tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15491421334045888682024-03-13T17:31:08.937-04:00Of life and taikoMy life with taiko drumming, food, crafts and projects...Audrey Bergeron-Morinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06970327078773521327noreply@blogger.comBlogger48125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1549142133404588868.post-20508913937698977412015-07-24T17:25:00.002-04:002015-07-24T17:25:43.878-04:00Keeping the magicA few weeks ago, I was in Las Vegas and I saw a show I'd been wanting to see for a very long time: Ka, from Cirque du Soleil.<br />
<br />
From the moment I set foot in the theater, I felt a sense of wonder. Just the ambiance from the set and those hanging lights was enough, and when the show started and that giant platform rose into the air, I was in another universe. It was an amazing show, well-paced, well put together, impressive in every way. One of the best Cirque shows I've seen (of eight, I believe - Saltimbanco is still my favorite).<br />
<br />
After much emotion, jumping, falling, twirling, and love and fights and everything, the story ended, and we were on our feet clapping, and the artists were bowing and waving at us... all except one. There was one who was taking off her wig and earpiece, oblivious to the crowd.<br />
<br />
In that instant, the dream was broken. It was just work. Just another gig. Just another night among many, many nights. And while I understand how it's easy to get blasé when you've done about 600 performances, twice a night, for weeks on end, I'm disapointed that she couldn't wait another 30 seconds until the lights went off before declaring the performance over.<br />
<br />
It would have made a world of difference for me.<br />
<br />
There is a very important lesson here for anyone who does performance arts...Audrey Bergeron-Morinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06970327078773521327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1549142133404588868.post-32745576173778542022014-08-20T19:55:00.002-04:002014-08-20T19:55:49.366-04:00A message from the universeLast Friday at the end of the work day, feeling a little melancholic...<br />
<br />
Thinking of how some ordinary people have simply extraordinary lives...<br />
<br />
Thinking of Chris Hatfield and his version of Major Tom in the Space Station while sorting things in my cubicle, left over from the past 7 years, moving to a very different space now...<br />
<br />
Then I leave and take the metro and there's a musician singing....<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Though I’m past one hundred thousand miles<br />I’m feeling very still<br />And I think my spaceship knows which way to go<br />Tell my wife I love her very much (she knows!)<br />Ground Control to Major Tom<br />Your circuit’s dead, there’s something wrong<br />Can you hear me, Major Tom?<br />Can you hear me, Major Tom?<br />Can you hear me, Major Tom?<br />Can you hear....</i></blockquote>
Talk about the universe sending me a message!<br />
<br />
But, really, it were me, I would have picked the following verse..<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>This is Ground Control to Major Tom<br />You’ve really made the grade<br />And the papers want to know whose shirts you wear<br />Now it’s time to leave the capsule if you dare</i></blockquote>
Because maybe, this time, my answer really needs to be this:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>“This is Major Tom to Ground Control<br />I’m stepping through the door<br />And I’m floating in a most peculiar way<br />And the stars look very different today</i></blockquote>
<br />Audrey Bergeron-Morinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06970327078773521327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1549142133404588868.post-41889234462982652882014-08-20T18:13:00.000-04:002014-08-20T19:23:17.287-04:00Crossroads<p dir="ltr">Wow, it's been a crazy two-year stretch.</p>
<p dir="ltr">First there was Kasa Mix, where I got to see the world, experience Kodo, meet and be touched by the apprentices and so many other people. Then there was Arashi, with whom I've been learning and growng. There was the forced separation from my two best friends when they became apprentices and I didn't. There was coming back to Montreal and feeling abolutely lost in my life. Hint: it gets better.</p>
<p dir="ltr">There were shows with Komachi, some of which went well and some less well. Hint: you learn.</p>
<p dir="ltr">There was trips to Toronto to see Nagata Shachu (falling in love with taiko all over again). A few taiko shows with Inazuma, East Coast Taiko Conference, practices with Ignatius.</p>
<p dir="ltr">For a few months last year I had Monday evenings off. Oh and sometimes Sunday evenings too.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Then there was the second trip to Japan. To close the chapter, to revisit the places that touched me and meet the people who transformed me, again. I had no expectations so it probably ended up being the best trip of my life. It was a taiko trip. It wasn't about taiko any more than Kasa Mix was.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Then there was Wa, working backstage and planning for the Arashi concert in the Fall. There was a trip to New York at the Kaoru Watanabe Taiko Center for a weekend intensive with Kenny Endo, who, unexpectedly, is the one instructor I've met in my taiko experience so far I'd follow and study with extensively, by choice.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Then there was Taiko Baka, which for me was a very frustrating experience, and which I'm probably still digesting, months later. And then another East Coast Taiko Conference, where my highlight was learning Ei Ja Nai Ka; putting together the second Wa, then doing the show at Botanical Gardens, and then meeting all the people and performing at Percussions Festival, more shows with Komachi, more shows with Inazuma... Chieko Kojima intensive at LATI, World Taiko Gathering in LA, Matsuri...</p>
<p dir="ltr">And now what? I have projects, plans, ideas... possibilities... dreams. Which one should I follow? (Hint: these things are only clear when you've already walked the path and look behind you...)</p>
Audrey Bergeron-Morinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06970327078773521327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1549142133404588868.post-67551571422106789112014-03-12T17:31:00.000-04:002014-03-12T17:31:28.689-04:00Where do I stand?Travelling to other parts of the world to taiko events and classes really opens up one's perspective.<br />
<br />
At home, I'm only a student. Motivated and dedicated, maybe. But still just a student, the lowest level, under apprentice, under member. Not really a taiko player; more like a grade school kid ;-)<br />
<br />
I go to Japan, and suddenly I'm a wold traveller who has total legitimacy in being interested in what the legendary teachers we meet there have to teach. I'm suddenly a taiko player. No matter where I am in my development, I am, in their eyes, a taiko player.<br />
<br />
In our group, only the performing members have access to real drums. They pay for them, they take care of them, they own them; it's only right that they're the ones using them. The students play on practice drums that have real skins on a PVC body. When I went to ECTC, I remember that some people were extremely surprised by the fact that we don't have access to real instruments on a regular basis.<br />
<br />
Most of the people we meet at events like ECTC are members of a group. We're the exception in that we're not members, "just students". Yet, I often find myself among the top tier of players who attend these workshops - every time, I feel surprised, first, because I'm not that good, and also because this is so different from what I experience at home.<br />
<br />
Some of those people who are members of groups are far less advanced than even our student group is; yet most of them perform on stage, and often even get paid for their performances. Sometimes, it makes us feel lucky that we have such great teachers to make us grow. It also makes us feel like we could be trusted a bit more to perform and hold our own on stage (yes, our teachers have very high standards - I happen to think it's a good thing).<br />
<br />
This reflection isn't meant as a critique of the way things work in my group. I keep telling people how important it is to travel, to see other perspectives, because it refocuses your understanding of your group and taiko as a whole, and it shapes your development. I don't know if being "just a students" makes people work less hard because they feel like they'll always be "just a student"; or if it motivates people to work harder because it makes them conscious of the fact that they still have a ton of things to learn.<br />
<br />
Me? Well.... the only thing I'm certain of, is that I'm a taiko player ;-)Audrey Bergeron-Morinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06970327078773521327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1549142133404588868.post-66346414617695618442014-01-07T11:05:00.002-05:002014-01-07T11:05:48.930-05:00Technique vs heartOur taiko instructors said something that struck me, this weekend.<br />
