I have been writing a bit, working through subculture theory. Ill have to spend quite a bit of time writing this weekend to have something to hand in next week to Dr Randi. I haven't heard back from Dr Jayne yet, I'm hoping that's a good sign that she likes my proposal. I hate to nag.
In collection news, I've been working on refining design sketches. Last night I went out and bought a lot of the fabrics I'll be using, today it will be organization, laundering the needed fabrics and possibly starting the knitting on the first outfit. I'm going to do some swatch tests for sure, and maybe work out the neckline of the sweater. I won't be following a pattern for the sweater, rather working it out on my own...we'll see how that goes.
In weaving news, I have a loom waiting for me to pick up. It is a Colonial box loom. I'm excited! The lady selling it to me was one of my visitors this summer who sat and chatted with me for a while. No, I have no idea where we'll put it...we'll cross that bridge when we get it home. It may have to live in the lock-up for a while, but I'll have a loom.
Anyway, today I am knitting and laundry...
Wednesday, 15 January 2014
Wednesday, 25 December 2013
wow, it's been a while...
It is now Christmas day.
I got my beautiful winter coat made, it is in lightweight red melton with a red kasha lining. I used http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v1083-products-9203.php?page_id=850 from 1953, so lovely! I ended up not doing the top stitching, as the melton proved to be fussy. I also added more buttons and buttonholes because we're having a really cold winter here and it is only the beginning! I made bound buttonholes, which normally are easy peasy for me, this time around though, because of numerous factors, each buttonhole took two or three attempts to make happen. I was so pissed by the end of that day!
In the end, I figure it took a week to make, from start to finish. I may also have to take the shoulders up just a bit, as my own shoulders are so narrow, the off the shoulder look is a bit too extreme.
Christmas Eve is actually where it's at for this family. Our party is on that day, we have all of our friends and family over for a big casual afternoon. This year's count was around 40 people. Then once everyone went home, we had a simple supper of fried eggs on toast (I have to think ahead better next year and make a casserole I can pop in the oven or something) and gave our gifts to each other. I can't even say we opened them, because none of us felt like wrapping them, so we each handed each other shopping bags and boxes. I must say, it was funny, but also really relaxed because nobody felt like they didn't get enough presents for anyone. We were all just keen on what we received. I got a lovely merino sweater and two pashminas from Pierre, then Mum handed me the giant box of heavy and I knew it must be books! She's been so excited for the time to arrive. So yes, several large, heavy on the words books on Punk, written by really great authors. She also indulged my love of colonial periods and bought me two books on early history, both in Europe and here in North America. And!!! A new bookbag, actually two, with the choice of which one I'd keep, and one for Pierre. Luckily, we all agreed that the elongated messenger bag worked better for him, and I would keep the traditional style shoulder bag. My mum, always buying gifts in the middle of the night and not remembering until they arrive what she's bought...it makes for a fun Christmas!
Pierre got a waxed watch coat for the 18thC to keep him dry. The bag. And the giant pile of long sleeved T shirts. I think I got him 8 of them this year! He's a happy guy. Mum got the traditional nightgowns, a sweater and my brother got her an iPad. Pierre also bought us all new leather slippers.
Our kids had a new family photo taken and framed for us, which is something that money just can't buy and is cherished. The younger members of our 18thC family did the same...it was a fabulous gift from both.
Today has been a whole lot of relaxing. I cooked a turkey, we ate it, there is lots left over for my favourite part of Christmas...leftovers...tomorrow we go to my brother's for leftovers, then home for more relaxing.
This coming week I will be creating mood boards and design sketches for the collection that is accompanying my thesis. I'll be doing a lot of pinning, so check me out on pinterest at http://www.pinterest.com/esteladufrayse/
I got my beautiful winter coat made, it is in lightweight red melton with a red kasha lining. I used http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v1083-products-9203.php?page_id=850 from 1953, so lovely! I ended up not doing the top stitching, as the melton proved to be fussy. I also added more buttons and buttonholes because we're having a really cold winter here and it is only the beginning! I made bound buttonholes, which normally are easy peasy for me, this time around though, because of numerous factors, each buttonhole took two or three attempts to make happen. I was so pissed by the end of that day!
