Designs by Rhenn

New Project Inspiration

2012-02-16T07:36:00.000-08:00

I like that the center isn't the Camacia.

I like the shoulder puffs

Color scheme

So the inspirations for the new project are Italian. I will be trying some of the techniques and ideas I have seen for construction on the internet. Hopefully I come out with something suitably historical and beautiful!

The top left is the puffs I like. They are two different sizes and fall gently off the shoulder.

Sleeves

The top right has a couple of things I love but only one I am using for this project: the colored center piece. Normally, the camacia is seen here but I really wanted to have color here and was thrilled when I saw a portrait showing just what I wanted. I wish I could use the shell scallops seen at the waist and shoulder, but not this time.

The Bottom Left has the sleeves I wish to use. The slash and pulls are centered down the front seam but hen go at chevron angles on either side. I think I will also try something similar to the chemise. I like the sheerness and the way the ties dangle. Though I think it may be the technique of cut and tie (or whatever it is called. I won't try that, not ready for that time commitment, LOL!)

The bottom right is used for color scheme. Mostly I needed justification from the fabrics I had on hand this is exactly the palette I have.

Custom LUSTY

2012-02-14T10:28:00.000-08:00

The LUSTY design is available for custom at
our Etsy store.
Designs by Rhenn 2012

Is completely complete! My customer desired a chemise as well as the gown and sleeves and forepart. This is a classic renaissance look and very rich!

I took yesterday off. I did nothing (well almost nothing) and so today am refreshed and ready for a new project! I have cleaned some of my work space (desperately needed it) and now can plan, plan, plan! Love it!

Same and Different

2012-02-11T12:34:00.000-08:00

The LUSTY in Black.

The LUSTY in green, gold, and brown.

The same style can produce such varied feels with just a change of color scheme. The Lusty was orginally made in Green and gold, and then changed up with another color of Brown. Now we have made the Lusty with black on black. What a dramatic feel! Love it in both combos--they bring out the personality of each owner so beautifully!
I would like to add too, that the sleeves are slightly different in size and puff. The brown and green were my first attempt and I realized what I needed to do to produce the black version. I was aiming for the black version originally but now I know.

Something else to note: the customer for the black didn't want the square tabs at the waist, but wanted it left free of skirting.

Two steps, Negative One Step

2012-02-09T08:26:00.000-08:00

From time to time, I make a mistake. Sometimes I make it over and over. Thankfully, at almost 40 years old, I have learned to be patient and go head and start over instead of finagling. Don't get me wrong sometimes finagling brings about some amazing work--human ingenuity and God's inspiration and all. The skirt was one such instance of where I made the same mistake over and over and finally figured out what I had done wrong. So I lost about 8-10 hours of work but it is all right now. So now I can finish the skirt today and the handwork for the doublet. I am hoping to get the sleeves calculated and cut today and sewn tomorrow. I may wait on the forepart until my mind (and God) solve the problem I foresee with it. I am working with silk and it can be frustrating when you want to attach trim AND want it to remain flat and unpuckered.

Ok time for work.

Busy Super Bowl Weekend

2012-02-06T08:14:00.000-08:00

Elizabethan Gauntlet Gloves,
on sale $200 in our Etsy store.

This weekend went by fast and was very productive. The doublet is near completion, with only a bazillion lacing holes to couch and a few hook and eyes to add (had to make another trip to the fabric store to get more, LOL). And I snuck in a couple of hours on a bumroll request. Woop!

Today, after I get a few pics of the current progress I will work on the overskirt. I like how the doublet has turned out and hope my customer is excited about it. I also hope it fits well. Since I draft all my custom things from scratch for each costumer, there is always the possibility I miss something or don't account for such-n-such (the "squish factor" is an example of the didn't-take-into-account in the past. I now ask for this info to account for it, LOL), and so there is trepidation until the costumer actually tries it on and lets me know they are satisfied and hopefully LOVE!!!!! (notice the extra exclamation points) their wardrobe.

We have put the Elizabethan Gauntlet Gloves on sale-- 33% off! They are now $200. Come and check them out.

Off to work! I pray you have a great day!

A Special Sale!

2012-02-03T06:53:00.001-08:00

February Sale flyer 2012

Winter and Spring

2012-02-01T07:12:00.000-08:00

The "Lusty" Seen in Green, gold and
Brown and worn by Nichole. 2010

Two projects at hand for this next two weeks: "Lusty" custom and the first ever faerie upcycle. I was able to get most of the necessary fabric and trim for the "Lusty" custom--you may remember the Lusty design from when my good friend had it designed fore her, Nichole. She played one of the Marys to Mary Queen of Scots in the Midsummer Renaissance Festival in WA in 2009-2010. The faire has since killed off Mary Queen of Scots and put in place Elizabeth I. My personal opinion? Well done. I think that most folks want strong leaders represented at Faires and that is why we often see Henry VIII or Elizabeth I. Though there are fantasy faires whose leaders are Arthur and such. Usually strong leaders. Mary Queen of Scots, while she may have been an interesting figure, didn't get to rule much.

I digress.

The Lusty measurements and fabric being in, I will recalculate because something came out not quite right when I worked on it on Monday. So I will redo and then get the dress dummy and first mocks done (or dress dummy and skirt.) If time permits, I will continue working on the faerie wings. I think I have that down to 4hours for completion. That would be good. I can't wait to get that into the store.

2012-01-24T15:03:00.001-08:00

Updated Another Site

2012-01-24T11:41:00.000-08:00

Large fig 8 Wrist Ruff set.

I took some time to maintenance my sewing blog: Mistress Rhenn's Costuming Notes. I added a how-to on making a large fig 8 ruff and adjusted some of the extras, i.e. added a search box and added social media links.

I was surprised to see that the site does get traffic which is what prompted the update and new blog entry.

Purely Experimental

2012-01-24T06:47:00.000-08:00

Think I am onto something with this
steampunk design; Designs by Rhenn
2012

Today is one of those days that is designated purely experimental. If a finished product comes from it-woo-hoo! Though I imagine it will be a day dedicated to attempts and failures that will end with successes tomorrow, LOL! A sneak peak at what I am working for steampunk item.

I thought I could work with metal easily. Not because I thought it was easy but because I thought I understood it better. Now that I have a deeper understanding, I hope to create amazing designs. A lot will still be trial and error, but I have been gleaning ideas from outside sourses--how to's-- so that I can use those techniques to create beautiful art.

Chainmail

2012-01-21T18:05:00.000-08:00

We might see some of John's creative juices in Designs by Rhenn. So to aid him, I went inet surfing this afternoon and found many sites for supplies. I am hoping he can get a regular job but if this works out, I will help with the initial start up costs.

Chainmail:

'via Blog this'

5 piece ruff set done

2012-01-21T08:03:00.000-08:00

Trimmed ruffs in red satin. Jan 2012

Woop-woop! The ruff set is done. This was a custom request and it is a trimmed ruff set done in red. The customer had also requested a set for the ankles (not pictured).

Something else I learned-- well something that confirmed what I suspected-- the video camera I bought (austensibly for the boys to create the videos they are always talking about) does not take good stills. I went back to my phone which does a decent job for an un-smart smart phone. (Yeah, weird. I am charged $10/mo instead of $40/mo because my phone can access the internet so therefore is a semi-smart phone. In reality they are gipping me because I can't even utilize the internet for anything valuable. Someday I will get another smart phone. I usually have all the latest tech--being very renaissancey-- but hubby wanted to try a smart phone (4g and all) so I down graded. Funny thing is, he wants to go back to a "dumb" phone, LOL!)

Faerie is Kicking My Rear

2012-01-18T06:28:00.000-08:00

"Alina" faerie Upcycle during construction;
Jan 2012

The upcycle faerie progressed rather nicely until about 5pm yesterday. From 5p till 10:30p I manipulated, reevaluated, redesigned, manipulated again and have to sit on it a while. Not too long, all the parts are in the middle of the floor. Instead I will focus on pleating ruffs today--my back is killing me, ugh.

Here is the upcycle faerie after first dying and before I got too far into the destruction--er, I mean construction, LOL! You can see it started out as a long sleeved wedding dress-- well bodice and skirt. The dress dummy keeps slipping down, so I would say someone around 5'6"-5'8" could wear it and the person would have be like size 4/6 or something close. Once the project is finished I will give measurements.

Knights Templar

2012-01-16T17:41:00.000-08:00

Nick modeling the Children's
Templar Cape, spring 2010

Huxley modeling the Adult Full-
length Templar cape, winter 2011

When we first opened our virtual doors in the spring of 2010 our very first commission was for two children's Templar style capes. We offered them for a while, but the item dropped form the Etsy inventory and we let it stay there. But this past Christmas, my daughter commissioned me to make a full length Templar Cape for her boyfriend. So we have reintroduced our Child's Templar and added the full length adult verion.

January 2012 Newsletter

2012-01-14T17:19:00.000-08:00

Our newest newsletter:

January 2012

Zema Unveiled!

