#constructing marigold samples | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

shaneericksonsketchbook · 3 years ago

Text

Top Girls Chasuble Make

I should preface this whole entry by saying that I simply would not have been able to accomplish this without Mariella. Mariella found both the time and patience while making multiple kimonos to guide me through this make. There were some growing pains along the way but I think this project was a perfect microcosm of the costume make process for me to learn from.

I got a little prep for the work that this would entail when I made the tablecloth for the ASMs earlier in the week. It was far simpler, but that was when Mariella walked me through seam allowances, measuring fabric, rollering the patterns through and prepping the sewing machines.

I never thought that costume making would require more research than what the designer gave you but I started the project with a good bit of my own research. I found a really useful diagram in a scanned Google book devoted to church vestments. The diagram was basically a flat pattern of one half of the chasuble that I was able to modify for my pattern. I also found a website from a couple in America who specialise in making church vestments which provided valuable information about the shoulder seems and the best way to construct for body types. (Link Below)

https://www.churchlinens.com/vestments/

(Research from Katie)

(Page of notes from Mariella that helped me figure out the patterning)

I found a way to blend my scenic background with the costume work when it came to patterning. I knew it would end up taking me a fair amount of time to hand draw the pattern and get it to look how I wanted, so I turned to Vectorworks. Going off of Gaby’s measurements and Mariella’s guidance I was able to quickly and precisely CAD up a pattern that I could use for the lining, lace overlay, and velvet. This also made it easy for me to experiment with the positioning of the trim and figure out how much of it I would need.

(Vectorworks CAD of the pattern)

Since both Katie and Mariella were busy with the other builds at this point, I had the opportunity to source all the materials on my own which helped to fuel my creative side. I wanted to stick close to Katie’s drawing now that we had control over what the final product would be. From stock I found the lining and gold lace overlay, from Marigolds I got the decorative trim (I also found a good t-shirt for Kit while I was there) and from the Market I got the velvet and gold ribbon.

Similar to the tablecloth I found the laying out of the pattern on the fabric and cutting with seam allowance to be one of the most tedious parts of the process. I also find it funny how much time during a make is dedicated to measuring, pinning and other prepping. From an outsider’s perspective before this, I thought the majority of the time would be spent actually putting the fabric through the machine.

(One half of the fabric with basting to mark the placement of ribbon/trim)

Once everything was marked on the fabric, I found things to be relatively straightforward. It became a nice repetition of pinning, sewing and repeating. Before Katie left on Friday we were able to look at some options for what areas the trim would be placed over the ribbon which left Saturday for finishing without too many design related questions.

I was anxious about the trim and thought I would have to tack it all by hand which would’ve taken a significant amount of time. Mariella encouraged me to use some scraps and try taking it through the machine which worked really well. Something I learned while sewing the first few sections was that both edges needed to be pinned parallel rather than perpendicular to really hold things in place. However since I always made sure to do the first passes on the back side, nothing was too significant to require redoing.

(Sample piece to test putting the trim through a machine)

The scariest and most challenging parts by far was attaching the neck of the lining to the velvet and pinning the lining edge to the velvet seam allowance. Mariella was a really big help with both. They helped me move all the excess fabric when sewing the neck section and talked me through the edge pinning. Unfortunately, despite my best efforts and a few hours at the end of the day Saturday, Mariella had the adjust the pins on the edge on Monday morning. After that though, it was smooth sailing to the end as I took the edge through the machine.

I could not have been happier to have had the opportunity to make a garment that would go onstage. I do wish that we had pulled the trigger on it being a make a few days earlier so there was less of a scramble to get it done. In the same vein, I am honestly a little surprised that I was able to get it done in the timespan I did since it was my first make and had a fair amount of detail work. I don’t know if I can say it’s the kind of work I could see myself doing regularly in the future but I’m happy with the skills I picked up along the way. The feeling of relief and excitement I had on the first day of tech when Gaby put the chasuble on was immense and I look forward to including it in my portfolio and my exhibition in July.

(Final product photos)

0 notes

samyalter354 · 6 years ago

Text

Tips to growing a beautiful vegetable garden

Starting a garden is one of the most rewarding things one can do. Whether you're planting fragrant florals or starting a vegetable garden, anyone can benefit from getting their hands a little dirty. But it can be difficult to know where to start. Our steps ease you into gardening and reward you for your efforts with beautiful visuals, delicious flavors, and colorful blooms.

