My husband, the lady’s maid

Posted on March 26, 2012 by Cynthia Griffith

Dressed up for a recent event where all you had to do to attend was wear a hat. He picked this one himself and had fun deciding.

It’s funny how things work out, isn’t it?

My husband would never be in the least bit interested in costuming if it wasn’t for me. However it’s not that he just tolerates the whole costuming thing, but he’s actually slowly getting into it now.

That’s why, when we do have an event and I’m dressed up, he’ll wear his kilt so he can at least feel somewhat dressed up and special. I guess I need to hurry up and finish a couple of costumes for him so he doesn’t feel left out.

The funniest part, though? He’s been learning how to pin, baste, help with fittings, and help me get these costumes on.

It occurred to me with the recent 18th century event, that he is incredibly patient. My Yellow Rose Jacket takes longer to get into. I have to pin my stomacher to my stays (I do this before I put the stays on), and I have to do it carefully. Both my stays and the stomacher aren’t perfectly straight and even, and I made the stomacher a little bit too narrow. The jacket spiral laces closed over the stomacher with a flat ribbon, and then the edges get pinned to the stomacher to help hold it in place.

Christopher not only has the patience to help me get these costumes on, he insists on taking his time and trying to make them look nice. If the ribbon lacing starts twisting or doesn’t look good, he tries to fix it. Of course, I’m standing there the whole time with my toes and legs falling asleep (I don’t like standing still in one place for very long, and although the shoes are nice enough they’re not the most comfortable).

The one thing he’s been having a little trouble with is the pinning part. He did a little better the first time I wore the Yellow Rose Jacket — and thank goodness for that, I was having trouble with the pins myself. The last time, however, he had trouble and was very nervous he would stab me. I was able to do it that time with him being my extra set of eyes to make sure I had everything smooth enough and placed the pin properly.

And if I try to do things myself, like fix ribbon lacings or attempt to tie the petticoat drawstrings? He slaps my hands away so he can do it. Ha! He has also become invaluable to me when I’m shopping for fabric (he has great taste).

I’m a very lucky gal. Not only does he enjoy watching me make things, he likes to hang out with my costuming friends (what guy wouldn’t enjoy hanging out with pretty ladies laughing and having a good time?), but he’s incredibly helpful.

And for that, I’m very thankful!

Speaking of Christopher, he’s currently running a fun little challenge on his blog… please check it out, and share your best road trip story! You might even win a Kindle Touch!

Posted in Christopher, Costumes, Hobbies, Sewing | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

My 18th century-esque makeup attempts

Posted on March 20, 2012 by Cynthia Griffith

When I was younger, I wouldn’t leave home without at least wearing foundation, powder, and eyeliner. I couldn’t wear mascara or lipstick (allergies with one, and annoyance with the other), and the rest I just didn’t feel like I needed.

When I got older, I didn’t have as many reasons to wear it and just stopped wearing makeup for the most part. I can be a little weird with having stuff on my skin anyway.

With 18th century costuming, I figured out a reasonable way to attempt makeup for atmosphere mostly. Since I’m not completely accurate, I try to achieve a general “feel” of a period look, as well as consider my own comfort. I also want to make sure it’s fairly quick and easy for me to put on and take off after a long event.

I already had some cosmetics, and I acquired the others, like the powder, when I decided to try this. I’m not saying they’re the only products that will work, but this is how I do it.

I start off with a very, very light foundation. Not pure white, but a very pale skin tone. I use Maybelline FIT 110 porcelain foundation. I put this on lightly, and blend to my hairline and past my jawline, onto my neck slightly.

Next, I use Manic Panic Virgin White pressed powder. It comes with a sponge-like applicator, and I use that to blot the powder on and blend it in lightly (no swiping motion — all gentle blotting, in circular motions). I make sure to blend lightly down my jaw and onto my neck as well as into my hairline, just enough so I don’t have an obvious line. I use a powder brush to help with touchups and blending once I have the right amount of powder covering most of the areas.

I also use the brush to get some of the powder onto my neck, ears, and even into my hairline. I don’t worry about whether or not it shows up on my hair (it really doesn’t) — I wear a cap most of the time, and honestly my hair is streaked with silver and white, so I don’t feel like having my hair look too powdered.

Then I use Ecco Bella Burgundy Rose blush (it’s a rather dark pink), and I do the same with a clean tissue, blotting it into a nearly central location on my cheeks, and then blot-blending out into the upside-down triangle shapes you see in a lot of paintings. If I have trouble blending, or want to tone it down a little, I can also gently and carefully add a bit of white back wherever I need it to soften edges or tone the color down.

Finally, I line and fill my lips with Ecco Bella Plum lip liner, and finish with a similar Ecco Bella Tuscany Rose lipstick. These are the only colors I have a liner and matching liptstick for, so that is why I use those. I personally get the best lasting results from that type of layering, even after several hours and eating and drinking (of course, I also use a few cleaning and moisturizing products that have worked for my skin and lips, and those also help maintain the makeup for a while).

I don’t line my eyes, use any eye shadow, or even do anything with my eyebrows. My brows are dark enough, but if they weren’t, I would probably just take a natural brown pencil and help fill them in only to show up just enough. Even though I’m wearing white powder, I still prefer a little bit of a more natural makeup look, whether it’s modern or 18th century-esque. That’s just my personal take and taste since again, I’m not going for 100% accuracy.

When I first tried the makeup, I wore the K Gown’s jacket, and the white fabric tucked into the neckline of the jacket helped hide the fact that I only used the makeup on my face. When I wore the Yellow Rose Jacket for the event earlier this year, I was not sure if I would actually be wearing it since that was the first time I even tried it on. I don’t have anything to fill the neckline of that jacket yet. I didn’t bring the makeup down my neck and chest, just in case — I almost expected to be changing and wearing the K Gown’s jacket anyway.

I realized later while looking at photos, that I needed to fill the neckline in with those jackets, or bring the makeup all the way down, so for this most recent event I tried makeup. What a mistake! Since it’s been so warm, and I’m hot natured, I ended up sweating so much I had very obvious white creases on my neck. I wiped off most of the makeup on my neck — it wasn’t really showing up that well anyway. I noticed no real difference with or without, sadly. Maybe because I had to keep it light since it’s a little painful for me to touch my throat area due to fibromyalgia (thankfully I can still wear ribbon chokers).

To be honest, I’m not sure if there is any makeup that would work for me due to sweat and other issues, so I will just have to make sure I blend my makeup as best I can or fill the neckline with fabric to hide any difference.

You never know if something will work, or if you’ll like it unless you try. It’s been fun practicing and trying some things out, and I have had compliments about those little details in my costuming adding a little extra to my look. It means a lot to me — helping me feel even more dressed up, and although many of us in this area can’t have the full 18th century experience with places to go and period furniture, it’s just nice to try where we all can to have fun with it and see what we can achieve!

Whether it’s the little accessories and details in your costuming, or even silver platters, pretty china and glasses, and 18th century art on the walls. People appreciate and notice those little extras, and it’s just one more area to put a little more of yourself into your look and add to the fun of celebrating with your costuming and sewing friends.

(Of course, if you are a re-enactor, make sure it’s more accurate and fits the look you are going for.)

Photo courtesy of Kaycee Harding, a talented D/FW Texas photographer. Please check out http://www.kayceehardingphotography.com/ for more of her work!

Posted in Costumes, Hobbies | Tagged , | 7 Comments

Wine & Whist March 2012 Event

Posted on March 16, 2012 by Cynthia Griffith

Our private 18th century costuming group hasn’t been able to get together very much since we’re all so busy, but we managed to throw a little gathering together at the last minute.

On March 15, 2012, we attended an evening of wine, dinner, a game of whist, and strolling through the neighborhood for photos at a little pond.

It was a great time — two new members joined us, and although not everyone in the group could attend, we enjoyed ourselves.

Our hostess gave us some sweet party favors and provided delicious refreshments. After dining and chatting, we played whist and laughed. The evening went way too quickly, but we are hoping for more fun gatherings in the near future!

Follow the link below to see the photos on Flickr. I apologize in advance for the poor quality — all of the photos were taken in low light levels with my iPhone.

Posted in Costumes, Events, Hobbies, Photos | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

Video from November 2011 DFWCG Georgian Picnic

Posted on March 10, 2012 by Cynthia Griffith

This is a very late post regarding that past Dallas-Ft Worth Costumers Guild event, so I do apologize with how long it took us to put it together.

We didn’t have as much footage to use as we had hoped. We’re still getting used to the idea of remembering to take photos and videos since we’re having so much fun!

Also, sadly, our computers do not like editing the HD video. Unless we reboot our computers constantly, the end result is a very choppy-jerky result. It’s a shame, but it’s what we have to work with at the moment.

My husband, Christopher, put this together last night. I think he did a cute little job with what he had to work with, and I look forward to having more footage from future events!

I hope you enjoy the video!

 

Posted in Costumes, Events, Hobbies, Videos | Tagged , , , | 7 Comments

Fabric and embroidery sample purchases

Posted on March 5, 2012 by Cynthia Griffith

I’m still catching up on posting what I’ve been up to lately. I’m going a little out of order, but trying to keep my thoughts organized with the subjects.

I mentioned that I’m making a chemise a la reine (CalR), because I found some cotton voile on sale. I couldn’t pass it up, even though I was originally looking for something else first.

My original plan was to get some fabric to make a talma wrap in time for the February Antique Elegance Show, but the weather has been so warm. Even though the event I want to wear the CalR to is in November, I decided to not worry about 19th century cold-weather garments and go ahead and buy the cotton voile.

The other reason I bought the fabric is it seemed light and gauzy enough to try some pulled thread whitework embroidery (where you make stitches that warp the actual fabric weave, creating patterns and holes that resemble lace).

I’ve been practicing pulled thread stitches, but ended up struggling here and there. The fabric seemed different compared to the books I was using, and it was difficult to count threads properly to achieve the right look. Just when I felt I was getting it correct with a few stitches, I ended up hating it again.

I’ve been spoiled with my regular embroidery website for learning, and haven’t yet been able to find something as good for pulled thread techniques. I do have a few books, but sometimes it’s just not the same as well made videos — I get the feeling sometimes that written instructions miss steps and don’t give enough tips.

I attended the aforementioned Antique Elegance Show with a friend (I didn’t even bother dressing up), and within minutes of entering I found something to buy!

Tucked away in a basket, was an embroidered handkerchief. It had a lot of embroidery on it, some of it was pulled thread stitches, and best of all the monogram was the same as my last name! I just had to have it. I talked the seller down a little, and picked it up on my way out of the show.

whitework handkerchief

The purchased handkerchief. I didn't bother to press the creases out -- it went right into a bag for storage so I can study it when I'm ready.

whitework handerchief

whitework handkerchief

whitework handkerchief

The other three corners have this design.

whitework handkerchief

A closeup detail of the monogram section.

I have it handy to study, even though it doesn’t have all of the stitches I hoped to try, but already it helped me realize that the photos in the books are very, very close up shots. I’m trying to keep my work very small, but it’s been helpful.

Originally, I was thinking about embroidering ruffles for the CalR, but I’m leaning more towards plain self-fabric ruffles. I may make ruffled cuffs and accessories for another outfit, especially if I find another lighter, gauzy fabric I love even more.

I’m just happy I lucked out with a couple purchases this year. Sometimes I feel unlucky, never finding anything I need or want to buy (and if I come close, I usually talk myself out of it). I also think having a little more confidence with my sewing skills makes me feel like I deserve nicer fabrics!

I never thought I would purchase things mainly to study. I thought photos online, or looking closely at displays would be enough. Sometimes it is, and up until now I was happy just viewing what others shared publicly. This time, however, I must admit it was nice to purchase a handy study guide. I guess I’ll have to keep an eye out for more items that cover even more stitches. I’ll be especially lucky if little details like a monogram just happen to match up like this one though! 😉

Posted in Costumes, Embroidery, Hobbies, Sewing | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Behind with blog, but still sewing

Posted on February 29, 2012 by Cynthia Griffith

A portion of the painting Portrait of M. and Mme Lavoisier, by Jacques-Louis David, 1788 (Metropolitan Museum)

I’m feeling a little overwhelmed with online stuff lately, and have even started cleaning some places like Twitter and possibly some blogs I follow.

I didn’t realize how overwhelmed I was until I noticed a few days of not reading even one tweet, or clearing out the rest of the blog entries I wasn’t even skimming.

The sad thing is, I do like many of the blogs and people I follow, but I’m starting to hate going anywhere near my computer because it’s a struggle to keep up.

I have been sewing, and I even finished a foundation garment. I don’t remember when I finished it, but I guess it’s time to finally post it on my costumes page.

I’m working on a chemise a la reine (CalR), and instead of wearing my usual pocket hoops, I made a false rump to go with that outfit.

I didn’t really care about too much accuracy, and I made it in a day. The funniest part is, it was actually my second version. I tried a bum roll style the day before, and it was too big and full (with my fear of under stuffing things, I think I’m over stuffing them heh!).

So far, I think this false rump will work fine, and I can always make another version if it turns out to have more flaws than I expected.

My CalR is in progress at the moment, and will be based off the painting at the top of this entry, with a few changes. Since this may be my only chance to make one, I’m deciding what little features and details I prefer over the inspiration version.

