Ooh I JUST discovered that these Sewing Projects were a thing, I'm really excited about it - nothing like a challenge and a deadline to actually get something finished!!! I'm really loving seeing what people have made so far! Well, it's going to be a challenge seeing as there's really only a week or so to go, but I'm going to attempt to take part in this round. Given the time constraints, I decided I had to make a project that involved only patterns and fabric I had already - I'm slow at pattern drafting, no time for that, and I won't be getting to a fabric shop in the next few weeks (they're far away from where I live.) It's a bit of a stretch to fit the theme, but since one of the themes was cosplay, I decided to make this 18th Century suit worn by Stede Bonnet from "Our Flag Means Death" for my FID Dane, Raphael: (Okay he doesn't look like Stede but he sort of looks like Blackbeard if you squint a bit so maybe he borrowed the suit?) The reason for this is that Antique Lilac posted an amazing pattern for an Outlander suit for FID (Outlander Rex - Gallery 2019 ) and I've been wanting to try it ever since. I'm going to make the pattern pretty much as it is, except for in fancier fabrics and add the metallic lace. And I'll make the pants shorter so they're breeches not trousers. And make some socks to wear under the trousers, come to think of it. So, er, not exactly as is! I'm using white cotton for the shirt (have to look through my lace to choose some for the cuffs and jabot), and the taffeta above, it's sort of a shot green/blue colour, doesn't show up well in photos unfortunately but I think it matches the original well enough! Also it's too bright for most historical eras but I think it works well for this! Right! Time to get sewing! Wish me luck!
It's cool to see new people joining us ! Every project is so great ! Good luck everyone. ^^ I have many things to do this month and I don't really have idea for this round. So I think I will pass. (but maybe I will join in the end and rush like every time XD)
@morganatron Welcome aboard! This sounds like a wonderful project, and that gold trim looks like an amazing detail for your plans. I’m looking forward to seeing what you can accomplish before month’s end. Good luck!
Thank you everybody for your encouragement and support. I made an unusual little garment, I found an empty mesh bag that wasn't being used (and really the rain poncho that came in it will never be that small again anyway) so I seam ripped it, nipped the label off, and gathered one side then ran a strand of yarn through it to make a spooky mesh cloak, perfect for turning this everyday outfit into an urban fantasy wizard with his canvas sneakers and oversized hoodie lmao Round 127 Costumes, cloak by Jules B, on Flickr I also found a thick strip of grosgrain ribbon (to his right in the photo), I think I'd like to experiment making a quick vest/doublet out of it, with plenty left over for more small projects later.
Wow everyone is absolutely blowing it out of the water this round what incredible inspiration! I've been m.i.a. as per the last several times I wanted to participate but since I make everything in one or two days (or not at all) I will really try not to disappoint myself by flaking out again. I got tired of spending money and dont have exactly the trims I might have wanted for my project, but since I have: doll, starter pattern (just changing sleeves from a base pattern, fabric, and even a button for the oversized brooch I will be getting to it the first day I feel I have my wits about me. You are all so awesome, these ideas and assembly are so wonderful. And I'm always happy when a few others join late or participate chaotically like I do @Teddy please get better soon! A fall like that is scary stuff.