1. Consider Your Options

Do you want to plant a vegetable garden? An herb garden? A flower garden? If you choose vegetables and/or herbs for their contributions to your dinner table, identify which ones your family will eat or is willing to try. If you want flowers for their flair, color, and fragrance, decide whether you want annuals that bloom most of the summer but need to be replanted each spring or perennials that have a shorter bloom time but return year after year. All are valid choices but have different maintenance requirements. One bit of advice: Start small until you know what you’re getting into. How to Revive An Air Plant https://www.justhomegardening.com/how-to-revive-an-air-plant

2. Pick the Correct Spot

Almost all vegetables and most flowers need 6-8 hours of full sun each day. So you need to observe your yard throughout the day to figure out which spots receive full sun versus partial or full shade. Don't despair if your lot is largely shady. You won’t be able to grow tomatoes in shade, but many other plants (e.g., ferns and hostas) love it. This step is important to ensure your plants have their light requirements met so they can thrive. Check plant tags or ask the staff at your local garden center to help you understand out how much sun a plant requires.

Three additional tips: Pick a relatively flat spot for your garden because it’s more difficult, time-consuming, and expensive to deal with a sloping garden. Check for windbreaks (e.g., your house or your neighbor’s house) that will keep plants from being harmed by strong winds. And put the garden where you can't ignore its pleas for attention—outside the back door, near the mailbox, or by the window you gaze through while you dry your hair. Bonus if that place is close enough to a water spigot that you won't have to drag a hose to the hinterlands.

3. Clear the Ground

Get rid of the sod covering the area you plan to plant. If you want quick results (e.g., it’s already spring and you want veggies this summer), cut it out. Slice under the sod with a spade, cut the sod into sections to make it easier to remove, then put it on your compost pile to decompose.

It’s easier to smother the grass with newspaper, but it takes longer. (In other words, you should start the fall before spring planting.) Cover your future garden with five sheets of newspaper; double that amount if your lawn is Bermuda grass or St. Augustine grass. Spread a 3-inch layer of compost (or combination of potting soil and topsoil) on the newspaper and wait. It'll take about four months for the compost and paper to decompose. But by spring, you’ll have a bed ready to plant—no grass or weeds and plenty of rich soil. How To Get Rid Of Bugs In Houseplants Soil https://www.justhomegardening.com/how-to-get-rid-of-bugs-in-houseplants-soil

4. Improve the Soil

The more fertile and friable the soil, the better your vegetables will grow. The same holds true for other plants. Invariably, residential soil needs a boost, especially in new construction where the topsoil may have been stripped away. Your soil may be excessively wet, poor and infertile, or too acidic or alkaline. The solution is often simple: Add organic matter. Add a 2- to 3-inch layer of compost, decayed leaves, dry grass clippings, or old manure to the soil when you dig or till a new bed (see Step 5). If you decide not to dig or are working with an established bed, leave the organic matter on the surface where it will eventually rot into humus. Earthworms will do most of the work of mixing humus in with the subsoil.

To learn more about your soil, have a soil test done through your county cooperative extension office. They'll lead you through the procedure: how much soil to send from which parts of the garden and the best time to obtain samples. Expect a two-week wait for the findings, which will tell you what your soil lacks and how to amend it.

5. Work the Soil

Working the soil is essential to preparing new beds for sowing or planting because it allows roots to penetrate the soil more easily to access water and nutrients. There are two methods: tilling and digging. Tilling consists of cultivating soil with a mechanical device such as a rototiller. This is a good method when you need to incorporate large amounts of amendments. However, it can also disturb microorganisms and earthworms. So it’s better to do too little than too much. Excessive tilling, working soil when it’s too wet or dry, damages soil structure and plant roots.