2012-01-11T16:53:00.000-08:00

ZEMA Upcycled Steampunk
Elven design. 2012

Once I settled on a design concept, the ZEMA upcycle went fairly quickly and smoothly! Our very first STEAMPUNK Elven design was unveiled today on Etsy and Facebook.

The original gown was one piece that had a faux jacket attached. I removed the jacket and pockets (the pockets will become quillows parts) and used the jacket to create the wrist parts and as waist for patterns. The pockets at the breast really left me with a huge issue to deal with which is why the woolen applique is placed as it is. What is nice about the waist cincher is that you can change the belts to go up or down and you can add pouches and accessories quite easily. The arms, left open, also leave room for arm accessories to really dress up the steampunk aspects.

Ding-Dong it's Done!

2012-01-08T19:30:00.000-08:00

The STEVEN Court Wardrobe, 2012

Doing the stir-the-pot dance! The STEVEN Men's Court Wardrobe is done. Started in August 2011 during some dead time, and worked on intermitantly, it is finally done. I made it using my husband's measurements however he is in SC handling personal business and so my 17year old son stepped in to act as model for me (he wasn't pleased with modeling a cod piece, but he does seem to really like the sleeves for some reason, LOL). Come check it out at our Etsy Store.

I have also added the cod piece as a separate option--something I have wanted to add to the store for a long time. You can see that at our Etsy store too.

So what is next? During the same dead time in August, I started the Elven Upcycle "Zema". I will be finishing it this week. And if time permits, one of the Faerie Upcycles.

Last Details Sometimes Take the Longest

2012-01-07T08:51:00.000-08:00

"Mom, those are cool sleeves," said my son as I tried the sleeves on him last night. Felt pretty good because usually he goes for fantasy garb. All that being said, I have a whole boat load of buttons to sew on, loops to create, and hooks and eyes to put on the whole wardrobe. I also need figure out how I want to finish the cod piece. I am hoping to be done today so we can have pics tomorrow up on Etsy. The rest of the weekend is for the business of admin and cleaning up the work space.

I am very excited to get to the elven upcycle next week.

Slops and more

2012-01-02T09:10:00.000-08:00

So I did manage to get the slops on the verge of done while my mom was in town. Sadly I did have to say good-bye this morning as she is headed home. I hope she moves down with us sooner rather than later! But back to the slops. I put them on Chappy and they fit rather nicely. I just need to add the leg bands and the holes for the cod piece lacings. Then onto the cod piece and sleeves. Will likely only get the slops finished today, maybe the cod piece cut as well.

ok off to play Wizards 101 with my kid (one of them) and then work. Will likely end the day with DDo with the hubby.

"Steven" Slops well underway

2011-12-23T09:06:00.000-08:00

A view of a portion of the "Steven" slops and panes, before
basting and gathering.

Wow! 7 hours spent very productively yesterday! Awesome!!! However, I had not realized just how long it takes to make 30yrds of piping and then to sew that self same piping to 26 panes (both sides). The final result yesterday was that the panes were all sewn down and the fancy lining gathered. I will work on the inner lining and waistband and leg bands, hopefully today. Chappy is home so I may not get anything done, LOL! We will see.

Oh! And a quick reminder: Gift Certificates are available through Paypal in $5 increments. These certificates are redeemable at our Designs by Rhenn Website and come with a link for a virtual catalog or a printed hardcopy, buyers choice (please supply the info in an email to us at designs.by.rhenn@gmail.com ).

Gauntleted Gloves!

2011-12-21T07:13:00.001-08:00

Gauntlet Gloves hand made by Adele Bedard

Wow! These are fabulous! We welcomed Adele Bedard to our shop today as a creator of fine renaissance gloves. She has been sewing for years and has worked with Designs by Rhenn for a year and a half--one of very first customers actually. We've worked on projects ranging from smocks and partlets to sleeves, skirts and doublets.

Come check out these gloves!

Christmas Catalog 2011

2011-12-20T12:30:00.000-08:00

We have completed the Designs by Rhenn Christmas 2011 Catalog. This is sent via snail mail or via pdf link to those who buy (purchasers choice).

Working on getting caught up and plans realized for the shop. I recently completed a custom for my daughter to give to her boyfriend and can now kinda-sorta focus in some of those plans, ie. "Steven" man's court, Elven upcycle, Faerie upcycle, and much more. Lots to do with all the holiday festivities!

My mo is visiting for the holidays--all the way through the new year! And since she is here, I have been helping her get her Etsy store set up and getting all the various links,ie paypal, twitter, facebook, etc. Squee! This is fun! Her new Etsy store is: Davis Creations. You can like her facebook from there and follow her tweets! She focuses on steampunk and fantasy creations.

Designs by Rhenn Christmas 2011 Catalog

2011-11-28T11:51:00.001-08:00

sequoia 11/27/11

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"Steven" Doublet Done

2011-11-18T18:21:00.001-08:00

The front of the "Steven" doublet

The back of the "Steven" Doublet

Here is a sneak peak of the "Steven" doublet. I do still need to add the hook and eyes and lacing strips for the sleeves, but those are the finishing touches I do at the end when I can breath easy.

The 27 handmade cloth buttons are decorative only (I kinda changed a few design ideas before I learned how to make the buttons. So I will use hook and eyes instead.) It did take a few hours to get all those buttons on. And then I look forward to the same task doubled for the sleeves later on. If I do say so, these pics do not do it justice. I can't wait to see the whole thing on Chappy when I use him for a model **sigh**.

Cloth Buttons

2011-11-16T07:20:00.001-08:00

Hand made cloth buttons for the
"Steven" design.

So I learned how to make cloth buttons and am so very excited! It is simple and each button requires about 10min to complete. Someday I will work on buttons with embroidery and over wooden forms (or other choices).

Sabatical

2011-11-13T18:58:00.000-08:00

The sabbatical ison. I am not stopping actual work, but getting several projects that needto be done to clean up the running of business, get end of year paperwork inorder, file things away, and organize shop projects. I amkeeping the shop open because I can certainly ship ready made itemsand I can discuss projects for the new year.

Irecently returned from a 3 week trip. I had flown to NY to help my momafter surgery. While there we brainstormed and came up with somefantastic ideas for the shop. We also shopped the craft stores and boughtbooks for inspiration. I hope to have the first of these ideasincorporated and produced before the new year. Stretching my creativeand technical skills-- woot!

We havea one of a kind project that is up for sale on Etsy. It is a half awardrobe based on the character The Master from Dr. Who season 3, "Utopia,pt 1". It is a vest with cooridinating neck tie and frock coat. I thank my husband for modeling it for me. You can find it in mySteampunk and Fantasy section. (pics to come)

My Personal project

2011-11-12T17:41:00.001-08:00

My personal bodice/ new design for shop
"Hattie". Front view. 2011

I thought I'd share my personal bodice with everyone: "Hattie". I think I will try a new idea-- a reversible bodice! I am not done with the other side yet. The back of the bodice laces up either side of the back. Each lacing hole is couched without a grommet--and there are tons of holes, ugh. LOL!

This bodice will be worn under a leather doublet. I am excited to get to work on it. For now, I will finish a couple of other projects first. I am working on the "Steven" for a man and an upcycle. Very excited for that one!

The "Hattie" overskirt is also wearable but not yet completely decorated.

The "Hattie" design will be available for customization in my Etsy store once all pieces: doublet, bodice, skirt, forepart and sleeves are completed.

The back of the "Hattie" Bodice

Busy return

2011-10-22T05:45:00.000-07:00

The newest corset offers the simplicity of my
shoulder strapped corset with

Wow, there is a Renaissance Arts weekend in Las Cruces, NM the weekend after I return from visiting my mom in NY. And I would love to have my newest costume wearable by then (then the following weekend there is a SteamPunk conventiony thingy in Albuquerque, NM that dh and I would love to go to as well). What does this mean for workload? I have to remake a hoopskirt (though I may be able to fudge with my dd's old one), make a new chemise, finish the bodice lacing holes ( a BAZILLION of those), make the doublet, forepart, and sleeves. Whew! That is just the basics. The accessories are a cape, gloves, tall hat, pomander, caul, and then eventually there is another set of sleeves and forepart that will need to be made.

Thankfully, I was able to get the frock coat and sleeves to hand work before leaving for my mom's. I brought both of those projects with me, as well as James' and Nick's Halloween costumes.

Since I've spent so much time in the airports since yesterday, I've been working on various small computer projects that I have added to the to-do list. Little stuff, but it does keep the list clean to get them off.

The 3 tier Farthingale!

2011-10-12T10:08:00.000-07:00

Halloween season has proven eventful for Designs by Rhenn! With several projects still to complete before the 20th of October, I have had to post that new projects will have to wait until November.

I am thrilled to announce that we introduced a 3 tier Farthingale! Extra tiers can be added for $8 a tier. The base cost is $108 and can be found in our online store or on Etsy.

