Halloween for your Pets

Greetings all ^-^

I know, I know.  Fewer posts every week, then suddenly TWO posts in ONE day?!  What's going on?!

Don't worry guys, it's not the apocalypse, it's just... well... this:

Guinea Pig Sleeping Sack sold by GuineaPigDreams

Doggy Bandanna sold by OscarsDoggyBoutique

Pet Clown Costume sold by emeraldangel

Cat Bow Tie sold by WhiskersBoutique

Hedgehog/Guineapig Pumpkin Tutu sold by ChubbyHedgehog

I had to share this with you.  Call me ignorant and naive, but I had no idea this world of pet halloween accessories existed.  It has cheered up my day.  It is hilarious and amazing.  I may never be able to look at a guineapig in the same way again...

If this doesn't cheer you up, nothing will.  Just look at the guineapig in a tutu.  There.  Isn't your life better now?  Excellent ^-^

Live long and prosper ^-^

Halloween Etsy Top Ten

Greetings all ^-^ and happy halloween!

This week I have been scouring Etsy for the most interesting & awesome halloween-theemed items.  You wouldn't believe how difficult it is to find halloween stuff that isn't gender-labelled.  I kind of understand things like underwear, but things like masks... are they really specifically for women?  I don't know if maybe I'm just speaking from a position of privilege, and so this might not be the norm, but pretty much all the men I know have faces.

This gender-label-EVERYTHING-thing is mainly annoying me because the vast majority is pressed upon women.  Don't get me wrong, I love dressing up!  Note my love of cosplay.  I also have no qualms about wearing very little in public.  However, when it is completely unacceptable to wear nothing but a corset & knickers in public every other day of the year, but damned near mandatory on halloween, that's when I get a bit shirty.  Not to mention the "this is a GIRLS costume!  It is pink!  It is for a PRINCESS!" ... kiiiind of sending a negative message to everyone involved here.

Anyway, rant over.

As usual I am featuring only UK sellers, and all items are wonderfully non-specific in their gender labelling.

Enjoy my lovelies ^-^

1.  The Bogeyman Heels sold by NixxiRose

Adore these shoes.  They are spectacular.  To be honest, they would go with most of my wardrobe, not just my halloween garb ^-^  I have been looking at the rest of ms NixxiRose's shop and all of her items look amazing.  I particularly like these as well.


















2.  Happy Halloween Owl sold by LittleOwlBoutique2

D'aaaaawww! So very cute!  Made from felt and pure adorableness, how can you say no to Mr. Hoots the happy halloween owl??















3.  Latex prosthetic sold by prettygrimmFX

This is so great.  It is a latex prosthetic that you can glue to your skin & paint to look all gory. Make-up works just as well over latex & you can create the most disturbing and deformed face for yourself.  I particularly like this one because of the "exposed teeth".




















4.  Dr Who Mask sold by ZipItLiverpool

Simple and elegant, this mask could be part of a Who-themed costume, or used just as a cool wall decoration.  Not overly-halloweeny, but to be honest, this is a good thing!  I enjoy novel things that can be re-purposed.  So much more interesting and useful than stuff you acquire for one night a year.



















5.   Toffee Apple Headpiece sold by ggspinupcouture

I have absolutely no idea why I love this so very much.  I get why I like it: it's a toffee apple headpiece!  What's not to like?  But this just screams awesomeness to me.  Pretty interesting and probably unique, this is a brilliant idea & really well make ^-^


















6.  Horror Bag sold by dashAclothing

Moving away from the weird and wonderful here, and just sticking with the wonderful.  I love the fabric, and the whole thing is really well made.  The chunky zip really finishes the item off.  It's a simple design made awesome with the right materials.  Brilliant.




















7.  Lace Scarf sold by Scarvestorock

Another item that works all year round, and yet again would go with most of my wardrobe.  I am ever so slightly terrified of spiders, so I might shy away from this particular beauty, but I love the material - so light!  And although I may fear spiders, their webs are so pretty & make for really purdy fabric.


















