| Corset contracts |
[11 Nov 2009|11:00am] |
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I had problems recently with a customer who didn't like the price I charged her for making a corset and she wasn't going to pay. Unfortunately I was stupid and had already delivered the corset... There was a post mentioned a while ago on making customers sign a contract. Can someone direct me to it? Also I would love your input on what to put into the contract. A 50% deposit upfront is a definite, but what else? Extra trims to be charged extra... Help
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| God Machine musings...using the LJ. |
[11 Nov 2009|02:17am] |
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mood |
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a bit depressed |
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I miss my LJ-
I got to talk freely about random musings anymore. It's like i gave up my soul when my hands failed me. Least twitter is around for short thoughts.
Guess i'm feeling nostalgic right now for a place to put down my free thoughts.
So i apologize if everything seems fragmented.
Thinking how the story [the god machine] will mature as it goes further- much like my lead. Seems appropriate for it's content. I realize it's not for everybody, my book. Makes sense.
I'm more eager to get into the politics, and more deeper aspects of the story than it's starting high school drama.
Just wrote chapter 4 last month- more like a rewrite of chapters 4 and 5 into one. It's more robust than chapters 1-3. It has more depth of character and interaction, and less of silliness. I'm proud of this bit from a story standpoint.
Also, emotional, psychologically it's rather disturbed. We really learn who Guy is, and it's more than just seeing things...
Probably next month i'll think chapter 4 is rubbish, but right now it's the best i've written.[i think?] i have never claimed to be a writer...
Finally getting a deadline for the graphic novel. Which, also means I need to figure out it's page count. This is proving to be tricky- I have to do lots of estimates due to content that depends on others... like say a "forward" - I'm not sure how to approach the person I want to write it without an entire book to give to them to read. Or even how you're supposed to ask... ugh.
Got one stupid review that criticized me for not having cleavage or boobs and attributed it to me being a girl. What the hell does he know? He should see chapter 4... How unprofessional.
enough of this.
-chan
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| Reversible Edwardian Waist Cincher |
[10 Nov 2009|11:08pm] |
My latest commissioned corset is a fully reversible waist cincher, with red satin on one side and black satin on the other. The core is two layers of coutil, boned with 1/2" flats except for either side of the grommets, which is 1/4" flats. Piecing is seven panels per side, for greater stability despite the hourglass figure. When drafting, I try not to create panels that are more than 2.5" inches wider than the hip than waistline, because that creates too much bias and makes the pattern more prone to turning out larger at the hip than intended.
I have found satin to be unforgiving when added as a cover layer at the end, so I treated each cover panel and its corresponding core panel as a single layer when assembling the panels. The stitches are made with buttonhole thread from the red side, on the assumption that if the black side is not precisely lined up with the red side, any slight variations in stitch position relative to seam will be hidden by black-on-black.
( More Views of the Corset )
X-Posted
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| Reversible Edwardian Waist Cincher |
[10 Nov 2009|11:08pm] |
My latest commissioned corset is a fully reversible waist cincher, with red satin on one side and black satin on the other. The core is two layers of coutil, boned with 1/2" flats except for either side of the grommets, which is 1/4" flats. Piecing is seven panels per side, for greater stability despite the hourglass figure. When drafting, I try not to create panels that are more than 2.5" inches wider than the hip than waistline, because that creates too much bias and makes the pattern more prone to turning out larger at the hip than intended.
I have found satin to be unforgiving when added as a cover layer at the end, so I treated each cover panel and its corresponding core panel as a single layer when assembling the panels. The stitches are made with buttonhole thread from the red side, on the assumption that if the black side is not precisely lined up with the red side, any slight variations in stitch position relative to seam will be hidden by black-on-black.
( More Views of the Corset )
X-Posted
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| What a load of crap... |
[10 Nov 2009|11:41pm] |
So... prisoners detained in Afghanistan aren't covered under the Geneva Convention?
http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/article/723809--dnd-appears-to-back-off-plan-to-vaccinate-afghan-detainees?bn=1
Far be it from me to claim that no-Conservative {that supports the Progressive Conservative Party anyway} has EVER actually READ the Geneva Convention... but they should probably start before more foaming at the mouth ensues:
http://www.icrc.org/web/Eng/siteeng0.nsf/html/genevaconventions
Especially Common Article 3.
I'm all for the military as I know the training that they are put through first hand, and to be honest, if even the Conservative Government is this ass-backwards with regards to dealing with our boys, we're toast.
They're the ones that are supposed to be pro-military.
I really wish there was a fiscally Conservative party that we could vote for, one that wants to balance budgets without all that religious mamba-jahambo nonsense that is associated with the other one. {Church and State should be separate}
Logan
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| Help please! |
[10 Nov 2009|10:26pm] |
I was about to floss the back of the corset when I thought the distance from the edge of the corset looked odd. I measured, no, it's fine. Then realized that the front was measured wrong.
Sigh...
