Saturday, December 28, 2013

Cherry Red Spencer Jacket

I was invited to a Christmas party not long after my Mom gave me this beautiful cherry red dotted velvet.  I don't know if it's cotton velvet or poly, but I don't really care what it is, it's really pretty!

Since time was short and I already knew it fit, I used the Past Patterns 1809 spencer jacket pattern.  The lining is navy blue thai silk that came from the stash. The buttons and buckle are vintage and also came from the stash.

The Christmas party was unfortunately postponed due to weather, but I'll wear the spencer tomorrow for a holiday tea in Annapolis.

The necklace is a collet necklace from Dames a la Mode: https://www.etsy.com/shop/damesalamode

Here are a few pics of the jacket on the form.





Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Athena's Daughters

Hey you guys - I wrote a story! Two, actually. So I thought I'd take a break from costuming to announce that...

Our Kickstarter for Silence in the Library's newest anthology, Athena's Daughters, is live! http://tinyurl.com/athenasD

I have a story in this anthology, and if you're one of the first hundred backers, you get an extra bonus story by me!

What is a Kickstarter, you ask?

A Kickstarter for an anthology is really just a way of taking pre-orders in order to have enough money to get the book printed. $5 will get you the e-book, and as we meet the stretch goals, you'll end up with a whole slew of "free" stuff just for that $5 pledge. There are all kinds of other tiers that will get you a paperback book or art prints (we have awesome artists working on this project and each story is getting illustrated). There are actually a ton of cool things to feature about this project, like the aforementioned artists, our awesome authors and the fact that we have one of only two female space shuttle commanders (Pam Melroy) writing the foreword.

Please check our Kickstarter out (you can even use your Amazon account to pay), and spread the word, if you would!

http://tinyurl.com/athenasD



Want to know more?

Silence in the Library Publishing has partnered with a host of renowned authors including names like Mary Robinette Kowal, Gail Z. Martin, Jean Rabe, Sherwood Smith, and many others in a new Kickstarter project titled Athena's Daughters.

Athena’s Daughters is a collection of short fiction from some of the best female science fiction and fantasy authors in the industry. This anthology features stories written by women about women. The introduction to the anthology is being written by retired astronaut and Space Shuttle Commander Pam Melroy.


The publisher, Silence in the Library, believes strongly in the concept of bringing the artistry back to publishing. To that end, every anthology they produce features illustrations for each and every story.


Additionally, Silence in the Library Publishing believes that any good project should contribute something to improving the human community. In keeping with that goal, a portion of every book sold will go to RAINN. RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) is the nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization. RAINN created and operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline in partnership with more than 1,100 local rape crisis centers across the country and operates the DoD Safe Helpline for the Department of Defense. RAINN also carries out programs to prevent sexual violence, help victims and ensure that rapists are brought to justice.


This is only a small portion of what is waiting for you when you visit the Athena's Daughters Kickstarter project page. Please join us and become a part of the Athena's Daughter's journey by visiting http://tinyurl.com/athenasD and contributing today!

Sunday, December 8, 2013

1780s "Hair" Ball

I'm terribly belated on this post, sorry!

A few weeks ago, Gloria, Mike, Amber and I went to the 1780s "Hair Ball" at Gadsbys Tavern in Alexandria, VA. We had such a fun time!

I wore my red and white striped gown, which I love and I'd only worn one other time before. I also wore my miniature of my "18th century boyfriend," courtesy of Stephanie's mom, Victorian repro star necklace, and my Sweet Romance bow/rhinestone earrings. Which you can't really see.

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