Everyone's outfits are so cool! It's been an absolute delight seeing the progress updates. Such a fun variety, too. And indeed @Teddy best wishes to ya! A fall like that, yeesh. I can't say either of my projects are quite done but I have achieved my goal - everyone has pants. No naked doll butts when my parents visit. (Well, one, but Orchid the terrible little creature is allowed to be naked on account of being a terrible little creature.) Here's Thalassus's pants/breeches thus far: It's very much a first draft and doesn't even have cuffs on the legs but combined with the shirt, it does the job! I definitely need to raise the seat and probably widen the waistband area a little more if I want to do another pair like this. I also need to figure out how to do like, actual pockets. Probably by raising the seat and aiming for more historical accuracy on the waistband; if I recall correctly, the waistband halves are supposed to come together in the back, rather than on the sides above the pocket like this pair. However, if I did that, I wouldn't have been able to pull the pants over her butt. Kind of a key part of pants. Here's the Halloween dress. I've got some thin black fabric with a small diamond pattern on it that I'll probably use for the skirt. I want to thread some ribbon through the top and hips for some lacing-esque details, too, along with ribbon in the eyelets on the bottom. (There's two rows of them, not sure they're terribly visible.) But, again, visitors! Not sure if it'll get done this week. Spoiler: Halloween Dress Pic
@morganatron Ooooo, I'm excited to see updates on this! Love your fabric color. Best of luck! @Mamo what a nifty idea! I've (finally) started playing the game Neo The World Ends With You (I've wanted to since release, but mental health got in my way...) and it kind of makes me think of the sort of streetwear featured in that series. @JaxxCapta Heck yes to having pants for everyone! It's so tough to make sure everyone is clothed. Also impressed by the pattern drafting, I don't even know how you'd raise the seat of pants.. Love the dress, too! Knitted fabric always looks so satisfying. On my end, I used my lunch break yesterday to finish Wynne's robe (thanks, hybrid work schedule)! Here she is in her outfit so far (again, pardon the wig): Spoiler: Pictures! Still left to do: Dip dye and hem the skirt, make the lil shawl thing, and make some stars for her hat and belt. Hopefully I'll get it done... have a busy work week coming up, unfortunately. (Side note: this is making me want to redo Wynne as a fantasy character, maybe with fun colored hair... oops.)
I have Hel's top about half way finished, and I finally learned how to properly make pleats in the progress. I made a bit of a planning error with the sleeves and I'm considering redoing them. But I'm going to finish more of the top first. I need to complete the collar and the sash, shorten the skirt in certain places, add some accent trim and hem everything of course. Hopefully I can finish in the next couple of days since I'll be indisposed the later half of this coming week.
Thank you everyone for the comment on my project! Sorry for the late reply. Everyone projects are really cool
@JaxxCapta Excellent progress! Pattern drafting is hard, so my hat’s off to you on that one. @Harmony909 Her robe looks awesome…such a cute look for her! You’ve done a great job on this. @Alamentine I’m truly loving this outfit! The lace adds tremendous detail and the asymmetry of the hem detail adds interest. This is turning out to be a fabulous outfit! And as for my own efforts this month, I just managed to complete my “slow stitching” story elements of Poetta’s robe. Now to get it all put together.
@Lillith , Thank you! And cuffs is a good word for this. @Teddy Thank you! Hope you get well soon! @WintyGummyBear , thank you! And good work on your costumes and photos! The white/black dichotomy is beautiful. @PoeticSoul , thank you for the comment. And I love your story robes, this one looks like it's going to be amazing, with all the shiny flowers and the beatiful ladies. @Mamo , great hat! And I think the cloak can look really spooky with the right light and setting. @Sanar , thank you for your comment, and your outfit is looking great so far. Love the choice of fabric for the hakama, and the sewing looks really neat. @Harmony909 , very nice hat, and great robe, the trim looks wonderful. @morganatron , welcome and good luck! @Alamentine , your doll already looks dark and attractive, I'm looking forward to the finished version of the outfit. As to progress on Anwen's princess outfit, ... after some more embroidery... ... and finally some actual sewing, the under-dress is finished: Princess outfit - underdress by helgie, on Flickr Spoiler: close-up of embroidery before it became sleeves Princess outfit - underdress sleeves embroidery by helgie, on Flickr The sewing was done mostly by hand, except the long side seams and the hem - for those I finally got to use the sewing machine. I cheated with closures, as in, there are none - the dress can only be put on with head and hands removed, which is fortunately easy to do with a MiniFee. Embroidery is in rayon thread, I tried using it for the first time for this outfit, and it is working nicely for shiny, slightly raised decor. The outer layers I got planned should cover the under-dress almost completely, with only the embroidered parts of the sleeves visible. But I think the dress looks nice on its own too.
@helgie I agree this dress looks lovely on its own…and it will certainly be a great underdress. Your embroidery detail is always a treat.
Finally have some progress on my outfit for Realpuki Roro! This is her undress. It’s made of lace ribbons and very simply hand sewn together. I gathered the sleeves to give it some ruffle. Next will be the overdress in the floral fabric. I’m thinking the majority of the sewing will be done by hand. But I find it relaxing, so I don’t mind.