Speaking of Etsy! They are offering several new features starting next week. The one that brings joy to my heart is the ability to rename our stores. So the "LadyDarcien" will no longer be the URL name; I will change it to "Designs by Rhenn". The old URL will redirect to the new, so there won't be any broken links. Why does this thrill me? When I made my account for Etsy I had not yet made a commitment to selling my products. So I chose a generic name. Once the decision had been made to name my business it was too late. But now all can be right with the world, LOL! This will happen the 18th or later. So be sure to update your bookmarks!

The Golden "Rayne" gown that even I have drooled over for so long was sold this past week on Ebay for a huge savings! It sold for $225! But in addition, my "Dorothy" design (personal gown) sold as used, as did my new embroidered chemise, farthingale, bumroll, and wrist and neck ruffs. Woo-hoo! The "Rayne" may be seen at the Bristol Renaissance Festival and the "Dorothy" may be seen in Australia!!! How cool is that!

Ruff Starching

2011-08-29T07:52:00.000-07:00

Woot! I actually have something to say today! Actually, I am sure there is tons I could be saying, but as we are getting our business (GarryOwen Brewing (GarryOwen Espresso Pub and BRew supply) off the ground I found I don't keep up with the communication via social outlets as much, ie blogger, facebook (though more so there).

But I wanted to share the presentation I put together for an easy ruff starching method. It isn't going to produce absolute pristine ruffs, but it does turn out pretty nice.

You will also find it on my page "Headdress and Preparations".

le Sigh

2011-08-03T18:33:00.000-07:00

Shroom, 8wk old Snowflake Hedgehog

Alas, not only did I lose the only other female (though she has been replaced with Shroom our new hedgehog lady baby) I lost my model too. I am on a restricted diet for a few weeks, and that includes most cosmetics too. Therefore my ruffle pics all look horrid. SO I will have to find something else to use as a model or retake the pics when I can wear cosmetics again. Aw well. I am posting a pic of Shroom (short for mushroom, 12 year old picked it out)..

Ruffs

2011-08-02T17:33:00.000-07:00

...is satisfied. I had started on the Faery upcycle yesterday, then went to find the dye. I spent 6 out of 8 hours looking for the darn stuff and still haven't found it. Today, I wanted to start my day with ruffs, but ended up spending time posting pics of the ruffs I made the other day and getting piddly stuff done--all necessary, but piddly none-the-less. I did however create a ruff that was tighter than the first one--though tomorrow I will work on one with even tighter figure 8's. I am using the historical mid 16th century method for now. Once I feel that I've gotten all the aspects I want to incorporate, I will venture into the cartridge pleated version of the later 16th century.

Tomorrow a tighter ruff and wrists to match today's and tomorrow's, then I will see about getting some accessories into the store.

Day for Rethinking

2011-07-27T08:50:00.000-07:00

Ok so last night I spent time pricing out the "Andrea" kit (from the Andrea children's dress I sold earlier this year) and found that my goal is not going to be met the way I want it to. So I have to take the kit idea back to the drawing board to see if it is salvageable or if it will need to be scrapped altogether.

Today is my day off because it is Pickle's birthday. That being said, my back is killing me. And so while I am laid up waiting for the drugs to kick in, I am working on a minor dress design change for the "Dorothy". I wasn't as thrilled with the gown as I had hoped to be once it was all said and done, but God hit me with inspiration the other day. So while I am laying here, I can put my idle hands to good use.

Whoop! Whoop!

2011-07-25T19:27:00.000-07:00

Yeah! Down to handwork. I Should be able to pics tomorrow to post to Etsy and Designs by Rhenn Website. I am happy! And I feel like it looks beautiful!

Tomorrow is a 10hr day and then Wednesday off for the Pickle's Birthday!! We are getting a hedgehog for the boys. They've chosen to name it "Shroom"--won't matter if it's a girl or boy that way, LOL! We are hoping to get a cinnamon or a snowflake. So I will likely get to the ruffs tomorrow (first one ever) or if I am more inclined might move that to Thursday and work on the paper dolls tomorrow after posting the pics.

Ok, off to get one more hour in tonight.

So very close then nada

2011-07-23T09:02:00.000-07:00

So yesterday I worked very diligently on the surcoat and the sleeves only to realize after spending about 4.5hrs that I hadn't calculated the short sleeves for the surcoat properly. So I spent another hour redesigning the sleeve and cutting it (and undoing the almost completed sleeves to salvage the trim). The main body of the surcoat is completed and only requires the lining and short sleeves to complete it and be ready for sale. (Oh and the lacing holes on the kirtle.)

Sleeves-- woo-hoo!

2011-07-19T19:19:00.000-07:00

Lace in sleeves for the "Mary" kirtle

Ok so the neck and shoulder have been corrected and one sleeves is done (except for grommets/lacing holes and aglets). The other sleeve will be completed tonight (except for the grommets/lacing holes and aglets).

I hope there is a girl as petite and tall as my 13 year old boy, LOL!

Kirtle is Almost Done

2011-07-18T21:00:00.000-07:00

The "Mary" Kirtle, child

A sneak peak of the Kirtle. I used James' height, but didn't alter the measurements I had, which was a mistake. But, though I will lose time, I can fix it. I also hate the hem and will re-do it, which is no problem. And atm, there are no lacing holes. I will probably wait until I get ready to do the sleeves.

Over all I like it and am glad for the direction it is going. Yea!

Kirtle and Sleeves Ready for Sewing

2011-07-18T07:55:00.000-07:00

Something of what I produced yesterday: the kirtle and sleeves are cut and ready for sewing. I will be working on the kirtle today, then maybe sleeves.

Kirtle begins

2011-07-17T08:22:00.000-07:00

WOW! Tons of stuff done, and today begins the sewing. While we were on the road Friday and Saturday, I spent time getting my current project organized. A great deal of attention and detail went into creating the written instructions so that I can offer my current project as a kit when all is said and done. And for once, I have gathered all materials, except the grommets, to complete the project BEFORE I begin, LOL! So today, I will gather a few measurements from my son (I am using his because I frankly don't have a young girl to use, LOL- shhhh don't tell him I told you) and begin the kirtle. I will post my sewing progress on my Mistress Rhenn's Blog, if there is anything new and exciting to explain.

TX ChalleNGe and Upcycle Plans

2011-07-15T06:28:00.000-07:00

Today marks the beginning of an eventful weekend. Last night a family friend got into town. Tomorrow, we will be taking our 16year old to the Texas ChalleNGe academy. He will be gone for 5.5 months ( with only 2 breaks, Labor Day and Thanksgiving). I am so excited for him and he is too, though I think he is trepidatious.

I gathered most of my materials for the new up-cycle girl's kirtle and surcoat. Just need to gather a little more (thread, more trim, etc.) and I will be set to begin production either today or Sunday. The up-cycle started life as a set of velvet curtains, then became a surcoat for my daughter that never got finished. I will finish it and get a kit set up for it for sale on my Weebly Store. (I will place the wardrobe on sale at Etsy as well as Weebly. The Kit will be sale at Weebly only.)

Ciao for now,

2011-07-13T12:33:00.000-07:00

I have reopened! It has been a few months, but I think I can get back in the saddle now. If you visit Etsy you will find that we are open again on there. BUT I have also redesigned (moved) to a new shop home at WEEBLY. The prices on my shop home are slightly lower than on Etsy because I am not forced to pay a fee (rightly so, Etsy is a business too) and I can pass this savings on to you. It isn't a huge savings, but it may make the difference in someones life.

When time permits I will get a newsletter up again, and maybe even offer a discount for the grand reopening.... TBD. For now I will attempt to keep everything up to date on my blog about any current progresses.

Ciao for now,

Temporary

2011-04-02T07:35:00.000-07:00

I have temporarily closed my Etsy store so that I can take the time needed to regroup and rethink my plans. I want to offer a unique, quality product and at the moment I am simply playing catch-up. So I will restructure some things and see what I can handle via scheduling and production.

I will continue to blog, at least once a week, to keep me in the game.

It is my desire and hope to bring a quality product to the table when I reopen. When will that be? I am hoping sometime between May 1 and June 1.

Ciao for now,

A New Business Solution!

2011-04-01T20:17:00.000-07:00

I found, through research, a program whereby you can "fill in the blanks" on a pdf form before you print it out. It is very much like paste over, but easy, easy to use! And I can convert a word doc, or jpg to a pdf so that I can then fill in the blanks. I downloaded the free version of Nitro PDF.

I used it, as a matter of example, for my son John's application. The application was originally in a pdf form, however we had lost the link and I only had the already printed out form. So I scanned the hardcopy, which produced a jpg. I then was able to convert the jpgs into pdf, add text and save and print! I love how clean the form looks instead of hand writing the whole thing. (My handwriting is hit or miss on most days, LOL! And my son's dyslexia manifests itself in out-sized/odd- sized print.)

Ciao for now,

Another One in the Can

2011-03-30T20:44:00.000-07:00

Dress dummy is too small for the measurements

For those who've followed since last summer, you may remember that I was diagnosed with Lyme's disease. After a visit to the Infectious Disease Dr, I learned that I had been misdiagnosed-- I do not have, nor have I ever had, Lyme's disease. But that does leave us searching for answers now. Something the rhuematologist diagnosed me with, and would like to medicate me for, fribromyalgia. I'll be honest, after the misdiagnoses of Lyme's disease I am not all that confident in any diagnoses they come up with. For now, while I await an appt with the sleep study people and the neurologist, I am using therapeutic grade essential oils. (Compared to the medication, they are doing as well for what the meds had accomplished (and no side effects)).