8.  Orange Halloween Mask sold by TheatricalThread

This is just beautiful.  I love the colour and the butterfly embellishment.  Also, the eye holes are such a cool shape; I love the way they flick up on the outside edge (I always do my eyeliner like this, so it works well for me)!  Simple, but gorgeous.












9.  Kreepy Keepsake Love Potion sold by GoreWhoreEmporium

I love this idea.  The GoreWhoreEmporium has loads of different little potions in their shop, each unique and with their own twist.  Even the little coffin box design is changed to match it's respective potion.
Awesome as a decoration or a prop, maybe even for wedding favours.  Either way, this is a great little find ^-^

















10.  Halloween Party Guest Book sold by youruniquescrapbook

This is just amazing.  This scrapbook/guest book is embellished with ribbon, lace, and charms.  It even has pockets!!  The pages have faded, misty silhouettes of various spooky things like grave yards, dead trees, bats, and spiders.
There is even a card with haunted mansion gates on it!  I know I'm too excited about this, and if I had the monies to spare, I'd be leaping on this right now!!  So if you do have the monies, go, buy, save me from myself!!









Ritzy Pick
Gigantic Cthuhlu Plush/ Costume sold by KfiatekGiftedHands

This may be the coolest thing I have ever seen.  I want, nay, NEED one of these in my life. Sadly I don't have the £240 to spare for such an awesome cuddly toy/ costume.  It can even come in different colours if you want to be eaten by the mighty Cthuhlu, but always imagined him blue and feel the experience would be lessened if it didn't completely live up to your Cthuhlu-based fantasies.

Or maybe you just like the colour blue.  Or pink.  Or orange.  No, that would be stupid.  Orange Cthuhlu.  Pffft!

Aaaanyway... this is just awesome.  Go buy it and then give it to me.  Thanks ^-^

Star Trek Etsy Top Ten

Greetings all ^-^

Welcome to this weeks Etsy Top Ten.  I've been a Trek fan for as long as I can remember.  Nights watching TNG & Voyager on TV before bed... good times, good times.  So I thought I'd hunt round Etsy & try to find the most interesting & most awesome Star Trek-themed items.  There are some great picks here, and most of the sellers have more than the featured Trek-related item in their shops, so be sure to check them out ^-^

Here we go:


1. Borg Eyepiece sold by Zoshspropsandthings

This item really caught my eye (get it? Get it??).  It's a great addition to a Trek cosplay, or just as part of a halloween costume.

Each one is hand made to your measurements, so you know it's going to fit on your face!  It's lightweight, and the seller is happy to incorporate any design ideas you've got - so be sure to let them know if you want something in particular!  (Pink Hello Kitty designs would go well, I think)

















2.  Glow in the Dark Personalised Vulcan Script Mug sold by Hx5Designs

It's glow in the dark.  It's written in Vulcan script. It's personalised.  What more do you need to know??  I really want one of these!  The whole idea is just super cool, and... and... and... I want one.



















3. Redshirt in a Bottle  sold by TreacleTownTreasures

This is overly adorable (as is the description of the item the seller has written - just so much cute!).  I love it.

A Redshirt in a bottle to keep with you and deflect danger away from you on those dangerous off-world missions!  Why have I never tried this before!?




















4.  Star Trek Pin Cushion sold by Geekybeady

As a crafty geek, this is perfect.  I'm usually happy when I'm sewing, but this would cheer me up during those far-too-often times when I end up unpicking, restitching, and getting myself tied in knots.

You can't stay mad at your sewing when your pin cushion looks like this!  Well, I couldn't anyway!


















5.  Maquis Phaser Prop sold by Scifistuff

A really cool item here.  It comes as a kit, so you paint it yourself (or pay an extra ₤65 to have it assembled & painted for you).  But I like the idea of painting it myself!  It may also need some adjusting with a sander to get rid of air bubbles & things.

Made from heavy build resin - I have no idea what that means... but apparently it is excellent quality, so yay for that :)










6.  Star Trek Infinity Scarf sold by StitchAnnStyle

I have a thing for infinity scarves.  I don't know why.  They're just more interesting than a regular scarf.  And this one is particularly awesome as it features the U.S.S. Enterprise.  Love it ^-^

Also love the fact it's black & white, so it will go with most outfits (I don't actually own "outfits", but I thought it sounded better than "you can chuck on whatever you want underneath the scarf without it clashing horribly").














