This Town Is Just Too Small Sometimes

I took the morning off from unpacking, arranging, and trying to figure out why I have so much stuff. I took a walk around the neighborhood and walked into Community Thrift - reminding myself that I had just made a pact with me, myself, and I that if I bring something into the house, two things have to go out.........so Im perusing the aisles and pulling out cute little dresses when lo and behold, there are two dresses on the rack that I just got rid of!!!!!!!!!

So does that count?

Just When I Think Its All A bit Too Much.......

I moved into a smaller place and while Im so very happy and ready to roll again, I started wondering why the hell am I doing this? Why do I make things? Why do I collect so much stuff and why do I try to make things for a living? Why why why?????????

And then DeJeNerate posted this picture on tribe and I had my answer. Cuz I like to make pretty things and my things go well with all kinds of other things, people feel good wearing it, and its just a nice thing to do with one's life.

Dancer: DeJeNerate
Photo: Matthew Loal T. Hepworth (SLC, UT)
Kc.costumecouture@gmail.com

Rattie Tattie Neck Warmers

Im still jumping over boxes, but the move was as smooth as a move could be and I just posted a few new things up on etsy. I'll be back to work tomorrow and happy as happy can be!

I made some of these black and white scarves and they are all gone but one thats now lonely and needs an owner! I'll have more, but since they are all a bit different from one another, this one here is the last of its kind for now!

http://www.kathleencrowley.etsy.com

kc.costumecouture@gmail.com

Naivete

Why I thought I could make this move happen quickly and without pain, I have no idea. Perhaps because the mere thought of moving kinda makes me sick and I just chose to be in denial.

I expect that it will take me a good week now to get set back up - although I will still be working and checking emails. Everything will be going under one roof again, which will make my life much more efficient. Im so excited!

Bear with me!

Kc.costumecouture@gmail.com

Cold Turkey Not Good

DO NOT......
I REPEAT......
DO NOT stop drinking coffee cold turkey while moving
and working furiously with deadlines.

Not a good idea!


kc.costumecouture@gmail.com

Nesting

I should be working because I am overwhelmed with so much to do right now, but I just cant help myself - I found a home! I can rest. I can nest. I can work when I need to and the commute will be very, very short. The neighborhood is great. The bus stops a stones throw away. Im surrounded by cheap eats, good produce, and the hippest shops. Im sure that I'll be in heaven once Im all moved in. And ........tada! Im a short walk to a good fabric store! And best of all, hell aint freezin over yet - so thats a good sign, right? (unless you are over on the other side of the country)

Ive been needing to nest for a long, long time now, and every time I try, Im just up against a wall, so now I can. Its been a long adventure - and lets just leave it at that. Not only will I be happier, but a happy Kathleen gets her work done quicker and can actually go have fun now and then!

I found this photo of a nest. And it led me here - a great green reuse crafty blog! So read it because its full of fun little crafty ideas! And you can learn to make this nest! Every home needs one. And a house isnt a home unless you can nest.



Here is one of my new room mates!
Isn't he just adorable?

So I probably wont be working for the first week of February and although Im overwhelmed with the amount that I have to do before then, hey, I am never bored.

kc.costumecouture@gmail.com

I like to promote my friends when at all possible and I believe in their work. This man's art is especially amazing and you should go to this if you are in the area.
He also dresses very nice and I give him extra kudos for this!

Patrick Segui
The Shooting Gallery
February 7th
839 Larkin St.
Sf, Ca
415-931-8035

kc.costumecouture@gmail.com

I'll Be Vending At The Edwardian Ball!

Its time for the Edwardian Ball again! And this time I'll be vending! So come by and say hi!

There is so much amazing entertainment as always, but there seems to be so much more this year - or maybe more of who I like. And it is always so much fun to see what everyone is wearing!

I will be accepting checks with proper id, legal tender and swigs off your flask - but no credit cards - sorry!

Come out to the ball!

The Regency Center
Sutter and Van Ness
San Francisco
Friday vending
January 23


kc.costumecouture@gmail.com

One Of A Kind Coats Of The Third Degree

Coats. I love them. I love making them...... they make everyone stop and look when you walk down the street. They make everyone do a double take when you step out of your vehicle. They make everyone stop in awe and amazement when you enter a room. They top off your garment. They compliment your wardrobe. They last for years. They keep you warm.