With the help of God (and the essential oils He has given me) I was able to get a corset done and put into the mail today. Yea! I am hoping to actually get my rear in gear and get my sewing stuff going. Maybe, after I finish the upcycle (or this one) I have had on the back burner, I will do some cauls...?

I am also working on some writing and so am trying to balance both endeavors.

Ciao for now,

Not much longer!

2011-03-24T06:55:00.000-07:00

Not much longer to take advantage of our

March Madness Coupon!

FREE SHIPPING!

Ciao for now,

Working on a side project ATM

2011-03-14T11:59:00.000-07:00

I have a need to create a better safety riding vest, so I designed one and will work on it for now. I need it done before Thursday. You can find it on my sewing blog: Mistress Rhenn.

Ciao for now,

Better

2011-03-12T07:23:00.000-08:00

Image via Wikipedia

For those who've followed me for a while, I thought I'd catch you up with the Lyme's disease and all. I will see an infectious disease dr later this month, but a couple of weeks ago I was sent to a rheumetologist. He ordered a huge panel of blood work, one of which was to check for vit. D levels. A week later he had me taking a lot of extra Vit D, then I went back to get the final results. During our first visit/ exam, I had asked about fibromyalgia. He did a another exam that day, looking for symptoms and such that related to that and he gave me literature (about 4 different brochures, all different reasons for my pain). On the follow up visit, he asked me if I had read the literature. I had and he asked me if any of them seem to be what I was dealing with, in my opinion. I told he that the fibromyalgia was pretty much dead on. He said he felt the same way and gave me a prescription, one that did not include an anti-depressant (I was adamant about not having one with an anti-depressant because if you aren't depressed, those can have an adverse effect). I am also basically opposed to taking medication for long term, which I voiced to the dr. He said just take as needed and we'll check again. I decided I would give it two weeks of constant use, because I have such a hard time with exercise -- the after pain (not to be confused with soreness) was so intense that I had given up on the exercise, but I desperately need it to help the fibromyalgia. So I figure, if the meds can help get the ball rolling maybe that would be the best.

I have had a great time sleeping again, getting my house back in order, and working out at the gym. My back still causes a great deal of pain, but then I've dealt with that for 15 years. But the meds are helping. All of this does not mean I've been back in my sewing room, however, I feel confident as I get my house back in living condition, that I will be comfortable enough to get back to sewing. Still taking one day at a time, and I still pass out at night between 8:30-10p, but my days are fuller and I am getting caught up!

Ciao for now,

A Swell Sale!

2011-03-03T12:09:00.000-08:00

We have been infected with March Madness! Coupon Code for Free shipping!

Ciao for now,

The Zema

2011-02-28T19:37:00.000-08:00

The "Zema" Elven upcycle is coming along-- slowly but surely. Right now I can only fit about an hour to an hour and a half between all the family activity and dr. appointments a day. But I am liking where the new gown is and is going. I split the seems on the leather jacket and mocked up a waist cincher as well. (The hood isn't in place permanently yet.)

AZ actually rains!

2011-02-19T06:47:00.000-08:00

We are sitting Apache Junction, AZ right now, looking at the sky and thinking "It rains in AZ?" This may not be a day for the faire for us. Then again we may brave the rain-- we've done it before, LOL! But we were planning on today and monday with Sunday as the by day. Welp, after we've revived with Coffee we'll have a better idea.

That being said-- I plan on visiting IKEA! Woo-hoo!!!! The Phoenix IKEA is the nearest one to me. So no real purchases but plans for when we return next month. Perhaps we can bring the trailer.... Again. We'll see.

Ok off to the nearby grocery to get hair ties that I forgot.

Ciao for now,

The Current Project

2011-02-14T10:13:00.000-08:00

Image via Wikipedia

I have begun the newest upcycle project: Zema, from the Elven Line. You can visit my sewing blog, Mistress Rhenn's, to read about the plans.

Ciao for now,

Lady Darcien

A Little of This and More of That

2011-02-08T16:27:00.000-08:00

While I am getting my business reorganized, and hopefully streamlined, I am also readjusting and trimming, adding to our homeschool endevours. This includes blogging, adding art and science experiments and foreign language. As you can imagine all this reorganizing takes time. I am trying to be patient with myself and my productivity. Not only do I have this blog but the sewing techniques blog, Mistress Rhenn's Sewing Blog, needs some tender loving care as well.

Well, back to work. (Still need to blog on the family website before family game night).

Ciao for now,

Lady Darcien

Posterity

2011-02-06T13:41:00.000-08:00

A nostalgic view of the UpCycle sold Fall 2010

The organization continues. This extends to the archiving of last years posts via a hardcopy "book". You can visit last years archive at this link. I utilized Blog2Print for this endevour. The purpose is for posterity. I imagine it will be hard for future archeologists to find and read our journals, to know us, if we don't keep hard copies for them to find. Current archeologists need only to troll the web, but I want my grandchild someday to be rummaging through the attic and see where my business started, where it went, and who their grandmother was.

And after reviewing the archived journal I realize my posts need to be more... dynamic and informative. They also need to include a pic, especially of my own product. (I've gotten lazy when my health was acting up). So for now, some pics will be repetitive. Again my hope is to have more product ready made and therefore more pics, etc.

Which brings me to today's agenda. It is Super Bowl XLV Sunday and we are going to a friend's home to watch, but I will bring my drawing pad and utensils and work on drawing up sketch ideas I have in my head. (Picked up a new fabric to use on my Steampunk, but it is the wrong color so I will need to design a gown around it or make a work up for a kit).

Ciao for now,

Lady Darcien

Organization

2011-02-04T18:51:00.000-08:00

Image by Giorgio___ via Flickr

I have a very organized mind and do not do well when there is chaos of environment. This seems to be more so since last summer and all that. So this afternoon and evening, I am taking the time to organize my ideas and materials- -and even clean up the space too. I now have dedicated folders for the upcycle faerie series and the ready-made renaissance ideas that have plans already. To further these plans I will also be adding fabric searches online and locally over the next couple of months. I would like to get a few renaissance wedding dresses up too.

So the hope is to keep up with the ideas now.

Ciao for now,

Recent Corset project done

2011-02-03T12:52:00.001-08:00

This corset is a pretty new concept for me, as I do not usually make corsets with straps. Not so different though when the corset is viewed as a more heavily boned bodice.

Something new too, is I used a size D bra and filled with rice to get a 38" bust measurement. The idea being that I would get a better squish factor when testing the design. Is it perfect? No. But it is useful.

Winter weather

2011-02-03T07:06:00.000-08:00

Image by tpeñalver - TPG via Flickr

It never occurred to me that winter weather could negatively affect a seamstress, I obviously wasn't using my imagination. I had never considered that it would get cold enough for there to be rolling blackouts here in El Paso. So yesterday I was set back by about 2 hours on my grommet couching task on the corset I am working on. So I will be catching up on that today. Woo-hoo!

Ciao for now,

Time off, time to renew

2011-01-25T14:21:00.000-08:00

Image by zagor64 via Flickr

Alas, alack, a lass, I lack. (From the musical "Once Upon a Mattress".)

So I had to make a hard decision over the holidays and since. As you know, I've had to deal with Lyme's disease and it keeps rearing its ugly head. In addition, one of my children was diagnosed with hypertension and perhaps issues with his kidneys. From October until now we've been seeing doctor after doctor for him, with more to see. Late last week, it was also determined that the same child has diabetes, and we spent part of the weekend in the hospital. Because of all of this I made the decision to stick to ready made items only in my Etsy store as i can not guarantee my time tables for custom work. The exception to this is chemises, smocks, partlets, and corsets. I also want to work on some projects for the store that are easier to keep up with, but the prep work for these is still time intensive and therefore will be a while in coming.

A positive note, and one i am thoroughly thanking God! The "Andrea" gown (Elizabethan gown for a girl) sold over the weekend! Woo-hoo!

Ciao for now,

Whoa!

2010-12-07T08:53:00.000-08:00

So this is what my blog looks like-- I had forgotten! LOL! I am currently working on a jacket that had been promised last month for construction this month. But beyond that I am trying to get my world back on track, which can be an impossible task during the Christmas Season sometimes.

I have been designing, in my mind, a line of home decor and biker wear. And Chappy has been considering, more seriously, an idea he had for his brewing. On that note, Chappy is a happy little bug in a rug again. He decided he could make a decent beer with what was available to us from the one and only beer making supply store (in Las Cruces). He made me sample the liquid that issued forth from his mash and while I hated it, it really was very very good! It will be a hit at our Christmas party. I also managed to finally bottle my Strawberry Basil Melomel (honey meade). It turned out great! (I almost never say my meades turn out great, so that is saying something!) I want to make another batch of meade-- maybe a methaglin this time-- but am a little hesitant as we don't know if we will be moving in June or not. Chappy says I should anyway, I mean, because we did move with the strawberry basil melomel in the carboy and it turned out just fine. We will see.

