What books and/or magazines did I read this month?
Beauty by Robin McKinley
The Dot and the Line
The Works of Edgar Allan Poe Complete and Unabridged
The Secret Lives of Hoarders
What movies, television shows, plays, etc. did I watch this month?
Movies: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2, Pirates of the Caribbean On Stranger Tides, Thor, Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl, As You Like It, Sherlock Holmes, The Count of Monte Cristo, The Big Sleep, Bolt
TV: Bones
Where did I eat out this month?
Creme de Bakery
Tea Rose Diner
Red Ginger Bistro
Einstein Bros.
Brick Oven
Jamba Juice
What fun things did I do with my family and/or friends?
Going-away party for Laura and Kristan
Hanging out with Lorraine and Glenna
What were my accomplishments this month?
Got a job.
What were my disappointments this month?
Hotman gone forever. :(
Favorite new recipe:
At The Abbey's Kitchen: Pear Pudding, Nut Milk
At Cookery Mine: Chocolate Mint Cake, Lentil Sausage Casserole, Oven Zucchini Fries
Quotes:
Me: Hey, my ex is on League of Legends, you should frag him.
Cuyler: Whatever I'm not gonna frag him, I'm gonna pwn the nub.
What I made:
tablet weaving
beaded skirt
mended/altered some stuff
2011/08/31
2011/08/28
Save the Dress.
I got this vintage dress on Etsy. I'm using one of the seller's photos because I didn't take any before-photos of my own. (I am really bad at all this blogging about crafting stuff.)
Super cute, right!
When I got it, I found that the silk fabric was a little too delicate to actually be wearable. It got rips just from being touched wrongly. Other problems, as I knew when I bought it, were holes in the organza on the collar, and the sleeves had been removed, with the lining and outer stitched together by hand (rather amateurishly) along the sleeve hole.
The dress was pretty cheap, so I figured I got what I paid for, and could put some time into fixing it. The lining is all in really good condition, it's just the silk outer fabric that is too dang delicate to handle life.
First I whipstitched shut all the tears in the skirt. There were quite a few little tears, and a huge one that I caused when I tried it on after buying, and walked through a doorway that was not quite open far enough. The skirt snagged on the door and got the tear. The mending stitches are not very visible, thanks to the dark lining.
I couldn't apply that technique to the holes in the collar. The holes were all on the same side though, so I folded the collar in half, putting the holes on the inside, and sewed it down, using hand sewing again to make the stitching invisible. I like the short mandarin shaped collar more than peter pan collars.
There was another tear in the organza along one of the shoulder seams, which I whipstitched closed. That mend is a lot more visible than the ones in the skirt, but I'll just have to live with it.
I also added hook and eyes to support the snap that kept popping open on my bust.
My idea is that to protect the delicate silk, I can add a layer of new sheer silk in a matching color to the skirt, and sew all the layers together at the hem to encase the old the silk. Covered by sheer silk, the embroidery will still be visible, albeit subdued in contrast. (I don't have a problem with that.) I also wanted to make new sleeves with the new silk.
I wouldn't be able to use this outer lining technique on the the bodice, but that section is a lot less likely to snag on things and get torn, I hope. I will still have to handwash and air dry the dress after all these fixes have been made, instead of washing like normal with everything else I own, because of the delicate silk on the bodice.
I thought I would have to shelve it after these preliminary fixes, because who knows when and where I'd be able to find sheer silk in a matching color, let alone how much it would cost. Then I realized I knew where to find sheer linen, and maybe that would work. I ordered some in a color that I hoped would match. But it will probably not be as shiny as the silk on the dress, so when I get the linen, I'll have to decide. I don't want the skirt to look THAT different from the rest of the dress, especially if the sleeves don't match as well. It's such a stupid pseudo-ren-faire look to have a bodice on a dress different from the skirt and sleeves.
Perhaps, avoid that look, I'll make shoulder yokes out of the linen as well, to pull the different fabric a little into the bodice, making it look less separated. That would also help to disguise the mended tear in the shoulder seam.
