Best Sellers

Easily, my best sellers are my Bum Ruffles. Generally speaking, with a few exceptions, these are pretty inexpensive. Most popular with the Tribal Belly Dance crowd, these are great hip wraps, made to be worn with skirts and pants. Some can be used as shawls, some have been seen wrapping a head or two, made to be worn tied to the side, they can be worn any which way really......including being able to achieve a great bustled effect with the more fluffie wraps.

Perfect for dance, yoga, flamenco, Steampunk costuming........they are versatile, which is always a plus in this day and age!

 

Find them on Etsy or contact me at:
kc.costumecouture@gmail.com

Coming soon:
More Sampants
Garter Shorts
Bum Ruffles
Dance Pantaloons

And whatever else I can get sewn up!!!!!!

Teal And Gold

I sold out of most of these in early January. The last pair, a large, went up on Etsy today. I have two little tops that match and a bit more of this fabric to make another pair - so let me know if you would like a certain size made. Or else, I'll take a guess and see how it goes........

Its pretty cute, huh!

kc.costumecouture@gmail.com

I Really Should Be Sewing.........

But I thought I would throw these photos up while I take a little break.
We (Salome's Suitcase) stayed at a rest stop somewhere at the top of Texas that was almost as splendid as the Ritz. Well, in our frozen state of mind, it appeared so!

These were in an exhibit in the main room - I was so frozen, all I could do was drool over how exquisite the bonnet was - I didnt even read who wore it or what the tribe was.

Sorry.

I Heart Albuquerque!

The first stop in Salome's Suitcase's journey through the Southwest was at Flo and Duane Barger's house in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where we got bacon and eggs for breakfast and a hot shower. Flo and Duane have a beautiful store called Old World Imports. They carry AmaZing rugs and textiles, and jewelry! Its such a gorgeous store and it made a wonderful setting for our trunk show that was very well attended! They also have an online Store - Tribal Souk - great stuff! Beautiful silver jewelry!

The Bargers have hosted many dancers on their way through the Belly Dance Trail as it is now being called. Flo's troupe is The Rogue Bindis.  Just this last weekend, they hosted Zoe Jakes and Elizabeth Strong. I was blown away by their warmth and generosity. I got to see old friends, ran into an ex San Franciscan  who remembered Rose and I from Haight Street (small world): Revolver - a lovely vintage store - and made new friends while we were visiting. I fell in love with Albuquerque - much to my surprise. I had no idea what to expect, but people were so nice, parking and antiques were cheap and plentiful and the food was great. What was there not to love! I hope I can go back one day!

We stopped again at Flo's on the way back and did some serious shopping. My biggest score: a bodice, skirt, and petticoat from the mid 1800's. $28. Perfect condition. I swear its the real deal. But even if were a reproduction from a later period, its great. I'll write more about this later.

I heart Albuquerque! Thanks so much for your hospitality, guys!!!!!!!!!!!!

kc.costumecouture@gmail.com

Its Edwardian Ball Time Again

I spent this week refurbishing a costume for the Edwardian Ball. Lori King commissioned me to make her an outfit for the ball last year,  but we didn't get to fine tune it. This year we added feathers around the neckline and bustle. We straighted the dress out and made the outer bustle cage easier to maneuver in. Then Lori and Jennifer talked me into going to the ball tomorrow night. They stood over my shoulder and watched to make sure I was actually buying the ticket ...........because I guess I have become notorious for saying I'll go  out and then flake. Well, Im tired. Once the sun goes down, I want to go to sleep. But I let them talk me into it because I secretly wanted to go and Im not vending there this year. And they are very merry company to attend a glamorous ball with.

If I dont turn into a pumpkin at midnight, I'll be very fortunate.

Ive Seen The Velvet And The Damage Done

Stretch velvet 

Looks great on stage

washes well

stretches - duh - perfect for dance

luxurious

makes dramatic pants, dresses and skirts

doesn't ravel

doesn't fade

travels well - doesn't wrinkle

I just love it 

model: Lisa Hyde of Deshret Dance Company
kc.costumecouture@gmail.com

Sampants can be ordered at www.kathleencrowley.etsy.com

Fuel Or A Hole In The Ground

Im watching the Science Channel and wouldnt you know it - they are talking about Meteor Crater in Arizona. Salome's Suitcase drove up to it through the cold red Arizona desert. We thought it would be fun to check out. Just one little tourist trap of interest. Some scientific memory we could take home.