Ok. Gotta run a kid to dr.

Ciao for now,

Sunday

2010-11-03T12:03:00.000-07:00

Image by Vainsang via Flickr

I had a spill on my motorcycle on Sunday and have spent the last few days recovering. I wasn't seriously injured-- I was wearing all my protective gear except for my chaps (I always do). I was just bruised and scraped and have been super sore since.

I hope to get back to sewing today-- I will have to take drugs to do so though, LOL! (OTC, not prescription.)

I may not be offering custom work for a while, even after the first of the year (there is one project I have already committed to working on and plan on honoring that project). I applied to college and am just awaiting acceptance. If accepted, i will be attending the spring 2011 semester.

Ciao for now,

One step Forward, two steps....

2010-10-26T22:22:00.000-07:00

Image by Darwin Bell via Flickr

Today, I had a truncated day as I had to take two kids to the cardiologist. So when I returned home-- much later than planned-- I began sewing the stay channels on the current corset pattern. I began to lament the lack of "perfection"-- actually, I lamented the width of the chalk lines that caused too much variation in widths of the channels. God blessed me with an idea! I felt it was so useful, I blogged on my sewing blog. You can visit Mistress Rhenn's Sewing Blog to read about it. What this meant was that I had to work out the new method-- adding time to production (won't bill for it of course as it isn't meant to be longer in the end)-- and I had to undo what I had already accomplished. I was ok with this though. I am very pleased at the uniformity of the final product. RIght now the corset is in the wash so I will be going to bed in a little bit-- after I blog about the boys results. (Ok blog written.)

I hope to actually finish the corset tomorrow-- NO APPOINTMENTS! LOL!

I received fabric in the mail for the next commission and will get it together on Thursday. I have to leave a little time Thursday and Friday to get the kids costumes for Halloween together. I had hoped to make a fairy costume for myself, but I will just fall back on tried and true. Yup you guessed it, my ren faire gown! LOL! I will get a red mask to wear with it this year though (as we may be crashing a party, LOL! Shhh don't say anything!)

Ciao for now,

Etsy Down?

2010-10-26T07:37:00.000-07:00

Image via Wikipedia

I think Etsy might be down or crashed today. I can not get to the site (keeps timing out) and other apps seem messed up too that rely on information from Etsy. Hmmmm.

Chemise done and will be in the mail in a bit-- (had to wait to get address confirmation) and then finish the corset today.

I did some writing last night, but it was two wasted hours as I had forgotten that I needed to address the situation differently. Oh well. That is the way it goes.

Two commissions to work on before the end of the year-- maybe more. The new one is a simple, but nice change.

I am looking into doing a different host for my regular site. The site I use now doesn't allow for enough of what I want in a business site. Granted, atm, I am too small to desire to pay for a site, so I will be limited anyway. But if I find one that I like as a limited site, when I do get big enough I would like to just upgrade from what i already like.

Ciao for now,

Holidays are coming

2010-10-19T17:50:00.000-07:00

I was going to start by saying, "I haven't been neglecting..." But that would be an untruth! I have neglected my blog for the last week. But not the store. I finally got at least one kit up and running on Etsy. It is for the Andrea child's gown at the moment. I am still attempting to add three more options and hope to get to those after my current two requests.

I also added the boys capes from last year as well as their current garb to the "previously loved" items.

I have decided that we will close down the Etsy store from Nov 1 '10- Jan 3 '11. The store will be in "vacation mode". I will complete all my obligations during this time though. And the newsletter will still go out. Even though the store will closed, I will not be idle. I hope to come back with several more kits and perhaps ready made products ready for sale. And I will continue to BLOG!

Ciao for now,

Previously Loved

2010-10-12T16:21:00.000-07:00

45% OFF! Now only $375

To borrow a coined phrase. We are offering some of our previously loved, ie used, wardrobes and wardrobe pieces on Etsy in our "Previously Loved" section. At this time the recently created, and only worn once, "Dorothy" is for sale at a discount of 45%. (This reduction is the 30% for gently used + 15% for the small defect in the front bottom as is disclosed in the details section for the gown.)

Why would I part with a gown that I was so excited about? Mostly because I do believe to be the best look on me, I need that deeper "V" in front. But it is a great gown and worth being worn by someone who will favor the shallower "V". As it was pointed out to me, the gown has a decided Germanic feel. This is a great way to describe it.

Soon I will have James' and Nick's garb from this year posted in the section as they were also very gently used and therefore should be a boon to someone.

I do have two custom requests that came in over the weekend, but I still hope to have a mid-month newsletter to put out. Not sure what I will include in it, but we will see.

I also will continue to work on a getting a kit up and for sale on Etsy and on our Website. For the kit, I am undecided as yet what garments I want to offer. Chemise/smocks and corsets are my most asked for items, but I think that offering a cape or over-partlet or forepart or cod piece might be a great way to start. The idea that I cut all the pieces to the specified size in the decided on fabrics and supply all the trims , materials, and instructions needed for a design might make someone who is watching their budget a little more likely to purchase. By me cutting, it takes out some of the guess work and is more like a table lamp from IKEA: some assembly required, LOL! But only some.

Oh! I know what my newsletter will have in it! (You must wait and see! If you need to subscribe to our newsletter you can do so by following this link: subscribe.)

BTW! We are running a 20% sale on our Etsy site! Good through the 28th of October, 2010. And if you missed our coupon mailing (In the newsletter that went out the 1st of this month) then you can view both the newsletter and print the coupon here: Newsletters. The coupon can only be used on our Designs by Rhenn Website and is worth 25% off*!

*(Please see coupon for restrictions)

Ciao for now,

Recovering from a GREAT time at TRF

2010-10-09T16:46:00.001-07:00

james, john, nick TRF 2010

TRF was great! I am glad we took the 11hour trip (one way) to see it. The site is magnificent! I love the 4 different wedding chapels--each with different themes. Ashleigh and I both agreed that the waterfountain chapel was our favorite. The setting for the joust was awesome! It had a bit a facade of the Roman Coliseum. Way cool! And the fireworks at the end ROCK!

Ashleigh and James taking a rest at TRF '10

The cast is split into about 8 "courts" that seem to be related to the themed weekends. I loved the idea! And they had a Transylvanian Noble Court (decked out in traditional garb but made to represent various traditional Halloween spookies, ie Frankenstein, goulies, etc.). The German court was the big thing this weekend as it was Oktoberfest weekend. It was fun! And Chappy was THRILLED! He had IPA (beer) all weekend. This is a big thing because after moving to El Paso, we can't find microbrews that do IPA (an IPA is an Imperial Pale Ale which is a vary think hoppy beer). And to add insult to injury, there are no local beer supply stores so Chappy hasn't brewed his own. So, he was happy. And if we were stationed at Ft Hood instead of Ft Bliss we would be there every weekend.

The faire is also broken down into various areas that represent a few kingdoms, ie Sherwood forest, The Greek Parthenon, Italy, Poland, etc

Nick in his new Pansied slops, TRF '10

I wore my new gown on Saturday but that was a mistake as I was so tired and sore from sleeping in the car for 11 hours and I actually shed my gown by 3p-- This is UNHEARD of. Chappy even turned to Ashleigh and asked if someone had replaced me at one of our pit stops with someone else. However, after a great nights rest at a hotel, and lighter gown (my normal red doublet without the surcoat), had a wonderful day on Sunday. I ran into some of the people I have met other fairs (fantastic!) and talked garb (my favorite thing). We saw the Wild and Thorny show with Iris and Rose (very bawdy, not family orientated), but only half of us got to see the German Rap show.

John sporting his new under doublet, TRF '10

Win a few, lose a few

2010-10-07T19:05:00.000-07:00

Image via Wikipedia

Energy levels wax and wane and therefore project completion follows suit. I was able to complete James' sleeves (very simple in keeping with his current garb) and Nick's pansied slops (his choice). They both look great! John's doublet and venetians are ready wear as well. I will get pics up after this weekend.

Ashleigh's is the only one I didn't get done due to loss of energy. I don't want to rush hers either as it is a new idea/concept and I want her completely satisfied.

Tomorrow morning it is motorcycle ride then get ready for the trip to TRF! Woo-hoo!!! (Texas Renaissance Festival).
Ciao for now,

Newest Smock! As promised

2010-10-01T17:44:00.000-07:00

After I spent the day de-cluttering, organizing, and cleaning my work area, I got the pics of our newest smock/chemise posted to Etsy! (I will have to post to the website sometime this weekend.) Unless I get to it tonight after the play (agreed to attend the play at UTEP with Ashleigh to fulfill her class requirements for her theater class).

Ok off to get ready to go to the play.

Ciao for now,

First Ever

2010-09-30T20:17:00.000-07:00

Image by ZEDZAP..:) via Flickr

I spent the day hunting for coupon makers and attempting a news letter from scratch. The newsletter was easy to create not so easy to send as an email. So I ended up hunting for an email newsletter program, found one and spent the rest of time getting the settings set and newsletter imported. The coupon was pretty easy to find! And now they have been sent!