<br />
A few of the students had stayed after our annual Shinnenkai celebration, and we were encouraged to hit odaiko. Most of us have never had much practice in the style, some of us have close to no technical knowledge of it either.<br />
<br />
At some point, our instructor said something that I can summarize as: "Technique is not important, you need to hit from the heart, to give everything."<br />
<br />
I didn't answer. I let him teach what he was trying to teach at that moment. But my gut reaction was to think: "I disagree."<br />
<br />
To me, technique is an enabler, for two very important reasons.<br />
<br />
First, it allows you to push without hurting yourself. Hitting hard without proper technique is the surest and safest way to end up with an injury. And anyone who's played taiko for any length of time knows how frustrating injuries are and how long they take to heal. Take care of your body. Learn and apply the technique. (I'm not there yet.)<br />
<br />
Second, proper technique allows you to expand less energy for the same result, and get better sound at the same time. Proper technique ensures you hit the right way, with the proper force, with the right angle, at the right spot on the drum. And then, when your technique is good enough, you get that snap and speed that allows you to get the sound you want - and to sustain it for a longer time. (Guess what? I'm not there yet!)<br />
<br />
So, technique vs heart? I think you need both. Technique without heart is cold and mechanical. Heart without technique is dangerous and messy.<br />
<br />
They go hand in hand, and they make each other shine.Audrey Bergeron-Morinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06970327078773521327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1549142133404588868.post-80177851846727785642013-04-05T19:34:00.001-04:002013-04-05T19:35:54.592-04:00Baking<p dir="ltr">I will tell you a secret: I never premix my dry ingredients...</p>
Audrey Bergeron-Morinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06970327078773521327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1549142133404588868.post-86626012194002091202013-03-21T12:25:00.001-04:002013-03-21T12:25:27.823-04:00I'm OK<div class="tr_bq">
I came across this post today: <a href="http://www.marcandangel.com/2013/01/28/7-things-happy-people-say-every-day/" target="_blank">7 Things Happy People Say Every Day</a>. Now, I rarely spend much time reading those kinds of posts; they usually simply re-hash the same oversimplified pop wisdom. But, once in a while, something strikes a chord.</div>
<blockquote>
<b>6. “I’m OK.”</b></blockquote>
<blockquote>
How you respond to life’s little tragedies is what shapes your character. Crap happens sometimes, you’ve got to deal with it and move on. Don’t hide from it. If your dreams are out in the world somewhere and you’re inside hiding, the only new things that will gather in your mind are anxiety and bitterness. Eventually that anxiety and bitterness will eat away at you and leave nothing behind but an unhappy shell of your former self.</blockquote>
<blockquote>
So when the crap hits the fan, as it sometimes will, stop and say it out loud: “I’m OK.”</blockquote>
And I would add even more. Sometimes, you end up in a bad spot. You're feeling depressed, like you live doesn't have any meaning anymore. And you can look at yourself, and know you're feeling this way, and say "It's okay, it happens. Today I'm feeling bad, and I need to let myself experience this; but tomorrow, after I have lived through this moment, it will be behind me and I will be stronger for having recognized it and lived through it."<br />
<br />
Life throws unexpected punches at you. And sometimes you just have to let go and embrace them.Audrey Bergeron-Morinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06970327078773521327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1549142133404588868.post-71488584188820449042013-03-19T18:17:00.002-04:002013-03-19T18:18:58.083-04:00Taiko and confidence<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve come across this very interesting article on Nerd
Fitness: <a href="http://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/2010/09/09/5-ways-to-immediately-appear-more-confident/" target="_blank">5 Ways to Immediately Appear More Confident</a>,
about how to instantly appear (and be!) more confident. Basically? Stop
slouching, slow down, smile, look people in the eye and get out of your head.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Funny how everything in my life seems to be intertwined
these days. Taiko has so much to teach us about ourselves.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Stop slouching? That’s a given; we work on posture all the
time. Straigten your back, open up your shoulders, relax, make space... all
things we struggle with at first, than a little less after a while.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Slow down? This can be taken as meaning slowing down in
space as well. "Stretch out", "use space"... all things we
painfully learn to do. How to do the maximum you can do for every movement you
can make. That also means stopping for a fraction of a second before you hit;
that instant of waiting adds tremendous power to your playing. And, don't move
when you're not supposed to, either during a piece or at the end, while you
wait for the drum sound to finish ringing. That's all about taiking your time.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Smile? Well, that’s an easy one. If you want to engage your audience,
you have to look happy about what you’re doing. There are serious pieces; then
smiling too much kills the effect. But your face still has to be open and
alive. And yes, some happy pieces look awesome when the performers are smiling.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Look people in the eye? That’s harder. I’m shy. Looking
people in the eye is always scary. But we work on it; we work on communication
too, and that’s in the same line of thought. Sharing a drum during Matsuri, you
have to look at the other person who's playing, interact with them, exchange
glances and meanings. In other words, establish a contact, communicate.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Get out of your head? Just get out there and kill that drum!
Act confident and you’ll feel confident. The hard one… make mistakes with
confidence. Nothing holds you back like hesitating. But getting out of your
head is easier with taiko, because your body is already engaged in movement.
The trick is getting in the right mindset to look powerful. (Yeah, I'm still
working on that!)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">But taiko, at least here in Montreal, is also a
community of people, a family, that welcomes you into their midst, makes you
feel safe but also pushes you to grow, to overcome your limits, to be more than
you were.</span></div>
Audrey Bergeron-Morinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06970327078773521327noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1549142133404588868.post-59491155950088538032013-01-28T18:45:00.000-05:002013-02-08T12:18:50.922-05:00Of Primal and TaikoSo, I'm a taiko player now. Those who've seen taiko players on stage - and those who have taken a workshop before, will know how physically demanding it is. Those who know me will know how unfit I was before I started playing. I've never done any sports. I'm not powerful. I don't have good stamina. But I love taiko, so I had to adapt.<br />
<br />
My first two years were formative years, a slow upward hill where I was still a beginner in every sense of the word. Learning how to move; learning how to hit; learning the pieces. It was just a hobby, and I wanted it to remain that way.<br />
<br />
But in September 2012 I went to Japan. Took workshops, spent 4 days living and drumming with the Kodo apprentices. Met all those amazing, amazing, incredible people. And when I came back, suddenly the "just a hobby" thing wasn't enough anymore. And I was very sad, and very lost, and yes, somewhat angry too. I had a knot in my stomach all the time, and only drumming or dancing would make it go away. So I drummed. And I danced.<br />
<br />
One thing had been nagging at me for a while, was that I needed to make some changes if I wanted to get better. I'd been reading <a href="http://www.marksdailyapple.com/" target="_blank">Mark's Daily Apple</a> about the Primal Blueprint (here's a <a href="http://www.marksdailyapple.com/welcome-to-marks-daily-apple/" target="_blank">primer</a>)... I have some friends who are Crossfitters and Paleo... I've seen the effects they claim are due to that way of eating and living. And I had a nagging feeling this would work for me. But I've also always believed that food shouldn't be a religion; that you should eat what's set in front of you; and especially that the greatest wisdom is to eat a little bit of everything. Some of my Paleo friends were all about meat, meat, meat, and that always seemed wrong to me. I've since found out that there are many, many ways of going about it; many different philosophies of the same current, and many ways of adapting it to what works for *you*.<br />