I'll post more later when I've worked on it more.
Super cute, right!
When I got it, I found that the silk fabric was a little too delicate to actually be wearable. It got rips just from being touched wrongly. Other problems, as I knew when I bought it, were holes in the organza on the collar, and the sleeves had been removed, with the lining and outer stitched together by hand (rather amateurishly) along the sleeve hole.
The dress was pretty cheap, so I figured I got what I paid for, and could put some time into fixing it. The lining is all in really good condition, it's just the silk outer fabric that is too dang delicate to handle life.
First I whipstitched shut all the tears in the skirt. There were quite a few little tears, and a huge one that I caused when I tried it on after buying, and walked through a doorway that was not quite open far enough. The skirt snagged on the door and got the tear. The mending stitches are not very visible, thanks to the dark lining.
I couldn't apply that technique to the holes in the collar. The holes were all on the same side though, so I folded the collar in half, putting the holes on the inside, and sewed it down, using hand sewing again to make the stitching invisible. I like the short mandarin shaped collar more than peter pan collars.
There was another tear in the organza along one of the shoulder seams, which I whipstitched closed. That mend is a lot more visible than the ones in the skirt, but I'll just have to live with it.
I also added hook and eyes to support the snap that kept popping open on my bust.
My idea is that to protect the delicate silk, I can add a layer of new sheer silk in a matching color to the skirt, and sew all the layers together at the hem to encase the old the silk. Covered by sheer silk, the embroidery will still be visible, albeit subdued in contrast. (I don't have a problem with that.) I also wanted to make new sleeves with the new silk.
I wouldn't be able to use this outer lining technique on the the bodice, but that section is a lot less likely to snag on things and get torn, I hope. I will still have to handwash and air dry the dress after all these fixes have been made, instead of washing like normal with everything else I own, because of the delicate silk on the bodice.
I thought I would have to shelve it after these preliminary fixes, because who knows when and where I'd be able to find sheer silk in a matching color, let alone how much it would cost. Then I realized I knew where to find sheer linen, and maybe that would work. I ordered some in a color that I hoped would match. But it will probably not be as shiny as the silk on the dress, so when I get the linen, I'll have to decide. I don't want the skirt to look THAT different from the rest of the dress, especially if the sleeves don't match as well. It's such a stupid pseudo-ren-faire look to have a bodice on a dress different from the skirt and sleeves.
Perhaps, avoid that look, I'll make shoulder yokes out of the linen as well, to pull the different fabric a little into the bodice, making it look less separated. That would also help to disguise the mended tear in the shoulder seam.
I'll post more later when I've worked on it more.
2011/08/23
Bub.
After four months of knowing what I need to write, but not being able to think hard enough to be able to do it, I've finally come up with something. I got kind of stuck because I have to write a bunch of pseudo-rom-com stuff, and that's really difficult for me. But now I've got something. Not all the scenes that I need to write, but something.
EDIT: I've replaced the songs I had originally written in with some public domain songs that work just as well. I wasn't in love with using the other songs, just hadn't done the research yet.
INT. Swing club - night
Eric is onstage, crooning weakly and off-key. The club is pretty full, but most people are sitting and standing around. A few on the dance floor are attempting to make the best of this sad excuse for music. The band sits on the stage behind Eric, looking bored.
ERIC
Give me, give me, give me what I cry for, you know you got the brand of kisses that I’d die for. You know you made me love you. You know you made me love you.
Bub makes his way through the crowd to Marsha, who is at the soundboard.
BUB
You're doing karaoke now?
MARSHA
It's experimental. The outcome so far has been underwhelming.
Bub laughs. Marsha gives a wry smile.
As Eric finishes singing, there is some unenthusiastic, polite applause.
ERIC
That was for my babe.
Quinn, who is among the sitting crowd, bites her lip and glances to the side.
Marsha speaks into the microphone at the sound board.
MARSHA
Alright, thank you. That's the end of the karaoke hour, try again next week.