If you are interested, I found two that I could use for free. Coupons are made with Oneminutecoupon and the free Newsletters are sent out with MailChimp.

If you wish to subscribe you can drop us a line and we'll add you to the list!

Ciao for now,

Newletters and such

2010-09-30T13:05:00.000-07:00

Image by midlander1231 via Flickr

I am trying to get a coupon out to those who are on my newsletter mailing list. (If you wish to get on the newsletter/coupon mailing list please drop a subscription request to us. ) I hope to also have the October Newsletter out as well tomorrow. Gotta sew though too, LOL-- guess that's my cue.

Ciao for now,

Fabric cut

2010-09-29T11:38:00.000-07:00

Image via Wikipedia

I thought I'd post real quick as I don't know if I will have time later. John's garb is cut as of last night and ready for assembly today. I hope to get a good portion of the doublet and venetians done today. The jerkin I think should be able to be done tomorrow.

Today is a full day though. James is going to be checked for Lyme's and then I have scouts tonight.

On a side note, had to buy a new printer today. I am satisfied though: it is wireless! Which means I can print as I am working from the sewing room cleeeeear across the house, LOL!

Ciao for now,

Yippee-Yippee-Skippy!!!

2010-09-27T16:47:00.000-07:00

The DOROTHY is posted! Yea! Yea!! Yea!!!!

I posted it to Etsy, just in case someone else can/wants to wear it, LOL! But if it doesn't sell by Oct 7, 2010 I will remove it from the inventory and gladly wear it. I know it is a little garish but it is two my favorite color families and I do have pics to back up the color choice.

I do still need to find/make a girdle-- will keep my eyes peeled.

I will get pics of the smock (chemise) separately and post to Etsy as well.

Ciao for now,

Dorothy is done!

2010-09-26T19:52:00.000-07:00

Image by RobertPaul. via Flickr

I will get the pics up tomorrow sometime, But the gown is done! I made an error trying a new product that resulted damage to my overskirt. All I had to do was to cover with some of the trim I bought the other day (thankfully I bought 10yards for no apparent reason, LOL!) It looks nice but is a departure from the original concept. I think I like it better and truly I had seriously considered doing it before I had to, anyway. Hmmm God's way of making sure I followed His idea? I think so.

Ciao for now,

Partlet complete

2010-09-24T08:42:00.000-07:00

Image via Wikipedia

I love how fast partlets go together! There is no trim as I am attempting to keep the gown closer to Tudor than Elizabethan (hard to do for me as you will see-- for personal taste that is. I can do it, but for a gown for ME I don't favor the Tudor). Ashleigh says that she thinks the fabric I have left over from the forepart will make a good hat. This is good because I had only enough velvet left for a hat or partlet and went with partlet. I will take the motorcycle to the fabric store today to get thread and may get grommets-- I haven't decided if I will work the holes with or without grommets. IT is faster (and costs less) to go without, but can come out less uniform.

I have decided I want a high neck chemise/smock instead of a low neckline. I have a short neck and have found I can hide it with the high neck collar that is opened creating the point of interest that detracts from my lack of beautiful swan-like neck. All that being said simply to say that I will work on my new chemise today too. I am debating the box pleat vs gathered ruff. The time is cut by a third if I do a gather since I make my own box pleat, 30-45 min/ ruff. The gathered ruff only takes about 20 min each. But I love the box pleat. We will see.

Ok off to work.

Ciao for now,

Energy levels

2010-09-23T09:11:00.000-07:00

Image via Wikipedia

Right now my energy levels are not dependable. For example all the work i got accomplished yesterday was from 6-midnight-- I couldn't even begin to think about my Dorothy gown until 6pm. Ugh. I think it should be ok today though. Maybe I will go and get the silk for the partlet today-- if I don't change my mind and choose to use the velvet instead.

I did get quite a bit done yesterday though. The sleeves (need to hem the wrist, I just remembered) are attached and all the handwork, save for the lacing holes, are complete. I am not looking forward to the lacing holes-- I think it will something like 24 holes or more-- ugh! I do still need to apply the pearls and hem the skirt. The partlet and chemise/smock are still on the agenda. I have about 80 hours of work more to do before we leave for TRF. Not on the Dorothy (that is about 10 - 14hours), but about 30 each for Ashleigh and John and about 20 (allotted) for James and Nick. Whew! That is pulling 60hour weeks for the next two if I can get my energy lvl to comply.

ok off to make a latte then to the skirt.

Ciao for now,

A Store

2010-09-21T14:29:00.000-07:00

There is a store here in El Paso (well, two) that I would label as my favorite. It is a hole-in the wall sorta place where only one or two people speak English, but they have a fabulous selection of trims that I would use for Ren Faire garb as well as wools for phenomenal prices. John bought his entire wardrobe worth of fabric to make his "Ezio" fantasy garb for about $60; these were a combo of wool, cotton and some other unknown fiber. Ezio's costume is two long-tuxedo style doublets and a pair of pants. We bought 10 yrds of fabric. The wool was $3/yd, cotton was $3/yd, and the funky fabric was $6/yd.

Ashleigh had to span two stores (the other favorite) to get hers and only spent about $75-- hers included leather! She also bought a little wool and cotton. The leather was $1.99/sqft so she spent $60 on leather. That is hopefully enough for bodice and pants.

IN ADDITION! When I first bought the teal trim I have used on my gown, I didn't have a set plan so therefore I didn't have enough for sleeves when I finalized the design. But today I found a perfect trim that I can use on the sleeves and add a touch to the bodice to tie it in nicely. I got plenty to use on a hat maybe too. And to top it off: it was only $0.89/yd. Normally, I think I would have paid anywhere from $3.50-$5/yd.

I love good buys!

I had James and Nick try on their garb from earlier this summer. It had been made new this year but I needed to be sure they still fit after a whole 3months worth of growing. And they did! Nick does need a new pair of trunk hosen and he chose pansied slops-- I was surprised! I thought he had the same aversion to the style as his older two brothers who prefer venetians/galligans. So Nick will receive a new pair of pansied slops; both boys will get a new set of sleeves; and if I have time may produce new capes.

BTW, the lady in Green in the pic above is known at the WA Renaissance festival as "Lusty" one of Mary Queen of Scottland's closest friends, another Mary. In the pic she is wearing the gown and cape (and corset and chemise and farthingale) we made for the 2009 ren faire season. The sleeves and forepart were a new creation for this years season. She purchased her mask from someone else. If I find out who I will let you know.

Ciao for now,

Broken Links

2010-09-20T11:23:00.000-07:00

Due to photobucket account maintenance I moved photos that were attached to other posts, which resulted in broken links. So I redid the post about the Up-Cycled "Heather" garb that sold earlier this month on my Sewing How-to blog: Mistress Rhenn's Costuming Blog . I will be taking the time to fix all the broken links on Mistress Rhenn's costuming blog as I go.

As a side note, I do have two more Elven Up-Cycle Series to do up-- we'll have to keep our eyes peeled for their unveiling. I need to maybe think about a manly elven costume too.

Just an FYI.

Ciao for now,

Back to work~

2010-09-20T10:37:00.000-07:00

Image by Beatriz AG via Flickr

Yesterday, was a recovery day for me. We went on a 5hour motorcycle ride Friday and again on Saturday. So Sunday I got some yard work done (first time in a long time I've had energy to do that), then slept for a couple of hours in the afternoon. I did get pearls sewn onto the bodice last night and today I hope to get the bodice down to handwork.

The antibiotics are helping quite a bit though I am still easily fatigued. But I am so grateful that the hip pain is relieved enough that I could take the dog for a walk without walking like a woman 30years older than me-- first time I've been able to do that. And my heart isn't race like it has been want to. My memory is still spotty, but I am thinking: just as the stress on my body is starting to ease, some of these other things will improve too. God is good.

Ok off to nap then work. Maybe more later.

Ciao for now,

Yes, I am turning into citrus fruit (as Nibbs and Pickle asked me)

2010-09-16T07:24:00.000-07:00

Image via Wikipedia

Due to a friend's prompting I went to the doctor a couple of weeks ago to have a lab run for Lyme Disease. I got the results today and I have tested positive.

When it was first suggested I went online to see if what I have been suffering was truly related to the disease, and based on the write ups I believe that I have actually been suffering for quite a wile--maybe for most of my time in WA (one of the first things we did was go for a hike up to MT Rainier when we got to WA; then we spent alot of time hiking during our 3yrs in WA). If I am wrong, I could have contracted it in Jan (when I went camping with Nibbs for a wet weekend in WA) or July (when we went hiking in Cloudcroft, NM).

I am grateful that my friend followed her instincts and suggested I get tested. And I am grateful I didn't resist going to the doctor (like I always do).