7.  Rainbow Tribble sold by AlixInsanity

TRIBBLE!!  It's fluffy, and multicoloured, and won't replicate as quickly as it's on-screen brethren.

It's a tribble.  That's all you need to know.  I'd probably end up keeping it in my handbag & telling anyone who asked: "It's a Tribble.  Duh.  Everyone's got one."  Y'know, just for funsies.


















8.  Jean Luc Picard - Original Artwork sold by doodlejedi

I don't usually include art work on these feature lists because everyone has different styles and opinions about art, and I know nothing about it.

This piece however... Oh my!  It's drawn with a ballpoint pen... seriously, a ballpoint pen.  How?!  I can barely draw anime characters with a pencil, eraser, and several hours of concentration!

And just look at his expression... he's gazing at you... so intensely... it's like he knows you're staring at him.  And he's glad.












9.  Star Trek Cushion sold by Threadful

Simple, but wonderful.  Made from super soft fleece, and bigger than it looks in the pictures, this would make a lovely addition to any sofa.  I'd probably end up cuddling it whilst watching TV.  Then again, I end up cuddling whichever cushion/cuddly toy is near me...















10. Bet'leth sold by CosplayConstructs

No Trekkie list would be complete without some kind of nod (or knife to the gut) to the Klingons.  Here we have a home made Bat'leth: an elegant weapon whose name translates into "sword of honour".

Although this replica probably isn't made of baakonite & won't slice through your enemies, it will still make an awesome addition to a Star Trek cosplay ^-^












Ritzy Pick
Borg Head Mask sold by richardsymonsart (₤115.16)

So very, very cool!  I love this so very much ^-^ Made with resin, paper mache, and EL wire, this little beauty really stands out.  Each is hand-made, so I'm assuming it will fit your head!  Also, you get to choose the colour of the wire (just as a little added bonus).

This is one of the best Borg-inspired items I've seen.  Really detailed & well made.  Love it.

The Big Cosplay Etsy Top Ten

Greetings all ^-^

Welcome to this weeks Etsy Top Ten.  As the title of this post suggests, I will be featuring some awesome cosplays available from some wonderful sellers on Etsy.  Unlike my usual focus on Stealth Cosplay, these are full costumes just waiting for you to buy.  Most are handmade and made to order, and this (as well as the amazing craftsmanship that goes in to these items) is reflected in the price i.e. this weeks featured products are a wee bit more expensive than those I usually feature.

I always used to gripe about how much things like this cost (because I couldn't afford them!).  Then I discovered just how much work goes into making them, not to mention the cost of materials and trimmings!  And so there shan't be a "ritzy pick" this week, as each item is a ritzy & brilliant as the last!  Enjoy:




1.  Anna Coronation Dress sold by JustOneStep

This is the best Frozen cosplay I have ever seen.  It really is beautiful, and so well made!  To be honest, I love and want pretty much everything JustOneStep has to sell.  There are so many different costumes, and each is faithful to the original character.

A really amazing costume.



















2.   Harley Quinn Latex Dress sold by PandoraDeluxeLatex

This Harley Quinn latex dress is just awesome.  I love the neck ruffles, and just how much attitude it has!

The seller has loads of great products, including some other wonderfully geeky outfits, and their feedback is great.  Brilliant service and quality products, made to your measurements, you can't go wrong here!  Love it.


















3.  Elizabeth from Bioshock Infinite sold by dreadnoughtdesigns

Argh! I have wanted to cosplay Elizabeth since I first played Bioshock Infinite last year (late to the party, I know, I know)!  I love how true to the character this outfit is.  All you need to complete it is a white corset.  Perfect!
















4.  Jasmine Costume sold by Kenickys

Love this dress. A simple, but effective Princess Jasmine from Aladdin costume.  The colour is great, and the style flattering for any figure.  Great item ^-^




















5.  Latex Jessica Rabbit Dress sold by Kitalyst

Love, love, love it!  Jessica Rabbit has always been a cosplay I'd love to try, and this one is just stunning.  Latex is the perfect material for Jessica, since her proportions are kind of crazy, and the cut of this dress is perfect for showing off those curves.



















