cut away any fabric covering the hole for the eyes, and you are done.

Autumn Leaves Mask by Gwenyver

This one was my first mask. It is the one I presented in my Wednesday Weekly Wishlist: Charmed "All Halliwell's Eve" post back in October.

Autumn Leaves Mask for Nancy-Raven by Gwenyver

Then on October 30th, I made one for Nancy-Raven as a hostess gift, so she could add it to her wall of masks.

Autumn Leaves Masks by Gwenyver

And these are both my masks as they look flat on my work table. The top one is Nancy-Raven's and the bottom one is mine. Pretty cute, eh! I meant to make the second one like the first, but it turned out differently. I just let my muse guide me.

Maybe I should submit them to Craft Stylish, my favorite craft website!

Note: If you make your own, do send me a note and a picture, I would love to see them.

Hats!

This is really neat: I found out about it through a friend on Facebook.

Have you ever wanted to make a hat for a costume but didn't know how to make it? Here is a tutorial from ThreadBanger and Victor Osbourne:

Awesome, right? I would have never thought to use insulating foam as a base for a mould. And I've visited Hats by Leko and I'm in love. I now know were I'll order all the hat bases for the numerous projects I've been wanting to make, including Tricornes and of course, a Beauxbâtons School uniform flower hat!

Clémence Poésy as Fleur Delacour, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005)

To make that hat though, I intend to by the Flower Hat Shaper (from Hat Shapers).

Well, I'd love to stay and chat about headwear, but I have an Irish Dance dress to make (and a teething baby who won't let me work on it all that often).

What not to wear to your High School reunion (Funky Feather Fascinator)

Big day today: the 10 year High School reunion! What shall I wear!? I've been wondering about that for a while now, and the answer is, my Alfred Sung Orange and Hot Pink Summer Dress:

Pure by Alfred Sung at Zellers

Of course, I bought mine on special, so I only paid 20$ for it (*proudly grinning*). I really like it, I feel like a 60's well dressed housewife in it. Did I say 60's? Does that mean... COSTUME!

Something I miss from the 60's (mind you I was born in the 80's) and the earlier decades is everyone dressing up nicely to go outside the house and people wearing hats.

A couple of months ago, I found a tutorial to make a Fabulous Feather Fascinator. I decided to make a Funky Feather Fascinator with pink tulle and Orange and Hot Pink feathers to match my dress.

See how good it looks with my dress? You can't deny me my Costumeholic nature...

Gwenyver wearing her Funky Feather Fascinator

Of course, I made it the night before, only to realize that the feathers I had were too long to do what the tutorial shows. It still looks great (and funky!), but my Sweetheart, after saying it was cool, was sort of horrified at the idea of being seen with me in public, in a non-costume event, with "a dead parrot" on my head.

So I didn't dare wear it to the pub where the reunion took place.

Nancy-Raven and Gwenyver at their 10 year High School reunion

Where as Nancy-Raven dressed-up as the "Wicked Witch of the North Shore"*, I went as a successful Costume Designer (complete with Gladiator Sandals - originally bought to be worn at a LARP event).

*And thank you so much Sweetie for telling everyone we were going to sacrifice a goat as we left for the restaurant!

As Shakespeare put it, "All the world is a stage and all the men and women merely players": every actor wears a costume on stage, therefore, whatever we choose to wear is a costume, especially since we often plan our clothes according to the impression we want to give. That is Gwenyver the Costumeholic's philosophy!

Project: Tudor Initial Pendant

Lately, the Tudors have been all over the small and silver screen; whether it's The Tudors (2007), The Other Boleyn Girl (2008) or Elizabeth: The Virgin Queen (1998) or Elizabeth: The Golden Age (2007), we can't seem to get enough of them. So naturally, I wanted a piece of the costuming action, and what better way to wear costumes everyday than in jewelry! Since initial pendants are so In, and since I found a tutorial that showed how to make polymer clay look like old cast bronze, I went ahead and made my own Tudor Initial Pendant.

Anne Boleyn by unknown artist, c. 1525

The tutorial I had found on DIY Network no longer seems to exist on the web, but it was by Jennifer Parrish of Parrish Relics, famous for creating Ugly Betty's version of the Anne Boleyn necklace.

America Ferrera as Betty Suarez, Ugly Betty (2006)

Natalie Dormer as Anne Boleyn, The Tudors (2007)

Natalie Portman as Anne Boleyn, The Other Boleyn Girl (2008)

To make my necklace, I used black Fimo that I formed into the shape of a “G”, using both my hands and clay working tools. Once I was satisfied with the shape, I used different imprinting “tools” (a few of my “Celtic” rings, an interesting brooch, a metal appliqué) to give the surface a nicely chiseled texture. Once I was satisfied with the look, I cut and inserted four wire hooks into the clay so that once finished, I could hang my pendant from the pearl necklace as well as hang drop pearls from it. It then went into the oven to be cooked.

After the clay had cooked and cooled, I proceeded to sanding the dried clay lightly where it needed it before giving it a first coat of gold paint. I used four coats of gold acrylic craft paint instead of spray paint to get a richer effect. Then, I used diluted black acrylic craft paint to fake the oxidation effect. I put a coat of black paint on, let it dry a little and the wiped it off to leave black paint only in the crevasses made during the imprinting step. I had to repeat the process a few time to achieve a satisfactory effect. Finally, I varnished the piece with a satin finish varnish to give it a realistic shine.

As the piece had shrunk a little during the cooking process, the wire hooks were now loose in their holes, so I took them out with pliers, I put a drop of crazy glue in each hole and I reinserted the wire hooks.

Once all was dry, I hanged the pearl drops, threaded the pearls and pendant into necklace using four strands of nylon thread and I added the closure. I put a drop of crazy glue at the closure to make sure the knots would hold. I tried to keep the length of my necklace short enough so that it would hang close to my neck, just like in Anne Boleyn’s portrait.

Gwenyver's Tudor Initial Pendant

I also made one for Sciath, my Domina (the head of my SCA Household, Household of the Busy Bees)

In the 16th century, such a necklace would have been made out of gold and fresh water pearls. I used Fimo, gold paint and faux pearls to achieve the right look. This way, I managed to recreate a period look with modern materials and I now wear this necklace often, to work and school, with a V-Neck Tee or my teal velvet doublet jacket. That's my way of wearing costumes everyday!