Eric sits down next to Quinn, Quinn quickly gets up without looking at him and walks away.
MARSHA
And now give it up for our band, the Hinkyjinks!
The crowd applauds more excitedly as a HOT SINGER, who looks like she stepped straight out the forties, takes the stage and the DRUMMER does a drumroll. The band begins playing CURSE OF AN ACHING HEART.
Bub looks out into the crowd, his attention suddenly riveted to something.
BUB
Excuse me.
Spencer, wearing a lovely vintage dress, stands in a small group. Bub approaches her from behind. The group stops chatting and looks at him. Spencer turns around, an eyebrow quirked, then smirks when she sees Bub.
SPENCER
So, we meet again at last.
BUB
Ready to dance?
SPENCER
Are you?
Bub offers her his right hand. She takes it and he spins her out as the Hot Singer starts.
HOT SINGER
You made me think you cared for me, and I believed in you. You told me things you never meant and made me think them true. I gambled in the game of life. I played my heart and lost. I'm now a wreck upon life's sea, alone I pay the cost.
Bub and Spencer dance some simple swing with a few spins and that kind of stuff.
SPENCER
That's the best you can do?
As the next verse starts, Bub kicks it up to triple step, with more aggressive and advanced moves. Spencer is easily keeping up.
HOT SINGER
You made me what I am today! I hope you're satisfied. You dragged and dragged me down until the soul within me died. You shattered each and every dream; fooled me right from the start. And though you're not true, may God bless you. That's the curse of an aching heart!
The band goes into a hot instrumental to end the song and Bub spins Spencer faster, does several lifts, and eventually ends by spinning her in and holding her against his chest, their faces inches apart.
They pause, breathing heavily. Then Spencer spins herself out.
SPENCER
That was pretty hot. I thought I was going to kick you in the face.
She lets go of his hand and walks away.
Quinn comes up to Bub and softly punches his shoulder.
QUINN
Hey flatfoot, you never dance like that with me.
Bub is staring off after Spencer.
BUB
Yeah...
Bub walks away.
EXT. SWING CLUB - NIGHT
Spencer is standing outside, running her hands through her hair, looking up at the sky. Bub walks quickly towards her.
BUB
It's dangerous for you to be out like this.
Spencer turns half towards him. She takes the bobby pins out of her mouth and pins her hair back up.
SPENCER
What's it to you?
BUB
Someone broke into your house to try to murder you.
Spencer shrugs.
BUB
Even if you're not concerned for your life, I'm the detective working on this case and it would look pretty bad if I let you get killed.
SPENCER
Oh no, of course, what was I thinking! Your career is at stake, how inconsiderate of me to try to have a life!
BUB
You should be trying to preserve your life.
Spencer looks at him for a moment, then shrugs again and walks back into the club. Bub watches her go, his jaw tense.
EDIT: I've replaced the songs I had originally written in with some public domain songs that work just as well. I wasn't in love with using the other songs, just hadn't done the research yet.
INT. Swing club - night
Eric is onstage, crooning weakly and off-key. The club is pretty full, but most people are sitting and standing around. A few on the dance floor are attempting to make the best of this sad excuse for music. The band sits on the stage behind Eric, looking bored.
ERIC
Give me, give me, give me what I cry for, you know you got the brand of kisses that I’d die for. You know you made me love you. You know you made me love you.
Bub makes his way through the crowd to Marsha, who is at the soundboard.
BUB
You're doing karaoke now?
MARSHA
It's experimental. The outcome so far has been underwhelming.
Bub laughs. Marsha gives a wry smile.
As Eric finishes singing, there is some unenthusiastic, polite applause.
ERIC
That was for my babe.
Quinn, who is among the sitting crowd, bites her lip and glances to the side.
Marsha speaks into the microphone at the sound board.
MARSHA
Alright, thank you. That's the end of the karaoke hour, try again next week.
Eric sits down next to Quinn, Quinn quickly gets up without looking at him and walks away.