But it was $15.00 to get in. To see a hole in the ground. A frozen hole at that. Now maybe on a better day, but our RV was using up an awful lot of gas and I knew I would see something on tv about it soon. Hahahaha - todays the day! So we saved ourselves enough to fill the tank halfway and had to settle for youtube and the Science Channel. Thats fine. They have a great parking lot!

The view was stupendous. The red of the dirt was rusty blood red. The sky was amazing. The view was to die for. The rock formations were crazy.............

Here is the lip of the crater.

Donner Fodder

We got hit by that cold snap that came down from Canada (thank you, Canada. Love ya..but..........) while on the way to Texas. Our rv had no heat. We were freezing. We couldnt get warm. I got grouchy. I lost it. Ive never been so cold in my whole entire life - and my toes were cold for days. I could feel myself shut down. I always prided myself, all my life, on coming from pioneer stock. But I'll be damned......that gene for survival flew out the window on the day of my birth. I would have been the first one eaten by the Donner Party.

After I posted and read this again, I realized that I made everything that Im wearing in the photos. The green sweater with the hood and extra long (ok-one is a wee bit longer than the other, but who cares) sleeves. The muffler, the fleece coat. Im layered underneath with a vest that I found at Ross and had applied trim, appliques and buttons on the back - and then an oppossum fur vest over that - not made by me - but probably saved me on this trip. I slept in the thing almost every night. Im not an advocate for killing animals for their fur, but I found it at a thrift store and it has kept me warm. Thank you little possums!!!!!


kc.costumecouture@gmail.com

The United States Is Vast

I am now back from my road trip through the Southwest and Texas - during a nasty winter cold snap - and am now more appreciative of how vast this country is. It makes me see how insanely hard it must be to keep its shit together and I see more clearly where it fails in this. But also where it succeeds. This is still a relatively young society and like toddlers, we have made a few boo boos. I too, stomped on ants when small............ I love the Southwest.  I love the beauty of the land and I love how nice almost everyone was who we met along the way. I hate what has happened to our original inhabitants. This was hard to see up close and personal. But the big Texas hair in the Dallas grocery store cheered me right up!

Our Albuquerque trunk show was amazing and 3rd Coast was a blast! So as soon as I can, I'll blog about Salome's Suitcase's Road Trip and the wonderful folks we met along the way!!!!!!
XXX

kc.costumecouture@gmail.com

The Start Of A Great New Year!!!!!!!

The first project for my new year (aside from my ongoing filling of custom orders) will be my first trip to Texas! Salome's suitcase is loading up the RV - thanks to Christina of Black Lotus Clothing- and we're heading out for Fort Worth Texas via Albuquerque, New Mexico! So if you are out that way, please come by and at least say hi and see what we are up to these days! Dont be shy - we LIKE knowing you!!!!!!!

Lots of sewing for the next few days - and lots of sewing in the RV as its rolling down the road! This is going to be fun for all!

I'll be bringing Sampants, the new Jessiepant, Bum Ruffles and whatever else I can squeeze into my suitcase!

And for those of you who have no idea who Salome's Suitcase is, we are a collective of adornment and apparel artists. We are united by a focus on unique design and quality craftsmanship!
We are:
Black Lotus Clothing
FoolProof Studios
HiBeam Bindis
Katherine Summer
KathleenCrowleyCostumeCouture
Medina Maitreya
Minerva's Antenna
Rosehips Designs
Yasemin Yildiz

Contact us at: salomes.suitcase@gmail.com

The links for all are in the costumer/designer column on the right!!!!

kc.costumecouture@gmail.com

Have A Very Fluffie Christmas!

Merry Christmas Everyone! Whatever you believe in, I hope you have a lovely day!

I personally opted out of the commercialism and toxic family functions years ago and choose to either spend it by myself or with good friends. Its a day of peace and quiet for me. I'll read and work on a dance costume for me today.

I finally got my Dickens outfit together and attended the Faire this year with my friend Erling. This was a huge accomplishment as I never have time for these things anymore. And I'm so glad I did. It wasn't quite as merry as I remember it from the old days (is anything ever), but it was merry enough and I had a good time. They do such a lovely job of giving us an old time Christmasie world for a month out of the year! A literal Christmas card event! It always helps to go with a dapper man with manners as well. I would love to vend there. It would be great if Salome's Suitcase could get in. I know we would be a hit. Well, I'll try to make it happen. Now THAT would be a blast!

