| I-Need-Feedback-on-Etsy-Saleganza. |
[06 Nov 2009|10:21pm] |
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music |
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Aaron Copland ~ Hoedown (Rodeo Suite no.3) |
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So, I was chatting with some peeps (do the kids still say that?) about why I'm not getting any sales through Etsy. Some people have suggested my price-point is too high, others suggested that I don't have any ready-to-ship stuff, and, an awesome client of mine hypothecized that it was because I have no actual feedback.
So, I created some ready-to-wear cinchers to remedy that! And hot damn, are they AWESOME. Seriously, I want one (but with the orders I have in the queue currently, THAT's not gonna happen anytime soon). So, guys, seriously, this is an amazing deal. My work is not cheap; y'all know that. But, I'm making some ready-to-wear cinchers, with light boning, reducing your waist a minimum of 2"-4". They're lined in coutil. They have a stay-tape. They're made from silk. I think they're a steal, even if they aren't for tightlacing purposes. They've got antique chantilly lace on them. I carved it up myself to make really neat asymmetrical patterns. These things are going to be copied in expensive French fashion houses soon, so, really, you should buy them to be fashion forward. Oh, and to leave me positive feedback.
Here they are!
First up, a 24" (closed) pink silk cincher.
( pink silk! )
Next, is a ivory taffeta cincher with a 24" (closed) waist:
( Once again, I took the photos while drunk or something! )
Last, is ivory taffeta cincher with a 28" (closed) waist.
( last one, promise! )
Follow them to the Etsy Store!
All current custom orders are going to be shipped out by early December. Isn't that exciting, guys?!
...this is what happens when all you drink is coffee AND listen to Aaron Copland, AND think you're a cowboy.
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| Bwa ha! |
[04 Nov 2009|05:00pm] |
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music |
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The Go! Team ~ Get it Together |
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HA HA!
Victory is mine.
I have finally gotten off my duff and re-drafted an OTR cincher pattern that will give an awesome shape. I expect to have several sample pieces up in the Etsy shop over the weekend. Hopefully, they will be awesome sample pieces that you folks will all love and covet. Cinchers are going to be reasonably priced ($199); for light reduction only, but still made with coutil, have a staytape, etc. The emphasis is on design. I can't wait to show you what I'm working on!
Anybody out there want to shout out standard sizes they'd like to see? Currently, I've got two 24" (fully closed) that will be suitable for folks with natural waists of 29-26, and one 28" that will be suitable for folks with natural waists of 34-30.
Colours will be my typical scheme; pinks, ivories, champagnes, blacks.
Keep looking back for updates!
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| Champagne and Chantilly teaser! |
[03 Nov 2009|03:21pm] |
Here's something I just finished for a client. All it needs is to be grommeted!
She wanted a partial overlay of chantilly over an awesome champagne silk. I love helping folks choose shades of ivory and off-white; each shade really does evoke a different feeling. Whites are harder to choose than colours, methinks!
But seriously? I'm in love with this corset. When I draped the lace yesterday, I wasn't terribly fond of how I did the bottom edge and resolved to take it apart this morning to adjust, but when I woke up, I REALLY liked it. I'm not going to show you the whole thing yet, because it's not grommeted (and therefore the shaping isn't really as spectacular as it is in person), but here are some teaser shots.
For Christmas this year, I'm asking for a tripod so I can take photos that aren't totally fuzzy. Yah, yah, I KNOW I can increase the shutter speed, but I don't have fancy lights for that either. And I'm out of practise with my photography. So there. ....yaaah...instead of making excuses, I'll just admit that I suck.
( a bit of the bubbly )
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| Corded Repro! |
[27 Oct 2009|02:24pm] |
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music |
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David Bowie ~ Life on Mars |
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Hey everyone!
Here's a few pix of a corded reproduction corset that I just finished.
It's black silk with ivory lace, a bit of the ol' contrast-coloured stitching on the back bones and flossing. An awesome example of a corset that uses fairly plain fabrics and still looks like a million bucks!