They create drama in a wonderful way.






You can never have too many coats!




Samantha Hasthorpe wearing a fur trimmed hooded opera coat. Black rayon mix. red silk lining.
Photo by Kristine Adams

Photo altered by Kathleen Crowley who isn't photo shop savvy! Please dont yell at me, Kristine! Check out Kristine's new website! Her work is amazing!!!!!!

kc.costumecouture@gmail.com

Here is my new cousin Brenna Crowley wearing her Fluffie Rufflie Dance Pants. We have to be cousins dont we? Because we share the same name? Are not all Crowleys related and come from County Cork?

Anyway, she is on the left and looking very glamorous in her fluffies! Thank you Brenna!

January/February is the slow time of the year for me, and I concentrate mainly on the custom things non related to belly dance usually. But dont hesitate to contact me to start planning your costuming! Better earlier than later!

kc.costumecouture@gmail.com

My Sewing Machine Loves Me

So Im sitting at my sewing machine, ripping out ruffles on a long overdue order because at the last minute I decided that I didnt like the sequence of the flounces and wanted them to look the way I want them to in the moment. I look up at the clock and its 10pm. I had planned to go to Amnesia tonight and catch up with some friends and say hi to others. By the time I would get down there, it would be too late - for me anyway. So Im grumbling and cursing silently to myself because I always say Im going to do something and something gets in the way. Then I looked over at my sewing machine - my steady, loyal, reliable best friend Consew - and the two threads are forming a loopy heart, like I draw when Im feeling silly. I kid you not - and all I could say was awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww............

kc.costumecouture@gmail.com

Happiest Of Holidaze

I am so happy. Im happy because my Xmas orders are out. Im happy because my back orders are done and out or out on friday. Im happy because Ive resolved some issues at home. Im happy because I think next year might be scary, but it might be pretty exciting as well. If nothing else, it will be a brand new presidency. Maybe he can heal the horrible image America has in the world. Maybe he cant do one damned thing and we are going down like Rome, but at least it wont be for trying. These last eight years have just worn me out.

I wonder if I will get Christmas cards from the Obamas like I did with the Clintons! (That always cracked me up!)

Well, winter is upon us and Christmas is almost here. Im just now starting to think about presents - and people are just going to have to get Happy New Year gifts. And cards too if I get around to it. Its the thought that counts, and I think a lot about it!

Merry Christmas , Yule, or whatever you feel like celebrating. Im sleeping in and having dinner at a friends' house. Christmas is always the quietest day of the year. Even the gangs seem to lay low for the day. Its quite nice.

kc.costumecouture@gmail.com

Christmas Rushing

The Christmas rush is almost done. And I include anything I have had on the shelf waiting to be finished for any of 100 reasons. I just cant get to all my emails right now, but Im not forgetting you! I dont have as many elves lately and I only have two hands!

I cant pull an all nighter, but I will be up quite late sewing, packing, last minute invoicing, etc. If you didnt request it by christmas, I'll be mailing it out on monday - and you might get it by Christmas anyway! (unless you are across the border)

If you cant figure out why your friend got her Rufflies and you are still waiting, it could be that I found a rip or a or a hole or a stain in your fabric during inspection that I didnt see when I was cutting, or I couldnt find the right fabrics to put it all together til recently, or your package got pushed behind something in my numerous needs to rearrange my workshop these last few months. Hopefully with fingers crossed, I'll find the perfect place to live and work soon - a place where everything is where I need it to be and stays there! It will happen - and I thank you for all your patience if you were the victim of me getting flooded out or some such thing! I was house sitting here for a while where Im working and I really did get waaaaaaaay more accomplished. Its worked best that way in the past and so it will again. So thats the plan!

Next year will bring me to start vending. Yes, Im doing it! So hopefully I will see many of you and show you more goodies up close and personal!

Im also working on getting my ordering system more efficient - and it may mean that I have to be a bit less personal at times with emails - but at least things should run more smoothly and emails will get answered somehow in a timely manner.