In the end, I figure it took a week to make, from start to finish. I may also have to take the shoulders up just a bit, as my own shoulders are so narrow, the off the shoulder look is a bit too extreme.
Christmas Eve is actually where it's at for this family. Our party is on that day, we have all of our friends and family over for a big casual afternoon. This year's count was around 40 people. Then once everyone went home, we had a simple supper of fried eggs on toast (I have to think ahead better next year and make a casserole I can pop in the oven or something) and gave our gifts to each other. I can't even say we opened them, because none of us felt like wrapping them, so we each handed each other shopping bags and boxes. I must say, it was funny, but also really relaxed because nobody felt like they didn't get enough presents for anyone. We were all just keen on what we received. I got a lovely merino sweater and two pashminas from Pierre, then Mum handed me the giant box of heavy and I knew it must be books! She's been so excited for the time to arrive. So yes, several large, heavy on the words books on Punk, written by really great authors. She also indulged my love of colonial periods and bought me two books on early history, both in Europe and here in North America. And!!! A new bookbag, actually two, with the choice of which one I'd keep, and one for Pierre. Luckily, we all agreed that the elongated messenger bag worked better for him, and I would keep the traditional style shoulder bag. My mum, always buying gifts in the middle of the night and not remembering until they arrive what she's bought...it makes for a fun Christmas!
Pierre got a waxed watch coat for the 18thC to keep him dry. The bag. And the giant pile of long sleeved T shirts. I think I got him 8 of them this year! He's a happy guy. Mum got the traditional nightgowns, a sweater and my brother got her an iPad. Pierre also bought us all new leather slippers.
Our kids had a new family photo taken and framed for us, which is something that money just can't buy and is cherished. The younger members of our 18thC family did the same...it was a fabulous gift from both.
Today has been a whole lot of relaxing. I cooked a turkey, we ate it, there is lots left over for my favourite part of Christmas...leftovers...tomorrow we go to my brother's for leftovers, then home for more relaxing.
This coming week I will be creating mood boards and design sketches for the collection that is accompanying my thesis. I'll be doing a lot of pinning, so check me out on pinterest at http://www.pinterest.com/esteladufrayse/
Tuesday, 3 December 2013
feeling like things are coming together.
I just printed off my paper for Dr David Howard on the philosophy of Punk. I am feeling really good about my writing, it seems to be getting better with each kick at the can. I think I have made a case for why Westwood was just as important to British Punk as McLaren was, maybe even more-so.
I learned this past week that there will be a new book out of her life, with some 'startling new details' now that McLaren is gone. It will be interesting to read it.
I also feel that my personal style is following the concepts that Westwood laid the early groundwork for, I have always felt Punk, and have gone through many 'looks' of Punk and have been looking at the retro wearing grrls of today as being very much Punk. This paper, I think, tidies that up nicely, talking about the things Westwood wore early on as being both Teddy-boy and very Punk. My thoughts for my own fashion collection are coalescing as well. I can't wait to get started on it!
but first, finishing up my dress for Thursday evening, and getting a winter coat made. I bought the fabric for the latter project Sunday afternoon. It will be red wool melton, with a kasha lining, interlined in both hair canvas and cotton flannel for warmth. Red! Dr Randi will be pleased ;-) she loves it when I wear colour. I know Pierre is happy, he was as emphatic about the red wool as he was when we bought my red Fluevogs.
Right now though, don't look at me...I am looking very much like the Grad student I've become. I really should go put some proper clothes on.
In the meantime, check out the World's End Blog by Westwood's son Ben
http://worldsendshop.co.uk/
I learned this past week that there will be a new book out of her life, with some 'startling new details' now that McLaren is gone. It will be interesting to read it.
I also feel that my personal style is following the concepts that Westwood laid the early groundwork for, I have always felt Punk, and have gone through many 'looks' of Punk and have been looking at the retro wearing grrls of today as being very much Punk. This paper, I think, tidies that up nicely, talking about the things Westwood wore early on as being both Teddy-boy and very Punk. My thoughts for my own fashion collection are coalescing as well. I can't wait to get started on it!
but first, finishing up my dress for Thursday evening, and getting a winter coat made. I bought the fabric for the latter project Sunday afternoon. It will be red wool melton, with a kasha lining, interlined in both hair canvas and cotton flannel for warmth. Red! Dr Randi will be pleased ;-) she loves it when I wear colour. I know Pierre is happy, he was as emphatic about the red wool as he was when we bought my red Fluevogs.