That is so-so-so-ooo cute! It looks absolutely adorable on your teeny-tiny Roro. And I agree that when it comes to sewing for something as small as Realpukis, hand sewing is definitely the way to go. That’s what I do for mine.
I got the vest done! Simple whip stitch to get the strips and ends together, quick and painless once I flame-sealed all the cut edges of the ribbon. It ended up a bit big, but that's fine for outerwear and he's a very slender boy, so it'll fit my standard MSDs as well. The hat is recovering from being snatched by a naughty pupper off my desk, it's drying at the moment, so he sort of has a street fashion jedi vibe going on currently. Round 127 Vest by Jules B, on Flickr Spoiler: Pieces and detail Round 127 Vest by Jules B, on Flickr The ribbon had been a piece of decorative packaging, so I kept the tapered edges that used to be tied into a bow to make the slanted bottom "hem". To give it some extra room, rather than make it a bit too small, I snipped off short sections of ribbon to turn into sides/underarms. This is what makes the sizing so flexible. Round 127 Vest by Jules B, on Flickr I crocheted a little belt to keep it closed, since I ended up not being able to find my tiniest safety pins I had intended to use as fasteners. But in the end it worked very well, since I used the same yarn I did for the cape tie, and it brings it together a little more. Once the hat is dry I'll be putting it back on him and taking some fun and festive photos!
Thanks so much for the warm welcome everyone!!! I am loving seeing everyone's projects coming along!!! @JaxxCapta those pants are looking great!!! And aargh, that's exactly the type of shoes I want for my own outfit, but can't find in FID size. They have such problem feet to fit! @Alamentine that coat is looking fabulous!!! Just perfect for Halloween. I love the lace on the sleeves! @PoeticSoul oh wow, I LOVE all the detail on that outfit - it's amazing!!! Can't wait to see if finished! @lully.lullers that little lace dress is so cute!!! It's a big challenge sewing in that tiny scale, so that's extra awesome! @Mamo He's looking great! Ha, I love the idea of street fashion jedi! @helgie Oh wow, I am just in awe of this!!! All the embroidery is so beautiful, it just looks amazing! I've always wanted to try embroidery in doll scale myself, but am a bit intimidated and not sure where to start, never having done it before - I'm so impressed to see what is possible! And really can't wait to see the finished outfit! Now, on to my progress - have been fitting in some sewing when I'm not working, and have cut all the fabric out and got fairly far along with sewing - here's a progress pic (with weird lighting, it's not actually that bright, sorry.) So the pants are mostly done, just need to sew the press studs on the leg band at the knee, and maybe a decorative button if I have enough small gold buttons (I suspect not as I want to put them on the vest as well, so I'll do the decoration last I guess). I need to make the socks before I do the fastening though so I don't end up making it too tight. The elastic waist isn't exactly historically accurate, but it's hidden by the vest and I wanted it to fit my FID on the muscle body as well, which is bigger than the model body here, so I didn't worry about it too much. The basics of the vest is done too, I have to hand sew the side seam of the lining and add pockets, fastenings and any decoration - tossing up between gold buttons or more lace. Probably buttons if the gold matches. The basics of the coat are put together too, but I'm having to hand sew the lace on, so that's taking a while! I've already put the gold lace on the sleeve cuffs, so the sleeves are partially done too, just not in the photo. It's been a challenge working out what order to do things in, and how to make it so it all looks nice and most of the hand stitching is hidden! Hopefully it works in the end! So next up I think I'll make the socks so then I can finish off the breeches, and then maybe the shirt, which I have been putting off because I'm a bit confused by the pattern, lol! And I also need to work out how to make a fancy lace jabot (that bit that goes around the neck.) But getting there!!!
Everybody's work is always so wonderful, I'm so glad to see everybody having so much fun this round! (Monthly last-week-of-the-month reminder for anyone lurking that it's never too late to join!)
@Mamo Excellent work! I like the way all those pieces are working together for a really unique look…it gives his wardrobe so many possibilities. And thanks for the reminder. I’ve been busy building a new display cabinet for one of my dolls. But now that it’s finally done, it’s back to work finishing that robe before I run out of time!) @morganatron You’ve gotten so much done, and the pieces are looking wonderful! That fabric is beautiful. I’m really looking forward to seeing how it all comes together.
