NYE 2012

And I rounded out the year on a costume high. This year, I attended New Year at Draculas on the Gold Coast. It is a vampire theme dinner theatre event. We had VIP tickets, so there was no waiting in line in the heat outside, and instead got to go into a special cocktail bar waiting area. We sipped on themed drinks before making our way to the ghost train which would then deliver us to the theatre for dinner. The show was amazing and I highly recommend going. No photos inside though as they're not allowed, but I did get a couple of shots.

As for what I wore, I just couldn't go to a vampire theme event without dressing up to some extent. I think I went a little over the top though. :P I decided to make a costume that I would be able to use again. In this instance it will be a steampunk geisha. To start with, I pulled out my roll of black fabric. It is a heavy satin with a very dull sheen and small spots woven in. I decided to use the pattern from my recent tartan bustle for the underskirt and apron along with the bodice from my Princess and The Frog Lottie costume.

As for trimmings, I used up most of the black lace that I had in my collection around the hem of the underskirt and apron. I then pleated up a heap of black paper taffeta. I decided to do 5 small pleats followed by one large instead of the usual same size pleats all around. It probably took longer, but I really like how it turned out. I used a black braid trim and black velvet ribbon to sew them all on. On the apron, I stitched 1" wide black velvet ribbon down the side seams and finished them off with ribbon loops and large fabric covered buttons. The bodice laces up the back seam with large eyelets and wide silk ribbon. To add the Japanese influence, I used a vintage piece of obi silk trailing over the bustle, and I made an obi out of teal silk and partially lined it with the black satin. The final touch was a Geisha style hairstyle and a kanzashi hair clip. I was very pleased with how it turned out. The next step to steampunk it up will be props, but I am really happy with the gown itself.

Year in Review

Well it has been a busy and eventful year for me. And like all those other costumers out there, I thought it was time for a year in review post. I managed to re-wear a good number of costumes this year, so I will only be reviewing the new stuff. There have been an abundance, so prepare yourself. I will start at the beginning...

January:
8th - 1960s skirt and blouse for a retro birthday tea. The skirt was then turned into a work skirt - so has since been worn out completely. The pattern though, has proved quite useful.

 

February:

12th - I rewore my pink regency dress, but failed to take photos.

18th - The red 1950s dress came out for a Retro Tupperware party. However, I did make a new 1950s dress for my mum (on the left)

March:

9th - Again, a rewear to the vintage fashion fair - 1950s yellow dress that I made a few years ago for my Birthday.

April:

14th - Edwardian Day ensemble for our titanic tea

14th - Edwardian Dinner outfit. Unfortunately, the lace was destroyed on my shoes, so I won't ever wear this one again, but I was pleased with my first evening dress - even if it was terribly simple. 

15th - 1920s dress for Miegunyah House event. I love the pattern and will definitely make it again, but the fabric choice for my first time wasn't so great. I loved the colour but hated the actual fabric. 

20th - Supanova Friday night - re-wear of my Ariel Costume

21st - Supanova Saturday - re-wear of my Stargate Offworld Uniform. And the brand new Pan Am Uniform. 

22nd - Supanova Sunday - Squid Girl. A very nice cool costume. Perfect for con's held in the warmer months. 

May:

6th - Re-wear of my natural form gold bustle ensemble. 

13th - Steampunk Safari costume for a trip to the zoo.

19th - Re-wear of natural form gold bustle ensemble. 

27th - Brand new 1950s yellow cotton halter neck dress that I made to wear to work. Perfect for a vintage outing. 

June:

9th - History Alive, re-wear of white regency gown with red open robe and purple pelisse. Though I did make a flannel petticoat to keep me warm.

10th - 1890s Bartitsu womens ensemble. I only need to whip up a skirt. 

15th - Supanova Sydney, re-wear of Ariel costume. Man, I have got my money's worth out of that costume, the number of times I have worn it. My brother however, got a new costume of Uncle Fester. 

16th - Supanova Sydney, re-wear of Saber Lion costume. The very best time to wear a fleece costume - winter. And a wet winter at that.

July:

13th - 1960s red wiggle dress for a vintage fashion fair. 

28th - Partial new costume for the Heritage Ball. The overskirt and bodice to make a new evening ensemble with a skirt that I have used in the past. 

And a new vest for my dad - an early father's day gift.

August:

25th - The ACG Ball. Using a few pieces I already had, I created my Madame Du Pompadour. 

26th - Adelaide Costume Picnic, Ariel comes out again.

September:

8th - A new 1950s dress for the vintage fashion fair out of some gorgeous fabric I brought back from Japan in 2010. 

13th - Steampunk GasLight Festival, a re-wear of my safari ensemble from May. 

15th - The Gangsters ball, again a new 1950s halter dress is made. I didn't realise how much I have used that pattern this year. I guess, when you find one that you like...

22nd - M Party for my Birthday, I dressed as Mio, my brother dressed as a My Little Pony and my mum dressed as Mother Nature in a new regency dress. Yes, I made three new costumes for it. 

29th - The Victorian Picnic, where I made my new Red Tartan Early Bustle Dress. I adore it. 

 

30th - The Kustom Krafts Vintage Fair, where I re-wore my red wiggle dress and hat.

October:

13th - I re-wore my red tartan early bustle dress for the Marburg Festival. 

20th - I whipped up a new hat for my green georgian ensemble after an unfortunate mud incident for the previous hat.

27th - Halloween party calls for a costume, and I whip out my Tia Dalma. 

31st - The pan am uniform makes an appearance at work as my Halloween costume for the day. 

November:

9th - Supanova Brisbane where I re-wear Saber Lion. 

10th - My K-On uniform has a re-vamp and is turned into Yui.

11th - The debut of Charlotte LeBouff from the Princess and The Frog. 

17th - A new 1960s peacock dress for a girls afternoon tea.

December:

8th - Re-wear of American McGee Alice for the ACG Skating Christmas Party

10th - The new 1850s white tartan silk evening gown for Proclamation Day. 

15th - Minoan woman for the RIFF Wine Dine and Recline. 

And to round out the year, I am working on a costume for New Year's Eve - but I will get to that soon.  I shudder to count up the number of things that I made this year. But I don't feel especially burnt out when I look at how many times that I rewore costumes. At least then I feel like I am giving them a bit more love.