And for those of you who have no idea who Salome's Suitcase is, we are a collective of adornment and apparel artists. We are united by a focus on unique design and quality craftsmanship!
We are:
Black Lotus Clothing
FoolProof Studios
HiBeam Bindis
Katherine Summer
KathleenCrowleyCostumeCouture
Medina Maitreya
Minerva's Antenna
Rosehips Designs
Yasemin Yildiz

Contact us at: salomes.suitcase@gmail.com

Since my room mate is in Egypt right now, riding camels and all that fun stuff, I kind of didn't want to make a fuss with decorating. It seemed like a bother. But my friend Matt dragged a fake tree over on Christmas Eve that he had found in a box on the street.
I felt the spirit of Christmas take over and lead me to my box of decorations and my hand was forced to decorate this tree with scraps of fluffie Lace. Leave it to me to have a fluffie tree! I love it! Merry Christmas!

Labor Of Love

Its been a while since Ive blogged - so much has been going on! Ive been vending and working on backorders and trying to get into the spirit of Christmas .......but only made it as far as Solstice!


First of all, my new little granddaughter was born last saturday. Ivy Skye. Fabulous name if I do say so myself! And she's awfully cute. Hopefully I'll go see her early next year.

I mentioned before, that I wasnt going to be making baby clothes. But I caved because of all the cute little vintage childrens' patterns out there. And the baby needs to be decked out. I mean, she just does.

I dug into my remnant bins and came up with a lovely grey/brown silk velvet that was used once several years ago to make a wedding coat for a lovely woman I know. I used a bit of blue silk velvet for the trims and bonnet. I made self covered buttons. I used up some of my bits and bobs and came up with a pretty cute little outfit. I wasnt sure if it would even fit as we usually pop out pretty big babies, but shes's a wee 7 pounds 14 oz. So no worries there. And worse case scenerio, she'll have doll clothes.

Then I took some scraps of Ariellah's wedding dress and made a little dress that resembles a christening gown, although that was not my intention. With a little china silk, I made a little slip - and there you go.......

And I vowed I would never do it again! (but Im always saying that about things) Its hard making baby clothes!!!!!! All those little pieces! Some of the pattern pieces were missing, so I did my best. Not so crazy about the neckline on the dress, but the directions on the pattern made no sense whatsover. Still, its pretty and the photos dont do it justice. I used this pattern for the coat and bonnet. The dress pattern seems to have disapeared. We didnt like each other!

Im sure I'll find the time down the road to make Ivy something cute now and then, but this was truely a labor of love! There is a reason these designer baby clothes cost so much in the boutiques!!!!!!



kc.costumecouture@gmail.com

Boots N Bloomers

Yesterday I did a little photo shoot with my roommate Kristine - who is a fabulous photographer. So I was a little embarrassed to be taking such amateurish photos. A few turned out ok and I like this one of her boot with the ruffles peeking out from her leg. She stood like that on the stairs - not holding onto anything for quite a while and I was very impressed with her balance! But thats a dancer for you - very poised in the pose!

I just cant get away from the ruffles. Maybe I shouldn't even try. Not after I saw what was in the stores right now. Bloomers are not for everyone, baby! But for some of us, they might offer a nice solution to the ugly clothing dilemma for a bit. The shorter bloomers are so awesome with all the boots that are being offered this winter. You can wear them on their own or under a dress or skirt. I wear mine all the time!

And I'm just in that mood right now, with the holidays and Dickens Fair upon us. Fluffles and Ruffles..........very Victorian and charming!

Model: Krisine Adams
kristineadams.com

kc.costumecouture@gmail.com

Uncommon Fair Weather and my Lovely New Fairie Helpers

The weather is uncommon fair these days. I cant remember such a glorious morning as this one was today. The temperature was just the right degree of pleasant and it was windy - but a beautiful, warm, balmy kind of windy. I loved it. (can you tell I'm reading Dickens right now?)

And then Shelby came over this afternoon and made me a bazillion lovely little labels to put in all my garments. One of these days, I will actually get around to having grown up real life professional labels made again. But til then ..........Ive got great little home grown ones. And Im perfectly happy with them.