Right now though, don't look at me...I am looking very much like the Grad student I've become. I really should go put some proper clothes on.
In the meantime, check out the World's End Blog by Westwood's son Ben
http://worldsendshop.co.uk/
Friday, 29 November 2013
the proposal is done and handed in...
final revisions were made this past Monday and yesterday evening I handed the last copy to the Grad co-ordinator. Now I wait.
In craft related things, I've been making a new dress to wear to the Christmas party this Thursday. Silk chiffon, oh. my. goodness. but it is fluffy! Big skirt to wear over a big crinoline. It needs the lining stitched down to the waist and a zip put in and maybe a belt of some kind.
Next up is a winter coat. I've been making do with a very nice raincoat with a polar fleece sweater underneath, but I'm getting tired of being cold all the time, and this winter is already a cold one. Early for here in Nova Scotia. So this weekend I'm heading to the fabric store to get the things I need to make that happen starting this week.
We are almost done Christmas shopping, I just need to pick up some gifts for Pierre. He needs to pick up the kids gifts and something for me. I also have one more gift for Mum to go out and get. Christmas will explode Sunday evening here, once we get home from our living heritage AGM. Christmas tunes will blare and lights will go up. I need to find some Christmas spirit, I am feeling a little overwhelmed with life right now.
I am looking forward to some serious quiet time over the holidays. The collection work will get started then, with a mood board, design sketches, flats and a look-book. I have two outfits already in my head wanting out, my advisor on this part of the project, Gary Markle, thinks just one more after that and I should be fine. I need to get forms filled out this week too, to bring both Gary and my second reader Dr Jayne Wark on board officially.
Lots to do this week, but first, cleaning the house, because we have company coming for the weekend!
In craft related things, I've been making a new dress to wear to the Christmas party this Thursday. Silk chiffon, oh. my. goodness. but it is fluffy! Big skirt to wear over a big crinoline. It needs the lining stitched down to the waist and a zip put in and maybe a belt of some kind.
Next up is a winter coat. I've been making do with a very nice raincoat with a polar fleece sweater underneath, but I'm getting tired of being cold all the time, and this winter is already a cold one. Early for here in Nova Scotia. So this weekend I'm heading to the fabric store to get the things I need to make that happen starting this week.
We are almost done Christmas shopping, I just need to pick up some gifts for Pierre. He needs to pick up the kids gifts and something for me. I also have one more gift for Mum to go out and get. Christmas will explode Sunday evening here, once we get home from our living heritage AGM. Christmas tunes will blare and lights will go up. I need to find some Christmas spirit, I am feeling a little overwhelmed with life right now.
I am looking forward to some serious quiet time over the holidays. The collection work will get started then, with a mood board, design sketches, flats and a look-book. I have two outfits already in my head wanting out, my advisor on this part of the project, Gary Markle, thinks just one more after that and I should be fine. I need to get forms filled out this week too, to bring both Gary and my second reader Dr Jayne Wark on board officially.
Lots to do this week, but first, cleaning the house, because we have company coming for the weekend!
Tuesday, 19 November 2013
after much editing...
I went through this round of edits with a very fine tooth comb, then asked mum to red pen what I had done and went over it again, making the changes she suggested. I think I now have a working document that I am proud of.
I sent it off this morning via email to Dr Randi. Hopefully she will approve it and we can send it to committee. I am excited! This means that in the first weeks of December, I can defend and then next term it is writing thesis all the time!
My hair appointment for today has been rescheduled for Saturday. Pierre is on duty for the next 24 hours, he gets home tomorrow evening. Today I am going to read some of the book Lipstick Traces by Greil Marcus and knit.
Have a great day all.
I sent it off this morning via email to Dr Randi. Hopefully she will approve it and we can send it to committee. I am excited! This means that in the first weeks of December, I can defend and then next term it is writing thesis all the time!
My hair appointment for today has been rescheduled for Saturday. Pierre is on duty for the next 24 hours, he gets home tomorrow evening. Today I am going to read some of the book Lipstick Traces by Greil Marcus and knit.