<br />
In Japan we ate differently, nearly Primal, for three weeks, and it did wonders on my body. Of course, we ate a small quantity of rice every day, and some tofu, and some wheat noodles and tempura batter on occasion too, but most meals centered around tons of super fresh fish, fresh vegetables, soup and tea, and almost never any dessert. So I lost weight. I didn't crash anymore. I felt great!<br />
<br />
When I came back, I decided it was time for a switch. We barely ate any bread already, except at breakfast, and we rarely ate processed foods. We were actually already halfway there. But I started eliminating pasta, rice, couscous, potatoes, etc. from our evening meals, which means also that I eliminated them from our lunches, because we always cook more at night to have a lunch for the next day. I started by replacing them with sweet potatoes and squash, but now we don't really need even those anymore as a substitute. And I lost weight. So I started buying cheese again; avocadoes; whipping cream; Greek yogurt; nuts; bacon... I weighed a bit over 115 before the trip; probably around 110 when I came back. Last time I weighed myself, with clothes and shoes on, I was at 107. Believe me, I eat. I'm never hungry. I think it will stabilize now that the little bit of flab is nearly gone.<br />
<br />
Next step was breakfast. For a few weeks, I struggled with this. And then, one evening, I made a big omelet, cut it in 4, and ate the 3 leftover parts on the next 3 mornings. Then I made eggs again; and then leftover pulled pork and avocados (a favourite combination of mine); sausage and salad; ground beef and cabbage soup (this is REALLY good in the morning); and when I don't have anything ready, Greek yogurt + almond butter + berries or bananas or apples + coconut flakes. The trick was stopping to think of breakfast as breakfast. It's just another meal! Just eat food!<br />
<br />
And wow what a difference this has made!<br />
<br />
I used to have hypglycemia symptoms when I didn't eat fast enough after a meal. Headache, sweating, wobbly legs, disorientation, irritability... now sometimes I eat lunch at 3 and there's no trace of a crash. I still can't skip a meal and feel good, but I expect it will come soon enough.<br />
<br />
People have started telling me muscles are showing now in my arms and shoulders. I think this is partly due to the weight I've lost, because it makes them more visible. But this way of eating is supposed to help you bulk up, and I think it's working. And I'm sure the fact that I have more stamina means I can work longer and harder, which in turn means I build up more muscle.<br />
<br />
I mentioned stamina... I was nearly always the first one to get tired, visibly, and I used to envy those who could go on and on and on... now, of course, my muscles hurt at some point, they get tired, it's unavoidable. But I still have energy. *I* don't get tired nearly as much. I used to be so tired after a 2 hour taiko lesson that I could barely carry the chairs back in the hall, let alone wash the floors. Now I just grab a rag and go at it without thinking. It was a big surprise the first time I found myself doing that, but now I know it wasn't an anomaly, because it has repeated itself enough times that I know it's a definite change.<br />
<br />
When I came back from taiko before, I hurried home to eat before I felt too woozy, took a shower, then slept for an hour. Now I just take a shower, then sometimes I eat right away and sometimes later, and I don't need to take a nap anymore. Of course, I get tired and go to bed earlier on taiko evenings than on regular ones - I'm not a machine ;-)<br />
<br />
I've been taking notes about the changes I noticed after I started changing my diet:<br />
1- My sense of smell has gone crazy (one evening I picked up a piece of broccoli, and went whao, I never knew broccoli smelled this strange! it's like I could smell three different layers of smell added on top of each other). The downside to this... perfumes really get to me now, even more than before.<br />
2- I can function well on very little sleep.<br />
3- I don't get hungry much anymore, and I don't crash.<br />
4- I want coffee all the time (this has resolved itself - I think it was just a transitional thing)<br />
5- I like to eat bananas (this has resolved itself partly; I don't crave them anymore, but I still like them more than I liked them before, probably because the sugar they contain doesn't affect me as much as it did before)<br />
6- I think my toenail is healing (I've had something weird about one toenail for years - doctor thinks I probably just hit it at some point, and I've always had doubts)<br />
7- I don't get tired. My muscles get tired and they hurt, but I still have energy to go on, which is wonderful.<br />
8- I'm not nearly as sore the day after a workout than I used to be.<br />
<br />
I would really love to check out a Crossfit gym, but I can't see a way to fit it into my schedule, which looks like this:<br />
<br />
Monday (free)<br />
Tuesday (free)<br />
Wednesday - taiko practice until 9:30pm<br />
Thursday - Japanese class until 8pm<br />
Friday - Taiko practice (observation) until 8:30pm<br />
Saturday - Taiko practice (observation) until 1pm; often Japanese dance class in the afternoon<br />
Sunday - Taiko class until 12:00<br />
<br />
If I want to be able to sleep, at some point... I don't see how it can fit in. Maybe one day I'll figure something out!<br />
<br />
There is a taiko event next weekend, we're going to Boston! Food is provided, but it's:<br />
- pastries and bagels in the morning (well, I can eat the cream cheese at least)<br />
- sandwiches for lunch (ditch the bread and it may mean a very small lunch indeed)<br />
- fried noodles, fried rice and sushi for dinner (starches, starches and starches)<br />
So I will be travelling with a cooler; decent breakfasts at least, and protein and fat for the rest of the day. Too bad I can't bring avocados to the U.S... I'll have to try and find some along the way before I get there, or go without!<br />
<br />
If you're curious... I can give you links, I can recommend books... It might not be the right solution for you, but it has made an amazing difference for me.Audrey Bergeron-Morinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06970327078773521327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1549142133404588868.post-40370879458744574522011-11-01T20:51:00.000-04:002011-11-01T23:53:53.276-04:00Halloween 2011, photos of the result!So, after a good night of rest, I'm uploading what you've all been asking for: pictures of the finished dress!<br />
<br />
Here's the corset and bustle. When I took the picture, I'd been wearing it (and sitting on it) all day and it had collapsed quite a bit. It was much poofier in the back when I left in the morning! I know you're going to ask the question: how to you sit in a regular chair with this thing? Well, you just sit and it kind of collapses behind you, you don't even feel it! I'm sure not all Victorian bustles were this way, but the one made with Truly Victorian pattern is and it's such a blessing to be able to sit in a regular chair - after all I wore it to work...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QI4wzq3hE-Y/TrCGE8o2iwI/AAAAAAAADVY/qQ5rI-_tdgQ/s1600/DSC07527.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QI4wzq3hE-Y/TrCGE8o2iwI/AAAAAAAADVY/qQ5rI-_tdgQ/s320/DSC07527.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here's the inside of the bustle. The bones are held by ropes inside so you can adjust the poofiness of the skirt at will, and store it flat, two big advantages in the modern world. I also suspect that the fact I can sit in this thing so comfortably is also due to the inside strings allowing the bones to move independently.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ivqpShZ6M0k/TrCGIHfu_lI/AAAAAAAADVg/6PPn6zfOsIY/s1600/DSC07528.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ivqpShZ6M0k/TrCGIHfu_lI/AAAAAAAADVg/6PPn6zfOsIY/s320/DSC07528.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Next layer is the skirt. It's heavily pleated (and longer) in the back, which allowed me to hide my small mistakes (I placed the pattern the wrong way on the fabric and had to make a center seam in the back to fix it). My bustle collapsed slightly during the day so the skirt dragged on the ground in the back.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W9bMGpOjS44/TrCGCEcB1iI/AAAAAAAADVQ/jaSI-pG-ZdU/s1600/DSC07526.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W9bMGpOjS44/TrCGCEcB1iI/AAAAAAAADVQ/jaSI-pG-ZdU/s320/DSC07526.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Next the overskirt goes on. There's not much to say about this layer. It looks much more complex than it actually is and it's easy enough to build.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g8IjKdHpSnY/TrCF3a1wcFI/AAAAAAAADUw/TGqQUFBcIyM/s1600/DSC07522.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g8IjKdHpSnY/TrCF3a1wcFI/AAAAAAAADUw/TGqQUFBcIyM/s320/DSC07522.