A new purse

I finally sewed a thing!

I used this Portmanteau Fashions pattern for an 1831 pointed reticule.

I had received two really pretty cloth napkins as part of a subscription box. I didn't really have need for cloth napkins, but the fabric was so pretty, that I thought they'd be good for a purse. I decided to mix the colors up harlequin-style for fun.  I'm sure this makes it not historical but I didn't really care. I just wanted to try the pattern out.   I probably should have chosen a darker lining, but I wanted something strong enough that I wouldn't worry about. And I didn't have any black cotton on hand, but I probably should have used silk to be prettier. It is what it is.

Here's the result.

I ended up putting piping only on one of the two body pieces because putting piping on both ended up with too much piping and too much thickness. I did pipe the top of the other piece that I didn't pipe the whole way around.  I threaded the ribbon differently for easier gathering. And also I recommend sewing the triangles on the flat body pieces before sewing the front/back together - without doing that I wasn't sure what to do with the piping at the ends of the triangles. Catching them in the seams hides the edges. It makes the side seams a little bulky, but it was the only way to hide those edges. 

Overall, it's a cute purse and big enough to hold a wallet and cell phone, which is great! I have a lot of cute reticules that won't hold everything I need them to!

More Riversdale Masked Ball

Here are a few more photos from the Riversdale Masked Ball from Isabella's camera:

Riversdale Masked Ball

A bunch of us went to Riverdale House's masked ball last weekend. The best part is the was able to join us since the timing with her DC vacation worked out!

The ball was smaller than the 12th Night one and had light snacks rather than a full meal. It was really fun! That house is so pretty! 

I wore my tiara made by Megan. (Etsy store here.) I got mine and Doug's masks on Amazon. They have a number of pretty laser cut masks.

Here are a few photos:







I really need to make my poor husband another vest and a slightly later coat. Just no time. Someday I will sew again. :-/









Mike's photobomb FTW!















Regency wedgie shot for Jen!

Georgian ring

While I'm updating on jewelry acquisitions from the last 6 months - here is my birthday present, bought from nalfie.  It's English, 15k gold, tiny rose-cut diamonds, a faceted blue paste, and enamel, circa 1780.  One tiny diamond is missing, but I almost can't tell which,  and I love the little silver star settings. They thought the paste might be an early addition/replacement. And they dated it around 1780/1800. The pics are nalfie's.

30 Day Cosplay/Costuming Meme - Day 18

I got super off-track on this, but what the hell, I'll keep going at will!

18. What is your best cosplay memory?

So many different ones. I have two favorite things - one is being in a period house in a period costume. There's a certain time-traveling thrill of tiptoeing around Gadsby's Tavern (the bathrooms are on a floor above the ballroom, so going upstairs by yourself feels like you're sneaking around) in a regency or 18th century gown.

The other quite different favorite thing is the fun a group costume can be.  Our Glee Lady Gaga group was perhaps the most intense one I did because we did a whole Masquerade dance that required intensive dance practices throughout DragonCon that made everything so much more fun.  There was also the Sgt. Pepper group costumes. And the Holyhead Harpies.  So many good times and inside jokes and being a part of something with good friends.