While making this corset, I discovered something amazing that will help keep these pieces totally clean-lined with no (or minimal) wrinkling. I'm so happy! Not that my corsets were particularly wrinkly before, but, I'm always on the look-out for ways to keep them nice and clean. And I think I found something that works! Hurray for Karamazov!
Anywhoo, here are the pictures of Cordy!
( cordy! )
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| Lace Collection |
[16 Oct 2009|02:53pm] |
Hi folks.
Some of you have asked about my lace collection and if I can show some photos. Here are photos of current stock that I am able to salvage for corsets. Some pieces there are enough for more than one corset, other pieces there is only enough for embellishment on the CF panels of a corset. But, at any rate, if you like a certain lace, let me know. Each piece is priced individually.
First up:
White (pure white) Italian crocheted lace. I picked this up personally while in Italy and bought it on an Island from an old woman who was actually making the lace herself! I have 1 yd left, enough for the top edges of one corset.
( Victorian, Edwardian, Chantilly )
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| October Sale Officially OVER!! |
[16 Oct 2009|12:21pm] |
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music |
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Tom Waits ~ Time |
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Hi everybody!
For all of you who got your orders in the queue, thanks so much! I ended up taking a couple more orders than anticipated due to the fact that I've cleared my November scheduled a bit since I announced the order. As a result, the sale is officially over, and no more orders will be taken this month!
Next round of orders will be taken in mid-December or early January, once this batch goes out to their happy owners. I may have time for one more round of orders in March and then after that, no more orders until September of next year. So if you are interested in commissioning a Totally Waisted! corset in 2010, please keep those dates in mind.
Also: as my schedule is tight, I ask co-operating from my clients in getting your measurements/mockups back within a timely manner. This will ensure everyone is on track and everyone's order gets processed and has the same amount of time spent on each garment. It's only fair, right?
And, on a personal note if I may: I am very touched by the compliments and awesome kind words from a few of you out there in corset-land. You guys seriously rock and are what makes doing this job worthwhile. I can't wait to make these corsets and show you all some more eye-candy.
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| Queen of Hearts |
[07 Oct 2009|11:41am] |
Hi folks!
I want to show you all a corset I recently completed for a very awesome and amazing client.
She originally commissioned a "Queen of Hearts"-inspired corset, which I absolutely adored making. I love making things inspired by other things because it allows to push me as a designer. This corset is made of deep red silk dupion, has a heart detail on the centre front and is literally dripping with Swarovski crystals. It was SO MUCH FUN to finish. I love the sparkle. I rarely work with Swarovski and I think I need to make more corsets with them. They ARE SO SPARKLY!!
Anywhoo, here's the corset, taken in my room, which, oddly, looks like nighttime even in the day-time due to the lack of windows. I seriously took these photos in the afternoon yesterday, but you can't even tell. I need to find a new location for client photos, for serious.
( off with her head!! )
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| Ebay. |
[06 Oct 2009|10:34am] |
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music |
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Stone Roses ~ Fool's Gold |
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Cripes!
When did Ebay stop accepting credit cards and start doing paypal ONLY?
Oh well. Another reason not to sell on that forum!
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| Come Sale Away, Come Sale Away! |
[05 Oct 2009|01:55pm] |
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music |
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Styx ~ Come Sail Away (of course!) |
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Hey everyone!
Just a heads up that I'm extending a gesture of good-will to you all. I'm offering a sale on overbusts and underbusts to be delivered in time for the festive holiday season. The sale is 15% off a custom order, including your choice of lace trim and/or flossing. I am only taking either 2 overbust or 2 underbusts orders (or a combination of the two), so please get them in right away and judge for yourself whether or not I'm awesomely fun to work with.
Corsets will be delivered by early-December, if you get your measurements and deposits in by mid-October. Cut-off date for the sale is next Monday, Oct. 12th, or when I secure the maximum amounts of orders (whichever comes first).
