Tassel Tutorial

Bonjour!
One of the classes I took at this years Costume College was how to make a Regency Reticule with JP Ryan and Feather Tippets.  It was a great class that moved quickly and most of us left with a bag that was done or near done.

It was alot of fun and one of the best parts was learning how to make the little tassels that get attached to it.  They are so easy and quick- but I always forget how things are done so I decided to make a little tutorial to remember.  Enjoy tasseling and thanks for stopping by!

Supplies:

Embroidery floss

A credit card, gift card or room key

Tapestry needle

Method:

Cut off an 8 inch piece and set aside

Wrap floss around card 30 X

Slide cut floss under wrapped thread and tie off in a knot

Slide all off the card –do not cut yet

Loop and lasso the neck

Wrap 4 X

Loop and lasso again

Pull knot tight

Cut off tail and pull through the neck with a tapestry needle

Cut and trim the end

“The Lady is Aflame…and Silent”

Like so many historical costumers I found myself staring at Kendra Van Cleave's court dress challenge with longing and trepidation (link).  I really love 18^th century costume and wanted to jump in head first, but kept dragging my feet thinking it would be too much for me to commit to.  Then… a light bulb went off- I could make a court dress for my Ball Jointed Doll!  A much smaller project on all levels, and she won’t mind a pin sticking her here or there. 

I started with the proper under garments.

·      A corset, in yellow silk boned with the tiniest of zip ties
·      A linen shift
·      A large pannier based on the Jean Hunnisett book

My inspiration search led me to the film Orlando.  I love the crazy 18^th century scene that has Tilda Swinton turn to flame amidst a catty group of men that insist, “Most women have no characters at all!”

Her blue silk gown has all the excess you long to see from that period.  

Welcome to my blog

I just got home from Costume College 2014 where I attended a lecture on the basics of blogging with Jennifer Rosbrugh from http://historicalsewing.com/about.  Armed with more information and determination, I hope to create a space that reflects my pursuit of the art of costuming.

In the spirit of reaching out to other costumers, I want to share my construction techniques and look to the sewing community to help improve my skills with supportive feedback.

I plan on posting on a weekly basis, even if it’s just a paragraph and a photo of what I’m up to.

Although my main focus will be dress diaries, I’m also keenly interested in hat making, wig construction and embroidery (primarily stumpwork) and will be throwing that into the mix as well.  Thank you for taking time to visit me… I look forward to a fun online interaction.