Deerskin Coat Mock-Up

To balance out the super girly and glittery faerie costume, I'm also working on a black deerskin coat for faire and steampunk events this year. This is a mock up of the bodice of the coat (the hem isn't the right length and the sleeves aren't shown).

I'm just waiting for my deerskin to get in so that I can start making this! The design is based off of an Elizabethan men's doublet, which I've always thought looked cool.

Waterlily Fey Progress

So, I'm planning on having the waterlily fey costume done by the end of the month, because there's already a shoot lined up for it July 6! Here's the skirt so far:The waist band and poofies will be hidden/smushed by the steel boned corset that's going to be the bodice of the gown. I didn't want all that weight pulling on the bodice, so they're separate. I still need to hem the bottom layer and of course decorate it, but I'll do that after the corset is done. I cut the organza to look like waterlily petals in different colors, and gently singed the edges with a candle so that they don't fray.

I also tried making a tiny waterlily with some scraps! It doesn't look super, but I'll need lots of flowers and things to put on the gown (along with shinies!).

About the Name

So, I thought I'd make a quick post to explain the name of the blog, Flax & Kite. Flax, as many of you tailors/seamstresses may know is what linen is made out of, a fine and multi-purpose fabric that's been used for centuries (and thus another tidy allusion to my love of history). A kite, in this instance, is a kind of hawk.

Thus, keen observation and wild beauty (kite), mixed with carefully created finery (flax) helps to explain what I aim for each and every time I make a costume or garment. Hopefully this helps the name of the blog to make more sense.

Waterlily Faerie Princess Inspiration

I noticed that lately JoEllen Elam (aka Lillyxandra) has been putting together 'inspiration sheets' for people to see while she's working on a new costume. I thought that was a brilliant idea, so I'm beginning to do the same (thanks, Jo!).

Right now I'm working on my waterlily faerie princess costume. It's super girly, glittery, sparkly, and pink (I feel like a little girl all over again!). The gown was mainly inspired by a pretty waterlily/dragonfly greeting card and Disney princess gowns!


I should have the gown done by the end of the month, and Jason Dulin (http://www.modelmayhem.com/889698) and I are planning to shoot soon after that. I just need to decide what to do about wings!!
I have the wig, and I've finished the crown: