When I first started this blog, I was an unemployed costumer attempting to create period gowns and costumes with very limited means. Although now employed, I still try to be as thrifty as possible. I am still "The Broke Costumer"!

In addition to posts about the outfits I make on a budget, this blog includes short research articles on fashion, history, accessories, styles, or whatever interests me at the moment.


I hope you enjoy my journey into the land of inexpensive costuming and short articles.




Monday, December 26, 2011

The Secret Santa Project

I have to publicly thank two very, very special people - and I don't know who they are!  They are my Secret Santas.

At our Costume Guild meeting tonight, Val gave me two envelopes and said they were from my Secret Santas.  I had no clue what she was talking about.  Inside each envelope was a cash donation, which my Secret Santas intended me to use to finish my loose change project! 

At this time of year, sometimes we forget among all the hustle and bustle, that there are people out there who personify the true meaning of the season.  You two Secret Santas have touched me deeply and I cannot thank you enough.

I was starting a new loose change project for an Edwardian gown for this upcoming April, when we will be having several Titanic events.   This will now be named the Secret Santa Project.  I hope if you two see me in it, you will know that it was made with love, and in your honor.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Happy Holidays!

I wish everyone a joyous holiday season, and a prosperous New Year!  I will begin sewing again in January.
Me, Val and Marcee at the Cosmopolitan Hotel in Old Town, San Diego for the Costume Guild Holiday Dinner

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Quick Pic Post


My Belle had a few pictures taken.   She was very cold and decided to wear a flesh colored turtleneck under her gown.


 

Friday, December 9, 2011

Loose Change Project - Change of Plans!

As I posted previously, I have been saving my coins and planned on cashing them in and saving the proceeds to purchase some beautiful pink plaid silk taffeta from a friend.  I already paid her the first of three planned installment payments, and was working on number two.  Another friend I have sewed costumes for in the past called me last week and wanted a new Belle costume from Beauty and the Beast.  I previously made her the yellow ball gown. Here she is wearing it.



She needed the Belle green library dress for a Christmas party on the 10th.  We had to scramble, as that gave me only the weekend and a few evenings during this week to complete it.  I agreed to do it for one reason - that PINK PLAID!!!!  So I charged Ms. Belle the balance of what I owed Ms. Pink Plaid.  Ms. Belle bought all the fabric for her green dress, so I basically sewed the Belle dress in exchange for the rest of the pink plaid.

Here is the Belle doll, and here is the picture of the dress in progress, nearly finished.  Keep in mind, Ms. Belle is quite a bit smaller than I am, so the dress looks kind of frumpy on my dress form. It is no where near close to fastening in the back on it!!!  I will post a picture of my friend in the finished dress as soon as she sends me some.

         
So, I will continue to save up my loose change, for a future project.  I see a Titanic Era dress in the new year!  The Titanic Artifact Exibition is coming to the San Diego Natural History Museum and will be here in April for the 100 year anniversary.   I want my picture taken in an evening gown on the grand staircase they have built for the exhibit.  Oh, now I am all excited thinking about it!