Other Projects
These other random creations of mine don't really have a home - except in my heart and mind (where they take up too much space until I bring them forth into our reality). I leave them here in hopes that you enjoy them as much as I do.
Over the holidays I had a few too many days off where the sun from the back porch windows stabbed me directly in the eyeballs. After having to regenerate my sight for about the 100th time, I started to daydream about stained glass windows and how nicely they would block the sun's direct gaze without blocking the light. And that's where this project was born - because of course I couldn't just have any stained glass window design, it had to be nerdy and full of all my favorite creatures in the art neveau look I so love. It's still a work in progress, of course... but it's a fun work (until my landlord finds out, I suppose).
A Costumier's Adventure
Because my life is not complete without self-created project stress, I'm headed to the amazing Costumiers 2025 Fantasy Maquerade Ball in July. Although wearing a costume is an entry requirement for the event, there's nothing that says that you have to design and make your own - except for a 42 years of sewing, 6 years of costuming professionally, and an obsession with making 'really cool shit'. Plus, I haven't made something for myself to wear in... over 20 years? So of course, I had to go BIG (which means the project is still in progress and time is running out, lol).
The First thing I had to do was tackle the special theme night - Creatures of Atlantis. I wanted something straight out of the Ocean, but fit for a ballroom. The Amphioctopus marginatus, also known as the Coconut octopus for it's
adorable habit of using coconut
shells for little huts, like ocean-going
baba yagas, just absolutely called
to me. So here we are. Making it
FANCY.
I don't share my design concept sketches. Because... I just never have unless you're the person I'm designing for? Weird tic, but it's mine. Also, I knew when I setched it out, things would change over time because I'd adjust as I went for what would look good on me. (and I have).
I will share select progress pictures, though. The underdress
still needs a few small tweaks, but it's done. The coat, though...
The coat decided to remind me that I do have arthritis (talk
about a generational curse - given down from a woman who
didn't think I belonged in 'her' family line to my mother, to me).
So it's been slow work and a progress pic is still pending, but
I am quite pleased with this one tenticle - which gave me that
first breath of relief that the idea does, indeed, work. I think
that's what I love about costumes. They're something more
than textile work. Something bigger. A dream made reality.
I'm quite pleased with the final results - although I do hope to find brighter flexible LEDs for the tentacles in the future.
It was comfortable to wear and I got so many compliments while enjoying the fantastic Costumier's event!