So I now have two wonderful interns who seem happy for now to sit and do my little sewing chores that I cant get to. It is helping me soooooooooooo much! Shelby and Amina: both belly dancers and both very proficient with their sewing skills. And it seems that I am helping them hone their skills further.....so far so good. A great trade!

Here is Shelby looking happy to be my helper!

And here is Amina - sorry for the blurry photo, but I like it! We'll see more of her soon!

Well, I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. At least those in the U.S., that is. I don't really celebrate it - I have my issues with it all despite my being thankful for so many things. But I did roast myself a juicy little turkey because I just happened to be at the grocery store the day before and they were on sale for $7.00. Good thing too, because I didn't really plan for a holiday and it snuk right up on me with no food in the frig!

So now the stores are having their holiday sales and the madness is on. Even Etsy is pushing everyone to offer free shipping. But.......dudes.....(cant believe I just said "dudes").......thats a good chunk of change considering its almost $40 to ship to Australia - for some things. I just cant do it. And I did have a very successful September Sale. So I think Ive done my part to try to make everyone have a chance for some savings.

I have a lot of fun skirts, scarves, sleevelets, and a new style - the Jessiepant (a shorter version of the Fluffie Rufflie Dance Pants named after my neighbor Jessie - who commissioned a pair from me!) that are cut out and just waiting to be sewn up. I was trying so hard to have them done by December, but I don't think I'm going to reach that goal. Still trying though, and will be posting things on Etsy as usual when I can.

I am climbing up out of my custom orders. Still have a way to go, but almost everything has been cut up, bundled and awaiting construction. Ive been making headway and I think Ive cut the wait down a bit.

I put my custom ordering section back up in my Etsy shop, but I did make some changes. I had to raise some prices - not dramatically, just realistically. But I will take more measurements for some things, which will mean even better fit and offer more color choices with the velvet Sampants. Some of my sources are going away. Some fabrics are not as plentiful or at as good a price. I can make you amazing things, but the prices go up according to what it is and what it is made of. I expect that this will lessen the load of my custom pants somewhat, but the wait time will not be as long and I wont be feeling rushed all the time. At least that is the plan. And if you want something that I dont offer, you just have to pay for it. Thats the way the world goes round.

So that kind of made me sad because I wanted to make pretty things for everyone. But I cannot afford it any longer. :(

So lets drink lots of holiday cheer and remember what this season is all about. I am not being a good retailist here. I need to make sales in order to survive. BUT I hate the holiday pressure and there are so many now who just cannot make ends meet. Lets not make everyone feel stressed. Lets just do nice things for each other - like doing someones' dishes or sweeping someone's driveway or picking up trash so the street looks nicer .............little things like that that make life easier for everyone........Happy Holidaze!!!!!!!!!! Let the games begin!!!!!

kc.costumecouture@gmail.com

I Heart San Francisco or The Swine Flu of Fashion - Take Your Pick

I had to run errands downtown for two consecutive days in a row. The first day was to go shopping with my friend for a good bra to reconstruct into a suitable dance bra for restaurant gigs - easier said than done. I needed one too as I have, ahem, outgrown my old dance bras. This would be my dream come true, but the rest of me grew also, so it has been nothing to write home about. I found one at H&M - first one I tried on. Miracles of Miracles. THAT is a first! For my friend, we went to Macy's and Nordstrom as well. We found a great one at Macys and went home happy. Nordstrom's selection was sad. Old Navy - nothing. Ross - nothing. I got tired of looking, my feet hurt, and I had had enough of molded, uber padded ugly bras.

But since I have not been out shopping for clothing lately, I was horrified. This has got to be THE UGLIEST season I have ever seen. Oh, I'm not exaggerating. It was pathetic. Ugly colors. Ugly fabrics, Ugly combos, Ugly styles. Cute Ugly? Not even. I said on Facebook that I would rather run around naked than wear the sadness Ive seen. I always find cute clothes to look at and try on at Urban Outfitters - nothing. What is going on? Can someone fill me in? I usually find a few great things at least in every store - nothing.

So the next day was my appointment at the Apple store to have someone set me straight with my i phone. And they did. I was satisfied that I can start using it to its full capacity soon......except for the AT&T deadzone issue. yay?