The dress is finished! She sewn into the dress since I didn’t want to bother with buttons or hooks at this scale lol But also my Realpukis just have one signature look anyways I wanted her apron to have a homemade look to it, so I used green thread as embroidery. It’s an “F” for Faeblina and a teeny heart Still have to craft a hat and then her outfit is complete!
Now that’s absolutely adorable! That little apron does indeed have a quaint homemade look that gives her so much character (which is not easy to do when working in such a small scale.)
I didn't do all of this in October but I did the gambeson, the boots, the armour and it's very fantasy. Breeches and stockings (and test boot) Shirt, breeches and stockings (and test boot) A not-great photograph of the gambeson and a belt made of scraps Closeup of the actual real boots And the final full outfit
@Crissaegrim That’s certainly a wonderful fantasy styled outfit! The thought and effort that went into this creation is clearly evident. And I’m always amazed by people who can make their own shoes/boots. Well done!
And I’m finally done with Poetta’s story robe, “the Treasure of Mermaid Cove”. I’m thrilled that after finishing this, her 6th robe, I can now consider her wardrobe complete. (at least for now…)
Wow wow wow, everyone's creations are phenomenal! And all so unique, from one another, too. (As I had feared, work took over my life this week, sigh... I'll have to carve out some time this weekend!)
As promised, I'm back with a full photo of it all together! Hat, cape, and vest! He's ready to pound pavement with a pillowcase in hand and collect his candy, lol. Happy Halloween 2023! by Jules B, on Flickr This was hardly my most ambitious project ever, but it was nice to see a few small things come together in such a fun, whimsical way. Thanks for cheering me on this month everybody, it's been a tough go in my personal life and the year hasn't turned out in any way how I expected. It was really nice to still have this creative space to be myself without criticism. I definitely needed the reminder that I'm still my own person, and I didn't lose myself as completely as I felt like I was. Thanks for letting me get a little serious here, I just wanted to let you all know I'm so grateful for your company and you're all such joys to interact with.
@Mamo What a treat for the eyes he is in that setting! So perfect for the season! His outfit turned out wonderfully and I can just imagine him trick-or-treating on my block. I agree with you about the need to be creative, especially when times get tough. It reminds us of who we are and how capable we are when life turns hard, whether that’s personally or just dealing with the world in general. When everything seems to be crumbling around you, doing a creative act allows you to assert a bit of control to make something positive happen…no matter how small. It’s good for the soul.
It's so much fun seeing everyone's projects. @PoeticSoul Your story robe is so gorgeous, I love the quilted style and it fits your doll so well. @Mamo Your little wizard is adorable and I love your use of unusual fabric it adds so much interest to his outfit. Hel's top is officially finished! I'm happy with how it came out and am looking forward to my next sewing project. It's been a while since one of my projects turned out the way I wanted without having to redo parts. Tomorrow I'll take some pictures with his full outfit; cloak, hood, and veil.
@Alamentine That it absolutely gorgeous and it gives your boy such a mysterious air. I’m very impressed with this design and creativity, and as I’ve mentioned before during your progress, the addition of black lace details add a unique touch of elegance. This is beautiful!
Faeblina’s outfit is complete! I glued together a rose petal hat with braided hair loops. Hair def inspired by American Girl Kirsten lol I really like how she turned out! She’s the sweet little village elf I had imagined
I have to say, I think this is probably one of the best rounds of this project I've seen! Not only so many projects that actually got fininshed, but so many of them are quite elaborate outfits too. Everything is so gorgeous and well put together and there is such wonderful diversity in the projects as well. Large scale, tiny scale, cleaver use of ready made trims, embroidery, wonderful fabric choices and well coordinated outfits. Absolutely glorious! You are all awesome.
Indeed! What a perfect vision you had for this little one! The outfit was already adorable, and the addition of that flower hat is an amazing finishing touch. She’s so incredibly sweet, and what villager wouldn’t want her inhabiting their cottage or garden? So well done!
Everyone's projects are looking great! I'm almost finished! One layer remaining~ You'd think doing the kimono layers would be simple since it's just reusing the same pattern I made for the white layer, but it ended up being way too big at the shoulders so I had to alter it, now it's juuuust slightly on the small side. But I managed to squeeze him into it (with his ample chest showing through )
Here is Hel's full outfit, I left out the veil though since it didn't work out the way I hoped, I'll need more time to design it.
