At Kent State University they do an annual fashion/art show in November called Beaux Arts Ball. This year’s theme is Circus and I made  a dress in the category  “Graceful Entertainment.” This is not just a fashion show,  the architecture students collaborated together to create the runway and set design for the show. After the show is a dance. This is a picture of my dress at the dress rehearsal for the show, I will post more pictures after the show tomorrow.

When gathering fabric to fit on a smaller piece the easiest way is to run two rows of basting stitches. This will allow for a very smooth gather and will be easier in the long run. I usually sew mine at 1/4” from the edge, and 3/4” this will allow your stitch line to be at 5/8” inside of the gathers.  Once you have sewn two rows of basting stitches (I usually set the stitch length to 4) I tie the two back threads together. Gently pull the tied threads, and running your fingers along the fabric to give an even gather. Sew onto your other fabric and pull out the gathers that may be showing.

One of the very first crafty/sewing projects I learned do do when I was younger was cross stitch. My mom would get me those little 3″x3″ designs with it’s own little plastic frame to proudly display it in. I still love to cross stitch, especially when I am stressed. I find the rythmic motion of making each of those little “x”s relaxing and the end result it so satisfying. I really like how putting together colors you can create a pretty picture that can even include shading and has this wonderful texture with all of the thread.
While I still love the look of vintage patterns, just like any tried and true craft passed down, I was able to find a modern twist on cross stitch. Crafter Ruby Khan has made a Minipop Sampler which features all kinds movie and rock stars. Just a few featured are; Edward Scissorhands, George Lucas, Royal Tenenbaums family (my personal favorite), and Alfred Hitchcock. Visit her Flickr page and you can see all of the wonderful threaded xs in detail.

How could we imagine sewing everything we do today without a way to fasten it closed?  We have our ancestors to thank for the many little inventions that we use.  In the 13th century, brooches were used to hold clothing together, but then buttons and belt buckles follwed a few years later.  In 1849, Walter Hunt invented the safety pin, also known as the “Miracle Fastener”.  They were made in bronze, steel, and brass, and made in different sizes.  Snaps were created a few years later, but were more popularly used on theatrical costumes because they were easier and faster to use to remove costumes.  In 1920, Zippers came into use.  They were not very popular prior to 1920 because of the metal rusting, but after many years the zipper kept improving in design.  It was even added to the American Heritage Dictionary in 1925.  All of these fasteners help us create the pieces we do today.  Thanks Ancestors!

I thought I would share what I wore for Halloween this year. We had a Barbie themed fashion show a couple weeks back and I decided to reuse the dress for Halloween. The dress is made of hot pink pleather, pink fur, and tulle, all from JoAnn’s. I used a basic Simplicity Pattern to create the dress.