MARSHA
And now give it up for our band, the Hinkyjinks!
The crowd applauds more excitedly as a HOT SINGER, who looks like she stepped straight out the forties, takes the stage and the DRUMMER does a drumroll. The band begins playing CURSE OF AN ACHING HEART.
Bub looks out into the crowd, his attention suddenly riveted to something.
BUB
Excuse me.
Spencer, wearing a lovely vintage dress, stands in a small group. Bub approaches her from behind. The group stops chatting and looks at him. Spencer turns around, an eyebrow quirked, then smirks when she sees Bub.
SPENCER
So, we meet again at last.
BUB
Ready to dance?
SPENCER
Are you?
Bub offers her his right hand. She takes it and he spins her out as the Hot Singer starts.
HOT SINGER
You made me think you cared for me, and I believed in you. You told me things you never meant and made me think them true. I gambled in the game of life. I played my heart and lost. I'm now a wreck upon life's sea, alone I pay the cost.
Bub and Spencer dance some simple swing with a few spins and that kind of stuff.
SPENCER
That's the best you can do?
As the next verse starts, Bub kicks it up to triple step, with more aggressive and advanced moves. Spencer is easily keeping up.
HOT SINGER
You made me what I am today! I hope you're satisfied. You dragged and dragged me down until the soul within me died. You shattered each and every dream; fooled me right from the start. And though you're not true, may God bless you. That's the curse of an aching heart!
The band goes into a hot instrumental to end the song and Bub spins Spencer faster, does several lifts, and eventually ends by spinning her in and holding her against his chest, their faces inches apart.
They pause, breathing heavily. Then Spencer spins herself out.
SPENCER
That was pretty hot. I thought I was going to kick you in the face.
She lets go of his hand and walks away.
Quinn comes up to Bub and softly punches his shoulder.
QUINN
Hey flatfoot, you never dance like that with me.
Bub is staring off after Spencer.
BUB
Yeah...
Bub walks away.
EXT. SWING CLUB - NIGHT
Spencer is standing outside, running her hands through her hair, looking up at the sky. Bub walks quickly towards her.
BUB
It's dangerous for you to be out like this.
Spencer turns half towards him. She takes the bobby pins out of her mouth and pins her hair back up.
SPENCER
What's it to you?
BUB
Someone broke into your house to try to murder you.
Spencer shrugs.
BUB
Even if you're not concerned for your life, I'm the detective working on this case and it would look pretty bad if I let you get killed.
SPENCER
Oh no, of course, what was I thinking! Your career is at stake, how inconsiderate of me to try to have a life!
BUB
You should be trying to preserve your life.
Spencer looks at him for a moment, then shrugs again and walks back into the club. Bub watches her go, his jaw tense.
2011/08/22
Two Songs.
First song. I realized later that I'd been subliminally inspired by Alas Earwax's "There's a Face." But the lyrics are different enough.
There's a man with a face on the back of his head
He did whatever the head-face said.
He wore a large turban to cover his plight
For the face on his head was a gruesome sight.
He was a professor at old Hogwarts,
But the job was cursed, and so he was forced
To travel the world after just one year,
And when he returned he was filled with fear.
He never did say what horrors he faced,
But when he came back, his hair had been replaced
With a pasty, writhing, evil mug
That survived by drinking unicorn blood.
There's a man with a face on the back of his head
He did whatever the head-face said.
He wore a large turban to cover his plight
For the face on his head was a gruesome sight.
Second song. Too many lovey-dovey couples at church, sacrament meeting about marriage, forced to sing one of my most hated hymns.
There is horror in my soul today,
And bitterness and gloom.
More umbrage than can be held
In any earthly doom.
There is horror, darkest horror
That corrodes each corner of my soul.
Each waking day and deathly night,
There is horror in my soul.
There is night time in my soul today.
I never knew the sun.
Each day and night I must keep
A candle burning dim.
There is horror, darkest horror
That corrodes each corner of my soul.
Each waking day and deathly night,
There is horror in my soul.
