Brielle's Notions

Come fabric shopping with me!

Greetings,

So I went on a bit of a fabric shopping adventure this weekend to gather supplies for upcoming secret projects. (aka...more costumes!)

While I was there I thought I would bring my camera along and get a few shots of the pretty fabric store.

I am very lucky to live in an area that has a fairly good selection of fabric stores. (Not at many as I would like, but enough to find some cool stuff)

 ahh...my favorite part of the store! The Velvet Section.

Is it wrong to go and pet all the fabrics?....

Rows of silk velvet as well.....so pretty.

I was tempted to buy some Arwen Dress fabric, but didn't.

Rainbow of silk!

Pirate ye be warned.....linen shirt fabric below.....so many great choices!

I would like to make a trip down to Califorina to poke around in some of those fabrics shops again, but in the mean time...I have options.

If any of you seamstresses want to check out the fabric store above, click here

 

Thanks for reading!

 

Treasured Item: Zorro's Sword

Greetings!

Today...this post really has nothing to do with sewing a costume, but....I was dusting my weapon rack and wanted to share my Zorro Sword with you all.

Simply, because I thought there might be a few Zorro fans out there who would like to see it.

I don't recall what shop I purchased it from online....

Um.....5 years ago? Maybe 4 years ago.

The sword was made in Spain and features the authentic prop replica stamp upon it.

 

It is a bit stiff to pull out of the sheath, but it does work very well if pulled out quickly.

Here is my version.....

*side note, the blade in the pictures looks shorter than it really is.  The full length of the blade is actually 35.5 inches. * I hope that answers your questions, to those of you who asked.

The sheath looks like this...

Love the detail on the hilt...it completes the Spanish look.

 

You can see the movie version below...

I would really like to find Elena's Sword from Mask of Zorro as well. It would be fun to have both of them on the sword wall.

Thanks for reading...

....and taking a peak at one of my favorite swords. 

 

 Have a magical day!

 

Costume Updates...what am I sewing on this week?

Greetings!

So many of you have asked..."so what are you working on/sewing?" ....

Well the costumes I am working on are for customers,...

....but I have some real fun ones coming up!

I shall only give you one hint....well wait, maybe two. ...or three.

One costume is fit for an elf from rivendell...

one is for a swan princess....

and the other is for a well known jedi.

Some Alice gloves are also leaving the studio...so many tea parties!

 Sim's Gypsy Costume from Sherlock Holmes "Game of Shadows".

To reply to everyone that has sent notes about my "gypsy costume"....

...yes, I shall be getting it done soon. I simply haven't had time yet. :)

I had put it on hold until I could see the movie. I am.....ahem...rather picky about little things, so I wanted to see the fabric colors for real. Instead of just the poster.

Turns out the fabric I had selected for the skirt will suit it very nicely.

The movie one is rather rich and bright in tone. I thought my fabric was too bright, but not at all.

I am looking forward to dressing up in this costume! Love all the gypsy bling.

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If you missed my Transylvania Night gown, that is over here

My Arwen Coronation Dress is now up on the Costume Site...click here to view if you like.

A little Narnian costume has also been created. Inspired by Susan's from "The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe." I shall be posting picture soon.

 

Well, that about sums up what is going on in the studio this week.

What does your schedule look like?

Thanks for reading!

Sewing Madness in the Studio!

Greetings,

Thank you for stopping by my little blog.

I know I have been a bit absent around the blog and website realm as of late.

So to answer many of your questions as to what I am doing....well, the simple reason is that it is almost October 31st! Even if you don't celebrate Halloween I am sure you can understand the need for costumes for some people this time of year. (so much fun)

We are still in the process of creating lots of things, but I shall give you a few sneak peaks.

Lots of red riding hood capes! If you haven't seen my website page about the capes click here or visit my other blog posts here. They are fun to wear around for that perfect fairytale fantasy look.

Next up, I am in the process of creating a starwars costume inspired by Padme's "Picnic Dress" from Attact of the Clones. It is an inspired by version that will be fit for a royal queen of naboo.

The Mad Hatter lost his coat and asked me to sew a new one so that is done, Elizabeth Swann needed a new night gown and robe so that shall soon be created.

Dread Pirate Robert's felt he needed an updated look for this October season, so that has been sewn.

 Last, but not least the little glove "factory"is running smoothly. Lots of love has been spread to my Alice in Wonderland gloves. Thank you everyone!

