Working on my cat tail.. Thursday, Feb 5 2009

As I have stated before, I am going to AnthroCon 2009 this year with Wes (my husband) and some friends (who invited us).  I always get excited about things like this, basically all I need is an excuse to sew, and I am there.  So Wes and I discussed what my “fursona” should be, we decided that I am a liger (liger/tiger mix).  I am an exotic liger (I needed an excuse to wear hot pink and  black).  So here is what I worked on

This is the fabric and stuffing used to fill it. It is a hot pink/black tiger print, both items are from JoAnns

So the first thing I did was fold in the fabric about 3.5″ and cut.  That left me with a folded piece of fabric, approx 42 inch long.  After that I folded it the other way, with right sides facing eachother, and sewed a 1/4″ seam

Seems basic enough. So after I did the seam. I then laid the fabric out so that the seam is in the middle of the fabric, I needed to do this, so I can sew the bottom edge together.

That white line you see is my attempt to make a curved line, so that when flipped inside out, instead of being straight, it will have an actual curve to it, just like a cats tail. Didn’t work out…exactly the way I wanted it, but it was ok.

So after all that, I flipped the tail inside out, and started stuffing it using the poly fill. I was able to slip my hand and wrist in there, and basically I would hold the poly fill and then scrunch the tail. I didnt over stuff it, I just stuffed it enough to be full.

Then…I took a hanger, straightened it out (to the best of my ability) and CAREFULLY worked the hanger into the tail, leaving about a 1 inch space from the bottom so that it doesn’t pole through.  I bent the top part of the hanger, stuck it into the poly fill, and then sewed the top close, and then flipped the over lap over and sewed that close to create a basic loop to slip the band through.  Here is the finished product..

It just so happens that my sheets have a tiger pattern going on. I also have a black and white tiger print blanket, and a tiger print bag, and other countless tiger print things (I love tigers, can’t you tell ?)  So the resulting length of the tail is about 37 inches, and with the hanger in it, I can curve it any way I want.

Tomorrow I am going to basically do an elastic band using 1 yard of elastic and the same fabric. I am just going to make a belt, slip it through the loop of the tail. And I can wear it around my waist. I am also going to do the ears/headband.

And I have designed my dress for opening day-here is a quick sketch of it

Sorry that it is on the side. But I basically want a bodice, overskirt, and underskirt.  The bodice and overskirt will have black trim. For the main color I wanted a light gray/silverish fabric. It has to be lightweight (opening day is usually a scorcher).  I will be wearing a white chemise, and detachable bell sleeves.  So once I go through my existing fabric (I think I have some light gray/silver fabric lying around) I will start working on it .  I am adding black to make a stark contrast, and black is usually a color associated with nobility.

Well that is it for tonight. Feel free to share your comments and questions! tata

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Some of my past garb Wednesday, Feb 4 2009

Here are pictures of some of my past garb for the ren fair. I made all of these by myself!  I either reconstructed garments, drafted my own patterns, or just freehanded it. Enjoy!

Wes and I

My friend Tim and I-with alot of Ale in our systems

Me in my red and black pirate garb-I didnt sew a waistband to the skirt!

Wes & I-Pants, pirate coat, bodice, gloves-We were going to use this picture for our wedding invites-say "till death do us part"

Simple 1 peice Irish Dress-black chemise-made 4 hours before opening day for PARF 2008

Wes and I-my first attempt at a nobles gown. Reconstructed from my ex-sister in laws wedding dress. I think for a first time, it came out very well

My closing day gown (and cloak) Gown is a navy blue velvet, and the cloak is from Half Moon

So these have been what I wore to the ren fair. As you can see, I have progressed fairly well, if I must say so myself. Stay tuned!

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Countdown has begun! 2009 Wednesday, Feb 4 2009

So-all I have to say is that the 50’s style dress for the wedding, did not work out so well. Once again, I procrastinated, and of course it showed. Honestly, the mock up looked great, but because I decided to take short cuts, I paid for it.

But in other news…Ren fair season 2009 is fast approaching. Well not really, but it is coming amongst us. It at least gives me a chance to start working on my opening day outfit, plus working on my closing day. I still have my two gowns from last year, and although I love them to death, Im not sure about wearing them again.

I think this year, for opening day for my home fair-MDRF, Im going to go with something simple. A nice bodice, chemise, and skirt. Not sure if I am going to do the pirate/wench look or the maiden look. The two big factors effecting what I chose to make are

1-weather. it is usually HOT on opening day.
2-comfort. since i have fibromyalgia, alot of things are uncomfortable for me. i cant wear a bodice that is too tight, because it would cause lots of pain.

So Im not sure, but I do have some other crafty things to do. I am going to Anthrocon 2009 this year. First year going.It’s basically a con for Furries, those who like humanized animals. I am going as a Liger. Lion/Tiger Mix. My outfit is hotpink and black (I am an exotic liger). The first, and most important thing to start with is the tail. So I will post updates as they come.

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