Today, I will be correcting a mistake I made on a smock/chemise and dropping it back into the mail. If I have time, I will be constructing a new low neck smock/shirt for myself and to use as an example of my work on Etsy.com . If I like how it looks with the Dorothy I will keep it, if not then I will put on sale and construct a high neck smock (where the body of the garment lays flat and does not gather into the neck-- vs a chemise where the body of the garment gathers into the neck) instead.

Ciao for now,

List of Treasuries

2010-09-15T20:31:00.000-07:00

Image via Wikipedia

Started back to work on the Dorothy (put over 700miles on my new motorcycle), but alas! Alack! discovered that someone had disposed of my freshly purchased freshwater pearls (I got a good deal, ugh!) in the waste receptacle. And the trash man has been. So I had to order new freshwater pearls and now have to wait to work on the major portion of the gown. That being said, I can work on my new smock/shirt and can do the sleeves whilst I wait. I will be getting John's material for his fantasy garb. We have fair in three weeks.

Designs by Rhenn has been highlighted in several Etsy Treasuries. These treasuries are great because it expands the exposure to peope who might not think to look our product--maybe trigger a memory about a friend of so-n-so who might be interested. Here a few of the more recent or my favorites:
http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4c8fbe7c248b6d913d5c7e0a/cosplay-with-me?index=0
http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4c8a60302df56d9106c2092e/awesome-halloween-costumes?index=1
http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4c87660056b18eefb456ab1e/twisted-history-the-real-story-of-queen?index=2
http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4c728ecbb9e98eef1743fa7e/between-summer-and-autumn?index=3

Ciao for now,

Silver City, NM

2010-09-13T16:42:00.000-07:00

Image via Wikipedia

Today i took my first road trip on my bike (well ever with me in control) and we went to Silver City, NM. While there I found some freshwater pearls that were decently priced and not too "potatoey".

A married/mated pair. Soft curves on the right and manly muscle on the left

We will stick closer to home tomorrow allowing me time to sew my dress. I did change one concept on the bodice: I added a row of red along each side of the teal trim in the middle. When I did the mock up like the pic, I felt that the design needed a little more weight. And that did just the trick. So I will apply tonight and then tomorrow I should be able to finish the bodice all the way to couching anyway. I am still trying to think on how to attach the heavy skirt to the bodice in the best manner. I have an idea but need to check the historical accuracy of the technique.

Ciao for now,

HEATHER SOLD!!! Yea GOD!

2010-09-10T14:19:00.000-07:00

The up-cycled "Heather" gown from our Elven Series sold today! It sold for the sale price of $75.

YEA! Now I need to get another Elven Series up (I have two sets that I can make once I am done with a few of my personal things)

Ciao for now,

Dorothy Plan

2010-09-10T11:06:00.000-07:00

Two view of the gown because one highlights the partlet. I will need to find a girdle or make one. I have decided to attach the skirt to the bodice (wish me luck). I will need to spend from $30-50 for Swarovski glass pearls. In addition, I haven't decided if I want to line the partlet with blue or red. I have red, but I could maybe find the blue. Maybe stay with white. Flat cap-- I know that is somewhat unusual for Tudor style to have a flat cap, but I have come to like the sun blocking effect. The French hood or gabled hood would leave my eyes too exposed and then I frown all day, LOL!

I wanted a very late Tudor gown, but I needed it to be versatile enough for Elizabethan. So the sleeves are where I made the most basic design I could. I didn't buy enough velvet (way back when) to make the fantastic sleeves for Tudor-- originally the fabric was purchased for an Elizabethan bodice and skirt combo

Mary-- using the bodice design, skirt and partlet look

Sleeve concept

The sleeves

Color

Ciao for now,

Took a long time to get the trim lined up right

2010-09-09T23:13:00.001-07:00

The Dorothy overskirt before the lining and waistband. I have it pinned/pleated so tht I can see if the trims are laying ok. I think they are, but will use fresh eyes tomorrow. There is a band of the teal trim that runs down the front and along the bottom. I will apply pearls every two inches down the front and around the bottom on the teal trim. I will do the same with the underskirt.

There is a decision that i will have to make concerning the waist band. I have two options, I can do the Elizabethan thing and keep the skirt separate from the bodice (ie waistband) or I can do the more Henrician thing and attach the skirt to the bodice. I have never done the Henrician thing.

Squee! Squee! Squeeee!

2010-09-09T17:34:00.001-07:00

My new bike and me! My husband and I went to two different parking lots so that I could practice starting stopping, shifting gears, etc.

Accomplished but no product

2010-09-08T21:02:00.000-07:00

My new V-Rod-- I will get better pics tomorrow

I worked all day, but no sewing done. I took on the task of being a Cub Scout Wolf den leader, despite the fact that I don't have a wolf myself. So I spent the entire day working on a den meeting agenda. But alas! Alack! no one showed.

HOWEVER! I did get my Harley Davidson 2004 V-ROD! woo-hoo!!!!! I may be sleeping in the garage tonight lol!

Tomorrow I will sew on my Dorothy overskirt.

Ciao for now,

Only 4.5hours But Took All Day

2010-09-06T18:18:00.000-07:00

Image by philip1120 via Flickr

I logged about 4.5hours today, but it took all day to get the chemise done. I worked on it on and off. It is nigh unto complete--just need the petite hook and eyes for closures, which i will purchase tomorrow, sew on , then mail. Then back to the overskirt.

Ok back to The Closer then Rizzoli and Isles.

Ciao for now,

What I've been up to

2010-09-05T18:53:00.000-07:00

In honor of my Grandmother, who died 12 years ago, I am naming my newest design after her: Dorothy. I cut the fabric on Friday before going on a dinner date with my dear husband and several biker couples from our CVMA (Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association) Biker's group. We had a blast! Then yesterday we spent a huge portion of the day with the same group with more riding involved, wine being tasted and a motorcycle maybe purchased (more details about that later next week **wink**).

Today, after church, I spent time getting some of the bookkeeping done for Designs by Rhenn-- then this! Viola! The forepart for the Dorothy design is done enough for me to start the over skirt. All that is left is to add to the forepart is the ribbons to tie onto my old forepart--an old Elizabethan trick. The process saves on time and resources by utilizing an older forepart in this manner. The fabric is an upholstery chenille-- a golden background and velvet teal 'club' diamond relief. The fabric has permanent sizing on the back, but I felt this was acceptable--even useful-- because, when looking at pics of noble garb (my own included sometimes) from ren faires, one often sees the hoop tiers impressed against the forepart. This detracts from the overall appeal in my opinion. The sizing stiffens the fabric reducing this effect quite a bit. I also backed this forepart with drill to be doubly sure the hooping wire doesn't come through. It appears to have been a success. (I pre-wash almost all my fabrics, including silks. I figure in the long run I will need to wash them and Murphy's law often has it rain whilst I am wearing them, LOL!)

In addition, I believe I will add Swarovski pearls to the teal band at the bottom. Maybe. We'll see.

For tonight, I will cut the chemise I was commissioned for and tomorrow I will assemble. Then after that is completed, I will begin the over skirt for the Dorothy design.

I am making the Dorothy design to my personal specifications as I would like to own it. But Before I wear it I will put it up for sale on Etsy. If it doesn't sell by the time we go to the Ren Faire here in TX (October), I will claim it as my own-- muahahahah... oh, er, did I laugh maniacally out loud? **snicker**

Ciao for now,

Andrea is Complete

2010-09-03T00:09:00.000-07:00

I even got pictures! This gown includes a bodice, over skirt, underskirt/forepart with matching sleeves and an over partlet! I love this color-- I wish I could wear it lol! This rendition of the Andrea design is made for a child 10-12. It has double spiral lacing seams in bodice back and the overskirt has 3" built into the waist and hem to allow for growth. The bodice and sleeves are completely finished separately then attached. I do this so that when the sleeves are out grown the bodice cans till be used. So I only build in extra growing in the bodice and overskirt. A completely historically accurate concept from the Elizabethan times was: to change the look of a wardrobe all you had to do was change the sleeve and forepart. This concept works great for growing kids. Theoretically all one has to do is let out the hem on an overskirt and make/buy new forepart and sleeves or just the forepart and viola! A whole 'nother year or two out of a garb for a child. Boys are a little harder to do this with, but not impossible.

Visit my Etsy store to see more pics of this design!

Ciao for now,

GOD IS GOOD!

2010-09-01T10:55:00.000-07:00

The Lord blessed me today with a sale! The Italian Green and Gold that has been in my etsy store since Feb/Mar sold today for the sale price! Yea! YEA! YEEAAA! The couching will be on hold while I prepare the dress for shipping (double check to be sure all is in order, wrap and box, print packing slip and notes, etc.)

I hope the corset for repair comes today. I would like to get it completed tonight early tomorrow so that I can start the chemise ASAP. ( I will probably have Ashleigh couch the grommets tonight when she gets home. That and beading are the only sewing tasks she does for me and she does them very well. :D )
Ciao for now,

Squee! Last Last step

2010-08-31T21:05:00.000-07:00

Image via Wikipedia

Setting the grommets (I worked the holes last night before bed), then three hours of couching... and she is done! The partlet looks adorable. It is fairly simple as the overskirt has so much trim and the sleeves, shoulder rolls, and forepart are busy fabrics. The partlet ties under the arms and closes in the front with an hook and eye. I did make a small change to the original plan. Originally I planned to make the partlet and its lining from the same silk. But then I decided that just in case whomever purchases the gown desires to have it usable in cooler weather as well, a partlet with decent weight to it might more desirable. So I lined it with the orange silk and did the outside in the same velvet as the rest of the garb. I will need to work out the pricing tomorrow so that I can post it to Etsy.