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pNoA2h2XX3k/TrCF6LzJuvI/AAAAAAAADU4/Dmsm3TDUM4I/s1600/DSC07523.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pNoA2h2XX3k/TrCF6LzJuvI/AAAAAAAADU4/Dmsm3TDUM4I/s320/DSC07523.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And finally, the bodice. I think I actually made it a little too big, especially at the top, when I enlarged it (it was originally a little to small), so there wasn't enough tension on the hooks and they tended to pop off. But, as I said before, too big is infinitely better than too small. I put 25 pairs of hooks and eyes on the front of the bodice. This the only part I hated doing. I brought them to work so I could do 3 or 4 every lunch hour, because it's so long and boring to sew.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PZTFOJMis4M/TrCFyAW8Q9I/AAAAAAAADUg/dLSjX30Jmt8/s1600/DSC07519.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PZTFOJMis4M/TrCFyAW8Q9I/AAAAAAAADUg/dLSjX30Jmt8/s320/DSC07519.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I styled my hair using tips from <a href="http://rapunzelsresource.wordpress.com/">Rapunzel's Resource</a>. This girl is amazing. I've had long hair my whole life and doing anything more than a ponytail seemed impossible, but she makes everything look so very simple! I still went for a simple bun instead of something more elaborate because I was really short on time in the morning.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HWgPes5NJIg/TrCFnaBrnMI/AAAAAAAADUA/CeoVLKhKSio/s1600/DSC07515.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HWgPes5NJIg/TrCFnaBrnMI/AAAAAAAADUA/CeoVLKhKSio/s320/DSC07515.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I've had the necklace for a very long time. It's not the right style for the period, but I thought it looked really good with the dress. The bracelet, gloves and earrings I bought at Ardène, as I did the black flower in my hair. I had to fix the earrings to convert them to clips because my ears aren't pierced. The mask is a cheap cardboard mask I bought at Value Village (but they had almost the same ones at the dollar store this year).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JoyYUJEznQs/TrCFvJeallI/AAAAAAAADUY/FjU30qhmNak/s1600/DSC07518.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JoyYUJEznQs/TrCFvJeallI/AAAAAAAADUY/FjU30qhmNak/s320/DSC07518.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Tftwz68dhDU/TrCFe7ZnX7I/AAAAAAAADTo/hJKlbyxG4pA/s1600/DSC07507.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Tftwz68dhDU/TrCFe7ZnX7I/AAAAAAAADTo/hJKlbyxG4pA/s320/DSC07507.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ebBqqTAlJ0A/TrCFcCthjoI/AAAAAAAADTg/3TCjBvvmPX0/s1600/DSC07506.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ebBqqTAlJ0A/TrCFcCthjoI/AAAAAAAADTg/3TCjBvvmPX0/s320/DSC07506.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a2TWn3mjNdM/TrCFhtcLStI/AAAAAAAADTw/lu5ZURxDc1c/s1600/DSC07508.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a2TWn3mjNdM/TrCFhtcLStI/AAAAAAAADTw/lu5ZURxDc1c/s320/DSC07508.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-odzxC31DjFc/TrCFkqId4SI/AAAAAAAADT4/TZraQ1fcMjc/s1600/DSC07509.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-odzxC31DjFc/TrCFkqId4SI/AAAAAAAADT4/TZraQ1fcMjc/s320/DSC07509.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I think it worked well. It's the first time total strangers (women, all of them) talk to me in the metro and near the office to tell me now nice they think my costume is. This one was particularly liked by little girls when I was opening the door to give candy (by then I'd removed my mask though, I was afraid it would get deformed by body heat - I'll need to line it with something better than cardboard if I want to wear it for a longer time).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And, finally, here's the decorations we managed to get together after I ran out of time for the giant tree. Sometimes it pays to have a lighting technician as a boyfriend :-)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So, we cut out a small tree out of cardboard (actually, Richard did). And he wants me to insist: doing it this way WAS HIS IDEA! :-)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UUEi8V36BIU/TrCR_qtAAcI/AAAAAAAADVo/8lo_sUaJd0w/s1600/DSC07500.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UUEi8V36BIU/TrCR_qtAAcI/AAAAAAAADVo/8lo_sUaJd0w/s320/DSC07500.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
I like taking pictures of him working :-)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kN0seDsih_M/TrCSCbAb6GI/AAAAAAAADVw/xLvA5OpoJgU/s1600/DSC07501.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kN0seDsih_M/TrCSCbAb6GI/AAAAAAAADVw/xLvA5OpoJgU/s320/DSC07501.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YQU40hiJxYg/TrCSFGY4UhI/AAAAAAAADV4/Jl6uBkcSKWo/s1600/DSC07504.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YQU40hiJxYg/TrCSFGY4UhI/AAAAAAAADV4/Jl6uBkcSKWo/s320/DSC07504.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here's the setup (with an old, real, theater spotlight, and a small Ikea one; the big one being 10 times stronger than the other one, that's the one we put the pale purple colour on).</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AA2g2v3EKB4/TrCSIFDRBPI/AAAAAAAADWA/XPktlfNIzE4/s1600/DSC07505.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AA2g2v3EKB4/TrCSIFDRBPI/AAAAAAAADWA/XPktlfNIzE4/s320/DSC07505.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HxwkhNlMwY0/TrCSKmYP5MI/AAAAAAAADWI/DtzMNyTFEDE/s1600/DSC07510.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HxwkhNlMwY0/TrCSKmYP5MI/AAAAAAAADWI/DtzMNyTFEDE/s320/DSC07510.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And here's what it looked like from outside. Not exactly what I was going for, but pretty nonetheless, I think :-)</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hmjpEBOcSOA/TrCSNNlsWWI/AAAAAAAADWQ/fWBKqhPKL4I/s1600/DSC07512.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hmjpEBOcSOA/TrCSNNlsWWI/AAAAAAAADWQ/fWBKqhPKL4I/s320/DSC07512.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BEOVrVQ1rY0/TrCSSIId50I/AAAAAAAADWg/AmJIfzDf6DE/s1600/DSC07514.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BEOVrVQ1rY0/TrCSSIId50I/AAAAAAAADWg/AmJIfzDf6DE/s320/DSC07514.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />Audrey Bergeron-Morinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06970327078773521327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1549142133404588868.post-36005891935743350512011-10-30T01:10:00.000-04:002011-10-30T01:31:38.543-04:00Halloween 2011Here's the first part of the promised update about Halloween this year.<br />
<br />
I cut the pannier skirt from an old sheet I bought at Village des Valeurs. I figured I'm probably going to wear it only a few times anyway so it doesn't need to be super tough.<br />
<br />
Bonus: This part I was able to cut on the table instead of the floor.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tC3emgp1HU0/TqzTsqJ-fRI/AAAAAAAADRY/ugPvf-EI9zU/s1600/DSC07474.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tC3emgp1HU0/TqzTsqJ-fRI/AAAAAAAADRY/ugPvf-EI9zU/s320/DSC07474.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Below you can see the boning channel guides for the pannier skirt. I used transfer paper and a tracing wheel. For those kinds of marks, there are not that many ways to get a great transfer.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FjVYQsnTYoA/TqzTvasLYII/AAAAAAAADRg/wDdPBzRt4uI/s1600/DSC07475.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FjVYQsnTYoA/TqzTvasLYII/AAAAAAAADRg/wDdPBzRt4uI/s320/DSC07475.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
And here it is with the channels sewn. I'll have pictures of it being worn when I put it on next Monday!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6vzScF_bZAc/TqzT1ajBG7I/AAAAAAAADRw/AyFoIDrrgxs/s1600/DSC07477.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6vzScF_bZAc/TqzT1ajBG7I/AAAAAAAADRw/AyFoIDrrgxs/s320/DSC07477.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Next I made the bodice. Sorry I don't have any pictures of the construction. I used a very stiff and heavy fabric for the interlining, so I decided not to bone it. Maybe I should have, but I didn't want to add too much thickness to the seams. And it turned out that it was a good thing too, because I made the bodice slightly too small, so I had to ease out the side and center back seams. Now, I think it's a tiny bit too big, but that's much, much better than too small!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y1-kO2SF7aI/TqzT4l5BxWI/AAAAAAAADR4/1aDtrNfsOMc/s1600/DSC07480.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y1-kO2SF7aI/TqzT4l5BxWI/AAAAAAAADR4/1aDtrNfsOMc/s320/DSC07480.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-poeAhdhj3uE/TqzT7lCZ02I/AAAAAAAADSA/wJEtTy-oihQ/s1600/DSC07481.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-poeAhdhj3uE/TqzT7lCZ02I/AAAAAAAADSA/wJEtTy-oihQ/s320/DSC07481.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