Digging is more practical for preparing small beds. Dig only when the soil is moist enough to form a loose ball in your fist but dry enough to fall apart when you drop it. Use a sharp spade or spading fork to gently turn the top 8 to 12 inches of soil, mixing in the organic matter from Step 4 at the same time. (Walking on prepared beds compacts the soil, so lay down boards temporarily to distribute your weight.) Gardening Tool Set for Mom https://www.justhomegardening.com/best-gardening-tool-set-for-mom-delightful-gift-for-mom-gardener

6. Pick Your Plants

Some people pore over catalogs for months; others head to the garden center and buy what wows them. Either method works as long as you choose plants adapted to your climate, soil, and sunlight. You can even surf the Internet for plants to purchase. Here are a few easy-to-grow plants for beginners: • Annuals: Calendula, cosmos, geraniums, impatiens, marigolds, sunflowers, and zinnias • Perennials: Black-eyed Susans, daylilies, lamb's-ears, pansies, phlox, purple coneflowers, and Russian sage • Vegetables: Cucumbers, lettuce, peppers, and tomatoes

7. Plant Your Picks

Some plants, such as pansies and kale, tolerate cold, so you can plant them in autumn or late winter. Tomatoes and most annual flowers, on the other hand, prefer warm temperatures, so don't plant them until the danger of frost has passed in your area. Midspring and midautumn are good times to plant perennials.

Many plants, such as lettuce and sunflowers, are easy to grow from seed directly in the garden. Be sure to read the seed packet for information about planting time, depth, and spacing. If you're an adventurous beginner, get a head start on the growing season by sowing seeds indoors a few weeks before the last frost date. There are containers or flats designed especially for seedlings and seed-starting soil mixes available at garden centers. Follow seed-packet instructions and place the containers on a sunny windowsill or under grow lights if you don't have window space. Be sure to keep the seeds and seedlings moist but not wet, or they may rot.

An easier method of starting your garden is to buy young plants, called set plants or transplants. Dig holes in your prepared bed based on tag instructions. Remove plants from the container by pushing up from the bottom. If the roots have grown into a big ball (a condition known as being root-bound), use a fork or your fingers to untangle some outer roots before setting it into the hole. Pat soil into place around the roots, then soak the soil with water. best mushroom growing kit for beginners https://www.justhomegardening.com/8-best-edible-mushroom-growing-kit-plus-growth-tips-for-beginners

8. Water at the Right Time

Seedlings should never be allowed to dry out, so water daily. Taper off as the plants get larger. Transplants also need frequent watering—every other day or so—until their roots become established. After that, how often you need to water depends on your soil, humidity, and rainfall; although once a week is a good place to start. Clay soil dries out more slowly than sandy soil. Sunny, windy conditions dry out soil more quickly than cool, cloudy weather. Still not sure? Feel the soil 3 to 4 inches below the surface. If it feels dry, it’s time to water. Water slowly and deeply, so the water soaks in instead of running off. To minimize evaporation, water in the early morning.

9. Protect Your Garden With Mulch

To help keep weeds out and moisture in, cover the soil with a couple of inches of mulch. You won’t have to water as often, and by preventing sunlight from hitting the soil, you’ll prevent weed seeds from germinating. Choose from a wide variety of mulches (each with its own benefits), ranging from shredded bark to river rock. If you use an organic mulch, such as bark, compost, or cocoa bean shells (which smell good, by the way), it will nourish the soil as it decomposes. For a vegetable garden or bed of annuals, choose a mulch that decomposes in a few months. For perennials, use a longer-lasting mulch such as bark chips.

10. Keep it Up

Your garden is beginning to grow. Help it reach its full potential by keeping up with garden chores. Water the plants. Pull weeds before they get big. Get rid of dead, dying, and diseased vegetation. Banish destructive insects by picking them off the plant and dropping them into a bucket of sudsy water (e.g., tomato hornworms), hosing them off, or spraying on an insecticidal soap purchased at a garden center. Support tall plants (e.g., tomatoes) with a trellis, stake, or a tepee. BTW: Harvest vegetables as soon as they’re ready. And remember to stop and smell the... well, whatever it is you’re growing. edible mushroom growing kit https://www.justhomegardening.com/8-best-edible-mushroom-growing-kit-plus-growth-tips-for-beginners

BTW: If you enriched the soil with compost before you planted, you may not need to do any additional fertilizing. Then again, some vegetables (e.g., tomatoes, corn) are heavy feeders and may need a quick-release fertilizer every three to four weeks. Ask an expert at the garden center for help and always follow package directions carefully.

0 notes

tripstations · 6 years ago

Text

A Thailand Itinerary from Chumphon to Mae Hong Son

Follow in the footsteps of Libby, our lucky sweepstake winner who was able to experience an all-expenses paid trip to Thailand from a local’s perspective, while being filmed for a TV documentary.