Unfortunately, it may be some time before I show the CalR here even when it’s finished because I need to make some other garments to wear with it (a new shift, and two new petticoats), and I have to admit the temptation is strong to also wait until I get the wig!

The reason I chose this particular painting for my inspiration? Her hair (and my favorite color is blue). I have very long hair, past my knees, so doing anything more than just putting it in a bun won’t happen with me sadly! I’m all thumbs with anything more than a plain braid, and that’s a lot of hair to fight with while learning. I’m also very careful with my hair to keep it from damage. The thing I noticed about this painting is that I could wear my real hair in a ponytail gently curled, and plop a wig on top for the rest of it. Everything about this outfit seems like a nice change of pace, even though it still involves stays and long skirts!

I’m hoping to wear this to the next Georgian Picnic in November, so I don’t know why I’m obsessing about it this early. I lucked out and found the fabric on sale, so I guess that’s why I’m working on it. You know how it can be with costume distractions. I do need to find a stopping point so I can get to work on garments with deadlines coming up first!

I also hope to make some other accessories, like a hat. It just depends on what inspires me.

Click the link below to go to the False Rump page and read more about it:

Posted in Costumes, Hobbies, Sewing | Tagged , , | 5 Comments

Obsessing over details

Posted on February 13, 2012 by Cynthia Griffith

embroidery booksI’m already slow when it comes to finishing a complete costume.

I research the garment itself, I read up on how to do even basic steps (I’m still learning how to sew), I make sure I understand what I need to do, and I fret over making that first cut into the fabric when I’m on a “no turning back” step.

You’d think I would steer clear of anything that would make the process even slower than it already is for me.

Apparently I don’t know any better though.

I’ve been getting into embroidery more and more. At first, it was just a neat challenge for me since I was never able to learn how to do it when I was younger. I didn’t know things like wrapping threads on the back of the work instead of knotting them to start and stop. Even though I knew you shouldn’t cover too much space with long lines of satin stitch, the stitches still weren’t small enough — not to mention, they were definitely not even or smooth.

Then I discovered videos, and other tips online, and realized if you have the right tools and a little patience as well as practice, it’s worth a shot to try those things you thought you could never do.

As if discovering you aren’t a miserable failure wasn’t enough, seeing people’s positive reaction to your finished projects is even more of a confidence booster. 

I keep finding my embroidered mitts on Pinterest boards or on forums (makes me blush and smile every time), and people enjoy looking at them in person. I found that although I don’t reproduce actual historical designs, I enjoy putting something a little more into a project to truly make it mine.

So I guess it’s no real surprise that I have started collecting more books about various types of embroidery and hand finishes (and want even more — I’d love to try tambour, and even try hand quilting some garments). Instead of just adding a purchased ruffle to a current project I’m working on, I’m contemplating hand embroidering my own.

Unfortunately, the practice isn’t going so well.

I’m not sure if it’s the fabric itself or just me. It’s difficult to count close threads for pulled thread techniques — where you use the embroidery stitches to warp the fabric threads themselves, causing patterns and holes to create a lace-like effect. The fabric I’m using is light and gauzy, but the threads are still a little too close together and higher count than I guess I should have used.

Photos of historical garments can be deceptive, because the fabrics in those seem similar to what I’m using. Plus, I’ve already got the fabric — I would hate to have to keep looking and buying fabrics to test, just to find what I need. I don’t like ordering fabric online, because you can’t feel it or get a really good look at the texture unless you’re holding it in person.

I received a few books for Christmas, and found a pulled thread book I’m hoping will help boost my confidence with this style of embroidery.

I wish there were videos and tips that were as good as the ones I’ve learned for regular embroidery, but I’ll just have to make do with what I’ve got.

In the meantime, I’ll keep practicing, testing some things, and coming up with some designs for the projects I’d like to use embroidery on.

I don’t know why I’m so determined to try this. I guess I just want to really make this, and other costumes, truly mine with even more details.

Posted in Costumes, Embroidery, Hobbies, Sewing | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

Muff for Bustle Gown

Posted on February 3, 2012 by Cynthia Griffith
burgundy muff

See the link below for more information and photos on this project.

I decided to start making some garments to keep me warm while wearing my costumes.  It’s probably ironic that it was warm enough this past week that the air conditioner broke and the inside of my apartment was around 85 degrees F.

I decided to start with a muff, and I used a style where I can change the covers. I liked the way some of them looked, and it would allow me to have accessories match my outfits.

