Public vs. Private

Someone recently suggested I link this blog to Facebook. I'd potentially reach more people, this sounds like a good idea. Sounds like. I have been torn from the beginnings of the interwebs between the desire to connect, contribute and share with the very deep seated desire for privacy. Funny that.

I want to crack wise and pontificate all from behind a folding fan, or secreted behind a screen like an eavesdropper in a Restoration comedy. Occasionally running to the edge of the stage to comment to the audience.  I have an expectation of privacy, it may be generational, but I do feel the internal tension between holding it tight and letting it go.  I know this debate has been around as long as the internets, it's not new, but I used to just default to anonymity. How do you all deal?  Does it matter?

Anyway, I WILL have pictures of the seaside picnic next time. Even if I'm dressed in a barrel.
Every your Thimble,
Miss Brilliantine

I Prepare to be Reviled

You are not going to like this. It was a shock to me too.
Last night while watching "Outlander", I happened to change the channel by mistake and this happened.

And then back to this,

It is stuck in my head.
What are the odds? I do love me some Eric Stoltz, Christina Hendricks, really all redheads.
But B*tch Pelisse!

Ever your Thimble Servant,
Miss Brilliantine

Forget it Jake, It's Gatsby Town

I attended the Gatsby Summer Afternoon in Oakland on Sunday with the BF and my brother. Saturday night we saw Ballet Russe Spectacle Variete, part of the Fringe Festival in San Francisco. Sprung fully formed from the brain of my friend B. Todi. Anyone who goes to the Great Christmas Dickens Fair will have the opportunity to see this hilarious act. http://www.dickensfair.com/

There was much drinking and some dancing so the pictures are few (yes I know people want to SEE things). The crowd was great, everywhere you looked critical mass of revelers.

The Dunsmuir house is in the background and the hubbub was epic, imagine the orchestra playing a 20's standard. There were plenty of vintage cars, as usual and plenty of bathtub gin, or bathtub champagne if you prefer.

I love a nice outdoor dance floor, it's so jolly. If you are very eagle eyed you may spot Autumn Adamme of Dark Garden corsetry,http://www.darkgarden.com/

Speaking of pictures, all the pictures of the dress looked terrible. (I get to choose cuz it's my blog.) So instead here are a few in a park-like setting.

It looked good enough but the action shots were not up to snuff. Too much sun, too much shade or a terrible candid shot chewing. That always happens to me.....

Forget it Jake, it's Gatsby town

Ever your Thimble,
Miss Brilliantine

99c Store Shoe Clips and Indecision

I love the 99c Store. You may be Dollar General or Dollar Tree fans, but you also may be millionaires.
I  have a love of re-purposing, or as I like to say making things out of other things. Not as elegant but descriptive. Bath pillows as emergency bustle pads? I'm for it! Taking apart a cheap umbrella to use on a parasol that is missing a tip, Yes! Not a permanent fix but if you need just one....

To illustrate, I give you the 99c Store shoe clip.

They have these beaded rings, so many colors, but who would wear such a thing..... on their fingers.

The ring part is just hot glued on and with the judicious application of a hair drier the glue softens and the ring comes right off. You can even reuse the now hot glue to stick on the metal clips.
Which you can purchase on line here- http://www.american-duchess.com/historic-shoe-buckles-accessories

Just be careful not to glue on the clip open, like I did the first time, I couldn't get it closed. I have sewn them on which I think this is the better, more secure way.

The white ones in the middle have the rings taken off, you can see the glob of hot glue. The clips have sew through holes for proper application.

I was also contemplating using two together as a belt buckle-shiny. Or at the bottom of a sash for an Edwardian gown. The world is your oyster with little beady bits! Maybe the base of a plume for your hair. You decide.



Here is how they look.

Not perfectly ANY period, but peaking out from under a skirt as you waltz by, tantalizing.






Part Two-Indecision

The Gatsby Summer Afternoon in Oakland Ca. is fast approaching and while an actual 20's frock is not really flattering on me I do like a cute 30's number. I have the fabric and just too many patterns. That's the indecision. It's the part that always stops me in my tracks. See.

It's just a dress make up your mind.
I did finally, taking into account the sheerness of the cotton and how much pattern alteration I wanted to do.

*It's easy*
 It too is looking a little frumpy but as soon as I get the belt made I'm sure I'll like it. I'm wearing it anyway and I have a hat with the exact poppy as the print- that's why I never throw anything away.  I'll get pictures.

I will get to the aqua dress, the picnic is back on, more later.

Ever Your Thimble Servant,
Miss Brilliantine

I emerge from behind a bush

The bf and I did make it to the Huntington Beach CW event. This is not our usual time travel but it was a fun event and very well attended. I wore my quicky jacket, it was comfy, if not well fitted  (there was no fitting at all, so it's a bit roomy). And I did get to trot out and trot around in my Robert Land Balmoral boots. See.

And as promised,  the thrift store skirt, not really wide enough around but such a pretty print. I'm a sucker for an artificial dress support. I love a flying buttress or suspension bridge any kind of puff-up, spread-out widener. But here am I cage free, it was liberating.

And Jake, all gussied up in a vest he patterned himself (and I sewed). I also made the tie and pants, I'm getting pretty good at the breeches, just don't ask me to match a plaid. He is a  good sport about the dress up. It took me a long time to find him, but he's a keeper. He works in dimensional design at the giant international theme park company, so he has the patterning chops (if I can teach him to sew I'll be home free). The tie is a re-purposed silk thrift store one. I take them apart, cut them up and resew, they make a passable 19th c. bow. I'll post a tutorial if anyone is interested.

And just for your enjoyment, the tallest Zouave ever.

Ever your Thimble Servant,
Miss Brilliantine