1812 costumes continue

 

After the rush of going to Chicago and exhibiting at the Vogue Knitting Show, it's been back to my neglected studio this week.  No dolls. That means back to 1812. I have finished the yellow Spencer, with the help of my able assistant, Laura. The sleeve detail is exquisite, taken from a period source. The silk godet insert is the softest twill silk you can imagine. 

 

The front was taken from a period fashion plate. The military look was big back then. The braid was made form covering piping with yellow silk, then braiding it. The collar stands up to properly display the trim, which is ruched silk and floral trim.

 

The back has lovely little pleats which swing nicely and the buttons to finish them off. I loved making this beautiful jacket, even with the challenges presented by the sleeves fitting the armhole and the collar standing properly, which required several pattern drafts.

 

What's next? Well a pelisse (coat) is under construction. Then I have an idea for a dragon....

Packing for Chicago

 

So I'm packing for Chicago. I've been invited to be one of the guest artists at the Vogue Knitting Show next weekend. I am pretty excited, as you can imagine.

 

I have had a dress rehearsal of my display , in my studio. I will only get one table and a cloth.  As I am flying, there are limitations as to what I can take. One suitcase, 50lbs max weight. Of course, there's carry on, which extends things a bit. Risers, lights, signs, all these would be great to take, but they all add weight.

 

The dolls and vessels I shall take are not heavy individually, but 20 or so adds up. I had to come up with a lightweight riser that would collapse. I have used Ikea collapsible boxes before, but 10 of them gets heavy. So I made two shelves out of foam core, which I will spray black. I'll do a tutorial for these soon, promise! Since the dolls are not heavy, the foam core is adequate to hold my display.

Dr Ventricle's Tonic

Then there's the possibility of lost luggage. So, in comes carry on. I will carry several pieces with me, in the event that my big case is lost. It would be awful to arrive in Chicago with nothing. So, we'll call it carry on insurance! Then there's my sister, who is coming along to help. A great chance for some sister time! Plus, she's the big knit in the family (pardon the pun), so she'll enjoy the rest of the show. She is bringing along a few things for me. Trouble is, she gets on the plane in Toronto, so I can't give her any dolls. I'm flying from Ottawa on the same flight. Planning, planning. you can see where my mind has been lately, can't you?

 

Dr Con traption

 

Then there's which dolls to take? Nothing too delicate, so Dr Ventricle's Tonic must stay home. I just can't risk a broken bottle. Dr Con Traption is more hardy, though heavy, so he's allowed. The last piece pictured is Paverpol. I decided to leave Paverpol pieces at home. they are heavy, but also get mixed reception. Many people have done a Paverpol class by now and say the most odd things about my pieces. So, less rejection if I leave them at home. Oh! the delicate artist temperament!!

Wish me luck!

Paverpol piece "go"

Making Faces

Sometimes you look at a doll you made ages ago and see it with new eyes. This is Catherine. She was created using my Emmeline cloth doll pattern. I am having a bookmark designed (because I'll be featured at the Vogue Knitting show in Chicago this October!!) and hers will be one of the faces featured on it. I needed to take a new photo, so took her down from the shelf. I was pleased with the pictures and sent them off to my friend, Choleena.

What struck me as new about this figure was her expression. She really has an attitude! She's dressed in 1812 costume and was based on a portrait I found. Don't ask me which one, it was a long time ago! The woman in the portrait had a faraway look of longing. Longing to escape her dull life, I thought. That's why I called her Catherine, thinking of Cathy from Wuthering Heights. Longing to run across the moors in search of freedom.

 Have you ever taken a second look and found something new? Have you ever run away in search of freedom?

By the way, please check out Choleena DiTullio's work. She's a fabulous artist!

If you want to create a Catherine yourself, the pattern is on my site: Emmeline Pattern