Aprons For One Of The 70 Best Restaurants In The World!

Last October, I was commissioned to find materials and create some oldie worldie looking aprons for a new Restaurant that was opening up in my favorite town in the whole wide world: Port Costa!

The aprons turned out really cute. The old time look and fee of the Hickory fabric that we found suited the time travel image that the owners of the Bull Valley Roadhouse were trying to convey. We made about 8 of these aprons for opening night and a few months later, they had become so busy that they needed more. But on returning to the source of the fabric purchase, I found out that someone had come along and bought up the rest of the roll! This is not unusual and kind of the story of my life, but I couldn't believe it. That bolt of fabric had been lying around the warehouse for years! After we got our 15 yards, the rest sold immediately. This happens to be how things work, I guess. I somehow , often manage to arrive at the scene of a burgeoning trend.

So I spent hours finding a source for more of this Hickory. This is the old workhorse fabric that the early train engineer's overalls were made of. This was a very utilitarian fabric that is still being made in the U.S.A but is mainly used now for designer jeans. It isn't found in most retail outlets, so a bit of finagling had to be done. But we got our fabric.

And now my favorite town in the WHOLE WORLD is now home to one of the 70 best new restaurants in the WHOLE WORLD according to Conde Nast Traveler Magazine. Now how cool is that????????
I knew good things were in store for that town. And I'm here too, in the cute little town next door! So make an appointment to come out and see me and we'll make an appointment to go do brunch if you come out on a Saturday or Sunday. I fear it might be hard to get in sometimes, but we'll figure something out!

I'm so happy for Sam and Earl - the owners of this fine establishment! Not only are they extremely creative, but they are two of the nicest people that Ive ever met.

See you soon!

Embellishing

                             Sometimes there isn't anything more fun than watching a good movie and sewing buttons on pretty things.

Check out my Etsy store and see what lovely things I have listed for your perusal!

Stripes Glorious Stripes

 My Ivy pant design was described the other day as a capri pant with flowing petals - a "petal pusher" if you will. And I keep thinking that this is what I should be calling them. This run of Petal Pushers has two bias flounces - one of striped jersey knit. Ive got two left - a Small and a Medium.

So come get em! I more than likely wont have that stripe again!

Etsy Shop Here!

Tribal Fest 2013 - Halfway To Halloween

 "Halfway To Halloween" was this this year's Tribal Fest theme which wasn't difficult to dress for  as I kind of live in that state of mind anyway! So I just wore a lot of black - my new long black skirt design, to be exact. And I didnt have to think about it anymore. We'll discuss that new skirt later on. (What a lifesaver it has been!)

But here are some photos to recap the event and to give you the feel of what its like to be there at my booth - once again shared with Medina Maitreya! It was a great success for us both this year. I felt more love and support than ever and I'm so glad I was able to hang in there while we all suffered through this economic crunch over the last few years! Could it be easing  up? It sure feels that way!

 I'm not being allowed to edit like I want to right now - not sure if its Blogger or my computer - but if you want to be credited for photos, let me know and I'll go back in soon and see whats going wrong!!
Just wanted to share my fun week! Its always crazy and always the chill out spot - as you can see!

Its The Curve In The Back...........

Its the curve in the back that makes this  little "underbust" vest stand out from the rest. That and the materials I use - the fabrics and embellishments make each vest a work of art!
Its such a flattering little number on everyone!
The buttons have a fair amount of room to be moved for fit and comfort. 
These run from XS to 2X and I make them in limited runs. I sold most of them this May while vending at Tribal Fest and I'll be posting what Ive got left up in my Etsy shop, starting with the smalls.
So keep checking in!

First Fitting

 My bridal client, Autumn, had this beautiful cobalt blue Silk Dupioni sent out to be embroidered by Cloud Nine Stitchery. The embroidery turned out so gorgeous against this fabric that I just have to share. I couldn't wait to cut into it!. We're making Autumn a little late 50's/early 60's inspired wedding frock with poufy skirt. She is searching for a petticoat right now. I always love the Malco Modes brand for a serious pouf. They rock the poufy petticoat, have a wide variety of colors, and you can take out some of the pouf if its just too much. I believe that they used to cater mainly to the square dance set and while they dont sell directly to the public, any good costume shop should have a nice selection.

I dont want to show the whole dress yet because Im supertitious that way - and its not done.  But I had to share how pretty this color scheme is.

So the next step is to have her try this on, make sure everything fits the way it's supposed to, check for any needed changes to the design, check the hemline and then finish construction.

Range Of Motion Dilemmas In The Life Of An Acrobat

At this moment in time, I am working on making a Ring Master's Jacket for an acrobat in 2 Ring Circus.  He has a great looking jacket already, but the arms keep blowing out. And you can see why.

No range of motion in the cut.
Well, my instincts are saying that he needs some kind of grown on gusset for the sleeve. And this is leading me down the path of researching shooter jackets and things that most people don't make or wear anymore. And then it leads me to join forums like the Cutter and Tailor because this just isn't information that you get easily in this modern day and age of boring clothing that doesn't move. So while this is a costume, it also has to have vintage appeal, has to look good, hold up under stress, and he has to be able to lift a person over his head. And it is spurring me on to be better educated in the tailoring process. Technique is sadly lacking in garments these days..