*Individual prices may vary up and down pending on what you decide upon. Mockups included.
Please email all inquiries.
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| Photoshoot |
[29 Sep 2009|11:59am] |
Hey folks!
Remember my post from last night? Good! Well, now I have some photographic evidence of things I've been working on over the winter. I have two samples to show you: one, a grey silk overbust with a sweetheart neckline, a better fitting overbust, I think. Second, is a PVC reproduction piece of a post-civil war corset pattern redrafted from my personal collection. I made this piece simply to experiment working with PVC. Does anybody even wear that stuff anymore?
Anyway, here are some teaser photos I took of myself, with my camera, which I FINALLY learned how to use (I swear, my degree is in media, I know what I'm doing, sort of) in my back alley. How more ghetto can we get?
here is the grey silk overbust, featuring genuine antique pre-1900 Chantilly lace. I have JUST enough left for partial overlays on two more corsets. Inquire if interested.
( photo heavy. YAY! )
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| Back in ..er.. black. |
[28 Sep 2009|08:47pm] |
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music |
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Survivor - Eye of the Tiger |
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Hi everybody!
I am BACK on the continent of North America, back in Canada, and yes, back in Toronto.
The last year has been absolutely insane with touring and I had no idea of whether or not I was able to continue with corsetry it was just that darn amazing.
I am back, however. I am backer than back. I am SO back.
Now that I understand how to balance this 6 months on, 6 months off thing I am better able to schedule my time to devote to my favourite thing, corsetmaking and bridal accessories. I have an Etsy store, for those of you who didn't know. I plan on using the shop to showcase corsets as well as sell smaller items such as opera scarves, fascinators, skirts and one-off sample pieces. I MAY post the odd cincher, but am not interested in readymades as I prefer to fit custom.
I am taking custom orders again. But. I am only taking ONE custom corset order per month. For bridal gowns, I am taking only THREE per year, depending on when the delivery date will be. All orders will be processed and finished by the end of May of next year, and I am not taking any more orders after April.
Please see my shop for items that will be listed weekly, more pieces are going to be added soon. Also, keep an eye out on my LJ and the various corsetry forums for new sample pieces that are currently in the works.
If you have any inquiries or questions, do not hesitate to email me.
And, I leave you with some eye candy. A new piece featured in the shop, a silk opera scarf and handmade silk flower fascinator:
( scarf )
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| Update! |
[23 Mar 2009|04:17pm] |
Hey kids!
Just popping in to say that I'm still alive and have been on the road fairly consistently since last September.
I'm back in Toronto and looking to get back to finishing up some orders and laying low until I can revamp and re-introduce Totally Waisted! It has been quite and exciting year and I look forward to what this year will bring.
Hope you are all doing well!
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| Orders |
[01 Sep 2008|09:39pm] |
Hi folks,
So, most of you who read this and all of you who have placed orders in the past know that while I put my heart and soul into each and every corset I make, my career ambitions lie in circus.
This year has been a very positive one in terms of my other-career, and I have been granted some opportunities that I have only dreamed of, and would be foolish not to accept. As a result, some orders have taken longer to process. I am becoming increasingly busy and have been granted an exciting opportunity that will make it impossible, for the time being, to take on new orders right now.
All of the clients I am speaking with who are in the process of having a piece made, or who's order I am currently completing, thank you all for your patience and please email me if you have *any* questions at all. I thank all of you for your kindness and patience. I understand that as a performing artist/corsetiere, I take you all with me on my rides as they come because you are dependent upon my faithfulness. You have all been incredibly patient and trusting and I really really appreciate it. I hope I continue to demonstrate my trustworthiness to you.
Those of you who have inquired about having a corset made, thank you for your inquiries, but unless we have given the go-ahead to your project, I cannot undertake it. I hope to have Totally Waisted! up again at some point in the future, hopefully the near future (as I do LOVE to make corsets), but given the current state of my wacky schedule, I can't make any promises. My earliest date to begin taking orders again, I hope, will be January. Obviously, I wish to keep my focus on the outstanding pieces I have left in the queue before I will consider taking on other clients. These orders I hope to have completed and shipped by the end of September, unless otherwise indicated via email.