When you initially consider Thailand as a travel destination, you may think of two major stereotypes: hedonistic Full Moon Parties and touristic beaches heaving with travelers. This itinerary will take you off the well-trodden tourist trail, to unexpected corners that will open your eyes to local culture and traditions. Discover indigo craft markets, make contact with the brainchild of a crab rehabilitation project, and learn about the best spots for sampling sumptuous street food.

Do like a local and follow this itinerary to get the real Thailand Experience. Libby travelled all the way from Chumphon in the southern Thailand, to Kalasin in northern Thailand, and this is what she learned from her off the beaten track adventures.

The Route

Chumphon – Bangkok – Mae Hong Son – Sakhon Nakon – Kalasin

Stop number one: Chumphon, southern Thailand

Many people consider Chumphon to be a transit town to other popular destinations such as Koh Tao or Phuket, but if you dig a little deeper, you’ll come across a charming town that gives you a glimpse into local living.

Top things to do in Chumphon

Check out Uncle Check Crab Bank

Meet the amazing Uncle Check, a local fisher who has played an important role in the fishing community for decades. On realising that the local crab population had noticeably diminished, he decided he was going to take initiative. He racked his brains and decided to buy pregnant crabs from local fisherman and look after the crabs and eggs until they were ready, before releasing them back into the ocean. Thanks to Uncle Check, the community have now seen a significant increase in the number of crabs in the sea, and fisherman now give him the crabs for free. Those who are interested in helping him out can enjoy a homestay and get involved with his marine conservation efforts.

Experience Baan Tom Yai’s Homestay, and you’ll be able to contribute to sea horse rehabilitation, coral conservation, and help to increase the local fish community. This is a small fisherman community run by Gai and his family, who seek to grow the local sea horse population. Help to build fish hatcheries, learn about Thai culture, and soak up your beautiful surroundings. As part of the coral rehabilitation efforts, our team dove into the coral farms to release two seahorses back into their natural environment.

Bangkok is a bustling city home to ancient traditions, mesmerising temples and a wild nightlife. Whether you’re browsing streets corners for mouth-watering food or paying a visit to Wat Pho temple’s Giant Reclining Buddha, you certainly won’t be twiddling your thumbs while here. Balmy night markets intersect with a lively bar culture, and Klong River tours take you down the capital’s peaceful canals for a quieter experience of the city.

Top things to do in Bangkok

Discover the 24-hour Flower Market (Pak Klong Talad)

Find roses, marigolds, forget me nots, lilies, orchids and much more in Bangkok’s largest retail fresh flower market. A colourful feast for the eyes. Wat Pho Temple, home to the famous gold Giant Reclining Buddha Statue, can be reached by foot from here.

Navigate Chao Praya River by water taxi

Hope on a water taxi on Bangkok’s main river – Chao Praya River – to see the sights of the capital from the water. We’d recommend taking a ride that coincides with the sunset. Opt to ride with a hop on hop off taxi and you’ll check the chance to peruse Bangkok’s temples and other highlights in your own time.

Sample Yaowarat Street food by night

Yaowarat road forms part of Bangkok’s Chinatown, and is home to an array of local eateries offering delicious food. Sample coffee at Yi Sheng coffeeshop, fresh fruit juices, tasty noodle stir-fries and more. Do your own food crawl along the colourful food stalls and indulge in an array of unusual dishes.

Explore Soi Nana in Yaowarat

Calling all barefoot travelers seeking chilled out vibes. Soi Nana can be best described as an up-and-coming hipster area situated along the edge of Chinatown. Here you’ll find new bars, restaurants, and a growing coffee scene seeping its way into the city.

Stop number three: Mae Hong Son, north Thailand

You’ll get truly off the beaten track with your next stop in Mae Hong Son, a remote town close to the Thailand/Myanmar border. Expect to admire similar scenery to other hotspots in northern Thailand, but more local, authentic vibes that the documentary makers were seeking.

Best things to do in Mae Hong Son

Tuk tuk ride from Mae Hong Son to Su Tong Pae Bridge

This journey will take around 25 minutes, and the bridge connects a temple on a hill with a small community across the rippling paddy fields below. Enjoy the ride, and more importantly, the view!