I'm enjoying so much my first round of these challenges!!! Okay, so it's not quite finished, but here's as far as I'll be able to get for now - I couldn't make his shirt because I didn't have any lace that would work for the cuffs and neck tie, so I'll have to do that later, but here is the rest of the outfit pretty much done: (I haven't actually finished sewing the lining but that's hidden when it's on, so good enough for photos!) I also need to press it and possibly do some top stitching as the lining keeps going to the outside, but that will have to wait until I've finished the lining and bought more matching thread too. Also I wish I could find shoes that suit. One day! (Pattern is from @MB Lilac by the way!) I might update here when I eventually get the shirt done too! It's amazing seeing everyone else's outfits - I am loving the variety so much!!! @Alamentine That outfit is amazing!!! I love all the details, especially all the lace, it's all so gorgeous!!! @Sanar Ooh he's looking great! Love those fabric patterns, they look amazing together. @lully.lullers OMG that rose hat is so cute, just the perfect finishing touch! She's just adorable! @Mamo he is just adorable!!! I love all the different textures and elements to the outfit, they all work so well together! @Crissaegrim Ooh that outfit is wonderful!!! I am particularly impressed by how you made the boots! Very impressive!!! @PoeticSoul Oh wow, I am just in awe of this outfit! So much detail to all the layers and textures and patterns, and they all work so well together to make such a harmonious whole! It reminds me of a Klimt painting. Just beautiful!!!
@Sanar That looks so good! And the fabric of your latest kimono looks amazing with his hakama. This is turning out to look absolutely gorgeous on your boy. @Alamentine I so love the creative quality of this outfit…the lines are so unusual and beautiful. The asymmetry and lace add such unique style and the workmanship is lovely. @morganatron That looks amazing on your guy! The fabric is absolutely gorgeous and the trim looks great with it. It’s turning out to be truly lovely.
@Alamentine I love this outfit so much! The lace, the details (the straps on his feets and the feather decorations!), and perfect for Halloween too! @morganatron He looks so dapper! @lully.lullers That flower hat is awesome! @Mamo He looks ready for a party! I wish I had a nice spot at home for doll photos @PoeticSoul I can't even imagine how much time and patience is required to create something like that! Did you hand draw/dye the images of the ladies? @Crissaegrim Shoes are so difficult to do! Great work! Well, I've managed to complete my outfit just in time and I couldn't be happier! I think I'll add some more accessories eventually over time to complete the look Like a fancy black beaded and gold necklace. Black and gold are definitely his colours! All he needs is a better spot to lounge and a nice cup of sake
@PoeticSoul @morganatron @Sanar Thanks for the compliments. I was expecting the shoes to be nightmarish and I was pleasantly surprised because they weren't as terrible as I thought. I got really lucky with some ebay buys of soft, thin leather which is great for doll-scale shoes. The soles are a little amateur-ish but for my first pair, I don't mind. Also, you guys did amazing things. I particularly love the material you used Sanar.
@Crissaegrim It's good that making the shoes was a good experience for you! The fabric really was a great find! I'm sure I'll make plenty more things with it in the future!
No, I didn’t. I found a fabric panel with those mermaids on it and cut them out to applique. The trick with this kind of application is finding the fabric panels to work with the story I want to tell. I love hunting for them on Etsy. It takes a lot of time, but the inspiration is worth it. And “slow stitching” does take a lot of time and patience, but I find it really relaxing so it’s well worth the effort for me because it forces me to slow down and take time for myself. And I love how this outfit for your luscious guy turned out! Of course I would applaud another kimono made out of the same gorgeous fabric you used on his hakama. It’s absolutely stellar and all the fabrics go together so well. Excellent work!
And our latest round is now up: /threads/sewing-project-basics-round-128.874651/ Please come join us for the fun!