Today I was commissioned to make a full length chemise; I am just waiting for the measurements so that I can begin. I hope to get the measurements tomorrow so that I can get her done. Otherwise I may have to wait until Fri or Mon to get it done.

Ciao for now,

Close but no cigar

2010-08-29T19:48:00.001-07:00

Welp, still not ready, Ugh. But this is where it is at right now. The sleeves gave me honest to goodness trouble. I must have miscalculated or something. That being said, they are on the right track now. The hoop skirt is actually Ashleigh's one one, the dog tore it up. The middle hoop is the right circumference and I wanted to see if the skirt was going to lay right. I like it. The whole things looks great from behind too.

So that is today's update and tomorrow I will get to work. I will try to work extra hours so to make up for the time the mistakes took. It may not be until Wednesday I get the gown uploaded to Etsy-- because the grommets/lacing holes will take forever, LOL!

Ok, gonna read for pleasure now. Night!

Balog Bugler Blog: Our brief visit to the Greek Festival

2010-08-28T21:09:00.000-07:00

A brief description of our visit to the Greek Festival.

Balog Bugler Blog: Our brief visit to the Greek Festival

I did get the shoulder rolls complete-- A lot of hand work on those, 6 hours worth. But the sleeves and partlet are simpler in design and should go quickly. I did not get the other handwork because of the time on the shoulder rolls ,LOL!

Ciao for now,

Bodice to Handwork

2010-08-27T21:10:00.000-07:00

Image via Wikipedia

Ooooh! It is looking a lot like the drawing! The bodice for the "Andrea" little girl dress is down to handwork. I will spend time tomorrow setting grommets, inserting stays, hand sewing the final seams closed. I hope to get to the shoulder rolls and sleeves done tomorrow. I would like to take pics on Sunday and post to Etsy. I may have to push it to Monday, though, if I don't get enough done before the Greek Festival tomorrow--family heritage. Ashleigh works until afternoon so I can also work till the afternoon; we will wait, of course, so that she can join us. Mmmm, Greek Lamb Gyros here we come!

Doh! IT just occurred to me, that I have to push it to Monday because I have to make the outer partlet too. Hmm... Well, we will see. I will get a pic of the bodice up when I get the grommets and such done.

Ciao for now,

As Promised

2010-08-27T13:23:00.000-07:00

Skirt and forepart without Farthingale

I actually did get the skirt to "completion" last night, well I still need add the hook and eye, but the new product project afterward kept me on the comp until well after midnight. But here is the pic so far. Today is Bodice day. I just have to get to it,LOL!

Ciao for now,

A quick note, may be more later

2010-08-26T13:14:00.000-07:00

Image by Cj Roberts via Flickr

I have been affected off and on with the affliction that wiped me out a couple of weeks ago. I mention this only as explanation for my lack of progress this week. I find myself falling asleep for a couple of hours a day and I still sleep for an entire night, and the toilet and I are still on close terms). (If I am still having these bouts next week, I will see the doc.)

I will see if I get through this afternoon and evening. I would like to post a pic of the two skirts together tonight.

Ciao for now,

Working it

2010-08-25T08:40:00.000-07:00

Image by chronowizard via Flickr

Last night I worked on two projects. The first was the overskirt for the Elizabethan Orange Velvet gown for a child. All that is left for it is to attach the waistband. This step is all hand work and therefore the longest.

The second was to start production on a new product to offer on my sites. I won't go into more yet, as I have to make sure it is a viable option. But i am excited about the prospect. Once I have the ins and outs thought about I will post it here as well as for sale on Etsy.com and at my own Designs by Rhenn Website.

I also spent a little time researching personalized product/manufacturer tags to sew or iron on my products. (Thanks to a customer suggestion.) I think this is a doable option and as soon as I am able I will place an order for them. I also found a reasonably priced ribbon that can be customized. I want to get a spool or two of this to use on making my 'thank you' favors and for packaging. The company I found that I think i will use is Namemaker online. Speaking of packaging, I need to find a better solution for shipping. Another aspect to research.

Ciao for now,

If you know someone who has been dying for A Renaissance Noble Gown...

2010-08-24T09:24:00.000-07:00

Two of the gowns in my Etsy store are currently on sale! These are a great deal!

Golden Velvet Renaissance Gown

SALE!!! $600 (normally $960)

Renaissance Gown in Green and Gold

SALE!!! $475 (normally $700)

They can either purchase through Our Etsy store or can contact me me via email: designs.by.rhenn@gmail.com or by text/phone 915.996.1533 .

Ciao for now,

New Page on This here Blog

2010-08-22T15:20:00.000-07:00

http://www.festiveattyre.com/research/lacing/lacing.html

I have had two page ideas ready to get ready for a little while now, and a comment by a great customer helped spur at least a portion of one along.

I have started spiral lacing over the last year and found that I truly do prefer it--all those proponents were right, LOL! However, just as it was a unexplored concept for me, it may be an yet an unexplored concept for my customers. I have borrowed, temporarily, another's work. (It is linked and sited).

The link for my page, that will one day have more than just spiral lacing to it, is titled : Dressing a Woman or Girl. Someday, Dressing a Man or Boy will follow.

Ciao for now,

Oh good

2010-08-20T07:02:00.000-07:00

Image via Wikipedia

I woke up today not overheated and thought of food first. This is a great sign! The second thought was what sewing project I want to work on-- this is an even better sign. I actually will work on house chores that need to be done since I was out of commission for a week or so. Then if i still have energy I will work on the Orange Velvet child's gown and sleeves. So I thought i would celebrate (while thanking God) with a celebratory blog post that the bout of intestinal issues is on its way out the door! Woo-hoo!

Ciao for now,

Cow faced

2010-08-19T08:41:00.000-07:00

Image by may the circle remain unbroken via Flickr

I thought i ought to stop in and let everyone know that I haven't fallen off the face of the earth-- mostly because there aren't any toilets, or gas stations with toilets, in space. I am still somewhat tethered to the bathroom and my bed. God was gracious and gave me energy enough over the past two days to get the corset done, but I awoke this morning feeling horrible again. I have one more day according to my friend's bout with this buggy thing. Chappy was going on about how it is salmonella poisoning. He is such a hypochondriac/germ-a-phobe. LOL, he went to the store after I got home Sunday and as a joking/kinda-serious act, poured peroxide on the steering wheel so he wouldn't get what I had. **Shakes head laughing** He is such a funny fellow.

I will try to write, but I find that concentrating on the computer screen causes issues with my head, which in turn magnifies my stomach/intestinal issues. But I can't let a whole week go by useless.

Ciao for now,

THiking about

2010-08-13T21:41:00.000-07:00

Thinking about trying my hand at black work. I found this design to start with. Not too intricate, but interesting.

Ciao for now,

Designs by Rhenn

New Project Inspiration

Custom LUSTY

Same and Different

Two steps, Negative One Step

Busy Super Bowl Weekend

A Special Sale!

Winter and Spring

Updated Another Site

Purely Experimental

Chainmail

5 piece ruff set done

Faerie is Kicking My Rear

Knights Templar

January 2012 Newsletter

Zema Unveiled!

Ding-Dong it's Done!

Last Details Sometimes Take the Longest

Slops and more

"Steven" Slops well underway

Gauntleted Gloves!

Christmas Catalog 2011

"Steven" Doublet Done

Cloth Buttons

Sabatical

My Personal project

Busy return

The 3 tier Farthingale!

Ruff Starching

**le Sigh**

Ruffs

Day for Rethinking

Whoop! Whoop!

So very close then nada

Sleeves-- woo-hoo!

Kirtle is Almost Done

Kirtle and Sleeves Ready for Sewing

Kirtle begins

TX ChalleNGe and Upcycle Plans

Temporary

A New Business Solution!

Another One in the Can

Not much longer!

Working on a side project ATM

Better

A Swell Sale!

The Zema

AZ actually rains!

The Current Project

A Little of This and More of That

Posterity

Organization

Recent Corset project done

Winter weather

Time off, time to renew

Related articles

Whoa!

Sunday

One step Forward, two steps....

Etsy Down?

Holidays are coming

Previously Loved

Recovering from a GREAT time at TRF

Win a few, lose a few

Newest Smock! As promised

First Ever

Newletters and such

Fabric cut

Yippee-Yippee-Skippy!!!

Dorothy is done!

Partlet complete

Energy levels

A Store

Broken Links

Back to work~

Yes, I am turning into citrus fruit (as Nibbs and Pickle asked me)

List of Treasuries

Silver City, NM

HEATHER SOLD!!! Yea GOD!

Dorothy Plan

le Sigh