Teach English to novice monks

Brush up on your language skills, and volunteer to teach English to novice monks in a temple connected to Su Tong Pae Bridge. In doing so, you’ll learn about local culture, meet new people and gain relevant experience for your CV.

Do as the locals do and stay on a family-owned farm in Mae Hong Son. At Hern Tern, learn the owner’s decision to build a hotel on his family’s farm shortly after his father sadly passed away. He treats guests as if they were members of his own family, so you’ll be sure to feel at home while staying here. Travelers come and stay here to gaze at the starry night sky, overlook scenic rice paddies and hike at sunrise to take in the expansive views over the valley.

Visit Baan Dong Lawa Hill Tribe

Located approximately an hour’s uphill trek away from Hern Tai, a visit to the Baan Dong Lawa Hill Tribe will teach you about local communities and culture. The Baan Dong Lawa Hill Tribe are an ethnic group of Khmer origin, and they are believed to have migrated from Cambodia over 900 years ago. This community have their own culture, languages and traditional dress. Unmarried Lawa girls can be seen to wear orange and yellow beads around their neck, as well as white blouses.

Get immersed into local culture and stay overnight with a local family who are the makers of Sook Coffee. Stay with them on this small coffee plantation and learn all about the process of how they make their honey roasted coffee. Meet locals who also take part in everyday activities aimed for the benefit of the local community – bamboo rug making, rice grinding, the drying of chillis and rice and weaving.

Stop number four: Sakhon Nakon, northeast Thailand

Sakohon Nakon is one of Thailand’s most ancient cities, its history dating back almost 3000 years. Here, you can take the pace back a notch, with visits to forest temples, pretty parks and local crafts markets.

Top things to do in Sakhon Nakon

Visit the Weekend Indigo Dye Market

Take a trip to the Weekend Indigo Dye Market and browse a variety of dyed materials and crafts. This creative market gives a platform to the creatives in local communities to sell their produce in one central market. Naturally-dyed indigo clothing has played a part in the craftmanship of these communities for many generations. Give back to the local community and purchase one of your own items of indigo-dyed clothing to take home with you.

Explore Baan Nong San village

This quaint village, located roughly an hour away from the city center, offers many creative and cultural experiences for travelers. On a visit here you’ll be able to learn about the natural process of indigo dye. You may also get the opportunity to spend time at the local temple giving alms (money, or food) to those in need. It is common practice that monks in Thailand use alm bowls to collect food donations from the lay community every morning. Bed down in a homestay and learn how to cook isaan delicacies with your host family. Many communities in Sakon Nakon are developing their indigo dye experiences to involve travelers who are interested in their practices to learn about their trade and take part in some creative activities.

Wat Phra That Choeng Chum Temple

The city’s most famous temple – the Wat Phra That Choeng Chum – is home to a 24-metre-high stupa. Constructed in the 18th century, it has been said that four fully enlightened buddhas have laid their footprints on this temple.

Phra That Phu Pek Sanctuary

Climb the 491 steps to reach the Khmer-style Phra That Phu Pek sanctuary, and enjoy a lovely view of Nong Han Lake from the top. This Khmer ruin is located in Phu Phan National Park

Head out in search of golden pagodas surrounded by lush nature at the Wat Tham Pha Daen hilltop temple. Enter the gates up to the temple, turn left, and you’ll find a scenic garden with a waterfalls and exotic plants.

Sakhon Nakon is also home to Thailand’s biggest lotus park, where you can go and watch the sunset over Isan’s largest lake. Take a longtail boat ride to one of the islets, or just soak up the view on a walk. A word of warning – this lake is definitely not for swimming.

Stop number five – Kalasin

Libby journeyed to Kalasin specifically to celebrate Makha Bucha Day. Makha Bucha Day is a Buddhist holiday, celebrated on the full moon of the 3rd month of the year. This national holiday marks the day where 1200 monks spontaneously congregated at the Veluvana Temple to the Buddha, and they were all enlightened.

Top things to do in Kalasin

Today, locals come together from all around Kalasin to Pra That Yakhu; a temple/stupa that dates back almost 1400 years. As an offering at this holy site, 1000 dancers dance together as part of the festival. Libby learned dance moves from other women in the local community and danced alongside these women on the night of the festival.