That sounds like a lot of fun! I know I can literally spend hours browsing the internet for fabrics, trims, and jewelry pieces for future projects. I have a document with hundreds of bookmarked links Thank you for your comments! I'm happy others are enjoying him as much as I do! If anyone is interested in trying to find the fabrics I used, here are the details: Robert Kaufman, Imperial Collection, #20383 Robert Kaufman, Aurelia, #21461
@Mamo, well done, the outfit definitely has the Halloween spirit! @morganatron , ooh, the finished pieces of the outfit look great, and so much done in so little time, I'm in awe. @Crissaegrim , good job! Your girl looks ready for an adventure in a fantasy realm. @PoeticSoul , that robe is beautiful, and so intricate, all those textures and details look fantastic! @Alamentine , I love the lace details, especially the belt, and also the overall shape of the garments. The outfit is just emanating vibes of "dark and beautiful", and suits Hel perfectly. @lully.lullers , that is adorable! The lace trim, the hat, the braids - all so neatly made and the outfit looks perfect on your girl. @Sanar , the outfit looks great, I love the somewhat subdued floral pattern all over. Sake is truly all that's lacking. As for Anwen's princess outfit, it is late, but the pieces planned for this round are done and it looks more or less complete: Princess outfit - sarafan finished 1 by helgie, on Flickr I really wanted to use some kind of trim to decorate the sarafan, but no luck, more embroidery it was. Spoiler: Embroidery in progress Princess outfit - sarafan embroidery progress by helgie, on Flickr Acrilic "pale gold" thread and glass beads on velvet ribbon, the sarafan itself is made of some kind of silk or viscose Spoiler: full size Princess outfit - sarafan finished 2 by helgie, on Flickr I'm happy with how the outfit turned out, and especially with the decorations, they took an inordinate amount of time but the result is well worth it. Hopefully I will have time and inspiration to continue work on the planned outer layers.
@helgie The outfit is gorgeous! I'm glad you were able to finish what you planned to Anwen is a lovely princess!
@helgie Oh my goodness! Your Anwen looks truly spectacular in this! You know how much I adore your embroidery, and the beadwork on this takes it right over the top. It’s absolutely magnificent…applause, applause for this amazing work!
@helgie Ooh wow, Anwen's outfit is AMAZING, that's the most spectacular thing I've ever seen!!! All the embroidery is so beautiful and all the elements of the outfit go together so well - it's just incredible!!! I particularly love the collar and headdress, the design and embroidery are just stunning!
Apologies, everyone, for not commenting sooner on all your beautiful creations. I stopped receiving notifictions agin and in the cerfuffle of catching up after the bruising ftom my fall eased enough for me to sit at the computer again, I forgot to check. You've all done so well that it's has been a delight scrolling through all the posts and pictures to admire them. Teddy
Much better, thanks. Not in pain, no longer having problems sitting, and the bruising is fading. Teddy
@PoeticSoul Absolutely beautiful dress! Feels like there are so many little details to look at. @Mamo Love the look! It all really came together nicely. @Alamentine Wow, that outfit is gorgeous! It has almost an 'air' about it, if that makes sense? Kind of makes me think of Hades (but maybe that's because my husband's been replaying the game Hades recently). @lully.lullers Aaaaaa so cute! The little hat is just absolutely precious and has done me in. @morganatron I know it's not quite finished, but it still looks great! Love the color, too. @Sanar I really love the finished product, especially knowing just how much detail (and layers) went into putting the whole thing together! Great job. @helgie That dress is gorgeous. The beaded embroidery is especially incredible (I may have said this before, but it makes me want to try beaded embroidery someday). I finished Wynne's witch outfit today! It's late, but better late than never. I knitted her a little capelet, made some beaded stars, dyed and hemmed the skirt, and dug up a lil star bag I made her years ago. It turned out way more cutesy than I either planned or expected, but even if it's not Wynne's usual style, I'm a major sucker for cute things. Pardon the background, I don't have a proper spot to display her in.. Spoiler: More pictures
@Harmony909 Yay! I'm glad you were able to finish I love all the gold trim and the gold star bag in combination with the blue, it gives off a fun wizard-y vibe! And who can say no to cute things?
@Harmony909 Oh she’s wonderful in that outfit! I love the stars on the hat and it’s fabulous with that bag. It’s truly a great look, and I love the way all these parts go together to make an outfit that looks so naturally collected and fun.
It was nice to see it in person on Saturday - that quilted fabric for the gambeson was perfect. So cool that yo could find it ready-quilted but thin enugh to wokr for dol scale. Teddy