Its slow right now and Im taking advantage of this to start getting some product ready for when I vend. I'll post my venues as I get confirmations.

Its going to get busy again. So until then, I'll be concentrating on my custom garments and costumes.

Also just a reminder that you can custom order from me on etsy - just click on something you wish to order that says "custom" and specify what colors and size you are needing. Be sure to ask questions before you purchase! And remember that custom orders take much longer than "off the rack" (what I post on etsy) for a variety of reasons - its the nature of the beast. So let me know if you need something in a hurry as I sometimes can do a rush order!

Thanks!
X
kc.costumecouture@gmail.com

Louie Says Relax

Another perfectly themed Christmas Fete at Matthew and Tom's house.

The arrival of the Christmas Season isnt complete without Matt and Toms' Annual Costumed Christmas Party. In fact, if I miss one of these, it just isnt Christmas.

Every year, Matt picks a theme (I think he has them lined up years in advance), designs his tree, constructs, paints, purchases and glitters ornaments and tree tops, wall hangings and decorations. Thier home becomes an environment of sheer funky, campy joy. The party is usually swingin til the dawn breaks. Not that I can party that late anymore, but Ive heard the stories!

Marie Atoinette -18th century costume requested - was this year's theme. And all the usual suspects had arrived. Some in borrowed or rented garb, some from my closet, some they make or have made themselves - almost everyone participates in some way, which is a far cry from many costumed parties that I have attended!

I had one day to make a corset, outfit, and wig, so I ended up being a long lost cousin from the colonies........that always explains it all anyway, doesnt it.......

Happy Christmas!








kc.costumecouture@gmail.com

Manly Corsets

Manly corsets.
They are not just for women
Nor have they ever been.
Men have worn corsets
Down throughout the centuries
As they are in truth as vain
as women and must
show off their manly figures
In the best light.

Erling Wold.
He is such a multi-dimensional
Peacock.
And shows off a corset better than most.

These are some photos of a shoot we did with Kristine Adams a few months back.
It was hard to pick which ones to show
As they were all amazing.
It must be nice to be so photogenic.
I'm not jealous or anything.

Something like this would be nice for the Edwardian Ball.
Hint, hint.............

kc.costumecouture@gmail.com

House Hunting Is Just Like Dating

Call me slow, but it has just occurred to me that house hunting is just like dating. You have to be really careful. Sometimes those who will have you right off the bat without taking the trouble to find out who you really are, are simply too much trouble.
I now have much more respect for someone who takes the time to check ones's credit and background. Since mine is less than stellar due to some hardships in the past, I would much rather sit down and explain with the possibility of rejection and the reality of seeing that I am a good fit, than have someone too quickly give me thier all so to speak. Ive been in these situations too often where the landlord is desperate to get their property rented and then turn into whack jobs.

Same with dating.

This old girl is growing up

kc.costumecuture@gmail.com

Stripie Leg Ruffles - More Coming Soon

I only made two pairs of these and they sold right away! They are awfully cute, are they not?

I will be getting more grey and black striped fabric this week, so I'll make some leg ruffles up in that next time. So much to do....so little time. I'll take pre-orders on these. email me at kc.costumecouture@gmail.com

I do have some adorable sampants in this stripe!
Check it out here!

Santa Would Like This

MMMMMmmmmmmmmmmmmm Stripes!!!!!
Its beginning to look a lot like Christmas!
(or whatever you prefer to celebrate or not!)

My etsy store
Kc.costumecouture@gmail.com

Im Not So Ashamed This Year

I spent a few days up in Seattle visiting my son, Haydn, and pretty much just hanging out. We did a couple touristy things and ate lots of sushi and hot dogs (not all at the same time!)

We watched horror flicks and made pies for Thanksgiving. I read the new novel out about Daniel Boone - my great American Hero. The only hero Ive ever had. Why am I always attracted to escape artists and dreamers!!!!!! Well, I'm too busy to dissect that one, but its probably pretty obvious to anyone who knows anything about my life!