And then I went and hung out at Britex for an hour or so. My blood pressure immediately went down as I walked through the doors and was met with smiles from people who recognise me. There were my wall to wall shelves of luxury fabrics! My heart soared as I found the most amazing silver fabric that could make someone a stunning stage costume. It took my breath away. I wish I had taken a photo. I chatted, caught up with the dish, shopped and had such a pleasant morning. I found everything I needed. And more. Thank you Britex. I love you.

But then I tried to find some fashion. I found some great shoes. Some great boots. Hue has some cute tights. But the jewelry bored me (except for the rhinestones and pearls). The handbags bored me. The clothing mostly bored me. Macys was ok. You can tell the economy has hit hard because there simply is not the selection. But what is everyone else's story? Is Butt Ugly really the new cute?

As they say...this too shall pass. Not every season can float my boat. But can we try just a little harder?

But two trips Downtown San Francisco did me good. It feels like a whole different city than where I live - even though its the same town. If I actually ever do leave this city one day, like I'm always threatening to do, my heart will stay here.

kc.costumecouture@gmail.com

Oldie Worldie Charm

This lovely little bustier was sleeping unloved in my pile of unfinished projects. So I couldnt take it anymore and finished it off. It feels so good to finally get something done that Ive been meaning to do for years! I have much to still finish as far as orders go, but now and then, I have to take a few mental health hours and finish up a languishing pile of fabric. This is a corset, but Im calling it a bustier because it doesnt have steel bones - just a couple in the back for support. It is "heavily" boned with rigilene (dont shudder). Not how I usually make a corset  by any means - but this is a little thing to go over a skirt for dress up - not a period piece. Ive got it up on Etsy for a steal. This is not an upcycled bustier - this was made from scratch, for nobody in particular and never worn.

kc.costumecouture@gmail.com

Pricey Is As Pricey Does and Other Things

I'll be vending with Salome's Suitcase at Tribal Fusion Faire! Cant wait! I hope I see you there!

 

Im putting cute little things up on Etsy as I can make them!

 

And I am getting my orders shipped out as fast as humanly possible! I tried to take a huge bag of packages to the Post Office this morning only to discover that its a holiday today and the doors were locked! Oh well, I tried. Tomorrow is another day!

These little baby bloomers (I mean - in general - not MINE) were all over the Spring Runway according to my new Style.com iphone app! Quite often paired with a tux jacket or some such thing - very cute and of course, not for everyone. But adorable nontheless! Im in love with my iphone. Ive said this enough and Im sure everyone is sick of hearing it. But the Style.com app is so much fun! When I need to take a break or wind down before I go to bed, I just check out the runway stuff. Im only about 1/3 of the way through. I get so much inspiration right now from this. My dream has always been to make uber expensive fabulous quality creations and have them on a runway. Well, one can dream. In the meantime, I will do what I can and try to keep making quality items for the best price point I can deliver.

And Now for a rant:
Once again, someone actually said to my face the other day that my things are pricey. I try not to get defensive. I try not to get upset. But this time, it hit me below the belt because it was said in front of other people and it was said in ignorance by someone who I felt should know better. I am not going to go over my pricing strategy here. Lets just say that by San Francisco standards, I am llving below the poverty line. Oh yes I am. If I sell you a garment for $75.00, you had better believe that I am not making $75.00 off that piece of clothing.  A friend of mine has been working on a pilot about how things are made. God, I hope it gets picked up because I want more people educated on this subject that I find fascinating!

I SHOULD be making more money - but so should MOST of us right now. Or at least some sort of reform should be happening with us so that we can all be living within our means. ( I know, I know....if wishes were horses....) Things will turn around one day as they always do, but please note, that when something is sold for a price, many things are factored in for resell. Fees, materials, electricity, transportation, rent, food, skill, labor...........makers do not just wiggle our noses like Samantha on Bewitched and magically a well made thing appears. (OH how I wish it could be done!) If you cant afford something that someone makes, well, just try to be tactful about it. We are struggling just as hard - if not more so. I cant afford things too - but at least I know that I am not the target customer. And I know what goes into making it. And I know that the person should make as money as they can - they worked damned hard to get to where they are.  There will always be something that is out of reach for someone. That makes the item all the more special. Because if it were accessable to everyone, it would be just like walking into Ross, Target, or Walmart. Not very special at all.

Rant over! I feel better now!
XXX
kc.costumecouture@gmail.com