6.  Sucker Punch Babydoll Outfit sold by TheGothicAsylum

I loved the Sucker Punch movie, and instantly wanted to cosplay Babydoll.  This costume is based on the characters costume worn for the High Roller, and is pretty much dead-on with the original.  Love it.





















7.   Frodo Cosplay sold by Chantellecostumes

Ah, lord of the rings.  A classic.  The Hobbit has reminded lord of the rings followers of their long-time fandom, and brought new fans into the fold.  This costume is great for either The Hobbit, or Lord of the Rings cosplaying. Hobbit attire hasn't changed much over the years!

I especially love the detail that has gone into this piece, including the leaf brooch and the ring.
















8.  Gandalf Dress sold by TheTrinkTrunk

This is a really simple, but really great idea.  Wearing a Gandalf robe can kind of smother you if you're relatively little, or not shaped like a lumpy bag.  This dress is a great way to feel less frumpy when cosplaying the epic wizard.

I love the sleeves.  They are so purdy!















9.  Star Trek Latex Dress  sold by ShhhCoutureLatex

Another latex pick!  This one is Star Trek themed. and you can choose your favourite uniform colour.  I'd choose the red for halloween though. Then you can go as zombie red-shirt :P

The dress is made to your measurements to ensure the best possible fit, and be sure to check out the rest of ShhhCoutureLatex's shop as there are some absolutely amazing items on there!  I cannot rate these guys highly enough - brilliant!
















10.  Battlestar Galactica Cosplay sold by ThePicardManeuver

It is so rare to find a Battlestar Galactica cosplay!  And this one is brilliant.  Really true to the show, and made to order so you know it will fit.

I love the buttons on this jacket - really nice.

The Seam That Wanted To Be Seen

Greetings all ^-^

Today is a ranty day.  Yesterday was a sewing day.  I have begun to make a wonderful steampunk coat.  It is going to be very pretty and whatnot.  I began hopeful of smooth sailings on calm seas yesterday (despite the horrible weather outside), as all the pieces were fitting together nicely.  Things were looking good for my new coat.

Things took a turn downhill once I accidentally sewed some things together that I shouldn't have done.  At this point I will take some time to remind you of something my R.E. teacher taught me: Read ALL the gods damned instructions BEFORE you start!

Now, even though I still haven't heeded this advice, I have realised that I did not read the FIRST LINE of the instructions as there was no number next to it.  The lesson here boys and girls, is not to skip straight to the bullet points when reading a sewing pattern.

Anyway, this mistake was noticed quite a while later when those two pieces had been sewn to a bigger piece (and this was repeated on the opposite side of the garment).
So much failure!  So I unpicked it.  My stitch-ripper is the best thing EVER!  It's like tip-ex for a seamstress (not to imply a seamstress couldn't use tip-ex...).  I call it Ripper...

This was the first trouble I had with the Seam that wanted to be Seen.  It's friend on the opposite side of the coat had joined in this time, but quickly learnt it's lesson as it was turned the correct way.

Along the way several more seams decided they didn't want to be hidden in the finished garment either, and decided to once again follow the Seam that wanted to be Seen's plan.  Now slightly imbued with rage, I grabbed Ripper once more and repeated the earlier process of removing those offending stitches, turning the fabric the CORRECT way, and re-sewing.  Much to the disgruntlement of the Seam that wanted to be Seen.  Or so I thought...

Unbeknownst to me, the Seam that wanted to be Seen had NOT turned itself around with the others when I demanded.  It sat there, wrong-side-out, just waiting until I started sewing the lining to the outer fabric.  That's when it struck.  That's when I noticed this gods damned seam was the WRONG WAY ROUND!!  It would be Seen!!  A seen seam is just so unseemly! Who would by a coat with a seam that can be seen?!

My rage flared once more, and I sat there.  Thinking.  Plotting.  Scheming.  I could cover it in ribbon?  I've done that before, and it worked out very nicely... No.  Impossible.  Asymmetrical ribbon?  Don't be a fool!  It would be too obvious... no... no... we need something subtler... something more cunning...