Oh, yes....Dark chocolate cupcakes are my favorite so I decided to whip up a batch. The only papers we had left in the cupboard were these bat covered ones. But I happen to like bats and the orange look was perfect for October. So there you go. 

The cupcakes looked rather boring sitting alone on the counter so I grabbed Dracula. (the original vampire novel...because real vampires don't sparkle..but let's not get into that)

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Is anyone going to go see 3 Musketeers? I'll have to catch that as well during a sewing break. Maybe I'll have to wear my black musketeers hat..hahah. I doubt I could get in the theater with a sword though. Not sure if the movie shall be any good, but I am always up for something fun and entertaining. (and historical costumes of course)

What does your October look like?

Thanks for reading...

 

P.S. I now own an Alien wrist blaster (think cowboys and aliens....) so I'll try and do a post about that at some point. It is larger style that lights up and was modified from found items.

I shall try and get Ella's dress done, but that might have to wait until next month.

Creativity is an art!

I like to think that creativitity is an art to be practiced often and whenever possible.

I found this list of "rules", or more like guidlines actually... from the girls over at Free People Blog , so all credit goes to them. I just wanted to share it because it was so good. So go print it off and post it on your wall...right now...you know you want to.

 

What are your tips for staying creative?

Tools of the Trade: Pattern Drafting Paper

If you trace patterns or create your own I am sure you have used large peices of paper..or taped them together.

 
 
For pattern paper, I have used just about everything in a pinch. Printer paper, notebook paper... (requires alot of tape) paper bags, gridpaper, butcher paper, etc.... Wrapping paper works good too. (Just turn it over so you can't see the christmas trees on the back.)

I have never used Swedish Tracing Paper, but I have heard it is amazing.

I personally don't like to spend much money on my Pattern Paper because I use so much of it.

One of the things I really like using is freezer paper. Yep, just basic freezer paper that you can buy at the grocery store. It is sturdy, transparent enough to see through for tracing and comes on a role so you can store it easily.

Just lay it out on the table and get to drafting, or tracing. Whatever your needs might be.

 
 
What kind of Pattern Paper do you use?

 

Tools of the Trade: Thread

Thread.

It is something that no seamstress can ever be without.

 

However the choices at a store are somewhat endless. I have types I prefer for different projects, other brands I just can't stand using and some brands are ok.

One of my all time favorite companies is Gutterman. It works great, doesn't break easily and it comes in a lovely range of colors. (as well as silks, satins, cottons etc..)

 
 
However, if you are looking for a less expensive option... I am sure you have all see the Coats and Clarks thread. That is a great one, and I use it for projects that I need just a good basic thread.

For serger thread the best I have found (at least for my picky serger) is the Maxi Baby Lock thread. If you live in the Portland OR area, you can get a great deal on this brand at Fabric Depot.

Now onto the thread tour....

I simply store mine in clear drawers ...and yes. It should be organized by color and type, but as you can see...that doesn't usually happen.

 

Of course, I still have to purchase thread for specific projects with unique colors (or burgundy thread, somehow I use tons of that)

The Serger Thread is all tucked away in larger drawers...were it barely fits. But hey, it works.

How do you store your thread? Do you have kinds you prefer?

 

Tools of the Trade: Tailors Chalk

Marking chalk... I couldn't sew without it. It is a tool I use all the time.

 
 
Depending on the project I have 3 kinds. Classic white chalk in a chunk holder, a pencil form or my favorite little chalk dispenser. It is pretty awesome...it creates a smooth straight little line of chalk without the mess.

 

Another option is transfer paper, usually needed for marking darts, etc. (but I use it for tons of things)

Here is a pic of the pigmentation of all the chalks swatched out.

 

* all the chalks I use were purchased at a local fabric shop. Or you can get them online...

here is a link to buy my fabric kind of chalk marker. Or you can get the other kind here (best for thick fabrics...)

What do you use for marking lines on your sewing projects?

Tools of the Trade: Pin Cushions

The Pin Cushion.

Every seamstress needs one in her array of sewing tools. (or else you end up with a pile of pins sitting on your table...not good!)

 

I personally have a couple pin cushions, ranging in classic style to magnetic.

For everyday sewing I use the magnetic ones, because they are the easiest to just throw your pins on as you are sewing. (great for cleaning up a pin spill quickly too)

 

However, for my fine sewing pins or other speciality pins I use other options.

 

My Poison Apple Velvet Pin cushion above is a nice one to use for all my silk pins.

How do you keep your pins?