And then I made the overskirt. You can see the pleats on the side here. Towards the left there's supposed to be one last pleat, but I couldn't figure out how to gather it without the wrong side of the fabric showing. I ended up folding everything together, including the bottom of the previous folds, into the seam. That seems to work alright.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FrLOSE7MHU0/TqzUBJs4LnI/AAAAAAAADSQ/ObWn3YweM9c/s1600/DSC07483.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FrLOSE7MHU0/TqzUBJs4LnI/AAAAAAAADSQ/ObWn3YweM9c/s320/DSC07483.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Next is the double box pleats at the back of the overskirt. Those were, surprisingly, super easy to make and turned out great. They'll be draped over the pannier right on my oversized behind. You'll see, this is going to be super elegant.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-okKIO_SNo58/TqzUIydSr9I/AAAAAAAADSo/4qyT8b-Ftqo/s1600/DSC07486.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-okKIO_SNo58/TqzUIydSr9I/AAAAAAAADSo/4qyT8b-Ftqo/s320/DSC07486.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--fSBxXRNr54/TqzUL-JZq1I/AAAAAAAADSw/t3biheV71Vk/s1600/DSC07487.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--fSBxXRNr54/TqzUL-JZq1I/AAAAAAAADSw/t3biheV71Vk/s320/DSC07487.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Here's the new corset! I had to rip out and recycle boning from the previous, much too small one, because there wouldn't have been enough time to order some new. This time I didn't shorten it at the waist or at the top, but I removed one full inch from the bottom. I think it could still have been shortened a little bit at the waist, but it still fits fine anyway. Much better than the previous one.<br />
<br />
Turns out I actually made it slightly too big, so I had to take an extra seam at the center back to make it slightly smaller.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YDPDAe2Hb_M/TqzUOnJXgUI/AAAAAAAADS4/ipCRz9l0zI4/s1600/DSC07488.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YDPDAe2Hb_M/TqzUOnJXgUI/AAAAAAAADS4/ipCRz9l0zI4/s320/DSC07488.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
I don't have pictures of the skirt in progress, but it's the same fabric as the corset. I made it just before and it went so incredibly fast! Well, except that there wasn't supposed to be a seam at the center back... I just placed the piece the wrong way on my fabric. It'll be hidden in the pleating anyway so it doesn't matter, it was just a funny stupid mistake to make!<br />
<br />
I even had time to make a cape! Below are pictures of the cape all marked and ready to be cut, and the pattern right below it. The trick when making a circle cape is to draw two half circles, taking your shoulder points as a reference. This way the length is just about even all around, instead of it being shorter at the sides and longer at the back and front.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nOxRx9AAMPU/TqzUTwXqiiI/AAAAAAAADTI/7aoArfu2eEQ/s1600/DSC07495.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nOxRx9AAMPU/TqzUTwXqiiI/AAAAAAAADTI/7aoArfu2eEQ/s320/DSC07495.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--ROObbx50H4/TqzUW-nKagI/AAAAAAAADTQ/7bCGsnZS3Co/s1600/DSC07496.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--ROObbx50H4/TqzUW-nKagI/AAAAAAAADTQ/7bCGsnZS3Co/s320/DSC07496.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Everything went so incredibly fast. I think I was expecting a lot of snags along the way so I planned for about twice the expected time to start with. When almost no snags happened, I was left with all this extra time! Which is good, because, by then, I had a cold, and I used the time to rest.<br />
<br />
But I think the fact that it went so quickly is due to two main reasons: 1- I'm using Truly Victorian patterns, which are well made and true to advertised size. And 2- Since it's not the first time I use them, I know exactly where to fuse the sizes and shorten them so they fit right. I'm a small in the shoulders, and a medium for waist and hips, which means that I need to redraw the pattern pieces before I start. And I'm also short-bodied, which means I remove half an inch at the waist line and half an inch at the midpoint between bust and shoulders, which is a little trickier because it also involves lowering the armscye. But it works, every single time. That's only for the bodice though; for the skirts, I just do the medium size (and yes, they run extremely small, I wear sizes 0-2 in modern sizes in most stores - that is, those that make sizes small enough for me - so if the size medium fits me, imagine how small those patterns really are!).<br />
<br />
So, things went well and fast. I bought some accessories, converted earrings to clips, dug out my old makeup and spent a lot of time on <a href="http://rapunzelsresource.wordpress.com/">Rapunzel's Resource</a> learning how to style long hair. I think it's all going to go together great and look fantastic :-)<br />
<br />
And last but not least... I wanted to make a special giant tree for my big front window. I would have painted it with black paint on white fabric and lighted it from behind, but I ran out of time. It will be magnificent... next year :-)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vsxMTg2rPmA/TqzUZ6RqWbI/AAAAAAAADTY/qsScX0ZheJw/s1600/DSC07499.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vsxMTg2rPmA/TqzUZ6RqWbI/AAAAAAAADTY/qsScX0ZheJw/s320/DSC07499.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Audrey Bergeron-Morinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06970327078773521327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1549142133404588868.post-66116131509746059492011-10-15T20:28:00.003-04:002011-10-30T01:19:54.855-04:00New projectsRemember last year? I had all those projects...<br />
<a href="http://audreybmorin.blogspot.com/2010/09/new-projects-halloween-soon.html">http://audreybmorin.blogspot.com/2010/09/new-projects-halloween-soon.html</a><br />
<br />
This year I'm using the beautiful fabric I bought last year. I'm taking pictures, I swear!<br />
<br />
The bustle is done. The bodice is done (needs hooks and eyes). The skirt will go pretty fast.<br />
<br />
Then I'll need to deal with my corset. Remember last year, it was rather small for me already? <a href="http://audreybmorin.blogspot.com/2010/10/corset-done-whats-next.html">http://audreybmorin.blogspot.com/2010/10/corset-done-whats-next.html</a> Well, I put on some weight; so now it's even smaller. I'm debating making a new one (reusing the boning would be a good investment) or making this one bigger by inserting panels in the center front, sides and back. Two weekends left before Halloween, will there be time to make a new one? I mean, it's not that long after all... but I don't want to come up short...Audrey Bergeron-Morinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06970327078773521327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1549142133404588868.post-80233228886009164682011-07-10T21:18:00.000-04:002011-07-10T21:18:12.517-04:00Taiko drummingMy newest invention: a taiko drum made from a garbage can and some packing tape. It actually has a rather decent sound, considering the price and the "quality" of materials!<br />
<br />
Well, this was just an excuse to give you the link to our student group drumming in the park this afternoon ;-)<br />
<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/audreybmorin/20110710MontRoyal?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCMC56urCur25nwE&feat=directlink">https://picasaweb.google.com/audreybmorin/20110710MontRoyal?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCMC56urCur25nwE&feat=directlink</a>Audrey Bergeron-Morinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06970327078773521327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1549142133404588868.post-43418781862455967542011-05-25T00:46:00.000-04:002011-05-25T00:46:30.256-04:00Been quiet...... but not quite!<br />
<br />
Actually, I have several projects to show you, but the computer went kaput several times since January, so I haven't gotten around to uploading everything.<br />
<br />
Soon, I promise :-)Audrey Bergeron-Morinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06970327078773521327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1549142133404588868.post-71982346993722899142011-03-12T09:32:00.003-05:002011-03-12T09:33:22.707-05:00Disaster in Japan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://in.reuters.com/resources/r/?m=02&d=20110312&t=2&i=360111309&w=&fh=&fw=&ll=700&pl=390&r=2011-03-12T124012Z_12_GM1E73C1EVU01_RTRRPP_0_JAPAN-QUAKE" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="http://in.reuters.com/resources/r/?m=02&d=20110312&t=2&i=360111309&w=&fh=&fw=&ll=700&pl=390&r=2011-03-12T124012Z_12_GM1E73C1EVU01_RTRRPP_0_JAPAN-QUAKE" width="320" /></a></div>Audrey Bergeron-Morinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06970327078773521327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1549142133404588868.post-77579559832108161702011-03-07T00:36:00.002-05:002011-03-07T00:37:12.600-05:00Words of a taiko sensei<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">See what sensei Walter Tsushima has to say about taiko... it sounds a lot like what I was saying in my last post, doesn't it?</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">He's going to teach us a class at the end of the month; I can't wait!</span><br />
<blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 23px;">As you train in the taiko arts, you will see improvements in your </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 23px;">speed, flexibility, coordination, discipline, confidence and ability to</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 23px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 23px;">focus your mind. You will find that the skills that it takes to succeed</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 23px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 23px;">in taiko are the same skills that it takes to succeed in life. The </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 23px;">lessons that you learn in taiko can be applied to every area of your</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 23px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 23px;">life including your education, career, relationships, and overall</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 23px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 23px;">philosophy of life.</span></i> </span></blockquote><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic; line-height: 23px;">If you can master taiko, you can master anything.</span></blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 23px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small; line-height: normal;">Read the full thing <a href="http://www.wkdhozonkai.com/sensei.html">here</a> (at the bottom of the page).</span></span>Audrey Bergeron-Morinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06970327078773521327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1549142133404588868.post-55723379238406473822011-02-16T00:57:00.000-05:002011-02-16T00:57:31.426-05:00Learning taikoI have been taking taiko lessons with Arashi Daiko since September.<div><br />
</div><div>True, taiko is, before anything else, drum playing. But it is so much more than that. It is profoundly intertwined with Japanese cultural under- and overtones; while at the same time being far less rigid than you would expect from an art emanating from Japan.</div><div><br />
</div><div>There is no right way of playing taiko (there might be wrong ways, though!). This might be unsettling for a beginner; having a different teacher every few weeks sometimes teaching contradicting techniques. But it is also a very efficient way of growing, very fast.</div><div><br />
</div><div>What is taiko? Think of it like a martial art. A way of concentrating all the energy of the universe in your center, then channeling it through your arm, into the tip of the bachi, into a drum. And the drum answers you.</div><div><br />
</div><div>This feeling is not quite attainable with cheap practice drums. But on a real taiko, it is an exchange of energy; you give energy to the drum; the drum gives back energy... You give energy to a room full of people; they surround you with pure energy.</div><div><br />
</div><div>I am slowly learning to get blisters on my left hand. This means I am slowly learning to use it to do more than follow my right, as an independent entity. This is a great mental challenge.</div><div><br />
</div><div>I have learnt what kiai means. Shouting to gather energy seems pointless when you're not doing it. When you've been playing continuously for 20 minutes and you're exhausted and you feel yourself slowing down, shouting out releases energy and suddenly, the arms start moving again. And somebody hears you and answers, and you move together.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Taiko is becoming the reason why I stand tall and feel strong. If I can play the o-daiko, then there is nothing to fear in the world. I have never done anything that made me feel this confident. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Not because I am a good taiko player, but because it makes me grow, and learn about myself and others, and share an unshielded part of myself. When you're playing taiko, you have to give it all. There is no other way.</div>Audrey Bergeron-Morinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06970327078773521327noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1549142133404588868.post-23760829015270594662011-01-18T12:53:00.000-05:002011-01-18T12:53:34.382-05:00A new techniqueI have now learned a new knitting technique. Socks, toe up, two at a time on one long circular needle. It went like a charm and I love it! More to come! (Pictures too!)Audrey Bergeron-Morinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06970327078773521327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1549142133404588868.post-3744277775771995032011-01-08T01:31:00.001-05:002011-01-08T01:31:51.949-05:00New books!I haven't written much lately, for two reasons. One is, quite simply, the Holidays, with the cooking, shopping, tree-decorating, gift-wrapping and, let's not forget, being on vacation and doing nothing except eating, sleeping, watching TV and doing crossword puzzles.<br />
<br />
The other reason is that two of the projects I'm working on are for people I'm afraid will get the bright idea of reading this blog. So, you'll have to wait until the projects are finished to see them!<br />
<br />
But I'm here for a reason tonight: I wanted to talk about my new books!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.storey.com/inc/pic_display.php?isbn=9781603425339&x=600&y=600" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.storey.com/inc/pic_display.php?isbn=9781603425339&x=600&y=600" width="156" /></a><br />
<b>Toe-Up 2-at-a-Time Socks</b><br />
<a href="http://www.storey.com/book_detail.php?isbn=9781603425339&cat=Crafts&p=0">Publisher's site</a><br />
<br />
First there's this one I've been wanting to grab for a long time. The main reason I want to learn this technique is that my mother gave me wool she bought in New Zealand. One ball is supposed to be enough for a pair of socks. I have small feet so I'm not afraid to run out; but wool this special, I want to use it all, I don't want any leftovers! With this technique I can knit from both ends of the ball and have virtually no leftover at the end!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0036/4772/assets/OKM_CVR_web.jpg?1294376886" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0036/4772/assets/OKM_CVR_web.jpg?1294376886" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<b>The Ohio Knitting Mills Knitting Book</b><br />
Here's the <a href="http://www.ohioknittingmills.com/collections/the-ohio-knitting-mills-knitting-book">publisher's site</a>.<br />
<br />
I saw this one when it first came out and thought it was a very beautiful book. I had only seen it online though, I'd never leafed through it. Those are patterns I'd actually like to make!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://mediacdn.shopatron.com/media/mfg/630/product_image/thm/t350_071d84673b2cd5026c1944f372b46608.jpg?1260759882" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://mediacdn.shopatron.com/media/mfg/630/product_image/thm/t350_071d84673b2cd5026c1944f372b46608.jpg?1260759882" width="150" /></a></div><b>Socks à la carte 2: Toes Up!</b><br />
From what I can gather, this is the <a href="http://www.shopatron.com/products/productdetail/Socks+A+La+Carte+2:+Toes+Up!/part_number=book2/630.0.1.1.0.0.0.0.0?">publisher's site</a>.<br />
<br />
I've been wanting to try different styles of heels for a while, and this seemed like a great reference for the most common types of toes and heels. It also shows several different types of toe-up cast-ons.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://irreference.com/wp-content/plugins/Flutter/phpThumb.php?src=http://irreference.com/wp-content/plugins/Flutter/files_flutter/1222199027creepy_cover_M.jpg&w=170" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://irreference.com/wp-content/plugins/Flutter/phpThumb.php?src=http://irreference.com/wp-content/plugins/Flutter/files_flutter/1222199027creepy_cover_M.jpg&w=170" width="142" /></a><b>Creepy Cute Crochet</b><br />
<a href="http://irreference.com/creepy-cute-crochet/">Publisher's site</a><br />
<br />
Finally, I splurged and bought a sqweeeeee! book... you'll see... they're squeeeeee cute! And... this will force me to learn to read charts, which can't be a bad thing, right?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Lots of projects to come!<br />
<br />