The STITCH-RIPPER!!  Once more I thwarted the Seam that wanted to be Seen.  Once more I took that seam apart and re-sewed it with more vigour than I ever had before!  And FINALLY!  Finally... the Seam that wanted to be Seen... was hidden.

And that, boys and girls, is why you don't stay up sewing until stupid-o'clock in the morning.

The End

Understanding Understitching

Greetings all ^-^

I'm not sure if my troubles with understitching are unique to my ridiculous brain, or if it is a common gripe, but I have decided to write this post because something miraculous has happened:

I FINALLY UNDERSTAND!!!

Yes, dear readers, my mind is finally open to the wonders of understitching.  No longer shall I cower in fear of this strange and confusing concept.  No longer shall pattern instructions be thrown across the room in frustration!  No longer will I suffer the shame of my ignorance and the ostracization that follows!

Many of the sewing patterns I have used in the past have called for understitching.  Each time I followed the same pattern (of behaviour):  I faithfully looked though my Dressmaker's Technique Bible, then Googled it, then had a nap, then ignored the instruction and continued making the garment without understitching.

I did try understitching once... the step-by-step instructions confused me and it all went horribly wrong.  So I pressed everything and moved on with life.

Now I'm making something that will be posted in my shop whenever I finish it and I would very much like my items to have more of a professional look to them.  Well, more-so than anything I make for myself.  And so, understitching is kind of a necessity - especially when the stupid instructions demand it of me.

Anyway, this time I altered my pattern (of behaviour).  The instructions on my sewing pattern are thus:
1.  Press lining away from garment
2.  Press seam towards lining
3.  Lining side up, stitch close to seam through lining and seam allowances as far as possible

This confused me.  So instead of following those instructions, I decided to pick out the words that have been repeated too many times for them to retain their meaning:
1.  Press
2.  Seam

Then I switched off my brain and made up my own instructions.  Brain cannot be trusted.  It has already proved than on many occasions. This is what I did:

1.  Grade the seam:

Graded

Before grading

I.e. Cut the lining (black) near to the seam (red), within the seam allowance, leaving the main fabric (gold) at the usual 5/8" or whatever the pattern dictates

2. Fold the main fabric (or whichever one you didn't cut) over the sewn seam:

Don't fold ON the seam line, else you may stray from the allowance into the actual garment!
This is akin to crossing the streams

3.  Sew as close to the fold as possible (the fold, not the seam!)

I should have used different colour thread for this to make it more obvious, but the main fabric from the seam allowance is now sitting over the cut lining & the seam - encasing the graded seam allowance.

Sewing near the fold, not the original seam helps to make sure you don't cross over the original seam & into the bit of the garment that will actually be seen.  So always remember:

Don't cross the seams!!!

This is what you should be left with after sewing

This is what the other (wrong) side of the fabric looks like

4.  Fold out the lining and the main fabric (so you can see both correct side sitting next to each other with a neat seam between), and tuck the now folded seam allowance under the main fabric & press:

Lining & main fabric sitting next to each other (wrong sides next to each other here)

The allowance you have just sewn will sit nicely against the back of the main fabric.  If it's not being nice, then press it some more ^-^

------>












This might be good enough for what you're making.  You've got a nicely controlled seam that won't fray so easily.  However, if you're needing your seam to sit in a particular place and/or need to hide those unseemly seams, then:

5.  Fold the lining over the main fabric (wrong sides together) - it should fold along the newly pressed fold.  Press again:

"Inside" of garment - the correct side of the main fabric is folding
over on to the lining

"Outside" of garment - no seam to be seen

This nay not be the correct way to understitch.  I may be over-complicating it.  I may be simplifying it so much it is no longer understitching.  I may have pressed/stitched things from the wrong side.  The bottom line is, it works.  Also, my brain can handle it.  At least I don't have to google understitching every time I start a new project now ^-^

Sorry if that didn't make any sense to you.  Your brain probably works.  If it did make sense to you, don't worry, you're just a little bit odd.

Live long and prosper ^-^