Aunt Roxie's Closet

Okay, so everyone that knows me knows that I burn the candle at both ends! So, aside from working full time, going to Grad school and trying to keep a happy husband, I have signed up for what I'm hoping is an AWESOME adventure! I was reading through my latest copy of "Threads" when I saw an article to help test sewing patterns; not just any sewing patterns but Vintage sewing patterns. There is a group that is reconstructing fashions found in La Mode Illustree magazine that were originally published in 1912 - the year of the Titanic sinking.  The idea is to complete them before the end of 2012. I have submitted my request - who could really pass up this opportunity? A free vintage pattern? REALLY!?!?! I am waiting to hear back from the Project leaders, so keep your fingers crossed for now! I will report back soon, especially if I am accepted since I will have to upload my photos and comments to a blogspot. Can you guess which one I will be using? *sarcastic grin*

Thank heaven for Simplicity 2813! This was a very fun project and it went together very easily! This was just a side project that I had to get out of my system since Snow White was the very first Disney Princess not to mention one of my favorites. Okay, who am I trying to kid here, they're all my favorite. Perhaps I was a Disney Princess in another life! ;) This was the first project that I've done that involved a satin stitch (I know, right?! Where have I been?) The red "slashes" on the puffy sleeves are simply applique. It was a lot easier than I thought. I did have some puckering on 1 or 2 of the curves, but with it being poofy I don't think anyone will notice. I still have the zipper to put in, the collar to make and a hem to place, but for the most part it is done. Once this is fully completed I will begin sewing my friend Stacy's 16th century undergarments (since she's finally let me measure her!). I will post on that soon. On a side note, does anyon

So...yea it's been a while since I made an entry! Well, I've started working on my 16th century undergarments! Here is a picture of my shift, thank you Simplicity 2621! It went together very quickly, but when you have an entire day to yourself, it's amazing what you can accomplish! I so love having four days off each week! Sorry...I'm bragging again! Joann's recently had mulsin on sale by the bolt, so I stocked up since my friend Stacy wants a set of 16th century undergarments for herself. Once she let's me measure her, I can get her set done. I am now working on the farthingale to go with this and have run into a HUGE snag! The company I used to get boning through (Greenberg & Hammer) has GONE OUT OF BUSINESS! WTF! Anyone know where I can track some down? Joann's wants WAY too much for their boning per yard. Then add on shipping?!? I don't want to pay $30 for hoop boning!! I'm open to any possibilities! Till next time, Chris

My Tudor gown ensemble that I posted I was going to be working on for this years Halloween has unfortunately gone to the waistside...for now. I have been looking for the needed notions and running into snags, either financially or other time commitments. Hopefully, these things will change by years end! On the other hand, I have decided that I will make a somewhat easier-themed Halloween ensemble for this year: Bonnie Parker. I have made this costume with the exception of the collar & tie. Once I get a photo of me in the outfit come this October 31, I will post it as soon as possible. See my review on PatternReview.com as well.

Okay, so I've been wanting to make a Civil War Era gown and have completed the undergarments that would be required to wear such a garment. However, a new project has come across my sights. Our friends, Brenna & Stacey, are two very knowledgable people about early English Royalty & Art respectively. So, I have decided to begin working on a pair of outfits for Stacey and I. We will hopefully be able to go as two of the wives of Henry the VIII for our Halloween 2010 plans; more specifically Anne Boleyn and another one of his wives. (Perhaps Jane Seymour - and no I don't mean the actress.) Here are the patterns that I plan to utilize in making our outfits. It will require a bit time, without a doubt, but I know I'm up to the challenge. I'm planning on having them completed by the beginning of October - no exact date. Will know more once I obtain the materials needed to complete the outfits. The Gown portion is Simplicity 2589 and the Undergarments is Simplicity 26

Okay, so remember how I mentioned that I had taken 2 years to complete a set of Civil War Era Undergarments? Actually, I should say that it took me 2 years to compile the items needed to make them; construction time was only about 3 months. Well, here is a picture of all of my hard work! (Almost, you can't see the bloomers under the skirt, but nonetheless it's all my hard work come together! Please feel free to leave comments!