Good night everybody!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.storey.com/inc/pic_display.php?isbn=9781603425339&x=600&y=600" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div>Audrey Bergeron-Morinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06970327078773521327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1549142133404588868.post-88398983942611495772010-10-29T18:59:00.000-04:002011-10-30T01:21:10.054-04:00Done!Pics! This is what I wore to the office today. Of course, it was originally meant as a Steampunk outfit... it turned into a riding outfit missing a hat ;-)... for now!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PzOntN0RvPk/TMtQ6AYcJJI/AAAAAAAACBE/zrb0YZiZYHg/s1600/DSC06814.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PzOntN0RvPk/TMtQ6AYcJJI/AAAAAAAACBE/zrb0YZiZYHg/s320/DSC06814.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PzOntN0RvPk/TMtQ94Idy_I/AAAAAAAACBI/xTiqjZ3XENQ/s1600/DSC06815.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PzOntN0RvPk/TMtQ94Idy_I/AAAAAAAACBI/xTiqjZ3XENQ/s320/DSC06815.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PzOntN0RvPk/TMtRCIPcesI/AAAAAAAACBM/p0Sm_paw0wg/s1600/DSC06816.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PzOntN0RvPk/TMtRCIPcesI/AAAAAAAACBM/p0Sm_paw0wg/s320/DSC06816.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PzOntN0RvPk/TMtRF82pRmI/AAAAAAAACBQ/s0UdHM4_unA/s1600/DSC06817.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PzOntN0RvPk/TMtRF82pRmI/AAAAAAAACBQ/s0UdHM4_unA/s320/DSC06817.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PzOntN0RvPk/TMtRJ3QsS7I/AAAAAAAACBU/MR7CX8QHQc0/s1600/DSC06818.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PzOntN0RvPk/TMtRJ3QsS7I/AAAAAAAACBU/MR7CX8QHQc0/s320/DSC06818.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>Audrey Bergeron-Morinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06970327078773521327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1549142133404588868.post-55160030404874578102010-10-20T21:43:00.000-04:002011-10-30T01:21:50.674-04:00Fitting the bodiceIf you've read my previous post, you'll know I was dealing with fitting issues and waiting for Richard to get home and pin the bodice on me.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
What I found out: it was too long in front, but the back seemed to be the right length and the darts seemed to end in the right place. I guess it was just made for BIG boobs, and mine weren't sufficient to fit it ;-) Richard pinned along the shoulder seam evenly, a good 1/2 inch pinch, so I removed a full inch from the shoulder seam, but only at the front (and that was after removing an inch in overall length before I even got started!). Since this meant the front was now one inch higher, I had to redraw the neck opening (one inch lower). The front piece now being one inch shorter, I needed to also shorten the front lapel.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PzOntN0RvPk/TL-Z8U5houI/AAAAAAAACAc/0Ag3ivqZ8Ys/s1600/DSC06809.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PzOntN0RvPk/TL-Z8U5houI/AAAAAAAACAc/0Ag3ivqZ8Ys/s320/DSC06809.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alterations to the front and lapel pieces</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
We also pinched the side back seam slightly, since it was gapping at the back.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PzOntN0RvPk/TL-aW9wYHtI/AAAAAAAACAg/8LRrlhzhI7I/s1600/DSC06810.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PzOntN0RvPk/TL-aW9wYHtI/AAAAAAAACAg/8LRrlhzhI7I/s320/DSC06810.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Side back seam, with extra removed</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
Fits much better now, doesn't it?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PzOntN0RvPk/TL-al6Bb_dI/AAAAAAAACAk/f0JXmDUo_9Y/s1600/DSC06813.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PzOntN0RvPk/TL-al6Bb_dI/AAAAAAAACAk/f0JXmDUo_9Y/s320/DSC06813.JPG" width="186" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>Audrey Bergeron-Morinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06970327078773521327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1549142133404588868.post-34110021509621709922010-10-17T00:25:00.001-04:002011-10-30T01:22:20.764-04:00More progressI worked a lot on this project this week, and I was finally able to start sewing today! The skirt is done except for buttons and hem. No pics because, well, when it's not being worn, it looks rather like a big pile of fabric.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The day started with a big scare. As I was lining up the skirt pieces for flatlining, I had a sudden feeling that I had cut the thing on the wrong side. See, this skirt is meant to cover the legs of a side-saddle rider, so it's long on one side. Normally, you climb the horse from the left (the horse being on your right), so both your legs are on the left side of the horse; which means that the skirt is longer on the right side, so it covers both your legs gracefully as you're riding. But since it's asymmetric, it has to be cut all from the same side of the fabric so the longer part is on your right. For a moment there, I thought I'd cut my fabric on the wrong side! Phew, I'm glad it wasn't the case :-)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
My big victory of the day: I fixed my sewing machine! A while ago, I must have screwed the small screw on crooked, because it seems I stripped it. It still worked for the regular foot, but my double-feed foot is thicker so it wouldn't hold that, and I really needed it for this project. I went to the repair store a couple of days ago but even with the machine model, they couldn't be sure which screw to give me, so they told me to come back with my screw. Well, the store is far and I needed it today, so I asked Richard if he thought I might find a similar screw in a hardware store. He answered maybe, but you'd have better luck in an electronics store. So... I dug out the bag of various screws I inherited when I was having problems with my motherboard; I found a screw that is identical in every way, except for the head. I thought it would be too big, but... look at that picture! It's just fine! (And much, much better quality than the original too!) (It's the big screw on the right, holding the white plastic part onto the vertical shaft.)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PzOntN0RvPk/TLp1I0rg0HI/AAAAAAAAB_g/LRGFKIZ6daw/s1600/DSC06799.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PzOntN0RvPk/TLp1I0rg0HI/AAAAAAAAB_g/LRGFKIZ6daw/s320/DSC06799.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Let me introduce you to my double-feed foot.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So, I was able to do a decent amount of sewing without swearing too much ;-)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The bodice pieces were all cut and waiting for me. On top is my fashion fabric (wool); middle is the lining (cotton/poly percale); and bottom is flatlining (cotton denim) to give more body to the fashion fabric.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PzOntN0RvPk/TLp2ffBXKHI/AAAAAAAAB_k/prhX-ATldcQ/s1600/DSC06798.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PzOntN0RvPk/TLp2ffBXKHI/AAAAAAAAB_k/prhX-ATldcQ/s320/DSC06798.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I assembled it and had the very good idea to check fit carefully before I was done. Even though I removed a standard (for me) one inch in length before I even started thinking about cutting my fabric, it's still a good 1/2 inch too big in the shoulders, and, as usual, the back of the armhole gaps. There's nothing wrong with the pattern; my body is simply made that way.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The waist fits really well :</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PzOntN0RvPk/TLp3RuG637I/AAAAAAAAB_o/f1t-dxzSNaU/s1600/DSC06805.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PzOntN0RvPk/TLp3RuG637I/AAAAAAAAB_o/f1t-dxzSNaU/s320/DSC06805.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The shoulders and armscye, in the back, need some adjustments. Thankfully, Richard is extremely good at pinning on a live body.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PzOntN0RvPk/TLp6J6otF1I/AAAAAAAACAA/C1sjaHGJoM0/s1600/DSC06802b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PzOntN0RvPk/TLp6J6otF1I/AAAAAAAACAA/C1sjaHGJoM0/s320/DSC06802b.JPG" width="209" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Tomorrow, well... I'll see how I feel after taiko... but I'll try to finish assembling the bodice! If I can finish my own costume before the weekend, maybe I'll have time to make something for Richard after all!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>Audrey Bergeron-Morinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06970327078773521327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1549142133404588868.post-44267992905396525722010-10-12T00:26:00.004-04:002011-10-30T01:22:56.012-04:00I hate cutting, I hate cutting, I hate cutting!I know I said it before, but I hate cutting. Blergh!<br />
<br />
