The Edwardian-ish Dress

The completed Edwardian dress, from the back. This is, without a doubt, the most ambitious sewing project I've taken on. I consider my skills to be beginning level, so the fact that I did the top without a pattern, and altered a skirt pattern... and it fits and did not fall apart... is a huge, giant win in my book! And it is blue and silvery grey - Ravenclaw for another win!

Miscellaneous things from the evening... bag (lightly beaded), dance card, gloves, necklace, (unwinning) raffle ticket

A view of the dress from the front, at the courthouse for the ball. It was a lovely evening. I think people should find excuses to dress up more. Everyone was just a little more polite, and had better posture. It's not something I'd want to have to do everyday, but several times a year I could handle.

The process - still life of hand sewing implements

Irene's lovely sewing machine which she was kind enough to let me borrow (a Brother). I love it, and want one like it.

Nearing the end - you can see more bodice detail (and the pinning of the ribbon belt)

the back, pinned in various places

Done! from the back

detail of the front skirt

Done! The front

The necklace I slightly altered - the chain was not there originally, but if you look at things from the period, many have the draped chain.

I hate to say it, but I've already been thinking about Halloween. I'm thinking Autumn, or some kind of goddess of autumn. I even thrifted a long red, stretch velvet dress. Hmmm.....

Springing

Spring, it sneaks up on you sometimes, when you aren't paying attention.

Flowers burst into bloom, even when there are still snowy days, off and on.

The perennials from last year stir themselves into life. So far, all have come back. This year, I will add a few more, along with the annuals to fill in. Eventually, it will be a full perennial garden, with flowers blooming at different times. And I can do that, now, since I've made the decision to stay here, in Butte and in this little house.

And I am doing things, things that I would normally look longingly at, but would somehow come up with an excuse for not doing. Like going to the ball (even without the pumpkin coach and fairy godmother).

Since the Courthouse Centennial Ball requires period clothing, I will be attempting to construct a 1912~ish ball gown. Some of it will be sewn on a machine, and some of it will be sewn by hand. I'm feeling both exhilarated and terrified all at the same time. 

The fabrics are a combination of thrifted dress, lace curtains, and satin, chiffon, and tulle bought on sale.

Mostly, I've been living, just living here, now, in this place, with me as I am now. And enjoying an occasional latte (iced this time) and sometimes a tasty treat (here, a cupcake frosted to look like a rose). If you look, life is full of beautiful ordinariness.

And I've been collecting things, for reasons I'm not sure of yet, and trusting myself to know somewhere in my head what the reasons are. The forces of creativity and making are quietly gathering strength, and somewhere, all these little magpie bits will come into play.

Since I've decided to stay here, in this place and house, I've been organizing. Suddenly, all the things that were "good enough" for now, in case I moved and left them all behind, don't quite cut it. I'm finding ways to use space well, to fit the things I want and need, and to get rid of the things that aren't beautiful and useful.

I bought shoes. More Keens. Because I love them. And because I have worn my green pair into the ground. And because buying a pair was on my birthday list.

I have been taking care of Callie. Even though we've increase her medication dosage, her thyroid levels still keep climbing. It's something that may stabilize, or her thyroid may just be giving out. I took her to see a holistic vet, who did a combination of massage, chiropractic, and acupuncture. I'm learning to just go with what is, and to cherish my days with her. She'll be 17 next month, and she is still my heart.

The inside flowers are blooming happily. In another 2-3 weeks, they'll get to go outside for the summer.

Things are opening, and blooming, and stretching out into the sunshine.