Check out Kalasin’s silk textiles

Kalasin is famous for its silk textiles, specifically the beautiful Praewa Thai Silk Fabric – which is known to be The Queen of Thai Silks.

Sirindhorn Museum and Phu Kum Khao Dinosaur Excavation Site

Learn about all things dinosaur at the Sirindhorn Museum and Phu Kum Khao Dinosaur Excavation Site. The museum is home to eight different exhibition sections: The Origin of the Earth and Universe; The Origin of the Living Things; Paleozoic Era; Mesozoic Era, Thai dinosaur; Dinosaurs in Thailand; Bring life to dinosaur; Cenozoic Era; Human being.

Grab some lunch, have a walk along the beach and swim in the sea to cool off. There are plenty of cheap eats around here to satisfy your food cravings!

Make it a reality

We hope that this sample itinerary has got your mind buzzing with off the beaten trail ideas, so what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Thailand now and head on a local adventure of your own inspired by the Local Traveler Documentary, now available on Amazon Prime. We know what we’d do.

Want to jump on a flight to paradise as we speak? Discover our fantastic Thailand packages!

The post A Thailand Itinerary from Chumphon to Mae Hong Son appeared first on Tripstations.

from Tripstations https://ift.tt/2y5Rve7 via IFTTT

#IFTTT #Tripstations

0 notes

templeofgeek · 7 years ago

Text

San Diego Comic Con isn’t what immediately comes to mind when you think of high end couture. But Her Universe has created a place where designers can make their geek fashion dreams come true! The Her Universe Fashion Show celebrated it’s 5th year at San Diego Comic Con and brought together 24 incredible designs by 24 incredibly talented designers. That is where we saw Carina Langley-Lacy walking down the runway in her Doctor Who inspired gown called “Vincent & The Doctor”. We caught up with Carina to learn a little bit more about her and to talk geek, fashion and fandom!

Tell us a little about you and how you got started designing clothes?

When I was little I read the little house on the Prairie and fell in love with the idea of making clothing and gifts for myself and begged for my family to teach me how to sew. My Grandfather is the one who taught me how to sew, he and I have the same way of thinking we love to pull things apart to figure out how they are made. He and I would create little paper models so we could figure out the best way to build the design I had created. I began by making miniature clothes for my favorite stuffed animals, which then progressed into making my own clothes, my prom dress and costumes for my Theater in high school. It wasn’t until I went to school at FIDM for Fashion and Costume design that I learned how to make a real pattern and really began to hone my craft.

What is Claviole Couturiere?

Claviole Couturiere is my personal brand. The logo is comprised of flowers using the Victorian flower language. Cardinals for Distinction and Pride, Sunflowers for Gratitude and Appreciation, Marigolds for Creativity, Lupine for Imagination and Trumpet flowers for Success. I have created Claviole Couturiere to show off my work and to invite people to be inspired to create. I was inspired to create my own brand to follow my dream of changing the Image of Beauty the Media has created. I believe all bodies are beautiful no matter what shape or size and the only thing that matters is being happy in the body we have. I have designed and built costumes and clothes for people who vary in shapes and sizes.

How many times have you participated in the Her Universe Fashion Show?

This is my second year participating in the Her Universe Fashion Show. 2016 was my first year being a part of the show with my design inspired by the TV show RWBY that was created by Rooster Teeth on YouTube. I was unable to submit or participate in 2017 because I was a little busy planning my dream wedding, which only made me more excited to participate this year for the 2018 show. The design I created this year, “Vincent and the Exploding TARDIS” Dress, is one that I have been thinking about and designing in my head since the weekend after my first fashion show in 2016!

How did you get involved with the Her Universe Fashion Show?

Back when I was interning at J&M costumers, I had a friend who had been chosen to be a designer for the 2015 show. It was the first time I had heard of it, but at that moment I knew I needed to be a part of this amazing experience! I started designing a year in advance so I had time to perfect my designs. After that first year I fell in love with the show. It is an amazing venue to make lasting friendships, chase our dreams, show the world our passion and fandoms and build a welcoming community centered around geek fashion.

“Yang Xiao Long, From Ballroom to Battle”

Can you tell us the story behind the pieces you designed for the Her Universe Fashion Show?

For the 2016 Fashion show I designed “Yang Xiao Long, From Ballroom to Battle” which was inspired by Yang in the show RWBY. Her semblance (or magic power) is to get stronger each time she is struck. She then uses that strength to fight back and win. It inspired me to be strong and to always get back up and fight for what I love. The dress design included layers of organza draped to create a full skirt and a suede corset with leather strapping.

For the 2018 Fashion show I designed “Vincent and the Exploding TARDIS” which was the fruit of 2 years of tweaking and designing. Every part of this dress can be traced back to Doctor Who. The shoes were TARDIS blue with red bow ties because, as the 11th Doctor says, “Bow ties are cool!” The dress was hand painted in the impressionist style inspired by the episode “Vincent and the Doctor”. The godets are painted to look like the Sunflowers Amy gave to Vincent. To really make these flowers come to life, I made flower petals and hand shaped them using a millinery flower making tool, and hand beaded the centers using sead beads along with 3 different light reflecting beads. The bottom of the dress is painted to look like Van Gogh’s “Starry Night” and the middle of the skirt is inspired by the painting Van Gogh makes in the show to Warn the Doctor of the “Exploding Tardis”. Under the Bust is the “Crack in the Wall” that is caused by the TARDIS exploding. The bodice is jagged pieces of the broken TARDIS that stand away from the body. Throughout the skirt are lights that mimic the stars in the sky, and the crack in the wall also lights up. I also included pockets in my design because you always need a place to keep your sonic screw driver! I loved creating this dress, there were so many techniques I had to use to accomplish the design I had envisioned and I am so proud of how it turned out!

Carina and Jodie Whittaker (13th Doctor)

What has the reaction to your designs been like?

This year so many people have expressed their love of my dress! I am so happy to have been able to share my love of Doctor who and my passion for creating with so many people. It is a humbling experience to be surrounded by so many talented people in the show and have fellow fans come up after the show asking for pictures and telling me how much they loved my dress and that I inspired them. It has been overwhelming but very heartwarming! The best reaction has to be when I got to meet the 13th Doctor backstage. They called me over saying Jodie had asked to see me, after I excitedly ran over to meet her she took one look at my dress and said “Well you’re Bloody Brilliant aren’t you?!” it was so much fun geeking out together about my dress and our sonic screwdrivers!

How long does it take you to prepare for an event like this? What is the process like for you?

We find out we are in the show at the end of April, so we have roughly 2 and a half months to build everything. I like to start immediately with draping and mock ups in the first few weeks, test dyeing or painting. Then it takes time finding the perfect fabrics and supplies, which is one of my favorite parts because I love doing research and shopping for fabric! Next its construction which takes the longest because you have to take your time and plan everything out to the minute details. There are a lot of test samples that are a part of this step but it is the most fulfilling, as you can see your design taking shape and becoming the image you have in your mind. I love the whole process. Even if you have to problem solve when things don’t work how you expected, or sometimes you wonder what you got yourself into, it is all worth it because in the end you have something beautiful that you poured hours of time and energy and love into.

What are some of your favorite Her Universe Fashion Show memories?

Some of my favorite memories of being in this show happened in the months leading up to the show, or backstage. We have a Facebook group where we can all get to know each other and ask for advice and connect. Sometimes we will get together for a designer meet up to meet in person before the show and really get to know each other. We become a family, close knit and helpful. While it is a competition, you still will find people helping each other backstage. Whether it’s sitting down and helping someone who is still sewing if you have the time, or coming together to fix something that breaks last minute, you will find the designers supporting each other as much as possible to ensure that everyone does their best on that runway. We all want to win, but if it’s your friend who wins you are just as happy and proud and it is a wonderful feeling.

What can we expect from you in the future? What are your hopes for your brand?

I plan to keep designing and creating, whether that be costumes, clothes, accessories, etc. My husband loves to joke that I don’t know how to relax…and he may be right. I always have at least 1 project in progress if not more. In fact, I have already started designing new ideas for my next Her Universe Fashion Show submission as well as ideas for some larger projects that I hope to start in the next month or so. You will definitely see more costumes from me in forums like Her Universe Fashion Show as well as at LA Opera where I work making all the costumes come to life for each production. I hope to grow my brand, by adding new designs all the time and branching out to make more garments for people all over who love my designs. Most of all, through all of my projects and my brand, I know I will meet many more talented and amazing people that share my love of all things fashion-geek or otherwise-and shape the future of the fashion world one design.