I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause any current or prospective clients. You have all been amazing to work with. I hope to continue working with you in the future.
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| Return! |
[06 May 2008|07:59am] |
Hi folks
I arrived in from Italy last night, so I am fairly jet-lagged and out of it. I am home, which means I am now able to complete orders, take new orders and arrange fittings. I received quite a few emails while I was away, thank you all for your inquiries and feel free to email me now that I am home! Thanks so much for your patience for my infrequent replies during my trip.
Hope you all had a good month. I had some rather interesting adventures abroad...! But most importantly, I picked up some beautiful handmade laces to add to my stock. I even took a picture of a lovely, tiny old lady who was making the laces I purchased! I love Europe!
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| Update for March/April |
[27 Mar 2008|11:18am] |
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music |
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Stars ~ Tonight |
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Hi folks!
It's been a while since I've made a true update. Truth is, I've been very very busy, as par usual.
I have been contracted to produce what feels like a never-ending supply of stiltwalker costumes for the company I work for, along with the usual queue of corsets and bridal. It's been challenging to virtually quadruple the volume of fabric in my tiny studio and manage to organize things all around. That said, however, I'm finding my groove so all is good. Plus, these costumes have allowed me to be SUPER crazy creative, which in turn, is helping me in being a bit more creative with corsetry.
Totally Waisted! is moving into a different direction, it seems. Since the shop I mainly retailed out of has closed its doors, I have been mulling over where to go with the biz; I am not interested in retailing readymades any longer. I have pulled all of my stock out of local retailers. I am still debating the finality of it, but action has determined that I'm pulling out of the convention market, too.
My desire is to move towards total reproduction work, although I am still keeping several modern styles that sell very well, which include the strapped underbust, and the Victorian/18th Century hybrid stays. I am hoping to invest some time building samples of the new patterns I've drafted; I have some exciting new styles that I am excited to show, but time has not been on my side in these endeavours! Well, now I am making time once I finish this round of orders.
I'm also slowly chipping away at a uniform website. Organizing it has been tough, but I've had some great mentors to help me out. I've re-vamped my information page at the top of this journal, so please feel free to have a look at that.
I will be away from the studio from April 11th to May 5th; taking a break from corsetry and costuming to pursue my other artistic endeavours across the ocean. It will be challenging and (hopefully) fun. All my current orders will be shipped out before I leave.
When I get back, I will be taking orders again, but please note I will be in full-swing with performing, and orders may take longer than as listed on my info page. Email for details if you are interested in placing an order.
Overall, I'm pleased with where everything is going, and I am very grateful for the lovely and wonderful clients I've had and am currently working with, for having so much faith in me and my work. It's astounding, really. When I embarked upon this journey almost 4 years ago now, I never conceived of the idea that it would have grown this much. I've had some wicked amazing commissions, I've been challenged hard, I rose to these challenges, I've dropped the ball some, but overall it has been a great experience, and I hope it continues to be.
Thanks everyone, you guys are awesome!
So, the moral is: stay tuned for some more awesomeness!
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| Photos of Reproduction |
[24 Mar 2008|11:49am] |
Hi everybody.
For anyone who wants to see photos of Tina wearing her reproduction piece, here they are:
Tina is also sporting a pair of Totally Waisted! bloomers in antique ecru. Feel free to email me if you are interested in purchasing a pair. They are very very comfortable, made out of 100% cotton broadcloth. Great to sleep in and wear under clothing!
( front, side back )
Happy holidays, everyone! Be it Easter, Ostara, Purim, or whatever else it is you celebrate.
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| no longer a luddite |
[19 Mar 2008|12:57pm] |
Hey Everybody.
Just an post to let you all know that I finally accept paypal.
No more waiting for money orders to clear!
Yay!
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