( ... )
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| Fit For A Queen |
[10 Nov 2009|04:10pm] |
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New item update in: Chokers
I can't look at this without picturing a dark queen in gowns of black lace and velvet, glowering over her domain (clad somewhat like Lily in Legend). A one-of-a-kind venise lace choker featuring black glass stones and a black glass teardrop. This lace was originally intended to be a choker for myself to go with my wedding dress, however I opted for something simpler so the focus would stay solely on the dress (if you're curious, it's here). Not one to let a good piece of lace go unloved, I decided to make one very special piece anyway:
I'm going to be making several one-of-a-kind items between now and the end of November. You would not believe how many odds and ends I have accumulated, and which badly need to be made into something fabulous before I get utterly buried in them. LOL
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| Helpful Definitions |
[10 Nov 2009|10:15am] |
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Just because people sometimes get confused, newbies and experienced alike, I offer a quick guide to the difference between corsets, corselets and bustiers. Corsets and corselets are traditionally foundation pieces and give support and reduction. Corselets generally give less reduction than corsets. Bustiers are not designed as support pieces and unless you've already got a fantastic body, they aren't going to do much in the lift-and-tuck department.
corset - From Mirriam-Webster
n.
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, diminutive of cors
Date: 13th century
1 : a usually close-fitting and often laced medieval jacket
2 : a woman's close-fitting boned supporting undergarment that is often hooked and laced and that extends from above or beneath the bust or from the waist to below the hips and has garters attached
corselet [ˈkɔːslɪt] - From Collins English Dictionary
n.
1. (Military / Arms & Armour (excluding Firearms)) Also spelt corslet a piece of armour for the top part of the body
2. (Clothing & Fashion) a one-piece foundation garment, usually combining a brassiere and a corset
[from Old French, from cors bodice of a garment, from Latin corpus body]
bustier - From The American Heritage Dictionary
n.
A formfitting sleeveless and usually strapless woman's top, worn as lingerie and often as evening attire.
[French, from buste, bust; see bust1.]
And, in case you weren't confused but want to be, a bodice can refer to a blouse, vest, above-the-waist part of a dress OR a corset.
EDIT: Because I was asked to include stays, here it is. Stays can either refer to the boning or stiffening of fabric used in clothing, meaning anything from corsets to collars, OR it can refer to the corset itself. (It's also a nautical term for the bracing ropes or cables that hold masts upright.) Generally speaking, when corsets are refered to as stays, we're talking about seventeenth century corsets. By the time Queen Vicky rolled around, corset was already the more common expression.
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| Shaking My Hair Out, Catching My Breath, Catching Up. |
[10 Nov 2009|07:34am] |
Wow, so this was a weekend.
Had tentative plans to meet B&G for some dinner before the club, wound up working late, coming home and finally, after better than a week of zero sleep and with the aid of cat-gravity, fell on my face and passed out. Apologies to Pitbullpotpie for not calling in my regrets before losing consciousness.
Up early Saturday, polishing shoes, rehearsing poems-- and then off to marry Kittyglitter and her adorable intended in the Japanese Garden at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens. Gorgeous day, intimate ceremony (with such a small group there was no need to speak up so most parts of the ceremony were done in heartfelt whispers... YES there were tears, don't judge me!).
Photos in the Japanese Garden, more in the main open Gardens area - including by the Chihuli Fountain - and then off for a lovely wedding dinner at Cafe Intermezzo, where the Bride and Groom first fell in love. Toasting with glasses of Chartreuse, amazing gnocci, wonderful cake, lots of laughter and smiles. Ahhhh.
Hugs all around, a stop at a nearby supermarket for champagne (thank heaven I remembered before Sunday morning when I'd not be able to buy it!) and a few little picnic extras and then-- home to try to get some rest before Phase II of the big weekend. Amazingly, three whole hours of sleep. Weeeee.
Just as I was getting ready to leave the house, Kiltedredneck called to offer the use of some stemware and that saved me some trouble and time (thanx, man!). Arrived at Oakland Cemetery an hour early as I always do to gather any windblown trash and drag away fallen branches, lay out the first three blankets and start putting out plates of fruit, cheese, chocolate. As Rotzo was still in Prague, I had the loveliest proxy date in the form of the inimitable Merrydeath.
Another gorgeous, perfect day (see what happens when you call ahead?). Lots and lots of folks showed up, everyone just lovely and shining in the sun. Some incredible dresses. Lots of happy chatter, lots of relaxed nibbling. LOTS of champagne (I myself brought a few bottles of bubbly and a big jug of orange juice). Everyone seemed to have a good time. Nearly everyone behaved well and remembered their manners, only a few scraps of forgotten trash left for me to gather at the end.
The Group Portrait came out well-- will be sending a copy as always to our gracious sponsors, the Oakland folks*. Even the kids got into the shot this year, which was very cool (last year they tore around screaming while the "grownups" posed-- and that was great too).