Not being much of a Thanksgiving kind of person (it all seems so redundant to me), I was thankful for a great many things this year. My son, the lovely ladies and gentlemen who support my business, the friends who have given me support when I was down, so many more things that I just cant write down at the moment!

I forgave the white man for exterminating the original citizens of this continent - not a damned thing I can do about it now anyway although Ive been deeply ashamed. (and my great American hero was partly to blame in his way) Whats done is done and I played no part in it- although Im sure I would have been no better at the time - who knows. I like to think not, but most of us as a species have been unconscious of our journey - our behaviour and history does like to repeat itself, does it not.

I hemmed Haydns' new drapes, cooked, baked, drank, did the mom thing, visited his Friends, had a huge and amazing thanksgiving dinner - thank you, Aleah! That was the best turkey I have ever had!!!

There was much to be thankful for, even in this economy. Maybe even because of it. I feel it is very important to purchase nice things for oneself when one can and there is nothing wrong with having lots of money.....but the over consumption just had to give. It will be interesting to see what people do for Christmas this year. I gave up on fancy presents years ago. I'm sure we will see lots of creativity now! And that, I'm thankful for as well!

kc.costumecouture@gamil.com

The Joy Of Thimble

I hate thimbles. I hate hand sewing with anything on my fingers. I prefer the feel of that needle on my skin. Its part of the fun. I can sew faster and with more efficiency without a piece of cumbersome metal or leather or whatever the finger protection method of the day is. I can manipulate the fabric or the trim or the thread. I am one with my needle and thread.

But the downside of this thrill of the needle is that my fingers get ripped to shreds. There is rarely a day that goes by that I dont have ripped finger tips.
Ive learned to live with it. My hands are so torn and burned by irons and glue guns, and sewing tools, that it will take several lifetimes before I can ever audition for the job of hand model.

I equate sewing with a thimble as one would with the necessity of wearing a helmet when on a bike or motorcycle. Helmets suck. Period. I mean, really ......have you ever worn one????? But they keep us safer.

(I was going to compare thimble sewing with wearing a condom during sex, but I thought I'd better quit while Im ahead.)

Ive tried every kind of thimble on the market. I hate them all. The metal, the leather, the glue on dots, the wraparounds - they slow me down. They make me crazy. I cant feel a thing. I sew without one. I take my chances. My fingers are trashed. I sew with abandon........

And then one day I walked into Britex and there before me was the thimble that changed my life.

I can sew with this rubber silicone thimble. I can somewhat feel the pressure of the needle. Im not annoyed, or slowed down very much. And the darned thing stays on. (you know what Im talking about - wink wink) So far, the needle has not penetrated my skin. No blood has flowed in weeks. I only have a little cut on my index finger - and who the hell knows where that came from - not from a needle!

They are so pretty! They come in several sizes and a bunch of colors. I love them so much that Im going to buy a bunch of them, line them up, and gaze adoringly at them. Just because..........
I think Im in love.

You can buy them at Britex, or:
craftconn.com
quiltbus.com


kc.costumecouture@gmail.com

Custom Ordering Section On Etsy

I now have a Custom Only section up on my etsy store!

This way, you can go to this section and order what you like - we will discuss what color(s) and size you need and I will have all your info in one place.
Easier for you I hope - and easier for me!

Ive got the Fluffie Rufflie Dance Pants, Fluffie Pantaloons, Leg Ruffles, and a wedding dress. I'll have Sampants and Garter shorts next. This way, if I dont have something for immediate sale, you can go ahead and order it without wondering if Im ever going to get something posted in your size. The wait is always longer with custom orders, but at least you are getting what you need!

XXX

http://www.kathleencrowley.etsy.com

STRIPES

Ive been hoarding a little stash of fabric (some I actually just found) for when things settle down and I can focus on new stuff again.

Let me know if there is something you would like made out of this. First come first serve.
There isnt a lot of this - enough for a few ruffles - maybe sampants?