There is winter in my soul today,
Frozen, ghastly and grim;
And falling from the sky above
Are wings of cherubim.
There is horror, darkest horror
That corrodes each corner of my soul.
Each waking day and deathly night,
There is horror in my soul.
There is madness in my soul today,
An impenetrable fog
Where ghosts are hazy shadows near
And memories walk on.
There is horror, darkest horror
That corrodes each corner of my soul.
Each waking day and deathly night,
There is horror in my soul.
There's a man with a face on the back of his head
He did whatever the head-face said.
He wore a large turban to cover his plight
For the face on his head was a gruesome sight.
He was a professor at old Hogwarts,
But the job was cursed, and so he was forced
To travel the world after just one year,
And when he returned he was filled with fear.
He never did say what horrors he faced,
But when he came back, his hair had been replaced
With a pasty, writhing, evil mug
That survived by drinking unicorn blood.
There's a man with a face on the back of his head
He did whatever the head-face said.
He wore a large turban to cover his plight
For the face on his head was a gruesome sight.
Second song. Too many lovey-dovey couples at church, sacrament meeting about marriage, forced to sing one of my most hated hymns.
There is horror in my soul today,
And bitterness and gloom.
More umbrage than can be held
In any earthly doom.
There is horror, darkest horror
That corrodes each corner of my soul.
Each waking day and deathly night,
There is horror in my soul.
There is night time in my soul today.
I never knew the sun.
Each day and night I must keep
A candle burning dim.
There is horror, darkest horror
That corrodes each corner of my soul.
Each waking day and deathly night,
There is horror in my soul.
There is winter in my soul today,
Frozen, ghastly and grim;
And falling from the sky above
Are wings of cherubim.
There is horror, darkest horror
That corrodes each corner of my soul.
Each waking day and deathly night,
There is horror in my soul.
There is madness in my soul today,
An impenetrable fog
Where ghosts are hazy shadows near
And memories walk on.
There is horror, darkest horror
That corrodes each corner of my soul.
Each waking day and deathly night,
There is horror in my soul.
2011/08/01
July Roundup.
What books and/or magazines did I read this month?
The Works of Edgar Allan Poe Complete and Unabridged
Beauty by... blah
What movies, television shows, plays, etc. did I watch this month?
Movies: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2
TV: Avatar the Last Airbender, probably other stuff that I forgot
What fun things did I do with my family and/or friends?
Alice's birthday party
Going to Morgan for the 4th
Harry Potter party/movie
Baron's War with Glenna and Lorraine
Stitch and Bitch
Brynn's party
What gifts did I give and/or receive?
Gifts from me: gave a little notebook to Brynn
What were my accomplishments this month?
Applied for jobs
Favorite songs:
The Dresden Dolls: Coin-Operated Boy
Favorite new recipe:
The Abbey's Kitchen: Peace Island Bread, Honeyed Nutbread, Sweet White Arrowroot Sauce, Apple Pudding
Cookery Mine: Boil-Curing Potion
What I made:
tablet weaving
Quidditch robes
mini notebooks
The Works of Edgar Allan Poe Complete and Unabridged
Beauty by... blah
What movies, television shows, plays, etc. did I watch this month?
Movies: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2
TV: Avatar the Last Airbender, probably other stuff that I forgot
What fun things did I do with my family and/or friends?
Alice's birthday party
Going to Morgan for the 4th
Harry Potter party/movie
Baron's War with Glenna and Lorraine
Stitch and Bitch
Brynn's party
What gifts did I give and/or receive?
Gifts from me: gave a little notebook to Brynn
What were my accomplishments this month?
Applied for jobs
Favorite songs:
The Dresden Dolls: Coin-Operated Boy
Favorite new recipe:
The Abbey's Kitchen: Peace Island Bread, Honeyed Nutbread, Sweet White Arrowroot Sauce, Apple Pudding
Cookery Mine: Boil-Curing Potion
What I made:
tablet weaving
Quidditch robes
mini notebooks
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