As the sun set, a few people went off to have dinner at Six Feet Under or Seasons 52; me, I accepted an invitation to go home with Tirnanogorbust and his lovely intended for some dinner and drinx with shoes off. Even got to wash my face-- it was heaven.
Departed for home way late, the Bitchypuss (who is mending nicely) and I got to sleep around half-past-two and then up awake again at half-past-five for him to bitch and me to get ready for work. The workday Monday (yesterday) was a blur-- there was a run for coffee (ahhhhhh hothothot vanilla latte), there was a meeting, there were ads... blur. Finished work, ran back to the house to do some last-minute housework and then - YAY - an asthma attack. The second big one I've had this month and these the first real, full-blown attacks I've had in years (I've worked hard to keep the asthma in check). A cup of coffee fortunately batted things down, but I hate to say it, I think I might have to buy a new emergency inhaler to keep on hand. Dammit.
Rotzo called as soon as he landed and I drove off to fetch him. Treated him to some dinner out before we went back to the house as is our tradition, then back and a teensy bit of unpacking, greeting the kitty, passing out. Almost some decent sleep. Finally.
And so here we are, Groovy Tuesday. May join the scoobies this evening for some Turkish, may cuddle up with Rotzo, brew some coffee, watch a movie.
In the meantime... back to work with me.
--J
*Considering the massive amount of storm damage Oakland is still repairing itself from, normally I'd have considered passing a hat for donations. However, in the current economic climate many folks are brokety-broke and I didn't want to put anyone on the spot so I'm making a request here: if you can spare a hundred bucks, fifty or even twenty, please drop it in the mail to the Oakland Foundation with a note saying simply, "Thank you from the Annual Goth Picnic." I sent a donation with the photo last year and will be doing so again this year. THANX.
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| New Everyday-Corset Listing |
[10 Nov 2009|08:30am] |
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I was encouraged to make a regular, everyday corset by a very wise woman here.
Price is accessible @ $235 + shipping and it is available in just about any color under the sun.
( details under the cut )
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| New Everyday-Corset Listing |
[10 Nov 2009|08:29am] |
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I was encouraged to make a regular, everyday corset by a very wise woman here.
Price is accessible @ $235 + shipping and it is available in just about any color under the sun.
( details under the cut )
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| Help with threads |
[10 Nov 2009|12:59pm] |
Well, hello everyone *waves*, I'm pretty new to this community lurking wise, first time posting.
I was wondering what kind of thread you use and where do you get it. I live in country that is practically illiterate when it comes to true sewing notions, especially threads. There's mostly cheap polyester crap, a few heavy duty cottons (in, like, a five color range, cause they're only used for jeans) and two stores (yep, in the whole country) that sell Gutterman's silk thread for its weight in gold (on second thought, I'm not sure gold costs that much). So I'm desperate.
On top of the no-stock issue, there's no one to ask which thread is used where. I've read somewhere that the thread should match the fiber content of the fabric, and that there are different weights, but that's all I know.
So - what do you use, and which online/mail order place do you get it from (If you get it by mail order/online)?
Oh, and I'm not talking about flossing thread, I'm talking the regular get-two-fabrics-together thread. If you do top-stitching with another thread, I would love to know it, also.
*EDIT: Meh, I'm illiterate. Edited all the typos.*
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| Coutil |
[10 Nov 2009|02:14am] |
I am looking for a good place to buy coutil. I called a local store and they no longer carry it and contacted Farthingales who do not have the right colour (cream) in the weight I want. I have a sample of the semi-stiff coutil and it seems way too thin.
I have emailed the following companies asking for samples and have yet to hear back from them.
http://www.corsetmaking.com
www.lostcoasthistpatterns.com/cocofa10cowi.html
I have ordered samples from the following but worry a little about shipping costs:
www.whaleys-bradford.ltd.uk
So far, www.richardthethread.com has the best prices as far as I can tell. Has anyone used their coutil? I emailed them for swatches as well.
Is there anywhere else I should be looking? I checked the memories for fabric here. That is where I got the Whaley's site address from.
I'm in Canada so places in the USA would probably be best.
Thank-you!
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| Looking for Kate M -- Hoping to commission another corset from you! |
[09 Nov 2009|10:07pm] |
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mood |
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Hello,
This is sort of an odd request, but some time ago I commissioned a corset from a user here, and cannot for the life of me remember her LJ username. All I know is her actual name (Kate M***) and that she lived in Canada, moved during the course of making my order, and that she custom-made me a mustard-yellow striped corset with buttercream lacing that I absolutely love and still wear quite often. I always get compliments on it! =) I am in California if that jogs your memory.
If you're still here, I'd like to get in contact with you again and ask if I can commission you to make another one for me? And this time I promise i won't lose your contact information! =S If you like, you can e-mail me at the-strangeling@livejournal.com if you'd prefer.
Thank you so much!
(If this post is inappropriate, feel free to delete it.)
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