This is lighter hearted

[clevermanka]

In an effort to cut energy costs (I assume), KU replaced our old warm-tinged fluorescent lights with wretched blue-tinted lights in our hallways. Everything looks gray now. As if this building wasn't ugly enough. I'm glad I don't use overhead lighting in my office.

The shipment from Cheeptrims arrived yesterday and the replacement gold trim is the fucking bomb. God damn it looks good on the coat. Yow! I stitched down the front trim last night and will do cuffs and back tails tonight. I'm sewing it all down by hand so it lies evenly on the fabric and the lace pattern matches up. This is especially crucial in the front when I'm going to be lining up buttons to buttonholes. Even if they're faux buttonholes, they need to match up with the buttons. Since the pattern of this lace is so dramatic, everything needs to be even. So: Hand work! Good thing I don't mind hand work. If only the coat wasn't so cumbersome and I could hold it on my lap. Instead, I have to lie it as flat as possible on the tall cutting table and stand while I stitch. Hmmm. Maybe I need a bar stool for in there...

Other items on the (steam)punk costume are slowly coming together. I'm uncertain about what I'll be wearing on my bottom half. The bloomers aren't working with the rest of the design concept. I'll be hitting Lawrence's new Salvation Army tomorrow to look for pants options. sdemory, I think I'm gonna make you proud with this one. It's even less steam-canon than The Orientalist. Whee! Still completely clueless about what I'll be doing with my hair. I was thinking about just wearing the "Nancy" hat (pictured here), but I will roast with a hat and coat.

The Rhythm Busters are playing tonight at Jazzhaus. Expected start time is around 10:00pm. If I manage to get a nap after work, I'll be there. This is a last-minute booking, so not many people know about the show. Couple that with it being the first weekend after graduation shenanigans and it could be a nice, quiet crowd. Or at least one free of the more annoying student elements. Yay!

Comments

[redheadfae.livejournal.com]

Yay for gorgeous trim!
Yay for fun times!
Yay for getting our town back for the summer!

.. and .. are you sure you want it to lie as flat as possible when the coat will drape in slight curves? I'm trying to picture/remember if lace needs a bit of ease for fabrics that will drape over curvy bods.

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

The neckline has a bit of ease, but no, the front hangs completely and totally straight.

Edit: It looks like this:

No body shape whatsoever.

[redheadfae.livejournal.com]

Ah, yes, I had a different picture in my head. I think for some reason I thought it had a curved front like a frock coat.

Oh yea, that's gonna be stunning.

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

This is a frock coat, It's just a frock coat in the style of a Louis XIV, or 18th Century frock coat, rather than a Victorian or Edwardian close-fitting frock coat.

Any style of garment that sticks around for 100+ years is gonna go through a lot of design changes. =)

[redheadfae.livejournal.com]

Okay, I'll be more specific, when I think frock coat, I think Edwardian.
I am not as well-versed on historical fashions as you are. :)

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

I wasn't very versed on this one, either, until I got a commission to make one. =D

Having had a chance to wear it already (even unfinished), I can see why it remained popular for so long. It's a very sensual garment. Wearing it feels so decadent. Sleek and swishy at the same time.

[redheadfae.livejournal.com]

MMMM... I always had a thing for "The Highwayman" and somewhere (a movie, perhaps?) I got this mental image of the coat. RRRrrawr.

[kalimeg.livejournal.com]

Actually, chadors have been around since the 14th century and they haven't changed. SCA arab garb is wearable today in the middle east.

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

Oooh! So they were originally called something else? Interesting! I wonder what prompted the name change. Stuff like that usually has interesting political reasons...

[kalimeg.livejournal.com]

The name depends on the language -- googling gives lots of variants. And they actually date back to the 6th century. There really *can't* be much change in them, considering their function.

This sounds awesome.

[femfataleatron.livejournal.com]

I've finally decided on a fabric. I'm just waiting on the money to afford it. I suppose I should come for a fitting...

Re: This sounds awesome.

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

Yay!

I can get the muslin done in a day, now that I've got the kinks worked out. I'll resend you the measurements you sent me. Let me know if anything's changed.

Blargh. 'Cept they're at home. I'll send them later.

[kalimeg.livejournal.com]

You need black pants to the knee and white stockings -- shoes with square heels and gold buckle. Rather like Colonial garb.

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

That's not quite the look I'm aiming for. I picked up some appropriate stuff this weekend. You'll be amused!