Have a great day all.
Friday, 15 November 2013
Thesis proposal, final round
Dr Randi said that this round of edits are probably going to be the last ones before I submit it to Dr's Westhaver and Wark for committee. Today, one of my classmates is defending her thesis proposal, so I am feeling pretty good about things. Though it is giving me motivation to get it done and get on to the defense.
I am also starting my politics and philosophy paper for Dr Howard. Soon, I will be reading and writing about nothing but punk. I am so done with class work, it's not even funny! At least the politics paper is also about punk, I only have three weeks of other philosophers to read.
In my own class, Fashion Construction, we had a bit of a meltdown last week, when only two students of 15 turned in their work by the due time. Only half by the end of the day. As of yesterday, two don't get a mark for the October sample binder and skirt project, that's a chunk of points...I told them how spectacularly disappointed I was, all of them. Maybe I'm too nice, I don't know. I wanted them all to do well, but I can't force them to turn stuff in to be marked, I can't hold their hand and tell them to do it over again, a week late, and I'll give them a better mark. I just don't know how to handle this.......
In other news, I make my last student loan payment today, 20 years it took to pay that sucker off. I also have enough saved to go and purchase my loom this weekend, if we want to make a little drive. I really need a studio...
I am also starting my politics and philosophy paper for Dr Howard. Soon, I will be reading and writing about nothing but punk. I am so done with class work, it's not even funny! At least the politics paper is also about punk, I only have three weeks of other philosophers to read.
In my own class, Fashion Construction, we had a bit of a meltdown last week, when only two students of 15 turned in their work by the due time. Only half by the end of the day. As of yesterday, two don't get a mark for the October sample binder and skirt project, that's a chunk of points...I told them how spectacularly disappointed I was, all of them. Maybe I'm too nice, I don't know. I wanted them all to do well, but I can't force them to turn stuff in to be marked, I can't hold their hand and tell them to do it over again, a week late, and I'll give them a better mark. I just don't know how to handle this.......
In other news, I make my last student loan payment today, 20 years it took to pay that sucker off. I also have enough saved to go and purchase my loom this weekend, if we want to make a little drive. I really need a studio...
Monday, 4 November 2013
still here!
It has been a busy couple of weeks, and I have one more busy week before things quiet down for a bit and I can buckle down and work on my politics and philosophy section/paper. I have been revising both the politics proposal and the thesis proposal. I have also been chatting about textile stuff with a friend from the costume society, attending SCA events, weddings...been busy.
I have four weeks of school left in this term. My politics paper is due the day before the Ship's Christmas party, and then I have another week or so of teaching my construction class. Studio classes get a bit more time than regular academic classes. My students will have another week or so to complete their final project, which is a garment of their choosing. Sewing projects for me? I have just one, creating a dress to wear to that Christmas party that will do double duty as the dress I wear to the kids wedding in the early spring. It is going to be pale blue sheer silk with silver accents that I can change out for wearing in the spring.
Thesis project wise, I have completely thought out one entire outfit for the collection. I really need to sketch it out and colourize it. I have started on the thinking of the second outfit, got the skirt planned for that one, and am thinking on the jacket. I am also thinking on the wool plaid outfit too. My pinterest board is filling up with inspiration images, check it out...
http://www.pinterest.com/esteladufrayse/punk/
I have four weeks of school left in this term. My politics paper is due the day before the Ship's Christmas party, and then I have another week or so of teaching my construction class. Studio classes get a bit more time than regular academic classes. My students will have another week or so to complete their final project, which is a garment of their choosing. Sewing projects for me? I have just one, creating a dress to wear to that Christmas party that will do double duty as the dress I wear to the kids wedding in the early spring. It is going to be pale blue sheer silk with silver accents that I can change out for wearing in the spring.
Thesis project wise, I have completely thought out one entire outfit for the collection. I really need to sketch it out and colourize it. I have started on the thinking of the second outfit, got the skirt planned for that one, and am thinking on the jacket. I am also thinking on the wool plaid outfit too. My pinterest board is filling up with inspiration images, check it out...
http://www.pinterest.com/esteladufrayse/punk/
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