Just for fun, we know you are a huge Doctor Who fan, who is your favorite Doctor and why?

Oh man, this is a difficult question. I love different things about each of the Doctors but I would have to say my favorite it is Peter Capaldi’s Doctor. I love that he is an angry Scot, but determined and strong. He tells it like it is, but will still do whatever he can to save the people he loves and the people who need help. Matt Smith’s Doctor will always have a special place in my heart though, with one of my favorite lessons from “Vincent and the Doctor” that you can’t always change the future, but you can add to someone’s pile of good things, by being kind and showing support. This is how I live my life, by being kind.

Who is your favorite companion and why?

Another hard question! I think I have to say Amy Pond. She is stubborn, determined, strong and yet still a child at heart. She believes in her imaginary friend no matter what anyone else says. And steadfastly believes in the Doctor’s goodness and that he will always win and she refuses to give up hope even when things look bleak. My favorite side of Amy though, is that while she trusts the Doctor to save the day, she isn’t afraid to charge into the fray herself and fight for the happy ending. Even when she is left alone for decades she doesn’t despair, she gets stronger and saves herself.

What are your favorite fandoms for fashion?

My favorite fandoms include all things Studio Ghibli, Doctor Who, Sailor Moon, Game of Thrones, Sherlock, and Marvel. I believe all fandom can relate to fashion if you have a vivid enough imagination and are determined enough.

To find out more or to follow Carina on her adventures, check out the following links:

http://www.Facebook.com/claviolecouturiere

Http://www.instagram.com/carinaterra8787

https://www.claviolecouturiere.com/

Talking Geek Couture with Carina Langley-Lacy San Diego Comic Con isn't what immediately comes to mind when you think of high end couture.

#13th doctor #Carina Langley-Lacy #designer #Doctor Who #exploding tardis #fandom #Fashion #fez #GEEK #geek chic #geek couture #geek fashion #geek style #Her Universe #her universe fashion show #TARDIS #vincent & the doctor

0 notes

hollshed · 8 years ago

Text

We began the day with a visit to the ‘Palace of the winds’

The palace is a five-storey pyramidal shaped monument that rises 50 feet (15 m) from land. There is a gripping story behind the screened windows.

We walked up winding narrow steps up to a balcony cafe where we had fabulous coffee and I watched a procession of color and fabric in every day life.

And then on to the flower market. The colors take you breath away. The noise, the hustle and bustle of the vendors and the combination of fabric and flowers is so interesting to me. Everything is carried on the head and then put into rickshaws, bikes or motorbikes.

Everything is wrapped in fabric, the closest we ever got to that in the USA was fabric in flower sacks in the 30’s and forties.

I’ve even seen small house constructed from fabric.

The marigold is a famous flower used in India. The flower has been used as love charms and is incorporated in many weddings and for religious ceremonies.

The marigold in many cultures is known as the “herb of the sun” and symbolizes passion and creativity.

The Welsh believed that if the marigold was not open early in the morning, a storm was on its way. Some also made marigold water which was believed to induce psychic visions of fairies if rubbed on your eyelids.

In Britain, the marigold was once thought to protect against the plague and effective in stopping gossip !

Early Christians named the flower, “Mary’s Gold” and placed the flower at the foot of the Blessed Mary’s statue in lieu of money.

The Portuguese introduced marigolds to India, the flower is offered to the Hindu gods for festivals and celebrations. The yellow or orange dye of the flowers is also be used for coloring fabrics.

In Delhi, which is India’s largest trader for flowers, flowers are brought in from all over the country. The Calcutta area is the major producer for marigolds however, I imagine these were grown locally. Fields of flower crops are often harvested by hand so the blooms don’t get bruised.

You see women and men threading the flowers onto strong cotton thread to make garlands.

I’m not sure what these leaves are.

What could be more poetic than a great big bundle of marigolds contained in gorgeous fabric and transported by motor bike.

It’s not all we viewed at the market, just a small sampling of day to day life in this incredible country.

Fabric and flowers – Jaipur. We began the day with a visit to the 'Palace of the winds' The palace is a five-storey pyramidal shaped monument that rises 50 feet (15 m) from land.

#blogging The diary of a traveling quilter.#Feature #India #Jaipur #photos

0 notes