For the record, I'm cutting the pieces for the riding skirt. But since the pieces are so wide, there's nowhere else to do it but on the floor in the middle of the living room, after having moved all the furniture to the side. And then I went and stepped into my pins container and sent it flying all over the floor because I was trying to watch the Steampunk Castle episode at the same time. (Thank God for magnets!)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PzOntN0RvPk/TLp7aBJuXvI/AAAAAAAACAE/FqGzK5vGwTI/s1600/DSC06797.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PzOntN0RvPk/TLp7aBJuXvI/AAAAAAAACAE/FqGzK5vGwTI/s320/DSC06797.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taken from the middle of the stairs; say hello to giant piece. This fabric is extra-wide, so it really doesn't look as impressive as it was in reality; in fact this pattern pieces is something like 54 inches wide!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Got three of the six annoyingly large pieces done; after that, I can move back to the dining room table.<br />
<br />
But, even when I don't have to do it on my knees, I still hate cutting ;-)Audrey Bergeron-Morinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06970327078773521327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1549142133404588868.post-9465078384656556652010-10-10T01:05:00.000-04:002011-10-30T01:24:02.892-04:00Corset done... what's next?I seriously lost momentum. I was hoping to do Steampunk at Halloween but I got invited to... a Gothic banquet... So I'll dig out what I wore two years ago (<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/audreybmorin/Halloween2008#5263737639560666402">pics here</a>).<br />
<br />
That leaves work. But it's not the same... Making a totally incredible costume to go to work where I'll be the only one dressed up anyway is... well... not like dressing up for a Halloween party!<br />
<br />
In any case, I've kept pushing forward with the riding outfit. I don't know if it'll be finished in time, with only three weeks to go, but I'll try.<br />
<br />
Here are the latest pics!<br />
<br />
The corset, ready to cut:<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PzOntN0RvPk/TLFCdYXpiUI/AAAAAAAAB98/f1Xt36rEXOc/s1600/DSC06755.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PzOntN0RvPk/TLFCdYXpiUI/AAAAAAAAB98/f1Xt36rEXOc/s320/DSC06755.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
The pieces, cut and the lining assembled to check the fit:</div>
<div align="center" class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PzOntN0RvPk/TLFChpVH_SI/AAAAAAAAB-A/-lfGT13PDZE/s1600/DSC06756.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PzOntN0RvPk/TLFChpVH_SI/AAAAAAAAB-A/-lfGT13PDZE/s320/DSC06756.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
Then, the finished corset. Please note, it will be tied in the back, not around and to the front. This was just for trying it on without fiddling with the ties.</div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PzOntN0RvPk/TLFCpc41A1I/AAAAAAAAB-8/8w5pKey1cGw/s1600/DSC06792.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PzOntN0RvPk/TLFCpc41A1I/AAAAAAAAB-8/8w5pKey1cGw/s320/DSC06792.JPG" width="220" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PzOntN0RvPk/TLFCtSH3mWI/AAAAAAAAB_E/S-rDCiASZsE/s1600/DSC06794.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PzOntN0RvPk/TLFCtSH3mWI/AAAAAAAAB_E/S-rDCiASZsE/s320/DSC06794.JPG" width="238" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PzOntN0RvPk/TLFCaKkYcgI/AAAAAAAAB-s/MswYC0GpRDQ/s1600/DSC06795.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PzOntN0RvPk/TLFCaKkYcgI/AAAAAAAAB-s/MswYC0GpRDQ/s320/DSC06795.JPG" width="245" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
One thing I have discovered. I have absolutely no squish. They tell you that you should expect a 2-4 inch of squish. *I* squish about *one* inch. They tell you to keep a 2-inch gap in the back, but... well a 2-inch gap on a 25-inch waist looks really wide... So, the corset is a little too small, especially around the waist. The hips are just fine though, probably because the pattern isn't assuming any squish at all down there. Next one, I'll make a little bigger. And shorter too!</div>
<br />
That being said, I still think it looks pretty nice :-)Audrey Bergeron-Morinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06970327078773521327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1549142133404588868.post-18175027188137109252010-09-01T23:48:00.001-04:002011-10-30T01:24:32.002-04:00New projects - Halloween soon!This is a project I've had for a very long time. It's not meant to be historical, just to be great! I'm starting from <a href="http://www.trulyvictorian.com/">Truly Victorian</a> patterns. I'm going from this overskirt and bodice combination:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://trulyvictorian.com/catalog/364.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="166" src="http://trulyvictorian.com/catalog/364.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://trulyvictorian.com/catalog/463.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="178" src="http://trulyvictorian.com/catalog/463.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
I've found some pretty cool fabric. I swore I wouldn't do red because it's been overdone already, but, you guessed it, the fabric I found is red. I've also found a nice patterned black.So, the question is, should I put the black over the red, or the red over the black? My thinking was this: If I do black over red, then I can wear the red underskirt alone, and maybe I have enough red fabric left to make a second, lower bodice (think ball gown), and maybe I've got enough black left to cheat and borrow the vest basque from the early bustle period.<br />
<br />
If I do black under, then... well I guess it ends up being pretty much the same. I can wear the black gown alone with a lower bodice, and maybe I've got enough red to make... well... I can't see myself making a vest basque from the red fabric.<br />
<br />
So I guess it comes to this: I think the red would make an absolutely fantastic waterfall overskirt; and I think the black would make a couple of nice bodices.<br />
<br />
How weird would it be to have a bodice matching the skirt instead of the overskirt? <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PzOntN0RvPk/TH8RXvxR1EI/AAAAAAAAB9M/sxJJJhdmN8s/s1600/DSC06751.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PzOntN0RvPk/TH8RXvxR1EI/AAAAAAAAB9M/sxJJJhdmN8s/s200/DSC06751.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PzOntN0RvPk/TH8RcOjKQII/AAAAAAAAB9U/Er16JpbC7jU/s1600/DSC06754.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PzOntN0RvPk/TH8RcOjKQII/AAAAAAAAB9U/Er16JpbC7jU/s200/DSC06754.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Verdict is this: I need to change my bodice choice.<br />
<br />
So, in red, I can make this: <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://trulyvictorian.com/catalog/416.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="126" src="http://trulyvictorian.com/catalog/416.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://trulyvictorian.com/catalog/368.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://trulyvictorian.com/catalog/368.jpg" width="161" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
And, in black, I can make one of these two:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://trulyvictorian.com/catalog/462.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://trulyvictorian.com/catalog/462.jpg" width="113" /></a><a href="http://trulyvictorian.com/catalog/405.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="141" src="http://trulyvictorian.com/catalog/405.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I really think I need to do the first bodice I wanted to do all in black lace to get the effect I want; that and a layered under skirt with no flouncy overlay. Maybe like this.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://trulyvictorian.com/catalog/381.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="148" src="http://trulyvictorian.com/catalog/381.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
Or simply like the one on this page: <a href="http://www.reconstructinghistory.com/tv208-1870-trained-skirt-ensemble-pattern.php?s=&c=22&d=186&q=2&p=684&w=21">http://www.reconstructinghistory.com/tv208-1870-trained-skirt-ensemble-pattern.php?s=&c=22&d=186&q=2&p=684&w=21</a><br />
<br />
No colour or fluff. That'll be for another time!<br />
<br />
<hr width="80%" />
<br />
I said I was going to talk about Halloween, didn't I? Well, the project above, or rather, the original project, the one I just said I will have to do all in black, was supposed to be my Halloween costume this year. I had it all figured out, including a supplier for the contact lenses I was to wear. But... Richard has said the magic word Steampunk, so I can't let it pass.<br />
<br />
Tomorrow, I will be ordering the riding habit skirt and bodice...see, I already have the fabric for it, and it just happens to be tan...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://trulyvictorian.com/catalog/264.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="140" src="http://trulyvictorian.com/catalog/264.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://trulyvictorian.com/catalog/464.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="118" src="http://trulyvictorian.com/catalog/464.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Audrey Bergeron-Morinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06970327078773521327noreply@blogger.com1