I don’t know when I might have a chance to pose for better photos in costume. I originally was hoping to have the cold-weather garments finished in time for a mid-February event. I have a bad feeling it might be too warm for my tastes to even wear a heavily layered costume, much less winter garments.

At least I’m making progress to add more accessories, especially useful ones, and they will help give me a little more diversity to my outfits as well.  I am hoping to attend more events this year, and although I have plans to sew more outfits, I have a feeling I’ll be getting sick of wearing the same costumes multiple times. Adding more accessories will help give a little something different to the ensemble and freshen it up for me, I think.

Here is a link to the costume page about the first muff version. I’m going to put all the various covers on this same page as well.

Posted in Costumes, Hobbies, Sewing | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Yellow Rose Jacket and Mad Hatters Tea Event

Posted on January 17, 2012 by Cynthia Griffith

Check the link below for more photos!

Finally! I finished another project — one that has been sitting around gathering dust for a while, at that! And just in time for an event this past Saturday.

I was nervous I wouldn’t even finish in time or that it wouldn’t work out, but I somehow pulled it off. I tried it on for the first time as I was getting ready for the event. Whew!

I made a page in the costume section so you can see photos and information on the construction. See below for the link.

The event was the Dallas Ft Worth Costumers Guild (DFWCG) tea at a local antique shop. The theme was hats… you didn’t need a full costume, but many of us went ahead and made something new for it. I still haven’t finished my husband’s 18th century costume, so he had fun shopping around for a hat to wear.

It was a blast, and a great way to have some fun after the past couple of months I’ve had. These folks are wonderful, supportive, and you’re guaranteed lots of laughs.

The food and tea was lovely, and we were there for a few hours. I had hoped to look around the little antique shop, but I didn’t get very far before others arrived and I stopped to chat with them.

After the tea, we went to a nearby park and took photos. I need to get better at taking photos, but we’re hoping to get a better camera. Phones can be handy for some things, but not for event photos (at least for my needs).

I did set up a Flickr account, and I changed the image gallery setup on my blog. Here are the links for the event photos and the costume information and photos:

It was a great time, and I’m already looking forward to trying to make a few accessories before the next event!

Posted in Christopher, Costumes, Events, Links, Photos | Tagged , , , , , , | 12 Comments

A Bright Spot During a Sad Holiday

Posted on January 9, 2012 by Cynthia Griffith

Delft cup and saucerAs I mentioned in my last entry, the year ended on a very sad note for me.

I adore the holidays, and while I’m determined to look forward to them every year and continue my festive ways, there will still be some heartbreaking moments that will hit me.

Fortunately, there were some great memories from this past December for me to look back on as well.

The Sew 18th Century blog had a fun giveaway, and I won!  It’s taken me a little while to post about it, but I wanted to work on a proper post to mark the occasion.

The prize was a Delft cup and saucer — a small and adorable set — and my favorite color is blue!

It arrived very quickly, which surprised me, but it wasn’t just that — the care that was taken to pack the set was what knocked me off my feet.

First, the box had a cute holiday stationery paper taped on the top, with both our addresses written in fun handwriting.  Obviously I can’t post a photo of that since most of it would be blurred out, but it immediately put a smile on my face.

Inside, the cup and saucer were each carefully packed in bubble wrap, and then wrapped in pretty silver paper tied with beautiful green and red ribbons.

How everything was wrapped up -- note the lovely card, and pretty ribbons!

I knew from reading the giveaway blog entry and comments, that the cup would be small, but I didn’t realize how small and cute the set would be!  I thought I might actually use the set, because my husband and I both use our glassware and china on a daily basis.  After holding the set in my hands however, I’ve decided not to risk it.  I also adore the crackling patterns in the glaze.

Delftware cup

Look how tiny the cup is compared to my husband's hand!

Delftware markings

The markings on the botton of the cup and saucer.

Also included was a lovely holiday card featuring the perfect subject matter!

Needless to say, I was moved by the whole package, and now when I look at my antique cabinet and see the little teacup and saucer, I have a very good memory to remind me that it was still a good Christmas in 2011.

The Delftware cup and saucer in their new home. We call our antique cabinet "Rose." Sorry for the poor photo quality -- the lighting was terrible, and I took the photo with my phone. In the foreground is part of my snow village.

 

The Delftware looks pretty in the cabinet, and I can see it every time I walk by that room.

I appreciate the kindness and fun of this wonderful prize. I always have a blast meeting people on the Internet, and participating in surveys and giveaways.  This was a wonderful distraction and brought me great joy.  Please visit the Sew 18th Century blog!

Posted in Gifts, Personal | Tagged , | 2 Comments