Most are 1" stripes - very wide
The red and white is a heavy cotton lycra and would work for the Fluffie Rufflie Dance Pants or Sampants
The red and off white is a little sparklie and could worlk for sampants
All would work for skirts and ruffles and bum ruffles


Contact me at kathleen.crowley'at'yahoo.com

Fairy Godmother

It took me around 12 hours to make this outfit. Give or take an hour or two - I had to jump up and down quite a lot. I also had to think a bit on how some of this was going to go together. This is the end of my work in progress dress to wear as godmother to baby Declan.

I had originally copied this pattern from the original that someone let me borrow once. I had few directions and knew that I was going to have to tweak this in order to make it fit right. I used an inexpensive poly stretch pinstripe that worked out pretty well. I would have rather used a nice wool blend, but I had 0 time to shop for this and used what I had. I also had no time for a mock up - but knowing what I know about these old patterns and patterns in general, I added seam allowance at all seams and because I'm 5'11", I added 4 extra inches to the skirt and 2 extra inches to the peplum just in case. I made the skirt fuller and I also dropped the waist an inch because even though I am fairly short waisted, it would have looked really odd to have such a short waist and such long legs - despite that this is how models are drawn on these pattern jackets.

I reinforced the bodice at the bust esp. because I was using a stretch fabric. I dropped the neckline about 2 inches so that it wouldn't look so matronly - which actually turned out looking more like the pattern illustration than if I had left it alone (tip for everyone - the necklines usually always have to be dropped to look more flattering - unless you are into the matronly look)

The outfit went together very easily once I fitted it to myself. I did have to take in the waist a lot more than I had estimated because of the stretch factor, but I'm glad I cut it a little big anyway - because when in a hurry, more is better. You can always take it in or hem it up. I also added steel boning to the front and back in the darts because it kept the waistline from bunching (and I was afraid that since I did not flat line the bodice, this might be the case) You can always use that nylon boning, but I dont like it.

I ended up binding the hem, sleeves and peplum with strips of bias binding that I cut from the same fabric. This went very quickly for me - much quicker than the hand hemming that I would have done - and it gave a nice, modern, finished look.

I also made the front of the skirt shorter - under the knee - and left the back long. I thought this was the most modern and flattering rendition of a vintage look.

I added a hook and a velvet bow at the neck. I threw on some little vintage buttons at the sleeve and bodice - and voila! It didnt look half bad. I even serged all the inside seams and made it nice which is something I dont always do on my own stuff.

Im really not suffering from jaundice. I tweaked these photos because my camera wasnt going to show any detail otherwise!

kc.costumecouture@gmail.com

Hail Obama

I wasn't prepared for the landslide election last night. I thought it was a joke as my friend Ginny and I sat in a bar after wandering around Valencia St. window shopping and eating Indian food. We were two of about 6 people sitting in front of a huge screen - and as we downed our shots of whiskey in anticipation, the numbers came in and we had a historical and monumental experience before we knew it! I thought we would have a few hours of gut wrenching anxiety first!

Well, the fight has just begun.
So much damage has been done in the last 8 years.
So much unnecessary fear and drama and death.
Obama is now going to be told what he can and cannot do-
His hands will be tied and the people who actually run the world will still call the shots.

But Fucking Hell - change happened. America showed how bad we have been feeling. Now there is at least hope. Youth got up and did something and told the powers that be what for. And centuries of wounds can now start healing. That means more to me than anything. Maybe we wont be made so fun of now. Maybe we have shown that we are not a nation of idiots. The old is dying away. And now there is a road open for some positive change.
I think most of us can breathe a little easier now. At least it is going to be 4 very interesting years ahead. Fingers crossed that some of this reign of utter stupidity and devastation can be be reversed.

I took this photo at Napper Tandy last night.


kc.costumecouture@gmail.com

Time For Me Today

I must sew only for myself today. Im making this for my Fairie Godmother outfit tomorrow. I have it cut out and I didnt make a mock up first like I always scold people to do.

See.......Im just as bad as everyone else when it comes to making myself something because WHO HAS THE TIME for all the little steps involved!!!!!!!!!!!
LOL!

I will say, though, that I cut it a little bigger for extra seam allowance and swing in the skirt. I also wanted the peplum to look like the illustration, so I cut the pieces wider. I also want the front bodice to be a little lower at the top near the neck. So we'll see..........

I'll post a pic if it turns out!