And Tribal Fest - Oh Tribal Fest! I am also making some new merchandise to peddle at Tribal Fest next month. I'll have my cute little vests and Sampants - and a new skirt. We'll see what else I can come up with - the pile of fabric is huge, but time is slipping away.................

I'm also making a sweet little wedding dress. Oh, it is so sweet! I'll be blogging about that soon - and more pictures of the Ring Master's Jacket will be posted.

Tribal Fest 2013 - Halfway To Halloween

Its that time of the year again, folks, and I will be returning to Tribal Fest again to offer a smattering of classics and a few new designs!!! Im so excited! Tribal Fest is always like belly dance reunion time and friends from all over the world and from all walks of life descend upon the adorable little town of Sebastopol and celebrate the art of Tribal Belly Dance! This is where you see the new, the latest, the greatest, and you can shop for days and not see it all. Can I say that this is probably my favorite time of the year???

This year, I'll be vending once again in the Peace Park with Medina Maitreya. Our wonderful and fabulous friend, Fool Proof will be enticing you with her wares as well - right next to our booth - so you will be inspired and drooling, and unable to resist letting us dress you up!! Come by and say hi at the very least!!
SEE YOU THERE!!!!

XX

Tribal Fest
Sebastopol Community Cultural Center
390 Morris Street
Sebastopol, CA 95472
BlackSheepBellyDance.com

The Cotton Lycra Sampant Is Back!

 My beloved heavy weight cotton lycra is back in my studio!

Over the last few months, Ive been sourcing materials and ordering fabrics that have been hard for me to get lately. Ive searched high and low for a source that is reliable and doesn't require me to order hundreds of yards of fabric at a time. I just learned that anything under 100 yards is considered sample yardage. Gone are the days when I can just walk into a discounted fabric store and obtain my precious cotton lycra at a good price. So I was forced into the world of dealing with the big boys.

It was bound to happen eventually, right?

Well that part is over and I'm back in the saddle again! Ive been making the heavy Cotton Lycra ruffled capris that started that whole ruffled capri mania out there in the world a few years back! They are a great addition to your wardrobe - and if your older ones are starting to wear out, these are not out of this world expensive yet. I have listed a few sizes up in my Etsy store! This fabric is a great weight for making pants and skirts. It holds up well to wear and tear, is versatile for dance or day wear, and these sweet little capris are perfect for the upcoming warm weather!

Im so happy to be making these again!

Here's a quick link to my Etsy store! Ive got new ideas to get sewn up as well!! Bur I thought I would start with these!

Shenae Grimes as Frankie Stein

Right before Halloween, when we were in the midst of getting some costumes ready for an off-Broadway Christmas show, Chris March was approached by Mattel to create a Monster High Frankie Stein costume for Shenae Grimes. Well, he couldn't say no - because: HOW FUN!

So he commissioned me to make her little corset. I couldn't say no - because HOW FUN! And it all turned out so very cute! Everyone was pleased, it was a winner in US Magazine's online Halloween Costume poll, Chris got a lot of attention, Shenae got a lot of attention, the costume and some of the people involved got a lot of attention, and the project was deemed a success.

Although I am not a doll person per se,  I LOVE these dolls! What a great project to be able to say I was involved in!

Ka Kathryn June Amorastreya's Wedding Jacket

Kathryn "Ka" June Amorastreya is a lovely woman who was married in a stunning gown that I did not create. However, she did hire both Black Lotus Clothing and Kathleen Crowley Couture to create her wedding jacket. The collaboration consisted of Ka bringing us her materials, which included silk and cotton fabrics. These were  screen printed with the milky way. Being an incredible artist with an eye for the beautiful and obscure, we were brought fabrics and trims that were inspiring and fun to use.. I made the ruffled doily appliqued jacket, which was then embellished by Black Lotus Clothing. As usual, the end result of this collaboration was left with a happy bride and a gorgeous wedding ensemble

kc.costumecouture@gmail.com

The World Didnt End............

So have yourselves a very Merry Christmas, Yule, or whatever you like to celebrate!

Deidre Anaid

 Deidre Anaid makes the best Evil Queen ever.
Ever.
A very stunning and confident woman,  she always has a vision and knows what she wants when she comes to me with her ideas. We always come up with something dramatic that she can work with in her performance. On top of being a very innovative dancer, the lady's got the visuals DOWN!

Its a bit difficult to see, but there are two skirts for this costume. A Rattie Tattie Style skirt of paint spattered lace goes under a tear away overskirt. I had fun with this one - I got to do some fabric painting and fabric distressing after the fitted garment was done.

Head piece by Snake Church
Photography: Dark Soul Photography

Sherri Wheatley

  Ive made many costume components for Sherri over the years. This was a quick one where she needed a skirt and there wasn't much time to send swatches back and forth. I lucked out on my first shopping trip and found a great rayon with a copper sheen. Its got lots of buttons and loops. She can bustle it, wrap it, or leave it down. I love the print and the drama of the length. She wears it well!